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{{Short description|Indian theologian (1941–2009)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Family name hatnote|Üsou|lang=Angami}}{{Promotional|date=January 2026}}{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix = [[The Reverend]]
| name = Neiliezhü Üsou
| image = Neiliezhu Usou picture.jpg
| caption = Üsou in May 2002
| birth_date = {{birth date |df=yes|1941|7|7}}
| birth_place = Nerhema, [[Naga Hills District, British India|Naga Hills District]], [[Assam Province]], [[British Raj|British India]] (Now Nerhema, [[Kohima district|Kohima District]], [[Nagaland]], India)
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2009|1|30|1941|7|7}}
| death_place = [[Kohima]], [[Nagaland]], India
| occupation =
| spouse = {{marriage|Rüülhou-ü Üsou|1965}}
| children = 7
| awards = [[Glory of India Award|Bharat Jyoti Award]] (2000),
International Gold Star Award (2001),
Jawaharlal Nehru Excellence Award (2001)
| signature =
}}
'''Neiliezhü Üsou''' (7 July 1941 – 30 January 2009) was an Indian [[baptist]] minister and public leader from [[Nagaland]]. He was known for his [[Language interpretation|interpretive]] skills, [[sermons]] and involvement with the [[Government of Nagaland|State Government]].

== Early life, education and family ==
Neiliezhü Üsou was born on 7 July 1941 to an [[Angami Naga]] family from Nerhema Village. His father, Putsolie Üsou, was the [[village head]]. His early education was at the village [[primary school]]. He came from a non-Christian family, and was inspired to become a [[missionary]] by witnessing B. I. Anderson, an American missionary, and his wife playing [[piano accordion]] during their visit to Nerhema Village Baptist Church in 1951, led by Kenneth Kerhüo. He was baptised by water on 13 March 1953, from Rev. Kevizelie.<ref name=TRAIL>[http://www.oocities.org/trailbulletin/archives/trailvol6issue1.html Neiliezhu Usou's profile] "Profile Talk" in the MHBC Youth Quarterly Bulletin "TRAIL" 2005</ref>{{Dead link|date=January 2026}} He joined the [[Naga National Council|Naga National Movement]] and went underground for sometime. He resurfaced and continued his schooling in Government High School, Kohima. He joined Eastern Theological College (ETC), [[Jorhat]], Assam and did his [[Bachelor of Theology]] from 1960 to 1964. Seeing his interest in music he was sent to Leonard Theological College (LTC), [[Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh]] by an American missionary, Dr. Frederick S. Downs,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.woodstock.ac.in/Alumni/DistAlum/downs.htm |title=Dr. Frederick S. Downs |access-date=12 March 2011 |archive-date=19 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719035542/http://www.woodstock.ac.in/Alumni/DistAlum/downs.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> where he did his Religious Education in [[Church Music]] from 1964 to 1965.<ref name=TRAIL/>

Üsou joined Baptist English School in Kohima as teacher and married the youngest daughter of Rev. Zhapuzhülie Sekhose, Rüülhou-ü, on 18 December 1965, at the age of 24. Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou and his wife Rüülhou-ü had seven children: three sons and four daughters.<ref name=TRAIL/> They had two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law and eight grandchildren. Most of the children are involved in [[Christian Ministry]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}}

== Ministry ==
=== Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) ===
{{see also|Angami Baptist Church Council}}
After his theological studies he joined the [[Angami Baptist Church Council]] (ABCC) as Superintendent of Mission Hostel under ABCC from 1966 to 1968 and also in 1971. He also served as Youth Director of ABCC in 1968, 1971 and as Youth Promoter in 1972. He started Nagaland Christian Youth Movement (NCYM) in 1970 and Angami Youth Gospel Team (AYGT) in 1971 as the Director respectively.<ref name="Visionary Church Leader">[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5972%3Arev-dr-neiliezhue-uesou-a-visionary-church-leader-&Itemid=82 A visionary Church Leader]</ref>

The ABCC gave him license in 1974 and in 1975 he was appointed as [[Evangelism|Evangelist]]-at-Large and held the same post until 1977. He was the Vice President of the ABCC during 1987 to 1989.<ref name=PASSES>[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5910%3Arev-neiliezhue-uesou-passes-away&Itemid=82 Positions held]</ref>

=== Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) ===
{{see also|Nagaland Baptist Church Council}}
Üsou was the first Honorary Youth Director of [[Nagaland Baptist Church Council]] (NBCC) in 1972<ref>[http://www.nbcc.in/history.html#5 A Brief History of Youth Department] www.nbcc.in</ref> and actively participated in the [[Billy Graham]] [[Revival meeting|Crusade]] held in Kohima the same year.<ref>[http://www.billygraham.org/assets/media/pdfs/festivals/BGCrusadeChronology.pdf Billy Graham in Kohima] pdf</ref><ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/february/38.51.html Billy Graham Kohima Crusade 1972] Christianity Today</ref> He became the Liaison Committee member of [[Longri Ao#Shillong Accord of 1975|Nagaland Peace Council]]<ref>[http://nagaland.nic.in/profile/history/peace.htm Nagaland Peace Council] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314113027/http://nagaland.nic.in/profile/history/peace.htm |date=14 March 2012 }} "Dawn of Peace in Nagaland": Govt. of Nagaland website</ref> under the aegis of NBCC from 1975 till 2009.<ref>[https://www.oneindia.com/2007/09/07/npc-observes-peace-day-1189143503.html NPC observes Peace Day] Rev. Dr. N. Üsou and NPC</ref> He led the [[Naga people|Naga]] [[Choir]] as a [[music Director|Choir Director]] to India [[Youth for Christ]] convention in 1975 at [[Kolkata]].

Üsou along with other members of Nagaland Peace Council met the then [[Prime Minister of India]], [[Indira Gandhi]], and [[Home Minister]], [[Giani Zail Singh]], in October 1979 at the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office, New Delhi]] in connection with peace work in Nagaland.<ref>[https://www.angelfire.com/nm/nagalim/naga_str.htm detail of "NPC" members meeting Mrs. Indira Gandhi] Naga struggle for sovereignty: its past and the probable future</ref> He actively took part in the movement spearheaded by Nagaland Baptist Church Council for total liquor prohibition in Nagaland which finally culminated in the [[Government of Nagaland]] passing the, still widely debated,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/nagaland-church-oppose-review-of-liquor-prohibition/5489.htm |title=Nagaland Church oppose review of liquor prohibition |access-date=13 March 2011 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708151313/http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/nagaland-church-oppose-review-of-liquor-prohibition/5489.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP) in 1989 in the [[Nagaland Legislative Assembly|Nagaland State Legislative Assembly]].<ref>[http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMjgyNDM%3D-MigSbl4tLgg%3D Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989(NLTP)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930034924/http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMjgyNDM=-MigSbl4tLgg= |date=30 September 2011 }} NBCC on total prohibition of liquor</ref>

He attended the 16th [[Baptist World Alliance]] Congress at [[Seoul]], South Korea, 14–18 August 1990 and was among the 370 [[ordained minister]]s from 149 countries to take part in
a mass [[Baptism]] at the Olympic rowing competition site in [[Misari Regatta]], where 10,000 candidates received water baptism.<ref>[http://www.bwa-baptist-heritage.org/krm2.htm BWA Congress 1990 at Seoul, South Korea] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218220224/http://www.bwa-baptist-heritage.org/krm2.htm |date=18 February 2011 }} A Survey of Baptist World Alliance Conversations with other Churches and some implications for Baptist Identity.</ref>

=== Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) ===
{{see also|Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India}}
In 1974 he was sent by the [[Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India]] (CBCNEI) to [[Arunachal Pradesh]] to conduct a two-week music seminar. At this time, Arunachal Pradesh was known for [[Anti-Christian violence in India|persecution of Christians]]. He successfully carried out the dangerous mission, conducting music classes in the afternoons and [[Bible study (Christian)|Bible studies]] in the evenings.

=== Ministers' Hill Baptist Church (MHBC) ===
{{main|Ministers' Hill Baptist Church}}

Üsou was installed as full-time pastor on 1 October 1978, at [[Ministers' Hill Baptist Church]] (MHBC), located at a hillock named Ministers' Hill Colony because it quarters [[Government minister]]s.<ref name=TRAIL/><ref name=PASSES/> He successfully completed twenty five years as full-time pastor and was conferred the title of [[Senior Pastor]] during the [[Silver Jubilee]] celebration held on 12 October 2003, attended by many Church leaders and believers from various Churches including the State [[Chief minister (India)|Chief Minister]], [[Neiphiu Rio]]. The same evening a musical concert was organized to honour him. He opened the concert singing his favourite song "[[His Eye Is on the Sparrow]]". Many local musicians and veteran singers participated.
He was ordained on 20 December 1981, by Rev. L. Bizo at Ministers' Hill Baptist Church (MHBC) and celebrated twenty-five years as an ordained minister on 20 December 2006. During his Pastorship the Church grew from strength to strength, the Church managed school Ministers' Hill Baptist English School was alleviated to [[Higher Secondary]] level, [[Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School]] (MHBHSS), in 1998.<ref>[http://www.list-company.com/company-info/4028809a13dd74c80113dd7d329e11c7/Ministers-Hill-Baptist-Higher-Secondary-School-K12-Schools.shtml Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima, Nagaland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006082438/http://www.list-company.com/company-info/4028809a13dd74c80113dd7d329e11c7/Ministers-Hill-Baptist-Higher-Secondary-School-K12-Schools.shtml |date=6 October 2011 }} Rev.Dr.Neiliezhü Üsou, Pastor MHBC, 16 June 1998</ref> The Church and the School has been producing many [[theologians]] and [[missionaries]]. His dream project "The new church building" was completed and dedicated by him on 22 December 2002.

=== The Royal British Legion (RBL) ===
Üsou served as Officiating [[Chaplain]] of the [[Royal British Legion]] (RBL) from 1994 till 2009.<ref name=TRAIL/> [[Kohima]] is famous for the [[Battle of Kohima]] between the British and Japanese during the [[Second World War]]. The slain soldiers of UK, India and [[Nagaland]] are buried in Kohima War Cemetery.<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2058100 Kohima War Cemetery] Commonwealth War Graves Commission website</ref><ref>[http://kohima.nic.in/cmtry.htm Kohima War Cemetery] Govt. of Nagaland website</ref> Every three years the relatives and war survivors from the United Kingdom visit Kohima for memorial services where he conduct these solemn occasions.<ref>[http://www.nagalim.nl/news/00000183.htm Royal British Legion revisits war memories] "Officiating Chaplain Rev. Dr. N. Üsou conducts memorial Service marking the 60th anniversary of the Second World War" Nagalim.NL News retrieved 10/16/2005</ref>

He chaired the [[Remembrance Day]] service along with some Agape members from Japan led by [[Keiko Holmes]], recipient of [[OBE]], working for [[List of war apology statements issued by Japan|reconciliation]] on 11 November 2002, at Kohima War Cemetery.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120323185658/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-11-12/india/27310986_1_atrocities-japanese-war-delegation Japanese war delegation in Kohima, Nagaland, India] timesofindia.com retrieved 11/12/2002</ref>

=== Revival crusades ===
He conducted several [[Revival meeting|Revival Crusades]] in Nagaland and was invited to a number of such crusades and Churches to speak. He was considered to be one of the best [[interpreter]]s in Nagaland and has interpreted renowned preachers including [[Billy Kim]],<ref>[http://www.billykim.net/eng/html/profile/profile_02.asp Billy Kim in Nagaland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723025001/http://www.billykim.net/eng/html/profile/profile_02.asp |date=23 July 2011 }} Billy Kim's official website</ref> Frederick S. Downs and Roger Houstma.<ref>[http://truecongresspolitics.wordpress.com/tag/communists/ Roger Houstma in Nagaland, India] Christian missionaries and Christian NGOs in India Preparing for the harvest truecongresspolitics.wordpress.com</ref> His interpretive skill was marked by speed, accuracy and enthusiasm.

== Music ==
Apart from his education in Church music, Üsou did a Condensed Piano Course from Kolkata in 1972 to equip himself better. He played several [[musical instruments]] with the piano accordion his favorite. He formed his family musical band christened "Üsou's Instrumental Praise" in 2002, where he played piano accordion; his three sons on [[piano]], [[saxophone]], [[Acoustic guitar|acoustic]] and [[bass guitar]], Hawaiian guitar, [[drum]] and a daughter on [[violin]] and [[cello]].{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} They are considered to be the only musical family in Nagaland and they perform in different concerts, government functions and Churches.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Church is not a stationary institution, but a movement |url=http://www.morungexpress.com/local/42904.html |date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714115639/http://www.morungexpress.com/local/42904.html |archive-date=14 July 2011 |work=The Morung Express |id=Account and programme of ABCC's "125 years of Christianity" celebration in Kohima, includes listing of Üsou's Instrumental Praise performance.}}</ref>

Üsou was a [[composer]] with many original songs, including a number of [[theme songs]] which are performed by the respective members on appropriate and specific occasions.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

=== School of Music ===
He established the first government-approved institute for [[Music school|Music studies]] in Nagaland, the School of Music, Kohima, on 13 August 1969, and held the position of Founding Proprietor until his death.<ref>[http://nagalimonline.tangkhul.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3135 Neiliezhu Usou, the founding proprietor of School of Music, Kohima] nagalim.co.uk</ref> The school has been producing many amateur musicians and Church [[pianists]] and now offers programmes of study in voice, [[violin]], [[piano]], [[saxophone]], [[drums]] and [[conducting]] departments under the music exam boards of [[ABRSM]] (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and [[Trinity Guildhall]], London.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/Infotainment/InfotainmentNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwMzUxNA%3D%3D-UPcA6WVSI%2Bw%3D |title=courses offered by SOM, Kohima |access-date=9 August 2011 |archive-date=7 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407123943/http://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/Infotainment/InfotainmentNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwMzUxNA==-UPcA6WVSI+w= |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Governmental engagement ==
Üsou was closely associated with successive [[Government of Nagaland|Governments in Nagaland]]. Some of his notable engagements with the Government were:
*During the occasion of distribution of tickets to a [[Political party]] for [[Elections in India|Nagaland general election]] in 1987<ref>[http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1987/StatisticalReport%201987%20Nagaland.pdf Nagaland General Election 1987] pdf</ref> by the then Prime Minister of India, [[Rajiv Gandhi]], he offered [[Dedication (ritual)|Dedicatory]] prayer for the candidates and for peaceful election.<ref>[http://www.nagauniv.org.in/menu/vcdesk/Speech_Shri%20RAJIV%20Gandhi_foundation_laying_NU.pdf Indian Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv Gandhi in Nagaland] pdf</ref>
*He dedicated the newly built Nagaland State Secretariat Building with over 200 rooms on 30 May 1994.
*He [[Invocation|invoked]] God's blessings during the State level [[peace rally]] held on 13 March 1999, participated by thousands of people where [[Sonia Gandhi]] was the Chief Guest.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110714162852/http://www.nenanews.com/OT%20Mar%2022-%20Apr%206,99/oh21.htm Sonia Gandhi in Nagaland and Manipur]}} peace rally/public meeting attended by Sonia Gandhi: headlines Oriental Times vol. 1 Issue 42-43 Mar 22 – 6 April 1999</ref>
*He offered dedicatory prayer at the inauguration of the newly built Governor's Office, the Naga Bhavan,<ref>[http://nagaland.nic.in/functionaries/rajbhavan/history.htm Naga Bhavan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721172832/http://nagaland.nic.in/functionaries/rajbhavan/history.htm |date=21 July 2011 }} Raj Bhavan (the Governor's House) in Govt. of Nagaland website</ref> at [[Raj Bhavan (Nagaland)|Raj Bhavan, Kohima]] on 15 August 1999.
*He also invoked God's blessing for the [[Kargil War]] heroes on the occasion of [[Kargil Vijay Diwas]] at [[Durbar Hall]], Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 26 July 2000.
*During the [[Indian Republic Day]] celebration on 26 January 2002, he chaired the farewell ceremony of the outgoing [[Governor of Nagaland]], Om Prakash Sharma, and delivered the farewell message at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
*He offered invocation prayer on the public reception to the new Governor of Nagaland, [[Shyamal Datta]] on 4 February 2002.<ref>[http://www.indlii.org/ContentPages/Governer%20of%20Nagaland.htm Shri. Shyamal Datta assumes Office as the new Governor of Nagaland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721191356/http://www.indlii.org/ContentPages/Governer%20of%20Nagaland.htm |date=21 July 2011 }} www.indlii.org</ref>
*He offered dedicatory prayer at the inauguration of the Multi Purpose Sports Complex at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on 1 August 2007, where [[Union Minister]] for [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]], [[Mani Shankar Aiyar]], was the Chief Guest.

== Other community activities ==
*He was twice [[Chairman]] of Kohima Baptist Pastors' Fellowship (KBPF)<ref name=condolences>[http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMDc3MDA%3D-v74fVRPV0E0%3D Condolences for late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü]</ref><ref>[http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2002/11/24/two-day-joint-workshops-begin-today the two-day joint workshop between the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (BPFNA) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), from 25-26 November 2002, at Japfü Hotel, Kohima] the Kohima Town Baptist Pastors Fellowship (KTBPF) holding a special service with the BPFNA delegates at the Rivenberg’s Memorial Hall, Mission Compound, Kohima, on 24 November 2002 asiantribune.com</ref> in 1982 and from 1995 to 2004. Prompted by the resolution passed on 27 March 1984, by the Kohima Baptist Pastors' Fellowship that [[Indigenous music|Tribal tunes]] and songs could be used in [[Christian worship]], an Indigenous Tribal Music Concert was organized at Kohima College Auditorium under his chairmanship on 8 June 1984, which was wholeheartedly participated by all Naga Tribal Churches in Kohima.
*He was the President of All Nagaland Baptist Pastors' Union (ANBPU) from 1994 till 1999 and President of Kohima Baptist Church Council (KBCC) from 1999 till 2001. One of Üsou's most remarkable achievement is that under his leadership the Kohima Baptist Pastors' Fellowship (KBPF) organized a mass [[Holy Communion]] on [[Easter Sunday]] [[sunrise service]] held at Kohima War Cemetery on 16 April 1995, where believers from different [[Denomination (Christianity)|denominations]] from all over Kohima city, in thousands, took part.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120917115951/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030420/asp/northeast/story_1889800.asp Rev. Neiliezhü, chairman of the Kohima Town Pastors' Fellowship (KBPF), speaks to "The Telegraph"] Naga eves hum equality tune on Easter</ref>
*He [[baptized]] and served the Holy Communion to the Naga Vigil Prisoner of Conscience, David P. Ward, a [[British citizen]], on 12 March 1993, in Kohima District Jail.<ref>[http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,CHRON,IND,,469f38981e,0.html 11/3/1993 India releases David Ward and Stephen Hillman, British Naga-Vigil members] The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): "Chronology for Nagas in India" published in 2004</ref><ref>[http://www.nagalim.nl/news/00000699.htm Naga Vigil]</ref>
*He was the [[Convenor]] of the historic Naga Shisha Hoho Assembly where 120,000 [[Naga people|Nagas]] congregated from 25 to 27 February 1994, and pledged to pray for peace and unity amongst the people.<ref>[http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/44376.html Shisha Hoho prayer support & vision for the Naga people]</ref><ref>[https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:dos83RW6W3cJ:www.safhr.org/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_docman%26task%3Ddoc_view%26gid%3D750%26Itemid%3D647+naga+shisha+ho+ho&hl=en&gl=in&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjzzP3uWLvqvfnPQ6ROGX2M5N5FLS2TBSQRUHzandhwm7ShKNn86M-eXVkBnNPNzU2rClWdpzijFsl0YaFM1NYxE9sCiRFuiWCSFK0qWoTuYc6_VtgIUjxAZm1mspqnAx8IB6OD&sig=AHIEtbTTExFqD2RTS8HOAbdg8oZ2lsiK2w Naga Shisha Hoho's role in bringing peace to Nagaland] Chronology of Naga Movement</ref><ref>[http://www.nagalim.nl/news/archive-082005.html Nagas pledge for unification] Nagalim News</ref>

== Awards and honors ==
Neiliezhü Üsou was awarded the prestigious [[Glory of India Award]] (also called Bharat Jyoti Award) on 21 December 2000; International Gold Star Millennium Award and the Jawaharlal Nehru Excellence Award for enriching human life and outstanding attainments on 2 March 2001, by the [[India International Friendship Society]] (IIFS) at [[New Delhi]].

He was conferred [[Doctorate in Divinity]] (D.D)<ref>[http://www.iicmweb.org/hondd.htm List of people awarded Honorary Degrees at IICM website]</ref> by the International Institute of Church Management (IICM)<ref>[http://www.iicmindia.org/ IICM India]</ref> on 24 August 2002, at [[Gurukul Lutheran Theological College|Gurukul Theological College]], [[Chennai]].

== Works ==
Üsou researched [[Naga people|Naga]] indigenous music from 1981 to 1984 and published a booklet and also produced an [[audio cassette]] in 1985 with an aim to bring the Naga tribes closer through spiritual unity.<ref name=death>{{Cite web |url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20090131/1165868.html |title=Rev. Dr. N. Üsou passes away |access-date=12 March 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712221705/http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20090131/1165868.html |archive-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also produced his own audio cassette of [[Christmas songs]].

He compiled a number of song books which are widely used in [[School assembly|school assemblies]] and [[revival meeting]]s. His book ''Elementary Music'' is used in Nagaland Schools as an externally assessed subject approved by Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).<ref>[http://www.nbsenagaland.com/documents/Syllabus/Class%209&10_2008%20Syllabus.pdf "Elementary Music" by Rev. Dr. Neiliezhu Usou in NBSE syllabus] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714160934/http://www.nbsenagaland.com/documents/Syllabus/Class%209%2610_2008%20Syllabus.pdf |date=14 July 2011 }} pdf</ref> He also wrote a book on ''Naga Music, Naga Identity''<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=168082266537650 Books and Authors: Nagaland]</ref> which was published in 2007.

== Later years ==
He fell sick in the first part of 2006 and was admitted to [[Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (India)|Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi]] in the month of August and underwent major surgery. The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, and many other [[Minister (government)|dignitaries]] and well-wishers visited him at the hospital. He was admitted to [[Apollo Hospitals India|Apollo Hospital, New Delhi]] for follow-up treatment.

Under his chairmanship his native village Nerhema Baptist Church successfully celebrated [[Centenary|100 years]] of [[Christianity]] from 15 to 17 December 2006. In July 2007, Üsou launched the Naga Global Mission (NGM). The most significant achievement of this [[Mission (Christianity)|Mission]] is having supported two missionaries in China. Soon after, he visited the United States during August 2007 on the invitation by Mt. Gilead Church, [[Indianapolis]] and gave sermons in different churches in Indianapolis, [[Kentucky]], [[Michigan]] and [[Ohio]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}}

His family band Üsou's Instrumental Praise gave a music concert at the State Academy Hall, Kohima on 25 October 2007, under the theme "Transcend" which was attended by the State Chief Minister, his [[Cabinet (government)|Cabinet colleagues]] and many well-wishers. Üsou's performance in this concert is seen as his last public performance.{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}}

=== Declining health and death ===
His health deteriorated and he was once again rushed to Apollo Hospital, New Delhi and in the month of November 2007, he was shifted to [[Tata Memorial Hospital]] in [[Mumbai]] for further treatment. For the first time in his entire ministry he was compelled to spend the festive season of [[Christmas]] far away from his family and Church. It was during this very critical period that the [[Nagaland Baptist Church Council]] (NBCC) General Secretary, Rev. Zhabu Terhüja, wrote an appeal to all the Nagaland Churches to pray for his health. Prayers of the believers were answered and he came back home stronger and was able to continue serving the Lord by being one of the main speakers during the crucial Naga Peace Convention<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nagalimonline.tangkhul.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1138 |title=Rev. Dr. N. Üsou at the Naga Peace Convention 2008 |access-date=12 March 2011 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716191852/http://nagalimonline.tangkhul.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1138 |url-status=dead }}</ref> held from 22 to 24 February 2008, at [[Dimapur]].

Üsou died on 30 January 2009, at Naga Hospital, Kohima.<ref name=death/><ref>[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5910%3Arev-neiliezhue-uesou-passes-away&Itemid=82 Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou passes away]</ref> His remains were kept for two days in his residence enabling thousands of mourners to pay their respects. His funeral service took place at 2:00 PM [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] on Sunday, 1 February 2009, in his Church (MHBC) and was attended by thousands. His death was mourned by the then Governor of Nagaland, [[K. Sankaranarayanan]], the then [[Governor of Maharashtra]], [[S.C. Jamir]], Naga Hoho, different organizations and Churches in Nagaland and the United States.<ref name=condolences/><ref>[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5981:rev-usous-death-mourned- Rev. Dr. N. Üsou's death mourned]</ref> Speakers at the Funeral included the Chief Minister of Nagaland;<ref>[http://cmnagaland.com/speech%20.php?start=36&limit=12&letter=7 Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's speech at the funeral service of Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou at Ministers’ Hill Baptist Church, Kohima, 02/01/2009]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} "He had great concern for bringing peace and harmony in our land through Christian healing and forgiveness. Despite going through the most difficult times he never lost hope and he showed tremendous courage in the face of adversity..."- the official website of the Nagaland Chief Minister</ref> representatives from various government and civil societies.<ref>[http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMDc3NDQ%3D-msoqABK1s5A%3D Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou laid to rest] Late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou, who died on 30 January at the Naga Hospital Kohima, was laid to rest at the family residence premises Kohima after the funeral service held at the Ministers' Hill Baptist Church, Kohima, Sunday afternoon: Nagaland Post</ref>

== Legacy ==

=== Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Music ===
{{Main|Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Music}}

For his contribution to the growth of music in Nagaland, an award in Music was instituted and approved by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).<ref>[http://nlsic.gov.in/chapter/nbse.htm Awards for HSLC and HSSLC rank holders] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823082514/http://nlsic.gov.in/chapter/nbse.htm |date=23 August 2011 }} Disclosures Under Sec 4 of Right to Information Act 2005: Nagaland Board of School Education 02-07-2010</ref> The first awarding of Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Music to the highest scorer in Music in [[High School Leaving Certificate (India)|High School Leaving Certificate]] (HSLC) examination in Nagaland was held on 6 June 2009, at the Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Hall. [[Shürhozelie Liezietsu]], Minister for [[Education in India|Higher and Technical Education]] and [[Urban Development]], Nagaland presented the award as the Chief Guest of the auspicious occasion. This award is given annually and carries a citation, memento and cash money of {{Indian Rupee}} 25,000.<ref>[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11106%3Amusic-restores-order-dr-shuerhozelie&Itemid=82 Sesino Savino awarded "Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Music" 2009] Eastern Mirror</ref>

=== Anniversary of death ===
His first [[memorial service]] entitled "A Tribute: A life time of memories through Music and Testimonial" was held on 30 January 2010, at Ministers' Hill Baptist Church (MHBC) and was attended by family, church leaders, members, friends and well-wishers.<ref>[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20062%3Aa-musical-tribute-for-late-rev-neiliezhue&Itemid=82 "A tribute": first Death Anniversary of Late Rev. Dr. N. Üsou]</ref>

=== Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Usou Memorial School (RDNUMS) ===
A school was established and inaugurated on 27 July 2013, by the Chief Minister of Nagaland.<ref>[http://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/State/StateNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDA0MjA5Mw%3D%3D Rio pays tribute to late Rev. Dr. Usou’s legacy: Nagaland Post 28/07/2013 ]</ref> The school follows a structured, play based curriculum.

==See also==
*[[Christianity in India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Neiliezhü Üsou}}
* [http://www.morungexpress.com/faith_leaf/12949.html Obituary of Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou]

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Usou, Neiliezhu}}
[[Category:Naga people]]
[[Category:People from Kohima]]
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Baptists]]
[[Category:Indian Christian theologians]]
[[Category:Indian Christian religious leaders]]
[[Category:Baptist theologians]]
[[Category:20th-century Baptist ministers]]
[[Category:21st-century Baptist ministers]]

Neiliezhü Üsou - Revision history

TeganJ7136381: New a details