UNION Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint met with the chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and secretaries of the National Literary Award Selection Committee and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee at MRTV meeting hall on Pyay Road, Yangon, yesterday morning.
The Union Minister first delivered a speech. He said the National Literary Award Selection Committee is reformed every year and discusses selection processes in their meetings. He said while the meeting was planned to be held as it had been in previous years, the current situation surrounding COVID-19 has led to the meeting being called with only a few selected personnel. He said all members will be called for a meeting when the opportunity arises.
The Union Minister said the people attending this meeting should pass on the meeting details to the other members who are not present. Since this is the selection committee’s first meeting of the year, all attendees should discuss and give suggestions for the selection process, said the Union Minister.
Next, National Literary Award Selection Committee Chairman Dr Sithu Thaw Kaung, vice-chairpersons Dr Khin Aye (Maung Khin Min – Danuphyu) and U Khin Maung Soe (Maung Paw Tun) explained the committee’s organization, selection regulations and books selected for the awards.
Secretary U Than Ohn (Maung Zeyar) explained books received for National Literature Award and preparations for selection processes, Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee Chairman U Ohn Myint (Maung Yint Mar – Kyaung Kone) explained receiving submitted manuscripts and preparations for selection processes. Attendees then discussed the selection process.
Next, the Union Minister handed over K10.8 million at a rate of K200,000 per person for 54 people and certificates of honor to Dr Sithu Taw Kaung on behalf of the National Literature Award Selection Committee members. He also handed over K5.4 million at a rate of K200,000 per person for 27 people and certificates of honour to U Ohn Myint on behalf of the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee members.
Afterwards, the Union Minister provided suggestions to acquiring all published books in a year for National Literary Award selection, ensuring the selection process is completed on time, and approving the selection rules and guidelines and strictly adhering to them. He then delivered the closing speech and concluded the meeting.
The National Literary Award is awarded among 18 literary genres published within a calendar year according to set guidelines. The Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award invites writers facing difficulties getting their work published and have them enter contests for the award. This annual event is done to promote the emergence of fine literature in Myanmar and is organized by the Ministry of Information.
MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo: MNA
Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar