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Zomi worldwide celebrated Zomi National Day
February 20, 2010 - ZoAge : Zomi around the world observed national day on February 20, 2010 in a variety. 62 years ago, Zomi from different parts of their ancestors land which they called Zogam gathered for a purpose. This is the day when traditional feudal system was abolished and replaced with modern democratic system. According to historian, more than 3000 gathered at Falam, the former administratiive center of the Zo country.
Although the Zomi stand firmy on their common history and brotherhood, they attach to different identities, i.e. – Mizo, Chin, Kuki and Zomi. This communal affiliation reflected on the way their national day is celebrated. While February 20 is celebrated as Mizoram State Day in the state of Mizoram in the northeast India, it is mostly observed in many cities of the world as “Zomi Nam Ni” (Zomi National Day). Zomi are officially recognized as Chin and those who attachéd to the name "Chin" celebrated as Chin National Day.
It is reported by community leaders and amateur reporters in ZONET, a popular online community of Zomi from around the world – from North America to the European Union, and most major cities in Asia.
In the North America, Zomi National day celebration was organized by Zomi Innkuan in Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Illinois, New York, Washington DC, Tennessee, Indiana and other major cities in the US and Canada. Zomi National Day in Portland is also observed by Zomi Association of USA.
In India, Zomi national day was celebrated in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad and in the northeast India. It was also celebrated in Manipur State of India, most significantly in Lamka (Chhurachanpur). Zomi Nam Ni was celebrated with a soccer tournament, the champion, Zomi Football Club from Jirabam, Assam bagged Rs. one crore as the winner of the tournament. The Zomi Nam Ni celebration was honored by Ministers of Manipur State, India.
In Myanmar, United Nationalities Alliance took an opportunity to honor U Tin Oo, leader of National League for Democracy, an opposition party who pioneered democracy and federalism in Myanmar. U Tin Oo was awarded “hero of national reconciliation in Burma” by Pu Chin Sian Thang of Zomi National Congress. Zomi community in Kalaymyo also celebrated Zomi Nam Ni at the ZBCM compound in the city.
Zomi communities in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan also celebrated every year.
February 20 is celebrated by Zomi at home or abroad. It is the day to revive Zomi identity, to preserve cultural and traditional values. It is a day for the new generation in Diaspora, to remind themselves their origin, where they came from and who they are in their newly adopted country.
I love you zogam