Aizawl: PS Sreedharan Pillai, a renowned lawyer, was sworn in as the 21st governor of Mizoram at a swearing-in ceremony held state capital Aizawl on Tuesday. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba at the Circular Lawn in Raj Bhavan.
The ‘warrant of appointment’ was read out by state chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuango. Chief minister Zoramthanga, Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo, ministers of state, MLAs, top officials and special invitees were among the over 400-plus guests present at the swearing-in ceremony.
At the press conference held after the oath of office, the governor mentioned that in a democratic setup, journalists are the backbone of democracy and that he shall always commit to that. He also mentioned that he was earlier the legal adviser of the Kerala Press Council Union.
“I, along with the elected government, will try our best to have help and support from the Union of India and strive to make more development to this area,” he said.
Pillai said he is happy that Mizoram and Kerala have many similarities in terms of food habits and that the state can learn a lot from the tourism industry of Kerala. The governor further said that the Constitution is committed to the people, and the people are supreme; so people’s wish shall prevail over other things. He hopes to serve the people in this area.
When asked what will be his first priority as the new governor of Mizoram, Pillai replied that he has just started his tenure and that he will first require an in-depth study to decide on his priorities. He added that with the cooperation of the state officials, he has plans to visit the remote areas of the state.
The governor further extended his support and assistance to a team of Mizo journalists who are to tour Kerala in the month of February next year.
Pillai was born in December 1, 1953, at Venmony panchayat in Alappuzha district of Kerala. He graduated in Arts from NSS College, Pandalam. Later, he pursued his degree in law from Government Law College, Calicut and completed the course in the year 1978. He is a renowned lawyer by profession and is married to Reetha Sreedhar, who is also a lawyer by profession. They have a son and a daughter.
Before his appointment as the new governor of Mizoram, he was affiliated to Kerala state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During his political career, he became president of the Kerala state BJP from 2003 to 2006. Outside his political and professional sphere, Pillai is known to be a social activist and a prolific writer. He has published volumes of books in his name.
