Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has praised the Roman Catholic Church for its decades-long contribution to education, healthcare, and social service, calling it a vital institution in the progress of Mizoram and the wider Northeast. Speaking at a gathering of the North East Catholic community in New Delhi, the chief minister said the church has consistently stood by the underprivileged and worked for their upliftment. “The Catholic Church has been more than a religious institution; it has been a pillar of education and social change for our people,” Lalduhoma remarked.
He pointed out the contributions of Zoram Entu Pawl, a Catholic organisation in Mizoram, which has played a major role in supporting marginalised communities. He also recalled how Catholic missionaries were among the first to set up schools in the state, opening doors of opportunity for generations of Mizo youth.Highlighting milestones, Lalduhoma said St. Paul’s High School, founded in 1953 as Mizoram’s first high school, remains one of the most respected educational institutions. He credited Catholic-run schools with shaping many of Mizoram’s eminent leaders, including the state’s first chief minister Ch. Chhunga, the first Mizo minister in the Assam government A. Thanglura, and R. Thanhlira, who went on to chair the Assam Public Service Commission.
The chief minister also acknowledged Catholic institutions beyond Mizoram. He cited St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, as one of the oldest and most prestigious centres of higher education in the Northeast, which has produced several notable alumni from across the region. Encouraging today’s youth, Lalduhoma urged young Mizos to carry forward the legacy of their elders with commitment, integrity, and service to society. “The values instilled by church-run institutions should guide our younger generation as they shape the future,” he said.
