Shops remained closed on Thursday to pay homage to former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. According to the Coimbatore City and District Police, more than 90 per cent shops had their shutters down, voluntarily.
Protests and events organised at public places in the city and outskirts were also cancelled by the organisers to pay respect to Kalam. The shops remained closed throughout the day in response to the holiday declared by Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peravai on Wednesday.
Interestingly, many pharmacies — that are given exemption to remain open during Government holidays and bandh — were also closed. The number of autorickshaws, taxis and buses plying on the road was very less.
Hotels and restaurants largely remained closed till evening and a couple of eateries near hospitals and canteens in hospitals remained open.
BannersThere was an increase in the number of flex banners erected in the city on Thursday from the time news spread on the demise of the ‘People’s President’.
Political parties, various organisations, commercial establishments, youth forums and institutions and slum dwellers too erected huge banners with inspirational messages in praise of Kalam.
Youth, autorickshaw drivers and residents’ associations lit candles and showered flowers on the image of the former President and organised street corner meetings.
They spoke on the qualities of the former first citizen of the country as a human being and the example he set for the younger generation.
Students of the Eco Club of Coimbatore Medical College planted 83 saplings on their college premises on Thursday to symbolise the age of Kalam.
Theatres closedAll the 166 theatres in Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and The Nilgiris did not air the morning shows on Thursday to pay homage to Kalam.
“While theatres did not screen the noon show (12pm), they started screening films from the matinee show (around 2pm),” president of the Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and The Nilgiris District Theatre Owners Association M. Subramaniam said.
“Steps were taken to refund the money to those who booked online for the cancelled shows,” he added.
OotyIn Udhagamandalam, tourists paid floral tributes to Kalam at the Government Botanical Garden, Boat House and Rose Garden. Shops were closed in Ooty while autorickshaws, taxis and jeeps too did not operate. This gave a tough time for tourists.
TirupurThe usually buzzing apparel cluster here wore a deserted look as production was almost stopped completely as a mark of respect to Kalam.
Only smaller number of units, which had to meet the shipping requirements stipulated by the foreign buyers, functioned today.
The textile entrepreneurs, affiliated to different trade bodies, also took out a silent procession from Jaiva Bhai Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School premises to Chikkanna Government Arts College.
They later conducted a condolence meeting.
Organisations representing pensioners and senior citizens, Palladam Taluk Consumer Awareness Movement and others also conducted separate meetings to remember the contributions made by Kalam.
