2024 — RIT 60th Anniversary ; 55th Anniversary of Graduation
BFF — Best Friends Forever
Swe Swe Kyaw Zin (daughter of U Kyaw Zin EP69) presented 69er Caps & Hats at a 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering.
69er Health Care Fund
U Aung Min (M69) and team manage the 69er Health Care Fund
ကျန်းမာရေး ရံပုံငွေ Some make lump sum donation. Some donate in installments.
40% ကွယ်လွန် Gone But Not Forgotten
Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
On special occasions, the 69ers host the Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
Yearly — Annual Dinner & Entertainment (e.g M3, Panda, U Aung Min’s previous office)
Monthly — Breakfast Gathering (mostly at Royal Rose Restaurant / Taw Win Hnin Si) ; Could not meet during the Covid pandemic
Ad hoc — e.g Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted lunch at Western Park to welcome Nyunt Nyunt Wai / Millie (T69); U Tin Win (Min69) hosted lunch at Crystal Jade for SPZP attendees
Aung Lwin : academy award winner, Director, script writer and actor.
Aung Lwin (Jasper, C70) : Secretary of RIT Rowing Association.
Aye Lwin
Aye Lwin (M69, GBNF) : Secretary of the RIT Mechanical Engineering Association; Secretary of the RIT Annual Magazine; He attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Ba Lwin (Myoma) : Chief Boy Scout of Burma; Ambassador to Ceylon (Sri Lanka); Father of USIS U Kyaw Nyein, U Kyaw Thein Lwin (Navy, Five Star Line), Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (WIU) and U Than Lwin (US State Department).
Dr. Ba Lwin
Ba Lwin, Dr. (EE59) : He and U Myo Kyi (EE59) are the senior sayas (by seniority) at the EE Department. He visited his daughter and his relatives in the USA.
Chit Lwin attended UCC.
Eric Lwin : Younger son of Dr. Kyi Lwin
Khin Maung Lwin, Dr, (FAME)
Khin Maung Lwin (Kyet Taw, M87-91 Group)
Kyi Lwin (George, C67)
Kyin Lwin (M69, GBNF) was a regular at the 69er Gatherings.
Kyaw Lwin (Seated 2nd from Right)
Kyaw Lwin (George Saw Lwin, EC64, GBNF) ; pianist and rower. His elder brother Jimmy Saw Lwin is RUBC Gold and a Diplomat.
Kyaw Lwin (C) : was Minister of Construction. He earlier was a Director General. I was a guest at a dinner reception to honor Dr. Aung Gyi at U Nyan Tun U’s residence. Active and retired Ministers paid respect to Sayagyi and Dr San Hla Aung.
Kyaw Lwin Hla : taught English at RIT; joined UNDP
Kyi Lwin, Dr.
Lwin Aung, Dr. (A59) served as Professor and Head of Architecture Department and retired as Pro-Rector of YTU. He practices Dhamma and also consults for the construction of religious buildings.
Bo Lwin Swe
Lwin Mar Oo (Winner Inn, W Bistro)
Lwin Swe, Bo (EE61) is s senior alumni, and a proud Great Grandfahter.
Bo Lwin Swe
Maung Lwin, Colonel : Former MI Chief and Ambassador to Germany; Father of Toe Lwin (Eco Rowing) and Soe Lwin (RASU Luyechun & amateur astronomer); Founding member of NLD, and Father of Daw Su Su Lwin
Lwin Oo : Dhamma friend.
Mar Lwin
Maung Lwin (Dawei, formerly Tavoy) owned a schooner. Hla Moe (Han Shein), his second son, perished when the schooner sank. Grapevine says that Hla Moe was warned by U Ba Than (Athletic Director and amateur palmist) that he could face a fatal accident. Hla Moe replied that he had survived a car accident (which left scars on his face) and that he would be visiting home via his father’s schooner and then return to Rangoon to become a Donlaba (temporary monk).
Maung Mae Thit Lwin Kyo So Pwe : welcome party for freshers.
May Lwin
Min Lwin, Dr. (SPHS60) : Orthopedic Surgeon. He treated me when I broke a small bone in my left wrist. He made sure that I could attend the wedding reception of my niece.
Min Lwin (2nd from Right)
Min Lwin, Dr. (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64) stood Fifth in Burma in the Matric exam. He is a cousin of “Lake” Win Maung (George Tun) and Khin Swe Aye (Winnie Tun, ChE70). He treated me long ago when I stepped on a pebble and hurt my left foot.
Mya Lwin
Myat Lwin
U Myint Lwin (Standing)
Myint Lwin (Charlie, UCC) : Burma Judo Champion; Diploma in German from IF. His spouse is a niece of Saya U San Tun (M59).
Myint Lwin : UCC alumni; moved to Australia
Myint Lwin Thein, Dr. : his team offered DAG (Diploma in Applied Geology) courses.
Myo Lwin (RUBC)
Myo Lwin (RIT, GTI Saya)
Myo Lwin (Dhamma friend & organizer)
Nyunt Lwin
Ohn Lwin
Pyin Oo Lwin : name for Maymyo
Ronald Lwin : Elder son of Dr. Kyi Lwin
San Lwin, Dr. (Ronald Lwin, GBNF) : RUBC Gold; Cardiologist; Father of Sayama Daw Tin May Lwin (UCC).
San Lwin : Director
San Lwin : Philosophy; Director; Monk
San Lwin Tun
Saw Lwin : Director General at the Department of Higher Education (DHE).
Saw Lwin : He & Daw Su Su have three daughters — Hazel Saw Lwin, Olive Saw Lwin and May Saw Lwin.
Saw Lwin : Children — Jimmy Saw Lwin, George Saw Lwin
Sein Lwin (GBNF) studied in the USA during the time when racial discrimination was prevalent. He served as Professor of Zoology. He is a brother of Daw Khin Than Kywe (Commerce).
Sein Lwin (Raymond Ba Hpyu, GBNF) : distinguished vocalist; perished in an air plane crash; elder brother of Playboy Than Naing
Soe Lwin (Mech Saya, GBNF)
Soe Lwin, Dr. (Dhamma techer)
Soe Lwin (EC66, Railways)
Soe Lwin (Physics, Luyechun)
U Soe Myint Lwin
Soe Myint Lwin (EC68, GBNF) : Burma Selected in Soccer
Than Lwin (Eric Lwin, GBNF) : studied at LSE; room mate of Dr. Chit Swe; taught Economics at BIT; Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Science; Librarian of the Social Science Library.
Than Lwin : Burma Tennis Champion
Than Lwin (EC69) : RIT Saya
Than Lwin : UCC, CSO, Singapore
Thaung Lwin (EC66) : RUBC Past Captain and Gold; younger brother of U Tin U, U Ba Than, Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Myo Min (UCC).
Thaung Lwin (Michael Maung Maung) : Former Deputy Minister
Thaung Lwin : former monk
Thein Lwin (GBNF) : Eldest son of U Maung Gyi & Daw Aw
Thein Lwin (Stanley Shwe Gyi) : SPHS63
Thein Lwin : Brother of Daw Mar Lwin
Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) : alumnus of Lehigh University, USA; taught at RIT and Singapore Polytechnic; President of RIT Badminton Association.
Thet Lwin, Dr. (Statistics)
Thein Lwin (M71, Phyu)
Thet Lwin (Registrar, RIT; Director, DHE)
Thet Lwin (Henry, EC72)
Thet Lwin (UCC)
Tin Maung Lwin (RUBC) : brother of Tin Maung Latt
Tin Maung Lwin (Kenneth, RUBC)
Tin Maung Lwin (TBSA)
Tin May Lwin (UCC, DCS, ICST)
Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69) : retired Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering from NTU; attended SPZPs and took part in the Entertainment Program as a vocalist; plays the guitar along with Albert Kyaw Min and Robert Win Boh at the 69er gatherings; U Win Mra (RIT English) taught him and his brothers how to play the guitar.
Wai Lwin (RIT)
WaiWai Lwin (Emma, TBSA)
Win Lwin (M69) : Secretary of RIT Hiking & Mountaineering Association. He and Ko Cho Aye (M70, GBNF) climbed Mount Victoria with the students from other Universities’ and Institutes
According to U Thant Zin (M), son of Saya U Sein Shan, City FM broadcast a “Congratulatory” session for Sayagyi U Ba Than’s 87th birthday on October 2nd, 2017 at 7 p.m.
Soon Kyway
Dr. Win Thein, Dr. Thein Hlyne, U Than Po
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58), Saya Dr. Thein Hylne and U Than Po (M75) attended the birthday soon kwyay of Sayagyi U Ba Than.
Sponsors include BADA, BAWA, Citizen of Burma Award, …
Date : September 15, 2018
Time : 5pm – 9+ pm
Place : Swiss Park, Newark, CA
Aw Pi Kyeh
APK 1APK 2
Aw Pi Kyeh (Win Naing) is from the Class of 81 and 82.
As “Mann Bei”, he contributed and managed the RIT Cartoon Box.
He served as Secretary of the RIT Cartoon Association.
He spoke about “Made in Myanmar”. He pointed out that his dress is made from neighboring countries. He lamented the loss of countless lives in Cyclone Nargis due to “insufficient knowledge” (e.g. about Disaster Recovery). His talk combines wit, and philosophy.
During his study at Harvard, he proudly spent US$30 to buy a backpack labeled “Made in Myanmar”. His friend bought a similar backpack but labeled “Made in Sri Lanka”. The seam of his back pack broke after a week. Before his return to Myanmar, his friend gave him his backpack. He felt mad, but accepted it. He went on to use the backpack in Myanmar until it got discolored and his spouse asked him to stop using it.
The message is that one not only needs Cetana but also the skills to provide “added advantage”. He gave examples of how others (nations and their companies) used our natural resources and our local talents to create products (and often sell them back at profit).
He also requested those overseas to use “conversion” to understand the “thinking” of those living in Myanmar (possibly most of their lives) as a baby step to help making “Made in Myanmar” proud and reliable.
Min Ko Naing
Min Ko Naing is the pen name of Paw Oo Tun (author, artist, student activist …).
He was a 3rd year student at RASU, when he became a student leader of the 8-8-88 movement.
He visited the San Francisco Bay Area a few years ago and talked about the injustice system and the brutal regimes.
He gave a talk for the SF Bay Area Annual Talks 2018 along with Aw Pi Kyeh.
There were some anecdotes about prison life. One political prisoner begged his prison mates to give him a pain reliever. Most people did not have courage to provide one. One had cetana and courage, but lacked medical knowledge. He gave Buspro to the wailing prisoner, who was relieved of pain forever.
He recounted his observations of the educational and social systems of the countries that he had visited.
He was impressed with some systems which take the nursery children out into the open and teach lessons from nature, and those that allow students to pursue any combination of subjects provided they envision a problem to solve using the mix.
He lamented about how most parents and students in Myanmar prepare at all costs for that “all important Matriculation exam” to pursue two or three high profile professions.
The talk is more suitable for the general audience in Myanmar.
Kudos to the activist turned evangelist for critical thinking and social change.
Dr. Thynn Thynn wrote : Good observations Ko Hla Min…. I think he was trying to convince that the children in Burma deserve the benefits of open education system the children of the expat audience whom he had tried to seek support for the help of expat Burmese youth community to go in to Burma to help or some sort of set an example for those underprivileged kids in side the country. The talk was only half of what he came to say I think.
Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote : Good to know two of you are good friends. Converging point for technical and medical streams?
Trip to Los Angeles
The hosts choose the first talk to be held in Northern California and the final talk to be held in Southern California.
I had the chance to meet Aw Pi Kyeh twice and to meet Min Ko Naing thrice.
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw, EC85) gave me a ride to Los Angeles. Saya U Tin Htut hosted me and took me to two events :
Annual dinner of BASES (as his guest)
La Peunte monastery, which had a festival in the morning and the literary talk by Aw Pi Kyeh and Min Ko Naing in the afternoon.
La Puente Monastery
Saya bought a book and received an autographed copy.
Aw Pi Kyeh told us that he did not drink during the Waso, but that he would resume drinking in a few days (at the end of the Buddhist Lent).
Literary Talk at the YSE Fund raiser
The Youth Society of Education invited two guest speakers at their Fund Raiser.
Myinmu Naing Moe
Myinmu Naing Moe (Ohn Maung) is a poet, vocalist, author and publisher.
He is a National Literary Award winner.
He gave a literary talk on “His life and his Kabyas (Poems)”.
He talked about “Su-Tu-Pyu” paradigm proposed by Sayagyi Minthuwun.
He gave the background of his early school life, the sacrifice of his beloved mother, a story from Buddha’s time, Saya Zawgyi’s poems, and then recited poems.
RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in October 2000.
It started with a Welcome Dinner at a seafood restaurant for attendees.
Welcome Dinner
The Reunion Dinner & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the Enbassy Suites Hotel near SFO (International Airport).
SPZP-2000
A family Lunch gathering at a High School bade farewell to the SPZP attendees, organizers and volunteers.
Steeve’s Message following SPZP-2000
RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:
Steeve Kay 1
I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].
Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!
By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.
With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!
I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (M70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.
Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?
With best regards, Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)
Editor’s notes
Steeve Kay 2
Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70) is a multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs. He donated $200000+ to RIT-related projects and events.
Steeve Kay 3
He attended GTI for a while before joining the first ever 1st BE class in 1964.
Received MSEE from Stanford University and MBA from Pepperdine University.
At the request of his sister, who is a medical doctor who had patents for processing disability claims, he decided to transform from a successful electronics designer to the CEO of QTC Management.
After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired, but continued to lead a multiple-purpose fourth career: (a) visiting the places of the world’s leading religions (b) establishing Kay Family Foundation (c) incubating the projects of young professionals (d) supporting education (e.g. as trustee of University of California at Irvine) (e) maintaining a diverse business portfolio (f) helping those in need (g) continue paying back the metta and cetana of his mentors — as Golden Sponsor of RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
It is a Pali term. It is commonly rendered as “Three Baskets” :
Vinaya (Monastic rules of conduct)
Sutta (Discourses)
Abhidhamma (Ultimate reality)
Buddhist Councils
According to the Theravada tradition, there are six Buddhist Councils.
The First, Second and Third Councils were held in India.
The Fourth Council (which recorded the teachings on palm leaves) was held in Ceylon.
The Fifth Council was held in Mandalay, Burma. U Khanti inscribed the Tipitaka on marble slabs. It was featured as the World’s Largest Book in Ripley’s “Believe it or not”.
The Sixth Council was held in Rangoon, Burma. Tipitaka was reconfirmed and published as printed texts. Selected Pali texts were also translated into Burmese.
First Buddhist Council
Source : U Silananda
Date : 3 months and 5 days (Sasana Era)
Place : Rajagaha (India)
King : Ajasattha
Leader : Mahakassapa Thera
Number of Monks : 500
Duration : 7 months
Accomplishment : Collected, examined, classified, and recorded orally the Buddha’s Teachings
It was the first school established by the De La Salle Brothers in Burma.
St. Pat 1
St.Patrick’s HS, Moulmein. Clock Tower and boarding house upstairs, examination hall below.
Photos taken in 2016, when I visited Moulmein
St. Pat 2St. Pat 3St. Pat 4Entrance
Our class photoV B
Our class photoVII Std
Class teacher Bro. Sebastian. I met him during our first year at Leikkone in 1958-59 while he was attending BAed.
Ko Ko Lay (UCC) first row, sitting second from left. U Aye (M62), second row, sitting second from right. B. Singh (RU goalkeeper) third row, first from right. Myo Lwin (M63), third row third from right.
Absentees : Kyaw Win (M62), Peter Gale.
Bro Canice was Bro Director, House Master Mr. E. Swarris, House Capt. Dr. Aung Myin (Eye, passed away in UK around 2018), U Win Naing (MS pulp and paper)(CRO) third row, fourth from right, U Aye, third row, third from right.
Our matriculation class 1955-56
Bro Austin, Bro Director, Bro Wilfrid, Class teacher, U Tun Shwe ,Myanmar Sar, Mr. DeMonte, Moral and Manners.
Peter Gale, Dr. Thet Lwin (Statistics), B. Singh (RU goalkeeper), medical doctors Dr JK Sinha (UK), Dr Rafi, Dr Rajani Vora, India, Capt. Aung Myint, Capt Ya Kyaw, Myo Lwin (M63), Kyaw Win (M62), John Ba Maung, Russian Lecturer (IFL)
Prof. Khin Zaw (Chemistry), Saw Alfred Keh (Preacher after graduation, son of pre-WW2, RU footballer Washington Keh), U Kyi Win (BPI), U Aye among others.
St Patrick’s HS football team of late 40s and early 50s
During 1948-49, St Pat’s team beat all other Schools’ Combined team. Some of the team members were-
Bernard Henry – Goalkeeper,
R. S. Pathy, Tin Aye — Fullbacks,
Pway Ain (Htay Aung), Jimmy Innes, Tin Ngwe (Mid-field),
Rama (Rightwinger), Khine Thein,SV Lingham, Jimmy Sein (Tint Swe), B. Boudville (Left winger).
Later Pway Ain (Htay Aung) played for RU, Jimmy Sein (Tint Swe) played for Prome Hall and RU. Jimmy Innes played for Customs FC in Rangoon first div.
Many played in Friends Union FC in Moulmein first div.
St Patrick’s Alumini, Ko Ko Gyi, Tenasserim division and Burma selected footballer.
Dennis Mackey (C73) wrote
Thanks for this piece as part of your “Work in Progress”.
Below are photos and notes that I posted on my FB page and on St. Patrick’s HS, Moulmein FB public group page.
In Latin, there are four terms to specify students.
alumnus : male student
almuna : female student
alumni : male students
alumnae : female students
Alumni (Modern usage)
Alumni
Alumni now applies to all four cases mentioned above.
It refers to all former students (not necessarily graduates) of a school, college or university.
It may also refer to former employees of a company or corporation.
Most Universities have
Alumni Associations
Office of Alumni Relations
RIT Alumni International
It was formed in 1999 with the primary objective of planning and implementing the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe).
SPZP-2000
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) served as the President.
The RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published in April, 1999.
The Newsletter was posted on the two RIT web sites, FB groups and Google group.
RIT Alumni Newsletter
The Newsletter and Updates cover
the good and sad news of sayas, sayamas and alumni
micro-gatherings, mini-gatherings, gatherings (by class and/or discipline), world wide Reunions and SPZPs
articles
photos
Northern California RIT Alumni Association
NorCal RITAA
It was formed about a decade ago as a continuation of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group and RIT Alumni International.
Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) served as the first President. His successors include U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83) and U Aung Myint Oo (EC84). U Tin Maung Win (C86) is the current President.
Stan Liou (M67, Table Tennis) served as the first Chair of BOD (Board of Directors). His successor is Saya U Myat Htoo (C68).
U Thaung Nyunt (M87), U Myint Swe (EP74) and U Tin Maung Win (C86) served as Secretary for the different terms. The current Secretary is Maung Maung Moe Zaw (Met02).
NorCal RITAA has a website and FB group.
The pandemic caused a pause in the activities. Earlier, it provided scholarship for the children of alumni in the USA. It worked closely with RITAA in Yangon to provide scholarship for eligible YTU students.
It facilitated to raise funds for YTU Library Modernization Project. It donated $3000 for the training of Library Staff. It also pledged for the sign board and general fund.
Daw Mu Mu Kin has donated Saya Allen Htay’s books to YTU Library. In memory of Saya Allen, she also provided scholarships to YTU students.
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
Our alma mater (with name changes)
RITAA is a short name for RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association. WHO often refers to it as ARITA.
U Tin Latt (M85) was the Interim President. He is succeeded by U Myo Aye, who was elected at the AGM.
It has helped with the fund raising for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
U Thaung Sein (Steeve, Multiple Golden Sponsor) called me this morning.
He had two successful careers: first as an engineer in the semiconductor industry for 15 years, and second as founder and CEO of QTC for 20 years.
For his third career he launched a consulting firm and an investment firm.
He will have some free time to pursue his hobbies and help with more non-profit activities in addition to CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Associations) and “Helen and Steeve Kay Health Fund”.
From Saya Allen Htay
Saya Allen (Center)
Hello Ko Benny, Ko Hla Min, Ko Maurice and Ko Khin Zaw:
I am a little slow replying. Mu Mu and I will participate in the Baby Shower for Khin Khin Latt on 4/20/06 at Ko Khin Zaw and Ma Wai’s home.
I do not know what is customary to bring for the baby shower, that is Mu Mu’s department. As for Ko Khin Maung Zaw, I am planning to bring a bar of lavender soap and a tiny bath towel. Any better suggestion?
Best Regards, Allen Htay
Editor’s note
Khin Khin Latt is the daughter of U Soe Myint and Daw Aida Than Saw. U Soe Myint is the eldest son of U Thein Maung (Htin Lin, National Literary Award winner). He worked as Editor at Working People’s Daily under U Than Saw. He became Chief Editor at the Guardian Daily newspaper.
Ko Zaw Tun Naing and Ko Nyan Win Shwe ex-rit singapore wrote :
Please be informed that there will be Ex-RIT, Singapore 7th meeting on
Date: April 30, 2006 (Sunday) Time: 14:00 to 16:00 (2:00pm to 4pm ) after Appreciation Lunch 12pm to 2pm. Venue: Yunnan Corner, Nanyang Terrace, NTU
Agenda
1. Review 2006 Thingyan 2. Update 2006 Thingyan Account 3. 2006 Thingyan Video Production 4. Define Price for 2006 Thingyan Video 5. Distribution Plan for 2006 Thingyan Video 6. 2007 Sayapuzawpwe discussion We will discuss how should we celebrate the coming “Ex-RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” in April 2007”. We’ll also form sub committees for actions. 7. Any other matters
Please come forward and give us good ideas. Your attendance is invaluable to EX-RIT, Singapore.
Reprints and rrevisions
I often said, “Reminisce the past, cherish the present, and plan for the future.”
Re-prints of old articles help refresh our memory.
The following are excerpts from a poem:
I shot an arrow into the air
It fell to earth I knew not where.
I breathed a song into the air
It fell to earth I knew not where.
Long long afters in an oak I found the arrow still unbroke.
And the song from beginning to end I found it in the heart of a friend.
Value of health
The other day, a young man in his mid 30’s fell ill for three days and then passed away.
We do not know the value of health until we get sick.
The growing list of GBNFs remind us to live meaningful lives and to appreciate simple joys.
His father observed his birthday by taking eight precepts.
Saya also followed the tradition until his health required taking medicine in the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Birthday Soon Kyway
Saya U Ba Than (GBNF), his son (U Ye Than) and Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, R69) pledged Annual Birthday Soon kyway at the specified monastery : Yaw Sayadaw’s monastery, Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone, and Par Chote Sayadaw’s Kyaung .
U Ba Than’s message on his 78th birthday in 2008One of U Ba Than’s Soon Kyway
Before the pandemic, Saya invited former colleagues and students to his Birthday Soon Kwyay on October 2nd at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
One of Ko Ye Than’s Soon Kyway
Ye Than (Winner Inn) would celebrate the birthday on January 1 at Shwe Taung Gone Panditarama.
Alice would offer soon at Par Chote Sayadaw’s Kyaung.
Daw Saw Yu Tint and Saya U Soe Paing
Food for thought
I do not know how people born on February 29 celebrate. Do they celebrate once every four years? Do they celebrate on February 28 or March 1? U Ngwe Soe wrote : For the Burmese, they can celebrate using the Burmese Calendar.
Most twins share the birthday, but in some exceptional cases, their birthdays differ. The day, month or even the year may be different. One twin was born near midnight on December 31, 2020 and another was born in the early hour of January 1, 2021. The odds were 1 in two million births.
Some companies and communities celebrate birthdays collectively (e.g those born in a specified month).
Some Oldies do not know the date of birth and/or the time of birth (needed for natal horoscopes). Some were told by the elders that they were born at “Soon Khan Chein ဆွမ်းခံချိိန်”, “Nay Htunn Ta Phyar နေထန်းတဖျား” or “Kon Tin Thin Baw Site ကုန်တင်သင်္ဘောဆိုက်”.
A few sense Samvegha သံဝေဂ that one more year has passed.
Some review their merits and demerits for the year since their last birthday.
Some parents celebrate monthly or quarterly when their toddlers are young and innocent.
Daw Saw Yu Tint’s grandson asked for half-year birthday present.
Some oldies forgot to wish their loved ones. Blame it on Aging and Memory Loss.
In a group of 30+ people, it is highly likely that at least a pair will have the same birth month and day (but not the year). You may refresh your “Probability and Statistics” knowledge.
It will take a few thousand of people (not including twins) to have a pair that have the exact birthday (year, month, day).