HlaMin

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  • Ivan, Timothy & Me

    Ivan Lee (M69)

    • Ivan was the youngest in the family.
    • His father passed away when he was a few years old.
    • His mother raised the family, and also lived long to have great grand children.
    • Ivan e-mailed us when his mother turned 100. It showed the birthday card sent to his mother from the 43rd US President George W. Bush.
    • Ivan e-mailed again when his mother turned 101. It showed the birthday card sent to his mother from the 44th US President Barack Obama.
    • His mother passed away at the tender age of 102. She was alert until the final days. It could be because she played two hours of Mah Jong daily.

    Timothy Hla’s Post on June 21, 2020

    Dr. PR Mohan & Dr. Daw Hnin Yee

    Tribute to his parents Dr. PR Mohan and Dr. Daw Hnin Yee

    Today is a special day for me and my family. First and foremost, we celebrate my Mom’s birthday. Even though we cannot be with her physically in Seattle, she enjoys the company and excellent care by my sister Mona T. Han and is showered by love from all family members and her friends and former students in the Institute of Medicine 1, University of Rangoon. In addition to raising four children, taking care of her husband and running a busy household, she was a career woman who was able to balance a successful career (she became the Professor and Head of the Department of Medicine) and a busy life with grace and charm.

    Second, today is father’s day. I am enjoying my family (wife Jeanne Wadsworth-Hla, and grown children Hilary May, Jon Matthew and Audrey Hla who will be here to have dinner. Very grateful for them to be here to celebrate my fatherhood. It is one of the happiest aspects of my life and I am most grateful. I also remember and honor the memory of my Dad (PR Mohan) who passed away over 15 years ago. He was an orphan who grew up in poverty with 9 siblings in Burma, overcame lots of obstacles to get an MBBS degree in 1939, worked as a military doctor during the WW2 with the allied forces for which received many medals and citations, used his pension from the army to get trained as a Cardiologist in London (Royal Brompton Hospital and National Heart Institute) with the famous Cardiologist Paul Wood, returned to Burma to give back to his native land despite various lucrative job offers in the UK, and served honorably by establishing the first Cardiac Department at the Rangoon General Hospital, established the first coronary care unit and brought cutting edge cardiology care to Burma. He also trained a cadre of younger physicians. I even came across an article he wrote about congenital heart diseases in the local medical journal in 1955 in PubMed. Many of his colleagues and students remember him as a no-nonsense Physician with a rough exterior but with a kind heart. My fondest memories of him were his love and dedication to his family and friends. He also introduced me to his love of various music genres of the world, and appreciation of fine food and libations.

    Me

    My beloved parents
    • I am fortunate to have parents who lived beyond 80.
    • I am not fortunate enough to have them around to see my Hmees, who are excellent in their studies and in their hobbies.
    • They would have smiled to hear my grand daughter say, “Are you at home? Who’s your doctor? What happened?” after I returned from the colonoscopy screening. She added, “I’ll take care of you. I love you.” She must have inherited the loving kindness of her great grand parents.
    • They would be delighted to see her awards including “Super Reader” and a top student of her class.
    • They would be impressed to see my grand son dribbling a standard basketball for 30+ seconds, scoring goals in a competitive tournament and learn that he is also a top student of his class.

  • Dark Days in Burma

    July 19, 1947

    Arzani Nay
    • Arzani Nay
    • Assassination of
    • Bogoke Aung San
    • Thakin Mya
    • Deedok U Ba Cho
    • Mahn Ba Khaing
    • Sao San Htun, Mong Pawn Sawbwa
    • U Ba Win
    • U Razak
    • ICS U Ohn Maung
    • Yebaw Ko Htwe

    July 7, 1962

    • Crackdown on RU students
      Prior events :
    • Abolishing the RU Senate and Council
    • Forced retirement or transfer of academics
    • Creation of a new Education Council led by Commodore Than Pe
    • Restrictions on Hall residents
    • Black out in the RU estate
    • Protests by RU students
    • Brutal crackdown by the military

    July 8, 1962

    • Demolition of RU Student Union Building

    The Rangoon Daily (Wednesday 11 July, 1962)

    • Speech by the then Number One
    • Students “ordered” to return to their home towns
    • List of 7th July victims
    Newspaper (July 11, 1962)

    Kabyar by Dagon Taya

    Dagon Taya

    Coup in 1988

  • Autographs

    Auto : Khin Swe Oo
    Auto : Khin Hnin Yu
    Auto : Maung Tha Ya
    Auto 1
    Auto 2
    Auto 3

  • Archaeology

    Taw Sein Kho

    • Regarded as the first Burmese archaeologist.

    U Aung Thaw

    • Director General of the Archaeological Department
    • Authored book(s) and research papers on the archaeological sites in Burma.
    • Lived close to the Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung and often meditated with his family members.
    • Spouse : Daw Yi; Sons : Dr. Myo Thaw, Kyaw Lwin Thaw

    Hanlin / Halin

    • UNESCO Cultural Site near Shwe Bo.
    • Has a museum with artifacts (utensils, bones, …)

    Pyu stone inscription (from a tomb)

    • Hanlin is one of the ancient Pyu sites.
      Others include Sri Kresa (Tha Yay Khit Ta Ra), Beikthano, Mainmaw, Binnaka, …

    Archaeologists

    • Archaeologists and their associated researchers (linguists, historians, …) help us learn the past.
    • British archeologists unearthed the Buddhist sites in India.
    • French archeologists and linguists (who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte to Egypt) discovered “Rosetta Stone”, which enabled them to decipher the ancient Egyptian writings.
    • Stonehenge is an interesting site / study for archaeologists.

  • RU Estate

    Rangoon University Estate include the following with name changes and/or structural changes over the years.

    • Rangoon College
    • Judson College (formerly Baptist College)
    • BOC College (of Engineering)
    • Convocation Hall
    • Administrative Offices
    • Housing for sayas
    • Hostels for male and female students
    • RUSU (Rangoon University Students’ Union)
      Donated by U Nyo
    • RU Gymnasium
      Donated by Chan Chor Khine (second son of Chan Mah Phee and Daw Aye Mya)
    • RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club)
      Founded by Law Professor Sir Arthur Eggar (who pledged a third of his salary for the operations)
      Club House donated by U Nyo
    • Recreation Center
      (Chess, Basketball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Fine Arts …)
    • Tekkatho Dhammayone
      Fund raising concert by Inya Hall residents (including Daw Su, mother of Daw May Saw Lwin)
    • Sanatorium (Tekkatho Hospital)
    • RU Swimming Pool
    • Soccer fields
    • Tennis courts
    • Libraries
    • Buildings for Class rooms and Labs
    • Canteens

    RU Library Donor

    Raja Dr. S. Ramanatha Reddiar(b. 1871-1932) L.L.D.(Honoris Causa), F.R.U

    • The Estate was managed by the Estate Engineer and his team.
    • U Nyo, a philanthropist, was a major donor for the RU Estate.
      His donations were used to build RUSU and RUBC.
      He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by RU.
    • RUSU has an important role in the History of Burma.
      It was the training ground for students, who later shone as regional and national leaders.
      Sadly, the building was demolished on 8th July 1962.
    • Sir Arthur Eggar, Law Professor, pledged/donated a third of his salary for RUBC.
      Monetary support from Dr. U Nyo and other patrons accelerated the growth of RUBC into a reputable rowing club in Burma (and beyond).
    • In the early days, it was convenient and not so costly to attend RU even for those who do not have scholarships and stipends.
      In addition to have a reasonably good quality of education (as shown by the high success rate of Burmese scholars), there was ample time and opportunity to participate and excel in sports, hobbies (SPARK, aero-modeling, so-ka-yay-tee, public speaking, debates, …)
    • RU produced doctors, engineers, scientists, social scientists … who were also outstanding for their extra-curricular activities.
    • It is sad to see students forgoing their dreams because of the need to make “long” commutes and without the choice of “affordable” housing (hostel, …) .
      Many students cannot afford the time to participate and excel in sports and hobbies.
    • A reasonably good environment / program might nurture “Jack of all trades and Master of some”.

  • M69ers in 2009

    • Group photo taken at the 40th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69
    • Sayas S. Arya, U Soe Lwin and U Han Tun are now GBNF
    • Yi Pinn, Sein Win, Kyaw Nyunt, Khin Maung Gyi, Thein Maung, Chit Pe, Aye Lwin, Kyaw Nyunt, Myint Thein (Kabar) … are GBNF



  • P-E-T-E-R

    One of ten sketches drawn by Peter in 1981 to illustrate his aunt’s thesis

    P Peter (NHS Hero) paid a high price for misguided policies and guidelines
    E Envisioned retirement to spend quality time with his extended family
    T Talented Doctor, Gourmet Chef, Sketch and Oil Painter — to name a few
    E Educated and/or entertained aspiring medical specialists far and near
    R Real irreparable loss to patients, friends, family and community

    Tribute

    P Pote Pote Kyee (see “Cho Cho Hlaing”)
    E Enthusiastic learner and practitioner (see “Aung Jee”)
    T Took care of parents of relatives, patients and friends (see “Min Ko”)
    E Ever smiling and helpful (see “Ye Myint”)
    R Rural doctor with a huge heart (see “Vicky Bowman)

    85th Birthday of Ma Cherry (Peter’s mom)
    Zoom gathering for offering Dana in memory of Peter
  • ChE 78

    ChE 78

    Chemical

    Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (SPHS61, ChE67) provided Group Photo of selected Chemical Engineering classes.

  • Maung Maung Kha, Dr.

    Maung Maung Kha, Dr.

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    • Fondly known as “Saya Kha“
    • Completed his doctorate in Meteorological Physics from the UK.
    • Worked briefly at the Directorate of Meteorology
    • Transferred to the Department of Physics at the University of Rangoon.
    • Early native Professor of Physics at the University of Rangoon
    • Served as Interim Dean at the Faculty of Engineering.
    • Rector of the University of Rangoon.
    • Established the University Distance Learning (Correspondence Course) and served as Rector
    • Longest tenure Rectors
    • Spouse : Daw Khin Soe Tin (Ruby Kha, Sayama and Tennis Champion)
    • Children :
      Dr. Oak Soe Ka (UK),
      Mamie Kha,
      Maythi Kha (USA)
      Dr. Myat Mon Kha (USA)
    • Excellent violinist
      Accompanied U Ba Kyi singing “Only Two” (Hna Yauk Hte Nay Chin De)
    • Former colleagues and students celebrated the Centennial of Saya Kha.
    • Related posts
      Rangoon University
      Rectors
      Physics
      Saya Kha Hall
    Saya Kha and Family
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dr.-maung-maung-kha-1.jpg
    Obituary

    Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha, Saya Dr. Tha Hla and Saya Dr. Hla Myint were some of the early Burmese State Scholars sent to the UK for their Doctorates in Meteorological Physics, Geology and Economics. The sayas served as Professors and as Rector of the University of Rangoon.

    Saya Kha attended the Regattas at Rangoon University Boat Club and presented the trophies to the winning teams. I was a Master of Ceremonies at several regattas. I am a Life Member of RUBC, and the last Executive Committee member to be democratically elected at the General Meeting. I served as Honorary Treasurer and Vice Captain, but the higher authorities changed the rules and prevented me from becoming Captain.

    Dr. Oak Soe Kha

    • Also known as Dr. Alvin Oak Soe Kha
    • Eldest child and only son of Saya Kha
    • Selected Luyechun for the inaugural Camp at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
    • Matriculated from MEHS in 1964.
    • Represented the Institute of Medicine (1) in Swimming and Water Polo.
      Their team led by Lyn Aung Thet won Inter-Institute Water Polo competition.
    • After retirement, spend time in Yangon and UK
    • Honorary Paulian (present at the Paulian gatherings)
    • Had mixed emotions after reading the posts from Yar Pyay Group. He was sad to know that his former classmate and neighbor Maureen Aung Khin (daughter of Saya U Aung Khin (former Professor of Chemistry) left this world at an early age. He was glad to hear that his best friend Robert Aung Khin is alive and well.
    • Shared sweet memories. Experienced first hand Saya U Ba Kyi (renowned artist) sing his beautiful translation of “Hna Yauk Hte Nay Chin Dei” (Only Two, Darling) to the accompaniment of the violin by his father Saya Kha. The sayas were Patrons of the “Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn”.
    • Saya Kha was the longest tenured Rector (Rangoon University, RASU and University Distance Learning)
    • His mother Sayama Daw Khin Soe Tin (Ruby Kha) was National Tennis Champion of Mixed Doubles with Joe Ba Maung. Saya Joe was also Singles Champion, and Men’s Doubles Champion with U Than Lwin. Saya taught English at RIT before transferring as Manager to Burma Railways. Saya was in charge of the Sports Program of Burma Railways. He was one of the early casualties of 8-8-88 movement.
    • Related posts
      Sports
      Swimming
      Tennis

    Dr. Oak Soe Kha (Alvin) is the son of Sayagyi Dr. Maung Maung Kha. He was selected for the first Lu Ye Chun Camp in the summer of 1964.

    In the following year, the Lu Ye Chun Program was extended to the students of Universities and Institutes. The Program ended in 1988. A few years back, an association was formed for the Lu Ye Chuns from 1964 to 1988. There have been formal and informal Reunions of the Lu Ye Chuns.

    Some Luyechuns are GBNF. They include Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe, Dr. Than Sit, Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Daw Khin Aye Than, Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EE), U Tin Myint and H.E. U Myint Thaung.

  • Associations

    Old Paulians Association

    On June 30, 1963, the OPA (Old Paulians Association) invited the top students from the Matriculation to attend the dinner. I stood 7th in the whole of Burma in the Matriculation examination held in May 1963.

    Invitation from OPA
    • OPA hosted Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe annually.
    • Among the teachers of our times, Saya Beatson (now Sayadaw) is the last one standing.
    Sayadaw Beatson
    • U Khin Maung Htun (GBNF, SPHS58) and U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) served as Patrons.
    • U Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw, SPHS63) is a Past President.

    Burmese American Professionals Society

    I am a Lifetime Member of BAPS.

    BAPS Membership

    I volunteered as a Contributing Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.

    BAPS Officers

    My articles include

    • Burmese Religious Calendar
    • A Sea Burial for Professor Htay Lwin Nyo
    BAPS Newsletter
    • Past BAPS Presidents include Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Benny Tan (M70) and Maurice Chee (M75).

    RIT Alumni International

    Bay Area Alumni Group founded RIT Alumni International
    • I am a member of the SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Group which founded RIT Alumni International and hosted SPZP-2000.
    • I was a core Organizer for RIT Alumni Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
    SPZP-2000 Organizers
    • Saya Allen Htay (GBNF, C58) was Leader of the Bay Area Alumni Group. He served as President of RIT Alumni International.
    • A few years back, RIT Alumni International closed down. Maurice Chee visited the Swel Daw Yeik Foundation in Yangon and handed over the Balance of RIT Alumni International account.
    • I have served for 26 years as Chief Editor of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter. A commemorative edition of the Newsletter was published for SPZP-2000.
    RIT Alumni Newsletter
    • In August 2016, Ko Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California. On behalf of the Alumni, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the “Alumni Appreciation Award”.
    Award 1

    Reunion of SPZP Organizer

    • Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) designed the first RIT web site. He came down from Seattle to attend the Retirement Soon Kway of Ko Maurice Chee (M75). The picture was taken at a sea food restaurant overlooking the San Francisco Bay (within sight of SFO — San Francisco International Airport). Ko Benny Tan (M70), Ko Maurice and Ko KMZ were core organizers of SPZP-2000.
    Reunion of SPZP-2000 Organizers

    NorCal RITAA

    • I am a founding member. I served as a member of BOD (Board of Directors).
    • Past Presidents include Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), Gordon Kaung (Kaung Kaung Oo, M83) and U Aung Myint Oo (EC84). Current President is U Tin Maung Win (C86).
    • Past BOD Chair is Stan Liou (M67). Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) has served as Chair for several terms.
    EC & BOD
    • In 2016, I was presented with Alumni Appreciation Award.
    U Myat Htoo & U Hla Min
    Appreciation
    • Before the pandemic, NorCal RITAA provided scholarship & financial aid to eligible YTU students.
    • At the Annual Dinner in 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar and the 60th Anniversary of RIT.

    Toastmaster International

    I am a DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster).

    DTM 1
    DTM 2

    TBSA

    • I am a Past Vice President of Theravada Buddhist Society of America. Past Presidents include Saya U Htin Paw (GBNF, EE58), U Hla Aung (Stanley Khoo, SPHS63, Master Mariner) and Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
    • I served as Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter and Content Editor of TBSA website.
    Dhammanda Newsletter
    • I served as Master of Ceremony for the Memorial Service of Sayadaw U Silananda. I carried the box holding Sayadaw’s ashes. The monks and devotees scattered the ashes from a boat into the waters near the Golden Gate Bridge.
    • I was a Contributing Editor for the book honoring Sayadaw U Silananda.
    Honor 1
    • I was emcee at the 10th Anniversary Soon Kwyay at Dhammanda Vihara.
    Honor 2

    TMC

    • I served as Translator / Interpreter for Beelin Sayadaw U Pyinnyadipa at Tathagata Meditation Center. Sayadaw moved back to Yangon to head the Hse Mile Gone monastery. He is Chief Resident Monk at Panditarama monastery.
    • I received some books from TMC.
    Dictionary 1
    Dictionary 2

    CHM

    • I served as Docent of Computer History Museum for two years.
    Computer Chess

    ACM

    • I was a member of the national ACM and the San Francisco Bay Area ACM Chapter.
    • I was a volunteer for the talks at the Bay Area Chapter.