MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
“Fast track” MBBS for LMP
Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
MBBS (Mandalay)
New Education System Institute of Medicine (1) Institute of Medicine (2) Mandalay Institute of Medicine
MD
Ph.D
Membership MRCP, MRCOG …
Fellowship FRCP, FRCS …
Physicians / Medicine Col Min Sein (Dean) Major Shwe Zan Dr. Maung Gale (Dean) Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector) Dr. U E (Rector) Dr. Hla Myint (Aba) …
Surgeons Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector) Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped) Dr. Htut Saing (Ped) Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic) Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho) …
Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
A new program was established a few years back.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.
Summer of 1964
The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.
Some Luyechuns
Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)
Summer of 1965
The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.
Staff at Inlay Camp
U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
Daw Po (Burmese)
Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
U Khin Aung
U Khin Maung Htwe
U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs
Some Luyechuns
Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
Ko Thein Win (IM2)
Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
Ko Mya Than (RASU)
Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
Ko Hla Min (RIT)
Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
…
They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns. Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF) Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA) Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister) Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay) Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin) Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta) Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi) Ko Thein Lwin Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon) …
There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).
The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns. They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).
Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung
Front : Than Sitt, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Min Oo Back : Soe Aung, Kyaw Myint, Sein Shwe, Ye Myint, Hla MinFront : Hla Min Back : Aung Myint, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Htwe, Ye Myint, Sein Shwe
Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.
Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …
The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).
Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.
Miscellaneous
Htut Kwan
7-time winner
6-time winner
…
2-time winner
Association
Gatherings
FB Group
Support new generation of LYC
Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
Database of LYC
Active members
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Guest Lecturers in 1965
Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
…
Guest Lecturers in 1987/88
U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
…
Luyechun Association
A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed. The association meets one or more times a year.
There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
It has a Facebook group.
There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns. Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years. A few won the award six or seven times.
Some Luyechuns have passed away.
Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.
Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965
As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).
PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL
Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur Can truly make our hearts sublime Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor Have firmly stood the test of time
It lies deep in the heart of people It gives them courage and inspiration No wonder this festival has no equal It promises joy and veneration
On board the Karaweik so scintillating Stood the four images of Lord Buddha For the Noble Truth are we vindicating? What lies deep under the completed tour?
But one statue was left behind Because in writings we do find That should it ever leave the shrine There will be thunder and storm Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut
From floating islands the leg rowers came To take part in the race With their muscular frame, with might and main Their oars flashing at a rapid pace
Festivities last all night long Dances to the company of ozi and gong Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air May loving kindness prevail everywhere
Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020
I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay. Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.
Mahayana Buddhists emphasize the importance of Compassion
Sayadaw U Sobhana (GBNF) had four Indonesian siblings as his students. Named one of them Karuna. She was present at Sayadaw’s Last Journey.
U Moe Myint (M76) and several alumni are members of the “Karuna Ah Thinn” in Singapore. One activitiy is to help the needy for the Last Journey of their loved one.
We saw an outpouring of Karuna in the relief efforts for Disaster Recovery (e.g. Cyclone Nargis)
Practicing Karuna
May suffering ones be suffering-free
And the fear-struck fearless be
May the grieving shed all grief
And all beings find relief
Mudita
Pali term.
Rendered as Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
One of the four Bhamaso Taya
One should feel joyful when one hears good news about others.
Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is Chief Editor
Contributor : Tekkatho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
Upekkha
Pali term
Rendered as Neutral [Feeling]
Also translated as Equanimity
One of the four Bhamaso Taya
In a loose usage in Burmese, “Upekkha Shu” means “ignore”. It is not representative of the importance of Upekkha, which provides a balance of life and avoids the two extremes stated in the Dhammacakka Sutta
It is non-trivial to sense Upekkha while practicing Vipassana (Insight) Meditation.
Feelings may be be categorized as
Pleasant Feeling
Unpleasant Feeling
Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling
Upekkha is synonymous with “Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling”.
In the early days of Computing, a Hack is defined to be a “useful and/or beautiful piece of code.”
Hacker
Some students, who worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computing Laboratories, preferred working on code rather than attending courses.
They feel proud of their Hacks and are addressed as Hackers.
Over time, Unethical Hackers emerged.
Ethical Hackers also rose to defend against the Unethical Hackers.
Most people do no know or care about the difference between Ethical and Unethical Hackers.
Ethical Hackers
They try to break the security of computer systems and applications.
They propose solutions to defend the possible attacks of Unethical Hackers.
They are known as White Hats.
Unethical Hackers
They inflict damage to hardware, software and data systems.
They may steal and sell sensitive information.
One study says that it is safer and lucrative to be a Criminal Hacker (also referred to as Cracker) than selling drugs (which can lead to imprisonment and death in some countries).
The underground business for malware (viruses, Trojan horses, …) is valued at multi-billion dollars.
Value of a number in positional notation depends upon the Base or Radix.
In the Decimal system (Base Ten), 1001 has a value of a thousand and one.
In the Binary system (Base Two), 1001 has a value of 9.
Folklore
“One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as Arabian Nights) is from the Arabic Folklore.
Scheherazade told 1001 stories to defer her death.
Numerical Palindrome
A palindrome reads the same forward and backward.
101, 1001 and 123454321 are numerical Palindromes.
Ramanujan and the Beauty of numbers
Ramanujan was highly interested in Mathematics and ignored other subjects in College.
Ended up as an employee in a post office. Bold enough to send his handwritten notes to Professor Hardy (Cambridge University), who sponsored him.
Ramanujan later fell gravely ill. Professor Hardy went to see him in a hospital. He supposedly told Ramanujan that he rode a taxi cab with 1729 on its license.
Ramanujan replied, “That is an interesting number. It is the smallest number that can be represented as the sum of two cubes in two ways.”
1729 = 729 + 1000 = 9*9*9 + 10*10*10
1729 = 1 + 1728 = 1*1*1 + 12*12*12
Ramanujan’s works are still being studied and refined by Mathematicians.
Thanks to Saya U Soe Paing for his great endeavour in visiting the UCL (Universities’ Central Library) numerous times [in January 2012] to gather and record invaluable information relating to RIT (and BOC college of Engineering as well). And thanks to you for archiving all through your emails and keeping all RITians gelled together.
Only when did Saya U Soe Paing mention Engineering Students’ Magazines, that I happen to recall one Engineering Students’ Magazine in which I was part of it. That was in Academic Year 1960-1961. I was still an Electrical Engineering Student at that time (2nd year, or, by the present calling, 4th year). At Rangoon University (Main University) they had a University Students’ Union (in Burmese, Thud Meg-ga is translated as Union), and we had correspondingly an Engineering Students’ Union as well at our Faculty of Engineering at Leik-Khone (Dome), Prome Road.
At that time I met one Ko Hla Tin (Civil) who was my senior and several years older than me, staying at Prome Hall which was adjacent to Leik Khone, only separated by a fence. He was an avid poet (pen name Kay-tu Win Tint, from Taunggoo) and I used to visit his room at Prome Hall to talk about poems and literature during lunch or break times. I also met one senior (can’t recall his name, I think Ko Sein Hlaing) who was the Secretary of the Students’ Union. After some lively discussions, we decided to issue an Engineering Students’ Union Annual Magazine and they made me the Chief Editor. The Magazine consisted of two sections, Burmese and English, of which Saya U Aung Khin (Mech) was the English Editor.
I still have the 1960-61 issue neatly tucked in a cupboard in Yangon.
Now I remember that Ko Sein Hlaing (EE?) is still in Yangon, helping to look after his grand children, but not in good health. Ko Sein Hlaing’s daughter was my daughter’s very close friend since their childhood days. We met once in Singapore about 12 years back.
Dear Ko Hla Min, this is the time to reminisce and be happy about the good old days and try to fly back with whatever time machine we could get hold of. Time really flies and we should realize that our days are numbered.
Publications
Saya published “Collection of Poems” : some books by himself (e.g. Pearl in My Heart) and some with collaborators (e.g. Swel Daw Poems).
He also published a collection of articles (e.g. Sea of Men & selected articles)
During one of my visits to Rangoon, he gave me an autographed copy of his book.
Autographed copyCoverMusings by Tekkatho Moe War and Maung Sein Win (Padeegone)
Feb 13 : Children’s Day (Bogyoke Aung San’s birthday)
Feb 14 : Valentine’s Day
US Presidents’ Day
Occasionally : Lunar New Year
Occasionally : Full Moon Day of Tabodwe — Htamane Pwe & [Buddha’s] Exhortation Day
March
Mar 2 : Peasant’s Day was moved from Jan 1 in order to celebrate the Coup D’eat
Phone Maw Day
Burma’s Human Rights Day (celebrated by Berkeley)
Mar 27 : Resistance Day was renamed as Armed Forces Day
First Day of Spring : Persian New Year
April
Thingyan : Three or four days of Water Festival
Myanmar New Year
May
May 1 : May Day in some countries
May 5 : Cinco de Mayo
Mother’s Day in the US
June
Jun 6 : D Day
Jun 6 : Ah Loke Thamar Ah Yay Ah Khinn
Father’s Day in the US
July
Jul 4 : Independence Day in the US
Jul 7 : Students’ protest that was brutally crushed
Jul 8 : Demolition of the Rangoon University Student’s Union
Jul 19 : Arzani Nay
Apollo 11 landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon in July 1969
My poem “Men on the Moon” was sent to NASA via USIS. A copy was published in the Guardian.
August
8-8-88 : start of a long struggle to restore Democracy in Myanmar
Several birthdays in my extended family
September
Crushing the hopes of Multi-party Democracy
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent
October
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent (Thadinkyut)
“Deepavali” or “Diwali” celebrations are also celebrated around October. It is known as the “Festival of Lights”.
“Halloween” occurs every year on October 31 with “Trick or
Treat” by the children and [optional] “Halloween Costume Party” by young and old adults.
November
Elections in the US (Local races & Resolutions every year, House of Representatives every two years, One third of Senators every two years, President every four years)
Nov 22 : JFK assassinated (Conspiracy Theory survives)
Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US
December
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn : dark day in the history of Burma
Apollo 8 orbited the Moon in December 1968
Dec 25 : Christmas
Dec 31 : New Year’s Eve
Grapevine says that some holy days are preceded by some “fun events”.
Wrote several articles for the 69er Golden Jubilee Magazine RIT Thaing Exhibition RIT Nicknames
Spouse (Mu Aye) is a cousin of Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69, Australia)
Retired Member of Parliament of Pyitthu Hluttaw Oversaw Committees related to Mining and Natural Resources.
Surprised us at an ad hoc breakfast gathering with Uzin Aung Chaw, Ko Sein Myint, Ko Myint Maung, Ko Win Maung, Ko Shwe, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Myat Soe Lwin …
69ers
Kyaw Tint (Min69)
Kyaw Tint
Youngest, smartest and most stubborn among the 14 students in Min69.
Joined the Faculty
Received Masters from Australia.
Prisoner of Conscience.
Wrote an article in the 69er Golden Jubilee magazine.
GBNF #110 Passed away in September 2021
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein
RIT Volleyball Selected
Taught/coached female Volleyball players (e.g. Ma Tin Aye, C73)
Also good at Soccer, Dobat & Dancing.
He is GBNF #117 Passed away in January 2022
Khin Maung Gyi (Min69)
One of two Khin Maung Gyi in the Class of 69.
Room mate of Ko Chit Pe (M69, GBNF)
Still have dark hair (hopefully original)
Mech KMG (GBNF) passed away in 2021.
Tin Win (Min69)
Hosted some 69er gatherings.
He was Honorary Consul for Switzerland.
Min69 (GBNF)
Aung Naing (Bahadhur) : Aug 14, 2011, #055, GTI Principal (Taunggyi), Yangon
Chit Htun
Chit Htun : Dec 11, 2011, #058, YIT Lecturer, Yangon
Heis an organizer of the Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65. He is a bilingual writer, poet and translator.
Aung Myint (Thamankyar Ko Myint)
Thamankyar
He is a member of the A1 Family. He is an actor, composer, vocalist, guitarist and production manager. Sad to note that his younger brother Sai Wunna passed away.
Ko Zaw Winn and friends
Mining Engineering
The first course was given at the BOC College in 1954.
U Soe Khaw (GBNF)
U Soe Khaw
Received BS from UC Berkeley and MS from Minnesota School of Mines.
Served as Part-time lecturer and Head of the newly established Mining Department at BOC College.
Wrote an article for HMEE project.
After working for the Ministry of Mines and UN projects, he moved to USA.
Attended SPZP-2000.
Saya Allen Htay (GBNF) and Dr. San Lin asked me to join a micro-gathering with Saya U Soe Khaw. It started before lunch and ended after dinner.
U Soon Sein (GBNF)
Received MS from Colorado School of Mines.
Mawgunwin Third Grade.
Succeeded U Soe Khaw as Head of Department.
Retired as Professor.
Spoke to him before SPZP-2000. Per advice from his doctors, he declined the invitation to attend SPZP-2000.
HlaMin 