Ning Ning

Ning Ning (2 October 940—19 May 1017), commonly known by her regnal title Thiri Malla Ti Mahay, was a royal concubine of emperor Shawekki of the Hafra dynasty of Puran. She was the founder of Bomin Poverty School.

Early Life
Ning Ning was born Shin Ning in 940, 30 years younger than her husband. She was from a noble family Tahoo Mia Tinima Elha, whose father Yashen Kuang was an official of Nanwa, but her mother Yi Sun Uyen was from a poor family, then became an official’s wife because bore 4 sons and 3 daughters. Yi Sun Uyen usually told her children stories about living in poverty, which made Ning Ning sumpathized poor people. Ning Ning entered the palace c.958 as Than Ning Ning, the lowest title of the Emperor’s wives. She was not favored by the emperor, as whom had so much beautiful consorts. 8 years later, she was ascended to Phiam Ning Ning. She didn’t bear any issue.

Charity
After Shawekki died in 968, Ning Ning retired from the palace, back her home. Ning Ning always gave food and shelters to poor people. She didn’t care money or jewelry. When poor people could eat enough and have place to live, she’d be happy. Empress mother Saliman Dewi also supported that, raised her annuity so Ning Ning could help more people. In 982, Ning Ning noticed that poor people had no way to learn, meaning they couldn’t change their situations by learning. So Ning Ning donated a lot of money to build a school for poor people in Bomin, her mother’s hometown. Bomin Poverty School was a school teaching poor people, and supplied free food for them. All money were donated by Ning Ning. Many poor people called Ning Ning “divine mother”. Bomin Poverty School was the first charity school in Puran, significant and meaningful.

Death
Ning Ning died in 1017 by the age 76. She was entombed in Toosu. Many poor people attended her funeral voluntarily. She was honored “mother of charity school” in Puran.