<span style="color: #222222;">In Puducherry, 73rd Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic spirit and enthusiasm. Chief Minister Narayanasamy hoisted the national flag and inspected a guard of honour presented by the Puducherry armed forces at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex , Oppalam here. <br />''<br />''This was followed by march pasts by various continents of police, Home Guards, Ex-service Men, Students, Scouts and Guides. 50 contingents of police forces and schools participated in the march past. Several cultural troupes of various schools also performed  programmes. <br />''<br />''Chief Minister Narayanasamy distributed the President's Police Medals for distinguished service to B Renganathan SP and Jeyabalan SI of Police. Chief Minister presented Rajiv Gandhi Police Medal, commendation certificates  cash awards , green awards also. In Yanam region of Puducherry UT Minister Malladi Krishna Rao and in Mahe region Minister Shahjahan  hoisted the tri colour flag and inspected guard of honor. </span><br />