Aizawl, October 31: Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Dangu Nirupam Chakma, today urged Chakma youth to make education their top priority and to preserve their cultural identity and heritage. He was speaking as Chief Guest at the 20th Freshers’ Social Meet, which also included the sports prize distribution, organised by the Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (MCSU), Aizawl Zone, at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl.

Pu H. Lalengmawia, IAS (Retd.), State Chief Information Commissioner, Mizoram, attended as Guest of Honour.

The CEM congratulated MCSU Aizawl Zone on completing twenty editions of the annual event and welcomed the freshers who have recently joined educational institutions in Aizawl.

Education, he said, is not merely about obtaining degrees or securing government jobs, but about building knowledge, character and discipline. He told students that their background should never limit their ambition, whether they come from remote villages or financially modest families. He advised the freshers to stay disciplined, respect their teachers, choose friends wisely and keep away from substance abuse and alcoholism.

Sports build discipline, teamwork and leadership, he said, and he encouraged MCSU to identify and support talented young sportspersons from the community.

Stressing that the community must not forget its roots, the CEM called on the younger generation to take pride in the Chakma language, literature, music, dance and cultural practices. Modernisation, he said, does not mean abandoning cultural heritage. He also encouraged MCSU to promote harmonious relations with other communities of Mizoram.

The CEM said a students’ organisation should go beyond social and sports events to become a centre for leadership training, career guidance and community service. He suggested that MCSU takes up career guidance and coaching for competitive examination, digital literacy and skill development, support for economically weaker students, and awareness on drug abuse and environmental protection.

Stating that the community’s future depends on the quality of education, leadership and human resources developed today, the CEM said that the CADC administration regards education and youth development as important priorities. Community development, he added, cannot rest on the government alone and requires the active participation of students, teachers, parents and civil society organisations. He asked young people not to limit their aspirations to employment, but to become job creators, innovators and entrepreneurs, and to remain responsible citizens of Mizoram and India.

Expressing confidence in the potential of Chakma youth, he called for collective efforts to build a generation that is “educated, skilled, confident, culturally conscious and socially responsible.”

No. 75/2026