Mizoram Foundation Day is observed every year on February 20 to celebrate the northeastern state’s achievement of statehood in 1987. This historic event marks the evolution of the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council into a full-fledged state, making Mizoram the 23rd state of India. The day is also significant for Arunachal Pradesh, which achieved statehood on February 20, 1987.
Mizoram, located in the northeastern part of India, is the southernmost landlocked state in the area, sharing borders with Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and international frontiers with Myanmar and Bangladesh. This state is celebrated for its lush green forests, rich tribal culture, and distinct biodiversity. Mizoram Foundation Day is a significant celebration that honors the struggles and aspirations of the Mizo people, who fought for political recognition and autonomy.
The journey towards statehood for Mizoram began in the early 1960s, when Mizo tribal leaders established the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1961. This organization was created to protect the political rights of the Mizo people and to pursue greater autonomy from the Indian government. A significant source of discontent stemmed from the central administration’s neglect, compounded by the devastating famine of 1959, known as Mautam, which destroyed crops and caused widespread suffering.
