Kaung Thant a Garden on a Far-Flung Peak

CHAPTER.28 EXCURSION TO IDEAL SCHOOL An image in my heart, State Middle School, Laitui, was covered with mist and gloomy. It was impossible to see anything even a yard ahead clearly. I had experience with mist covered Laitui. This year mig~t be the last year. As I was very thin, I could not withstand the cold weather. I couldn' t avo id the chilly weather of the Chin state. I couldn't bear it. I needed to wear gloves, woolen hat and socks all the time. I also wo.re a vest, a shirt, a sweater, a taik-pong and a jerkin. Although I liked mist and the cold season, l could not withstand the very cold weather. This year December was severely cold. But when the school started, the sun rose. It was very pleasant to stand or sit under the sun. Sitting under the sun I looked at my students who did not seem to feel cold. They could come to school with light warm clothes. I might be the only person who felt so cold. I thought that as I came from Hmaw bi where the weather is warm and it was natural. I couldn't withstand the cold weather. 189

While I was lost in thought, Khen Suan Mung gave me a letter. It was from the Township Education Officer's Office. The TEO informed me that all the headmasters of the Middle Schools and High Schools in Tedim Township would visit Laitui Middle School as an excursion trip to observe the Ideal School. l had already known the subject in the letter as I had discussed the matter with Tedim TEO. I had already made the necessary preparations. I had done everything according to his instructions. Under the Green Environment project, the trees were grown around the school compound. Zo zan garden was ready to be observed. My students always practiced the free hand exercises every day. Despite many difficulties, I had successfully implemented the W. C. (Water Closet) project. Everything was systematically arranged for the office and I would be able to give them a thorough explanation. Accommodation, meals and welcoming ·party needed to be arranged. I couldn't do these matters alone. 190

I needed to discuss the matter with dignitaries and authority concerns. Being unable to procrastinate, I called an urgent meeting. The meeting was full of attendees such as leaders of the Party and Council , parent representatives, PT A committee members, religious leaders and teachers. The following decisions were successfully made by the meeting. -To welcome the guests at the entrance of the village by the owners ofTu Mee guns (hand- made gun). - To pick up the guests in Tedim at TEO office in the SHS I compound with two Jeeps from the village. - To sing a welcoming song composed by the Roman Catholic Church choir and at the entrance to welcome the TEO and the headmasters. Offering the flower bouquets to the guest by the beautiful lasses in the village. - To lead the guest with a traditional music band playing gongs and drums. - To use Laitui headmaster's residence and teachers ' residences as accommodations for the guests. Teachers had to move and stay a nearby parents' houses temporarily. - To borrow beddings, blankets and pillows from the village Cooperative organization. • To provide a big pot of Khaung( a local made wine) in the bedrooms of the guests. • To provide one big pot of khaung by each quarter. 191

- To honor the guests soon after their arrival by slaughtering a pig. - To prepare pork, chicken, ngapi cury, cucumbers, chicken bone soup and gurakha fruits for lunch on that day. In the evening the students and the youth of the village had to climb down along the highest peak of the mountain holding torches. To lead the group who would be carrying the torches with dancing and music band of gong and drums. The gunmen needed to fire 20 shots into the air. To make preparation for the torches, the village youth have to look for the branches in advance. - To prepare fire wood for a bonfire party in the school compound when the groups arrived in the school compound at night, to celebrate with a bonfire party and dances. - To select some friendly young lasses in the village to dance with the guests. - To make arrangement for sufficient bottles of khaung( local wine) and the village council chairman would-take that duty. - Before the bonfire party, dinner should be served to the guest in advance - After bond-fire party, to present school dance programme with 24 items - To light 10 big kerosene lamps for the school concert. To borrow the lamps from the churches and village cooperative organization. - To borrow the loud speaker from the RC church near the entrance of the village. 192

- To borrow the wooden planks in the village to place on the benches in order to build a stage for the school concert. - To use the traditional Chin blanket as the backdrop screen on the stage. - To prepare the words such as \"Be happy at school, Be good at study\". The teachers were given this task. - To take responsibility a·nd duty of school concert. JAT U Tuan- Khaw Cin's responsibility. - To borrow settees from the parents in the village. There was much _discussion during the meeting. As a result, the guest's excursion trip was a flawless one. In Tee Tedim Township there are 3 state high schools and 11 state middle schools. Among the 14 headmaster, I was the youngest person. The number of service year was also the least. At that time, I was only 30 years old with 9 years' service. I was also very active. Also, as I had just finished attending a course on Political science, I was eager to carry out the tasks of national unity and development of the least developed ethnic groups in my country. That's why TE 0 knew very well that I had done all the projects including the development of both school and community by following the instructions of the Education Department. 193

Therefore my school was selected as the ideal school in the township and arranged the excursion trip. Some headmasters did not like the arrangement. Later I heard that they even asked why they had to study and observe a school run by a young man with the least service years. But when they got here, they saw the school with their own eyes and accepted that the school did deserve the title, \"Ideal School\". (Seeing is believing). As for me, I needed to think to become flawless daily although I had lack of facility. I had only one week to make preparations after receiving the information about the excursion trip. l was so busy making preparations and did not notice how that one week passed. The next day they would get here. The two Jeeps had left for Tedim to pick them up. I waited for the guests after making detailed preparations. 194

<< The prestigious news of this school concert presented by a Middle School ofa small village on the peak of a far-flung area without many facilities would surely be spread all over the Chin State.>> 195

THE HAPPIEST EVENING Around 8 a.m we went to the entrance ofLaitui village. Our group consisted of the leaders of the party and council, dignitaries from the village, leaders of the religious groups, students who would welcome the guests with flowers, members of Roman Catholic Church choir and the villagers with guns who would fire the honour shots when the guest turned up. In a few minute, the Jeeps with the guests arrived. The guests were TE 0 of the Tedim Township and 13 headmasters. As soon as they got off, the students welcomed them with flower bouquets. The Roman Catholic Church choir started singing the welcoming song in Chin language and it was very pleasant to listen to the song. I didn't understand the language but it was touching. I saw the headmasters' facial expressions of both surprise and pleasure; they had not expected such a welcome. At the end of the singing, they came into the village and started hearing the honor shots fired into the air by Tu Mee guns. 196

They had a shock hearing the 82 rounds, shot as a welcoming gesture. The gunmen fired their guns once the guest had passed them by. The gunmen took their places with a 5 ft distance between one another. Within the distance of 400ft, there were the loud Bang, Bang and I felt like it was shooting a gun fight scene for a film. The group dancing the Darlan traditional dance and leading the guest played their traditional Chin drums heavily. Between the sounds of drums and gun shots, l was secretly pleased to see the headmasters walking and wearing smiles. But I was worried that our hospitality would not#ood enough for those who came from a far crossing the Manipur River. When we arrived the school, the teachers treated the headmasters with Khaung (local wine). After a fow minutes, a pig was slaughtered in an honor of the guests. As such was their tradition, I had nothing to say. .As I was a vegetarian, l didn't observe the scene and also didn't eat the pork. Let them be happy. The guests took a nap after lunch. In the early evening the dinner was served. At that moment, the sounds of gun- fire could be heard. The youth of the village and the students started climbing down from the highest peak to celebrate the traditional \"Khwa Dou\" festival. 197

Twenty one rounds of shot could be heard. We could see the torches moving down from the highest peak. It was very beautiful as the line of torches was formed by more than 200 people. I missed the Thedingyut\" Iights festival ( End of Buddhist Lent celebration) down in the plains. When that line of torches got quite close to the school compound, the sounds of drums, songs and shouts could be heard clearly. Those inside the compound went to the entrance of the school to welcome them. The torches inside the compound were set fire and the flame shined bright all over the compound. Those who had collected the honey from the mountain were welcomed by the headmasters and led to the bonfire place. Although regarded as a honey collecting activity, actually there were no more beehives on the mountain. The trees had been felled for wood to be used in the fire place to k~ep warm and the mountain had become a bald headed one. As a consequence, there was drought and scarcity of water. Water was collected for the guests with great effort. While I was lost in thought, I saw the headmasters entering the bonfire area. According to tradition, the village lasses had to take the guests and hold their hands to dance together in a circle around the bonfire. 198

The dignitaries from the village and the teachers participated in the dancing, The lads and lasses of the village danced happily. Drinking \"Khaung\" and dancing round and round made us happy. The continuous beats of drum and glowing flames occupied the place. The TE 0 , sayagyi U Salaing Htun Hlaing and l\"tOyself didn't drink Khaung. But.dancing around the bonfire made us happy. The lads and lasse_s sang the songs. They took alternate turns and it was very pleasant to listen to their songs. Singing, dancing and feeling happy, l was very pleased to be able to arrange such an occasion. The bonfire was halted when it seemed the guests might get tired . The entertainment by the students started. A traditional Chin dance by a group of studen~was presented as the initial programme. The fine arts team of the school presented one item after another. Singing, Chin traditional dances, poem recitations and dances by primary school students, short acts ot'trie plays from the school lessons4 All together made up more than 20 items. The school concert stage was created with chin traditional blankets as background screen, kerosene lamps borrowed from the co-operative organization and the loud-speaker borrowed from the RC church. 199

I believed that the main purpose of such a concert was to offer the students the chance to prove their potential and talents in fine arts. The villagers turned up as they had never seen such a school concert ever before. The crowd was really huge. The village council at first showed signs of worry about the security but there was not even an argument or a complaint or a shout. They cheered their children with surprise and pleasure. I thought they got a pleasant surprise about the students' ability in fine arts. The prestigious news of this school concert presented by a Middle School of a small village on the peak of a far-flung area despite lack of facilities would be surely spread all over the Chin State. If a school of a small village could do this, why couldn't those big High schools in big towns follow suit? Why didn't the headmasters want to create a great opportunity for their students to be able to reveal their talents in the field of fine arts? Such a thought might enter stealthily into the heart of the headmasters while watching the concert. The concert ending with sounding clap of applause would be recorded as a great memorable event both for the village and the Tedim Township. The pride could be seen on the face of the children who had presented something successfully in front of their parents, the 200

dignitaries and the villagers. As the person who had arranged the event, I felt very happy. I could even hear the echo of the teacher' s unspoken thoughts that we cou ld entertain the dignitaries and the guests flawlessly without a hitch. I always miss the teachers and the students of my schoo l who could show their potential and talents at a conceit presented successfully despite not having many facil ities. I think that evening I spent in Lai Twee might be the happiest of a ll evenings. 201

<<We need to strive so that all.flowers that bloom have sweet scent to blossom>> 202

CHAPTER 10 I, A GARDENER OF HUMAN BEINGS An early breakfast was served as the headmasters had to observe the physical education exercises done by the students. After breakfast, the guests were led to the school located on the hill. The students ha~ taken their places in the school assembly ground. Physical Education teacher, Pau Khan khup stood in front of his students with a trad itional drum. After the headmasters occupied their respective seats, I showed the signal of th umb up to PE teacher, Pau Khan Khup. Teacher Pau Khan Khup beat one strike. Students changed their position to attention. Next two strikes and then eight single strikes were beaten one after another. The students did exercises according to the beats. After eight beats, he beat another two strikes. Every such two strikes, students had to change to a different type of exercise. Without any verbal instructions, students successfully did the variety of exercises without making any mistakes. From the kindergarten level up to grade eight, students performed their exercises calmly like a daily routine and that surprised the headmasters. When the drum stopped and the free hand exercises ended, the T E 0 started clapping and the audience followed suit which 203

made the compound overwhelmed with the loud sound of claps. The dignitaries and the parents of the students were surprised and also felt they were on top of the world. A headmaster said that he did not expect that much. I just turned to a deaf ear to him. But inside my heart I was really pleased with my effort. Teacher Ngul Khan En made an announcement after the end of physical exercise programme. \"From now onward there'll be a demonstration on how an individual hygiene assessment was made. He led as an in- charge on duty and teacher Tuan Khaw Cin checked the kindergarten and teacher Kam Lian Thang checked the grade one students and so on. The teachers performed their duty while students stood neatly in line. Due to daily assessment, almost all were neat and tidy. Girls could be seen with tha-nat-kha (traditional paste collected from the bark ofthanat kha tree) on their faces and black shining hair. It seemed that they had applied palm oil. The white and green colour school uniforms were also clean. That was totally different from the time I first got here. They looked smart. The duty masters checked their nails carefully as to whether nails were dirty or rather longer than normal. Next, the teachers checked if there was any grime at the back of their ears and on their necks and legs. Then they handed over their lists to the in-charge, teacher En. The names of the 204

respective teams of the students were also mentioned in their list. After collecting the lists, teacher En made an announcement of the winners from each section as first, second and third. Students clapped nine tir~1es to honour their winners. Then the announcement was made for the winning team of the day. The program was over with sound of claps and the students returned to their respective classes systematically. The observing headmasters might be thinking that such a programme could be introduced in their respective school as well. If so, the students will be clean and healthy like the Laitui students. I expected that these headmasters might think that why could not we follow suit as instructed by higher authority. Then I Jed them to Zozan garden. A group photo was taken in front of beautiful flowers of all colours by a photographer who was invited. Then I explained how the garden had been built. This garden was built under the Green Environment Project. First of all the hard stone layer had been removed and then the soil was prepared and we grew the plants and flowers. As water was scarce here in Laitui, students carried water for the garden with the army lunch boxes. Each student who carried water with a lunch box full earned 50 marks for their teams. This was the result of team competition. 205

One of the headmasters inquired from where the seeds were collected. I replied that I had requested a teacher who went to Mandalay to buy seeds from the Botanical Gardens in May Myo ( Pyin Oo Lwin). Another head master asked from where had we got such six ft high Kyat-ket trees? I explained that some students carried the trees on their backs from Tedim and grew them. When I heard him saying that the expenses of carrying trees might be a lot, I just smiled. I explained that the school did not have any funds. The students were given incentive of 50 marks for their teams if carrying such a tree and this was also the result of team competition. I saw some head masters raised their shoulders. I showed them the proof that nothing was impossible if implemented with a great determination and systematic administration. Then I brought them to the children's playground, volleyball court, football field and cabbage plantations which was grown for the school funds. Finally I showed them the implementation of the water closet project. They could see the big dried gourd fruits used as water containers and the small ones as cups. 206

They were surprised when they saw water at highest level in all the big dried gourd fruits, knowing that water was a scarce thing here in Laitui. A headmaster asked that whether that arrangement was also under the team competition programme and I nodded my head with a smile. After showing the school compound, I brought them to the teachers' common room. I let them see th~ systematically kept documents in their respective files. The documents of paramount nature were separately kept in another file. The project to be caiTied out was also on a chart. The most important duty of a headmaster was to keep the school T.C book and Register (B) safely in his possession and sign each individual student's record of pass and failure. The Township Education Officer saw this with his own eyes and was very pleased with that. I remembered that in the speech of the TE 0 at a meeting he said that sometimes headmasters forgot to sign for the result when they got their transfer orders and left. The meeting on that day took more than one hour. The discussions and advice were made based on my performances. One high School headmaster said that he at first looked down upon the young headmaster with only a few years of service when he received the order from T E 0 to go and study the Lai 207

Twee Middle which had been chosen as a Model school. He even thought there might be nothing to study. When he got here, he changed his mind as seeing was believing. The Laitui school did deserve it. He also decided to try his best for his school to become an ideal one. At that moment I saw the T E 0 smiling. When my tum arrived, everyone looked at me with great interest. I told them that I lived here feeling quite lonely. I was looking forward to seeing the guests and was truly happy seeing such honourable guests. I expressed my heart felt thank to them for visiting my school and the village. I also thanked them for their discussion and advice on some points. \"Let me mention my sincere thanks to the T E 0 for arranging this excursion trip to my school. Debt of thanks is also owed to all who deserve it as all the headmasters could observe my school's performance. \"In fact, this is not because of my single effort. The leaders of village party and council always support me. Moreover, I got valuable help from the committee members oflhe school's PTA and the parents' active participation.\" \"Especially without the great effort of my colleagues, my teachers, it would be very difficult to achieve such a success.\" \"Then, those students who are very serious in study and obedient also help to brighten the colour of the school and reveal the development of Laitui school.\" 208

\"Actually, we are the generals in the education front, we are the gardeners strivi ng to create a peaceful and pleasant situation for mankind\" \"We need to strive so that al l flowers that bloom have sweet scent and put effort for all flowers with sweet scent blossom. Now, the headmasters own very beautiful gardens with a variety of fl owers.\" \"We should try our best to make the flowers in the gardens blossom well as good gardeners, shouldn't we?\" \" As fo r me, I temporarily owned a garden on a far-flung peak and during my time I have tried my best to achieve better progress and development. I am eager to be able to show you next time my garden growing even better than it is now\" When I finished my talk, f heard the claps of cheer with pleasure. Up to now I remem ber I was on cloud nine because of the encouragement and claps and cheers. 209

<< His words are really touching. I couldn't reply promptly. I have not yet forgotten Laitui school.\">> 210

BLOSSOMING FLOWERS Our jeep is moving up along the very narrow curve on a mountain where it is impossible to see 20 ft ahead. The foggy dew is falling. It is so dark and gloomy that we cannot see anything. \"After another curve ahead we can see Tedim\" said the local author Steven and that makes both of us perk up. \"Well, I wish I got to Tedim very quickly. I feel so chilly,\" Or.Khin Maung Nyo turned his head from the front seat and said. He might be chilly as the weather was too cold. He sat in the front seat of the jeep and the foggy dew made him wet. Although he was wearing a wool j erkin, he was feeling cold. He wore gloves and a woolen hat. The Yangonian ( the one who was born in Yangon) visits Tedim in winter and he can't withstand the very low temperature. I could not pay attention to the cold weather as I heard the claim of Steven that it was quite close to Tedim. My heart beats change as I notice that I am quite close to a place which I left many years ago. I would like to see the beauty of the Town under the sunlight .I want to have a glance at the taung-za- Jut flowers red in colour. 211

The houses were built on the street which was constructed along the side of the mountain .Is Tedim as beautiful as in the past? Under the moon light it may feel cool. I could see Tedim. As Tedim has a hydropower station, i twill not be in the darkness. It was still beautiful. When we entered the town, nobody was outside. Due to the cold weather, everyone might take a place near fire place. When we get to the provided accommodation, they have been waiting for us with brazier or open fire place. All are under 30 and I understand that the event is led by the youth. Unexpectedly I come across one of my colleagues, teacher Bony and feel so glad. Daw Bonny used to work as a Primary Assistant Teacher at Laitui Middle School. She used to help me a lot. When she was in Laitui, I assigned her to teach-Burmese at grade 7 and 8 level. So I did not have to teach. She is good at teaching Burmese because she was graduated majoring in Burmese language. Now she has become a Senior Assistant Teacher at S.H.S( I), Tedim. She has been teaching Burmese at grade I0 level. Sitting near the open fireplace to keep ourselves warm, we had a chat about the past. Our topic later turned to Laitui School and the village. 212

\" I don't know from where to start telling you, sayagyi\" \" Well, let's start from my students and teachers.\" \" Teacher Ngu l Khan En still lives in the village. Teacher C ing Lun Niang is here in Tedim. And teacher Tuan Khaw Cin transferred to his native vi llage. Pau Khan _Khup resigned and ran his own business. Teacher Yung Naig h Man was also transferred to Tedim and has been working as teacher for domestic science. Khen-Suan Mung got married with a volunteer teacher and resigned from his post. They moved to Pyin Oo Lwin. Now they have a vegetable plantation. After I had been transferred, teacher Thang Pee got to Laitui. He also resigned and now has become a successful tutor of his private tuition classes.\" \"By the way, any news about Khai Do Pau?\" \"Oh, I forget to tell you about him. He got married to the daughter of TE 0 and moved to Yangon. I heard that he had resigned already also.\" \"Well, nice to know abo ut my teachers and I miss them all. I remember that how I tried hard for the school to become an ideal one with their help. They were my best colleagues. I would like to see those in Tedim now if I have free time\" \"What about tomorrow after your talk? I'll take you to them.\" \" Let' s see! If I have enough free time, we can visit them\" \"Sayagyi, diner's ready, sha ll we go?\" A youth come and inform me to have diper. 213

\" How're you now Saya Nyo? Feeling better and warm?\" I asked Dr. Khin Maung Nyo. \"Well, this small coal brazier saved me, otherwise my fingers might become numb. yi./ We had to eat our d~er next to a small fire place. As I am hungry, I could easily finish eating a plate of rice with chicken curry, fried gurakha fruit and bean soup. \"'IV After di,per, we had an informal chat and went to bed late. Tomorrow we would have to give speech and Saya Nyo left the group and went to bed. The group of youths who came and picked up us said bye-bye and went back home. Because of the tiring journey, I fell asleep soon after I lay down on bed. We woke up early the next morning. The local author Steven was still sleeping. After washing our faces, we walked outside. \"Which direction is the village, Laitui of which you always talk about? How can we go there from Tedim?'-', Saya Nyo asked. \"Please come. I'll show you. When we get a little bit down there we'll get to S.H.S (1) Tedim. And keep on walking, we'll see the Independent stone pillar. From there we could see Laitui very vaguely.\" We get to the pillar, as we walk and talk. The sun is rising and the mist is clearing. But the weather is still too cold. 214

\"Can we see your Laitui from here? As for me I see mountains and haze. Not anything that looks like a village\" \"You look at where I point out with my index finger. Just by mind I could see. The downward place is a path leading to the Manipur River. You need to cross the river walking along the Mansuang bridge. On the other side, you have to climb up again. It is above 5600 ft. Go along the mountain range. I think I walked pass the 9 mountains and then get there to Laitui.\" \"You also couldn't see and just waffling? Saya Nyo, a science doctorate asks me sharply. \"I used to live there. I could feel it with my heart although I can't see with my own eyes. I used to pass these forests, mountains and Manipur River for many times as I traveled to get there. How can I forget? \"Of course.! During conversations you always mention and talk about Laitui so many times and we have already learnt the facts from your talk by heart. Have you had so many memorable events there?\" \"Oh I've got a lot. I could successfully carry out my belief despite lots of difficulties and lack of money at that Laitui village during my stint as a teacher. I couldn't ever forget that unforgettable dream.\" \"Ifyou have any chance, will you visit there again?\" \"I'd like to but are you brave enough to travel in a jeep with 25 passengers running up against the steep slopes?\" 215

\"Of course I can. Everyone has to die one day. If the day has not yet come, it's fine. I never think about that\". \"O.K if anyone comes and picks us up, we could go.\" Exchanging conversations and get back to the provided accommodation. We were given place in the upstairs of the Township Information Office. Coffee and snacks were prepared for our breakfast. \"You two woke up early and went to Laitui, I assume\", said Steven with a smile. \"In fact, we want to go there but nobody came to pick us up yet\". \"I informed them about you since yesterday. They may come to pick you up.\" \"By the way, where and when do we have to talk?\" \"In the hall of SH S ( 1) Tedim. The talk will start by 9 a.m. Say Go Van told me. He'll come in a few minutes\" At few minute past 8, the organizer Goven turns up. \"Are you ready, Saya?\" \"Yes we are.\" Who will kick off first? \"I think the first one should be local saya Steven. Then I'll take the next turn. Saya Nyo would be the last.\" I gave suggestion. Nobody objected. 216

\"Let me tell you something in advance, Saya\" \"What's the matter, Saya Go Van?\" \"Here in Tedim we've never organized any Literary Talk before. Now we youth made an arrangement and it looks strange.\" \"Old men, women and children will come and listen to your ·talks. They might want to know what these authors would talk about. Ifthe talks do not concern them, then they may leave straight away. They are so simple that they won't pretend. If that happens, may I request you in advance to understand them and forgive them. We would feel bad at that time.\" \" Oh Sure Saya Go Van l 'II make them leave. As soon as l start talking, it's my duty I'II make them leave.>' Saya Nyo teases. But when we deliver our speech, nobody leaves and they listen quietly to our talks. I told them as the headmaster ( saya Peepar) of Laitui I wrote a novel all the while feeling frightened of ghosts. They were pleased when I told them that l' ve got the National Literary prize for the novel written at Laitui. l told them how 1 nurtured the school and delivered my speech with the title, \"Read and think carefully\" for about one hour. I was very heartened to see everyone listen quietly. l even want to go and talk at LaiTwee. But Laitui did not come to pick us up. We waited the whole day. After the programme was over, we went round the town. We also went up to the Buddhist monastery. We climbed down after paying homage to Taung Dan Missionary Sayadaw. 217

I recall the time I spent at the monastery. I talk to saya Nyo about the Kathain festival mentioned in my novel.\" Ein -met- ah- lwann\". As there was nowhere to visit, I often went to the monastery, just for sleeping and eating there. I remember that sometimes I was chatting with Burmese friends there. On the way back from the monastery, we visited a tea shop. Say Nyo tries Sabudi ( corn soup prepared with beet). I don't order it as I avoid having beef. After having a chat with friends, we walk back to the provided accommodation. No visitors come. At night a bon fire party was arranged and celebrated by Saya Go Van and group. A pot of'Khaung\", was placed in the middle and everyone danced Chin traditional style around it. It was very enjoyable to dance. Even the expectation to visit Laitui disappeared under the happy dancing. I don't drink alcohol. Thus I did't drink \"Khaung\". They tried to force me to drink. When I told them that because of my religious belief I avoid drinking, they understood and forgave me. I could enjoy the bonfire party without drinking Khaung. By seeing other's happiness my heart automatically enjoyed. Thus I enjoyed dancing with them. We went to bed late but we woke up early as usual. The agenda was for us to deliver literary talks in Tedim, Kalay Myo and Tamu. We arrived at Tedim On the 23rd and on the 218

241hat 9 a m we gave speech in Tedim and on 25'h evening at Kalay Myo at 7 pm and the next day at Tamu. Today we have to go down to Kalay Myo. We pack our baggage. Saya Go Van and his group ask some questions and give us gift. We plan to leave Tedim by I 0 and a car will come and pick up by 9. 30 am . Lunch wi ll be at Thaigei. We have already made arrangements. As informed earlier, the car turns up at 9.30. They help to place our baggage on the car. When we are about to leave, two guests arrive. \" Sayagyi, they are from Lai tui village. Thang Khan Sawn and Pau Shin Lian. They come to pick you up to visit Laitui. \"Oh I had been expecting them since yesterday afternoon\". \" We were informed that Sayagyi 's in Ted im only last night. We left the village early morning. If possible, could you please come along with us?\" \"I' d like to but the agendas are fi xed. We have to speak at Kalay Myo tonight\". \"Our village misses you a lot Sayagyi. Because of you there are lots of changes in our village. Villagers realized the value of education and become serious in study. They want to see you and asked us to go and pick you up. \" 219

\"I feel so sad. I want to see my village again. Please tell me about my school. Is it the same as before?\" \"Well, when you were with us it was a middle school. Now it has become an affiliated high School\" \"Oh, I'mso glad to hear that\" Two school buildings were built. The building with middle- school classes was renovated and built as a double storey. There was another building next to the volley court. \"Very good\" \"During your time, there were only 300 students. Now it's about 800.\" \"Should be like that\". \"Some students even passed the grade I0 examination with distinctions.\" \"Very wonderful and auspicious news\" \"The accommodation is provided for the teachers and for their convenience bananas and myout- ngo are grown and the fruits sold for teachers' funds. \"Oh, great, that's wonderful\" The village has lots of progress and developed to some extent. We have 30ft wide roads and can travel along the road up to Kyant File, a place near India border.\" 220

\" In our village restaurants called ' Swemat, Sweet Night, Pan Cherry etc have opened. The business is good. As the business is getting better, people become more broadminded.\" \"Now we have electricity at the vi llage. Water is no longer a problem. Not scarce like before. We have a plan to build a library. One day we would invite the authors like Sayagyi to deliver literary talks at our village.\" \"Oh, so many developments. Please te ll me about my students.\" \" One of your students, Thang Sian Dal, has been to Australia, Th uam Sawm Khai has studied at a university in Australia majoring in Political science. En Kau Khain is in Korea. Yung Suan Pau and Dai Sian Khai became preachers. Many are now staff at the health Ministry. Some have good business. Gin Suan Lian is a famous mason and very busy working in our village. Par Lun Zing has a photo studio in Tedim. Your students have al ready known the genuine value of education and they tried very hard. They encourage their children to become educated persons. We rea lize and accept the fact that it is all because of you, Sayagyi.\" Ko Thang Khan Sawm explains continuously. 1 don't have enough time to ask him if he used to be my student or not.\" That's why Sayagyi, if there is enough time, we want you to go along with us now.\" I am glad and sorrowfu l at the same time. \" I am very glad to know that all of you haven't yet forgotten me and invite me to visit your village. But l need to follow the 22 1

arranged schedule and I am so sad as I am unable to go along with you.\" Saya Go Van himself helps explain to them our schedule. \"If so, can we treat you lunch here in Tedim?\" \"This is also glad and sorrowful.\" \"We have already made an arrangement to treat them lunch at Thaingei.\" Saya Go Van explains for us. ' If so, please accept these two small bags as a token of our love, respect and remembrance.\" \"Oh you remember and miss me even after 20 or more years. Thank you so much,\" I whisper while taking bags. \"How can we forget you sayagyi? You devoted your life for Laitui village\" 'Can you also forget Laitui and the school?\" His words were really touching. I couldn't reply promptly. \"I have not yet forgotten Laitui school. This is the one and only garden in my life. I am so glad to know that many flowers from my garden have already fully blossomed.\" \"One day I would come and look at the garden expecting that it would have become a better and more beautiful one.\" \"Trust us Sayagyi. Your students will try their best to make that garden more beautiful with the philosophy you provided 222

us. The current headman, Gin Sha! Khup, used to be a student at your school. I am really happy and heartened for Laitui after listening to Ko Thang Khan Swam's words. With the thought \" Some day ..... I go down from the mountain region. The fog or mist or haze which blocked my vision on my way uphill has gone now. When the sun rises, the mist. disappears. Kaung Thant Translated by Nyi Nyi Pe (Senior Lecturer, Business English Department) (Assumption University of Thailand) 223

A GARDEN ON A FAR-FLUNG PEAK (by Kaung Thant) In the heart of the gardener Willing to se_e his flowers blossom in colour There remained severe injury Because of Once-upon-a- time story Every time he recalls with his own heart beat Miss that school on the far-flung peak Which school do you want to know? That's \"Laitui\" of my soul. Translated by NYI NYI PE (Senior Lecturer, Department of Business English) (ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY,THAILAND)

lo the hart o£ the pnlcnd' Willing to iee hi$ ~ blossom in colour Tb~ reiuice<l ~injury Bcausc o( Once - upon - ~ - time story E•wv time be rcalls witb his own hca.tt bat Missl!ll t~t ldiool OD tbe W - 011111 pak Which ICMol? ':Ou wuat to know? T~t's ~tui• of my soul. Ka\"DDS Thant Truuiated by !Nyi 'Nyi <Pe ({/J'}(J()