Discipline – a concern
It is to be understood by all of us that if we are to desert our values and let ourselves fall to a second-rate owing to our own negligence, it is the day that we cease to call ourselves as Antonians.
It took some days for me to decide whether I should write again on this column when I reflect on the recently concluded Limited Overs Encounter between Two of the leading and oldest educational institutes in this Island Nation. In One of them I studied for 14 years and in the Other I worked as if it was my own. Of course hats off to the valiant Antonian Wilow-wielders for humbling the lions in their own trade. Congrats my young friends ... But ... reality is so very painful. I cried and sighed and lamented and groaned at what happened off-the-field, for it was a tragic day where once two very proud mothers (TCK and SACK) cried as their children stabbed their hearts when the world looked on.
On Friday I came to Kandy via Colombo, from Trinco (even missing an aptitude examination for a higher degree programme!) only for one reason. A meeting between TCK and SACK in my estimation is a very unique moment. For it is a moment where we proclaim to the world that discipline and values still matter in a world where both are drastically absent. Once a friend of mine told me that they are unaware of the "Battle of the Blues in the Hill Capital" when compares to the commotion the other "so-called" leading Schools create during and after the Big Matches. We "were" so disciplined and the competition brought the best in each of us to the extent that relationships were enhanced. All were able to witness a good game of Cricket.
This time around it was not to be. Till about 10.30 a.m. the ground was literary empty. Cricket was going on sans the students of the respective Colleges. And here they come in the 26th Over with a bang! And what do they do light crackers, dress up cows with the Antonian Flag, and put a SACK tie to a guy dressed as a girl. I am ashamed ...disgusted. By 11:00 a.m. while the Cricket was going on, bottles in the parking lot opened, glasses are distributed, bites are being heated up ... and they say .." This is the way we honor are alma mater".
Lunch Time comes .... we the retinue consisting of the Two principals, deputy principals, 5 priests are proceeding to the primary auditorium. Oh they have a welcome ceremony for us ... Antonians seated in groups in the rare seats of their vehicles and opened-trunks having a gala time DRINKING. Here goes their Principal and the priests who form them, and their response "who cares". If they want let them share a drink with us, because "we love the school", we are Antonians! Did they stood up and hide their glasses filled with intoxicating substance in embarrassment? No way ... I felt so ashamed and disgusted. I wanted to shout and tell the world " You have made this sacred land in to a tavern with a bunch drunkards!" And they say they do this because they "Love the School".
By afternoon while the Cricket is being played in the best possible manner, with a true spirit of friendship, they situation out side the boundary lines is tragic. Most of the young old boys are on their fours. A fight erupts and they exchange punches.Oh the tragedy of the herd and it becomes a free for all encounter. And after a while come an Antonian proudly wearing a SACK T-Shirt and releases a verbal assault on Fr. Principal before everyone in the guests pavilion ...why ... it appears that "He loves his school". The end of the Cricket match opens another amphitheater. Scores are injured. Stones are hurled. Students are taken to the hospital. We got into a Van and patrol the Kandy Katugasthota Road, why because there is a WAR between SACK and TCK. Who has started it ... thugs representing a near-by school, and some from two schools in Kandy and Peradeniya. Why ... they cannot stand the discipline shown by SACK and TCK. So they started and WE continued.
Just today someone has uploaded a video clip in FB of some Antonian Batch (who had left College recently) parading the Kandy Roads in vehicles with a Band accompanying it. Some are suggesting that they should organize these parades from Peradeniya itself. And why .. it seems ... "They Love the School". Tragic isn't it? Here they come ONCE A YEAR to the school that educated them and make a MESS there and go, why it seems "they love their school".
Whats happening to Us? Gone are the times where the battle of the blues were witnesses in the true spirit of their respective institutions. We have dragged ourselves to levels that are so degrading. We are hurting Ourselves ... Please for the sake of the generations to come help us to preserve these God-given treasures. St. Anthony Pray for Us!
- Araliya Jayasundara
Ranil Perera
said:
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... Dear Father Araliya, It is so heartbreaking to read this article. I am an old Antonian too, who left school in 1989. I remember when we were small, it was so difficult to find a seat to watch any cricket match, leave alone the big match. School kids used to be there in numbers and cheer our team to the end. We were so proud of our alma mater.Even today, when we hear the college antham, tears flow in as it means so much to the ones who 'really' love the college. I work abroad, but always take time to come back when the rugby season is on, just to see my college team play. Matches are some times won and some times lost. it doesn't really matter. for me what matters is how we play it. St Anthony's over the years have been known as one of the most decent and respected schools. I have to admit in the recent past, we have been far from it. I do not want to be an arm chair critique just commenting from thoudands of miles away. instead, would like to be of use by helping my college personally to whatever I can to regain it's lost glory. Do you think there is some thing we can do? Can we come to the college and help the boys? Can we tell them how proud we are to be old Antonians and why it is? Is there any contributions we can make in any terms to get back that lost glory? I can find at least a good 20 Antonians in a flicker who thinks the same way. Please let us know how we can make a difference. I can be contacted on \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0775945624 after the 20th May for a month. (before or after that day, you can reach me on 00960 7902164) Thank you Father Araliya for your contributions. |
