Tamil Nadu comes to a standstill

A total bandh- like situation prevailed across Tamil Nadu, including state capital Chennai, as normal life came to a grinding halt in view of former president A P J Abdul Kalam’s funeral.

Taking one step forward from the events like silent processions and candle light rallies, mass feeding and decorating the streets with digital banners and flex boards of different sizes, hailing and saluting Kalam were organised in each and every district of Tamil Nadu. In addition, blood donation camps and free health checkups were also organised in several places in the state. Many youngsters also organised free auto and taxi services to the people for honouring the departed leader.

Shops, business, commercial and industrial establishments, hotels, roadside eateries, restaurants, tea shops and theatres downed shutters. Tamil Nadu Film Federation also announced that there will be no shooting. As the state government, which had announced a seven-day mourning, had declared a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, schools and colleges, banks, including the RBI, state and Central government offices, Madras High Court, other courts, state government and private offices remained closed. The government also announced closure of all state-owned liquor shops to mourn the death of India’s “Missile Man", who loved the youth of the country.

Fishermen from across the state stayed away from venturing into the sea for two days from Thursday as a mark of respect to the former president.

The busy shopping hubs in major cities, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy, housing several leading textile and jewellery shops, were deserted as all shops were closed. Even truck owners, lorry operators and sand lorries across the state stayed off the roads. All petrol bunks in the state were shut for an  hour when Kalam’s last rites took place.