Chennai, 26 Feb (H.S.):Tamil Nadu will bid a solemn farewell to veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R. Nallakannu today, as his mortal remains are set to be donated to the Chennai Medical College Hospital in keeping with his lifelong commitment to public service. The State government has announced that he will be accorded full State honours before the body is handed over for medical education and research.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the government would ensure the highest honours for the 101-year-old freedom fighter and political stalwart, describing his life as one dedicated to social justice, simplicity and sacrifice. He lived for the people and remained steadfast in his ideals throughout his long public life, the Chief Minister said.
Nallakannu passed away at 1.55 p.m. on Tuesday at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment since February 1 for age-related ailments. According to hospital authorities, his condition deteriorated over the past two days as his vital organs gradually failed to respond to treatment. Despite intensive medical care, he succumbed to multiple organ failure.
His body has been placed at Balan Illam, the CPI’s State headquarters in Thyagaraya Nagar, for the public to pay their respects. It will remain there until 3 p.m., following which party cadres and supporters will take out a procession before donating the body to the medical college hospital, fulfilling his long-expressed wish to contribute to medical science even after death.
Leaders cutting across party lines and from various walks of life paid homage to the centenarian leader. Chief Minister Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin were among the first to offer floral tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolence message, said Nallakannu was admired across political and social spectrums and had lived selflessly for others. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami described him as a leader of rare integrity and moral strength.
Film personalities including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Nassar, Sathyaraj, Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan also paid tribute, recalling Nallakannu’s unwavering ideological commitment and lifelong dedication to the welfare of the people.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
