වසන්තයට පෙරවදනක්

The covid-19 pandemic has created a new set of challenges. It has been a time filled with loss and uncertainty. From health concerns to social isolation, our ways of life have changed rapidly and many are struggling to adjust. The fears of today and the unknowns of tomorrow have created a new level of anxiety, helplessness, and loneliness and these have led many in need of relief.

The Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance joined hands with Leo club of Athugalpura, Leo club of Colombo monarch, Leo club of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and Leo club of Colombo Downtown to organize “Wasanthayata Perawadanak”, a motivational session to remind students that this is the time to lift us and show us what we had previously failed to see, to remind us that every cloud has its silver lining and that there’s more promise for tomorrow. The event was held on the 15th of September, 2021 via zoom platform where many club members and non-members joined. The guest speaker for the day was Miss. Wasana Maithree Herath, the youngest professor in mass communication in Sri Lanka who has been providing education in many reputed state universities in the country, and is also known for her inspiring personality. The session commenced with a warm introduction by Rtr. Chovini, who is a member of RACUOCFMF, and a welcome speech by Leo. Buddima. Thereupon, the session was handed over to the guest speaker.

Professor Wasana Maithree Herath started the session by acknowledging how most of us have been confined to our homes and rooms during this and the last year due to the pandemic. That said, she addressed the viewers with the following question, “How did you spend the last two years?” and requested us to take a few seconds to ponder on our answers.

According to Professor Wasana Maithree Herath, the audience could be classified into two groups based on their answers. If the reminiscences of the previous two years were fulfilling, satisfying, we might as well pat ourselves on the back because we have done a good job. On the other hand, if there were any viewers whose memories prove that they’ve done nothing productive and beneficial to feel pleased about, the professor emphasised how important it’s to them that they change their lifestyle for the better.

Commenting on the people who fall in the latter category she pointed out how they spend most of their time complaining, worrying, and blaming others over the happenings around them. And she further stated how these actions are futile at best and barriers to self-development at worst.

Afterwards, Professor Wasana brought forward the fact that the current situation in which we find ourselves is ideal for making better changes in our lives. She stressed how this is an opportunity for all of us. Since external disturbances are at a minimum, and virtualization of numerous activities has presented us with ample free time.

Moving on with the session Professor Wasana stated the ways of using this time to accommodate a healthier and productive lifestyle. First, she urged the viewers to turn their focus from external factors to themselves and self-evaluate. She pointed out how most of us spend a considerable part of our typical day pondering over others and hardly any reflection is done on ourselves which is a sorry state indeed. “From the beginning of the day to the end, you don’t spend time thinking about you, do you? It’s always others who accommodate your mind”. Also, she advised the viewers to develop their self-knowledge, look into themselves, and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Adding on to the discussion Professor Wasana stated the importance of having clear goals. She counselled the viewers to make use of this time to sort out their goals and objectives and strive to clarify them as much as possible. According to Professor, not having a defined goal is usually the reason for an unsettled mind, frustration, boredom, and stress. A clear, well-defined destination will make the journey much easier and fruitful.

Next, she went on to state how building our self-esteem is vital for a better living. People with low self-esteem tend to give excuses for themselves, justify their weaknesses. When one doesn’t value one’s self they tend to fall into what’s commonly known as a “Rat Race”, where they compete with each other to achieve a certain social standard and for external validation, where the result deprives them of contentment and gratification.

Further to that, she stated, “There’s no competition. if there is then it’s with yourself and not with anyone else”. Having low self-confidence coupled with the conventional idea that you rise higher by putting others down leads people to envy and spite. Voicing her opinion she expressed, “Someone else’s success doesn’t deprive you of yours, rather it proves that you can do it too”. Sharing her opinion on different ways to develop self-esteem, Professor Wasana stated that the trick lies in working on our weaknesses, challenging our abilities, and filtering the comments we get from society. According to her, rather than depending on the mostly insincere comments and criticism of others, it’s better to depend on ourselves and make us our confidantes. “Your best friend is you”. That being said, creating a better version of ourselves will make loving ourselves easier and in turn, develop our self-confidence and self-value.

Adding on to the discussion, Professor urged the viewers to update their knowledge and master new skills. And she further advised us to find a stream of income and contribute to our family financially.

After such inspiring and thought provoking words, Professor Wasana concluded the session with the following remark;