Speaking first, Prof. Rajanayagam said, “In this sad situation at hand, we are obliged to thank Vetri Duraisamy, who was the backbone of this international screen-culture laboratory and one among the two great pillars for IIFC. His death is mourned by his family and I pray that God give them the necessary strength to overcome the loss. Awards should be given to screen students to honor the memory of Vetti Duraisamy.
An incident like this happened when I was on a related trip. His participation has always been there in every one of my activities. When we decided to create IIFC he not only said that we can implement it here without any hindrance but also showed his continuous interest here. Not everyone can do this kind of relief, not everyone can act with passion on someone else’s dream. His death is unacceptable to anyone, the mind refuses to accept his death. It is in times like these that we take bold steps forward that can sustain us, our society, and those who have left us, he added.
In honour of Vetri Duraisamy, IIFC is considering giving awards to first time filmmakers and ‘Wildlife’ photographers. The passing away of some people takes away half of us, such a passing away is the passing away of Mr. Vetri Duraisamy,” he concluded.