Land Of Blue Mountains: From Traffic Rules To Literacy, Here's Everything We Can Learn From Mizoram
Known for its evergreen hills and dense bamboo jungles, Mizoram lies at the southernmost tip of northeast India. Called the Land of Blue Mountains, the hills are crisscrossed by gushing rivers and high sparkling waterfalls.
Mizoram is surrounded by Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Myanmar and Bangladesh, a drive through the centre of the state, towards the Myanmar border will take you through lush green paddy fields. This geographical diversity makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in northeast India.
In Mizoram, residents in different neighbourhoods understand that they run the show. Together they make it one of the few states in the country where most people actively participate in the development and progress of their state which should be learned by all the citizens of the country.
From traffic rules to the best literacy rate in the state we can learn from Mizo people.
Well mannered commuters
Waiting in the traffic is probably something most people find irritating. While it’s common to see commuters losing their calm if found in such a situation. Recently a photo from Mizoram showing waiting their turn in huge traffic has impressed everyone online.
In an undated picture being circulated on the internet, scores of cars and two-wheelers are seen stuck in a traffic jam. However, not a single driver can be seen trying to cross onto the other side of the road that is absolutely empty. People of Mizoram tell us how other states can follow traffic rules.
Most literate people
Mizoram is not only known for its evergreen hills and dense bamboo jungles, it’s also famous for literacy. Mizoram lies in the southernmost tip of north east India, called the Land of Blue Mountains.
With a literacy rate of 91.3 per cent, Mizoram is holding the third position in the country, according to the 2011 Census, the Northeastern state is behind Kerala (94.0 per cent) and Lakshadweep (91.8 per cent). Serchhip is the most literate district in India. It is one of the districts of Mizoram. It has a literacy rate of 97.91%.
State of India's Forests
The world has lost 420 million hectares (mha), approximately 10.34 per cent of its total forest area in the last 30 years, according to the 2022 edition of The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) released May 2, 2022.
While many countries’ forest cover is decreasing, India’s Mizoram holds 84 per cent of the area in the state as forested.
According to the newly issued India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the nation's overall forest and tree area are 80.9 million hectares or 24.62 % of its geographic region.
In comparison to the previous report, ISFR 2021 observed that forest area has increased by 1,540 square kilometres and tree cover has increased by 721 square kilometres. Mizoram with 84.53 %, Arunachal Pradesh with 79.33 %, Meghalaya (76 per cent), Manipur (74.34 per cent), and Nagaland (73.9 per cent) are the top five achieving states in regard to forested land as a proportion of the total area.
Mizoram has some great weavers
The state of Mizoram has some great weavers who create intricately beautiful products. These traditionally skilled artisans make bamboo products like baskets, utensils, hats, Handcrafted Furniture and flower vases as well as weaves shawls too. Cane and bamboo handicraft items are the most prominent crafts in the state.
Cane and bamboo handicraft items are the most prominent crafts in the state. These plain yet mesmerizing product designs of cane and bamboo are truly amazing and highly durable.
Made efforts to preserve and protect the nature
Mizoram is known for its efforts to preserve and protect the green cover from the hazardous use of plastics that are proving to be carcinogenic for the environment.
To remove the use of plastics in the capital of the state, Aizawl Municipal Corporation is considering banning the use of plastic bags in Mizoram. A self-help group consisting of women in the city came up with an initiative to make paper bags with the help of newspapers and other waste materials of different shapes and sizes. In fact, the love for hand-made eco-friendly paper bags is giving new hope to many people, especially women.
Every household taking part in the social group’s activities
One of the most active and also the longest-running social organisations in the state is The Young Mizo Association, which includes at least one person from every household taking part in the social group’s activities.
The Association was formed by Christian missionaries in 1935 and is open for membership to anyone who is above 14 years of age. Every locality in Mizoram has a YMA branch and in this manner, it covers the entire state. A measly amount of Rs 5 is required to become a member of the association and then you can play as active a role as you wish.
Some of the tasks the association undertakes of its own accord include:
1. Building houses for widows and the homeless
2. Recovering drowned bodies
3. Not only does it prevent wildfires but also spreads awareness on the matter
4. Taking care of mentally and physically challenged
5. Carries out government projects at the grassroots level
6. Organises funerals
7. Carries out rescue efforts during natural disasters
8. Spreading awareness of the importance of education – in fact, one of the greatest achievements of the association is bringing the state’s literary level to the second-highest in the country at 92%.
9. Promoting altruism and respect in society
What needs to be noted here is that the people cooperate with their government and follow their social responsibilities and make life easier for everyone.
I think these things are important for the rest of India to learn from Mizoram.
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