Heritage and Hope

Episode #266: We are joined by Kimi Colney and Makepeace Sitlhou, journalists covering the humanitarian crisis and ethnic conflicts along the Indo-Myanmar border in India’s northeastern states. They discuss the complex dynamics of this region, characterized by its diversity in ethnicity, language, and religion, and its physical and psychological isolation from the rest of India.Kimi and Makepeace highlight how this area, often overlooked by India's central government, faces significant challenges in managing the influx of refugees fleeing the military junta's violence in Myanmar. Mizoram, one of the states in Northeast India, has shown solidarity with these refugees, despite the central government's orders to push them back. This support stems from a shared ethnic and cultural kinship between the local population and the refugees. However, the state's limited resources and the growing strain on local communities make the situation increasingly unsustainable.In contrast, Manipur has been less welcoming, largely due to the political influence of the BJP, the ruling party in India. The state has seen tensions between local communities, particularly the Hindu Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribes, which has been exacerbated by the influx of refugees. The conversation also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, in particular, India’s diplomatic ties with Myanmar's military junta.The two journalists emphasize the need for better awareness and understanding of the region's complexities both within India and internationally. They call for more comprehensive and nuanced coverage of the crisis, which is often ignored or oversimplified in the media.“There is a gap that has to be bridged, both on the Indian and Myanmar side as well,” says Makepeace, and Kimi adds, “It's hard to see a bright future,” to the hope of any peaceful harmony coming soon to the region.

6 Sep 20241h 8min

Episode #265: Marc Batac's story is one of profound political transformation, reflecting the broader struggles of Southeast Asia. Born in the eastern regions of the Philippines, Marc's early exposure to socioeconomic struggle, and the dysfunctionality of governance and political patronage in his homeland, shaped his worldview and set him on a course of activism.In 2017, Marc played a pivotal role in helping organize a regional youth meeting that laid the groundwork for the Milk Tea Alliance (MTA), a transnational movement advocating for democracy and human rights. The Alliance, born out of a shared experience of state violence and repression, became a platform for young activists to connect, share strategies, and support each other's struggles. After the 2021 coup in Myanmar, Marc recognized the urgency of the situation, and mobilized networks to provide immediate support to Burmese activists and the broader resistance movement. Through the MTA, he facilitated the sharing of resources, including financial aid and digital tools, to help activists on the ground organize protests and evade military crackdowns. The MTA also played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of Myanmar's pro-democracy movement on the international stage, using social media campaigns and digital activism to draw global attention to the atrocities committed by the junta. Marc and his peers worked tirelessly to coordinate efforts across borders, ensuring that the solidarity and support for Myanmar extended beyond mere words. This collective action not only sustained the momentum of the resistance but also strengthened the transnational ties that are vital for the long-term success of the pro-democracy movements in the region.“If we are not in intentional in defining what the Milk Tea Alliance stands for, then other forces will define it for us. They are already doing that, in the early days and up until now,” he says. “We are simply nodes in our movements. The hashtag in this name and the symbolisms will be gone and will be forgotten at some point. But what will remain would be the relationships that have deepened, that are anchored in an analysis of the concrete link between our material experiences, our pain, and our struggles, and our our aspirations as well, that have existed before the hashtag, and therefore will continue to exist after the hashtag.”

3 Sep 20241h 53min

Episode #264: Shalini Sri Perumal delves into her expertise in community-based healthcare, particularly focusing on the integration of indigenous and traditional medicine among Burmese migrant women in Thailand. Shalini's professional journey includes significant work with the Mae Tao Clinic on the Thai-Burma border, an important healthcare facility founded by Dr. Cynthia Maung. The clinic has expanded over the years, offering a wide range of services including reproductive health, dental care, and maternal care, despite facing challenges such as limited funding and the discrimination that Burmese migrants often encounter.Shalini emphasizes the critical role of traditional medicine in preserving cultural identity and providing accessible healthcare to marginalized communities. While she acknowledges that not all traditional practices are safe, she advocates for a collaborative approach that blends community-based methods with Western medicine. This approach not only respects indigenous practices but also seeks to validate them through scientific research. She underscores the impact of colonialism in severing connections to traditional knowledge and stresses the importance of restoring these connections, particularly through the inclusion of indigenous voices in healthcare discussions.In addition to discussing healthcare, Shalini sheds light on the broader situation of Burmese migrants in Thailand. There, particularly Karen and other ethnic minorities face significant discrimination from the Thai government. She also touches on the plight of Burmese refugees in India, particularly in Mizoram and New Delhi. There, refugees struggle with the lack of legal recognition and access to basic services, exacerbated by India's non-signatory status to the Refugee Convention and recent discriminatory policies. Despite these challenges, Shalini remains hopeful about the potential for advocacy and collective action among ethnic communities to improve their situation both in Thailand and India.

31 Aug 20241h 33min

Episode #263: Sanjay Valentine Gathia weighs in on the complex India-Myanmar relationship, highlighting the historical context and evolving policies that have shaped it. He underscores the importance of understanding the diverse voices emerging from Myanmar's Spring Revolution, emphasizing the need for India to reassess its strategic interests and adopt a more inclusive approach.He critiques the Indian military's predominant influence on their country’s relationship with Myanmar, which is primarily based on finding ways to leverage a positive relationship to get the Burmese military to crack down on Indian guerrilla groups that operate across the northeastern border. Instead, Gathia advocates for a shift towards engaging with pro-democracy forces and civil society actors in Myanmar, which he believes is ultimately essential for India's own strategic interests and regional stability.Drawing parallels with historical and contemporary geopolitical scenarios, Gathia calls for deeper, more meaningful dialogues that transcend mere information exchange. In essence, he believes that a concerted effort to improve understanding and foster dialogue can only lead to better policies that support both India's and Myanmar's interests. “The lobbying can be done at different levels,” he says in closing. “It can be done directly with the Indian government, it can be done with different agencies that are there, it can also be done with different Indian think tanks who are also influential. If their understanding and their knowledge is improved, I think that's what would lead to a better understanding and analysis and thereby a better policy implementation.”

27 Aug 20241h 18min

Episode #262: Hnin Thet Hmu Khin, a dedicated women's rights activist, reveals the often undocumented struggles and triumphs of women in Myanmar's revolution. Despite their widespread and committed participation, women are conspicuously absent from media narratives and decision-making roles, often relegated to the background even as they stand at the forefront of the fight for freedom. She bravely discusses the pervasive gender stereotypes and the alarming incidents of sexual violence within revolutionary ranks, challenging the listener to confront these uncomfortable truths.She also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of military wives, whose influence has led to numerous defections, turning the tide against an oppressive regime. These women, once silenced and oppressed, find empowerment and purpose in the revolution, revealing the deep-seated ironies within a patriarchal society.Hnin’s voice is a clarion call to acknowledge and address gender-based violence as an integral part of the revolution, rather than an issue to be sidelined. It compels the listener to reconsider how patriarchal and condescending attitudes can be insinuated into the very fabric of so-called “revolutionary” movements, highlighting the indispensable role women must play in the quest for true societal transformation.“Sometimes I say that you existing in in this very male dominated world is already enough,” she says in closing. “Maybe you can't speak, or maybe you don't have a chance to speak. Maybe there are barriers. But just living, and just surviving in this very male-dominated world, it's already a voice.”

24 Aug 20241h 53min

Episode #261: Saw Kapi delves into his journey and contributions to Myanmar's democratic and educational landscape. His story began with involvement in the 1988 student uprising against military rule, which led him to the Thai-Burma border to join the resistance. The struggle for democracy became a central theme in his life, intertwining with his identity as a student and later as an educator.Saw Kapi emphasizes the critical role of education in revolution, stressing that a well-educated population is essential for sustainable change. He highlights his efforts in preparing young Burmese for international scholarships and higher education, aiming to create a new generation of leaders. Despite the challenges posed by a repressive military regime, his focus remained on fostering critical thinking and bridging gaps between local and international opportunities.His narrative underscores the importance of grassroots governance, advocating for decentralized, community-driven governance structures as a foundation for a federal democratic union. By empowering local leaders and focusing on public administration, Saw Kapi envisions a future where Myanmar can build a democratic system from the ground up, ensuring that governance serves the people and not just the central authority.“Our standard of treating the population that we govern has to be right!” exclaims Saw Kapi. “We cannot just treat them differently because we have guns and control the area. If we think that political authorities come from the barrel of the gun, then we are heading towards dictatorship. But if we believe that our authority to govern comes from the consent of the governed, we are heading in the right direction.”

21 Aug 20242h 1min

Episode #260: Helene Buchholz, a journalist from Germany, ventured into the heart of Myanmar's conflict, driven by a personal mission to shed light on an underreported crisis. A radio journalist for the German public broadcasting network, Helene stepped out of her comfort zone, undergoing extensive training to prepare for the dangers that lay ahead.In Myanmar, Helene embedded herself with the People's Defense Force (PDF), a group of civilians turned resistance fighters. These were not seasoned soldiers, but new volunteers from diverse backgrounds, unified by a shared purpose: to protect their people from the brutal military junta. Helene’s interactions were limited by strict security protocols, ensuring her safety and that of the locals who supported her.Despite these constraints, Helene was moved by profound nature of what she observed: the resilience and determination of the PDF, trained by ethnic minority groups and motivated by a desire for freedom. Her return to Germany marked the beginning of a new phase—using her platform to raise awareness and inspire a younger audience back home.“I'm planning to return when the junta is defeated, to celebrate on the streets,” she says, reflecting on her time here. “I will stay invested, and I will stay interested… And so even if I'm not crossing the border again, very soon, I will keep in touch with the people and maybe meet them soon again, in exile at least.”

16 Aug 20241h 11min

Episode #259: When Dr. Jenny Ko Gyi followed her military husband to a remote posting in rural Gangaw, she had no idea how profoundly the experience would affect not only her own spiritual life, but also go on to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of meditators across Myanmar.Jenny was working at the local clinic, and a colleague told her about a small meditation retreat she had attended deep in the forest, on Monle Hillock. Jenny was keen to visit, although it was not an easy trek to the monastery; in fact, she might have been the first outsider to ever set foot there and meet the Monle Sayadaw. Impressed, Jenny soon made plans to return and attend a meditation course.Her experience with Monle Sayadaw was life-changing. He displayed great prowess in various mental feats, from being able to give nuanced, individualized advice to meditators based on their mental states, to reading the minds and intentions of others, to predicting the future. Jenny had always hoped to find a teacher like this, and her search was over.Jenny became Monle Sayadaw’s dedicated disciple, making more frequent trips to his forested abode where she learned about his teachings more deeply. She soon realized that because the journey to his remote monastery was too arduous for most to manage, she should do her best to make the Sayadaw more accessible to others, and so brought him to Yangon for Dhamma talks. Eventually she organized a small, one-week meditation retreat in her own family home in Yangon. One of the attendees of the inaugural course was Aung San Suu Kyi, who had recently been released from house arrest.From that small first course, Monle Sayadaw’s renown began to grow, and eventually he became widely known in Burma. More retreats were organized in Yangon and throughout the country, and even in the United States. An enormous meditation center was built in Mandalay, and Jenny estimates that hundreds of thousands ultimately came to learn his technique.

13 Aug 20241h 46min