STOP PRESS
Lakshman Abeyagunawardene passes away
Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale
I just received the sad news from Pram in this text message:-
"Dear friends, our dearly beloved colleague Lucky Abeygunawardene passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family
His remains will lie at the Respect Home tomorrow from 6.00pm to 9.00pm & again from the morning of the 16th December. Cremation at the General Cemetery Kanatte at 10.30am. Pansakula to be offered at 2 pm and final rites with cremation, Borella New Cemetery at 4pm
May his soul rest in peace".
I shall publish more details and some recollections from friends. Please send me anything about Lucky you want to be included.
The photo was taken at Lucky's house when I met him in March this year.
ND summed him up beautifully- see below.
“Lakshman is a quiet man, yet gregarious, always charming. He is well known for his intense loyalty to his friends. His anecdotes, wonderful sense of humour and that ‘wicked’ grin are an integral part his charm. I remember from long ago his courtesy and kind ways which he has carried through all his life. I am greatly privileged to have met him in my life’s journey.”
Lucky was admitted as a Fellow of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka at the Inauguration of its Annual Scientific Sessions on Thursday, 20th September 2012, in recognition of services rendered to Public Health/Community Medicine.
This citation, read by Dr. Santhushya Fernando, is a fitting initial tribute to a man who achieved so much but always remained humble. He started the Blog and valued friendship and lasting memories of our time together as batch mates. I shall miss him, and his memory shall always live deep within me.
Tributes to Lucky
(1) This was posted in the Blog on May 2nd, 2022.
Lakshman Dias Abeygunawardene – Community Physician par
excellence
By Dr Nihal D Amerasekera
“Lakshman is a quiet man, yet gregarious, always charming. He is well known for his intense loyalty to his friends. His anecdotes, wonderful sense of humour and that ‘wicked’ grin are an integral part his charm. I remember from long ago his courtesy and kind ways which he has carried through all his life. I am greatly privileged to have met him in my life’s journey.”
Lakshman (L.N.D) Abeygunawardene had his education at Ananda
College Colombo.
I first met Lakshman in the “Block” when we were freshers at
the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo in 1962. Then we both lived in Nugegoda.
There were times he gave me a lift to the faculty in his Honda 50 motor-cycle.
Our surnames being at the beginning of the alphabet we sat near to each other
at lectures, walked the long corridors of the General Hospital together and
worked in the same wards. Friendship blossomed as we did most of the demanding
tasks together for the full five years.
The examinations in the faculty were many and each one of
them challenging in the extreme. Therewas a need to commit vast amounts of
facts to memory. Lakshman had a most remarkable memory and the ability to
recall in such great detail. He spent less time studying than many of my mates
in the year but sailed through the years with ease. On many occasions, he gave
me the impression Lakshman merely wanted to pass the examinations with minimum
effort while enjoying student life. I have no doubt that he could have been in
the top tier in the order of merit if he just made the effort. Lakshman was
intelligent and had the wonderful ability to think fast and think rationally
while on his feet. This was a great gift which he used to good effect in later
life and career.
Lakshman loved faculty life and enjoyed it to the full, more
than most. He was a fine billiards player. Taking part in the faculty
competitions he fared very well indeed becoming one of the top players. Carrom
was his forte. Lakshman was one of the best players of the game and won the
faculty tournament a couple of times. He was a great follower of the University
cricket team and was ever present at the Sara Trophy games lending his support.
Watching Rugby was another of his passions and never missed an important club
game. He was always there for the Colours Night and Block Night dances at the
University’s King George’s Hall, jiving the night away. Ever-present at the
evening booze-ups in the faculty common room, Lakshman was there to take me
home after the event. Although he enjoyed a drink Lakshman never exceeded the
sensible limits he set for himself. He never smoked. With him good sense always
prevailed.
I remember he was always polite and had the great ability to
be calm, discreet and diplomatic. He had the skill to hide his anger so very
well. Beneath his gentle demeanour, Lakshman has a steely core. He is
intelligent and astute and played his cards close to his chest. Lakshman was
never in a hurry to make important decisions which he did after careful
thought. This stood him in good stead throughout his career and in his life.
I recall with nostalgia a trip we made with Sanath de Tissera, Bernard Randeniya and Lakshman Jayasinghe (who joined us on the spur of the moment, at the Fort Railway Station). We were off on a trip to Kandy. Sanath arranged for us to stay in a house on a hill in Watapuluwa, overlooking the Mahaweli river. We pounded the streets of Kandy during the day and enjoyed a chat and a drink in the evenings by the river. This was a memorable holiday which brought us closer together.
After the final year examination came the great dispersal. We all went our separate ways.
Following his Internship at Colombo South General Hospital,
he worked in a clinical field for two years. He then set his eyes on a career
in public health. Lakshman began his journey into public health as a Medical
Officer of Health at Matara in 1970. That was also a momentous year for
Lakshman when he married Mangala. I made
an official trip to Matara while working at the Central Blood Bank in
Colombo. It brought me great joy to meet
my old pal again. I was entertained most lavishly by Lakshman and Mangala in a
grand and elegant house at Brown’s Hill in Matara.
Remaining in the Public Health Services, he joined the
Health Education Bureau (HEB) of the Ministry of Health. In March 1974, Lakshman was awarded a World
Health Organization (WHO) Fellowship and proceeded to the USA. Specialising in
public health and health education, in 1975, he obtained the Master’s degree in
Public Health (MPH) from the University of California, Berkeley, USA. On his
return to Sri Lanka, Lakshman pursued his keen interest in serving the HEB as a
Health Education Specialist. In 1986, he received his certification as a
consultant in community medicine by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine
(PGIM). Lakshman was conferred the prestigious Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree
in community medicine by the University of Colombo.
Having served the Government of Sri Lanka diligently for 23
years he took early retirement in 1990 and joined the United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF). He has also served the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the
Commonwealth Secretariat of London working on consultant assignments in
Indonesia and Malaysia. In 1998, he took early retirement from UNICEF. Lakshman then emigrated to the United States
and served the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control as
a Health Education Specialist for a further period of ten years. He finally
retired in December 2008 as a Consultant Community Physician in the USA.
Although South Carolina left a strong impression on Lakshman he had a deep
longing to return home to his roots.
For many years I lost contact with Lakshman. Marriage,
careers and caring for our children took precedence. On a brief visit home in
1998, I met up with Lakshman and the irrepressible J.C Fernando at the
Singhalese Sports Club which was a memorable event. We kept the spirit alive
bringing back a bit of that old faculty magic of long ago.
Lakshman initiated a Weblog (now also called a Blog),
specifically for the Colombo Medical Faculty entrants of 1962. The creation
helped to shape the way we communicate as a year group and became a forum for
conveying our skills, news, humour and friendship. This became an instant hit
with the batch and has been a friendly platform, riding the ether since 2011.
He had a pragmatic approach to its rules. Not wanting it to be an online
battleground, he discouraged and virtually excluded politics. As the manager of
the Blog he maintained its dignity and remained fair and impartial. His
willingness to listen to the feedback improved the Blog enormously. After many
years in the hot seat he has now passed on the onerous task of managing the
Blog to Mahendra Gonsalkorale.
On retirement Lakshman and Mangala returned to Sri Lanka and
made their home in Battaramulla. They now maintain a splendid house with a
delightful garden in the posh part of town. An utterly charming couple, they
became well known for their friendship and lavish hospitality. By his relaxed
style and affable manner, he made wonderful company. Their generosity was
extended to the many expatriate medics who returned home on their winter
getaway.
I recall Lakshman’s father was a regular contributor to the national newspapers. Lakshman continued this tradition by contributing articles of value to the daily papers mostly on topics in his field of expertise in healthcare. He has dipped deep into the archives of his memory to write a most readable, extensive and far-reaching memoir.
I never joined in the many Batch reunions in Sri Lanka and
never had the opportunity to meet Lakshman. He made a brief trip to the UK.
Although I hoped very much we could meet but that was not to be. I was in Sri
Lanka in 2012 and we were able to enjoy a meal together at the plush Indian
restaurant at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo. In the relaxed ambience of its
dining hall we retraced our time together, reminisced and remembered mutual
friends. We did make up much for those lost years.
Lakshman is a quiet man, yet gregarious, always charming. He is well known for his intense loyalty to his friends. His anecdotes, wonderful sense of humour and that ‘wicked’ grin are an integral part his charm. I remember from long ago his courtesy and kind ways which he has carried through all his life. I am greatly privileged to have met him in my life’s journey. Lakshman and Mangala have a son and daughter and enjoy the love and affection of three grandchildren.
I wish them a long and happy retirement.
(2) From Pramilla Senanayake
Lucky was a dear friend and colleague. He really enjoyed keeping in touch with his "batch mates" Hence the birth of the blog. Lucky contributed frequently to the blog. Whenever overseas colleagues visited SL, Lucky & Mangala played hosts to them and produced some super lunches and dinners. Lucky & Mangala were a very devoted couple. She kept no stone unturned to ensure that Lucky got the best medical treatment and the best care at home.
I was frequently in touch with Mangala and got regular updates on Lucky's health & progress. I was delighted when Mangala joined us at the last "Forever 62 " get-together which was a high T at the Ahasa restaurant on the 27th floor of the new Ratnadipa Hotel.
Lucky loved Cricket, and so did I. We had many cricket-related discussions when time permitted
He was very close to his two children. Always looking forward to the visits of their daughter from the USA. His grandkids meant a lot to him, and he looked forward eagerly to their visits.
I am so pleased that Speedy will continue keeping the blog alive.
May Lucky's soul rest in peace.
(3) Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale (He always called me Speedy!)
Lucky was a true friend and a most sincere person. He felt very strongly about his duty to serve his Motherland, and I salute him for this. But he was magnanimous enough to recognise that returning to live and serve in Sri Lanka, as honourable as it is, is not the only way to do this.
I always made it a point to visit Lucky and Mangala when I visit Sri Lanka and the genuine welcome and expression of their pleasure to see me was very special.
This photo was taken early this year when Srianee, too, was visiting. The ever-generous and wonderful Pram was kind enough to pick me up from Nawala, take me there and drop me back.
My heartfelt condolences go to Mangala and their children.
I am proud of the fact that I was able to assist in adding many innovations to the blog from the early days, which he readily accepted. When he handed the reins to me, I was honoured. I am even more determined to maintain the blog, Lucky's Brainchild. May he, as a devout Buddhist, attain his ultimate goal of Nibbana
Mahen, thank you for responding so quickly after the sad news of Lucky's death to publish this tribute from 2012. I appreciated Lucky as a good friend who was always at the forefront in organizing our reunions. Whenever I landed in Colombo he and Mangala were quick to organize a gathering of friends. Mangala and Lucky enjoyed the company of their friends and frequently hosted us in their lovely home in Battaramulla. During the last few years, however, Lucky's failing health made it difficult for them to continue doing that. Lucky was a very humble person, and I realized that even more when I read the tribute above. I was only aware of a fraction of his professional accomplishments!!
ReplyDeleteAll his batch mates, who enjoy communicating with each other on this blog, will be eternally grateful to him for starting this. May he attain Eternal Peace. I send my heartfelt condolences to Mangala and the rest of his family. It was a privilege to be his friend. I will miss him immensely.
Lucky was a true friend and a most sincere person. He felt very strongly about his duty to serve his Motherland, and I salute him for this. But he was magnanimous enough to recognise that returning to live and serve in Sri Lanka, as honourable as it is, is not the only way to do this. My heartfelt condolences go to Mangala and their children. I am even more determined to maintain the blog which was as all of us know, Lucky's brainchild. May he as a devout BUddhist, attain his ultimate goal of Nibbana
ReplyDeleteThanks Mahen and Pram for keeping us informed.
ReplyDeleteSad. We owe him a great deal for keeping the batch in touch.
Anichchawata Sankhara- May he attain Nibbana.
My sincere condolences to all the family . 🙏
FROM DHUSHYANTHI VEDAVNAM
ReplyDeleteMahen thank you for informing us so promptly about the sad news of Lucky’s death.
I met Lucky at his home the last time I visited Srilanka. Mangala and Lucky were very hospitable and kind.
Thanks to Lucky for starting the blog and also including the spouses of all his departed colleagues. Today we are able to keep in touch with you all via the blog.
My son too was able to meet Lucky when he visited Srilanka.
My heartfelt condolences to his dear wife Mangala and his two children. May he attain Nibbana.
Dhushy
From Chira
ReplyDeleteLucky's passing away, very sad indeed.
We should be proud of Lucky's Professional achievements.
As batchmates we all should be thankful to Lucky for creating our batch Blog in 2011.
This has brought our batchmates together. We are able to communicate with each other and to be informed about the demise of our batchmates.
We are happy that Mahendra is keeping our batch Blog alive.
My deepest sympathies to Mangala and children.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
Chira
In my mind, amongst a host of pleasant memories regarding Lucky. the most important memory is that he was the creator of our Blog.
ReplyDeleteMay he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana!
FROM RAJAN (PATAS)
ReplyDeleteQuite saddened to hear of the passing of Lucky. I have fond memories of him in our Medical School days and his visit to my home and tasty meal at his home. Pram please convey my sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Mangala.
Rajan
SWYRIE
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of Lucky’s passing. I got to know Lucky really well when he and I joined up to organize many a batch reunion. He was always there to help and advise. As a batch we will really miss him. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
FROM SURI
ReplyDeleteSo very sad to learn of Lucky's demise.
He was one of the first boys I got to know in our batch. He had worked with my older brother at BOC while waiting to enter Medical College. Aiya told me that Lucky was a really decent chap . So I was very happy when he introduced himself to me. My brother's evaluation of him was spot on . I found Lucky to be gentle and good natured, with a quiet sense of humour. Never found him to be unfair or mean. He was never proud or boastful of his many achievements.
I remember how I spotted him hovering in the Operating Theatre lobby at SJGH on a Tuesday morning and asked him why he was there . He said that Mangala was due for a Thyroidectomy by Dr Yoheswaran. I actually scolded him for not letting me know as it's my list. Lucky said he didn't want to trouble me !!! Yoga was a bit reluctant to go ahead with the surgery as there was a retrosternal extension which may require a sternal split . I told him that Dr Panna BJ Gunaratne was also in the OT and we can ask for help if needed. Thank God all went well.
Lucky was the first batch mate I contacted when I felt the urge to organise a batch reunion way back in 1988. Together with JC, Sura and Ganesh we were able to have a wonderful reunion at the Holiday Inn. He was enthusiastically involved in organising every batch reunion in Sri Lanka since then and we all owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for his brain child the Batch Blog.
You hold a special place in our hearts Lucky.
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
Our heartfelt sympathies to Mangala and the family.
On hearing the sad news many memories flashed across my mind. Lucky was one of the first batchmates I met on entry to the Faculty. That was on the infamous registration day. We were both from Nugegoda and travelled back home together by the red Leyland bus. When I wrote my tribute to Lucky I sent him a copy to correct any errors and he gave me the thumbs up to publish in the Island newspaper and the Blog. I am so pleased he got to know what I think of him.
ReplyDeleteThe way he managed the blog showed his personality. He insisted on accuracy, honesty and dignity. No politics was also part of it. There were a few occasions we had to agree to disagree. He did so with his usual politeness without any rancour.
What saddened me most was my inability to see him when he was unwell and to communicate with him in his final year. Many of my emails and phone calls went unanswered as he was too ill. I recall with great fondness our last meal together at the Cinnamon Grand. That laughter and those reminiscences still swirl in my mind.
My deepest condolences to Mangala and the rest of the family
Lucky, you have gone before us on that journey we all must take.
I seek the wisdom of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam :
Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust Descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust, to lie,
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer and—sans End!
May you attain the Ultimate Bliss of Nirvana
I would like to add a little bit more to my earlier comments. As Suri said "You hold a special place in our hearts, Lucky." And Nihal, I am sure that Lucky received all of your emails, because Mangala read them to him (bless her!). But towards the end of his life sitting down at a computer and typing were virtually impossible tasks, and phone calls were difficult. I am sure he greatly appreciated your tribute written in May, 2022.
ReplyDeleteFriendship was something that Lucky valued greatly and I think it pleased him immensely when the blog was active and buzzing with comments. We should honor him by keeping the blog alive, as long as Mahen is able to keep it going (Thank you, Mahen!)
Lucky, we will keep the fires of friendship burning on the blog as long as possible, in your memory. May you attain the Ultimate Bliss of Nirvana.
Very sad to hear that Lucky passed away. A very sincere person who made a tremendous contribution to organising batch reunions in Sri Lanka .We are all very grateful to him for creating the Blog which has enabled us to recall the good old days ,keep in touch, consolidate friendships ,get to know each other better etc.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to Mangala and children.
Good to see so many contributions. I hope we can hear more stories from his eventful past. One lasting memory I have is his interpretation (and his own lyrics) of the song "When the carnival is over". This was much requested of him in our various trips. I can't recall all the words. Does anybody have the lyrics? Lucky himself referred to it in a post in 2011 as- "On our return to Colombo, we assembled near the clock tower at Kynsey Road from where we dispersed singing my own substituted (unprintable) lyrics of the song "Carnival is Over" made popular by "The Seekers" in the 1960s. Our own version of "Carnival is Over" was the theme song of that memorable trip. Lucky also refers to another instance of his musical skills thus -"Another of my compositions was to the tune of "Janwar" - a very popular Hindi song made even more popular by Jothipala with the Sinhala version. I was pleasantly surprised that when I met "Speedy" in Colombo late last year, he still remembered the unprintable words that I had inserted!
ReplyDeleteNihal (ND) also referred to Carnival is over in a 2018 post thus- "We kept to the Faculty tradition of a Final Year Trip. As our coach was whining up the twists and bends of the central hills, Lucky Abey sang his own sensuous satirical version of the Seekers favourite “The Carnival is over”. It was a parody par excellence.
Finally my good friends, Lucky's passing away is another gentle reminder of our mortality and our diminishing numbers. It is now 59/166= 35.5%! or, to put it in a more positive way, 65.5% are still battling on! Get on with the things you need and want to do, while you are alive! Leave no room for regret but even then, some of us may say, unless you believe in an after life, who is there to experience regret once the final whistle is blown!
I think this link will take you to the Original Janwar song (from the famous movie)- You will need to copy and paste on your browser
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DANe5IdszWc
Mahen, reading yours and Nihal's recollection of Lucky's singing while on your final year trip, as well as the many memories you guys have shared on the blog, makes me bring up my oft repeated "complaint" that the guys had a lot more fun in Medical College than the girls! Well, there's nothing I can do about it, is there? I'm trying to imagine how many tongues would have been wagging if the women had gone on similar trips? The only time I remember breaking the rules is when a few of us left to see a movie when we were supposed to be on "Casualty Duty." Instead of checking the pupils of patients with head injuries, we went off to see something at The Liberty theater! It was a slow night and I think my fellow rule breakers included Rohini Abey and Rajan (Patas).
DeleteMore insight on how Lucky faced life's challenges- a lesson for all of us. During a Speedy interview (May 2017),
ReplyDeleteI asked him "Lucky, what makes you “tick”? Are you philosophical, religious? Do you spend time wondering about the mysteries of life?"
And here is the answer he gave:-
"I take it that what you mean by “tick” is what keeps me going, especially in a healthy mental state. I am neither philosophical nor overtly religious. But I do wonder at times about so called “mysteries of life”. All I can say is that I have cut down stress to a bare minimum and take each day as it comes. I like to be independent as long as possible, with no bosses looking over my shoulder. It is my personal opinion that even in retirement, it is very important that a person should be economically independent as well. My wish is that in the end, I don’t become a burden on my family"
I also asked him "May I ask you how you keep yourself occupied and healthy?"
His answer:-
"This is a question that I am often asked by many people. In short, I now do what I want to do at my own pace. Believe me, there are so many things that I have to do even in retirement and quite often, I go to bed around midnight. I spend a lot of time at the computer, watching TV, attending to minor handy work around the house and indulging in my favourite pastime - walking."
Finally, he was generous enough to acknowledge my contribution to the blog. I always knew he valued and openly thanked me. In his own words,
"I would not have been able to sustain it this long if not for the support I have received from batch colleagues like you Speedy. You have come up with so many new ideas to strengthen the blog’s in-built sustenance mechanism. In fact, this new feature of “Speedy Interviews” is one of them. You conceived the idea, conceptualised the entire exercise and put it into action. In my view, you Speedy, and I should equally share any credit for running this blog. I am also indebted to the regular contributors who unfortunately are just a handful. But I do know that there are many others who visit the blog, but don’t contribute or comment"
These are some of the reasons why I consider him a wonderful human being and valued friend and a good example for the younger generation to follow. If you want to read the full interview, type "THE SPEEDY VIRTUAL INTERVIEW SERIES - Episode 3" in the search bar at the top and you will be taken to the page..
FROM INDRA ANANDASABAPTHY
ReplyDeleteA tribute to Lakshman Abeyagunewardene.
I knew Lakshman from the time we entered the Colombo Medical faculty . I was fortunate to have him in our sig. and clinical groups during those years.
Lucky was an exceptional man a devout Buddhist, a good friend and most importantly a wonderful human being who made time for as many friends as he could manage . He was a very good Billiards player I am told and an exceptional Carrom player. Most importantly Lakshman was a simple and decent human being.
We will miss him very much.
His brain child was the blog that over the years has kept the members of the Med. school batch of 1962 in touch , and informed , a function that is performed very well by his friend Mahendra Gonsalkorale now.
May he attain Nibbana.
Indra Anandasabapathy
SOME GLIMPSES ON HOW THE BOYS INTERACTED WITH THE GIRLS INOUR BATCH.Srianee, i never realised how "segmented" we were in terms of sex. My recollection is that romances were born and flourished and became permanent or not with time. By today's stndards, the intimcay we experienced would have been hardly worth being labelled intimacy! I recall the "Libarary couples" who were always together. I was too shy and inexperienced to seek relationships. The camarederie we saw among the men, doesn't seem to have been with the ladies. But I may be wrong. Till you pointed out that, it never struck me. Social norms and behaviour were very different. Here is a revealing extract from an old blog post by ND:-
ReplyDelete"We were such a diverse lot of scholars, saints and sinners. Despite the stress and the mayhem, Cupid stretched his bow and shot his arrows in the Faculty. There were many fizzing romances that bloomed and flourished whilst others faded and perished before our eyes. The trauma and hardship of the course brought us closer. Little groups and cliques formed within our batch. Some were from the same school, some lived near to each other and others studied together. Bloemfontein, Jeewaka and ‘Hopper house’ provided safe lodgings. Academics, sportsmen, musicians and the jolly types all mingled well to become friends".
"Friendships were made and firmed in the canteen and common room which was the social hub of the Faculty where laughter was endemic".
"Away from the books and the Faculty bubble, there were many events and social functions. They helped us to bond. We started with the infamous Law-Medical match whose legend still lives on. Our Block Concert was an epic with unbridled erotic humour and sensational performances which have now entered the folklore of the Faculty. (But it was very much a Men's affair). There was a large gathering of medical students at the Health Department Sports Club to listen to Prof. HVJ Fernando and Dr WDL Fernando, sing in forensic detail, the grim and grisly tale of “the officers daughter who hanged and died".
"Although in the Faculty and in our own batch females were well represented, it was not so in the previous generations. The Faculty then was a Gentlemen’s Club and was changing, all but slowly. Despite the new-found freedom, hippie culture and the prevalent permissive society, compared to nowadays, the girls and boys lead separate lives. They cherished the old-fashioned concept of modesty. There were some gallant lads and liberal lasses who mixed freely. Many of the lads could just about pluck up courage for a wolf whistle from afar. The girls would have brought elegance, charm and glamour to the Men’s Common Room, the Law-Medical, “Block Nite” and the Final Year Trip. Their presence would have prevented the embarrassing excesses. When we were students, there were very few female consultants and senior lecturers. I recall just a few who were brilliant in their own fields - Drs Priyani Soysa, Stella de Silva, Rajeswary Rajakariar, Doris Peiris, Dr Mrs Yoganathan and Daphne Attygalla. We salute their intellectual brilliance, tenacity and courage"
I hope many more will enrich this blog with their recollections of how the Male-Female dichotomy was addressed..
Mahen
DeleteThank you for reposting those revealing excerpts that brought back memories of the WAY WE WERE. They were so long ago it is like waking up from a dream.
Mahen, thank you for re-posting the interesting observations Nihal shared in previous posts. Times were very different then. Many young women grew up sheltered by their parents and were hesitant to mix freely with the opposite sex upon entering medical college.
DeleteMy complaint is that the females in our batch rarely or never organized any outings/trips the way the guys did. Some of us (myself included) were more extroverted and made friends both male and female, while in medical college. Personally, I was not intimidated by the males in our batch, because I grew up with brothers, many male cousins, and their friends, who would be in and out of our home. Also, because I didn't get "hitched" while in medical college, I was able to make friends with quite a few of our male classmates.
Some of the organized fun activities I participated in were the trips organized by the Student Christian Movement (SCM - nicknamed "Society for Courtship and Marriage!") There were picnics, and carol singing visits to the homes of professors at weird hours of the night, etc. etc. Some of my friends organized parties which I had the pleasure of attending. Looking back, I admit I was not completely deprived of fun during my time in medical college.
However, it was because of the blog (and reunions) that I my mere acquaintance with some of my batch mates in medical college morphed into true friendships.
It would be interesting to find out what the male/female interactions are like in medical college these days.
Srianee
DeleteI am an only child schooled in an all boys institution. I really didnt know how to be friends with girls.There were I'm sure many boys like me. Girls mix freely with boys now, worldwide as you well know. Walking into the faculty common room in 2012 I found the ambience changed. It was more crowded, much noisier and more cluttered. English was not the commonly used language. I cannot for certain recall seeing girls there. The faculty ethos too must have moved on and I accept the change as nothing ever remains the same with the passage of years.
I certainly hope those girls and boys in the faculty receive a wonderful education as we did and enjoy its many trappings.
Nihal and Srianee. I am glad you came up with your views and found the beautiful litererary works of Nihal so useful. I have no answers to the questions raised by Srianee but cultural norms were so different 60 years ago and apparent male dominance was veru much evident, Thank goodness that females on the whole are treated better than those days.
ReplyDeleteThe value of the blog was something I attempted to focus in my selection of quotes. I hope that many would find it useful and educational to research the blog and get a better understanding of life in that memorable era.
This was hilarious! -" Student Christian Movement (SCM - nicknamed "Society for Courtship and Marriage!")!!
ReplyDeleteEven in SL , perhaps, medicine is not the most sort after career as in our day. People are more aware of the many careers available. Career advice is available in schools. There are many more jobs available now . I wish I had such advice and may have chosen journalism. But in a developing country honest journalism has its drawbacks and can end up in a white van. So I do not regret as I have enjoyed the profession immensely.
ReplyDeleteFROM MAHESWARY NADARAJAH (nee Singarayer)
ReplyDeleteIt was so sad to know that Lucky has passed away. I must thank Speedy for bringing it to my notice and my apologies for the slightly delayed response. He was much liked and as all of you have said, we owe him a lot for keeping us together. My he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. My sincere condolences to Mangala and his family
From Virginia
ReplyDeleteSad to hear of Lucky's passing. The only time I had contact with him was when he informed me via e mail that back in the 60's when he wanted a guarantor for a loan he approached John's aunt Dr Erin Christoffelsz to be his guarantor she immediately agreed, which he appreciated very much.
He was also in contact with our mutual friend Sumathi whom I am unable to contact. I hope Sumathi is keeping well
My sincere condolences to Lucky's family. May his soul Rest in Peace
Hello Virginia,
DeleteSo lovely to hear from you. I have kept in touch with Sumathi who has been in Birmingham since emigrating to the UK. He has a few health issues as he says but is happy with life. He was a regular in our blog but not anymore. I have kept in touch with him on WhatsApp. I will let him know that you tried to contact him.
Best wishes for the festive season.
Thank you Nihal I will try again to contact Sumathi and.am glad to hear that he is happy
ReplyDeleteVirginia
It was lovely to see you back on the blog. I am sure Mangala (who reads the blog) would have been vert happy to see you and receive your condolences. Please do visit the blog as often as you wish and comment as you wish. Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025.
ReplyDeleteI clean forgot to say "lovely to see you back on the blog, Virginia"
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