AIADMK suspends party functions for a week

AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister Jayalalaithaa today cancelled all her party programmes for a week as a mark of respect and to facilitate homage for former President A P J Abdul Kalam, who passed away yesterday.
"All the programmes organised by the AIADMK stands postponed by a week so as to facilitate paying homage to Dr Kalam," Jayalalithaa said in a party release.
Paying glowing tributes, she said, "He was a celebrated son of Mother Tamil and his simple life and virtues were well known," she said.
He earned a place in history through his hard work, knowledge, ability and sacrifice, she added.

Meanwhile, DMK chief M Karunanidhi hailed Kalam as a man who never failed in his duties and conveyed his condolences to his family members.
Recalling a poem he had written in praise of Kalam, the DMK chief hailed the former President's great virtues, abilities and talent.