58/2026-2027

Aizawl, 6th May 2026: The Silver Jubilee celebration of the Samaritan Association for the Blind's Special Blind School was held today at M. Suaka Hall, Durtlang Presbyterian Church. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, attended as Chief Guest, while Vanlalhlana, PWD Minister and local MLA, attended as Guest of Honour.

In his address, the Chief Minister spoke about the inspiring efforts of students who, despite significant physical challenges, pursue education with determination. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy mind, stating, “When our mind is healthy, many things that appear as difficulties often become opportunities for us.”

He noted that many people in Mizoram may not fully realize the value and significance of this school. However, for visually impaired children, its importance is beyond description.

Before the establishment of this institution, there was no school in Mizoram dedicated to the education of the visually impaired. The Samaritan Association for the Blind worked tirelessly, sought support from the government, and established the school, bringing a ray of hope for visually impaired children and enabling them to receive proper education. Today, many successful individuals who studied at this school have emerged.

Recognizing its importance, the government has granted it Adhoc status, attached teachers, and is considering provincializing the middle section. The Chief Minister also stated that implementing it under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model could be beneficial.

He further highlighted the need for a separate girls’ hostel, as boys and girls are currently accommodated in the same hostel building. Under a handholding initiative, ₹50 lakh has already been earmarked for the construction of a hostel.

He encouraged the students and school authorities to freely communicate their difficulties and needs to the local MLA, the Education Minister, the Social Welfare Minister, or even directly to him, assuring that the government would make every possible effort to extend support.

He expressed deep gratitude to the Samaritan Association for the Blind for establishing and maintaining such an important institution, which has brought recognition to Mizoram beyond the state. He assured continued support from the government.

Key messages of the Chief Minister to the students included:

1. He congratulated them for not being discouraged by their physical challenges and for striving to achieve success through education.

2. He stressed the importance of digital literacy, stating that the ability to effectively use computers and digital assistive devices is crucial for keeping pace with others.

3. He emphasized the importance of mental well-being, noting that the Bible teaches us to guard our hearts above all else, as it is the source of life. A healthy mind transforms many apparent problems into opportunities. In today’s world, the term “problem” is increasingly replaced by “opportunity”—for those with a healthy mind, problems always become opportunities.

4. He encouraged them to believe that they are not created without purpose, but with a meaningful and significant calling. He expressed confidence that just as many before them have succeeded, they too can achieve success.

During the programme, Shri R.K. Vanlalringa, Executive Secretary of the Samaritan Association for the Blind, presented a report.

The Samaritan Association for the Blind was established in 1990, and the Special Blind School was started in May 2001. In its first year, the school had 16 students, and in subsequent years it has maintained around 30 students annually. This year, the school has 35 students, including those from Tripura, Manipur, Assam, and Myanmar.

The school provides education from Primary to High School level and has maintained a 100% pass rate in HSLC examinations for 17 consecutive years. A total of 22 alumni are now employed in government service.

The government has granted Adhoc status to the school, attached a Mathematics teacher, and continues to support it with textbooks and other essential needs. The students are supported by individual sponsors, organizations, and churches. The Hon’ble Chief Minister himself is currently sponsoring three students.

It was also stated that, with such support, the students have been able to continue their education smoothly to this day.