Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay marked his first Independence Day in office at Fort St George in Chennai on August 15, where he hoisted the national flag and addressed the state.

Vijay led the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George for the first time since becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

He hoisted the national flag, inspected the ceremonial proceedings and delivered an Independence Day address focused on social unity, governance and his government's priorities.

The ceremony was attended by officials and distinguished guests, including Vijay's parents, S. A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar.

Trisha attends ceremony

Actor Trisha Krishnan also attended the event. Visuals from the ceremony showed her greeting Vijay's parents before taking a seat near them in the front row.

Her appearance attracted attention on social media, given her long-standing professional and personal association with Vijay.

The event was also notable for bringing members of Vijay's family into the public spotlight during his first Independence Day ceremony as Chief Minister.

Vijay speaks about social unity

During his address, Vijay spoke about the importance of overcoming caste and religious divisions and strengthening social unity.

He said his government was working towards making Tamil Nadu a corruption-free state and called for cooperation from officials and the public.

Vijay also highlighted measures he said had been taken during the government's first three months, including the waiver of farmers' crop loans and the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops.

First Independence Day in office

The ceremony marked a significant public event in Vijay's transition from the Tamil film industry to electoral politics and government.

His participation in the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George placed his role as Chief Minister at the centre of the state's official commemorations, while the presence of his parents and Trisha added an entertainment and family dimension to the event.

Vijay's first Independence Day ceremony as Chief Minister comes at an important stage in his political career, as his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government begins its first year in office.

His address combined traditional Independence Day themes such as national unity and social equality with political priorities including corruption-free governance and welfare measures.

The presence of prominent members of his personal circle also drew attention beyond the political proceedings, particularly through social media footage from the ceremony.