a brief History of Anlangh Village
By Khup Khen Thang, PhD (In Progress)
1. Pu Am Tun
(Hatlangh)
2.
Pu Lam
Suang (Gualnam)
3.
Pu Nok
Kham (Hatlangh)
4.
Pu Hen
Tawng
5.
Pu En Zen
6.
Pu Hen Za
Nial
7.
Pu Thang
Khua On
8.
Pu Hen
Suut
9.
Pu Pau
Tuang (Gualnam)
10.
Pu Thang
Luan (Naulak)
These pioneers cleared forests, cultivated farmland, built houses, and
established the social and administrative structure of the village. Although
they belonged to different clans, they demonstrated remarkable unity and
cooperation, creating a peaceful community that has endured for generations.
Around 1898, they moved to the present site where clean water,
healthier surroundings, and better living conditions were available. This
relocation marked an important turning point that enabled the village to
continue growing and prospering.
Before the arrival of Christianity, the people of Anlangh practiced traditional Zomi religion. They believed in ancestral spirits, local deities, and supernatural powers that influenced daily life, agriculture, health, and prosperity. Various sacrificial ceremonies involving pigs, dogs, chickens, and other animals were conducted by traditional priests for healing, protection, successful harvests, and community welfare. These traditional beliefs formed an important part of the cultural identity of the early settlers before Christianity transformed the spiritual life of the village.
In 1930, Rev. Vial Nang became the first missionary to
preach the Gospel in the village. His ministry resulted in the conversion of Pi
Ning Gin and Pu Gin Nang, who became the first Christian believers
in Anlangh. During the following decades, Christianity spread rapidly. Baptist
missionaries established churches in the 1940s and 1950s. The Seventh-day
Adventist Church entered the village in 1962, followed by the
organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission Church in 1964 and the
Seventh-day Adventist Conference Church in 2003. Roman Catholic, New
Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God, and several other denominations also
established congregations. Christianity gradually replaced traditional
religious practices and became the foundation of the village's moral,
educational, and social development. Churches provided spiritual leadership
while promoting education, healthcare, and community service.
In 1953, Anlangh received its first government primary school.
Community members voluntarily built classrooms using local timber and other
available materials. Educational opportunities continued to expand. In 1982,
an affiliated middle school was established, and in 1998, the Ministry
of Education officially recognized Anlangh as a Branch Middle School.
These developments enabled students to pursue higher levels of education
without leaving their village.
Another important milestone in the educational history of Anlangh occurred in 1989, when the Anlangh Seventh-day Adventist Middle School was established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The school's mission was to provide holistic Christian education by combining academic excellence with biblical principles, character formation, and service. It quickly became an important educational institution not only for students from Anlangh but also for those from surrounding villages. The first principal of the school was Pastor Kelly P. Lyan, whose visionary leadership laid a strong foundation for the institution. Under his administration, the school emphasized spiritual growth, academic discipline, leadership development, and Christian values consistent with the educational philosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Over the years, the school has educated many students who later became pastors, teachers, healthcare workers, business professionals, and public servants. Its establishment strengthened both the educational and evangelistic ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern Chin State.
Among all the achievements of Anlangh Village, none has brought greater distinction than its contributions to higher education. The village produced Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau, who became the first person from Chin State to successfully pass the high school matriculation examination. At a time when educational opportunities in the Chin Hills were extremely limited, this remarkable achievement demonstrated that students from remote mountain communities could attain the highest standards of education in Myanmar. Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau continued his studies and became the first medical doctor from Chin State, Myanmar. His achievement represented a historic milestone not only for Anlangh Village but also for the entire Chin people. As the first Chin physician, he became a symbol of perseverance, intellectual excellence, and service. His success inspired countless young Chin students to pursue higher education in medicine, education, theology, engineering, business, and other professions. His legacy continues to motivate generations of students throughout Chin State.
Anlangh Village has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the leading educational communities among the Zomi people. Over the years, the village has produced numerous physicians, dentists, educators, theologians, business scholars, and researchers who have made significant contributions to Myanmar and the international community. Their achievements reflect the village's longstanding commitment to academic excellence, Christian values, and public service.
|
Name |
Achievement / Contribution |
|
|
Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau |
The first Zomi (Chin) person to pass the High School Matriculation
Examination (March 1932) and the first Licensed Medical Practitioner
(L.M.P.) among the Zomi (Chin) people, receiving his qualification on October
24, 1938. He is recognized as the pioneer physician of the Chin people. |
|
|
Dr. Kam Khan Thawng (Ex. Lt. Col.) |
Son of Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau. Achieved distinction in Mathematics in high
school and became the first MBBS graduate from Anlangh Village. He
later served in the Myanmar Defence Services Medical Corps, rising to the
rank of Lieutenant Colonel. |
|
|
Dr. Judith Go Lun Niang |
Daughter of Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau. Medical doctor who served the
community and is listed among the distinguished members of the Hau Za Cin Pau
family. |
|
|
Dr. Lily Lian Khan Cing |
Daughter of Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau. Medical doctor and one of the
outstanding professionals produced by the family. |
|
|
Dr. Thang Cin Mang |
Medical doctor and husband of Jenny Ciin Lian Cing (daughter of Dr.
Hau Za Cin Pau). |
|
|
Dr. Gin Lian Mung |
Recognized during the 136th Jubilee as the first doctorate holder
among the younger generation ("Doctor" referring to an academic
doctorate, not a medical degree). He also computerized much of the Jubilee
book. |
|
|
Dr. Sian Cin Zam |
Recipient of an honorary doctorate and chief editor/president of the
Anlangh Jubilee project. This is an academic honorary doctorate, not a
medical degree. |
Historic Medical Achievements of Anlangh
1.
Dr. Hau
Za Cin Pau was the first
Zomi (Chin) student to pass the High School Matriculation Examination in 1932.
2.
He became
the first Licensed Medical Practitioner (L.M.P.) among the Zomi (Chin)
people on 24 October 1938, making him the pioneer medical doctor of
the Chin community.
3.
Dr. Kam
Khan Thawng became the first
MBBS graduate from Anlangh Village, continuing his father's legacy in
medicine.
4. The family
of Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau produced multiple physicians, making it one of the
most distinguished medical families in Anlangh. The Jubilee Book even
highlights their family as an exemplary household because all of the children
attained higher education.
These achievements illustrate Anlangh Village's longstanding reputation
as one of the leading centers of education and professional excellence among
the Zomi people of Chin State.
Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau (L.M.P.) holds a unique place in the history of the Chin people. He was the first Zomi (Chin) student to pass the High School Matriculation Examination in 1932 and later became the first Licensed Medical Practitioner (L.M.P.) among the Zomi (Chin) people on October 24, 1938. His pioneering achievements opened the way for future generations of Chin students to pursue higher education and careers in medicine. Following his legacy, Dr. Kam Khan Thawng (Ex. Lt. Col.) became the first MBBS graduate from Anlangh Village. He later served with distinction in the Myanmar Defence Services Medical Corps, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
1.
Dr.
Judith Go Lun Niang – Medical
Doctor.
2.
Dr.
Lily Lian Khan Cing – Medical
Doctor.
3.
Dr.
Thang Cin Mang – Medical
Doctor.
4.
Dr.
Ning Huai Lun – M.B.B.S.,
China.
5.
Dr. Man
Ngaih Nuam Pen – M.B.B.S.,
China.
6.
Dr.
Suan Sian Thawn – M.B.B.S.,
trained in Mandalay and Yangon.
7.
Dr.
Niang Tawi Muang – Doctor
of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Augusta University, United States.
Scholars and Academic Leaders
Anlangh has also produced distinguished scholars in medicine, education, business, and theology.
1. 1. Dr. Gin
Lian Mung, Ph. D – Doctor of
Philosophy from Pune University, India. One of the first members of the younger
generation from Anlangh to earn a doctoral degree and a contributor to the
compilation of the Anlangh Jubilee history.
2. 2. Dr.
Suan Lian Tuang, M.D., Ph.D. –
Earned advanced medical and research qualifications through Harvard
University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),
United States.
3. 3. Dr.
Thang Pian Thawn, Ph.D. –
Doctor of Philosophy in Business, University of Santo Tomas (UST),
Philippines.
4. 4. Dr.
Kham Khan Khai, Ed.D. – Doctor
of Education, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP).
5. 5. Dr.
Thang Suan Sum, Ph.D. – Doctor
of Philosophy in New Testament, Philippine Christian University (PCU),
Philippines.
6. 6. Dr.
Sian Cin Zam – Honorary
doctorate recipient and Chief Editor of the Anlangh Village 136th Jubilee
Book.
Current Doctoral Candidates
The tradition of academic excellence continues with members of the younger generation who are pursuing doctoral studies:
1. 1. Pastor
Tuan Suan Kim – Doctor of
Philosophy in Education (in progress), Adventist International Institute
of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Philippines.
2. 2. Mr.
Khup Khen Thang – Doctor of
Philosophy in Business (in progress), Adventist International Institute
of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Philippines.
The accomplishments of these distinguished professionals demonstrate Anlangh Village's enduring commitment to education, faith, and service. From producing the first Chin student to pass the matriculation examination and the first Chin medical practitioner to developing physicians, dentists, educators, theologians, and business scholars educated in Myanmar, the Philippines, China, and the United States, Anlangh has made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of the Zomi people. The achievements of these men and women continue to inspire younger generations to pursue academic excellence, uphold Christian values, and dedicate their knowledge and skills to serving both their communities and the wider world.
Throughout its history, Anlangh has consistently produced outstanding leaders who have served Myanmar and the international community. The village has contributed pastors, evangelists, missionaries, teachers, professors, physicians, nurses, accountants, civil servants, military officers, engineers, researchers, and business leaders. Many have served in leadership positions within churches, universities, government institutions, hospitals, and international organizations.
The strong emphasis placed on Christian faith, education, discipline,
and community service has enabled Anlangh to become one of the most respected
villages among the Zomi people.
In 2014, Anlangh celebrated its 136th Jubilee, commemorating more than a century of remarkable history and community development. A Jubilee Committee compiled and published a comprehensive history documenting the founding of the village, biographies of distinguished citizens, educational achievements, church history, traditions, and cultural heritage. The Jubilee Book serves as an enduring historical record and ensures that future generations will remember the sacrifices, vision, and accomplishments of the founders and subsequent generations.
From its humble beginning in 1878, Anlangh Village has become a beacon of faith, education, and leadership in Chin State. The courage of the pioneer settlers, the unwavering commitment of community leaders, the transformative influence of Christianity, and the community's dedication to education have shaped the identity of the village for nearly one hundred and fifty years. The establishment of schools, including the Seventh-day Adventist Middle School in 1989, together with the outstanding achievements of pioneers such as Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau, illustrates Anlangh's enduring commitment to excellence. Producing the first Chin high school graduate and the first Chin medical doctor stands as one of the village's greatest contributions to the history of Chin State.
Today, Anlangh continues to inspire future generations to uphold the
values of faith in God, educational excellence, integrity, unity, and service.
Its history is not merely the story of one village but a testimony to the
determination and vision of the Zomi people in their pursuit of knowledge,
Christian faith, and community development.
1. 1. Anlangh Jubilee Committee. (2015).
Anlangh khua kum 136 cinna jubilee (1878–2014). Hebron Printing House.
2. 2. Khup Khen
Thang. (Personal communications and interviews with village elders, pastors,
educators, and community leaders, 2025–2026). (Use personal communications
only for unpublished interview information; do not include them in the
reference list. Cite them only in the text.)
3. 3. Carey, B.
S., & Tuck, H. N. (1896). The Chin Hills: A history of the people, our
dealings with them, their customs and manners, and a gazetteer of their
country. Government Printing.
4. 4. Lian
Sakhong, L. H. (2003). In search of Chin identity: A study in religion,
politics and ethnic identity in Burma. NIAS Press.
5. 5. Vumson.
(1986). Zo history. Published by the author.
6. 6. General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. (2022). Seventh-day Adventist Church
manual (20th ed.). Review and Herald Publishing Association.
7. 7. General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. (2020). Education. In Seventh-day
Adventist encyclopedia.
8. 8. Ministry
of Education. (Various years). Education statistics of Myanmar.
