As Myanmar elevates its cultural standards, the nation’s stature and dignity will rise accordingly, empowering it to stand with pride and distinction among the world’s nations.
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, attended the awarding ceremony of the 26th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competitions at the Thabin Hall of Zeyathiri Beikman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
In his speech, the Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar said that everybody knows holding the Performing Arts Competitions to uplift national cultural heritage and fine arts and strengthen natural characters in order to forge the national spirit and the Union spirit, as the good results.
He highlighted that the Performing Arts Competitions – rich in national essence – have been continuously organized by the government. Their full success has also been made possible through the support and encouragement of regional and state governments, as well as the general public. He expressed his appreciation to the judging panel of distinguished artistes and participating performers, who, with respect, dedication, and high personal quality, study, preserve, and promote traditional cultural arts. Their efforts, together with the cooperation of parents, relatives, and all art enthusiasts, have greatly contributed to the achievements of these events.
He noted that national culture represents the vital heritage that must be preserved by every ethnic group within a nation, as it is as essential as life itself. The higher a nation’s cultural standards, the greater its stature and dignity will be, enabling it to stand proudly among the nations of the world. A nation’s unique identity, intrinsic values, and level of advancement can only be expressed and reflected through its national culture.
He continued that every nation must preserve, protect, and promote its national culture to cultivate and develop the people’s manners of dress and appearance, speech and behaviour, ways of thinking and outlook, and state of mind, making them more refined, cultured, and of a higher standard.
He stressed that the customs and practices of Myanmar’s traditional singing, dancing, composition, and instrumental music, including attire, performance styles, and the instruments used, are unique expressions of authentic Myanmar identity and constitute cultural heritage that can be proudly and honourably recognized on the international stage.
He underlined that it is the national duty to preserve and promote these noble traditions and virtues of the past, while combining them with the opportunities of the present era, so that everyone can leave a strong foundation of good values for future generations of youth. This responsibility rests squarely on all citizens of today.
Therefore, he added that the valuable Myanmar artistic and scholarly traditions inherited from the ancestors of Myanmar, along with the merits of national cultural institutions, must be preserved and promoted in the present era through diligent and noble efforts.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar urged all to encourage efforts to strengthen and enhance the resources of national culture, which have been preserved and handed down through history, by combining the preservation of traditional customs with innovation and creativity. National brethren should safeguard their ancestral heritage and Myanmar’s traditional national culture, while preventing the infiltration and influence of foreign cultures. Through cultural and artistic power, everyone should foster and elevate the foundations of national spirit, ethnic unity, and union-mindedness, ensuring they grow strong, resilient, and widespread.
He presented honorary prizes to ethnic traditional/rural cultural troupes from regions and states.
Commission Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Soe Win presented special prizes, first, second and third prizes to the troupes in the Dawei ethnic traditional “Yan” dance and traditional dance contest.
Commission member Prime Minister U Nyo Saw gave first, second and third prizes to the winners in the higher education level male and female Maha Gita singing contest; Commission Secretary and Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo to the winners in basic education level (aged 15-20) male and female Maha Gita singing contest; Commission member Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye to the winners in the basic education level (aged 10-15) male and female Maha Giti singing contest; Commission member Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung to the winners in the higher education level male and female old/modern song contest; Commission member Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae to the winners in the basic education level (aged 15-20) male and female old/modern song contest; and Commission member Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin to the winners in the basic education level (aged 10-15) male and female old/modern song contest, respectively.
First prize winner Ma Moe Myint San of the Mandalay Region team sang the song “Ananta Ngaphya”.
Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command presented medals and certificates of honour to the winners in the relevant contests.
First prize winners in the relevant contests presented songs and dances.
The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar cordially greeted the attendees.
Also, present at the ceremony were deputy ministers, regional and state ministers, members of the panel of judges, contestants and traditional dance troupes from regions and states and officials.
A total of 1,660 contestants from regions and states participated in the competitions. After the competitions, Yangon Region secured 59 prizes, Mandalay Region 47, Ayeyawady Region 37, Sagaing Region 33, Bago Region 22, Mon State 21, Magway Region 14, Kayah State 17, Shan State 13, Rakhine State 10, Kayin State 12, Taninthayi Region 13, Chin State 10 and Kachin State 5. – MNA/ TTA
