Music of the world 008: Freedom is a state of mind

Freedom
Chords of Truth
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Styles: Folk/Americana
Chords of Truth brings songs with simple lyrics but such depth which will make you think as you want to hum along. This song Freedom will definitely make you think about Freedom. Everyone talks about freedom. Everyone wants freedom. Everyone is fighting about freedom. What is freedom to you?  Chords of truth sings about freedom with a perfect blend of music.
Freedom is Freedom is Freedom is oh ya Freedom is undefined
No one can tell you what it means
because it’s a state of mind
Listening to this song back to back, I think of Freedom.
Even when you are bonded physically in some situation of your life, you could be free. It’s a state of mind. Your physical freedom could be limited but not your mental freedom. And the physical aspect is only transient. Isn’t it? If freedom is a state of mind, what are you fighting for?

The other song which caught me is the song ““Wonder”

I wonder bout the people who can’t seem to see
through their preconceptions that they cling to for life and death
even if it conflicts with what they know deep down to be reasonable
for our progress, for our culture, for our future

It makes me think about Manipur, my hometown filled with conflicts, anger and hatred, such hatred where the people continue fighting with each other showing their power within what they could control. But deep down I am sure when darkness strikes and insomnia seizes you, you do think about the daily wage worker, the old women vendors who had to leave the vegetables they grew over time, fleeing with fear and chaos created, the laborers and the whole lot of people who suffers at the cost of the Bandh you have enforced for your protest, to get justice. And then you convince yourself that you are doing it for our progress, for our culture, for our future. You want to be reasonable but are you?

 


MI_S03_withlogoBorn and raised in the violence-torn landscape of the Indian state
Manipur, I have a vision to promote and spread inspiring, empowering, educative & entertaining stories. I believe we can do this together by finding the voices, voices which needs to be heard and shared, voices of the people, people all over the world. I believe that these voices will bring a change and connect all of us. Presenting the voices in our series of “Music of the World” sharing music and the thoughts of the artist from all over the world. Contact us to be a part of this series.


 

 

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S03E20 FindingTheVoices with RK Ranendrajit: How are you going to define peace in Manipur?

S03E20 FindingTheVoices with RK Ranendrajit: How are you going to define peace in Manipur?(Part 4)
Guest Speaker :RK Ranendrajit, Social Activist, a former fighter pilot of the IAF and former editor of Freedom in Manipur.
Language: Interview in Meteilon
Location: Bir Tikendrajit Memorial complex, Manipur, India

Presenting the 4th part of RK Ranendrajit ’s interview.
In this episode, former fighter pilot and social activist, RK Ranendrajit talks about the conflict situations in Manipur, the notorious Armed Forces Special Powers Act prevalent in the state that has left the people getting alienated from the rest of the country. He says that even though there have been a few positive changes in the last few decades, the Right to Life for the people of Manipur has always been debatable.
Although there have been numerous protests by the citizens, the Government still remains to ignore the plea and cry of the people. As a result of these situations, the resistance from the people started as they began to worry about what kind of future their children are destined for in the state. He says that the Government of India has plans to exploit the resources and talents of the state as part of Indianzation and assimilation but they have failed in getting the people’s support and serving their needs.
When we asked RK Ranendrajit about our show and requested him for a little feedback and some advice, he responded by saying that the show has been doing a very good thing by bringing out the thoughts, ideas and views of the people and the ground reality. He says that the show brings out the notable personalities of Manipur and spread their knowledge. He also stressed the importance of documentation and archiving.
Lastly, he expressed his views on the peaceful forms of protests in Manipur against AFSPA and other conflicts citing Irom Sharmila Chanu as an example. He also mentioned about the fake encounters in Manipur that the armed forces carry out whenever they feel that the people are gaining momentum in the struggle against AFSPA. This is somehow similar to what senior journalist Kishalay Bhattacharjee mentioned during his interview with us while speaking about his book on confessions of army officers.

About FindingTheVoices:Monica Ingudam, Founder of FindingTheVoices

Born and raised in the violence-torn landscape of Manipur, I have a vision to promote and spread inspiring, empowering, educative & entertaining stories. I believe that we can create contents bringing the positive side of Manipur. I believe we can do this together by finding the voices, voices which needs to be heard and shared, voices of our own people, people of Manipur and well-wishers of Manipur. I believe that these voices will bring a change and connect all of us.

I welcome you to join me in my journey to finding the voices at Http://FindingTheVoices.com/

 

S03E19 FindingTheVoices with RK Ranendrajit: Sedition and Freedom in Manipur.

S03E19 FindingTheVoices with RK Ranendrajit: Sedition and Freedom in Manipur (Part 3)
Guest Speaker :RK Ranendrajit, Social Activist, a former fighter pilot of the IAF and former editor of Freedom in Manipur.
Language: Interview in Meteilon
Location: Bir Tikendrajit Memorial complex, Manipur, India

Presenting the third part of RK Ranendrajit ’s interview..
Former fighter pilot and social activist,  RK Ranendrajit talks about the development of sports in Manipur and the need to hunt for young talent and groom the upcoming generations. He stressed the need to sustain a very good infrastructure in sports so that the level of competition is in par with international standards. He also emphasized the importance of providing sufficient funds in the sports department in Manipur so that there would be enough staffs and leaders who could carry on sports management and development for the future generations.
RK Ranendrajit also talks about the gutsy newspaper daily, Freedom. The press was established on 12th December, 1992 but discontinued from the first week of February, 2001 because of constant opposition by the Government of Manipur. He was charged of sedition by the Government citing an article that he published during the 90’s as being rebellious. However, he was acquitted and the sedition charges were dropped after 17 years by the court. He has faced similar situations in the past. During his time in the Indian Air Force serving as a fighter pilot, RK Ranendrajit’s integrity was questioned and he was put under constant surveillance by the organization as his brother, RK Meghen alias Sanayaima, was the chairman of the banned insurgent group United National Liberation Front. Then in Manipur, the Government tainted the reputation of the institute by getting the school raided in the middle of the night under suspicion of being a revolutionary school.
Tune in to this episode to listen to RK Ranendrajit expressing how he feels about all these incidents in his life. Apart from these dark spots, he also talks about the positive changes that have come about.

About FindingTheVoices:Monica Ingudam, Founder of FindingTheVoices

Born and raised in the violence-torn landscape of Manipur, I have a vision to promote and spread inspiring, empowering, educative & entertaining stories. I believe that we can create contents bringing the positive side of Manipur. I believe we can do this together by finding the voices, voices which needs to be heard and shared, voices of our own people, people of Manipur and well-wishers of Manipur. I believe that these voices will bring a change and connect all of us.

I welcome you to join me in my journey to finding the voices at Http://FindingTheVoices.com/