In December 1920, there were three significant events.
On December 1, 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent colleges. The colleges are also known by other names (e.g. Government College, Baptist College)
On December 5, 1920, the First RU Students’ Strike took place. They protested the 1920 Rangoon University Act as too narrow and restrictive.
On December 26, 1920, Saya U Ba Toke was born as a Phwa Bet Taw of the above two.
Rangoon University(RU)
Initially had three Faculties and eight departments (including Law)
Initially had six professors
RU gradually extended its offerings (beyond Science and Arts)
The opening of engineering classes was planned around 1923 and executed in 1924.
In 1927, the first batch of engineering students (who had Bachelors degree) graduated with the “accelerated courses” option.
In 1928, the second batch of engineering students (who joined after finishing the I.Sc.) graduated.
RU was closed from 1942 to 45. RU Silver Jubilee was celebrated much later (and without high key).
RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) in 1970. Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) and U Thet Lwin (Burmese saya at the Institute of Economics) were some of the GJ organizers. The RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the GJ Entertainment Program as “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe“. The term “Swel Daw Yeik” became synonymous with RIT [its predecessors and its successors]. Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint (စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် with Minthamees မင်းသမီး and Lu Shwin Daws လူရွှင်တော်), HteeYein (ထီးယိမ်း RIT Belles with colorful Parasols) and Da Bin Daing Ah Ka (တပင်တိုင်အက) were hits at the GJ celebration. I was a volunteer member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Hta Yay” subcommittee headed by Saya U Hla Tun Aung (Geography). Those who applied for stalls and/or stage included Actor Maung Maung Tar (promoting his make up) and the then amateur band “Playboys” requesting a high stage (for security concerns).
RU celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in 1995.
RU celebrated the “Yar Pyie Ah Kyo” in December 2019. The opening song was “Mya Kyun Nyo” composed by Maung Ngwe Hlinne (Saya U Thet Lwin).
RU Centennial Celebrations were planned for November and December of 2020. Due to the pandemic, many events were held virtually. Kyemon and Myanar Ah Lin newspapers featured articles about RU. The TV stations featured interviews, songs …
First RU Students’ Strike
Eleven “senior” students led the Boycott of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
They were unhappy with the restrictions of the RU Act and decided to hold a boycott (strike) on December 7, 1920.
Due to a news leak, the protests were moved to December 5, 1920.
The strike resulted in the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National Schools) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College). The event is celebrated as Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day). The Burmese date (10th Waning day of Tazaungmon) is used for the Celebration.
Arzani U Razak was an early graduate of the National College. He served as Principal of a National School in Mandalay. He became Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s cabinet.
Prime Minister U Nu, United Nations Secretary General U Thant and Ahmyotha Pyinnya Wun / Educator / Writer U Po Kyar are notable sayas from the National Schools.
The boycott was responsible for the amendments to the RU Act. e.g. opening of schools for engineering and medicine,
A pillar was set up on Shwe Dagon Pagoda in memory of the Boycott.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke(Dec 26, 1920 – Dec 2, 2020)
He is one of the oldest and senior sayas. Some senior sayas (e.g. Daw Hla May / Anne Sine) passed away in early 2020.
Received A.M (Master of Arts in Mathematics) from Harvard University.
Served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Professor of Mathematics at RU and RASU.
Promoted to Rector, MASU.
With his own volition, he transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
As a Saya of engineering sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi), he was invited to attend SPZP-2000 and give a speech.
Saya attended all SPZPs except SPZP-2002 (which he had to forgo due to Sayagadaw’s health).
Played Chinlon and Soccer.
Co-chair of RU Sports Council Managed the Soccer program.
Headed the Burmese delegation to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Until his 80s, Saya was active (e.g. walk to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with his dhamma friends).
In his 90s, Saya had physical limitations, but his mental faculty was strong as ever.
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) interviewed Saya. Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) transcribed the tapes. The book covering Sayagyi’s Life Journey was published by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy.
Two Sayagyis
U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
Pu Zaw Pwe (PZP) — paying homage to mentors — is a noble tradition. They are also known as Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
There have been micro-PZPs, mini-PZPs and grand PZPs.
Saya U Ba Than (born on October 2, 1930) usually visits and pay homage to his saya Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
Paying homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke
During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
On one visit, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of “Life Journey of Mathematics Professor Sayagyi U Ba Toke”. The book was written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) based on his interviews with Sayagyi U Ba Toke. It also covers the early Thin Char Sayagyis. The book was published by Rangoon University Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
In January 2017, Pansy Ba Toke (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her son-in-law and daughter to pick up Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke. Sayagyi had some problems with mobility and vision, but his mind remains crisp and clear.
Pansy was a member of the Swel Daw Yeik “Htee Yein” at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970.She has offered transportation to the Sayas who want to visit her father.
Sayagyi sometimesdefer celebrating his birthday so that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — far and near — could join the celebration.
Sayagyi is pre-deceased by his beloved spouse, his second son (Soe Win, 6th out of his 8 children) and his second daughter (Kitty, 3rd out of his 8 children)
I am following the noble tradition of honoring pioneers and outstanding people. I am trying my best to present their achievements and contributions. I an privileged to have known many seniors, contemporaries and juniors.
Who’s Who, Twentieth Century Impressions of Burma, Five Minute Biographies တွေ ကို နည်းယူပြီး ကျွန်တော် က Old Burma တုန်းက ထူးချွန်သူ တွေ ကို မှတ်တမ်းတင် ဂုဏ်ပြု နေတဲ့ ရှေ့မှီ နောက်မှီ (ဘေးမှီ) သူတယောက်ပါ။
I volunteered as a Docent at the Computer History Museum (CHM) for two years. CHM’s programs include Hardware & Software Artifacts, Exhibits, Oral History, Lectures, Panels and Award Ceremonies.
The Old Burma Group has posts about History, Notable (Famous as well as Notorious) people. I appreciate the invaluable posts as a reader and contributor.
Old Burma Group ဟာလည်း သမိုင်း နဲ့ ထူးချွန် / ဆိုးသွမ်း (Famous as well as Notorious) ကို မှတ်တမ်း တင် နေ တဲ့ အဖွဲ့ မို့ Contributor တယောက် အနေ နဲ့ ဝမ်းသာ ကြည်နူး မိပါတယ်။
I request the Group Administrator and Moderators to approve my posts.
ကျွန်တော် ရဲ့ posts တွေကို တင်ပြခွင့်ပြုပါ Admin နဲ့ Moderator များ ခင်ဗျာ။
ကျွန်တော် က I am
Founder & Chief Editor of RIT Alumni Newsletter
Owner & Admin of RIT Updates FB Group
Member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) : အဖွဲ့ဝင်၊
ကံ့ကော်မြေ (တက္ကသိုလ်ရာပြည့်) Former Moderator of RU Centennial Group : Moderator ငြိမ်း၊
U Myo Myint (Retired Deputy General Manager of Burma Railways) is an accomplished Painter, Cover Designer and Cartoonist. He drew Pon Tu’s of selected RIT Sayas, Sayamas, and colleagues. I am honored to receive his present.
ပန်းချီ မြတ်မျိုးမြင့် ရဲ့ လက်ဆောင် မွန် Pon Tu gift from Bagyee Myat Myo Myint / U Myo Myint (M)
Pon Tu
1964 – 65 Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
I was admitted to 2nd BE (Bachelor of Engineering) in November 1964.
The photo was taken at the Gyogone campus.
2nd BE student
1964 – 65 ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ဒုတိယနှစ် သင်တန်းသား 2nd BE Student at Rangoon Institute of Technology
1965 Summer Inlay Luyechun Camp
I was selected as Luyechun (Outstanding Student).
The photo was taken at the Welcome Ceremony by the Head of Shan States.
LYC
1965 နွေရာသီ အင်းလေး ခေါင်တိုင် လူရည်ချွန် စခန်း တက္ကသိုလ် နဲ့ အထက်တန်း လူရည်ချွန်များ Inlay Khaung Daing Luyechun Camp in the Summer of 1965
1969 December Poem for 5th SEAP Games
Burma hosted the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961, and the 5th SEAP Games in 1969.
The photo shows a page from the Forward Magazine. Maung Thaw Ka (Bohmu Ba Thaw, GBNF) was Chief Editor of the magazine.
Forward
Forward မဂ္ဂဇင်း — ဒီဇင်ဘာ 1969 ပဥ္စမ အကြိမ် အရှေ့တောင်အာရှ ကျွန်းဆွယ်ပွဲ အတွက် ကဗျာ စပ်ဆို ခဲ့ Poem about the 5th SEAP Games
Mid 1970s Universities’ Computer Center (UCC), Rangoon
The photo was taken with the Teachers and Students of CPC (Computer Programming Course).
Dr. Tin Maung (GBNF) succeeded Dr. Chit Swe (UCC Founder, GBNF) as Director of UCC.
UCC
တက္ကသိုလ်များ ကွန်ပျူတာ ဌာန က ပို့ချတဲ့ သင်တန်း တခု Computer Course at Universities’ Computer Center (UCC), Thamaing College Campus
1999 Aprilto 2025 Chief Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
2005++ Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
U Silananda
ဆရာတော် ဦးသီလာနန္ဒာဘိဝံသ (ပါချုပ်ဆရာတော်) အထိမ်းအမှတ် မော်ကွန်းစာစောင်အတွက် အဖွဲ့ဝင် & စာတည်း Contributing Editor for the Book published in memory of Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
2010 December Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in Singapore
SDY Sar Saung
2010 စင်ကာပူ မှာ ကျင်းပတဲ့ စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ အထိမ်း အမှတ် စွယ်တော်ရိပ်စာစောင် Wrote an article “A Sad and Short Clip: EE Sayas” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010 in Singapore
HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Project) HMEE Book published in 2012
HMEE
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာ ပညာရေး သမိုင်း ပြုစု တဲ့ အဖွဲ့ Member of HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE Book published in 2012 Copies of the Book were donated to Libraries
CD
2012 နှစ် မှာ ထုတ်ဝေခဲ့တဲ့ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ အင်ဂျင်နီယာပညာရေး သမိုင်း စာအုပ် ရဲ့ နောက်ဆက်တွဲ စီဒီ CD Supplement for the HMEE Book Photos and articles (in English) to supplement the articles (in Burmese) in the HMEE Book
ရန်ကုန်စက်မှုတက္ကသိုလ် ရွှေရတု အထိမ်းအမှတ်စွယ်တော်ရိပ် မဂ္ဂဇင်း (2014) Wrote an article “Memories of a 69er” for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu 2014
2016 September Alumni Appreciation Award
Award
2019 December RUBC 96th Anniversary Regatta
Regatta
RUBC 96th Anniversary & Regatta (2019) U Tin Myint (GBNF), U Sein Htoon, U Khin Maung Latt, U Hla Min
2019 December Golden Jubilee of Graduation of RIT 69ers
GJ
2019 — 1969 နှစ် ဘွဲ့ရ အင်ဂျင်နီယာများ ရဲ့ ရွှေရတု မနက်ပိုင်း — ကြို့ကုန်း မှာ ဆရာပူဇော်ပွဲ 2019 — Golden Jubilee of Graduation for RIT 69ers Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe at Gyogone Campus
Matriculates had to study two years of Intermediate Classes.
Those aspiring to become Engineers had to pass the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) classes with 50+ marks in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. They then study four years at the Engineering College for their B.Sc. (Engg) degree.
RU
Rangoon University was opened on 1st December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as constitutent colleges. There were only three Faculties: Arts, Science and Law.
First Strike
The First RU Students’ Strike started on 5th December 1920 to protest the deficiencies of the 1920 RU Act. It led to the opening of National Schools and National College. It also forced amendments to the RU Act (notably in 1923).
Engineering Classes
In 1924, the inaugural engineering classes were opened.
Details can be found in the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) book published in 2012. Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF, National Literary Award winner, former Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine) served as Leader and Principal Auhor of the book. U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the HMEE book.
Engineering students have to attend
I.Sc.(A)
I.Sc.(B)
1st Year of Engineering
2nd Year of Engineering
3rd Year of Engineering
4th & Final Year of Engineering
Engineering Departments
Architecture
Chemical
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical
Metallurgy
Mining
Textile.
Civil was the earliest Discipline. Mechanical and Electrical Disciplines were offered next. In the mid and late 1950s, five more Disciplines were added.
New Education System
In November 1964, RU was reorganized. Several Faculties became autonomous Institutes.
RIT
The Faculty of Engineering (known also as the Burma Institute of Technology) became Rangoon Institute of Technolgy with U Yone Moe (former Dean of BIT) as Rector and U Soe Thein (former Ta-Ka-Tha Leader) as Registrar.
Three Batches
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to RIT.
ILA (Intelligence Level Agregate) was used to admit 400+ Matriculates to the 1st BE. ILA was controversial.
300+ students who had passed the I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the 2nd BE.
About 200 students who had passed the I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE.
Classes
In the New Education System, the Classes are called
1st BE
2nd BE
3rd BE
4th BE
5th BE
6th & Final BE. BE stands for Bachelor of Engineering.
For Architects, the Classes are called BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).
RIT69ers
Guinea Pigs
The Group is jokingly eferred to the Guinea Pigs of the Education Systems.
Most took the Last ever 7th Standard Government exam in March 1960.
They took the First ever 9th Standard (HSF/ High School Final Only) exam in March 1962. Those from Rangoon had to take the exam with Security Forces patroling the streets after the Coup d’etat on March 2nd by the Revolutionary Council. They had to retake the HSF exam in August 1962 because the Higher Authorities said that there were question leakage.
They took the 10th Standard (Matriculation Only) exam in May 1963.
In sum, they had to take three or four Government exams before being admitted to the University. In contrast, my older brother had to take only two exams : 7th Std. exam in March 1955, and the HSF & Matriculation exam in March 1957.
They took the Last ever I.Sc.(A) exam at various schools, since most classes at Rangoon University, Mandalay University and Intermediate Colleges were suspended (for an unspecified period).
Some classmates (e.g. Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF, SPHS63, 11th in Matric) applied Scholarship to study abroad, since he was the eldest in the family and did not want to burden his parents.
After a long wait, some of my Leik Khone classmates (e.g. Aung Min (M69)) were admitted to 2nd BE in November 1964. There were 300 + students. The admission was based on the I.Sc.(A) exam marks. A few decided to study BArch.
For the 2nd BE, the students had to study English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Drawing, Surveying, Materials and Processes, Sociology & Workshop.
Starting with the 3rd BE, the students had to choose their Discipline. Civil and Mechanical were the top choices with 100+ students. Electrical had 70+ students. Chemical and Textile had 15+ students. Mining, Metallurgy and Architecture had 10 (or so) students.
For 5th BE, EE students had to chose the Option: EP (Electrical Power) and EC (Electrical Communications)
Most 69ers graduated in 1969 after passing 6th BE. Some took sabbatical, and graduated a year or two later.
The 69ers worked mainly in the Government departments and Industry. Some worked for private companies and family business. A few moved abroad.
Some 69ers (e.g. Dave Saluja and Win Maung) left before graduation.
Membership
The members include (a) those who entered 2nd BE in 1964 (b) those who graduated in 1969 (c) those who studied a year or more with the above
The Group is also known as 69ers, the RIT Class of 69 and the Class of RIT 69++ .
Gatherings
The first formal Reunion of the Group occurred in 1999. It also was instrumental for the development of the RIT Alumni Newsletter, the inaugural ex-rit website, and the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000).
30th Anniversaryin 1999
In 1999, Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel), Ko Sein Myint, Ko Sein Win (“Nar Yee”), and several 69ers organized the reunion for the “30th Anniversary of Graduation” and also a mini-SPZP. Ko Tint Lwin e-mailed me a report. Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) e-mailed me photos.
Saya U Soe Paing e-mailed me about several mini-gatherings in Yangon (e.g. with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi).
Ko Tint Lwin (M69) wrote :
Thank you very much for your write-up about our 1999 “30th Anniversary of Graduation”. Actually. it all started in 1996 when I visited Burma and had dinner with a few of my close friends, including, Ko Shwe, Ko Win Mg, Ko Ye Pinn, Gabar Ko Myint Thein, etc. During dinner somebody mentioned that in 3 years time it would be 30 years since we graduated. Out of the blues I suggested to have a reunion in 1999. Everybody laughed as it was so far away. When I came back to Singapore and told Ko Sein Myint and Dickie they also laughed and told me that I must be crazy to think about so far away. However, time flies and in either late 1998 or early 1999 at Ko Win Htein’s funeral wake, some of our friends remembered the reunion proposal. They quickly formed a committee and organised the very first reunion at ‘Sait Taing Kya Restaurant. After the event I wrote you a report, Alice sent you a few photos and the rest is history.
40th Anniversaryin 2009
The Class of 69 organized the “40th Anniversary of the Graduation” in 2009.
Golden Jubilee of Admissionin 2014
The “Golden Jubilee of the admission to 2nd BE” was celebrated in 2014, because the 69ers were concerned with the declining health of members and that some may not be able to make it to the True Golden Jubilee of graduation in 2019.
Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019
The Class of 69 celebrated the true Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of Graduation) in December 2019.
Acariya Pu Zwe Pwe was held at the Assembly Hall on Gyogone Campus.
The Reunion Dinner and Entertainment was held at the former Office Compound of Ko Aung Min.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) had a “Home Coming” after her graduation.
Many were unaware that the gathering would be a final one for some (especaially those who would succumb to Covid).
My Contributions
RIT Alumni Newsletter
I started “RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter” to share RIT-related news (such as the mini-gatherings) and solicited contact information (in the form a spread sheet) from interested sayas and alumni.
“RIT” stands not only for Rangoon Institute of Technology, but all the engineering schools that precede or succeed it. RIT is a place holder for the RU Faculty of Engineering, Burma Institute of Technology, Yangon Institute of Technology, Yangon Technological University and various Technological Universities in Myanmar.
The name was changed to “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” to include alumni in Burma and the rest of the world.
A commemorative issue was published for SPZP-2000.
RIT Web Site
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) designed and implemented the first RIT web site.
I served as Content Provider and Editor of the web site. I composed the “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem. I posted 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion”.
Ko Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M69), Ko Aung Myint (M69, Singapore) and the San Francisco Bay Area Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) provided some financial help to operate the web site.
“RIT Alumni International” hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in October 2000.
SPZP
The term “Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” was chosen over “Saya Ga Daw Pwe” (which has religious connotation) so that alumni professing various faiths can pay respect to their former sayas / mentors.
There has been seven world wide SPZPs: SPZP-2000 in USA, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, SPZP-2020 was cancelled.
I have been an Organizer and/or Facilitator for the SPZPs.
My “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem was published in the Commemorative Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Saya U Moe Aung reprinted the poem as the Back Cover of Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2002.
My poem “SWE DAW YEIK” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2007.
My article “A Sad and Short Clip : EE Sayas” was published in the Commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010.
Zau Lai (EP69) wrote :
Thank you, Ko Hla Min, for your writings. If it’s not for you there will be no records and history of RIT. I am reading interestingly all your writings all the time. When we all are gone your writing will live on.
Aung Min (M69) wrote :
So thanks for your recordings. Appreciations.
Food For Thought
Aging, Health and GBNF
At one moment, the Class of 69 had a median age of 69, and the list of GBNF has 69 members.
That symmetry no longer holds. The Class of 69 has a median age of 79, and the list of GBNF has 128!(or so) members. Over 40% have passed away.
In the latter half of 2021, twenty 69ers passed away. 18 were victims of Covid.
Declining Health
The attendees at the mini-gatherings have decreased. Some could not drive, and had to ask their family members to take them to the gatherings. Some had major or minor operations, and need time to recover fully. Some had medical problems for some time (e.g. a year or two).
Retirement
Most are retired or semi-retired. A few did not retire or did not have the chance to retire.
Ko Tin Maung Lay (M69) worked in Europe and Middle East. So he came back to California only on home leave.
His spouse wanted him to retire.
He agreed but his boss requested him to perform a meticulous “hand-over” before retiring.
He had daily work outs and supposedly had no known major health problems.
He passed away in Dubai on a Friday (holiday in the country). His company and colleagues tried extra hard to make sure that his body could be flown back to Southern California, USA.
69er HCF (Health Care Fund)
U Aung Min (M69, Chair), U Shwe (EP69, Secretary) and team are the core volunteers for the 69er HCF. The team sends out monthly, quarterly and annual reports (including Donations, Income, Expenditure, GBNF)
Ivan Lee (U Khin Maung Oo, M69), Daw Myint Myint (C69) and U Sein Myint (K K Wong, EP69) are some of the major donors to HCF.
Most 69ers donate at the 69er Gatherings (e.g. Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si / Royal Rose Restaurant).
Ko Ivan Lee (M69) wrote :
Dear Classmates,
Recently rather than optimistic good news, we heard spreading pessimistic health concern news mostly. It clearly indicates that we are aging higher and health is going down lower and lower. I can imagine 5 years from now how many will be terribly survived. I am kind of depressed that sooner or later we will be meeting THERE. At this moment all I can express is to wish our classmates who are in sickness to recover ASAP.
Ivan Lee (M69)
Paying Homage to Saya U Ba Than (GBNF)
Saya U Ba Than and U Aung Min
U Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, EP69, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (EP69, GBNF)
Known fondly as “Sargalay” and “Nutty”
Usually finished Mechanical drawings in about an hour and still get Grade 5.
Later changed his name to “Lada” and “Galon”
Training partner for Sai Kham Pan (EP69, Burma Selected in Badminton)
Badminton selection at the Township level
U Khin Maung Win (RIP)
A69
Aung Khin After working in Botswana, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children. He attended the Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
Kyaw Kyaw He belonged to an elite group who married before graduation.
Myo Tun (Bobby) Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun. After retirement from PWD, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He is an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias K. Ku, Saw (Tobi, GBNF) He attends 69er monthly breakfast gatherings. Passed away in 2021.
Thet Htun He moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi, Daw (Olive) Used to play chinlon with her classmates. Spouse : U Han Zaw. Met both last at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012 (preceding SPZP-2012).
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) Had some medical problems (which hopefully had gone away).
ChE69
Aung Min Oo
Aung San
Aye Aye Kyu, Daw
Ceril Shair (USA) ?
Khan Za Lan
Khin Maung Win
Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
Kyaw Min (Albert)
Moe Hein (Ajala, Swimming and Water Polo)
Myat Tun
Myint Ko
Myint Myint Aye, Daw
Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
Mehm Myo Min
Soe Win
Swe Swe Oo, Daw
Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
Yi Yi Khaing, Daw (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
Aung Myint
Aung Than
Aung Win
Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
Han Sein (“Tone Kyaw”, Swimming and Water Polo, GBNF)
Hla Myint
Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye)
Htay Aung (Canada)
Htay Myint
Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone)
Khin Aung (Taiwan)
Khin Maung
Khin Maung Aye
Khin Maung Myint (Mandalay)
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe)
Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
Kyaw Thein
Kyaw Tint
Li Li Wai, Daw
Maung Kyaw
Myint Aung
Myo Khin, Dr. (Japan)
Myo Nyunt
Myo Win
Myo Chit
Myint Myint, Daw
Nyi Hla Nge
Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
Phor Daw Khan
Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA)
Saw Lwin
San Linn
Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
Sein Tun
Soe Myint
Soe Tint
Than Htwe
Than Oo
Thaung Htay
Thaung Htwe, Daw
EE l69
Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
Aung Gyi Shwe (Track and Field, Soccer, GBNF)
Aung Kyaw Pe (Singapore, Myanmar)
Aung Than
Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
Aye Thein (Volleyball)
Ba Oak
Bishnu Shahi (Badminton, Nepal, GBNF)
Chit Tin (GBNF)
Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
Hla Min (Rowing, USA)
Hla Paik
Hla Tun
Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia. USA)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
Khin Maung Soe
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Nyo (GBNF)
Khin Maung Win Sargalay, GBNF)
Khin Maung Win (Roland)
Krishnan Lal (Australia)
Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo, Kyaukme)
Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
Kyaw Win
Kyaw Zin (visiting Australia)
Kyi Shwin
Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
Kyin Hwet
Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
Maung Kaung
Maung Ko
Maung Maung (Volleyball, EE69er HCF)
Maung Shwe (69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
Mehm Paw Oo (GBNF)
Mehm Aung Tin
Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
Min Lwin
Min Thaw (Gilbert, GBNF)
Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Myo Aung (GBNF)
Myo Hein (GBNF)
Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada, GBNF)
Sai Aik Yee (GBNF)
Sai Kham Pan
Sai Kyaw Aye
Saw Aung
Saw Edison
Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
Soe Myint
Soe Myint Thein (GBNF)
Soe Thein (Peter)
Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
Thar Kyaw
Than Hla (Cyril)
Than Htay
Than Lwin (Henry)
Than Myint
Thein Swe (GBNF)
Thein Tun (Michael)
Thet Lwin
Tin Maung Soe (Tommy, GBNF)
Tin Oo
Tin Shwe
Tin Tin, Daw (Anne, USA)
Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA)
Victor Lwin
Win Boh (Robert, Australia)
Win Maung (Lake)
Ye Win, Mehm
Yi Tun
Zau Lai, Duwa
M69
Aye Lwin (GBNF) Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association Editor of RIT Annual Magazine Attended RIT Alumni Gathering in Los Angeles in 2015
Aung Myint Joined Faculty after graduation Taught at Singapore Poly Lives in New Zealand and Singapore Hobbies : Painting, Motivational Messages
Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung) Joined Faculty after graduation Worked at sea before founding his own company
Htay Aung Outstanding swimmer. Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake. Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games Spouse : Than Than (Burma Champion sprinter)
Khin Maung Aye Joined Defense Industries Pen name : Maung Hmut
Khin Maung Tin Joined Faculty after graduation Taught at RIT and Marine Engineering Institute
Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee) Post graduate studies in USA Professional Engineer for New York and New Jersey Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000 Major donor to 69er Health Care Fun Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade
Tint Lwin (Daniel) Grad studies in Canada Retired Associate Professor from NTU Guitarist / Vocalist
Aung Naing (Bahadhur, GBNF)
Chit Pe (GBNF)
Chit Po Po (GBNF)
Dicky (Win Naing, GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi (GBNF)
Kyaw Nyunt (GBNF)
Myint Sein (Badminton, HCF, GBNF)
Myint Thein (David)
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)
Ngwe Soe (Walter)
Sein Win (GBNF)
Soe Win (GBNF)
Than Myaing
Than Win
Tin Aung (GBNF)
Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
Tin Htut (Seafarer)
Tin Htut (Harry)
Tin Maung Aye (Accordion)
Tin Myint (John Lee, GBNF)
Yin Kyu (GBNF)
Met69
Myint Kyi
Maung Tun (GBNF)
Ohn Kyaw
Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
Sai Kyaw Myint
Tin Aung
Min69
Aung Win
Chit Htun (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi
Mya Win
Tin Maung (oldest)
Tin Win (Hosted the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
Win Thein Zaw (Wai Lu)
Pet69
Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone, GBNF)
Kyaw Din
Kyaw Than (Magwe)
Kyaw Myint
Myint Maung
Myint Swe
Paw Mya
T69
Aung Thein (USA)
Aye Aye Kyi, Daw
Cho Cho, Daw
Hla Shwe (GBNF)
Hla Thaung
Hla Tun (Japangyi, GBNF)
Jimmy Kyin (GBNF)
Kyaw Min (Mandalay)
Kyi San (Win Maung, Mandalay)
Lyo Kyin Sein, Daw (Mabel Lee, USA)
Lin Lin Aung, Daw (Singapore)
Myo Myint Thein
Nan Su Su, Daw (GBNF)
Naw Mu Mu Aye, Daw
Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Daw (Millie Hoe, Germany)
San Kyi, Daw (USA?)
San San Myint, Daw (Helen Wu, USA)
Saw Yu Tint, Daw (Alice)
Sein Sein Maw
Than Win
Thet Myint
Tin Tun Aung
Tint Swe (Zeegone)
Recollections of a 69er
I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine in 2014 for RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee of the then New Education System).
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) served as the Chief Editor.
Article 1Article 2Article 3
1969 Calendar
Published for the Universities and Institutes
1969 Calendar
Some Memories
Alice visiting the San Francisco Bay Area
Alice visited her son and family in the San Francisco Bay Area
She took time off to attend the Literary Talks by Min Ko Naing and Aw Pe Kye
With Alice
69ers at a gathering hosted by Ivan Lee (New Jersey)
Ivan has hosted annual gatherings at his house for RIT and UCC Alumni.
The timing is chosen to conincide with the visits of Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing to the area.
Fred (Pennsylvannia), TAG (Massachussetts), HM (California), Alice (Myanmar), Tom (Connecticut) and Ivan (New Jersey) had a mini-gathering.
Ivan is co-founder and Patron of MASTAA (based in New York). MASTAA has broadcast interviews with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung. MASTSAA members and friends donated for COVID-19 relief (prevention and treatment) in USA and Myanmar.
Ivan is a major donor to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund) along with Daw Myint Myint and U Sein Myint.
In New Jersey
Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si
Before the pandemic, 69ers had monthly breakfast gathering at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose Restaurant).
At Taw Win Hnin SiMyo Nyunt, Ngwe Soe (Walter), Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Uzin Myo Tun (Bobby), Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung), Soe Thein (Peter), Albert Kyaw Min
Annual Dinner at M3
For several years, the Annual Dinner and Entertainment was held at M3.
Albert and Danny are two regular performers (guitar and vocal).
Best Friends Forever 1Best Friends Forever 2
Danny’s visit to San Francisco
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) showed Danny around the SF Bay Area.
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin hosted a dinner for Danny at a restaurant in Castro.
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) and Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel)
Speaking at John Lee’s Memorial Service
Ko Tin Myint (John Lee) passed away.
His daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
Ko Tin Myint’s Service
Maung Maung Kaung (Yi Pinn) in Dawei
Yi Pinn is busy with his projects in Dawei.
Some time back, his spouse passed away in Yangon. He rushed to Yangon, but had to self-Q. He could not be present at his spouse’s last journey.
He later succumbed to Covid.
Yi Pinn
Donation by Daw Myint Myint
Daw Myint Myint is a major donor to the 69er HCF.
She also hosted or sponsored lunch and dinner gatherings. e.g. Welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie) at Westin Park Hotel
She donated twice for YTU Library Modernization Project. e.g. K100 Lakhs once
Daw Myint Myint’s donation receiptDaw Myint Myint and Nan Khin Nwe
Reunion of Final Year Engineering Students 1948 & 1949
Date : January 13th, 1980 Place : Inya Lake Hotel Photo : provided by Mrs. Gyim Kho and U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold, Nephew of U Gyim Kho).
First Row :
U Than Myint
U Maung Maung Myint
U Aye Kha
U Boon Pin Deputy Chief Engineer, Burma Railways Son : U San Lin / Robert (EC73) Passed away a few years back in Taiwan
U Min Han Son : U Nyein Min / Johnny (C79)
Second Row :
U Soe Aung Chief Engineer, PWD Children : Daw Thynn Thynn Khaing / Janet (EP70) and U Nyunt Aung (C73)
U Khai Waing
U Po Han Deputy Minister of Construction
U Kyaw Tun Saya of our Sayas (including Professor U Sein Hlaing) Taught at BOC College of Engineering Retired Lecturer of Electrical Engineering, RIT Children : Dr. Daw Tin Nu (Elizabeth, English), Dorothy (ex-RIT) Passed away in Burma after visiting Dorothy and family in Australia
U Saw Taik Kyi
U Gyim Kho Spouse gave a copy of the photo for use by HMEE-2012 Nephew : U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold)
U Mya Than
U Tin Oo
Third Row :
U Kyi
U Aung Kyi Retired from GE. Worked as a Private Contractor
U Kyaw Myint
U Tha Nyunt
U U Gyaw
U Khin Maung
U Lal Bik
Comments
U Aye (M62) provided information about U Saw Taik Kyi and U Aung Kyi
69ers celebrated the True Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019.
Before the pandemic, they used to meet at least once every month.
Several 69ers have hosted or co-hosted the breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings. The Mike Khes (Po So Chins) often entertain with live and Karaoke music.
The photos were taken by several 69ers.
Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose)
During my visit to Yangon in January and February 2018, I was host and guest of several 69 gatherings.
69ers in February 2018Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Tin Maung Aye (Accordion), Aye Thein (Volleyball) David Myint Thein (Rowing), Aye Lwin (RIT Magazine)
The restaurant is owned by U Soe Nyunt (Old Paulian, GBNF), who managed to get the “SPHS Honor Roll” after SPHS got hospitalized.
Attendees range from the 30’s and 40’s to 60’s (or more depending on the health and availability). For example, Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung) has to ask his daughter to drive to the gatherings.
69ers usually book two adjacent rooms and turn them into a single large room for holding the monthly breakfast gatherings.
There are hosts to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, and sometimes welcome classmates visiting from overseas.
Win Maung (Lake) had to pick up U Okkantha (Uzin Victor Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills) to attend the gatherings.
Those who spend time outside Yangon (e.g. Zau Lai, Myitkyina) have to come a long way to meet, greet and fete with their former classmates.
Several annual gatherings were held at M3.
Tun Tin, Aung Gyi Shwe, Sa Maung Maung, Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
M3
Myint Pe, Kyaw Nyunt, Ma Thaung Htwe, Ma Myint Myint, Saw Yu Tint
The 69ers book around 10 tables. They are provided a stage for the Karaoke and Live Music.
U Tint Lwin (Daniel) can play the lead, rhythm, bass and drums. Saya U Win Mra taught Daniel and his brothers to play guitar, and encouraged them to set up their own band. He is also a vocalist.
U Kyaw Min (Albert) is proud to be called “Elvis”. He has sung in gatherings (with international companies).
U Win Boh (Robert) played in various gatherings in Australia and Myanmar.
Some 69ers (Tin Maung Aye, Than Myaing, Khin Maung Tint, Aye Lwin, Win Lwin, Myo Nyunt, …) were RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins and organizers, but some have given up their hobbies to spend quality time with their loved ones.
“Pho Pho” U Aung Min and “Ah Pho Gyi Tone Kyaw” U Han Sein (GBNF) are some of the regulars at the 69er gatherings.
Crystal Jade
Around SPZP-2012, an ad hoc lunch gathering was held to meet some 69ers from overseas (attending the SPZP-2012).
U Tin Win (Mining) footed the bill.
The attendees (who had bought the lunch tickets) agreed to donate the ticket sales to the 69er Fund.
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF), Sein Myint, Win Maung, Hla Min Ko Shwe, Daniel Tint Lwin, Sein Tun, Ohn Khine (M70), Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet), Aung Min
In 2016, there was an ad hoc breakfast gathering to welcome U Sein Myint and me, and to bid farewell to Daniel.
Westin Park
Daw Myint Myint (C69) hosted a lunch gathering to welcome Daw Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T69).
Others
There have been gatherings at may other places including Shwe Bei, Bone Kyaung (or nearby shop), Cafe on Saya San Lann, YTU Assembly Hall, …
A solar calendar is based on the orbit of the earth around the sun. Typically, it takes 365.2422 solar days to complete the orbit. A leap year attempts to adjust the calendar by adding an extra day every four years.
A lunar calendar is based on the orbit of the moon around the earth. Typically, it takes 29.6 days to complete a cycle.
A luni-solar calendar is a “hybrid” calendar that uses “lunar” month and “solar” year. The calendars used by Chinese and Vietnamese have 12 months in a year and an extra month in the year in which the Lunar and Solar Calendars are synchronized. The CNY (Chinese New Year) and Tet (Vietnamese New Year) occur in late January or early February.
Julian Calendar Leap year : if a year is divisible by 4
Gregorian Calendar Leap year : if a Century year is divisible by 400 Other years if divisible by 4
Burmese Calendar The Burmese use a Luni-Solar-Socio-Religious Calendar. It is used for social and religious events. There are 12 lunar months with a total of 355 days in a Common Burmese Year. There is a difference of 10 days with a Common Year in the Gregorian Calendar. An inter-calary month named “Second Waso” is usually added every three years to sync again with the Solar Calendar. It is known as “Wah Htutt”. If needed, an additional day is added in “Wah Gyi Htutt”.
Pre-Celebrations kicked off on December 1, 2019. The celebrations continued to the end of 2020.
Former Executive Committee members of the 1958 – 1962 Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn published (a) Collection of Kabyars mainly from the old University magazines (b) Magazine with hitherto unpublished articles, essays, short stories, kabyars, etc.
Several books have been published to commemorate the RU Centennial.
A book and magazine by Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn
SMART Sarpay reprinted the book by Maung Aung Mon (Win Aung).
Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College and the founder of the Burmese Department. Sayagyi will be honored by the Myanmar Sar Mi Thar Su in December 2109 with a bust.
The bust of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin was unveiled. Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda, daughter of Sayagyi) attended the ceremony.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF) who is a Phwa Bet Taw of the University of Rangoon was interviewed by a TV program. Sayagyi passed away on December 2, 2020 (the day after RU Centennial). It was several days short of Sayagyi’s centennial birthday on December 26.
Kyemon published an article about the Land marks of the University of Rangoon.
Myanmar Ah Lin published a series of articles for RU Centennial.
The RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 and the RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 were celebrated for 2 – 3 weeks.
Albums
I have created albums. Members are requested to
add captions and comments
add photos to existing albums
create new albums (if required)
The following is a sampling:
Botany Dr. Daw Yi Yi (Mother of Okka)
Burmese (Myanmar Sar) “Khit San Kabyar” Saya U Wun (Minthuwun) See Aung Pyie (Farewell to Mya Thilar)
Chemistry Saya U Aung Khin Dr Soe Win and Daw May Saw Lwin U Nyunt Win Dr. Aung Myint Dr. Tin Win (Alan) Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun) U Kyaw Tun U Maung Maung Gyi U Nwe Aung
Ma Chit Swe’s Autograph Mom of Hazel Kyaw Zaw (Kyi Kyi May) Friends of Ma Chit Swe
Graduation Photo taken at Bayin Ma Studio Photos taken inside Convocation Hall Photos taken outside Convocation Hall
Law U May Aung Sir Arthur Eggar (founder of RUBC) Dr. Ba Han U Kyaw Myint Sayas and sayamas LLB first batch
Mathematics Sayagyi U Ba Toke Dr. Chit Swe Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char)
Physics Sayagyi Dr Maung Maung Kha Dr. Tin Aung Dr. Soe Myint Win Dr. Aye Thein Kyaw Daw May Su Dr. Zin Aung Dr. Saw Wai Hla Dr. Win Naing Dr. Myo Thaik
Rectors and Registrars Dr. Htin Aung U Thet Lwin
UCC Alumni UCC Gathering
Notes :
There are more photo albums.
I have posted photo essays for some topics.
1940s, 1950sand 1960s
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. Sayagyi 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.
1947
Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglon 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 the late 50s. Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
1960s
Mahn Win Maung, who served as the third President, was detained on March 2, 1962 when a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat.
Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned. He was succeeded by Brigadier General Thaung Dan. Several senior officers were sent as Military Attaches.
Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away. He was Ta Wun Gan (Minister) for Health and Education. He is Past Captain and President of RUBC. RUBC has bronze statues of Sir Arthur Eggar (Founder, Life President) and Commodore Than Pe on the promontory. Commodore Thaung Tin (who had jump promotions) succeeded him as Chief of Navy. Colonel Hla Han succeeded him as Minister for Health and Education.
Colonel Chit Myaing was the last of the original Revolutionary Council members to pass away.He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA. He was a supporter of U Kelasa (one of the two sayadaws left behind by Mahasi Sayadaw during his visit to US in 1979).
Ko Tin Maung Thant (son of UNSG U Thant) passed away unexpectedly during his visit to Burma. The motorcade at his last journey was longer than that of Commodore Than Pe.
Khit San Kabyar
The first volume has poems by U E Maung (later Burmese Professor) and Daw Khin Saw Mu (mother of Daw Khin Saw Tint and U Nay Oke Tint).
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.
“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).
One of the four Bhamaso Taya or Bhama Vihara (along with Karuna, Mudita, and Uppekha)
Practiced as a form of meditation
U Silananda‘s book on Protective Verses has a section on how to practice Loving Kindness Meditation.
Tipitaka Mingun Sayadawgyi recited the Two Methods of sending Metta. As mentioned in Metta Sutta Alternative: 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12) They can be found on YouTube and CDs.
“Metta Sutta” is one of the eleven Suttas in “Paritta Pali” (Protective Verses). Also known as Karaniya Metta Sutta Chanted at most Buddhist ceremonies.
Myitta is covered along with Thitsar (Truth) in Dr. Min Tin Mon‘s book “Myitta and Thitsar“
U Thu Kha wrote a book on Metta Sutta.
U Jotalankara‘s book explains the 528 Metta.
A Physics teacher said, “Myitta So Dar Ah Hlyar Ah Nan Ma Shee Bay Mei Ah Thwar Ah Pyan Shee Bar Thay Dae.”
Metta is also used as a name or part of a name.
Metta is a Myanmar comedian.
Mettananda Vihara is a monastery in Northern California. Moved from Central Avenue, Fremont to Castro Valley.
Metta Vihari is an association that performs Chanting, and also offers food dana at selected gatherings.
Practicing Metta
By Way of LOCATION:
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this house be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this area be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this city be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this country be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this world be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this universe be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
By Way of PERSONS:
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May my teachers be well, happy and peaceful.
May my parents be well, happy and peaceful.
May my relatives be well, happy and peaceful.
May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
May the indifferent persons be well, happy and peaceful.
May the unfriendly persons be well, happy and peaceful.
May all meditators be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
Metta Sutta
Third sutta in “Paritta Pali”
also referred to as Karaniya Metta Sutta
Desirable qualities of a Practitioner
Loving Kindness Meditation
Formal Translation from Pali into Burmese/Myanmar and English
Informal Books by Saya U Thu Kha and Saya Dr. Mehm Tin Mon
HlaMin 