Only when the literary sector devel­ops will the hearts and intellects of the country’s citizens flourish. Therefore, young people must be guid­ed and trained in literature to enrich their knowledge and foster a strong love for their region and nation, said Prime Minister U Nyo Saw at the ceremony to commission the Sarso Beikman (Literati Building) of the Department of Printing and Publishing under the Ministry of In­formation yesterday.

The Prime Minister and his wife at­tended the inauguration ceremony of Sar­so Beikman, located on Bo Min Khaung Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township of Yangon Region.

He recounted that from the earliest times, beginning with primitive culture and continuing through successive eras, literature and culture have flourished and spread, serving as a strong foundation, and literature is the face of a nation’s culture.

He noted that only when the literary sector develops will the hearts and intellects of the coun­try’s citizens flourish. Therefore, young people must be guided and trained in literature to en­rich their knowledge and foster a strong love for their region and nation.

He highlighted that all My­anmar people should overlook the contributions of monks, scholars, and intellectuals who have recorded the nation’s cus­toms, traditions, heritage, and ideas in writing. Therefore, the Sarso Beikman has been opened not only to honour and recognize the invaluable contributions of literati but also to serve as a place where literature and the arts are preserved and passed on to future generations. In ad­dition, it is inaugurated to pay tribute to artistes from various fields of Myanmar culture, in­cluding literature, film, music, and theatrical performance.

Moreover, the Prime Min­ister expressed thanks to the Indian government, which con­tributed to the construction of the building, as the Head of State himself drove stakes for the building.

He underscored that as part of honouring the great literary scholars and esteemed writers, literary awards and honorar­ia have been consistently and appropriately granted and in­creased over time to duly recog­nize their contributions.

He explained that the Sar­so Beikman inaugurated today includes exhibits documenting the development of literature through the ages, the various types of literary awards granted by the government, award-win­ning books, records of eminent literary scholars, exhibition halls and displays organized by dif­ferent fields of the arts, as well as a small room (Mini Theatre) where literary talks and inter­active exchange events can be held.

He urged monks, scholars, and artistes continue their ef­forts to develop cultural and ar­tistic works, expressing his hope that in their respective fields they will continue to contribute to the interests of the nation and the public through these cultural and artistic achievements.

A video clip on the congrat­ulatory speech delivered by the External Affairs Minister of India for the construction of the Sar­so Beikman was screened. The Indian ambassador also made a speech on his participation in building the Sarso Beikman.

On the occasion, Union Ministers Lt-Gen Phone Myat, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and U Maung Maung Ohn, the Indian Ambas­sador and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the three-storey RC Sarso Beikman building.

The Prime Minister and the Indian Ambassador unveiled the stone post of the building, plant­ed a Gangaw (Mesua ferrea) and sprayed the bronze plaque.

The Prime Minister and guests viewed around the artis­tic works and documentary pho­tos in the building. At the theatre on the second floor, a video clip on the construction process of the building was screened.

Union Minister for Infor­mation U Maung Maung Ohn presented a gift to mark the opening of the building to the Prime Minister and the Indian Ambassador, who returned a gift to the Prime Minister.

Also, present at the cere­mony were the commander of Yangon Command, deputy ministers, regional ministers, intellectuals and intelligentsia from various artistic arenas and departmental officials.

The Prime Minister and party enjoyed dances of the cultural troupe from India and the troupe of the Fine Arts De­partment under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture. They also observed the People’s Library of Sarpay Beikman. — MNA/TTA