Evangelist D G S Dinakaran dead

Chennai, Feb 20 (UNI) Celebrated Evangelist and Founder of ''Jesus Calls'' Ministry Brother D G S Dinakaran, the Apostle of Lord who prayed for millions, died here this morning after brief illness.

He was 73. He is survived by his wife Stella Dinakaran, son Paul Dinakaran, Daughter-in-law Evangeline Dinakaran and grandchildren.

Brother Dinakaran, who was suffering from heart and kidney ailments, was admitted to the Apollo Hospital here on January 29. He died at 0630 hrs. Family members were at his bedside when he breathed his last.

The body was taken to his Jesus Calls residence at Greenways Road where hundreds of people from various parts of the state turned up to pay homage.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and leaders of various political parties, including TNCC President M Krishnasamy and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, besides priests from various churches in the state paid homage.

Mr Karunanidhi, on being informed of the death, rushed to the hospital and paid his respects by placing a wreath and a shawl on the body of Rev Dinakaran.

The Chief Minister in his condolence message said he was shocked to learn about the death of Rev Dinakaran, who prayed for millions of people.

''The Evangelist had left hundreds and thousands of his well wishers in tears and his popularity would remain forever in our hearts,'' he said and offered his condolences to the bereaved family.

Prayer Tower sources said the mortal remains of Rev Dinakaran would be kept at the YMCA Grounds tomorrow for public homage.

The funeral service would be held at the same place at 1000 hrs.

The burial would take place at Kilpauk Cemetry on February 22, the sources said.

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