Sujatha Bodhu Bethi Gee Saraniya - 2005

It was certainly a proud moment for Sujathians who displayed their talents in the wonderful performance of Bhakthi Gee in the school premises on the eve of Vesak. Sujathians did perfectly fine. Participants numbering over 600 represented the entire school. Starting with pre-school kids and Year One students all the classes participated.

There was thrill and joy marked on the faces of the kids. Kids were seen really enjoying on the stage. Their colourful costumes in a variety of light shades added glamour to the event. Songs depicting various events of the life of the Buddha were sung beautifully by them having garlands, white and pink lotuses, candles and oil lamps in their hands. Sujathians had been trained by Amitha Vedisinghe the brilliant music teacher who had recently joined Sujatha Vidyalaya.

The full responsibility for the Bhakthi Gee Saraniya was shouldered by her with the co-operation of the staff fully committed to the task.

Her perseverance and hard work had its rewards. So much so that a rain of blessings were showered on her for the marvellous job well done within a short spell of time.

The entire school premises went gay with beautifully decorated Buddhist flags and illuminations. There were Vesak lanterns on display in classrooms giving the real Vesak atmosphere. The entire place was serenely decorated according to tradition giving prominence to conventional religious ideas. The specially constructed platform for the occasion put them at ease and every little detail had been well attended to.

The chief guest, world renowned Musician Visharada Pandit Amaradeva was highly impressed by this programme, marvelled at how religion is being encouraged by this prestigious institution paying due respect to our culture and he said that it conveyed an example to be followed by our society.

The students will be systematically driven for meaningful lives leading them to be true Buddhists and ultimately they will be put on the right track. Referring to the prevailing state of affairs regarding the sharp deterioration in human values in the present social set up he defined the word human and stressed that the involvement in Buddhist activities of this nature will inculcate in them moral values and good discipline so essential for the well-being of our society.

While appreciating the hard work of his pupil Amitha Vedisinghe thanked the Managing Director Lakshman Kuruppu for his dedicated service to Sujatha Vidyalaya. The pathway to their triumph is solely due to his guidance and clear vision in continuing the service to the nation begun four decades ago.

Srimathi Indrajith Liyanage made a sincere effort to convince the importance of this event. Focusing his attention on the present day social decline, the younger generation could be turned into good and righteous citizens of the country some day. He repeated to the devoted parents who are very anxious about their future. He said they are lucky to have selected Sujatha Vidyalaya, this elegant school with a Buddhist background to educate their children.

A novel feature to be admired was the presentation of Bhakthi Gee in English by the English medium girls showing that Sujathians are blessed with a high standard of proficiency in English too in keeping with the modern trends.

Another attraction was the final event - the most splendid performance by the members of the staff all clad in white. Their presentation directed by Amitha was wonderful. Finally their grateful thanks were offered by a student to all those who made their contribution to make the event a success. The programme came to a close with the school song.

The exceptional success of the entire Bhakthi Gee programme was the outcome of the hard work, courage and the united effort of the staff and parents too. Special mention should be made of the Managing Director for the ever increasing patronage provided throughout.

- Rupa Banduwardena