The Fifth month of the old Roman calendar had 30 days. It was renamed July in honor of Emperor Julius Caesar and was given an extra day.
July is the Seventh month of the Gregorian Calendar. It has 31 days.
My father’s birthday
My beloved father was born on July 1.
US Independence
US Independence falls on the 4th of July.
First moon landing in 1969
Apollo 11 landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Apollo 11 landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon in July 20, 1969
Neil Armstrong (Civilian Mission Commander) became the first man on the moon.
Buzz Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) became the second man on the moon. His request to step down first on the moon was denied by NASA officials.
The Golden Jubilee was celebrated by NASA in July, 2019.
I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon”. Ashin Ananda gave copy of my poem to Mr. Hall, Information Officer of USIS to be forwarded to NASA and the astronauts. He gave a copy to the Guardian newspaper for local publication.
19th July 1947
Nine Arzanis — Bogyoke Aung San, six Cabinet Ministers, one Cabinet Secretary and one Body guard — were brutally gunned down at the Secretariat on July 19, 1947.
Bogyoke Aung San
Thakin Mya
Deedoke U Ba Cho
Mahn Ba Khine
Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun
U Ba Win (Bogyoke’s elder brother)
U Razak
U Ohn Maung (ICS)
Yebaw Maung Htwe (body guard of U Razak)
Eight perished on July 19, 1947.
Sao San Htun succumbed a day later on July 20, 1947.
There are books (e.g. by Kin Oung) and documentaries (e.g. by BBC) on the “unsolved mystery”.
7th July 1962
Burma had two more dark days in July 1962.
Students’ protest that was brutally crushed on July 7, 1962
According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
Ko Aung Khin was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning home to Windermere Road from RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). Ko Aung Khin was listed as the 17th victim.
The celebration of the 7th July Anniversary in the following year (1963) ended with the closure of Universities (with the exception of the Faculties of Medical and Engineering).
8th July 1962
Demolition of the revered Rangoon University Student’s Union Building took place on July 8, 1962
Association of Engineers in Burma after the Second World War
RITAA
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF)
Burmese American Professional Society (BAPS)
RIT Alumni International
NorCal RITAA
Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists (BASES)
Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)
RIT Buddhist Association
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)
R.U. Society of Electrical Engineering Students
Executive Committee (1960 – 61)
Burmese Society of Civil Engineers
Working Committee (Founded 1959)
Association of Engineers in Burma after the Second World War
The account was retold by Saya U Tin U and recorded by Saya U Ba Than.
Re-instituted about 1955-56
President : Sayagyi U Ba Hli, Dean of Engineering, University of Rangoon
Honorary Secretary : Saya U Soon Sein (Professor, Mining)
Honorary Treasurer : Saya U Tin U (Part time Lecturer, Civil)
RITAA
Overview
During the Adhamma Era, many associations (especially student and alumni organizations) were not allowed.
With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era, RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association was allowed to register, but many alumni were not aware of the association and its objectives. Only a few (mostly members of the “80000 YaThay”) actively participated in the formative events. There was virtually no fund to operate.
Then, things started to click.
Space for the Alumni Association was provided by YTU
Donations — large and small — were received (mostly for the YTU Library Modernization Project which is a requirement for the Accreditation)
Membership (Life membership for K60000) grew.
Saya’s Corner was established.
Staff and Volunteers helped with the regular and ad hoc projects
Young alumni came forward to help with the leadership
Post AGM
RITAA (formally known as RIT-YIT-YTU RIT Alumni Association) has conducted the AGM (Annual General Meeting). The Interim Committee headed by U Tin Latt (M85) is to be congratulated for the work being done.
The AGM elected U Myo Aye (M94) as President for the term 2018 – 2020.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
SDYF provides Annual Medical Check up for eligible sayas and sayamas.
SDYF also provides some financial assistance to eligible sayas and sayamas.
When a Saya or Sayama passes away, SDYF offers 2 Lakh Kyats to the bereaved family.
SDYF offers 4 Lakh Kyats to eligible sayas and sayamas
for Hospitalization
for frequent medical check ups
for severe loss of mobility
SDYF also considers case-by-case for sayas and sayamas needing financial assistance for health care.
U Khin Maung Tun is the President and major donor of SDYF.
Burmese American Professional Society (BAPS)
With the approval of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, BEA (mostly RIT alumni) and BASTS (younger engineers and scientists) merged to become BAPS.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Benny Tan (M70) and Maurice Chee (M75) served as President of BAPS.
U Aung Myint (Henry Lim) served as Chief Editor of BAPS Newsletter.
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) was Burmese Language Editor.
They would volunteers as Editor of the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
I served as Contributor for BAPS Newsletter and as Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
RIT Alumni International
The Association was formed by members of the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58) with the main objective to host the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in 2000.
There are several posts about SPZPs.
NorCal RITAA
The Association was formed to revive the RIT-related activities in Northern California.
Scholarship for eligible children of Alumni attending a US University
Scholarship for eligible students attending YTU
Training Component of the YTU Library Modernization Project
Additional donation for the YTU Library Modernization Project
Past Presidents : Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83)
President : U Aung Myint Oo (EC84)
Past Chair of BOD : Stan Liou (M67)
Chair of BOD : Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists (BASES)
The Association was founded by Saya U Tin Htut (M60), U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David).
It is based in Southern California.
Past Presidents : Saya U Tin Htut, U Tin Htway, U Tun Tin, Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), Saya Dr. Chris Lee (M59), U Khin Maung Lay (T68), U Thura Thant Zin (M76)
President : U Tin Nwe (Milton Sein, C68)
Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)
Myanmar Engineering Society is a Non-Profit Organization. It is not an Alumni Association, but several sayas and alumni served as EC members.
Past Presidents : Dr. Sein Myint, Saya U Nyi Hla Nge, U Than Myint, U Han Zaw, U Win Khine
RIT Buddhist Association
Some sayas served as Patrons of the RIT Buddhist Association. Some alumni served as EC members.
Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne
Saya U Sein Maung (EE63)
Saya U Lin (M66)
Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66, GBNF)
Saya U Soe Myint (Min83)
U Kyi Twe (A70)
U Myint Soe (M79)
U Sein Win (C80)
U Maung Maung Lay
The Association’s activities include
Kathein robe offering
Library of Buddhist books
Ovada of sayas and sayamas
Books
The RIT Buddhist Association published two books for SPZP-2012.
Collection of the Ovada (Exhortations) of the sayas and sayamas [mostly Professor and/or Head of Departments or their representatives] given at the “Arcariya Pu Zaw Pwes” at RIT/YIT.
History and the activities of the RIT Buddhist Association. Contributors include Saya Dr. Thein Hlyne, Saya U Sein Maung, Saya U Linn. Saya U Soe Myint, and several EC members (notably U Maung Maung Lay and spouse).
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)
TBSA was formed to support the Dhammananda Vihara and its activities.
During a Dhamma Duta mission in 1979, Mahasi Sayadawgyi agreed to leave two sayadaws to carry out the missionary work in the US.
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa’s life and accomplishments have been recorded in the
Dhammananda Newsletters
TBSA website
Commemorative book (“Maw Gun Win Sar Saung”)
DVDs about Sayadaw’s “Last Journey” and his lifelong achievements (including the first Rectorship of IMBTU).
TBSA hosts several events every year.
Htamane Pwe and Ovada Patimauk Ceremony
Myanmar New Year (Thingyan Festival)
Full Moon Day of May (Thrice Blessed Day)
Waso robe offering
Thadinkyut Festival
Tazaungdaing Festival
Monthly weekend retrea
Long term retreats
Summer Dhamma Camp for youths
Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)
I was a volunteer Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC).
U Myo Myint (M73) has designed covers for the RIT Annual Magazines and the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines. He is an expert in “Pon Tu” (Portrait) and “Oil Paintings”.
U Myint Pe (M72) has posted cartoons by U Myo Myint.
The cartoons remind me of the following :
Three female friends who were known as Half Size, Full Size and Double Size
Several “Pho So Chin” and “Mike Khe” in the USA, Australia, Singapore and Myanmar
Some classmates and schoolmates who excel in extra curricular activities so much that they bade farewell to RIT before graduation
The Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded by Law Professor Sir Arthur Eggar in 1923.
Details can be found in
Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar
Commemorative Issues (e.g. 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC)
YUBC Facebook pages
I attended the Annual Regatta for 2019 with my brother U Sein Htoon (Captain, ARAE Champion in 1960) and my brother-in-law U Myo Myint (RUBC Gold in 1962).
Program
The Regatta had a program for
current male members
current female members
old members (with specified age groups)
mixed for current members
mixed for current and old members
current vs old members
Races include
single sculls
double sculls
4- (coxless fours)
8+ (coxed eights)
Attendees
U Tin U (Most senior Past Captain)
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF) Older than U Tin U by a few months Passed away in 2021
Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF) Younger brother of U Tin U Victim of Covid in 2021
U Sein Htoon (Past Captain, ARAE 1960)
U Myo Myint (Gold, 1962)
Dr. Than Nyun (Past Captain, OMA President)
U Tun Shein (Gold, 1954)
U Tun Mra (SEAP 1959 and 1961) Recently lost his spouse
U Tin Myint and U Hla Kyi
(Sons of Arzani U Razak)
U Khin Maung Latt (Rowing, Soccer, 4×100 m Burma Record in 1957)
Old members and their families
Club House
Some young members told me that they are trying to the Yangon Heritage Plaque for the Club which will turn 100 in 2023. The original club house was damaged during the Second World War. The club house was rebuilt with the support of old members and interested sponsors / donors. The club house was “taken over” by a restaurant (which finally agreed to move to a new location).
We are glad to see members spanning several generations at the regatta.
Hope to see universities from neighboring nations come and participate in regattas held in Myanmar (may be for the RUBC Centennial in 2023).
U Ba Than celebrated his birthdays with meritorious deeds. He usually offered soon to the monks at Tipitaka Yaw Sayadaw. He would invite his colleagues and former students to the Soon Kwyay.
The Class of 69 — mostly M69ers — would pay respect to Saya around his birthday.
78th Birthday in 2008
There was a special Gathering for Saya’s 78th Birthday (which fell on a Thursday).
Maung Sein Win (Padeegone) paid respect with a Kabyar.
Saya handed out his Memoirs to the attendees.
82nd Birthday in 2012
The following photos are from the Soon Kyway.
88th Birthday in 2018
He offered the Birthday Soon Kyway at Tipitaka Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
He also donated the Garawa money that he had received (e.g. from the SPZPs and his former students) to charities.
The charities include : Jivitadana, Little Sisters for the Poor, Mary Chapman’s school for Deaf & Dumb, …
90th Birthday in 2020
Due to the pandemic, Soon Kyway was scaled down.
Birthday celebrations were done via Zoom Meetings.
U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Htaik San (Henry Kao, M80) compiled a Photo Book as the Birthday Present.
91st Birthday in 2021
Due to the pandemic and security issues, the public celebrations were put on hold.
Miscellaneous
Saya enjoys the company of his colleagues, friends and former students. U Wynn Htain Oo remembered Saya’s “Kha Na Nay Bar Ohn” requests.
Saya U Win, U Hla Win, and U Aung Moung (GBNF) offered Transportation to attend the SPZPs and Gatherings.
U Tha Htay organized Mechanical Sayas a trip (around the SPZP-2012).
Saya U Tun Shwe took extra care of Saya U Ba Than for the Singapore SPZPs.
Sayas and alumni in Singapore helped Saya U Ba Than during his trips for medical check up and treatment.
Saya was a Core Supporter of the HMEE project. He donated many photos. He also coordinated with U Thaw Kaung to provide Saya U Soe Paing & team access to the Archives of Rangoon University Central Library.
See related posts.
Comments
Aung Min : I talked with Saya on 25/11/21. He is fine , now 92
HlaMin 