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Epilogue
"This is a novel of a new
style."
That was the thought that occurred to me after reading the
manuscript of the Second Volume of Bhava Thanha.
Had Fyodor Dotrovosky lent ear to the
unfolding of Sarvodaya events he would have penned a novel. I next
mused.
"Why do you say that?"
"The author unfolds the characters he has met, and reveals their
talents, their crafty traits with such acute observations."
:"Only that?"
What multitude of administrators, lawyers, police officers,
businessmen, philanthropists, prelates, teachers, professors,
industrialists and foreigners he has met.
Not only what they said and did. But he seems to be immune to their
praise and insults.
What made him record all this?
For sensitive people who wished to present the different profiles of a
social revolution no other alternative exists. Cannot the records
kept by those who seek to tread fresh paths be regarded invaluable
legacies?
Isn't Sarvodaya leader recording unwritten history? That is true.
That is all what is happening around us.
While many groan in deep sleep pundits have little sleep and invest their
time doing worthwhile things. Thus Ariyaratne writing his Bhava
Thanha keeps awake and moves with his colleagues. Sometimes he moves
ahead. Sometimes he watches others moving. He is sensitive to their
immaturity but has patience. Sometimes the natural human qualities
of a Prathagjana (one who has not attained an arahathhood)
surfaces. Then he tries to eliminate them.
We can see him bearing the brunt of
work that only a group can handle. This very book, that qualifies
for a collective endeavor has been handled by him alone and isn't
that a patient, gigantic task in itself.
What does it teach us?
That Dr. Ariyaratne's lifestyle is
indigenous to him alone. Those who identified his greatness are
worthy of his honor. This gamut of experience that he reveals
through this saga. I sensed it to be a spiritual pivotal syndrome
that transcends a personal reflection.
Prof. Sunanda Mahendra
Faculty of Mass Communications
Kelaniya University, Sri Lanka |
