COIMBATORE: Love and devotion were in the air as memories of M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa were revived at an event here on Sunday. Indeed, those present seemed overwhelmed with emotion, but there was also a feeling of emptiness, knowing that these much-loved leaders and stars are no longer with us.
At the event, held as part of MGR’s birth centenary celebrations, their film songs were played as drama artistes, dressed like the characters MGR and Jayalalithaa had played, re-enacted their dances, reviving memories of the fans.
Events of the centenary celebration, including the dance event, are being held at the VOC Ground. The public had to walk a little to the venue, from the Lakshmi Mills Signal. This was necessary to ensure security. Thousands of people from across the district travelled to the city for the event. Many of them - both old and young people were present - said they were very happy to be part of the celebration that involves MGR and Jayalalithaa.
It feels like being transported decades back, said P Palaniammal (80), from Edayarpalayam. Such is the air, with songs of MGR and Jayalalithaa playing at every nook and corner.
“How nice it would be, were Amma here with us to celebrate the MGR centenary!” said a 50-year-old woman from Lakshminaickenpalayam. “If Amma were present, the event would have been more joyous and grander. And it wouldn’t be necessary for the AIADMK to make arrangements to bring the people to the ground. They would come on their own,” she added.
The party had sent four or five buses to every block to bring people to the event. It had also arranged Puliattam and Mayilattam to entertain the people as they walked to the venue.
Three chief ministers share a podium
Fifteen days ago a scaffolding went up around the Anna statue on Avinashi Road near Dr Balasundaram road. It was over fifteen feet tall, evoking curiosity. No one knew what it concealed. When it dawned on Sunday, the day of the MGR centenary day celebrations, AIADMK, leaders unveiled the statues of former chief ministers J Jayalalitha, and MG Ramachandran, waving alongside CN Annadurai, the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu. It was the only spot in the State, where all three leaders shared a stage