My Friend Khin Tun (Peter), My friend since college day one, he is a dedicated kind hearted neuro rehab consultant in the UK. He is a brilliant analytical thinker of renown and beloved husband and father of two also brilliant young men. Memories of our friendship flood my mind.
We were in second MB when the workers riots rocked the city of Rangoon, we two were about the only ones left in the anatomy dissection room. Most students had not come that day and those who did had left. We two were doggedly dissecting into a cadaveric skull from the roof of the middle ear cavity to expose the three ossicles inside the middle ear. Khin Tun was lead dissection and he wasn’t going to stop till done. Our tutor had told us to leave and we were carrying on, we were about 19 then. We finally finished and I could finally convince him it was time. We left from Leik Khone dissection halls via the back on to a gravel road in the back leading to Inya Road. It was the short cut from Prome road to Inya road. Near the Inya road entrance my dad’s batman U Htar Pei was waiting with the family car. He had surmised that I would take the back road to Inya Road and stay off the main roads. He sighed a relief and took us home, we dropped Khin Tun at his family home in Windermere on the way. Throughout this Khin Tun was reciting the merits of the ossicles of the ear. I wondered if this was his way of dealing with stressful situations. He is an exceptionally bright individual, interested in knowledge only for the propagation of more knowledge for practical solutions, never for academic accolades or distinctions, one that I truly believe that was never interested in prizes or glory or renown, just a purist thirst for knowledge to solve problems.
Thus, we would finish medical school with only those close friends knowing how brilliant and knowledgeable he really is. After our House surgeon period we took up an assignment to collect data on Maternal and Childhealth in Upper Burma Townships, We spent the month of summer driving all over the dry midlands of ah nyar and collecting data in Magwe, Taung Dwin Gyee and Kyaut Ba Daung per project of our mentor Saya Johnny, interviewing auxiliary midwives, Community Health Workers and collecting answered questionnaires. We borrowed a land rover from the Agricultural department and he navigated and planned while I drove, talking all the time of friends, college and future hopes and plans.
I was to join the army after the trip and he would continue in Maternal and Childcare research projects while opening a private clinic. We ended the trip at Kyaut Ba Daung where Nwe and her Final Part One PSM group were staying for their community health project. We would spend a joyous night and half day there exploring Mt Popa and singing in front of the barracks well into the deep starry night in front of a bonfire. Afterwards we would leave, I would immediately join my unit in the army and Khin Htun would finish writing up the report. We spent many a night on makeshift cots or on the floor in closed high schools talking of anything under the sky eating at roadside restaurants along the road. Young restless and full of plans for the future that was roaring towards us at a fast pace. We had plans to go abroad for further training but never did we guess we would be leaving Burma to settle in foreign lands.
About a year later I would be attending Young Officers Course in Mhawbi and Khin Tun together with Pe Thet Khin was in a research project in Hlegu, Maternal and Childcare under our mentor Saya Johnny. I was on weekend free days and had taken a commercial line car to Hlegu where they were. Basically hung on to the back of a pickup with the spare till I got to the car gate. I had bought some roast duck and roast pork for them from a Chinese restaurant in Mhawbi. Also, brought a bottle of army rum for drinks. Khin Tun does not drink but loves roast duck and pork. Before dinner the three of us walked over to their private clinic in Hlegu, a little rented room and foyer with an examining table and desk with waterbath etc. A medium size closet for drug and medical paraphernalia. A few patients later two young ladies came walking into the clinic for a consultation and treatment. One was the friend cum chaperone as was traditional in a gossip prone rural setting and the other was a pretty young teacher with a rash on her hand. My friend Peter Khin Tun was immediately attentive as her youth and beauty captivated him. He proceeded to examine the rash, most likely an allergic eczema from some chemical, like it would earn him a Nobel prize in medicine if he were to cure it. The interest seemed pretty mutual to me and PTK who looked on with slight smiles. He asked for a second opinion and we agreed with him and I left a tube of steroid cream from my night bag for her. PTK the schemer made sure Peter would get all credit by telling the fair young teacher that it was a present from Bo Gyi Aung Gyi since his wife didn’t need it anymore. It was his way of ensuring Peter was a lone contender though Nwe and I had not married yet. There was really no need as it was love at first sight for both of them. The rest is history with two brilliant young men for sons.
Winmar would tell the encounter in her own sweet way. There were three young doctors at the clinic, One tall fair handsome one , of course Peter, one slim one with a mischievous knowing twinkle, you have to remember this was PTK two hundred pounds ago, and presumed single heavily tanned short haired officer, ruggedly handsome, I added the last bit, laugh if you want. We would joke about it anytime we met with Winmar looking on with her sweet gentle smile.
I remember a wonderful time when we met again in UK. My family and I were visiting UK and Peter and his had settled down in UK after taking the MRCP exams. The exams were a breeze and he finished in record time. Myself, Aung Hpyoe, Ernie and Min Zaw aung and Peter were taking a hike into Epping forest. Taking pictures with our new found hobby in cameras. We persuaded peter to come along with us before lunch promising him a Bariyani lunch and a cold drink at the pub. I also promised I would carry extra cold water and all the cold pop fizz he could drink under the English summer sun. It was a most happy time taking pictures together ribbing each other with old escapades of youth, old girlfriends failed courtships etc. Talking ill of all those not present with renewed gusto and guffaws. We had some drinks at a pub and went home to Aye Aye Yee’s home for a sumptuous lunch hosted by her and Ko Min Zaw Aung. Khin Tun ever thoughtful had brought some fresh coconut which we prepared and have young coconut with sweet juice. Photos from that gathering are the some of the most treasured memories we have.
A few years back we met again in Rangoon when we both were there to see our parents. Our parents homes are about a mile from each other, my mother’s home in Golden Valley and his parents home in Windermere road. One morning we made plans and I walked over to his house at 0530. By the time I got there found Peter making fried rice on a wok, in the kitchen. He’s a first class cook. We had a plate each fast and walked over to Shwedagon pagoda hill about two miles walk , it was still dark when we got to the base of the hill , the flower stall owners were still sorting lotus blooms at the base of the hill before carrying the bunches up for vending to the early worshipers. We walked up the Zaung Dan and did the rounds of family members birth day corners, and Peter showed me the various parts his family had donated. I said a prayer in my mothers corner and my father’s favorite Bayan tree sate. After watching the beautiful Rangoon sunrise from the hillside we walked down the East Zaung Dan to YeTarShay road street market. At the base of the hill we found our friend Ko Aung Khin waiting for us beside his brand new Nissan crossover. He does not like rising too early but was willing to wait for us at the base. We had built up an appetite for a second breakfast by that time. We walked to MyaungMya Daw Cho for MontHingar, there we three had breakfast and paid for the two monks and thelashin eating there as a good deed for the day. Afterwards Ko Aung Khin aka Zaw Zaw The Phyu would drive us home, we stopped first at my house and my two friends graciously said hello to my mom and sat down for a chat.
Peter 1
Going back many decades of friendship there was much to say and reminiscence while laughing heartily all the time. Time flies and we vowed to do do it again. He and Winmar also found the time and effort to attend my daughters wedding Swun Kywe at Mahasi in Rangoon from their busy schedule. He would also visit my mom even when I’m not there in Rangoon.
True friends always there for you. I pray very hard Peter, you had so much more to contribute to the world, your daily meditation must have given you much mental strength you are surly now in a higher realm, please the world was a better place with you in it.
We miss you my friend, my regards to Uncle Tin U, Winmar, Min Ko and Ye Lay, stay in touch we are all family.
The initial Luyechun program ran from 1964 to 1988.
1964
Luyechun Program was established in 1964.
Eligible students from 7th Standard to 10th Standard were chosen to attend the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
1964 Luyechuns include Ko Win Aung (TTC), Ko Oke Soe Kha (MEHS), Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw), Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay), and Ma Mie Mie Khine (Akyab).
1965
Luyechun Program was extended in 1965 for eligible students from Universities and Institutes. There were three Camps
Inlay Camp for high school and university students
Ngapali Camp for middle school students
Combined Camp in Rangoon
I was selected as RIT Luyechun for the Inlay Camp along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ko Zaw Min and Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret).
Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (Victor Koe, GBNF), Ma Anita Aye Pe, Ko Khin Maung U & Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing) were selected for IM(1).
Ko Tun Naung (GBNF, BDS), Ko Soe Aung & Ko Thein Win (IM2), Ko Min Oo (Maths), Ko Ye Myint & Ma Khin Aye Than (Chemistry), Ko Myint Thein & Ko Soe Lwin (Physics), and Ko Tin Hlaing (Lay Dwin Thar Saw Chit, Burmese) were some who were selected for their disciplines.
Those from Matriculation include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later RIT Saya), Uttam Singh (later NASA) and Ma Pwint Than (later EPC). They joined RIT.
Others include : Ko Aung Shwe (brother of Tekkatho Phone Naing), Ko Than Sit (GBNF, Liver Foundation), Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF), Ko Aung Myint, Ko Thein Lwin, Nelson Kaw & Ko Kyaw Myint.
Multiple Luyechun
Several students (e.g. Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Thynn Thynn Lynn, Daw Mie Mie Khine) were selected Luyechun multiple times.
Staff Sayas
Some sayas from Universities and High Schools were chosen to manage the Luyechuns. e.g. U Aung Gyi (MASU), Daw Po (RASU), Dr. May May Yi (GBNF, IM2)
Ko Min Oo (SPHS63, Maths) was selected Luyechun in 1965 and later as a Staff Saya.
Guest Speaker
Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi & U Thu Ta (Meteorology) were Guest Speakers at the Inlay Luyechun Camp.
Saya U Kyaw Myint (DHE) & I were Guest Speakers at the Nagapali Lu Ye Chun Camp in 1988.
Status
Luyehun project ended in 1988.
Several years back, an Association was formed for Luyechuns from 1964 to 1988.
The 7th Annual General Meeting was held online in January 2021.
My beloved parents. For us, every day is “Father’s Day” and “Mother’s Day“.
Raised seven children & several grand children.
Passed away in their 80s.
For a long time, I was among the lucky ones to have both parents. Now, I am among the unlucky ones to have lost both parents.
Took care of my two sons when they were young
Sad to say, they did not live long enough to see my grand children.
Let Oo Saya
During my school days, my parents gave me 25 pyas as pocket money. They wanted to make sure that I study hard.
In Standard VI(D) and Standard VII(D), Ms. Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong“, mother of U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold)) taught us English. We had to take weekly tests. She would fine 25 pyas to those who fail in a test. She would give 50 pyas to those who do well in a test.
My parents would give bonus prizes only when I did well in the final examinations.
They would buy us typewriters : Remington for English and Olympia for Burmese.
They also gave me a Raleigh bicycle, a Yashika Mat camera, and Cashprizes (100 Kyats for passing a Government examinations and 100 Kyats for each Distinction).
They would also provide us books : several types of dictionaries, Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan, Reader’s Digest, Student’s Companion, A book for Idioms, Grammar (e.g. Wren and Martin), the King’s English (by Fowler and Fowler), “How and Why”, Fun with Mathematics, Classics Illustrated, …, Saya Mauk (Bedin), Cheiro (Palmistry), …, Second World War.
Uncles and Aunts
My uncles & aunts were my adopted Parents.
They had private libraries. There was a set of Encyclopedia Britannica, books by Dale Carnegie (“How to win friends and influence people”, “Five minute biographies”) and more.
They aallowed me to play their piano and games (Badminton, Table Tennis, Carrom, Bridge).
One uncle would take us to Inya Lake for swimming followed by a feast of Buthee Gyaw.
Another uncle would take me to the Recreation Center in the Main Campus (e.g. to meet Saya Dr. Than Tun) and to the Faculty of Social Science & Library (e.g. to meet Saya U Khin Maung Kyawe (Jimmy) and Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khin (Hazel)).
A Zillion Thanks
Dear beloved parents, uncles, aunts and teachers, “I’m sure you will be in the good abodes. I want to thank you for your unbounded love and for your exhortation that “Every thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well” “.
Second Generation
My beloved spouse and I tied the knot in June 1973 in front of our parents (my father, my mother and her mother) and elders including Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder and Director of Universities’ Computer Center).
All my siblings are alive and well.
My spouse had lost five family members.
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 younger brother passed away in his early 60s.
Her nephew passed away in his late 30s.
She volunteered for social and religious events. She wrote several articles for Dhammananda Newsletter with the pen name “Neik Ban Zaw“.
She encouraged me to pay back to our parents, mentors, alma mater, society and our beloved land.
Ah Phwa and Hmyee Ma
With her support, I served for 26 years as Chief Editor of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and as an organizer of activities (including RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
I have written 2500+ posts in my Facebook pages and hlamin.com
Third Generation
I have two loving sons.
The elder is a Senior Industrial Engineer.
The younger is a Senior Software Engineer.
Fourth Generation
I have two kind, loving and intelligent grandchildren. They excel in Academic, Sports & Social Relations.
Many of us (siblings and cousins) grew up in “Ein Gyi” (အိမ်ကြီး Big House).
Later my father and his siblings built their houses in the Compound.
Beloved Parents
P 1P 2My father
Supported us to have a decent education
My Let Oo Saya
Wrote about them in several posts : Father, Mother, Beloved Parents, Countdown to SPZP
Collegiate Scholarship
HM 3
Stood Seventh in Burma in the Matric exam of 1963.
Awarded Collegiate Scholarship of 75 Kyats per month
Honored by the school (St. Paul’s High School) and the alumni association (Old Paulian Association)
Additional information can be found in posts related to SPHS
RIT Days
Attended Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) from 1964 to 1969
Additional information can be found in my post “Memories of a 69er”
RIT Student
HM 1
Passed the last ever I.Sc.(A) exam
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE in November 1964
320+ classmates.
Sad to note that 128 are GBNF
In Aung Min (M69) & team maintain the GBNF list
EE Association
EE Association
EC (Class Representative) of the RIT Electrical Engineering Association. Ko Shwe Win was the Secretary.
Later : Joint Secretary & Secretary
EE Magazine
EE Magazine
Member of the Committee for the publication of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) was Chief Editor
Ko San Oo, Ma Than Yi and Ko Myo Myint were Associate Editors.
Luyechun
Luyechun
Selected to attend the Inlay Khaung Daing Luyechun Camp in the Summer of 1965.
Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin & Ko Zaw Min were also selected as RIT LYC.
RUBC
Magazine
Willie Soe Maung (Stroke), Kyaw Wynn (3), Hla Min (2), Maung Maung Kyi (Bow) and Myint Thein (Cox) were Senior Novices Runners-up in the Monsoon Regatta in 1963. Three — Willie, MMK & MT — are now GBNF
Awarded Full Green at the end of the season
Elected Honorary Treasurer in the last ever General Election
Became Vice Captain the following year
I was denied to be Captain by the higher authorities who abolished the Bye Laws
Contributing Editor for the 90th Anniversary Issue of RUBC Magazine in 2013. Wrote the Prelude for each section. Also wrote three articles.
My Beloved Spouse
HM 2
Caring mother of two sons, and and Grandmother of two lovely Myees
Golden Jubilee in June, 2023.
Three Generations
HM 5HM 6
My parents
My spouse and I
Elder son
Anniversaries
HM 4HM 7
Some friends hosted lunch or dinner for our birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
