Special prayers in mosques, silent rallies and candle light processions were organised in various places of Dindigul and Theni districts as a mark of respect to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Thursday.
All shops and business establishments, schools and colleges were closed in the districts. While Electricians Association members took out a rally in Dindigul, members of Dindigul Corporation Contractors’ Association distributed 300 tree saplings to public for planting.
More than 5,000 persons at Chinnalapatti and nearby villages took out a massive rally in the town to pay homage to the departed leader. The rally passed through Pooncholai, High School Road and Kamarajar Street and reached Chinnalapatti town pancahayat office. They also assembled near Chinnalapatti town panchayat office for a silent prayer.
Kasturbha Hospital staff took part in a condolence meeting and paid tribute to Mr. Kalam. Hospital consultant R. Kousalya Devi paid floral tributes to a portrait of the leader.
People at Kalikkampatti and A. Vellode took out a candle light march in their villages. Condolence meetings and prayers were held at Gandhigram, Ambathurai, Panjampatti and Munnilaikottai villages.
Muslims participated in a large number in a special prayer held in Palani. Earlier, they took out a silent procession in the town.
Sri lankan refugees too conducted a prayer at refugee camps in Palani and Batlagundu. They lit candles before his portraits and paid floral tributes.
A group of villagers in Thamaraipadi and Round Road tonsured their heads and paid tribute to Kalam.
Theni
Hundreds of autorickshaws were off the road in Bodi in Theni district, and auto drivers took out a silent procession from Thevar Grounds to Bodi Municipal Office through prime roads.
All traders, vegetable traders, hotel owners and others closed their shops to pay tribute to the departed leader. A special prayer was conducted at Bodi mosque.
Members of various political parties took out a massive rally in the town.
Hundreds of party men assembled at Kattabomman Ground and paid homage to the former President. Similar rallies and prayers were organised in other parts of the district.
