Vivek Sharma, New Delhi: In a unique initiative,
civil society members in India got to listen to two prominent voices from North
Korea and understand the struggles of the residents of the reclusive nation. At
an event held by Korean Cultural Centre India in association with India
International Centre and Seoul-based Freedom Speakers International, human rights author Songmi Han, who escaped a difficult
life in North Korea in March 2011, narrated ordeals of living under a brutal
dictatorial regime.Ms Songmi Han, the author of the book, “Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter's
Search for Her Mother & Herself”, was in New Delhi along with Ms Hyoshim Maeng,
another North Korean refugee who escaped the country in 2018. The other two
speakers at the event included Casey Lartigue,
who co-authored the book with Songmi Han and is currently the Chairman of
‘Freedom Speakers International’ and Eunkoo Lee, who is the acting co-representative of
Freedom Speakers International.
“Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother
& Herself” is Songmi Han’s autobiographical story written in English and narrates her experience of a life in extreme poverty and difficulty while living in North Korea. Her story captures the
lives of several others in the country who have no choice of escape from the
reclusive nation. Freedom Speakers
International, to which she belongs, is an organization that carries out
various campaign activities to improve the human rights of North Korean
defectors, especially by helping them with English educational activities and
raising their voices for true freedom.
Sharing his thoughts regarding the event, Yuvraj Malik, Director of National Book Trust-India said, “The program organised by the Korean Cultural Centre India,
featuring esteemed Korean authors and expert speakers, highlighted the
importance of amplifying the voices of those who have suffered and inspiring
action for human rights. I believe that books and literary discussions serve as
powerful catalysts for social change. At the National Book Trust India, we are
committed to promoting literature and knowledge that contribute to a better
society. It is our collective responsibility to work towards a world where the
rights of every individual are upheld and respected.”
Dr. Anthony Raju, President, All India Council Of Human Rights, Liberties
& Social Justice (AICHLS) said, “The theme, ‘Voices from North Korea’
itself is self-explanatory, and we strongly believe that the human rights of
every individual is holistic and to be saved in all manner. The grave human
rights violations in North Korea are not unknown to the world, but
unfortunately, global institutions such as the United Nations has failed to
address this grave concern globally.”
Dr. Ramesh Chand Sharma (Divik Ramesh), an
eminent Hindi poet, said, “In today's world the importance of human rights is
paramount. Violation of these rights is the biggest tragedy and greatest
sorrow. Therefore, every fight for them, every effort to save them is worthy of
welcome.”
Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India said, “The story of the book is very attractive. I hope it will resonate with modern
people who live with the risk of self-indulgence and loneliness going beyond
too much freedom and help the people of both countries understand each other through
the voice of a girl who grows to learn forgiveness and gratitude in the process
of pursuing the freedom.”
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