The industrial associations of Tirupur knitwear hub mourned the demise of the former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam.

A large number of industrialists of the South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association (SIHMA), paid homage to APJ Abdul Kalam, at the condolence meeting held at the association premises. SIHMA president A.C. Eswaran, who led the meeting, said, “He should be remembered forever for his achievements in India’s missile capabilities, and also for his atomic researches. As per his wish, he died while delivering a speech to the students. His attitude is an inspiration for us all.”

The General Secretary of Seconds collar shirts and Innerwear Small scale Manufacturers Association (SISMA), K.S. Babuji said, “He worked for the improvement of people from his young age till his death, as a true leader of the country. He believed that the industrially developed country can ensure the growth of the people. He wanted to establish schools for the people who cannot afford it, and also to develop the irrigation system of the country to increase the agricultural production.”

He also said, “He followed what he preached, by working until his last moment, addressing the students even during the last minutes of his life.”

The Sripuram Trust also paid homage to him at the emergency meeting convened by the trust at the office in Tirupur on Tuesday. Representatives from various industrial associations, and industrialists took part in the meeting.