Erode IT resellers pay tribute to former president APJ Abdul Kalam

Hundreds of IT resellers and dealers in Erode gathered at the Collectorate office to pay their tributes to the former president of India APJ Abdul Kalam. The resellers observed mourn for a few seconds and offered flowers in front of photo of the ‘Missile Man’ of India.

With the funeral of former President A P J Abdul Kalam slated today at Rameswaram, the trader community in Erode have shut down their offices as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

J Balaji, president of the Erode IT Association, said, “We paid our tribute to our beloved former president. We have also joined the Federation of All Traders Association of Erode for the mourning session.”

The Tamil Nadu government has also announced a public holiday on Thursday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The banks, insurance companies, schools and colleges are closed throughout the state. However, emergency services like hospitals and medical shops are open in the state.

The central government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect for Dr Kalam, a renowned missile scientist, who played a stellar role in advancing India's nuclear program.

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the missile man who became popular as 'People's President' passed away on Monday evening while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. His last rites were performed at Rameswaram on Thursday.

Veteran ministers, including PM Narendra Modi, Union ministers Manohar Parrikar, Venkaiah Naidu and Pon Radhakrishnan, Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah paid their tribute to Kalam.

Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna for his achievements.