Mizoram minister renders labour for construction of house for widower

He shed his VIP status to join community service, carrying heavy boulders on his shoulders for construction of a house for a widower in a locality in Mizoram capital.

man rendering manual service is Mizoram minister Robert Romawia Royte, a person who strongly believes in 'Tlawmngaina', a Mizo ethical practice of selfless service.

Royte holds three portfolios -- sports, tourism and information and communication techlogy -- in Chief Minister Zoramthanga's cabinet.

53-year-old minister offered labour with ors for two days on June 13 and 15 at Chite Veng in eastern part of Aizawl, where volunteers of Young Mizo Association (YMA) and local council members were constructing a house for a widower with help of donation by a generous person.

Chite Veng falls under Aizawl East-II Assembly constituency from where Royte was elected in last assembly elections in 2018.

minister said he did t do it for fame, but his herence to 'Tlawmngaina' compelled him to take part in community work.

"Social work or manual labour is a part of good physical exercise. I will join house construction with my personal security officers again," he said.

Royte was once a sportsperson and he still regularly exercises.

In past, he hit helines on several occasions for his philanthropic and community services, from constructing a house for a widow to cooking food during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Chite local council chairman F Vanlalsawma told PTI that Royte came for community work and did whatever he could like lifting boulders, stone chips and sand from ro to construction site to help widower.

minister has t only taken part in community work, but also donated Rs 10,000 to widower and masks to local-level COVID-19 task force, he said.

(Representative Im)