Chuauṭhuama (Mizo: ; 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.

Early life 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.

False imprisonment by the Indian Army 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.

Career 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.

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.

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.

Ministry 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.

During his 34 years of ministry, he undertook the following roles: 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.

Death 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.

Works He wrote 58 books and co-authored/edited 17 books/journals. He was a columnist for Vanglaini from 2013 till his death. +Books AuthoredYearBook1993/2002Mizo leh Israel1994Ram Thianghlim Kal Theuh Theuh1995Mi Biru Entawn Tlakte - I1995Mi Biru Entawn Tlakte - II1995Pathian Thu Zir Hlawkna1995Zu Hi Thil A Ni1996Bethlehem Lam I Thlir Ang 1996Bible-a Chhungkaw Entawn Tlakte1966Joba Hrilhfiahna (Gospel Centenary Commentary Series)1996Anni Leh Kei1996Chawhchawrawi 1998Bible Code Chhuina1998/2002Bible Zir Dan (SMTC Text Book)1999/2001Isu Tuallenna Ram2002Isua Thlan Ka Teh Ta 2001/20022002 Nilai leh Beihrual Thupui2002/2005Bible Hriat Zauna2002Roreltute leh Ruthi Hrilhfiahna (MSU Puitling Sunday School Zirlai 2002)2002/2011Kalvari Tlang I Thlir Ang2003Ka Kal Zel Dawn2003/2009Bethlehem Tlang I Thlir Ang2003Beginner Zirlai Bu Khatna2004Witness of Israel to Liberation (BD, BCS Text Book)2004Introducing the Psalter2004Kristian Nun2004Beginner Zirlai Bu Hnihna2005Israel-te Chanchin Tlangpui (SMTC Text Book)2005Thalaite Mamawh - Isua Krista2005Isua Pantute (2005)2005Tunlai Juda-te Nunphung2005Mizo Bible Encyclopedia2005/2007/2009Bible-a Hming Awmzia2006Ka Zirna Ram2006Chinbawr2006Bible Study Kalpui Dan leh Zawlnei Hagaia2007Burma Ram Zin Thu 2007/2009Kraws Chhuanawm2008Bible Thu Mal Hrilhfiahna2009Kal Hmaste Hlutna2009Kum Sawmhnih Sulhnu2010Israel-te Chanchin (PBS Text Book)2010/2011/2013Zotawng Bible Dictionary2010Kum Ruk Sulhnu2010Dr. Luka'n a tisual thei angem?2011Bible Knowledge2012Rev. Zairema Biblical Commentary, Sam 42-732013Rev. Zairema Biblical Commentary, Sam 73-1002013Norma Lalpekhlui Nghilh Loh Nan (Booklet)2013Paula Lung In Tan Lehkhathawn2014Roreltu leh Ruthu (Centenary Commentary)2014Bible, Zu leh Mizote2014Bethlehema Nau Lo Piang Chu2015Aw Tlang Mawi Kalvari2015Ram Thianghlim Kal Puitu2013/2014/2015Heti Hian Ka Ngaihtuah2015A taka Kristiana2015Revd Chuauthuama Huang

See also Mizoram Presbyterian Church Serampore College Zairema

References