Historic Rangoon University Student Union (RUSU)

Of small scale but even greater embodiment of political changes next to the university is the historic Rangoon University Student Union building RUSU [58]. Funded by donations of a wealthy Burmese businessman called Dr. U Nyo, the building was finished in summer of 1931. This establishment of the RUSU allowed the students to gather and stratify profound events that would change Myanmar’ narrative. Due to its crucial work from the liberation of the colonial rulership, the building has become since the 1920s a symbol of anti-colonial nationalism and anti-fascism.

Key notionnest of liberation and democratic movements the legacy of student unions destroyed heritage

Rangoon university student's union

Civic Space Category educational

Built1931

Demolished Time1962; 1963

Date of Incident8th July 1962

Location Adress300 Adipati Road

Interviews

  1. Peaceful March

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  2. Student Memorial Stone

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  3. Burma Student Day

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  4. Repeatedly Destroyed

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  5. Trees destroy the Foundation

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Other Locations from this {post_terms_timeline:plain} Generation

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Second Generation

Following the 1962 coup d'état, General Ne Win suppressed student activism by destroying RUSU and closing universities. This sparked underground resistance culminating in 1988 protests.

Third Generation

The 1974 U Thant Crisis erupted when Ne Win refused proper burial for the former UN Secretary-General, sparking student protests that led to a memorial built in 1975.

Fourth Generation

The 8888 Uprising saw massive protests against General Ne Win's 26-year military rule in Myanmar, marking Aung San Suu Kyi's emergence as a democratic leader.

Fifth Generation

The 2007 Saffron Revolution saw Myanmar monks protesting rising prices, facing military blockades at key pagodas.

Sixth Generation

The 2021 Golden Spring revolution followed Myanmar's military coup against NLD's electoral win. Civil disobedience evolved into armed resistance as streets became protest spaces.