Former Union Minister C Silvera died due to massive stroke. Silvera (81) collpased in the bathroom and died on the spot. He is survived by his wife Lallawmzuali and three sons. Silvera was born on May 6, 1935 and earned his MBBS degree from Christian Medical College in Vellore. He worked as medical officer under the Baptist Church of Mizoram before joining politics. He was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1985 and to ninth, tenth and eleventh Lok Sabha. He was inducted as union minister of state for health and family welfare on February 17, 1994 and afterwards was allotted industry portfolio. Silvera was the first and and so far the only Mizo to be in the union council of ministers.

Did You Know?

• A stroke happens when either a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or the vessel bursts.
• When either of these occur, the brain does not receive the oxygen-rich blood it needs and brain cells begin to die, and quickly. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs and symptoms of stroke – you need to be able to take action the moment you suspect something is wrong.
• Due to a family history or other risk factors, even a woman who has always thought of herself as perfectly healthy can find herself suddenly experiencing the symptoms of stroke.