On May 20, 2018, the BOD (Board of Directors) and EC (Executive Committee) members of NorCal RITAA (Northern California Rangoon Institute of Technology Alumni Association) threw a surprise party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair of BOD) and Daw Hnin Maung Maung (Ma Ku, “Nyima Lay”).
According to Saya U Myat Htoo, he was the youngest in his family and wanted a younger sibling (preferably a sister).
Saya found an innocent 9 year old neighbor (and family friend).
Sayagyi U Ba Toke is a Phwa Bet Taw of (a) Rangoon University (established by the 1920 Rangoon University Act (b) First Strike of Rangoon University students (later celebrated as Ah Myo Thar Aung Pwe Nay). All three events occurred in December 1920.
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Sayagyi.
The interview covered six audio tapes. They were transcribed by Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing).
With the support of the Rangoon University Mathematics Association, they compiled and published the book as an 80+ Birthday present for Sayagyi.
During my visits to Yangon, I visited and paid respect to Sayagyi.
Sayagyi gave Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and me autographed copies of the book.
Sadly both Sayas are GBNF.
Sayagyi passed away on December 2, 2020 (the day after the Rangoon University Centennial Celebrations). It was a few days ahead of his 100th Birthday.
During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke with (a) Ko Ohn Khine (provided the ride) (b) Sayagyi U Ba Than (would pay respect to his Saya at least once every year) (c) Saya U Tin Htut (d) “Oo Lay” U Aung Soe (GBNF, was Sayagyi’s dhamma friend and a member of the group who would walk every weekend from Yankin to Shwe Dagon Pagoda)
Book
Sayagyi gave an autographed copy of the book about him.
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Sayagyi resulting in six audo cassettes.
Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Saya KMS’s spouse, daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) helped with the transcription.
The book not only covers Sayagyi’s life journey, but also describes some events at the University of Rangoon, and a list of the early Thin Char Sayas (e.g. U Aung Hla, U Kar, U Net)
Book about Sayagyi U Ba Toke
Phwa Bet Taw
Sayagyi was born in December 1920.
His Phwa Bet Taws include the University of Rangoon and the first RU Students’ Strike.
The main events of the RU Centennial will be held in November and December 2020.
The kick off for the RU Centennial took place on December 1, 2019.
From the third batch of Architects produced by the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University.
Graduated in 1960 with U Aung Kyee Myint and U Khin Maung Yin.
Architect / Work Experience / Volunteer Work
U Bo Gyi (A59), U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Aung Kyee Myint (A60) founded “Architects Incorporated”.
They later joined PWD. U Bo Gyi designed the Mausoleum for Daw Khin Kyi. After retirement, U Bo Gyi became a monk. U Tin Htoon was architect for the Bagan Thiripyitsaya Project. U Aung Kyee Myint retired as Chief Architect.
Moved to Singapore. Helped with the Burmese Buddhist Temple Project.
Settled in Southern California. Co-founder, Goenka Vipassana Center Board member, Pariyatti Society Co-founder, Triple Gems Publication
Rowing and Sailing
Some photos were provided by U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and U Linn Tun (Houston, son of U Tun Shein (RUBC Gold)).
RUBC Captains
Captain of RUBC for the 1959-60 term.
RUBC Gold
Represented RUBC in Burma, India, Ceylon, and Hong Kong.
In the early days, he often rowed as No. (2) in the Coxed Fours and No. (4) in the Coxed Eights with U Tun Shein (Willie Saing) or James/Jimmy Saw Lwin as Timing Stroke.
Later, he rowed mostly as Timing Stroke.
Won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs with Dr. Harry Saing (Bow, GBNF) at the ARAE Regatta in Calcutta in 1958.
Won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours with Dr. Harry Saing (Bow, GBNF), Victor Htun Shein (No.(2), GBNF), Sunny Teng (No.(3)) and U Sein Htoon (Cox, M63) at the ARAE Regatta in Colombo in 1960.
Won the Silver Medal in Yachting at a SEAP Games with U Hla Khin (Navy).
In 1963, Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon compiled the souvenir magazine for the 40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC.
In 2013, U Tin Htoon, U Myo Myint, U Htaik San (Henry Kao), U Hla Min and team compiled the souvenir magazine for the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC.
Sasana work
Co-founded Triple Gem Publications with U Harry Than Htut (Canada), Dr. Maung Maung Lwin (UK), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE70, Singapore) and U Htay Aung (Victor, EC80, Australia).
Volunteered for several Saya S N Goenka’s projects (in India and USA)
Helped several monasteries with the publications (e.g. Centennial)
Dr. Richard Yu Khin (Economist, SEAP Gold Medalist in Yachting) wrote
Background information on Ko Tin Htoon. His elder sister Ruby [Dr. Daw Win Hlaing] was a close friend of my aunt. My mother [Dr. Daw Phay] was personal physician to his mother. Their family mansion was located on 17 acres in prestigious Windermere Road. Former RUBC Captains Ko Tin Htoon, Ko Tin Htut & Ko Tin Wa later joined Rangoon Sailing Club. All three of them presently reside in California.
Compiler of Magazines and Photo books
Magazines
Anniversary Magazines for selected organizations and monasteries
RUBC 40th Anniversary Issue with Sithu U Tin (GBNF) and U Po Zon (GBNF)
Chair, RUBC 90th Anniversary Issue U Myo Myint Vice-Chair Henry Kao (Htaik San) Secretary
Photo Books
One for his parents
One for his eldest brother (U Tin U’s 90th Birthday on August 3, 2019)
In Preparation : One for his second eldest brother (U Ba Than’s 90th Birthday on October 2, 2020)
Some for his immediate family Photos from Burma, Singapore, US and Trips
Major helper : Henry Kao (U Htaik San, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) for the design and layout
December 2, 2020 : Saya U Ba Toke passed away a few days before his Centennial Birthday (December 26, 2020)
December 5, 1920 : First RU Students’ Strike Caused amendments to the RU Act. Led to the establishment of Amyothar Kyaung (National School) and Amyothat Kawleik (College) The Amyothar Nay (National Day) is celebrated using the Burmese date (may sometimes fall in November)
December 1961 : Second SEAP Games Hosted in Rangoon Burma dominated in Track and Field, Swimming, Volleyball … About 20 athletes from RU represented Burma in the Games (See photo provided by Dr. Richard Yu Khin)
December 1968 : Apollo 8 orbited the Moon and flew back safely to earth Crew : Frank Borman, James Lowell and Bill Anders
December 1969 : Fifth SEAP Games Hosted in Rangoon Htay Aung (M69) played for the Burma Water Polo team His spouse Than Than is Burma Sprint Champion. Myint Aung won 6 Golds in Gymnastics. Jimmy Crampton won Golds in Middle Distance. Shimbwegun won Golds in Long Distance. Forward Magazine published my poem “Till we meet again“.
Fifth SEAP Games
December 26, 1920 : Saya U Ba Toke’s birthday
Other notable events
Pearl Harbor Attack (gave US a reason to enter WWII)
Christmas (adapted native practices such as Yule Tide to celebrate the birth of Jesus)
Winter Solstice (shortest day and longest night in Northern Hemisphere)
Jewish and African American celebrations
New Year’s Eve (Ushering in the New Year, e.g. at Times Square in New York)
Some Dec born : Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, SPHS63, EC69, GBNF) Maung Maung Kyi (SPHS63) My sister Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M) My beloved spouse Saya Allen Htay (C, GBNF) Saya U Thein Tan (C) Some relatives …
Aung Thu YeinMaung Maung Kyi
Miscellaneous
The Year in Review in some newspapers, magazines, TV and Cable channels
Man of the Year (e.g. Times Magazine) Similar : Athlete / Machine / Product … of the Year
Remembering Celebrities, loved ones … who passed away
Some are reluctant to say “Merry” Christmas and “Happy” New Year since they have felt the restraints by the pandemic and the calamities.
We were told to hope for the Best and to prepare for the Worst.
Served as Secretary of RIT Civil Engineering Association. Predecessor : Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70)
Publisher of the MES Technical Digest. He posted via air mail some MES Technical Digests.
There was no formal Alumni Association or SDYF at the time.
Chair of the SPZP-2012 Preparation/Implementation Committee with four (or more) subcommittees
Chief Editor of the Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for SPZP-2012
Publisher of limited reprints of the 23 (or so) RIT Annual Magazines
During my visit to Yangon, he provided transportation with his son-in-law to attend a dinner hosted by him near Feel Restaurant. Attendees include Saya U Aung, U Ohn Khine and Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie)
He gave me an autographed copy of “Selected Cartoons from RIT Magazines and Set Hmu Thadinzin”. Told me that a commemorative issue will be published by four (or more) generations of famous “RIT Cartoon Box” cartoonists (some who made to national and international fame).
It was a teaser for the “Selected RIT Cartoons” to be compiled and published by U Myint Pe (M72) and the team of “RIT Cartoon Box” contributors and maintainers including Aw Pi Kye and Saya U Thiha Latt.
Also drove me to preparation meetings for SPZP-2012.
Chief Editor and Publisher of the commemorative issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012
Reprinted 2000 copies each of 23 vintage RIT Annual Magazines
Took care of logistics and security of SPZP-2012 in the morning at YTU and the Reunion Dinner in the evening at MICT Park
Coordinated with RIT Cartoonists for the “Cartoon Collection”.
Had medical problems and had been hospitalized a couple of times, but that did not dampen his spirit to make the first True Homing a resounding success.
Earlier posted me Tech magazines published by MES under his wing.
Founder and moderator of “bitritalumni” Facebook Page.
Despite having medical problems and a number visits to ICU, he gave 100% for the success of RIT-related projects in general, and SPZP-2012 in particular.
Sad to learn that he passed away. Glad to know that his works live on.
HlaMin 