Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi held a religious ceremony at home and then paid tribute at her mother's tomb near the southern gate of the country's landmark Shwedagon Pagoda on the 22nd anniversary of her mother's death, which fell on Monday.

“Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held a religious ceremony on the 22nd anniversary of her mother's death at 1 pm at home,” said Ohn Kyaing, a spokesperson for the National League for Democracy. “Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu religious leaders who were invited to the ceremony then paid tribute to her mother's tomb on Shwedagon Pagoda Road at 4 pm.”   

Khin Kyi, wife of Burma's national hero General Aung San, died on Dec. 27, 1988 after suffering a severe stroke.

Hearing of her mother's illness, Suu Kyi immediately flew from London to Rangoon to take care of her mother, but she also unexpectedly witnessed the illness of the society where she was born following a series of the peaceful student demonstrations against the military regime.

When the military government brutally cracked down on the demonstrations, Suu Kyi became involved in politics to seek a peaceful political solution, transforming herself to a lady with an iron will and unwavering commitment to democracy, which she has maintained until this day.

Khin Kyi, who was regarded highly by Burmese society, stepped into politics after Gen Aung San was assassinated by his political rival in 1947, becoming a member of parliament in the first parliament of independent Burma. After that, she became the first woman ambassador to India.