Voices from the heart heard at a ceremony to pay homage and respect to elderly writers

 December 2, 2017

A ceremony to pay homage and respect to elderly writers on the occasion of Myanmar Era 1379’s Sasodaw (Writer) Day was organized and held by Myanmar Writers Association at Yangon City Hall yesterday morning.Following are the voices from the heart of the elderly writers and organisers heard at the ceremony.

U Maung Maung Soe

(Yangon Mayor)

This is the type of events that ought to be held. Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief was unable to come in person but paid his respect by sending goods for donation. The people and Tatmadaw are under the umbrella of literature. They are together in an educated environment and it is truly very heart-warming.

I always say to do good deeds for the people. The good deeds come from intelligent. The food for intelligent is literature. If the literature is not up to par, the people are also below par. That is why youth should read as much as they can. Read with a thought of doing good deeds for the people. Reading without having this thought is useless.

Reading with this thought will bring world peace and it is impossible not to have development. The problems we are facing is based on this. Reading without this thought could not bring peace. The more you read, you’ll see that your ego is reduced. Youths are urged to read and do good deeds for the people. Whoever you do good deeds for, the country will develop. And for the country to develop, it is based on literature.

Dr. ThanOo

I was in the literature circle since the 1950s writing for Yankyaw, Linyone, Ludu etc. I’m still writing. I’m glad to meet with my fellow writers. I’m also happy to pay respect and homage to (elderly) writers in this way. I would like to transfer the duty and responsibility of writing to the new generation writers. New generation writers are urged to do their best.

In short, have integrity, drive and be alert. Retain the historical cultural tradition, intelligence and literature tradition. May the country be peaceful and may it develop. Thanks for holding this event. New generation (writers) are urged to read as much as possible to increase knowledge.

U Win Maung (Min Yu Wei)

Paying homage to elderly writers is a tradition that exists only in Myanmar. It is not in existence in world. I’m proud that Myanmar is doing this. It is a “mingala” to pay respect to elderlies and the wise. There are many non-fiction books that provide knowledge and know-hows but there isn’t much work of fictions that are food for thoughts. I would like to urge to write more fiction works. Youths aren’t reading much. They need to read more. They need to be encouraged to read more.

U Tin Hlaing

(Ledwintha Saw Chit)

I’m so happy to pay homage (to elderly writers). I tried my utmost to arrange this and I was able to pay homage completely. I came so that I can physically pay homage. Young writers are urged to read more, think more and write more. I pray that all that you write are for the good of the people.

Youths are urged to read so that they gain knowledge. The more you read, the more you raise yourself. Once you raise yourself, raise others around you by urging them to read. I pray that (your writings) benefit the people and the country.

Dr. Daw Yi Yi Hla

(YuwadiKhinOo)

This event is held every year and I’m happy to attend it. Writers can meet one another. New generation youth must read. I’m happy to see youth literature festival being held nowadays. Their future will be good only when they read. They’ll be valuable human resources. Literature is very important. By conducting literature festival and producing outstanding youth, the country will develop. Knowledge lies in literature and cultural development comes from literature.

U MaungMaung (Chairman, Myanmar Library Foundation)

It is a “mingala” to pay homage this way. Thanks to officials and donors who arrange for writers to meet once a year. The important thing is for youth to read. Writing without reading wouldn’t produce anything of worth. The more your read, the more valuable (your writing will be). That is why I want to say read as much as you can. Reading can bring you all round development. As a chairman of Myanmar Library Foundation, I’m trying to eradicate illiteracy. We are doing much for the establishment of village libraries. Not only the city dwellers but villagers must be able to read in order for the country to develop. If not, we’ll be duped. That is why it is vital to read.

By Yi Yi Myint, Ohmar Thant /

Photo: Zaw Min Latt

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar