Along with the rest of the country, Mizoram also observed the 68th Independence Day across the state with Independence Day functions held in all the District capitals and important towns of Mizoram.

In the biggest Independence Day Celebration held at Lammual, Chief Minister Shri Lal Thanhawla paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and the leaders of the Freedom Struggle and called upon the citizenry to rededicate themselves to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the founders of our mighty nation.

Shri Lal Thanhawla said “On this glorious day, sixty eight years ago as our beloved tricolor was unfurled, our great Nation emerged from the shadows of oppression and injustice and triumphed through sacrifice and struggle into a sovereign nation. The non-violent approach which the founding fathers of the Nation adopted to achieve Independence was unique. It was for the first time, perhaps in the history of the world, that a nation freed itself from tyranny, not through violence and bloodshed, but through non-violent means. This shows that our nation was built on foundations of peace and compassion and not hatred and malice. Ahimsa - the silent yet powerful tool inspired similar such struggles for independence across the world and ended their emancipation from foreign powers”.

He said “As we recall the supreme sacrifices made by the leaders of the Freedom Struggle such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and all the others and also the ordinary foot soldiers of the great struggle; let us all remember their selfless services and pay homage to each and every one of them. It is due to their untold hardships, their unrelenting toils and their visionary ideals that we, today, can all bask in the glory of our great nation and stand proudly as citizens of a vibrant and secular democracy that is a robust and resilient economic power which is respected globally”.

The Chief Minister further said “15th August is a very important day for all of us. It commemorates the day when we stood out as a free and independent nation and marked our emancipation from a colonial power. It is not just a symbolic day but a solemn and proud day for each and everyone of us. We must reflect on the values and principles on which our great nation is based and must uphold them not through words but through actions everyday in our lives”.

Closing his Independence Day Speech, the Chief Minister said “Let us all rededicate ourselves to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of our mighty nation and work together reinforcing the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity to ensure the continued development and growth of our nation which is on the steady path of progress and prosperity. Let us resolve to leave a rich legacy based on the foundations of our Constitution to the future generation”.

The following Medals, Awards and Prizes were given by the Chief Minister at the 68th Independence Day Celebration, today:

1) Governor’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Service was given to Shri M. Sawmliana, Forest Ranger, Mamit Forest Division, Mizoram for rendering 41 years of distinguished service in the Environment & Forests Department, in the course of which he has written and published 7 books on the Flora and Fauna of Mizoram.

2) President’s Fire Service Medals for Gallantry were given out to Fireman Lalnghahmawia, Fireman B. Vanlalruattluanga and Fireman C. Lalawmpuia for their heroic rescue work when they put their own lives at risk in saving others during the rescue operations in the Laipuitlang landslide on May 11th last year.

3) State Award to Meritorious and Outstanding Teachers, 2014 were handed to Shri Lalnunpuia Hrahsel, Govt. Mizo High School, Aizawl, Shri K. Lalbiakkunga, Headmaster, Govt. Roseland Middle School, Champhai and Shri Purna Prasad, Headmaster. Govt. Nepali Primary School, Thuampui for their services in education.

4) Basketball Tournament (Men) Champion Providence Higher Secondary School and Runners up St. Joseph Higher Secondary School; Basketball Tournament (Women) Champion Govt. Mizo Higher Secondary School and Runners up Helen Lowry Higher Secondary School; Volleyball Tournament (Men) Champion Hunthar Volleyball Club and Runners up C. Lalthuama Memorial Volleyball Club, Bungkawn; Volleyball Tournament (Women) Champion Chawnpui Volleyball Club and Runners up Mahruaitea Volleyball Club, Rawpuichhip; Badminton Tournament (Men Single) Champion Zarzoliana, Health Badminton Club and Runners up Lalduhawma, Lalat Badminton Club; Badminton Tournament (Women Single) Champion F. Vanlalhriatpuii, Saron Badminton Club and Runners up Lalrinzuali, Saron Badminton Club were handed also trophies.

Today’s Independence Day Parade had the participation of 28 contingents including 4 band parties. Among the Armed Contigents, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners were 1st Battalion MAP, 1st Battalion CRPF and 5th IR Battalion respectively. Among the Unarmed Contigents, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners were Govt. Aizawl North College NCC Contingent, Govt. Republic Higher Secondary Rovers’ Crew and Govt. Hrangbana College NCC Contingent respectively. Among the School Contingents Synod Higher Secondary School Contingent, St. Lawrence School Contingent, and Monfort Higher Secondary School Contingent were awared the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes respectively. Today’s Independence Day Parade Commanders were Shri Zonunsanga, Dy. SP., Mizoram Police and Shri C. Lalruatkima, Dy. S.P., Mizoram Police.

It may also be mentioned that Inspector B. Lalnghakliana, ACB and ASI (Operator) Lalrinawmna, MPRO have been selected to receive the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

(The full speech of Hon’ble Chief Minister on the occasion of the 68th Independence Day has been uploaded in the Speech section of the website)