Pyidaungsu Party (formerly known as Clean AFPFL) won. U Nu became Prime Minister of the Union of Burma for the Third and Last time.
Several military officers (who used power to support the Losing Party) were purged.
The 17 man Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat on March 2, 1962. According to Kyemon U Thaung, six of them did not have access to high level information / decision.
Burma lost its hard fought Independence.
Sham Elections
During the BSPP era, there were Sham Elections. Mostly single candidate nominated by BSPP. Voters had to choose White (Yes) or Black (No).
During one BSPP Convention, the then Number One did not get the Top Vote. A purge followed. Those suspected of “Election Fraud” were criminalized with ludicrous charges. The MI Chief and his followers became extremely powerful. Eventually they were detained or dismissed.
Jump Promotions and Purges led to many Toadies. e.g a Commander who baby sit the grand kids of his Boss.
Past Elections
In September 1988 General Saw Maung took over. He promised to hold free and fair elections and that the soldiers will return to the Barracks. Citing medical reasons, he was forced out & replaced by a Ruthless Dictator.
The National League for Democracy won the 1990 Elections. The results were nullified. The majority of elected representatives were detained.
The military rule — accompanied by Nepotism, Cronyism & Terrorism — established a hand crafted Constitution in 2008 to ensure impunity for their Crimes and an unfair advantage to the past, present & future Thugs.
2010 Election was virtually uncontested. Some Toadies helped the military by posing as Opposition.
2015 and 2020 Elections were won convincingly by NLD (National League for Democracy).
Saya usually celebrates his birthday performing meritorious deeds.
Before his current medical condition, he observed Eight Precepts.
Practices Vipassana Meditation
He is a day older than Saya Allen Htay.
My Beloved Spouse
My spouse (in her younger days)
Supported my volunteer activities for nearly five decades.
I completed 26 years as Founder & Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter Updates”.
2015 in Los Angeles
We attended several RIT gatherings : SPZP-2000, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 & 69er Golden Jubilee in Yangon; RIT & UCC Gatherings in Australia & Singapore; and many gatherings in the USA.
SPZP-2016
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles held at the Knott Berry Farms, and a special gathering at iNapa Winery.
iNapa Winery
She is a Caring Spouse, a Dutiful Mother & a Loving Grandmother. She asked me to take care of my health and minimize use of phone & computer.
Myee
She loves to sing and dance at the gatherings. I am an amateur musician who plays instruments (piano, key board, guitar, harmonica) by ear.
NorCal RITAA
Here’s my birthday wish:
May you be blessed with Good Health, Abundant Wealth, Unbounded Love, Peace, Calm, Tranquility … for many more years to come.
June 1973
Events in December
Saya U Ba Toke
December 1, 1920 : Under the RU Act of 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College & Judson College as constituent colleges.
RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 : I was member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay” committee
RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 : BARB produced documentary for “Rangoon University Sports”
RU Centennial in 2020 : I was Moderator of the RU Centennial Facebook group
December 26, 1920 : Saya U Ba Toke’s birthday. His life story is published in the book by Tekkatho Maung Thin Char (Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF). Saya passed away on December 2, 2020 a few days before his Centennial Birthday
December 5, 1920 : First RU Students’ Strike — Caused amendments to the RU Act. Led to the establishment of Amyothar Kyaung (National School) & Amyothat Kawleik (College). Amyothar Aung Bwe Nay (National Day) is celebrated using the Burmese date
December 1961 : Second SEAP Games — Hosted in Rangoon; Burma dominated in Track & Field, Swimming & Volleyball. About 20 athletes from RU represented Burma in the Games (See photo by Dr. Richard Yu Khin)
RU students who represented Burma in the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961
Paying respect to Sayas is a tradition that is unique to Myanmar.
The tradition is alive and well.
There have been seven world wide SPZPs : SPZP-2000 (US); SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010 (Singapore); SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 (Yangon)
I was fortunate to be a Core Organizer for SPZP-2000 and a Coordinator for the remaining SPZPs.
SPZP-2000
Alumni
Many alumni are active in the following:
SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association)
NorCal RITAA (in the US)
MES
MEC
HMEE-2018
History
“History of Myanmar Engineering Education” was published in 2012.
The project’s initiators included Saya U Soe Paing, Sayagyi U Ba Than and several sayas and alumni. (See Acknowledgement in the Book)
Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team compiled the book.
Ko Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE-2012 book
The draft for the first two sections were prepared by Saya U Soe Paing and team.
Ko Ohn Khine translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2. The translations have been revised by Saya U Soe Paing.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun gave the copyright to RITAA.
HMEE-2018 was headed by Saya U Aung Hla Tun. His demise affected the progress of the project.
YTU Library Modernization Project
A decent Library is a requirement of the accreditation of YTU by Asean (and beyond).
Donations — large and small — came in. Thanks to U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ma Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake) and team.
The donors include
U Khin Maung Tun (T78)
Dr. Myo Khin (C70) and Daw Mya Nwe (C73)
Daw Myint Myint (C69)
Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
James Shwe (M76) and Annette Shwe (A75)
NorCal RITAA
Alumni from Singapore, Australia and New Zealand
Archive
The Library could have a section to help remember our beloved alma mater, our sayas and alumni activities.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi endorsed Ko Benny Tan’s proposal to archive the mementos.
We requested alumni (esp. class representatives) to record gatherings / activities.
Health Care Funds
Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas
Eye examination and assistance Fund provided by U Khin Maung Tun
The balance of both funds had been handed over to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Other funds include 69er HCF, EE69er HCF, and those administered by the classes and groups (e.g. Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65)
Resources
RIT related Facebook pages
RIT related Google groups
hlamin.com
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group
Co-founded “RIT Alumni International” which hosted SPZP-2000 and served as President.
His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” is a classic.
Daw Mu Mu Khin hosted a lunch in memory of Saya on December 31, 2017.
In memory of Saya Allen, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to the YTU library. Also sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students.
Golden Sponsors
U Thaung Sein (Steeve, EC70)
U Benny Tan (M70)
U Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee, M69)
U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67)
U Maung Maung Than (M79)
The five Golden sponsors and other donors made sure U Nyo Win’s Act (requiring the organizers to chip in if SPZP-2000 will not have the minimum number of attendees) will not be needed.
2019
Completed two decades as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
Compiled posts for the Golden Jubilee of 69ers Attended both events on December 14, 2019
2020
Broadcast educational videos
2021 – Present
Writing and revising posts in hlamin.com
Request help to transform into digital and/or printed books for posterity
Last 7th Std Government exam : We took it in March
Elections
Caretaker Government finally held Elections.
Pyidaung Su Party (former “Clean AFPFL“) led by U Nu won by a land slide. The victory would be short lived.
U Nu
1961
Education
Last HSF & Matric (Combined) exam
First batch of Female Engg Graduates : Tin Tin Ohn (Amy), Julie Han, Yin Yin Kyi, Mi Mi Lay (all Textile) & Pauline Reynolds (ChE)
Faculty of Engineering moved to Gyogone Campus. Also called Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Second SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games in December.
Burma dominated most events and placed first.
About 20 RU students represented Burma.
2nd SEAP Games
1962
Education
First “Matric Only” exam
First “HSF Only” exam : We (from Rangoon Division) had to take the exam in March & again in August
Coup d’etat
On March 2, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. President Mahn Win Maung, Prime Minister U Nu & Cabinet Ministers, Sao Shwe Thaik & Sawbwas, and several high-level Government employees were detained.
SamaDuwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
Sama Duwa
Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Revolutionary Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned. He was succeeded by Col Thaung Dan (who became Brigadier General). Several senior Air Force personnel were appointed Ambassadors or Military Attache to pave way for younger officers.
Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away. He was Minister for Health & Education. Commander Thaung Tin (who became Commodore) succeeded CTP as Chief of Navy. Col Hla Han became Minister for Health &Education.
Col Chit Myaing was the last original Revolutionary Council member to pass away. He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA.
Tin Maung Thant (son of U Thant) passed away during his visit to Burma. The funeral cortège was larger that of Commodore Than Pe.
The usage of “Tar Wun Khan” was later changed back to “Minister”.
Dark Days in July
7th July : 17 official victims
8th July : Demolition of RUSU Building
1963
Education
Matric exam : We took it in May
SPHS has five students in Top Five, seven in Top Ten, and ten in Top Twenty
SPHS63
Last batch for General Honors program
1964
Education
New Education System
Most Faculties became autonomous Institutes with Rectors.
RASU & MASU offered Major
Admission to RIT
In Nov 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT
Matriculated were admitted to 1st BE based on Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA)
Those who passed I.Sc(A) were admitted 2nd BE based on marks.
Those who passed I.Sc(B) were admitted to 3rd BE based on marks.
Luyechun
Shwe Wa Gyaing Camp in Ngapali
Students from 7th to 10th Std were selected as Luyechun
1965
Education
On April 1, private schools were nationalized.
SPHS became No. 6 Botathaung State High School. Non-native De La Salle brothers left Burma. e.g Bro Austin to Malaysia, Bro Felix to Germany, Bro Charles to UK
Luyechun
Khaung Daing Camp in Inlay
Program extended to Universities & Institutes
RIT : Sein Shwe, Hla Min, Zaw Min, Khin Than Myint Tin
IM(1) : Kyaw Sein Koe, Anita Aye Pe, Khin Maung U, Cherry Hlaing
Decline of Economy
After detaining prominent members of Pyidaung Su (formerly Clean AFPFL) and new AFPFL (formerly Stable AFPFL), the Revolutionary Council & government sought help from left-wing Gurus (e.g. U Chit Hlaing who threw in Buddhist terms into “Burmese Way to Socialism” & U Ba Nyein who proposed indiscriminate Nationalization.
Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) was formed with core cadres. It later opened up membership for Ah Yan Party Win (Associate member). Party membership became a requirement for important positions.
Free Economy was replaced by rations (e.g. half a can of Condensed Milk per family) using the “Si Sar Oke”. It created a Black Market and the rising cost of living.
The Demonetization crippled the Industry and even had ripple effect on University students. Hostel students, whose money had been demonetized, had to be given free rides to return home.
Per Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63) : Both my father U Hla Taw (retired Chief of UMP/ DIG) and my mother Daw Marie Hla Taw together with Col Chit Yaing, Chief Justice U Myint Thein, DIG U Tin MaungMaung and DIG U Khin Maung Maung were taken away by MI (Military Intelligence) in 1964. My parents were released in 1967.
Changes in Education
Bachelor Degrees
Education
Law
NRC rule
Enforced for Professional Courses
Bernard Khaw (First in Burma in the Matric of 1965) had to study Chemistry. He moved to USA and studied Chemical Engineering.
Chu Pu Thein (who scored highest marks in Physics in the first ever HSF Only exam in 1962) moved to Italy
Many had to study in RASU. Chemistry students had very high marks and/or ILA.
A medical student was expelled after he was “found out to be not 3 NRC.”
A few students who had been admitted to RASU because of 3 NRC were allowed to study medicine. They lost a year, but not their dreams.
Names
There was discrimination against students having foreign names.
Two families. They were cousins. Those who retained non-Burmese names were admitted to RASU. Those with Burmese names were allowed to study professional degrees.
Security Concerns
Shortage of rice (never heard before in the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) was transformed into “Tayoke Bamar Ah Yay Ah Khin”. Grapevine says that a lorry strategically placed “Beggars” around Rangoon.
1969
Men on the Moon
Poem
Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969.
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by Mr. Hall (USIS) to NASA.
The poem was also published in the Guardian daily newspaper.
69ers
Most of us graduated with BE. A few with BArch.
EE69ers
SEAP Games
Burma hosted the Fifth SEAP Games in December 1969. There were riots in the Thamaing College Campus which held some events (e.g. Boxing).
Placard bearers for 5th SEAP Games
News & Censorship
Nation newspaper was the first to be closed (by orders of the higher authorities). U Law Yone was detained. He later moved to Thailand and published the “Nation”. He eventually moved to the USA.
Finally, there were only four Burmese and two English newspapers. They published the news vetted and/or translated by News Agency Burma.
The two new newspapers were Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin and Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD).
The then Number One chose Shwe Oo Daung and U Khin Maung Latt as Chief Editors of “Loketha Pyithu Nay Zin” and Working People’s Daily (WPD) and promised them full authority. Some time later, U Khin Maung Latt was asked, “Do you want to be an Ambassador?” Daw Khin Myo Chit stepped in and said, “Ko Latt will go back teaching at his school”.
Selection of Sayas and State Scholars
In the days of our teachers, the Dean & Professors had the say to select and appoint assistant lecturers, and to select bright students to apply for State Scholarship to study at the prestigious universities in the USA and UK.
Later, the Public Service Commission (PSC) was established to vet candidates for most positions.
Some engineers and architects had to join government departments as “Work Charge” while waiting to get permanent positions approved by PSC.
January 1 is usually accepted as “New Year’s Day”.
Some countries celebrate it as a holiday.
December 31 is “New Year’s Eve”.
Some sing “Auld Lang Syne” to usher in the New Year.
Old Calendars
The old Roman Calendar has only 10 months starting with March So, March signified the New Year
Some civilizations celebrate Vernal equinox or First Day of Spring e.g. Persian New Year So, the New Year will fall around 20th – 22nd March
Lunar New Year
Falls around end of January or beginning of February
Celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese
Luni-solar New Year
Falls in mid-April
Celebrated by Burmese / Myanmar, Thai, Cambodia, Laos
Burmese New Year followsThingyan (which means change) Maha Thingyan means Great Change (from one year to the next). Cula Thingyan means Small Change (from one month/yathi to another month/yathi)
3 or 4 days of Thingyan (also known as Water Throwing Festival)
Miscellaneous
New Year of the indigenous people e.g. Karen New Year
Wrote articles, poems, newsletters, translations, study guides and manuals.
9 articles for the Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife. They can be read from Google Books.
Broadcast 220 Educational Videos on Facebook and YouTube.
History
I love history, encyclopedias, stories and knowledge sharing. My beloved father, relatives, teachers, colleagues, friends, barbers and taxi drivers told me interesting stories. I hope that my posts can supplement the history books and encyclopedias.
I volunteered as a Docent for the CHM (Computer History Museum) for two years.
I was a member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering) projects. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I served as contributors and proofreaders. We compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE Book published in 2012.
Volunteer
I served as Executive Committee member for selected organizations.
I was Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
I was Class Representative, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association.
I co-founded RIT Alumni International, which hosted the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw in San Francisco Bay Area in October 2000.
I volunteered as an Organizer for SPZPs held in USA, Singapore and Yangon.
I co-founded NorCal RIT AA and served as BOD (Board of Directors) member.
I served as Vice President and BOD of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America). I was a Contributing Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter and the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”. I was Master of Ceremonies at the Memorial Service for Sayadaw U Silananda.
I belonged to several Toastmasters Clubs. I am a DTM (Distinguished Toastmater). I served as Club Coach, Mentor, Ambassador, Area Director, Contest Chair, Test Speaker and Judge.
My Dreams
U Hla Min & spouse
Jules Verne said, “If one can dream, others can and will fulfill.”
I have realized my dream of getting the Sayas and Alumni connected physically and electronically. I founded the RIT Alumni (International) Newsletter in April 1999. I served as Content Provider and Editor of the inaugural RIT website designed by U Khin Maung Zaw. They helped the implementation of SPZP-2000 in USA and subsequent SPZPs in Singapore and Yangon.
SPZP-2000RIT Alumni Newsletter
My second Dream was to help History projects. I served as a member of the HMEE project. With U Ohn Khine (M70), I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book published in 2012.
HMEE-2012HMEE Book
My third dream was to celebrate Three Anniversaries in 2024 : (1) Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma / Myanmar (2) 60th Anniversary of RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology (3) Silver Jubilee of RIT Newsletter. With the help of alumni volunteers, we were able to record memories of selected Sayas and publish them.
My spouse, sayas and friends suggested that I should share my knowledge and experience while my physical and mental health are reasonably good. Several sayas, colleagues, classmates and some Junior alumni are GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Request
It takes a lot of time to write, edit and organize posts into quality material that can be transformed into digital and printed books.
I request the collaboration from SME (Subject Matter Experts) and volunteers who share my passion.
The Coup d’etat ended Parliamentary Democracy in the Union of Burma.
President Mahn Win Maung, Prime Minister U Nu & cabinet ministers, and Shan Sawbwas were detained.
U Nu
7th July 1962
It saw indiscriminate shooting at the student protesters.
The official death tally was 17.
Ko Aung Khin was hit by a stray bullet as he was returning from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road.
8th July 1962
It saw the revered RU Student Union Building demolished.
The then No. (1) and No. (2) said that they did not give orders for the two sad events.
Some people reported hearing strange sounds and seeing strange images in or near the residence halls (e.g. Mandalay Hall). Some believe that there might be ghosts.
1963
There were pamphlets and Sar Saungs commemorating the anniversary of 7th July.
The higher authorities gave ultimatum to the hostel students to leave.
All classes except those from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering were closed.
Final exams were held locally (e.g. at State High Schools).
The schools were reopened in November 1964 under a new Education System.
1964
The use of Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) system and the 3 NRC rule created a Tier System among the Once Equal Disciplines.
A sayagyi told his students, “If all of you go to medical and engineering, there will not be talent left to cover other important fields.”
There were some exceptions. Dr. Min Oo (in 1963) and Dr. Zaw Win (a few years later) stood Second in the whole of Burma in Matric. They chose to study Maths and received their Doctorates from Germany. Dr. Min Oo retired from McMasters University in Canada. He earlier taught in Germany and in the US as a visiting professor. Dr. Zaw Win is GBNF.
Mid-1960s
Nationalization of Schools took place on April 1, 1965.
“Burmese Way to Socialism (Despotism, Nepotism)” created 2nd and 3rd Class Citizens.
Shortage of rice (unheard of in the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) caused unease. The problem was redirected to create a riot known as “Tayoke Bama Ah Yay Ah Khinn” တရုပ်ဗမာ အရေးအခင်း
1974
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin
“U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin” ဦးသန့်အရေးအခင်း can be read in a book with rare photos. Htein Win Sar Pay ထိန်ဝင်းစာပေ has published books about the two Ah Yay Ah Khinn in 1974 and 1988. Ko Khin Maung Zaw mailed me a copy of “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn”. At the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival), Ko Htein Win gave me a copy of the 8-8-88 Ah Yay Ah Khinn.
Late 1980s
1988
There were several more closure of the schools.
Many students lost three precious years of their lives (1988, 1989 and 1990). There were no classes, exams and Convocation for the three years. The 1st BE Intake of 1983 graduated in 1992. Those who failed the 6th BE in 1987 had to repeat again in 1991.
Some, who witnessed the events in March and August of 1988, had a long wait before they could freely express their experiences.
In August 1988, Dr. Tin Aung (Physics) and U Tun Aung Chain (History) were in the US as members of the Burmese Education Delegation. Dr. Tin Aung was elected in abstentia as a Patron / Nayaka နာယက of the “Sayas and Sayamas from All Universities and Institutes” Ah Phwe အဖွဲ့ supporting the 8-8-88 movement. Upon his return to Burma, Dr. Tin Aung was forced to resign. When Dr. Tin Aung’s pacemaker needed replacement, his former students from Myanmar and Overseas donated for his health expenses.
The course in Burmese is available in CD and MP3 tapes.
The course is English is available as a 3-volume book.
Abhidhamma Course (in Burmese)
Abhidhamma (Burmese)
Sayadaw U Silananda gave a course at Dhammananda Vihara (then in Daly City) over several weekends.
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) completed the course.
Some devotees converted the 26 tapes into MP3 format.
Ko Jeffrey (from Fremont) loaded them onto an MP3 player, and offered them as dhamma dana to students taking Abhidhamma courses.
Handbook of Abhidhamma Studies
Three Volumes by Venerable Sayadaw U Silananda
Transcription by Sarah E Marks
Abhidhamma (English)Back cover
Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
He succeeded U Silanandabhivamsa as Rector of IMBTU
He taught Abhidhamma in Myanmar and beyond.
Fundamental Abhidhamma Part I was first taught in 1997 at Maryland, USA. The book was edited by Dr. Khin Maung U (First in Burma in the Matric exam of 1963). The second edition was published by the Center of Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills in 2005.
Fundamental Abhidhamma Part II was published by the Center of Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills in 2007.
Fundamental
Fundamental Abhidhamma
Part I
By Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
First edition : June 1997
Editor : Dr. Khin Maung U
Myanmar-Buddhist Meditation Society, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Second, extended edition : January 2005
revised : November 2005
Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills, Sagaing, Myanmar
Contents
The History of Abhidhamma
(1) Why is it called Abhidhamma? (2) Who is the author? … (8) The role of Abhidhammattha sangaha (9) The role of Vibhavani (10) Ledi Sayadaw (11) Paramatthadipani, the critic of Vibhavani
Ashin Garudhamma teaches two courses at the monastery in Spady, Fremont.
One is Pali.
The other is Abdhidhamma.
Gary dhamma
Abhidamma Newsletter (1999)
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa was Patron of Dhammachakka Meditation Center, Berkeley, C.A.
Abdhidhamma Newsletter was published by the Abhidhamma Study Group of DMC.
Abhidhamma Newsletter
Abhidhamma Newsletter Volume 1 Number 3 (April 1999) Adviser: Venerable U Silananda Editor: Maung Tin-Wa (Ph.D.) Editorial Board: James Cameron, U Aye Cho, Aung Khin (M.D.). Marc F. Lierberman (M.D.), Yan Naing Lwin (Ph.D.), Sarah E, Marks, Tin Than Myint (M.D.), Bach Dong Nhut, U Han Nyo, Phil Rohrer, Larry Rosenberg, Anna Spievogel (M.D., Ph.D.), Tin Myo Than (M.D.), Hla N. Tin (Ph.D.), Rita Adelman Graphic Designer: Scott Jordan Transcribing and Word Processing: Pat McMahon Published by the Abhidhamma Study Group of Dhammachakka Meditation Center, Berkeley, C.A.
Visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore
Hosts
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu were our main hosts
Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu hosted us at their second home in Jahore. Silver took us to Melecca. Earlier he took us to Sentosa which was about to bring down the Lion Statue. He also wanted to jolt my memory of the “Myo Putt Ya Htar မြို့ပတ်ရထား”.
Gatherings
Mini gatherings
69ers
M73 group with their Saya U Tu Myint
ex-UCC & ex-ICST
Micro gatherings
Boe & Ma Phyu
Ma Pale & Ko Ye
Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu offered Soon at their house (in addition to the regular ones at the Singapore Chan Myay Monastery).
Early November
Continued our trip
KK picked me up at the Mingalardon air port and placed me at a hotel.
KK hosted two gatherings : mostly professional speakers and coaches.
ILF
Flew to Mandalay to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival. I was a Panelist at two sessions : one on Education and another on Poetry.
Panelist
During a break, Ko Thein Htut (UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay.
Did not meet Ko Kyaw Kyaw Soe. He had to take a trip to see his ailing son.
Received an autographed copy from Ko Htein Win (Dat Pon). He had to wait a long time before he could publish his photos and related articles about two Dark Moments in Burma : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin and 8-8-88.
Mid November to End of December
There were several gatherings back in Yangon in November and December, 2019.
RIT Gatherings
RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Golden Jubilee of 69ers (Main event at Gyogone Campus, Reunion Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at his old office compound)
GJ of Graduation
Lunch hosted by Ko Tin Win (Min)
Guest of the Class of 72 (M72 Annual Gathering and PZP, additional : Indian Lunch, Chinese Dinner)
Guest at All Mechanical Gathering /Dinner
All Mech Gatherinng
Dinner by Ko Nyunt Htay
Ko Nyunt Htay
UCC / ICST Gatherings
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of UCSY/ICST
ICST PZP
Several ex-UCC gatherings (MICT, Sweetie’s apartment, Soon Kyway by Ko Soe Win & KZ, …)
Sweetie
SPHS Gatherings
Wedding of Eddie Shein’s daughter
Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson
With Sayadaw Beatson
RUBC
RUBC Annual Regatta
RUBC
Attendees include : U Tin U (Most Senior Past Captain), U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF), U Sein Htoon (Past Captain), U Myo Myint (Gold), U Tun Mra, U Tin Myint (GBNF), Dr. Thein Hlyne …
MARB
Veda
Visited the new Building
Thai Tarot Master donated Air Conditioners
Sun Lun
Some meditation sessions
Received two books from Mi Mi Win (Junior Win) about her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Miscellaneous
Birthday Lunch by Ko Myint Toe & Ma Nwe
49th Anniversary of Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
Thar Yay (Zeyar’s house warming …)
Nar Yay (Ma Cherry’s demise…)
Other gatherings : Ma Hazel, my friends, my spouse’s friends…
Thanks for the rides : Ko Ohn Khine, Ko Win Maung (Lake), Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Ko Tin Win, Ko Ye Myint, Ko Aung Myin Bo, younger son of Y Patail …
Updates
There were restrictions (for Travel & Gatherings) during the pandemic.
Eighteen 69ers & several family members succumbed to Covid
Some ex-UCC — U Mg Mg Lay, U Mg Mg Gyi, U Aung Myint — are GBNF.
HlaMin 