My poem “The United Nations” was published in the Forward Magazine on November 1, 1969.
The UN Day is celebrated in October.
Received fifteen kyats for my poem.
U Thant served as the 3rd Secretary General of the United Nations. First Asian to be elected UNSG. Succeeded Daj Hammerjold, who perished in a plane crash.
U Thant earlier served as the Permanent Representative of Burma to the UN. He was preceded and succeeded by James Barrington (ICS, RUBC Gold).
In our younger days, tears would not fall easily even when one is forsaken by a lover.
Later, even when one’s parents passed away (especially untimely), one sensed grief and might shed a few tears.
A few years back (in April, 2013) we told the workers (masons, carpenters, painters …) not to bring their lunch boxes the following day, since we would be offering requisites (robes, medicine, Nawakama, Soon) and that they would have Dan Bauk (Birayani).
The next day, the workers brought their lunch boxes as usual.
Asked “Why?”
They replied, “We want to take back Dan Bauk to feed our children, who have never eaten such delicacy.”
My heart ached (thinking of the hard lives of the workers and their families).
Tears were ready to roll down. (There were Tears of Sorrow followed by Tears of Joy – appreciating the metta and cetana of parents.)
Note for the revised article: Should we substitute Dan Bauk with Two Eggs?
Editor’s Notes
Due to the pandemic, the former Rice Bowl of Asia is facing food shortage.
Due to misdirected policies, the purchasing power of Burmese Currency has declined.
Thanks to Ko Htoo and Ko Hta, many starving families have temporary relief in the form of Food Coupons (e.g by Mg Mar Ga, Shwe Zin Ma and their supporters).
I earlier translated Saya’s article about the K1000 (gratitude gift) by his mother-in-law to purchase a bowl of Khauk Swe.
Feedback
Saya U Moe Aung wrote :
Dear Ko Hla Min
As a matter of fact, I really cherished the article you’ve rendered into English recently. By the way, DanBauk is Briyani or, Birayani, as per your usage above?
Excellent rendition, cheers!!
Tekkatho Moe WarBook Present from Tekkatho Moe War
Irrespective of years gone by, my beloved mother and benefactor still remains in my heart. I wrote the poem for Thway Thauk Magazine in May 1964 in memory of my mom who passed away on March 10, 1964.
Visiting Professor, Osaka University, Japan Collaborated with Professor Harada (Chit Mann Nwe)
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Khit San Kabyar
Statuette in “Bagyi Aung Nyar De” (short story)
Siblings : ICS U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Myint, U Myint Thein, Dr. Htin Aung, Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Tin Saw Mu
Spouse : ICS U Ba Tint
Children : Daw Khin Saw Tint, U Nay Oke Tint
TEDxTalk
Two Poets and their Legacy on Kabyar
Main Characters from “Bagyi Aung Nyar De” : ICS U Tin Tut (Bagyi Aung), Minthuwun (Maung Chit), Daw Khin Saw Mu (Statuette), ICS U Ba Tint (Merchant / Buyer of Statuette)
All four have passed away
It’s time to debunk the myth about “Bagyi Aung”. Many thought that he was Dr. Htin Aung.
HlaMin 