<span style="color: #222222;">Puducherry celebrated 71st Republic Day today.  Lt.Governor Dr. Kiran Bedi unfurled the National flag in a colorful function held at Oupalam Ground.  She inspected the Guard of Honor and presented awards and shields to the winners. This was followed by march-pasts by various contingents including police, Home Guard, Ex-service men, students, scouts and guides.<br />''<br />''Tableaux depicting the achievements of various departments of the territorial administration besides cultural programmes were also presented to mark the occasion.<br />''<br />''Chief Minister Narayanasamy along with his cabinet colleagues participated in the function. Assembly Speaker, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, Secretaries to Govt, French Consulate General, Tri- Force Officers, Freedom Fighters and other dignitaries also participated in the function.<br />''<br />''Chief Secretary Aswini Kumar made the announcement that Superintendent of Police Mohan Kumar and Sub-inspector of police Bhaskar have been selected for the president's police medal for meritorious service for the year. The medal will be given to them in the Independence Day celebrations this year.</span><br />