• Burmese
Thursday, July 10, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
26 °c
Yangon
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home Culture

Suu Kyi Enchants in Father’s Hometown, Marking Centennial of His Birth

Zarni Mann by Zarni Mann
February 13, 2015
in Uncategorized
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
A A
Suu Kyi Enchants in Father’s Hometown

Crowds of revelers gather in General Aung San’s hometown of Nat Mauk

15.8k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

NAT MAUK, Magwe Division – Adoring crowds turned out at the birthplace of the late General Aung San on Friday to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, for an event attended by his youngest daughter, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Some estimated that more than 10,000 people gathered in the small town of Nat Mauk, in Magwe Division, shuffling in from various parts of the country to honor the late independence leader and catch a glimpse of the Lady, Suu Kyi.

Addressing the crowd, she called for unity and responsibility among the nation’s citizens, urging them to follow in the footsteps of her father and push for peace.

RelatedPosts

Martyrs’ Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide

Martyrs’ Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide

July 19, 2016
17.3k
Migrants’ Hopes and Fears in Little Burma

Migrants’ Hopes and Fears in Little Burma

July 16, 2016
10.3k
YCDC Takes to the Streets to Sterilize Stray Dogs

YCDC Takes to the Streets to Sterilize Stray Dogs

July 15, 2016
7.4k

“Not only the government, but also the citizens, need to fulfill their own duties,” she said, asking listeners to be discerning about leadership and to support those who “rule with love and faith.”

Crowds were rapt as she spoke lovingly about her father’s legacy.

“Remembering my father and honoring him by trying our best to have unity, peace and honesty, to be a country with genuine democracy, is better than paying tribute at a mausoleum,” she said to the sea of flag-waving supporters.

Celebrations began in Nat Mauk on Feb. 7, with sermons by some of the nation’s most revered monks, including Sitagu Sayadaw and Ashin Sanadika. Live performances were also held throughout the week, such as opera and dance showcasing Shan, Pa-O, Karenni, Palaung and Lisu traditions.

“We’ve been here since Feb. 7, and we slept on our bus just to celebrate General Aung San’s birthday, because this is once in a lifetime,” said Daw Mya Thin, 72, who came from Pa Yin village in Magwe Division.

Despite an immovable traffic jam and a shortage of food and accommodation, those who traveled from far-flung places were thrilled to be a part of the festivities. Many locals beamed with pride, but expressed regret that the town was underprepared for the flood of visitors.

“We are so happy to host such a grand ceremony, and we feel great that our town is not forgotten,” said Daw Khin Nwae, an 80-year-old cousin of the late Aung San. In tears, she added, “We feel sorry at the same time, as our town is too small for such a big crowd.”

Crowds tussled over limited complimentary servings of one of Aung San’s favorite meals—Indian flatbread served with steamed beans—dished out to 5,000 revelers each day. One of the lucky ones, 54-year-old Myint Oo from Yaynanchaung, said the snack was symbolic, and that “the centennial would not be compete without Nan Pya and steamed bean, a favorite food of our beloved general.”

Later on Friday, Suu Kyi addressed another enormous crowd in Kyaukse, Mandalay Division, where she spoke at length about the need to fight corruption in the government. Suu Kyi said that government employees should be offered fair pay and security, and that tackling corruption will require a “change of mindset” by those in power.

Aung San, often affectionately referred to as “Bogyoke,” was the founder of the modern Burma Army and a leading figure in Burma’s independence movement. He was well-known for his efforts to unite the country’s diverse populace, and is viewed by many as a national hero.

Less than a year before Burma officially became independent of British colonial rule, Aung San and several of his cabinet members were assassinated in Rangoon. He was 32 years old.

His daughter, Suu Kyi, went on to found the National League for Democracy, the nation’s main opposition party, which has orchestrated a series of events in honor of the centennial of his birth. Events will be held in Rangoon, Lashio, Mandalay, Kyaukse, Magwe, Yaynanchaung and many other cities throughout the country, where statues of the late general will be unveiled.

Your Thoughts …
Tags: Multimedia
Zarni Mann

Zarni Mann

The Irrawaddy

Similar Picks:

A Chronology of the Kachin Conflict
Military

A Chronology of the Kachin Conflict

by The Irrawaddy
November 20, 2014
42.8k

On Wednesday, the Burma Army shelled a Kachin rebel base killing 22 cadets, making it one of the deadliest incidents...

Read moreDetails
Astrologists Tell the Future
Photo Essay

Astrologists Tell the Future, Offer Hope in Burma

by San Yamin Aung
September 26, 2013
4.7k

Fortune-tellers around the world tap into a natural desire to know what’s in store next, and the Burmese seem to...

Read moreDetails
The Last of the Old Irrawaddy Flotilla
Photo Essay

The Last of the Old Irrawaddy Flotilla

by Tim Willasey Wilsey
March 4, 2013
12.4k

If you go on Burma’s Irrawaddy River you can find 70-year-old, Scottish-built paddle steamers still plying the waters—the last of...

Read moreDetails
Iron Cross
Photo Essay

Iron Cross, Burma’s Biggest Band, Rocks Mae Sot

by The Irrawaddy
January 14, 2013
4.3k

After two decades as Burma's hottest rock band, Iron Cross plays its first concert for an appreciative crowd of thousands...

Read moreDetails
8888 Remembered: Archival Images Offer Glimpse of Burma’s Uprising
Military

8888 Remembered: Archival Images Offer Glimpse of Burma’s Uprising

by The Irrawaddy
August 8, 2015
27.7k

The Irrawaddy revisits the 1988 pro-democracy uprising with this series of archival images.

Read moreDetails
Kengtung—Shan State’s Hidden Gem
Photo Essay

Kengtung—Shan State’s Hidden Gem

by Hseng Noung Lintner
June 7, 2012
4.6k

The picturesque eastern Shan State town of Kengtung lies just three hours from the Thai border and is becoming a...

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Rebels Shun Union Day Pledge ‘Without Concrete Points’: Ethnic Leader

Rebels Shun Union Day Pledge ‘Without Concrete Points’: Ethnic Leader

Revoking White Card Holder Voting Rights ‘Counter Reconciliation’: US Official

Revoking White Card Holder Voting Rights ‘Counter Reconciliation’: US Official

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

37 Years and Counting: Why Has Myanmar’s Democracy Struggle Taken So Long?

37 Years and Counting: Why Has Myanmar’s Democracy Struggle Taken So Long?

1 week ago
1.4k
China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

2 days ago
778

Most Read

  • Chin Resistance Tensions Boil Over as CNA Seizes Rival’s Myanmar HQ

    Chin Resistance Tensions Boil Over as CNA Seizes Rival’s Myanmar HQ

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • ‘Reforms Are Not Optional’: Prominent Activist Urges NUG to Act Before It’s Too Late

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Chinese Investment Reshapes Myanmar’s N. Shan as MNDAA Consolidates Power

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta’s Top Russian Arms Supplier Tosses in Quake ‘Donation’

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.