Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Stressed the Importance of Fostering Union Spirit in Building Federalist Democracy in Myanmar
‘Union Day of Burma – Panglong Agreement’ Event in the U.S. calls for Unity, to End Violence in Ethnic Minority Areas, U.S. Support for Myanmar’s Democratic Transition, Constitutional Reform, and Sustained Inclusive Economic Development in the Southeast Asian Nation
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 10, 2020 — Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, delivered a keynote video address at the 73rd Myanmar Union Day celebration in Indianapolis, emphasizing the importance of fostering Union spirit in building a federalist democracy and development in Myanmar, while other distinguished speakers offered their continued support for the Burmese communities and the goals and inspirations of the Panglong agreement.
In her address —at the event celebrated on February 8 and attended by over 500 members of the community, including elected officials, dignitaries, academia, and civil society leaders — the State Counsellor emphasized the essence of the Union by saying only when we develop our mentality, the Union of Myanmar will be strong and prosper.
Drawing from the American example, the Nobel Peace Laureate said that America, as we all know, is built by immigrants of diverse backgrounds, religions and nationalities. Ultimately, the Union mindset is not about ethnicity, religion, nor language, but about our mindset.
Recognizing and celebrating the Union Day means promoting the Union mindset, and the Union mindset is the demonstrated conviction that our country as a Union will be stronger, more developed, and prosperous if we come together and build our strength out of diversity and differences, she said.
“If we are to build a genuine federalist democracy, a developed, successful federal union of Myanmar, our mindset is fundamentally vital.”
In addition to featuring distinguished speakers, cultural dances, ethnic fashion, food, and musical performances from various ethnic groups of Myanmar, the Indianapolis event provides an opportunity for the Myanmar diaspora in the U.S. and their friends to engage and celebrate diversity and rich culture, and show their solidarity and moral support for the Myanmar government’s National Reconciliation and Peace Process—also known as 21st Century Panglong. Expected to continue in 2020, the conference aims to reach a nationwide ceasefire agreement between the military and ethnic armed organizations, initiate a framework for political dialogue, and undertake constitutional and institutional reforms for a country that has been ravaged by civil war and poverty for more than half a century.
Mayor Joe Hogsett, the 49th Mayor of Indianapolis, helped kicked off the event by proclaiming February 12 as Union Day of Myanmar in Indianapolis.
In his remarks, Rep Andre Carson, said, “many of your contributions have made our community a much better place to live. I am honored to represent such a diverse community in the district, full of folks who have come here from all corners of the world to achieve the American dream. Burmese Americans are strengthening our nation—look at the businesses that are coming up in our city, contributing to our economy. Through your hard work and your powerful commitment to education and through your rich culture and much more, the Burmese-Americans have made our country a much better place.”
U.S. Senator Mike Braun also sent congressional recognition to the event designed to promote unity among Myanmar ethnic groups, newcomer integration into U.S. society, strengthening of U.S.-Myanmar ties, and supporting peace and democratic reforms in Myanmar.
Senator Todd Young, in his video greeting, gave reassurances of his support for the Burmese-American communities and the people of Myanmar in achieving the goals of the Union Day celebration, as it seeks to create a country where all of Burma’s ethnic groups are treated equally and fairly.
Sen. Young, who also serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, is a true friend to the Burmese-American community and a leading voice in Washington D.C. in supporting Myanmar moving forward to a successful democracy.
Underscoring the long standing partnership between Indiana University and the Burmese people, Dr. Hilary Kahn said that she was not surprised that many of the Burmese who came through a scholarship program funded by the U.S. Department of State, mandated by the U.S. Congress, and administered by IU, are now leaders here in the Burmese American Community and inside Myanmar, including members of Board of Directors and the Executive Director himself. “The collaborations between IUPUI, IU and BACI and the Burmese communities is more important than ever. These type of alliances and collaborations could never be more vital. I look forward to expanding this partnership both locally and internationally to achieve the goals of Union Day and the Panglong Agreement”, said Dr. Kahn, former President of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), who currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for International Affairs, IUPUI and Associate Vice President for International Affairs, Indiana University.
Martin Baier, President and CEO of the International Center in his remarks praised the tireless work of the leadership of BACI and said how the IC has been fortunate to be supporting a thriving Burmese community and hinted at future collaborations.
“When we were first arriving and growing here, one thing we took time to think about was how we must integrate well, because integrating well means becoming successful in the land of freedom and opportunity,” said Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of the BACI.
The college going rate among the Burmese-Americans has increased from 43% seven years ago to 90% this year. BACI assisted over 10,000 individuals with civic education and immigration requirements, as well as provided support in gaining employment and training, scholarships, and college & university admissions. Many of those in the Burmese-American community are quickly becoming economically self-sufficient and naturalized citizens, ready to more fully and meaningfully exercise their rights and liberties in the American society.
“Our fore leaders, like Abraham Lincoln and U Aung San, have laid dawn the foundation for us so that we can do better today. The question is, are we allowing nationalist extremism which is deeply divisive, and usually leads to chaos, violence, and war? Or are we prepared ourselves to embrace, and put into practice, the type of Panglong spirits and principles that brings all people together, and treat everyone the same regardless of one’s ethnicity or religious background?” said Mr. Vahnie.
“Now the responsibility to think, and to think responsibly, lies upon our heads and shoulders”.
“It is up to us — what type of thinking and spirits we would like to foster, how we would like to treat each other, and what type of society we envision for ourselves in 10 years, 30 years, or in another 73 years, and most importantly, what practical action we take today”.
About BACI
The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI also supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through new initiatives, collaborative and strategic partnerships, and advocacy.
