a brief History of Anlangh Village
By Khup Khen Thang
The village of Anlangh was founded around 1878 when several Zomi families migrated in search of fertile agricultural land, abundant water, and a secure place to establish a permanent settlement. During that period, many communities in the Chin Hills were relocating because of changing political conditions, population growth, and the search for better farming opportunities. The principal founders of Anlangh were:
1. Pu Am Tun (Hatlangh)
2. Pu Lam Suang (Gualnam)
3. Pu Nok Kham (Hatlangh)
4. Pu Hen Tawng (Hatlangh)
5. Pu En Zen (Hatlangh)
6. Pu Hen Za Nial (Hatlangh)
7. Pu Thang Khua On (Hatlangh)
8. Pu Hen Suut (Hatlang
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.
List of Anlangh Village Administrators (Hausa sem ngei teng)
1. Pu Nok Kham, Hatlangh (1878 – 1896)
2. Pu Ngul Khua Gin, Hatlangh (1896 – 1944)
3. Pu Tawng Khua Thang, Hatlangh (1944 – 1945)
4. Pu Kham Khan Pau, Hatlangh (1945 – 1956)
5. Pu Luan Za Thang, Naulak (1957 – 1960)
6. Pu Awn Khua Gin, Suante (1961 – 1962)
7. Pu Lian Go, Naulak (1962 – 1966)
8. Pu Kai Za Do, Naulak (1966 – 1970)
9. Pu Thang Lian Pau, Naulak (1970 – 1972)
10. Pu Tun Khua Nang, Naulak (1972 – 1976)
11. Pu Kam Khen Thang, Sukte (1976 – 1980)
12. Pu Suut Sian Thang, Naulak (1980 – 1985)
13. Pu Thang Gin Kam, Naulak (1985 – 1988)
14. Pu Thang Lian Zam, Gualnam (1988 – 1990)
15. Pu Thang Khan Thawn, Naulak (1990 – 1992)
16. Pu Thang Khua Pau, Gualnam (1992 – 1994)
17. Pu Thang Khan Thawn, Naulak (1994 – 2005)
18. Pu Pau Than Mung, Hatlangh (2006 – 2010)
19. Pu Thang Suan Khup, Hatlangh (2011 -2016)
20. Pu Thang Lian Mung, Hatlangh (2016-202?)
Origin of the Village Name
The pioneers lived in the original settlement for approximately twenty years. During the late nineteenth century, a severe epidemic spread through the village, causing many deaths, including that of the respected village chief Pu Nok Kham. Because of this tragedy, the villagers decided to relocate.
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.
Natural Beauty and Tourism
The greatest transformation in the history of Anlangh came with the arrival of Christianity. 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.
Dr. Hau Za Cin Pau (L.M.P.) occupies a unique position in Chin history. He was the first Zomi (Chin) student to pass the High School Matriculation Examination in March 1932 and subsequently became the first Licensed Medical Practitioner (L.M.P.) among the Zomi (Chin) people on October 24, 1938. His pioneering achievements opened pathways for future generations of Chin students to pursue higher education and medical careers.
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.
I want to highlights several milestones that distinguish Anlangh Village in the history of Chin education and medicine:
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. 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. 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. Dr.
Thang Pian Thawn, Ph.D. –
Doctor of Philosophy in Business, University of Santo Tomas (UST),
Philippines.
4. Dr.
Kham Khan Khai, Ed.D. – Doctor
of Education, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP).
5. Dr.
Thang Suan Sum, Ph.D. – Doctor
of Philosophy in New Testament, Philippine Christian University (PCU),
Philippines.
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. Pastor
Tuan Suan Kim – Doctor of
Philosophy in Education (in progress), Adventist International Institute
of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Philippines.
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.
References
1. Anlangh Jubilee Committee. (2015). Anlangh khua kum 136 cinna jubilee (1878–2014). Hebron Printing House
