Season 1 Audio Podcasting

Episode 013 FindingTheVoices : Dr. Sohini Ray, Lecturer in Anthropology at Santa Monica College and Founder/Artistic Director of Manipuri Dance Visions located in California, USA.

/ Monica Ingudam / 5 Comments

SohiniRay

013 FindingTheVoices Dr. Sohini Ray Lecturer in Anthropology at Santa Monica College ,Founder and Artistic Director of Manipuri Dance Visions located in California, USA

Today I have a very special Guest, Dr. Sohini Ray, Lecturer in Anthropology at Santa Monica College and Founder/Artistic Director of Manipuri Dance Visions, training center of classical Manipuri dance in Los Angeles, California, USA. When I saw that we have a training center to learn Manipur Dance in California, I got very excited and had to hear the voice of the person behind it. And I found more interesting details, In addition to promoting Manipuri Dance, She has written a dissertation essay on the Meetei Mayek script (also Meitei Mayek, Manipuri script). Yes, she is a Bengali, a non-Manipuri promoting Manipuri dance and Manipur through her research work. I really admire her work and am so proud to present her voice.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Dr. Ray, a rare combination of an outstanding performer and a prolific scholar, has won the prestigious Lestor Horton award in 2008 for her production “Gita Govinda”.  (Lestor Horton award is the equivalent of the Grammy. It is given for live concert dance.) And, has received two more Horton nominations in 2007 and 2011.  She won the Los Angeles Treasures award in 2007, and numerous other grants and fellowships. A Ph. D. in anthropology from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Dr. Ray has held fellowships in Harvard University and has taught both academic and practical dance classes in several American Universities.

Her research on Manipuri dance won the prestigious J.B. Donne prize in anthropology of art from the Royal Anthropological Institute, UK in 2009; she being the first dance-researcher in the world ever to have achieved this rare accolade, also the first Asian and the first woman.

Dr. Ray was identified as a child prodigy by the legendary Manipuri dance maestero late Guru Bipin Singh at age seven and was trained by him and his senior disciples, the Jhaveri sisters for more than twenty-five years. She received the prestigious national scholarship in Manipuri dance from the Government of India at age fourteen and numerous prizes and awards as a young performer in India, and was a lead dancer in Jhaveri sisters dance troupe for several years. Concurrently, while dancing professionally full-time through her college and university careers she stood first class first in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in anthropology from University of Calcutta. In 1992 she chose to move to United States to pursue an MA in dance in University of California at Los Angeles, and has lived and worked there since.

Dr. Ray has travelled and researched in remote regions of Manipur for the past twenty years and has one of the finest collection of audio-visual materials on Manipuri dance in the world.

Dr. Sohini Ray, the world-renowned master-artiste of classical Manipuri dance will be touring India from Dec 27 to Jan 12. Please find the details of the schedule at https://findingthevoices.com/2012/12/12/sohiniraysolodancetourindia/

This podcast was featured by Manipur Times.

We have a surprise host, Please welcome Monindro Ingudam.

/ Monica Ingudam / 3 Comments

We have a surprise host for this week, Please welcome Monindro Ingudam, Architect by profession, core board member and adviser for FindingTheVoices. Tamo, Thank you, Thank you for all your support. We love your humorous and unique style of podcasting.

It is indeed an honour for FindingTheVoices to present Episode 12 from 2 special and great personalities.

Khagemba Sanabam

/ Monica Ingudam / 6 Comments

Episode 012 FindingTheVoices : Khagemba Sanabam, Entrepreneur starting Manipur’s own production of packaged drinking water and oxygen.

012 FindingTheVoices Khagemba Sanabam, Entrepreneur starting Manipur’s own production of packaged drinking water and oxygen

We have a special Guest Speaker Khagemba Sanabam, Entrepreneur, who have started Manipur’s own production of packaged drinking water and oxygen. Yes, production in Manipur.

Khagemba shares his journey of his struggles and experiences in starting Reliable Hydrotech and Oxygen Plant in Manipur. I am so proud to see such initiatives which will help people in Manipur and we don’t have to depend to get these items from other states in India. He shares his struggles, challenges in getting finance (Loan only if you have Assets !!! No room for innovation without money !!!), lack of basic infrastructure (Electricity, Roads/Transportation, experienced Human Resources) to support production plant in Manipur. And most importantly the experience in doing business in Manipur where the market is mostly dominated by non manipuri.

Thanks to Khagemba Sanabam for sharing your story. Tamo, I am so proud to hear about the products manufactured by your company right there in Manipur and that We don’t have to import packaged bottled water and oxygen from other states of India. Please support such wonderful initiatives by buying products produced in Manipur.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Marina Spring is the brand name of the packaged drinking water produced by Reliable Hydrotech, a proprietorship firm at Joypur Khunou , Bishnupur District in Manipur.

Oxygen plant has completed installation and awaiting finishing touch for trial run. This plant will fulfill all the requirements for both clinical and industrial oxygen at a very cheap cost. This will really help people in Manipur.

Hosting today’s Show is Monindro Ingudam, Architect by profession, core board member and adviser for FindingTheVoices. Tamo, Thank you, Thank you for all your support. We love your humorous and unique style of podcasting.

It is indeed an honour for FindingTheVoices to present today’s show from 2 special and great personalities.

Episode 011 FindingTheVoices: Part 2 Armstrong Pame IAS officer from Tamenglong sharing the journey in making the 100 KM Road in Manipur without any help or funding from the Government

/ Monica Ingudam / 6 Comments

011 FindingTheVoices Part 2 Armstrong Pame IAS officer from Tamenglong sharing the journey in making the 100 KM Road in Manipur without any help or funding from the Government

Today I am with Armstrong Pame from Tousem sub-division, tamenglong district in Manipur, India. He is an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer serving as Sub-divisional Officer. He also was an assistant commissioner In the Indian Revenue Service.

And most recently he has initiated a very inspiring initiative of making a 100 km road in Manipur with no funding or help coming from the government, a story which have touched people’s heart all over the world …

This year, with the outbreak of diseases like typhoid and malaria, It took two days for anyone in the village to make it to the nearest hospital on foot in the absence of a motorable road. Hundreds of patients were carried on bamboo stretchers, and very few made it to the town alive.  And town doctors were unwilling to come to the village because of its inaccessible terrain. Frustrated with the situation with no response from the government, Armstrong Pame turned to his family and well wishers and initiated the project of making the 100 km Tamenglong – Haflong Road Construction in August this year and targeted to be completed by Christmas this year.

I am proud to present the voice of Armstrong Pame, the voice requested by many listeners of FindingTheVoices, the VOICE we want to hear and should be heard. The podcast is devided into 2 parts. Please listen to Part 1  which focuses on his introduction and journey from Tamenlong to becoming an IAS officer, an episode is dedicated to all the student listeners of FindingTheVoices particularly students from North East India where the parents work very hard, sacrificing and struggling to send money to get their children educated in other parts of India.

This is Part 2 which focuses on details about the making a 100 km road in Manipur with no funding or help coming from the government, a story which have touched people’s heart all over the world. It is touching to hear how he started the project and how people all over the world responded, a story which makes us believe that there are still good people in this world and we still have hope. He is so humble and gives all the credit of this project to his Villagers and thanks to everyone for the support received.

Please contribute and help in making the wish of Armstrong Pame in giving the gift of the Road this christmas for all the villagers and children. Please refer to the facebook group  Tamenglong – Haflong Road Construction for more details or contact 91 9953029135.

Episode 010 FindingTheVoices : Part 1 Armstrong Pame, IAS officer from Tamenglong sharing the journey in making the 100 KM Road in Manipur without any help or funding from the Government

/ Monica Ingudam / 14 Comments

010 FindingTheVoices Part 1 Armstrong Pame IAS officer from Tamenglong sharing the journey in making the 100 KM Road in Manipur without any help or funding from the Government

Today I am with Armstrong Pame from Tousem sub-division, tamenglong district in Manipur, India. He is an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer serving as Sub-divisional Officer. He also was an assistant commissioner In the Indian Revenue Service. And most recently he has initiated a very inspiring initiative of making a 100 km road in Manipur with no funding or help coming from the government, a story which have touched people’s heart all over the world …

This year, with the outbreak of diseases like typhoid and malaria, It took two days for anyone in the village to make it to the nearest hospital on foot in the absence of a motorable road. Hundreds of patients were carried on bamboo stretchers, and very few made it to the town alive.  And town doctors were unwilling to come to the village because of its inaccessible terrain. Frustrated with the situation with no response from the government, Armstrong Pame turned to his family and well wishers and initiated the project of making the 100 km Tamenglong – Haflong Road Construction in August this year and targeted to be completed by Christmas this year.

Please contribute and help in making the wish of Armstrong Pame in giving the gift of the Road this christmas for all the villagers and childrens. Please refer to the facebook group for more details or contact 91 9953029135. 

I am proud to present the voice of Armstrong Pame, the voice requested by many listeners of FindingTheVoices, the VOICE we want to hear and should be heard. The podcast is divided into 2 parts. This episode, Part 1 focuses on his introduction and journey from Tamenlong to becoming an IAS officer.

This episode is dedicated to all the student listeners of FindingTheVoices. Read at this article Armstrong had written at http://www.northeasterner.in/ sharing his journey becoming an IAS Officer from Tamenglong.

Please watch out for upcoming Part 2 where he talks in details about the  making of the 100 km Tamenglong – Haflong Road Construction

Thanks to Manas Maisnam, famous modern cartoonist from Manipur who have contributed Armstrong Pame’s cartoon in support and appreciation for his work. It is an honour that Tamo Manas Maisnam have drawn this cartoon for FindingTheVoices for the release of this episode of Armstrong Pame’s podcast.

Thanks to Hanubi Hanuba for the music (Lai Haraoba with Dotara) used in this podcast.

Episode 009 FindingTheVoices : Madam Saroj Nalini Ingudam talks about her teaching experience in Manipur and about “Ningol Chakouba”

/ Monica Ingudam / 3 Comments

009 FindingTheVoices Madam Saroj Nalini Ingudam talks about her teaching experience in Manipur and about Ningol Chakouba

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Wishing all the Ningols all over the world a very Happy Ningol Chakouba. ‘Ningol Chakouba‘ is one of the popular festival, where married sisters and daughters are invited for lunch to the parental house. It is a very special day where the family gets to spent the day and have the meal together just like it was before the sisters/daughters got married …

This is my very 1st podcast in Meitei-lon. Please enjoy the interview with Madam Saroj Nalini Ingudam, Retired Senior Grade Lecturer in Manipuri language and Literature from Thambal Marik College, Oinam, popularly known by Students of St. Joseph School and HRD Academy. She shares a very interesting journey of her experience being a teacher in Manipur comparing education system between Govt. School and private/mission School in Manipur. She shares little bit about the history of Ningol Chakouba and the changing trend with modern time. Did you know that initially Ningol Chakouba was Ningol na Chakouba (Invitation was from Sister to Brother) ?

Thanks to Hanubi Hanuba for the music (Lai Haraoba with Dotara) used in this podcast.

Episode 008 Manipuri Food: Bobby Soram sharing recipe of Nganum (steamed/baked fish) with herbs

/ Monica Ingudam / 2 Comments

Episode 008 FindingTheVoices Bobby Soram sharing recipe of Manipuri Food Nganum 

Today we are going to talk about Food & cooking with Bobby Soram originally from Manipur and now based in Delhi. Bobby is sharing a recipe for making one of the authentic Manipuri food “Nganum” which is baked fish with herbs. Bobby is mother of 2 wonderful kids. Thanks to Bobby for sharing the recipe, pictures and content of this post. If you try this recipe, please let us know how it came out for you.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Nganum recipe:

Preparation and cooking time – 40-45 minutes

Ingredients-:

1. Small fish- mukkak nga or nga- sang or any small fish- 250 gms

2. Turmeric leaves, 4-5

3. Banana leaves, half the leaf

4. Maroi napaakpi ( a small bunch say 10-15 of them) or onion/spring onion- cut into small pieces. One small onion or two small spring onions.

4. 4-5 Green chillies sliced into halves

5. Turmeric powder- one teaspoon

6. Mustard oil ( optional)

7. Salt to taste one  teaspoon.

wash the fish gently and drain the excess water

Clean the banana and turmeric leaves with a wet cloth and spread it on a plate, Banana leaves layered with turmeric leaves on top.

In the meantime, boil  some water in a rice cooker putting  the steamer on top. You can do this while cooking rice too.  when the water while cooking rice starts boiling

Gently Mix the fish, cut chillies maroi napakpi or onions, turmeric powder and salt to taste. Some people pour a teaspoon of mustard oil so that the fishes does not stick. But that is optional.

After mixing it, spread the mixture on the leaves. Wrap it up properly and put it on a steel or aluminum  quarter plate. Place the plate with the wrapped fishes on the steamer and close the lid.Steam it for about 15 minutes.

Remove the wrapped fish with a big spatula from the steamer and place it on a tawa on the gas stove. Place a heavy utensil, a heavy plate or toksu on top of it. Heat it on low flame for about 15 minutes turning sides carefully. This is to remove excess water from the leaves.

Now open the  wrapped fish and check. Your aromatic Nganum is ready.

* traditional method in Manipur is to bake it on low flame  without steaming.I prefer steaming it first.

* you can try this recipe with fresh mackerel, tuna, Elish fish or pomphret too.

Customization of Nganum’s recipe using Hilsa fish and spring onions instead of maroi Napakpi shared by our listener Sairem Surjarani from Montreal. Also turmeric leaf used was from dried one. Thanks to Surjarani for sharing the picture.

Episode 007 FindingTheVoices : Maisnam Dhaneswari, Cabin Services Director at Qatar Airways sharing details of choice of career as a Cabin Crew.

/ Monica Ingudam / 6 Comments

007 FindingTheVoices Interview with Maisnam Dhaneswari, Cabin Services Director at Qatar Airways sharing details of her choice of career as a Cabin Crew 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Enjoy the interview with Maisnam Dhaneswari from Manipur who is working as Cabin Services Director at Qatar Airways, the voted Airline of the Year 2011 connecting to more than 100 plus destinations worldwide. Dhaneswari shares  very interesting details of her choice of career as a Cabin Crew. Thanks you for sharing such details !!

One of the goal for FindingTheVoices is to increase the exposure of different career and job options for young students particularly students in Manipur. I have spoken to many students and the popular career options are to become a Doctor, Engineer or IAS officer. These are great career options, I myself am a Computer Science Engineer, but there are lot of other options.

Out of which Doctor is the most popular amongst the students (and also the parents !!). Students go for extensive tutions and even wait for 2 to 3 years to get into the entrance exam. There are cases where the students become depressed, loose self esteem and stray away on the event of failures on multiple attempts.

Episode 006 FindingTheVoices Interview with Junichi Kajioka, Leading actor of Manipuri movie My Japanese Niece

/ Monica Ingudam / Leave a comment

006 FindingTheVoices Interview with Junichi Kajioka, Leading actor of Manipuri movie My Japanese Niece

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Enjoy the interview with Junichi Kajioka, japanese Actor based in London. He has acted in many films, television, commercials, Voice over and even in video games, playing very interesting roles of Japanese Sergeant, Japanese Sniper, newspaper reporter etc. Most recently he acted in the movie 47 Ronin with hollywood movie star Keanu Reeves. And He is going to be the lead actor for the upcoming movie “My Japanese Niece” which is planned to be released in English, Japanese and Manipuri.

Junichi Kajioka shares very interesting work experience and the difference of work culture having worked internationally in Japan, China, London and also for a Hollywood movie. He also shares his aspirations to be a part of Bollywood movies with song and dance sequence. He is preparing and doing a lot of research to play the lead role for “My Japanese Niece” and is looking forward to go to Manipur for the shooting of the movie and plan to see the beautiful place and people of Manipur and try Manipuri food.

We welcome Junichi Kajioka to Manipur and wish him a very happy stay at Manipur and success for his role in “My Japanese Niece”.