By IANS,
Chennai : Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala unfurled the national flag on the Marina Beach here and took salute at the parade Monday, in a function marked by the absence of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who was in hospital with back pain.
State ministers, officials and a large number of onlookers watched the parade in which tableaux of different state government agencies showcased their achievements.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi could not participate in the celebrations as he was hospitalised earlier Monday with a severe back pain.
The day was celebrated across the state. There were no reports of any untoward incidents though two people were arrested in Sivakasi for flying black flags atop their houses.