Puducherry Lt Governor Govind Singh Gurjar on Monday unfurled the national flag here to mark the Republic day celebrations.
Gurjar later inspected a guard of honour and took salute at the march past presented by various contingents of the police, Fire service personnel, Home guards, volunteers of NCC, students of National Service scheme and school children.
Among those present on the occasion were Chief Minister V Vaithilingam, his cabinet colleagues, Puducherry Assembly Speaker R Radhakrishnan, legislators, leaders of various political parties, freedom fighters and officials.
A number of departments of Puducherry administration including the police and also Boards and corporations presented tableaux on the occasion.
Gurjar also gave away president`s police medals for meritorious services to police inspector VT Abdul Raheem and constable M Rajaveni.
Lt Governor`s police medals for extraordinary service were presented to head constable TSR Vasan and to sub inspector of police S Palanivelu.
He also presented awards to students and functionaries of various NGOs under a scheme instituted by the government to encourage proficiency in sports, literature and social service activities.