Daily life of urbanites: How to manage a green society

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Daily life of urbanites: How to manage a green society

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Myanmar is a country with vast areas of unused and vacant land suitable for cultivation. These lands, though left idle, include farmlands and agricultural plots that could be used more effectively. Some enterprising groups have already begun utilizing them for crop cultivation and are earning income by selling their produce to both local and foreign markets.
If such unused land exists throughout the country, all rural areas could potentially benefit. Citizens living in these rural regions can enjoy the advantages and benefits gained from engaging in systematic agricultural practices.

Oxygen, which is essential for human life
Except for those living in densely populated cities and crowded urban areas, people who cultivate crops on unused land rely on their own strength and simple tools to grow vegetables and fruits that can be used as ingredients in daily meals. Working in the fields also promotes physical activity, which benefits their health. Observing the growth and progress of their farms brings them peace of mind and happiness. Moreover, vegetable plants, like all green plants, release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. During this process, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight’s energy. Oxygen is produced as a waste product and released into the atmosphere, useful for all human beings.
Humans cannot live without forests and trees in their environment. Just as the seasons change, the natural cycle renews forests and trees, including the climate conditions where people live. In desert areas where trees do not grow, afforestation efforts with drought-resistant tree species help to create a green and lush environment suitable for human habitation. Because of this, agricultural techniques from tropical regions are adopted worldwide, even from countries with arid climates.
Myanmar is a country rich in both farmland and pastureland. While urban areas like Yangon have fewer fields and farmlands compared to rural regions, many households still have small gardens or planting areas around their homes. Even where no large plots are available, people plant crops in pots or containers, such as arranging flower pots in neat rows or planting vegetables in narrow spaces along fences.

Opportunities for greening activities
Even in densely populated cities and crowded urban areas where people live in apartments and flats, there is still some available space for gardening. Many residents with small balconies or unused corners in their apartments take the opportunity to grow plants year-round. These small gardens can be planted with seasonal vegetables and herbs according to their preferences.
The key factor is the desire to cultivate. Whether someone has a large plot of land or just a small space, with creativity and effort, they can grow fresh vegetables and herbs. Even those living in cramped spaces with limited outdoor area can use simple methods to grow fruit trees, flowering plants, and vegetables in pots or containers. The cost is usually low, and it can be a relaxing activity during free time that benefits both mind and body. Moreover, nurturing these plants will be a pleasure for urbanites as well as a green decoration move for their society. Because of this, there is no need to overexert oneself in cultivation.
For those living in apartments, it is common to use small, well-organized spaces for growing plants. Many people divide their limited space into sections and cultivate various types of vegetables and herbs in stages. Some even grow plants in containers such as pots, old buckets or boxes, using vertical spaces like shelves or racks to maximize the area. By doing so, they develop skills in nurturing their small plants and appreciate the blessings of nature.
Therefore, every citizen should strive not only to create a comfortable living space for themselves but also to contribute to revitalizing the natural world in their surroundings. Growing a few vegetable plants or a small fruit tree can help keep the environment green, fresh, and peaceful. This effort also provides essential support to the wildlife and birds living alongside humans.

Like the story of the elder and the prince
Those who have larger plots of land should also plant a variety of vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees around their homes. The trees and plants they cultivate should be cared for throughout their lifetime. Moreover, for the benefit of future generations, water-saving measures such as rainwater harvesting, water tanks, and water containers should be used wisely. Due to difficulties faced by many urban residents, everyone should strive to create a clean and beautiful environment in their surroundings.
This principle is reflected in traditional Myanmar stories, such as those about the old man who planted a small mango tree, demonstrating the value of nurturing nature for future generations.

The fragrances from flowering plants refresh and uplift the mind
The plants grown in one’s own garden enhance the beauty of the home surroundings. The fresh, green trees and shrubs create a pleasant environment and refresh the minds of family members. After a tiring day at work, tending to these plants can be relaxing. Nurturing seasonal crops and flower plants is designed to take physical exercise daily. Growing your own vegetables also helps reduce some of the kitchen expenses. Eating fresh produce from your own garden brings unmatched satisfaction. Furthermore, the scents from the fruit trees and flowers uplift the spirit. Generally, the oxygen released by the plants contributes to the good health of family members and their environment.
Participating in environmental conservation by planting trees and shrubs, even in small spaces, helps protect the ecosystem. In today’s world, where global warming is a pressing issue, collective efforts to address environmental problems are crucial. The presence of trees maintains ecological balance. Small trees and plants support wildlife and insects, which in turn sustain human life and the natural cycle. Since the three realms of the world depend on each other, people living in these interconnected worlds must take care of them responsibly.
The fresh foods everyone consumes from the environment, including various types of trees, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, are not only directly available but also interrelated. These fresh foods form the foundation of health and nutrition.
As an example, from small plots to large areas, cultivating greenery can revitalize a country and create local ecosystems. Healthy green spaces will improve the well-being of family members and communities. Moreover, the benefits of planting are first enjoyed personally and then shared widely. Therefore, everyone must actively participate in planting trees, flowers, and fruit plants in their surroundings.
It is necessary to follow the steps of urban greening methods, especially for urbanites residing in apartments of housings with limited spaces. But the lesser spaces should not be considered a disappointment for urbanites. It is because they can create their environment with greening gardens as much as they can. As such, those urbanites need to exercise the following key points for the process of greening their gardens.

Creating a Personal Gardening Space
Apartment residents can begin gardening by utilizing small available spaces such as balconies, corridors, mezzanine floors, entire balconies, or any designated small plots within the apartments. The best methods include planting in flower pots, containers, or using vertical gardening systems.

Vertical Gardening
In apartments with limited space, vertical gardening is a highly effective method. With this approach, plants can be evenly arranged and grown on walls or clean indoor and outdoor surfaces. This not only addresses the issue of limited growing space but also adds aesthetic appeal.

Container Gardening
Using flower pots, tin cans, plastic buckets and bottles, cultivation can be done even in narrow, previously used spaces. Suitable plants for this method include eggplants, chilli peppers, tomatoes, golden onions, Shan coriander, and various leafy vegetables typically used in coconut milk-based dishes. This method provides fresh and quality produce for household use. The consumption of kitchen crops grown in apartment gardens that urbanites nurture brings a sense of personal satisfaction that cannot be exchanged with anyone; it is a unique and valuable part of their lives.

Hydroponics Gardening
For those living with advanced technology, hydroponics is a highly innovative method of cultivation. Since this technique requires no soil and uses only nutrient-rich water, it is easily applicable within apartments. With proper control, the vegetables produced are clean, hygienic, and rich in flavour and aroma as these are grown in their own patches as organic products.

Environmental Impact
Plants play a vital role in purifying the air and creating a calm, peaceful environment. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in return. Moreover, ornamental plants provide mental refreshment and help reduce stress. Such kinds of patches can contribute much to the beautification of the apartment as well as the pleasure of families.

Social Impact
Engaging in gardening activities together with family members within the household enhances family cooperation and has educational value. For young children, it fosters a sense of connection with nature and helps them understand the importance of life and sustainability.
For urban dwellers, planting and growing greenery is a beneficial activity that can be started with just a small amount of time, space, and investment. Not only does it enhance the beauty of one’s home surroundings, but it also plays a vital role in personal health and environmental conservation. In future urban lifestyles, hands-on cultivation will become essential for living in harmony with nature.

GNLM

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Daily life of urbanites: How to manage a green society
Daily life of urbanites: How to manage a green society
Myanmar is a country with vast areas of unused and vacant land suitable for cultivation. These lands, though left idle, include farmlands and agricultural plots that could be used more effectively. Some enterprising groups have already begun utilizing them for crop cultivation and are earning income by selling their produce to both local and foreign markets.If such unused land exists throughout the country, all rural areas could potentially benefit. Citizens living in these rural regions can enjoy the advantages and benefits gained from engaging in systematic agricultural practices.Oxygen, which is essential for human lifeExcept for those living in densely populated cities and crowded urban areas, people who cultivate crops on unused land rely on their own strength and simple tools to grow vegetables and fruits that can be used as ingredients in daily meals. Working in the fields also promotes physical activity, which benefits their health. Observing the growth and progress of their farms brings them peace of mind and happiness. Moreover, vegetable plants, like all green plants, release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. During this process, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight’s energy. Oxygen is produced as a waste product and released into the atmosphere, useful for all human beings.Humans cannot live without forests and trees in their environment. Just as the seasons change, the natural cycle renews forests and trees, including the climate conditions where people live. In desert areas where trees do not grow, afforestation efforts with drought-resistant tree species help to create a green and lush environment suitable for human habitation. Because of this, agricultural techniques from tropical regions are adopted worldwide, even from countries with arid climates.Myanmar is a country rich in both farmland and pastureland. While urban areas like Yangon have fewer fields and farmlands compared to rural regions, many households still have small gardens or planting areas around their homes. Even where no large plots are available, people plant crops in pots or containers, such as arranging flower pots in neat rows or planting vegetables in narrow spaces along fences.Opportunities for greening activitiesEven in densely populated cities and crowded urban areas where people live in apartments and flats, there is still some available space for gardening. Many residents with small balconies or unused corners in their apartments take the opportunity to grow plants year-round. These small gardens can be planted with seasonal vegetables and herbs according to their preferences.The key factor is the desire to cultivate. Whether someone has a large plot of land or just a small space, with creativity and effort, they can grow fresh vegetables and herbs. Even those living in cramped spaces with limited outdoor area can use simple methods to grow fruit trees, flowering plants, and vegetables in pots or containers. The cost is usually low, and it can be a relaxing activity during free time that benefits both mind and body. Moreover, nurturing these plants will be a pleasure for urbanites as well as a green decoration move for their society. Because of this, there is no need to overexert oneself in cultivation.For those living in apartments, it is common to use small, well-organized spaces for growing plants. Many people divide their limited space into sections and cultivate various types of vegetables and herbs in stages. Some even grow plants in containers such as pots, old buckets or boxes, using vertical spaces like shelves or racks to maximize the area. By doing so, they develop skills in nurturing their small plants and appreciate the blessings of nature.Therefore, every citizen should strive not only to create a comfortable living space for themselves but also to contribute to revitalizing the natural world in their surroundings. Growing a few vegetable plants or a small fruit tree can help keep the environment green, fresh, and peaceful. This effort also provides essential support to the wildlife and birds living alongside humans.Like the story of the elder and the princeThose who have larger plots of land should also plant a variety of vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees around their homes. The trees and plants they cultivate should be cared for throughout their lifetime. Moreover, for the benefit of future generations, water-saving measures such as rainwater harvesting, water tanks, and water containers should be used wisely. Due to difficulties faced by many urban residents, everyone should strive to create a clean and beautiful environment in their surroundings.This principle is reflected in traditional Myanmar stories, such as those about the old man who planted a small mango tree, demonstrating the value of nurturing nature for future generations.The fragrances from flowering plants refresh and uplift the mindThe plants grown in one’s own garden enhance the beauty of the home surroundings. The fresh, green trees and shrubs create a pleasant environment and refresh the minds of family members. After a tiring day at work, tending to these plants can be relaxing. Nurturing seasonal crops and flower plants is designed to take physical exercise daily. Growing your own vegetables also helps reduce some of the kitchen expenses. Eating fresh produce from your own garden brings unmatched satisfaction. Furthermore, the scents from the fruit trees and flowers uplift the spirit. Generally, the oxygen released by the plants contributes to the good health of family members and their environment.Participating in environmental conservation by planting trees and shrubs, even in small spaces, helps protect the ecosystem. In today’s world, where global warming is a pressing issue, collective efforts to address environmental problems are crucial. The presence of trees maintains ecological balance. Small trees and plants support wildlife and insects, which in turn sustain human life and the natural cycle. Since the three realms of the world depend on each other, people living in these interconnected worlds must take care of them responsibly.The fresh foods everyone consumes from the environment, including various types of trees, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, are not only directly available but also interrelated. These fresh foods form the foundation of health and nutrition.As an example, from small plots to large areas, cultivating greenery can revitalize a country and create local ecosystems. Healthy green spaces will improve the well-being of family members and communities. Moreover, the benefits of planting are first enjoyed personally and then shared widely. Therefore, everyone must actively participate in planting trees, flowers, and fruit plants in their surroundings.It is necessary to follow the steps of urban greening methods, especially for urbanites residing in apartments of housings with limited spaces. But the lesser spaces should not be considered a disappointment for urbanites. It is because they can create their environment with greening gardens as much as they can. As such, those urbanites need to exercise the following key points for the process of greening their gardens.Creating a Personal Gardening SpaceApartment residents can begin gardening by utilizing small available spaces such as balconies, corridors, mezzanine floors, entire balconies, or any designated small plots within the apartments. The best methods include planting in flower pots, containers, or using vertical gardening systems.Vertical GardeningIn apartments with limited space, vertical gardening is a highly effective method. With this approach, plants can be evenly arranged and grown on walls or clean indoor and outdoor surfaces. This not only addresses the issue of limited growing space but also adds aesthetic appeal.Container GardeningUsing flower pots, tin cans, plastic buckets and bottles, cultivation can be done even in narrow, previously used spaces. Suitable plants for this method include eggplants, chilli peppers, tomatoes, golden onions, Shan coriander, and various leafy vegetables typically used in coconut milk-based dishes. This method provides fresh and quality produce for household use. The consumption of kitchen crops grown in apartment gardens that urbanites nurture brings a sense of personal satisfaction that cannot be exchanged with anyone; it is a unique and valuable part of their lives.Hydroponics GardeningFor those living with advanced technology, hydroponics is a highly innovative method of cultivation. Since this technique requires no soil and uses only nutrient-rich water, it is easily applicable within apartments. With proper control, the vegetables produced are clean, hygienic, and rich in flavour and aroma as these are grown in their own patches as organic products.Environmental ImpactPlants play a vital role in purifying the air and creating a calm, peaceful environment. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in return. Moreover, ornamental plants provide mental refreshment and help reduce stress. Such kinds of patches can contribute much to the beautification of the apartment as well as the pleasure of families.Social ImpactEngaging in gardening activities together with family members within the household enhances family cooperation and has educational value. For young children, it fosters a sense of connection with nature and helps them understand the importance of life and sustainability.For urban dwellers, planting and growing greenery is a beneficial activity that can be started with just a small amount of time, space, and investment. Not only does it enhance the beauty of one’s home surroundings, but it also plays a vital role in personal health and environmental conservation. In future urban lifestyles, hands-on cultivation will become essential for living in harmony with nature.GNLM
Elegies in Prose: Heartfelt Farewells
Elegies in Prose: Heartfelt Farewells
Well-known and respected writer Lu Du Daw Ama used to put tribute articles in magazines to honour and remember loved ones. This is a collection of those heartfelt pieces written in loving memory of the loved ones’ legacy. This is the third edition, published in May 2025, followed by the second edition in 2020 and the first edition in 2003.The book contains a collection of 61 articles about notable figures, religious figures, performing arts legends and literary figures including Salay U Ponnya, Hteiksu Myat Phayagyi, Supreme Royal Chief Queen, Sayagyi Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, prominent monks such as Shwe Kaing Thar Sayadaw, Sayadaw Ashin Janaka Bhivamsa and Shwehintha Sayadaw, Theikpan Maung Wa, Popa U Kyaw Yin, Kyauksa Wun U Mya, Sayagyi Mya Myo Lwin, Mandalay Thuriya U Tun Yin, A-1 Saya Hnya, Myanmar traditional orchestra musician Ywazagyi U Ba Maung, theatrical icon Shwe Mann Tin Maung, actress Sein Hla Kyi, pianist Mandalay U Ohn Maung, comedian U Ohn Thee, one of greatest writers (Journal Kyaw Daw Ma Ma Lay), U Ba Gyan, U Nyo Mya, Sayar Zeya, Sayar Zawgyi, Sayagyi Shwe U Daung, Zawana, Ko Win Oo, Moe Moe (Inya), Paw Oo Thet, and prominent foreign figures.The book starts with a legacy of the writer and poet Salay U Ponnya. He was a natural-born talent in the arts. For instance, he has an aptitude for playing musical instruments. He played drums and ploong so well when he was two, and just played along. A six-year-old U Ponnya learnt the multiplication chart, and he has multiple talents and skills, noted his childhood event.Mandalay’s popular artiste Shweman Tin Maung was devoted to theatrical performance even though he was in poor health. Doctors would have told him to rest for a moment if he had undertaken a medical checkup. Even Shwe Mann, Zat players and the team were aware of him having hypertension. His blood pressure elevated too high four to five times a month. Furthermore, Shwe Mann Tin Maung’s funeral mourning was marked by profound loneliness and longing as if the writer attended the funeral to send condolences to the bereaved family. Following his passing, his wife Daw Thein Nyunt and the Shwe Mann Thabin troupe were in disorder, so the writer started his story. Readers can step into the lives of characters, experiencing their sorrows, struggles and fostering empathy.Lu Du Daw Ama stated that the leading actor of the play and his wife are like a lion king. Yet, social realities were arduous. The fellow troupe might suffer a lot, and the writer portrayed how she could comprehend the struggles. It was a longevity of Myanmar traditional theatrical art (Zat Thabin).Later, the writer expressed her grief at the passing of painter Maung Paw Oo. You should have been the one who would paint my portrait. In contrast, I was the one who wrote a piece of writing to pay tribute to you. I thought I would be the one who would have died first with my poor health. When you leave the world, the lives you have impacted, the memories you have created, and the positive changes you have made are still in living memory.“Anon, it is running out of time,Thou embracing the fragility to be alive,Befriending with deity to define …”No one else could escape to stay hale and hearty for life”, reciting a poem for a memorial of the loved one.GNLM
Alal Kyawyoe Ga Kala Nagagyi Noe Hta Chin
Alal Kyawyoe Ga Kala Nagagyi Noe Hta Chin
After writing the book review for the ‘Lwanthusa’ by Amay Ludu Daw Ama, a name ‘Lwanbwe Oh, Mandalay’ gently landed in my heart.Mandalay stands at the very top of one’s heart whenever they hear the names of cities and regions. Just hearing the name Mandalay brings a gentle warmth and calm to the heart, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and unforgettable, glorious history. King Mindon, Son of King Thayawady, founded the new Mandalay in 1857, 1221 ME. At that time, the Mandalay residents named the city in various forms like Oak Kyit Kyaw Aye Mandalay, Aung Kyaw Chan Aye Mandalay and Ingyin Kya Oun Yadanabon.Shwe Mandalay has gradually transformed due to the influences of changing eras and circumstances, and on 28 March, it fell significantly into a state of decline. The emotional connection with Mandalay now feels distant, leaving a sense of longing. Therefore, I might say ‘Lwanbwe Oh, Mandalay’.The book we bring this week is the ‘Alal Kyawyoe Ga Kala Nagagyi Noe Hta Chin’. The writer is Saya Sue Nget from Mandalay.As the writer says, the huge Naga, a powerful earthquake, which lay dormant for over 70 years, suddenly awakened, destroying Mandalay’s landmarks, symbols, businesses, lives and properties.Mandalay and Ludu Daw Ama are unusually inseparable. Ludu Daw Ama once said to the writer in the 1990s, “What you all call our Mandalay these days is just about street numbers, house numbers, which street lies between which, or which corner meets which road. In the past, people could instantly recognize a place by saying it was near so-and-so’s building, or to the east or west of a well-known house. Those direction points were almost always iconic living structures in Mandalay.Some were well-known because they belonged to brokers, factory owners, or businesspeople. At the same time, many others stood out for their significance in political, religious, and historical value. There were plenty of such notable structures scattered throughout the city. You all should record as much as you can.”That is why the writer started writing the data of damaged Mandalay buildings as much as he could after the earthquake, starting from 2 April to 6 May, on his social network. He wrote the famous sites in Mandalay, in addition to Mandalay University, a school established by King Mindon, edifices related to the Maha Muni Buddha Image, Mandalay Palace, the wall and moat. Therefore, it brings a great deal of knowledge to the readers.It is only the right thing to acknowledge and praise the writer’s dedication in managing to deliver this book into the hands of readers exactly four months after the earthquake. The book is said to have been published in an attempt to preserve the records and memories of the damaged buildings, ensuring that the sorrow and trauma experienced by the victims are not forgotten, and keeping alive the remembrance of the days marked by the earthquake through written documentation.The book features 22 different chapters: a memorable date, an earthquake that one hasn’t experienced before, the entire street in ruins, the entrance to the house, the entire people of the ward on the road, trapped inside a collapsed hotel, collapse of the Inwa Bridge, premature notification of earthquake, damage to houses, the main building of the university that caught fire, the Maha Muni Buddha Image and disaster, the quake-hit Maha Muni Shwekyaungtaw, Maha Muni Buddha Image Temple, passing through Amarapura to the sick elderly person, 48th multitiered roof and earthquake, quake-hit Martyrs’ Mausoleum, Pariyatti Sasana Beikman and its three-storey extension, Thayetkin stairways and monasteries, the Elephant Bridge and lion images, pagodas, temples and religious edifices and sites, don’t want to sing in tears and may all be successful in rehabilitation.GNLM
Right and Wrong “Anger”
Right and Wrong “Anger”
‘Anger’ is sometimes a virtue. Our people in our country generally blame ‘anger’ as a fault. But, sometimes, it is right to be angry, and there is such a thing as holy anger.In the past 80 years, a year before we gained our Independence Day, Our State’s Leader, General Aung San, delivered an unforgettable speech, we should say with a holy anger. For instance, for the rehabilitation of our country, we must work much harder than any other country. If they walk four or five steps forward, we must walk out 10-15 steps forcefully (Do or Die), moreover, we all must not be out of discipline in everything. Otherwise, we gained our Independent State today, and would be lost tomorrow to the other’s hands. We have to bow down to whoever comes, we shall surely be as a life of … (a sex worker). Well, I should say like that for us not to be forgetful. Our people never blame this kind of ‘anger’ or scolding of our leader as a fault.And, it is right to be angry. When is ‘anger’ right, and when may we be angry? We may and we ought to be angry when we see the weak unjustly treated by the strong. When a great wrong is done to an innocent man. When the rich oppress the poor. When animals are tortured by brutal men. When little children are beaten and starved by drunk parents.These things should fill us with ‘anger’, and drive us to do all we can to protect the weak and help the suffering.Such ‘anger’ has driven good men to come out as reformers, to right public wrongs and put down bad customers.This kind of ‘anger’ is always unselfish.It comes from sympathy and a sense of justice, and men who feel it are angry at wrongdoings to others, but not at wrongdoings to themselves.However, ‘anger’ that rises from selfishness, conceit, and hatred is always wrong. To be angry with a man because he has hurt you, mocked at you or insulted you may be natural, but it is nonetheless wrong.It is wrong because it is selfish. The wise say, “Love your enemies.”But anger leads to hatred, and hatred often leads to murder and crimes. “Let not the sun go down on your wrath.”Much anger is simply bad temper, and this is due to a lack of self-control. Some people get in dreadful passions about nothing, and while they are in a rage, they are like madmen, and will do and say unjust and unkind things for which they will be sorry all their lives; such are to be pitied and despised. For they are the slaves and not themselves masters of their passions.GNLM
An Odyssey Through Love and Loss
An Odyssey Through Love and Loss
The old usage, “Out of sight, out of mind”, never rang true for me. I am not the kind of person who forgets those I hold dear, no matter how much time or distance separates us. My heart clings tightly to my loved ones – my family, my pets, and, most of all, my elder sister, Magyi Moe. She was my rock, my confidante, and my greatest ally in a world that often felt too big and too chaotic. But life, as it so often does, had other plans for us, plans that would test the limits of love, loss, and regret.Magyi Moe was five years older than me, a gap just wide enough to make her seem infinitely wiser yet close enough for us to share secrets and dreams. Growing up in our cosy little home in a bustling town, we were inseparable despite our differences. I was the wild one – impulsive, carefree, and always teetering on the edge of mischief. Magyi Moe, on the other hand, was the steady hand, the one who kept our family grounded. Her patience was a marvel, especially when it came to me. I’d wheedle and whine, pushing her buttons with a grin, knowing she’d forgive me every time. But when I crossed the line, suppose I say, “borrowing” her favourite scarf without asking, her gaze would turn sharp, her voice firm but never cruel. She’d scold me, sometimes with a raised voice that echoed through our small house, other times with a quiet disappointment that cut deeper than any shout.I’d roll my eyes, pretending her words were just noise, but deep down, I knew she was right. Magyi Moe was the reliable one, the one who helped Mom with dinner, who made sure Dad’s coffee was ready before his early shifts, who always had a plan when I had none. I was the fair-weather sister, flitting through life with little regard for consequences, trusting Magyi Moe to pick up the pieces. Despite our differences, her love for classical music versus my obsession with loud pop tunes, her neat braid versus my messy curls, we loved each other fiercely. Our bond was a tapestry woven with laughter, shared secrets, and the kind of loyalty that only sisters understand.It’s a strange quirk of human nature that we often fail to see the worth of those closest to us until they’re gone. When Magyi Moe was by my side, I took her for granted, assuming she’d always be there to nag me about my messy room or to sneak me an extra cookie when Mom wasn’t looking. But life has a way of teaching lessons in the cruellest ways. The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I learned this truth in the hardest way possible.Absence comes in two forms: the temporary kind, where you part ways for a while but know you’ll reunite, and the permanent kind, where the goodbye is final. I’d experienced the first kind plenty of times when Magyi Moe went off to college for a semester or when I spent a summer at Grandma’s village. Those separations were filled with phone calls and late-night texts, her voice a comforting anchor across the miles. But nothing could have prepared me for the second kind, the one that steals breath and shatters dreams.It was a crisp winter day when the world tilted. Magyi Moe had been feeling off for months – tired, a little pale, her usual energy dimmed. She brushed it off, blaming long hours at her job as a librarian and her love for greasy takeout. “I just need to eat better,” she’d say with a laugh, popping another fry into her mouth. But when the doctor’s call came, the word “cancer” sliced through our lives like a blade. Breast cancer, aggressive and unyielding, had taken root in my sister’s body.The months that followed were a blur of hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and whispered prayers. Magyi Moe faced it all with her trademark courage, her smile never quite fading even as her hair thinned and her strength waned. I tried to be there for her, but I was a storm of emotions — angry at the universe, terrified of losing her, and guilty for every time I’d ignored her advice to eat healthier or take life more seriously. She’d always warned me about my junk food binges, but I’d laughed it off, saying, “Live a little, Magyi Moe!” Now, those words haunted me.Despite the best efforts of her doctors, the cancer was relentless. Magyi Moe, once so vibrant, grew frail, her laughter replaced by quiet moments of reflection. In her final weeks, she’d sit by the window, watching the leaves fall, and talk about the life she’d wanted – travelling to PyinOoLwin, adopting a dog, maybe even writing a book. I’d listen, my heart breaking, promising we’d do it all together someday. But “someday” never came.She passed away on a summer morning, just shy of her 31st birthday. I was holding her hand, the hospital room silent except for the soft beeping of machines. She looked at me, her eyes still bright despite the pain, and whispered, “Be good, okay?” I nodded, unable to speak, as she slipped away.Her death left a void that no amount of tears could fill. I’d always dreamed we’d grow old together, two spinster sisters looking after our parents, bickering over who made better pancakes. But Magyi Moe had left me behind, and I was drowning in regret. I replayed every moment I’d dismissed her; every time I’d snapped back at her gentle scolding, every chore I’d dodged, every time I’d chosen my own fun over helping her. She’d been more than a sister; she’d been a second mother, always there to solve my problems, to guide me when I was lost. And I’d taken it all for granted.One memory stung the most. A year before her diagnosis, we’d fought over something trivial, borrowing her tablet without asking. She’d lectured me about responsibility, and I’d stormed out, shouting, “You’re not my mom!” Now, those words were a knife in my heart. If I could go back, I’d listen to every word, do every chore, and tell her every day how much I loved her. But time doesn’t offer do-overs.In the months after Magyi Moe’s death, I wandered through life like a ghost, haunted by her absence. I kept her scarf on my bedside table, her favourite book on my shelf, as if keeping her things close could keep her with me. But slowly, I began to understand the lesson she’d left behind: love your family while they’re here. Cherish the moments – the mundane, the messy, the beautiful – because they’re fleeting.I started small. I helped Mom with the dishes, listening to her stories about Magyi Moe as a child. I took Dad for walks, letting him ramble about his old fishing trips. I even adopted a scruffy little dog, naming her ‘Rain’ in honour of the pet my sister never got to have. Each act was a way to honour her, to live the way she’d always encouraged me to.My story isn’t unique, but it’s one I share with a purpose. To my readers, I urge you: don’t wait for loss to teach you the value of love. Hug your parents, call your siblings, and laugh with your friends. Say the words you might regret leaving unsaid. Life is unpredictable, and the people we love are not promised to us forever.Magyi Moe’s memory lives in me, not just in sorrow but in the way I choose to live now. I strive to be a little more patient, a little more kind, a little more like her. And though I’ll never stop missing her, I carry her love with me, a light to guide me through the darkness of regret. So, while alive, love fiercely, forgive freely, and hold your family close. You never know when the chance might slip away.(To a friend who has lost her dearest elder sister recently…)
Literary Talking Ceremony and I
Literary Talking Ceremony and I
Honest to say, I had always been unfamiliar with the term `literary talking ceremony´ in my childhood. But unexpectedly, when I heard this term from my elder brother one day, I strangely felt my heart pounding with curiosity, for the simple reason that I enjoy reading. Books are written by authors, yet who in the world will give literary talks? At that time, I did not honestly know that most writers tend to deliver literary talks to literature-lovers. And how on earth is `literary talking ceremony’? I want to mean that I would like to know whether musical instruments are included in the ceremony. Then, I had a chance of seeing a literary talking ceremony on the DVD player thanks to my elder brother.As far as I can remember, the first literary talking ceremony I have ever seen on TV was `Commemorative Ceremony of 100-year Ketumadi (Taunggoo)´. Many famous Myanmar writers came to the ceremony and gave literary talks. From that ceremony, I started to get what a literary talking ceremony is as well as began to know several famous Myanmar writers, especially Jack (Khungyangon), Chit Oo Nyo, Nay Win Myint, Ledwinthar Saw Chit and A Kyi Taw, if memory serves me correctly. Most of all, writers turned orators like to talk about literature and many others freely at random in a literary talking ceremony for one or two hours, one after another. Not all writers are excellent orators, especially female writers. Few female writers in Myanmar excel at literary talks. I have seen that only Saya U Thukha gave literary talks with the background help of the Myanmar orchestra `Hsaing´. In the main, orators are given to trying to draw the audience’s attention with great literary talks.Of course, there are no two ceremonies all over the world except for Myanmar. They are nothing but `paying homage ceremony ´ and literary talking ceremony´. As a late literatus once stated, literary talking ceremonies commenced to take place in Yangon, Myanmar, by the year 1944 during the reign of Dr Ba Maw in the Japanese Colonial Era. On the other hand, Saya Chit Oo Nyo said that the first step towards holding literary talking ceremonies was declaring Laureates’ Day in Myanmar (Sarsodaw Nay) on the first day of Natdaw month in the Myanmar calendar, which often coincides with November in the Gregorian calendar. Paying homage ceremonies to Maha Pane-ne Nat, a kind of Hindu deity, were largely celebrated in Natdaw in Myanmar many moons ago. But later, firm believers of Myanmar in these dieties drove out the ceremonies and then literary talking ceremonies have become popular among young and old to this day.  Besides, literary talking ceremonies are held here and there around the country in all weathers.Among the Myanmar writer orators, I love the above-mentioned five authors most. Firstly, a late literatus once was a university teacher of the Myanmar language, and he could explain what he wanted to say with a great many varieties of examples. Most apparently, while delivering literary talks, he was able to use gestures appropriate to what he meant so as to make his audience understand and follow him better. I began to know him with the pseudonym of Jack (Khungyangone) from the commemoration ceremony of Taunggoo shown above. But sad to say, I have never read his satire or his works of writing. Secondly, Saya Chit Oo Nyo is an expert at reciting classical Myanmar poems, particularly `Lay-cho´, a type of Myanmar poem in rhyme and rhythm, composed by Thakin Kodaw Mie. That may simply be why he is an artiste turned writer, I believe. Next, Saya Nay Win Myint has a good command of singing classical Myanmar songs in that he has got a beautiful singing voice and learnt how to sing those songs systematically from great teachers before, as far as I know. Fourthly, Saya Ledwintha Saw Chit has a good sense of humour and, more surprisingly, he can tell humours in such a gentle voice that he does not laugh at his own jokes at all. Finally, it was Saya A Kyi Taw who thought it best to humour his incoherent life rather than get into an argument, smiling as a humorist.After all, most writers are included in literary talking ceremonies, but some are celebrities and public speakers. Rarely are persons who are both great writers and nice orators seen in the world of Myanmar literature, for instance, Nay Win Myint. Strangely enough, some writers expertly perform literary talking but are not very good at composition, while some authors, female writers in particular, excel at works of literature but have little command of public conversation. And literary talks are not only informal speaking but also a type of informal education in which people are educated freely without costing a lot. Sometimes one word of literary talk looks like reading the whole book, that is, a host of knowledge and wisdom can be acquired from literary talks in a while. I am strongly of the opinion that literary talking ceremonies will become the national culture of our country, Myanmar some day.GNLM
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