Along with the rest of the country, Mizoram also observed the 72^nd 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 tributes to the freedom fighters and the leaders of the Freedom Struggle and called upon the citizenry to rededicate themselves to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of the founders of the nation. 

Shri Lal Thanhawla opened his speech by alluding to the gathering to recall the country’s struggle to attain independence from foreign rule and its long enduring journey to emerge as a strong powerful nation, and to salute the pioneer leaders and all the brave patriots who had sacrificed their lives for the freedom and future of the country. “Ten years ago, we took the bold initiative of introducing the New Land Use Programme(NLUP) with a vision to achieve high inclusive economic growth and development within few years. The successful implementation of NLUP since 2011 and introduction of NEDP in 2016 have significant impact on the state’s socio-economic scenario. Today, Mizoram is one of the highest growing economies among the states in India, along with Gujarat, Jharkhand and Tripura, that recorded above 8% growth rate during the last four years. Mizoram ranks first among the small states, and second among all states in Health Index prepared by World Bank Group and NITI Aayog. The state has the second highest literacy percentage in the country,” said the Chief Minister. He also talked extensively about various infrastructure development progresses and also in the service sector, and how various projects under New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) is bringing about positive changes.

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of capitalising on the rich human resource of the state, and how the government is paving the way for a brighter future for the bright and talented youths of the state in the fields of academics and sports. Shri Lal Thanhawla also expressed his delight as the state inaugurated its first Medical College - Mizoram Institute of Medical Education & Research(MIMER) on the 7th August, 2018.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Mizoram to extend their sincere support and co-operation to the development schemes and welfare programmes of both the central and state governments, which call for active public participation for the progress and prosperity of Mizoram and join the rest of the country in its race towards building a New India. He urged the citizenry to take this day of celebration of Independence as an opportunity to rededicate oneself towards peace and progress. 

The following Awards and Prizes were given by the Chief Minister at the 72^nd Independence Day Celebration, today:

1) President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service – Shri Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, DIG Northern Range and Shri PC Lalchhuanawma, Director, Fire & Emergency Services

2) Police Medal for Meritorious Service - Shri PC Lallianthanga, SP (Wireless), Shri Vanlaltluanga Parte, Inspector, Aizawl DEF; Shri Laldawngliana, Inspector, Aizawl DEF; Shri Rodingliana Chawngthu, SP CID; Shri K. Lalremsanga, C.O. 3^rd Battalion MAP and Shri Lalsanglura, Principal, Police Training School.

3) Governor’s Gold Medal: S.I. Zangura Khiangte, 2^nd IR Battalion and Constable H. Lalrindika, Traffic

4) Governor’s Silver Medal: Inspector H.S. LalmuanShriia, Lunglei DEF and Inspector F. Vanlalkima, 2^nd Bn. MAP

5) State Award for Teachers 2018 – Shri G.S. Zaithantluanga, Headmaster, Govt. Diakkawn High School, Kolasib; Shri Lalpiangthara, Headmaster, Govt. Chaltlang Middle School, Aizawl and Shri H. Lalrinchhana, Headmaster, Govt. Tlungvel Primary School –II, Tlungvel 

It was also announced at today’s function that Shri H. Ramthlengliana, SP Traffic was selected to be awarded with President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service while Shri Lalringdika, SP Serchhip and Shri PB. Singha, Inspector of Police, Vaivakawn Station were selected for Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Shri Lalrinmawia, Driver Special Grade, Fire & Emergency Services Department was also selected to receive Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service. 

Today’s Independence Day Parade had the participation of 30 contingents including 4 band parties. Among the 7 Armed Contigents, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize winners were 46^th Assam Rifles; 34 TriShrira State Rifles and Mizoram Home Guards respectively. Among the 5 Unarmed Contigents, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners were 20th Mizo Independent Company NCC; Aizawl North College NCC  and 1 Mizo Air Squadron NCC respectively. Among the 14 School Contingents Home Mission Higher Secondary School; St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and Greenland Higher Secondary School were awarded the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Prizes respectively. Today’s Independence Day Parade Commanders were Shri C. Lalsawta, DSP and Shri Lalpianthanga, DSP, Mizoram Police. 

The Independence Day Celebration at A.R. Ground was followed by At Home programme for selected invitees, hosted by the Governor Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan at his residence at Raj Bhavan. 

(Full Text of CM’s Speech: https://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/post/speech-of-Shri-lal-thanhawla-the-honble-chief-minister-on-the-occasion-of-independence-day-2018 )