Memories of SPZP-2012
by U Ohn Khine (M70)
The grand event SPZP 2012 was successfully held on the 30th December 2012, at the open space grass lawn between the two wings of the main building of RIT. This was the place where convocations were held up till 1970 batch graduation.
What a spectacular scene of joyous and smiling faces of Sayas and alumni mingling among friends and welcoming Sayas. RIT compound started to be filled with alumni from 7am. The cheerful noises of alumni reached the peak at about 8:30 am. One couldn’t talk to each other in normal tones and had to shout to have a conversation. Some got sore throat the next day. Wherever one looked one will find a sea of alumni either greeting, chatting, taking photos, or just walking along the corridors and around the compound. I am sure our alma mater hadn’t seen such a gathering of students during her lifetime. In my imagination, I can clearly see the joyous tears on her smiling face.
More than 3000 alumni and about 280 Sayas attended the ceremony. Sayagyis were ushered to the stage at 9 am. Some were on wheelchairs and some were helped by alumni to the stage.
The whole square in front of the stage was filled with alumni and there were still some lingering around the main building. The paying respect (Kadawt) and speech giving by Sayagyis lasted about one and a half hours. After that lunch was served to Sayas and alumni also. Entertainment by alumni restarted after the lunch break and continued up till 2 pm.
Reunion Dinner and Entertainment
A reunion dinner was held at Myanmar Convention Center open courtyard on 30th December 2012. Entertainment programs started at 6 pm and a buffet dinner was served at 6:30 pm. Sayas with their spouses, and alumni, some with their families attended. The head count was more than 2500. As there was a free flow of Myanmar Beer and Grand Royal whisky (sponsored) the scene was more boisterous than in the morning. The entertainment programs by alumni were also marvelous with varieties of performances such as the traditional “Ah Pyo Daw” dance, puppet show, famous “T Square Yein”, solo and duet singing and finally capped with “Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint” by Singapore alumni. Due to the cold weather and lateness, most guests went back already when the “Ah Nyeint” started.
—-
Editor’s Notes
Despite some glitches, the SPZP 2012 was a tremendous success. This was due to those who donated time, effort, cash and kind to ensure success.
I would like to record the relentless efforts of Ko Saw Linn (C71, GBNF) despite his health condition. He had undergone a kidney transplant and to quote him, he had almost no original parts in his body. He went to Singapore for medical treatment after he returned from the Trip to Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin with Sayagis after the SPZP 2012 ceremony.
Overseas Sayas who attended SPZP 2012
- Civil
Dr, Aung Gyi , Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Aung Soe, U Myat Htoo, U Khin Maung Phone Ko, … - Mechanical
U Aung Khin, U Maung Maung Win, U Tin Htut, U Tu Myint, Dr. Nyo Win, U Kyaw Sein, U Lay Aung, … - Chemical
Dr. Tin Aung (KC Chiu), U Maung Maung (George), U Htun Aung Kyaw, … - Electrical
U Moe Aung, …
HlaMin 