Rangoon University was founded in 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as its constituent colleges.
RU celebrated Golden Jubilee in 1970, Diamond Jubilee in 1995, and Centennial in 2020
Engineering
Engineering courses were first offered in 1924.
The first courses were for Civil Engineering.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering courses were offered in the 1940s.
Mining, Chemical, Textile, Metallurgy and Architecture courses were offered in the 1950s.
Intermediate Course and Colleges
Intermediate courses were initially offered in the Main Campus.
Later, Yankin College was opened for Science students.
Hteedan College was opened for Arts [and Social Science] students.
Colleges were opened in Mandalay, Taunggyi, Moulmein (Mawlamyine), Bassein (Pathein), Myitkyina, …
In some years (probably due to the insurgency in some parts of Burma), students have to sit the “combined” Intermediate examination.
Otherwise, they have to sit for Inter (A) and Inter (B) exams separately.
Even then, there were two chances to pass the exam. The first exam was usually held in March. The second (aka supplementary) exam was usually held in June. The “compart” (compartmental) system requires a student to re-take only the subjects they have failed.
Stipends and awards (Gold and Silver medals, …) are eligible only for students who pass all subjects in the first exam.
Those who aspire to become engineers have to pass I.Sc. with 50+ marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), they had to take a bike or walk to the Main Campus to attend Mathematics [and Geology] classes.
Saya U Ba Toke taught Mathematics to several engineering students (who later became sayas).
Grapevine says that the Second Year of Engineering (equivalent to 4th BE) and 2nd MBBS were the “filters” (or “stumbling blocks”) for engineering and medical students. Some decided to change their study to Pure Science or Arts.
Leik Khone
Leik Khone was attended by engineering students until the school relocated in 1961 to Gyogone as BIT (Burma Institute of Technology).
We were the last batch to attend Leik Khone as an I.Sc.(A) student.
My spouse attended Leik Khone for 1st MBBS (and more).
RU was founded in 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as its constituent colleges. RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee in 1970, the Diamond Jubilee in 1995, and the Centennial in 2020.
Engineering courses were first offered in 1924. The first courses were for Civil Engineering. Mechanical and Electrical Engineering courses were offered in the 1940s. Mining, Chemical, Textile, Metallurgy and Architecture courses were offered in the 1950s.
Intermediate courses were initially offered in the Main Campus. Later, Yankin College was opened for Science students. Hteedan College was opened for Arts and Social Science students.
Intermediate Colleges were opened in Mandalay, Taunggyi, Moulmein (Mawlamyine), Bassein (Pathein), Myitkyina, Kyauk Phyu and Sittwe.
In some years (probably due to the insurgency in some parts of Burma), students have to sit the “combined” Intermediate examination. Otherwise, they have to sit for Inter (A) and Inter (B) exams separately. Even then, there were two chances to pass the exam. The first exam was usually held in March. The second (aka supplementary) exam was usually held in June. The compartmental system requires a student to re-take only the subjects they have failed. Stipends and awards (Gold and Silver medals, …) are eligible only for students who pass all subjects in the first exam.
Those who aspire to become engineers must pass I.Sc. with 50+ marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), the engineering students had to take a bike or walk to the Main Campus to attend Mathematics and Geology classes. U Ba Toke taught Mathematics to several engineering students (who later became sayas).
The Second Year of Engineering (equivalent to 4th BE) and 2nd MBBS were the filters (or stumbling blocks) for engineering and medical students. Some had to change their study to Pure Science or Arts.
Leik Khone was attended by engineering students from 1957 to 1960. From 1961 – 1964, Leik Khone became the Intermediate College of Rangoon University. From 1965 onward, Leik Khone was home of the lower level classes of the Institute of Medicine (1). The Faculty of Engineering relocated in 1961 to Gyogone as BIT (Burma Institute of Technology).
Seated : William Win Kywe, Alan Saw Maung (Khin Maung Bo), Brother Anthony, Saya U Sein, Brother Felix, Saya U Nyunt Maung, Saya Beatson, Brother Xavier, Thein Wai, Min Oo
Standing (1st row) : Stanley Shwe Gyi (Thein Lwin), Hla Min, Han Tun, Tommy Chit Maung (Naing Win), Tommy Aung (Tun Tun Aung), Herbert KCL, Nyunt Naing, Brownie Way (Aung Thu Yein), Tommy Aung, Bernard Taylor, Gallant Leong (Han Thein)
Standing (2nd row) : Michael Lim, Sean Young, Edward Chow, ???, Freddie Ba San (Myo San), Victor Chaw (Aung Chaw), Maung Maung Kyi, Henry Wong (Than Win), Nay Lin, Eddie Nyunt, Robert Kyi (San Maung), Than Win
Standing (3rd row) : Arthur Kyi (Aung Kyi), George Khin Maung (Khin Maung U), Victor Nyunt (Nyunt Wai), Sebastian Law Kee, Win Maung, Than Htay, Edwin David, Orlando Thein, Jerry Hin Hwa (Htin Paw), Edwin Ngwe (Aye Ngwe), Peter Pe (Aung Kyaw)
Standing (4th row) : Bo Ni, Kyaw Win, Robert Myint Win, Caesar Yang (Yin Sein), Aung Khin, Aung Kyee Myint, Chu Pu Thein, Anthony Lourdes, Willie Soe Maung, Tin Tun, Richard Pe, ???
Notes
Some became doctors : Khin Maung U (1st in Burma), Myo San (3rd, GBNF), Nyunt Wai (4th), Thein Wai (5th), Win Kywe, Orlando Thein
Some became engineers and/or computer scientists : Hla Min (7th), Maung Maung Kyi (11th), Aung Thu Yein (13th, GBNF), Aung Chaw Khin Maung Bo, Kyaw Win, Than Htay, Than Win, Tin Tun
Some became priests or monks : Bernard Taylor : served as Missionary in Philippines Edwin David (GBNF) : served as Priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral Church Aung Chaw (Ashin Ukkamsa) : spent vassa in Sagaing Hills and Thone Gwa
Some were members of the SPHS Marching Band : Bernard Taylor, Bo Ni , Jerry Hin Hwa, Orlando Thein Win Maung
Some were Soccer Selected : Eddie Nyunt, Jerry Hin Hwa
Some left before Matriculation : Edward Chow, Robert Kyi
A few have same names : Than Win, Tommy Aung
Khin Maung U (1st in Burma) retired from FDA in USA. He shares medical knowledge in his Reports (over 1000).
Min Oo (2nd) retired as Professor of Mathematics from a McMasters University in Canada. He received his doctorate from Germany.
Myo San (3rd, GBNF) took early retirement as a Surgeon.
Nyunt Wai (4th) was Professor of Physiology at IM(1) and IM(2). He later taught at a Malaysian University.
Thein Wai (5th) moved to USA after graduating from IM(2). Aung Khin, his older brother, had kidney transplants, but passed away.
Hla Min (7th) is a Life Long Learner.
Maung Maung Kyi (11th) studied Chemical Engineering (with specialization in Pulp and Paper) at Dresden University. He worked for Sittang Paper Mill and PPIC before moving to Wales, UK.
Aung Thu Yein (13th, GBNF) is an Electrical Engineering (specializing in Communications and Electronics). He worked for MOC and Schlumberger.
All subjects except English are taken in Burmese Thin Char (Mathematics) Yupa Beda (Physics) Dhatu Beda (Chemistry)
First ever HSF only exam in March, 1962
Coup d’etat took place on March 2, 1962
The exams continued with Security forces patrolling the streets (in Rangoon)
Rangoon Division results were annulled (citing leakage of exam questions)
Make up HSF exam in August, 1962 Chu Pu Thein scored highest in Yupa Beda. Maung Maung Kyi scored highest in Dhatu Beda. Khin Maung U has English distinctions in HSF, Matriculation and I.Sc.(A) in addition to other distinctions.
17 man Revolutionary Council
General Ne Win
Brigadier Aung Gyi (Army)
Commodore Than Pe (Navy)
Brigadier T Clift (Air)
12 Colonels (from War Office and Commands)
According to Kyemon U Thaung, six or so did not know the decisions
BSPP Open to “Cadre” members
Burmese Way to Socialism Transformed the Rice Bowl of Asia into “Black Market” and decline Cause for indiscriminate nationalization, demonetization, harsh censorship …
For a while, the government used the term “Tar Wun Khan” instead of “Wun Gyi” for Minister.
State Funerals
Commodore Than Pe (Revolutionary Council Member, Minister of Health and Education) Passed away after an inspection tour Successors : Colonel Hla Han : Minister of Health and Education Commodore Thaung Tin : Vice Chief of Staff (Navy)
Ko Tin Maung Thant (Son of UNSG U Thant) Fell from a moving bus The cortege was “longer” that that of Commodore Than Pe
Dark moments
7th July 1962 17 victims were announced in the media Ko Aung Khin was hit by a stray bullet while returning from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road
8th July 1962 Demolition of the RUSU Building Finger pointing between the Top Two about who gave the order (Unresolved since both have passed away) First of the many disruptions (closing of classes and schools)
BIT
The Faculty of Engineering moved to the Gyogone Campus in 1961. It was renamed BIT.
Some from the First batch of BIT graduates in 1962 can be found in the post “Class of 1962”
Bohmugyi Myint Thein Lwin (M62) and U Aye (M62) provided group photo, names and info.
Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw, SPHS 63) is one of the organizers. He used to be active in OPA. He is the de factor leader of the younger group (SPHS 65, last batch of SPHS).
Where are they now?
They were my class mates at SPHS.
I have not heard from them (most for a very long time).
Hope they are alive and well.
Alfred Lunn Maung He was a close friend of Edmund Ba Thin in our middle school days.
AnthonyLourdes He was one of the three classmates who had plans to become Catholic Priests.
Aung Kyee Myint He was selected Tekkatho Luyechun from Yezin (Agricultural Institute) for the Inlay Khaung Daung Camp in 1965.
A S Soni He and Dave S Saluja were the two well known Sikhs in our class.
Bernard Taylor He did missionary work in the Philippines before moving back to Upper Burma. I once received a short message on the Internet, but have not heard from him since.
Edmund Ba Thin He is the elder brother of Tin Latt who rowed for Ye Gyaung Lu Nge. He is a close friend of Alfred Lunn Maung.
Edward Chow He took Matriculation as an external candidate along with San Maung (Robert Kyi).
Edward Hla Shwe (1) His father owned a Photo Studio and was one of the contractors for taking Group Photos of the classes. An unmounted Class Photo sold for one kyat. The mounted version sold for One Kyat and Fifty pyas. Several years ago, I met him at his “Myet Hman (glasses)” shop on Sule Pagoda Road. The shop later relocated.
Edward Hla Shwe (2) He was one of the classmates who were allowed to leave early on Fridays.
Han Kan Paw He was from Chin Hills.
Hla Myint He was one of tallest guys in our class. His family manufactured Snow White Makeup.
Herbert KCL Some would try to remember KCL as Potassium Chloride. It stands for Khai Chin Liang.
Khin Maung Khine I am not sure why he received the nickname “Nga Ye Min Tha”.
Khin Maung Kywe He excelled in Track and Field, and Soccer.
Khin Maung Lin (Saw Lin) He was named Saw Lin because he was born in Nattalin. He became a medical doctor. His younger brother was named Saw Pun because he was born in PaPun. Both renamed “Saw” to “Khin”.
Jonathan Swamy He was close with Patrick Das and Sammy Bi.
Malcolm Maung Maung He became known as Zi Wa Mya Zaw (Distinguished Tuition Saya for Biology). His parents and siblings operated Recording Studios.
Maung Maung Thaung He gave his address as 51, Pho Myay Lann.
Michael Oo He is the elder brother of Bo Bo Oo (Oscar, M71).
Michael Su He is close with Michael Oo.
Moe Nyunt He was called “Lay Lone”. He attended the I.Sc.(A) held at SPHS.
Orlando Thein He was a member of the Marching Band along with Win Maung. He became a medical doctor.
Patrick Das He was an organizer for games at Lunch Break.
Patrick Ni His younger sister is the spouse of Ko Maung Maung Gyi (SPHS64, UCC, GBNF).
Sammy Bi He was close with Patrick Das and Jonathan Swamy.
San Maung (Robert Kyi) He took Matriculation as an external candidate along with Edward Chow.
Sydney Khant He is the son of Pantanaw U Khant and nephew of United Nations Secretary General U Thant.
Than Htay He is a cousin of Win Maung. He studied Engineering.
Than Win (Henry Wong) There were two Than Win. The other Than Win studied Engineering,
Tin Ni During our Std IV (D), he was the Champion for Track & Field in the Midget class.
Tommy Aung There were two Tommy Aung. He majored in Physics. The other Tommy Aung (aka Tun Tun Aung) studied Medicine.
Tommy Chit Maung (Naing Win) He is the son of Widura Thakin Chit Maung.
William Mya Many years ago, he was a Tuition Saya.
Win Maung He is a cousin of Than Htay. He was a member of the Marching Band. He studied Medicine.
Cula Thingyan (Small Change) occurs monthly (move to a new Zodiac sign)
Maha Thingyan (Big Change) occurs yearly (Sun, in the geocentric model, enters Meiktha around April 13.
New Year
The early Romans and Persians celebrate the New Year around March 21 – 23 (Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere).
The Precession of the Equinoxes cause the difference of about 23 days (for Western Zodiac System versus Eastern Zodiac System).
Some Indian races like Tamil and Hindu Bengalis celebrate the New Year on or around April 14 when the Sun entered Meiktha.
Burmese New Year
The Burmese celebrate Thingyan Period : Ah Kyo, Ah Kya, one (or two) Ah Kyat, Ah Tet, followed by Hnit San Ta Yet (Burmese/Myanmar New Year).
Children start throwing water on Ah Kyo. Most people throw water for three (or four) days of “Thingyan Proper”.
In the early days, Rangoon allowed manduts (pandals), floats (ah hla pya cars), competitions (than gyat, songs, dances), and limited use of fire hydrants.
Mandalay was noted for the musical evening extravaganza. Myoma Troupe and others made their name. “Mann Taung Yeik Kho” (aka “Mya Nandar”) became a de facto dance song for Thingyan celebrations world wide. The movie “Thingyan Moe” and its songs are still being played around Thingyan.
In one Thingyan, three leaders U Nu, Nasser (Egypt) and Nehru (India) who co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement / Bloc participated.
The Rakhine (Arakan) Thingyan allows young men and women to line up on the sides of a “hlay” (boat filled with water) and gently throw water.
Some young Burmese help elderly women to wash their hair.
Some monasteries host “Su Paung Thingyan Donlaba Pwe” around Thingyan.
On New Year’s day, some will “free fish” back to the lakes.
UCC Thingyan
Thingyan (Burmese New Year) was celebrated by UCC staff and students with “Su Paung Yahan Khan”.
Yahan Khan
The Yahan Khan was performed at a selected monastery such as
Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung
Mo Hnyin Taw Ya
Chan Myay Yeiktha
UCC Yahan Khan
One photo shows
Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe
U Win Maung
U Hla Min
U Tun Aung Gyaw
U Soe Myint (GBNF)
U Khin Maung Aye
Daw Khin Khin Latt
U Tun Aung Gyaw (USA), U Khin Maung Aye (Singapore) and U Win Maung (Australia) are now Ph.Ds.
Another photo shows the UCC Donlabas with a resident monk from Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung.
There were two U Soe Myint at UCC.
U Soe Myint (M72) retired as Pro-Rector of ICST and is GBNF.
U Soe Myint (KSM) retired from UN.
Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) served as Operations Manager and Scientific Applications Manager at UCC. He later served as Professor and Head of Department at the Department of Computer Science (DCS) and the Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST).
Some UCC Belles worked or taught at UCC, DCS and ICST. Some worked for Computer Departments at other organizations (including UN and overseas).
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (GBNF) was a Prisoner of Conscience.
UCC Dobat
UCC also had a Dobat Waing organized by U Win Hlaing.
UCC Dobat
Not so good things can occur in Thingyan
rowdy and/or drunk revelers
drunken drivers
use of unclean water and high pressure pumps
throwing water on pregnant women and yogis
having to go to a cemetery (not to enter “New Year” for those who pass away in Thingyan).
2018 Thingyan in the Bay Area
Sein Myint’s daughter and grand child
Ko Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85) gave us a ride to the Thingyan Festival at Dhammananda Vihara (Half Moon Bay Monastery).
The compound was jam packed. Many cars had to park along Highway 1 (outside the compound).
Thanks to the EC and BOD of TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America), volunteers, food donors.
For a moment, many “forgot” the requests for “Social Distancing” and visited the brightly lit main RU campus and cherish fond memories of their youth. There were medical staff to check the temperature of the attendees, to remind the use of masks and even ambulance cars.
A few cautious people waited till the next morning to visit the RU Landmarks and take photos.
Some listened to dhamma talks (e.g Tha Myin Nya Phala / Merits of being a monk) on the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmon (also known as Thazaungdine).
It is the end of the period for offering Kathein Robes.
A few oldies reminisced the Cartoon Exhibits, Zat, Ah Nyeint and variety of performances.
Law Department was part of RU when it opened on December 1920. The alumni celebrated the Centennial around March 2020 (before the “stay at home” requests due to the pandemic).
Many celebrations are online / virtual or downsized.
Discussions
Are the celebrations for oldies and not so young to share their memories — good and bad, joyful and sad?
Some wanted to perform Dana and share merits with the fallen students (including those hit by “stray” bullets).
Some readers asked if the FB group will still be open and active after the Centennial Celebrations.
Pros and cons of rebuilding the Students Union
Whether Another Grand Celebration will take place when the pandemic is over
The intriguing splendor of the East Where the soft wind melts your heart Where lavish nature gives you a feast And a truly cool refreshing bath
Mountainous tides roll in like thunder Then lie helpless on the shore Fishing boats rush out all set to plunder The ocean’s unending store
To sit under a shady palm To drink a cup of juicy milk To see the raging waters turn Into undulating silk
A variety of multi-colored shells Lay on the fine grain sand No place on earth can match the spell Of this enchanted strand
The luring dragons bid you “Welcome” To this real paradise There’s lots of fun, excitement, beauty What’s more there left to advertise?
My poem “The Ngapali Beach” was published in the Forward Magazine on March 2, 1970.
Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Kha) was Chief Editor of the Forward Magazine. Jokingly asked me if I would be interested to join his staff.
U Sein Hla was Assistant Editor of the Forward Magazine.
I received fifteen kyats for my poem.
The illustrator received fifty kyats.
Ngapali
Some early European visitors called it “Naples of the East”.
I visited Ngapali three times.
Some people visit Ngapali almost annually.
First Visit
My first visit was during my student days. My cousin and friends stayed at the Bungalow owned by U Tha Gyaw Wai (Teddy Gyaw) and managed by my uncle. At a nearby bungalow was a movie crew by Amyotha Yoke Shin with U San Maung (Gerald, RUBC Gold and Coach). Ko Gerald asked me if I would be interested to join them on the way back via Taung Goke.
We were hosted by the cinema owner at Taung Goke. He offered the movie audience a free show if they could translate the Burmese titles into English. One submission was “Fly away bitter bird” (Pyan Lay dei Nget Khar).
Second Visit
My second visit was with my beloved spouse and two young sons. We stayed at the Bungalow owned by Amyotha Yoke Shin and managed by U Mya Maung (GBNF, younger brother of U Sein Tin and elder brother of Saya U Tin Htut).
Third Visit
My third visit was as a Guest Lecturer for the Ngapali Luyechun Camp. I spent some time chatting with other Guest Lecturers including Saya U Kyaw Myint (Director of Higher Education, former Professor of Physics at Mandalay).
Miscellaneous
Hantha Aye Nylon — the parents of Daw Than Than Yee (T71, GBNF) and U Sann Aung (M74) — also owned a Bungalow.
The Hotel and Tourist Corporation built the first hotel in Ngapali.
I know a few people (U Aung Win) who have taken [almost] yearly trips to Ngapali.
Burma Athletics Association (BAA) has an outdoor stadium for Athletics and Soccer.
Later, it had indoor stadium(s).
The stadium was renamed Aung San Stadium to honor Bogyoke.
We had to march with the Marching Band from St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) to the Aung San stadium to perform Drill as part of the “Education Day” Celebrations.
Dennis Stevens (brother of my classmate George Stevens) played the Big Drum.
Twin brothers Bo Kyi and Bo Kyi were the drummers.
Jerry Hin Hwa, Orlando Thein, Win Maung and Bernard Taylor played selected musical instruments.
The First Division Football matches are played at Aung San Stadium. The teams include Rangoon University, Burma Railways, Customs, Army, Navy and several others. The bottom teams in the League get relegated to Second Division the following year.
My uncle U Win Tin (GBNF) took me to watch soccer matches. We watched selected matches (e.g. Dunlop Trophy) and some International matches (e.g. 2nd SEAP Games).
The Northern and Southern Stands cost about fifty pyas, but they provided limited scope and vision. But, they have roofs.
Grand Stand costs about five kyats. It would be a rare treat to watch from the Grand Stand (especially near the center line).
The Open Stand opposite the Grand Stand is a good compromise for about K1.50. We had to carry umbrella or wear raincoat for matches during the Rainy Season.
The Inter State and Division (ISD) Soccer tournament was established in 1952. Shan States with Suk Bahadhur won the inaugural tournament ISD Champions. Mandalay (with Ba Pu), Tennessarim (with Ko Ko Gyi), Irrawaddy (with Hla Htay) became Contenders and/or Champions. Many players were recruited by the First Division teams and some became Burma Selected.
In March 2018, U Maurice Chee (M75) offered soon kwyay at Dhammananda Vihara to celebrate his retirement.
Attendees include
Saya U San Tun
Saya U Tin Htut and Daw Irene
Saya Mao Toon Siong
Saya U Myo Min (UCC)
BOD and EC of NorCal RITAA (Gordon Kaung, U Myo Aung, U Ko Ko Zin, U Nyunt Than, U Kyaw Myint, U Tin Maung Win, U Aung Myint Oo, U Walter Tan, U Myint Swe, U San Lin)
Founding members of RIT Alumni International (Saya U Nyo Win, Saya U “George” Maung Maung, Saya U Myat Htoo, U Hla Min, U Benny Tan, Saya U Thein Aung, U Khin Maung Zaw)
Several alumni (U Bobby, U Khin Maung Win, U Aung Thein, U Thein Aung, U Victor Wong, U Soe Thu, Daw Thandar, Daw Lillian Kaung, Daw San San, U Aye Tun, U Mya Thwin, Daw Khin Mya Yee, Daw San San Nyunt, U Richard Khoo, U Thein Zaw, Daw Khin Khin Kyu)
Friends (Daw Mu Mu Kin)
Families
KMZ (U Khin Maung Zaw) flew in from Seattle. He charged his phone and left it in Seattle. Maurice was not sure if it was deliberate
Saya U Tin Htut and Daw Irene flew in from Los Angeles. Daw Irene was Maurice’s teacher at MEHS.
HlaMin 