Book launch: ‘Sixty Four Days in India’
View(s):Photo journalist Padmakumar P. Mettasena’s book, ‘Sixty Four Days in India’ written in Sinhala, was launched at the Saegis Campus, Kohuwela on March 4.
The story revolves around the writer’s encounters during a 64- day stay in India, after he decided to flee the country in 2013 due to a predicament he was in. The 15- chapter story, ‘Sixty Four Days In India’ offers an insight into how Mettasena fled to New Delhi without a cent in his hand, his journey from Bombay to Bangalore, Nanded and Calcutta, how he viewed Taj Mahal for Indian Rs. 20, and other adventures.
Padmakumar P. Mettasena presents a copy of the book to Samanmali Padma Kumara. Pic by Athula Devapriya
Mettasena speaks with a sense of nostalgia of the 18 days he spent in Calcutta enjoying the classical music, arts, dance and Bengali films while mingling with a very creative bunch of people. The place is a must see, according to the writer. It’s a place where he drew inspiration to be an artist, Mettasena reveals.
The book contains a special chapter about the gorgeous Indian models whom Mettasena worked with during his career as a photojournalist.
The descriptive details apart, incorporated into the book are illustrations of the Mirror Magazine cover shoots including those of Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan and the photographs he took from his Android phone during his Indian expedition.
Cricket legends like Arjuna, Sanath, Sangakkara and Mahela figure in his book with Mettasena highlighting the special regard that Indians have for our cricketers.
Addressing the launch, the former Chairman of Lake House Bandula Padmakumara said that, when he read the regular column Mettasena wrote to the Ada newspaper of his travel experience in India, it got more interesting by the week.
“I noticed however, that even when he was writing the book, Mettasena could not refrain from talking about photography. He makes ample references to lenses, cameras and model shoots in his book,” he said adding that, Mettasena should not go into other areas as he is an exceptionally talented photojournalist.
Media personality, Athula Mahawalage said that talking about Sixty Four Days In India is the same as talking about Mettasena as the ‘book flows through, just like Mettasena,’ and the flashbacks, dialogues, descriptions make it an interesting read.
“The reader gets influenced by the content so much that as you read about the enormous hardships he faced there, you start feeling for him. What is remarkable is that, Mettasena is very genuine in his writing. Who could write about their bitter experiences in a cheerful manner after all?” Athula noted.
Mrs. Samanmali Padma Kumara in her address noted that the book is very interesting, but Mettasena could have made it more appealing by using more sophisticated language.
Copies of the book were presented to Samanmali Padma Kumara, W.M. N Kithsiri, Vishan Ruchira Gunarathne and Duminda Kalansuriya.
The book is printed and distributed by Fast Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Maradana.
-DS