ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE

We the Chin Students’ Union was invited on 20^th september 2013 in a one day SPS (Social Policy Studies)- BCD (Burma Centre Delhi) –IIC (India International Centre) Round Table Conference on India’s Response To A Changing Myanmar.

The following are the participants from the Chin Students’ Union, New Delhi at the Round Table conference:

Salai Siang Ceu, Presient ,

Salai Van Hup Thawng General Secretary, 

Mai Phoebe Treasurer,

Mai Rozalinn Zahau, Auditor,

Salai Lallianbik, Vice President

Mai Anna Secretary of Finance

Salai Sang HninLian and

Salai C.Beizachi advisor. 

There was also an evening interaction and discussion program between CSU, BCD( Burma Centre Delhi) MP’s and the representatives from Myanmar together with the North East Scholar( Delhi) about the current Myanmar political affairs and we had a special dinner together.

The main objective of organizing this SPS-BCD-IIC Round Table Conference (RTC) is to bring together persons with appropriate expertise from India and Myanmar to explore and interact on relevant issues that concern India and Myanmar, close neighbors who share historical bonds.

The following are the details of the speakers and their topic at the RTC:-

Indian Speakers:

PinakRanjanChakravarty (Secretary (ER), Govt. of India

Mr.Chakravarty joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977, after a brief stint in the State Bank of India. He has served both at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, and Indian Missions abroad, including in Cairo, Jeddah, and London. He was Consul General of India in Karachi in 1994-1995, Minister at the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv from 1995 to 1999 and later served as Deputy High Commissioner of India in Dhaka from 1999 to 2002. At Headquarters he has served as Deputy Chief of Protocol, Director in the Americas Division and also as Director, SAARC Summit Secretariat, 1995 in New Delhi. He was the chief of Protocol in New Delhi from 2002 to 2006. He served as High Commissioner to Bangladesh from 2007 to 2009. From 2010-2011 (September) he served as Ambassador to Thailand. Currently, he is Secretary (Economic Relations) at MEA

His speech was about the Indo- Myanmar relation, Kaladan Multi Project, oil, gases and trade relation.

Preet Malik (Former Ambassador, Myanmar, Special Secretary, Govt. of India)

Ambassador Preet Malik is a former Ambassador to Myanmar. Amb.Preet Malik retired as Special Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1962, after a brief stint in the Kalinga Industries Ltd.has served both at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, and Indian Mission abroad. He was First Secretary and acting PR Permanent Mission to UN, Geneva. He also served as Director at Ministry of Commerce. He was Indian Ambassador at Baharin, Cuba and Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Seychelles, Malaysia, Brunei. He was Ambassador to Myanmar between 1990-1992. He also served as Secretary (ER) at MEA, New Delhi. He is specialized in Economics Diplomacy.

His speech at the RTCwas about the border development with Myanmar, political aspect and developmental issues.

Prof. BaladasGhoshal (Director(Acedemics) Society of Indian Ocean Studies)

His most recent publication is a monograph on China;s Perception of Indian’s Look East Policy, brought out by Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses.

Topic at the RTC: India’s role in the political transition in Myanmar

Mr.C.SKupuswamy (South Asia Analysis Group)

Topic at the RTC: Trade and business: India- Myanmar

Mr.Ashish Sonal, CEO Orkash

Topic at the RTC: Addressing Challenges to Business and Economics Opportunities: Synergizing Risk Mitigation & Inclusive Growth

Mr. Ravi Bhoothlingam, Founder Chairman, Manas Advisory and Member, CII

Topic at the RTC: Economy, Investment and Connectivity.

Mr.AtulShunglu, Asst. Secretary General, FICCI

Topic at the RTC: Role of Myanmar in India’s Look East Policy

Myanmar Speakers:

Dr. Aye Maung (Chairperson, Rakhine Nationalities Development Party-RNDP, and Member of Parliament- Upper House

The RNDP was formed in 2010. During the 2010 elections, the RNDP won seven seats in the upper house and nine seats in the lower house, making it second largest party in the upper house, after the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (Which won 129 seats with 76.79%). The RNDP also won 18 seats (18 out of 47) in the Rakhine State Parliament. Before he joined his political carrier, Dr. Aye was Assistant Director of Veterinary Department.

Topic at the RTC:Myanmar’s  New Parliament: Challenges in 2014 as ASEAN chair, expectiation for 2015 election and response from neighbouring countries.

PuZamCinPao (PuZoZam)( Chairperson, Chin National Party-CNP, and Member of Chin State Parliament)

The CNP is a Chin ethnic party, formed in April 2010. During the election, the CNP won a total of four seats across both houses, and five seats (5 out of 24) in Chin State Parliament. Before he joined in his political carrier, Pu Zo Zam was a local cartoonist and humanitarian worker.

Topic at the RTC:  India- Myanmar joint ventures and border situation

Salai Isaac Khen (Executive Director, Gender and Developemt Initiative- Myanmar)

Salai Isaac Khen is a civil society leader, peace activist, gender equality and minority rights advocate. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Gender and Development Initiative Myanmar, one of the leading local organization working for gender equality, minority rights, and civil society’s involving in peace and reconciliation process through conducting research, organizing training, workshops and seminars and engaging public policy dialogues. He is also an active member of Action Asia Which is a regional network of peace builders and activists from Asian countries.

Topic at the RTC; Overview of present political scenario in Myanmar and peace process with ethic armed groups

Dr. Tint Swe (Ex. MP National League for Democracy)

Dr Tint Swe is Ex. Member of Parliament, Myanmar. Currently, he is Medical officer, Yamuna Clinic for Burmese Communities in India. Dr.Swe received his degree in Medical from Mandalay.Dr. Tint Swe has served as a member of the NCGUB holding different porfolios: South Asian Affairs minister, Health and Education minister, Prime Minister’s Office minister and Information and Public Relation Minister.

Topic at the RTC: Overview of Trade and investment and economic development in Myanmar

Ei Ei Toe Lwin (Senior Reporter, The Myanmar Times)

Ei Ei Toe Lwin is a senior reporter at the English and Myanmar language newspaper, Myanmar Times, when she has worked since 2010. She covers general news as well as current affairs, including stories about the environment, politics and ethnic affairs. She received her Master of Research in International Relation from Dagon University in 2008. As a reporter, EiEi Toe Lwin has attended journalism courses both in Myanmar and Thailand, with special focus on reporting about the environment, election, and public policy. Still, most of her experience comes from learning on the job. EiEi Toe Lwin speaks English and some German. She intends to dedicate her career to journalism.

Topic at the RTC: Role of media in Myanmar and laws on freedom of press

The 12th CSU General Election Result_2013

2013 Elected CSU EC members with Election Commission

The Result of 12^th General Election for central executive committee of Chin Students’ Union is as bellow:-

1.      Salai Siang Ceu @ Peka                     (President)

2.      Salai Lal Lian Bik                                 (Vice-President)

3.      Salai Van Hup Thawng                     (General Secretary)

4.      Salai Sang Duh Lian                           (Assistant Secretary)

5.      Mai Phoebe                                          (Treasure)

6.      Mai Anna Jane Thimyou                 (Secretary of Finance)

7.      Mai Jennifer Sanghleitial                (Secretary of Education)

8.      Salai Billy Jackson                             (Secretary of Literature & Culture)

9.      Salai Bawi Uk                                       (Secretary of Information & Publicity)

Auditors

1. Mai Rozalinn Zahau
2. Salai Thian Za Thang

Our Mission Statement:

The Motto of CSU is ‘Stand for Chinland’

Aims and Objectives

1.      To reform a stable Chin Students’ Union in Chin State, Burma.

2.      To help and elucidate education and social problems of Chin people.

3.      Preserving and promoting Chin Literature, Culture and tradition.

4.    Advocating on behalf of the people for equality and self-determination in the Union of Burma together with other minority co-founder of the Union.

 Thank you :) 

Chin Students' Union 12th Conference & Election was Successfully held in Delhi

Annual Report 2012-2103

Chin Students’ Union,

Delhi, India

            Chin Students’ Union was formed in 1995 in Delhi by few exiled students from Burma. Before the year 2012, General Conference of CSU was organized once in two years. As some constitutions were amended in the 11^th General Conference & Election which was held on 15^th August 2012, one of the amended articles says that the CSU General Conference and Election will be held once a year. Therefore we are now holding General Conference after one year. As per resolution of the 11^th Conference, Title of Chapter 1, Section 22, section 25 and section 60-C of the constitution were amended. After conference and election the new executive committee members actively involved in the following activities of the tenure.

The Students’ Union of the session 2012-2013 has been one of the most hard working and successful Union in the recent time. The Union members under the guidance of Advisors Dr. Run Bik, Dr. Achan Mungleng, Mr. Van Hmun Lian (CHRO), Mr. Min Thang (ZCD), Mr. Salong and Mr. Laitha (Former CSU president) have made the Union proud. The Union comprised of really dedicated and hardworking members, to name a few Salai Sang Hnin Lian- the President, Salai June Nilian Sang- General Secretary, Salai C. Beizachhi- Vice President, Salai Van Hup Thawng- Asst. Secretary, Mai Phoebe- Treasure etc.

Key Activities of 2012

1.   August 24, 2012:- Visit to Dr.Achan Mungleng

After one week from election, the newly elected executive committee members (Sang Hnin Lian, June Nilian Sang, Beizachhi and Phoebe) marched together to visit Dr. Achan Mungleng (CSU advisor) at EBO office.

2.   September 14 -16, 2012:- Ethnic Nationalities Peace Conference

The CSU could send its president Salai Sang Hnin Lian as representative in the conference which was organized by UNFC in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

3.   September 15, 2012:- “Bonding and Connecting” one-day educational & Recreational Program

This project was organized by Euro Burma Office. In this project, two persons from CSU were officially invited to co-operate. However, due to time limitation, only one representative, Beizachhi, could be sent for this event. The program was organized successfully at Vikas Puri Football ground.

4.   October 04, 2012:- Seminar on Strengthening Students Capacity

This program was the first major activities in this tenure 2012-13. The program focused on strengthening youth and students from different schools and colleges, helping them to realize why we need education and wisdom. This projected was sponsored by Burma Center Prague (BCP). The program was attended by more than 55 youth and students from Chin community.

5.   October 05, 2012:- Seminar on Political Situation in Burma & Fresher Welcome

This is the succession program of the previous day seminar. This seminar focused on political situation in Burma, which was discussed by Dr. Tint Shwe (MP 1990) presenting on “Democracy” Richard Ramci (Papu) presented on the topic of Rule of Law, and Salai Sang Hnin Lian sharing about his experiences in the Ethnics Conference and visiting Burma. The Seminar was attended by more than fifty persons from Burma Community. This seminar is also organized by CSU with the financial support from Burma Center Prague, Czech Republic.

6.   November 05, 2012:- CSU met with Zomi Community Delhi

This meeting was organized according to mutual agreement between the two organizations. This meeting was held for the hope of observing Chin Nation Day in Delhi together. Participants in the meeting were seven from CSU including the union advisors Dr. Run Bik, Ko Min Thang and Ko Salong and nine from Zomi community.

7.   November 14, 2012:- Jawaharlal Nehru memorial lecture by Aung San Suu Kyi

The invited number was limited in this program. Salai Sang Hnin Lian, Beizachhi Cozah and June Nilian Sang could participate and hear Nehru Memorial lecture by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

8.   December 05, 2012:- Myanmar: Distant Neighbor Conference

This conference was organized by the Centre for Northeast Studies and Policy Research at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. June Nilian Sang and Rosalinn Zahau could represent CSU at the conference. The participants were from Political Party Leaders and NGO from Myanmar, Political activists in India, Professors Scholars and MPs. CSU namely June Nilian Sang and Kejung Kimsing (former vice president) helped the MPs from Burma, Professors, Social Workers and Media persons, who came to attend the International Conference on Myanmar in Delhi, to visit the historic places in Delhi in December 2012. 

9.   December 07, 2012:- Salai Sui Uk Lian Meet

Sui Uk Lian, former CSU leader and member of CNF who is actively taking part in Chinland Club fundraising, on his way to Victoria Camp met us at Delhi on 07^th December 2012. He shared ideas, experience of CSU during his time in Delhi. He also donated Rs. 5,000 for CSU activities.

10. January 06-07, 2013:- CSU Study Tour

CSU had organized the second study tour to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The participants were 26 from CSU member and 4 from outside. The budget spent was self-contribution.

11. January 19, 2013:- Demonstration against Kachin War in Burma

Chin Students Union was invited officially and requested to donate for this protest. Rs.1000 was donated from CSU fund. Sang Hnin Lian and Beizachhi had represented CSU. A joint-statement was issue by Chin Students’ Union (Delhi) and Chin Student Organization (Malaysia). The president also had a short speech on behalf of CSU.

Key Activities of 2013

12. January 22, 2013:- CSU met with Pu Lian Uk (CNF President)

Pu Lian Uk, an Ex MP and current CNF Supreme Council President, was met by 6 CSU members at CHRO office. The purpose of meeting him is to be shared the history of Chin Students’ Union and CLCC which was originally formed Rangoon and political situation in Burma.

13. February 12, 2013:- Falam Refugee Organization meet

This meeting was initiated by Chin Students’ Union and organized by Falam Refugee organization at their office. This meeting focused on reconciliation between the two organizations. 15 CSU members and 8 members from FRO were attended in this meeting. 

14. February 20, 2013:- 65^th Chin National Day

As usual, Chin National Day was initiated by CSU. The celebration committee was formally formed with community leaders. The financial sources were obtained from community, churches, organizations, local and abroad individuals and self-fundraising. The Celebration committee officially agreed to donate the remaining fund of CND to CSU.

15. March 15 2013:- Fundraising through T-Shirt

During the semester break, we made T-Shirt for fundraising and it also aims unity among members. 50 shirts were made and sold at Rs.300 per piece. It was distributed to members only and each advisor of CSU is honored by this T-Shirt. 

16. June 22, 2013:- CNF Regional Committee Delhi Meet

The Chin National Front, Delhi regional committee initiated and organized the meeting with Chin Students’ Union on June 22. This meeting was only two parties (CSU and CNF). This meeting aims to unite and support for whatever in of CSU. The meeting was attended by 10 persons from CSU and 9 from CNF.

17. June 26, 2013:- Salai Tin Maung Oo Memorial Day

Salai Tin Maung Oo, former Secretary of CLCC, is the Chin student assassinated by Gen. Ne Win’s government in 1976 in Rangoon. Chin Students’ Union organized his Memorial Day on 26^th June every year. This year was the 36^th anniversary. We, CSU could organize successfully. The Memorial Day service was attended by more than 60 persons from different Burmese community Delhi.

18. June 30, 2013:- Farewell

As the first ever fresher welcome of CSU was organized at the beginning of this academic year, we also could organize farewell for those students who have finished their courses successfully.

19. July 15-25, 2013:- JRS survey on Chin Community

The Jesuit Refugee Service organized the second term survey to Chin Community. This survey was helped and supported by community leaders. Salai Sang Duh and Mai Phoebe Mang from CSU could represent Chin Students’ Union taking part in this survey.

20. July 2013:- Helping to get admission in School, College and University

During the month of July CSU helped more than nine students to get university admission. Salai Sang Hnin Lian and Sang Duh mainly take part in this help. CSU also help numbers of students to get admission in school level this year.

21. August 2, 2013:- Education and Career Counseling

CSU could organize the third time Seminar in this tenure. This seminar is based on education and Career which was financially supported by Burma Center Prague (BCP). BCP is an NGO based in Czech and directly supported by the foreign Ministry of Czech Republic. The Counseling program was attended and participated more than 60 youths and students.

  

22. August 2, 2013:- Fresher Welcome

On the same day, we organized the second fresher welcome and had dinner together. We have 18 new students in this new academic year.

23. August 8, 2013:- Demonstration for 8888 People Uprising

This Demonstration program was organized by Burma Democratic Force, Delhi. Chin Students’ Union was officially invited to participate in the same program. Two persons namely June Nilian Sang and Salai C. Beizachhi, could participate. CSU had brought Statement and Short speech at the event.

24. August 15, 2013:- Project Management Training

This training was organized by Burma Centre Prague (BCP) at their office, and two representatives, Sang Hnin Lian and Van Hup thawng from CSU attended the training. This training specialized own fundraising and sustainability of the organization.

We have more than 30 new members during this tenure. In 2013, three of the CSU members namely Salai Sang Hnin Lian, Salai C. Beizachhi and Mai Bawi Sung are graduated from their respective University. We had 8 times Executive Committee Meetings.We could issue four statements during this tenure. The financial audition was done on 18^th August 2013. The tenure for 2012-2013 will end today 24^th August, 2013.

Central Executive Committee

Chin Students’ Union

Delhi, India

The One-day: Career & Education Counselling Was Successfully Organized

The projects have been implemented successfully at 6:30pm on 2 August, 2012 (Friday). In this one-day project, “Education & Career Counselling” on the scope in education and admission process for Burmese/Chin, there are more than 60 individuals attended the program including some of the CSU’s members. The program started from 9:30 am in the morning and the first session of Career Counselling or Guidance was finished at 12:30 pm in the afternoon. The first speaker, Dr. Achan Mungleng, an independent researcher and former program coordinator of EBO, Southeast Asia speaks on the above mentioned topic. The Second session, Education Counselling’ program was started at 1:15pm right after lunch and it was over by 6:30 pm in the evening at Chin Believers Church (CBC). In the second session of Education Counselling includes two speakers Mr. Lal Lian Bik (M.A Social Work) on Strengthening Burmese Youths and Students in the scope of education and Mr. Thian Za Thang (M.A. BJ) on Media Studies and its importance. Unfortunately, the two speakers couldn’t come for the program due to some urgent works.

Firstly, Dr. Achan Mungleng speaks on the Career Guidance for about 2 hours in the first session.She explained the differences between Work, Job and Career in details. According to her, Work is voluntary without getting paid. Job is for the sake of being paid only and Career has interest, abilities and also gets paid. Career is the “progress” and “actions” taken by a person throughout a lifetime, especially those related to that person’s occupations. She also speaks about the important of career and said that Career is “Skill based” and “Interest Driven” or it helps us to focus on our positive and negative traits. Choosing a career does not begin with the career. It begins with the understanding oneself and the finding a career at which one could excel. In conclusion, she said that Career development and planning is a lifelong process. Individuals will continue to build and draw on their experiences and capabilities. The process is unique to each individual and people will require different types of assistance dependent on the many factors affecting your life, such as: Family, Society, Work history and the Labour market. Career planning is a life time process because we are always learning and growing. And as we do, our interests and needs also change. Career planning is not just making plans to achieve our career, but it involves making many adjustments along the ways throughout our lives. Career Planning is like mapping our future. Without proper planning, no one could think of getting a desired job in future.

Secondly, Mr. Lal Lian Bik presented the topic on “Strengthening Burmese/Chin Youths and Students on the scope of education”.  He shared with the participants how to enjoy and to do well in college? He encourages socializing, chatting with your professors, taking advantage of the resources available and he lastly reminded to watch their finances. He also advises the students to go to class regularly, stay organized, and be like-business about their education. He told them to find their own best method of studying, balance work, school and social life, to use time effectively and efficiently, to be sure to take care of their health. Maintains 100% effort throughout the semester and always tries to keep a positive attitude and have confidence.

Thirdly, Mr. Thian Za Thang speaks about the important of Media Studies and Media Institution for country like Burma. He also explained how Newspaper, Radio, TV, Internet – (Online, site) Magazine, etc... Work in shaping government. He specifically talks about MASS COMMUNICATION. He said the simplest definition of MC is “Public communication transmitted electronically or mechanically” or “messages that are transmitted” or “sent to large perhaps millions” or “billions of people spread across the world”. He also mentioned the importance of COMMUNICATION SKILL which includes Body language, Emotion, Action, Faire face in mass communication. He explained how to view ourselves: self-image, to know feeling & thoughts about one’s strength, and weakness. And, relatively stable set of perceptions you hold of yourself: emotional states, talents, likes, dislikes, value, etc... He also encourages the participants to take up the Media courses which will be useful for our people and country in the near future.

Salai C. Beizachhi and Salai Lian also shared their experiences during their studies and what kind of scholarships is available for Chin/Burmese students in India. In the last session, we have debate and fresher welcome program. In the end of the program, we ask and evaluate among the participants and we received positive comments from the participants. All the attendees had actively joined each period, which give the speakers full satisfaction. 

In this way, the speakers and attendees were mutually benefited. On behalf of the Chin Students’ Union (CSU), Salai June Nilian Sang, General Secretary to CSU has a short thanking speech to the resources person as well as the participants. Then, the honorarium and TA were distributed to the resources persons and participants. Thereafter, we had a photo session and declared the end of our program “Education & Career Counselling” on the scope in education and admission process for Burmese/Chin.  

CSU Members 2013-14

Lastly, we would like to say thanks to Burma Center Prague and its team for the projects. We are highly appreciated for your charity works and we hope that you will cooperate with us in the future.

 Thank you :)!