Our Dagon University

NoahJune222

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Maung Maung Aye

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Our Dagon University

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Dagon University is located in Dagon Myothit (East) Township. As it covers a total area of nearly 1,500 acres, it turns out to be the biggest one in Myanmar. It was founded in 1993. The first Rector was U Kaung Nyunt, a former principal of RC2. Today, it stands as a university with a large population of students.
Upon the entry into the estate through the East arched-way gate, one will see Royal Road lined with trees behind which are land covered with wild grass, shrubs and some tall trees. This road leads to the Convocation Building. At its end stands the Convocation Hall, distinctly outlined against the western sky. There is a large roundabout at the junction of Royal Road and Bohmu Bahtoo Road. It is decorated with beds of colourful flowers. So it is the haunt of the university students who want to have themselves photographed.
In addition to Royal Road, there are four other prominent roads in Dagon University premises, namely Padauk Road, Sippan (Science) Road, Bohmu Bahtoo Road and Vijja Road. All roads are lined with shady trees. Quarters for the staff are located not only at the beginning but also at the end of Sippan Road. Most hostels are situated along the Padauk Road. Padauk Hostel for ladies is at the beginning of Padauk Road. At its end is Okkalapa Hostel for men. Other hostels such as Yankin, Dagon, Nguwah, Gangaw, etc. are between these two hostels along the same road. Bohmu Bahtoo Road, which begins from Dagon University Railway Station, ends at the West arched-way gate. Residences for Rector, Pro-rectors, etc. are at the corner of Padauk Road and Bohmu Bahtoo Road. Two bus terminals are located at the corner of Bohmu Bahtoo Road and Sippan Road. Some canteens which cater for the drivers and the students are located at these bus terminals.
The Dagon University Library is located near the Convocation Building. Students can borrow novels, short stories, plays and books of other genres written both in Myanmar and in English. In addition, it is stocked with hundreds of reference books. Free Wi-Fi is available, and many computers are installed there. So it is the haunt of PhD and master’s students who are researching for their papers.
The building of the Students Affairs Department, located at the corner of Seinpan Road and Padauk Road, houses the offices of the Rector, Pro-rectors and Heads of the administrative and financial departments. The administrative officers take up the duties of listing the students coming in and going out of the university, announcing examination results, paying salaries to the staff and managing the affairs of their accommodation, promotion and transfer, etc. Besides, they carry out COVID-19 preventive measures and other welfare affairs of the staff and students.
The University Dhammayon is located near the ‘Ten Mile Bus-stop’ within the premises of the university. It is a one-storeyed brick building facing the east. There are some staff-houses tucked in the woods behind the Dhammayon. Some distance to the east of the Dhammayon lies a wide patch of land employed as a bus terminal. So it is always busy with people, including students, staff, bus drivers, etc. In the Dhammayon, three large seated Buddha images are housed. Significant religious occasions such as the Waso-robe offering ceremony, Dhamma-preaching ceremony, Kathina-robe offering ceremony, alms-giving ceremonies, the ceremony of paying homage to teachers, etc., are held there. Therefore, it buzzes with students, teachers and other staff, especially during Lent.
The Myanmar and English Departments are located on Nguwah Road. It is divided by Royal Road. The Department of Distance Education, the Department of Philosophy and the English Department are in the same block of the buildings. Beside the Department of Distance Education, many food stalls are situated. Along Vijja Road are many canteens such as Chan Myae, Tha Pyae Yeik, Nwe Cho Tay, Yoon Shwe Yee, etc. and also the University Post Office and the University Hospital.
Theatre 1, Theatre 2, Theatre 3 and Theatre 4 are located at the corner of Royal Road and Cherry Road. Recreation Centre 1 and Recreation Centre 2 are on Cherry Road. RC 2 lies next to the Department of Law, and RC 1 lies next to the Archaeology Department. The students take a break at RC 1 and RC 2. Refreshers Courses for newly-appointed tutors and demonstrators are conducted at the theatres. The 10-day intensive courses for UDE students are conducted there. Lectures are also delivered to the day students there, if necessary.
The Computer Studies Department is housed in Buildings 32, 33, and 34. The Kaung Nyunt Hall is in the Computer Studies Department. It is so called after the first Rector of Dagon University, Sayagyi U Kaung Nyunt. Lectures on computers are delivered to the newly-appointed tutors and demonstrators at the Computer Studies Department. Exam scripts and answer scripts are placed there temporarily during the exam period.
Padauk Road is lined with Padauk trees. During the Thingyan water festival or the early periods of the Rainy Season, all of them were in bloom. The sweet fragrance wafting from them refreshes the university students. It is named ‘Padauk Road’ after the Padauk trees growing in line and the Padauk Hostel located at the beginning of the road. June and July are the months when monsoon sports competitions are held on the campus of Dagon University under the leadership of the rector.
During June or July, when the monsoon is at its height, sports competitions are held in the wide campus, especially in the gymnasiums.
Football matches are held in the Dagon University Stadium. The Dagon University football team has got good reputation among the university football teams, such as the YUFL football team, the YU football team, etc. Some outstanding footballers emerge from these DU football teams. Some are so outstanding that they can represent the Myanmar national league and the Myanmar national football team. During the Monsoon Sports Season, the stadiums and gymnasiums are congested with the university students, the in-charge teachers, coaches and football fans. The cheers of the spectators ring through the stadiums and the gymnasium.
The students learn at the university for two semesters a year. One semester lasts for four months. Although students live a carefree life, when the examinations draw near, they have forebodings about it. So they, at that time, diverted their attention toward their studies.
In the past, Dagon University was a place located in the outlying area. Around it were endless fields. Nowadays, Dagon University and its environment have become crowded with new residential quarters. The industrial zones are established not far from the university. It has better transport or easier accessibility than in the past. The astute people have purchased patches of land near Dagon University. They do their business on the land they have bought. The wards near the university become modernized. With the good reputation of Dagon University, Dagon Myothit (East) Township near it becomes busier and more prosperous.

GNLM

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