Blog

Visit to Myanmar — 2018
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

ICST SPZP

U Aung Moung

Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in Janaury and February, 2018.
- 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
- Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
- Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
- Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
- Guest lecture at UCSY
- Guest lecture at MARB
- Guest lectures at private monk university
- Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
- RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
- Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
- 69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
- Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
- Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
- UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
- Gatherings with relatives
- Meeting old friends
ICST

The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.

Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.

San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee, M75.

Per arrangement of Samantha, Ko Saw Yan Naing came and picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).

Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.

The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.

Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.

ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.

San Yin Myint (at SPZP-2000)

UCSY

Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.

Spent 3 (or more) days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”. I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY. They can be read at hlamin.com

UCC

Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.

Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).

Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.

RIT

Met Saya U Moe Aung, Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.

69er Gatherings

Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.

Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).

I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.

Mini-gathering hosted by me

During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.

U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
- U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
- Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.

A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).

Standing:
- U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
- U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
- U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
- U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
- U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
- U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
- U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
- U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering

Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.

Third Gathering

The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.

Trips

Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.

Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.

A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).

My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.

Learned a lot

I learned a lot from the trips by being a “good” listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.

Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.

Takes a lot longer to take the “short cut” road than to take the longer “paved” road. It’s worse if one is not aware of “unfinished” repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …

Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no “good” roads leading there.

Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”

SPHS

Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).

He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.

He Hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).
August 13, 2025
January 1st

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

New Year

In most parts of the world, December 31st is celebrated as New Year’s Eve. In the Times Square in New York, many tourists wait for the count down to the New Year.

January 1st is celebrated as the start of the New Year. For many, it is a holiday.

Peasants’ Day

In the early days, Burma celebrated January 1st as Peasants’ Day. It was a holiday.

The Revolutionary Council staged a Coup D’etat on March 2, 1962. The BSPP government moved Peasants’ Day to March 2nd.

Birthdays

Saya U Than Lwin (Eric Lwin, my cousin uncle, GBNF) celebrated his birthday on January 1st.

Ye Than

For several years, U Ye Than (Winner Inn, son of my cousin brother Sayagyi U Ba Than) has celebrated his birthday on January 1st with a Soon Kyway.

August 12, 2025
Sikkha
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

It is rendered as Training or Practice.The Myanmar call it Theik-kha.

Three Sikkha

Buddhist studies describe three Sikkha
- Sila (Morality)
- Samadhi (Concentration)
- Panna (Wisdom)
Pali Sikkha

Mahagandayone Sayadaw (Ashin Janakabhivamsa) authored several texts including Pali Sikkha (Practice using Pali words and phrases).

Mahagandayone Sayadaw

Tharmanay Kyaw Sayadaw (U Dhammika) wrote and taught Paritta Seik-kha (Practice using words and phrases from the eleven suttas) in both Myanmar and English. Sayadaw’s objective is to help people (outside Myanmar who do not have time to study Pali grammar) to read and understand Pali texts such as the Protective Suttas and Dhammapada.

Pali Sikhs
August 12, 2025
Library
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

U Khin Zaw

U Khin Zaw
- Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Library
- Founder & Director of “Myanmar Ah Than” (Burma Broadcasting Service).
- Has a son (Ko Wint Khin Zaw) and four daughters.
U Thein Han / Zaw Gyi

U Thein Han
- Co-founder of the “Khit San Sar Pay”
- Literary Award Winner
- Laureate Poet
- Succeeded U Khin Zaw as Chief Librarian of Rangoon University
U Thaw Kaung

U Thaw Kaung
- Succeeded U Thein Han as Chief Librarian of Rangoon University
- He and Saya U Ba Than (M) were the early supporters of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project. He provided access to the library archives for Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) and his team to compile an early draft for the HMEE-2012 book.
Libraries

Universities and Colleges around the world usually maintain libraries and offer cross-loans for rare books and documents.

There are Public Libraries and Private Libraries.

Before the Internet, most libraries use the Dewey Decimal System for cataloging books. Since the distribution of the books is not uniform, some books have several decimal digits following the original three digit category.

ISBN is used by major publishers. A Stanford University Arts Professor wanted to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism ” by Ashin Janakabhivamsa (Taung Myo Sayadaw) and illustrated by Saya U Ba Kyi. Since the book did not have an ISBN, the book could not be ordered and sold through the University Book Store.

The Library of Congress has a large collection of books. It also has a section for books from Asian countries. The books in the Burma Collection are cataloged using phonetic transcription of the Burmese title.

U Win Pe (Maung Swan Yi) served as Secretary of the Burmese Curriculum and later studied Library Science. He wrote an article in Myanmar Gazette about collecting Burmese books for access via the New York libraries and the Library of Congress.
August 12, 2025
Talk — Prize And Award
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 16, 2021

U Hla Min

Nobel Prize
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Medicine
- Literature
- Peace
Awards (considered equivalent to Nobel Prize)
- “Nobel Prize in” Economics
- ACM Turing Award (in Computing)
- Field Medal (in Mathematics)
Prizes at School
- Highest score in a test or examination
- Prize for reciting poems (e.g. Mingalar Kabyar)
- Prize for good handwriting
- Prize for good behavior
- Prize for sports events
- Collegiate Scholarship (for top students in Matriculation examination)
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
- In the early days, RUBC awarded cups to the winning teams.
- The President of the Union of Burma donated the “President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights.”
  In the inaugural competition, RUBC beat the combined team of Calcutta Lake Club and Calcutta University Rowing Club.
- The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma donated the “Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours.”
- The Challenge Cups are listed in the commemorative issue for the 90th Anniversary for the founding of RUBC.
- Sir Arthur Eggar donated a Pewter Cup for the Senior Novices.
  The Senior Novice Winners receive a brooch.
- Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded in the latter days.
  For obvious reasons, the medals are plated.
  P. Orr Tun Yin was a primary supplier of the cups and medals.
  U Hla Din and sons became the secondary source.
Soccer
- For World Cup, there was Jules Rimet Trophy.
- For soccer in Burma, there was “Dunlop Shield (Daing)”
Number of Medals
- In some competitions, the two losing semi-finalists are awarded Joint Third prize.
  So, the number of bronze medals can be higher than the number of gold medals.
- Due to the introduction of tie-breakers in most sports, we rarely have joint champions.
  In a few instances (e.g. the clock cannot discriminate the two winners), two gold medals were awarded to the joint champions.
Miscellaneous
- Fellowship
- Lifetime Achievement Awards
- National Awards
- Literary Awards
August 11, 2025
ICST PZP — 2018

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

ICST SPZP

The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.

Saw Yan Naing (son of Dr. Saw Naing and nephew of Saya Dr. Myo Khin (C70) gave me a ride to the SPZ.

The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.

Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.

ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.

San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of U Hla Myint Thein (Maurice Chee, M75).

August 11, 2025
Encyclopedia
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Text Update on January 2, 2021

U Hla Min

Early Encyclopedias

“Chamber’s Cyclopaedia” was one of the earliest encyclopedias. It covered 40+ subjects.

In our younger days, we had “Pear’s Soap” and “Pear’s Cyclopaedia”. The company was probably building its brand name by supporting the publication of an encyclopedia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My uncle had a set of “Encyclopedia Britannica”. It covers many topics written by SME (Subject Matter Experts). Yearly supplements were published. The final supplement came out a couple of years ago. There will no longer be printed editions. There will only be on-line subscription.

Wikipedia
- Wikipedia is a collection of encyclopedias in multiple languages.
- The English edition of the Wikipedia is the largest.
- The accuracy of the Wikipedia is comparable to that of the “Encyclopedia” thanks to the countless volunteer contributors and editors.
- I was a volunteer to correct discrepancies (mostly entries on Burmese/Myanmar). For example, a young author wrote that St. Paul’s High School was the first among the De La Salle Schools in Burma. He was unaware that St. Patrick’s High School in Mawlamyaing was the first (and was established a few months earlier than St. Paul’s).
No Absolute Perfection

There is a slight chance that there are errors in an encyclopedia (or an equivalent “book of knowledge”). One author was unaware that Rajiv Gandhi was the elder son of Indira Gandhi. He was a pilot and entered politics only when his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi (touted as Indira’s confidante and successor) died in a plane crash.

Collaboration

The advent of Internet and the rise of “Collaborative Work” have lowered the time and cost to maintain encyclopedias.

A few years back, I received a call to submit entries to “Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife”. I emailed to the editors that I was willing to help them on the Burmese section. They sent me four samples and asked me to send back one short article (not exceeding 500 words and with two or more references) on a chosen Head Word (e.g. Burmese American Festivals). They reviewed my article and accepted me. The remuneration was $10. I replied that I would like to have a copy of the 2-volume encyclopedia. A deal was struck. They would give me the encyclopedia if I submit at least 8 articles. Nine articles were accepted. Two articles were merged with the work of other authors. One author was a Burmese College Professor. Another was probably a graduate student, who inserted the wrong date for Martyr’s Day. The Editors promised to correct his error in another edition. I received a 3-volume encyclopedia (initially projected to be 2-volume) and an additional $10.

Google Books
- Some are not aware of “Google Books”.
- If one goes to “Google Books” and search for my name, one can find the nine articles.
Burmese Encyclopedia

In my younger days, my parents bought me “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” (Burmese Encyclopedia).

I heard that the “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” is under re-development with the help of SME (Subject Matter Experts).
August 11, 2025
Electrical Engg Sayas
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

EE Sayas
- During our RIT days, there were about 20 sayas at the Electrical Engineering Department
- The Department offered two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power).
- Several decades later EC and EP became Departments with their own Professors and Heads.
  EC is also known as EcE or Electronics Engineering.
- The Group photo shows 15 sayas.
  One was absent for the Photo Shoot.
  A few were on doing further studies abroad.
- For SPZP-2010 held in Singapore, I wrote an article “A Short and Sad Clip : EE Sayas” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung.
  Saya U Moe War (Tekkatho Moe War, Chief Editor) suggested the Title.
- U Thein Lwin and U Nyi Nyi (who passed away a few years back) were not covered in the article.
Article from SPZP-2010

Article (continued)

Article (End)

U Kyaw Tun

Engg Students
- Group photo of the “Reunion in January 1980 of the Final Year Engineering Students in 1948 and 49” showed Sayagyi.
- Joined the Department of Electrical Engineering
- Continued teaching until his retirement.
- Recruited Saya C. Ping Lee to join EE department in 1950.
- Children : Dr. Elizabeth (Daw Tun Nu, Ph.D in English), Dorothy
- “Doctor” Tin Aung Win wrote about his beloved father-in-law.
C. Ping Lee

C. Ping Lee
- Recruited by Saya U Kyaw Tun to join Electrical Engineering, BOC College.
- Transferred to the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training at the request of H.E. U Than Aung (his Burmese teacher at St. Paul’s).
- Dr. Win Aung (M 62) wrote about his beloved father in the “Post Reunion” series of SPZP-2000.
- Articles by Dr. Win Aung, Saya U Htin Paw (EE 58), U Aw Taik Moh (C54), Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) have references to Saya C. Ping Lee.
- Saya passed away in Berkeley, CA in 1987.
- Former students included the late Professor U Sein Hlaing.
U Sein Hlaing

U Sein Hlaing
- Top in the class of 1952
- MSEE from MIT
- Professor of Electrical Engineering
- Taught at BIT/RIT until retirement
- Passed away a few years after retirement
U Tin Swe

U Tin Swe was member of the Prome Football Team
- MSEE from the University of Michigan.
- Excellent in Soccer and Tennis.
- Early Power User at the Universities’ Computer Center (UCC).
U Sein Win

U Sein Win
- MSEE from the University of Michigan
- Worked at the famous Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Technical Consultant for the UCC Project.
- President of RIT Swimming, Water Polo and Diving
- President of RIT Rowing
- Line Judge at RUBC Regattas
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli

Dr. F Ba Hli in Sydney, 2006
- Sc.D in EE from MIT
- Director General, UBARI
- Taught part time at EE Department
- Retired as National Advisor at the Ministry of National Planning and Finance
- Member, UCC Advisory Board
- External Examiner, UCC
- Passed away in Sydney, Australia in his 90s
U Thein Lwin

Saya U Thein Lwin’s birthday in Singapore
- MSEE from Lehigh University
- Saya taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic
- President, RIT Badminton Association
Dr. San Tint

Dr. San Tint
- Taught until retirement
- External Examiner, UCC
- Attended SPZP-2000
U Soe Min
- After training in UK, transferred to DCA (Directorate of Civil Aviation)
U Chin Way
- Joined RIT in 1963
- Active in SPARK
- Was offered a job [promptly] by his interviewers after learning that their boss U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC68) was a student of Saya
- Passed away in the USA
U Nyi Nyi
- Joined RIT in 1963
- Introduced U Soe Paing to Dr. Chit Swe
- Passed away in UK
U Tin Shwe

U Tin Shwe
- Joined RIT in 1966
- Taught at RIT and ABAC
- Became monk after retirement
- His demise is lamented in “To the Shwe Duo” (Poem by Tekkatho Moe War, Translation by Hla Min)
U Kyaw Lwin
- Hobbies : Rowing, Piano
RIT Eights

RIT Eights

Daw Mya Mya Than
- Joined RIT in 1968
- Passed away
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee
- Joined RIT in 1972
- Widow of Saya U Sein Hlaing
- Head of Electrical Engineering (Power) Department at RIT/YIT/MIT.
- Passed away on Jan 05, 2000
U Myo Kyi

U Myo Kyi
- Joined EE Faculty in 1959.
- Provided two lists of EE sayas : one for Senior sayas and another for Junior sayas
- Was on deputation when the EE Sayas Group photo was taken.
- Provided video for the 60th Anniversary of RIT.
Dr. Ba Lwin

Dr. Ba Lwin
- Joined EE Faculty in 1959.
- Was on deputation when the EE Sayas Group photo was taken.
- Provided video for the 60th Anniversary of RIT.
U Tin Maung Thein

U Tin Maung Thein
- Eldest son of Arzani U Ohn Maung.
- Joined EE Faculty in 1962.
- Was on deputation when the EE Sayas Group Photo was taken.
U Khine Oo

U Khine Oo
- Joined the EE Faculty in 1963.
- Missed the photo shoot of the EE Sayas.
August 11, 2025
Gatherings — Jan 2018
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

There were several gatherings during my visit to Yangon in January, 2018.
- Mini-gathering hosted by me
- 69er Monthly Gathering
- UCC gathering hosted by the Myints
- 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST and UCSY
- Lunch gathering hosted by MARB sayas
Mini-gathering hosted by me

Host : Me

During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.

U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
- U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
- Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.

A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).

Standing:
- U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
- U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
- U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
- U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
- U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
- U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
- U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
- U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Sharing Merits
- I hosted the mini-gathering.
- I also donated to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) and the EE69ers HCF.
- Ah Hmya, ah hmya, ah hmya
August 11, 2025
1939 – 1958
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

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. He 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.
Panglong Conference

1947
- Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglong 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 1958. Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
August 11, 2025