HlaMin

Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • November (Month)

    November (Month)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Background

    • 9th month of the old Roman calendar. Nov means nine.
    • 11th month of the Gregorian calendar.
    • It has 30 days.

    Events

    Birthdays

    • Saya U Mg Mg (George, ChE66)
    • Daw Aye Aye — Spouse of Saya U Aung (C70)
    • Son of Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72) and Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72)
    • My Daughter-in-law

    November 1

    • It is “All Saints Day”. It is preceded by Halloween (which falls on October 31st).

    Sunday following Halloween

    • DST (Daylight Savings Time) requires resetting the clock according to “Spring forward. Fall back.” Currently, DST is set back in Fall (Autumn) on the Sunday following Halloween.

    November 2

    • Dr. Ye Myint (cousin nephew) and Daw San San Aye
    • Daw Kaythi (cousin niece) and U Soe Min Oo
    • Aung Myo Myint (cousin grand nephew) and Demo

    November 8

    • It is the Anniversary of my beloved parents.
    My beloved parents

    November 11

    • Three generations chose November 11 for their Wedding or Reception
    • Dr. and Mrs. Chan Taik
    • Daughter Margaret Chan Taik and Dr. Myo Tint (cousin)
    • Granddaughter Ma Kay and Soe Min Oo (both EC 93) — reception; the wedding was on November 2

    November 22

    • John F Kennedy (President of the United States) was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.
    • Conspiracy Theory about his assassination survives.
    • A few days earlier, President Kennedy gave his speech in Hoston, Texas : “Before this decade is out, we will send men on the moon and bring them safely back to earth.”

    Tazaungdaing

    • It often falls around November.
    • Kathein robe offering often take place in early November.
      It must be held during one month following the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut (which usually falls in October).

    Veterans Day

    • November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day in the USA.
    • It is celebrated as Armistice Day in the UK and France.
    • A hundred years ago, Truce was called between the Allied Forces and Germany. The Truce occurred at 11 AM, marking the event with three 11s.
    • WWI (First World War) ended a year later with the Versailles Treaty.

    US Elections

    • The second Tuesday of November is scheduled for US Elections at the various levels.
    • The Presidential Elections occur every four years.
    • The mid-term elections occur every two years. The House of Representatives serve two year terms. One third of Senators are elected every two years.
    • Local races for Elections and Resolutions are held every year.
    • Senators serve six year terms.
      To ensure continuity in the Senate, the election of the Senators is staggered into three groups.

    Commercialization of Thanksgiving

    • Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
    • Black Friday & Cyber Monday following Thanksgiving have massive sales. Some start their Black Friday early.
    • Several English words (e.g. November, Black Friday) have lost their original meaning.

    Baseball

    Game 7

    • Game 7 of the 2025 World Series started on November 1 and ended on November 2
    • Toronto Blue Jays led in the game until Miguel Rojas (9th place in the batting order) hit a tying home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th inning.
    • Will Smith hit the game winning home run for LA Dodgers in the 11th inning.
    • The Dodgers became repeat champions in 25 years.
    • Yoshi Yamamoto started Game 6 and ended Game 7. He was voted the World Series MVP.
  • Htay Lwin Nyo

    Htay Lwin Nyo

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Highlights

    • Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1968
    • Admitted as a Top Student to Rangoon Institute of Technology
    • Selected RIT Luyechun (Outstanding Student)
    • Graduated with B.E (Electrical Power) in 1974
    • Studied M.Sc (Computer Science) at UCC
    • Received Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, USA
    • Last job was Part-time Teacher at EE Dept, San Jose State University
    • Passed away at his home (See Newspaper)
    • Per request from SJSU, the Burmese Community in the SF Bay Area helped with the Last Journey of HLN
    • I wrote a Tribute to HLN. (See Poem)
    • I had the honor to start the Incinerator, and later help scatter HLN’s ashes at Santa Cruz. (See my posts in BAPS Newsletter and ex-RIT web site).

    LYC

    Sad News

    News

    My Tribute

    Tribute to Dr. HTAY LWIN NYO (EP74, ex-ucc)

    Part-time Professor, EE, SJSU

    (1951 July – 2000 April)

    H e was a genius, a researcher, a friend

    T eaching was his passion to the very end

    A jack of all trades, a doctorate of one

    Y ou name it, he knows it! there’s a lot he has done

    L ong ago he gave away a patent for a dollar

    W ith a heart so big and true, real worthy of a scholar

    I nvest, movie script, cook, paint, car repair, …

    N ever showed off wealth and prizes; he’s a gem so rare

    N ews of his death — alone at home — rocked throughout the land

    Y oung, old were shocked, but they all flocked to give a helping hand

    O n this day in May of Y2K we pray from the bottom of our heart

    “Htay Lwin Nyo, we’re proud to say

    that though you’ve passed away

    you’ve done a huge part

    to unite kindred spirits

    your legacy is here to stay.”

    Memories

    BAPS Newsletter
    HLN 1
    HLN 2
  • February (Month)

    February (Month)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Background

    • 2nd month of Gregorian Calendar
    • Shortest Month
    • 28 days for Common Year
    • 29 days for Leap Year
    • Had 30 days. One day each was given to July (named after Julia’s Caesar) and August (named after Augustus Caesar)
    My parents

    Birthdays

    • My mother
    • My elder brother
    • My grand son
    • Bogyoke Aung San
    • My paternal uncle
    • Dr. Khin Maung U
    • Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
    • 69ers (Albert Kyaw Min, Maung Maung Aye, Khin Maung Tint …)

    Celebrations

    My poem for Pyidaungsu Nay
    • Pyidaungsu Nay (Union Day)
      Signing of Pin Lon Agreement
    • Kha Lay Myar Nay (Children’s Day) —Birthday of Bogyoke Aung San
    Aung San
    • Presidents’ Day (US)
      Georgia Washington; Abraham Lincoln …
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Super Bowl
      American Football Championship
    • Some years
      Lunar New Year
      Htamane Pwe
      Ovada Partimauk
  • Sad News from Jan 2017

    Sad News from Jan 2017

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Tommy Shwe (GBNF)

    Alumnus of RIT

    • Matriculated from St. Albert’s High School, Maymyo in 1964
    • Admitted as Roll No 2 (in order of merit among Matriculates) to 1st BE at Rangoon Institute of Technology
    • Represented RIT in Badminton

    Taiwan & USA

    • Completed three Masters
    • Entrepreneur
    • Supporter of Education

    Untimely Demise

    • Victimized by a handyman that he had helped
    • Reported in Los Angeles Times
    LAT 1
    Tommy Shwe
    LAT 2
    LAT 3
    LAT 4
    LAT 5
    LAT 6
    LAT 7

  • December 1920 (Talk)

    December 1920 (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Video Broadcast

    Rangoon University

    In December 1920, there were three significant events.

    • On December 1, 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent colleges. The colleges are also known by other names (e.g. Government College, Baptist College)
    • On December 5, 1920, the First RU Students’ Strike took place. They protested the 1920 Rangoon University Act as too narrow and restrictive.
    • On December 26, 1920, Saya U Ba Toke was born as a Phwa Bet Taw of the above two.

    Rangoon University (RU)

    • Initially had three Faculties and eight departments (including Law)
    • Initially had six professors
    • RU gradually extended its offerings (beyond Science and Arts)
    • The opening of engineering classes was planned around 1923 and executed in 1924.
    • In 1927, the first batch of engineering students (who had Bachelors degree) graduated with the “accelerated courses” option.
    • In 1928, the second batch of engineering students (who joined after finishing the I.Sc.) graduated.
    • RU was closed from 1942 to 45.
      RU Silver Jubilee was celebrated much later (and without high key).
    • RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) in 1970. Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) and U Thet Lwin (Burmese saya at the Institute of Economics) were some of the GJ organizers. The RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the GJ Entertainment Program as “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe“.
      The term “Swel Daw Yeik” became synonymous with RIT [its predecessors and its successors]. Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint (စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် with Minthamees မင်းသမီး and Lu Shwin Daws လူရွှင်တော်), Htee Yein (ထီးယိမ်း RIT Belles with colorful Parasols) and Da Bin Daing Ah Ka (တပင်တိုင်အက) were hits at the GJ celebration.
      I was a volunteer member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Hta Yay” subcommittee headed by Saya U Hla Tun Aung (Geography). Those who applied for stalls and/or stage included Actor Maung Maung Tar (promoting his make up) and the then amateur band “Playboys” requesting a high stage (for security concerns).
    • RU celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in 1995.
    • RU celebrated the “Yar Pyie Ah Kyo” in December 2019. The opening song was “Mya Kyun Nyo” composed by Maung Ngwe Hlinne (Saya U Thet Lwin).
    • RU Centennial Celebrations were planned for November and December of 2020.
      Due to the pandemic, many events were held virtually.
      Kyemon and Myanar Ah Lin newspapers featured articles about RU. The TV stations featured interviews, songs …

    First RU Students’ Strike

    • Eleven “senior” students led the Boycott of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
    • They were unhappy with the restrictions of the RU Act and decided to hold a boycott (strike) on December 7, 1920.
    • Due to a news leak, the protests were moved to December 5, 1920.
    • The strike resulted in the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National Schools) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College). The event is celebrated as Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day).
      The Burmese date (10th Waning day of Tazaungmon) is used for the Celebration.
    • Arzani U Razak was an early graduate of the National College. He served as Principal of a National School in Mandalay. He became Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s cabinet.
    • Prime Minister U Nu, United Nations Secretary General U Thant and Ahmyotha Pyinnya Wun / Educator / Writer U Po Kyar are notable sayas from the National Schools.
    • The boycott was responsible for the amendments to the RU Act. e.g. opening of schools for engineering and medicine,
    • A pillar was set up on Shwe Dagon Pagoda in memory of the Boycott.

    Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Dec 26, 1920 – Dec 2, 2020)

    • He is one of the oldest and senior sayas. Some senior sayas (e.g. Daw Hla May / Anne Sine) passed away in early 2020.
    • Received A.M (Master of Arts in Mathematics) from Harvard University.
    • Served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Professor of Mathematics at RU and RASU.
    • Promoted to Rector, MASU.
    • With his own volition, he transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
    • As a Saya of engineering sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi), he was invited to attend SPZP-2000 and give a speech.
    • Saya attended all SPZPs except SPZP-2002 (which he had to forgo due to Sayagadaw’s health).
    • Played Chinlon and Soccer.
    • Co-chair of RU Sports Council
      Managed the Soccer program.
    • Headed the Burmese delegation to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
    • Until his 80s, Saya was active
      (e.g. walk to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with his dhamma friends).
    • In his 90s, Saya had physical limitations, but his mental faculty was strong as ever.
    • Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) interviewed Saya.
      Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) transcribed the tapes. The book covering Sayagyi’s Life Journey was published by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
    • Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy.

    Two Sayagyis

    U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
    • Pu Zaw Pwe (PZP) — paying homage to mentors — is a noble tradition. They are also known as Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
    • There have been micro-PZPs, mini-PZPs and grand PZPs.
    • Saya U Ba Than (born on October 2, 1930) usually visits and pay homage to his saya Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.

    Paying homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke

    • During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
    • On one visit, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of “Life Journey of Mathematics Professor Sayagyi U Ba Toke”.
      The book was written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) based on his interviews with Sayagyi U Ba Toke. It also covers the early Thin Char Sayagyis. The book was published by Rangoon University Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
    • In January 2017, Pansy Ba Toke (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her son-in-law and daughter to pick up Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
      Sayagyi had some problems with mobility and vision, but his mind remains crisp and clear.
    • Pansy was a member of the Swel Daw Yeik “Htee Yein” at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970.She has offered transportation to the Sayas who want to visit her father.
    • Sayagyi sometimes defer celebrating his birthday so that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — far and near — could join the celebration.
    • Sayagyi is pre-deceased by
      his beloved spouse, his second son (Soe Win, 6th out of his 8 children) and his second daughter (Kitty, 3rd out of his 8 children)
    U Ba Toke & family
  • Month — November

    Month — November

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Background

    • 9th month of the old Roman calendar. Nov means nine.
    • 11th month of the Gregorian calendar.
    • It has 30 days.

    Events

    Birthdays

    • Saya U Mg Mg (George, ChE66)
    • Daw Aye Aye — Spouse of Saya U Aung (C70)
    • Son of Saya U Aung Myaing (ChE72) and Daw Gyn Yu (ChE72)
    • My Daughter-in-law

    November 1

    • It is “All Saints Day”. It is preceded by Halloween (which falls on October 31st).

    Sunday following Halloween

    • DST (Daylight Savings Time) requires resetting the clock according to “Spring forward. Fall back.” Currently, DST is set back in Fall (Autumn) on the Sunday following Halloween.

    November 2

    • Dr. Ye Myint (cousin nephew) and Daw San San Aye
    • Daw Kaythi (cousin niece) and U Soe Min Oo
    • Aung Myo Myint (cousin grand nephew) and Demo

    November 8

    • It is the Anniversary of my beloved parents.
    My beloved parents

    November 11

    • Three generations chose November 11 for their Wedding or Reception
    • Dr. and Mrs. Chan Taik
    • Daughter Margaret Chan Taik and Dr. Myo Tint (cousin)
    • Granddaughter Ma Kay and Soe Min Oo (both EC 93) — reception; the wedding was on November 2

    November 22

    • John F Kennedy (President of the United States) was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.
    • Conspiracy Theory about his assassination survives.
    • A few days earlier, President Kennedy gave his speech in Hoston, Texas : “Before this decade is out, we will send men on the moon and bring them safely back to earth.”

    Tazaungdaing

    • It often falls around November.
    • Kathein robe offering often take place in early November.
      It must be held during one month following the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut (which usually falls in October).

    Veterans Day

    • November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day in the USA.
    • It is celebrated as Armistice Day in the UK and France.
    • A hundred years ago, Truce was called between the Allied Forces and Germany. The Truce occurred at 11 AM, marking the event with three 11s.
    • WWI (First World War) ended a year later with the Versailles Treaty.

    US Elections

    • The second Tuesday of November is scheduled for US Elections at the various levels.
    • The Presidential Elections occur every four years.
    • The mid-term elections occur every two years. The House of Representatives serve two year terms. One third of Senators are elected every two years.
    • Local races for Elections and Resolutions are held every year.
    • Senators serve six year terms.
      To ensure continuity in the Senate, the election of the Senators is staggered into three groups.

    Commercialization of Thanksgiving

    • Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
    • Black Friday & Cyber Monday following Thanksgiving have massive sales. Some start their Black Friday early.
    • Several English words (e.g. November, Black Friday) have lost their original meaning.

    Baseball

    Game 7

    • Game 7 of the 2025 World Series started on November 1 and ended on November 2
    • Toronto Blue Jays led in the game until Miguel Rojas (9th place in the batting order) hit a tying home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th inning.
    • Will Smith hit the game winning home run for LA Dodgers in the 11th inning.
    • The Dodgers became repeat champions in 25 years.
    • Yoshi Yamamoto started Game 6 and ended Game 7. He was voted the World Series MVP.
  • Old & New Photos

    Old & New Photos

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    Let Oo Sayas

    With my beloved parents

    U Tin Gyi’s Family

    Old photos processed by Myo Kyawswar

    Sisters 1 (original)
    Sisters 2 (processed)
    Wedding 1 (original)
    Wedding 2 (processed)

    Myint Swe & San San

    MS & SS

    U Sein Mg & U Moe Aung

    Two EE Sayas

  • Down Memory Lane

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    U Tin Mg Nyunt
    GM with six GK
    Thingyan
    Uncle U Thein Han 1
    Uncle U Thein Han 2
    Uncle U Thein Han 3
    HM 1
    HM 2
    HM 3
    Dhamma Volunteers

  • Philadelphia 2015

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    P 1
    P 2
    P 3
    P 4
    P 5
    P 6
    P 7
    P 8
    P 9

  • Photos — Old and New

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Oct 2025

    U Tin Gyi’s Family

    Old photos processed by Myo Kyawswar

    Sisters 1 (original)
    Sisters 2 (processed)
    Wedding 1 (original)
    Wedding 2 (processed)

    Myint Swe & San San

    A 1

    U Sein Mg & U Moe Aung

    A 2