UPC Office Press

How It Started Evan. Lalthanzauva (father of the current Mizoram Assembly Speaker, Pu. Lalbiakzama) can be considered the main visionary and driving force behind the establishment of the Lunglei District Printing Press. In December 2002, Evan. Lalthanzauva recalled: “When the youth department was organized at the District level on May 22, 1966, and I was appointed President, my main vision was to establish a Printing Press. I raised the idea whenever possible. While many were skeptical or even laughed at proposing such a large project during a time of extreme financial hardship, I was not discouraged. One Sunday, to initiate the project, I collected a special offering during our service at Rahsiveng and gathered exactly Rs. 32. Continuing our efforts, I approached our leaders in Aizawl three times for financial support, eventually accumulating Rs. 2,000.” Church & PYD Initiatives As the church grew, the desire to own a Printing Press was strong among both members and leaders, particularly among the youth. At the 1st District PYD Conference held in Thehlep from October 17 to 21, 1968, the top agenda item was ‘To take necessary steps to acquire a Printing Press.’ From 1968 to 1972, this remained a recurring conference agenda item, and funds were raised annually. Resolution No. 4 of the 8th Main Church District Conference (February 22–25, 1973) records: “Regarding the purchase of a Printing Press: This has been our long-cherished goal. PYD South Mizoram UPC is currently aiming to purchase one with a collected fund of around Rs. 4,000. It was proposed by Evan. Hrangmawia and seconded by Rev. Rallianga that we proceed with purchasing the Press, which was unanimously passed.” Purchase & Arrival of Early Machinery In July/August 1973, the Printing Press was ordered from Guwahati and arrived in February 1974. This standard letterpress machine served as the main machinery for many years. As operations grew, a smaller machine was needed for lighter jobs. Consequently, Minute No. 2 of the 13th Press Board meeting on January 21, 1984, resolved to acquire a smaller machine, which was successfully purchased in late 1987. The exact cost of purchasing these printing presses remains unrecorded. Offset Printers & Modern Upgrades These two machines served the UPC Press for many years. However, with technological advancement, offset printing emerged as a faster, more efficient, and superior alternative. • 2004 October: Offset khawl thar ‘ROTAPRINT’ chu cheng nuai 6 singnga chuangin lei a ni ta a ni. Khawl thar ngang a ni a, a hman thuah pawh eng emaw chen chu harsatna kan tawk deuh a, mahse hma kan sawn zel a kan hmang tangkai chho ta hle a ni. Kum 6/7 a lo vei chuan khawl pawhin hlui lam a lo pan leh ta a. • 2010 November: Khawl thar dang AUTO-PRINT chu cheng nuai 5 chuangin lei leh a ni a. • A hnuah: Khawl lian zawk leh paper hlai zawk print theihna SAHIL -125 chu cheng nuai 10 in lei a ni leh ta a, heng khawl pahnih te hi vawiin thlenga kan hnathawhna ber an ni ta a ni. • October 2004: A new 'ROTAPRINT' offset machine was purchased for over Rs. 6.5 lakhs. Despite initial operational learning curves, it significantly boosted productivity until it aged after 6–7 years of heavy use. • November 2010: A new AUTO-PRINT offset machine was purchased for over Rs. 5 lakhs. • Subsequent Addition: A larger SAHIL-125 offset machine capable of printing larger paper sizes was purchased for Rs. 10 lakhs. These two machines remain the core printing equipment today. Paper Cutting Machine & Other Equipment A Paper Cutting Machine is essential for press operations. The District PYD spearheaded fundraising for this starting in 1980, raising Rs. 6,028 by 1983. Additionally, a special collection during the 1993 District LAD Conference contributed Rs. 3,000. General Secretary Rev. H. Vankunga and District Pastor Rev. HL. Ruata arranged the purchase from Kolkata. The machine was dispatched from Guwahati on June 30, 1983, arrived in Lunglei on July 20, 1983, and was officially dedicated on July 25, 1983. After 40 years of service, an upgraded paper cutter was purchased in 2022 for Rs. 4 lakhs. Furthermore, a Perfect Binding Machine was added in 2024 for Rs. 12 lakhs (completed), alongside various Xerox machines, computer sets, and digital printers. Current Staffing Status Currently, the Press employs five (5) staff members: 3 full-time employees and 2 daily-wage (MR) workers.