By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizoram‘s largest and most influential socio-cultural and voluntary organisation, celebrated its 91st Raising Day across the state on Monday with a series of community service, cultural, and sporting events.
The occasion was observed not only through commemorative functions but also through extensive philanthropic activities. YMA branches across Mizoram organised programmes focused on community welfare, with members undertaking cleanliness drives in villages, localities, and streets. Several branches also extended support to orphanages, rehabilitation centres and economically disadvantaged families by providing relief materials and financial assistance.
Extending his greetings on the occasion, Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh lauded YMA for its longstanding contribution to society. He described the organisation as the state’s largest socio-cultural and voluntary body and acknowledged its pivotal role in community service since its inception.
The Governor praised YMA’s efforts in helping the underprivileged, preserving and promoting Mizo culture, traditions, and heritage, and partnering with the government in implementing various public welfare programmes. He urged people to uphold the cherished Mizo value of Tlawmngaihna-the spirit of selflessness, compassion and voluntary service.
Singh also called on citizens to promote unity among different sections of society, respect elders, and remain connected to their cultural roots. Expressing concern over the increasing threat of drug and substance abuse, he appealed for collective efforts to tackle the menace and safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) president R. Lalngheta echoed similar concerns, urging YMA leaders and members to strengthen their commitment to community service and intensify the fight against drug trafficking. He described drug peddlers as enemies of families, communities, and the state.
Founded on June 15, 1935, as the Young Lushai Association (YLA), the organisation was renamed the Young Mizo Association in 1947. It was established with the encouragement of Welsh Christian missionaries who recognised the need to preserve Mizo culture and identity amid rapid social and political changes.
Today, the organisation is administered by the Central YMA, headquartered in Aizawl. It operates through eight sub-headquarters, 50 groups, and 821 branches spread across Mizoram and parts of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Bangladesh.
With nearly five lakh members within and outside Mizoram, YMA continues to play a vital role in shaping society. The organisation promotes the constructive use of leisure time, social development, Christian ethics, self-discipline, family values, honesty, tolerance, social responsibility, cultural preservation, abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and the advancement of education.