Sushma Swaraj in traditional Mizo attire with actor Biju Phukan (File image)

Rothuamliana, an old staff of the Raj Bhawan in Aizawl remember her as Madam Ka läwm e (Madam Thank you).

Yes, we are talking about former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

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Though born in Ambala in Haryana, Sushma Swaraj had great love for the tribal Mizos.

Since 1979, Sushma Swaraj and her criminal lawyer husband Swaraj Kaushal had strong connections with Mizoram.

And, the bond of love is still strong. The former external affairs minister breathed her last on Tuesday.

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A large section of people across Mizoram on Wednesday offered prayers for eternal peace of Sushma Swaraj.

People of the tiny state in northeast cannot forget how Sushma Swaraj and her husband helped them during their bad days.

The lawyer couple had played a pro-active role for the release of the then chief of Mizo National Front (MNF) chief Laldenga in 1979.

Swaraj Kaushal was adviser to the MNF during peace negotiations with the Centre. He had played a crucial role in the signing of Mizoram Peace Accord on June 30, 1986.

“I learnt with real sorrow when I heard about the sudden demise of @SushmaSwaraj. I really look upon her as my sister since 1990s when she became the 1st Lady of Mizoram…..,” Zoramthanga, chief minister of Mizoram said in a Twitter message.

Like Zoramthanga, men and women of Mizoram are going to miss Sushma Swaraj.

Whether it was the Christmas, or the Chapchar Kut festival, Sushma Swaraj would always be there with the people, in traditional Puanchei attire.

Her husband, Swaraj Kaushal was Governor of Mizoram from 1990 to 1993. During that time, they were rated to be the most loved couple in Mizoram.

As the First Lady, she was always popular among the tribal women.

During that period, Sushma Swaraj travelled the length and breadth of the state.

She was popularly known as Madam Ka läwm e (Madam Thank you) in Mizoram. She always thanked everyone for every small thing in Mizo language.

Her husband Swaraj Kaushal holds the distinction of being India’s youngest Advocate General (at the age of 34). He was the first Advocate General of Mizoram.

The couple’s relationship with Mizoram further strengthened when Swaraj Kaushal was appointed governor in 1990 at the age of 37.

Though Swaraj Kaushal and Sushma Swaraj had left Mizoram 26 years ago, peoples’ love for the couple is still alive.

“We are going to miss Madam Ka läwm e (Madam Thank you),” Rothuamliana, said, adding, “May her soul rest in peace.”

 

Anirban Roy is Editor-in-Chief of Northeast Now. He can be reached at: [email protected]