08 April, 2006 - Published 18:43 GMT
Student movements in Burma
Students have been in the forefront of struggles against colonialism and oppression in different stages of history.
They have been the fighters for independence and for freedom and democracy. This activism inevitably brings students into a headlong confrontation with authorities. Even one-time student leaders when they came to power had brutally cracked down on student movements. But students have been carrying this 'spirit of the fighting peacock' and handing it over to the coming generations.
Why students are such a potent force in national political movements? What does this spirit of the fighting peacock mean? What is the role of student unions? What will be the students movement in Burma like? BBC Burmese looks into the history of students' struggles and speak to key student leaders since pre-independence period in this five-part series 'Khut dawn taungpan khat than myar' (Sounds of the Fluttering Wings of the Fighting Peacock).
Programme One:
Student movements in history. Saya Dagon Taryar, U Hla Pe, Ko Maung Maung Tate, Min Ko Naing and Min Zeya speak about their experiences.
Click here to listenProgramme Two:
What is the role of unions in students movements. Where is the line drawn between students' affairs and politics? Should students become involved in political movements?
Ludu Daw Amar, Bogyoke Kyaw Zaw, U Hla Shwe, Maung Swan Yee, U Aung Saw Oo and Min Ko Naing give their views.
Programme Three:
In various periods of history, students have come into headlong confrontations with those in power. Are students too militant and eager to invite troubles all the time? Or are authorities in constant fear of the students' power? Student leaders Dagon Trayar, U Khin Maung Ohn, U Tha Ban, David Takabaw, Phado Mahn Sha, Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint and U Aung Saw Oo plus Ludu Daw Amar share their views and experiences..
Programme Four:
The student uprisings in 1988 began with a brawl between RIT students and the local residents in Rangoon's Gyogone district. That was just a spark which ignited people's discontentment over the harsh rule of the Socialist government into nationwide strikes. Key players in the 1988 movement recount the events they went through.
Programme Five
One of the most significant consequences of the 1988 uprisings is the birth of student political parties and the student army. Why did the students decide to hold arms against the military regime? What will be the future path of student movements in Burma? Ko Moe Thee Zun, Ko Than Khe, Ko Aung Moe Win, Ko Min Ze Ya, U Aung Saw Oo and Ma Khin Ohmmar share their views.