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Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's opposition leader, is interviewed by Kirsty Young. Recorded on location in Ms Suu Kyi's home in Naypyitaw, Burma, in December 2012.

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is Aung San Suu Kyi. The programme was recorded on location in Naypyitaw, Burma in December 2012.

Now Leader of Burma's opposition party, she has dedicated her life to fighting for human rights and democracy in her homeland. A figure of world renown, she is known in Burma as simply "The Lady" and her integrity, determination and grace have provided a beacon of hope to a nation oppressed and exploited by decades of brutal military dictatorship. President Obama says she is an "icon of democracy" and Desmond Tutu calls her "a remarkable woman ... ready to work for the healing of her motherland".

Her renown has come at significant personal sacrifice: she endured nearly 20 years of house arrest and persecution, exiled from her children and apart from her British husband who died from cancer in 1999. She says "It takes courage to feel the truth, to feel one's conscience because once you do, you must engage your fundamental purpose for being alive. You can't just expect to sit idly by and have freedom handed to you."

Producer: Cathy Drysdale

Both the on-demand and the download audio of this programme are an extended edition of the original broadcast.

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45 minutes

Last on

Fri 1 Feb 2013 09:00
BBC Radio 4

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Music Played

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Mya Gyi

      Asia’s Hero General Aung San

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Overture to the Magic Flute

    Performer: The Academy of St Martin-in-the Fields conducted by Neville Mariner

    • Mozart: Overtures.
    • EMI.

  • The Beatles

    Here Comes The Sun

    • The Beatles 1967-1970.
    • APPLE.

  • Bilat Pyan Than

    Myat Pan Khew or Graceful Flower

  • Johann Pachelbel

    Canon in D Major

    Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan.

    • Albinoni: Adajgio. Pachelbel:Kanon….
    • Deutsche Grammophon.

  • Tom Jones

    Green Green Grass of Home

    • Tom Jones: the Greatest Hits.
    • TELSTAR.

  • Antonín Dvořák

    Symphony No.9 in E minor 'From the New World'

    Performer: Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Christoph Von Dohnanyi

    • Dvorak: Symphony No.9 New World.
    • DECCA.

  • John Lennon

    Imagine

    • Imagine.
    • EMI.

  • Book Choice

    • Abhidhamma Vipassana

  • Luxury Choice

    • A never-ending supply of different coloured roses

Credits

Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Aung San Suu Kyi

Broadcasts

  • Sun 27 Jan 2013 11:15
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Sun 27 Jan 2013 11:30
    BBC Radio 4 LW
  • Fri 1 Feb 2013 09:00
    BBC Radio 4

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