THE third and final day of the Myanmar Literary and Arts Festival was held at the historic Central Press building of Botahtaung Township, Yangon, yesterday. The festival also commemorated the 75th birth anniversary of renowned female writer and former Sabel Phyu Magazine editor Moe Moe (Inya).
A review competition on the writer’s novels was held at the meeting hall, with writers Kyu Kyu Tin, Ma Sandar, Ma Hnin Phwe, San San Nwe (Tharyawady), and Juu acted as judges.
Next, writer Yar Thet Pan (Toungoo Dorm) read a paper on Moe Moe (Inya)’s literature, and in the afternoon, writer Than Myint Aung talked on the interplay between aesthetic and life while nine-time Moe Moe (Inya) Literary Award winter Maung Khine Aung (Sittway) talked on his feelings from reading her literature.
Writer Than Myint Aung was quoted saying every person’s life is intertwined with aesthetics and the happiness, sadness and sorrow gained in life are all aesthetics.
Ma Ei Ei Swe from Hlaing Township attended all three days of the festival and her impression was: “I have always loved literature since I was young. Since I live far from the city I don’t have a lot of chances to attend festivals like these. But I made up my mind to attend this one and I’m absolutely delighted to have seen famous writers with my own eyes.”
Teacher Hnin Wai Nyein explained that the novel competition gave out K500,000 for the 1st prize, K300,000 for 2nd, K200,000 for 3rd, and K70,000 as six consolation prizes. She said all the competitors were on the same skill level and will be receiving books by writer Moe Moe along with their prizes. She said there were 337 candidates competing with each other.
Writer Thakin (Zalun Myay) won third prize with ‘Eain-tanpyan-nghat’ and said: “All the festivals organized for Moe Moe (Inya) have always been grand and I’ve never expected to receive an award related to her. It’s brought tears to my eyes. I want to encourage young people to write if it’s their passion. The rationality between a person who reads and one who doesn’t is different. That’s why you should read a lot.”
First place for the novel review competition went to Khant Kyaw Htin Hlaing (Loikaw) for ‘Thar-kaung-myar’, second place to Htan for ‘Kabar-mee-laungnay-ti’.
Lastly, writer Juu and Mya Kyar Ngone Group entertained the audience with musical performances.
Mya Sandi
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo: ZAW MIN LATT
Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar