Rokunga (20 February 1914 – 12 July 1969) was a traditional writer and composer from

Mizoram Mizoram () is a state in Northeast India, with Aizawl as its seat of government and capital city. The name of the state is derived from "Mizo", the self-described name of the native inhabitants, and "Ram", which in the Mizo language means "lan ...

, India.

Musical compositions

He started composing songs in 1934. He is most well known for composing patriotic songs, traditional festive and Christmas songs. His remain the "most cherished" patriotic songs among the Mizo people. He composed over 127 songs, the most popular of which are: *''Ro Min Relsak Ang Che'' (''Aw nang kan Lal kan Pathian'') *''Ka Pianna Zoram Nuam'' *''Raltiang i Kai Ve Ang'' *''Kan Zotlang Ram Nuam''

Popularity

He is one of the best known composers in

Mizo literature Mizo literature is the literature written in Mizo ṭawng, the principal language of the Mizo peoples, which has both written and oral traditions. It has undergone a considerable change in the 20th century. The language developed mainly from th ...

. ''Kan Zotlang Ram Nuam'' (''Our Fair Mizo Hill'') is among the most popular songs; while ''Aw nang kan Lal kan Pathian'' is considered as the Mizo "national anthem".

Honours

He was posthumously honoured as Poet of the Century by Mizoram Millenium Celebration Committee in 2000. In 2008 a life-sized statue was erected at City Park in Aizawl.

Legacy

In 1999 Rokunga Memorial Society (RMS) was established. The society gives annual Rokunga Award to a Mizo individual who uphold and exemplified the traditional Mizo ethics. The award carries INR 50,000 and, as of 2018, is funded by the Mizo daily news agency '' Vanglaini''. In 2016 Mizo Poetry Society was established in celebration of the birthday of Rokunga.

References

Scholars from Mizoram Mizo people Indian male writers Writers from Mizoram 1914 births 1969 deaths {{India-writer-stub