His name is U Sein Win. I have known Sayagi for more than twenty years now. I was introduced to him by one of my classmates, Waneta Myint Moe Win while our university was closed by Burmese Government for having a students lead democracy movement in early 1987. I was told that I would be accepted for life if I was recommended by her (or one of the students) and paid a fee of Kyats 300 (USD 6). I went to his home tuition center, I found a notice on the door; stating that no new student will be accepted. Anyway, I went up to see him. He smiled broadly when he saw me. He said, Waneta told me about you already. He gave me a text book and gave me a new English name, Ollie. I told him that I would use my own English name. I left the center as I had a lunch appointment with my cousin, who was going abroad for good.
I was at the center while the whole city was swept with 8888 Democracy Movement. I had had most memorable times during Democracy movement with Sayagi. I was not attending Sayagi's frequently after 1988. But, I always remember Sayagi's Birthday, August 13. And I went to see him and wish him Happy Birthday. Then, I met my closest friend and my future wife while I was riding a taxi to Home for The Aged for a meeting with Sisters for his Birthday's celebration. Then, I also met a lot of other life long friends.
It was Sayagi, who encouraged me to leave Burma and to see the world in 1991. I left Burma for good since then. I went to pay respect and homage whenever I went back to Burma. My wife and I always say to Sayagi to keep healthy and stay alive to see each other again. Our meeting moments were short and a few words were being expressed, Sayagi would know and we knew in our hearts that words could not be enough and moments of looking each others' eyes were sufficed for all our unspoken words.
