Remembrance of Dagon Taya

REMEMBRANCE OF DAGON TAYA

Or

A Tribute to the Literary Genius Sayar Dagon Taya

Fellow writers, literary enthusiasts, literary lovers together with the public celebrated a centennial event for the charismatic, well-known literary icon, Dagon Taya at Lokanat Galleries on Pansodan Street. The event ran from May 10^th to May 14^th. At the same time, the event was held in Aung Pan in Kalaw to commemorate him.

Sayar Dagon Taya was well-known as a literary genius and he initiated “Sarpaythit/New Literature” movement in 1950’s. He was well-known his creative prose and verses. His influence on Myanmar poetics was remarkable so that people love to read his literary works with utmost interest, and acumen.

Being not only in literary excellence, but also well-known for his relentless adoration for peace, his involvement in peace set a good example for next generation. Those two dimensions, peace, and poetry cannot be separable with him. Another aspect of him was that he could play piano very well.

 His well-known verbatim “There is no enemy but friends”, and “the meaning of politics is nothing but to turn enemies into friends.” These words are minted in the minds of people who cherish peace, and the true definition of politics.

With the support of Seikku Cho Cho publication, and the late author’s niece, Daw Thin Mya San Di and other intimate friends provided necessary items to showcase the authors’ photos, books, personal items, and others to the knowledge of the public and the people who are much interested in the event. 

  

The event was created with significant photos of Sayar Dagon Taya with other famous personnel from different fields, including literary and political ones. The author is well-remembered and revered by other writers, old and new generations.

People could also watch the screening about the author to remember and visualize the author more vividly. There was also a table set for the author’s personal belongings: his spectacles, the books he had read, his chairs, and even walking stick. 

 People could browse the whole collection of the covers of famous Taya Magazines which are hard to see in a single place and time.

Seikku Cho Cho publication included the books of Sayar Dagon Taya which were buyable at the event with some discounts. It was a good chance for people who like to collect the works of the author.

Writer Ko Lay Myat, who is in-charge of the event, explained why they held the centennial event for Sayar Dagon Taya.

 “2019, May 10 is the centennial day for Sayar Dagon Taya. Since last year, Sayar’s niece Daw Thin Mya Sandi approached Seikku Cho Cho for publication of Sayar’s books to commemorate his centennial event. When the event comes nearer, Seikkhu Cho Cho publication decided to publish more of Sayar Dagon Taya’s books as well as unpublished ones too.”

Writer Ko Lay Myat carried on, “There might be some works that are still in need to publish. But, almost of his works have been published and printed. At the same time, in Aung Pan the same event is holding. Fortunately, Daw Thin Mya Sandi provided rare photos of Sayar Dagon Taya to be fit into the event. Some other photos have been provided by other people, too.”

 “First edition of Sayar Dagon Taya’s works, his handwritings, his photographs, and Taya Magazines, his personal utensils, videos on him are shown at the event. And they all are fit for the event. It is a way to a tribute to him,” he further put in.

“It is a five day event. The significance of the event is that people can see all the things about Sayar Dagon Taya at one place. Here, people can know how many different pseudonyms Sayar Dagon Taya used to have, all his books, rare photos, living styles, and even his funeral photos,” he added.

“Poetry reading and literary talk will be held in Aung Pan in Kalaw on May 10 to 11 for 2 days.”

Writer Ko Lay Myat cordially invited, “It is free entry. All are welcome. We like people to know that why Dagon Taya was known for, and who Dagon Taya was.”●

San Lin Tun is a Myanmar-English freelance writer of essays, poetry, short story and novels.