The Fifth Column

4th October 1998

Paradise recollected

In the Land of Never Return Solomon and Junius were discussing old times in the Land of Paradise. Solomon was happy and cheerful but Junius was pensive and thoughtful....

"I say Junius, why do you look as if you just lost a Referendum?"

"No, Solomon, I was just thinking about how people are treated once they enter the Land of Never Return....."

"What do you mean"?

"See, Solomon, you left Paradise nearly forty years ago. I left Paradise, not even two years ago....."

"So, what's the difference?"

"And I ruled Paradise for twelve years. You ruled for just three years....."

"So, why are you complaining?"

"But see, last week they celebrated the anniversary of your departure with a big ceremony and a lot of noise....."

"But they do that every year, Junius....."

"But my birthday fell at the same time and no one even seemed to notice it....."

"But, Junius, that is only natural....."

"Why do you say that?"

"Why, Junius, remember when you ruled Paradise, you didn't celebrate my anniversary and you even abolished the public holiday declared for it...."

"But that was absurd, "Solomon; If we were to have anniversaries for everyone - D. S., Dudley, John and everyone else, very soon the whole year will be a holiday....."

"But remember, Junius, you used to have a 'National Tree Planting Day' to coincide with your birthday......"

"That is exactly what it was - a co-incidence......"

"Then, how did Preme have a 'Gam Udawa' falling on his birthday...."

"You will have to ask Preme that......."

"Then, Junius, didn't you change the name of the Airport everytime you came to power...."

"But they shouldn't have put your name on the Airport, Solomon..."

"Let's face it, Junius whenever the Blues rule in Paradise they use my name and forget all what you have done..."

"I suppose that's true, Solomon...."

"And then, when you Greens rule Paradise, you stop remembering me and start commemorating your own people..."

"And you think this will continue, Solomon?"

"Why not, you will be remembered on a grand scale, when the Greens next come to power..."

"I'm not sure about that. The present day Greens were not so keen on remembering Preme when they were still in charge...."

"Ah, yes, I'am not surprised about that, Junius..."

"Why do you say that, Solomon?"

"Why, Junius, even my Duwa and Putha were not there when they commemorated my anniversary this year.

So how do we know whether your nephew will remember you?"

Junius had no answer to that.

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