P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, a renowned lawyer from Kerala, was sworn in as the new governor of Mizoram on Tuesday. He is the 21st governor of Mizoram after it attained statehood in 1987.

Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba administered the oath of office and secrecy to Pillai at a swearing-in ceremony in Raj Bhavan here.

It was attended by chief minister Zoramthanga, Assembly speaker Lalrinliana Sailo, cabinet ministers, MLAs and other dignitaries.

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, Pillai said he would render all possible help to the state government in getting assistance from the Centre.

He added that he would make massive effort for all-round development of Mizoram and give priority to tourism, communication and infrastructure development.

“This is the first time I am holding the post of governor. I hope I can easily adapt with Mizoram since it has resemblance with Kerala in many aspects. I will try my best for the welfare of the people,” he said.

The politician-turned-governor also said he would not involve himself in politics and would abide by the ethics of the governor’s office.

Pillai said he would try to visit all remote villages in Mizoram during his tenure as governor.

Born at Venmony in Alappuzha district of Kerala to V.G. Sukumaran Nair and Bhavani Amma in December 1953, Pillai graduated in arts from NSS College, Pandalam.

Later, he graduated in law from Government Law College, Calicut, in 1978.

He started his political career with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and became its state secretary in 1978.

Pillai held many posts in the BJP and was president of its Kerala unit from 2003 to 2006. In 2018, he was again appointed as the BJP state president.

Outside his political and professional sphere, Pillai is known to be a social activist and a prolific writer.