My grandfather Kazhümo Noudi died peacefully at his private residence here in lower L. Khel, Kohima Village on 15th January 2010. He was 98 years old at the time of his death. And today I write this article as a tribute to the man under whose wings I spent the first 30 years of my life.
The earliest memories that I have of my grandfather Kazhümo are neither spectacular nor anything dramatic. In fact the earliest memories that I have of him are rather boring, sterile and unimpressive. During those early years (early 1980s), whenever I saw my grandfather he would either be going somewhere or would be coming from somewhere with his walking stick and with a hand-woven bag on his shoulder. At other times I would see him sitting in his verandah reading books. And very often I would see him really enjoying and deeply immersed in his carpentry works in the shed behind his kitchen.
Yes, during those early years there were not much conservation between me and him. Yet, from his facial expressions and body languages, I could see that he was filled with gratitude and amazement at the thought and idea that his grandson or grandchildren were loitering around near his feet.
As the years passed and I began to grow up, I came to realize that the life and the story that my grandfather had lived and experienced were different from the lives and stories of most grandfathers. It was a life and story wherein a young boy who was deemed to be without any hope and future went on to become a respected and prominent figure amongst his fellowmen and a name to be reckoned with in the field of art and architecture.
My grandfather was born at Nerhema Village in September 1911. During those years Reverend Sieliezhü Sorhie of Kohima Village used to frequent Nerhema for his missionary activities. And whenever he visited Nerhema he used to stay at the house of my great grandfather Khrietuozhü (my grandfather Kazhümo’s father). In 1926, my great grandfather died and my grandfather was brought to Kohima Village by Rev. Sieliezhü to live with him. This was how my grandfather Kazhümo became a recognized and bonafide citizen of Kohima Village.
Many people know my grandfather as an artist and indeed he was one. But I say that he was not just an artist but was the most naturally gifted and talented artist amongst the Nagas in his time. Unlike other artists, my grandfather did not undergo any formal training in the field of either drawing or portrait painting. It was out of sheer interest and enthusiasm that my grandfather excelled and mastered in these disciplines at a time when there was none to guide and mentor him in these. And his talent in the field of art and painting did not go unnoticed. Dr. T. Ao, who was then the Director of Medical and Health Services, got greatly impressed by the art works of my grandfather and got him appointed as Artist under this department. Thus my grandfather went on to become the first professional artist of Nagaland. My grandfather served as Artist in this department till his retirement in 1980.
As mentioned above, my grandfather is usually known as an artist and there is nothing wrong in this. But for me, I can certainly not overlook or sideline his gift, knowledge and creativity in the field of architecture as well. I do not know whether he was entrusted to design anybody’s house. But his talent, knowledge and creativity in the field of architecture can be clearly seen from the few houses which he designed and built for himself and his sons here in Lower L. Khel, Kohima Village. The first house which he designed and built for himself was a magnificent one. But unfortunately, this house was burnt down by the Indian army in 1956.
Besides, my grandfather was also a skilled carpenter. And as I was growing up I would always be surrounded by many of his carpentry works. And by the time I entered my high school years I had really come to admire and marvel at these wonderful works some of which exist even today at his residence.
If some people think that my grandfather was just an outstanding artist or a gifted architect, they are gravely mistaken. My grandfather was also a self-trained barber and he successfully ran a hair-cutting saloon in Kohima during the period 1945-50. And during my own childhood years I never knew any other barber as it was him who would cut our hairs right here in our own compound. In the pre-Indian Independence era also, my grandfather was employed by the British officers for hair-cutting and he was the first and the only local to run a hair-cutting saloon in Kohima during the years of the British.
Kazhümo also ran a grocery shop here in Kohima which thrived very well during the period 1950-55. However his shop had to be closed down for some years due to the outbreak of the Indo-Naga conflict. And after the situation improved he reopened his shop and also started a photo studio called ‘Ura Photo House’. This Ura Photo House was the first photo studio to be opened in Kohima. Thus, my grandfather had many firsts to his credit.
If my grandfather Kazhümo was a talented artist and a gifted architect, I would say that he was an even better story-teller. Some of the most interesting stories I have ever heard in my entire life were from my grandfather’s lips. Stories of the 1944 Kohima Battle, the epoch-making journeys of Rev. Sieliezhü, his association with AZ Phizo, the plight and turmoil of the Nagas during the Indo-Naga conflict etc. all of which I heard from my grandfather still continue to influence and inspire me in more ways than I could ever imagine. Besides I came to know about many early prominent personalities of Kohima Village through my grandfather.
At my school I studied and learnt about Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Thomas Elva Edison, Napoleon Bonaparte, Neil Armstrong, Ashoka, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Julius Caesar, Albert Einstein etc. But it was my grandfather at home who introduced me to legendary personalities like AZ Phizo, Theyiechüthie Sakhrie, Dr. T. Ao, Rev. Sieliezhü and American missionaries like Rivenburg, Tanquist, Supplee and Billy Graham. And I can safely say that the persons about whom I heard from my grandfather have come to have greater influence and impact upon my life than those persons about whom I studied in my school.
Besides these persons mentioned above, my grandfather Kazhümo also introduced me to another personality called Kevirüya of Kohima Village. He told me that this Kevirüya was his best-man on his (my grandfather’s) wedding day. The name ‘Kevirüya’ will not be familiar to many people but here in Kohima Village it is a much treasured name because Kevirüya happens to be the author and composer of the gospel song ‘A Ki Vorlie’ which has become sort of a church anthem for the churches of Kohima Village.
Now, one may ask why I call my grandfather as a great story teller. This is so because I might have heard a story from different persons but if I happened to hear the same story from my grandfather’s lips, I would always find my grandfather’s version to be more interesting, more appealing, more impressive and much more long lasting.
For his works and contributions in the field of arts, Kazhümo was awarded with the prestigious Governor’s Award on 15th August 2007. When this award was given to my grandfather, I heard some people saying that the prestigious award had come at the right time i.e., before his death. But for me this award of recognition and acknowledgement came very late. Because my grandfather Kazhümo had already made a name for himself as an artist against all the odds even as early as the 1970s.Moreover, my grandfather was also a gifted architect and he could have made the same contributions even in the field of architecture if proper opportunities, encouragement and recognition were provided. Therefore, I believe nobody would have complained even if an award of this status and nature was awarded to him even in the 1970s or 1980s. Of course I know that there were no Governor’s Awards as such during those years but a state-level award could have been easily instituted and awarded to talented and gifted persons like my grandfather.
I have always felt that if Kazhümo Noudi had lived a life in this information age of newspapers, televisions, computers and internets, he would have been one of the most well-known and prominent personalities amongst the Nagas. His works in the filed of art and architecture would have gotten the due and much needed coverage and publicity that it so genuinely deserved. And his fame as an artist and architect would have spread far and wide penetrating every nook and corner of Naga society. But sadly enough, by the time newspapers, televisions, computers and internets became a regular and permanent feature of our Naga society, my grandfather Kazhümo was already passed his prime age and well into retirement. Moreover, through out his prime years, there had been widespread political unrest in Nagaland. Otherwise, I believe, the story of this first professional artist of Nagaland could have been very different.
Apart from being an artist and an architect, my grandfather was a peaceful and God fearing man who minded his own business and never interfered in other people’s business. He was one of those people who truly believed in the policy of ‘Live and Let Live’. My grandfather Kazhümo might have never stood in a church pulpit or in front of an audience and delivered lectures, sermons or messages. But the life which he lived has been a message in itself to his children, grandchildren and to all those who knew him. And this will continue to be so.
Today my grandfather Kazhümo is no more but the memories refuse to fade away. So, this is the story of my Apuotsa whose life and experiences continue to be such an influence and inspiration in my own life……..
Khrietuonyü Noudi
Phone: 9856304299
9862319050
The earliest memories that I have of my grandfather Kazhümo are neither spectacular nor anything dramatic. In fact the earliest memories that I have of him are rather boring, sterile and unimpressive. During those early years (early 1980s), whenever I saw my grandfather he would either be going somewhere or would be coming from somewhere with his walking stick and with a hand-woven bag on his shoulder. At other times I would see him sitting in his verandah reading books. And very often I would see him really enjoying and deeply immersed in his carpentry works in the shed behind his kitchen.
Yes, during those early years there were not much conservation between me and him. Yet, from his facial expressions and body languages, I could see that he was filled with gratitude and amazement at the thought and idea that his grandson or grandchildren were loitering around near his feet.
As the years passed and I began to grow up, I came to realize that the life and the story that my grandfather had lived and experienced were different from the lives and stories of most grandfathers. It was a life and story wherein a young boy who was deemed to be without any hope and future went on to become a respected and prominent figure amongst his fellowmen and a name to be reckoned with in the field of art and architecture.
My grandfather was born at Nerhema Village in September 1911. During those years Reverend Sieliezhü Sorhie of Kohima Village used to frequent Nerhema for his missionary activities. And whenever he visited Nerhema he used to stay at the house of my great grandfather Khrietuozhü (my grandfather Kazhümo’s father). In 1926, my great grandfather died and my grandfather was brought to Kohima Village by Rev. Sieliezhü to live with him. This was how my grandfather Kazhümo became a recognized and bonafide citizen of Kohima Village.
Many people know my grandfather as an artist and indeed he was one. But I say that he was not just an artist but was the most naturally gifted and talented artist amongst the Nagas in his time. Unlike other artists, my grandfather did not undergo any formal training in the field of either drawing or portrait painting. It was out of sheer interest and enthusiasm that my grandfather excelled and mastered in these disciplines at a time when there was none to guide and mentor him in these. And his talent in the field of art and painting did not go unnoticed. Dr. T. Ao, who was then the Director of Medical and Health Services, got greatly impressed by the art works of my grandfather and got him appointed as Artist under this department. Thus my grandfather went on to become the first professional artist of Nagaland. My grandfather served as Artist in this department till his retirement in 1980.
As mentioned above, my grandfather is usually known as an artist and there is nothing wrong in this. But for me, I can certainly not overlook or sideline his gift, knowledge and creativity in the field of architecture as well. I do not know whether he was entrusted to design anybody’s house. But his talent, knowledge and creativity in the field of architecture can be clearly seen from the few houses which he designed and built for himself and his sons here in Lower L. Khel, Kohima Village. The first house which he designed and built for himself was a magnificent one. But unfortunately, this house was burnt down by the Indian army in 1956.
Besides, my grandfather was also a skilled carpenter. And as I was growing up I would always be surrounded by many of his carpentry works. And by the time I entered my high school years I had really come to admire and marvel at these wonderful works some of which exist even today at his residence.
If some people think that my grandfather was just an outstanding artist or a gifted architect, they are gravely mistaken. My grandfather was also a self-trained barber and he successfully ran a hair-cutting saloon in Kohima during the period 1945-50. And during my own childhood years I never knew any other barber as it was him who would cut our hairs right here in our own compound. In the pre-Indian Independence era also, my grandfather was employed by the British officers for hair-cutting and he was the first and the only local to run a hair-cutting saloon in Kohima during the years of the British.
Kazhümo also ran a grocery shop here in Kohima which thrived very well during the period 1950-55. However his shop had to be closed down for some years due to the outbreak of the Indo-Naga conflict. And after the situation improved he reopened his shop and also started a photo studio called ‘Ura Photo House’. This Ura Photo House was the first photo studio to be opened in Kohima. Thus, my grandfather had many firsts to his credit.
If my grandfather Kazhümo was a talented artist and a gifted architect, I would say that he was an even better story-teller. Some of the most interesting stories I have ever heard in my entire life were from my grandfather’s lips. Stories of the 1944 Kohima Battle, the epoch-making journeys of Rev. Sieliezhü, his association with AZ Phizo, the plight and turmoil of the Nagas during the Indo-Naga conflict etc. all of which I heard from my grandfather still continue to influence and inspire me in more ways than I could ever imagine. Besides I came to know about many early prominent personalities of Kohima Village through my grandfather.
At my school I studied and learnt about Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Thomas Elva Edison, Napoleon Bonaparte, Neil Armstrong, Ashoka, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Julius Caesar, Albert Einstein etc. But it was my grandfather at home who introduced me to legendary personalities like AZ Phizo, Theyiechüthie Sakhrie, Dr. T. Ao, Rev. Sieliezhü and American missionaries like Rivenburg, Tanquist, Supplee and Billy Graham. And I can safely say that the persons about whom I heard from my grandfather have come to have greater influence and impact upon my life than those persons about whom I studied in my school.
Besides these persons mentioned above, my grandfather Kazhümo also introduced me to another personality called Kevirüya of Kohima Village. He told me that this Kevirüya was his best-man on his (my grandfather’s) wedding day. The name ‘Kevirüya’ will not be familiar to many people but here in Kohima Village it is a much treasured name because Kevirüya happens to be the author and composer of the gospel song ‘A Ki Vorlie’ which has become sort of a church anthem for the churches of Kohima Village.
Now, one may ask why I call my grandfather as a great story teller. This is so because I might have heard a story from different persons but if I happened to hear the same story from my grandfather’s lips, I would always find my grandfather’s version to be more interesting, more appealing, more impressive and much more long lasting.
For his works and contributions in the field of arts, Kazhümo was awarded with the prestigious Governor’s Award on 15th August 2007. When this award was given to my grandfather, I heard some people saying that the prestigious award had come at the right time i.e., before his death. But for me this award of recognition and acknowledgement came very late. Because my grandfather Kazhümo had already made a name for himself as an artist against all the odds even as early as the 1970s.Moreover, my grandfather was also a gifted architect and he could have made the same contributions even in the field of architecture if proper opportunities, encouragement and recognition were provided. Therefore, I believe nobody would have complained even if an award of this status and nature was awarded to him even in the 1970s or 1980s. Of course I know that there were no Governor’s Awards as such during those years but a state-level award could have been easily instituted and awarded to talented and gifted persons like my grandfather.
I have always felt that if Kazhümo Noudi had lived a life in this information age of newspapers, televisions, computers and internets, he would have been one of the most well-known and prominent personalities amongst the Nagas. His works in the filed of art and architecture would have gotten the due and much needed coverage and publicity that it so genuinely deserved. And his fame as an artist and architect would have spread far and wide penetrating every nook and corner of Naga society. But sadly enough, by the time newspapers, televisions, computers and internets became a regular and permanent feature of our Naga society, my grandfather Kazhümo was already passed his prime age and well into retirement. Moreover, through out his prime years, there had been widespread political unrest in Nagaland. Otherwise, I believe, the story of this first professional artist of Nagaland could have been very different.
Apart from being an artist and an architect, my grandfather was a peaceful and God fearing man who minded his own business and never interfered in other people’s business. He was one of those people who truly believed in the policy of ‘Live and Let Live’. My grandfather Kazhümo might have never stood in a church pulpit or in front of an audience and delivered lectures, sermons or messages. But the life which he lived has been a message in itself to his children, grandchildren and to all those who knew him. And this will continue to be so.
Today my grandfather Kazhümo is no more but the memories refuse to fade away. So, this is the story of my Apuotsa whose life and experiences continue to be such an influence and inspiration in my own life……..
Khrietuonyü Noudi
Phone: 9856304299
9862319050
