Raphael A.V.L. Malchhanhima, who hit the headlines with his selfless service in traversing over 3,300km to bring his friend’s body home from a south Indian state, has shared the cash reward he received from people as an honour for his commendable service with the Mizoram government to fight the coronavirus pandemic and its impact.

The 23-year-old from Hmawngbu village in Mizoram’s southernmost Lawngtlai district donated Rs 5,000 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) on Thursday.

Another heartwarming example was the offering by a delivery boy, who donated Rs 100 of his savings to the CMRF.

Chief minister Zoramthanga praised the benevolent duo for their exemplary generosity which has won several hearts.

Raphael told The Telegraph, “My state is grappling with the crisis arising out of coronavirus and the people are facing immense hardship. Though my capacity is limited and there is very little that I can do for my state, I have donated Rs 5,000 to fight the war against the coronavirus.”

He urged others to contribute towards the war against Covid-19, no matter how little.

The third of five siblings, Raphael had completed class X and was working in a hotel in Chennai to supplement his family’s income. His father is a missionary under Mizoram Synod of the Presbyterian Church of India. While his eldest brother died a few years ago, his second brother works in a school and his youngest sister is studying in class XII.

Raphael is under quarantined at the State Guest House, a designated quarantine facility here.

“The government is providing us with all available facilities and I am happy with the government’s care,” he told this correspondent from the facility.

Chief minister Zoramthanga hailed Raphael as a hero for his noble deeds.

“Faith in humanity just got restored again! After his selfless and heroic act of accompanying the mortal remains of his friend for more than 3000 kms, Raphael AVL Malchhanhima donated Rs. 5000 to the CM Relief Fund from a Govt. designated Quarantine Centre,” he tweeted.

On Tuesday, Raphael had brought home the mortal remains of his close friend Vivian Lalremsanga, 28, who died of cardiac arrest in Chennai, along with two Samaritans, Jeyantjiran and Chinnathambi, from Tamil Nadu, who drove the ambulance, covering 3,000km non-stop in four days.

Another boy whose stellar contribution has won praise is Kima Ralte, who works for a delivery agency. He donated Rs 100 to the CMRF in aid of the people who are facing hardships because of the nationwide lockdown that has been imposed since March 25 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“When it comes to questioning the love you have for your state, Kima Ralte comes second to none,” Zoramthanga hailed him in a tweet.