Kha Lay

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

Kha Lay means child.

Kha Lay Ba Wa means childhood. The days of the innocent childhood became a theme of the song composed by Sai Kham Leik and sung by Sai Htee Saing.

Kha Lay Ah Thinn

• Some time back, my cousin sister said, “I still have the paper with the song that you wrote for Kha Lay Ah Thinn.”
• When we were young, there was no Internet or TV.
• The Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS) would broadcast for specified hours in the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
• We spend a lot of time outdoors.
• One hangout was the corner in our uncle’s compound.
• Someone came up with the idea that we should form a “Kha Lay Ah Thinn”. I was chosen to be the “Okkahta” (President). I am not a composer, but that did not prevent from trying out a “Theme Song”. The music and lyrics were not spectacular, but I would have earned a nod for moving out of my comfort zone.
• We did not have fund. Our uncles, aunts and elder cousins decided to help with the fund raiser. There was the renowned “Bu Thee Gyaw & Ah Chin”. It may be a sign that I would become an organizer.

KG

• I did not cherish going to school at an early age. It was not fun to get up early.
• It was not easy to use slate.
• All that changed when a caring Karen Christian Teacher named “Teacher Kywe” magically transformed me into a dutiful student with an inquiring mind.

Myees (Grand children)

• The elder Myee is 11 years old. The younger Myee is 8 years old. They are excellent in studies, sports and social relations.
• They have lots of books, educational kits and toys. They enjoy visiting zoos, play grounds, gyms, and museums. They like TV, You Tube and taking photos.