Fond memories of Mother Ananda

by Dammika PERERA

As the 19th century dawned on our shores, Sri Lanka had gone through many vicissitudes of fortune ranging from the peak of eminence to the depths of degradation. Though the early part of this century could be considered the culmination in the process of dilapidation of our island culture nourished throughout the ages by Buddhism and Hinduism, under foreign dominion dividing native communities, the latter half of the century however saw the embers of national consciousness beginning to arise. This in turn stirred a keen awareness of the customs and modes of life characteristic of our people. It was against this backdrop that a humble, unassuming school was founded that would rise by strides to become a true Sri Lankan institution.

Affectionately referred to as 'Mother Ananda' by my sons, I was established 125 years ago primarily for Sri Lankans by both patriotic Sri Lankans and overseas philanthropists during an era when our nation was ruled from many leagues away by foreigners thus creating very limited educational and career opportunities for the 'native' masses uneducated in the English language. It was a time where Buddhist children needed to learn about their country and its history, their religion, the sciences and most importantly the world in English medium without compromising their identity and culture. It is rather important to mention the contribution made by Ven. Mohottiwatte Gunananda Thera in reawakening patriotism among Lankans which echoed on the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that made philanthropists such as Col. Henry Steele Olcott and Madam H. Petrova Blavatsky to reach our motherland to begin a new epoch in Sri Lankan history. The combination was further strengthened by Buddhist leaders, namely Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera and Anagarika Dharmapala leading to the creation of an educational institution where students could be taught the sciences, mathematics, geography, Pali, Latin, Sanskrit and Greek classics along with other subjects in the English medium while giving prominence to the teaching of Buddhism and Lankan history spanning 2,500 years.

Principals

Hence I was named the Buddhist English Academy at my inception in 1886 at No. 61, Maliban Street, Pettah, and I consider myself immensely fortunate to have had Principals of the calibre of as C.W. Leadbeater, A.E. Buultjens and Sir D.B. Jayathileke supported by dedicated and skilled teachers to guide my students at my inaugural stages.

I was begun as a school with 37 students but today after being renamed 'Ananda' in 1895 on behalf of Arahat Ananda Thera and relocated to my present locality in Maradana, I proudly boast of being a matriarch to more than 6,000 children from the Primary to the Advanced Level sections while employing up to 280 educators.

The scholars at Ananda are given an education in an atmosphere with a spiritual and moral foundation to develop their young minds to face the problems of life with patience, equanimity and resilience while doing their utmost to the country and society at large.

I have heard that my Anandian boys are famous for treating with respect those who are worth of it following "Garavocha", being highly disciplined under "Vinayocha susikkhitho" and helping those in need by showing compassion in accordance to the principles inculcated in them since they enter my premises.

Tolerance, respect and modesty are other traits instilled in my students as our island is home to many who follow different faiths and ideals. Established with the main intention of bestowing self respect and equal opportunities to Buddhist children, did not mean that my gates were closed to Sri Lankan children of diverse faiths and ethnicities. On the contrary, Ananda has embraced students from all communities of the island for one of the main objectives is to inspire patriotic and spiritual values among students and to think above divisions for the prosperity of the motherland.

Accuse

Sons of Ananda are at times unjustly accused of being radical and overzealous. I would like to remind all those who accuse my offspring that I, Ananda College of Colombo 10 was founded to produce Lankans who love their motherland and cherish their culture. I inquire from them; would you not protect what you hold dear? Yes, patriotic fervour is exceptionally high among Anandians and they eagerly look forward to serving their homeland in every way possible. I would further remind that my sons are duty bound to speak out and act against discrimination and inequality for I was created a Century and a quarter ago to bequeath a sense of worth and dignity to our people, our values and way of life.

Ananda has now come to be a spiritual and cultural oasis. My Anandians have contributed in all spheres of society becoming eminent doctors, engineers, lawyers, judges, administrators, economists, diplomats, accountants, educators and illustrious artistes, cricketers and military officers and personnel. They are also enormously involved in the fields of Media, Information Technology and Entrepreneurship. It was a truly bitter-sweet moment when I knew that it was one of my very own, Lt. Vaas Gunawardane who made the first ultimate sacrifice defending the territorial integrity of our nation in the face of separatist terrorism. Since then, numerous sons of mine have sacrificed their lives for the betterment of Sri Lanka and it is an indisputable fact that the sons of Ananda played a leading role in reuniting our divided island in the recently concluded war. I was built to mould human beings with dignity, self confidence and humility and it gives me no end of pleasure to witness my beloved sons rising to defend what is ours and what is true.

Throughout the years, principals and students of Ananda have gradually expanded my physical presence and organised projects and events to celebrate my birth and such special moments. Foremost among the exemplary men who dedicated their lives for the welfare of Ananda are Fritz Kunz, P de S. Kularatne and col. G. W. Rajapakshe who greatly increased the physical and academic manifestation of the college. The 'Fritz Kunz' Challenge Cup given annually to the Most Outstanding Anandians, the main assembly hall of the college being named the Kularatne Hall and the college grounds being named the Col. G.W. Rajapakshe Ground stands testimony to the immortalisation of the laudable people.

National and world leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandith Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore have entered my boundaries and taken part in events bearing my insignia. Nobel Laureate Rabindrantha Tagore said," it is a peculiar characteristic of an Anandian to be humble and unassuming all the while being an exceptional achiever". It is with delight that I note that my sons have caught the attention for championing these qualities.

I am also well known by the magnificent edifice that is the 'Ananda Vihara Mandiraya', built in such elegant and awe-inspiring manner it is gazed upon with veneration by all who enter my premises. It is by no small means that the Ananda Vihara has become the third most venerated Buddhist shrine in the country according to the Asia Times magazine. Its 'Koth Kerella' or the Vihara Pinnacle which can be spotted from all directions throughout my surrounding environs signifies the dissipation of knowledge and wisdom. Today, the Vihara Mandiraya has become indispensably and irrevocably intertwined with the identity of Ananda College.

Cavalcade

This year is a special year for me and my family as I have become 125 years. Accordingly, my sons have organised a cavalcade to commemorate my birth, as usual in a manner which shall benefit a vast majority. 'Ananda Abiman 2012' meaning the 'Glory of Ananda' has been planned to take place from March 26 to 31 within my premises.

This is mainly organised in addition to celebrate my 125th anniversary, to showcase the prowess and talents of my young Anandian scholars.

'Ananda Abiman 2012' is planned as an Educational, Cultural and Trade exhibition targeting young scholars, young adults, parents, past pupils of mine and all interested Sri Lankans.

At the unique and colossal event spanning six days, students of Ananda are given the chance to present their inventions and novel innovations which are categorised as individual, group, sports and clubs and societies.

Several of these exhibits have pending patents. Among this assortment of displays are scientific, educational, literary, artistic, musical and media related exhibits all assembled at one venue to showcase the untapped potential of Anandians.

The exhibition not only consists of exhibits displaying the various talents and abilities of my sons but also comprises many sporting events to give the maximum entertainment to the viewer by including them in the events planned to take place apart from gaining knowledge about the particular sport.

Further entertainment is on hand in the form of cultural events indigenous to the island such as Sokary, Puppets shows, Kolam and the ancient martial art of Angam Haramba.

Further demonstrating my sons' constructive interaction with the military, the security forces of Sri Lanka along with the police will have daily displays of military strategies and techniques that would undoubtedly bedazzle onlookers.

A trade fair too offering delicious eatables and other items of purchase is another segment of 'Ananda Abiman 2012'.

My beloved Anandians past and present along with my teachers have thus come together to honour me.

This is the process they have chosen to do so and I am truly grateful for their commitment, dedication and hard work put into organize this mammoth event. I am tremendously happy to note that the philosophies I espouse are being enacted by my children, the Sons of Ananda for the welfare of the nation and the people.

It is by the merit of my students, past and present that have been bestowed upon me the status of a national institution of Sri Lanka.

It should be taken into consideration that schools cannot claim to be immune from changes affecting society as a whole or to think that changes should be repelled. Schools should endeavour to be absorbent and yet remain secured on their foundations.

Opinion

It is in my opinion called 'adapting' to the current situation. In this context I am reminded of a few words by yet another luminary who visited me almost a century ago. 'We welcome winds from the four corners of the world, but we should not let ourselves be carried away by them" - Mahatma Gandhi.

While sincerely commending the sons of Ananda on their contributions and services so far, I gently advocate you to continue your righteous deeds. Remember my sons, that for long as the gold and maroon colours of Ananda fly proudly, I shall silently yet surely bear witness to your conduct.

When any institution be it a nation, corporation or school, celebrates an anniversary which has long passed its centennial, it is an inexplicably grand opportunity to look back and remember its past achievements.

It is also an opportunity to look forward and contemplate the future and what needs doing ahead while performing our best in the present. I am convinced that wisdom lies there. Thus, as I celebrate my 125th anniversary I deem that I have as was expected of me, become a beacon of light not once but twice to a resurgent nation as 'Mother Ananda' and I shall be so, whenever the occasion arises.

The writer is Media Co-ordinator of 'Ananda Abiman 2012' Educational, Cultural and Trade Exhibition, Ananda College, Colombo 10