My school has an unforgotten heartbeat*

Somebody told me that in France people kiss in streets. I think that is love, letting all fears go away. Nobody minds stealing kisses in public. Because to the love giver, it is giving. It is giving at any time. I think it’s nice. Love letting is easy. It’s easy with open words and open actions. There are people I have met. Many  left.  One or two are staying inside my heart.

There are very few people I love. “One is loved because one is loved. No reasoning is needed for loving,” is a saying by Paulo Coelho. A line I adore much. We are too poor to answer why we like or love someone. Heart things are complicated. Not too good to question how strings and valves and membranes work when we see people.

Some people are made of mystical heart beats. Heart warming, generous, empathetic and loving. Mrs NK Pilapitiya, the former Principal of Musaeus College, had true colors of an affectionate heartbeat. She too stole kisses in public. She was a love giver to those who came to her. She bent down to kiss cheeks and cuddle the little ones, I remember. Her kissing and hugging was not only for the kids. When teachers left school or a minor worker resigned from work she had the habit of embracing them and blessing them. She had a way of sharing humor with the laborers, the canteen staff and even the security officers who worked for her.

I think she was the last to leave school those days. She used to walk around the school after gatha in the morning and when the bell rang for us to leave school. She exchanged a few words with the passersby, smiled and laughed. Naturally she had good connections with people. Everybody liked her. She didn’t forget the treat on November 15. It is the Founders’ Day of the school. She had the habit of treating us with cake  and later a quite big Kandos chocolate for every student in the school. These little things were much awaited by students. She knew it. Students loved it.

Big matches are  fun times. For both boys and girls. For some it was a moment of cheer and revel.  I remember how seniors used to confess their crushes to boys who climbed up the walls.  Mrs. Pilapitiya didn't make much of a fuss about these as long as no school boy or schoolgirl crossed discipline that was expected. Big matches have been generally  regarded a headache. Some thought boys should be kept away from girls. For once it was different with Mrs. Pilapitiya. I was told by a senior how  she offered a treat at the canteen to some boys from Royal College  who dropped by to collect money for the match once. Mrs. Pilapitiya , in correct form is very genial and good humored.

There was wisdom and encouragement in her words. Every assembly ended with advice to spread compassion, hate less and help more. Happiness was always shared. When students excelled in academics, sports and other extra-curricular activities, she brought them up to stage with joy and pride and it is same for her working staff.

I don’t know many things about her life. I don’t know what she said and did in life mostly. I’m not ashamed for not knowing many things. Of all things I know, she was humane and dedicated.When St Anthony’s Girls’ College was founded in Kandy, in 1973, Mrs Pilapitiya was appointed as the principal there. She started teaching bio science and home science while heading St Anthony’s Girls’ College. St Anthony celebrates Mrs.Pilapitiya much for her efforts taken to reduce school leavers after O/L’s. In 1981 she was transferred to Mahamaya Girls’ College in Kandy. And soon became the Principal of Musaeus College in 1995. Being an old girl of Musaeus College, becoming a principal would have treasured by her. No doubt.

Her 14 year service at Musaeus College didn’t end with an ordinary farewell. A lifelong dream was fulfilled. The tale of a Mud Hut was retold. Her concept of a book to unfold the Musaeus Saga was completed in around 2011. She left in 2009 leaving love with all her heart to the school she meant the most.And last Saturday a call made me know that she had passed away. A legend is gone. But she will be loved by many.

She owes nothing.There was enough and more knowledge and virtue bestowed in her times.

(Featured in the FREE section of "The Nation " newspaper on June 29th 2014)