305/2026-2027

Dated Aizawl, the 18th August, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma today attended the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association (MGYA) as the Chief Guest at Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall and unveiled the Golden Jubilee Foundation Stone.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of good fortune for Mizoram to have a strong organisation like MGYA working for the welfare and guidance of Gorkha youth in the State. He described MGYA as a leading organisation in guiding and nurturing the Gorkha youth of Mizoram.

The Chief Minister stated that Gorkhas, being a brave, disciplined and skilled community, were highly valued by the British Government. Even when the British first entered Mizoram, the Gorkhas were among their most important manpower. As they are also hill people, and a disciplined and gentle community like the Mizos, our forefathers greatly liked them and the two communities gradually came to live together like people destined to share the same home. Even to this day, there has never been any conflict between the two communities. Our forefathers have learned many things from the Gorkhas and the Gorkhas, too, have imbibed many good aspects of the Mizo way of life.

Recalling the turbulent period of 1966, Shri Lalduhoma stated that several Gorkha youths had fought alongside the people of Mizoram for the State. Saying, “In life and on the hills, in death and in the grave,” we stood and fought together. A statement from our Gorkha brothers and sisters that remains etched in our hearts is, “We have no place to rest our heads except Mizoram" highlighting their shared resolve to stand together in life and death along with the Mizos.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the contribution of the Gorkha community to public life and governance in Mizoram. During the District Council period, several Gorkhas served as nominated members of the Village Councils, while after Mizoram attained Union Territory status, Shri Kapurchand Thakuri served as a nominated MLA. Referring to young Agastya Thapa, who was felicitated at the programme, the Chief Minister stated that he was the first cadet from Chhingchhip Sainik School-since the school began conducting classes in 2017- to qualify for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. The Chief Minister further highlighted that the Gorkha community had made significant contributions to Mizoram in various fields and urged MGYA to continue playing an active role in guiding and nurturing the younger generation.

The Chief Minister further stated that the State Government attached great importance to the welfare of minority communities in the State and would continue to undertake measures for their welfare. He reassured the Gorkha community that they need not fear anything and urged them to live in peace, with confidence, and continue to prosper.

Central Young Mizo Association(YMA) President Shri R. Lalngheta also addressed the gathering.

The programme also highlighted the history and settlement of the Gorkha community in Mizoram. The Gorkhas in Mizoram arrived around the same time as the British and following their retirement, many chose to remain in Mizoram rather than return to their places of origin. The Government subsequently made arrangements for their settlement and enabled them to administer their community in accordance with their customs. According to the 1950 Census, there were 2,557 Gorkhas in Aizawl District. At present, around 8,000 members of the Gorkha community are estimated to be residing in Mizoram.

The Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association was founded by Gorkha youths at Khatla Veng on 18 August 1976. The organisation subsequently expanded its activities across Mizoram and currently has 17 branches.

Today's programme was hosted by Shri Pratap Chhetri, while MGYA Central President Shri Mahesh Rai delivered the welcome address. A citation of appreciation was presented to young Agastya Thapa, the first cadet from Chhingchhip Sainik School to qualify for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. MGYA Central Vice-President Shri Nabin Thapa delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the Golden Jubilee celebration to a close.