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
MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
“Fast track” MBBS for LMP
Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
MBBS (Mandalay)
New Education System Institute of Medicine (1) Institute of Medicine (2) Mandalay Institute of Medicine
MD
Ph.D
Membership MRCP, MRCOG …
Fellowship FRCP, FRCS …
Physicians / Medicine Col Min Sein (Dean) Major Shwe Zan Dr. Maung Gale (Dean) Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector) Dr. U E (Rector) Dr. Hla Myint (Aba) …
Surgeons Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector) Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped) Dr. Htut Saing (Ped) Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic) Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho) …
Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
A new program was established a few years back.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.
Summer of 1964
The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.
Some Luyechuns
Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)
Summer of 1965
The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.
Staff at Inlay Camp
U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
Daw Po (Burmese)
Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
U Khin Aung
U Khin Maung Htwe
U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs
Some Luyechuns
Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
Ko Thein Win (IM2)
Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
Ko Mya Than (RASU)
Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
Ko Hla Min (RIT)
Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
…
They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns. Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF) Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA) Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister) Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay) Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin) Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta) Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi) Ko Thein Lwin Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon) …
There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).
The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns. They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).
Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung
Front : Than Sitt, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Min Oo Back : Soe Aung, Kyaw Myint, Sein Shwe, Ye Myint, Hla MinFront : Hla Min Back : Aung Myint, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Htwe, Ye Myint, Sein Shwe
Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.
Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …
The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).
Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.
Miscellaneous
Htut Kwan
7-time winner
6-time winner
…
2-time winner
Association
Gatherings
FB Group
Support new generation of LYC
Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
Database of LYC
Active members
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Guest Lecturers in 1965
Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
…
Guest Lecturers in 1987/88
U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
…
Luyechun Association
A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed. The association meets one or more times a year.
There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
It has a Facebook group.
There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns. Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years. A few won the award six or seven times.
Some Luyechuns have passed away.
Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.
Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965
As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).
PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL
Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur Can truly make our hearts sublime Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor Have firmly stood the test of time
It lies deep in the heart of people It gives them courage and inspiration No wonder this festival has no equal It promises joy and veneration
On board the Karaweik so scintillating Stood the four images of Lord Buddha For the Noble Truth are we vindicating? What lies deep under the completed tour?
But one statue was left behind Because in writings we do find That should it ever leave the shrine There will be thunder and storm Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut
From floating islands the leg rowers came To take part in the race With their muscular frame, with might and main Their oars flashing at a rapid pace
Festivities last all night long Dances to the company of ozi and gong Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air May loving kindness prevail everywhere
Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020
I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay. Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.
Original Publisher : Dhammachakka Meditation Center, 1991
Republished with other articles : Tathagata Meditation Center
Other articles included the book
(1) “Instructions to Meditation Practice” by Mahasi Sayadaw (2) “Benefits of Walking Meditation” by Sayadaw U Silananda (3) “Guidance for Yogis at Interview” by Sayadaw U Pandita (4) “An Interview with Mahasi Sayadaw” by Thamanaykyaw, translated by U Hla Myint
Anagram Making new words and phrases from the given word e.g. North, South, East and West can be transformed into Thorn, Shout, Seat and Stew
Jumbled Words Feature of a newspaper column
Scrabble
Scrabble
Scrabble is a board game.
A game can be played by two to four players.
There are a specified number of tiles.
Each tile holds a letter worth one to ten points, or a “blank” (similar to a “joker” or a “wild card” in card games).
Rules
The word must appear in the official set of dictionaries (e.g. Chamber’s Dictionary, Jone’s Pronouncing Dictionary).
A player can challenge the validity of a word. He or she will forfeit a turn if the challenge is unsuccessful.
A bonus of 50 points is given for a word formed with all seven tiles. e.g. MAJESTY
In some contests, adding “s” to a singular to make it plural is disallowed.
Scrabble Tournaments
In our younger days, Scrabble tournaments were held by
Guardian Newspaper P. (Paul) Aung Khin (Editor, “Dawlay’s Circle”) was a host. There was a “Tiger” Scrabble team with U Tin Shwe, U Ba U and their friend. One of the Tigers joined Saya Des Rodgers to play Doubles.
RIT Scrabble Club Saya Des and Saya U Khin were hosts.
YMCA Known for the Chess Champions (e.g. Saya Dawson). Hosted Scrabble tournaments.
Saya Des Rodgers won several trophies. Most of the English sayas (e.g. U Khin) and sayamas (e.g. Daw Toni) played Scrabble along with the students such as Ko Myo Tun (Bobby) and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland). Civil Engineering sayas (e.g. U Tin Win) also frequent the English Department for Scrabble sessions and tournaments.
Saya U Khin has Chamber’s Dictionary and Jone’s Pronouncing Dictionary on his desk for use in the challenges.
Update of RIT Scrabble Players
Saya Des moved to UK and then Canada.
Saya U Khin moved to Taiwan.
Sayama Toni joined her husband U Nyi Than (who retired as Ambassador). After his demise, Sayama moved back to Yangon. She attends and/or host gatherings (sumptuous food and Scrabble) in Yangon.
Bobby is now Ashin Pannagavesaka (Former Dhamma Librarian, Pa Auk Tawya monastery in Mawlamyine). Bobby mentioned that Paul requested him to be a judge at the Guardian Scrabble tournaments, so he could not participate.
Roland retired after working for an Embassy in Yangon.
HMEE-2012 Lead Author : Saya U Aung Hla Tun (National Literary Award Winner) U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement
Beginning of Engineering Courses at Rangoon University
BOC College of Engineering and Mining
Faculty of Engineering
Leik Khone
Burma Institute of Technology (BIT)
Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT)
Yangon Institute of Technology (YIT)
Yangon Technological University (YTU)
Changes in Education Systems and Names
Early supporters of the Project
Sayagyi U Ba Than
Saya U Thaw Kaung
Saya U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT and UCC).
Saya U Soe Paing’s post on March 5, 2011
I went to the University Central Library (UCL) on Tuesday and managed to get scanned photos from the Eng Student Annual Magazines for the academic years 51-52, 52-53, 56-57 and 60-61. Photos include photos of Sayas and students of that year. From these when can know about the Sayas at that year. We can also identify the students at that year.
Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor of Electrical Engineering) was a final year student in 1951-52 and became an A/L (Assistant Lecturer) starting 1952-53.
Saya U Tin Swe (Lecturer, EE Department) was a student in 1951-52 and 52-53. He was a member of the Eng Student Union and the victorious Prome Hall football team.
Ex-Burma Selected Footballer U Chan Tha (Chief Engineer, Roads, Rangoon Municipal) was the Captain of the football team.
U Khin Si, husband of RIT Finance Officer Daw Yin Yin Htway and part time lecturer Textile, and his brother U Tin Si were also members of that victorious team. The brothers were also outstanding tennis players and excelled at the Doubles event. Their partnership won RU as well as national championships.
The 1956-57 magazine contains photos when the new Leik Khone Engineering Buildings were inaugurated in 1956 Nov by HE U Ba Swe, Prime Minister at that time.
In the 1952-53 magazine I found out that Mr. Robert Hole (ex-EE, Highways, PWD,PWC,CC; uncle of Percy Maung Maung and uncle Bobby to me) was the English editor. I called Uncle Bobby and requested him to write something about his engineering student days, his teachers and fellow students. He agreed and asked for about three weeks time.
I need to go back and to the UCL to get more info from the RIT handbook 1966-67 and photos from the Hlyat Sit Sar Saung.
Saya U Ba Than (Professor of Mechanical Engineering) has donated some of his Engineering College photos to the MES library and I need to go there to check up on the photos.
Best wishes SP (Saya U Soe Paing)
Editor’s notes
An academic usually spans two years. To save space and time, I had loosely used the end year instead of the start year and end year. Using that notation, Saya U Sein Hlaing is from the Class of 52; Saya U Tin Swe and U Chan Tha are from the Class of 53; U Aw Taik Maw is from the Class of 54.
In the early days, there were no Instructors (but only Assistant Lecturers) for the Faculty of Engineering. They are Gazetted officers.
Some of our sayas (Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Min Wun, Saya U Maung Maung Than, Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Aung Khin, Saya U Thit, Saya U Thein Lwin, Saya U Soe Paing) applied for “States Scholar” before graduation.
Some (Saya Allen Htay, Saya Dr San Hla Aung, Saya U Htin Paw, Saya Dr. Ba Lwin, Saya U San Tun, Saya U Tin Hlaing) joined the faculty and were selected to do post-graduate studies.
Grapevine says that the Halls would aggressively seek outstanding athletes (footballers,…)
U Chan Tha is also Past Captain and Gold of RUBC Gold. He attended RUBC Regattas (including the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC). I was a contributing editor for the commemorative issue.
Ko Percy Maung Maung and his younger brother Ko Hugh Maung Maung are old crocs. Ko Percy is a class mate of Saya U Soe Paing at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) and Stanford University.
Ma Gilmore Hole, daughter of Mr. Robert Hole, was a sayama at UCC, DCS and ICST. Due to declining health (and some loss of memory), Mr. Robert Hole could not fulfill his promise to write about RUESU and the olden days.
Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Emeritus Professor of Physics at Western Illinois University) e-mailed me a copy of the “Burmese state scholars in ’54”. The list was published in one of my early updates. The list includes Saya U Sein Hlaing, Saya U Tin Swe, …
Ko Benny Tan (M 70) used to have two copies of the “RIT Handbook”. One was loaned indefinitely by an alumni. I published the list of permanent and part-time sayas and sayamas from that handbook in one of early “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” updates.
Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, EE) may have old copies of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”, RIT Annual Magazines, commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saungs for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010, commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazines for Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016. Saya served as Chief Editor and/or Publisher for the above mentioned publications.
Saya Charlie Kaw (Tex, GBNF) is believed to have brought along with him the projects of his final year students when he migrated to the USA.
“History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” was published in time for SPZP-2012. Due to resource constraints, there were inadvertent errors and missing names/captions for the photos. Ko Ohn Khine (M70) translated Section 1 and summarized Section 2 in English. The translations were provided in the companion CD compiled by Ko Ohn Khine and yours truly.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (Met, National Literary Award winner) headed the team (see attached photo). Saya feels that the younger generation could/should “correct” the book and enhance it.
HlaMin 