Today, 2 October 2024, is the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, was a social activist, leader and philosopher and the foremost icon of peace and justice in the world. It is in his honour that 2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti every year. Albert Einstein had said on Mahatma Gandhi “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”.
Referred to as “the great soul” or “Mahatma,” Gandhi visited Myanmar three times: in 1902, 1915 and 1929. He had great affection and concern for the people of Myanmar. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Lord Buddha. Gandhi's integration of Buddhist principles shaped his vision for a just society based on ‘Dharma’.
Speaking at a public meeting at Mahabandoola Park on 8th March, 1929 he had shared the message of “Swaraj” or “self-rule”, against British colonial rule. But his message also provided a political tool that empowered people of diverse communities to peacefully, and justly, deliberate on different issues. In fighting for ‘Swaraj,’ he also fought for the idea of a nation that envisions a society where higher goals of ‘Dhamma’ are cherished. He shared that the path to true liberation is rooted in dialogue, social reform, and in the pursuit of the ultimate goal: to uplift the poor and provide them a life of dignity. In this pursuit, Mahatma Gandhi had once said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
As we all know, India is a land of great diversity, with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. It is a country where diverse religions, ethnicities, caste, languages — and many others — coexist and flourish. There is no other example of the immense scale and size of diversity, of language, culture and religion, as India, yet moving forward cohesively and purposefully, as the largest democracy and fastest growing major economy of the world. India has forged its own path, under the guidance of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who recognized and accepted that true happiness exists in celebrating this diversity. It is the only way to ensure harmony in a diverse society. Pluralism should not merely be a backdrop, it should be the very essence of identity.
Just as family members look out for one another, the people of India and Myanmar have always stood firmly by and steadfast with each other as kith and kin. It is in times of crisis that such bonds and values are truly tested. Most recently, India was the first responder, in the form of “Operation Sadbhav” after flash floods caused by Typhoon Yagi devastated vast regions and states of Myanmar. 53 tonnes of aid material was handed over by India to the Myanmar authorities within two days of the call for assistance. In past cases of natural disasters like Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Mocha and COVID-19 pandemic, India had helped with a readiness that reflects a genuine concern for its Myanmar brothers and sisters, without any expectations or setting any conditions in return. India has shown time and again that it is Myanmar’s friend in need and a friend indeed.
Mahatma Gandhi had once said: “My life is my message”. In today’s complex world, the principles embodied by Gandhi are not just historical anecdotes; they can be an essential guide for our collective future. We must navigate our country’s ship with the same wisdom, same resolve and same compassion. Gandhi’s principles should guide us to rise above narrow differences and act now, to bring peace and harmony for the collective benefit for the people of Myanmar.
( This article was contributed by Embassy of India in Yangon, Myanmar)
Nay Pyi Taw , September 26, 2024
The ruling body of Myanmar, the State Administration Council (SAC), has urged organizations opposing the state to abandon violence and pursue political engagement instead, seeking solutions to political issues through electoral channels.
The statement published on September 26 made an offer that could pave the way for political dialogue.
The statement reads: "In light of the suffering and losses caused by armed conflict and violence within the nation, and to achieve lasting peace and development together with the people, we call on the armed groups opposing the state, including ethnic armed organizations, residual violent groups, and the PDF, to abandon the path of armed conflict. We invite them to pursue a political route, whether through party politics or electoral processes, to resolve political issues through political means."
The statement noted that the process of collecting census data to ensure the accuracy of the voter list for the upcoming multi-party general elections will commence on October 1. This period will also be dedicated to preparations and efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The SAC's announcement indicates that the Tatmadaw (military) has formed the State Administration Council in line with the constitutional framework, ensuring balanced representation of both military and civilian members. Additionally, it has established and is actively implementing a roadmap and objectives.
"The SAC aims to conduct free and fair multi-party democratic elections and transfer power to the resulting government. However, the decision of certain individuals and groups to pursue armed conflict and violence instead of resolving political issues peacefully has resulted in significant losses in human resources, essential infrastructure, and the well-being of citizens. This situation has severely undermined national stability, peace, and development," the statement said.
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NAY PYI TAW, July 31— Myanmar’s State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that elections will initially be held in areas with stable security conditions.
He emphasized the necessity of enhancing security in unstable areas before elections can take place. This remark was made during today's National Defence and Security Council meeting at the SAC Chairman’s office.
The entrenchment of multi-party democracy and necessary reform tasks can only be speedily implemented if stability is ensured; therefore, any measures related to security matters should be continued and accelerated, he told NDSC members, according to SAC’s press release
SAC said earlier that the national census is scheduled for October, with the national election to follow next year.
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Nay Pyi Taw, July 31
Myanmar has extended its state of emergency for another six months, according to a press release from the State Administration Council (SAC). The decision was made during a meeting of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) held on May 31 in Nay Pyi Taw.
The meeting, chaired by Acting President (Duty) and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, resulted in a unanimous decision. Attendees included Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Ti Khun Myat, Union Minister for Defense Admiral Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt General Yar Pyae, and Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt General Tun Tun Naung. The SAC Secretary and Joint Secretary were also present as invited attendees.
During the meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing explained the reasons for extending the state of emergency. He emphasized the need to maintain peace and stability in light of ongoing terrorist acts and highlighted the necessity of conducting a national census to ensure valid and accurate ballots. Following his briefing, all NDSC members discussed the current situation and agreed to extend the state of emergency for another six months, in accordance with Article 425 of the 2008 State Constitution, as stated in the press release.
The state of emergency, initially declared following the military takeover in February 2021, has seen multiple extensions as the SAC continues to navigate the nation's complex political situations.
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QINGDAO, China, July 8
Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win attended and delivered the opening remarks at the Green Development Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries this morning. The event was held at the Qingdao International Conference Center in Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
The Deputy Prime Minister outlined how Myanmar has been implementing green development through national environmental strategies and policies in his remarks. He also mentioned that Myanmar is now also focusing on blue development due to its extensive coastline.
The forum was hosted by GNFCCSCO (Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization). GNFCCSCO Chairperson, Ms. Shen Yueyue, read out a congratulatory letter sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping and then delivered a keynote speech.
President Xi described the SCO as a model for a new type of international relations and regional cooperation. He noted in his letter that China has recently taken over the rotating presidency of the SCO.
Xi also highlighted that it is the consensus of SCO countries to protect the environment and promote green development.
Ms. Shen Yueyue who is also Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC) explained China’s initiatives on green development and expressed sincere thanks to those who joined the forum.
Other senior and high-ranking officials from SCO countries, as well as SCO Secretary General Mr. Zhang Ming, also gave remarks at the forum.
Vice Senior General Soe Win, along with Ms. Shen Yueyue and other senior officials, visited the exhibition on Empowering Regional Cooperation and Promoting Development upon their arrival at the Forum Hall.
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Qingdao, July 7
Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC) Vice Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, Vice Senior General Soe Win, arrived in Qingdao, People's Republic of China, to attend the Green Development Forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Countries and met with Ms. Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, President of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the Qingdao International Conference Center today at 5 pm.
During the meeting, Vice Senior General Soe Win and Ms. Shen Yueyue discussed enhancing Myanmar-China relations, Myanmar’s participation in the SCO as a dialogue partner, developments in Myanmar, and matters related to bilateral cooperation.
Vice Senior General Soe Win is set to attend and deliver remarks at the SCO Green Development Forum on July 8, alongside senior leaders from other SCO countries.
Senior officials, experts, and media representatives from SCO member states, observers, and dialogue partner countries are scheduled to attend the upcoming forum.
Vice Senior General Soe Win and senior officials from Myanmar arrived in Qingdao yesterday evening via flight.
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Nay Pyi Taw, January 31, 2024
Myanmar has extended its state of emergency for an additional six months, as declared in an official statement by the State Administration Council (SAC). The decision, reached during a session of Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council in Nay Pyi Taw today, extends the emergency rule until July 31, 2024.
During the council meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the SAC and Commander in Chief, emphasized the ongoing necessity for Myanmar to attain stability, peace, and return to normalcy. He underscored that the current situation is far from normal and requires a further six-month extension to address pressing needs and initiatives.
He reaffirmed the ongoing preparations for a free and fair multi-party democracy general election and a nationwide census.
Following that, NDSC members deliberated on the current situation, analyzing it thoroughly, and subsequently endorsed another six-month emergency period.
Afterward, Acting President U Myint Swe informed the council that the state of emergency would be extended for another six months based on the consensus among its members.
Acting President U Myint Swe, Vice President U Henry Van Thio, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vice Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, and Union Minister for Border Affairs Lieutenant General Tun Tun Naung were present at the council meeting.
Additionally, SAC Secretary Lieutenant General Aung Lin Dway and Joint Secretary Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo participated in the meeting as special invitees.
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