YMA Day is observed annually on June 15 in the Indian state of Mizoram. It commemorates the founding of the Young Mizo Association, the main non-profit for the Mizo people in India. All schools, universities, enterprises, and government institutions are closed on this day because it is a federal holiday. Members of the Y.M.A. from various localities and municipalities collaborate to provide social services such as the construction of homes for the homeless, cleanliness campaigns, donations to orphanages, and tree planting. It is a day dedicated not only to commemorating the social organisation, but also to preserving its charitable legacy.
The background of YMA Day
The Young Mizo Association (Y.M.A.) was founded in 1935, when the influence of Christianity overshadowed the traditional Mizo way of living in Mizoram State. After a Christian service on the evening of June 3, 1935, a thunderstorm forced the Welsh missionaries and Mizo leaders to seek shelter at Kattie Hughes’ residence. While awaiting the end of the tempest, they consumed a cup of tea. During this meeting, they devised a plan that would unite the entire Mizo population. Initially, the moniker Young Mizo Christian Association was proposed to rhyme with Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.). Nevertheless, Reverend David Edward devised the appellation “Young Lushai Associations.” The organisation was officially inaugurated on June 15, 1935, after all members unanimously agreed on this name. Pioneering it were Mizo Christians. It is comprised of the states of Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. The name was ultimately altered to “Young Mizo Association” on October 7, 1947.
The Y.M.A. has three primary goals and objectives: the proper use of leisure time, the improvement of Mizo society, and the veneration of Christian ethics. In addition, they have 10 commandments, which include self-discipline and righteousness, good family management, being just and honest, tolerance, politeness, chivalry and usefulness, social commitment, reverence for religion, preservation of culture, and abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
The organization’s emblem is a torch with flames in the shape of the initials Y.M.A., three stems below it, and ten sparkles above it. The three stems represent the organization’s three primary goals, while the ten sparkles represent their ten commandments.
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The three-color emblem of the Y.M.A. represents radiance (red), holiness (white), and concern for the impoverished (black).
The minimum age requirement for membership in the Y.M.A. is 14.
Young Lushai Association was intended to sound similar to the Young Wales Association in Wales.
Vanlalruata was elected president for the years 2017 to 2019 and again for the years 2019 to 2021.
Membership in the Y.M.A. is not required for all Mizo residents.
YMA DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | June 15 | Thursday |
2024 | June 15 | Saturday |
2025 | June 15 | Sunday |
2026 | June 15 | Monday |
2027 | June 15 | Tuesday |