‘Voice of Freedom’: Meeting Korean Human Right writers in India

Ms Songmi Han, the author of the book, “Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother & Herself”, interacted with civil society members at the event in 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.

The event at India International Centre was attended by several prominent Indian personalities from distinct fields including Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, the co-convenor of National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI); Dr. Anthony Raju, Dr June Ann and Dr Tej Bahadur from the All India Council Of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS); Dr. Ramesh Chand Sharma (Divik Ramesh), Former Principal of Motilal Nehru College & eminent Hindi poet; Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director of National Book Trust-India; Mr. Ravi V., ‘Poets of Delhi’; Ms. Aaradhana Kohli, International Association of Women in Radio & Television; and Ms. Urvashi Butalia, Zubaan Publishers.

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.”