Ko Pyae, who works at a garment factory in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone, had their phone stolen near the Aungzeya Suspension Bridge, which connects Insein and Hlinethaya. Such an incident occurred at about 9 pm when he returned home after his overtime duties at the factory. Due to the darkness at night, he could see two individuals coming towards him in the opposite direction, but he could not remember them clearly. One of the two suddenly held the handle of a bicycle ridden by Ko Pyae. As riding the bicycle was out of control for a while, another person snatched a mobile phone from the hand of Ko Pyae. As such, the bicycle fell over. Because the two sides were uneven in strength, all Ko Pyae could do was shout, asking why they took his phone. The two thieves ran toward the suspension bridge, but Ko Pyae could not pursue them.
Ko Pyae’s mother remarked, “If there were a proper electricity supply, this wouldn’t have happened. Even now, the power is out. Because it’s dark, it gives people who do bad things an opportunity. Fortunately, the two snatchers did not attack his son.”From then on, no matter what happens, Ko Pyae does not work extra time. In some neighbourhoods of Yangon, the power outage at night forces people to rely on the light from their mobile phones. This situation creates opportunities for wrongdoers, thieves, and criminals to commit theft. Not only in Yangon but also in other major cities, including Mandalay, darkness at night gives criminals the chance to commit bad deeds. They break the law without fear, committing theft, robbery, and even murder.

Electricity is an essential infrastructure for the daily routine of the people and their education, healthcare and economic sectors. Only then will the supply of electricity help operate industries at full capacity and the productivity improve. Consequently, electricity can benefit the socioeconomic life of the people and the development of relevant regions.

“Everyone needs to take care when going outside at night. Some criminals commit robbery openly. Those robbers not only take property but also harm the victims. I have experienced a case where a victim was struck on the head in an attempt to kill him. Fortunately, he escaped death. But his motorcycle was taken,” said a resident of Mandalay.
People like Ko Pyae, who are unavoidably travelling at night, are suffering from the disadvantages of insufficient electrification. Lighting along the routes reduces the fear and worries of people with mental health issues. Street lighting prevents wrongdoers and criminals from taking advantage of darkness to break the law. Under the light, their movements can be easily seen, reducing the opportunity for them to commit crimes.
Electricity is an essential infrastructure for the daily routine of the people and their education, healthcare and economic sectors. Only then will the supply of electricity help operate industries at full capacity and the productivity improve. Consequently, electricity can benefit the socioeconomic life of the people and the development of relevant regions.
When the urban lifestyle improves, newer electronic equipment flows into the market day by day. On the other hand, the electricity consumption of the people exceeds the generating capacity of the energy, causing a high electricity demand. As such, it remains a challenge in electrifying houses and roads and fully meeting the power needs required to maintain the productivity of factories and industries.

Main arteries of Myanmar — the Ayeyawady, the Chindwin, the Thanlwin and the Sittoung rivers — are primary sources to generate hydropower. In fact, hydropower is one of the renewable energies. Due to minimizing carbon emissions, hydropower is an environmentally friendly way to generate energy.

The government is urging people to follow electricity-saving methods to help meet the nation’s power needs. In addition to conservation measures, efforts are also being made to explore both short- and long-term ways to increase electricity production.
The majority of countries across the world manage to generate electricity from nuclear, hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar energy, wind power, biofuel, tidal power, geothermal energy and other waste. As no two countries can be similar in strong and weak points, every country needs to utilize the necessary resources suitable for it.
No matter what energy source is used, there are always both advantages and disadvantages. No electricity generation brings only benefits without any harm. However, by carefully considering factors such as energy efficiency, the natural environment, and economic impacts, and with the advancement of modern technology, efforts can be made to maximize benefits while minimizing negative effects.
Rivers and creeks, hilly areas and heavy rainfalls in Myanmar are wonderful resources to implement hydropower projects. Myanmar possesses great potential for generating hydropower. So, the country ranks 14th worldwide in terms of abundant hydropower resources. It is necessary to manage the comprehensive utilization of such an advantage, and if Myanmar effectively utilizes hydropower, it could meet the country’s current electricity demand while also generating foreign exchange through the energy sector.
Main arteries of Myanmar — the Ayeyawady, the Chindwin, the Thanlwin and the Sittoung rivers — are primary sources to generate hydropower. In fact, hydropower is one of the renewable energies. Due to minimizing carbon emissions, hydropower is an environmentally friendly way to generate energy.
As for Myanmar, although initial agreements were made to develop hydropower, various factors have delayed the continued implementation of these projects. According to assessments conducted in 2005, it was estimated that hydropower resources could generate around 45,000 megawatts. However, due to various reasons, actual production has not yet reached this potential, with current output achieving only slightly over seven per cent of the projected capacity.
Based on observations, the Shwesaryay hydropower project and Htamanthi hydropower project will be implemented on the Chindwin River, the Tahsan hydropower project on the Thanlwin River and the Myitson hydropower project on the Ayeyawady River. It was assessed that the hydropower project, located far upstream on the Ayeyawady River, 23 miles (37 kilometres) from Myitkyina in Kachin State, is expected to meet the electricity demand of the growing population in the future. China is prepared to implement the construction of eight dams, including Chipwenge dam, generating 99 megawatts, which can be provided for the construction of seven reservoirs and seven dams at the confluence of the N’Maikha (Maykha) and Malikha rivers, where the Ayeyawady River originates, and tributary rivers to generate some 20,000 megawatts.
SPIC stated that the largest project can generate 6,000 megawatts, the Laiza (Maliyang) project 2,800 megawatts, the Chipwe project 3,400 megawatts, the Usauk project 2,500 megawatts, the Phisau project 2,400 megawatts, the Khaunglanphu project 3,000 megawatts, the Rinan project 1,400 megawatts, totalling more than 20,000 megawatts. Upon completion, these projects will help Myanmar and its people expect a 100 per-cent-electricity supply across the nation in 2030. If so, based on hydropower resources, a strong energy sector can be established in the future to support economic growth and development.
Whether employees are returning home late at night or have to travel out of necessity, the anxiety caused by darkness while moving around can now be overcome. With the support of advanced technology, standards for environmental protection, social and community impacts, potential losses of water resources, and long-term sustainability based on the projects have all been carefully considered. For these reasons, there is no longer any justification for Myanmar’s lifeline, the Ayeyawady River, to be neglected or left at risk.
The public understands that the hydropower projects halted for various reasons are the main cause of insufficient electricity. Looking to the future, they hope that these projects will bring light, benefiting Myanmar and all ethnic communities across the country.
Translated.

gnlm

There is a particular ache that comes from harm that was never acknowledged. No apology. No explanation. No moment of reckoning where someone admits, “I hurt you.” Instead, there is silence — and that silence can feel like a second wound layered over the first.
When you don’t receive the closure you wanted (the closure you deserved), the mind keeps searching for resolution. It replays scenes, edits conversations, imagines alternative endings. But healing cannot depend on someone else’s willingness to take responsibility. At some point, peace has to become an inside job.
1. Validate your own pain: You do not need their confession to confirm that you were hurt. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Admit to yourself what happened and how it affected you. Self-validation replaces the acknowledgement you never received.
2. Stop waiting for the perfect apology: Sometimes we remain emotionally stuck because we believe closure will arrive in the form of regret from the other person. But waiting keeps the wound open. Accepting that the apology may never come is painful – yet freeing.
3. Separate accountability from your worth: Their refusal to apologize reflects their limitations, not your value. Someone’s inability to say “I’m sorry” is not proof that you were wrong for feeling hurt.
4. Create your own closure ritual: Write a letter you never sent. Burn it. Tear it up. Pray over it. Journal your final words. Symbolic acts can help the brain register an ending, even when reality failed to provide one.
5. Redirect your energy: Instead of investing emotional strength into replaying the past, pour it into growth – therapy, creativity, fitness, spiritual practices, meaningful relationships. Healing accelerates when your life expands beyond the wound.
6. Practise forgiveness for yourself: You may blame yourself for not seeing red flags, for trusting too much, for staying too long. Release that guilt. You made decisions with the information and emotional capacity you had at the time.
Healing from unapologized pain is not about pretending it didn’t matter. It mattered. It shaped you. It hurt. But you are allowed to move forwards even without their acknowledgement.
And when you stop waiting for someone else to finish the story, you finally regain the pen in your own hands.

gnlm

​I currently reside in a hostel in the bustling heart of Yangon. To be honest, city life has been a challenge to adapt to, and my daily routine often feels like a monotonous cycle between my workplace and the hostel. Living in a temporary space without the presence of close friends can make one feel deeply isolated in such a crowded city.
​In my view, having a true friend – someone who shares a similar mindset and understands one’s inner world – is essential for mental well-being. However, in a fast-paced environment where financial status often dictates social circles, finding genuine companionship is difficult. This sense of loneliness, coupled with the pressure of city living, often leaves me feeling stifled.
​Yet, it is this very struggle that fuels my ambition. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the anxieties of urban life, my thoughts drift back to my parents and my village in the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. My village faces significant hardships, most notably a severe water shortage. It pains me to think of my fellow villagers struggling to find clean water, especially as the scorching summer months approach.
​I have realized that I cannot help them with my current circumstances, but I refuse to let that discourage me. This realization drives me to work harder every single day. I am dedicated to improving my English proficiency and advancing my professional career, knowing that personal success is the bridge to helping my community.
My ultimate dream is to become successful enough to return home and support my village in any way I can, especially in securing a reliable water supply. No matter how difficult my current life in the hostel may be, I will persevere. I am working not just for my own future, but with the hope of one day being a person who can provide a helping hand to the place and the people I love.

gnlm

Before we speak about practice, we must first understand the meaning.
The Oxford University Press Dictionary defines respect as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements,” and also as “due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary expands the meaning further, describing it as “high or special regard”, “esteem”, and “consideration”. These definitions, though concise, underline two essential elements: recognition of value and acknowledgement of rights.
Turning to our local understanding, an English–Myanmar dictionary commonly renders respect as “လေးစားမှု” (Lay-zar-mu) — a term that conveys reverence, regard, and mindful consideration. The Myanmar expression does not merely imply admiration; it carries a cultural weight of humility and restraint. In our social context, to “လေးစားသည်” is not only to admire but also to behave properly towards others according to moral and social boundaries.
When we combine these perspectives – global definitions grounded in rights and esteem, and local interpretations rooted in humility and conduct — we begin to see that mutual respect is more than politeness. It is reciprocal recognition. It is the conscious balance between self-worth and the worth of others. It is neither submission nor superiority, but an equilibrium.
This, at least, is what the dictionaries say. What I say – and what I see – may go further.
During my years with an international organization, I had the opportunity to travel abroad to attend meetings, seminars, workshops, fora, conferences, and congresses. Before each gathering, I would carefully read the agenda documents circulated to delegates. These documents were often detailed, outlining procedures, speaking time, seating arrangements, voting mechanisms, and codes of conduct.
Yet among all procedural matters, one principle was consistently highlighted: Mutual Respect.
It was not presented as a decorative phrase. It appeared as a clear reminder – sometimes even as a formal rule – urging delegates to uphold mutual respect throughout the event, regardless of gender, nationality, political system, or the relative size and influence of their countries. The wording was simple, but its implication was profound. Participants came from across the globe — large nations and small states, developed and developing countries, men and women alike — yet within the conference hall, equality in dignity was emphasized.
What struck me most was that this reminder was necessary. These gatherings involved highly educated individuals – diplomats, policymakers, experts, and senior officials. And still, the organizers found it essential to underline mutual respect at the very beginning.
Why?
Because diversity, while enriching, also carries the potential for misunderstanding. Differences in culture, language, economic power, and political standing can quietly influence tone, posture, and even listening habits. Without mutual respect as a conscious guideline, discussion can easily shift from dialogue to dominance.
Inside those halls, each country had its nameplate. Some nameplates represented powerful nations; others represented small countries rarely mentioned in global headlines. Yet when the chair recognized a speaker, each delegate was granted the same floor, the same microphone, the same allotted time. In that moment, respect was institutionalized. It was procedural. It was protected.
From this small but meaningful experience, I began to see that mutual respect is not automatic. It must be declared. It must be structured. And, above all, it must be practised – not only internationally, but also within our own communities.
This is what I saw.
If mutual respect is essential in international halls, it is even more crucial at home, especially in the aftermath of an election.
An election naturally produces two visible groups: winners and losers. The winners celebrate; the losers reflect. Victory brings confidence; defeat often brings disappointment. Yet democracy, at its core, is not designed to humiliate one side or glorify the other. It is designed to allow peaceful competition and orderly transition.
This is where mutual respect becomes a true test of maturity.
For the winners, respect means restraint. It means recognizing that triumph at the ballot box does not erase the dignity of those who voted differently. It means governing not only for supporters, but for the entire nation, including those who stood on the opposite platform.
For the losers, respect means acceptance. It means acknowledging the outcome without resorting to hostility or bitterness. It means understanding that disagreement does not justify division.
In many societies, I have observed that elections do not create division; they reveal it. The real question is what happens afterwards. Do citizens speak to one another with civility? Do leaders choose language that heals rather than inflames? Do institutions function with fairness and composure?
Mutual respect in such moments is not weakness. It is discipline. It prevents political competition from turning into social fracture.
In those international conferences I once attended, countries with vastly different systems and ideologies still agreed to speak with respect under one roof. If nations can do so across borders, surely citizens within one country can do the same after an election.
Victory is temporary. Opposition is temporary. But the nation is permanent.
This is what I see.
In the end, mutual respect is not tested when we agree. It is tested when we do not.
It is easy to respect those who think like us, vote like us, and stand beside us. The true measure of our maturity is how we treat those who stand across from us, politically, socially, or ideologically. A nation does not weaken because of differing opinions. It weakens when disagreement turns into disdain.
History has shown that power changes hands. Governments rise and fall. Political tides shift. Today’s winner may be tomorrow’s opposition. But if mutual respect remains constant, stability endures beyond any electoral cycle.
Respect does not silence criticism. It refines it.
Respect does not eliminate competition. It civilizes it.
Respect does not demand surrender. It demands dignity.
If we expect fairness when we lose, we must practise humility when we win. If we demand recognition of our rights, we must recognize the rights of others. Mutual respect is reciprocal; it cannot move in only one direction.
From international conference halls to our own communities, I have seen one simple truth: where mutual respect is upheld, dialogue continues. Where it collapses, division deepens.
In the quiet space between victory and defeat, between agreement and disagreement, lies a choice. That choice defines not only our politics, but our character.
This is what I see.

gnlm

A year may seem long, but in reality, it is only thirty-six periods of ten days. At first, I never thought about it. But when I reflected on it, I was amazed by how swiftly time moves. Time keeps passing, and we can no longer afford to waste it lightly. If we meet once every ten days, we only meet thirty-six times a year. In this vast and magnificent journey of life, each meeting is quietly moving, step by step, towards separation as we count backwards. How precious every moment of life truly is.
Long-distance relationships have a way of teaching us arithmetic we never wished to learn. We begin counting days instead of memories, hours instead of embraces, phone calls instead of shared dinners. What once felt like an endless calendar suddenly becomes a narrow corridor of numbered chances. Thirty-six meetings a year. Thirty-six opportunities to look into the eyes of the person who feels like home.
When love lives in the same city, time feels generous. There is always tomorrow. There is always next week. There is always another evening to walk side by side without thinking about how many such evenings remain. But when distance stands between two people, time transforms into something sharper and more visible. Every ten days is like a single grain of golden sand in the hourglass of time. While waiting ten days to meet again, while planning ten days for a journey, while counting ten days from “I miss you” to “I finally get to see you”, time continues to slip away.
Time never stops. Like a silent river, it flows steadily forward, carrying people along with it, quietly leaving behind a destiny that never allows us to meet in time. Flights get delayed. Work becomes demanding. Unexpected obligations arise. Sometimes we miss a planned meeting and the arithmetic changes again. Thirty-six becomes thirty-five. Or thirty-four. Each lost meeting feels heavier than it should, because in a long-distance relationship, meetings are not ordinary events — they are the heartbeat of the relationship itself.
Yet every meaningful encounter leaves a beam of light in our lives, forming for us a sky filled with stars. The station platform where we wave goodbye becomes sacred ground. The small café where we talk for hours becomes a memory we revisit on lonely nights. The scent of their perfume on our jacket lingers longer than it should, as if even the air understands how rarely we are together.
Life is a cycle of meeting and parting. And because separation is inevitable, every meeting becomes even more precious. Those who love across distance understand the quiet miracle of ordinary moments. Sitting in silence next to each other. Sharing a simple meal. Walking without speaking. These become treasures because they are limited.
Distance tests patience, but it also refines love. It removes the superficial and exposes what truly matters. We learn to communicate more honestly, because misunderstandings cannot be solved with a quick hug. We learn to listen more carefully, because tone carries more meaning than touch. We learn to trust more deeply because we cannot watch over each other’s daily lives.
There are nights when longing feels heavier than hope. Nights when the phone screen becomes a fragile substitute for presence. Nights when the word “soon” feels both comforting and painfully vague. But there are also mornings when a simple message – “Good morning” – feels like a promise that love is still alive, still waiting, still enduring.
Do not wait for “later”. The best time is now. The longing we feel at this moment, the courage we have at this moment, the hands we can still reach out with at this moment – the present is the most valuable time of all.
In long-distance relationships, postponement becomes a dangerous habit. “We will travel together next year.” “We will celebrate properly when we finally live in the same city.” “We will take photos when life is less busy.” But what if life never becomes less busy? What if next year carries its own storms? The present moment is fragile. It does not wait politely for our convenience.
Let us meet while we still can. In these thirty-six encounters, let us create rich memories. Let us fill every meeting with warmth and meaning. Every sincere encounter is the gentlest way to resist life’s hardships – resisting forgetfulness, resisting loneliness, resisting distance, resisting longing, and resisting the regret of missing what should have been cherished.
When we finally stand face to face after days of waiting, the world seems to pause. The airport crowd fades into the background. The noise of traffic becomes distant. In that embrace, ten days of longing dissolve into a single breath. We realize that love is not measured by proximity, but by presence – by the depth of attention we offer when we are together.
And yet, even in the joy of reunion, there is a quiet awareness that the clock is already ticking again. Another countdown has begun. Another farewell waits somewhere in the near future. This awareness could make love anxious and fragile. Instead, it often makes love deliberate.
We speak more sincerely. We laugh more freely. We take more photos, not because we are obsessed with capturing moments, but because we understand how rare they are. We memorize the curve of their smile, the rhythm of their voice, the warmth of their hand in ours. We gather these details like treasures to carry back across the distance.
The beauty of life does not exist in some distant future, but in every “present moment” in which we are still able to meet. When the sunlight is bright, when longing still stirs in our heart, when it is not yet too late to say, “It’s been so long,” go and meet the one we miss, the one we long to see.
In a world that moves quickly and demands productivity, love can easily be postponed. But love is not an appointment to be rescheduled without consequence. It is a living connection that requires time, attention, and courage. Especially in long-distance relationships, effort is not optional – it is essential.
Thirty-six meetings a year may not seem like much. But within those thirty-six meetings lie countless conversations, shared dreams, whispered reassurances, and silent understandings. Within those thirty-six meetings lies the strength to endure another ten days apart. Within those thirty-six meetings lies the decision, repeated again and again, to stay.
Perhaps the true lesson of distance is not about sadness or sacrifice. Perhaps it is about clarity. When we know we cannot meet every day, we begin to understand the value of every single day we can. When we know time is limited, we stop treating it as infinite.
A year may seem long, but it is only thirty-six periods of ten days. Thirty-six chances to hold hands. Thirty-six chances to say, “I am here.” Thirty-six chances to choose each other again. And maybe that is enough – if we cherish them.

gnlm

We often reassure one another with the phrase “the past is past, and the present is present.” It sounds sensible, even virtuous. It suggests order, progress, and emotional hygiene, as if time were a corridor of rooms, each sealed once we step forward. This idea is comforting, but it is also misleading.
Clock time is linear, predictable, and indifferent to human feeling. Psychological time is not. It stretches, compresses, loops, and resurfaces according to emotion and meaning. Anyone who has lain awake replaying an old conversation, or felt decades collapse at the smell of a childhood kitchen, understands this difference instinctively.

Memory Is a Living System, Not an Archive
Modern psychology shows that memory does not function like a filing cabinet. Experiences are not stored intact and retrieved unchanged. Instead, each act of remembering is an act of reconstruction, shaped by our current emotional state, beliefs, and social context.
A childhood humiliation may remain dormant for years, then suddenly feel raw after a workplace slight or family conflict. The original event has not changed; the self encountering it has. In this sense, the past is not something we leave behind. It lives within us, continuously reorganized as we grow, succeed, fail, love, and grieve.

The Past Lives Inside the Present
Because memory is dynamic, the past does not stay politely in its own era. It intrudes, informs, and sometimes overwhelms the present. Emotional reactions that seem disproportionate are often signals that an earlier experience has been activated.
This is not weakness or immaturity. It is how the human mind maintains continuity. Our past experiences shape how we interpret the world, whom we trust, and what we fear. Ignoring this influence does not erase it; it simply drives it underground.

The Present Is Saturated With the Future
Just as the past inhabits the present, so does the future. The mind rarely occupies a single moment in isolation. Psychologists describe this as temporal layering: we experience the now while simultaneously anticipating what might happen next.
A conversation may be shaped by fear of loss, hope for approval, or dread of consequences that have not yet occurred. This is why joy can feel fragile and why anxiety often has no clear external cause. The present moment is crowded with imagined tomorrows.

“The Past Is Past” as a Moral Aspiration
When people say “the past is past,” they are often expressing a wish rather than a fact. It is a moral aspiration — a desire for clean boundaries and emotional closure. In cultures that prize resilience and forward motion, this idea carries social approval.
Yet it can also produce quiet shame. People may blame themselves for being “stuck” or “unable to move on,” when in reality they are responding normally to unresolved experience. The psyche does not obey slogans.

Integration, Not Erasure, Is the Work of Healing
Psychological health does not come from cutting the past off, but from integrating it. Experiences that are acknowledged, understood, and emotionally processed tend to lose their power over time. Those that are denied or minimized often return as anxiety, bitterness, or unexplained sadness.
Integration means recognising when an old emotional pattern has been activated and responding from the present self rather than the wounded one. This is not indulgence; it is maturity.

Navigating Time With Dignity
Healing is not about closing doors. It is about learning to walk through one’s own history without getting lost in it. Psychological time is not a swing door to be shut, but a landscape to be navigated.
When we accept that time in the mind is fluid rather than linear, we stop blaming ourselves for normal human experience. Growth then becomes a gradual reorganization of meaning, not an act of forgetting. Dignity lies in understanding how the past lives within us — and choosing, again and again, how we respond to its presence.

Bibliography
• Conway, M A, & Pleydell-Pearce, C W (2000). The construction of autobiographical memories in the self-memory system. Psychological Review, 107(2), 261–288.
• Schacter, D L (1999). The seven sins of memory: Insights from psychology and cognitive neuroscience. American Psychologist, 54(3), 182–203.
• Tulving, E (2002). Episodic memory: From mind to brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 1–25.
• Siegel, D J (2012). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Press.
• Zimbardo, P G, & Boyd, J N (2008). The time paradox: The new psychology of time that will change your life. Free Press.

gnlm

Nowadays, people often compare their love to fast food — quick and instant. They see, they fall in love, and they break up, all in a moment. In a world ruled by speed, where messages travel faster than feelings and decisions are made before hearts have time to understand, love is often treated as something to consume quickly and replace just as easily. Many people rush into relationships driven by excitement, curiosity, or loneliness, without stopping to ask whether what they feel is genuine, deep, or lasting. As a result, love sometimes becomes shallow, fragile, and short-lived, leaving behind confusion instead of comfort.
But I think comparing love to coffee makes the meaning clearer and more vivid. Coffee is not something to be rushed. It invites patience, attention, and appreciation. A cup of coffee carries warmth, aroma, and depth, much like true love. It has layers of flavour, moments of bitterness, and hints of sweetness that reveal themselves only to those willing to slow down and truly taste. In the same way, love is not merely a sudden rush of emotion but a gradual journey of understanding, growth, and connection.
Being in a relationship is like drinking a cup of coffee. When a steaming cup of coffee is placed in front of us, some people immediately add a lot of sugar and milk. They want instant sweetness. They want comfort without effort, pleasure without patience. As a result, the coffee turns into something more like a sweet drink. The original bitter taste of coffee disappears, and with it, the unique character that makes coffee special.
In love, if we only give gifts, flowers, and temporary happiness, we may enjoy sweetness at first. Romantic surprises, sweet words, and exciting dates can create beautiful memories, but they cannot carry a relationship forever. Over time, when we can no longer give those things, boredom and dissatisfaction begin to appear. Without emotional depth, trust, and mutual understanding, love becomes fragile. Just like overly sweetened coffee that lacks real flavour, a relationship built only on pleasure and excitement soon loses its meaning.
True love, like good coffee, contains a natural bitterness. This bitterness represents challenges, misunderstandings, sacrifices, and moments of disappointment. These experiences are not signs of failure but growth opportunities. They teach patience, empathy, and resilience. When two people face difficulties together and still choose to stay, their love becomes stronger, deeper, and more valuable. Without bitterness, sweetness has no contrast. Without hardship, happiness feels empty.
Some people drink coffee in one big gulp without tasting it. No matter how hot it is, they swallow it as if even one minute of delay might make them miss a train. They treat coffee as a task to complete rather than a moment to enjoy. In the end, except for the first pleasant aroma, all that remains in their mouth is bitterness.
Likewise, some people live in the same hurried way. They fall in love quickly, hold hands quickly, and make mistakes just as quickly. In a very short time, they fall in love, break up, and are left only with emotional exhaustion. Their hearts grow tired from repeated disappointments. Eventually, they can hardly remember who they loved or when they loved. Love becomes a blur of faces, promises, and endings, leaving behind only confusion and emotional fatigue.
In today’s digital world, this hurried love has become even more common. Social media, dating apps, and instant messaging create the illusion of endless choices. People believe that if one relationship fails, another will appear with just a swipe or a click. While technology connects us, it also encourages impatience. Many stop trying to understand, forgive, or grow together. Instead, they choose to walk away at the first sign of difficulty, hoping that the next person will offer instant happiness. But real love does not grow in such shallow soil.
The true way to enjoy coffee is to first breathe in its fragrant aroma when it arrives at the table — just like gently breathing in the scent of a woman’s hair. This first moment invites us to pause, to be present, and to appreciate what is in front of us. It is a quiet invitation to slow down and prepare ourselves for a meaningful experience.

Then, take a small sip and slowly taste it. After fully feeling the bitterness and richness on your tongue, you decide whether to add sugar or milk. This is how coffee becomes truly delicious. The key is not to rush but to listen to your senses, understand your preference, and respect the natural flavour before changing it.
In the same way, if we love slowly, patiently, and thoughtfully — tasting every moment — we will discover how beautiful love truly is. Real love grows through shared time, honest conversations, and quiet companionship. It is built in everyday moments: cooking together, walking side by side, listening after a long day, and supporting each other in silence. These small, simple acts create a strong foundation that no sudden excitement can replace.
Valentine’s Day often reminds us of romance, gifts, and grand gestures. Shops fill with red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and shining jewellery. While these symbols are beautiful, they should not define love. True love cannot be measured by the price of a gift or the size of a bouquet. It is measured by patience, loyalty, respect, and understanding. It is found in staying when things become difficult, in choosing kindness over pride, and in forgiving even when it is not easy.
Love, like coffee, requires care and attention. Different coffee beans produce different flavours, and each cup depends on how it is brewed. Similarly, every relationship is unique. There is no single recipe for perfect love. What matters is the willingness to learn, adapt, and grow together. Two people who truly care will find their own balance between sweetness and bitterness, excitement and calm, passion and peace.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, perhaps it is time to rethink how we understand love. Instead of chasing instant romance, we can choose a meaningful connection. Instead of expecting perfection, we can accept imperfection. Instead of running from difficulties, we can face them together. Love is not a race; it is a journey. Those who walk slowly often see more, feel more, and remember more.
In a world that constantly pushes us to hurry, love invites us to pause. It asks us to listen, to understand, and to stay. Like a warm cup of coffee on a quiet morning, love offers comfort, reflection, and gentle strength. It reminds us that the most precious moments are not the loudest or the fastest, but the calmest and the deepest.
So, this Valentine’s Day, let us drink love like coffee. Let us breathe in its aroma, taste its bitterness, and appreciate its sweetness. Let us slow down, open our hearts, and allow love to grow naturally. For patience, sincerity, and gentle care, we will discover a love that does not fade with time, but deepens, warms, and stays.

gnlm

The public transport hubs are crowded with travellers on Union Day during the six-day holiday from 12 to 17 February. Here is the interview with the train passengers at the Yangon Railway Station.

U Yin Min Oo 
(MR Dvision7, Manager)
During long holiday periods, Myanma Railways operates special trains. From 12 to 17 February 2026, we are running special services to ensure convenient travel for the public and government employees. Starting 12 February, special up and down trains are operating on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw route, along with an up special train from Yangon to Mawlamyine and another up special train from Yangon to Pyay. On 17 February, special trains will run on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon, Mawlamyine-Yangon and Pyay-Yangon routes. Tickets for the Yangon-Mandalay and Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay routes are also being sold online. For Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw routes, tickets can be purchased online one week in advance for full journeys and three days in advance for intermediate stations. On busy routes like Mawlamyine, air-conditioned special trains are also operating. Today, trains are fully occupied, including trains for the Pyay route. Myanma Railways is committed to transporting passengers quickly and efficiently to their destinations. We are pleased to provide special trains in addition to regular services during this long holiday, ensuring smooth and comfortable transport for both passengers and goods”.

U Maung Maung Naing 
(special Mawlamyine train, 
engine driver 2)
As today is Union Day, I am happy to serve train passengers. It feels as though we were carrying our ethnic brethren in unity as one toward a modern and developed nation. I believe passengers will be satisfied with the operation of special trains to ensure convenient travel. I have 31 years of service. This morning at 9:15 am, we departed for Mawlamyine and will return to Yangon Railway Station from Mawlamyine on 17 February.

Daw Kyi Kyi Than
(passenger)
I’m travelling to Mawlamyine. I have been travelling by train for many years. I prefer it over buses because it feels freer and more peaceful. Regular train travellers in Myanmar are mostly those on the Mawlamyine and Pyay trains. These routes have been operating for many years, so long-time passengers like us have a strong attachment to Myanma Railways. The railway understands the bond between passengers and these two lines. Currently, the online ticket system covers only Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay routes. Since Mawlamyine and Pyay are not yet included, I had to queue at 5 am yesterday at Yangon Railway Station to buy my ticket. It would be more convenient if tickets were also sold online. People who prefer queuing could still do so, while others could buy online. However, buying online requires a strong internet connection, and sometimes, when many passengers try to access the QR code system simultaneously, it may not work properly. So, improvements are needed to make online purchasing more reliable at any time. It is also important to prevent seat duplication. But travelling by train is enjoyable. Travelling on Union Day is especially memorable and exciting. I am happy to see improvements in Myanma Railways and feel proud of the country. I hope services will continue to improve and wish Myanma Railways continued success.

Ma Thoon Nadi San 
(university student)

I’m travelling to Pyay. It feels special and joyful to travel on Union Day. I’m going with my family to visit pagodas. The train coaches are clean and tidy, which makes the journey satisfying. If the coaches, seating, and services continue to improve, both domestic and international travellers will choose trains even when it is not in holiday periods. For the tourism sector to grow, cooperation between the public and staff is also important. In my opinion, Myanmar Railways should showcase its modernization and development more widely so that the public becomes more aware. This would inspire people to travel by train, foster patriotism, and encourage responsible behaviour. Knowing that I’ll be riding an air-conditioned train makes the journey even more exciting.

Ko Ye Yint Aung 
(passenger)

We bought tickets in advance to travel on Union Day when the children finished their exam yesterday. Even though there are many travellers, everything is going smoothly. Seeing my children happy while looking at the train makes me happy as a father. This train journey will become a cherished memory for them when they grow up. When we were young, our parents gave us similar experiences. I have noticed significant improvements in Myanma Railways compared to before. I hope Myanma Railways continues to progress and further enhances its services.

Translated by KTZH

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Union Day in Myanmar, celebrated annually on 12 February, is more than a commemoration of the 1947 Panglong Agreement. It is a living symbol of the country’s aspiration for unity among diverse ethnic groups, cultures, and traditions. In 2026, Union Day arrives at a particularly significant moment: just weeks after the 2025-26 general elections, which unfolded in three phases between December 2025 and January 2026. The results, led by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), mark the beginning of a new political chapter. This convergence of historical remembrance and contemporary governance offers Myanmar an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of unity in both heritage and future leadership.

Union Day: Historical Resonance
The Panglong Agreement of 1947 stands as a cornerstone in Myanmar’s journey towards national unity. Signed by General Aung San and representatives of major ethnic groups, including Shan, Kachin, and Chin, it was a visionary pact that laid the groundwork for a federal union based on mutual respect, equality, and cooperation. The agreement recognized the distinct identities and rights of ethnic nationalities while affirming their shared commitment to forming a unified nation. Though challenges have followed in the decades since, the spirit of Panglong continues to inspire calls for inclusive governance and peaceful coexistence.
Union Day, celebrated annually on 12 February, serves as a powerful reminder of Myanmar’s rich diversity. The country is home to more than 130 ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. From the Bamar heartland to the highlands of the Shan, Kachin, Chin, and Kayin peoples, Myanmar’s cultural mosaic is both vibrant and resilient. Union Day invites citizens to reflect on this diversity not as a source of division, but as a strength that enriches the national identity. It is a day to honour the idea that unity does not mean uniformity, and that true solidarity embraces difference.
The ceremonial importance of Union Day is felt across the country, from bustling cities to remote villages. Schools organize essay contests and debates on unity, while communities host cultural performances showcasing traditional dances, music, and attire. Government offices hold formal events where leaders speak about the values of cooperation and national harmony. These celebrations are not merely symbolic — they reinforce the collective memory of the Panglong spirit and encourage ongoing dialogue about federalism, inclusion, and peace. Union Day thus becomes both a historical commemoration and a living civic tradition, reminding all citizens of their shared responsibility to build a more united and equitable Myanmar.
Union Day is not only about looking back but also about imagining how unity can be reinterpreted in modern times. In 2026, this imagination is shaped by the results of the elections and the governments that will emerge.

A Turning Point
The 2025-26 general elections in Myanmar unfolded across three distinct phases, reflecting both logistical planning and the country’s commitment to broad civic participation. The first phase took place on 28 December 2025, followed by the second on 11 January 2026, and the final phase on 25 January 2026. This staggered approach allowed for greater accessibility across regions and ensured that voters from diverse backgrounds could engage in the democratic process. The elections were held amid anticipation and reflection, as citizens considered the future direction of governance and national unity.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) emerged as the leading political force in this electoral cycle. With historical ties to governance and a platform emphasizing stability and development, the USDP secured a majority in both houses of parliament, positioning itself to form the next government. This outcome was met with a mix of celebration and cautious optimism, as communities across Myanmar looked to the incoming administration to address key issues such as infrastructure, education, and interethnic cooperation. The party’s victory also signalled a continuation of familiar leadership styles, with potential for renewed focus on national integration.
At the time of the elections, the presidency was vacant, creating a unique moment of transition. The new government is expected to consolidate leadership under the USDP, appointing key figures to guide policy and administration in the coming years. This leadership shift presents opportunities to align governance with the values celebrated on Union Day – particularly unity, inclusion, and federal dialogue. As Myanmar steps into a new political chapter, the convergence of electoral results and Union Day observance offers a symbolic reminder that leadership is not only about authority but about fostering cooperation across all segments of society.
Within Myanmar, the focus remains on how governance can contribute to stability, development, and unity. For Union Day, this means reflecting on how the new government can embody the spirit of Panglong in contemporary practice.

Interwoven Narratives
Union Day and the elections intersect in meaningful ways:
• Unity in Diversity: Just as Panglong sought to unite ethnic groups, the new government faces the challenge of ensuring representation and inclusion across Myanmar’s diverse regions.
• Federal Aspirations: The symbolism of Union Day reminds leaders of the importance of federal principles, balancing central authority with regional autonomy.
• Youth Engagement: With half of Myanmar’s population under 30, Union Day celebrations increasingly highlight the role of young citizens in shaping the future. The elections, too, underscore the importance of youth participation in civic life.

Fresh Perspectives on Union Day 2026
To make Union Day resonate with today’s citizens, new ideas can be introduced:

Civic Storytelling Festivals
Communities could host storytelling events where citizens share personal narratives about unity, resilience, and cooperation. These stories, collected across ethnic lines, would embody the spirit of Panglong in everyday life.

Union Day and Digital Citizenship
In an era of technology, Union Day could highlight digital platforms that connect citizens across regions. Online forums, educational apps, and civic engagement tools could serve as modern “Panglong tables”, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

Youth Parliaments on Union Day
Schools and universities could organize mock parliaments where students debate issues of unity, governance, and federalism. This would not only honour the historical roots of Union Day but also prepare the next generation for leadership.

Cultural Bridges
Union Day could feature “cultural bridges” — events where ethnic groups exchange traditions, foods, and art. Such exchanges would symbolize the ongoing weaving of Myanmar’s diverse cultural fabric.

Elections and the Future Government: Opportunities Ahead
The USDP’s victory sets the stage for a government that will likely emphasize continuity and stability. In the context of Union Day, this offers several opportunities:
• Policy Alignment with Unity: The government can align its policies with the spirit of Union Day, focusing on inclusive development, infrastructure in ethnic states, and cultural preservation.
• Strengthening Federal Dialogue: Union Day could serve as an annual reminder for the government to engage in dialogue with ethnic leaders, reinforcing trust and cooperation.
• Educational Initiatives: By supporting civic education programs tied to Union Day, the government can nurture a generation that values unity and democratic participation.

Union Day as a Civic Compass
Union Day is not merely ceremonial; it can serve as a civic compass guiding governance. The elections remind citizens that governments change, but the aspiration for unity remains constant. By embedding Union Day values into policy, Myanmar can ensure that governance reflects the nation’s deepest ideals.
Union Day 2026 arrives at a crossroads: a historical commemoration intertwined with the emergence of a new government following the 2025-26 elections. The USDP’s victory signals continuity, while Union Day reminds Myanmar of the timeless need for unity in diversity. Together, they create a narrative of hope, resilience, and forward-looking governance.
As Myanmar celebrates Union Day this year, citizens can reflect not only on the past but also on the possibilities ahead. By embracing new ideas — storytelling, digital citizenship, youth parliaments, and cultural bridges — Union Day can remain vibrant and relevant. And by aligning governance with the spirit of Panglong, the new government can ensure that unity is not just remembered but lived, shaping Myanmar’s journey into the future.

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Unity in Words, Unity in Action
To begin in my own way, I find it necessary to return to the very meanings of the words “Union” and “Day” themselves. According to global references such as the Oxford and Webster’s dictionaries, a union is defined as the act of joining, or the state of being joined together as one, while a day signifies not merely a unit of time, but a moment set apart for recognition, remembrance, or significance. When viewed together, Union Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of collective commitment and shared responsibility.
From a local perspective, English-Myanmar dictionaries render union as ပေါင်းစည်းခြင်း or ညီညွတ်မှု, words that go beyond structure and speak of harmony, mutual respect, and coexistence. Day, meanwhile, is understood as a marked time of meaning, often associated with memory and reflection. These interpretations resonate deeply with our nation and with the many ethnic peoples who have lived on this land through sunshine and rain, through calm seasons and turbulent years.
In this sense, Union Day is not owned by history alone. It belongs equally to those who came before us and to those who continue to live, work, and endure together, bound by geography, experience, and hope.
My memory drifts back to my younger years with my siblings — three of us: my elder sister, my younger brother (who, sadly, has passed away), and me. Our father often took us to the Kyaikkasan Grounds, once the grand venue for the nation’s significant celebrations, including Union Day.

We were always delighted to go, enjoying fun fairs, tasting traditional Burmese and ethnic foods, exploring exhibition booths presented by ethnic nationalities and ministries, and riding the merry-go-round or the makeshift toy train. These moments remain vivid in my memory, unforgettable even now.
We also never forgot the podium and stage at the centre of Kyaikkasan Grounds, where delegates from the then states and divisions – Shan, Mon, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Magway, Kachin, Taninthayi, and Ayeyawady, among others – spoke of unity and solidarity among all ethnic peoples living peacefully in our nation for generations. These gatherings, these words, and my father’s presence there left a lasting impression on me. This, I realize now, was my real-life remembrance of my late father.
Looking back, those childhood visits with my father were more than just days of joy and amusement; they were lessons in the spirit of our nation. Union Day was not merely a public holiday marked by flags and speeches; it was a living demonstration of unity, of people from diverse backgrounds coming together under one roof to celebrate shared heritage and common purpose. Today, as I witness Union Day commemorations across the country, I see the echoes of those past moments – the stalls, the exhibitions, the calls for solidarity among ethnic peoples – and I am reminded that the essence of this day lies not only in ceremony, but in the everyday commitment of our citizens to live together with mutual respect, harmony, and responsibility.
The memory of my father standing among the crowds, guiding us through the celebrations, quietly instilled in me an understanding of what it means to be part of a Union. It is in these personal recollections, interwoven with the collective observances of our nation, that the significance of Union Day comes alive. It is at once historical and present, public and deeply personal – a reminder of the enduring threads that bind us, and of the work still required to nurture them.
As Union Day unfolds each year, I cannot help but see it through the lens of my father’s presence and guidance. The lessons he imparted – of respect, unity, and care for our fellow citizens — remain with me, quietly shaping how I perceive our nation and its people. Union Day, therefore, is not only a day of public commemoration; it is a call to action, a reminder that the strength of our Union depends on the small, persistent efforts of each individual to honour our shared history, uphold justice, and foster harmony among all ethnic peoples. In remembering my father, I also remember the enduring responsibility of every citizen: to walk hand in hand with others, to nurture understanding, and to help build a Union that is strong, peaceful, and lasting, just as he quietly taught me all those years ago.

Hand in Hand, Past and Present, We Build the Union