Assam Rifles and Territorial Army Celebrate 99th Birthday of World War II Veteran and Padma Shri Awardee Lalbiakthanga Pachuau
AIZAWL, Mar 26: The Assam Rifles, under the aegis of 23 Sector, joined forces with the Territorial Army to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Padma Shri Havildar Lalbiakthanga Pachuau (Retd.) on the occasion of his 99th birthday.
A distinguished veteran of the 3rd Battalion, The Assam Regiment, Havildar Pachuau is celebrated as a proud World War II veteran who transitioned from the battlefield to become a monumental figure in Indian journalism and literature. The celebratory event, themed “A Remarkable Century, A Remarkable Life,” brought together serving personnel, ex-servicemen, and family members to pay tribute to a man who received the Padma Shri in 2021 for his immense contributions to Literature and Education.
Beyond his military service, Havildar Pachuau’s post-retirement journey is nothing short of legendary; he is widely recognized as one of India’s oldest working journalists, having dedicated decades to social service and the written word.
During the ceremony, speakers highlighted how his transition from a soldier to a literary icon serves as a powerful symbol of dedication and nation-building.
As he approaches his centenary, his life continues to inspire multiple generations, bridging the gap between the historic valor of the World War II era and the intellectual vigor of modern India.