The 74 th Independence Day was celebrated with full enthusiasm by the ICAR-NRCB and doctors from Government and Private Health sectors were felicitated during the occasion. In her Independence Day speech Dr. S. Uma, Director of the Centre has recalled the contribution of farmers, scientists and other stakeholders of agriculture sector in upholding country’s economy and ensuring food production spite of COVID 19 lock down. She also highlighted the role of the Centre in extending helping hands to the district administration in the fight against the pandemic. Professor Dr. S. Palaniappan, KAPV Govt. Medical College and Dr. Rajesh, KMC Hospital were honoured during the function and had shared their experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID 19 patients. Dr. Palaniappan urged the staff to follow the instructions issued by the health department for successfully combating the pandemic. The doctors emphasized and created awareness about the need of social distance, wearing masks and maintaining sanitation. All the participants in the celebrations strictly followed the guidelines of the health department. Scientists Dr. V. Kumar and Dr. I. Ravi made arrangements for the programme.