He practiced vipassana meditation with the instruction of Mahasi Sayadawgyi in 1953-54. He served as Palipatiwisodhaka (editor of Pali scriptures) at the Sixth Buddhist Council. He was meditation teacher at the Sasana Yeiktha from 1967 – 1977.
Dhamma Duta Mission
He was a member of Mahasi Sayadaw’s Dhamma Dhuta Mission to Europe and US in 1978 – 80 along with Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa, and Sayadaw U Kelasa.
Yeiktha
Sayadaw established the Chanmyay Yeiktha Buddhist Meditation Center in Myanmar (Burma).
There are branches in several countries (US, Singapore, Australia …)
In Burmese, it means child. Kha Lay Ba Wa means childhood. The days of the innocent childhood became a theme of the song composed by Sai Kham Leik and sung by Sai Htee Saing. We had a Kha Lay Ah Thinn (Children’s Club).
Kindness
Random acts of kindness may be reciprocated even by seemingly bad people. My father volunteered at a “Bain Phut Ah Thin” for rehabilitating opium addicts. He gave a rehabilitated addict some money to pay for the fare back home. It was an act of random kindness. During the Second World War, my parents and his siblings decided to take refuge at Neikbeinda Hills in Prome. My father sent his assistant ahead of him. Unfortunately, the assistant encountered a group of bandits. He pleaded the bandits not to take away his saya’s possessions. When the bandit leader learned that the saya was my father, he decided to guard the assistant on the way to the Neikbeinda Hills. The leader also offered a surprise gift — a box of condensed milk — for my father.
Language
Burmese language Spoken language : Myanmar Sagar Written language : Myanmar Sar Burmese language processing
Chomsky hierarchy of languages
Classification
Computer language
Dictionary
Font — Zawgyi (not Unicode compliant); Pyidaungsu & others (which are Unicode compliant)
Make as many mistakes as possible (to gain experience)
Pull (instead of Push)
Servant leader
Learning
Fun with Learning
Life Long Learning
Tips
Level
Advanced : High
A-level (GCE) : Advanced Level
AP : Advanced Placement
Basic : Beginner : Introduction : Low : Primary
General Honors
Intermediate : Medium : Middle
O-Level (GCE) : Ordinary Level
Special Honors
Library
Private
Public
University
National
Like
Before Facebook introduced emojis, some users overused the “Like” button.
I was puzzled to see Likes in an Obituary posting. Shouldn’t one be sad?
Are some users clicking “Like” without reading if the posting is current or old, and if the contents are really likeable.
Literary Talks
Myanmar
Irrawaddy Literary Festival
Logic
2VL : Two Valued Logic
3VL : Three Valued Logic
ALU : Arithmetic Logical Unit
Fuzzy Logic
Logic Theorist
Logical constant
Logical expression
Logical variable
Predicate : Predicate Calculus
Proposition : Propositional Calculus
Lokathana, Venerable
U Lokanatha
U Lokanatha (1897 – 1966) was an Italian Chemist in USA.
He received a book (containing Dhammapada) from his supervisor for Christmas present.
After reading the Dhammapada, he decided to quit his job and become a Buddhist monk in Asia.
He spent his life practicing and preaching in Burma & going on Dhamma Duta missions to neighboring countries.
My grandmother donated a monastery in Bawdigone, Rangoon.
Loss
Loss of manuscripts Daw Khin Mya Mu
Lossless compression
Lossy comprehension
Win-Lose
Win-Tie-Lose
Agony of some second place finishers Buzz Aldrin Post-doc in Physics at the University of Iowa
Malware
Malicious software industry is responsible for losses (in down time, data corruption, identity theft) in the billions.
According to one report, the industry is more profitable and safer than the drug dealing.
The penalty of offenders for malicious software is “peanuts” (e.g. little or no jail time) compared to drug dealers (e.g. life imprisonment and death penalty) in most countries.
Mathematics
Discipline
Curriculum
Development (Concrete Mathematics, Computational Mathematics)
Mechanical Engineering
Discipline
U Aung Khin
U Ba Than
U Kyin Soe
U San Tun
U Tin Hlaing
Medical Pioneers
U Ko Gyi
U Maung Maung Gyi
U Ba Than
Memory
Short term memory
Long term memory
Associative memory
Memory Feats (Tipitaka Sayadaw)
Metallurgy
Discipline
U Thit
Dr. Saw Pru
Dr. Khin Maung Win
Mining Engineering
Discipline
U Soe Khaw
U Soon Sein
U Win Kyaing
Models
Physical model
Mathematical model
Computational model
Movies
Myanmar
Foreign
Myanmar Movies Centennial in 2020
Music
Discipline
Musical Instruments
Computer applications
My Dreams
Dream big; Others can fulfill
RIT Alumni International
Saya Pu Zaw Pwe / SPZP
Oral and Written History
Myanmar
Myanmar Sagar : Spoken Burmese
Myanmar Sar : Written Burmese
Word Processing
Unicode compliance
National Foreign Language Center
Projects
Burmese Language Project (Reading, Listening)
News
Breaking news — Stop Press in early newspapers
Censorship
Current news
Does not stand for “North, East. West, South” or “Notable Events, Weather, Sports”
Facts Fact checking
Fake news Biased report Rumor
Internet
News Agency AFP Reuters UPI
News Agency Burma (NAB) Burmese section English section
News Media
Newspapers Burmese Newspapers English Newspapers
Noun (not plural of “New”, which is an adjective)
Online
Radio
Reliability
Television
Number
Binary number
Complex number
Decimal number
Exponent
Fermat
Hexadecimal number
Hindu-Arabic numeral
Imaginary number
Index
Integer
Irrational number
Logarithm
Mantissa
Negative number
Non-negative number
Notation
Number Systems
Number Theory
Numbered lists
Octal number
Positive number
Power
Prime number
Quotient
Ramanujan
Rational number
Real number
Remainder
Roman numeral
Signed
Symbol
Ternary number
Unsigned
Value
Zero
NorCal RITAA
The EC and BOD of Northern California RIT Alumni Association met (at least) quarterly for face-to-face meetings.
The photo is taken together with spouses and supporters.
The background vinyl displays our alma mater.
November
Background
Events
Obsolescence
Technical Obsolescence
October
Calendars
World Teachers’ Day
Saya U Ba Than’s birthday
Halloween and Pumpkin Festival
Ockoberfest
Occasional (Thadinkyut and Deepavali)
Option
One should be aware of “opt-in” versus “opt-out” options.
For HMEE-2012 project, U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) submitted several photos including the “Reunion of the Class of 48 and 49” photo. The class included
U Boon Pin Graduated with Mech/Elect combined major Retired Deputy Chief Engineer, Burma Railways Father of Ko “Robert” San Lin, EC 73)
U Soe Aung Chief Engineer, PWD Father of Daw “Janet” Thynn Thynn Khaing, EP 70)
U Po Han Deputy Minister Father of Saya U Khin Aung Han
U Min Han Father of U Nyein Min (C79)
U Gym Kho Uncle of U Myo Myint, EC 67)
Early Sayas
Many are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
U Kyaw Tun is a saya of our sayas. He started teaching Electrical Engineering at BOC College. Father of Dr. Elizabeth Kyaw Tun (Daw Tin Nu, English) and Daw Dorothy Kyaw Tun Saya jokingly said that his son-in-laws must be doctors. Ko Tin Aung Win recounted in one of the “Countdown to the Reunion” how he became known as Dr. Tin Aung Win.
C. Ping Lee taught EE at BOC College. He transferred as Director of Technical and Vocational Training. Dr. Win Aung (M62) wrote an article in memory of his father.
H Num Kok taught Civil Engineering at BOC College. President of RIT Track and Field Association Line Judge at RUBC Regattas Elder brother of H Num Fatt (EE60) and H Num Pon (Myint Lwin, C61)
U Soe Khaw was Head and Part-time Lecturer of Mining at BOC College. Moved to Thailand and USA.
U Soon Sein took over as full-time saya and Head of Mining department. Moved to USA
U Ba Hli First native Dean of Engineering Proposed the “Twinning Program” between RU and prestigious universities in the USA Dr. Freddie Ba Hli wrote an article in memory of his father.
U Yone Mo First Rector of RIT Father of Kyaw Moe (M72, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi Rector Moved to Canada Gave a key note speech at SPZP-2000
U Khin Aung Kyi Rector At SPZP-2000, he paid physical respect to his sayas: Saya H Num Kok and Saya U Ba Toke.
U Maung Maung Than Rector Chair, RIT Sports Council
U Tin U attended Rangoon University in 1946. He is a Past Captain and Gold of Rangoon University Boat Club. He studied BSCE at Oregon State University and MSCE at Yale University. He taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department, U Tin U (C) gave an interview to Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) and U Htin Myaing (A66) for the HMEE-2012 project.
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (retired Adviser of National Planning, retired Director General of UBARI) taught part-time at EE department and also served as external examiner at UCC. He wrote an article about his father in the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP 2000.
U Min Wun did his BSCE at MIT along with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi. He thanked Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (ScD) for helping and encouraging them during their stay at MIT. He did his MS at Cornell University and specialized in Photogrammetry. His interests also included Western and Eastern astronomy and astrology. He served as Adviser on the “Myanmar Pyeikkadein Ah Phwe”. He was an early contributor to the newsletter updates.
Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) published a book on the life/journey of Sayagyi U Ba Toke (retired Rector of MASU, retired Professor of Mathematics at RIT). It has a section about Sayagyi missing the March exam due to his participation in a student strike camp and passing all the subjects in the supplementary/compartmental examination in June/July. Since the stipends/scholarships were considered only for those who passed the March exam, Sayagyi decided to forgo his dream of becoming an engineer and instead pursue an Honors program in Mathematics. Sayagyi is a “Phwa Bet Taw” of Rangoon University Act (1920) and the first RU Student Strike (1920).
U Aung Hla (Maths), his spouse (Daw May Than), and his son (Ko Mya Than) are all talented musicians. Sayagyi also annotated Burmese music.
U Kar (Maths), father of Saya Dr. Tin Maung (Maths, UCC/ICST, GBNF), served as Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government.
U Hla Maung (Burmese) taught Abhidhamma in his spare time. Several of the courses were held at the premises of Daw Khin Than Nwe’s parents. Saya served as member of the “Myanmar Sar Commission” and as “Naing gan daw kaung si win”.
Notes
Several pioneer engineers (e.g. Saygyi U Kyaw Tun, EE) studied at UK for associate and full membership of the organizations (e.g. AMIEE). Some did their B.Sc. and/or Special Honors (which is a requisite for entering the Masters program).
Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (WIU) had a copy of the Burmese/Myanmar state scholars studying in the US universities and institutes around ’54 – ’55. The list was published in a very early update and includes Saya U Sein Hlaing (EE) and Saya U Tin Swe (EE).
I am trying to emulate their philanthropy by sharing my knowledge & expertise.
Sharing Knowledge & Expertise
Jack of All Trades; Master of Some
Proponent of Youth Leadership
Sharing Knowledge & Expertise gained as
Software Engineer / Craftsman
Consultant
Distinguished Toastmaster
Author & Blogger
Translator & Interpreter
Editor of newsletters & books
Folklorist & Historian
Recording history of our beloved land
Love history
HMEE TeamHMEE Book
Was Member of “History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project”. U Ohn Khine (M70) & I compiled CD supplement for HMEE book.
Was Docent at the “Computer History Museum” in Mountain View, California, USA.
CHM
Published 2500+ posts
Broadcast 220 Short Talks from August 2020 to February 2021. Can be viewed using @hmin3664 on YouTube
YouTube Channel for my videos
Hope that my posts &videos will be helpful to scholars and historians in Myanmar and beyond.
Wrote articles, reviews, poems & translations for
National Foreign Language Center at University of Maryland, College Park : Burmese Language Lessons (Listening and Reading)
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife ABC-CIO Press : Can access my articles from Google Books.
Encyclopedia
MoeMaKa : Online Publication
RIT Alumni Newsletter : from April 1999 – present
RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung : Poems for SPZP-2002 & 2007; Article in SPZP-2010
SDY Sar Saung for SPZP-2002
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine : Article for Shwe Yadu 2014
SDY Magazine for Shwe YaDu 2014
History of Myanmar Engineering Education : U Ohn Khine (M70) & I compiled CD Supplement for HMEE Book
CD for HMEE Book
BAPS Newsletter : Contributing Editor
BAPS Newsletter
Dhammananda Newsletter : Contributing Editor for Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California & Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
Dhammananda Newsletter
Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhimvama : Contributing Editor & Member of Publications Committee
Homage to U Silananda
Rangoon University Boat Club : Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue
RUBC Magazine
Guardian Newspaper : Poems (e.g. Men on the Moon); Articles (e.g. Computers and Applications) in English
Men on the Moon
Working People’s Daily (WPD) : Poems (e.g. Phaung daw-u Festival); Translation (e.g. Still So Young) in English
Phaungdaw-u Festval
Forward Magazine : Poems (e.g. To the Fallen Warrior) in English
To the Fallen Warrior
Veda Magazine (ဝေဒ) : Articles for Burma Astro Research Bureau
Pan Magazine (ပန်) : Articles in Burmese
High School Mathematics Project : Member of Editorial Team
Team of System Specialists : Computer Education & Application
Set Hmu Thadin Zin (စက်မှုသတင်းစဉ်) : Short notes
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (လျှပ်စစ်စာစောင်) : Article for RIT EE
I have volunteered for
Computer History Museum
History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project
Toastmasters International
SF Bay Area ACM Chapter
2010 Census Count Committee
RIT Alumni International
NorCal RIT Alumni Association
Tathagata Meditation Center
Theravada Buddhist Society of America
Souvenirs
Dream Big or Small
“If one person can dream, others will fulfill”
The saying is attributed to Jules Verne who dreamed & wrote about space ships, submarines, and travel around the globe.
My Earlier Dream
SPZP-2000
Was to connect or re-connect Sayas, Colleagues & Friends physically and electronically.
We successfully organized the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco, California in October 2000.
Six more World-wide Reunion and SPZP took place. Singapore in 2002, 2007 & 2010. Yangon in 2004, 2012 & 2016. Due to pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.
Started RIT Alumni International Newsletter in April 1999.
Served as Content Provider & Editor for ex-RIT websites : first one by KMZ (UKhin Maung Zaw, now retired from Microsoft) and second one by Wunna Ko Ko (then at SAS).
Both ex-RIT websites are now inactive.
My Later Dream
Was to record Oral & Written History of our Alma Mater and our Beloved Land.
Set up hlamin.com (to archive old posts, add new posts and revise selected posts).
Requested SPZP-2000 Organizers, interested sayas & alumni to record gatherings.
Requested Subject Matter Experts & interested readers to review and enhance selected posts.
Worked for Joint Venture Corporation (JVC) formed by relatives
Found an advertisement in a newspaper to apply for a Government Scholarship.
Selected to study Agricultural Engineering in USA
Received Masters from Virginia Tech
Came back to Burma on an Ocean Liner with Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) & U Than Pe. They became close friends on the two-month long journey.
M/Agri Saya at RIT
Upon his return, he was assigned to Agricultural Institute in Yezin. Before reporting for duty, he visited RIT.
Sayagyi U Ba Than asked if he would like to join Agri Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sayagyi said that some students were not at ease following lectures given by visiting Soviet lecturers via interpreters.
President, RIT Thaing
Played Defender on RIT Saya Soccer team
Life after RIT
Worked in Thailand & USA
USA
Attended RIT Alumni Gatherings
U Tin Maung Nyunt 1
Donated $500 for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project.
U Tin Maung Nyunt’s Donation
He is a day older than Saya Allen. Their birthdays are December 30 & 31.
Monthly Breakfast Gathering with Saya Allen, U Ko Ko Aye, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me. Saya Allen & U Ko Ko Aye are now GBNF.
U Tin Maung Nyunt & Saya Allen
Saya U Soe Paing visited him in Milpitas, California. We had a lunch gathering at a restaurant.
U Tin Maung Nyunt 2
He enjoyed Hiking & Tennis, but had to suspend due to Jara and Byadi
Volunteer for establishing Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery in Northern California.
Updates
He had operations (one quite early and another a few years back).
Her sisters Daw Yi Yi & Daw Khin Khin Aye assisted her.
Daw Khin Khin Aye later became Principal. She also added middle and high school classes so that her children do not have to attend other schools.
PPBRS was renamed as PBRS.
Daw Khin Khin Aye
Classes
The lowest classes were Infant (C), (B) & (A). They correspond to Lower, Middle & Higher Kindergarten.
Memories
I was not keen to go to school.
Had to get up early.
Had to use slates, paper and pencil (unlike gizmos available to present day kids).
Teacher Kywe (a motherly Karen Christian) transformed me into a Lifelong Learner.
After passing High School, my mom asked me to visit Teacher Kywe. Teacher Kywe proudly introduced me to her students. That was my Micro-SPZP.
Note about SPZP
Saya Gadaw Pwe has a religious connotation. Saya Pu Zaw Pwe transcends religions. Several organizers & Golden Sponsors of SPZP-2000 do not profess Buddhism, but they all want to pay back to their mentors for their metta, karuna and cetana.
Classmates include
Nay Win (MEHS63, M69, GBNF)
Elizabeth Kyaw Tun (Ph.D in English)
Han Tun (SPHS63 & DSA)
Kenneth San & Margaret San
Several from Film Community (A1 Than Htut, A1 Thein Htut, Toe Nyunt, Thamankyar Ko Myint, Myat Hla Sein …)
Seniors include
Flora Aye
Tin Maung Thant (son of U Thant)
Francis Ohn Maung
Bonzo Kun Lone
Bonnie Kun Lone
Prizes
Thermos Flask for reciting “Mingalar Kabyar”
Fairy Tales
Translation of Aesop’s Fables by Min Yu Way & Ngwe Tar Yi
St. Paul’s High School
Badge & Motto
Preferences for Admission
Those aspiring to become Brother or Father (Priest)
Catholic
Those having a Paulian in the family
Those wishing to be a Boarder
Those willing to start from Lower KG
For Transfer students (a) Must be a Top student (b) Preferably attended an allied school (c) If not, willing to start at a lower class
Standard IV(D)
I was accepted by SPHS because I stood Second in 3rd Std at PPBRS & my brother was a Paulian.
However, I was assigned to IV(D) taught by Ms. A Benjamin. See Dr. TOKM’s post about “Section D”
Tin Tun (M69, GBNF) was my classmate. His mum would come & feed him at lunch break.
Norman Thant Zin’s mother (Mrs. Stiles) taught a different section.
Sections A & B were considered good sections for the class.
De La Salle Schools
St. Patrick’s HS (Moulmein) was the first school founded by De La Salle Brothers in Burma
St. Paul’s HS (Rangoon) was the second school.
St. Peter’s HS (Mandalay), St. Albert’s HS (Maymyo), St. Joseph’s HS (Loikaw), St. Columban’s (Bhamo), and Twante School (Orphanage) followed.
Brother Superior is in charge over-all.
Each school is managed by a Brother Director.
Some schools have a Juniorate and/or a seminary to groom aspiring Brothers and Clergies. Edwin David (SPHS63) became a Priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Bernard Taylor (SPHS63) did missionary work in the Philippines before moving back to Burma.
Other schools in Rangoon
Methodist (English, Burmese, Chinese)
Convent (St. John’s, St. Philomena’s, …)
Diocesan (St. John’s, St. Mary’s, …)
ABM
Cushing
Central
Myoma
TTC
Chinese (Nang Yan, Hwa Kyone).
My Class Teachers
Ms A Benjamin (IVD)
Ms V Boudville (VD)
U Pe Tin (VID)
U Nge (VIID)
Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
Brother Xavier (IXA)
Brother Austin (XA)
Most of my teachers (class, subject and relieving) are GBNF.
Learning English
How did I learn English? Not so easily.
Ms Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi)
She taught us English in VI and VII standards using the carrot & the stick.
My daily pocket money was 25 pyas. I would be fined 50 pyas if I failed in a weekly English test, but I would be rewarded 50 pyas if my scores are super.
VI D : Saya U Pe Tin, Brother Anthony, Ms. Hong Kong
Brother Xavier
He taught us English in VIII and IX standards mostly using red ink & the stick.
He would give 100 marks (perfect score) for any paper or test & then subtract 10 marks for each error (spelling, grammar …).
One of my classmates received -230 (minus 230) written in red in his report card.
He would ask a student to stand on the chair or kneel in front for blatant violations of Grammar.
According to Ko Zaw Min (St. Albert’s 64), Brother Xavier stopped using the brute-force techniques at St. Albert’s HS.
VIII A :
Brother Austin
He taught us English and “Morals and Manners” in X standard mostly using the carrot.
He was a Librarian for SPHS Library.
He said, “Don’t copy from your friends. You’ll waste your time and my time.”
He reminded me not to write very small. He would reduce score for writing small.
He would reward students who could recite verses from “Morals and Manners” by letting them “time off” for the rest of the period and handing out surprise gifts (e.g. a UK or European soccer match played with his 8mm camera). I won a ticket to see “1960 Summer Olympics at Rome” at the Thamada (President) Cinema.
I am not sure if these kind of incentives will be effective in the present time.
Sayas 1Sayas 2Sayas 3
Support
from parents
They bought books, magazines, cartoons, and comics in Burmese and English. Most of them cost less than two kyats.
We had two typewriters : a new Olympia typewriter for Burmese, and an old Remington typewriter for English.
They and my uncles maintain private libraries.
Matriculation
Roll of Honor
SPHS had a Roll of Honor for the outstanding Matriculates from 1951 – 1963.
Roll of Honor
SPHS63
SPHS63OPA Dinner
In the Matric exam of 1963, SPHS had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Khin Maung U — 1st in Burma
Min Oo — 2nd
Myo San (Freddie) — 3rd
Nyunt Wai (Victor) — 4th
Thein Wai — 5th
Hla Min — 7th
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny) — 9th
Maung Maung Kyi — 11th
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie) — 13th
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank) — 17th
OPA (Old Paulian Association) invited the Collegiate Scholarship Winners to the Annual Dinner.
Nationalization
The schools were nationalized on April 1, 1965.
SPHS was renamed as No. (6) State High School, Botathaung.
Updates
Several PPBRS alumni are GBNF. They include Nay Win, Myint Sein, Myat Hla Sein & Khin Maung San.
MS is GBNF
Several SPHS alumni are GBNF. They include Myo San, Aung Thu Yein, Maung Maung Kyi, Willie Soe Maung, Tin Tun, Aung Kyi (Arthur) & Khin Maung Bo (Allan).
KMB, AK & TT are GBNF
Most of my teachers are GBNF. The exception is Uzin Beatson.
Last 7th Std Government exam : We took it in March
Elections
Caretaker Government finally held Elections.
Pyidaung Su Party (former “Clean AFPFL“) led by U Nu won by a land slide. The victory would be short lived.
U Nu
1961
Education
Last HSF & Matric (Combined) exam
First batch of Female Engg Graduates : Tin Tin Ohn (Amy), Julie Han, Yin Yin Kyi, Mi Mi Lay (all Textile) & Pauline Reynolds (ChE)
Faculty of Engineering moved to Gyogone Campus. Also called Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Second SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games in December.
Burma dominated most events and placed first.
About 20 RU students represented Burma.
2nd SEAP Games
1962
Education
First “Matric Only” exam
First “HSF Only” exam : We (from Rangoon Division) had to take the exam in March & again in August
Coup d’etat
On March 2, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. President Mahn Win Maung, Prime Minister U Nu & Cabinet Ministers, Sao Shwe Thaik & Sawbwas, and several high-level Government employees were detained.
SamaDuwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
Sama Duwa
Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Revolutionary Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned. He was succeeded by Col Thaung Dan (who became Brigadier General). Several senior Air Force personnel were appointed Ambassadors or Military Attache to pave way for younger officers.
Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away. He was Minister for Health & Education. Commander Thaung Tin (who became Commodore) succeeded CTP as Chief of Navy. Col Hla Han became Minister for Health &Education.
Col Chit Myaing was the last original Revolutionary Council member to pass away. He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA.
Tin Maung Thant (son of U Thant) passed away during his visit to Burma. The funeral cortège was larger that of Commodore Than Pe.
The usage of “Tar Wun Khan” was later changed back to “Minister”.
Dark Days in July
7th July : 17 official victims
8th July : Demolition of RUSU Building
1963
Education
Matric exam : We took it in May
SPHS has five students in Top Five, seven in Top Ten, and ten in Top Twenty
SPHS63
Last batch for General Honors program
1964
Education
New Education System
Most Faculties became autonomous Institutes with Rectors.
RASU & MASU offered Major
Admission to RIT
In Nov 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT
Matriculated were admitted to 1st BE based on Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA)
Those who passed I.Sc(A) were admitted 2nd BE based on marks.
Those who passed I.Sc(B) were admitted to 3rd BE based on marks.
Luyechun
Shwe Wa Gyaing Camp in Ngapali
Students from 7th to 10th Std were selected as Luyechun
1965
Education
On April 1, private schools were nationalized.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School. Non-native De La Salle brothers left Burma. e.g Bro Austin to Malaysia, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Charles to UK
Luyechun
Khaung Daing Camp in Inlay
Program extended to Universities & Institutes
RIT : Sein Shwe, Hla Min, Zaw Min, Khin Than Myint Tin
IM(1) : Kyaw Sein Koe, Anita Aye Pe, Khin Maung U, Cherry Hlaing
Decline of Economy
After detaining prominent members of Pyidaung Su (formerly Clean AFPFL) and new AFPFL (formerly Stable AFPFL), the Revolutionary Council & government sought help from left-wing Gurus (e.g. U Chit Hlaing who threw in Buddhist terms into “Burmese Way to Socialism” & U Ba Nyein who proposed indiscriminate Nationalization.
Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) was formed with core cadres. It later opened up membership for Ah Yan Party Win (Associate member). Party membership became a requirement for important positions.
Free Economy was replaced by rations (e.g. half a can of Condensed Milk per family) using the “Si Sar Oke”. It created a Black Market and the rising cost of living.
The Demonetization crippled the Industry and even had ripple effect on University students. Hostel students, whose money had been demonetized, had to be given free rides to return home.
Per Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63) : Both my father U Hla Taw (retired Chief of UMP/ DIG) and my mother Daw Marie Hla Taw together with Col Chit Yaing, Chief Justice U Myint Thein, DIG U Tin MaungMaung and DIG U Khin Maung Maung were taken away by MI (Military Intelligence) in 1964. My parents were released in 1967.
Changes in Education
Bachelor Degrees
Education
Law
NRC rule
Enforced for Professional Courses
Bernard Khaw (First in Burma in the Matric of 1965) had to study Chemistry. He moved to USA and studied Chemical Engineering.
Chu Pu Thein (who scored highest marks in Physics in the first ever HSF Only exam in 1962) moved to Italy
Many had to study in RASU. Chemistry students had very high marks and/or ILA.
A medical student was expelled after he was “found out to be not 3 NRC.”
A few students who had been admitted to RASU because of 3 NRC were allowed to study medicine. They lost a year, but not their dreams.
Names
There was discrimination against students having foreign names.
Two families. They were cousins. Those who retained non-Burmese names were admitted to RASU. Those with Burmese names were allowed to study professional degrees.
Security Concerns
Shortage of rice (never heard before in the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) was transformed into “Tayoke Bamar Ah Yay Ah Khin”. Grapevine says that a lorry strategically placed “Beggars” around Rangoon.
1969
Men on the Moon
Poem
Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969.
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by Mr. Hall (USIS) to NASA.
The poem was also published in the Guardian daily newspaper.
69ers
Most of us graduated with BE. A few with BArch.
EE69ers
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in December 1969. There were riots in the Thamaing College Campus which held some events (e.g. Boxing).
Placard bearers for 5th SEAP Games
News & Censorship
Nation newspaper was the first to be closed (by orders of the higher authorities). U Law Yone was detained. He later moved to Thailand and published the “Nation”. He eventually moved to the USA.
Finally, there were only four Burmese and two English newspapers. They published the news vetted and/or translated by News Agency Burma.
The two new newspapers were Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin and Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD).
The then Number One chose Shwe Oo Daung and U Khin Maung Latt as Chief Editors of “Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin” and Working People’s Daily (WPD) and promised them full authority. Some time later, U Khin Maung Latt was asked, “Do you want to be an Ambassador?” Daw Khin Myo Chit stepped in and said, “Ko Latt will go back teaching at his school”.
Selection of Sayas and State Scholars
In the days of our teachers, the Dean & Professors had the say to select and appoint assistant lecturers, and to select bright students to apply for State Scholarship to study at the prestigious universities in the USA and UK.
Later, the Public Service Commission (PSC) was established to vet candidates for most positions.
Some engineers and architects had to join government departments as “Work Charge” while waiting to get permanent positions approved by PSC.
Myingyan Sunlun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw U Kavi (ဆရာတော်ဦးကဝိ)
U Kavi
Biography and dhamma talks
Myingyan SunLun
First KabaAye Sunlun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw U Vinaya (ဆရာတော်ဦးဝိနယ)
U Vinaya
Early devotees of Sayadaw include U Khin Maung Latt, Daw Khin Myo Chit, U Thein Nyunt and U Win Pe
Wrote a book “The Yogi & Vipassana (Buddhist Meditation : The Sunlun Way)”
Passed away in his late 90s
Book by U Vinaya
“The Yogi and Vipassana” BUDDHIST MEDITATION : THE SUNLUN WAY Author : Sunlun Shin Vinaya Publisher : Sunlun Buddhist Meditation Center 7 1/2 Mile, Prome Road, KabaAye P.O., Rangoon
CONTENTS The Yogi and Vipassana (Page 1 – 18) The Sunlun Way of Mindfulness (Page 19 – 33) Explanatory Notes for Beginners and Those Proceeding Along the Sunlun Way of Vipassana (Page 34 – 50)
KabaAye Sunlun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw U Wara
(ဆရာတော်ဦးဝရ)
U Wara
U Win Paing won Golf trophies (some with his younger brother U Kyaw Paing).
Meditated at KabaAye Sunlun.
He gave away his Golf Set. Entered monkhood after the Final exam for Chemical Engineering in 1970.
Served as Taik Oke Sayadaw of Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung for nearly four decades.
Succeeded Sayadaw U Vinaya as Chief Resident Monk.
Passed away on August 26, 2021
Siblings : Dr. Myo Paing (Medical Research & Malaria), U Soe Paing (RIT EE, UCC co-founder, UN), U Kyaw Paing (Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Champion Golfer)
U WaraObituaryFour Paing Brothers
Vipassana Retreats
KabaAye Sunlun Gu Kyaung
Kyauk Pa Daung
Hong Kong
Dr. Khin Maung Win
Son of U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit
Retired Professor of Mathematics
Published “Notes on Vipassana meditation”
UCC
Yahan Khan
In the 1970s, the staff and students of Universities’ Computer Center hosted “Donlaba Yahan Khan” for Thingyan at selected monasteries.
The initial venue was KabaAye Sunlun Gu Kyaung.
UCC Yahan Khan 1UCC Yahan Khan 2
Updates
Sayadaws — U Kavi, U Vinaya & U Wara — have passed away.
Several devotees — U Khin Maung Latt, Daw Khin Myo Chit, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Thein Nyunt, Tekkatho Shwe Yee Win, U Soe Myint, U Win Pe — are GBNF.
Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay in August 2016.
He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Sayas and Alumni in US and Canada
Award 2
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Ko Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Ko Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering (August 2016).
September 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award from NorCalRITAA
Award 3
The award was signed by
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD)
Gordon Kaung (M83, President)
U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary)
Award 4
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS in 1963
There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
SPHS637th in Burma
Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor from McMasters University, Canada) – 2nd
Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor, IM & Malaysia) – 4th
Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
Hla Min (Lifelong Learner, Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
Three are GBNF
Luyechun
Summer of 1965
Attended Inlay Khaung Daing Camp
LYCLYC 1LYC 2
From Toastmasters International
Awards
ToastmastersDTM 1
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
Triple Crown
DTM 2
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
Coffee Mug
My beloved grandchildren gave me a present for Grand Father’s Day.
Drawings
On several occasions
Book Presents
For editing and proof reading
I edited or proof-read books by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
U Jotalankara
Sayas (Saya Des Rodgers)
Friends (Saya U Aung Zaw)
Dhamma & Bawa
They provided me copies of their books.
From colleagues and friends
I also received copies from others. They include
“Myanmar in my life-time” Book by BBS U Khin Zaw air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book by K
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
Book by TOKMDhamma Q&A
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit Two books given by Junior Win, twin sister of Maung Yit
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter) His works Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) Dhamma Q&A Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin Given to me at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) Collection of Poems Collection of Articles
Book by Tekkatho Moe War
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay Collection of Swel Daw Poems
Book by RIT Poets
Books by Nyan Oo Maung Currently known as “Mudita Shwe Kyaung” Sayadaw U Nyanika
Books by various sayadaws in the Bay Area & beyond U Dhammapiya U Gosita Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi & family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” Book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing (in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles)
Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar. U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a “revolving library”. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 Book by Dat Pone Htein Win Given at 5th ILF in Mandalay
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing Kaythri Kyaw …
Magazines
Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote poems and articles for
RIT Alumni International Newsletter (for SPZP-2000)
“Swel Daw Yeik Sarsaung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu”
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
HlaMin 