By Saw Kyaw Aye
(Pabedan)
In our lifetime, there are mistakes and truth, good and bad deeds competing with each other. While being in a tug-of-war circumstance, a race happens to choose between two ways to follow; the nation’s life-or-death decision will create a situation to emerge someone as a martyr. A martyr by the name of Bogyoke Aung San emerged in a crisis situation in Myanmar. His birthplace was Natmauk town from where the foot of Yoma mountain range was seen flat under the bright sun. In the morning, it was misty along the mountain ranges. The sun began setting in the west, with the villagers enjoying bluish and amazing background of the mountains.
Education of man’s skills
As the world was imbued with graceful environments, what sort of mentality did Maung Aung San have? Myanmar had been under the yoke of imperialism during his young days. He was unhappy to hear that there were many people who had gross violations of Myanmar’s good deeds. If it is accepted according to the adage: livelihood will be created by the surroundings of a man’s life; in that case, Maung Aung San’s birthplace, parents and relatives must be taken into consideration.
His surroundings would not tolerate any subjugation other than a whit. Maung Aung San grew up in these surroundings; he started schooling at Myanmar vernacular school and continued his studies in English-Myanmar school and then to the University to learn more man’s skills. During the University days, he studied English, History and Politics and he graduated with Arts. That education sowed seeds in his mind that was somewhat similar to that of American citizens before US independence.
Struggles for independence
Many facts were repeatedly written about how Bogyoke struggled for independence against British and gained it through perseverance and mental strength. There are a lot of examples that indicate unity among people and would bring peace and stability. In Myanmar, it happened once during the reign of King Anawrahta, and again during the reign of Bayinnaung, King Alaungpaya and Hsinbyushin when Myanmar people were united.
Bogyoke’s political and leadership qualities were of immense benefits to our country. Only when the unity of ethnic nationals was attained, then our country would become prosperous, according to his views.
During the British occupation, Myanmar was divided between the Highlanders and Myanmar Proper. The regions served the British not as the shields to protect against the outsiders, but also served as stooges for controlling internal rebellion. That is why the policy for the highlanders is an outcasting one depending on the two facts Ayeyawady valley and delta and related regions were Myanmar Proper under the British Occupation. In order to have the power at their fingertips, the British named Myanmar ethnic highlanders as Shans, Jingphos, Chins and Was, thus becoming a backward part of the country. Later their places were christened as the Regions. However, Highlanders and Myanmar Proper had to live separately.
Highly respected leader
Bogyoke’s intelligence saw Myanmar’s independence without the highl and was meaningless. In ancient times, a national unity among the people was by means of arms. Nowadays, organization by arms is no longer updated; things must be no longer thought of. All indigenous people in Myanmar are of the single story, day and place. In order to get the people convinced of that principle, Bogyoke went every nook and cranny of our country to deliver lectures for a unity. Wherever he went, he was highly respected by all ethnic nationals.
Bogyoke won the love of indigenous people in Jinpho’s Manaw Festival, Panglong Conference in Shan State, gayal meat as a gesture of peace in Falam in Chin State and New Year Festival by Karen Christian and Buddhist nationals in Hlaingbwe township. By winning the love of indigenous people of our country, Myanmar gained unity among all ethnic nationals. Goodwill does not come from a superficial impression of warmth and friendliness, but from the bottom of people’s hearts. After getting the unity of Myanmar ethnic nationals, we will be on equal terms with other nationalities to solve the great world peace, thus paying the way to emerge as a Myanmar citizen. The result is due to the efforts of Bogyoke and all Myanmar nationals should not forget to owe him a great debt of gratitude.
Translated by Arakan Sein
