Women: Careers In Local Government
By S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole –February 16, 2017
Prof. S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole
When my mother asked me to marry my wife, I had not seen her; not even a photo of hers. She was then B.Sc., M.Sc. I said to myself, “She is obviously serious about things. She will help bring up good children.” We both said yes. We met first on a Sunday and were married by Wednesday. We have both done well. My wife did her doctorate under Nobel Laureate George Olah. But she moderated her career between being a professor, mother of 5, and wife.
My own mother earned her B.Sc. London in double mathematics, and logic and methodology with first class honours through private study. My father married her merely on my grandfather’s letter to him. She too balanced career and home. I tell you: go for happiness and not naked ambition. This applies to men too.
You can be many things if you are properly prepared. A necessity is that you speak comfortably in the English language. Mahinda Deshapriya, the Chairman of the Election Commission, says that in 15 years Sri Lanka will be ruled by the international school crowd. This is already happening. Uduvil is well-positioned as a private school in the non-assisted category, to contribute to those who will rule us soon!
*Speech delivered on 15 Feb. 2017 at the A. Level Union Annual Luncheon at Uduvil Girls’ College; established in 1820 by American missionaries, and the first girls’ boarding school in Asia:
AL Union President, Ms. Arani Balasingam; Madam Principal, Patricia Jebaratnam; Guest of Honour, Ms. Shivani Vasanthasenan; Distinguished Teachers; Honoured Representatives from other schools; and dear Uduvil-Ladies – the leaders of tomorrow.
You will soon go out into the world. For many Jaffna girls, marriage to a professional is the highest aspiration. You are probably brought up on this limited vision instilled by Jaffna society. Indeed, Uduvil was founded to provide educated Christian brides to the men-converts. The school provided the dowry too.
I tell you, being happily well-married is something that all of us should aim for, men and women. However, marriage does not preclude a successful professional life. Our professional life can be balanced with our family life. That balance requires a good partner. I would go so far as to advise, do not fall in love. That is emotion. Marriage is approached with calculation. Once you marry well, love will surely follow.
When my mother asked me to marry my wife, I had not seen her; not even a photo of hers. She was then B.Sc., M.Sc. I said to myself, “She is obviously serious about things. She will help bring up good children.” We both said yes. We met first on a Sunday and were married by Wednesday. We have both done well. My wife did her doctorate under Nobel Laureate George Olah. But she moderated her career between being a professor, mother of 5, and wife.
My own mother earned her B.Sc. London in double mathematics, and logic and methodology with first class honours through private study. My father married her merely on my grandfather’s letter to him. She too balanced career and home. I tell you: go for happiness and not naked ambition. This applies to men too.
You can be many things if you are properly prepared. A necessity is that you speak comfortably in the English language. Mahinda Deshapriya, the Chairman of the Election Commission, says that in 15 years Sri Lanka will be ruled by the international school crowd. This is already happening. Uduvil is well-positioned as a private school in the non-assisted category, to contribute to those who will rule us soon!
My message today is about a new opportunity for women. I am not speaking about women as soldiers or as priests. I believe we are all, both men and women, equal as persons in the sight of God. We are not, however, equal in function; certainly not in weight lifting. We have distinct strengths.
I do not wish to argue the matter of women priests as I am sure that some Christians here are committed feminists. Hindus here, however, are not burdened by political correctness and thankfully I have heard no cry for women Iyers. After such a sumptuous lunch, it is best that I confine myself to that on which we may agree.
