Guwahati witnessed a unique moment recently as former Mizoram Chief Minister and Mizo National Front (MNF) president, Zoramthanga, was formally awarded his degree certificate by Gauhati University. The significant event, held at the Phanidhar Dutta Seminar Hall, comes an astounding six decades after he successfully completed his final undergraduate examinations.
University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta presented the certificate to Mr. Zoramthanga. The delay in receiving his academic credential dates back to 1966 when, shortly after passing his examinations with a second-class result from Dhanamanjuri College in Manipur – then affiliated with Gauhati University – he made the pivotal decision to join the Mizo National Front's armed struggle.
English was Mr. Zoramthanga's major subject during his studies. However, the tumultuous political landscape of the time led him to go underground with the MNF, under the leadership of Laldenga, making it impossible for him to collect his degree. He became a close associate of Laldenga, playing a crucial role until the historic Mizoram Peace Accord was signed in 1986.
Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Mr. Zoramthanga delivered a lecture titled “From Guerrilla Fighter to a Peacemaker” during the ceremony. He encapsulated his life’s trajectory by stating, “My life journey has been a long one, from conflict to peace and from insurgency to politics.” This belated recognition from Gauhati University serves as a poignant testament to his remarkable personal and political evolution.
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