Category: RU

With input from U Aye (M62)

In the 1950s, Prome Hall teams (football, basketball, volleyball) were considered as Engineering team as the hall recruited prominent sportsmen when they joined the Faculty. U Aye (M62) was recruited for volleyball from Mandalay hall.

Prome Hall Soccer Team

Prome Hall Soccer Team won the Inter-Hall Tournament for two consecutive years (1950 – 51) and (1951 – 52).

Standing
Extreme L – U Tint Swe (Jimmy Sein, C55, GBNF) was from St Patrick’s HS, Moulmein. He later became DyDG Vocational Schools. He played in RU team.
2nd from L — Saya U Tin Swe (EE53) was a prominent footballer from Bago Hall before joining the Faculty of Engg and moved to Prome Hall. He also played tennis.
Center- Sam Singh Mahindar (C52) was from Moulmein. His brother B. Singh, RU and Tenasserim goalkeeper. He was from St Patrick’s HS, Moulmein.
Tin Si was also an excellent player in Tennis and Badminton

Sitting Middle
L – U Taik Ain (C54, GBNF) was from Mudon. He was RU Tennis champion single and double. He became SE at CC.
U Chan Tha was Captain of the team. He also played soccer for RU and SAMB. He is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC.
U Win Kyu (C52) was from Taunggyi. He became SE CC.
R – U Thaung (C55) was from Taunggyi. He became SE CC.

Sitting Front
Khin Si was also an excellent Tennis player.

Prome Hall (1958 – 59)

• Ko Hla Aye (RU football captain, volleyball)
• Bran Dev (Ko Kyaw Sein) RU football forward
• Tun Win Batu (RU football R winger),
• Ko Tin Nyunt (Volleyball, Mr. RU, Mr. Burma (Jr))
• Ko San
• Ko Than Aung (football)
• Ko Ba Nyunt (RU basketball, track and field)
• Ko Aung Tun (basketball and footballer)
• Ko Aye ( volleyball)

Compart System

• The Compart System was flexible.
• There were at least two flavors.

First Type

• During a period, students at the University of Rangoon attended Inter (A) for a year, but they did not have to take the examination.
• They attended Inter (B) for a year.
• They then took the examination for both courses.

Second Type

• For a class (e.g. Inter (B)), a student has two chances to pass, because there was a “main” examination and a “supplementary” examination.
• The first examination was usually held in March. Those who pass all subjects are eligible to apply for stipends and grants.
• Those who pass the minimum (e.g. three subjects) have to re-take the remaining subjects in the supplementary examination, which was usually held in June.

Sayagyi U Ba Toke

Effect of Compart System

• Saya joined the Student Strike and missed the main examination.
• Took all subjects in the supplementary examination and passed.
• Wanted to study engineering at the University of Rangoon, but he would need stipend or grant.
  Since he missed the main examination, he was not eligible to apply for stipend or grant.
• His teachers persuaded him to study Mathematics in Mandalay University.
• Received his Masters (thanks to his mentor) during the War.
• Joined the University of Rangoon.
  Taught Mathematics to the engineering students.
• Served as Professor of Mathematics at RASU before being promoted to Rector at MASU.
• After a few years, he voluntarily asked to be transferred as Professor of Mathematics at RIT.

Life Journey

• U Maung Maung Than (M79) donated a round-trip ticket for a saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000.
  Several sayas and alumni sponsored Saya to attend SPZP-2000.
• Saya is a Phwa Bet Taw of “University of Rangoon” and the “First RU Students’ Strike” in December 1920.
• His life journey can be read in the book by Maung Thin Char (Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe).

Rangoon University has a Students Union.

The engineering students had their own RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Students Union).

RUESU published six Annual magazines.

Two magazines are posted here.

The early magazine had photos of

• Sayagyi U Ba Hli, Dean of Engineering
• Selected sayas
• Class Photos (e.g. 3rd year B.Sc. Engg students — equivalent to 5th BE)

Another photo is the Cover of RUESU Annual Magazine for 1960 -61.

RU Literary Club

Planning for RU Centennial in 2020

Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin

Pali and Burmese Scholar.

Proposed to have a separate Burmese Department.

First native Principal of Rangoon College.

Executive Committee member of Burma Research Society.

The Myanmar Sar Community honored Sayagyi with a bust in December 2019.
Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda, Sayagyi’s daughter) attended the ceremony.
Met her at the Winner Inn.
Sad to learn that her spouse succumbed to COVID-19 in UK a few months ago.

In our middle school we had to study “Myanmar Thadda / Burmese Grammar” written by Sayagyi.

Sayagyi translated two early Sermons :
Dhammacakkapavatana Sutta and Anatta Lekkhana Suttana into English.
The three-language edition of the Suttas was published by U Tha Win.

Saya’s early students
ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa)
U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
U Wun (Minthuwun)

Dr. Htin Aung

• Principal of Rangoon College.
• First native Rector of the University of Rangoon.
• Per Dr. Yan Naing Lwin, Dr. Htin Aung accompanied Prime Minister U Nu to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1954. After retirement, Dr. Htin Aung was appointed “Amassador” to Ceylon.
• Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, his Ba Dwe was recalled back to Burma by the Foreign Office. One day, the then Number One asked Saya what he was doing in Burma and that he did not ask the Foreign Office to recall him. Saya went to UK to continue his research and writing.
• Old alumni may have studied Saya’s books such as “Thirty Burmese Tales” and “Burmese Drama”.
• Saya is a scholar, a prolific writer, a historian and a folklorist.
• Saya’s siblings: ICS U Tin Tut, Dean of Law U Kyaw Myint, Chief Justice U Myint Thein, Kyauksar expert Daw Khin Mya Mu, Khit San poet Daw Khin Saw Mu, English lecturer Daw Tin Saw Mu

Early Burmese Scholars to the UK

• Dr. Hla Myint (Economics), Dr. Tha Hla (Geology) and Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Meteorological Physics) in the UK about the same time.
• They later became Professor and Head of Department in their disciplines. They retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.

Dr. Hla Myint

• Dr. Hla Myint continued as Researcher / Scholar / Administrator in UK.
• Ther is an Economic Theory with Saya’s name.

Dr. Tha Hla

• Dr. Tha Hla served as UN Advisor in several countries and settled in Thailand.
• There are several anecdotes about Saya.
  Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) knows the details.
• During his stay in Thailand (while waiting for a US visa), U Tin Maung Nyunt was recommended by Dr. Tha Hla to be a proof reader for the Nation newspaper.
• Saya offered U Tin Maung Nyunt (and several other Burmese) his collection of Whiskey and drinks, but added, “Do not spoil Whiskey by adding water or soda. You can drink “Ah Yet”, but never let Ah Yet” drink you.”
• When a minister protested the States Scholarship for Saya’s bright but left-leaning student, Saya did not back out. He pushed the nomination through during a period when the minister was away.
• Saya calmly convinced the students and crowd (following the agitator Ajala) to disperse
• Director Thar Du was not happy when Saya recommended some parts of the movie to be revised.
  Thar Du was surprised when Saya voted his movie for an Academy Award.
  Saya explained that the two cases needed different consideration.

Dr. Maung Maung Kha

• Shwe Ku May Hnin remembered Saya Kha’s smile when a student (from the Social and Reading Club) asked him, “Saya, will you continue the tradition of Di Tha Par Mauk Kha Saya giving away his beautiful daughters to brilliant students?”.
  
• A member of this group remembered Saya Kha’s smile and forgiveness when he was inadvertently hit by a student (who had to take classes at Workers’ College and come to the Main Campus for practical sessions).
  The young sayas U Thein Aung (Micky) and U Thein Htut scolded the offender and his companions for not knowing Sayagyi.
  
• Per Dr. Alvin Oak Soe Kha, Saya Kha is the longest serving Rector (known for his compassion).

U Yone Mo

• After retirement from Burma Railways, U Yone Mo served as Dean of Engineering at BIT (Burma Institute of Technology)
• Under the new Education System, he became the Rector of RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology).
• U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) remembers how his friends were having fun with the “Ye Punn”.
  Saya U Yone Mo saw them and said with a smile, “Young men, you can go to the University Swimming Pool or to the Inya Kan (Lake)”.
• Saya Allen Htay (C58) told us that Sayagyi established the weekly “Yoke Shin” at the Assembly Hall.

• Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (then Professor of Civil Engineering) remembered seeing a letter from U Yone Mo (Rector) sent to U Yone Mo (Parent of a son who happened to visit his gambling friends at the hostel). Saya told the Admin to stow away the letter.
  
• Ko Zaw Min Nawaday knows Sayagyi and his spouse very well.
  Sayagyi and Dr. Aung Gyi were in May Myo during one summer. Sayagyi asked Dr. Aung Gyi and Ko Zaw Min to accompany him. They ate Khauk Swe. Sayagyi reminded them gently not to tell about his “Khauk Swe” appetite to Sayagadaw.

Historian

• According to a Historian from Smithsonian,
  “There is no single correct history.
  There are often competing and contradicting histories.”
• The duty of a historian is to present facts and not opinions.
• It is up to the reader to read the historical documents critically and make his/her judgement.

Authenticity

• During the Adhamma Era, sayas sayamas and students were forced to “Let Oak Chi” to visiting Taing Hmus and Higher.
• One exception was Saya U Hla Shwe (Textile 69) who continued teaching saying, “This is my duty. I can only come when the class is done.”
• When U Hla Shwe fell ill, a blogger recounted the episode, and several who did not know U Hla Shwe donated for his medical expenses.

Censorship

• At one period, there was excessive censorship.
• My story and translation “A Man of Infinite Valor” about Ananda Thuriya was censored.
  “Dhammata” poem was a taboo.
  The Higher Authorities did not like the line “One [person] must face destruction for another to prosper”.
• No publication (e.g. poem) must refer to the “sun” and “sun set”.
• I wrote computer articles for the Guardian.
  The articles had to be approved by a group of three Chief Editors (U Soe Myint, Chief Editor of Guardian and Chief Editors of two Myanmar newspapers).
• With the “Pwint Linn” Era, several books and photos (which would not pass censorship) are available.
• Htein Win (Dat Pone) had to wait several decades before he could publish two books : one about “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn” and another about “8-8-88 Ah Yay Ah Khin”.
  

Dr. Soe Win

• Attended St. Paul’s High School (SPHS)
• Stood First in the Matriculation of 1958.
• Studied Chemistry at Rangoon University and Imperial College, University of London
• Retired as Rector of Yangon University Foreign Languages (YUFL)
• Earlier served as Principal of Pyay College (now Pyay University) and Administrator of Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST)
• Spouse : Daw May Saw Lwin (Retired Professor of Chemistry)
  Married in 1970 around the RU Golden Jubilee
  They will celebrate their Golden Jubilee in 2020 around the RU Centennial
• Father : Saya U Sein (SPHS)
• Sons : U Aung Mon and Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin
• Related Posts :
  Old Paulians
  Top Matriculates (1951 – 1965)
  Chemistry

Daw May Saw Lwin

• Attended Methodist English High School (MEHS)
• Matriculated in 1957
• Studied Chemistry at Rangoon University
• Retired as Professor of Chemistry
• Parents : U Saw Lwin and Daw Su
• Siblings : Dr. Hazel Saw Lwin and Olive Saw Lwin
• Spouse : Dr. Soe Win (Retired Rector of YUFL)
  Married in 1970 around the RU Golden Jubilee
  They will celebrate their Golden Jubilee in 2020 around the RU Centennial
• Sons : U Aung Mon and Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin
• Related Posts
  A Triumphant Return
  Top Matriculates (1951 – 1965)

U Aung Mon

• Founding member and Moderator of the Yar Pyay Group
• Fondly known as “Aung“
• Elder son of Dr. Soe Win and Daw May Saw Lwin
• Studied EcE (Electronics Engineering) at YTU and IT in Singapore
• Works in Singapore.
• Was an organizer for EcE (Electronics Engineering) Reunion and SPZP
• Spouse : Dr. Lay May Yin
• Related posts
  Dana for Saya Dr. San Tint

Dr. Nyi Thet Lwin

• Founding member and Admin of the Yar Pyay Group
• Fondly known as “Nyi Nyi“
• He was brought up on the RU Main Campus.
• He wanted to learn first hand accounts about the University of Rangoon and its descendants.
• Works as a Surgeon in UK
• Parents : Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
• Spouse : Dr. Swe Khin Tun
• Daughter : Ei Lwin achieved grade 9 in all of the nine subjects that she sat in the 2019 GCSE exams in the UK. Following grandpa’s footsteps almost sixty years later!
• Related posts
  RU Diamond Jubilee
  

Saya U Sein

• Son : Dr. Soe Win
• Taught Burmese at SPHS
• He was our Burmese teacher in High School
• He also taught Burmese to Saya U Thet Lwin (Ngwe Hlinne, Composer of “Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho”).
• Related posts
  SPHS Sayas

Saya U Kyaw Sein

• Nephew : Dr. Soe Win
• Taught several subjects (including Mathematics) in Middle School at SPHS
• He was Class Teacher for a different section in Std. VII
• He also taught us as a Relieving Teacher.
• Win Myint (Myeik) mentioned that Saya is his father-in-law.
• Related Posts
  SPHS Sayas

Daw Su

• First resident of Inya Hall
• Performed several roles in the Fund raising Concert for Tekkatho Dhammyone
• Honoree of the Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwes of Inya Hall and Tekkatho Dhammayone
• Spouse : U Saw Lwin
• Daughters : Dr. Hazel Saw Lwin, Olive Saw Lwin, and May Saw Lwin
• Wanted her daughters to stay at Inya Hall.
  Olive Saw Lwin and May Saw Lwin spent a year at Inya Hall.
  Hazel Saw Lwin (medical student) had to stay at the specified hostel.
• Related Posts
  Inya
  Dhammayone

Saya U Tin Nyo (MERB)

• MERB was formerly known as BERB (Burma Education Research Bureau).
  I attended meetings at BERB. Saya Jimmy (Dr. Khin Maung Kyawe) was the Director General.
  I first met him as a colleague of my cousin uncle U Than Lwin at the Faculty of Social Science.
  
• After the mandatory name change, BERB became MERB.
  Old books (e.g. by Maurice Collis, BBS U Khin Zaw, Daw Khin Myo Chit) were forced to rename their titles before they could be reprinted. There was no Grandfather’s clause for the name change. “Trials in Burma” became “Trials in Myanmar”.
  
• MERB produced Educational TV programs.
  U Tin Nyo directed the video highlighting University Sports.

• U Tin Nyo shared the video ” တကၠသိုလ္အားကစား ပံုရိပ္မ်ား” directed by him and produced by ETV team (MERB) in1996 to mark the “Yangon University Diamond Jubilee”.
  Narrator : Saya U Nyein (RU Soccer Coach)
  Short Interviews with U Ngwe Gaing (Soccer), U Tun Mra (Athlete), U Myo Nyunt (Weight Lifting) and Haymar Nay Win.

• Saya U Nyein was Coach of the Rangoon University First Eleven.
  Two of his players Collegian Nay Win and Aung Tin became movie actors.
  Several players (e.g. U Ngwe Gaing) became Burma Selected.
  Saya Nyein was a regular at the birthday gatherings of my uncle U Thet Toe (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC). They were classmates at Diocesan Boys High School.
  
• U Tun Mra (eldest of the Mra brothers) won the Gold as a member of the 4 x 100 meters relay team anchored by U Soe Aung (then Burma Champion) at the 2nd SEAP Games held in Burma in December 1961.
  His younger brothers U Kyaw Mra (Hurdles, later National Coach) won Silver and U Soe Mra (Pole Vault) won Gold at the 2nd SEAP Games.
  
  The three Mra brothers also competed in the 1st SEAP Games held in Bangkok in 1959.
  Three more younger brothers (Win Mra, Maung Maung Mra, Aung Mra) are also Burma Selected.
  
  Met U Tun Mra, U Khin Maung Latt and U Tin Myint at the YUBC Annual Regatta in 2019.
  U Tun Mra and U Khin Maung Latt were members of the 4 x 100m relay team that set the RU record.
  U Tin Myint was cox of two Senior Novices Winning crews in the 1960s.
  
• Hemar Nay Win (Vocalist) is the daughter of Collegian Nay Win and Daw Khin Marlar (daughter of Bo Ze Ya). Hemar gave an interview about her father.
  She inherited Ah Nu Pyinnar (but not Sports skills) from her father.
  
• U Myo Nyunt was Burma Selected for Weightlifting.

For your reading pleasure

Photos

• Acid, Base and Alkali Myar
  Chemistry alumni
  
• Mother and Daughter (Both alumni)
  e.g. daughter and grand daughter of Saya U Aung Khin (Chemistry)
  
• Fresher Welcome (and Fresher Queen)
  
• Sports Selections (e.g. Marlar, RASU)

Kabyars

both originals and reprints (e.g. from the Philosophy Magazine and Pu Zaw Pwes)

Memories

First-hand accounts of the various closures of the schools

• Some had to walk a long way back to the hostels.
  One was invited to stay at his friend’s house for the night.
• One practiced for three months for the 3-day performance, but actually performed for a day.
• One worked for daily wages at the Library in 1988 and saw many cartoons and posters for the 8-8-88 movement.
• One remembers taking the examinations back in the home town.

Status

• Some sayas, sayamas and alumni cannot spare the time to take part in gatherings. For example, Sayama Dr. Than Than Nyein (Chemistry) told the organizers not to send her invitations to the Pu Zaw Pwes.

• Some have passed away, but without obituary notices and confirmation from the bereaved family, we cannot list them as GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
  
• After retirement, Saya U Aung Khin moved to Malaysia. He is GBNF.

• Many of our sayas and sayamas are GBNF.
  Three most senior sayas and sayamas who passed away around 100 years of age are
  Daw Hla May (Anne, English)
  Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (Physics)
  U Ba Toke (Mathematics, Former Rector of MASU)
  
• A few are 90+ years old.
  U Tin U (Part-time Civil Engineering saya)
  U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering)
  
• Several are 80+ years old.

Htee Yein

• RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1970.
• Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint
• Htee Yein
• The Patrons were Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and Saya U Saw Tun (Saw Lu).

Posts

The list is not exhaustive.

• Cartoons

• Changes in Style
  Dresses
  Hair style
  
• Jokes

• Kabyars
  Min Oo
  Novem Pink
  Yadanar Thu
  …
  
• Knowledge Sharing
  Burmese Writers
  Outstanding Burmese
  …
  
• Memories
  Khun Sai
  Dr. Myo Thaik
  U Tin Aye
  Dr. Tin Tun
  Zin Htike
  Members of different classes and disciplines
  …
  
• Photos
  Albums
  Individual
  Group
  Class
  Graduation
  Event (e.g. Pu Zaw Pwe, Annual Dinner)

Photos / Albums

Old Receipt (from 1979)

Mini-gathering to bid farewell to Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65, GBNF) by the members of the RIT Automobile Club.

Workers’ College

• There are posts about Workers’ College and/or Sayas by Saya U Khin Zaw and U Tin Aye.

• Saya U Kyaw served as Principal of Workers’ College.
• Son : U Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw, SPHS63, Active Old Paulian)
• Daughter : Daw San San Kyaw (studied and worked at UCC)

Other Albums

• Archaeology
• Burmese / Myanmar Sar
• Botany
• Chancellor
• Chemistry
• Dark Days
• Engineering
• Geology
• Graduation
• History of Myanmar Engineering Education
• Landmarks and Symbols
• Law
• Library
• Literary Clubs and RU Magazines
• Ma Chit Swe’s Autograph
• Mathematics
• Poems
• Photos for use in Hla Min’s posts
• Physics
• Rectors and Registrars
• RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
• SEAP Games
• Sports
• Swel Daw Yeik
• UCC, DCS, ICST
• Zoology

U Po Kya / Phyo Kyar

• Attended regular and monastic schools while serving as an Assistant Teacher.
• Completed a Teachers Training Certificate.
• Worked as a Tally Clerk, but his intense desire to have higher education led him to become a “Kyaung Tha Gyi” at Judson College in his late 20s.
• On November 30, 1920 there were two meetings.
  At one meeting, Mr. Matthew Hunter, Principal of Rangoon College, announced that the Rangoon University Act of 1920 will be implemented the following day (on December 1, 1920).
  At another meeting at the Jubilee Hall, College students proposed to protest the Act. The “Kyaung Tha Gyis” tried to soften the stand of their young energetic colleagues, but they finally gave in and lead the protests.
  The Strike was scheduled for December 7, 1920, but the news leaked out to the higher authorities.
  So, the Strike was rescheduled for December 5, 1920.
  U Po Kya was not only a member of the strike, but he went on to support the National Schools and serve as “Amyotha Pyinnya Wun“.
• During his College days, he studied under the outstanding Burmese and Pali Scholars.
  Received his BA degree in 1922.
  Wrote several books including “Myanmar Gon Yi” and a collection of short stories (e.g. Volunteer Coolie for a Kyaung Tha). Some were prescribed as text book for schools.
• Sad to learn that he passed away at the tender age of 51 due to malaria.
• Many years ago, I met U Zaw Win Kya (son of U Po Kya) at Ava House where he was in charge of text books and publications.

Amyotha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day) uses the Burmese date (10th waning day of Tazaungmon).

A marble stone on Shwe Dagon Pagoda has the names of the 11 students who led the First RU Students’ Strike.

1920s and 1930s

• Dr. Saw Mra Aung’s account of “Rangoon University in the 1920s” can be Googled on the Internet.
  
• The early hostels were not inside the Campus.
  Took time and money to transform the “Nar Nat Taw” and its vicinity into hostels and additional class rooms.
  Hostel students had to guard themselves against mosquitoes and intruders (from nearby quarters).
  
• Students in the early days include “Chit Dukkha” U Ba Nyunt (later Professor of History, father of Win Oo), U Thein Han (Zawgyi) and U Wun (Minthuwun).
  
• U Nyo (Chauk Htutt Kyee Phaya Daga) was a philanthropist.
  His donations funded the Rangoon University Student Union Building and several buildings in the RU Estate.
  He also helped build the Club House for RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club, which was founded by Law Professor Sir Arthur Eggar).
  
• Chan Mah Phee and Daw Aye Mya were philanthropists.
  Their donations include a hospital (Chan Mah Phee Say Yone in Ahlone), Hwa Kyone school, and a Tazaung in Shwe Dagon.
  Their second son, Chan Chor Khine served as a member of the RU Council, and helped build the RU Gymnasium in memory of his beloved parents.
  
• In 1936, U Nu was elected as President of Ta Ka Ta (Tekkatho Kyaung Tha Thumagga), M.A. Raschid (father of Saya Bilal) as Vice President and Bogyoke Aung San as Secretary.
  

• In 1936, the Second RU Student Strike took place.
  The post has a photo showing U Saw Ba Hein (father of Dr. Daisy and Dr. Edwin), Ludu Daw Amar (Ah Mar), MA Daw Ohn and several more carrying the Banner.
  
• In 1937, M.A. Raschid became President of Ta Ka Tha and also Ba Ka Tha. He would later serve as Minister in the Cabinets led by Prime Minister U Nu.
  
• In 1938, Bogyoke Aung San (Editor of Oway) was expelled, because he refused to disclose the identity of the author of “Hell Hound at large”.
  The Third RU Student Strike took place.
  Ko Aung Kyaw was struck by a baton and perished. He was named Bo Aung Kyaw and the Sparks Street was renamed as Bo Aung Kyaw Street.
  
• The Student Union nurtured many students to lead the Independence Movement and to run the democratic Union of Burma.

Dark Moments

• There were many Dark Moments during the Adhamma regime starting with indiscriminate shooting on July 7, 1962 and the demolition of the RU Student Union Building on July 8, 1962.
  
• The anniversary of July 7 (in 1963) saw posters and publications condemning the atrocities.
• The authorities decided to close the universities (with the exception of Medicine and Engineering).
• A new Education System was established in November 1964.
  
• The Universities and Institutes were closed several times citing Security Concerns.
  Several students lost their lives in U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin and 8-8-88

• It took only a few years (if not a few months) to transform the “Rice Bowl of Asia” into LDC (Least Developed Country) and a highly revered Education System into one that promotes rote learning instead of rational and creative thinking (as implied by the term Tekkatho (Tekkathila or Tekka Sila).
  
• Students were dispersed (some to remote places without proper facilities).
  Some teachers and students had to commute daily for two hours (or so).
  Many have to arrange for their transportation.

Resilience

• RU and its children are resilient.
• They survived to usher in the “Pwint Linn” Era.
• Untold stories and hitherto unseen photos can now be seen in the posts.
  
• Many can forgive but not forget the dark moments in history.
• Khun Sai (founding member of the RU Centennial Group) was a medical student during the “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin”.
  For his involvement, he was debarred.
  He has posted memories of the Ah Yay Ah Khin.
  
• For three years (1988 – 1990), RU and the Institutes were closed.
  There were no Convocations after 1987 and before 1991.

Saya Pu Zaw Pwe

• Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP) is a noble tradition.
• In October 2000, I was honored to be an organizer for a SPZP (in a land far away).
• I wrote “SAYA PUZAW PWE”.
• Each line starts with corresponding letter from “SAYA PUZAW PWE”.

Related Posts

• Album : Events
• RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates

Intermediate College

Daw Khin Khin Aye taught us Chemistry in I.Sc (A) class at Leik Khone in 1963.

Rangoon Institute of Technology

We joined 2nd BE at RIT in November 1964. We had to take nine subjects including Chemistry.

RIT Chemistry

U Kyaw Tun was an early saya who taught Chemistry (e.g Paper Chemistry) at the Chemical Engineering Department. When RIT Chemistry was opened, Saya helped manage it.

Daw Thaung Khin taught us in 2nd BE. She left for Canada on a scholarship to pursue Doctorate.

Some Sayas and Sayamas

• Daw Than Than (Spouse of U Kyaw Tun, GBNF)
• Daw Win Win (later Professor at Magwe)
• Daw May Chit
• Daw Amar Sein
• …
• U Maurice Kyaw Zaw
• U Pike Htwe
• U Khin Maung Nyo (later Ph. D & author)
• …

SPHS

Saya Cecil D’Cruz (GBNF) taught us Chemistry at St. Paul’s High School.

Brother Joseph (later Father Joseph, GBNF) showed some Chemistry experiments in the school laboratory.

Miscellaneous

Early native Professors at RU

• U Po Tha (Uncle of Mech Professor U Aung Khin)
• U Aung Khin (Passed away in Malaysia)
• Dr. Ko Ko Gyi

Senior Sayas & Sayamas

• U Khin Maung Myint & Daw Than Than (Passed away in US)
• Dr. Mehm Thet San (Minister)
• Dr. Mehm Tin Mon (Bilingual author)
• Dr. Ohn Gyaw
• Dr. Than Than Nyein
• U Nyunt Win & Dr. Khin Mar Tun
• U Yu Htay
• Dr. Soe Win & Daw May Saw Lwin
• Dr. Tin Win (David, GBNF)
• Dr. Myint Tun (Henry)
• Dr. U Aung Myint
• Dr. U Aung
• Dr. Tin Win (Alan)
• Dr. Myint Oo
• …

RIT Alumni

Telecom Alumni

• Mehm Ye Win (EC69) served as Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association.
  He was Chief Engineer (of Yangon Telephone).
  
• U Han Tha Myint (EC70) was Deputy Chief Engineer of Yangon Telephone.
  He was forced to retire after 8-8-88.
  He joined NLD.
  Father : U Thein Pe Myint

Zarnee Tun wrote : I am also MPT engineer also services for 16 years my seniors are CE U Ye Win and Dy CE U Han Tha Myint at Yangon Telephone 40th street as Digital switching project engineer. They know me as their junior.

Sittang Paper Mill Alumni

Several 69ers worked at Sittang Paper Mill

• Ko Albert Kyaw Min
• Ko Tin Maung Aye
• Ko Kyaw Zin
• Ko Chit Pe
• Ko Tin Shein
• Sa Maung Maung
• …

Others include

• Ko Win Thein (M67, GBNF)
• Ko Tin Myint (David Ko, M67)
• Ko Maung Maung Kyi (Dip. Ing, Wales, UK)

Donation by Daw Myint Myint (C69)

• Major donor to the 69er Health Care Fund
• Major Donor to the YTU Library Modernization Project
  Receipt of an early donation in 2017