Catholic Woman from Manipur Honoured for Handwriting Entire New Testament in Simte Language

Manipur, March 11, 2025: Nu Esther, a 46-year-old Catholic woman from Manipur, was felicitated by the RVA Zo Service on March 8, 2025 at her residence in Immanuel Khopi , Lamka for her extraordinary achievement of handwriting the entire New Testament in the Simte language. She completed this remarkable feat over a period of six months—from September 4, 2024, to March 5, 2025—despite ongoing ethnic violence in the region. The felicitation, organised in celebration of International Women's Day, saw Mrs. Esther being presented with an appreciation memento by Tungthang Zou of the RVA Zo Service in recognition of her extraordinary feat.

Speaking to Mr. Tungthang who interviewed her after presenting her with the memento, Esther emphasised the importance of engaging with scripture. "We all have a Bible in our homes. However, leaving it unread is a missed opportunity to connect with God and grow in faith. It can hinder progress in both our families and communities," she said

She added that in order to cultivate a beautiful family and society, it is important to prioritise God in our daily lives and immerse ourselves in His Holy Word. "Then, everything else will triumph," she said.

Esther’s journey to Catholicism was one of deep reflection and personal conviction. Previously a member of the New Testament Baptist Church, she encountered misconceptions about Catholic teachings, prompting her to seek clarity. Her search led her to embrace the Catholic faith in 2020, a decision she firmly upholds.

“Now that I am convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith, I will never change my faith, come what may,” she declared.

Esther is a mother to four children, balancing her busy household duties with her passion for reading the Bible. Once she completes her daily chores, she spends a few hours reading up to 10 chapters of the Bible every day. Her devotion to scripture intensified during the COVID-19 lockdown when church services were suspended. With renewed commitment, she read the entire Bible twice in Simte language and once in Hmar, Paite, and Zou languages. Alongside transcribing the New Testament, she also compiled a personal collection of her favourite verses for easy reference.

She mentioned during the interview that she finds it challenging to read the Holy Bible in the Zou language, whereas she feels at ease reading it in Simte, her native dialect. She conducts daily family prayers at a small altar in her home, where she gathers with her four children for moments of togetherness and reflection.

Esther’s story stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. Her dedication to scripture serves as an inspiration, encouraging believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word.

"While you are young and active, make time for God and read the Bible," she said towards the end of the interview. "A day will come when you may find it difficult to read—when you are old and weak. Seize the opportunity while you can."

By Tungthang Zou,

News Producer and Reporter,

RVA Zo Service