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Starting a details initial version

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{{Short description|Mizo pastor, theologian and author (1947–2024)}}
{{Infobox clergy
| honorific_prefix = [[The Reverend]]
| name = Chuauṭhuama
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1947|4|1}}
| birth_place = Bukpui, [[Lushai Hills District]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2024|1|4|1947|1|15}}
| death_place = [[Aizawl]], Mizoram, India
| nationality =
| alma_mater = [[St John's College, Cambridge]] [[United Theological College, Bangalore]]
| occupation = {{hlist | Christian minister | Author|Lecturer}}
| spouse = Lalchhumi
| religion = Christian
| church = [[Mizoram Presbyterian Church]]
| ordained =
| writings =
| children = Elsa Lalramzauvi Pachuau
| congregations =
| offices_held =
| title =
| signature =
| signature_alt =
| website =
| awards = [[doctor of divinity|Hon. D.Div.]]
| footnotes =
}}
'''Chuauṭhuama''' ([[Mizo language|Mizo]]: {{IPA|lus|t͡suʌu˩ .t͡ʂʰuʌm˥ .ʌ˧||Chuauthuama.ogg}}; 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 people|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.<ref name="obit">{{cite web |title=OBITUARY : REVD. DR. CHUAUTHUAMA (77) |url=https://www.mizoramsynod.org/page/1936 |website=mizoramsynod.org |access-date=14 April 2025 |language=lus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414172329/https://www.mizoramsynod.org/page/1936|archive-date=14 April 2025}}</ref>

==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.<ref name="chan">{{cite web |last1=Lalrinpuia |first1=PC |title=Revd. CHUAUTHUAMA CHANCHIN |url=https://www.exploremizoram.com/2024/01/revd-chuauthuama-chanchin.html |website=exploremizoram.org |access-date=14 April 2025|lang=lus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416091830/https://www.exploremizoram.com/2024/01/revd-chuauthuama-chanchin.html|archive-date=16 Apr 2025}}</ref>

===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]].<ref>{{cite AV media
|people =
|last = Lianzuala
|first = RK
|date = 2024
|title = Pu RK Lianzuala leh Revd. Chuauthuama inkawmna (2017)
|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwwfgFS4qEA
|trans-title =
|format =
|time = 9:11
|work =
|type = Television production
|language = lus
|location = Aizawl
|publisher = Zonet
|access-date = 14 Jan 2025
}}</ref>

==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 University College|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.<ref name="vanglaini">{{cite news |title=Revd Chuauthuama kan chan ta! |url=https://www.vanglaini.org/article/108226?date=2024-01-06 |access-date=14 April 2025 |work=Vanglaini |date=6 January 2024 |ref=RNI 34227/79|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918093311/https://www.vanglaini.org/article/108226?date=2024-01-06|archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>

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 [[Bachelor of Divinity|BD]] in the [[University of Serampore]] and won the Senator's Prize for Highest Proficiency. <ref name="vanglaini"/>
{{Blockquote
|text=In childhood, I wanted to be an engineer ([[Bachelor of Engineering|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 ([[Bachelor of Divinity|BD]])." ''Translated from Mizo''
|author=Chuauṭhuama
|title="Chan Loh Khanah"
|source=''Vanglaini'' (11 Dec, 2021)<ref>{{cite web |author=Chuauthuama |title=Chan Loh Khanah |url=https://www.vanglaini.org/guest-writer/writer/4/post/50610?date=2025-04-15 |website=Vanglaini.org |access-date=14 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918092243/https://www.vanglaini.org/guest-writer/writer/4/post/50610?date=2025-04-15|archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>
}}
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]].<ref name="obit"/>

==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.<ref name="obit"/>

During his 34 years of ministry, he undertook the following roles:<ref name="zozam">{{cite web |last1=Lalthianghlima |first1=MC |title=Mizo Nehemia, Revd. Chuauthuama |url=https://thezozamtimes.in/2024/01/30/mizo-nehemia-revd-dr-chuauthuama/ |website=thezozamtimes |access-date=15 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122104741/https://thezozamtimes.in/2024/01/30/mizo-nehemia-revd-dr-chuauthuama/|archive-date=22 Jan 2025}}</ref>
*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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Recipients-Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) |url=https://senateofseramporecollege.edu.in/recipients-degree-of-doctor-of-divinity-honoris-causa/ |website=senateofseramporecollege.edu.in |access-date=14 April 2025}}</ref>

==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 [[Intensive cardiac care unit|ICCU]] at Ebenezer Hospital. He was put under a ventilator and he died at 10:20 pm.<ref name="obit"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pachuau |first1=Elsa Lalramzauvi |title=KA PA HRIAT RENG NAN |url=https://www.vanglaini.org/article/138357?date=2025-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918085257/https://www.vanglaini.org/article/138357?date=2025-01-04|archive-date=2025-09-18|website=Vanglaini.org |access-date=15 April 2025 |language=lus|trans-title=In remembrance of my father |date=4 January 2025}}</ref>

==Works==
He wrote 58 books and co-authored/edited 17 books/journals. He was a [[columnist]] for [[Vanglaini]] from 2013 till his death.
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+Books Authored<ref name="chan"/>
|-
!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==
*[[Mizoram Presbyterian Church]]
*[[Serampore College]]
*[[Zairema]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:Mizo people]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:Presbyterian writers]]
[[Category:Protestant writers]]
[[Category:Alumni of St John's College, Cambridge]]
[[Category:Indian Christian theologians]]
[[Category:Scholars from Mizoram]]

Chuauṭhuama - Revision history

BrigitteHosking: Starting a details initial version