Aizawl, March 26: Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, regarded as India’s oldest working journalist and a Padma Shri awardee, turned 99 on March 25, marking the occasion with celebrations in Aizawl.
To commemorate the milestone, the Territorial Army, under the aegis of the Assam Rifles, organised a ceremonial function at its base in the city to honour the war veteran. Earlier in the day, a band party visited his residence and performed ‘Happy Birthday’ as a tribute.
Personnel from the Territorial Army, Assam Regiment and Assam Rifles paid their respects, with family members joining in the celebrations.
Pachuau began his service with the Assam Regiment of the British Indian Army in 1945 and took part in operations against Japanese forces during World War II, earning several medals for his contribution.
After retiring in 1953, he transitioned to journalism, starting with a small publication, Zoram Thupuan. He later founded the local daily Zoram Tlangau, which he has been editing since 1970.
Beyond journalism, Pachuau has played an active role in social initiatives. He founded the Mizoram Social Defence Union in the 1990s, leading campaigns against alcohol and drug abuse. He was also among the founding members of the Association for Voluntary Blood Donation, an Aizawl-based organisation promoting voluntary blood donation.
In recognition of his contributions to journalism, he was conferred the Padma Shri in 2021. He was officially recognised as the “oldest working journalist in India” by the Mizoram Information and Public Relations Department and the Mizoram Journalists’ Association in 2016, a distinction he continues to hold.
