HlaMin

Author: Hla Min (Lifelong Learner)

  • November

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Background

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

    Events

    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 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
    • Granddaughter Ma Kay and Soe Min Oo (both EC 93)

    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.

  • August

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    • 6th month of the old Roman calendar had 30 days. It was renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar and was given an extra day.
    • August is the 8th month of the Gregorian Calendar. It has 31 days.

    Special Days

    August 8

    • 8-8-88
      Start of a long struggle to restore Democracy in Myanmar
    • 8-8-08
      Beijing Olympics

    August 13

    • Sayadaw U Silananda (Rector, IMBTU) passed away on August 13, 2005
    • My father-in-law passed away five decades ago.

    GBNF in August

    • My spouse lost four of her family members in August.
    • Her father passed away in his mid-50s.
    • Her mother passed away in her late-80s.
    • Her elder brother passed away in his early 50s.
    • Her nephew passed away in his mid-30s.

    Sayadaw U Silananda

    • Rector, IMBTU
      Chief Resident Sayadaw of Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California
    • Sayadaw passed away in his late-70s on August 13, 2005
    • I was Master of Ceremonies at Sayadaw’s Memorial Service.
    • I was Committee Member and Contributing Editor for “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda” Book.
    • Accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President, TBSA) carrying the box of Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
    TBSA

    Birthdays in August

    • Several birthdays in my extended family.
    • Eldest sister
    • Younger sister
    • Grand daughter
    • Me
    • Several cousins

    Birthday Soon Kwyay in 2016

    • In August 2016, U Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay for me at the Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California.
    • The sayas and alumni presented me an Appreciation award.

    Friends

    • Daw Mu Mu Khin (spouse of Saya Allen Htay)
    • U Myint Swe (EP74, NorCal RITAA)
    • U Thein Naing (Patrick, La Phet Yay Waing member)
    • They are August-born and also hosted Birthday Parties.

    Lunch Gathering in 2018

    • In August 2018, U Patrick (Thein Naing) and Daw Mie Mie hosted a lunch gathering for the August born at Moss Beach Distillery.
    • They gave me a best-seller book “The Greater Journey (Americans in Paris)” as birthday present.
    • Daw Mie Mie translated several short stories of Ah Myothar Pyinnya Wun U Po Kyar. She plans to publish them as a book.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is book-3.jpg

    Is 8 lucky or unlucky?

    • 8-8-88 (August 8, 1988) and the following days mark the hope and then despair of the people longing for the end of the Adhamma Era.
    • Grapevine says that the event was inspired in part by numerologists who remembered the historic event (about Mingyi Yan Naung) in 888 Burmese Era. They extrapolated the magic of No. 8 from three 8’s to four 8’s.
    • Most Chinese think that the number 8 is lucky.
    • For example, Beijing Olympics was opened on 8-8-08 (August 8, 2008).
    At the beach following the August born Pary

  • June

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Background

    • Named after Goddess Juno
    • 4th month in the old Roman Calendar
    • 6th month in the Gregorian Calendar
    • It has 30 days.

    Events

    June 6, 1944

    • D-Day, “Longest Day”
    • There are books and movies about the Allied Forces Landing in Normandy

    Ah Loke Thamar Ah Yay Ah Khin (Burma)

    • Workers’ protests were crushed

    Father’s Day (USA)

    • Third Sunday of June

    Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)

    • It falls around June 21.
    • Longest day in the Northern Hemisphere
    • Shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere

    Juneteenth

    • Declaration of “End of Slavery” on June 19, 1865 in Texas

    Name of a Girl / Woman

    • June Khine : Sister of Min Oo (SPHS63)
    • June Khine : Sister of U Set Khine

    Anniversaries

    Wedding reception on June 23, 1973
    Couple
    Family Gathering
    • My first Job
    • Our Anniversary
    • Elder Brother’s Anniversary
    • Elder Son’s Anniversary

    Birthdays

    • Elder Son’s Birthday
    • Relatives
      U Thaung Lwin, …
    • Friends
      U Tun Aung Gyaw
      Daw Khin Maw Maw, …

  • March

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Background

    • 3rd month of the Gregorian Calendar and has 31 days.
    • First month of the old Roman Calendar.

    Events

    Taw Hlan Yay Nay

    • The resistance against the Fascist regime started on March 27, 1945. March 27 is celebrated as Taw Hlan Yay Nay (Resistance Day).

    Coup d’etat

    • The Union of Burma lost Democracy on March 2, 1962.
      The 17-man Revolutionary Council led by General Ne Win staged Coup D’etat. Many were detained. They include Mahn Win Maung, President of the Union of Burma; U Nu, Prime Minister; Shan Sawbwas / Saophalongs

    Phone Maw & Soe Naing

    • Ko Phone Maw (5th year RIT student and Lanzin Lu Nge) was hit by a stray bullet on March 13, 1988.
    Phone Maw 1
    Phone Maw 2
    • Ko Soe Naing and Ko Myint Oo were also hit and hospitalized in not-so-humane conditions.
      Ko Soe Naing succumbed to the gun shot wounds. Ko Myint Oo survived.
    • March 13 was declared as “Burma Human Rights Day” and “Phone Maw and Soe Naing Nay”.
    • During the Pwint Linn Era, requisites were offered in memory of Ko Phone Maw and Ko Soe Naing.

    Saying

    • Mad as a March hare

  • Album D

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Dagon Taya

    Dagon Taya
    Dagon Taya’s Book
    • Distinguished author
    • Reminisced his University Days

    Daj Hammarskjold

    Daj Hammarskjold (UNSG)
    • Second United Nations Secretary General (UNSG)
    • Succeeded Trygvie Lie as UNSG
    • Visited Burma
    • Perished in a plane crash during a UN Mission.
    • Succeeded by U Thant as UNSG

    David Ben Gurion

    David Ben Gurion
    • Founding member and first Prime Minister of Israel.
    • Awarded an honorary degree from Rangoon University.

    Diamond Jubilee

    RU Diamond Jubilee 1995
    • The RU Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1995.
    • Dr. Soe Win (IFL), Daw May Saw Lwin (Chemistry), Ko Aung Mon (YIT) and Ko Nyi Thet Lwin (IM1) were staying in the Main Campus, but affiliated with four different Universities and institutes

    First Day Cover and Stamps

    First Day Cover (RU Diamond Jubilee)
    50 Pyas Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)
    Two Kyats Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)

    Dora Than Aye

    Dora Than Aye
    • Vocalist
    • Journalist / Broadcaster
    • UN employee

    Dway

    Dway
    • YIT/YTU Graduate
    • Movie actor
    • Nephew of Kyaw Hein

    Posts

    • D (Names)
    • Dana
    • Data
    • Daw
    • December
    • Din (Names)
    • Doctor
    • Dr.

  • Album C

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Cartoonists

    RIT Cartoonists
    • RIT is known for its cartoonists in general and “Cartoon Box” in particular.
    • Ko Myint Pe (M72) co-founded “Cartoon Box”. The Patrons were Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64, “Phone Ko”, Vietnam Cartoons) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF).
    Khin Maung Phone Ko
    Aung Myint
    • Aw Pi Kyeh (“Mann Bei”) served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association and later as President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
    • The cartoonists compiled a special issue of “Selected RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. They also published Cartoon Brochures for Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPP-2016.

    Chancellor

    • The Rangoon University Act of 1920 stated that roles of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor.
    • The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma is also the Chancellor of Rangoon University.
    • The road leading to the RU Convocation Hall is called the Chancellor Road.
    College, Council (RU Act of 1920)
    Chancellor (RU Act of 1920)
    • Prime Minister U Nu gave the Chancellor’s speech at the Convocation of Rangoon University in November / December 1961.
    Chancellor Speech (1961)
    • For a period (especially citing Insecurity), the gates to the Chancellor Road were closed or closely guarded.
    • The Yar Pyae Ak Kyo (Pre-RU Centennial) began in December, 2019.
    • Some of the RU Centennial events for took place at the Convocation Hall, Recreation Center and the Universities’ Central Library.
    • Due to Covid-19 pandemic, there were often restrictions.
      Some events were recorded in the Campus, and broadcast later via Myanmar Ah Than.
    Chancellor Road

    Coup

    • Coup d’etat by the 17-man Revolutionary Council took place on March 2, 1962.
    • Commodore Than Pe (President of RUBC) was appointed Minister of Health and Education. He passed away shortly afterwards.
    • Colonel Hla Han succeeded Commodore Than Pe as Minister of Health and Education. He became Chair of the Rangoon University Council.
    Col. Hla Han

    Chou En Lai

    The Chinese Prime Minister visited Burma and took part in the Thingyan Festival.

    Chou En Lai

    Convocation

    • The Convocation is mostly held at the Convocation Hall.
    • Exceptions include the ad hoc Convocation ceremonies at Kyaikkasan and Aung San Stadium.
    • Some graduates had to wait a few years to attend their Convocation.
    Convocation Hall
    Convocation 1963
    63 – 64 – 65 at Kyaikkasan
    Convocation 1977

    Collegian

    • He was known as “Pa Pu”, “Nay Dun” and “Nay Win (B.A.)”.
    • Joined the Navy before attending RU.
    • Represented RU and Burma in Soccer.
    • U Chin Sein auditioned him for the leading role of Collegian (movie based on Zawana’s novel). He became known as “Collegian Nay Win”.
    Collegian Nay Win

    Cross Lake

    • Swimmers participate in the Cross Lake event held in the Inya Lakes.
    • The 2000 yard course runs from Dubern Beach to RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
    • Nyunt Nyunt Tin posted a photo of her Gold Medal.
    • From RIT, the winners included Htay Aung (M69, Burma Selected for Water Polo)
    Cross Lake 1965

    Posts

    • Census
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Chit Swe (Names)
    • Civil Engineering
    • Condolences

  • Album A

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Amyotha Aung Pwe Nay
    (National Day)

    • The First Rangoon University Students’ Strike took place on December 5, 1920 to protest the limitations of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
    • The movement led to the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National School) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College).
    • The Burmese date — 10th Waning Day of Tazaung Mon Month in Burmese Era 1282 — is used for the Celebration of Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay.
    • There is a difference of 638 years in the Gregorian and Burmese Calendars. Note that the Gregorian New Year falls on January 1, while the Burmese New Year falls around April 17. A correction is needed for the period January 1 to April 17.
    • To convert from AD to BE, subtract 638.
      e.g. 1920 – 638 = 1282
    • To convert from BE to AD, add 638.
      e.g. 1282 + 638 = 1920
    • A commemorative stamp for the Golden Jubilee of Amyotha Aung Pwe Nay is shown below.
    Ah Myo Tha Nay Golden Jubilee Stamp

    Aung San

    • He was born on February 13, 1915.
    • His Zartar name (per his natal horoscope) was Htain Lin.
    • His formal name is Aung San (which rhymes with Aung Than : name of his elder brother).
    • Bogyoke Aung San led a Burmese delegation to London in 1947. He signed the Aung San – Atlee Agreement (Sar Choke).
    • He was assassinated on July 19, 1947 along with Ministers (Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Mongpawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun, U Ba Win U Razak), ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Dway.
    • Centennial Celebrations were held in 2015. I wrote “A-U-N-G S-A-N” for the Centennial Celebration held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
    Bogyoke Aung San in London, 1947

    Australia in 2016

    • In 2016, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings : RIT Alumni, UCC Alumni, De La Salle Schools Alumni (mostly Paulians)
    • The Annual Dinner of Myanmar Engineers (mostly RIT alumni) was organized by Saya U Hla Myint (M65), Saya U Myo Win (M65) and the Executive Committee and members of MEAA (U “Henry” Thet Tun, U Sein Win and U Wint Khin Zaw). The attendees included Sayagyi D. Freddie Ba Hli (National Advisor for the Ministry of Planning, former DG of UBARI, GBNF). Sayas and sayamas who could not attend include U Thit (Metallurgy), U Maung Maung Win (M61) and Daw Yin Yin Mya (English). The spouses of several alumni are medical doctors.
    Gathering in Australia (2016)
    • Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, CSO, ABAC, GBNF) and Ma Kyawt hosted a UCC Pu Zaw Pwe for Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder of UCC, Pioneer of Computer Education and Application in Burma, GBNF) and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Board Member of UCC Project, GBNF).
    • Saya Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS 66, Geology 70) hosted a lunch gathering in the Olympic Park for the alumni of De La Salle Schools (e.g. St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s, St. Albert’s) in Burma. Attendees included Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS6) who flew in from Brisbane, Ko Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, SPHS65, M71, New Zealand). The entertainer was U Pantra (Moe Ma Ka Sydney, Pattla expert).

    All Mechanical Gatherings

    • The first gathering was held in 2016. The Master of Ceremonies were U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee.
    • Annual gatherings were held in subsequent years.
    • The following is the invitation for the gathering in 2018 held at Dolphin Restaurant.
    All Mech Gathering Invitation 2018
    • The Gathering for 2019 was moved to a restaurant in Pyithu Yin Pyin near Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Attendees paid respect to Thet Kyee Sayas and Engineers (80+ years young).

    Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)

    • He joined the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering in 1958 as an Assistant Lecturer.
    • Masters from Harvard University
    • Upon return to Burma, he was promoted to Lecturer.
    • Also studied in Netherlands.
    • Worked for UN project in Bangladesh.
    • Moved to USA.
    • Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group and President of RIT Alumni International.
    • Core organizer for SPZP-2000 (First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) in San Francisco, California in October 2000.
    • His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” led to five Golden Sponsors and many donors — large and small.
    • He retired twice, but came out of retirement because his former students offered him jobs. He passed away while working for CalTrans (California Transportation).
    • In his memory, his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. She also provided financial aid to eligible YTU students.
    Saya Allen Htay

    Aung Moung (M73, GBNF)

    • U Ba Than (former Professor of Mechanical Engineering) suffered a great loss when Ko Aung Moung passed away.
    • Ko Aung Moung was a core volunteer for SPZPs, HMEE project, and several RIT-related activities.
    • He also volunteered for several monasteries. Many monks offered to come by themselves to the Final Journey at Yay Way.
    Aung Moung

    Aw Pi Kyeh

    • “RIT Cartoon Box” was founded by U Myint Pe (M72) with Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C65) and Saya U Aung Myint (“Kyant Ba Hone”, Pet 79) as Patrons.
    • Four (or more) generations of Cartoonists ran “RIT Cartoon Box”.
    • The Box was closed after 8-8-88.
    • A popular cartoonist was “Mann Bei”. He served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association. Gained fame as “Aw Pi Kyeh”. Became President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
    • During his tour to USA, I met him twice : once in Northern California (at the beginning of his trip) and once in Southern California (at the end of the trip).
    Aw Pi Kyeh 1
    Aw Pi Kyeh 2

    Autographs

    There were at least two sets of autographs in the RU Centennial Facebook Group.

    • One posted by Hazel Kyaw Zaw (about her mother Daw Chit Swe’s autograph)
    • Another posted by Audrey Than (about her role models including UNSG U Thant)

    Aung Pyie
    (Khin Maung Myint, Writer)

    • For RU Centennial, there were posts about some notable Burmese / Myanmar authors, poets, academicians and politicians.
    • An example is provided below.
    Writer : Aung Pyae (Khin Maung Myint)

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • April
    • Associations
    • August

  • Fatal Pony Ride

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Peter Pe (64 Intake)

    He was among the Top students — along side Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF) and Cho Aye (GBNF) — that were admitted to 1st BE in November 1965.

    He is the younger brother of Saya U Nita Pe (Min / Geol).

    He represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo.

    He fell from a horse and was taken to the hospital. He passed away.

    Ko Zaw Min posted an article about him.

    Emma Myint wrote : He was our classmate. I attended his funeral.

  • Non-believer of Palmistry

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    U Hla Moe (Dawei) was Cox of the Senior Novices Winning Crew : U Than Soe (M63, RUBC Gold), U Yin Maung, U Chit Swe and Dr. Byron Law Yone (GBNF).

    U Ba Than (Fitness Teacher, Palmistry Expert) warned him (who was planning a trip home before coming back to Rangoon to become a temporary monk) of an impending danger.

    He replied, “I had an accident that left scars on my face. It is safe to go on the Schooner owned by my father”.

    The Schooner sunk at sea. A rescue ship eventually saved three crew members, who reported that U Hla Moe was helping others before they lost sight of him.

  • Retirement

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Feb 2026

    Reginald (Reynold) Wu and his cousin Victor Wu (Tin Aung, RUBC Gold, GBNF) were members of the Novice crew coxed by my elder brother.

    His older brother Derrick (GBNF) and younger brother Samuel are also RUBC members.

    Reginald wanted to retire, but wanted to spend the four months leave (before retirement) to enjoy (e.g visiting Asia including Burma).

    He passed away unexpectedly during the leave period.

    His spouse did not receive the full compensation since he had not retired.