“Goodnight Sweet Prince’’

Harshula Wimalshanthi, or ‘Harshule’ as he was popularly known at the ‘Daily Mirror’died just over three months ago – struck down by brain cancer in the prime of his life at 22 years.

Interviewing him when he applied for the post of sub editor, those of us who interviewed him were struck by his simplicity of manner and determination to get the post he had applied for.

He told us of his days at St. Thomas College, where he headed the College radio programme and his achievements in the field of speech and drama where he excelled.Though he never mentioned it, it was clear that he came from a background that was not facing financial difficulty or strife.And it was difficult for me to understand why this young man so full of energy and enthusiasm, who was doing so well academically as well as in the field of the performing arts would suddenly want to leave all this behind and join a newspaper as a sub editor.

And in this frame of mind I asked him whether there was anything he would like to tell us about himself? For example why he was preparing to abandon his studies and take up employment?

His answer left all of us stunned… “I am suffering from cancer” he said. It was a simple statement, with no attempt to seek sympathy. “My parents have spent everything they have in an effort to cure me… It’s time for me to help them now.”

If we had not already decided to hire him, his answer sealed the decision. Come from tomorrow I said, but there may be one little problem I warned.

Ajournalist does not have particular working hours and ours is not a 9.00 to 5.00 job, I said. We work night shifts, can you handle this? “But do not be afraid we can make some arrangement for you” I said. During the course of our work I began to witness his tenacity not to give in to the dreadful disease which was eating into his vitals. When he was at times unable to come to the office, he would literally beg me to send him articles so he could continue to be part of the team and ensure that we meet deadlines and schedules.

Sadly try as he might Harshule was not able to beat the cancer. But he left behind him the memories of a great human being, a spirit of optimism and a determination to make the best of life despite the plethora of difficulties he faced. In the words of the bard whose works were so dear to his heart we bid him a sad adieu “…Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest…”

SHIRLEYCANDAPPA