people from Manipur

S03E29 FindingTheVoices with Mr. Koijam Vasunraz, Scaling the handloom and textile industry beyond Manipur.

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FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: Scaling the handloom and textile industry beyond Manipur.
Guest Speaker : Koijam Vasunraz, Textile entrepreneur, Founder of Manipur Creations.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Manipur Creations, Imphal, Manipur, India
Konsam Vasunraj, textile entrepreneur and founder of Manipur Creations, has come a long way from working as a sweeper to becoming one of the most influential people in the handloom and textile industry of Manipur. He has established a number of showrooms in different districts in Manipur and
sells good quality products at low prices affordable by the common
people.
He says that the principle policy of Manipur Creations is that whatever products they manufacture should be affordable even by a vegetable seller.
In this episode, we talk about the innovative way of how he brought
down the cost of bed sheets. Even though most Manipuri handloom products are of good quality and have very beautiful designs, they are not very popular and widespread in the country.
Mr. Vasunraj says that repurposing authentic Manipuri raw materials and transforming them into mainstream every day wear is one of the ways to tackle this deficit in demand and popularity in India. He also says that while repurposing, one needs to take certain precautions so as not to hurt the sentiments of the people as the remodeling of traditional wear is often accompanied by an uproar from certain sections of the people.
The entrepreneur hopes that a lot more people of Manipur would come into this line of work as Manipur Creations alone would not be able to fight in the textile market which is flooded with imported clothing brands. He also wishes that there would be such a shopping complex where all those who manufacture Manipuri products would come together and sell their products.
As a message to the viewers of FindingTheVoices, Mr. Vasunraj requests all parents to allow their children to follow their dreams. He believes that the best child from a family should work towards becoming an entrepreneur.
We end the episode with a few kind words from our guest about our show.

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/

 

S03E28 FindingTheVoices with Mr. Koijam Vasunraz, Building a factory during the conflict of ILP in Manipur.

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FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: Building a factory during the conflict of ILP in Manipur.
Guest Speaker : Koijam Vasunraz, Textile entrepreneur, Founder of Manipur Creations.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Manipur Creations, Imphal, Manipur, India

In this episode, Konsam Vasunraj describes the early stages of the development of his textile industry Manipur Creations. He shares about the difficult journey he faced while shifting from Chennai to Manipur, bringing all his heavy machinery on the road. He talks about the numerous unofficial tax particular groups imposed on them on the road from Dimapur to Imphal.

The horrific condition of the National Highway also added to his hardship. He calls this experience as one of the worst experiences in his life! He somehow reached Imphal safely along with all the laborers and machineries but unfortunately that was not the end to his problems. It was the time when the state of Manipur was burning and tension was riling high because of the ongoing issue of Inner Line Permit System. People came out to the streets and highways to protest and many roads were blocked as a result. Konsam Vasunraj describes how he had to take alternative routes in order to avoid the burning blockades on the roads and the infuriated mob.
He shares about how he managed to save his 11 non-Manipuri workers even without help from the local police station.
After dealing with all the turmoil, he was able to get his factory operational and has been functioning smoothly ever since. He talks about the Manipur Creations showrooms he has opened so far and says that he has plans to open at least one showroom in each district of Manipur. He says that he also wants to open stores in small towns even though the idea is not financially advisable.

He believes in the principle that everyone in Manipur has the right to buy and use his products. He is also targeting to sell his products at 40% less than market price so that everyone will be able to afford.

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/

 

S03E26 FindingTheVoices with Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam, Shija Hospitals in Manipur

/ Monica Ingudam / 1 Comment
FindingTheVoices with Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon sharing about Shija Hospitals in Manipur (Part 3)
Guest Speaker : Dr Jugindra Sorokhabam, Medical Superintendent of Shija Hospitals.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Healthcity Langol, Imphal-West, Manipur
Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Healthcity Langol, Imphal-West, Manipur. He is a General Surgeon by profession with an appreciable practice as a minimal access surgeon.

Besides being instrumental in setting up one of the most advanced and sophisticated laparoscopic surgeries, endo-urology and endoscopic facilities for the first time in Manipur and the North East region, he is credited with performing some of the most advanced and sophisticated laparoscopic surgeries for the first time in the state and the region.

In the 1st part of Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam ’s interview, he shared about his early life on how he got his aspiration to follow his dream of becoming a surgeon. We also spoke about the scene of healthcare and healthcare IT in Manipur.

In the 2nd part of his interview he shared about the initiative of Palliative care in Manipur and founded Palliative Care Society, Imphal, Manipur. He saw the need of Palliative Care in Manipur and started a pilot phase in Thangmeiband, Imphal, Manipur. It’s amazing to hear how many individuals from Physicians, medical staffs to students getting together, volunteering, pledging financially for Palliative Care. This is the first of it’s kind in Manipur, an initiative in building a community together, bringing people closer to face such hard times, a time where family members aren’t equipped on how to handle the medical as well as the emotional care and support for the near end.

This is the 3rd part of Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam’s interview where we spoke about details of running Shija Hospitals in Manipur in the midst of conflicts. He also explained about the cost and maintaining quality of Healthcare at Shija.

The interview left me with such inspirations to hear about the incredible work and initiative of Shija hospitals in providing healthcare services improving the quality of health and saving lives. I have the utmost respect and remain thankful to such initiative defining the progress of Manipur bringing change in the quality of healthcare for the people.

 

 Source: Shija Hospitals

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/

 

S03E25 FindingTheVoices with Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam, Bringing people together, Palliative Care in Manipur

/ Monica Ingudam / 2 Comments
S03E25 FindingTheVoices with Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon bringing people together, Palliative Care in Manipur (Part 2)
Guest Speaker : Dr Jugindra Sorokhabam, Medical Superintendent of Shija Hospitals.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Healthcity Langol, Imphal-West, Manipur
Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Healthcity Langol, Imphal-West, Manipur. He is a General Surgeon by profession with an appreciable practice as a minimal access surgeon.

Besides being instrumental in setting up one of the most advanced and sophisticated laparoscopic surgeries, endo-urology and endoscopic facilities for the first time in Manipur and the North East region, he is credited with performing some of the most advanced and sophisticated laparoscopic surgeries for the first time in the state and the region.

In the 1st part of Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam ’s interview, he shared about his early life on how he got his aspiration to follow his dream of becoming a surgeon. We also spoke about the scene of healthcare and healthcare IT in Manipur.

In this interview, the 2nd part of his interview he shared about the initiative of Palliative care in Manipur and founded Palliative Care Society, Imphal, Manipur. He saw the need of Palliative Care in Manipur and started a pilot phase in Thangmeiband, Imphal, Manipur. It’s amazing to hear how many individuals from Physicians, medical staffs to students getting together, volunteering, pledging financially for Palliative Care. This is the first of it’s kind in Manipur, an initiative in building a community together, bringing people closer to face such hard times, a time where family members aren’t equipped on how to handle the medical as well as the emotional care and support for the near end.

Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam shared such inspirational and empowering incidents and stories on how volunteering for Palliative Care have changed the people, a life changing experience for both the family and the volunteers. Such a profound interview.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care provides those with a serious or chronic illness – from the time of diagnosis throughout the course of treatment – care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and managing suffering. It is delivered by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and social workers to address the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

The interview left me with such inspirations to hear about the incredible work and initiative of Shija hospitals in providing healthcare services improving the quality of health and saving lives. I have the utmost respect and remain thankful to such initiative defining the progress of Manipur bringing change in the quality of healthcare for the people.

 Source: Shija Hospitals

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/

 

S03E24 FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: From a sweeper to a General Manager.

/ Monica Ingudam / 1 Comment
S03E24 FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: From a sweeper to a General Manager (Part 3)
Guest Speaker : Koijam Vasunraz, Textile entrepreneur, Founder of Manipur Creations.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Manipur Creations, Imphal, Manipur, India
In the 1st part of Koijam Vasunraz ’s interview, he shared about his early life on how he got his aspiration to follow his dream of entering the world of business. There was a conflict in his parent’s expectation and his aspirations to follow his dream. Listen to his heartfelt story to know the details of his choice, a difficult choice but brought him closer to his dream. An inspiring story of determination and believing in yourself.
The 2nd part of his interview where he shared about how he left his house and eloped with his love coming out to follow his dreams. Listen to his heartfelt story of struggles of survival and how he became a sweeper.
This is the 3rd part of his interview where he shared about growing from a sweeper to a General Manager. His story tells us about how one works proactively paving path for his growth. Such an amazing story which we can learn from his techniques for growth. He shared about the strength and support from his love, his wife in such low times.

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/

 

S03E23 FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: Running away from home.

/ Monica Ingudam / 1 Comment
S03E23 FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: Running away from home. (Part 2)
Guest Speaker : Koijam Vasunraz, Textile entrepreneur, Founder of Manipur Creations.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Manipur Creations, Imphal, Manipur, India
In the 1st part of Koijam Vasunraz ’s interview, he shared about his early life on how he got his aspiration to follow his dream of entering the world of business. There was a conflict in his parent’s expectation and his aspirations to follow his dream. Listen to his heartfelt story to know the details of his choice, a difficult choice but brought him closer to his dream. An inspiring story of determination and believing in yourself.
This is the 2nd part of his interview where he shared about how he left his house and eloped with his love coming out to follow his dreams. Listen to his heartfelt story of struggles of survival and how he became a sweeper.

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/

 

S03E22 FindingTheVoices with Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon from Manipur

/ Monica Ingudam / 3 Comments
S03E22 FindingTheVoices with Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon from Manipur(Part 1)
Guest Speaker : Dr Jugindra Sorokhabam, Medical Superintendent of Shija Hospitals.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Healthcity Langol, Imphal-West, Manipur
Presenting the 1st part of Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam ’s interview.
Dr. Jugindra Sorokhaibam is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), Healthcity Langol, Imphal-West, Manipur. He is a General Surgeon by profession with an appreciable practice as a minimal access surgeon.

Besides being instrumental in setting up one of the most advanced and sophisticated laparoscopic surgeries, endo-urology and endoscopic facilities for the first time in Manipur and the North East region, he is credited with performing some of the most advanced and sophisticated laparoscopic surgeries for the first time in the state and the region.

In this interview he shared about his early life on how he got his aspiration to follow his dream of becoming a surgeon. We spoke about the scene of healthcare and healthcare IT in Manipur. The interview left me with such inspirations to hear about the incredible work and initiative of Shija hospitals in providing healthcare services improving the quality of health and saving lives. I have the utmost respect and remain thankful to such initiative defining the progress of Manipur bringing change in the quality of healthcare for the people.

 Source: Shija Hospitals

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/

 

S03E21 FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: Your dream or your parent’s expectation?

/ Monica Ingudam / 2 Comments
S03E21 FindingTheVoices with Koijam Vasunraz: Your dream or your parent’s expectation?(Part 1)
Guest Speaker : Koijam Vasunraz, Textile entrepreneur, Founder of Manipur Creations.
Language: Interview in English
Location: Manipur Creations, Imphal, Manipur, India
Presenting the 1st part of Koijam Vasunraz ’s interview.
Koijam Vasunraz shares about his early life on how he got his aspiration to follow his dream of entering the world of business. There was a conflict in his parent’s expectation and his aspirations to follow his dream. Listen to his heartfelt story to know the details of his choice, a difficult choice but brought him closer to his dream.
An inspiring story of determination and believing in yourself.

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/

 

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

/ Monica Ingudam / Leave a comment
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/