The Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC) has an initiative titled, ‘Promotion of Reading Culture Among Mizo Youth’ aimed at encouraging reading habits and festering literary engagement among young people in Mizoram. Under this initiative the first-ever ‘MYC Read Fest 2025’ was organised by MYC on 15th December 2025 at Aijal Club Park, marking a significant milestone in promoting a vibrant reading culture among Mizo Youth.
2. Objectives
To cultivate a genuine interest in books among young people.
To promote a sustainable reading culture in the community.
To provide a platform for interaction between readers and local literary figures.
3. Event Highlights & Activities
The fest featured a diverse range of interactive sessions designed to make reading engaging and accessible:
A. Inaugural Session : The fest was inaugurated by Pu Malsawmzuala Ralte, Chairman, Mizoram Youth Commission.
B. Meet the Author : Renowned Mizo authors including Mr. Lalhruaitluanga Chawngte, Mr. F. Vanlalrochana andDr. Hannah Lalhlanpuiiparticipatedin an interactive session. A separate interactive session was held with Ms. Ruth Khawlhring.
C. Literary Activities : ‘Make Your Own Bookmark’ workshops, ‘Fishbowl Quiz’ with prizes, and high-energy ‘Slam Poetry’ sessions.
D. Felicitation of Reading Decathlon Regional Winners:Recognition and award presentation for the Reading Decathlon Regional Winners.
E. Entertainment : ‘Book character Cosplay’, a ‘Ring Toss’ game, and live musical performances by local bands.
The fest was officially inaugurated by the Chairman of Mizoram Youth Commission, by MalsawmzualaRalte who delivered the inaugural and introductory address. In his speech, he elaborated on the vision and origin of Mizoram Youth Commission’s initiative, ‘Promotion of Reading Culture Among Mizo Youth’ and underscored the importance of reading in shaping informed, creative, and thoughtful young minds. He encouraged the youth to cultivate reding habits as a means of broadening perspectives, sharpening intellect and nurturing personal growth. He also highlighted the major achievements and various youth-oriented initiatives undertaken under Mizoram Youth Commission.
i. Author interaction session was conducted featuring renowned Mizo authors – Mr. Lalhruaitluanga Chawngte, Mr. F Vanlalrochana, and Dr. Hannah Lalhlanpuii. During the session, the authors were interviewed on topics such as their journey to becoming writers, their reading habits, inspirations and other literary experiences. The session was hosted by Pi. Amelia Lalremdiki, Committee Member, Promotion of Reading Culture, and also included interactive discussions with the audience. ii. Author interaction session with young author Ms. Ruth Khawlhring was conducted by Dr. Ramdinthari, Committee Member, promotion of Reading Culture. During the session, the author shared her journey as a writer and interacted with the audience with the aim of inspiring young leaders and aspiring writers.
i. An Open Mic-Slam Poetry Session was conducted, wherein the stage was opened to participants to present their original compositions or recite poems of their choice. Approximately 10 participants took part in the ‘Slam Poetry’ session, which was hosted by Dr. Rinsangi Nghinglova, Committee member, promotion of Reading Culture.
ii. Tables were arranged for a ‘Make Your Own Bookmark’ activity, where participants, were provided with materials to design and create their own bookmarks, encouraging creativity and active engagement during the event.
D. Felicitation of Reading Decathlon Regional Winners
Food4thought Foundation organised the Reading Decathlon, in which two schools from Mizoram – La Montessori School and Mt. Carmel School participated through the Mizoram Youth Commission and qualified for the Regional Round conducted at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The schools secured 1st and 2nd place respectively in the competition.
A Book Character Cosplay segment was also included, wherein participants dressed up as their favourite literary characters. The activity aimed to encourage readers to engage more deeply with the characters from books they enjoy and to creatively express their understanding of these characters.
