Men of letters to keep Myanmar social norms flourishing by
means of literature
Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association commences its fourth conference
YANGON, 1 July—The Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association launched its fourth conference at Kyaikkasan Ground here this
mor-ning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.
Also present were Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of
Defence, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the deputy
auditor-general, heads of department, officials of social organizations, guests,
the chairman of the MWJA and executives, literati, representatives from states
and divisions and observers.
MWJA Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) acted as MC.
The Secretary-1 in his speech said that the literature world
is an important sphere for each nation and people as well as a source from which
various cultural branches of arts spread out. So, it is fair to say that the
literature world is like a mirror that reflects the national culture of a
country.
Men of letters are to maintain with pride the images of
Myanmar way of thinking, attitude and tenacity that are embodied in the mirror
of the Myanmar literature. And they should not let themselves keep out of the
historic evidence that in the images are Myanmar way of life, patriotic fervour,
nationalistic spirit, cherishing independence, and flourishing Union Spirit. In
addition, they are to take necessary steps to keep Myanmar social norms
flourishing by means of literature.
Amateur writers, poets, lexicographers, translators and
journalists are entering the profession. The important essence of the literary
world remained unchanged in successive periods. However, ways of writing are
changing, and making progress and now it has reached computer era, after the era
of palm-leaf manuscripts and the era of types. So, created works can be stored,
copied and published repeatedly most comfortably.
In other words, there have emerged a variety of methods which
make it convenient for writing, duplicating and distributing the works. Thanks
to the improvement, now is the media era in which literature can be converted
into mass media such as moving pictures, music, dramas, photos, and television.
With the emergence of branches of media, publishing industry has been on a
commercial purpose.
Publication and distribution of books call for investment and
technologies. However, there should not be any change in the essence that can be
gained through literature. Among the essences that are to be under preservation,
traditional culture occupies the first priority. Therefore, literature that
achieves a dominant position still stands as a national cultural heritage.
Myanmar literature is endowed with fine traditions such as
composing, organizing the people through educative position, and contributing
towards national interests. Literati and writers are duty-bound to preserve such
fine traditions by shouldering the literary duties in harmony in the drive for
national development.
Nowadays one country has to deal with other nations. Efforts
are to be made for competitions in works of art and thoughts. Writers are to
possess the abilities to present Myanmar image among international communities.
Ignoring the path laid down by Myanmar and achievements in
nation-building tasks, some big nations with economic, military and
technological superiority are undermining them through the media and literature.
They are also trying to influence the nation under the pretext of democracy and
human rights. The literati need to understand that the unfair acts of the big
nations are dangerous to the Union Spirit and independence and sovereignty which
all national races had regained sacrificing many lives. They are responsible for
creating the works of art objectively, he said.
He said it is clearly seen that the Tatmadaw government is
striving not only for the development of physical infrastructures but also for
mental development of the people such as the improvement of literature and
culture.
The government annually presents manuscript and 14 literary
awards to literati. Moreover life-long literary awards are presented to veteran
and well-experienced literati. With the advancing mass media, workshops and
seminars are held occasionally in the country in cooperation with UN agencies
for development of literature and knowledge about intellectual property rights.
Preparations are under way for exercising modern laws regarding the development
of art in the respective fields.
He pointed out that it is important for literati to create
fine works of art for the people. The press scrutiny and registration division
under the Ministry of Information is carrying out the functions on publishing.
He said there are now 55,147 rural libraries nationwide.
Development of human resources through libraries depends on efforts and goodwill
of the writers, he added.
Establishment of libraries and Education for All plan
launched by organizations like UN are interrelated. Writers, publishers and
readers are to be harmonious in the development of literature that benefits all
the people, he said.
He urged the MWJA to strive for the welfare of those of
literary world while implementing the tasks on its original functions,
dissemination of art of writing, emergence of new generation writers and unity
among those of literary world.
With the united strength of those from literary world who are
capable of improving Myanmar literature, there will be developed media that can
react to any destructive act through constructive act. In addition, through the
might of Myanmar literary world, Our Three Main National Causes —
non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and
perpetuation of sovereignty — can be maintained. And as a result, flourishing
and prosperous Myanmar society will emerge.
In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said MWJA as well as those
from literary world are urged to actively participate in the task for building a
modern developed democratic nation with discipline flourishing. Later, he wished
the success of the conference.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the literati
and delegates of states and divisions. The Secretary-1 next viewed the portraits
of successive chairmen of MWJA and documentary photos on activities of the
association.
Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar",
www.myanmar.com/nlm
