Silchar, October 3, 2012: The 73rd Foundation Day of Hmar Students’ Association was celebrated with all gaiety and enthusiasm by the Barak Valley joint headquarters of the organization at Hmarkhawlien near Lakhipur today. Participants from Manipur, Mizoram and Barak Valley as well as Dima Hasao district were present at the celebration. Various cultural troupes from schools in and around Lakhipur added to the colour and verve of the occasion.
The day-long programme began with greetings and silent prayer, followed by congregational song. Invocation by Rev Huolthanglur set the celebration tone and a short speech was delivered by the Association’s general headquarter. It was heightened by modern dance by Ronal. A highlight of the celebration was the HSLC 2012 academic award which was followed by the speech of chief-guest, H T Rothang Hmar, and then momentos’ distribution. Cultural dance competition was yet another presentation to enthrall the assembled guests and invitees. Benediction was delivered by Rev John Lalnunmawi.
The academic award was instituted in memory of Zarzolien Hmar, the former general secretary of the union, who expired on April 21 this year. It carries a citation and a cash of Rs 10,000 which was given away to Janice Malsawmkim. She secured the highest marks among all the HSA members of the area in HSLC examination of 2012. It was also the occasion to hold final match of Zarzolien Memorial Football Tournament in the afternoon witnessed by a large assembly. The evening was enlivened by cultural programme presented by local artistes as well as those from Manipur and Mizoram. Lalthuthlung Hmar, president, and Oliver Sungrohlun, general secretary, Hmar Students’ Association, Barak Valley, expressed their happiness and gratitude to all participants and guests as well as invitees for making the Raising Day memorable and eventful.
Biresh Chandra Nath, SDO civil, Lakhipur, who was the guest of honour, addressing the distinguished assembly, said after joining his office, he gave priority to visit Hmarkhawlien, famous for its pineapple plantations, and discussed with NGOs and clubs as well as the leading citizens how best the products of the area could be made to have its access in the Indian market as a whole. He had prepared a master plan to ensure that the plantation was made round the year for the benefit of the growers. For that, he said schemes and projects were being taken up.
He was aware of the problems of Hmarkhawlien and other tribal areas and in order to have better ideas about them he would be visiting the unvisited areas. He was happy to note that the Hmar Students’ Association and other NGOs ‘have kept alive the rich tradition and culture of the community, known for its wide-variety heritage.
Source: The Sentinel