It is an Order in the Catholic Church founded by John Baptist De La Salle. A Brother has to take three vows:
Chasity
Loyalty
Poverty
The mission of the Brothers is to promote education.
De La Salle Schools in Burma
St. Patrick’s High School (Moulmein)
St. Paul’s High School (Rangoon)
St. Paul’s
St. Peter’s High School (Mandalay)
St. Albert’s High School (Maymyo)
St. Joseph’s High School (Loikaw)
St. Columban’s High School (Bhamo)
De La Salle School (Twante)
SomeSt. Pat Alumni
H.E. Dr. Mehm Thet San
Ko Ko Gyi (Tenessarim, Customs, Burma)
M Singh (RU Soccer)
U Aye (M62, BIT and RU Volleyball)
Jimmy Sein (Tint Swe , C55) Prome Hall/RU (Soccer)
Pway Ain(Htay Aung) RU (Soccer)
U Win Naing (George Hoke Wan) Stood fourth in Burma in Matriculation 1953.
Peter Shein (GBNF) Stood Tenth in Burma in Matriculation 1953
U Maung Maung (M54) Outstanding student 1953-54 Gold Medalist, first in his class of M54. FAO Project Manager
B Singh (RU Soccer)
U Soe Myint RU Soccer Captain (in mid sixties)
Sayadaw U Jotika
U Ngwe Zoe (Peter Gale, Medical Technologist)
U Kyaw Thu (Dennnis Mackey, C73)
SomeOld Paulians
ICS U Tin Tut
U Chan Htoon
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Maw
H.E. U Than Aung
Vipassa Sayagyi U Ba Khin
U Kyaw Win (Gawsa)
C. Ping Lee (EE)
Some Peterites
U Ye Myint
U Thaung Tin
U Khin Maung Than
H.E. Dr. Kyaw Myint
U Thein Tan
U Myo Min (Monty Han)
Des Rodgers
Albertians
Mehm Than Thoung (Maurice, RUBC Gold)
U San Aung (Sonny)
Victor Htun Shein (RUBC Gold)
U Zaw Min Nawaday
Mehm Tin Thoung (Freddie)
Dr. Robin Chan
Gordon Htun Shein
Saw Maung Maung Htwe
St. Columban Alumni
U Myint Thein (David)
Twante De La Salle Alumni
U Win Maung
SPHS Honor Roll
During our school days, St. Paul’s High School displayed an Honor Roll with the outstanding Matriculates starting from the 1950s.
Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood First in Matriculation in the Pre-war days.
The Post-war saw SPHS heading the top list for most academic years. The following stood First in Burma in their Matriculation class.
George Chapman (1951)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (1952)
Koon Yin Chu (1954)
Dr. Soe Win (1958) — heading the Top Two
Dr. Frankie Ohn (1959) — heading the Top Four
Dr. Khin Maung U (1963) — heading the Top Five
After nationalization, the Honor Roll disappeared.
It was recovered by Ko Soe Nyunt (Taw Win Hnin Si, SPHS66).
Old Paulian’s Association
During our school days, the Old Paulian Association (OPA) was inside the school compound.
In 1963, ten of us were invited to the Annual OPA Dinner.
Khin Maung U (1st)
Min Oo (2nd)
Myo San (Freddie Ba San, 3rd)
Nyunt Wai (Victor Nyunt, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Hla Min (7th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny Maung Maung, 9th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
Aung Thuyein (Brownie Way, 13th)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank Gale, 17th)
After nationalization, the OPA moved out. Sadly, OPA allowed non-Paulians to “join” for billiards and drinks.
It took some time, before the Old Paulians — mostly from the late 50s and early 60s — took over the OPA and organized Reunions and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes. OPA also awarded prizes to the children of Old Paulians who had done well academically (mostly in high school).
SPHS Sayas and Sayamas
Some joined SPHS from KG. They would know more sayas and sayamas than me.
After standing second in 3rd standard at PPBRS (Private Primary Boundary Road School), I transferred to Std. IV (D) at SPHS. As Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint noted, most of the transfer students were placed in Section (D).
Sections (A) and (B) were reserved mostly for the bright students.
I had to be in the Top Two for four consecutive years, before I was assigned to Section (A) in Std. VIII.
My Class Teachers include :
Ms. A Benjamin (IVD)
Mrs. V Boudville (VD)
U Pe Tin (VID)
U Nge (VIID)
Brother Anthony (VIIIA)
Brother Xavier (IXA)
Brother Austin (XA)
Ms. Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong”) taught us English in VI and VII Standards. She would fine 25 pyas for failing the weekly test. However, she would reward 50 pyas for topping the test. My daily pocket money was 25 pyas.
Brother Xavier taught us English in VIII and IX. He would mark a dictation test starting out with 100 and then subtracting 10 for every spelling error. One of my classmates ended with -130. For some reason, the Albertians said that Brother Xavier stopped being strict after he transferred from St. Paul’s to St. Albert’s.
After Nationalization, Brother Xavier moved back to the UK. He subsequently left the Order.
Brother Austin taught us English in X. He also taught “Morals and Manners” for the period when the Catholic students studied Catechism. He was the School Librarian and also in charge of the 8mm projector. Every week, he would take us to the School Library (which had books donated by Ford Foundation and Asia Foundation), ask us to check out a book and then write a review over the weekend.
For the “Morals and Manners” class, he would ask us to recite poems from the book. The first three who recited perfectly could take “time off for the rest of the period”. I was lucky to win a few special prizes : a ticket to see “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema, and a book covering North America (complete with history and atlas).
He abhorred plagiarism. He said, “It’s okay if you did not time to finish your homework. But don’t copy other’s works. It’s a waste of time for you and me.”
Contrary to his expectations, I did not end up in the Top Three.
After Nationalization, Brother Austin moved to a De La Salle School in Malaysia, and continued teaching until his demise.
Saya Sein was our Burmese teacher in High School. He taught us “Mingala Pa Pun Lu Na Ta Tu Ti Sein Ta Ti Ti Mingala” as an example of giving the meaning of Pali words. Saya Sein is the father of Dr. Soe Win (Chemistry, ICST, Retired Principal of UFL)
Saya Kyaw Sein (brother in law of Saya Sein) taught VII(A) and was our relieving teacher.
There were several subject teachers and relieving teachers. They include :
Dana stands for offering, alms, and donation. It is for Sharing and Caring.
Dana transcends religion and culture.
For Buddhists
Dana provides opportunities to gain kusala (wholesome deeds) before, during and after the offering.
One can share merits when performing a Dana. One can rejoice past Dana and gain merits.
Dana may be performed anonymously, privately or publicly. Dana may be performed daily or on specific occasions (e.g. sabbath, birthday, anniversary).
Dhamma Dana
Individuals, groups and organizations offer free books and CDs covering dhamma talks. They include :
Dhamma Download web sites
Triple Gems Publications
Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC)
An old saying states, “Dhamma Dana excels all Dana”.
Double Dana
Sayagyi U Ba Than donates the Garwara Money that he received from the SPZPs and alumni back to Charitable Organizations.
During one my visits, I witnessed the donation of One Lakh Kyat each to ten organizations. They include : Bo Bwa Yeik Tha, Little Sisters for the Poor, School for Deaf and Dumb, School for the Blind, U Hla Tun Foundation, Nar Yay Ah Thin.
Pyinnya Dana
It may stand for offerings made for the advancement of education (of the people and the society).
There are different forms of Pyinnya Dana. They include :
Sponsoring scholarships (e.g. NorCal RITAA provide some financial assistance to eligible YTU students with the help of RITAA.)
Donating to the “YTU Library Modernization”
Sharing of experience, knowledge and wisdom
Health Care
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF) provides some financial assistance to eligible sayas and sayamas for Hospitalization and Frequent visits to the Clinic.
Individuals and groups donated for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Variant strains of COVID-19 were reported in UK in December 2020 in UK; and in Japan in January 2021.
Cash and Kind
RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins donate to the various noble causes (e.g. SPZP, Shwe YaDu, YTU Library) in cash and kind (e.g. paintings, cartoons).
Twinning Program Rangoon University and USA Universities Proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli (Dean of Engineering)
Fraternal Twins Maung Maung Win (Maung Yit, Cartoonist, Moemaka) Mi Mi Win (Junior Win, Bilingual author)
Identical Twins Navy Commanders Win Thein Maung and Lin Thein Maung Director A1 Than Htut and Actor/Director A1 Thein Htut
Conjoined Twins “Siamese Twins” Chang and Eng Bunker (Born in Siam, Died in USA) Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (Burma / Myanmar)
First Operation on Conjoinedo Twins in Burma
Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Htut Saing and team operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San
Dr. Pe Nyun and Dr. Htut Saing are Past Captains of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
Dr. Pe Nyun passed away in Canada
Dr. Htut Saing passed away in Hong Kong
Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948
1948
Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein,U Khin Maung Wint, U Tin U and Cox represented Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) at the Independence Day Regatta held at Kandawgyi in 1948.
Professor Pe Nyun Award
Award given to Young Pediatric Surgeon
First established in 2012
The award for 2021 will be presented via Zoom Meeting
According to U Myint Sein (GBNF), former Principal of BARB and Founder of IDEA Astrology, ladies are excellent at Yadaya.
They change their appearance (e.g. with the aid of cosmetics).
Folklore
According to folk lore, a student went to study at Tekkatho (Tekka Sila) to study under Ditha Par Mauk Kha (Professor). The professor was an expert in Veda. He saw that some calamity (probably death) will fall soon on the student. So, he told the student to return to the village for a while and come back at a later date.
The student did some good deeds on the way back. He moved some fishes from an almost empty pond to nearby stream. He pruned the hanging branches and righted some bent trees. He used some planks to create a make-shift bridge.
On his subsequent visit, the student told the Professor about his actions on the way back to his village. The Professor was pleased to know that the student’s Yadaya had thwarted the ill effects.
Protective Verses
Buddha and eight disciples (Arahants) recited Protective Verses for a child (who was under the threat of demons). The child lived to be 120.
“Phaya Koe Su” Pu Zaw Pwe is based on the story. However, the practice got “diluted” with the inclusion of Nine Gyo Min.
Good Yadaya
Perform wholesome deeds and share merits
Dana (Charity)
Sila (Morality)
Bhavana (Samatha and Vipassana Meditation)
Parami (Perfection)
Extreme belief in Yadaya
The following may be attributed to some then higher authorities who believe too much in the power of Yadaya.
A classmate told us that there was a night walk on Minn Lann (Royal Road) by the high authorities. The lights were out during the walk.
Some other events (e.g. the construction of Karaweik) allude to the revival of a Kingdom.
The change to Nyar Lann Maung (Keep to the Right) without making revisions to the road and the vehicles may be a Yadaya to simulate a change to the right (from left [or Socialist]).
The issue of bank notes such as 45 Kyats and 90 Kyats may be due to the belief of Nawin or “Nines”.
The issue of bank notes honoring Saya San and Thakin Po Hla Gyi may be a Yadaya to simulate the revolutionaries throughout the nation, and thereby thwart revolutions.
Continued as Researcher, Scholar and Administrator in UK.
There is an Economic Theory with Saya’s name.
Dr. Tha Hla
Dr. Tha Hla
Studied for Doctorate in Geology in the UK
Became Professor and Head of Geology Department
Retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon
Served as UN Advisor in several countries (e.g. France) and settled in Thailand.
There are several anecdotes about Saya.
When an AFPFL minister protested the States Scholarship for his mentee Dr. Nyi Nyi, Saya did not back out. He pushed the nomination through during a period when the minister was away.
Saya is highly regarded for “Leader by Example“ Saya calmly convinced the students and crowd (following the agitator Ajala) to disperse
Director Thar Du was unhappy when Saya (as Member of the Movie Censor Board) recommended some parts of the movie to be revised. Thar Du was surprised and delighted when Saya voted the same movie for an Academy Award. Saya explained that the two roles required different consideration.
During his stay in Thailand (while waiting for a US visa), Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) was recommended by Dr. Tha Hla to be a proof reader for the Nation newspaper.
He hosted people with different backgrounds and beliefs and helped them if needed. Saya offered guests (including U Tin Maung Nyunt) his collection of Whiskey and drinks. He had two recommendations : “Do not spoil Whiskey by adding water or soda.” “You can drink Ah Yet (liquor), but never let Ah Yet drink you.”
Dr. Maung Maung Kha
Dr. Mg Mg Kha
I have written several posts about Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha. Dr. Oke Soe Kha provided photos and information about his parents Saya Kha and Sayama Daw Ruby.
Studied for Doctorate in Metereological Physics in the UK
In the early days, the Physics Department was run with the experts from Meteorology Department.
Became Professor and Head of Physics Department
Served as Rector of the University of Rangoon, Rangoon Arts and Science University (RASU) and University Distance Learning
He is the longest tenured Rector in RU and its descendant Universities
Shwe Ku May Hnin remembered Saya Kha’s smile when a student (from the Social and Reading Club) asked him, “Saya, will you continue the tradition of Di Tha Par Mauk Kha Saya giving away his beautiful daughters to brilliant students?”.
A member of the RU Centennial group remembered Saya Kha’s smile and forgiveness when he was inadvertently hit by a student (who had to take classes at Workers’ College and come to the Main Campus for practical sessions). The young Physics sayas U Thein Aung (Micky) and U Thein Htut scolded the offender and his companions for not knowing Sayagyi.
Per Dr. Alvin Oak Soe Kha, his father is the Rector with the longest tenure and is known for his kindness and compassion. He also enjoyed seeing his father played the violin and sang songs together with the renowned artist Saya U Ba Kyi. “Only Two” (English translation of “Hna Yauk Hte Nay Chin Hte” by Saya U Ba Kyi) was a hit at the RU Annupyinnya Ah Thinn.
Other Scholars
Dr. Po Aye studied Meteorology Retired as Director General of Meteorology and Hydrology
U Pe Maung Tin Pali and Myanmar Scholar
ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa) Khit San Sar Pay co-founder
HlaMin 