Mizoram boy, two Tamil Nadu drivers receive heroes' welcome in Aizawl for bringing back friend's body from Chennai

By- HC Vanlalruata
AIZAWL: Rafael AVL Malchhanhima was accorded a hero's welcome in Aizawl on Tuesday for accompanying the body of his friend all the way from Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
Malchhanhima volunteered to accompany the body of Vivian Lalremsanga (28) who died of a cardiac arrest on Thursday evening in Chennai and undertook a journey of over 3,000 miles with two Tamil drivers - Jeyantjiran and Chinnathambi, who drove the ambulance carrying the mortal remains of Lalremsanga to Aizawl.
Malchhanhima and the two drivers were given cash reward, traditional Mizo shawls and shirts by different organisations and from the chief minister's relief fund.
The trio was welcomed at many places within the capital city by different groups of people.
While the body of Lalremsanga was to be transported to Mizoram, leaders of the Chennai Mizo Welfare Association searched for anyone who would be responsible enough for taking up the traditional job of accompanying his mortal remains.
Malchhanhima, a resident of Hmawngbu village in southernmost Lawngtlai district, volunteered to take up the responsibility alone.
Lalremsanga was studying hotel management in Chennai and was working in some hotels in the Tamil Nadu capital while waiting for his graduation certificate. He was forced to remain in the city due to the prolonged lockdown.
Malachhanhima was also studying hotel management facing the same fate as his friend due to the lockdown.
"Against all odds. 3,000 plus miles of hardship and struggles won't dampen the spirit of resting the tragic earthly remains of Vivian Remsanga by his friend Rafael AVL Malchhanhima along with Jeyantjiran and Chinnathambi, both from Tamil Nadu. Mizoram Salutes You," tweeted chief minister Zoramthanga.