Causes

Causes we believe in and need to hold hands together. Let’s stand up, fight and find our voice for it.

Mourning for Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma, sculptor artist of Three Mothers Art Gallery of Manipur.

/ Monica Ingudam / Leave a comment

Mourning for Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma, sculptor artist of Three Mothers Art Gallery of Manipur.

As we are nearing the completion of five years of FindingTheVoices, I was reflecting on moments that made FindingTheVoices real, moments that gave meaning to my quest and vision to continue FindingTheVoices.

Yesterday I shared a picture in Facebook sharing a moment “It broke my heart to see the crumpling condition of Three Mothers Art Gallery in Imphal, Manipur.”

#5years #FindingTheVoices #Manipur #29Sept2012 #LookingBack #Moments It broke my heart to see the crumpling condition of Three Mothers Art Gallery in Imphal, Manipur.

Then I shared another picture of another moment “I was truly touched and felt connected by the way Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma, sculpture artist of Three Mothers Art Gallery calling me “Sana” instead of my name. Sana, literal meaning is gold but it’s a way of addressing someone with love in Manipur. And I had forgotten this beautiful way of addressing.” I remember my mother fondly sharing about her childhood “Oh, when I grew up, I was Ebemma at home.”

Staying away from Manipur for 25 years now, I have missed experiencing many of the beautiful ways of life in Manipur. The journey of FindingTheVoices have been very fruitful and enriching to me as a person, striking a deep chord in taking pride of my origin and roots.

#5years #FindingTheVoices #Manipur #29Sept2012 #LookingBack #Moments I was truly touched and felt connected by the way Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma, sculpture artist of Three Mothers Art Gallery calling me “Sana” instead of my name. Sana, literal meaning is gold but it’s a way of calling someone with love in Manipur. And I had forgotten this beautiful way of addressing.

Sir Laba Yambem commented on the post sharing the news about the passing of the main artist of Three Mothers Art Gallery.

I got confirmation of the sad, very sad news that Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma passed away on August 12, 2017. He was born on September 24, 1955. The news filled me with such grief, regret and anger. His passing is a big loss to Manipur, a big loss to the community of sculptor artists of the world.

It is my deepest regret that we have failed him in recognizing his talent and giving him the support to nurture his inborn gifted talent. It gave me goosebumps when he shared about seeing the vision of what to carve when he sees the raw roots at nights and hence he worked mostly at nights. He didn’t have a blue print for any of his sculptors, it was all in his mind which he carved.

I saw a true artist seeing the blessing of such talents in Manipur. His sculptors conveyed the deepest meaning in art form with important relevance to the history and people of Manipur. But it broke my heart to see the crumbling gallery, the beautiful artwork smudged with dust from the fallen ceiling. It made me think of the art gallery in other places where artwork are kept with such value, boxed within glasses, guards closely monitoring the many lined up visitors from touching the artwork.

His vision of what he wanted to carve is truly inspirational but we have failed him to provide a platform and nurture his talent.

If you haven’t heard about Three Mothers Art Gallery, that is the first failure point. Why haven’t you heard about it ? Why don’t you know about the artist? Where are the visitors lining up to see his artwork? Why is his artwork not promoted? Where are the promotions? Why is his gallery crumpled? Shouldn’t his artwork display be one of the main display for tourist spot in Manipur?

Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma (September 24, 1955- August 12, 2017) gifted sculptor artist of Three Mothers Art Gallery, Manipur passed away. He was just 61 years old. He had dreams, many unfulfilled dreams. I have failed him. The people have failed him. Manipur has failed him. India has failed him.

I implore you to visit Three Mothers Art Gallery, Wangkhei, Thangapat Mapal Palace Compound, Imphal East, Manipur and seek your help and support for elevating Three Mothers Art Gallery in Imphal.

 

Monica Ingudam, founder of FindingTheVoices, A weekly talk show with the vision to promote positivity in the conflicted land of Manipur. Monica Ingudam is based in Maryland, Unites States and is originally from Manipur, the Indian state.

 

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S02E02 FindingTheVoices: How do your react when someone calls you a Chinky or use any derogatory terms ?

/ Monica Ingudam / 3 Comments

S02E02 FindingTheVoices: How do your react when someone calls you a Chinky or use any derogatory terms ?

Guest Speakers: Bobo Hijam, Lukhoi Sougaijam, Linthoi Angom

Language: English.
Interview Location : Washington DC, USA.

With many cases of racism and incidents in India where the North East people of India are teased, questioned, called Chinky and other derogatory terms I had posted  “Yes we hear the word “Chinky” very often. Lot of people including myself try and take it sportingly to survive and blend in, not to cause any trouble (for we have seen time and again that we will loose fighting back and be alienated and chose to focus to study/work, the reason why we came out from Manipur) but you should know that deep inside we don’t like it”

And one of the response was “I use “Chinky” for people from North East India like using Gujju for Gujarati, Bong for Bengali, Mallu for Malayali, I didn’t think it was offensive. If it is I will stop”

This response (ignorance that it’s a derogatory term) inspired me to do this episode to share our experience, thoughts, ways of coping up and mechanism we had opted to survive such situations, situations we wish we didn’t have to face but we are facing.

There are many young students coming out to escape the conflict, including myself, to pursue uninterrupted education at a very young age. And then dealing with new place and people, new food, pain of missing home. We have met very good, kind hearted people who have helped and touched our heart and we remain indebted forever.

But we are also faced with indifference and questions on our identity making us to cope up to blend in, to survive in many ways even in the way one dresses, avoiding places and events, curbing one’s freedom to avoid situations, keeping quiet gulping humiliations to survive. Many of us cope up this way for we know that when we fight back it’s only us who will loose and end in tragic incidents which never gets justice. But should we keep quiet ? No we shouldn’t. And we will not. We have learnt to pick our battle and find ways and mechanism to protest, educate, spread awareness and let people know. Also we should ask our self if we are calling names to others, start from home, our origin and fight for the cause, stand for the cause irrespective of your community and contribute at the individual level and this will truly bring a change.

Thanks to our Guest Speakers for sharing their heart felt experience and thoughts. Please share your experience and thoughts too.

For Dog lovers as pet : Dedicated to “Ruby the dog” and all Missing dogs in Manipur

/ Monica Ingudam / Leave a comment

This Album is dedicated to “Ruby the dog”, all dog lovers as pet and all dogs who went missing in Manipur landing up in people’s plate, without giving a chance to the owner to say Good bye.

STOP stealing people’s pet. STOP eating people’s pet. If you want to eat, buy it, raise your own and eat it but STOP eating by stealing people’s pet.

Ruby The Dog

Such an adorable little dog, With soft black and white fur, And expressive beautiful eyes, Winning everyone’s heart, The minute she walked in our home.

She guarded the house, Welcoming family and friends with her wagging tail, And barking notoriously warning us of strangers, She practically grew up with us, Witnessing every milestones of our life.

She gets older, bony and almost blind, And one fine day she went for a walk never to return back, Words spread that Ruby was hit by a truck, But no trace of her and no body found, And we never got a chance to say goodbye.

It’s a small community, Where you always know who is doing what, But no one will say anything about Ruby’s truck accident, Time went by, Searches continues without any success.

Mr. Mei fully drunk walks by our and his “Leirak” (road leading to home), Swaying and barely able to walk, As though he had the last ounce of guilt left in drunken body, He confessed that he ate one and only “Matum” (piece)of Ruby, As the others are gobbled up by the other drunks.

Master sends Lots of love from his core of heart and always missing every moment….!!!Picture courtesy : Nelson Khundrakpam
I had many affairs with so many dogs in my life, earlier with lots of Desis and later with the videshis, but that also a GSD gone, a Dobb gone, a Labb stolen few days back and at present having an affair with my latest Weiler – Rocky Picture Courtesy : Loyangamba Khundongbam
How can I complain when I am adopted by my beautiful Miss and I look forward our fun time together. Picture Courtesy : Yaishana Huidrom
We are just 5 weeks old; Waiting to be named; Playing at Khuman Lampak. Picture courtesy : Jin So Athokpam
Loves to eat, annoy and sleep like any other yet pertaining. Can’t do without her. That’s my Candace, my best friend. Lots of love. Picture courtesy : Sneha Thapa
My name is Black; I am a proud mommy of 8 puppies; I have an awesome Master; Life is good. Photo Courtesy : Ronel Seram
It was really a scorching day. We had exhausted all our water supplies, no one was willing to be adventurous. So we just walked into a monastery. Beside the heavy gilded door was a large pot filled up to its brim with water, it was where the dog was spotted. He knew that the lens was on him. For a while I thought I had just disturbed someone, then the expression, the guilty, made me capture this. Picture courtesy : Bobo Meitei
I am Brando and love swimming. Want to watch me swim? Photo Courtesy : Geetanjali Naorem.
My beloved Tingting left me but I will never ever forget you Tinku. Picture Courtesy : Yaishana Huidrom
We are part of your family, love and pamper us. We love to snuggle on a cold winter day in Manipur. A picture for dog lovers as pet. A photograph by Bimal Thongam
It’s lonely to be home less; I could be a good company; And I will keep looking for my home.Picture Courtesy : Bimal Thongam
Meet Petty and (Late) Pluto, eleven years old. Unfortunately, Pluto died on Sept 29 this year due to cancer after trying chemo 2 years back. Blessed to have a wonderful Miss who gives us so much love. Picture courtesy : Elizabeth Okram
I am BG and I am calm, come play with me. Picture Courtesy : Yaishana Huidrom
This is the moment I wait for, to be with my Master. Picture Courtesy : Laynyn Laithangbam
Summers could be terrible; in a crowded place like this place to look for a shelter isn’t easy. When the temperature soars we could be wild. But at a time like this, when the bright hot ball has gone down, I feel again that I am alive. May it’s the spongy surface, sometimes the breeze and then the edible litters. Picture courtesy : Bobo Meitei
I am a little late but I am looking to join my clans to join against people who steals dog. My teeths are sharp very very sharp. Picture courtesy : Bimal Thongam
I’m Kitty, 1.9years old. A CARING Mother, A Watchdog, And I love my Family very much. What I like the most apart from meat is MANGO and BANANA. I eat a lot of fruits and CHAMFUT as well. Picture courtesy : Denis Takhellambam
I am Brando and love swimming. Want to watch me swim? Photo Courtesy : Geetanjali Naorem.
The Dog Whisperer in Manipur. Tell me about your fear and insecurity of walking freely in the streets of Manipur. Picture courtesy : Birosh Junior
I am waiting for my Master; The wait is long but it will be all worth it; Picture Courtesy : Bimal Thongam
Gollu and Tingting during good times. Picture Courtesy : Yaishana Huidrom
Nothing beats napping in our favorite cozy place, My owner doesn’t eat chicken but when people offer her chicken, She saves it for us , calling us Bonee and Bonee Cha with her sweet voice we know we are having a big treat. Picture courtesy : Bimal Thongam
I am Ngangba,If you meet me I will surely brighten your day, And you will agree with my Master’s choice of my name. Picture Courtesy : Sagolsem Romeo
I am Ngangba,If you meet me I will surely brighten your day,And you will agree with my Master’s choice of my name.Picture Courtesy : Sagolsem Romeo
How lucky am I to have a little Master as my best friend. Picture Courtesy : Putulu Ningombam
I want a real dog as my pet, My Mama gets one of these every time, But I want a real dog, She says I can have it when I am big and can take care of of the dog all by myself, I am ready but she wouldn’t listen. Picture courtesy : Monica Ingudam
I love pets, specially dogs, as the saying goes ‘A dog is a man’s best friend’ and I do find that to be very true. I took inspiration from the context of ‘friendship and relationships’, the foundation or core of which I feel is/should be based on loyalty, faithfulness and willingness to ‘wait’, to brave through the ups and downs of life.. Picture Courtesy : RÏĸa Guite
I am Milo, Lives beside Biotechnology Department, Assam University, I don’t have a master but love by all the Scholars of the Department, I enjoy coffee every evening in the Canteen with them,Homeless but living happily…Picture courtesy : Gautam Seram
Reacts fondly with love to her master, maybe weak but dangerous to strangers, no one dares to enter her teritory…Her name is SHONBI..feeding her cute puppies… Picture courtesy : Gobin Sapam
I have been fed and trained, trained to do their bidding. I am a mere pet; if I didn’t have a master, I would have been one of those vulnerable ones. It was hard, but rigorous practice makes one get used to it. I am a mere animal who wants to live. And I do this, for I want to live. Picture courtesy : Bobo Meitei
My lazy Raja, always occupying my space.. Picture courtesy : James Soibam
Little Anhiya playing with Maria and we are best friends ever. Photo Courtesy : Ronald Meitei
I am Chaoba and when I was just 2 months old my mother went missing, stolen by someone and I still wait for her.Picture courtesy : Shyamo Ingudam
I am adopted and named Pirate by my Master because of my eyes. I am quite friendly but could be scary and annoying if you are a stranger. If you are a stranger but approved by my Master I could be your best friend.
I am Boobaa and am adopted by my Master and I love playing with Puchu the cat. Picture Courtesy : Ingudam Manoranjan
I have no master, I have no name but the love of my kids are unconditional. Picture courtesy : Amit Sharma Kongbrailatpam
Our beautiful Mom’s name is Black and wild Dad’s name is Vodka; It’s time to move out and we are looking for a home.Picture Courtesy : Ronel Seram
My paper boy- Loya who brings in my morning paper everyday.. Picture courtesy : Devendra Hijam
Many people don’t like the Dachshund breed but this one has given me so many memories to cherish, he is quite the cunning one. His name is Willy Boy. Picture Courtesy : Dayrik Nemo Kh

Thanks everyone for sharing these beautiful pictures of your dog and sharing about your dog.

Episode 057 FindingTheVoices Swar Thounaojam sharing about sexual harassment and her own story as a victim (Part 3)

/ Monica Ingudam / Leave a comment

 Episode 057 FindingTheVoices Swar Thounaojam Playwright and Theatre Director sharing aboutsharing about sexual harassment and her own story as a victim (Part 3)

Presenting the 3rd part of Swar Thounaojam’s podcast where she shares details about sexual harassment and her own story as a victim. In this podcast, she  talks in details about the incident that happened on December 5, 2012 in Bangalore, India following an accident in which her car was hit. She said in an article covered at The Hindu  “I was assaulted by a traffic police constable. He barred me from entering my car and allowed a mob of around 40 men to sexually harass me. I filed two FIRs that evening — one for the accident and another for the sexual harassment and criminal intimidation I faced at the hands of the constable and the mob.” Listen to this podcast to hear her story in her own words of the trauma and difficulties she has to go through as a victim going through the legal process.

Catch up the first part of her podcast and second part of her podcast where she talks about her journey of being a Playwright and Theatre Director and her plays. Swar Thounaojam worked in Delhi, Mumbai, and Munich, and currently runs a Bengaluru-based theater company named FewerEmergencies.

013 It’s all in the mind : Ruby The Dog

/ Monica Ingudam / 3 Comments

Ruby The Dog

Such an adorable little dog,
With soft black and white fur,
And expressive beautiful eyes,
Winning everyone’s heart,
The minute she walked in our home.

She guarded the house,
Welcoming family and friends with her wagging tail,
And barking notoriously warning us of strangers,
She practically grew up with us,
Witnessing every milestones of our life.

She gets older, bony and almost blind,
And one fine day she went for a walk never to return back,
Words spread that Ruby was hit by a truck,
But no trace of her and no body found,
And we never got a chance to say goodbye.

It’s a small community,
Where you always know who is doing what,
But no one will say anything about Ruby’s truck accident,
Time went by,
Searches continues without any success.

Mr. Mei fully drunk walks by our and his “Leirak” (road leading to home),
Swaying and barely able to walk,
As though he had the last ounce of guilt left in drunken body,
He confessed that he ate one and only “Matum” (piece)of Ruby,
As the others are gobbled up by the other drunks.

~The End~

An Experimental attempt to put thoughts in writing by Monica Ingudam.