Patience and love: 99-year-old Naga man’s recipe for happy life

On International Day of Older Persons, Eastern Mirror sits with the oldest man in Kiyeto village

Eastern Mirror Desk

Dimapur, Oct. 1: Patience and love is the key to his longevity, says 99-year-old Lughovi Chishi as he speaks cheerfully about a life truly lived to the fullest.

At 99, he is the oldest man of Kiyeto village in Dimapur; and still walks every day to each of his four sons’ house in the village.

Married in 1950, he lived with his wife late Kheholi Chishi for 54 years till March 12, 2004. “Looking back at my life, I am grateful to God for everything He has done throughout,” says Chishi.

Born in March 14, 1920, his early years were not, by any means, easy. He recalls being expelled, at the age of 19, from his ancestral village Khukiye Lukhai in Zunheboto district after his father Kishevi Chishi accepted Christianity—the first from the village to do so.

“It was a decision that changed our life. The world has changed so much; take a look at where we were then, and where we are now,” he says.

“I want our young Nagas to know more of God and His love and grace than of technology and the world,” Chishi shares.

A smile appears on his face as he speaks about how his family would get their Christmas shopping done by spending a total amount of INR 2. “You don’t get a shirt with INR 2 these days,” he jests.

“Life is full of promises and unexpected journeys; you cannot afford to give up on it,” Chishi counsels.

To live a happy and cheerful life, he says with piecing sagacity, is a matter of choice. According to him, one can either choose to stay happy even when faced with burdens and difficulties or one can simply choose to give in before the obstacles and spend one’s life complaining about it.

“I was only 19 years old when we had to migrate to a new environment after being chased out of the village. Starting an early life without a proper home was difficult. Things were different back then, but the grace of the new faith in Christ helped us go through all pain and hardships.

“That’s the rock that kept me going. God is good. Trusting in Him has sustained me till this day,” he shares.

He confesses that as a boy growing up, he never imagined he would live so long; to even spend his days with the grandchildren every day.

Chishi is the gentle patriarch of a family of five sons and one daughter; 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. At 99, he is hopeful of scoring a century next year,w  in March 14.