Guwahati, Aug 20: Former Mizoram Chief Minister and Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga received his degree certificate six decades after completing his final examination, at a ceremony held at Gauhati University on Thursday. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta formally handed over the certificate to Zoramthanga at the Phanidhar Dutta Seminar Hall.

Zoramthanga had appeared for his final undergraduate examination in 1966 from Dhanamanjuri College in Manipur, then affiliated with Gauhati University, with English as his major subject. He passed the examination with a second-class result.

However, he could not collect his degree certificate at the time as he went underground as a member of the MNF, which had launched an armed struggle under the leadership of Laldenga. “My life journey has been a long one, from conflict to peace and from insurgency to politics,” Zoramthanga said in his lecture titled “From Guerrilla Fighter to a Peacemaker”.

Zoramthanga joined the MNF in 1965 and went underground the following year. He remained closely associated with then MNF chief Laldenga until the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986, playing an important role in the organisation’s political, military and diplomatic activities.

Speaking at the programme, he said his experiences had taught him the importance of mutual understanding, tolerance and democratic values. “My book From Guerrilla Fighter to Chief Minister reflects many of the experiences and lessons from this journey,” he said.

Zoramthanga stressed that trust, cooperation and a shared willingness to move forward are essential for lasting peace and development. He also expressed his gratitude to Gauhati University for inviting him to share his experiences and reflections with students and the academic community.

“His experiences as a prominent leader of the Northeast and his belief in peace offer valuable lessons for the younger generation and can inspire them to work towards a positive future for society,” Prof Mahanta said.