In a somber procession that stretched between Island Grounds and Koyambedu in Chennai on Friday, December 29, thousands of grieving individuals gathered to receive the mortal remains of the late actor and founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Captain Vijayakanth. The scheduled commencement of the procession at 1 pm faced delays as a continuous stream of people flocked to Island Grounds to pay their respects to the departed leader. The journey took over three hours, culminating at the DMDK’s headquarters in Koyambedu, where Captain Vijayakanth was laid to rest with state honors around 7 pm.
Captain Vijayakanth, battling pulmonary illness, breathed his last on Thursday, December 28, at MIOT Hospital in Chennai. His demise followed a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, leading to ventilator support. The mortal remains were transported to Island Grounds in Anna Salai for public viewing from Saligramam. The journey took three hours as the public poured into the streets, paying heartfelt homage to the late leader.
At the DMDK’s headquarters, only designated family members, politicians, and other dignitaries were permitted to witness the final rites. Reports indicate that party cadres and fans sought entry to witness the last rites, prompting the police to intervene and disperse the crowd with batons. Subsequently, in response to the protests, party cadres arranged for an LED screen outside the premises, enabling the public to watch the funeral proceedings live.
Several state and national leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Opposition leader Edappadi K Palanisamy, TN Governor RN Ravi, Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Tamilisai Soundararajan, TN Ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, Thangam Thenarasu, Ma Subramanian, and Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman, paid their respects to the late leader of DMDK. Tamil cinema luminaries, such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, and Vijay, also joined the throngs at the Island Grounds to bid their final farewells to Captain Vijayakanth.
A Heartfelt Farewell: The Journey of Captain Vijayakanth’s Mortal Remains
The poignant procession, a symbol of collective grief and reverence, weaved its way through the streets of Chennai. The delay in the scheduled start time only underscored the outpouring of emotions from the people who wished to pay their respects to the iconic leader. The journey, spanning from Island Grounds to Koyambedu, encapsulated the significant role Captain Vijayakanth played in the hearts of the public.
A Legacy Remembered: Captain Vijayakanth’s Contributions
Captain Vijayakanth, renowned for his multifaceted career as an actor and politician, left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The founder of DMDK, he ventured into politics after a successful career in the Tamil film industry, featuring in 154 movies. His charismatic leadership propelled the DMDK to prominence, especially in the 2011 elections when the party emerged as the principal Opposition Party.
The Challenges of Managing Public Mourning
The overwhelming public response to Captain Vijayakanth’s passing posed challenges for authorities tasked with managing the large gatherings. The delay in the procession highlighted the difficulty in accommodating the influx of mourners who sought to participate in the final journey of their beloved leader. Balancing public sentiment with the need for order and safety became a delicate task for law enforcement.
Political and Cinematic Tributes: Leaders and Celebrities Pay Respects
A steady stream of political leaders and film personalities paid their tributes at Island Grounds, reflecting the diverse influence Captain Vijayakanth had across various spheres. From Chief Minister MK Stalin to prominent actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, the gathering showcased a rare unity in mourning the loss of a charismatic figure who bridged the worlds of politics and cinema.