Chuauṭhuama
Chuauṭhuama | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 April 1947 Bukpui, Lushai Hills District, British India |
| Died | 4 January 2024 (aged 76) Aizawl, Mizoram, India |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge United Theological College, Bangalore |
| Occupations |
|
| Spouse | Lalchhumi |
| Children | Elsa Lalramzauvi Pachuau |
| Awards | Hon. D.Div. |
| Religion | Christian |
| Church | Mizoram Presbyterian Church |
Chuauṭhuama (Mizo: [t͡suʌu˩ .t͡ʂʰuʌm˥ .ʌ˧] ⓘ; 1 April 1947 – 4 January 2024) was a Presbyterian minister, biblical scholar and writer who had an extensive influence in the church and society in Mizoram. He was the first Mizo to earn a degree from Cambridge University.
He specialized in the Old Testament and Hebrew language and was the Chief Translator of the Mizo (Bible) Revised Version project under Bible Society of India starting from the year 2017 till the day he died.[1]
Early life
[edit]Chuauṭhuama was born in the village of Bukpui, Lushai Hills District to Tawna and Buaii. He was the youngest of six. His father was a church elder and worked as a teacher in a primary school run by the church. He started schooling at the age of 7, and was noted for excelling in his studies. In 1963, he went to Aizawl for higher studies, however, his studies was cut short in 1966 by the Mizo National Front uprising. He went back home and spent the remaining year helping his parents in their field.[2]
False imprisonment by the Indian Army
[edit]In 1967, Chuauṭhuama and his friends decided to go to Jowai, Meghalaya for studies as all schools were closed in the district. On their journey, they were arrested by security forces. Chuauthuama was falsely implicated to be a high ranking rebel, viz, a Commissioner in the Mizo National Army. He was subsequently jailed for three years in Tezpur Central Jail.[3]
Career
[edit]In January, 1970 he was released from jail. He joined Synod High School and completed his matriculation exam in 1972. From 1973-1977, he worked as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in the Mizoram Home Guard. While working he also did his Bachelor's, enrolling in Pachhunga Memorial College (Evening shift). He graduated in 1976 with Distinction, he was ranked 2nd in NEHU. From 1978, he worked as a teacher in Hrangchhuana High School rising to the rank of Headmaster.[4]
In 1983, he resigned from his post as Headmaster to begin his theological studies. He enrolled for a Bachelor of divinity in United Theological College, Bangalore. In 1987, he graduated in first class. He won 13 academic first prize and 2 academic second prize. He was ranked first in BD in the University of Serampore and won the Senator's Prize for Highest Proficiency. [4]
In childhood, I wanted to be an engineer (BE). I was arrested in 1967 during the troubled years (Mizo National Front uprising). I was imprisoned for three years at Tezpur Jail. By 1968, what I wanted to be had completely changed, "If I were to survive and be free, whenever the time is right, I will study the word of God (BD)." Translated from Mizo
— Chuauṭhuama, "Chan Loh Khanah", Vanglaini (11 Dec, 2021)[5]
From 1988-1990, he studied and completed his M.Phil (Old Testament & Hebrew Language) at Cambridge University. He subsequently finished a course on "The Bible & Its Setting" at St. George's College, Jerusalem. In 1998, he also attended a course on "Reading the Bible from the Jewish Perspective" in the Netherlands.[1]
Ministry
[edit]In 1990, he returned to Mizoram and was appointed as a probationary pastor. He was appointed to the Lunglei pastorate. In 1993, he was elevated into a full pastor. He worked at Aizawl Theological College as a lecturer from 1994 till 2007 when he reached retirement age. From 2008, he served as the principal of Centenary School, Dawrpui. He returned to Aizawl Theological College from 2011-2015 to teach when the college started teaching a M.Th (Old Testament) degree.[1]
During his 34 years of ministry, he undertook the following roles:[6]
- Pro Pastor, Lunglei Bial (1991-1993)
- Lecturer Aizawl Theological College (1994- 2001)
- Registrar ATC (2002-2007)
- Synod Secretary Jr. (2000)
- Synod Secretary Sr. (2001)
- Synod Literature & Publication Board (1998- 2000)
- Mizo Sunday School Union (2001-2003)
- Presbyterian Publication Board (2004-2006)
- Research & Evaluation Wing (2004- 2006, 2019-2021)
- Synod Worship Committee (2007-2009, 2010-2012, 2013-2015)
- PCI General Assembly Executive Committee (2001-2003, 2004-2006, 2006-2009)
- Christian Home Committee (2001-2002)
- Synod Social Front (2010-2012)
- Synod Pastoral Committee (2013-2015, 2016-2018)
- Synod Pension & Provident Fund Board (2013-2018)
- MTC Governing Committee (2019-2021)
- Synod Executive Committee (2019- till death)
For his exemplary service to the church and society and his literary contributions he was conferred Doctor of Divinity (Honoris causa) by Serampore College (University) on December 4, 2023.[7]
Death
[edit]Chuauṭhuama was very healthy throughout his life. He reportedly took only five days of casual leave throughout his career as a lecturer in Aizawl Theological College. After his retirement, he had some minor problems with his eyes. In addition to this he also had mild hypertension. On 4 January, 2024, he went to the hospital for a checkup regarding his hypertension. The doctors found that he had had a heart attack, he was consequently put into an ICCU at Ebenezer Hospital. He was put under a ventilator and he died at 10:20 pm.[1][8]
Works
[edit]He wrote 58 books and co-authored/edited 17 books/journals. He was a columnist for Vanglaini from 2013 till his death.
| Year | Book |
|---|---|
| 1993/2002 | Mizo leh Israel |
| 1994 | Ram Thianghlim Kal Theuh Theuh |
| 1995 | Mi Biru Entawn Tlakte - I |
| 1995 | Mi Biru Entawn Tlakte - II |
| 1995 | Pathian Thu Zir Hlawkna |
| 1995 | Zu Hi Thil A Ni |
| 1996 | Bethlehem Lam I Thlir Ang |
| 1996 | Bible-a Chhungkaw Entawn Tlakte |
| 1966 | Joba Hrilhfiahna (Gospel Centenary Commentary Series) |
| 1996 | Anni Leh Kei |
| 1996 | Chawhchawrawi |
| 1998 | Bible Code Chhuina |
| 1998/2002 | Bible Zir Dan (SMTC Text Book) |
| 1999/2001 | Isu Tuallenna Ram |
| 2002 | Isua Thlan Ka Teh Ta |
| 2001/2002 | 2002 Nilai leh Beihrual Thupui |
| 2002/2005 | Bible Hriat Zauna |
| 2002 | Roreltute leh Ruthi Hrilhfiahna (MSU Puitling Sunday School Zirlai 2002) |
| 2002/2011 | Kalvari Tlang I Thlir Ang |
| 2003 | Ka Kal Zel Dawn |
| 2003/2009 | Bethlehem Tlang I Thlir Ang |
| 2003 | Beginner Zirlai Bu Khatna |
| 2004 | Witness of Israel to Liberation (BD, BCS Text Book) |
| 2004 | Introducing the Psalter |
| 2004 | Kristian Nun |
| 2004 | Beginner Zirlai Bu Hnihna |
| 2005 | Israel-te Chanchin Tlangpui (SMTC Text Book) |
| 2005 | Thalaite Mamawh - Isua Krista |
| 2005 | Isua Pantute (2005) |
| 2005 | Tunlai Juda-te Nunphung |
| 2005 | Mizo Bible Encyclopedia |
| 2005/2007/2009 | Bible-a Hming Awmzia |
| 2006 | Ka Zirna Ram |
| 2006 | Chinbawr |
| 2006 | Bible Study Kalpui Dan leh Zawlnei Hagaia |
| 2007 | Burma Ram Zin Thu |
| 2007/2009 | Kraws Chhuanawm |
| 2008 | Bible Thu Mal Hrilhfiahna |
| 2009 | Kal Hmaste Hlutna |
| 2009 | Kum Sawmhnih Sulhnu |
| 2010 | Israel-te Chanchin (PBS Text Book) |
| 2010/2011/2013 | Zotawng Bible Dictionary |
| 2010 | Kum Ruk Sulhnu |
| 2010 | Dr. Luka'n a tisual thei angem? |
| 2011 | Bible Knowledge |
| 2012 | Rev. Zairema Biblical Commentary, Sam 42-73 |
| 2013 | Rev. Zairema Biblical Commentary, Sam 73-100 |
| 2013 | Norma Lalpekhlui Nghilh Loh Nan (Booklet) |
| 2013 | Paula Lung In Tan Lehkhathawn |
| 2014 | Roreltu leh Ruthu (Centenary Commentary) |
| 2014 | Bible, Zu leh Mizote |
| 2014 | Bethlehema Nau Lo Piang Chu |
| 2015 | Aw Tlang Mawi Kalvari |
| 2015 | Ram Thianghlim Kal Puitu |
| 2013/2014/2015 | Heti Hian Ka Ngaihtuah |
| 2015 | A taka Kristiana |
| 2015 | Revd Chuauthuama Huang |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 "OBITUARY : REVD. DR. CHUAUTHUAMA (77)". mizoramsynod.org (in Mizo). Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- 1 2 Lalrinpuia, PC. "Revd. CHUAUTHUAMA CHANCHIN". exploremizoram.org (in Mizo). Archived from the original on 16 Apr 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ Lianzuala, RK (2024). Pu RK Lianzuala leh Revd. Chuauthuama inkawmna (2017) (Television production) (in Mizo). Aizawl: Zonet. Event occurs at 9:11. Retrieved 14 Jan 2025.
- 1 2 "Revd Chuauthuama kan chan ta!". Vanglaini. 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 18 Sep 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ Chuauthuama. "Chan Loh Khanah". Vanglaini.org. Archived from the original on 18 Sep 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ Lalthianghlima, MC. "Mizo Nehemia, Revd. Chuauthuama". thezozamtimes. Archived from the original on 22 Jan 2025. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ↑ "Recipients-Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa)". senateofseramporecollege.edu.in. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ Pachuau, Elsa Lalramzauvi (4 January 2025). "KA PA HRIAT RENG NAN" [In remembrance of my father]. Vanglaini.org (in Mizo). Archived from the original on 2025-09-18. Retrieved 15 April 2025.