PROMINENT LITERATI A. ZAKIA FROM MIZORAM AWARDED PADMA SHRI
30.01.2018 : A. Zakia, a prominent literati from Mizoram’s Siaha district has been selected for Padma Shri Award for his outstanding contribution to Mara literature and Education. Zakia is one of the first among the Mara tribe in Southern Mizoram to receive the award.
Zakia was born in 1930 at Lorrainville, Saikao, where the lakher pioneer Mission Missionaries station is located. He completed his M.E (Class VI) from Government Middle School, Saikao village in 1950. Then, he joined as Primary School Teacher in 1952 and served for around 44 years till his retirement in 1996.
His contribution towards the growth and development of the Mara language and literature were valuable for the Mara community. The Mara language, having just merely 50,000 speaking population is categorized as definitely endangered language by ISL International. It is on the edge of extinction due to strong invasion from the surrounding ethnic groups with different dialects.
He had worked as a news editor for various magazines and hold key positions in various organizations. He has authored over 10 Mara literature books, including Mara Grammar and Children’s Bible. Mara Grammar is approved by the Board of Mara Literature for common use.
He founded Primary Teacher’s Association of the Defunct Chhimtuipui District in 1969, served as President, Vice President and General Secretary continuously since inception till his superannuation from his job. He is the founding Vice President of Saiha Teacher’s Union founded in 1978 and also the founding Assistant Secretary of Civil Pensioner Association, Siaha Branch, founded in 2000.
Zakia has received various awards and honors from the government, NGOs and different firms & societies for his outstanding contributions and achievements towards the development of education, literature and social works.
Few notable works includes:
I). Editor, Zirtirtu Entu, Annual Magazine published by Siaha Teachers Union (1976-1979).
2). Editor, Krizyhpa Chiahmie, A monthly Magazine published by the Evangelical Church of Maraland Literature Committee (1988-1991).
3). Editor, Awhsicharu, an independent Mara Daily Newspaper (2002-2003).
4). Adviser, Chhimtuipui Academy of Letters (1999-2003).
5). Member, Board of Mara Literature (2000-till date)
He is one of the most regular contributor of articles to various journals and newspapers in Siaha District.
He also wrote the following books:
1). Mara reih (Language) Text Book for Class – I, Board of School Education, Mara Autonomous District Council.
2). Mara reih (Language) Text Book for Class – II, Board of School Education, Mara Autonomous District Council.
3). Mara reih (Language) Text Book for Class – VI, Board of School Education, Mara Autonomous District Council.
4). Mara Grammar, First Edition, 2000.
