Mano Muthukrishna : An icon whose light will always shine bright
Darling, as I always called aunty Mano Muthukrishna was an outstanding woman who will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. Her fragrance will always permeate and her memory remains entrenched, for she was truly a trailblazer, and one who raised the bar for both men and women.
Manoramabai was her full name and like her name there was much that was distinctive about her.
She made a lasting impression on me, when, as a schoolgirl I first set eyes on this regal woman, stunningly beautiful, elegantly clad and upright of bearing.
With piercing eyes and a sharp wit, nothing missed Darling!
She had an iron will and determination to get things done despite all odds and put her heart and soul into all she undertook.
Latterly, despite her age, her social and professional calendar rivalled that of her daughters, Ramola and Sharadha, who were often amazed at her stamina and sheer energy.
Blessed with parents who instilled in her the fact that women could do anything, she sought throughout her life to empower people and help them. She immersed herself in the lives of others and this was why she was such a great listener, conversationalist and friend, a mine of information on any subject. Always well informed and abreast of both, local and international news, Darling prided herself on being current! In fact, till recently she was on facebook and e-mail!
She was of course, meticulous with detail, especially, with the English language.
The staff at the Polytechnic were totally loyal to her and were tremendously proud of their association with someone of her calibre .
A dedicated professional and an ardent social worker, Darling introduced the Zonta movement to Sri Lanka 50 years ago.
The Club in Colombo is part of Zonta International and she was the Charter Secretary of Zonta Club 1 of Colombo, which is celebrating its jubilee year this year. She inaugurated Zonta Club 2 of Colombo and Zonta now has four Clubs in Colombo and one in Kandy.
The Zonta Woman of Achievement Awards was her brainchild which she started 35 years ago and continues to this day.
She was also a member and office bearer of the Sri Lanka Women’s Conference, a founder member of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Founder President of the SAARC Women’s Organisation, an active member and an office bearer of the Forum on Ageing, an NGO which cares for the elderly, while she was also committed to the Colombo Chetty Association.
She held the position of Representative for Trinity College London for several years and also represented the Institute of Financial Accountants, UK and, was the Chairperson of The Polytechnic Pvt Ltd for many years.
A woman of strong principles, Darling knew only right and wrong, and had no patience with the many shades of grey so prevalent today.
She was so very proud of her daughters and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who continue to uphold her values and ethics.
Darling’s physical presence may be absent but her enduring spirit and all she stood for and upheld in life will continue to live on .
In fact, I’m convinced that even up there with the Almighty, Darling will be trailblazing in her own inimitable style!
In her own words, “what I do know for sure is that the good things in my life have far, far outweighed the bad, and I thank God for sustaining me through the best and worst of life. At least, life was never dull.”
Anusha David
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Rukie Eheliyagoda : Happy days
God looked down on His creation
Saw a life that was a godly celebration
Held out His hand and invited her in
The crown of life for her to win.
She brought me happy days, day after day
Though I willed it, she could not stay
My need for her will never abate
But heaven’s need was not for debate.
Broken I whispered, “God knows best”
As she entered God’s eternal rest
Leaving behind a powerful legacy
Following her footsteps won’t be easy.
When the setting sun paints the canvass of the sky
With sweeping colours that enchant the eye
Lingering golden memories in cascading poignancy
Embrace me leaving me lonely.
At her feet the valuable lessons learnt
Keep me happy, wiser and unhurt
“No path in life is easy and straight”
Those words of wisdom reverberate.
Until someday on that golden shore
Together again forever more
In God’s eternal home on high
Never again a need to say goodbye.
Forever my love
Charmaine Madurasinghe