There were several gatherings during my visit to Yangon in January, 2018.
Mini-gathering hosted by me
69er Monthly Gathering
UCC gathering hosted by the Myints
5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY
Lunch gathering hosted by MARB sayas
Mini-gathering hosted by me
Host : Me
During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.
U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.
A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).
Standing:
U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Sharing Merits
I hosted the mini-gathering.
I also donated to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the EE69ers HCF.
The Second World War started in 1939 in Europe and spread to Asia.
The University of Rangoon suspended classes for three years : 1943 – 1945.
Per Sayagyi U Ba Toke, there were some make-shift classes at the ad-hoc University in Mogul (Shwe Bon Tha) Street. He taught Mathematics there.
1946
Rangoon University was reopened in 1946.
Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor, EE), Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon) and Dr. Pe Thein (Professor, Minister) attended Rangoon University in 1946.
Panglong Conference
1947
Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglong Agreement) was signed on February 12, 1947. Some ethnic races did not attend the Pinlon Conference.
Nine Arzanis — Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Sao San Htun (Mong Pawn Sawbwa), U Ba Win, U Razak, ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Htwe — were mercilessly gunned down at the Secretariat on July 19, 1947. All except Sao San Htun (who was hospitalized with fatal wounds and died on July 20, 1947) perished that day. Three ministers including Bagan U Ba Gyan escaped.
1948 and 1949
Burma gain Independence on January 4, 1948 at 4:20 AM. Sao Shwe Thike / Thaik became the first President of the Union of Burma. U Nu became the first Prime Minister.
Two factions — White Flag led by Thakin Than Tun and Red Flag led by Thakin Soe — of the Burma Communist Party (BCP) went underground. There was several groups in the armed rebellion.
For a short period of time, the Burmese government was called “Yangon Ah So Ya“.
Thanks in part to the arms sent by neighboring India, and the volunteer RU students, the planned conquest of Rangoon was derailed. The tide was turned, and Burma was back on the road to normalcy,
The Union of Burma had a bi-caramel parliament.
1950s
Dr. Ba U served as the second President. In his book “My Burma”, he considers himself as the first President elected in accordance with the Constitution of the Union of Burma. The general public considers him as the Second President (who succeeded Sao Swe Thike).
Many States Scholars were sent to the prestigious universities in the USA and UK to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. In 1954, there were 400 Burmese State Scholars (many from the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli). Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than were the early recipients of the “Twinning Program” to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at prestigious universities (e.g. MIT, Cornell). Upon their return, they supplemented and later replaced the foreign sayas. Some worked for government departments and the Industry.
The split in the AFPFL (Anti-Facist People’s Freedom League) party into Clean AFPFL [Thant Shin] and Stable AFPFL [Ti Mye] caused the handover to the “Ein Saunt Ah Soe Ya” (Caretaker Government) in 1958. Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
Saya Dr. Chit Swe founded UCC (Universities’ Computer Center) with the help of Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF). The UCC staff and students address the founding members as Saya Chit, Saya Paing, Saya Myo and Saya Lay.
U Soe PaingU Myo MinU Ko Ko Lay
Projects
I have written about Saya Chit in several of my posts. He is a Pioneer and a believer of Life Long Learning, Knowledge Transfer, Leapfrogging Technology and the Talents of the Burmese sayas and students. He is my mentor. More importantly, he allowed me to work on most of his projects (including Preparation for the UCC Project, High School Mathematics Curriculum Change, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge, and Team of System Specialists).
Vision
Saya Chit ensured that there would be a component in the UCC Project to invite short term and long term Computer Scientists and Educators to UCC. Professor Harry D Huskey (Past ACM President and a Computing Pioneer) was given the sub contract to help with the academic and professional courses being given at UCC.
Saya Chit made sure that the post-graduate diploma (DAC) and post-graduate Computer Science courses were given under the “Mathematics Department” until a separate CS Department could be opened.
Passion
Saya Chit served as Director of UCC in addition to being Professor of Mathematics.
Saya Chit moved back to RASU, but never lost his passion about his pet baby UCC.
Saya retired as Rector of RASU. Saya then relocated to Thailand and Australia. Saya continued supervising graduate students in Australia. Saya is still passionate about UCC, Computers and Education in Burma and beyond.
Dr. Tin Maung
Saya Chit was succeeded by Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Director of UCC.
Saya Dr. Tin Maung retired as Rector of ICST.
DCS
During Saya Tin Maung’s tenure, the Department of Computer Science (DCS) was established under RASU. Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF, brother of U Than Htut M67) was Professor. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor. I was a Lecturer.
The Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) was established in 1988 with Saya Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
There were initially four Departments :
Hardware Technology (with U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor and Head)
Software Technology (with Yours Truly as Associate Professor and Head)
Information Systems (with Saya U Ko Ko Lay as Professor and Head)
Computational Mathematics
30 students were admitted to the first B.Sc (Computer Science) course.
15 students were admitted to the first B.Sc. (Computer Technology) course.
ICST later became UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon).
Gatherings
There have been gatherings to
celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of UCC
celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of ICST
5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY in January 2018
6th Acariya Puzaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY in December 2019
In January 2018, I was invited as the Generation Zero Member to attend the ICST/UCSY hosted the 5th Acariya Puzaw Pwe and give a short speech.
During my visit to Yangon in January and February of 2018, I spent almost three whole days writing “Memories of UCC”. I had provided Word and PDF files, but the UCSY sayamas suggested that I should submit a shorter version for the commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary has come out.
Over the years, I attended several mini-gatherings and gatherings hosted by UCC sayas and alumni.
Saya U Soe Paing hosted gatherings (usually dinner meeting) at his house. Sayagadaw Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69) was my class mate. She also attended CPC course.
U Thein Oo, Daw Tin May Lwin and several others help organize the gatherings. U Thein Oo, U Htin Kyaw, Aung Aung and several others provide transportation to or from Saya’s house.
40th Anniversary
There was fun and laughter at UCC’s 40th Anniversary Gathering.
ICST SPZP
In January 14, 2018, I attended the 5th UCSY Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe as “Generation Zero” representative and the “Most Senior” (not by age). Several attendees started their studies and/or careers at UCC.
Saw Yan Naing, son of Dr. Saw Naing (Wesley, SPHS59), gave me a ride to the Pu Zaw Pwe. SYN is a nephew of Dr Myo Khin. He is a cousin of Soe Lin Maung (UCC).
Gatherings in USA
Dr. Rafiul Ahad, Ko Khin Zaw,, Ko Aung Myint Oo & Ma Thida Khin, Ko Sein Myint & Sao Mon Sint (Cindy) and Ko Toung hosted UCC gatherings (especially to welcome and alumni visiting US). Ivan Lee hosts an annual joint gathering for UCC and RIT sayas and alumni at his home in New Jersey.
Gatherings in Singapore
Ko Tin Aung Win, Ko Zaw Tun and Pale Shein organized buffet gatherings. Ko Aung Aung & Ma Kyin Mya are regulars at the gatherings. Some have moved to Thailand and Myanmar.
Gatherings in Australia
Sydney
Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF), Ko Sein Myint Maung & Khin Aye Mu, Ko Htay Aung & Tin Tin Hlaing organized the gatherings. I met Thandar Htwe Htwe and Khin May Thet.
Ko Sein Tin created a short music video during my visit to Oz in 2006.
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet (GBNF) and FamilyMa Nyo and Thor
By Thor Win Aye
We’re coming to the end now. We’ve said our I love you’s and have started saying our goodbyes, or if you like, our farewells and until-next-times.
But while I have you, let me say thank you for all your love, attention, lessons learned and patience along the way. Thank you for fighting all these long years to stay alive.
Cancer three times in one life? It just doesn’t seem fair. And well it’s not.
You’re a good person who has spent her life in the service of others. A caretaker and healer of our youth, as a pediatrician. A dedicated, dutiful daughter who sacrificed to care for her mother, no matter the cost. A leader and the center of our Burmese community, helping recent immigrants find work, help, housing and most importantly a connection to their community. You were the mom on the block that gave all my friends hugs, kisses, meals, rides and love. Everybody loved you. And how could they not? We were so lucky to have you.
You’re the most important person in my life. I cannot imagine a world, my world without you. But in the same breath, I see how much pain and suffering you’ve already endured. I can see your energy draining and see that the things that once brought you happiness, are now belabored and joyless. I’ll miss your brutally honest feedback, your big warm hugs, your delicious cooking but more than anything, I’ll miss your Unconditional love. No matter what I did, where we were or how long we’d been apart, I knew you’d be thinking about me and missing me too. You’d always support and love me, with no strings attached. I’ve been so blessed to have you in my life.
But Mom, if you’re ready to go. I’m ready to let you. I’ll miss you every day for the rest of my life. Go in peace and with our love and blessings.
You’ll always be in my heart. I love you.
Notes
Ma Nyo(Dr. Khin Nyo Thet)
Sept. 17, 1946 – May 3, 2021
Matriculated from Methodist English High School (MEHS) in 1963
MBBS from Institute of Medicine (2) in 1970
MD, Pediatrician
Hobbies Tennis, Pickle Ball, Music, Dancing, Bridge, Mah Jong
Parents Professor Dr. Kyaw Thet and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Gyi (Pioneer History Teachers)
Siblings U Lyn Maung Thet (GBNF), Dr. Lyn Aung Thet (Athlete Scholar), Daw Khin Aye Thet (GBNF)
Spouse Dr. “Lyn” Swe Aye (Lynston Than Maung) Author, Translator, Editor, Musician, Athlete
Co-founder of “Aye Thet Scholarship” with spouse Awarded at TBSA “Summer Dhamma School” at Dhammananda Vihara
Children Mimi Thabye Aye, Thor Win Aye
Thor Win Aye was an early recipient of the Scholarship / Award. He wrote an article for the Dhammananda Newsletter. He also gave Guest Lectures at the TBSA Summer Dhamma School.
Messages
Alice and Ma Nyo
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet, My dear courageous friend who succumbed to cancer, I will miss you . You will always be in my prayers. I love you tha-nge-gyin. May you rest in peace. Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May she Rest In Peace in a higher abode. Khin Maung Htay (Tommy Htay), Than Than Htay and family.
Goodbye Dearest Friend Nyo Nyo, So glad to catch up last year. As the saying goes ” ရှေ့ကသွားလေတော့နောက်ကလိုက်ခဲ့မယ်”. We will be following you, the one who left ahead. Love you. Desiree
My dear cousin NyoNyo, May you rest in peace . My deep and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Maureen Khin
I’m so sad to hear that Nyo has passed away. She was so strong and brave right till the end. My deepest condolences to Ko Swe Aye and family. Rest in Peace, Nyo, you are suffering no more. Toni Than
My beloved sister, you were my hero and my confidant. I will miss you so much. I admired you most for your caring nature towards family and friends, your extraordinary energy, amazing courage and strength. You will always be in my heart and my prayers. May you reside in a more peaceful and higher abode. Khin Mae Hla
Thank you for all your remembrances and condolences, Lyn Swe Aye, Mimi Thabyay and Thor
Given current size limitations on gatherings, a family-only service will be held at Skylawn Cemetery in San Mateo.
A memorial service may be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Theravada Buddhist Society of America (Aye-Thet Scholarship Fund), 17450 S. Cabrillo Hwy. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 3rd from Right)Daw Myint Thwe (Center)Daw Myint Thwe (2nd row; 3rd from Left)Daw Myint Thwe (Seated Center)Daw Myint Thwe (Seated 2nd from Right)
She passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia.
Spouse : Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
Fourth of nine siblings : Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Ba Than (M, GBNF), Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htoon (A60), Saya U Myo Min (UCC), U Thaung Lwin (EC66), Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
Children : Ma Tin Tin Hlaing (UCC) & Ko Htay Aung (EC80, UCC), Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83, UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)
Private Boundary Road School Daw Ku Paw, Daw Kywe, Daw Yi Yi, Daw Khin Khin Aye
St. Paul’s High School Ms. A Benjamin, Mrs. V Boudville, Ms. Amelia Kyi (Miss Hong Kong), Brother Xavier, Brother Austin
I.Sc. (A) Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing, Daw Khin Khin Kyi
2nd BE Mr. Des Rodgers (Primary), Sao Kan Gyi, U Khin, U Win Mra
Saya Des
Saya Des
Our main English Teacher in our 2nd BE Class in 1964 – 65.
Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter.
Core organizer of debates (in English) between 1st BE and 2nd BE students. e.g. “Money is the Root of All Evils” “Are we happier than our forefathers?”
Played on the RIT Saya soccer team.
Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show. Would often play with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
Won Singles and Doubles tournaments in Scrabble. Held at Guardian, YMCA and RIT.
Did post-graduate studies in the UK.
Moved to Canada.
Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.
Set up a consultancy firm
Published a book on English words that have been “selected” from contemporary news media and magazines. I helped catch some typos (which would go into an amendment).
Conducted on-line courses to students (mostly outside Canada).
Published two books.
The first book selected words from the contemporary publications (news media and magazines), provided definitions and usage. Synonyms and antonyms are given.
Sent his book by air mail. Sadly, I received only the envelope. So he sent a second time using registered/insured option. The mailing costs are prohibitive. Cost more than the sales price of the book.
E-mailed back typos in the book to Saya. They will be corrected in a future edition.
One of the four Bhamaso Taya or Bhama Vihara (along with Karuna, Mudita, and Uppekha)
Practiced as a form of meditation
U Silananda‘s book on Protective Verses has a section on how to practice Loving Kindness Meditation.
Tipitaka Mingun Sayadawgyi recited the Two Methods of sending Metta. As mentioned in Metta Sutta Alternative: 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12) They can be found on YouTube and CDs.
“Metta Sutta” is one of the eleven Suttas in “Paritta Pali” (Protective Verses). Also known as Karaniya Metta Sutta Chanted at most Buddhist ceremonies.
Myitta is covered along with Thitsar (Truth) in Dr. Min Tin Mon‘s book “Myitta and Thitsar“
U Thu Kha wrote a book on Metta Sutta.
U Jotalankara‘s book explains the 528 Metta.
A Physics teacher said, “Myitta So Dar Ah Hlyar Ah Nan Ma Shee Bay Mei Ah Thwar Ah Pyan Shee Bar Thay Dae.”
Metta is also used as a name or part of a name.
Metta is a Myanmar comedian.
Mettananda Vihara is a monastery in Northern California. Moved from Central Avenue, Fremont to Castro Valley.
Metta Vihari is an association that performs Chanting, and also offers food dana at selected gatherings.
Practicing Metta
By Way of LOCATION:
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this house be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this area be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this city be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this country be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this world be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this universe be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
By Way of PERSONS:
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May my teachers be well, happy and peaceful.
May my parents be well, happy and peaceful.
May my relatives be well, happy and peaceful.
May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
May the indifferent persons be well, happy and peaceful.
May the unfriendly persons be well, happy and peaceful.
May all meditators be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
Metta Sutta
Third sutta in “Paritta Pali”
also referred to as Karaniya Metta Sutta
Desirable qualities of a Practitioner
Loving Kindness Meditation
Formal Translation from Pali into Burmese/Myanmar and English
Informal Books by Saya U Thu Kha and Saya Dr. Mehm Tin Mon
MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
“Fast track” MBBS for LMP
Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
MBBS (Mandalay)
New Education System Institute of Medicine (1) Institute of Medicine (2) Mandalay Institute of Medicine
MD
Ph.D
Membership MRCP, MRCOG …
Fellowship FRCP, FRCS …
Physicians / Medicine Col Min Sein (Dean) Major Shwe Zan Dr. Maung Gale (Dean) Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector) Dr. U E (Rector) Dr. Hla Myint (Aba) …
Surgeons Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector) Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped) Dr. Htut Saing (Ped) Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic) Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho) …
HlaMin 