Suu Kyi offers tips to youth on how to get ready for the future

Aung San Suu Kyi speaking to a Thai audience recently. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand)

With Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw visiting India, and with Aung San Suu Kyi presiding over the important Panglong ethnic peace conference in her country, this would be a good time to take a look at the iconic leader’s recent trip to Thailand, where she had a unique and exclusive interaction with 300 students of the top universities of the country, at the office of the ministry of foreign affairs.

The topic of her speech was “Myanmar, Asean and the world — the way forward”. But the dynamic lady changed the topic to speak on how the “youth can move the way forward”.

Myanmar’s legendary leader looked happy and relaxed, as she stated that she always made it a point to meet the youth at every country she visited and to have a “dialogue” with them, as the future rested entirely with them. In fact, she insisted on a Q&A and took many questions from them, on subjects as varied as drugs, peace and the differences between the Asean and the European Union. Excerpts:

On the advantages of being young The youth are lucky because they have time on their side. If they make mistakes, they have time to rectify them. I always meet the young generation, wherever I go, as I know that my time is limited, but they carry the future on their shoulders. That’s why they need to develop both their bodies and minds.

On meditation The educational system in our countries must introduce meditation, as it brings about awareness and helps develop both the body and mind. It gives the students time to think, introspect and not be distracted by unhealthy habits and addictions, like drugs.

On the ill-effects of drugs Drugs are one of the worst problems with the youth today, and I can’t stop talking about it. People only talk of hard drugs as being dangerous, but I want to point out that drugs like methamphetamine have bad after-effects for life. I’d like young people not to experiment with these, as it’s very easy to get addicted. Drugs are a medical, legal and economic problem all around the world, including the Asean nations.

On the similarities and differences of Asean nations As Asean nations we have many similarities, but we also have differences. But we must make strength of our diversity. We must learn to “connect” with each other, to talk and listen, and be positive-minded.

On being positive-minded One should not look at the negative aspects of life. That’s why when people get my horoscope checked I only listen to the good things they say about me! We need to remain positive.

On the importance of kindness Over the years, I’ve learnt that kindness is the most important quality to develop. In the Bali language, it’s called karuna. This means understanding each other, which is the only way we can connect. We can develop both as individuals and nations, and live in peace and happiness. Many developed nations don’t live in peace and happiness. The Asean nations can teach a few things to the EU!

On real education Real education is the education of life, about the duality of giving and taking, and this goes for the young and old. Real education is not student-oriented or teacher-oriented, it is learning-oriented, and deals with daily life, not just formal institutions.

On giving and taking It’s one’s right to take, but it’s also one’s responsibility to give. This is important in every sphere — home, school, office — and should be practiced on a daily basis.

On education in daily life Keeping your home clean can make your country clean. Keeping your body healthy can make your country healthy.

On how the young generation can help Asean governments Governments cannot work alone to keep their people strong and healthy. People need to work hard at it, especially the youth. Politicians think of next elections, statesmen think of the next generation. If the next generation is strong, healthy and aware, they can help us cross borders, countries, cultures, and make Asean a strong and great community.