Art & Culture

77th Independence Day celebrated at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, August 15, 2023: The 77th Independence Day of India was celebrated with great fervor and patriotism at Kamalanagar today. Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the Hon’ble Chief Executive Member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council, graced the ceremonial event held at the Kamalanagar playground as the Chief Guest and did the honour of unfurling the national flag to the chorus of the national anthem sung by students of the Duloram Public Higher Secondary School, Kamalanagar. The celebration which drew a massive crowd of spectators was attended by Pu Lalneihthanga Colney, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Members of District Councils, officials from both State and CADC government bodies, heads of institutions in Kamalanagar, and a host of other dignitaries.

This year’s celebration showcased the participation of 10 parade contingents in a spirited march past. The Chief Guest, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma conducted the ceremonial inspection of the parade contingents. Baptist Boarding School has been adjudged the best performing contingent. The P.C. Higher Secondary School, Chawngte-P, secured the second position, while the girls’ unit NCC cadets from Government Kamalanagar College secured the third place. The event was further enriched by captivating performances, including songs and cultural dances by the Chakma Mahila Samiti, Chawngte-P Branch YMA, Chawngte-L Branch YMA, and the Art and Culture Department of CADC. Final matches of the Independence Day Football tournament were played. In the women’s football match between Chawngte-P women’s football team and Govt. Kamalanagar College, the Chawngte P women team emerged victorious, while in the men’s football final match, Megchaga FC claimed victory over Bajeisora FC.

During his address, Chief Guest Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma underscored the works and achievements of various departments of CADC during 2022-2023, including key initiatives that are set to transform the region’s infrastructure and quality of life of the people.

Highlighting the ongoing efforts in education, he shared that the construction of 10 school buildings across different locations in the CADC with funding support from the North Eastern Council (NEC), have reached 79.74% completion. He expressed hope that the completion of these school buildings will uplift the educational landscape of the region.

On the pressing issue of water supply, the Hon’ble Chief Executive Member noted significant developments in this domain stating that Chawngte Rural Water Supply Scheme under NABARD RIDFT and Jal Jeevan Mission are making substantial progress and are expected to be operational by December 2023. Once completed, these projects will ensure regular water supply, replacing the current irregular intervals of 2-3 months.

A significant announcement was made during his speech – plans to establish a Chakma students’ hostel in Kolkata. Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma highlighted the groundwork that has already been laid out during his recent visit to Kolkata and construction will be started on a 10 katha (about 2675 sq. metre) of land as soon as paper works and documentation is finalized. He expressed the hope that this initiative would provide a much-needed solution for students and patients traveling to the city for education and medical treatment. The Hon’ble CEM also the honoured the winners of the various categories of the Independence Day tournament organized by the Chawngte Badminton Club by distributing prizes.

Amidst the patriotic fervor of the Independence Day, the Chief Executive Member, accompanied by his colleagues and the SDO (Civil), Chawngte, Pu Lalneihthanga Colney, undertook a meaningful visit to the Community Health Centre, Chawngte, where he provided financial assistance of Rs.1000 each to every patient undergoing treatment at the CHC.

Earlier in the day, Dg. Kala Soga Chakma, Executive Member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council, hoisted the national flag in the premises of the CADC Secretariat. Amongst a gathering of District Council Members, both past and present, CADC officials, and dignitaries, he reflected on the significance of India’s Independence Day and the sacrifices made by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Rani Laxmi Bhai in securing freedom from British rule. He called upon all individuals to strive for progress and development that aligns with advanced communities.

CADC leadership calls on Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram

Kamalanagar, 11 August 2023: The Hon’ble Chief Executive Member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, today led a high-level delegation in a productive meeting with the Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, His Excellency Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. The meeting, held at the Governor’s Bungalow in Aizawl, discussed crucial subjects concerning the Chakma Autonomous District Council.

The meeting, which included cabinet colleagues, Members of District Council (MDCs), and prominent party leaders discussed various issues concerning the progress and development of CADC. Key subjects that were discussed in the meeting included the Gazette Notification of CADC Rules, disparity in distribution of Budget allocations among Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram, MUDRA Loans, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Fishery Schemes.

Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Hon’ble Governor, while sharing valuable inputs with the delegation also expressed his commitment to actively intervene and play a constructive role for a positive transformation of Chakma Autonomous District Council.

Allocation of portfolios to the Executive Members of CADC

In exercise of powers conferred under Rule 30 of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Conduct of Business etc.) Rules, 2002 and as amended from time to time, the Chief Executive Member of Chakma Autonomous District Council is pleased to allocate the portfolios among the members of the Executive Committee of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council as shown below with immediate effect.

Executive-Committee-of-11th-CADCDownload

Health Minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana visits Kamalanagar; Longpuighat PHC to be operationalised soon

Kamalanagar, 9 June, 2023: Dr. R. Lalthangliana, Minister of Health and Family Welfare who was on a 3-day tour to Lawngtlai District arrived Kamalanagar today at 5:30 PM. A short cultural programme was arranged on his visit at Art & Culture Hall, Kamalanagar. He was accompanied by Dr. Vanlalsawma, Director, DHS; Dr. Chawngthanchhunga, Joint Director (Malaria), H & FW; Dg. V. Lallungmuana, Member, Industrial Development Board; Dr. K. Vanlalhruaia, State Entomologist (VBD); Dgb. Malsawmthangi Pachuau, State PH Consultant (VBD) and others.

Councillors, Officers, NGO leaders and Health Workers of CADC were also present.

Dr. R. Lalthangliana speaking expressed that the Government is trying to upgrade and improve the health care facilities in Mizoram including CADC. He mentioned that the western and southern belt of Mizoram is endemic to Malaria-borne diseases, the role of NGOs especially the YCA, MCSU and Chakma Mahila Samiti will be of paramount importance when it comes to mobilise and create awareness on Malaria in CADC area.

He suggested that the District Council authority should make necessary steps to eradicate the deadly disease. The health ministry of the state is not in a position to tackle it alone.

He further mentioned that the Longpuighat PHC will be functional soon. Everything is in place now. However, he suggested that a local MBBS Doctor would be appropriate to look after the PHC.

In addition, to maintain and continue the services in Borapansury PHC, every possible help from the State Government shall be undertaken so that it can cater and deal with more health-related patients.

While Dr. Rinisha Chakma, Medical Officer, Chawngte CHC, Kamalanagar shared the information of the CHC including the services it provides. A power point presentation on Malaria was presented by Dgb. Malsawmthangi Pachuau and how the Chakmas are prone to the disease due to their lifestyle.

Representatives of NGOs also met him in private to discuss health care-related issues pertaining to the CADC area.

He visited the only College within CADC at Kamalanagar and has assessed the condition of Govt. Kamalanagar College and the problems they are enduring at present.

The programme was concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman of Chakma Autonomous District Council.

51st CADC Day observed; ES, CADC appeals for contribution for development of CADC

Kamalanagar, April 29, 2023: The 51st CADC Day was observed today in the premises of CADC Secretariat. Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, Education Officer (P/S) who is in charge Executive Secretary, Chakma Autonomous District Council hoisted the National and CADC Flag followed by the chorus singing of the CADC anthem to mark the occasion.

Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, in his speech, remembered with gratitude and honour all the founder leaders of CADC like Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Mideya Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma and Dg. Gaur Nitai Chakma who were instrumental in getting a separate Autonomous Council for the Chakmas of Mizoram out of Pawi-Lakher Regional Council.

He also stressed that there are numerous others who had contributed to the creation of Chakma Autonomous District Council from the beginning but remained unsung due to lack of proper documentation and records.

“People from all sections of the Chakma Society including public, employees and religious leaders have contributed in securing the Council. They had a dream of having their own land in the form of Autonomous Council. To preserve language, culture and for all-round development of the Chakmas, they felt the need for a land of their own,” he added.

During the interim period of the first Executive Committee of the Chakma Regional Council in 1972, the then employees along with the leaders of the Council took the onus upon themselves to transform the Council towards the path of all-round development.

He appealed to all the Heads of Departments, Officers, Employees and others serving under Chakma Autonomous District Council to participate in fulfilling the dream envisaged by the founders of CADC.

Now, the remarkable transformation of CADC can be observed how much it has developed in the last 50 years and hence, we all have the role to play toward its development.

In Republic Day address, CADC Chairman appeals to the youths to enter Civil Services

Kamalanagar, January 26, 2023: Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, Chakma Autonomous District Council unfurled National Flag on the occasion of celebration of 74th Republic Day of India, organized in the premises of CADC Secretariat, Kamalanagar.

Accentuating the importance of the day, he recalled Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar the architect of the Constitution of India.

Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya in his address appealed to the leaders, senior members and officers to refresh the minds of the youths who are easily swayed by the naysayers and fake news. He urged the youths to make use of social media for productive and beneficial purpose and refrain from such destructive engagement.

He implored the youth that instead of indulging in negativity, to focus on higher studies and target for civil services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) which are in dire need in our society. The appeal comes in the backdrop of rampant and unrestricted use of social media especially WhatsApp in the recent time to criticize the Executive Committee of 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council.

However, he remarked that despite the unfriendly geographical location of the Chakma Autonomous District Council which has been the hurdle for the pace of development of the Council, it is still making progress in its way. He mentioned that due to road connectivity in the Council, accessibility has become easier. He also mentioned that we have our own religious leaders who otherwise had to come from Burma. There is one meditation centre at Kamalanagar which also signify our progress in the field.

He further mentioned that though the 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council went through thick and thin in this term and witnessed five (5) Chief Executive Members (CEMs), yet the flagship programmes like SEDP and others did not get affected. He also referred many Central Schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission under which free water connection is being provided in remote villages.

He recalled that in the term of 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council, three members of District Council (MDCs) have their lives. They are Dg. Pranab Kumar Chakma who died due to heart attack and Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma who lost their lives in a tragic car accident recently.

In the closing note, he appealed to the officers to uphold the Rule of Law.

Meeting regarding Golden Jubilee Closing Ceremony held

Kamalanagar, Dec 7, 2022: A meeting pertaining to the celebration of closing ceremony of the CADC Golden Jubilee was held today at the Conference Hall of CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar. The meeting organized by the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee was attended by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC who is also the Chairman of the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, all Head of the Departments, representatives of the Sub-Committees of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee among others.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman recalled Dg Sishir Kumar Chakma, A&CO, CADC who recently passed away and his contribution towards making the inaugural programme a successful one. He also expressed his thankfulness to all the employees of CADC from 4th grade to the Head of the Department who have contributed one day pay amounting to Rs. 33,85,165 for the impending celebration slated from 20th December, 2022 to 21st December, 2022 at Helipad Ground, Bajeisora. He implored all to bring a sense of mass participation as the programme is a lifetime moment for one and all.

As sought in the meeting, the representatives of various Sub-Committees of the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee namely – Souvenir Publication Committee, Felicitation Committee, Games & Sports Committee (Traditional), Exhibition Committee (Traditional Wares), Photo Album Committee have shared their respective reports and the items in line for the celebration.

The Flag of CADC shall be distributed to each and every household of all the 88 villages under CADC to mark the occasion. Sign Board bearing small account of the village shall be put up at entry and exit point of every village.

Earlier, it was decided that the Golden Jubilee celebration will be held through the year with the opening and closing ceremony to be organised at Kamalanagar. In between celebration programmes will also be organised at the sub-headquarters. However, on 10th November, 2022, owing to the resignation of the CEM, CADC and the consequent dissolution of the Executive Committee of CADC, the planned celebration of the Golden Jubilee in the sub-headquarters of CADC was postponed.

The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks from the Chair.

76th Independence Day celebrated at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, 15 August, 2022: The 76th Independence Day of India celebrated at Kamalanagar, Chakma Autonomous District Council was graced by Pu Lawmawma Tochhawng, Vice-Chairman, Lunglei High Power Committee as Chief Guest. The celebration organized by SDO(Civil), Chawngte was held in the helipad ground of Baganpara.

March-past were performed by contingents represented by different schools of Kamalanagar and Chawngte area.

The Branch YMA, Chawngte P entertained the audience with the Cheraw dance while Chakma traditional dance was performed by the artists of Art & Culture Department, CADC. Local popular artists enliven the programme with their solo performances.

Prizes were given away by the Chief Guest to the participating teams and winners of badminton and football tournaments organized to mark the celebration of 76th Independence Day. NCC, Government Kamalanagar College was adjudged the best parade contingent. First prize in football was bagged by Chawngte-L FC while badminton double was won by Pu Ramnienga and Pu LH. Lalmalsawma under category-A, Pu C. Lalnunsanga and Pu LalhmingsangaKhiangte under category-B, Pu LH. Lalmalsawma and Pu Lalengzauva under 40+ category, Pu Jerry Lalmuanawma Pachuau and Lalengzauva.

A friendly football match was played between a team comprising of senior officers of CADC and a team by Chawngte Area Football Association to commemorate the Day.

Among the various achievements of the MNF led state government highlighted by Pu Lawmawma Tochhawng in his speech he also talked about the Astro Turf football ground at Kamalanagar which he said shall benefit the youth of the region in promoting career in football.

Earlier, in the morning, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Chief Executive Member, CADC unfurled the National Flag in the premises of CADC Secretariat in the presence of officials and staff of CADC.

Speaking during the programme he stated that many entitlements of CADC remains to be fulfilled while assuring to pursue them in the right earnest with the concerned authority. He urged of all the employees to be faithful with their respective duties and responsibilities in service to CADC.

He thanked the employees of CADC for coming forward to contribute voluntarily one day pay of their salary towards celebration of the CADC Golden Jubilee.

A day earlier, the celebration programme came under cloud with call for its boycott by the local NGOs for non-fulfilment of their demands for regular power supply, adequate staffing and equipping of the local hospital, separate SDO and BDO for Chawngte RD Block and demand for more police personals and lady constable in the local police station. The boycott was called off on assurance to meet the demand.

Chakma Autonomous District Council celebrates Golden Jubilee

Kamalanagar, 29 April, 2022: Chakma Autonomous District Council today kicked off the celebration of 50 years of CADC’s existence with an inaugural programme organized at Kamalanagar Halipad. Pu Lalrinliana Sailo, Hon’ble Speaker, Mizoram graced the occasion as Chief Guest who arrived from Aizawl this morning accompanied by Pu Lalrinawma, Commissioner & Secretary, Mizoram Legislative Assembly and Pu R. Vanlalsawta, Joint Secretary, District Council & Minority Affairs Department.

Distinguished guests Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC, Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, West Tuipui Assembly Constituency, Dr. Buddha Dhan Chakma, MLA, Tuichawng Assembly Constituency, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Chairman, CADC have attended the programme.

The celebration started with chanting of prayers by Bhikkhus and release of gas balloon for peace by the Chief Guest. In tribute candles were lighted before the framed photographs of pioneers of CADC autonomy movement and Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, Member, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee offered condolences to all the deceased councilors.

The programme showcased the varied aspects of tradition Jhumma life of the Chakmas performed by the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the different stages of Jhum cultivation, fishing, spinning of thread from cotton and weaving, dragging of a country boat over a shallow rapid and marriage rituals.

The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti, Cheraw dance by residents of Saizawh (W) and traditional dance Dailo by the Bru community.

Pu Lalrinliana Sailo speaking recalled how the venue of the programme, the Kamalanagar Helipad was once not like this but had three hillocks which were flattened to form a flat piece of land in which he took part while urging the three main communities living in CADC to live and mingle in harmony like the three hillocks.

He urged the YCA to work for the progress and development of CADC and to stand guard to check corruption and ensure proper utilization of developmental fund.
He donated Rs.50,000 and Rs.40,000 to the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti respectively in recognition of their social service.

The CEM, CADC while speaking of the great sacrifice and pain endured by the pioneers of CADC autonomy movement narrated in detail how the leaders like Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Gaur Nitai Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma and Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma maintained a sustained demand for autonomy for the Chakmas of Mizoram through constitutional means by making trip after trip to Shillong and Guwahati despite the wretched condition of the Chakma community then.

“It is our duty that we make ourselves worthy of the great sacrifice made and the legacy left upon us”, he emphasized.

“The Chakma Autonomous District Council has restored partially the Chakmas their right to self-determination which was once enjoyed by them prior to the British subjugating the Chakma king by treachery”, he stated while adding, “None of us should harbour even by a trace that any favour has been done on us by having been granted the autonomy in the form of CADC, as such thinking can take toll upon our morale and dignity”.

He further added, “It is our natural right and all princely states existing during the time of India’s Independence were granted the choice for self-determination”. The programme can be viewed here.

The celebration will continue in the evening with a cultural programme scheduled.

CADC Golden Jubilee emblem unveiled

Kamalanagar, 18 April, 2022: An emblem to commemorate the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Chakma Autonomous District Council was unveiled today in a programme organized by Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee in the CADC Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. CADC will complete 50 glorious years on 29th of this month.

Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Hon’ble CEM, CADC and Chief Guest of the programme, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Hon’ble Chairman, CADC and Guest of Honour of the programme, Executive Members, CADC, MDCs, Head of Departments of CADC have attended the programme.

The emblem was designed with the figure 50 written in Chakma script with a torch bearing man running, clad in dhoti, enclosed by the digit five while the zero housed the CADC emblem. The number 50 has been traced with the tri-colours of the CADC flag. The running man symbolizes progress and the torch held by the man symbolizes wisdom.

The Golden Jubilee Emblem in colour and black and white

The CEM announced in the programme that the emblem will be used in all official correspondences throughout the Golden Jubilee year to mark the momentous occasion.

The CEM in his speech asserted that the autonomy being enjoyed due to the existence of Chakma Autonomous District Council is not something endowed upon the Chakmas out of favour while adding that it is just restoration of our right which have been taken away by the British.

He said, “The CADC is a recognition by the Constitution of India that we were once a proud self-governing race with unique system of administration headed by a king who administered through his council of Ministers and bureaucrats – Dewan, Talukdar and so on.”

He also appreciated and expressed gratitude to the pioneers of CADC who had the political awareness and farsightedness as far back as 1950 to persist with their demand for right to self-determination and added, “Chakmas are fortunate to have had such leaders”.

“This moment is not only of joy and celebration but also an opportunity to ponder and asses if we had made the progress, we should have in 50 years”, he added.