A Tribute to Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi

Yesterday (July 29), we bid farewell to a good soul, a noble human being, and a truly great leader. As his mortal remains are laid to rest today in his beloved hometown of Satakha, we pause to honour and deeply acknowledge the extraordinary life of a man who was much more than a leader — he was a true gentleman, a pillar of wisdom, and a legendary figure whose influence will echo for generations to come.

As we, the Sumi community, mourn the passing of our beloved elder Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi, I solemnly affirm that in his departure, not only the Sumi people but the entire Naga community has lost one of its most illustrious and devoted sons.

Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi was the second son of Late Hetoi Yeputhomi, the distinguished recipient of the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.) and revered Chief of Sükhalu village, and Late Zügholi H. Jimomi. He was married to Mrs. Vitoli Zhimomi, the youngest sister of two prominent stalwarts of the Naga national movement — Ato Kilonser Küghato Sükhai of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and General Kaito Sükhai, the Commander-in-Chief of the Naga National Army. Thus, his life’s journey was deeply rooted in a legacy of courage, service, and unwavering dedication to the Naga cause.

A man of profound faith, unshakable integrity, and unwavering commitment, Dr. Yeputhomi lived a life wholly dedicated to God and his people. His contributions to Christian ministry were extraordinary and transformative. As the pioneer and first Chairman of the United Revival Fellowship (URF) from 1980 to 1990, and later as Chairman of the Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (SBAK) Nito Mount from 1993 to 2003, he was instrumental in shaping the spiritual life of his community. He further served as a Central Council Member of the Bible Society of India (1994–2000), an Executive Member of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (2001–2004), and a Member of the Nagaland Peace Committee (NBCC) (1997–2003), where his wisdom and counsel brought hope and healing to many.

His commitment to public life extended beyond the church. In the secular sphere, Dr. Yeputhomi’s leadership was equally commendable and deeply impactful. He served as President of the Sümi Hoho (1997–2001), Convener of the Sümi Migration Research Committee, and Advisor of the Nagaland Tribal Council (2012 until his passing). He was also one of the earliest pioneers of organized student leadership within the Sumi community, laying the foundation for generations of youth to rise with vision and purpose.

At his core, Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi was an educationist — an architect of minds and a reformer with a far-reaching vision. He devoted his life to nurturing young people, equipping them to become leaders and contributors in every sphere of life. Remarkably, even at the age of 88, his passion for education remained undimmed, as he continued to serve as Principal of Highland School, Satakha, inspiring countless students and colleagues through his humility, discipline, and unrelenting dedication.

Beyond his many roles as a leader, educator, and reformer, Dr. Yeputhomi also made a lasting contribution to the preservation of Naga history. His book, “Crossroad: Concise Historical Events in the Naga Political Struggle,” stands as an enduring testament to his deep insight into the struggles and aspirations of his people, ensuring that the history of the Naga movement remains alive and accessible for generations to come.

In his passing, we have lost not only a great leader but also a guiding light — a man whose wisdom, humility, faith, and unshakeable devotion to his people will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps. His life was a rare blend of grace and grit, vision and humility, faith and action.

We join the bereaved family and the wider Naga community in lifting our prayers to Almighty God, asking Him to grant Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi’s noble soul eternal rest and peace. May his life’s work — his legacy of unity, service, and faith — continue to inspire us all to walk the path of righteousness and selfless dedication.

Rest well, dear Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi. Your journey on this earth has ended, but your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those you have touched. You will be deeply missed, yet your legacy — carved in faith, service, and love for your people — will endure for all time.

A Anato Swu