Time Asia has released its 2005 Asian Heroes. Actually, they released it a few weeks ago - but I've only just noticed. Its rare I get the opportunity to name-drop, so I have to take full advantage when I do.

One of the heroes is Charm Tong. I had the good fortune to be able to work with/for Charm Tong at the Shan School last year. She is as great as the article makes her out to be, and even though it is Time, (who put a chinese pop star on the edition's cover), the award is well deserved. I like to think of her as my friend, even though I don't get the chance to talk to her very often. And even though she's younger than I am, she's one of my heroes.

She's quite used to publicity, and often jets around the world attending big meetings and giving speeches, but she's certainly not the sort to seek out the limelight. I know she does what she does to bring much needed attention to the plight of Shan State and the people of Burma. So for her sake, go read and learn something today:
Shan Women's Action Network