Ode to My Alma Mater

A colleague wrote to me this morning
Asking about the history of Thit Pote Pin
That still stands though broken and thinning
It's a witness to my mother's wellbeing.

The Thit Pote Pin and Gantgaw trees
Were planted together with the university
When it came into being in nineteen twenty (1920)
It heralded home rule, independence struggles and democracy.

Yes, Rangoon University was in the forefront of struggles
For anti-colonialism, anti-Fascism and anti-Military hurdles
Many of her sons sacrificing their lives, limbs and laurels
Their aim was for the colonialists and capitalists to be toppled.

There was first university strike led by U Ba U
Followed by the second and third led by U Nu
Of course Aung San was in the struggle too
He led independence movement almost through
That U Nu saw to it to be true
It's aided by graduates guiding the people.

It was associated with famous individuals
U Pe Maung Tin was the first Burmese principal
He produced many Burmese writers of super-able
That started the Khit San Sar Pay or "testing the literal"
Theik Pan Maung Wa, Zaw Gyi and Min Th Win are special
Their fame remains eternal.

Dr Htin Aung was the first Burmese rector
He excelled in English literature
He led the University in many adventures
That enlarged and entertained the Burmese world.

Rangoon University was one of the best
In South East Asia and the rest
A place of higher learning and intellect
We took great pride as fact.

However, she was beset with woes and worries
As government and opposition parry
October Students Strike, 7th July Massacre and other calamities
Hamstrung the academe and extra-curricular activities
It was closed off and on by the authorities
It now remains only a name in history.

Thit Pote Pin is a witness to University's activities
It saw the high and low of its destiny
It is rendezvous for lovers, loiterers and literati
So was the Convocation Hall to its alumni
Many graduates chose to be conferred their degrees
In her famed domain and domineering dignity.

I remember I was conferred the degree
By Vice Chancellor U San Lwin for the University
Acting on behalf of the Chancellor U Nu, PM of the country
We were so proud, pleased and same time panicky
Our antics caused laughter and soliloquy
But we're happy, really happy to be.

My heart leaps up whenever I pass Inya
I still feel I belong to my alama mater for ever
I take pride and feel weak in this era
A landmark of lofty lives have fallen over
A lion has been killed by leech and loafers
Burma has lost its identity for ever!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
10.6.2008 (Original)