The 2023 National Literary Awards for Lifetime Achievement has been awarded to literary scholars Dr Min Tin Mon (Paragu Min Nanda), Dr Toe Hla, U Nyunt Swe (Maung Swe Thet), U Than Swe (Maung Than Swe – Dawei), Dr Kyaw Win (Thamaing), and U Nyunt Tin (Maung Nyein Thu – Gyobingauk).
THE Ministry of Information’s National Literary Award Selection Committee announced the winners of the 2023 National Literary Awards for Lifetime Achievement and National Literary Awards yesterday. The National Literary Awards for Lifetime Achievement will be conferred on literary scholars Dr Min Tin Mon (Paragu Min Nanda), Dr Toe Hla, U Nyunt Swe (Maung Swe Thet), U Than Swe (Maung Than Swe – Dawei), Dr Kyaw Win (Thamaing), and U Nyunt Tin (Maung Nyein Thu – Gyobingauk).
These recipients are honoured for their exceptional lifelong contributions to the promotion and development of Myanmar literature.
In addition, the committee evaluated books first published in 2023 and announced the winners of the National Literary Awards for this year. Notable awards include the novel genre, which went to Kyi Min Wai for ‘Sitthu Gyi Maha Min Htin Nawrahta’ (published by Phoewa Publishing House). The short story genre was given to Ma Hnin Phwe for ‘Lawkapyatin Magazine Stories’ (Lin Loon Khin Publishing House). The classical poetry genre was awarded to Sa Hsa Naing for ‘Poems Given by Mother’ (Publishing House: Sarpay Beiman). The belles – lettres genre was won by Myinmu Maung Naing Moe for ‘Smile of a Mother and Tears of a Father’ (Myawady Literature House).
Other recipients include U Nyan Lin Tint for ‘Disappeared Royal Teak Monasteries’ (U Than Myint Publishing House) in the Myanmar Culture and Arts category and Palaw Soe Nantha for ‘Paper Aircraft: Poems for Children’ (Myitta Yate Nan Publishing House) in the Child Literature category.
In the Youth Literature genre, Captain Thar Sein was recognized for ‘To the Youths on the Journey of Life’ (Ngwe Kaunggin Publishing House). Min Aung Min won the Translation (Knowledge) Award for ‘Fading Century of America’ (Yin Myo Publishing House). In the General Knowledge (Arts) genre, Pyanchi received the award for ‘The Pyu Kingdom and Other Historical Articles’ (Pa Pa Win Publishing House).
For the General Knowledge (Science) genre, Professor Ko Ko Aung was recognized for Nuclear Energy and Its Benefits to Humanity (Swe Sone Publishing House), while Dr Tin Tun Oo was honoured in the Applied Science category for ‘The Art of Coping with Ageing’ (U Myo Sint Publishing House).
The Political Literature Award went to Nay Zin Latt for ‘Perspectives’ (Myawady Literature House), and the English Language (Knowledge) Award was won by Terence Tan for ‘Ancient Beads and Jewellery of Myanmar’ (Duya Sarpay Publishing House). Nay Myo won the Aesthetic (Essay) Award for ‘Moe Biscope’ (Ngadoh Publishing House). The Reference Literature Award went to Thutaythi Maung Maung for ‘Selected Mahagita Songs’ (Lamin Lay Publishing House).
Each recipient of the National Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement will receive K10 million, while winners of the National Literary Awards will be granted K3 million each. The Selection Committee, comprising 23 experts in literature, knowledge, arts, as well as the publishing industry, conducted a thorough evaluation process in three stages: preliminary, shortlist, and final confirmation.
Award winners must contact the National Literary Award Selection Committee Secretary at Building No 529- 531, Merchant Street, Yangon, via telephone at 018240048 or 018 381449 as soon as possible. They are also required to submit two 5-inch-by-8-inch colour photographs, two passport-sized colour photographs, and a brief biography within one week of the announcement.
The award presentation ceremony for the National Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement, National Literary Awards, and Sarpay Beiman Manuscript Awards will take place on 1 December 2024 (Sunday), coinciding with Sarsodaw Day (1st Waxing of Nadaw 1386 ME). The announcement for time and venue will be followed. — MNA/KZL
