Aizawl: The Mizoram Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted the Mizo patriotic song “Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che” as the state’s official song.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who moved the resolution, said around 14 states in the country already have their own state songs and there was no objection to Mizoram having one as long as it did not conflict with the National Anthem and National Song.
He said the state Cabinet, at its August 10 meeting, had decided that Mizoram should have an official state song and unanimously selected “Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che”, composed by renowned Mizo writer and composer Rokunga.
According to Lalduhoma, the song proclaims God as the sovereign ruler and steadfast foundation above all nations and as the King of kings.
“It is a prayer seeking God’s guidance, protection and righteous rule over our land and people,” he said.
“May it inspire us to establish God’s kingdom in the governance of our land and give us the faith and strength to overcome difficult and challenging times,” the Chief Minister added.
Lalduhoma said the General Administration Department (GAD) would issue guidelines or a code governing the use of the state song.
He recommended that whenever the song is officially sung, everyone should stand, place their right hand over the left side of the chest and sing it in a prayerful and reverent spirit.
Following a prolonged discussion involving several members, the House unanimously passed the resolution adopting the song as Mizoram’s official state song.
Composed by Rokunga in 1947, “Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che” (Be Thou our Counsellor) was declared a Mizo anthem by the Mizo National Front (MNF) during the insurgency period.
Since then, the song has long been considered the state anthem, although it lacked official recognition.
In 2022, the Mizoram government under the MNF had directed all schools across the state to sing the song before classes commenced.