SENIOR General Min Aung Hlaing pointed out that the Myanmar people have to strive to pass on invaluable literary and cultural heritage to new generations as a legacy.
The awarding ceremony for winners of the National Literary Awards for Lifetime Achievement, the National Literature Award and the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award for 2024 took place at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, attended by Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla who presented awards to winners.
The Senior General and his wife visited the exhibition, which showcased biographies, photos, award-winning books and literary works of the literary award winners for 2024.
At the ceremony, the Senior General and attendees enjoyed a drama presented by artistes from the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and watched a video clip on the gratitude of Myanmar literature.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General stressed that the National Security and Peace Commission has adopted three guiding mottos, including “Let us ensure the education sector for the development of the Nation”. The term of education comprises intellect, knowledge and school learning education. Of them, literature is the most fundamental element of education, and literature can share education and knowledge.
He highlighted that every developing nation places great importance on literature and honours literary scholars who produce quality and valuable works.
He underlined that all citizens should be guided and educated through “literature” so that they can cultivate good democratic practices, enrich their knowledge and wisdom, and acquire modern general knowledge.
The Senior General noted that the Myanmar people have to strive to pass on invaluable literary and cultural heritage to new generations as a legacy, and they have to continue efforts for the flow of Myanmar literature to remain strong and enduring, able to adapt and thrive alongside changing times.
He recounted that the government, in consideration of the nation’s and the people’s interests, selects as National Literary Award winners the distinguished works of eminent writers who have produced knowledge-based and educational literature that disseminates modern knowledge and practical skills, as well as creative literature that inspires greater appreciation for the country, the people, and cultural traditions. To honour the writers, the Literary Day has been marked since 1948 and has now continued for more than 70 years.
He unveiled that for the 2024 National Literary Awards, a total of 19 genres have been recognized. This year, 14 genres will be awarded under the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award. The “National Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement” has been presented annually since 2001. Up until last year, 48 distinguished writers have received this lifetime award, and this year, up to five doyen literati will be honoured.
He spotted that for 2024, out of 959 books published for the first time, 14 genres were selected from the 19 genres designated for the National Literary Awards. In the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award, 30 entries were chosen from 247 submissions across 14 genres as deserving of awards.
The Senior General underlined that Myanmar will hold the multiparty democratic general election on 28 December 2025. Meanwhile, preparations are being made to hold a free and fair election phase by phase.
He continued that as the election period approaches, maintaining national peace and stability is of utmost importance. While the Government is working to ensure political stability and the successful conduct of elections, citizens are also encouraged to participate responsibly as a national duty, helping ensure that the elections, representing the nation’s democratic process, are carried out successfully.
He noted that emphasizing the national interest, the successful implementation of a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system requires the participation of the public. Citizens’ involvement is crucial not only for the successful conduct of multiparty general elections but also for the development of the Union, internal peace, and the continuous improvement of people’s socioeconomic life.
The Senior General and his wife presented certificate of honour, cash awards and gifts to the National Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement winners: doyen literati U Than Nyunt (Zin Min-Thameinhtaw), U Ko Ko (Ko-Tekkatho), Dr Daw Po (Ma Lay Po), Daw Tin Yi (Tin Yi Ma-NyaungU), and Dr Daw Khin Than Oo (Ma Moe Myay).
Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn presented a commemorative gift to mark the ceremony to the Senior General and his wife.
Commission Member and Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Commission Member and Executive Chief U Aung Lin Dwe, Commission Members General Maung Maung Aye, U Than Swe, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin, Union Ministers U Tin Aung San and U Maung Maung Ohn presented prizes to winners in the National Literary Award and the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award.
On behalf of the National Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement winners, U Ko Ko (Ko-Tekkatho) spoke words of thanks.
The Senior General and his wife have documentary photos taken together with the winners and cordially greeted the winners, artistes and literati.
Also, present at the ceremony were commission members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, Union-level dignitaries and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and deputy ministers.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and his wife and party had lunch together with the award winners, artistes and literati.
MNA/TTA
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