Chennai: The inaugural function of the Rs 12 crore new campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) was cancelled at the last minute, as a mark of respect to Indian Vice-President Krishan Kant, who died of a massive heart attack in Delhi this morning.

Soon after Union Textiles minister, Kashiram Rana, Union Minister for Forests and Environment, T R Baalu and other dignitaries occupied the dais for the inaugural ceremony, Baalu rose to announce the news of Krishan Kant's death.

Those gathered for the function observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Both the Central Ministers and the Tamil Nadu Minister for Handlooms and Textiles V Somasundaram went round the new complex, after announcing that the inaugural function would take place at a later date.

PTI