Starting from the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970, the term “Swel Daw Yeik” became a synonym for RIT and its predecessors.
Swel Daw Yeik Anyeint became a feature of the RIT gatherings such as Singapore Thingyan & SPZPs.
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung was published by Saya U Moe Aung & team to commemorate SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, and SPZP-2010 in Singapore.
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine was published to commemorate SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016 (all held at the Gyogone Campus).
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF)
Before, during and after SPZP-2012, Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) had informal discussions with U Ko Ko (Hset Hmu), U Myint Pe, U Wynn Htain Oo, and several other RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins about forming Swel Daw Yeik Foundation to help alums and sayas.
U Khin Maung Tun (Htet Linn Lu Say, T78) pledged/donated K1500+ lakhs for Swel Daw Yeik Foundation. He also graciously accepted the Presidency.
Saya U Moe Aung is Patron of SYDF. Saya also leads the PR team for providing information and update.
SDYFActivities
Health CareHealth care for eligible sayas and sayamas
Financial assistance for sayas undergoing hospitalization was initially Two Lakh Kyats Increased to Four (or more) Lakhs
Sayas requiring personal aids and/or frequent trips to the medical clinics are also provided financial assistance on the need basis (with approval at a SDYF meeting)
Annual Medical Checkup Initiated by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund” and the “U Khin Maung Tun and family Fund for vision care“ The balance of the two Funds have been transferred to SDYF
Shwe YaDu Celebrations in 2014
Physical, moral, and monetary support for the Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee) celebrations in December, 2014
Shwe YaDu Lann project
Planting fifty Swel Daw Bins
Shwe YaDu benches
Help to RIT
Helped SPZPs Repaying the metta and cetana of all eligible sayas and sayamas world wide
Helping young alums and passing the “RIT Spirit” to them
Repairing/replace of roofs of selected houses in the Campus
Association of Engineers in Burma after the Second World War
RITAA
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF)
Burmese American Professional Society (BAPS)
RIT Alumni International
NorCal RITAA
Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists (BASES)
Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)
RIT Buddhist Association
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)
R.U. Society of Electrical Engineering Students
Executive Committee (1960 – 61)
Burmese Society of Civil Engineers
Working Committee (Founded 1959)
Association of Engineers in Burma after the Second World War
The account was retold by Saya U Tin U and recorded by Saya U Ba Than.
Re-instituted about 1955-56
President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli, Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon
Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining)
Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)
RITAA
Overview
During the Adhamma Era, many associations (especially student and alumni organizations) were not allowed.
With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association was allowed to register, but many alumni were not aware of the association and its objectives. Only a few (mostly members of the “80000 YaThay”) actively participated in the formative events. There was virtually no fund to operate.
Then, things started to click.
Space for the Alumni Association was provided by YTU
Donations — large and small — were received (mostly for the YTU Library Modernization Project which is a requirement for the Accreditation)
Membership (Life membership for K60000) grew.
Saya’s Corner was established.
Staff and Volunteers helped with the regular and ad hoc projects
Young alumni came forward to help with the leadership
Post AGM
RITAA (formally known as RIT-YIT-YTU RIT Alumni Association) has conducted the AGM (Annual General Meeting). The Interim Committee headed by U Tin Latt (M85) is to be congratulated for the work being done.
The AGM elected U Myo Aye (M94) as President for the term 2018 – 2020.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
SDYF provides Annual Medical Check up for eligible sayas and sayamas.
SDYF also provides some financial assistance to eligible sayas and sayamas.
When a Saya or Sayama passes away, SDYF offers 2 Lakh Kyats to the bereaved family.
SDYF offers 4 Lakh Kyats to eligible sayas and sayamas
for Hospitalization
for frequent medical check ups
for severe loss of mobility
SDYF also considers case-by-case for sayas and sayamas needing financial assistance for health care.
U Khin Maung Tun is the President and major donor of SDYF.
Burmese American Professional Society (BAPS)
With the approval of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, BEA (mostly RIT alumni) and BASTS (younger engineers and scientists) merged to become BAPS.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Benny Tan (M70) and Maurice Chee (M75) served as President of BAPS.
U Aung Myint (Henry Lim) served as Chief Editor of BAPS Newsletter.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) was Burmese Language Editor.
They would volunteers as Editor of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
I served as Contributor for BAPS Newsletter and as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
RIT Alumni International
The Association was formed by members of the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) with the main objective to host the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in 2000.
There are several posts about SPZPs.
NorCal RITAA
The Association was formed to revive the RIT-related activities in Northern California.
Scholarship for eligible children of Alumni attending a US University
Scholarship for eligible students attending YTU
Training Component of the YTU Library Modernization Project
Additional donation for the YTU Library Modernization Project
Past Presidents : Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83)
President : U Aung Myint Oo (EC84)
Past Chair of BOD : Stan Liou (M67)
Chair of BOD : Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists (BASES)
The Association was founded by Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David).
It is based in Southern California.
Past Presidents : Saya U Tin Htut, U Tin Htway, U Tun Tin, Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (M59), U Khin Maung Lay (T68), U Thura Thant Zin (M76)
President : U Tin Nwe (Milton Sein, C68)
Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)
Myanmar Engineering Society is a Non-Profit Organization. It is not an Alumni Association, but several sayas and alumni served as EC members.
Past Presidents : Dr. Sein Myint, Saya U Nyi Hla Nge, U Than Myint, U Han Zaw, U Win Khine
RIT Buddhist Association
Some sayas served as Patrons of the RIT Buddhist Association. Some alumni served as EC members.
Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne
Saya U Sein Maung (EE63)
Saya U Lin (M66)
Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66, GBNF)
Saya U Soe Myint (Min83)
U Kyi Twe (A70)
U Myint Soe (M79)
U Sein Win (C80)
U Maung Maung Lay
The Association’s activities include
Kathein robe offering
Library of Buddhist books
Ovada of sayas and sayamas
Books
The RIT Buddhist Association published two books for SPZP-2012.
Collection of the Ovada (Exhortations) of the sayas and sayamas [mostly Professor and/or Head of Departments or their representatives] given at the “Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwes” at RIT/YIT.
History and the activities of the RIT Buddhist Association. Contributors include Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne, Saya U Sein Maung, Saya U Linn. Saya U Soe Myint, and several EC members (notably U Maung Maung Lay and spouse).
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
TBSA was formed to support the Dhammananda Vihara and its activities.
During a Dhamma Duta mission in 1979, Mahasi Sayadawgyi agreed to leave two sayadaws to carry out the missionary work in the US.
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa’s life and accomplishments have been recorded in the
Dhammananda Newsletters
TBSA website
Commemorative book (“Maw Gun Win Sar Saung”)
DVDs about Sayadaw’s “Last Journey” and his lifelong achievements (including the first Rectorship of IMBTU).
TBSA hosts several events every year.
Htamane Pwe and Ovada Patimauk Ceremony
Myanmar New Year (Thingyan Festival)
Full Moon Day of May (Thrice Blessed Day)
Waso robe offering
Thadinkyut Festival
Tazaungdaing Festival
Monthly weekend retrea
Long term retreats
Summer Dhamma Camp for youths
Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)
I was a volunteer Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC).
In Statistics, Uniform Distribution is a type of data distribution.
During their university days, Bogyoke Aung San and U Thant had a debate on Uniform.
Dress Codes
A uniform could specify (a) short or long pants (e.g. Kakki) (b) shirt (e.g. long sleeved white shirt) (c) optional : Necktie, Coat, Badge
The optional items may be worn at formal functions (e.g. Award Presentation Ceremony).
Burmese Dress
Burmese dress for males
Pasoe / Longyi
[Collarless] Shirt
Taik Pon
Optional : Gaung Baung
St. Paul’s High School
Some schools may mandate their students to wear uniform on specified days (and may be every day).
During our younger days, we had to perform drill at the School Sports and at the Aung San Stadium for specified events (e.g. Education Day Celebration). We had to dress up in uniform.
UTC
Those joining UTC (Universities’ Training Corps) are given two sets of [usually old] uniforms.
Most prefer to buy or order their own.
UTC
Faculty of Engineering
U Ba Hli (first native Dean of Engineering) is seen in photos wearing a uniform.
U Ba Hli
Rangoon University Boat Club
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) awards Half Green, Full Green and Gold.
RUBC specifies Dress Code for the award winners.
RUBC
USA Sports
In the USA, sports team have at least two sets of uniforms : one for playing at Home, and another for playing elsewhere.
Founded in the SF Bay Area : Saya K C Chiu discussed the idea with several sayas and alumni.
Later merged with BASTS (Burmese American Science and Technology Society) to become BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society)
Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF)
U Htin PawService for U Htin Paw 1Service for U Htin Paw 2
Inaugural President of BEA
Wrote a series of articles for RIT Alumni Newsletter engineering student engineering saya States Scholar engineer in Burma and USA
Won two Gold Medals His family had to subsidize K150 for each Gold Medal
Joined RIT Electrical Engineering Department after graduation in 1958 along with U Ba Nyunt
Received MSEE from Michigan University
Upon return to Burma, worked for UBARI (which provided the Scholarship) and taught part time at EE Department. Later transferred to EI (Electrical Inspectorate).
Past President of TBSA Attended SPZP-2000, but had to leave early due to his spouse’s health.
Saya U San Tun (M59)
U San TunM59 Class PhotoSocial & Reading Club, BITGathering in SF Bay Area 1Gathering in SF Bay Area 2Gathering in SF Bay Area 3Gathering in SF Bay Area 4Gathering in SF Bay Area 5
U San Tun lost his spouse unexpectedly, but was lucky to find Daw Sylvia to take care of him and his children.
U San Tun and Saya U Aung Khin visited China at the request of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64)
U San Tun invited us to his birthday, the wedding of his son, and to his home.
U San Tun is a regular attendee of SF Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch gatherings.
Photos
Also known as Sain Fone Wong
Past President of BEA
Won Gold Medal Met another Gold Medalist Dorothy Tham (GBNF, sister of Saya Kyi Kong Tham (C63)). They have a daughter and a son.
Joined RIT Mechanical Engineering Department after graduation in 1959
Received MS from MIT
Served as Head of Automobile Engineering (sub-department of Mechanical)
Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63)
Saya K C (Seated 3rd from Left)
Also known as U Tin Aung
Brother of Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61)
Co-founder and Past President of BEA
Organizer for SPZP-2000
After retirement, he moved from San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles
Lily Win (T72)
Lily (Standing rightmost)
Also known as Khin Htar Yee
Co-founder and Past Secretary of BEA
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) was in SF Bay Area on a business trip from Texas. He met his soul mate Lily (presumably at a BEA meeting with KC).
SPZP-2000
Honoring BEA & BAPS Officers at SPZP-2000
Former Officers of BEA and BAPS were honored.
Notes
U Htin Paw is the father of Dr. Barry Paw (GBNF), elder brother of U Tun Thein (A67) and maternal uncle of Robert Hla Thein (M72).
Dr. Barry Paw (MD, PhD, Researcher) passed away on the return flight from Australia to USA. He went to pay respect to his maternal aunt, but unexpectedly had to arrange the last journey for his aunt’s spouse.
U Htin Paw donated $2000 to Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay in memory of Dr. Julie Han (T61, GBNF, Past VP and Fundraiser of TBSA).
U San Tun lost his spouse unexpectedly, but was lucky to find Daw Sylvia to take care of him and his children.
U San Tun and Saya U Aung Khin visited China at the request of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M/Auto64)
U San Tun invited us to his birthday, the wedding of his son, and to his home.
U San Tun is a regular attendee of SF Bay Area Retirees’ Lunch gatherings.
Helped with the Final Journey of Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, UCC, Syracuse University).
Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (Luyechun) Standing
Notes
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) took us to a BAPS picnic to meet members who wanted to support the ex-rit website. He demonstrated the “Burmese Farewell” by taking a long time to get back to the car.
Saya Allen (Middle)
Daniel is the son of Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62, Burma Champion & National Coach in Table Tennis).
Edison wrote about David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF) and Benny Tan in “Profile of BAPS Member” section of BAPS Newsletter
BAPS honored Dr. Nyo Win and Henry Lim (U Aung Myint, Chief Editor of BAPS Newsletter) at the Appreciation Dinner.
Ko Henry left RIT before graduation. He volunteered as Associate Editor along with Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Ko Maurice displayed his Culinary Expertise during his Tenure as BAPS President. He also organized Workshops.
During a Dhamma Duta mission in the late 1970s, Mahasi Sayadawgyi agreed to leave U Silananda and U Kelasa to carry on the Sasana work in the US.
U Silananda taught classes and conducted meditation retreats in California.
U Kelasa did the same in East Coast of USA.
Dhammananda Vihara
Several devotees including the Khoo siblings and cousins (Eddie, Stanley, Molly) and Dr. Tin Wa established the Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA).
TBSA helped set up the Dhammanada Vihara with U Silananda as the Chief Resident Monk and U Sobhana. U Jotalankara would later join the sayadaws.
The initial Vihara was a rented house in San Francisco. It later moved to Daly City. It is currently in Half Moon Bay.
Hlaf Moon Bay monastery
Resident Monks (over the years)
U Silanandabhivamsa (First Sayadaw, GBNF)
U Sobhana (GBNF)
U Jotalankara (Second Sayadaw)
U Nandisena (Moved to Dhamma Vihara in Mexico)
U Osadha
U Kondannadhaja (Uzin Chan Min)
…
U Silanandabhivamsa
Sayadaw life and accomplishments have been recorded in the Dhammananda Newsletters and the TBSA web site.
I was an Editor for the Newsletter and web site for several years.
Highlights
Sayadaw was born in Mandalay on December 16, 1927.
Father : Saya Saing (Famous Myanmar Pithuka)
Studied at Kelly (an American Baptist Mission School)
During the war, his family took refuge at the Sagaing Hills
Ordained as a samanera (novice)
Paid respect to Shwe Hintha Sayadaw, who gave the novice his robes and requested him not to leave the order
Became a Trailblazer when Mahasi Sayadaw left him to do dhamma duta in California and beyond.
Served as the Abbot of the Dhammananda Vihara, the Spiritual Advisor of the Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) and the Dhammachakka Meditation Center in California, and several other monasteries in Myanmar and Mexico.
First Rector of IMBTU.
Sayadaw passed away on August 13, 2005.
IMBTU sent Sayadaw U Nandamalabhivamsa and Dr. Myint Kyi to attend the Funeral Services for Sayadaw U Silananda.
I served as Master of Ceremonies at the Funeral Services for Sayadaw.
I was a Contributing Editor and Committee Member for the publication of the book paying Homage to Sayadaw.
TBSA consecrated a Dhamma Hall in memory of U Silananda.
Ceremonies to honor Sayadaw are done in August and December.
Additional materials can be found in the commemorative book (“Maw Gun Win Sar Saung”) and the DVDs about Sayadaw’s “Last Journey” and his lifelong achievements (including the first Rector of IMBTU).
Ceremony in memory of SayadawDevoteesVolunteers
Books
The Biography & First Sermon
Sayadaw wrote the book as a young monk
The book was reprinted as Dhamma Dana for Sayadaw’s 75th Birthday
Paritta Pali and Protective Verses
Ms. Srinuch Pongavas, a disciple of Sayadaw, published the book “Paritta Pali and Protective Verses” for Sayadaw’s birthday in 1995. The book displays Paritta Pali on the even-numbered pages and the Paritta Text (in English) on the odd-numbered pages. Sayadaw recorded the Pali and the English Text. CD was also provided as Dhamma Dana.
It can also be listened on You Tube
U Silanandabhivamsa’s Dhamma Duta Missions
by Nyaung Kan Aye Sayadaw
Nyaung Kan Aye Sayadaw is from the Dhamma Lineage of Mahasi Sayadaw.
Dhamma Lecturer
Dedicated the book to his mentor U Silanandabhivamsa
Aye Thet Scholarship
Dr. Swe Aye and Dr. Khin Nyo Thet provided the seed money for the “Aye Thet Scholarship”.
The number of young adults and children attending the TBSA Summer Dhamma Camp has grown close to 200.
The classes cover
Recitation (for very young children)
Levels 1 to 6
Some who passed Level 6 would volunteer to be Teaching Assistants.
Several donors augment the “Aye Thet Scholarship” to give prizes to the attendees of the TBSA Summer Dhamma Camp.
My Contributions
EC member (VP and/or Director)
Editor of the Dhammananda Newsletter.
Per Sayadaw U Silananda’s request, I simplified the book “A Manual of Buddhism” for use at the Summer Dhamma Camp.
I also edited the book based on the transcripts — by U Osadha — of Sayadaw’s dhamma talks (mostly at the meditation retreats).
Master of Ceremonies at Sayadaw’s Memorial Service
Accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (then President of TBSA) for scattering Sayadaw’s ashes into the water near Golden Gate Bridge.
Committee member and Contributing Editor for the book “Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa“.
Col. Hla Oung was Patron of the Burma Hiking and Mountaineering Association.
Universities, Institutes and Government Departments have their H&M Clubs.
U Shein (SLR) and Ko Henry Wan (SPHS59) are some of the evangelists / active members.
Ko Win Lwin (M69) served as Secretary of RIT H&M Club. He and Ko Cho Aye (M70, GBNF) joined the All Universities Expedition to Saramti (Mt. Victoria). The photos are provided by Ko Win Lwin.
Kyi Kyi Sein (Bei Oo, T70) and others also represented RIT in the Hiking contests.
Three third year BE students Ko Zaw Min, Ko Han Tha Myint and Ko Sein Win trekked 300+ miles. The story was quoted as a 600+ mile journey in the Burmese newspaper.
Ko Zaw Min (EP70) has written posts about his stay at RIT from 1964 to 1970. He covers education, extracurricular activities (soccer, boxing, rowing, UTC, hiking, track and field, debates, Pwes).
Registration Bye Law Vision and Mission (some) Robert’s “Rule of Order” Executive Committee Board (Directors, Advisors) Membership Activities
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Sample
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Special Interest Groups Local Chapters Publications Access to books and videos Turing Award (considered to be Nobel Prize in Computing)
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) IEEE Computer Society
BMA (Burma Medical Association)
MES, MEC, ARITA, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Social and Reading Club Several members became acclaimed authors and speakers
YMCA initiated Basketball Public Speaking Communication and Leadership
HlaMin 