The independence of Burma/Myanmar in January 1948 came after decades of struggle against the British Empire, led by the revolutionary Aung San, killed just 6 months before the country gained independence.
Unlike other countries in the region, Burma/Myanmar's independence as a sovereign nation was affected greatly by the unexpected and death of Aung San; the country would eventually come under military dictatorship in 1962, from which it has not as yet recovered. Our events marking Burma/Myanmar's independence were therefore both commemorative and hopeful, looking at the past, present and future.
The LSE South Asia Centre is the only academic Centre in a Higher Education institution anywhere in the world to have marked this anniversary over a period of 12 months with a specially commissioned logo, events (including a one-day international conference at LSE in June 2023), special lectures, and 12 special blogposts representing the latest research and ideas from different perspectives from academics and thought leaders.
The commemorative events were the perfect occasion to also showcase LSE's interdisciplinary academic expertise on Myanmar, involving LSE faculty, students and alumni.
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The 'Myanmar @ 75' logo is copyrighted by the LSE South Asia Centre, and may not be used by anyone for any purpose. It shows the national flower of Myanmar, Padauk (Pterocarpus macrocarpus), framed in a design adapted from Burmese ikat textile weaves. The logo has been designed by Oroon Das.