SHILLONG, SEP 7: NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait on Saturday said politics and religion meet in one mission – to serve humanity.

Addressing voters at Maweit, he responded to remarks on his age and religious background.

“Some say I am too old. Many old people are in politics, Bah Hoping was also old. I have often spoken on politics and religion in seminars,” he said.

“Politics and faith meet in one mission – to serve humanity. Governance and religion have to work together. We have to make people complete in body, health, mind and feeling,” he said.

Recalling his humble origins, he said, “You know me as a villager like you – doing jhum, carrying firewood, weaving khoh and selling them for Rs 15 at Kynshi.”

“I didn’t get much chance to go to school, but God gave me wisdom. Teachers allowed me to write exams because I was poor. That is how I got many degrees,” he said.

“I am not boasting, I am sharing to inspire village children like I was,” he said, adding that he went from office work to teaching in secondary school and college.

“My duty, whether in classroom or religious seminar, is to improve, enlighten and build. Same in politics,” he said.