YMA day observed in Mizoram

AIZAWL, June 15 ? The establishment of the apex body of the Mizos, Young Mizo Association, was today observed in the whole of Mizoram and other places where ethnic Mizos live, reports PTI. Mizoram Governor Amolak Rattan Kohli, urged all members of the YMA to expose the spirit of ?Tlawmngaihna? or self-sacrifice, the great custom and tradition of the Mizos to the outside world through cultural exchanges and sports. The day was marked by YMA members, young and old, by planting trees, doing community works like cleaning streets and villages and helping the poor and the sick. YMA, then Young Lushai Association (YLA) was formed by a group of Wales Christian missionaries led by Rev L Evans, leaders on June 15, 1935. YLA was rechristened into YMA on October seven, 1947. Establishment of this Mizo apex body replaced the old tradition of ?zawlbuk? or made dormitory where all able bodied men slept and learned all traditional values. The State Government declared YMA day as public holiday when all the government offices and educational institutions remained close today to mark the occasion.