All under one roof then, on Campus at No 4, Short Road; even though the four of us were involved in four institutes of higher learning.
My two sons were still students [at RIT/YIT/YTU and IM(1)] and I was pleasantly occupied teaching at the Dept of Chemistry at RU while their father was at the IFL [Institute of Foreign Languages], later to become the University of Foreign Languages.
Myoma, Dance and Music
[Nyunt Nyunt Tin] : I was in the 7th standard at Myoma National High School (Rangoon) and participated Kabyaluk dance. The team of 400 high school girl students danced Kabyaluk at the opening ceremony. Never forget ,ever.
[Nyunt Nyunt Tin] : Daw May Than taught us basic Burmese Classicle songs at Myoma National High School like ” Thidar..thidar.. mya-tharr…, kyarr..kyarr… ngaa..paa”. I was 2nd standard at Myoma National High School at that time. We continued to learn until 4th standard.
Censorship
Readers of the RASU Annual Magazine for 1975 -76 came up with several hidden messages (probably much more than intended by the artist.
[In July 1963] There were several pamphlets and protests (denouncing the Adhamma Acts) especially on 7th July 1962 (in which several students were killed) and again on 8th July 1962 (when the RU Students Union was demolished).
In late 1963, most schools except the Faculty of Medicine and the Faulty of Engineering were closed.
A new Education system — with the use of controversial Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) for direct admission to the Universities and Institues — was implemented in November 1964.
The censorship intensified in the later years.
My articles had to be approved by three Chief Editors of the newspapers (two Burmese and one English). There were four Burmese and two English newspapers; so, there were two groups of three Chief Editors to review and self-censor the articles.
My poem for the Sar So Daw Nay was accepted by the Assistant Editor in charge of the Supplement. She showed me the preview (block ready to be printed). The higher authorities refused to give the green light since my poem referenced Ananda Thuriya’s epic work “Dhammata”.
Centennial
At the centennial celebrations of some universities, the alumni and staff were asked to nominate events and people to be honored as the 100 items associated with the school.
The members could propose a list of items about their alma mater.
I was a Speaker for the Centennial Celebration of UNSG U Thant (held in the San Francisco Bay Area).
Mi Mi Win (Junior Win, daughter of Saya Dr. Khin Maung Win) compiled two books (one in English and one in Burmese) for the Centennial Celebration of her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit.
Sayama Daw Thida suggested Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin (Group Admin) to publish a book for the forthcoming Centennial Celebrations in 2020.
Philosophy
Philosophy means love of wisdom.
Ph.D stands for Doctorate in Philosophy in a specialized field.
M.Phil stands for Master of Philosophy
U Win Myint (UCC) was a High School Lu Ye Chun from Myeik (Mergui). He was caught off guard when he was forced to major in Philosophy by the new Education System using the controversial ILA system. On the other hand, some who matriculated with Arts subjects were admitted to the Institutes (e.g. RIT).
Mathematicians
Some mathematicians served as Pyinnya Mingyi.
Some wrote Mathematics textbooks for middle and high schools.
Value of Currency
[In the 1960s] The scholarship and stipend holders received 75 kyats a month (60 kyats after paying the school fees).
Those who stayed at hostels had to pay about 57 kyats a month.
One kyat could get long bus rides, decent food, snacks, drinks, comics, and cartoons (to name a few).
Early Principals, Rectors and Registrars
U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College.
Dr. Htin Aung also served as Principal.
Dr. Htin Aung was the first native Rector. Other early Rectors include Dr. Hla Myint, U Kar, Dr. Tha Hla and Dr. Maung Maung Kha.
The early Registrars include Saya U Htin Si, Saya U Yu Khin and Sayama Daw Sein Sein.
Books
Shwe Ku May Hnin gave me an autographed copy of her book “Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho“.
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) gave me autographed copy of his books (one on Kabayars and one on articles). I translated some of them.
Sayas in charge of Sports
During my visits, Saya U Ba Toke shared his memories, and also gave me an autographed copy of the book written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char). He was active in his 80s, but his health declined after turning 90. He was born in December 1920 and is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first RU Student strike. He was an excellent soccer player. Saya was in charge in RU Sports (including soccer). Saya led the Burma team to Tokyo Olympics in 1964.
Dr. Hla Thwin was Professor of Psychology. Son : Mya Thwin (Phillip, EP75).
Dr. Maung Shein was Lecturer of Economics before becoming Deputy Minister. Saya also worked for World Bank.
U Yu Khin was in charge of the RU athletes that represented Burma in the 2nd SEAP Games in December 1961. After retirement from RU, he chose to work on the design and implementation of Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL). He declined higher paying jobs to work overseas.
Campus
Some are blessed to be born or brought up on the campus.
Some are honored to call the campus their home.
I only had the chance to visit the houses of some sayas.
RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
They were held in USA in 2000, Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010, Yangon in 2004, 2012 and 2016.
I am honored to be an organizer for SPZP-2000 and to be a coordinator for other SPZPs.
Saya Kha and Saya U Ba Kyi
[Alvin Oke Soe Kha] : I experienced first hand when Uncle U Ba Kyi sang ”ႏွစ္ ေယာက္ ထဲ ေန ျခင္တယ္” and my father Dr. Maung Maung Kha accompanied uncle on violin.
There were fund raisers to hold Centennial celebrations for Saya Kha. Saya U Oo Khin Maung and Sayama Daw Thida were volunteer organizers along with several others.
U Thet Lwin
Maung Ngwe Hlinne is the pen name of Saya U Thet Lwin, who taught Burmese at the Institute of Economics and later transferred to RIT as Registrar. He composed “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo“.
[Saya Dr. Soe Win] : My father Saya Sein was U Thet Lwin‘s Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s High School.
H.E. U Than Aung
Saya U Than Aung (father of Ko Dwe, Alphonso and Charlie) taught Burmese in at St. Paul’s.
Served as Minister of Education in the AFPFL government.
Requested his former SPHS student C. Ping Lee (EE saya, Faculty of Engineering) to head the Technical Education and Vocational Training Department.
RUBC
In 1923, Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Professor of Law), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the Club.
U Nyo (Philanthropist) sponsored RUBC Club as part of his donations to the RU Estate.
The 40th Anniversary was celebrated in 1963 with a souvenir program containing the history of RUBC, list of Captains and EC members, list of RUBC Golds (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon). The photo of the Anniversary Dinner appears in another post.
There were other celebrations such as 50th, 60th, …
For the 90th Anniversary, there were two publications. The souvenir program displayed in the post, and a reprint of the Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar.
Multi-sports Athlete
In the early days, University students excel at academic and sports.
Dr. Harry Saing represented Burma in Rowing, Hockey and Cricket and represented the Faculty of Medicine in Track and Field, and Football. He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, and is two time Champion of ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East).
He and Saya Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Secretary and Gold of RUBC) operated Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (the first set of conjoined twins) at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
Dr. Harry served as Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the Hong Kong University. He also served as Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club, which hosted FEARA (Far East Amateur Rowing Association) Regattas. According to Ko Htaik San (Henry Kao), Dr. Harry provided physical and moral support to the RUBC crews competing at FEARA regattas.
Sadly, he is GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). I wrote about his in the Souvenir Magazine.
Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered into the waters near his second favorite Rowing Club (after his favorite RUBC).
Grandpa’s footsteps
[Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin] :
I think you would be happy (but not surprised ) to learn that our granddaughter Ei Lwin, Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin’s daughter achieved [the highest possible] grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the recent, 2019, GCSE [General Certificate for Secondary Examination] exams.
Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
Tun Naung
Tekkatho Tun Naung would often play with the mandolin on his back.
He was selected Tekkatho Lu Ye Chun from Dental College in the Summer of 1965.
He is a co-founder of Stereo Khit.
Some Outstanding athletes
U Than Win Captain of the RU Soccer team Later Director of Sports and Physical Education (SPED)
U Chan Tha Captain of the Prome Hall Soccer team University and Burma Selected in Soccer Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
Collegian Nay Win, Kenneth Shein, Tun Kyi and Dr. Tint Lwin played soccer for RU First Eleven under coach Saya Nyein. Played at BAA (Aung San Stadium) for the First Division League and Knock-out.
[Per Than Htut Aung] ; RU Eleven was victorious for three consecutive years in the mid 30s.
Saya Joe Ba Maung taught English at RIT before transferring to Burma Railways. Saya was Burma Tennis Champion in Singles and Doubles (with Than Lwin). Saya also won the Mixed Doubles with Sayama Daw Ruby Kha (spouse of Saya Kha).
Several Burma Selected and University Selected became Sports Officers.
The RASU Sports Officer U Ba Maung is a football selection.
University Prizes
The program for RU Convocation in 1958 lists about 30 University Prizes (including the Matthew Hunter Gold Medal).
Matriculation and Tekkatho
In the early days, less than 10 percent passed the Matriculation examination. It was an honor to prefix one’s name with Tekkatho or University.
Khin Nyo wrote : absolutely right. i think in 1957 only 2% Passed and the total is 20000 . Even dancer Amar Sein was conferred with the title Thekkatho Amar Sein by the Rector Dr. Tha Hla.
Dr. Htin AungU Ba MaungSaya Kha HallU Nu and U Chan Tha at RUBC
His writings are interesting, entertaining, nostalgic and informative.
Had the “Zawana Nyan” to gain good impression from Sayama Dr. Than Than Nyein and scored a Distinction (albeit with the help of a Lab Technician).
Recounted some episodes related to the infamous 7th July including the “Three Minute Silence” in memory of the fallen students.
Listed the sayas and sayamas (complete with their degrees). Saya Dr. Tin Win (Alan) requested him to update the list.
Wrote about Saya U Nyunt Win’s lecture and his sleepy friends response “Nhyat nei shware htoke mei”. Most students wondered if Saya got angry. In the next lecture, the students were surprised to see Sayagyi U Aung Khin. Sayagyi asked who mentioned “Nhyat” in the previous lecture. Saya U Khin Zaw’s friend stood up (perhaps expecting Sayagyi to scold him). Instead, Sayagyi said, “Saya U Nyunt Win did not felt angry. He is here today to say farewell before going to Canada for further studies.”
Remembers the name of his volleyball playing partners. He said that RU was a place of harmony. Students come from different places, and they profess different religions, but they are close, friendly and free of bias.
Note : There are several sayas named U Khin Zaw.
U Khin Zaw (“K”) was the first Chief Librarian of Rangoon University Central Library and the Founder / Director of Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service). His spouse Daw Than Hnit was a news anchor and published several radio programs. He wrote a book “My Life Time in Burma”. For the reprint, the title was had to be changed to “My Life Time in Myanmar”.Ko Wint Khin Zaw (A79) mailed me a copy of his father’s book.
Saya U Khin Zaw taught Mathematics at RU and Workers’ College. He was one of our Mathematics Teachers (along with Mr. Choudhury and Daw Khin Ma Ma) in our I.Sc.(A).
Dr. Khin Zaw retired as Rector of the Institute of Education. He competed in the Pin Weight division in Boxing.
Dr. Khin Zaw (Geology) moved to Australia.
Khin Maung Oo
Studied Geology and also wrote Kabyars (with the pen name Maung Yin Naing).
In 1970, he published two Kabyar collections : one on Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee of RU) and one with his friend Soe Myint (Soe Moe Oo),
1000 copies of the second book (with a sales price of 50 pyas each) was sold out.
The authors made a sizable profit, but more important they received good reviews by U Ohn Pe (Tet Toe) in the Working People’s Daily (on August 13, 1970) and U Win Tin in the Hanthawaddy (on August 31, 1970).
Chit Oo Nyo would also reference the “Three Line Kabyar” (misquoted as “Two Line Kabyar”) in one of his Literary Talks.
There are several alumni named Khin Maung Oo / Khin Maung U.
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63) stood First in Burma in the Matriculation of 1963. He worked for IM, BMRI/DMR. He retired from FDA. He was a Gawpaka, Translator and Interpreter for a monastery in Maryland, USA.
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69) is a Golden Sponsor for SPZPs, the RIT 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the Annual RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey, USA. He is a Patron / Advisor of MASTA (Myanmar Alumni of Science and Technology Association).
U Khin Maung Oo (Master Mariner) Taught at Simalaik and Malaysia. Moved to USA
U Khin Maung Oo (M69, Rakkhine, New York, USA)
U Khin Maung Oo (EC66, North Carolina, USA)
Newspapers and Magazines
In the early days, there were many newspapers, several news agencies and reporters.
Nation U Law Yone, Guardian U Sein Win, UPI U Ba Than, Oway U Nyo Mya, Bama Khit & later Mogyo U Ohn Khin, Ludu U Hla and Daw Ah Mar are some of the journalists and/or publishers.
After 1962, there were only six newspapers : four in Burmese and two in English. They had to print news supplied by News Agency Burma (NAB), which collected news from the news agencies and selectively translated them.
There was a silver lining. Working People’s Daily (WPD) and Guardian had interesting columns and Supplements.
U Khin Maung Latt served as the first Chief Editor of WPD. His successors include U Than Saw and U Ko Lay.
U Ko Ko (Charles, father of U Ko Lay (RUBC Gold, Chief Editor of WPD) wrote the “Motley” column.
WPD had a Sunday Supplement and special issues (e.g. for Thadinkyut, Sar So Daw Nay). It featured Translation of Modern Burmese Writings (e.g. Short Stories, Poems). I received fifty Kyats for translating “Nge Thay Loe” (short story by U Thu Kha). U Thu Kha was given fifty kyats.
Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor at WPD) wanted to encourage fledgling writers. She earlier founded the “Dawlay’s Circle” at Guardian and held Essay Contests for young writers. The winners included Dr. Hla Yee Yee (MEHS61), Dr. Winsome Ba Thike (MEHS61) and her sister Dr, Katherine Ba Thike, Errol Than Tun (Uzin Bobby Myo Tun, A69), LRC Trutwein and Dr. Tin Maung Aung. The subsequent “Dawlays” include Mr. Tim Marshall and Mr. P. Aung Khin (Paul). Hazel Kyaw Zaw has posted her writing in the Guardian’s Campus Section in 1972.
U Soe Myint transferred from WPD to Guardian as Chief Editor. He is the eldest son of U Thein Maung (Htin Lin) and the son-in-law of U Than Saw.
My poem “Men on the Moon” honoring the Apollo 11 astronauts was published in the Guardian in July 1969. Ashin Ananda gave a copy of my poem to Mr. Hall (USIS), who forwarded to NASA. Mr Hall also put me on the USIS mailing list. I received “Lin Yaung Chi” and translations of selected books. I became a free lance writer. I received fifteen Kyats for writing poems, articles, translation of poems in WPD, Guardian and Forward Magazine.
The later magazines (Pan, Veda) offered 25 – 50 Kyats.
A few years ago, I became a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
Sayagyi U Ba Toke and Dr. Khin Maung Swe
Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) wrote a book about his mentor Sayagyi U Ba Toke. The book was published by RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su. Dr. Khin Maung Swe passed away on June 7, 2020.
U Thant succeeded Daj Hammarskjold as the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) and served for two terms.
After retirement, he was writing memoirs when his health failed.
His body was brought back to Burma, but no high ranking personnel except a Deputy Minister was present at the Mingalardon air port. The Deputy Minister was dismissed.
The disrespect for Burma’s Son resulted in “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn”.
Related posts U Thant (Burma’s son) Book by Htein Win (with photos and articles)
I have created 30+ albums using the photos from the posts (with credit given to the source where ever possible) and the photos from my archives.
The Primary sources include Newspapers (e.g. Kyemon), Encyclopedias (e.g. Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan), Biographies (e.g. by Maung Aung Mon (a) Win Aung Gyi), Books (e.g. Collection of Kabyars), Brochures (e.g. Convocation), Magazines (e.g. Annual Magazines), Sar Saungs.
I have added relevant comments from the posts, and have added additional information.
With the help of specialist volunteers (e.g. Subject Matter Experts), they can be transformed into “Photo Essays” or articles in a digital book or e-books.
I have covered several subjects and departments.
The albums are not exhaustive and may not be mutually exclusive. e.g. The photos of Saya U Pe Maung Tin, Saya Dr. Htin Aung, Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) appear in several albums.
Geography
L. D. Stamp
Professor Laurence Dudley Stamp taught Geography at Rangoon University and the University of London.
He authored several books and articles (e.g. Land Use).
One book was a prescribed text in Burma in the early days.
He lectured to the first year students at LSE (London School of Economics) instead of delegating to his assistants. His rationale : “A major subject can be taught by any qualified teacher, but a minor subject should be introduced by a motivated, senior teacher. The class could be the sole exposure in their academic career; so it is important to give the students an excellent overview of the subject.”
Geography learned at school
We had to take World Geography and Burmese Geography in Middle School (then 5th to 7th standard). We sat for the last ever Government examination for 7th standard in 1960.
In 8th standard, we learned about Contouring and Climatic Interpretation.
Geography Teachers
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi is the first native Professor of Geography. She is also one of the early female Professors at Rangoon University.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
U Kyaw moved to Workers’ College as Principal.
Dr. Tin Htoo was a senior lecturer. .
I worked as a volunteer assistant for Saya U Hla Htun Aung, who was in charge of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yee Committee” for the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1970. Among those who applied for permits include U Maung Maung Tar (Academy winning actor, trying to sell his line of make up) and the Playboys (Than Naing, Thein Tan, …)
Saya Dr. U Win attended UCC before going for his graduate studies in the US. He is an expert on Geographical Information Systems (GIS). He was the last speaker for the conferences held by Burma Research Society (BRS). The higher authorities entered the room and announced that “BRS has been disbanded”.
U Win blogged about his former sayas and sayamas.
After the Education System changes in 1964 and post-1988, there are many more Rectors and Professors.
Myint Myint Khine and her friends have posted photos of the senior sayamas and sayas.
Honor
I am trying to honor Outstanding Burmese in general, and RU Alumni in particular.
Enhanced the list compiled by Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) of “Outstanding Burmese who are First in their field”.
Enhanced another list “Early Female Scholars who did post-graduate degrees (mainly in the UK)” with those who studied in USA and elsewhere (using information and feedback from my sayas and friends).
Continually updated the list of Top Matriculates (from the Old System).
Wrote about outstanding athletes (in Soccer, Swimming, Rowing, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, …)
Need Subject Matter Experts (SME) to help payback to our alma mater: Photo Exhibitions / Photo Essays Books / Kabyars / Cartoons / Movies / Songs related to RU Digital books (PDF files, e-books) Commemorative Magazines and Sar Saungs
HlaMin 