Address by the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the National Day of Burma
Observed on the tenth waning day of Tazaungmone (1360 B.E.)
The National Day of Burma is a day of special significance and today we have evidence of the fact that politics can not be separated from education. Just as politics relates to national stability and advancement, education relates to the growth and maturity of the perceptions and reflections of the people of a nation. The only thing that can bring about a correct educational system is a correct political system. Only when the educational system is correct, a firm political system can be established and flourish.
The 1920 students strike was the result of the perception that a colonial system of education which perpetuates a slavish mentality was unacceptable. The next step was the growing conviction that there was a need for a system where the people can obtain the education necessary to advance in a modern world and to function as an independent country. As a result of this thinking, it was possible for the creation of national schools which produced leaders of our independence.
After gaining independence, we have gone back to an educational system that does not even reach the standard we had under the colonial system and this is because the political and educational systems are wrong. Inadequate books and resources, inferior teaching methods, the haphazard mode and manner of examinations are the result of bad administration. The long periods of closure of universities is the result of a bad political system. The bad administration and bad political system get worse from day to day. The youth of the country face a bleak and uncertain future.
Out of consideration for the future of our country we must head towards an independent and modern system of education. Independent and modern thoughts and ideas can flourish only in a free and independent society. An oppressed and subjugated society will produce the slavish mentality. It is not true education when the goal is to perpetuate an administrative system that is counter to the peoples' wishes. It will not produce and loyal citizens.
To obtain stability and a position in keeping with current times and to facilitate the creation of a new system of education we must all strive for a democratic system of government in Burma. The political system and the educational system can not be separated. Democracy cannot be separated from student concerns.
On this the 78th anniversary of our National Day, let us all make this pledge that we will unite and work together achieve success in the democracy movement and the students movement. Success to democracy! It is a nation's concern. it is a students' concern.
National League for Democracy Rangoon 13 November 1998
