There was a minimum age requirement for admission to the University of Rangoon. Saya Dr. Hla Aung (C58) had to wait one year to enter Rangoon University because he was under age.
No minimum age requirement
At some universities, young talented students (12 – 16 years young) graduate. Robert Floyd (ACM Turing Award winner) received his BA (at age 16) and BS from the University of Chicago. He retired as Chairman of Computer Science Department at Stanford University.
Transfer students
Some who transferred to St. Paul’s High School had to re-do some classes. They may become the senior members of their class. Some complete the High School Curriculum at a Chinese School, but cannot afford to attend a university overseas (e.g. in China). They join the regular schools and sit Government exams. They may become senior members of their class.
Time off
A few decide to work for a couple of years after Matriculation usually as a teacher. When they later join the University, they may become the senior members of their class. Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) was the youngest in his class. A classmate, who joined Rangoon University after serving as a high school teacher, was 7 years older than him.
Kyaung Pyaw
There were some “Kyaung Pyaws”. They enjoy their university life so much that they try to stay as long as possible. Some repeat every class. When Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) returned from the USA after completing his BS and MS, he had to teach one of his former classmates.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote :
During the good times of having factions of students for student “politics”, “Tat Oo” and “Ye Gaung“, some students either defer or deliberately fail exams so that they could stay in as university students. Some take BL (Bachelor of Law) and Diploma classes so that they can continue as EC (Executive Committee) members in the student associations.
Most twins share the same birthday (Day, Month, Year). An exception occurs when one twin is born before midnight and the other is born after. Another exception occurs when one twin is born on New Year’s Eve and the other is born on New Year.
February 29 born
Do they celebrate only in Leap Years? Do they celebrate every year on February 28 or March 1st?
Same Month
If there are more than 13 people, then at least two must share the Month in their birthdays. It follows the Pigeon Hole Principle.
Same Month and Day
If there are more than 30 people, then there is a high likelihood that at least two share the Day and the Month in their birthdays. It follows from Probability and Statistics.
Distribution
In a group, the birthdays are not equally distributed. For instance, my two sisters and I are August born. There are seven siblings.
Freebie
Some restaurants do not charge the Birthday Person (Boy, Girl) if there are three more persons in the group. They will ask and verify the ID.
Happy Birthday
“Happy Birthday” song is one of the most played songs. In the early days, the song received a lot of royalties. It is now in the free public domain.
Different Calendars
Some celebrate their birthday twice : using the Gregorian Calendar and the Myanmar luni-solar Calendar.
According to “Ripley’s Believe it or not“, a graveyard inscription had February 30th.
Julius Caesar’s followers took a day from February to make July (named in his honor) have 31 days instead of 30.
Augustus Caesar’s followers took a day from February to make August (named in his honor) to have 31 days instead of 30.
February became the shortest month of the calendar year with 28 days. It was given back an extra day on a leap year.
The earth takes about 365.2422 days to revolve round the sun, so the discrepancy between a solar year and the calendar year became 0.9688 day every four years (or 97 days in 4 centuries). The first correction was to designate a year divisible by 4 as a Leap Year.
In Gregorian calendar, a leap year is defined as a non-century year that is divisible by 4, and a century year that is divisible by 400. This is more accurate than the first correction
Latin terms for student
Alumnus means “male student”
Almuna means “female student”
Alumni means “male students”
Alumnae means “female students”.
In modern usage, the term “alumni” applies to all students.
We sometimes use alum as a short form for alumni.
Synonym
Synonyms are words which have almost the same meaning for the given context.
Since some words have multiple meanings, one must specify the meaning associated with a synonym.
For example, Dictionary, Thesaurus, Lexicon and Vocabulary are synonyms. Their usage depends on the context. In general, Lexicon is a body of knowledge (or dictionary) of Latin and Greek. At one time, Lexicon is a card game where players create words and score points. It was superseded by Scrabble.
Antonym
Antonyms are words which have almost the opposite meaning for the given context.
Since some words have multiple meanings, one must specify the meaning associated with an antonym.
For example, Love and Hate are antonyms.
In Pali, the antonyms of Lobha (Greed), Dosa (Anger or Hatred) and Moha (Ignorance of Delusion) are Alobha (Non-greed), Adosa (Non-hatred) and Amoha (Non-ignorance or Wisdom).
A puzzle based on homonyms : “What is the difference between the Prince of Wales and a cricket ball?” The Prince of Wales is HEIR to the THRONE. A cricket ball is THROWN to the AIR.
Sayagyi U Ba Than lost his “right arm man” U Aung Moung (M73) in early January, 2018.
Whenever Sayagyi asked for U Aung Moung’s help, he will be at Winner Inn as fast as time and schedule permit.
I met him last year at Winner Inn. He was visiting Sayagyi U Ba Than as well as Daw Win Mar, younger sister of his childhood friend.
U Aung Moung was active in RIT-related activities and in his neighborhood monasteries. The monks voluntarily offered to take part at his final journey at Yae Wae. Actions speak louder than words.
Saya U Tun Shwe, Saya U Lin, Saya U Nyunt Htay, U Han Sein, U Tin Tun Aung, U Than Po, U Kyaw Kyaw and several alumni attended the last journey at Ye Way Crematorium/Cemetery.
Aye Win Kyaw (C70)
U Aye Win Kyaw & Madan Chand
He passed away in Pyin Oo Lwin. He earlier lost his son due to a faulty water heater system at the medical clinic (where U Aye Win Kyaw was being treated). It was a double tragedy for the family.
He taught astronomy and astrology at MARB.
Madan Chand (C70)
He was 2nd in his class. He joined the Faculty.
He moved to USA.
He passed away in Illinois.
Aung Thwin, Dr. (SPHS63)
Dr. Aung Thwin
He was a successful OG. He passed away in Southern California. He is the brother of Dr. Khin Khin Thwin (Carmen) and Daw Yee Yee Thwin (Jasmine).
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi, SPHS63)
Khin Mg Bo, Aung Kyi & Tin Tun
He passed away in Yangon.
Khin Mg Bo (Allan Saw Mg, SPHS63, EP69)
He passed away in Yangon.
Tin Tun (Phone Gyi, SPHS63, M69)
He was Joint Secretary of RIT Thaing Association. He taught Naval Architecture. He passed away in Yangon.
Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS64)
U Myint Sein
He is an alumnus of Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS), St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) and the Institute of Economics. He is Past Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau), Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (in Mandalay) and Founder of Idea Astrology.
Aung Myint (Sonny, SPHS64)
He joined RIT EE as Lab Technician. He transferred to UCC as Maintainence Technician. He was promoted to Maintenance Engineer. He lost his job after filling in the 1988-related questionnaire. He gave private tuition on PLA. He passed away at his breakfast table.
Three SPHS & UCC alumni — CO U Hla Min (Pauk Si), U Maung Maung Gyi (Henry Than Htay) and U Aung Myint (Sonny) — are GBNF.
Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, C63)
U Myint Lwin
He was from the Class of 61. He took sabbatical to get married. He is a good vocalist. He passed away in California, USA.
Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)
U Myint Thein (Kabar)
He was a core organizer of the 69ers. He had medical checkup in Singapore and India, but he passed away in Yangon due to his deteriorating health. He is fondly known as Maung Kabar (a famous cartoon character of our younger days).
Chit Tin (Bo Chit, EC69)
Kabar and Chit Tin
U Chit Tin graduated in 1969 with EC (Electrical Communications). He is the third member of the group to pass away. The other two are U Kyaw Soe (EC69) and U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69).
Oo Kyaw Hla (EC69)
He passed away in Canada. He is the fourth EC69er to pass away.
Chan Nyein, Saya Dr. (M67)
Dr. Chan Nyein
He is a retired Minister of Education.
Saw Lin (C71)
U Saw Lin
He had several medical problems, but he was active as a core organizer of SPZP-2012.
Tin Swe, Saya (EE53)
He played soccer for the Prome Hall team which won the Inter-Hall Trophy for two consecutive years.
H Num Kok, Saya (C)
He was a saya of our sayas. He passed away at the tender age of 98 in Oregon, USA.
Allen Htay, Saya (C58)
He a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International, which hosted SPZP-2000. Saya’s books were donated to YTU Library by Daw Mu Mu Kin. In saya’s memory, several YTU students have been provided scholarships (with the coordination of NorCal RITAA and volunteers from RITAA).
Khin Mg Myint (Shastri)
Shastri and mostly 69ers
He received the nickname due to resemblance to the Indian Prime Minister.
San Tint, Saya Dr. (EE61)
Dr. San Tint visiting Seattle
He taught at BIT, RIT and YTU. He retired as Professor of Electronic Engineering. He attended SPZP-2000 and took trips to Seattle and New York to have mini-reunion with former students.
Paulians
SPHSSPHS
Aung Khin, Aung Kyi, Aung Thu Yein, Khin Naung Bo, Maung Maung Kyi, Richard Lim and several others are GBNF.
Saw Tin, Saya Dr. (Maths)
Dr. Saw Tin
Win Naing (Dicky Tan, M69)
Win Naing (Dicky)
He passed away in Singapore. He represented RIT in Rowing.
Tin Myint (John Lee, M69)
Tin Myint (John)
He passed away in Union City, California, USA. He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He was selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE.
Hla Shwe, Saya (T69)
Hla Shwe
He retired as Associate Professor. He passed away in Yangon. He is remembered in “To the Shwe Duo” poem.
Tin Shwe, Saya (EP66)
U Tin Shwe
He taught at RIT and Assumption University in Bangkok. After retirement, he became a monk. He passed away in Yangon. He is remembered in “To the Shwe Duo” poem.
Reunion of Final Year Engineering Students 1948 & 1949
Date : January 13th, 1980 Place : Inya Lake Hotel Photo : provided by Mrs. Gyim Kho and U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold, Nephew of U Gyim Kho).
First Row :
U Than Myint
U Maung Maung Myint
U Aye Kha
U Boon Pin Deputy Chief Engineer, Burma Railways Son : U San Lin / Robert (EC73) Passed away a few years back in Taiwan
U Min Han Son : U Nyein Min / Johnny (C79)
Second Row :
U Soe Aung Chief Engineer, PWD Children : Daw Thynn Thynn Khaing / Janet (EP70) and U Nyunt Aung (C73)
U Khai Waing
U Po Han Deputy Minister of Construction
U Kyaw Tun Saya of our Sayas (including Professor U Sein Hlaing) Taught at BOC College of Engineering Retired Lecturer of Electrical Engineering, RIT Children : Dr. Daw Tin Nu (Elizabeth, English), Dorothy (ex-RIT) Passed away in Burma after visiting Dorothy and family in Australia
U Saw Taik Kyi
U Gyim Kho Spouse gave a copy of the photo for use by HMEE-2012 Nephew : U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold)
U Mya Than
U Tin Oo
Third Row :
U Kyi
U Aung Kyi Retired from GE. Worked as a Private Contractor
U Kyaw Myint
U Tha Nyunt
U U Gyaw
U Khin Maung
U Lal Bik
Comments
U Aye (M62) provided information about U Saw Taik Kyi and U Aung Kyi
69ers celebrated the True Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019.
Before the pandemic, they used to meet at least once every month.
Several 69ers have hosted or co-hosted the breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings. The Mike Khes (Po So Chins) often entertain with live and Karaoke music.
The photos were taken by several 69ers.
Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose)
During my visit to Yangon in January and February 2018, I was host and guest of several 69 gatherings.
69ers in February 2018Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye (Accordion), Aye Thein (Volleyball) David Myint Thein (Rowing), Aye Lwin (RIT Magazine)
The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF), who managed to get the “SPHS Honor Roll” after SPHS got hospitalized.
Attendees range from the 30’s and 40’s to 60’s (or more depending on the health and availability). For example, Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung) has to ask his daughter to drive to the gatherings.
69ers usually book two adjacent rooms and turn them into a single large room for holding the monthly breakfast gatherings.
There are hosts to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, and sometimes welcome classmates visiting from overseas.
Win Maung (Lake) had to pick up U Okkantha (Uzin Victor Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills) to attend the gatherings.
Those who spend time outside Yangon (e.g. Zau Lai, Myitkyina) have to come a long way to meet, greet and fete with their former classmates.
Several annual gatherings were held at M3.
Tun Tin, Aung Gyi Shwe, Sa Maung Maung, Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
M3
Myint Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Ma Thaung Htwe, Ma Myint Myint, Saw Yu Tint
The 69ers book around 10 tables. They are provided a stage for the Karaoke and Live Music.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel) can play the lead, rhythm, bass and drums. Saya U Win Mra taught Daniel and his brothers to play guitar, and encouraged them to set up their own band. He is also a vocalist.
U Kyaw Min (Albert) is proud to be called “Elvis”. He has sung in gatherings (with international companies).
U Win Boh (Robert) played in various gatherings in Australia and Myanmar.
Some 69ers (Tin Maung Aye, Than Myaing, Khin Maung Tint, Aye Lwin, Win Lwin, Myo Nyunt, …) were RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins and organizers, but some have given up their hobbies to spend quality time with their loved ones.
“Pho Pho” U Aung Min and “Ah Pho Gyi Tone Kyaw” U Han Sein (GBNF) are some of the regulars at the 69er gatherings.
Crystal Jade
Around SPZP-2012, an ad hoc lunch gathering was held to meet some 69ers from overseas (attending the SPZP-2012).
U Tin Win (Mining) footed the bill.
The attendees (who had bought the lunch tickets) agreed to donate the ticket sales to the 69er Fund.
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF), Sein Myint, Win Maung, Hla Min Ko Shwe, Daniel Tint Lwin, Sein Tun, Ohn Khine (M70), Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet), Aung Min
In 2016, there was an ad hoc breakfast gathering to welcome U Sein Myint and me, and to bid farewell to Daniel.
Westin Park
Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Others
There have been gatherings at may other places including Shwe Bei, Bone Kyaung (or nearby shop), Cafe on Saya San Lann, YTU Assembly Hall, …
A solar calendar is based on the orbit of the earth around the sun. Typically, it takes 365.2422 solar days to complete the orbit. A leap year attempts to adjust the calendar by adding an extra day every four years.
A lunar calendar is based on the orbit of the moon around the earth. Typically, it takes 29.6 days to complete a cycle.
A luni-solar calendar is a “hybrid” calendar that uses “lunar” month and “solar” year. The calendars used by Chinese and Vietnamese have 12 months in a year and an extra month in the year in which the Lunar and Solar Calendars are synchronized. The CNY (Chinese New Year) and Tet (Vietnamese New Year) occur in late January or early February.
Julian Calendar Leap year : if a year is divisible by 4
Gregorian Calendar Leap year : if a Century year is divisible by 400 Other years if divisible by 4
Burmese Calendar The Burmese use a Luni-Solar-Socio-Religious Calendar. It is used for social and religious events. There are 12 lunar months with a total of 355 days in a Common Burmese Year. There is a difference of 10 days with a Common Year in the Gregorian Calendar. An inter-calary month named “Second Waso” is usually added every three years to sync again with the Solar Calendar. It is known as “Wah Htutt”. If needed, an additional day is added in “Wah Gyi Htutt”.
Pre-Celebrations kicked off on December 1, 2019. The celebrations continued to the end of 2020.
Former Executive Committee members of the 1958 – 1962 Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn published (a) Collection of Kabyars mainly from the old University magazines (b) Magazine with hitherto unpublished articles, essays, short stories, kabyars, etc.
Several books have been published to commemorate the RU Centennial.
A book and magazine by Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn
SMART Sarpay reprinted the book by Maung Aung Mon (Win Aung).
Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College and the founder of the Burmese Department. Sayagyi will be honored by the Myanmar Sar Mi Thar Su in December 2109 with a bust.
The bust of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin was unveiled. Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda, daughter of Sayagyi) attended the ceremony.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF) who is a Phwa Bet Taw of the University of Rangoon was interviewed by a TV program. Sayagyi passed away on December 2, 2020 (the day after RU Centennial). It was several days short of Sayagyi’s centennial birthday on December 26.
Kyemon published an article about the Land marks of the University of Rangoon.
Myanmar Ah Lin published a series of articles for RU Centennial.
The RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 and the RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 were celebrated for 2 – 3 weeks.
Albums
I have created albums. Members are requested to
add captions and comments
add photos to existing albums
create new albums (if required)
The following is a sampling:
Botany Dr. Daw Yi Yi (Mother of Okka)
Burmese (Myanmar Sar) “Khit San Kabyar” Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) See Aung Pyie (Farewell to Mya Thilar)
Chemistry Saya U Aung Khin Dr Soe Win and Daw May Saw Lwin U Nyunt Win Dr. Aung Myint Dr. Tin Win (Alan) Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun) U Kyaw Tun U Maung Maung Gyi U Nwe Aung
Ma Chit Swe’s Autograph Mom of Hazel Kyaw Zaw (Kyi Kyi May) Friends of Ma Chit Swe
Graduation Photo taken at Bayin Ma Studio Photos taken inside Convocation Hall Photos taken outside Convocation Hall
Law U May Aung Sir Arthur Eggar (founder of RUBC) Dr. Ba Han U Kyaw Myint Sayas and sayamas LLB first batch
Mathematics Sayagyi U Ba Toke Dr. Chit Swe Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char)
Physics Sayagyi Dr Maung Maung Kha Dr. Tin Aung Dr. Soe Myint Win Dr. Aye Thein Kyaw Daw May Su Dr. Zin Aung Dr. Saw Wai Hla Dr. Win Naing Dr. Myo Thaik
Rectors and Registrars Dr. Htin Aung U Thet Lwin
UCC Alumni UCC Gathering
Notes :
There are more photo albums.
I have posted photo essays for some topics.
1940s, 1950sand 1960s
Second World War
The Second World War started in 1939 in Europe and spread to Asia.
The University of Rangoon suspended classes for three years : 1943 – 1945.
Per Sayagyi U Ba Toke : There were some make-shift classes at the ad-hoc University in Mogul (Shwe Bon Tha) Street. Sayagyi taught Mathematics there.
1946
Rangoon University was reopened in 1946.
Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor, EE), Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon) and Dr. Pe Thein (Professor, Minister) attended Rangoon University in 1946.
1947
Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglon Agreement) was signed on February 12, 1947. Some ethnic races did not attend the Pinlon Conference.
Nine Arzanis — Bogyoke 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 and Yebaw Ko Htwe — were mercilessly gunned down at the Secretariat on July 19, 1947. All except Sao San Htun (who was hospitalized with fatal wounds and died on July 20, 1947) perished that day. Three ministers including Bagan U Ba Gyan escaped.
1948 and 1949
Burma gain Independence on January 4, 1948 at 4:20 AM. Sao Shwe Thike / Thaik became the first President of the Union of Burma. U Nu became the first Prime Minister.
Two factions — White Flag led by Thakin Than Tun and Red Flag led by Thakin Soe — of the Burma Communist Party (BCP) went underground. There was several groups in the armed rebellion.
For a short period of time, the Burmese government was called “Yangon Ah So Ya“.
Thanks in part to the arms sent by neighboring India, and the volunteer RU students, the planned conquest of Rangoon was derailed. The tide was turned, and Burma was back on the road to normalcy,
The Union of Burma had a bi-caramel parliament.
1950s
Dr. Ba U served as the second President. In his book “My Burma”, he considers himself as the first President elected in accordance with the Constitution of the Union of Burma. The general public considers him as the Second President (who succeeded Sao Swe Thike).
Many States Scholars were sent to the prestigious universities in the USA and UK to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. In 1954, there were 400 Burmese State Scholars (many from the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli). Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than were the early recipients of the “Twinning Program” to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at prestigious universities (e.g. MIT, Cornell). Upon their return, they supplemented and later replaced the foreign sayas. Some worked for government departments and the Industry.
The split in the AFPFL (Anti-Facist People’s Freedom League) party into Clean AFPFL [Thant Shin] and Stable AFPFL [Ti Mye] caused the handover to the “Ein Saunt Ah Soe Ya” (Caretaker Government) in the late 50s. Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
1960s
Mahn Win Maung, who served as the third President, was detained on March 2, 1962 when a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat.
Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned. He was succeeded by Brigadier General Thaung Dan. Several senior officers were sent as Military Attaches.
Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away. He was Ta Wun Gan (Minister) for Health and Education. He is Past Captain and President of RUBC. RUBC has bronze statues of Sir Arthur Eggar (Founder, Life President) and Commodore Than Pe on the promontory. Commodore Thaung Tin (who had jump promotions) succeeded him as Chief of Navy. Colonel Hla Han succeeded him as Minister for Health and Education.
Colonel Chit Myaing was the last of the original Revolutionary Council members to pass away.He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA. He was a supporter of U Kelasa (one of the two sayadaws left behind by Mahasi Sayadaw during his visit to US in 1979).
Ko Tin Maung Thant (son of UNSG U Thant) passed away unexpectedly during his visit to Burma. The motorcade at his last journey was longer than that of Commodore Than Pe.
Khit San Kabyar
The first volume has poems by U E Maung (later Burmese Professor) and Daw Khin Saw Mu (mother of Daw Khin Saw Tint and U Nay Oke Tint).
HlaMin 