A CASE STUDY OF MIZO HMEICHHE TANGRUAL,

AIZAWL, MIZORAM

SUBMITTED BY

LALTLANTHANGI
6TH SEMESTER BACHELOR OF ARTS (EDUCATION CORE)
ROLL NO : 1402BA231
REGISTRATION NO : 4803 of 2014

SUPERVISED BY

Dr. LALTHANSANGI.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

GOVERNMENT AIZAWL COLLEGE

2017
 CERTIFICATION

is is to certify that Laltlanthangi, Roll No 1402BA231, Registration No 4803 of 2014, a

student of 6th Semester BA (Education Core) of Government Aizawl College has complet-

ed her project work entitled ‘A Case Study of Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual Aizawl, Mizoram’

under my guidance. Her work is original and t for submission to Mizoram University,

Aizawl in partial ful llment of the XII (A) Paper for the B.A. (Education Core) Examina-

tion, 2017.

(Dr. LALTHANSANGI)
Associate Professor,
Place : Aizawl Department of Education,
Date : 5th June 2017 Govt. Aizawl College
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to thank GOD for giving me the strength and opportuni-

ty to complete this project work.

I would like to thank my project supervisor Dr. Lalthansangi, without her assistance and

dedicated involvement in every step throughout the process; this project would have nev-

er been accomplished.

I would like to express my gratitude towards my family, friends and classmates for their

co-operation and encouragement, which helped me in completion of this project.

(LALTLANTHANGI)
ROLL NO : 1402BA231
REGISTRATION NO : 4803 of 2014
Government Aizawl College
 CONTENTS

CERTIFICATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LIST OF CONTENTS

SECTION - I INTRODUCTION Pages 1 - 11

1.1 MEANING OF CASE STUDY

1.2 CONCEPT OF SOCIETY

1.2.1 MIZO SOCIETY

1.3 CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY

1.4 CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION

1.4.1 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN MIZORAM

1.5 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

1.6 STATEMENT OF THE PROJECT

1.7 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

SECTION - 2 METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE Pages 12 - 14

2.1 METHOD AND PROCEDURE

2.2 PROCEDURE

2.2.1 SELECTION AND DESCRIPTION OF TOOLS

2.2.2 SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE

2.2.3 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

2.2.4 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

SECTION - 3 FINDING AND DISCUSSION Pages 15 - 21

3.1 MIZO HMEICHHE TANGRUAL PAWL

3.1.1 HISTORY

3.2 CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY

3.3 ACTIVITIES

SECTION - 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Pages 22 - 29

OBJECTIVE I : TO STUDY ABOUT THE COMMUNITY BASED

ORGANIZATIONS IN MIZORAM

OBJECTIVE II : TO STUDY ABOUT THE FORMATION AND

ORGANIZATION OF MIZO HMEICHHE TANGRUAL

OBJECTIVE III : TO FIND OUT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MIZO

HMEICHHE TANGRUAL

SUMMARY Page 30

REFERENCES Page 31

APPENDIX Pages 32 - 37
 SECTION - I

A CASE STUDY OF THE MIZO HMEICHHE TANGRUAL, AIZAWL, MIZORAM

INTRODUCTION

1.1 MEANING OF CASE STUDY

A case study (also known as a case report) is an intensive analysis of an individual unit

(Eg. A person, group, or event) stressing developmental factors in relation to context.

e latter type is used to explore causation in order to nd underlying principles. ey

may be prospective (in which criteria are established and cases tting the criteria are

included as they become available) or retrospective ( in which criteria are established for

selecting cases from historical records for inclusion in the study.

Rather than using samples and following a rigid protocol (strict set of rules) to examine

limited number of variables, case study methods involve in an-in depth, longitudinal

(over a long period of time) examination of a single instance or event. ey provide a

systematic way of looking at events, collecting data, analyzing information and report-

ing results. As a result the researcher may gain a sharpended understanding of why the

instance happended as it did, and what might become important to look at more exten-

sively in future research. Case studies lend themselves to both generating and testing

hypothesis.
1
A case study research paper examines a person, place, event, phenomenon, or other type

of subject of analysis in order to extrapolate key themes and results that help predict fu-

ture trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or

provide a means for understanding an important research problem with greater clarity.

A case study paper usually examines a single subject of analysis, but case study papers

can also be designed as a comparative investigation that shows relationships between

two or among more than two subjects. e methods used to study a case can rest within

a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method investigative paradigm.

1.2 CONCEPT OF SOCIETY

A society is a group of people involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social

group sharing the same geographical or social territory, typically subject to the same

political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

A comprehensive understanding of society requires a thorough analysis of its charac-

teristics. But the term society could be understood both from a narrower and broader

sense. In a narrower sense society refers to a group of people but in a broader sense it

refers to the whole human society. However, society has the following characteristics:

(1) Likeness : Likeness is the most important characteristic of society. Famous sociolo-

gist Maclver opines that society means likeness. Without a sense of likeness, there could

2
be no mutual recognition of ’ belonging together’ and therefore no society. is sense of

likeness was found in early society on kinship and in modern societies the conditions of

social likeness have broadened out into the principles of nationality.

Society consists of like bodied and likeminded individuals. Friendship intimacy and as-

sociation of any kind would be impossible without likeness. It also helps in the under-

standing of one by the other. at is why F.H. Giddings opines that society rests on the

‘Consciousness of Kind’.

(2) Differences : Along with likeness, differences are another important characteristic of

society. Because society involves differences and it depends on it as much as on likeness.

at is why Maclver opines that “primary likeness and secondary differences create the

greatest of all institutions-the division of labour”. Because differences is complementary

to social relationship. If people will be alike in all respect society could not be formed

and there would be little reciprocity and relationship became limited.

(3) Inter-dependence : Interdependence is another important characteristic of society.

is fact of interdependence is visible in every aspect of present day society. Famous

Greek Philosopher, Aristotle remarked that ‘Man is a social animal’. As a social animal

he is dependent on others. e survival and well being of each member is very much

depended on this interdependence. No individual is self sufficient.

3
He has to depend on others for food, shelter and security and for the ful llment of many

of his needs and necessities. With the advancement of society this degree of interdepen-

dence increases manifold. Family being the rst society is based on the biological inter-

dependence of the sexes. Not only individuals are interdependent but also the groups,

communities and societies.

(4) Co-operation and Con ict: Both co-operation and con ict are two another import-

ant characteristics of society. Because famous sociologist Maclver once remarked that

“Society is Cooperation crossed by con ict”. Co-operation is essentially essential for the

formation of society. Without co-operation there can be no society. People can’t maintain

a happy life without co-operation. Family being the rst society rests on co-operation.

Co-operation avoids mutual destructiveness and results in economy in expenditure.

Like co-operation con ict is also necessary for society. Con ict act as a cementing factor

for strengthening social relations. In a healthy and well developed society both co-oper-

ation and con ict co-exist. Because with the help of these two universal process society

is formed. Con ict makes co-operation meaningful. Con ict may be direct and indirect.

However both are necessary for society.

(5) Society is a network or web of social relationship: Social relationships are the

foundation of society. at is why famous sociologist Maclver remarked that society is

4
a network of social relationship. Hence it is difficult to classify social relationships. But

this social relationship is based on mutual awareness or recognition to which Cooley

call we-feeling, Giddings call consciousness of kind and omas as common propensity.

Without these social relationships no society could be formed. As social relationships

are abstract in nature so also the society is abstract in nature. Different kinds of social

processes like co-operation, con ict constantly takes place in society. And the relation-

ships established around these create society. Hence a network of social relationships

which created among individuals constitutes society.

(6) Permanent Nature: Permanency is another important characteristic of society. It

is not a temporary organisation of individuals. Society continues to exist even aer the

death of individual members. Society is a co-herent organisation.

(7) Society is Abstract: Society is an abstract concept. As Maclver opines society is a

web of social relationships. We can’t see this relationship but we can feel it. Hence it is

an abstract concept. Wright has rightly remarked that “society in essence means a state

or condition, a relationship and is, therefore, necessarily an abstraction”. Besides soci-

ety consists of customs, traditions, folkways, mores and culture which are also abstract.

Hence society is abstract in nature.

5
(8) Society is Dynamic : e very nature of society is dynamic and changeable. No so-

ciety is static. Every society changes and changes continuously. Old customs, traditions,

folkways, mores, values and institutions got changed and new customs and values takes

place. Society changes from its traditional nature to modern nature. Hence it is one of

the most important characteristic of society.

(10) Comprehensive Culture: Culture is the way of life of the members of a society and

includes their values, beliefs, art, morals etc. Hence culture is comprehensive because it

ful lls the necessities of social life and is culturally self-sufficient. Besides each and every

society transmits its cultural pattern to the succeeding generations.

(11) Something more than mere collection of individuals: No doubt society consists of

individuals. But mere collection of individuals is not society. It is something more than

that and something beyond the individual. Durkheim is right when he remarked that

society is more than the sum of its parts i.e. individuals.

(12) Accommodation and Assimilation: is two associative social process is also im-

portant for the smooth functioning and continuity of society. Hence it is also another

characteristic of society.

6
1.2.1 MIZO SOCIETY

Mizo Society is one the of the fastest growing societies in the world. Regardless of its young

age, the Mizo society went through different stages of evolution. ere are times where the

society was transformed by outside interferences (For example: Invasion by British empire

and arrival of Christian missionary). ere are hard times like insurgency period where

the whole state was in chaos. Evolution of society brings challenges to the society, the same

applies to the mizo society. Mizo Society is a close knit society and virtually social strati -

cation do not exist. In order to survive in Individual members of the society has to perform

some social duties to look aer the needy.

e growth of Christianity, scholars state, was shaped from a foundation of cultural, reli-

gious and socio-political structure. One such foundation cultural element of Mizo people

was Hnatlang which literally means social work, united labour or community labour (the

word hna‘ means job or work in the Mizo language; and tlang‘ means together and mu-

tual). e tribal members who were absent from such social work (for reasons other than

illness and disability) were penalised — a form of strong peer pressure. Jhum cultivation

and raids on neighbouring tribes required Hnatlang, the spirit of united labour and equal

sharing of the end result.

A consequence of Hnatlang was the culture of Tlawmngaihna, which does not have a di-

rect English translation. Tlawmngaihna as cultural concept incorporates behaviour that

7
is self-sacri cing, self-denying, doing what an occasion demands unsel shly and without

concern for inconvenience caused, persevering, stoical, stout-hearted, plucky, brave, rm,

independent, loath to lose one’s good reputation. us, aer a re or landslide or ood

damage, the Mizo culture is one of spontaneous humble social work without demands or

expectations. In Mizo Society, there can never be a beggar due to a constant work of up-

liment of the poor done by the community.

In modern Mizoram, much of the social life oen revolves around church. Community

establishments exist in urban centres that arrange social events, sports event, musical con-

certs, comedy shows and other activities. e mixture of the pre-Christian Mizo Society

and the Modern Mizo Society has brought up the best of the Mizo character in the com-

munity services.

1.3 CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY

A community is a small or large social unit (a group of people) who have something in

common, such as norms, religion, values, or identity. Oen - but not always - commu-

nities share a sense of place that is situated in a given geographical area (e.g. a country,

village, town, or neighborhood). Durable relations that extend beyond immediate ge-

nealogical ties also de ne a sense of community. People tend to de ne those social ties

as important to their identity, practice, and roles in social institutions like family, home,

work, government, society, or humanity, at large.

8
1.4 CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION

Community based organizations (CBOs) are nonpro t groups that work at a local level

to improve life for residents. e focus is to build equality across society in all streams -

health care, environment, quality of education, access to technology, access to spaces and

information for the disabled, to name but a few. e inference is that the communities

represented by the CBO’s are typically at a disadvantage.

CBOs are typically, and almost necessarily, staffed by local members - community mem-

bers who experience rst hand the needs within their neighbourhoods. Besides being

connected geographically, the only link between staff members and their interests is of-

ten the desire and willingness to help. Occupational skill sets and experience are greatly

diverse.

e tightrope upon which stability balances in this type of organization is being stretched

taut, as the role of the CBO is extended to new lengths. Governments are increasingly

delegating responsibility to CBO’s and relying on them to gather local concerns, develop,

plan, and help deliver solutions.

A community-based organization focuses on issues and concerns at the local level (e.g.

neighborhood, layperson, city, county), not on a national scale. ey are oen organized

around a particular purpose or cause and tend to be grass roots in nature, working from

the ground level upward to address issues.

9
Community-based organizations may also participate in regional coalitions with simi-

lar groups in support of an issue such as affordable housing, water quality, or connection

of open space.

Community-based organizations use a number of names to describe themselves, includ-

ing association, alliance, and commission. Many community-based organizations will

hold regular meetings for a speci c period of time where they discuss the issues of com-

mon concern. Participation on community-based organizations is generally voluntary

and open to any individuals with interest in the particular issue.

1.4.1 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS IN MIZORAM

ere are certain numbers of Community Based Organizations in Mizoram, address-

ing different issues. e major objectives of these Community Based Organizations is

to upli the Mizo society as a whole to attain a welfare state. Examples of Community

based organizations in Mizoram are Young Mizo Association(YMA), Mizo Hmeichhe

Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizo Kut Hnathawk Pawl, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual etc.

ese Community Based Organisations works closely with the Govermentment and the

Church. ey are very in uential, and are respected within the states. Due to their in-

uence and wide reach, they are very helpful in implementation of welfare programme

like NLUP (New Land Use Policy), Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP),

Aids/Hiv Control progamme etc.

10
1.5 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

e Community Based Organizations works tirelessly for the welfare of the society

and the importance of contribution made by these organizations in known to many.

However, there are some prevailing news that the ‘Community Based Organizations are

nothing but a money-making organizations or just a proxy and their effectiveness has

been dwindling’. Which is a very biased, unproven and deeply disturbing accusation.

erefore, a case study of community organization is required to have a realization of

their contribution to the society in a scienti c manner.

1.6 STATEMENT OF THE PROJECT

‘A Case Study of Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual, Aizawl, Mizoram’.

1.7 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1) To study about the Community Based Organizations in Mizoram.

2) To study about the formation and organization of

Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual, Aizawl, Mizoram

3) To nd out the activities of the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual

11
 SECTION II

METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

is section deals with the Research Methodology and Procedure incorporated in the

study

2.1 Method and Procedure

A normative Survey method has been used for this research project. Normative Survey

Method tries to investigate, study, described and interpret what exist at present. It gath-

ers evidence relating to current condition. e term ‘normative’ implies the determina-

tion of normal or typical practices. e types of survey proposed to ascertain what the

normal or typical condition or practices at the present time.

is survey approach, to educational problems, is one of the most commonly used. It

is used in studying local, state, national as well as international does not mean mere

fathering and tabulation of data. It involves interpretation, comparison, classi cation,

evaluation and generalization connected towards a proper understanding and solution

of signi cant educational problems.

12
2.2. Procedure

e entire process of information gathering and analysis goes through the following

pipeline: -

1) Selection and description of tools

2) Selection of sample

3) Method of data collection

4) Method of data analysis

2.2.1 Selection and Description of Tools

Community Based Organizations are working in a sensitive areas, therefore carefully

selected questions were used as the tool of the study. Questions were formulated in such

a way that the party involves can give the correct and useful answer, which was used for

further analysis. Further, a site visit was conducted to have a rst behavioral studies of

the subjects and to collect data.

2.2.2 Selection of the Sample

e investigator has chosen to study Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual, as the organization is

one of the earliest and most organized Community Based Organizations and which re-

mains active till date.

13
2.2.3 Method of Data Collection

e investigator visited the office of Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual and residents of the stake

holders. Interviewing the stake holders by asking them prede ned questions. e inves-

tigator has a site visit to Motherless Babies Home and Working Women’s Hostel, Khatla

to have better understanding of the setup of the organization and a behavioral studies

of the subjects.

2.2.4 Method of Data Analysis

e data Collect was structured in such a way that it can be tabulated and analyzed using

qualitative technique.

14
 SECTION III

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1 MIZO HMEICHHE TANGRUAL

Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual is an organization/group/voluntary organization formed in

1946 by three women for the upliment of the then status of women in Mizo society. It

further became a full edged orgranisation upon an agreement signed by Mr. Macdon-

ald, Superintendent, Lushai hills on the 16th July 1946. e founding leaders were Mrs.

Lalthanzami w/o K.T. Khuma (Ex - Minister), Mrs. M.C. Hmingliani w/o R. anhlira

(Ex- M.P.), Mrs Kaphtluaii sister of Lalbuaia ( Ex – M.P.).

3.1.1 HISTORY

During the earlier days, they heard about successful function of women organizations

in the other states of India. So, it was felt that this could be applicable within the state

of Mizoram. Shortly, they expanded with successful remarks not only in Aizawl but in

many other towns from its units and branches. Unfortunately, with the rise of insurgency

in the 1950s, the organization established themselves solely in Aizawl area. en, they

permanently settled at Khatla head quarters till date. e uniqueness of Mizo Hmeichhe

Tangrual unlike other organizations could be that though it was not a speedy progress in

their function, yet their rmness is recognizable.

15
e rst meeting of the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual was held at Mizo high school at 14th

July 1946 noon. e meeting was supervised under Mrs Joni, the wife of Rev. B.E. Jones

- A welsh Presbyterian Missionary. ey devised over the guidelines and the adminis-

tration of the organization/group. As written by Mrs Biaksiami on “ Mizo Hmeichhe

Tangrual Bu 1-na” published in 1982, every meeting was handed to God in prayer way

back from 1948 till today.

ey named “Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual” in the rst meeting and thus it became a full-

edged organization for all Mizo women and the rst organization for the upliment of

the status of women in Mizoram thereaer they elected the rst office bearers, namely :-

1) President : Pi Zami w/o K.T Khuma

2) Vice – President : Pi Biaki w/o Buchhawna

3) Gen. Secretary : Nl Sweetie (Nusuii)

4) Asst. Secretary : ansiami

5) Fin. Secretary : Nl. Biakliani

6) Treasurer : Dr. C.L. Kimi

With the support of other committee members, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual started to

function with progress. Within the month of july they had opened branches in every

locality of Aizawl and in few villages. A guideline for rules and regulations was then pub-

16
lished from the main headquarters sold at a rate of 12 paise. On the 6th October 1947,

Mrs. L.L. Peters w/o Mr. Peter was appointed as a patron member, as expected became

an inspirational supporter for the organization.

e rst general assembly was held at Aizawl on 12th march 1949. Members from differ-

ent parts of Mizoram attended the assembly. As it was the rst gathering in namesake of

Mizo Women, it had received massive support from society. Another remarkable history

from the rst assembly could be that a considerable amount of thought was used for wel-

fare of women in society. e need to change the then laws for women in Mizo cultural

tradition was felt. Besides, it did not deny the duties of women was keenly discussed.

e main points of decision could be highlighted as under:-

1) Children must not play outdoor at night

2) Mothers should not over protect the children like scolding their playmates

3) Dressed accordingly with family nancial status

4) Cleanliness of household

5) Obedience to husband

6) Protection and awareness of pet animals.

7) Carefulness in the use of public toilets

17
 8) Need in re-enforcement of Mizo Customary Law specially those which is

connected with women. Example, price of women, divorce acts, rights

of chil dren etc.

Necessary actions to be taken were further noticed to government authorities. When the

District Council revised Mizo Customary Laws, “Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual” gave seri-

ous attention as seen in the old minute books.

3.1.2 CONTRIBUTION TO MIZO SOCIETY

e ‘Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual’ played a vital role in shaping the cultural practice of

Mizo Community. Amongst the various steps, the main topics were on issues regarding

equal distribution of assets (14th Sept 1946), Women Adultery (14th September 1946 &

10 March 1955), Price of Women (14th September 1946 & 11th February 1956), Divorce

(14th September 1946) Child & Single Parenting Issues (2nd September 1953 & 10th

March 1955) and Promise Acts.

Right from the beginning, the need to upli the position of women in families and nec-

essary actions for them was taken into consideration. eir main motive was to make

women feel important and their importance as women in family to be included, aware-

ness in health and hygiene was also made aware to people. Women, as they believe, also

played a vital role in shaping the administration of the welfare of society.

18
When looking back into the old activities of the organization, it can be said that they

have done no less for development of Mizoram. A land was given to Mizo Hmeichhe

Tangrual on 12th December 1950 by Mr. SN Barkataki, the last Mizoram Superintendent

and the rst Mizoram Governor. Later, for location reasons, they had shied to Khatla(-

Headquarters till date) given by Mr. Lalbuaia the District Council Executive Member(-

Misc Order No. 80 of 1953).

During the earlier times, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual gained values form the public and

the Government among the many notable activities between the year 1946 to 1960s, it

could be right to called the epitome of their functions.

3.2 ACTIVITIES

Major points of activities were :-

1) Women reservation in Mizo Union committee and reservation of seats

for women.

2) e organization could involve in politics upon its agreement of the right time.

3) Women reservation in the council to the Governor.

4) Reservation of 3 seats in District Council was declined. It was given a nominated

seat on 10th May 1951. During 1957 – 1961, a bill of Mizo was passed which

was a very useful and important law for women till date.

19
5) Reservation of seats in the village council for Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual.

6) Equal distribution of scholarship for boys and girls

7) Opening of an orphanage Home on 19th April 1969

8) Awareness on maternity and child welfare with free of cost for the less privileged.

e Govt sponsored doctor, nurse and pharmacist and organized training pro

gramme in different parts of Mizoram

9) Development of roads especially in Aizawl area for the health of communities.

It was discussed with the Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru on the 15th March

1958. Finally, effort was made and thus a black top road was made between Chan

mari and Kulikawn.

10) Anti-Polio vaccine for children

11) Building up of Tuberculosis Hospital.

12) In the 1960 Mautam famine, rice was distributed freely and the banning

of poultry animals in cities.

13) Apart from the social, administration, large amount of awareness and interest is

given to women in small scale activities. Weaving, cooking, handloom etc. was

taught and during 1962-67, 48 women were given training at Loin Loom Centre.

20
roughout the state of Mizoram, the work of the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual was seen

as a fast developing and successful. As written in the past minute books, it could be said

that the organization worked endlessly in the eld of life skill awareness for women. e

establishment of Working Women’s Hostel was approved by the Govt of India with a

sanctioned amount of Rs 29,85,000. It started to be under construction since 1980 and

was opened by Dr. L.N. Tluanga (Education Director). All of the above were the chief

main works of Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual. Till today, the organization functioned well

and fair with support from the Government of Mizoram and Non-Governmental Orga-

nizations.

In the year 2016, the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual celebrated its 70th Anniversary (Plat-

inum Jubilee). Like before, with the advancement in women education and technol-

ogy, the organization gained many interests especially among the youths. It could be

said as the efforts of the fore leaders when Smt. Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu had won in

the bye-election of 2015. She held the position of the MLA and a chair person for the

Mizoram State Commission for Women. As she writes in the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir,

it is the duty of all women to ful ll our duties and not to unite for superiority against

men. In a global scenario, the status of women in Mizoram was quite average, yet there

is miles ahead to go.

21
 SECTION IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Objective I : To study about the Community Based Organizations in Mizoram.

e Community Based Organizations are voluntary organizations that strive for the bet-

terment of the community and its members. ere are many different Community Based

Organizations in Mizoram with different lines of interest and perspective. But all have

the same goal, i.e. to improve the status of the members of the community through dif-

ferent means. For example : - 1) Organizations which tries to improve the community

life of the people by conducting seminar, workshop etc. 2) ere are organizations which

tries to aware people about the HIV/ Aids disease.

Categorizing community organizations is difficult, because they may range from vol-

untary organizations to professional service agencies to informal groups. ey can be

classi ed as volunteer and professional organizations. Volunteer organizations oen

have professional or paid staff, but volunteers perform the vast majority of these orga-

nizations’ efforts. ese organizations are frequently advocacy-oriented, and they apply

community-organizing strategies to accomplish their goals. Examples of Volunteer orga-

nizations are : Young Mizo Association, Mizo Kut Hnathawk Pawl etc. In contrast, pro-

fessional organizations /Semi- Professional are usually staffed by experts who provide

22
services with little or no volunteer input. ese service-oriented organizations usually

have greater resources than volunteer organizations, and they interface with residents

based on professional norms and standards, whereas volunteer organizations have a

more egalitarian orientation.

ere are other types of Community Based Organizations like Mizo Hmeichhe Tangru-

al, where all their members are voluntary but they setup community service center like

Motherless Babies Home, Working Womens Hostel, managed by a trained professionals.

ese centers have a managing board at it apex, but the day to day work and services are

rendered by the professionals, who collected a salary from the organization.

23
Objective II : To study about the formation and organization of Mizo Hmeichhe

Tangrual

Established in the year 1946, the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual is a Community Based Orga-

nizations which actively participated in the fore front of community development for the

welfare of the Mizo community in the state of Mizoram. It is an organization/voluntary

organization formed in 1946 by three women for the upliment of the then status of

women in Mizo society. It further became a full edged orgranisation upon an agree-

ment signed by Mr. Macdonald, Superintendent, Lushai hills on the 16th July 1946. e

founding leaders were Mrs. Lalthanzami w/o K.T. Khuma (Ex - Minister), Mrs. M.C.

Hmingliani w/o R. anhlira (Ex- M.P.), Mrs Kaphtluaii sister of Lalbuaia ( Ex – M.P.).

. At rst they expanded across the states having many units/sub-head quarters, as a the

Mizo community as a whole is evolving, the role of the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual is

also changed from time to time. Presently, ey have a headquarters in Khatla, Aizawl,

Mizoram where most of their facilities v.i.z Motherless Babies Home, Working Women

Hostel, Offices etc are located. e organization is a voluntary organization, therefore its

membership is also in a voluntary basis. At present they have around 50 members, 25 of

them are board members. Membership is for an entire life, until and unless the member

want to revoke her membership. e organization is registered in the rms and society

registry of the Government of Mizoram.

24
e Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual is very well structured organization, this may be the rea-

son why it can remain active even aer 70 years in existence.

e office bearers for 2016-2017 are :

1) President : C. Biakchhingi

2) Vice – President : Lallawmzuali

3) Secretary : Liansangluri

4) Asst. Secretary : Sangkungi

5) Treasurer : Lalsawmliani

6) Fin. Secretary : C. Dailovi

25
Objective III : To nd out the activities of the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual

e moto of Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual is “Mizo Hmeichhiate leh Naupangte Chawikan”

- Upliment of Women and Children. Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual have given an immense

impetus in upliment of the women and the needy. In order to ful ll their mission, they

mobilize all their resources and even get a help from the Government and other NGOs.

e major activities are :-

1) Motherless Babies Home

Due to an insurgency, social turbulence, decrease in quality of social life in the state of

Mizoram, the number of motherless babies, who requires a special attention was in-

creased at an alarming rate. Knowing the societal problem, the organization established

motherless babies home in the year 1969. e home has a capacity of 30 children, it is

facilitated with modern technologies and presently it has 3(three) staffs and a supervisor,

who is a quali ed social worker. e government provide medical facilities and person-

nel to assist the workers.

e home is maintain in such a way that the children will be able to sustain themselves

when they grow up. e children are given a proper tuition and education, so that they

will not be set back in their education and have a better future prospects. e children

are also trained and counselled in the lines of life skill education, which they lacked se-

verely when they were admitted.

26
Since most of the children in the home were malnutrition when they were admitted to

the home, they need a proper food and nutrition. A nutrition chart and a time table is

maintained to facilitate a balance diet and proper way of eating and living.

Mention should be made that, Some Babies admitted in the motherless babies are having

severe health problem like heart disease. All medical expenses of these motherless babies

are paid by Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual. e organization has a close relationship with

local hospitals and medical personnel, because of this medical treatment of the babies

are paid at a minimal rate.

As far as the management is concerned, a managing board manages the motherless babies

home with the support from the Goverment of India and State Goverment of Mizoram.

2) Working Womens Hostel

A working women hostel having a capacity of 30 seats (which was later expanded to a 60

seats) was established in the year 1979. e hostel facilitates a working women who do

not have residents in Aizawl city. is facility is greatly appreciates by the government as

well as the local bodies. is hostel facitity enhances the working capabilities of women

in the states and encourage village women to work in the city.

e hostel is equipped with modern technologies and the hostellers can also attend vo-

cational course conducted by the organization.

27
Hosteller paid minimal fees, which is used in maintaining the hostel as well the mother-

less babies home.

3) Crèche Centre

e State Social Welfare Board, Government of Mizoram selected Mizo Hmeichhe

Tangrual to setup a Crèche Center . A day care center for children is established at the

vicinity of the organizations headquarters. e centre is also getting an aid from the

Central Social Welfare Board. All teachers and staffs has been trained by Lecturer of

DIET Kolasib. e Center is an alternative for commercial day care center and it is very

well equipped to cater the need of the programme.

4) Vocational Studies and Training

From the beginning, the organization tries to promote self-reliant among women. It

conducted vocational studies and training like tailoring, loin looming etc.

5) Awareness campaign

From its inception the Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual always strives for the betterment of the

welfare. It organized workshops, training awareness campaign in the lines of cleanliness

and healthy living.

28
e future plan of the Mizo Hmeichhe tangrual are : -

1. Old age home for women

2. Vohbik Hmeichhe Home - Home for the Mentally Challenged Women

3. Women Center in every village

29
 SUMMARY

e study reveals that Community Based Organizations played a vital role for the de-

velopment of society. ey are very well organized and have a clear focus on their goal.

ey are not just a mere organization or they do not exist just for the sake of money

generation. To attain a welfare state, it is the role of the society to strive in to perfect-

ing communal development. Community Based Organizations are at the fore- front of

this development by joining hands with the government. e study also reveals that the

Government alone cannot provide everything to its citizen, that is where the community

based organizations steps in to ll the void between the government and its people.

30
REFERENCES

1. British Colonization and Restructuring of Naga Polity (Emergent Women

: Mizo Women’s Perspective) -By N. Venuh, Bonita Aleaz

2. Mizo Naratives : Accounts from Mizoram - By Malsawmdawngliana

&
Rohmingmawii

3. Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual : Souvernir (2016) – by Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual,

Aizawl, Mizoram

4. e signi cance of community based organizations in supporting rural develop

ment By Mihanjo, Agnes Karuwesa (2005)

5. e Foundations of Research - Grix (2010)

INTERVIEWS :

1. Interview with Pi Liansangluri, Secretary, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual

2. Interview with Supervisor, Babies Home, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual

3. Interview with Hosteller, Working Womens Hostel, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual

31
Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual Head Quarters

32
Working Womens Hostel

Tailoring Training Centre

33
Motherless Babies Home

Creche Centre

34
Bedroom of Motherless Babies

35
Daily Schedule

36
 Interview with Pi Liansangluri,
General Secretary, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual Pawl

37