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Book Review:
Ideal role models for young readers
Title: Pipi Thambarana
Published by Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Ministry
Edited by Sumitra Rahubadda.
The human spirit, it is said, is among the most powerful and
resilient forces on the planet, and the stories of eminent people who
have built a niche for themselves in our world prove that, with
commitment and perseverance, we too can mould ourselves to scale great
heights.
This fact is instilled in the reader with remarkable effects in Pipi
Thambarana, the publication by the Child Development and Women’s
Empowerment Ministry, launched to commemorate the 2011 World Children’s
Day celebrations.
 The success stories of forty one eminent Sri Lankan personalities
featured in the book is a demonstration not only to children but adults
as well, of the incredible strength inside all of us to overcome
unbelievable odds and make our dreams a reality.
A unique feature of this publication is that the characters portrayed
are contemporary personalities which will undoubtedly make a higher
impact on the young readers. Unlike a biography based on famous
characters of the past, which would have had to be written using data
from old records, this book, written in the form of interviews provides
a more lively and memorable narrative.
The attractive and immensely appropriate title, Pipi Thambarana,
makes one recall the popular line from Prof Sarachchandra’s drama Maname
- Pipi Thambarana Nada Bambarana. A book with a difference, Pipi
Thambarana combines information and inspiration in a new and fascinating
way.
The character selection has been done with much care, taking
personalities from diverse fields-ranging from politicians to religious
dignitaries.
Here, simply and vividly told are the life stories of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa, Eva Wanasundara, Prof.Bellanwila Wimala Rathana
Thera, Somaweera Senanayake, H D Premasiri, Prof Sunil Ariyaratna,
Malani Fonseka, Muttiah Muthalitharan, Nanda Malini, Bandula
Padmakumara, Vijitha Yapa, Soma Kotakadeniya, Karunathilaka Amunugama,
Sundara Nihathamana De Mel, Lalitha Padmini, Prasanna Vithanage,
Rev.Father Earnest Poruthota, Prof. Sarath Kotagama,
Prof.J.B.Dissanayake, Ramani Subasinghe, Prof.Harendra Silva, Samya
Charika Marasinghe, Anula De Silva, K.Jayatilleke, Dr.Lester James
Pieris, Susanthika Jayasinghe, Dr Lakshman Senanayake, Ven Welemitiyawe
Kusala Dhamma Thera, Chandana Wickramasinghe, Arundathi Sri Ranganadan,
Saman Wickramaarachchi, Sybil Wettasinghe, Senior Prof. Kshanika
Hiriburegama, Deshabandu Jeseema Ismail, Fayes Mustafa, Ferial Ashraff,
Sarojini Devi Arunachalam, Dr Hiranthi Wijemanna, Channa Wijewardena,
Dr.Pabilis Silva and Samudra Dayani Ranasinghe.
Pipi Thambarana opens with the life story of President Mahinda
Rajapaksa. His childhood, his early life as a cub politician, his
exemplary political journey as a young MP, then a minister, Prime
Minister and finally as the President of Sri Lanka are finely portrayed.
The conversational style used in the narrative makes the presentation
simple and reader friendly.
Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera’s early life, how he entered the
Order and his religious and social services too are finely described.
Children can read it at a stretch without getting bored as the interview
form has always been beneficial in retaining a child's attention. The
biography of the Vice Chancellor of the Vidyalankara University, Ven.
Weliwitiyawe Kusala Dhamma Thera, is equally important and educative.
Father Earnest Poruthota’s character too is such an exemplary one.
As a religious dignitary his life was not merely limited to the
Catholic Church, he worked in harmony with Buddhist temples and Hindu
Kovils and the attempts he made to create religious harmony among
communities are eloquently described.
The importance he gives to aesthetics in his life is one, children
should find worth emulating.
The biography of Lake House Chairman Bandula Padmakumara is an
interesting read. A sensitive person who has always been close to
nature, he is well aware of the subtle realities of life. The book
identifies him as a person who can set many an example to Sri Lankan
children. Having entered professional journalism when he joined the
Kumari newspaper and having traversed through several artistic fields –
stage, cinema, television, today he is considered a veteran media
personnel as well as a good administrator.
Malini Fonseka, the queen of Sinhala cinema’s journey to success and
the way she established herself as an actress sets an example to other
artistes as well as women. So too the way Nanda Malini uses her voice
meaningfully and effectively to enhance the patriotic feelings among Sri
Lankans. The motives she states on why she became a singer is quite
important to the younger generations who live in a society where singers
are mushrooming every few seconds.
The character of Muttiah Muthalitharan who made Lanka proud by
creating world records in the field of sports sets an example to the
youth who are keen on perusing their dreams in this field. Susanthika
Jayasinghe’s story is ample proof of determination and her courageous
journey to success sets a good example to children.
Doyen of Sri Lankan cinema Lester James Pieris gives a new kind of
experience to Sri Lankan children.
At a time where Sri Lankan cinema was highly influenced by the Indian
cinema, Dr. Pieris rose to the occasion by directing masterpieces such
as Rekawa, thus saving our cinema from unnecessary Indian intrusions.
Being the director of several Sinhala movies and the winner of both
local and international awards, his advice and guidance are of great
importance to upgrade the courage of Sri Lankan children.
The success story of Pabilis Silva is not novel to any of us.
Although he is one of the most eminent chefs in our culinary industry
today, his path to success was not a rosy one , he underwent a lot of
hardships to reach this position.
His words are humble and honest, and his down-to-earth life style too
sets a good example to readers.
All in all, here is a biography that is as thorough as it is
readable; one which, like its subjects, will undoubtedly stand the test
of time.
- Samangie Wettimuny
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