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99-Year-Old Padma Shri Veteran Honoured: From WWII Soldier to India's Oldest Journalist

The Territorial Army and Assam Rifles celebrated the 99th birthday of Havildar Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, a Padma Shri awardee. He is a distinguished World War II veteran of the 3rd Battalion, The Assam Regiment. After 17 years of military service, he embarked on a prolific civilian life as a journalist, author, and social activist. Recognized as India's oldest working journalist, his lifelong dedication spans truthful reporting, community development, and pivotal roles in Mizoram's social and political history.

Key Points: Territorial Army Honours 99-Year-Old Padma Shri Veteran Journalist

  • Padma Shri awardee in Literature & Education
  • Served in WWII with the Assam Regiment
  • India's oldest working journalist
  • Founded social groups for blood donation & anti-drug campaigns
  • Key delegate in historic Mizo peace talks
2 min read

Territorial Army honours 99-year-old Padma Shri awardee, veteran journalist in Aizawl

The Territorial Army celebrates Havildar Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, a 99-year-old Padma Shri awardee, WWII veteran, and India's oldest working journalist.

"A living embodiment of the finest traditions of the Indian Army - Lt Col Mahendra Rawat"

Aizawl, March 25

The Territorial Army, under the aegis of the 23 Sector Assam Rifles, celebrated the 99th birthday of Padma Shri awardee Havildar Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, a distinguished veteran of the 3rd Battalion, The Assam Regiment.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that at 99 years of age, Havildar Pachuau stands as a living embodiment of the finest traditions of the Indian Army.

Having served with distinction in the 3rd Battalion, The Assam Regiment, including participation during World War II, he later transitioned into a remarkable civilian life dedicated to journalism, literature, and social service after voluntarily retiring from the Army upon completing 17 years of service.

He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2021 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Literature and Education (Journalism).

Widely acknowledged as India's oldest working journalist, he has devoted his life to promoting truthful reporting, social awareness, and community development in Mizoram, Lt Col Rawat added.

Under the theme "A Remarkable Century, A Remarkable Life", personnel of the Territorial Army, Assam Regiment, and Assam Rifles paid tribute to the veteran.

Family members and ex-servicemen joined the celebrations.

His life continues to inspire generations, reinforcing the enduring bond between veterans and serving soldiers.

Pachuau began his journalism career in 1953 with a local publication and went on to become a prominent figure in the Mizoram Journalists Association (MJA), serving as its president for three terms.

He was declared the "oldest working journalist in the country" by the Mizoram government's Information and Public Relations Department and the MJA in October 2016.

Pachuau also co-founded the Association for Voluntary Blood Donation (AVBD), serving initially as its general secretary and later as its president multiple times from 2001 onwards.

In 1945, during the final phase of World War II, he joined the Army and earned several military honours.

He was also one of the key delegates during the peace talks between the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Centre in the early 1980s.

In the 1990s, Pachuau founded the Mizoram Social Defence Union and actively campaigned against alcohol and drug abuse.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is the kind of news we need more of. A life of service in every sense - army, journalism, social work. His role in the MNF peace talks is particularly significant for Mizoram's history. Wishing him good health!
R
Rohit P
Respect! 🫡 It's heartening to see our armed forces honouring their veterans like this. The bond between serving soldiers and ex-servicemen is the backbone of our military ethos. More power to the Territorial Army and Assam Rifles for this gesture.
S
Sarah B
As a journalist myself, his commitment to "truthful reporting" for decades is deeply moving. In today's era of sensationalism, we need to remember and learn from veterans like him. His work with blood donation and against substance abuse shows true social responsibility.
K
Karthik V
While the honour is well-deserved, I do wish such recognition for our veterans, especially from the North East, was more frequent and received wider national media coverage. Their stories are integral to India's narrative.
M
Meera T
A living legend! To think he started his journalism career in 1953 and is still connected to it. His life is a masterclass in serving the community in multiple capacities. May his story inspire the youth of Mizoram and the entire country.

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