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Kala Korner - by Dee Cee

Another anthology from Buddhi
Amidst his busy schedule as a senior executive in the private sector, Buddhadasa Galappatty finds time to get involved in many an artistic activity. He is the leading make-up artist in theatre today.

Buddhi has been writing poetry from the seventies. He has published six anthologies of poems and the seventh is just out. Titled 'Dawasa Hetai' (Tomorrow is the Day), he presents 23 of his creations in his latest anthology. Most of these had appeared in the print medium on and off but a single volume is so much more convenient for the reader who can sit and enjoy the whole lot together. It is much more rewarding than reading through a set of poems occasionally. Buddhi deals with contemporary issues and day to day incidents in 'Dawasa Hetai'. They are written in the simplest style - in fact, most of them read like little stories related in prose. Out of Buddhi's creations, I liked a few very much. 'Podi Sadhu' is one. It's the meeting of a mother and her little son who has donned the robes. A clear picture is drawn in the reader's mind of the emotions of both parties.

The little monk wonders why he was ordained - did his horoscope indicate that he was a useless boy? As one in a family of seven, was he a burden? Was it because his sick father was not able to send him to school and ensure a future for him? To his playmates he is still 'Kettu Wimale' (his name was S. G. Wimalasiri and now he is Godagama Wimalasiri) - to the mother he is still the 'podi puthu'. As the mother tells him "Budu Puthe, I shall see you again next Poya day,” she cannot hide her feelings when tears fall on Podi Sadhu's uncovered feet as she worships him.

'Magic nerambu puthu' relates the reactions of a little boy who sees a magic show for the first time. Buddhi creates a picture from the time the little one hears an announcement on the loudspeaker of the magician's visit till he gets back from the show. He is intrigued by what he sees. Why can't Thaththa learn magic, he wonders. "Then he can bring me doves just as the magic uncle did. He doesn't have to go to office early morning - he can start creating money just as magic uncle did."

'Kantha Kavaya' (Women's Circle) is hilarious - how Colombo 7 types meet to commemorate Women's Day and discuss women's issues amidst lots of gossip and decide to picket at the Lipton's Circus next year! Buddhi has effectively used typical ladies' jargon in English to create the right mood in such a gathering. Translations wouldn't do justice to Buddhi's work. They have to be read and enjoyed.

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