No.422/2021-2022
Aizawl, November 29, 2021: 

The Directorate of Information & Public Relations, the nodal department for media in Mizoram state, today organized a felicitation program to honour veteran Mizo journalist Pu Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, 94, on being conferred the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award. 

Pu Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, currently the oldest working journalist in India, received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind at an award ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 8^th November. 

Congratulating the veteran scribe on his well-deserved award, Director I&PR Pi Lallianpuii thanked him for his outstanding contribution towards journalism in Mizoram, and stated that his work would remain an inspiration and guiding light for generations of Mizos to come. The I&PR Director also commented on the special bond between the I&PR Department and the Mizoram Journalists Association (MJA), the apex body of journalists in Mizoram, and expressed hope that they would continue to foster a healthy and effective working relationship in the years to come.

Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA) President Pu Zonunsanga Khiangte who also spoke at the event, paid his respects to Pu Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, and stated “Sir has been able to achieve all these feats through sheer hard work, determination and perseverance, and we are extremely proud of him.”

Pu Lalbiakthanga Pachuau has been an active working journalist since the year 1980, and was recognized as a ‘Prominent Press Representative’ by the Mizoram Government in the year 2016. He was also the MJA President for three terms, Vice President for two terms and Secretary for one term.  Apart from his work as a journalist, Pu Lalbiakthanga Pachuau has also been at the forefront of many social causes and civil society initiatives in the States including 1). President, 2nd World War Veteran Association, 2). President, Mizoram Social Defence Union leh 3). President, Association for Voluntary Blood Donation, Mizoram (2010 -2014) During his long tenure as the President, AVBD, the proportion of voluntary blood donation in the State jumped from 22.47% in 2001 to 91% in 2011. He is also a prominent leader of the cooperative movement in Mizoram, and was the first president of the Mizoram Co-operative Society. 

Today’s program was chaired by DIPR Jt.Director Pu C Lalnunkima.