Viyath Maga Convention – Intellectualism & Intellect
P. Soma Palan
Daily Mirror of 16th May, carried the Report of the Annual Convention of the Viyath Maga by Lahiru Pothmulla, under the heading “ Sri Lanka should seize the opportunity “, in the context of the shift of Global economic centre to Asia.
One may think the title “Intellectualism and Intellect ” paradoxical. Most truths appear paradoxical. I think an explanation is necessary, here. Intellectualism is accumulating and storing knowledge in the mind; Whereas, Intellect is a tool of the mind. It is used as a faculty to acquire knowledge. Intellectualism and Intellect are two different things. Yet they are connected to each other. Intellectualism is, not the Intellect; Nor, the Intellect, is intellectualism. Intellect is thinking discriminately. It is the mental capacity to discern the difference between seemingly similar things, but really dissimilar. In Hindu Vedantic philosophy it is called “Viveka”, in Sanskrit.
Coming to the Viyath Maga Convention, is a precursory Propaganda Seminar to boost the image of its Chairman, Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR) and lend support for his prospective candidature for the forthcoming Presidential elections scheduled for 2019.
The theme of the Convention was “An Intellectually Inspired Sri Lanka”. Quite fittingly, GR had marshaled half a dozen Resource persons of Intellectual eminence, both expatriates and locals, to justify the said theme. The notable inclusion of a Tamil and a Muslim in the panel of speakers is deliberately intentional, to suggest that his prospective Presidency will be an inclusive one, recognizing the pluralism of the Sri Lankan polity, to woo the minorities.
The Sri Lankan expatriates, of course would have been delighted to be cajoled by the offer of free air ticket, food and lodging, to come on a holiday to the mother country. Further, gracing the Convention is an implied support for GR’s Presidential bid and to give credence to the slogan “An Intellectually inspired Sri Lanka”, would be the mark of his Presidential regime, if elected. Moreover, these speakers of the intellectual caliber can be rest assured, they will be in the “waiting list” for rewards in a prospective GR regime.
Moving away from my preliminary observations, I would critically examine the views expressed by the resource persons, confining to the Media Report only and not beyond. In doing so, I disclaim being an Intellectual, armed with a PhD prefix to my name. I am just a commoner with a commonsense perception.
Intellectually Inspired Sri Lanka
The above slogan suggest that the GR regime would be one comprising, the educated, intellectuals, Professionals, managerial Experts ,and Technocrats and, his policies and actions will be intellectually inspired. Is this blind optimism, pragmatic, considering the Sri Lankan reality? I say no, for following reasons:
