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Ṭ. Sailo
2nd Chief Minister of Mizoram
In office
8 May 1979 – 4 May 1984
Lieutenant Governor N. P. Mathur
Sourendra Nath Kohli
H. S. Dubey
Preceded by Ch. Chhunga
Succeeded by Lal Thanhawla
Constituency Aizawl West II
In office
2 June 1978 – 10 November 1978
Lieutenant Governor N. P. Mathur
Preceded by President’s Rule
Succeeded by President’s Rule
Personal details
Born (1922-01-01)1 January 1922
Melkhat/Ṭhuampui, Lunglei, Bengal Presidency, British India
(Now in Mizoram, India)
Died 27 March 2015(2015-03-27) (aged 93)
Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Resting place Kanan Veng, Aizawl
23°43′53″N 92°42′30″E / 23.73139°N 92.70833°E / 23.73139; 92.70833
Political party Mizoram People's Conference
Spouse Thansiami
Children Lalsangliana Sailo
Lalhmangaiha Sailo, IRS
Laldingliani Sailo, IRS
Lalrinliana Sailo
Residence Aizawl
Alma mater University of Calcutta
Military career
Allegiance  British Raj (1942–1947)
 India (1947–1974)
Service/branch  Indian Army
Years of service 1942–1974
Rank Brigadier
Commands held Assam Regiment
Battles/wars Second World War
Awards Padma Shree (1999)

Ṭhenphunga Sailo (born January 1, 1922 – died March 27, 2015) was an important leader from Mizoram, a state in northeast India. He was a high-ranking officer, a Brigadier, in the Indian Army. Later, he became the Chief Minister of Mizoram two times.

Ṭ. Sailo also started a major political group called the Mizoram People's Conference. He received several awards for his work. These include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Padma Shri for his help to people during his army service. He also got the Mizo Award for all his achievements in life.

Ṭ. Sailo was the son of Vanchheuva, a Mizo chief. He studied in different schools and colleges, including the University of Calcutta. He joined the British Army in 1942 during World War II. He was the first Mizo person to become a military officer. He retired from the army in 1974 as a Brigadier. After leaving the army, he worked to help people in Mizoram. He started the Human Rights Committee, which later became the Mizoram People's Conference political party.

In 1978, Ṭ. Sailo's party won the election, and he became the Chief Minister. He was re-elected in 1979 and served until 1984. Even though his party lost in 1984, he continued to be an important political figure. He retired from politics in 2013, being one of the oldest elected lawmakers at 91 years old.

Early Life and Schooling

Ṭ. Sailo was born to Chief Vancheuva and Hrangvungi. He went to Serkawn Middle School in Lunglei. He was the top student in his Middle School Leaving Certificate exam.

From 1937 to 1940, he attended High School in Shillong. In 1941, he studied Intermediate of Science at Serampore College. He received his certificate from the University of Calcutta in 1942.

His Time in the Army

During World War II, Ṭ. Sailo joined the Indian Army in 1942. At that time, the Indian Army was part of the British Army. He started as a Second Lieutenant. This made him the first Mizo person to become a military officer.

After India became independent, he was promoted several times. He became a Lieutenant Colonel in 1960. In 1963, he was promoted to Colonel. Finally, in 1966, he became a Brigadier. He retired from the army in 1974.

His Political Journey

After leaving the army, Ṭ. Sailo started the Human Rights Committee in 1974. This group worked to protect people's rights. He reported many cases where the army was said to have treated civilians unfairly.

To continue his work in politics, he created the People's Conference Party on April 17, 1975. This party was later renamed the Mizoram People's Conference. In 1978, his party won the election in Mizoram. He became the second Chief Minister of Mizoram on June 2, 1978.

His government lasted for six months. Due to political problems, the government was stopped in November. The area was then put under "President's Rule." This means the central government took control.

In the next election in 1979, his party won again. He became Chief Minister once more. He held this position for a full term until 1984. In the 1984 election, his party lost to the Indian National Congress Party. However, Ṭ. Sailo himself was still elected in his area. He then became the leader of the opposition in the assembly.

Later, in 1998 and 2008, he was elected again. He retired from politics on July 24, 2013. At 92 years old, he was one of the oldest elected members in the world.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Ṭ. Sailo received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) during his time in the military. In 1999, the Government of India gave him the Padma Shri. This is a very respected award.

In 2001, a student group called the Mizo Zirlai Pawl said he was a politician who did not take bribes. This was based on a public survey. In 2011, he received the Mizo Award. This award was given by the Governor of Mizoram.

Family and Later Life

Ṭ. Sailo married Thansiami in 1946. She was the daughter of a Mizo storyteller. They had three sons: Lalsangliana, Lalhmangaiha, and Lalrinliana. They also had one daughter, Laldingliani.

Two of his children, Lalhmangaiha and Laldingliani, joined the Indian Revenue Service. This is a government service. After retiring, Lalhmangaiha became the head of the Mizoram People's Conference. Laldingliani later served on the National Commission for Women.

Lalrinliana Sailo became a doctor. He worked as the Director General of Health Services for the Mizoram government.

Ṭ. Sailo wrote a book about his army life called A Soldier's Story. He passed away on March 27, 2015, at the age of 93. He had been ill with lung problems. Leaders like President Pranab Mukerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent their condolences.

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