Young volunteer doctors (e.g. Dr. Kyaw Min) provided transportation to the elderly doctors to a Center where they can enjoy the day (with their favorite activities)
Daw Myint Myint Khin
Daw Sein Sein(GBNF)
Retired Director, DHE
Former Registrar, RASU
Daw Sein Sein
Daw Su (GBNF)
First resident of Inya Hall
Performed Dances in Fund Raiser for Tekkatho Dhammayone
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 1Aw 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.
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 KoAung 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 ThingyanFestival.
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 HallConvocation 196363 – 64 – 65 at KyaikkasanConvocation 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)
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)
Rangoon University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in December 1970.
I was a volunteer for the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay Committee” headed by Saya U Tun Hla Aung (Geography).
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor, Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (Burmese, Institute of Economics) were Chair and Secretary of a Committee. They had a reunion as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins from RIT took part in the Entertainment with Swel Daw Yeik A Nyeint, Tabin Daing A Ka & Htee Yein.
RU Golden JubileeRIT Htee Yein
There are other Golden Jubilees :
GJ of the new Education System introduced in 1964
GJ of Admission to University or Institute
RIT GJ in 2014
GJ of Graduation from University or Institute
69ers GJ in 2019
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla received his doctorate from the UK. He served as Professor of Geology Department. He retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.
His successors include Dr. Nyi Nyi, U Ba Than Haq and Dr. Maung Thein.
Geology Sayas and Sayamas
Dr. Tha HlaDr. Nyi NyiGeology 1978Dr. Maung Thein
Geology Volleyball
Geology Volleyball
Graduation
RIT Grads
RIT 69ers
Tin Aung Win (M69) & his fatherM69 gradsA69 grads
Graduation Photos
In the early days, some quality photos had to be taken in Studios. The photo (taken at “Bayin Ma”) shows proud parents of a fresh graduate.
Grad 1
It was customary to take photos at the “Full Dress Rehearsal” and in front of the Convocation Hall.
Grad 2
Permits were issued to registered photographers to take photos during the Convocation. Maung Maung Nhyat made a fortune.
Grad 3Grad 4
GeographySayas
Geography Dept
L Dudley Stamp taught at LSE and RU.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was an early Burmese Sayama to receive a Doctorate from USA. An Alumnus donated Seed Money for her bust.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
Dr. Maung Htoo : Professor
U Kyaw : Principal, Workers’ College; Rector, Institute of Education; Father of U Myo Nyunt (Harry, OPA) & Daw San San Kyaw (UCC)
U Kyaw
U Win : Received Doctorate from USA; GIS; Water Resource
In 2017, I was listed in the “Hall of Fame” of Toastmasters International District 101 for (a) Distinguished Toastmaster (b) Triple Crown (c) Leadership Excellence (d) Advanced Leader Silver
Hall of Fame 1
Joined District 4 (an early District) of Toastmasters International. It grew too big and was reorganized as District 4 and District 101 (for clubs that are mostly located near Highway 101).
Hall of Fame
Received the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award.
DTM 1DTM 2
Won the “Triple Crown” for completing three awards between May and November of 2017.
Halin
Halin
Visited Halin (inhabited by the Pyu) near Shwe Bo.
Halin was declared as UN Heritage Site.
Not easy to go to Halin by the supposedly “short cut route” especially with ongoing repairs to the narrow road.
The Museum provided pamphlets with Pyu alphabet & Halin Pyu Stone Inscription
Hell-Hound At Large
Hell Hound At Large
Ko Aung San (Editor of Oway Magazine) was expelled for not disclosing the author of the satirical article “The Hell-Hound At Large”.
Ko Aung San
The authorities knew that Oway U Mya was the author, but they wanted to take action against Ko Aung San.
HMEE
HMEE Book
The History of Myanmar Engineering Education book was published in 2012.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (National Literary Award Winner) was the Lead Author of the Project.
HMEE Team
The early supporters of the Project include U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering), U Soe Paing (My mentor at RIT and UCC) and U Thaw Kaung (Retired Chief Librarian of Universities’ Central Library).
U Ba ThanU Soe PaingU Thaw Kaung
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the Book.
U Ohn KhineU Hla MinCD Supplement
U Soe Paing & U Ohn Khine translated Section One and summarized Section Two of the Book.
Htee Yein
Htee 1Htee 2Htee 3
In 1970, RIT took part in the “Entertainment Program” for the Rangoon University Shwe YaDu (ရွှေရတု Golden Jubilee).
Htee Yein ထီးယိမ်း was a hit at the Shwe YaDu Celebrations.
Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် was also a feature.
The terms “Swel Daw” and “Swel Daw Yeik” became known as synonyms for RIT in general and the Engineering Institutions in Burma in particular.
Won most of Free Style events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m) and Cross Lake at RIT and All Institute Competitions
Was Secretary of the RIT Swimming Association
Represented Burma in Water Polo at the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969
Spouse : Than Than (Burma, SEAP & Asian Games Champion Sprinter)
Regular attendee at RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gatherings at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose) Restaurant.
Aging (notably hard of hearing) has caught up with the former Swimming Champ.
Htin Aung, Dr. (C69)
Htin Aung 1Htin Aung 2
Retired as Professor of Civil Engineering from YIT / YTU.
Represented RIT in Chinlon.
Badminton & Soccer player.
Several Dr. Htin Aung including the first native Rector of Rangoon University, and a Physics Professor (Sacred Heart 1957).
Htin Lin
Htin Lin
Pen name of U Thein Maung.
National Literary Award Winner
Gave English Tuition with U Khin Maung Latt
Eldest son : Soe Myint (GBNF) graduated with Triple Maths, but chose journalism. He was Chief Editor of the Guardian. He published my poems and Computer articles.
Younger sons : Soe Win (EC70, UCC, PTC), Kyaw Zaw (EC72, High School Luyechun, DCA, GBNF) and Khin Zaw (UCC).
His great grand son (son of U Khin Maung Zaw & Dr. Daw Khin Khin Latt) is named Htin Lin.
Bogyoke Aung San 1Bogyoke Aung San 2Bogyoke Aung San 3
Attended Rangoon University and received B.A.
Took Law classes for a year before deciding to engage full time in politics.
Active in the RU Student Union. Served in various capacities (e.g. Secretary in his early days).
Chief Editor of Oway Magazine Expelled for not disclosing the author of “Hell Hound At Large”. His expulsion led to the RU Students’ Strike.
Hell Hound At Large
Translated “Invictus” for Oway Magazine. Reprinted in the RU Golden Jubilee Magazine.
Translation of Invictus
Brutally shot by assassins on 19th July, 1947.
19 July
Bo Aung Kyaw
Bo Aung Kyaw
Victim of the police brutality.
He was posthumously named “Bo Aung Kyaw”.
Sparks Street was renamed “Bo Aung Kyaw Street”.
The following is an article which was first published by Naganiand reprinted in Oway Magazine.
Bo Aung Kyaw
Ba Maung (Sports Officer)
Ba Maung
Under the then new Education System, Sports Officers were appointed for the various Universities and Institutes.
He was Soccer Selected for Burma. Sports Officer for RASU.
Other sports officers included U Thet Win (Diving) for the Institute of Economics and U Maung Maung (Soccer) for Rangoon Institute of Technology.
Badminton
RIT Badminton 1RIT Badminton 2
Saya U Yone Moe (Rector, GBNF)
Saya U Maung Maung Than (Chair, RIT Sports Council, GBNF)
Saya U Thein Lwin (President, RIT Badminton, GBNF)
Sai Kham Pan (Burma Selected, EP69), Ko Myint Sein (M69), Bishnu Shahi (EE69er) and team won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Sai Kham Pan
Sai Kham Pan was Burma Champion in Men’s Doubles and No. (2) in Men’s Singles behind Kyi Nyunt
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) wrote :
There was another national-level badminton player from Textile, couple – if not more, junior to me. He also ran marathons. Unfortunately his name escaped me at this time. We used to hang out together at Sports Officer Ko Maung Maung’s office in those days.
Bagyee Wai Soe & Bagyi Kan Thein
Bagyee Wai Zoe Bagyi Kan Thein
Recreation Center hosted several indoor sports events.
There was a shop that sold post cards and paintings (e.g. by Bagyee Wai Soe)
There was a barber shop opened by Bagyee Kan Thein (an employee of the RU Students Union Building)
B.Com
Bachelor degree offered by the Department of Commerce
The department was under the Faculty of Social Science, which became the Institute of Economics in 1964.
The RU Centennial Pages had photos of Commerce grads.
B Com 1B Com 2
BIT Social and Reading Club
BIT Social and Reading Club
Saya U San Tun (M59) won Gold Medal and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer. He received Masters from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the USA.
Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer. Taught at BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) in the Gyogone Campus.
Served as Hall Tutor and as a member of the BIT Social and Reading Club.
Botany
The following is a Badge for the Botany Department at the University of Rangoon.
Botany Badge
Burmese-English Dictionary
Judson’s Burmese-English Dictionary
Reverend Judson and team compiled two dictionaries : Burmese- English Dictionary English-Burmese Dictionary
They also translated the Bible into Burmese
Burmese Calendar
Burmese Calendar
Wrote about the Burmese Calendar in the BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) Newsletter, where I served as Contributing Editor.
Posted enhanced versions of the article in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and my web site hlamin.com
Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70)
Benny and Angelina Tan
Received the “Let Phount Tat Thar” (Sharpshooter) award twice at UTC (University Training Corps).
After graduating with Mechanical Engineering in 1970, he moved to the USA.
Masters from University of California at Berkeley.
Had successful careers as a Professional Engineer and as an Entrepreneur.
After handing over Tan Enterprise to his son, he is enjoying world wide travel (when granted permission by his six grand children).
Founding member of RIT Alumni International which hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco in October 2000. Designed the SPZP-2000 Banner and Mementos.
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs along with Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF).
His spouse Angelina was his personal Xerographic copier in his RIT days.
Rangoon University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in December 1970.
I was a volunteer for the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay Committee” headed by Saya U Tun Hla Aung (Geography).
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor, Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (Burmese, Institute of Economics) were Chair and Secretary of a Committee. They had a reunion as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins from RIT took part in the Entertainment with Swel Daw Yeik A Nyeint, Tabin Daing A Ka & Htee Yein.
RIT Htee Yein
There are other Golden Jubilees :
GJ of the new Education System introduced in 1964
GJ of Admission to University or Institute
RIT GJ in 2014
GJ of Graduation from University or Institute
69ers GJ in 2019
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla received his doctorate from the UK. He served as Professor of Geology Department. He retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.
His successors include Dr. Nyi Nyi, U Ba Than Haq and Dr. Maung Thein.
Geology Sayas and Sayamas
Dr. Tha HlaDr. Nyi NyiGeology 1978Dr. Maung Thein
Geology Volleyball
Geology Volleyball
Graduation
RIT Grads
RIT 69ers
Tin Aung Win (M69) & his fatherM69 gradsA69 grads
Graduation Photos
In the early days, some quality photos had to be taken in Studios. The photo (taken at “Bayin Ma”) shows proud parents of a fresh graduate.
Grad 1
It was customary to take photos at the “Full Dress Rehearsal” and in front of the Convocation Hall.
Grad 2
Permits were issued to registered photographers to take photos during the Convocation. Maung Maung Nhyat made a fortune.
Grad 3Grad 4
GeographySayas
Geography Dept
L Dudley Stamp taught at LSE and RU.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was an early Burmese Sayama to receive a Doctorate from USA. An Alumnus donated Seed Money for her bust.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
Dr. Maung Htoo : Professor
U Kyaw : Principal, Workers’ College; Rector, Institute of Education; Father of U Myo Nyunt (Harry, OPA) & Daw San San Kyaw (UCC)
U Kyaw
U Win : Received Doctorate from USA; GIS; Water Resource
