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ARCHIVES	Wednesday, 31 January 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Men and women of letters will be dutiful to nation only if their works serve public interest Internal and external elements resorting to various means to tarnish Myanmar’s image It is time to compile mass of literary works designed to rebut various forms of accusations and made-up stories created at home or abroad Secretary-1 presents literary awards to literati

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Jan — A prize presentation ceremony for Lifetime achievement award for 2005, National Literary Award, Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award and the 17th National Motto, Literature and Photo Competitions was held at the city hall, here this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present were Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of Lifetime achievement award and National Literary Award Scrutiny Board, members of Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Scrutiny, members of the Committee for the 17th National Motto, Literature and Photo Competitions, literati, members of Myanmar History Commission, members of social organizations, correspondents of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, winners and personnel of the Ministry of Information.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said the government is making endeavours to enable Myanmar to stand tall among the nations in the international community. It is also making efforts for national development and strong economy. It is necessary for the people to enhance national education and standard of national culture and kindle patriotism, he said.

In making a new modern developed nation, the government is building infrastructures on physical development nationwide and is giving priority to the improvement of literature, Thabin, music and fine arts for spiritual development of the people, he said.

Continuing, he said the government is giving encouragement to the development of national literature which is the source of national culture and a dignity that reflects the standard of the people and culture. He said the government’s encouragement and efforts of literati play a vital role in flourishing Myanmar literature.

All literati are to make concerted efforts for turning out fine literary works and classic literature that serve the interest of the people and the country, he added.

He said the government holds literary award presentation ceremony every year as a noble tradition with the intention of promoting Myanmar literature.

The literary awards include National Literary Award, Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award and Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and prizes for winners of National Motto, Literature and Photo Competitions, he said.

At present, the literary world is developing with greater acceleration. About 3,500 kinds of books were published in 2000. At present, over 10,000 kinds of books including over 140 kinds of monthlies and over 150 kinds of weeklies are being published in a year. As the literary standard is also rising, literature of high value including the National Literary Award winning works have emerged.

Lifetime National Literary Award has been presented since 2001. The competition for Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards has been divided into 12 categories. The competition has opened opportunities for new writers and contributed to the flourishing of works representing Myanmar styles and customs, modern views and thoughts, and advanced technologies.

Whether a creative work or an informative work, their perpetuation depends on the aims and message of the author. Men and women of letters will be dutiful to the nation only if their works serve the public interest.

Noteworthy works can be called literature that serves national interest. Such works provide correct thoughts and knowledge, help vitalize national spirit, the spirit to love the race, patriotism and the spirit to preserve noble traditions, and enhance human intellectual power.

Hence, writers should create their works in accord with religious and secular codes of conduct while helping enhance general knowledge, national outlook and nationalistic fervour of readers. A book’s power to disseminate cultural and informative knowledge depends on the goodwill of the writer to share it. Myanmar are the people with fine traditions since their existence. Literature is one of the most valuable heritage the Myanmar people have been preserving.

All should try to become persons who deserve to accept national heritage. It is a historic duty of the men and women of letters to preserve the rich literary heritage and to hand it down to the younger generation.

The people may fully enjoy literature and acquire knowledge only if all preserve the national literature with national spirit. Moreover, men and women of letters will be able to create classic works for the new generation literati.

Thanks to the literary works that have been emerging throughout the successive eras, the Myanmar people are gentle, sincere, stable, brave and endowed with nationalistic fervour. Moreover, they have the clear national outlook. The government will continue to use the literary essence as an effective tool in preserving the good heritage and serving the national interest.

The nation at present is trying to ward off the penetration of alien cultures, to dominate Myanmar culture, resulting from the effects of globalization. Literature has become the bastion to protect Myanmar culture in all areas.

At the present time, certain Western countries desirous of gaining domination over Myanmar are making a good use of their superior communication technology and media in a campaign to influence Myanmar people with Western culture, customs, ideology and social norms through the economic, cultural, film and music fields.

In addition, abetting internal saboteurs, armed insurgents in border areas and expatriates, they are fabricating stories, slanderous news, and groundless accusations against Myanmar through Western media to mislead international community into misunderstanding the nation.

Therefore national writers and literati are to effectively utilize the might of national literacy to widen the horizon of the people, to enable them to be able to distinguish between good and bad, and especially to enhance their national outlook and dynamism of nationalistic spirit.

At such a time when the world sees tremendous changes, measures are to be taken through the strength of literacy to uplift the dynamism of nationalistic fervour, nationalistic spirit, the spirit of cherishing the nation and people, patriotic spirit and Union Spirit of the people. Only then, will it be possible to safeguard the national interest at all times.

Now internal and external elements are resorting to various means on a wider scale to tarnish the image of Myanmar and its dignity. So, it is time to compile a mass of literary works designed to rebut various forms of accusations and made-up stories created at home and abroad, and to enable the international community to have a clear outlook on Myanmar.

He called for organizing measures with the use of literary strength to enhance reasoning power and broaden the horizon of the people, enable them to view international events from the angle of national outlook and ensure continuous flourishing of Myanmar’s culture and traditions that have stood tall in successive periods.

In conclusion, he urged the writers to nurture the national literature for its improvement, to rekindle the awareness of the people with the use of literature for ensuring successful completion of the State’s seven-step Road Map, to protect and safeguard the national interest, effectively using literature as a media tool, to strengthen the national literature that can prevent alien culture from penetrating the country, and to join hands with the people in implementing the goal of the people “building a discipline-flourishing democratic nation”.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein awarded a prize to Daw Yin Yin (Saw Monnyin) who won the Lifetime Achievement National Literary Award for 2005. He also awarded prizes to National Literary Award winners in various genres — Hsinbyukyun Aung Thein in novel genre; Yin Yin Nu (Mandalay) in collected short stories genre; Maung Moe Yan in belles-letters genre; Minshin Aung (Twantay) in Myanmar culture and fine arts literature genre; Tin Lin Zaw in child literature genre; Nan Mya Kay Khine in translation genre; Ma Kyan in general knowledge (arts); Dr Aye Kyaw in general knowledge (science); ambassador U Pe Thein Tin in political genre.

Commander Brig-Gen Wai Lwin presented prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners — Thein Zaw (Shweli Oo) who won the third prize in the novel genre; Myaylat Min Lwin who won the first, Nanda Khin (Thakkalamyay) who won the second and Nyunt Hlaing Chit who won the third in the collected short stories genre. Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented first, second and third prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in collected poems genre — Maung Pyae Hlaing (Thandwe), Tint Tun (Chauk) and Takkatho Tawtha. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presented first, second and third prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in general knowledge genre (arts) — Tin Tun Oo (Culture), Maung Nwe Than (IPRD), Dr Myint Than (Nyaunglebin). Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut presented first, second and third prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in general knowledge genre (Science and Applied Science) — Naing Shwe Moe, Dr Tin Tin Myaing (University of Veterinary Science) and Aung Kyaw Phyo. Chief Justice U Aung Toe presented first, second and third prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in belles-letters genre — Tin Myint, reporter Thaung Nyunt (Pyapon) and Tin Lin Zaw.

Attorney-General U Aye Maung presented first, and second prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in culture and fine arts literature genre — Aung Nyein Chan (Mann Tekkatho), and Myoma Myint Kywe and first, second and third prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in child literature genre — Nay Soe Thaw, Phone Ye Naing (Gangaw) and Saw Nge Nge (Monnyin). Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint presented second and third prizes to Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners in child literature genre — Maung Sanda (Lewe) and Maung Soe Htaik (Thoneze); first and second prize winners in play genre — Zin Min (Thameinhtaw) and Maung Sanda (Lewe), first prize to Dr Nyunt Shwe in translation genre.

Later, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Minister Dr Kyaw Myint, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min and Minister Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint also awarded other prize winners in the 17th National Motto, Literature and Photo Contest, the 17th quiz on general knowledge of Tatmadaw affairs.

The Secretary-1 and party posed for documentary photos together with Writer Daw Yin Yin (Saw Monnyin) and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein attends dinner hosted in honour of outstanding literati and photographers

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Jan — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended a dinner hosted by Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan in honour of winners of the lifetime literary award, national literary award and Sarpaybeikman manuscript award for 2005, the 17th National Mottos, Literature and Photo Competitions and members of the prize scrutinising committee, here, today.

It was also attended by Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, departmental officials, members of the central executive committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, the prize winners and guests.

After the dinner, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein cordially greeted doyen literati and the award winners.

Yangon, 30 Jan — Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun went to the construction site of Dagon Bridge in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township today and assisted in the construction tasks of the bridge.

On the tour of inspection, In-charge of the bridge construction project Senior Engineer U Tint Lwin reported to the minister on tasks carried out and future tasks. After hearing reports, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun called for timely completion of the bridge, and inspected construction of the concrete floor and fixing of reinforced concrete beams on the bridge.

Upon completion, the reinforced concrete bridge linking Yangon and Thanlyin will be 4,450 ft long and 72 ft wide, and is expected to withstand 75 tons of load. There will be six lanes on the bridge and 6-ft-wide walkways on each side of the bridge. The two approach bridges on Yangon side and Thanlyin side are completed. There will be 18 spans on the main bridge on completion and 14 spans are completed. Out of 22 bore piles at P-12, 16 piles have been constructed. At P11, works are under way to fix reinforced concrete beams to construct the road surface. The construction of the road surface on other four spans are being carried out.

Yangon, 30 Jan— Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint and officials arrived at the office of Thanlyin Township Electricity Supply Board yesterday morning. They inspected the cash counter, staff quarters and distribution of power from Myoma sub-power station.

U Kyaw Min Tun of Thanlyin Township Electricity Supply Board reported on distribution of electricity, condition of the power lines and the strength of service personnel at the district electrical engineer’s office.

The minister urged the staff to try to become those who win the love of the people and to minimize the loss of electricity, and fulfilled the requirements.

The minister and party went to the electricity supply board office in Kyauktan Township where U Soe Moe of township electricity supply board reported on power lines and sub-power stations, the strength of staff and distribution of electricity with the aids of charts. The minister met with the staff and fulfilled their requirements.

Next, the minister proceeded to the power station in Tharkayta Township and gave necessary instructions.

Yangon, 30 Jan — With the assistance of Myanmar Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports, Myanmar Cycling Federation will hold men’s and women’s 1000 miles cycling race from 12 to 24 February.

Interested persons can contact the secretary of MCF at the Youth Training Centre (Tel-200310, 200309 and 297380) not later than 9 February. The cycling route is Yangon-Latpedan-Pyay-Magway-Myingyan-Mandalay-Meiktila-Pyinmana-NayPyi Taw-Toungoo-Nyaunglaybin-Yangon.The finishing line is the Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna). The participants must be between 18 and 50.

Yangon, 30 Jan—Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, accompanied by Director-General of Archaeological Department U San Win, on 27 January inspected the Archaeological Museum where officials conducted them round the museum.

The minister gave instructions on systematic maintenance of oil paintings, security, sanitation, greening and maintenance of the museum for its durability.

During his inspection of the second floor and chamber of the museum, the minister instructed officials to maintain exhibits, keep the lists of items systematically and carry out sanitation tasks.

At the Bagan Shwe Nandaw construction project site, the minister heard a report presented by Chief Engineer U Thaw of Htoo Trading Co on construction works and future tasks.

The minister gave instructions on painting and facilitating the palace with Myanma handicrafts, greening and beautifying of the environs and timely completion of the work.

Yangon, 30 Jan— Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, accompanied by officials, inspected Division, District and Township Electrical Engineer’s office and staff quarters in Monywa on 26 January.

In meeting with the staff, the minister gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements.

Next, he inspected power supply tasks through 132 KV sub-power station in Monywa.

Later, he inspected the control room of the main sub-power station and heard reports by the township electrical engineer on power supply tasks. He next attended to the needs.

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 Jan— Border checkpoints at Wan Pong in Tachilek, Shan State ( East ), and at Ban Muang Mom in the Laos were upgraded to meet the international standard.

The opening ceremonies of the checkpoints held on 29 January were attended by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Maung Myint, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Mr Phongsavath Boupha, Commander of Tachilek Tactical Command Col Myint Han and local residents.

First, Ban Muang Mom Border Checkpoint on the Lao side was opened by Governor of Bokeo Province Mr Khammanh Sonevileth and U Khin Than, Chairman of the Tachilek District Peace and Development Council.

Wan Pong Border Checkpoint on Myanmar side was formally opened by Mr Khammanh Sonevileth, Col Myint Han, Commander of the Tachilek Tactical Com-mand and U Khin Than, Chairman of the Tachilek District Peace and Development Council.

The opening ceremony was attended by nearly 1000 people including authorities from both sides and local people of Tachilek District.

The border check- point is situated at Wan Pong on Myanmar side and at Ban Muang Mom in Laos side. Mekong River flows between the two towns as a border line. As the two border checkpoints meeting international standards were opened, local authorities from both countries expected that more tourists would visit these border areas and explore its natural scenic beauty and simple, traditional lifestyle of the local people and will thus help develop the local economy and living standard of the people in the border area.

Before the opening ceremonies, the Lao delegation led by the deputy minister of LPDR visited Wan Pong and Tachilek in Myanmar on 27 January and the Myanmar delegation led by the deputy minister for foreign affairs paid a visit to Huay Xai on the Lao side on 28 January. During the visit, the Myanmar delegation also attended the Kaopk flower festival at Done Xao on the Lao side.

Yangon, 30 Jan— To promote cooperation and friendship in the information sector between Myanmar and China, a six-member information delegation led by State Council Information Department Deputy Director (Deputy Head of Department) Mr Cai Mingzhao of People’s Republic of China arrived here by air this afternoon.

They were welcomed by Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanmar Radio and Television and Chinese Ambassador Mr Guan Mu and officials at Yangon International Airport. In the evening, the delegation visited MRTV on Pyay Road. Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV explained facts about MRTV.

Next, Mr Cai Mingzhao signed the visitors’ book and exchanged gifts. The delegation was conducted round the MRTV by officials.

It also visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and the leader signed the visitors’ book and donated cash.

Yangon, 30 Jan — Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited held its 22nd Gem and Jade Sales for 2007 at Myanma Gem Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.

Managing Direc-tor Maj-Gen Win Than of the Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and members of the board of directors and responsible personnel visited the gem mart.

A total of 308 gem lots and 943 jade lots will be sold through bargain and competitive bidding. Gem merchants can check lots of gem and jade on display at the gem mart from 9 am to 5 pm till tomorrow. Lots of gem and jade will be sold beginning at 9 am on 2nd February.

Yangon, 30 Jan— Myanmar Society of Anaesthesiologists (MSA) of Myanmar Medical Association (MMA) is organizing, in collaboration with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthe-siologists-Bangkok Anaesthesia Regional Training Centre (WFSA-BARTC), a refresher course on Anaesthe-siology on 1st February 2007 at the Parkroyal Hotel Ballroom (1) and (2) commencing from 08.30 hours. All the members of the MSA are cordially invited.

Yangon, 30 Jan, —CEC Members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (In-Charge of Yangon Division) Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Vice-Chairman Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa this morning attended the opening of a new tube-well sponsored by Yangon Division USDA in Kyauktada Township.

At the auspicious time, CEC Members (In-Charge of Yangon Division) Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and Head of Engineering Department Dr Tun Than Tun formally opened the tube-well between 35th Street and Maha Bandoola Garden Street.

The second session of the ceremony took place at the meeting hall of Bayint Cinema with an address by CEC Member Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin. And the mayor accepted 150 membership applications presented by Ward Organizer U Kyi Win.

After that, Townselder U Nyi Lin Phyo expressed thanks and the ceremony came to en end.

The 132 feet deep tube well will be able to supply 8,000 gallons of drinking water to Ward-1 and Ward-2 of the township a day.