Of independent minds | Daily News

Of independent minds

Mahanama College, Colombo 03
Making a speech Head Boy Vihanga Fernando
Making a speech Head Boy Vihanga Fernando

Improve the quality of education by teaching students to learn how to think, not what to think says Head Boy Mahanama College, Colombo 03, Vihanga Fernando. Perfect Prefect features Fernando, who believes society should consist of people who value critical thinking and value those who practice it.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks,” _ Christopher Hitchens, British-American author, journalist, orator, and columnist

Fernando believes that we as human beings can change the world. But social change begins with the individual. According to Fernando, the goal of education is to promote critical thinking in students. Mahanama College is a prestigious school. The boys have opportunities to develop intellectually, socially and aesthetically.

Indeed, when Fernando speaks of society and the individual, his views are similar to that of Socrates. Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher considered to be the main source of Western thought. Socrates believed that government worked best when ruled by individuals who had the greatest ability, knowledge and virtue and possessed a complete understanding of themselves. (https://www.biography.com/scholar/socrates)

“Why can’t we change the world? I believe that we can. But it has to begin with our schools. It begins with our education system. We must teach students to think for themselves. They must feel empowered to find their own answers. They must be able to form their own views on society and the world. We need to create strong personalities who can make a difference to the world in a positive way. This is how I would wish to make a difference in society,” explained Fernando.

Fernando believes that promoting critical thinking in students is essential when it comes to making a change. “I really admire honest and unselfish leaders. Their ‘patriotism’ comes from a love of their people and way of life as well as a deep concern for their welfare. Such leaders I believe are rare. I will always admire these leaders and I have the utmost respect for them. Our country needs energetic youth. The youth need to be educated. They should be innovative. They must also be patriotic. Nothing is impossible. The youth need to believe that they can achieve their goals. Your primary goal should be to serve the community as a good and honest leader. Never work only for your own benefit. Think of others.

Make intelligent decisions. I admit that humans are difficult to understand. When making a decision, always try to do what is right and be honest,” pointed out Fernando.

Patriotism is one of his notable traits. Fernando has two goals. One is to be a great leader and serve Sri Lanka, and the other is to become a successful businessman. He is one amongst many Sri Lankan youth who have a deep love for the country. “I always keep in mind that the Lion is not the fastest animal and not the biggest. But the Lion is King of the Jungle. That is the kind of attitude I have.”

According to Fernando if you want to be successful you need to have the desire. You need to be committed and you need to have courage. Sometimes you might need to change your attitude.

That is the difficult part – changing your attitude. Our attitude is the driving force in our lives. It can either push you to do great things or pull you down to your demise. He points out that he has the attitude of a winner. He respects others and they respect him. Becoming a leader in a group is a rare opportunity. If you get such an opportunity, do not miss it and make the most of it, he says.

In this interview with Perfect Prefects, he said before – “We need to create strong personalities who can make a difference to the world in a positive way. This is what Fernando wishes for all Sri Lankans. To be thinkers with courage. According to Plato, Socrates too served in the armored infantry known as the hoplite with shield, long spear and face mask.

For Fernando, his father is his greatest inspiration. According to Fernando, his father always has a smile on his face. He is such a hard worker and is loved by everyone. He is well respected and gives more than he receives. The young Vihanga Fernando is also very interested in music and writes songs as well as doing some cover songs.


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