The Indian World Peace Movement Trust (WPMT) named Burmese historian Dr Sai Aung Tun as a 2016 Ambassador of peace at a ceremony in Rangoon on 5 March.
Professor Sai Aung Tun was one of 2 exceptional luminaries to receive the honor in 2016. The prize is awarded to individuals who spend their careers promoting peace and justice to the world.
The ceremony took place at Yangon’s M3 restaurant where the peace prize was presented by Professor Dr. Ravindra Kumar, the founder and Secretary General of the World Peace Movement Trust.
At the ceremony Dr Sai Aung Tun said: “I grew up in a normal family. While I was a student, I attended school with a 20 kyats allowance provided by the Saopha and a 60 kyats allowance from the Shan State government. I worked hard, I chose this path even though there were many paths and opportunities to choose from.”
Over 100 professors, peace educators and activists attended the ceremony. They included: Dr Sai Sarm Tun, Dr Sai Sarng Ai, Dr Sai Sarng Pe, Khuensai Jaiyen, Maj. Gen. Khai Fa, and Sai La.
Khuensai Jaiyen, a director of the Pyidaungsu Institute for Peace and Dialogue and a former student of Professor Sai Aung Tun said that the professor was a perfect candidate to receive the prize.
He said: “I was his pupil from 1966 to 1969. During that time I got to learn the Shan language and Shan literature He taught us to be proud of our nationality and love our religion. I am proud of him.”
Dr Sai Aung Tun was born in Hsipaw, Shan State in 1932. He received a BA honors in history and an MA from the University of Denver in Colorado, USA. He has also received many local and international awards.
He taught at Yangon University, Taunggyi University, Magwe University, Mandalay University and was the principal of Myitchina College in Kachin State. He has also served as a vice-chairman of the Myanmar Historical Commission since 1992.
WPMT is an organisation founded in India in 2001 committed to leading literary luminaries and lovers of peace all over the world. Since it was founded the WPMT has made continuous efforts to inspire people all over the world to make commitments to peace by signing pledges of non-violence.
BY SAI AW / Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
