Aizawl, Sept. 24: Mizoram mourns the passing of Rita Neihpuii, the first Mizo woman to earn a Master’s degree, who died peacefully on Tuesday night at 7:40 pm at the age of 100.
Born in the late 1920s, Rita Neihpuii etched her name in history when she completed her MA in History from Guwahati University in 1951, becoming the first among Mizo women to achieve the milestone. She was married to the late H. Raltawna.
Her academic journey began at PC Girls’ School between 1938 and 1940, where she earned the award for best conduct and diligence. She went on to make history by excelling in the then board examinations, becoming one of the brightest girl students from Mizoram of her time.
After her postgraduate studies, Rita devoted her life to education, teaching at St. Mary’s College, Shillong, before serving as a teacher in Govt. Mizo High School and later at the College of Teachers’ Education in Aizawl.
Beyond her career as an educator, she was a prominent leader in the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), serving as Vice President for 11 years (1983–1993) before being elected as President (1993–1995). She also held public service roles as a member of the Mizoram State Commission and as a conciliator in the Lok Adalat.
ALSO READ: CM Lalduhoma Participates in High-Level Task Force Meeting on Handloom & Handicrafts
Her century-long life was marked by her pioneering role in advancing women’s education and empowerment in Mizoram. She is remembered not only as a trailblazer in academics but also as a champion of social service and community leadership.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 12:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church, Electric Veng, Aizawl, where family, friends, and the community will bid farewell to one of Mizoram’s most respected women leaders.
