James Dokhuma


James Dokhuma was a Mizo poet, writer and insurgent who was awarded Padmashri for his literary contributions.

Early life and education

Dokhuma was born on 15 June 1932 in Sialsuk village. At the age of 15, he joined the Indian Army and served from 1947-1952.

Career

After serving in the army, he become a teacher in the Hualtu Middle School. With the contribution of his book Ṭawng Un Hrilhfiahna, in 1971 the government of Mizoram bestowed the title "Father of Mizo Lexicography"

Imprisonment

Dokhuma was a participant in the Mizo National Front and was jailed. Books such as Rinawmin contribute to a unique genre in Mizo literature known as Rambuai, which details the events of the Mizo Insurgency of 1966-1986. After the MNF uprising of 1966, Dokhuma joined the movement as the MNF block president of Tlungvel Circle. Other notable roles include Deputy Speaker and member of Parliament to the MNF underground movement. Dokhuma was captured and sent to Nowgong Special Jail before being transferred to Guwahati Central Jail and released in 1971. Due to his activities as an insurgent, Dokhuma's right arm was impaired. In a confrontation with the Indian army, his arm was hit by a bullet while two hit his torso and one hit his leg. In the post-accord Mizoram, Dokhuma settled as a preacher working for the Salvation Army Evangelical mission.

Achievements

For his contributions he received Bhasha Samman, Padma shri and the Mizo Academy Awards. Dokhuma secured the Mizo Academy Award for Best Writer of the Year five times in 1984, 1986, 1988, 1991 and 1996.

Works

Poetry

  • Mi zâwn inchuh
  • Pûm
  • A tak chu khawiah nge?
  • Siamtu Khuarêl
  • Thu rêng ka nei si lo
  • Pi Pu sûlhnu

    Prose

  • Ka thuhretu
  • Lungawina
  • Zân
  • Serh leh sâng
  • Fam ta lo chu
  • Sawifiahna Ṭawngauchheh

    Novels

  • Irrawaddy Lui Kamah
  • Tumpang Chal nge Saithangpuii
  • Thla Hleinga Zan
  • Khawhar In

    Books

  • Rinawmin
  • Khawhar In
  • Thla Hleinga Zan
  • Zoram Kohhran Tualṭo Chanchin
  • Tumna Chu a Hlawhtling ṭhin
  • Kawtlang Inzirna
  • Ni leh Thla kara leng
  • Hmasawnna
  • Arsi Thawnthu
  • Hausak aiin hrisel a hlu zawk
  • Finna Hmahruai
  • Ṭawng Un Hrilhfiahna
  • Tumpangchal nge Saithangpuii?
  • Chawngkhum dân tlang huat loh
  • Ka Inpuanna
  • Chawngkhum dan tlang huat loh Bu-2-na
  • Hmangaihna Thuchah
  • Irrawaddy Lui Kamah
  • Good Bye, Lushai Brigade
  • Notes on Mizo Idioms & Phrases
  • Kimoto Syonora
  • Nunna bua hming chuangte
  • Gabbatha
  • Chhungkua
  • Lonesome Cowbow
  • Hmeichhia leh mipa indona
  • Hmanlai Mizo Kalphung
  • Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
  • Mak leh Mak
  • An va hlu êm
  • Enthlatute
  • Silaimu Ngaihawm
  • Ka Thinlung Luang Liam
  • Rilru Far Chhuak
  • Zokhaw Nun
  • Thla Hleinga Zan II
  • Ch. Chhunga Chanchin
  • Thisen leh Mei
  • Lamsuaka
  • Singapore-a Mizo Saltangte
  • Kham Kâr Senhri
  • Mizo Ṭawng Kalphung

    Death

In February 2007 he had a sudden violent fit of shivers. According to tests results, his blood sugar completely destroyed his kidneys, eyes, lungs and heart. He also developed a urinary tract infection. He died on 27 March 2007.

Facts

  • He received a Doctorate Degree from the International University of California.
  • One of his works, Gabbatha, is believed to be the first Mizo fiction to be translated in English
  • Many of his works are used by schools
  • He was pronounced dead at birth, but found breathing at the last second, when he was being lowered down
  • His writing career started when he was imprisoned at Nowgong Special Jail