Separating good from evil and using that knowledge to defeat evil is the message we need to give out says Head Prefects Vismi Amada and Pasindu Haputhanthri of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya. Perfect Prefects features the two heads who strongly believe in this message of hope.
Both Head Prefects agreed that Hitler is one of the most evil leaders the world has ever seen. He was the evil genius responsible for the holocaust - the genocide of European Jews during World War II. He was the instigator of the murder of six million Jews and some 5 million others. More than one million of those who perished were children.
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Head Boy Pasindu Haputhanthri, Head Girl Vismi Amada
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Hundreds of thousands of Jews died due to the horrendous conditions in the ghettos (starvation, disease, and poor living conditions) in German occupied Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe. Possibly more than 2 million holocaust victims died in mass shootings or gas vans (outfitted with engines that pumped carbon monoxide into sealed passenger compartments).
But if you can separate the leader from the monster you can learn a lot. One lesson we can learn from Hitler is the power of persuasive speech. He was a master of propaganda. In his meetings his audiences grew from a handful to thousands. Just think about the impact a good man or woman can create if he/she was as eloquent as Hitler? As impassioned as Hitler?
Both Head girl Vismi Amada and Head Boy Pasindu Haputhanthri pointed out that the kind of leadership skills Hitler possessed, enabled him to form a strong Nazi party. It ruled Germany through totalitarian means from 1933 to 1945. Imagine the potential for good if a compassionate man or woman possessed such skills?
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Announcing at Children’s Day event
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| Addressing the assembly on farewell function of Ven Gnanessara thera |
“I agree that Hitler was a cruel leader but his leadership skills were outstanding. It is extremely regrettable that he used those leadership skills to create untold suffering. But if we can separate the leader from the monster, we can create a better world by applying these examples of leadership to our day to day lives,” said Head Boy Pasindu Haputhanthri.
He further went on to explain that you need that spark of creativity. You need that originality of thought. Never be afraid to do something anew. Always try to think outside the box. Society changes when people think differently and see things in a way that others do not. Isaac Newton was an English Mathematician, physicist, astronomer, theologian and author who is regarded as a key figure in the scientific revolution. Legend has it that Isaac Newton formulated gravitational theory after watching an apple fall and asked why the apple fell straight down, rather than sideways or even upward. He showed that the force that makes the apple fall and that holds us on the ground is the same as the force that keeps the moon and planets in their orbits. There is even a joke which probably might not be true that passers by said – ‘why is this fool looking at the apple, why doesn’t he eat it?
He points out that he tries to be a friend to everyone at school. Because of the trust he has gained, students ask him for advice and even confide in him. This allows him to effectively lead the student population. When solving problems he believes in being systematic. With the members of the Prefect guild behind him and along with the Head Girl, they solve problems one at a time while keeping in mind the old adage – haste makes waste.
Haputhanthri from a very young age had just one goal in mind and that was to be a lecturer at University. He is also an avid chess player. “I have represented the school chess team and I must say that keeping a focused mind is hard but that is exactly what chess helps you with. You are able to train your mind to focus on one thing and not let yourself be distracted. It is battle between two armies.
This actually has helped me develop my leadership qualities,” explained Haputhanthri.
His message to the youth is to set targets and then deliberate on the path that must be taken. You have to decide on the path you will have to take to achieve your goals. It won’t be a walk in the park says Haputhanthri. “You will have to push through adversity. You will have to jump hurdles and navigate around roadblocks. You need mental fortitude. Never be afraid to ask for help. Never be afraid to ask for advice. You have the power to change your life.”
“When a lot of people hear the name Hitler, it fills them with dread. But I agree with Pasindu, that as a leader he was exceptional. Because of his charisma and eloquence he mesmerized the German people. But if we can separate the leader from the devil incarnate, we can learn a lot,” said Head Girl Vismi Amada.
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At Prince of Wales College Media Competition
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She feels that we should try and create a civilized society that always gives prominence to ethical behavior. From a child’s school days, the child must be taught to think about others. The reason for this is, changing a person’s attitude is extremely difficult once they are in adulthood. “From early childhood through to the boy/girl’s formative years that child should understand or be taught the importance of ethical behavior. He /she should have a positive mindset. That is the responsibility of society – inculcating a positive mindset in the child.”
She believes that any individual in a position of leadership needs to be straightforward and as a leader he or she needs to be there to help others while at the same time allowing that person to be independent and discover his/her strengths.
Amada believes that unity is absolutely essential when dealing with any problem not only at the school level but when one leaves school and joins the workforce. When you share the work load and trust one another, it really minimizes stress and pressure.
“I believe in a change from the inside. I have many goals in life but what really motivates me is self- improvement. There always is a quality of mine that I can improve on, so I really do not believe there is a point of no growth for me,” said Amada.
Apart from reading books and stamp collecting another one of her outside interests is the popular sport of rifle shooting. This year she will be selected to the National Pool. In the year 2019 she toured Germany. At present she occupies the 7th position at National Level.
“Rifle shooting has really contributed to my self-development and confidence. I have benefited in so many ways. I started during my O/Ls and I have seen a positive change in me. When you train yourself to be mentally strong, it even helps you in your studies,” explains Amada.
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| Vismi with her family |
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| Pasindu with his family |
Her message to the youth is that your individuality should be preserved. “Do not try and be a copy of someone else. What works for one person does not work for someone else. Stand away from the crowd and from what they are doing and visualize your own unique path. Become the person you want to be. You need to have faith in yourself and you need to understand that if you want to reach your dreams you need to put in the hard work and forge your own path – a path that will lead to those dreams,” pointed out Amada.
She points out that her inspiration in life has been her parents. However, she wishes to be an inspiration to others as well.
Both Head Prefects pointed out that Dharmapala Vidyalaya is a school that offers students a holistic education through highly competent teachers. The school gives the child an opportunity to learn and excel in their studies and extra-curricular activities.
Being a mixed school both genders respect each other. It is one of the finest mixed schools in the country where strong friendships are formed between students. They also did not forget to thank their Principal, teachers and parents for all the support.
