Saya Paragu Passed Away

Dr Maung Maung Nyo

9 is a sad number for me some time
Not that I’m superstitious with nine
I always cry on the 19^th of July to mind
When Bogyoke Aung San and martyrs die
So also this 9th April is a sad day for me, why
Well, Saya Paragu has just died!

Saya Paragu was a close friend of us
Though twenty years further apart
Through thick and thin in all our paths
From a novice writer in 1970 to start
Now that I’m on my present hey days
We enjoyed together every thing always.

(Paragu and Actor Kyaw Thu)

Once I was hard up to buy a house
My cash not enough to pay about
He advanced money more than needed
So we could live in luxury indeed at that
Without taking interests or profits in any way
We repaid by celebrating his birthday and pay.

(Paragu and Mrs Kyaw Thu)

When Nan and I have two daughters
Coming one after another
He graced us to be their god-father
By visiting them after birth and others
Activities to mark their birth, naming, schooling et cetera
Both Yupar and Ei are happy to call him Ba Ba Par (Father’s Brother).

(Paragu Corpse Carried by Kyaw Thu)

He was happy that Yupar and Ei schooled in Australia
As he took an interest in their future
Happier when he knew both become Masters
Of computer science and engineering together
Attaining good jobs and getting not bad income
He rejoiced openly on Ei’s return.

(Paragu Shantiniketan Library Building)

It was for Ei’s marriage in December 2009
With Maung Aung Myo Kyaw as groom guy
At the Sedona Hotel to be exact
He attended as being very glad
Posed with the married couple and parents
It’s an honor we’ll never ever epent!

(Pargu Shantiniketan Library Notice)

Saya Paragu was born in a tiny village
But his contributions are very great
Translated many Hindi, Pali and Sanskrit literature
Directly to Burmese without the intervention of another
Like English or French to understand the original work
No wonder he was regarded as a stalwart in this regard.

(L to R: Thakhin Thein Maung, Paragu, ASSK, U Tin Oo)

He was always on the side of the truth
Even if it meant he had to be in deluge
Of criticisms, cruelty and out casting
By the rich and powerful with drubbing
That he could bear it by laughing
Oh, Saya Paragu! you were so crushing!

(Paragu's Last Home at Shwepaukkan)

Saya Paragu was a Buddhist intellectual at young
Having passed three Pathamapyan exams in turn
From the age of 15 to 17 years in succession
A rare feat before WW II generations
Not just those days but still today
He had a high IQ I would say.

Passing many barriers in India
He mastered Pali Sanskrit Hindi and others
Involved in the board of studies for Eastern languages
For curricula, setting questions and examining in colleges
Besides winning various national literary awards
Being admitted to the Life Long Literary Award
That honors his career and contributions to the state
Oh, Saya Paragu! We salute you always as you are great!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
9.4.2011 (Original)
in Honour of Saya Paragu’s Death today
at 91 years of age.