This is my seventh official visit to Union of Myanmar on the exchange visit programs of journalists between Nepal and Myanmar. Our first visit to Myanmar was on 14th November 1992.

During our visit, we got the opportunity to meet His Excellency Brig. Gen. U Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Information at Ministry of Information located at 228 Theinbyu Road in Yangon. At the meeting, His Excellency Brig. Gen. U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Information was also present. On that occasion, Colonel U Soe Win, Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise ( NPE), Adviser of NPE, Heads of Departments under the Ministry including Director General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director General of Information and Public Relations U Chitt Nainng, Chief Editor of The New Light of Myanmar U Maung Maung Aye, U Hla Myaing, Chairman of Myanma Writers and Journalists Association ( MWJA), U Tin Kha Deputy Chairman, U Hla Tun Secretary and Officials of MWJA were also present.

During our stay in Yangon, we met Colonel U Soe Win, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise at the office of The New Light of Myanmar Daily located at 22/30 Strand Road where Chief Editors of Dailies, Directors, Deputy Directors, high officials and senior journalists were present. Colonel U Soe Win briefed us about the News and Periodicals Enterprise at that time.

In honor of the Nepalese journalist delegation, Colonel U Soe Win, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprises hosted a gala-dinner at the Central Hotel in Yangon. In the dinner, His Excellency Brig. Gen. U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Information, senior journalists and all the concerning high level officials were also present.

About News and Periodicals Enterprise ( NPE )

The News and Periodicals Enterprise is led by the Managing Director
assisted by two Directors, one in-charge of news and the other in-charge of administration. There are two Deputy Directors, one for news and one for administration. Under the Head Office, there are four Chief Editors for four newspapers , two for Myanma News Agency ( Internal ) and ( International ), and Deputy Chief Editors, Editors ( in-charge ), Editors, Managers and staff numbering 121 officers, 1241 staffers & 138 daily wage earners, totaling 1500.

The News and Periodicals Enterprise was formed with the following units:
a) News and Periodicals Enterprise, Head Office b) Myanma News Agency ( Internal ) c) Myanma News Agency ( International) d) Myanma Alin Daily
e) Kyemon Daily f) The New Light of Myanmar Daily g) The Guardian Monthly.

Not only newspapers but also books and other publications as are wanted by the Sate are being printed and bought out . So far altogether 4 million copies of 388 titles have been printed and circulated in this series of State publications. Moreover , there are also publications in the series to inspire and further strengthen patriotism in altogether 6.7 lakhs of copies of 37 titles.

The Guardian magazine is the National English language magazine of the country . The Guardian press was established in November 1953 . This magazine mostly carries writing Myanmar culture and its monthly circulation is 6000 copies.

Likewise, the future programs of the News and Periodicals Enterprise are:
a) to publish newspapers in accord with objectives b) to highlight nation – building works in news and articles. c) to computerize newspaper’s word processing and page-making and other processes before the printing stage.

The NPE has the following Guidance which are as follows :
a) to achieve national consolidation b) to promote co-operation between the Tarmadaw , the people and the political parties c) to strive for perpetuation of the Union , for absence of racial grudge and for promotion of amity and unity d) to duly cease penning personal attacks on one another digging up old sorespots of the past and to write to promote closeness between the Tatmadaw and the people e) To strive for flourishing of Buddhist culture , to write editorials and articles highlighting religion & culture f) to give priority to development works in writing for the media g) to write about how we are doing what in our country, so as to enthuse guests from abroad to come. h) to write to highlight works for development of border areas and national races i) to point out the long existence of insurgency and write to highlight , it is time they renounce arms, stating the time for them to do so. j) to write broadly in international media, to write editorials and articles not only in the media at home but also in those abroad as the western and international medias are creating misconceptions.

Visit to Myanmar Radio and Television ( MRTV)
The Nepalese journalists delegation members called on Director General of Myanmar Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay at MRTV office, Pyay Road in Yangon and he gave the detail information about MRTV. Later, entertainment was made by Myanmar Traditional Orchestra. performing classical song “Zabudipar” by vocalist Ye Yint Wai Lwin and “Thingyan Dance” by Damsels of TV division.

About MRTV
Myanmar Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information which serves 42 million people across the length and breadth of the land. MRTV comprises four divisions : a) Radio Division b) Television Division c) Television Division (English MRTV-3) d) Engineering Division and e) Administration Division .

To inform , to educate and to entertain are the aims of MRTV and they try their best through AM, FM and shortwave on radio or TV microwave and Via Thaicom-3 which can even reach 126 countries.

Radio got into the game as early as 1936 but that was a different time in history. In 1946, it emerged as the Burma Broadcasting Service to change to Myanmar Athan which translates as Voice of Myanmar in 1958. With the expansion of work , the Information and Broadcasting Department was created in 1972 and with the introduction of TV they took the name Myanmar Radio and Television. MRTV are on the air in different voices 19 hours and 45 minutes on week days and 20 hours and 30 minutes on weekends with around twelve hours of Myanmar program almost four of English and four of the national races.

Television was introduced with dry runs in June 1980 which were in fact not so dry because they started with color straight away without initiating in black and white to avoid cumbersome transition later. By November that year, MRTV make full-fledge presentation with an extension through the Sagaing retransmission station in 1983. With the aim to let the foreigners know the genuine news and culture of Myanmar , MRTV extended its new English Channel , MRTV-3 since August 2001. All this has been possible, through the guidelines and funding of the Ministry of Information which has in the past half decade modernized both the print and electronic media. TV Myanmar today has 176 relay or retransmission stations.
Currently , TV transmission in nine hours daily and fourteen on weekends with additional time on public holidays and special live shows for sports events and bashes like National Equestrian Festival and the Mayor’s Marathon and the Myanmar Traditional Regatta Festival and Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competition.

Visit to Myanmar Alin Press
We visited the Myanmar Alin Press and Daily Paper at Natmauk Lane in Bahan Township in Yangon. During the visit, Chief Editor U Ye Myint Pe and Deputy Chief Editor U Hlaing Win of Myanmar Alin Daily briefed us the history of Myanmar Alin Press, distribution of newspapers, opening of sub-printing houses in townships , news coverage and printing process.

About Myanmar Alin Daily
On 1st October 1963, the Myanmar Alin Daily went into publication as the Loketha Pyithu Nezin, which translates as Working People’s Daily. Its name was changed to Myanmar Alin or Light of Myanmar on 17th April 1993. It is a tabloid with 20 pages .At the beginning, Myanmar Alin Daily used the Color King press but switched to Gross press in July 1996. The current circulation is over 200,000 copies. Its circulation in Yangon is over 140,000 and in Mandalay over 37,000. They have branch presses in Mandalay, Taunggyi, Magway, Myitkyina, Sittwe, Kalay, Kengtung, and Lashlo. There are 36 editorial staffs and 300 employees at the Myanmar Alin press.

A major portion of local news is obtained from Myanmar News Agency (Internal). They also have individual reporters and correspondents as well as in other cities and towns. Events nationwide, that is in the 14 States and Divisions are covered by about 260 stringers and full-time reporters. When required, Information officers of the Information and Public Relations Department double as reporters. The bulk of international news are obtained via satellite by the Myanmar News Agency (International). Bulletin service is computerized. MNA has contracts with 12 foreign outlets. After the editors taste and select the news, the composing and page make-up are done on computers. The modem is sent to the branches by satellite.

Final proofs of pages as handled by the photolitho section. They check and recheck to make sure all is well. The main paper is put before bed around 01.00 hours local time and the branch presses a little later. There are over 1200 distribution agents throughout the country.

Visit to Pagodas, Museum, Parks & National Races Villages
In Yangon, we visited Shwedagon Pagoda and observed the great bell donated by King Thayawady and shrines . Later, we visited People's Square on Pyay Road and National Museum in Dagon Township. The National Museum was opened on the 18th of September 1996. The total land area is 3.856 acres. The museum is 380ft. by 200 ft. in length and breadth. It has five stories and is 80 ft. in height.

We also visited Myanmar Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township and went round the museum by Deputy Director U Thet Lwin of Myanmar Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines and officials. We went to Kandawagyi Gardens and were briefed all-round upgrading tasks of the garden by Deputy Head U Win Myint of the Park and Playgrounds Department of Yangon City Development Committee. Afterwards we viewed the Elephant Plaza, the Education Zone, the Central Forest Zone, the Recreation and the Relaxation Zone at the garden. We also visited National Races Village of the Ministry for Progress of Border Area and National Races and Development Affairs in Thanlyin Township and were conducted round there by the officials of the housings of national races in the village.

Similarly, we visited MICT Park in Hlaing Township in Yangon where U Thaung Nyunt, General Manager of MICT gave us the details. We are highly impressed from MICT.

About Myanmar ICT Park
Under the guidance of the Myanmar Computer Development Council , Myanmar ICT Development Corporation ( MICTDC) was formed with eleven IT professionals and entrepreneurs in August. 2001 as a private company. It was expanded to 50 consortium members in 2002. To achieve the public participation in ICT Development, MICTDC has been transferred from private to public company in June 2003. On 22nd March 200, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt laid down the corner stone for the construction of MICT Park. Basic information infrastructures were inaugurated in 21st January 2002. Extension of production blocks, three units were completed in January 2003. It is a part of the ICT master plan of Myanmar to stimulate the development of Myanmar ICT industry by attracting local and international partners to form a cluster of ICT-related business supported by world-class infrastructure and technologies.

The primary roles & functions of MICT Park are : a) facilitation of ICT infrastructure and operational space b) marketing & promotion of ICT business at local and global levels c) skill development & up-grading of local ICT professionals along with the development of technology d) incubation of the new start–up ICT entrepreneurs.

Endeavors of Drug elimination in Myanmar
While visiting Drug Elimination Museum in Yangon, we came to know that the Government has 15 years narcotics elimination plan which is started from 1999. Under this plan total elimination of cultivation, production and abuse of narcotics in Union of Myanmar within 2014. Drug education posters were erected at many places of Myanmar to establish a "Drug Free Zone". The Government is setting fire to seized narcotics drugs, poppy seeds and the paraphernalia at different places where diplomats and UN officials also attend the ceremony.

Reception by Myanmar Writers & Journalists Association ( MWJA )
During our stay in Yangon, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association hosted a luncheon reception in our honor at the Oriental House in Dagon Township. In that program, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing gave the information and activities of MWJA. In the lunch program, Vice Chairmen U Tin Kha, U Than Maung and U Myint Thein, Secretary U Hla Tun and all the executive members of MWJA were present.

About MWJA
The objectives of MWJA are a) to work for the development of the art of both fictional and informative writings benefiting the country b) to continue working for the solidarity of the literary world c) to assist the writers and journalists in the event of their joyful or sorrowful occasions d) to work for the development of books and periodical publication works e) to help make the reading public accessible to classical and contemporary literature f) to extend help to cartoonist, comic writers who are making contributions to magazines and journals & publisher.

Likewise, MWJA have the work programs, which are : a) to make literary contributions for broadening the knowledge , concept and idea of the people . b) to work for the development of respective genres of fictional and informative literature. c) to take part in the activities for preserving national culture. d) to contribute for maintenance of national unity through media means (e) to compile books for children and youth so that their knowledge might be enhanced f) to organize paper reading sessions on literature , literary talks, courses on literature from time to time and carry out literary works which are conducive to literary development g) to compile books for the people bridging Myanmar and international literature h) to safeguard the lawful rights of the members of the literary world in accord with existing law i) to carry out printing , selling and publication business for the successful achievement of the objectives and work programs of the Association .

Visit to Bagan
During our visit to Myanmar, we also visited Bagan . Bagan is the real heart of Myanmar people. Although Bagan is not the major population centre in the area but actually it is the tourist center.

Bagan is the mirror which reflects the glory and greatness of Myanmar society. Bagan was founded by King Thamudarit in the first century A.D. So Bagan is about 2000 years old. King Anawrahta ( A.D 1044-77) one of the benevolent Kings of Bagan firmly laid the foundation of national solidarity during his reign. He also introduced and promoted the true faith of Theravada Buddhism which contributed of the secular and spiritual benefits of the people of Myanmar. Within the area of 42 square kilometers at Bagan, the Kings and the people had built several zedis, stupas and other religions monuments of worship and devotion. As Myanmar’s ancestral heritage, they still stand proudly at Bagan. Art and architecture, sculpture, painting, plaster moulding, etc. which were created with artistic skill, goodwill, generosity, piety and perseverance of the Bagan people are witnessed till today.

In Bagan Nyaung U Mandalay Division, we visited Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda, Thabyinnyu Pagoda and other Pagodas. We also visited new Archaeological Museum and Myanmar Institute of Lacquerware. Almost all the members of my delegation enjoyed the view of the sunset over Ayeyawady river from Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda.

Visit to Mandalay : The Golden City
After Yangon, we visited the Golden City, Mandalay. Mandalay is not only the second largest city in the Union of Myanmar but also the most principal city in Upper Myanmar. Moreover, it was formerly the Kingdom of historical significance where the Myanmar Royal Dynasty ended. Naturally, the striking attractions of Mandalay with its strong appeal have been warmly inviting the visitors to come and visit Mandalay where Myanmar history flourished and where the various facets of Myanmar culture have still been thriving.

Mandalay City Development Committee has been gaining moment- um in upgrading all the sectors of Mandalay city development activities under the guidance of the State Peace and Development Council.

The measures have been taken to maintain the unique Myanmar cultural heritage and upgrade the Myanmar traditional arts and crafts in order to keep abreast with the modern times. Furthermore, the virtue of hospitality for which Myanmar people have been recognized by the world is encouraged here and is kept untarnished. Therefore, being impressed with the progress and transformations taking place in Mandalay in accordance with the period of building a peaceful developed State of the future, the visitors to Mandalay will enjoy being immersed in the atmosphere of the unique heritage of ancient Myanmar, breath-taking precious Myanmar cultural arts and handicrafts and beautiful scenes of nature in various forms of wonders, coming into contact with the revealing noble heart of Myanmar.

During our stay in Mandalay, we got the opportunity to meet H.E. Brig. Gen. U Yan Thein, Mayor of Mandalay and Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee. On the same day, he hosted a grand dinner in honor of the Nepalese journalists delegation in Oriental House in Mandalay. U Ni Ni, Editor of Myanmar News Agency, journalists and senior officials were also present during that dinner.

The Maha Muni Buddha Image
We also visited Mahamuni Buddha Image in Mandalay. It is the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay. It is also known as the Maha Myat Muni, or Phaya Gyi or the Rakhine Phaya Gyi. It is the most ancient Buddha image in Myanmar. It was cast in the life-span of Lord Buddha in the seated posture of relaxed deportment, namely Bumi Phasa Mundra, symbolic of His Conquest of Mara.

In B.C. 123, in the reign of King Sanda Thuriya. Monarch of Rakhine-Dhanyawaddy, it was cast in the presence of Buddha. In 1146, King Bodawpaya brought the image reverently so as to enshrine it at the present site. It took four months to carry the image reverently across the Rakhine Yoma Ranges, by inland route and by waterway-a tough and rough journey indeed. The height of the Maha Muni Buddha Image is 8 cubits and 1 maik (3.83m). The altar is 2.13m high. There, 2 bronze Siamese images, 3 bronze lion images and 1 bronze three headed Ayeyawun elephants are housed and displayed in the precinct on the left side of the northern exit passage. Whoever visits Mandalay from local areas or from abroad unfailingly come and pay homage to the Maha Muni Buddha Image.

The Buddha Images representing various countries where Buddhism prospers well and the Buddha Images revered through successive eras are exhibited in the forms of photographs, paintings and sculptures. Not only Buddhists but also foreigners studying Buddhism pay a visit to this museum. On the left side of the eastern passage, in the prescient of the pagoda, is the Sanctuary Pond of Tortoises and on the right side, the Sanctuary Pond of fish.

About Yadanabon Bridge Construction Project
We also visited AYERARWADY ( Yadanabon ) bridge project in Mandalay. This project is located in Mandalay side ( Khawataw village ) and Sagaing side ( Tagaung village ) 2000 ft . away from existing INWA bridge on up-stream side. The total length of this bridge is 5614 ft and length of main bridge is 3694 ft.

Visit to University for the Development of National Races (UDNR)
On the first day of visit to Mandalay, we went to the University for the Development of National Races in Sagaing and viewed round the museum of the University. The Rector of the University Col. Zaw Min Thein and lecturer Daw Mu Mu Shwe gave the brief details of the University to us.

About U.D.N.R.
This University was established as the Academy for the Development of National Groups (A.D.N.G.) on 20th Oct. 1964. Later, A.D.N.G. was upgraded to the University level by State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No 9/91 and opened as the University for the Development of National Races of the Union (U.D.N.R.) on 10th June 1991.

The main objective of the University is to strengthen the Union Spirit among the national races and a commitment to make every possible effort for the development of the border areas in terms of education, health and communication. The motto of the University is “Unity is Strength”. The State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board (C.S.S.T.B.) and the University Council sponsor the machinery of the University and lay down guidelines for the welfare of the University.

In spite of the fact that U.D.N.R. is an educational institution, it cannot be categorized under the type of conventional institutions under the Ministry of Education. Instead, it has been put under the direct control of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman and the management of C.S.S.T.B. As such all the tasks set forth under master plans are carried out promptly and all the necessary requirements of the University are fulfilled by the authorities concerned. In doing so. U.D.N.R. is expected to be able to perform a variety of necessary activities successfully and effectively in the possibly shortest time and thus under the guidance of C.S.S.T.B. the smooth running of this University is made.

This is a unique University in the Union of Myanmar and it gives top priority to dynamism of the Union spirit among the National Races. At present the State is implementing both long-term and short-term plans with utmost efforts. The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe has also reminded the citizens of the importance of the motto- “Build the nation with sincere and zealous efforts” highlighting the need for co-ordination and co-operation of responsible citizens who undertake whatsoever tasks set with a real sense of commitment. Undoubtedly, the role of education is important in building a nation in which peace, prosperity and modernity flourish.

Hence, this University has been nurturing young generation to become good leaders who bear in mind the importance of three main national causes, viz Non – disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of National Sovereignty.

In Myanmar, the economic entrepreneurs are joining hands with the Government in running the business with honesty, discipline and farsightedness to bring about the development of the nation and the smooth running of the market economic system. The entire national development tasks are carried out with the collective leadership and individual responsibility. Due to the coordination and cooperation of the Government departments and the public together, the national development has become evident and gaining momentum. Actually we have found that the relationship between the Government and the people is just like the water and fish.

We have also found that the Government is emphasizing for development in the future are industrial development, electricity, mechanized agriculture, transportation, commodity price control and reduction. In order that the seven- step policy plan succeeds , consecutive and timely action are undertaken for the stability of the State, prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquility, to ease the food, clothing and shelter needs of the people and good educational foundation to be able to differentiate right or wrong and good or bad.

The Government of Union of Myanmar is carrying out the development tasks all over the nation including both the hills and the plains, there emerged social infrastructure - pagodas and monasteries, religious edifices, roads, bridges and irrigation facilities, mills and factories and so on. River and creek bridges have been constructed, filing the recesses in earth , leveling the ground and tunneling the mountains. All the national brethren on the hills and the plains have closer contacts and friendship as a result of smooth and efficient communication. Due to the irrigation facilities, agricultural production has become quite successful in the country.

We have found that the nation is developing very fast with three different objectives which is the main guidelines for everybody. These are :

Four Political Objectives

a) Stability of the State , community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law and order .
b) National reconsolidation.
c) Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution.
d) Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new State Constitution .

Four Economic Objectives

a) Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of
other sectors of the economy as well .
b) Proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system.
c) Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside the country and abroad.
d) The initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national peoples.

Four Social Objectives

a) Uplift of the morale and morality of the entire nation .
b) Uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character.
c) Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit .
d) Uplift of health , fitness and education standards of the entire nation

People's Desire
Besides, there are four Directives of the People's Desire. These are :

a) Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding
negative views.
b) Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of
the nation.
c) Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State.
d) Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy.

We sincerely appreciate and support the above mentioned three objectives and four directives of the People's Desire which should be followed by the other countries also . Due to that each and every Myanmar citizens have the feeling of nationalism , national unity , to save the sovereignty and to develop their country in full swing .
We experienced and witnessed for us from a very close quarter how the living standard of the Myanmar people had risen and improved . We noticed almost all people, to whatever vocation they belong to, very well dressed, quite happy and honestly dedicated to develop their country. Everywhere, both in the urban and rural regions we found construction and development works going on in full swing. Throughout the country it was really praiseworthy. All through new hotels are under construction to promote tourists which is also flourishing. The environment and atmosphere is every where neat and clean. The people are fully satisfied with the development works in all sectors. It was really a happy occasion see Myanmar developing. We have found the people enjoying full freedom of human right, full freedom of work, full freedom of expression, full freedom of democracy and full freedom of press. Likewise, we have found the political stability in Union of Myanmar.

There are so may impressions which cannot be expressed here. The only thing we could say is that we learnt much and yet we have to learn much from Myanmar. The Myanmar people have achieved that stage when Myanmar has become a heaven on the earth. It is all because of the trust that subsists between the people and the Government. The Government of Myanmar has already prepared the outline of the total development of Myanmar. The public life there is quite peaceful, serene and secure. The Government is committed to the people's progress and as a result the people too are extending their integrated cooperation to each and every step of the Government. The people are intensely willing to turn Myanmar clean, pure, green and attractive.

Myanmar is the military Government and it is quite different from any military government of the world. This Government is patriotic and bringing the best to help the Myanmar people. Whatever be the rumors spread by foreign media about Myanmar, it will be realized by any one who visits there how the Myanmar people feel proud of how, in fact, the national self respect has gone high, how national unity has become consolidated and how political stability has been established and the country has taken to an enduring path to development. Thus, “Seeing is believing”.

During our visit to Myanmar, we have seen that all the valuable historical items are well preserved. We are greatly impressed to the way the Nepalese community are living in Myanmar in happiness and peace.

We have found that businessmen are busy for business and industrialists are busy for better productions. The market price for any items are very cheaper and the quality is also very excellent. There is no robbery, no dacoits and no corruption in Myanmar . We have met many foreigner tourists and have seen many tourists with their smiling faces. In many places the people are donating in cash and we have found that the donations money are quite used by the concerning authorities of the Pagodas. We are highly satisfied and impressed from the recent developments made by the Government. Wherever we visited, we have been accorded warm welcome and kind hospitality which we never forget .

We sincerely hope that the Myanmar people will place an example before the world by developing their beloved country into a beautiful, prosperous and strong nation. We feel extremely happy to have become able to watch from a close quarter the pleasant and lofty objectives of a friendly nation to continue attaining prosperity. We feel assured that this successful visit of Nepalese journalists delegation to Union of Myanmar will further bring closer the relations between the Governments, journalists and people of the two countries. We once again express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Union of Myanmar, the journalists friends of that country and the people as well as H.E. U Myint Swe , Ambassador and U Kyaw Zeya, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar in Nepal for making this visit a great success. We wish with the solemn that the process of exchanging delegates of journalists between the two countries will continue in future too.

Article No. 2
On the auspicious occasion of 93rd Birth Anniversary of the
Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG

KIM IL SUNG
The Great Leader And Pioneer of
World Revolution

- Manju Ratna Sakya
President , Nepal Journalists Association
Chief Editor & Publisher: 'Arpan' Weekly

April 15th is the Birth Anniversary of President of KIM IL SUNG , the Great and beloved leader of the entire Korean People . The Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG, the sun of the Korean people was born in Mangyongdae , bearing the hope of mankind . The birth of the President KIM IL SUNG was a glory to the oppressed Korean people and a glory to all mankinds . It ushered in an era of a true life and an era of independence of the land of Korea. . This year on the occasion of 93rd Birth Anniversary and 11th Anniversary of the demised day of the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG, all the Korean people are expressing their deepest thanks and respect to him who had devoted all his life to the sacred cause for freedom and independence of the people and for social progress and made brilliant achievements for the mankind.
The Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG was the great thinker and theoretician who fathered the Juche idea, the great guiding idea of revolution which represents the whole historic period the present and the future and illumines the way ahead of era.
President KIM IL SUNG, the ever victorious iron willed brilliant commander led to victory the Korean war unleashed by the imperialists , bought about the beginning of a downhill turn for them for the first time in history and firmly defended the revolutionary gains . Basing himself on the Juche idea , he set forth the original theories on the socialist revolution and wisely led the popular masses to put them into reality . He proposed a unique policy of transforming the economic forms along socialist lines prior to technical reconstruction under the conditions that people demanded it and there were revolutionary forces prepared to carry it out and led the people to implement it and thus established in a short time the socialist system under which all people are equally well-off free from exploitation and oppression.
Frankly speaking, President KIM IL SUNG was not only the Great Leader of the entire Korean People but he was also one the beloved leader of all the progressive people of the world too.
President KIM IL SUNG wisely led the socialist construction with his unusual intelligence and turned Korea once backward into a dignified, powerful socialist industrial state. He organized and guided the socialist construction boldly & skillfully and converted Korea in war ruins into a powerful independent socialist state with strong heavy & modern light industry and developed agriculture in a very short time of 14 years after the war. He created the world startling brilliant literature and arts and established the most superior popular educational and public health system in Korea.
President KIM IL SUNG gave full answers to all questions of any journalists arising from the world revolutionary movement which has become complex and diversified in the present era.
He made a great contribution to unity and solidarity of the third world countries and the new emerging countries by proposing the policy that they should strengthen their unity and cooperation on the principle of complete equality , independence, mutual respect, non-interference in each other's domestic affairs and mutual benefit to cope with the divisive, alienating and subversive moves of the imperialists.
President KIM IL SUNG received many foreign politicians and public figures visiting Korea and had friendly talks with them and inspired them in confidence in victory of their struggle.
Any foreign visitors to the DPRK who had the honor of meeting President KIM IL SUNG entranced by his benevolent simple character. It is due to the greatness of both the idea of independence and the respected leader of the Korean people President KIM IL SUNG that more and more people are now following the ideal of an age of independence.
Many leaders, public figures and scholars from various countries of the world who met the President KIM IL SUNG express that they become familiar with the President KIM IL SUNG and came to talk with him without reserve before they knew it. This may be ascribable to his broad mindedness, great influence, modesty and simplicity.
The Korean people who are closely united around the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG, the sun of the Korean people and march forward under his dynamic leadership certainly won brilliant victories in the revolution in the work of construction and in the cause of national reunification .

Contribution of the Great Leader

The achievements accomplished by the Korean people under the dynamic leadership of the beloved President KIM IL SUNG, the founder of the great Juche idea had provided inspiration not only to the people of Korea along but also to the people of the world struggling for the promotion and consolidation of national independence and peace . The ideological and theoretical activities and the immortal exploits of the respected beloved leader will remain enshrined in golden letters in the world history of revolution. It is the unusual accomplishment of the far-sighted leadership of the Great Leader who led the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle and the Fatherland Liberation war to victory and built up a powerful independent national economy in Korea and the constant high speed of economic development .
The contributions rendered by the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG had produced splendid results in almost all the fields of society . The happy and prosperous Korean people are still enjoying under the rays of the ' Theses on the socialist rural question in our country ' published by the Great Leader.
The unique virtues and qualities of the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG are such that a well know critic of Japan who unable to understand the world trend had wondered about many countries was deeply touched at the Juche idea created by President KIM IL SUNG and visited Korea. After returning home he wrote an article 'President KIM IL SUNG moves Asia and the world.’
Today, President KIM IL SUNG is not with us but the world people respect President KIM IL SUNG as the Great Leader because he fathered the immortal Juche idea and thus illustrated the path ahead of mankind and accelerated the world revolution powerfully.
President KIM IL SUNG was in the forefront in the building of socialism and communism. During his time, the economy of Korea which the enemy claimed would not rise in a hundred years was restored in less than three years above the pre-war level. The historic task of socialist industrialization was carried out in a little over ten years and an independent national economy capable of developing by itself despite global economic turmoil was established. He also illuminate the road to the complete and final victory of socialism setting himself its example to the world.

Unique and Dynamic Personality of the Great Leader

It is indeed not an easy task to assess and evaluate the multifaceted talents and capacity of the most unique and dynamic leader of the entire Korean people President KIM IL SUNG to deal effectively with matters concerned with almost all parts of state affairs as well as the unusual contributions in making the Democratic People's Republic of Korea play considerable role in the world history . It was he who through his far-sightedness , wisdom and courage had protected ahead the nation's survival and progress from various challenges and threats from within and without .

The personality of President KIM IL SUNG symbolizes the entire and incessant contribution he had rendered for the economic, social and cultural development of DPRK. The history of DPRK remains incomplete if it does not shed light on the historic deeds of President KIM IL SUNG accomplished in the larger interests of his country and people. What have been published with regard to the unique qualities of President KIM IL SUNG’s life and personality were found to be concrete realities which I myself witnessed and experienced during our visit to DPRK in June 1979.
It is this personality of President KIM IL SUNG which had permeated in the heart of the entire Korean people and it is because of this that they have engaged themselves so heroically in the task of their national reconstruction. We personally witnessed this fact during our visit to DPRK. That a nation's overall development was possible only under the leadership of such a personality as had identified himself with the lives and aspirations of his people was borne out in the personality of President KIM IL SUNG. Had this national personality of President KIM IL SUNG not been so before the world, Korea and the Korean people would surely have not been able to emancipate themselves from their agony and troubles. The development campaigns launched in the political, economic, social and cultural fields by President KIM IL SUNG demonstrate beyond even the least suspicion that President KIM IL SUNG was always prepared and determined as ever for laboring hard for the bright future of his country and people. He had dedicated himself to the overall development and fulfillment of the larger interest of his country and people. These constructive contributions made in the larger interests of DPRK reflect without any diminution the personality of President KIM IL SUNG. It was under the dynamic leadership of this illustrious personality that DPRK become able to occupy its place of pride among the developed nation of the world.
It would not be inconsistent here to claim that President KIM IL SUNG’s personality had not remained confined only to any limited area but had expanded over the entire regions of the nation. In fact, the multi-faceted personality of President KIM IL SUNG had become a golden page in the history of multi-lateral progress of DPRK.
The Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG had so closely identified himself with the urges and aspirations of the people that there is nothing in the DPRK which does not carry the distinct impact of that great personality. The Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG had personally visited each and every nook and corner of the DPRK to understand for himself the hardships and problems of his people. The revolutionary idea formulated by President KIM IL SUNG is Kimilsungism with the Juche idea as the essence.
The revolutionary idea propounded by President KIM IL SUNG was an inheritance and development of Marxism-Leninism and it forms the highest pinnacle of the revolutionary ideas of the working class. In this sense, it may be said that the revolutionary idea of President KIM IL SUNG is not a mere present day Marxism–Leninism and it is proper that the Korean people call it Kimilsungism after his death also. President KIM IL SUNG, like the rising sun in the Far East had one of the most far-sighted leadership among all Marxism–Leninism leaders in the contemporary world. His success was ever uncontested leader of the DPRK, reflected absolute support to and trust in the Great Leader as a token of the unanimous desire of the Korean people entrusting all their destiny to him. Korean people hold him high veneration for he laid them through thick and thin.
The pace at which the great Korean people have attained progress in almost all fields of socio-economic structure of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the direct result of the wise and dynamic leadership of respected and beloved leader of the entire Korean people, President KIM IL SUNG who was adored as brilliant master of creation and construction. It was he who had performed immortal feats for the cause of human liberation and of socialist construction.
The experiences demonstrate that when he formulates line and policy at each stage of the revolution, he forces the distant future not only taking into account the present and sets a clear direction and objective of struggle for the masses.

Wise and Dynamic leadership of the Great Leader

The fact is already before the world still now about how the pace of economic, social and cultural development of DPRK had accelerated in an unprecedented manner under the dynamic leadership of the Great and beloved leader of the entire Korean people, President KIM IL SUNG. The historic event of how Korea and the Korean people have emancipated themselves from the situation of dependence on others under the far-sighted policy and dynamic leadership of the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG who believes in the fact that the progress of the country is possible only through the spirit of dedication to duty, labor and wisdom of the Korean people themselves. There is no exaggeration to maintain that the sacrifice and peerless contribution rendered by President KIM IL SUNG in tiding over any difficulty and troubles for the overall development of the country and the people have been enshrined in golden words in the memorable pages of the history of Korea.
It was the far-sighted policy and able leadership of the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG that had played the mainly instrumental role in arraying Korea and the Korean people in an atmosphere of independence after having incessantly fought against Japanese and U.S. imperialism. The heroic role played by the Korean people under his revolutionary leadership too occupies a place of pride in the history of Korea. There cannot be two opinions about the fact that the brave activities and the struggleful life of the Korean people equipped with revolutionary ideals constitute the main background of the speedy progress of Korea. The fighter’s role which the Korean people developed and consolidated in the struggle for their country’s independence without wavering even in the least in face of the having full faith in the ultimate victory through the adherence of the principles of mutual help and following single mindedly the policy and directives enunciated by President KIM IL SUNG during the course of struggle has become such an immortal part of history which will continue to inspire the entire peace loving people of the world.
Inspired always by the political personality of the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG who was accustomed to the ways of a revolutionary family life had contributed untiring labor for the larger development of Korea when Korea has been achieving new heights every week on the road of development. There will be no exaggeration to claim that the far-sighted leadership and fatherly affection of President KIM IL SUNG had placed the country very much ahead of many Asian countries. He loves his people very much in the same way as does his own children. The sentiments, gratitude and esteem expresses for him present a living example of how much the entire Korean people were impressed by the personality of President KIM IL SUNG who had never alienated himself from the feeling that the weal and woe of his people are his own weal and woe. The unprecedented progress achieved in the field of education, agriculture, industry, culture etc. under the dynamic leadership of the Korean’s beloved leader President KIM IL SUNG had brought Korea in line with the other developed nations of the world.
While on a visit to DPRK, we personally realized that the speedy progress which is being made by Korea in accordance with the principle and the pace of Chollima being practiced under the able leadership of President KIM IL SUNG had become an imitable lesson for all developing countries. What we witnessed during our tour of different parts of DPRK proved that Korea had in fact become well established and developed. The Korean people have now become not only able to fulfill their essential needs but are also making tremendous headway in the direction of attaining self-reliance. Consequently, the Korean people are today free from the problem of unemployment. The entire working people have received the opportunity of choosing professions of their own propensity by in keeping with their desire and enjoy full state guarantee for the security of their job. I am confident that the contributions which the ideological unity, technological and cultural revolution have rendered in augmenting production and accelerating the pace of progress will go a long way in further consolidating the gains of the Korean development in the future. It was under the far-sighted and dynamic leadership of President KIM IL SUNG that Korea had attained full national independence, economic self-reliance and ability to defend itself without obtaining any foreign assistance, thus turning itself an internationally recognized developed country.

Reunification of Korea, Imperative for Peace

The speedy progress of DPRK has set off a wave of jubilation throughout the world and it is undoubtedly as event of very significance. Even so it is a matter of deep regret for any peace loving people of the world to see this country remaining trunketted even in this age. The Korean people had sometimes to fight against the Japanese militarism and sometimes against the armed aggression by the US imperialism for the sake of their national independence and this presented before the world a struggleful history of this nation. When the division of this country between the northern and southern regions is a matter lacerating the heart of any human being, it is quite natural that the pain of the Korean people themselves should surpass that of any other in measure and feelings over this unfortunate situation. Under such circumstances therefore, reunification of Korea has become a matter of foremost imperative and DPRK has throughout been making endeavors to this end.
The speedy progress being achieved by the Korean people under the judicious and dynamic leadership of the great personage, President KIM IL SUNG was undoubtedly a matter of extreme pleasure not only for the Korean people alone but also to the entire peace loving people of the world. We in Nepal take particular interest in and rejoice at this inspiring progress of the great Korean people. The divided situation of Korea is a matter of constant pain to any freedom loving people of the world. This alone is the main and stands out as a very prosperous nation in the world today, the division of the country into two sectors –north and south is indeed the main national problem for Korea. It is in view of this that the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG had made untiring endeavors towards attaining reunification of Korea ever since the founding of the DPRK. The three principles and five programs put forwarded by President KIM IL SUNG in June 1973 in connection with the solution of this issue have evoked international praise. The UN General Assembly had helped world public opinion to stand in favor of the justified stance of the Korean people by supporting the proposal for achieving peaceful reunification of Korea. Korea has a five thousand year old history and only one language, one culture and one civilization. It is therefore a matter of pain for any freedom loving people of the world to see this country remaining trunketted for many years. Korea is one nation and it cannot be divided into two nations. There cannot be two opinion on the fact that reunification of Korea should be accomplished into one nation, bound by the same & one ethnic and cultural fabric. The Korean people are determined to attain reunification of their country still under the most inspiring and esteemed leadership of the great and beloved leader of the Korean people Comrade KIM JONG IL who is the General Secretary of the WPK.
The proposal for attaining peaceful and democratic reunification of Korea without any foreign interferences in therefore very justified and significant under the present context. It is inevitable therefore that an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust should be promoted and relations between the two should be developed so that a climate conducive to promoting national unity be built and the lofty task of peaceful reunification of the country achieved .
We sincerely wish the earliest possible materialization of the reunification of Korea as proposed by President KIM IL SUNG.

Face to Face Talk and Interview with the Great Leader
President KIM IL SUNG

On the official invitation of the Government of DPRK, a four member high level Nepalese journalists delegation of Nepal Journalists Association had visited DPRK from 12th June to 22nd June 1979. In the delegation, Mrs. Subha Laxmi Sakya, Mr. N.K. Aryal and Mr. Gopal Gurung were the members.
The Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG despite his very busy engagements in Party and state activities granted us audience as well as interview at Chongjin on 19th June 1979 and the way he intimately embraced me by calling me as an old friend, left indelible imprint on my heart. I felt very lucky to have a great opportunity with the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG face to face and heart to heart talk .This can never be effaced from my memory. This day is, therefore, a very important day in my life.
The Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG answered all of my questions. Before answering of my questions, the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG told me : " I should have met you in Pyongyang. But being away on a local tour of guidance, I was obliged to request you to come a long way here. I am very sorry for this. I would like you to understand this circumstance.
I bid you a hearty welcome on your visit to our country.
I express my thanks to you for your great efforts to promote friendship between the Korean and Nepalese peoples and for the active support and encouragement you have given our people.
I am especially grateful to you, the Chairman of the Nepalese Journalists Association, for your positive support and encouragement to the Korean people's struggle for national reunification and socialist construction, and also for the congratulatory messages you have sent me several times. Although this is my first meeting with you, I feel as if I am meeting an old friend. Today's meeting has made us close friends.
I present you my thanks for the cordial words you have spoken about this country and about myself. I am also thankful for your active support to our people's cause of national reunification.
Today I meet you in the recess of a conference. Although our time is limited, I will briefly answer your questions. "
After that the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG gave the answer which I put before him. Among all the questions in regard to the friendly relations between Nepal and DPRK, President KIM IL SUNG replied "You said that the friendly relations are developing favorably between Korea and Nepal , which I think is very important.
The Kingdom of Nepal and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea now have a great friendship. We deem this friendship fully in accord with the interests of our two peoples.
Our two countries, both located in Asia, champion independence. We are also member states of the non-aligned movement. I think this provides the basis of unity to our two countries.
We highly appraise and actively support the policy of the Kingdom of Nepal for developing into a peaceful, neutral and independent country.
Last year younger brothers of the King of Nepal visited our country, and it greatly contributed to the friendship between our two peoples.
In future, too, we will continue to strive for strengthening the friendship and solidarity between the Kingdom of Nepal and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea , between the Nepalese and Korean peoples.
I hope that our two peoples will march forward shoulder to shoulder for the unity of the independent national states and the non-aligned countries.
Our two countries are developing nations, so we must cooperate and make interchanges and share good experiences with each other in all fields, further strengthening friendship and solidarity.
I believe that your efforts for cultivating friendship between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Nepal will further promote the friendly relations between our two countries.
I am very glad to see you today . I hope you will continue to work for the friendship between the two countries as good friends of the Korean people.
I am very grateful that you have come here to see me today, and hope that back home you will kindly convey to your people the best wishes of our people for them " .
During the meeting, we had the fortunate opportunity of knowing and acquainting ourselves with the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG commanding international veneration and esteem from a very close quarter and the impressions of the same are even today indelible in my mind and heart. We ourselves feel sometimes wonderstruck to see how the impressions of President KIM IL SUNG’s personality have been immortal on our heart and then put a question and ask as to why it could become so. Then immediately we recall the most affectionate and friendly manner in which the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG treated us and the members of our delegation during that visit and some to the conclusion that was mainly the reason behind that. The day we happened to personally meet President KIM IL SUNG symbolizes, we feel, the fulfillment of our long cherished dream and aspirations. We are indeed very much indebted to President KIM IL SUNG for the precious time he allotted to grant me an interview, and feel that the affections and most cordial treatment he meted out towards us, we and our colleagues on the occasion too was equality significant. It was indeed a very unique occasion for us to have received such a fraternal treatment from the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG. The simplicity and deep affection with which President KIM IL SUNG held conversation with me and replied to my various questions confirmed in our minds and hearts the truth that it is these qualities and virtues of this most distinguished personality of President KIM IL SUNG which in fact are responsible for taking Korea on the path of progress and prosperity.

Visit to DPRK again and again

Likewise, I got the opportunity to visit DPRK with my wife Mrs. Subha Laxmi Sakya on the official invitation of Govt. of DPRK again from 7th March to 19th March 1980. from 8th October to 18th October 1980 and from 20th November to 1st December 1990. During my visit to DPRK on November 1990, I also get the great opportunity to put the questions before the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG on 29th November 1990 in Pyongyang.
In regard to my question about the friendly relations between Nepal and the DPRK to further strengthening these ties of friendship and mutual cooperation and understanding, President KIM IL SUNG gave the answer : "Historically, the relations between Korea and Nepal have been developing favorably. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the Kingdom of Nepal in May 1974, the peoples of the two countries have been supporting and cooperating with each other in the political, economic, cultural and other fields. At present the relations of friendship and cooperation between Korea and Nepal are developing still better with every passing day, thanks to the joint efforts of their governments and peoples.
Both Korea and Nepal are independent countries that value the ideals of non-alignment, peace and friendship. Ours are the relations of genuine friendship and cooperation on equal terms, based on mutual understanding and confidence.
Our two countries have good prospects for developing these relations continuously and favorably in the future.
Korea and Nepal are situated in Asia. Today’s Asia is entering a new stage of development, focusing the attention of the international community. The Asian people are industrious, talented and strong in the spirit of independence. Judging from its natural and geographical conditions, Asia has great potentials for rapid progress. The Asian people must oppose imperialist aggression and intervention, rid themselves of backwardness and poverty handed down from the past, and build an independent, peaceful and prosperous new Asia. To this end, the Asian countries must further develop solidarity and cooperation.
Expanding and developing the relations of friendship and cooperation between Korea and Nepal will not only help the two peoples build a new society but also contribute to strengthening solidarity among the Asian people and cooperation among the Asian nations.
It is the consistent foreign policy of the Government of our Republic to unite with the peoples of all countries who champion independence and to further the relations of friendship and cooperation with the Asian countries in particular. The Government and people of the DPRK will, as in the past, make every effort to develop the many-sided relations of friendship and cooperation with the Nepalese people under the banner of independence, peace and friendship.
Availing myself of this opportunity, I send warm greetings to the friendly Nepalese people and wish them a fresh success in their efforts to safeguard the independence of the country and their unity of the nation and to build a new society which is democratic and non-aligned. "
During our visit, we came across living example of how the state has made all necessary provisions to systematically raise the living standard of the Korean people in all fields. The credit to all this goes to the Great Leader President KIM IL SUNG. It is the result of this contribution that the entire Korean people are today prosperous and happy. We had notices the record of the tremendous progress made in the field of education during our visit to Korea and we found that the country had gone further ahead in those fields when we visited Korea again and again. The entire Korean children have been provided with all modern facilities and DPRK is the only country in the world where education and medical treatment are completely free. There are provisions for the welfare of the old people and the women fold too and they have been emancipated from various problems. To be true, the society of DPRK has become free from all kinds of exploitation which is a great victory for the entire Korean people.
DPRK is developing vary fastly because there is no political problems. Each and every Korean people have the feeling of national unity, nationalism, to save the sovereignty and to develop their country in full swing without any foreign interferences. I have also found that the relations between the Korean people and the Government is just like the relations between water and fish.
Actually speaking, DPRK is still progressing under the dynamic and far-sighted leadership of the Great Leader Comrade KIM JONG IL. On this happy occasion, I and the on behalf of Nepal Journalists Association sincerely wish a long life and good health of His Excellency Comrade KIM JONG IL, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK, Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and the Great Leader of the Korean people and prosperity of the Korean people.
Long-live Nepal-DPRK friendship and relations !