C. Rokhuma | |
|---|---|
 Chuauhang RokhumaPadma Shri Portrait | |
| Born | 21 July 1917 Reiek Village |
| Died | November 23, 2016(2016-11-23) (aged 99) Aizawl |
| Occupations | Mizo scientist and author |
| Known for | Padma Shri |
Chuauhang Rokhuma (21 July 1917 – 23 November 2016) was a Mizo scientist and author. He is most well known for his work in researching agriculture and themautam famine.
C Rokhuma was born on 21 July 1917 in Reiek village. He was only educated up to Grade 8, but continued to read books and educate himself.[1][2] He was married to Lalrinthangi in 1939.[2]
Rokhuma began his career in 1934 as a teacher. He became a sub-inspector of schools in 1946. DuringWorld War 2, Rokhuma also served in the military.[2][1] In 1951, Rokhuma founded the Anti-Famine Campaign Organisation to combat themautam famine.[1] Rokhuma functioned as its organising secretary. As a non-political organisation, it attracted members of both theMizo Union andUnited Mizo Freedom Organisation.[3] The organisation undertook plans and measures to reduce the impact of the mautam famine in anticipation of its cyclical resurgence.[2] Rokhuma invented an insecticide he termed as RK Mixture, to help orange farmers fight insects attacking their crops.[1] RK Mixture was also utilised for sugarcane. From 1955-1966, Rokhuma became an Instructor at a Teacher's college and then transitioned into a Sunday School Teacher Training Instructor at MSSU from 1967. In 1978, Rokhuma founded the Mizo Writer's Association and authored books and translations from English toMizo.[2]
In 1992, the Government of India awarded him thePadma Shri in recognition of his social work.[2][1] Rokhuma continued to research rats and their behaviour in a laboratory to study the effects ofmautam.[4]
Rokhuma was assigned deputy chairman of the State Rodent Control Committee, headed byZoramthanga.[5] In 2009 when themautam famine cycled back, Rokhuma was sought after by local, national and international media on the topic of bamboo flowering.[1][6]
Rokhuma was admitted to Aizawl hospital in the ICU on 15 November 2016. He would be transferred to a private ward before dying on 23 November 2016.[2][1]