Shitozu Zhimomi (third from left) along with his classmates at his graduating service in Bangalore in 2009.
Merina Chishi Soho
Morung Express Feature
Dimapur | May 26
The photograph strikes you immediately. Standing proudly among six students graduating in the Master of Divinity (M.Div) is an octogenarian. A proud moment as he recollects the day, Shitozu’s story is not one we hear of everyday. With the spirit and courage to fulfil his childhood dream, 86 year old Shitozu is perhaps, the first octogenarian to attain a degree in M.Div in Nagaland.
Shitozu Zhimomi, son of late Zuheshe Zhimomi was born on February 15, 1926 at Litsami village under Zunheboto district. He joined the Indian Army in 1943 and served during the World War II. He left the army soon after the war ended and returned to his village.
Unable to fulfil his desire to study earlier, at the age of 20, Shitozu began his education at Aizuto Mission School. After completing class 10, he wanted to continue his studies but circumstances compelled him to join the Naga national movement in 1955. While underground, he was captured by the Indian Army (Rajput Rifles) in 1956 and was kept under military custody. After a few months, he was sent to civil custody in Mokokchung jail.
While in prison, Shitozu yearned to continue his studies. He also requested the former chief minister of Nagaland, late Hokishe Sema to bail him out. But the leader displayed reluctance as he feared that Shitozu would return underground. Eventually, in 1957 he was released from jail with the help of his brother who was Political Advisor to the Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, on the condition that he would join the government service. Shitozu joined service two days later as a Lower Divisional Assistant at the DC’s office in Zunheboto the same year.
Shitozu continued in service till his retirement as the Head Assistant in 1988. After his retirement, he served in different capacities as GB of Zunheboto town and later as the President, Sumi GB Association till 2003. However, due to his deteriorating health, doctors advised him to move to warmer climate. He moved to Dimapur with his family in 2003.
In the many years that Shitozu was in government service, he never lost his zeal to study. “I had made a commitment to God in 1955 during a Bible convention that I would study theology. I had to fulfil my commitment no matter what,” he said. And as his determination would take him, he enrolled in a four years correspondence course in M.Div at the Hope Baptist Church Banglore in 2006.
His decision was, however, not welcome by everyone. “Many people, including family members, told me that I was too old to study but I was not deterred,” he said.
His faith in God and commitment towards fulfilling his dream drove him. He was never embarrassed about his age. Infact, he became a fascination for everybody including his professors. “Even the principal was younger than me,” he laughed.
During the four year course, Shitozu would get up and begin studying from 7 am to 12. After an hour of rest, he would again begin studying till 5 pm. “By God’s grace, not once did I fall ill during that period,” he explained. He attended all lectures and seminars dutifully; completed assignments on the dot. And not surprisingly, he scored 60 plus in all 24 subjects and attained a second class degree in 2009. Along with six other classmates, Shitozu travelled to Bangalore to receive his M.Div degree in pastoral care ministries.
Shitozu said that the reason he studied was not become a missionary or pastor, but to fulfil his dream and be an inspiration to those around him. “After finishing my studies, I have come to understand the word of God better. I want to share my experiences with family, friends and the society,” he said.
His greatest inspiration all along has been his wife, Luheli Chishi. Luheli and Shitozu were engaged before he began his studies. They remained betrothed till he joined the service. “I promised myself I would not marry till I found a job. She waited for me for 11 years,” he beamed. They finally got married in March 1958. They were blessed with 2 daughters and five sons. Their laps are now full with 25 grand children.
Shitozu wants to pursue his M.Th but for his weak eyesight. “I really want to study but my eyesight has become very weak,” he said. “During my capture, the Indian Army tortured me. They hit my eyes with a rifle butt and put chilli powder into them,” he said. He may not be able to fulfil the remaining part of his dream, but Shitozu’s achievement is no less than any higher degree.
The World War II veteran is also an inspiration for the present generation who he feels is “ungrateful for a lot of things.” “I waited 20 years to begin my education and at the sunset of my life I attained my degree. They (present generation) have a lot more to thank God for. They should not take things for granted,” he said.
