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Padoh Mahn Sha Receives ‘National Equality’ Award

The Phan Foundation today welcomed the award of the ‘National Equality’ award to Padoh Mahn Sha La Phan.

The award is being given by the Institution of International Burmese Democratic Forces and the International Education of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). The award will be presented at a conference in Fort Wayne, USA, today.

Padoh Mahn Sha’s youngest son, Slone Phan, will receive the award on behalf of his father, who was assassinated by agents of the dictatorship in Burma on 14th February 2008.

The award is given to Padoh Mahn Sha: ‘for his life-long commitment and brave struggle for meaningful National Equality in Burma.’ Explaining why they have given the award to Padoh Mahn Sha, the organisers stated: ‘You have truly been a hero for National Equality.’

Slone Phan will tell the conference:  “The dictatorship killed my father because they were afraid of him and what he stood for, which was strength and unity in our struggle for freedom. Our family set up the Phan Foundation in his memory, and in memory of our mother, Nant Kyin Swe. We focus on areas which they cared deeply, promoting human rights, protecting Karen culture, fighting poverty, and providing education.

This year, we were able to announce grants of more than $10,000 in these areas. It is a small start, but we want to grow, to provide more support, and I hope you will help us do that.

The generals in Burma want the world to forget about my father. They want people in Burma to forget about him. Our Foundation is one way to keep his memory alive.

Today, you are also ensuring his memory and his work carries on. By giving him this ‘National Equality Award’, you are not just recognizing his work, but you are also making sure the world does not forget about him.  I and my brother and sisters, are very grateful for this.”

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