CHENNAI, JAN 26
Despite the adversities, the Railway personnel displayed indomitable spirit and ensured a fast and smooth resumption of rail services, lauded Southern Railway General Manager John Thomas here on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 72nd Republic Day celebrations, General Manager John Thomas said, “The year 2020 has posed many challenges for the Indian Railways in general and the Southern Railway in particular, that apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, SR had to bear the fury of nature in the form of two successive cyclones -. NIVAR & BUREVI.”
Addressing after unfurling the tricolor at the Perambur Railway Stadium, John Thomas said despite the adversities, the Railway personnel displayed indomitable spirit and ensured a fast and smooth resumption of rail services, for which he thanked every one of them for rising to the occasion and showing the grit and courage which makes a railway person. Every department of Southern Railway has proactively responded towards tackling the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.
The concerted and collective efforts of the employees against COVID 19 resulted in the Southern Railway Zone winning the Silver medal in the prestigious SKOCH Awards under the category of Excellence in Response to COVID-19, he said.
The General Manager congratulated and awarded all the frontline COVID Warriors of the Medical Department for their dedication to duty.
Fetes national award winners
John Thomas felicitated P Anitha, Chief Ticket Inspector and Indian Basketball player who has been conferred with the Padmashri Award. She is the first only Indian woman to have played nine Basketball confederation championships continuously representing the national squad and has a record of 30 Medals in National Champions.
The General Manager also congratulated Suji Kumar, Sub-Inspector, RPF/Carriage Works, Perambur who has been honoured with the “Indian Police Medal” for his meritorious service.
Thomas also congratulated B Baskar, Sr. Inspector, Civil Defence who has been awarded the President of India Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for his meritorious service.
Birendra Kumar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner & IG, RPF, BG.Mallya, Additional General Manager, Principal Heads of Departments were also present.
The 72nd Republic Day was also celebrated in other divisions and extra divisional offices all over Southern Railway with patriotic fervour.
A large number of Officers, staff, and their families enthusiastically participated in these events.
At Chennai, P Mahesh, Divisional Railway Manager, Chennai Division unfurled the National Flag at Divisional Office, NGO Annexe, Park Town, Chennai.
