The Ripple Effect
Coming Soon….
Ben’s simple words resonate strongly: “If I could do something small for one person, why would I not?”
This episode brings together Ben, an Australian who previously lived in Myanmar, and a Burmese student known as “Little Activist” to discuss an extraordinary act of transnational solidarity. Their exchange highlights the continued resistance against the junta, the courage and resilience of those continue to advocate for democracy, and the how small acts of generosity can create a ripple effect of hope and connection.
Ben begins by sharing his limited but impactful connection to Myanmar, which stemmed from a three-month stint working with a UN agency in 2017. This was when the Rohingya crisis flared up, which Ben describes as both eye-opening and heart-wrenching. After returning to Australia, he continued to follow events from afar, and after the 2021 military coup, he only became more concerned. It was at this time Ben found Insight Myanmar Podcast, and one particular interview stood out.
A turning point came when Ben heard our episode last year featuring Little Activist. Inspired by the raw and personal account of a young Burmese student-turned-revolutionary, Ben felt compelled to act. He described how Little Activist’s sacrifices, which included giving up education and career prospects to resist the junta, struck him on a deeply personal level. It prompted him to reach out to Better Burma and offer a monthly donation to support Little Activist and his mission. Ben felt this was the least he could do, a small gesture to stand by someone risking so much.
Ben describes his decision to provide ongoing support not as an act of charity, but as a conscious choice to stand in solidarity with Myanmar’s aspirations for democracy. He speaks about the importance of doing what one can, no matter how small, to make a difference. For Ben, this was also a way to honor the kindness and generosity he experienced during his time in Myanmar, where strangers went out of their way to make him feel welcome. He hopes that his actions could inspire others to support Myanmar’s struggle in their own ways.
Little Activist’s reflections on this support are equally moving. He describes the donation as a lifeline, not just for its material benefits but for the morale boost it provided. Knowing that someone a world away cared about Myanmar’s future—and him, in particular— gave him renewed strength and hope. He also sees this connection as a form of karmic connection now becoming ripe, rooted in Buddhist beliefs about interconnectedness and shared past lives. This perspective adds a spiritual dimension to the relationship, highlighting the cumulative impact of seemingly small acts of kindness. Little Activist even shared news of Ben’s donation with his friends and community, emphasizing that this gesture extended far beyond himself. He immediately decided to distribute portions of the donation to support others in even greater need than himself, such as displaced people fleeing by the conflict, reflecting his commitment to collective well-being and solidarity, further and inspiring collective hope.
During the conversation, Little Activist highlights the worsening conditions in Myanmar under the junta, including rampant inflation, electricity shortages, and severe economic and educational crises. He describes how these hardships are a deliberate part of the junta’s strategy to suppress the population by keeping it focused on survival rather than resistance. He also shares updates on the escalating unrest in regions like Rakhine, Sagaing, and Magway, where airstrikes and ground assaults have claimed countless lives. The junta’s actions, including abducting and conscripting youth, underscores the brutal realities faced by ordinary Burmese citizens.
Despite these challenges, Little Activist remains committed to his mission of sharing Myanmar’s story with the world. Utilizing platforms like Telegram and X, he documents the junta’s atrocities and amplifies the voices of those fighting for freedom. He acknowledges the risks involved with his online activity, especially given the junta’s surveillance of social media, but emphasizes the importance of keeping Myanmar’s plight in the global consciousness. However, recent changes to X (formerly Twitter), such as restrictions on Myanmar-related hashtags, have made this work even more difficult, further limiting the visibility of Myanmar’s struggle.
Little Activist also addresses the broader failures of the international community to respond effectively, particularly institutions like the United Nations. He expresses frustration at the lack of meaningful action, contrasting this with the robust international response to other conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. Little Activist emphasizes that while Myanmar’s revolution ultimately rests in the hands of its people, international solidarity remains crucial. He called for greater awareness and engagement, suggesting the need for platforms like television programs to regularly update the world on Myanmar’s situation.
In his closing remarks, Little Activist expresses once again his heartfelt gratitude to Ben and those others who have stood by their Burmese friends. He reiterates his commitment to Myanmar’s revolution and his hope for a brighter future. Ben, in turn, reaffirms his solidarity with Little Activist and the people of Myanmar, expressing his admiration for their resilience and determination. Little Activist’s closing words capture the essence of his mission: “Even if the international giants don’t care about us, we’ll continue our fight, knowing there are people out there who do.”
If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend checking out the past episodes from our archive on similar themes:
· Jake Snyder tells how listening to heart-wrenching stories about the Myanmar crisis on our podcast platform moved him to action, transforming him from a passive observer into an active supporter, as he made the decision to offer regular donations to our podcast guest, Thiri. His story reflects how personal connections in finding a shared humanity can inspire global solidarity and meaningful contributions to a cause.
· Shade shares that the military coup in Myanmar awakened his desire to support underground medical missions. His dedication to those in dire need showcases how moments of crisis can ignite individual transformation, which in turn fosters a sense of shared responsibility and action among global supporters.
· Peter Morris discusses the strategic and humanitarian imperatives for supporting Myanmar’s Spring Revolution, emphasizing the role of international awareness and involvement. His insights underline how persistent advocacy and informed action can strengthen resistance efforts and expedite meaningful change.
· Ni Ni tells the harrowing story of her first-hand experience facing state violence during protests, which only further strengthened her determination to fight for justice. Her narrative illustrates how Burmese youth took upon great risks in trying to resist the military coup and attempt to restore democracy.
· Nandar Min Swe shares the pivotal role she took on in mobilizing the diaspora for fundraising efforts to support Myanmar’s democracy movement. Her work exemplifies how global networks and innovative strategies can amplify grassroots movements, ensuring sustained support during critical moments.