Jayalalithaa deputes seven colleagues for Kalam’s funeral

Chennai: The Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Wednesday said she would not be able to attend the funeral of  former President, A.P.J.Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram owing to her health condition. She deputed seven cabinet colleagues to represent her and the state government at the funeral at Rameswaram. 

 

In a statement, she said, “I have lots of respect and love for Kalam and it is my desire to attend the funeral and pay respects to Kalam, but I could not attend the funeral as my health prevents me from undertaking journey to Rameswaram”.

 

Emphasising that Dr Kalam was a role model for her and youngsters, she said the scientist led his life by example. She also quoted a few famous words of Kalam and said the People’s President lived by his words that a person’s birth can be an event, but the death has to be a history.

 

The statement also gave the names of state ministers led by PWD minister O. Panneerselvam, to represent the state and make necessary arrangements for the funeral. 

 

She said based on the request from Dr Kalam’s family members, the state had provided land in Rameswaram to execute the funeral of the country’s 11th president with full state honours.