Young Mizo Association

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Young Mizo Association
AbbreviationYMA
FormationJune 15, 1935;88 years ago (1935-06-15)
Type Voluntary association
Legal status Active Indian society
Purpose Heritage conservation
Conservation of nature
Charitable services
Headquarters Aizawl, Mizoram
Region served
Northeast India
Fields Social work
Community service
Membership
Any Mizo puberty and above
Official language
Mizo
President
Lalhmachhuana
Website Homepage
Formerly called
Young Lushai Association

The Young Mizo Association (YMA) is the largest and most comprehensive non-profit, secular, nongovernmental organisation of the Mizo people. It was established on 15 June 1935, originally as the Young Lushai Association (YLA), which was later renamed as the "Young Mizo Association" in 1947. [1] [2] It was initiated by the Welsh Christian missionaries who understood the need of cultural conservation of the Mizo tribe, who were under pressure of political and social modernisations. In 1977, it was registered under Indian Societies Registration Act. [3]

Contents

The association is administered by a central committee (Central YMA), headquartered at Aizawl, and under which there are 5 sub-headquarters, 49 groups and 805 branches, [4] which covers all of Mizoram and some parts of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura. [3]

History

By 1935, Christianity had taken over most of the traditional Mizo lifestyle, formal education system had been introduced, British rule was about to be revoked and local administration was to be subjected to Indian politics. The basic tribal administrative system Zawlbuk was dissolving. The traditional social security, custom and training ground for young men was coming to an end, thereby necessitating a substitute of the tribal institution urgently. As serendipity would have it, a thunderstorm on the Monday evening of 3 June 1935, right after worship service, drove the Welsh missionaries and the Mizo church leaders to the nearby residence of Miss Kattie Hughes (known to Mizos as Pi Zaii), at Aijal (now Aizawl), wherein they made an impromptu proposal over a cup of tea for establishing an association that would unite all the Mizo people. [5] [6] As a Christian gathering, the initial proposed name was Young Mizo Christian Association, to rhyme with Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), which on scrutiny they noticed had a restrictive and religious fundamentalist connotation. Then Rev David Edward (Zorema Pa) came up with "Young Lushai Association" akin to their familiar Young Wales Association in Wales. The name was unanimously accepted. It was also agreed that the association would be formally inaugurated on the coming 15 June. [7]

The exact number and identity of the people attended were not recorded, but the following people were listed: [8]

  1. Rev David Edward (Zorama Pa)
  2. Upa D. Ṭhianga
  3. Rev Lewis Evans (Pu Niara)
  4. Upa Chawngzika
  5. Miss Kattie Hughes
  6. Pu Muka
  7. Rev Chhuahkhama
  8. Pu Vankhuma
  9. Pu L. Kailuia
  10. Pu L.H. Liana
  11. Upa Ch. Pasena

YLA was unveiled on 5 June 1935 at the grand public meeting at Nepali School, Sikulpuikawn, with a candle lighting ceremony and election of the officials. [9] The first officers were: [10]

Branches were soon created in every village, and all Mizo of age were soon registered members. The advent of Indian Independence incited new political and ethnic identity revivals in Mizoram (Lushai Hills, as it was called). For democratic administrative system, a political party was need. As the only and most endorsed organisation, YLA itself was suggested in 1945 to be the first political party. But the central committee objected to it, and this prompted the creation of an entirely political party, the Mizo Union. Then the terminology "Mizo" began to have new revolutionary meaning, it had much more inclusive and panoramic implications than "Lushai", which in any case was the Welsh's misnomer for "Lusei", a major clan of the Mizo tribe. Consequently, the central YLA committee resolved to change YLA to "Young Mizo Association" (YMA) on 7 October 1947. [11] [12]

YMA was registered as SR No. 4 of 1977 [8] under Indian Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860) on 14 May 1977 to the Government of Mizoram. [3]

Aims and objectives

YMA has three fundamental mottos: [5] [6] [13]

The ten commitments

YMA imposes its members of [5] [13]

  1. Self-discipline and righteousness
  2. Good management of family
  3. Just and truthfulness
  4. Tolerance
  5. Politeness
  6. Chivalry and usefulness
  7. Social commitment
  8. Respect for religion
  9. Preservation of culture
  10. Abstinence from liquor and drugs

YMA fosters an ethnic belonging that transcends national borders, both inter and intra. [14]

Emblem and colour

The emblem, as described in the constitution of Young Mizo Association, is a flamed torch with which the abbreviation YMA is written, which is in turn held by a hand inside a circle. The torch has three flames that signifies the three mottos of the association. The ten sparks radiating from the flames represent the ten commitments. A ribbon at the base bears an inscription "YMA" at the centre, with "ESTD"' written on the left side and "1935" on the right. [13]

The official colour is a tricoloured horizontal stripe of equal sizes. The three colours represent the earliest man-made colours of the Mizo ancestors. First, red on top, denotes the brightness of the association. Second, white in the middle, shows sanctity. And the black bottom symbolizes a concern for the poor, the despair and the hapless. [15]

Publications

Young Mizo Association publishes a monthly magazine YMA Chanchinbu in Mizo since October 1973. [3] [5] It has a circulation of 10,000 copies. It also has a quarterly YMA News published in English. [10]

Awards and recognition

Officers

The YMA officers are elected by the general body every two years. The 74th General Conference held at Biate on 26 October 2023 elected the following offices for 2023-2025: [20]

Related Research Articles

Mizo Union was the first political party in Mizoram, northeast India. It was founded on 6 April 1946 at Aizawl as the Mizo Common People's Union. At the time of independence of India from the british rule in india in 1947, the party was the only political force in the Lushai Hills. It won the first Mizoram District Council general election under the new Indian Union in 1951, and consecutively in 1957, 1962 and 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Mizoram</span>

The history of Mizoram encompasses the history of Mizoram which lies in the southernmost part of northeast India. It is a conglomerate history of several ethnic groups of Chin people who migrated from Chin State of Burma. But information of their patterns of westward migration are based on oral history and archaeological inferences, hence nothing definite can be said. The recorded history started relatively recently around the mid-19th century when the adjoining regions were occupied by the British monarchy. Following religious, political and cultural revolutions in the mid-20th century majority of the people agglomerated into a super tribe, Mizo. Hence the officially recognised settlement of the Mizos became Mizoram.

Vanlalzawma a politician from Mizoram who was a Member of the Mizoram in the 13th Lok Sabha and 14th Lok Sabha. Before he became a politician, he was the president of Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) in 1993 at the age of 37 and served two terms. During this period CYMA had wildlife conservation as its yearly goal and Vanlalzawma received an award for CYMA from the President of India, for successful wildlife conservation in Mizoram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mizo language</span> Tibeto-Burman language spoken primarily in northeastern India

The Mizo language is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken mainly in the Indian state of Mizoram, where it is the official language and lingua franca. It is the mother tongue of the Mizo people and some members of the Mizo diaspora. Other than Mizoram, it is also spoken in Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, and Assam states of India, Sagaing Region and Chin State in Myanmar, and Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. It is mainly based on the Lusei dialect but it has also derived many words from its surrounding Mizo clans.

Pachhunga University College (PUC) is a public institute in Aizawl, Mizoram, and the only constituent college of Mizoram University, a central university established by an Act of Parliament of India. Founded in 1958 as Aijal College, it is the oldest and largest college in Mizoram, by enrolment and campus size. It started with intermediate of arts courses, and later expanded to bachelor's degrees in arts, commerce and science. With the opening of master's degree courses in Mizo, philosophy and life sciences, it became the first postgraduate college in Mizoram.

Brigadier Ṭhenphunga Sailo, AVSM was an officer of the Indian Army, and the second and twice the Chief Minister of Mizoram, a state in northeast India. He was the creator of Mizoram People's Conference, one of the major political parties in Mizoram. He was a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Padma Shri for his humanitarian works during his military service, and Mizo Award for his lifetime achievements.

<i>Vanglaini</i>

Vanglaini is a daily newspaper in Mizoram, northeast India, published in the Mizo language. It is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India. It is owned, edited, and published by K. Sapdanga. It remains the newspaper in Mizoram with the largest circulation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Herbert Lorrain</span> British missionary

James Herbert Lorrain, or Pu Buanga, was a Scottish Baptist missionary in northeast India, including Mizoram, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. He and Frederick William Savidge reduced the Lushai language to writing—devised an alphabet using Roman lettering and phonetic form of spelling based on Hunterian system translation; compiled grammar and dictionaries for missionary activities and clerical administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mizo Zirlai Pawl</span>

Mizo Zirlai Pawl is a Mizo multinational student organization and apex students body in Mizoram state. Established on 27 October 1935 in Shillong by Mizo earlier educated students. Originally as the Lushai Students Association (LSA), which was later replaced with the "Mizo Zirlai Pawl" on 1 September 1946. As Mizoram State government notified MZP raising day 27 October was observed as "Zirlaite Ni" from 2008 in Mizoram. It was registered as SR No. 35 of 1969–70 under Indian Societies Registration Act. Its general headquarters is in the state capital of Mizoram, Aizawl. And it has 12 headquarters inside and outside of Mizoram state, such as Churachandpur, Behliangchhip, and in Mizoram state - Serchhip, Biate, Champhai, Darlawn, Kolasib, Mamit, Zawlnuam, Saitual, Lunglei and Khawzawl. It has 50 Sub-Headquarters and many branches.

Mizo literature is the literature written in Mizo ṭawng, the principal language of the Mizo peoples, which has both written and oral traditions. It has undergone a considerable change in the 20th century. The language developed mainly from the Lushai language, with significant influence from Pawi language, Paite language and Hmar language, especially at the literary level.

William Williams was a Welsh Presbyterian missionary to Khasi Hills, northeast India, in the late 19th century. He was a son of a ship captain in Nanternis, a small village in Wales. Following his father's footstep he became a sailor for five years. Then he took a profession in carpentry for two years. After graduating in theology from East London Missionary Training Institute he became a pastor. Pursuing his ambition he became a missionary of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Foreign Mission to Khasi people in India from 1887 until his death. He died of typhoid in 1892.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zawlbuk</span> Traditional bachelorsʼ quarters of the Mizo people

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Zairema was a Presbyterian minister, and a pioneer in theology and literature among the Mizo people of northeast India. He was the first Mizo to obtain the degrees of BSc and BD. He died of cardiac problem on the morning of 17 December 2008 at his residence in Aizawl at the age of 91. He is best remembered as the "father of Mizoram Synod".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kohhran Thianghlim</span> Church in Aizawl, India

Kohhran Thianghlim is a Christian denomination in Mizoram, northeast India. It was founded by Dr L.B. Sailo in 1984. The founder is a certified veterinary doctor working as the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Government of Mizoram. It is headquartered in Aizawl at Chawlhhmun, where its Solomon's Temple is located. It is administered by the Executive Committee, which has subordinate boards to manage sectional activities. It is spread all over Mizoram with seven administrative divisions. It uses David's star as insignia on its flag, emblem and Temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frederick William Savidge</span>

Frederick William Savidge was a pioneer English Christian missionary in northeast India. He and James Herbert Lorrain brought Protestantism to Mizoram, and some parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Together they were entirely responsible for the creation of written language in Mizo, beginning of literacy, origin of formal education and establishment of churches in Mizoram. They devised the original Mizo alphabets based on Roman script, prepared the first book and dictionary in Mizo, started the first school among the Mizos. Mizoram has become the most Christian populated state in India. As a professional educator Savidge was single-handedly responsible for introducing quality education in Mizoram. He is deservedly known as the Father of Mizo Education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Christianity in Mizoram</span> Christianity in Mizoram

The history of Christianity in Mizoram covers the origin and development of all forms of Christianity in Mizoram since the British occupation at the end of the 19th century. Christianity arrived as a consequence of tribal warfare, raids of British plantations, and the ensuing punitive British military expedition called the Lushai Expedition of 1871. The subsequent annexation of the erstwhile Lushai Hills to the British Empire opened the gateway for British Christian missions to evangelise the Mizo people.

Sângthankima is a humanitarian and social worker in Mizoram, India. He is the founder of Thutak Nunpuitu Team (TNT), a voluntary organisation, which runs the largest charitable institution in Mizoram. His institution, a registered society since 1991 under the Firms and Societies in India, started as a rehabilitation society for alcoholics in Champhai town. With donation of a plot of land in Aizawl city, it expanded into an orphanage with formal school, health centre, and sanatorium. He received the Padma Shri Award in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laltluangliana Khiangte</span> Mizo academic, playwright and poet

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phullen</span> Place in Mizoram, India

Phullen is a town in Saitual district, in the Indian state of Mizoram. As per the Constitution of India and Panchayati Raj Act, Phullen is administrated by a Village Council who are the elected representatives of the village. It is located 125 kilometres (78 mi) east of the State Capital Aizawl, which is also the capital of Mizoram. Phullen is a Block headquarters of Phullen Block, which is bounded by Darlawn Block towards west, Ngopa Block towards East, Thingsulthliah Block

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British rule in the Lushai Hills</span> Period in the history of Mizoram from 1889 to 1947

British rule in the Lushai Hills, spanning from the late 1889 to the 1947, commenced with the Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889-90 leading to the formal establishment of the two administrative districts in 1889 and continued through the integration of the regions into the province of Assam with both districts being merged as the Lushai Hills until India gained independence in 1947.

References

  1. ↑ "Mizoram observes 75th anniversary of YMA". Hindustan Times. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  2. ↑ "YMA Day celebrated in Mizoram". Business Standard. 15 June 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Vinod, Nibandh (15 June 2023). "What is YMA Day, and Why is it Celebrated in Mizoram?". News18. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  4. ↑ Khojol, Henry L. (20 April 2020). "Reading bonus for bibliophiles: Mizoram beckons bookworms". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Mohsin, Haroon (26 August 2022). "YMA Day". National Today. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  6. 1 2 Newsd (13 June 2023). "YMA Day 2023 (India): Everything You Need To Know!". Newsd.in. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  7. ↑ Zorema J (2007). Indirect Rule In Mizoram 1890-1954. New Delhi: Mittal Publications. pp. 109–110. ISBN   9788183242295.
  8. 1 2 YMA. "Profile of YMA". centralyma.org.in. Central Young Mizo Association. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  9. ↑ Khiangte, Jonathan (6 June 2021). "YMA, Kumpinu doletna leh Ram leh Hnam hmangaihna puakchhuak (Dinhmun hniam zawk te hian sawi theih an nei lo em ni?" - Gayatri Spivak, 1985)". Vanglaini. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "Young Mizo Association: Mizoram". mizoram.nic.in. National Informatics Centre, Mizoram State Centre. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  11. ↑ Walzer M (16 February 2010). "Civil Society, State and the Tribal Society: A case study on Young Mizo Association, Mizoram". dalitandtribe.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  12. ↑ Chhana (15 June 2011). "YMA Day chibai" [A YMA Day greetings]. mi(sual).com (in Mizo). Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  13. 1 2 3 "YMA Day – June 15th". RitiRiwaz. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  14. ↑ Puia, Roluah (30 June 2023). Nationalism in the Vernacular: State, Tribes, and Politics of Peace in Northeast India (1 ed.). Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/9781009346061. ISBN   978-1-009-34606-1.
  15. ↑ Thanhnuna RL (5 June 2013). "YMA NIHPHUNG LEH HRUAITUTE MAWHPHURHNA" [Nature of YMA and duties of the leaders]. ymaaw.weebly.com (in Mizo). Chandmari West Branch YMA. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  16. ↑ Vanglaini (14 June 2013). "YMA-in national award dawng dawn" [YMA to receive national award]. vanglaini.org (in Mizo). Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  17. ↑ Zothlifim (15 June 2013). "YMA-in chawimawina dawng" [YMA receive award]. zothlifim.com (in Mizo). Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  18. ↑ India Noon (24 June 2013). "List of National Awards for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse 2013". indianoon.com. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  19. ↑ isikkim (27 June 2013). "Young Mizo Association gets national award from President". isikkim.com. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  20. ↑ "Vanglaini - Tualchhung | Central YMA president thar Lalhmachhuana". Vanglaini. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
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