Q3 STRIDE MELOMANIAC CARE TO CONNECT MAIN EDITION
Messages and Featured President's Message 03 Editor's Message 04 Creative Conner 39 AVENUE UPDATES CLUB SERVICES 05 COMMUNITY SERVICES 09 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AVENUE 24 PUBLIC RELATION 36 CONTENT SPORTS AND RECRETIONAL ACTIVITIES 31
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Rtr. Lathushanan Koneshwara I'd like to share two quotes that I find particularly relevant to the work that we do in Rotaract. As the great Mahatma Gandhi once remarked, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." is the first quote. The transformational power of service and how it may assist us in finding our real purpose and meaning in The second quote comes from Pablo Picasso, who stated that "the purpose of art is to wash the dust of daily life off our souls." This proverb highlights the strength of creativity and how it can improve and enhance our lives—even during difficult times. We appreciate the effort put forth by our editorial team in creating this fantastic issue of the Blogger Magazine. I sincerely hope that reading it will bring you as much pleasure as writing it did. Let us be mindful of the effect that our work and creativity may have on the world around us as we continue to pursue our slogan for this year, "Strive to Empower Life." Let us continue to serve with zeal and dedication, and let us never lose sight of the ability of our group efforts to positively impact the lives of people in need. life are both highlighted in the above quote. In Rotaract, we always put the needs of others ahead of our own in order to serve with passion and devotion.
As the Co-Editors of Rotaract Club of SLIIT for the RI year 2022– 2023, we are pleased to extend our greetings. Publishing "The Blogger" for the third quarter of the year is something we highly value and our heartful gratitude goes out to all who supported us through this journey. “The Blogger” quarter three pages will direct you toward a variety of projects that we did as a team. The projects which were concluded are presented under each avenue. All of these articles were penned by our very own editorial panel along with the guidance of the Board of Directors. We could not have produced "The Blogger" for the third quarter without the tremendous contributions from our wonderful members. We would like to take this chance to thank all of the wordsmiths in our club for utilizing their imagination to produce all of these blogs and translations on time while still managing their academic commitments. We hope you're excited to read and get to know about the club through "The Blogger" in Q3! EDITOR'S MESSAGE Rtr. Anuji Karunaratne Rtr. Abirami Thanabalasundaram Rtr. Kavindu Githmin
MELOMANIAC “Where words fail, music speaks” Hans Christian Andersen University is a hectic, stressful, yet enjoyable life experience. While the main objective of a university life is to obtain tertiary education it would not be meaningful if you do not get to enjoy it. This is why Rotaract Club of SLIIT took the initiative to organize Melomaniac 2023, a magical evening to let undergraduates show off their musical prowess as well as to unburden their stresses of academic life. Melomaniac 2023 was held on the 10th of February 2023 from 04.00 pm onwards at the SLIIT Open Air Theatre. Melomaniac was an open mic event where 18 extremely talented individuals including the 3 guest performers; Madara Perera, Vihan Udawela, and Thushan Wijayakoon performed the music of a very talented ensemble of instrumentalists.
Penned By - Rtr. Pasan Abeynayake Editorial Member - 2022-23 The open mic was accompanied by a food stall called “Wale Kade” which included various snacks and drinks for the audience to enjoy. And an audience there was, more than 800 spectators were present to enjoy the food, the music, and the acoustic ambiance. Melomaniac 2023 concluded with Rtr. Anupa Somasundara serenaded the audience with “Raa Ahase” by Billy Fernando. An evening with music and friends under an auburn sky ended with everyone’s hearts filled with joy and the sky filled with stars. It truly was a magical evening and truly, it was a sight to behold.
CONNECT ARE TO As rotaractors SLIIT Rotaract community conducted seven projects focusing on seven Rotary Focus Areas from 13th March to 19th March in commemorating Rotaract week. This tremendous project was chaired by our very own President, Rtr. Lathushanan Koneswara and our Secretary, Rtr. Manisha Alwis. Care to Connect is a tremendous project which was organized in celebrating World Rotaract Week. As part of an annual celebration of the accomplishments and significance of Rotaract in communities all over the world, the 13th of March is recognized as World Rotaract Day, and World Rotaract Week is honored over seven days. Bridging Differences Healthy Habits, Healthy Futures Pure and Simple Motherhood Matters Empowering the Next Generation From Crisis to Opportunity Rooting for the Future The seven phases are, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
The seven Rotary Focus Areas are the main emphasis of this project, which comes under the community service avenue. Seven distinct phases make up the project, each of which addresses a distinct Rotary focus area with a distinct activity. This project involved both on-site and online work. The RACSLIIT Board of Officials and its members took an active part in all seven of the aforementioned Care to Connect project phases. The first phase of the project, Bridging Differences was done under Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution Rotary Focus Area. This phase of the project was held physically at “Tea Avenue” on the 13th of March. Bridging Differences, Roundtable discussion with guest speakers from Rotary and Rotaract. The esteemed guest speakers were Rtn. PP PHF Marshad Barry and ADRR Rtn. Rtr. PP Mindula Perera. The conversation would center on issues including human rights, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. The second phase which is Pure and Simple was conducted at Jayathilaka Vidyalaya - Yakahaluwa on the 14th March. This phase was conducted focusing the Rotary Focus Area, Water Sanitization and Hygiene. Providing water filters to a needy school was the goal of this phase. In addition to giving the pupils access to clean water, this would also raise awareness of the value of good hygiene practices in the community.
The third phase of the project, Empowering the Next Generation was regarding the Rotary Focus Area, Basic Education and Literacy. Empowering the next generation was held at Community Concern, Dehiwala on the 15th of March. The resource person for this phase was Mr. Sajeewa Kulathilaka - Senior Programme Officer - Vocational Training AuthorityA vocational training session was organized for a school with limited resources and assistance. This session provided students opportunity for real-world training so they may develop new talents and learn about other sectors. The fourth phase of this project was Motherhood Matters which was based on Rotary Focus Area, Maternal and Child Health. The donation drive was held at MOH Battramulla on the 16th of March. Donating 15 essential packages to expecting moms from low-income households was the motive of this phase. Prenatal vitamins and other products required to support healthy pregnancies and childbirth were included in the packages. The fifth phase of this project was Healthy Habits, Healthy Futures was focused on Disease Prevention and Treatment Rotary Focus Area. This project was conducted virtually on the 17th of March and the Guest Speaker for the event was General Physician, Dr. T Srikaran. The goal of this phase was to educate the young audience about potential diseases that may develop in their early years and how to avoid them. Participants learned the value of making healthy lifestyle decisions and taking steps to avoid disease, such as being immunized, maintaining good cleanliness, and getting frequent checkups. This effort aims to encourage healthy behaviors and delay the start of illnesses in young people that may be avoided.
The sixth phase was From Crisis to Opportunity which was aimed at Rotary Focus Area, Economic and Community Development. This project was conducted at Jaffna on the 18th of March. The final phase of the project was Rooting for the Future which is focused on the Rotary Focus Area, Supporting Environment. The objective of this phase was to plant trees for a greener tomorrow. This would encourage environmental sustainability and lessen the consequences of climate change. As SLIIT Rotaract Community we hope that this tremendous initiative helped the environment and its people to make their lives much better. As a family, we hope to do better service to the community. Penned By - Rtr. Anuji Karunaratne Co-Editor - 2022-23
Mathaka Poth Among the numerous projects organized by Rotaract Club of SLIIT in 2022, the “Mathaka Poth” project occupied a significant position. The aim of this project was to identify a school facing economic difficulties and donate books to its library. It was organized as a project of the community service avenue of the SLIIT Rotaract community and the first phase commenced on the 7th of November 2022. The assistance offered by the students of SLIIT was crucial in making this project a success. Initially, students were made aware of the project through social media and then a container to collect books was placed in the canteen premises of the University.
This task was conducted for 3 months during which more than 50 books used by the students were collected. The Project concluded on the 1st of February 2023 and the books collected were donated to the St. Nicholas College in Munnakkara, Negombo. Rotaract club of SLIIT would like to express their gratitude towards everyone who contributed to making this community service mission a success. Penned By - Rtr. Rashan Gamage Editorial Member - 2022-23
Rewrite their story Phase 01 The 'Rewrite Their Story' project was a creative initiative organized by the community service Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT, as part of the larger Phase 1 project aimed at promoting the mental health and well-being of children in schools. Ensuring the mental health and well-being of children in schools is critical for their overall development and academic success. Schools have a responsibility to provide resources and support to help children cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that may arise, so that they can reach their full potential. The project ran from October 9th, 2022 to February 3rd, 2023 and was a physical event that saw fourteen young SLIIT Rotaractors participate. The event took place at Morning Star School in Dehiwala and ran from approximately 9:45am to 1:20pm.
Furthermore, this project was all about the mental health and well-being of young school children. So, when talking about this project it is about the mental health and well-being of children in schools is a critical issue that requires more attention and action. While schools are places where children learn and grow, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many students. It is essential that we take steps to address these challenges and promote positive mental health outcomes for all children in schools. At this stage, the talented Rotaractors, decided to focus on the main topic which was education, along with mental health issues. The guest speaker for this wonderful project was Ms. Dilmi Weerasinghe. The volunteers did a great job, by making this event successful. So, this event was broken down into three sections; the first part was about all about the importance of education and mental health, the second part was about sharing our personal stories with the school children, regarding the troubles we faced, when we were about their age, addition to this some tips and pointers were also shared.
Penned By - Rtr.Gautham Ashok Kumar Editorial Member - 2022-23 The final part was the most interesting part among the school children, playing some entertaining games and activities, along with it they did some peaceful meditation to calm their both minds and souls. The Rotaractors who participated in this mindblowing informative session made it a huge success and made a huge everlasting impact on this topic in the minds of the school children of Morning Star School.
REWRITE THEIR STORY PHASE 02 A day full of knowledge that goes beyond fun for the little flowers struggling to bloom. A day of fun, a day of play, Rewrite Their Story, we did say. A chance to learn, a chance to grow, A brighter future, we hope to sow. The children laughed, the children smiled, And all the while, their minds compiled, New knowledge and new ways to be, A healthy life, for all to see. The games they played, the lessons learned, A bright new path, the children turned. With joy and love, they'll lead the way, And Rewrite Their Story, day by day.
The second phase of the "Rewrite their story" project in Dehiwala Community Service took place on March 09, 2023, and it was a memorable day for Rotaract Club of SLIIT. The project was organized by the Community Services Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT, and it was aimed at making a positive impact on the mental and physical health of children at a local school. With 21 participants in attendance, the project was a resounding success. The day began at 8:30 am, with everyone gathered at Community Concern eagerly awaiting the start of the project. The highlight of the day was the interactive session with the guest speaker, Mr. Dhanushka Kodikara. The children had an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice on how to maintain their physical health. Mr. Kodikara's advice was practical and easy to follow, and the children were thrilled to have learned so much. After the interactive session, the children and as well as our Rotaract members were divided into teams for a game of pyramid cup stacking. It was a fiercely contested game, and everyone had a lot of fun. The children showed off their competitive spirit and teamwork skills, and it was heartening to see everyone having a great time.
Next up was a game of Charades, which proved to be a hit with the children. They acted out various activities and had a lot of fun during the game. It was a great way for them to unwind and enjoy themselves, while also learning important life skills such as teamwork and communication. The objectives of the project were to make a positive impact on the mental health of the children at the school and provide tips and pointers on how to maintain and improve their physical health and fitness. From the feedback received from the participants, it is clear that the project was successful in achieving these objectives. The children were happy, engaged, and motivated to continue leading a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, Rewrite Their Story - Phase 2 was a great success, and it was a pleasure to see the children enjoying themselves while also learning important life skills. The project was a great example of how community service can make a positive impact on the lives of people, especially children. We hope that this project will inspire others to take action and make a difference in their communities. Penned By - Rtr. Kasuni Kavindya Munasingha Editorial Member - 2022-23
FEED A STRAY PHASE 02 Let's extend a loving hand to our furry friends. To show compassion to all beings, Is the truest form of humanity, When we care for the voiceless, We bring light to their world's mystery. With love and care, we reach out, To the vulnerable creatures around, Our kindness brings a saturation of affection, And in their eyes, hope and trust are found. A simple act of feeding a stray, Can make a world of difference each day, In the life of an animal in need, Who may otherwise be left to bleed? So let us extend our hands and hearts, To the creatures who need us most, For in doing so, we embody the essence, Of compassion, love, and humanity's utmost.
For many of us, our pets are our best friends and constant companions. But not every animal is lucky enough to have a loving home and a full belly. This is why Rotaract Club of SLIIT has decided to give our love to helpless furry friends. Accordingly, a unique project called Feed a Stray was successfully conducted on April 5, 2023, from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm by the Community Services Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT. The project involved a group of 30 volunteers who gathered at Rtr.Marlon's place near the SPAR supermarket to cook a nutritious meal for the stray animals in the community. The volunteers prepared a meal consisting of rice, pumpkin, carrots, fish, and shrimp with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. The objective of the project was to offer a helping hand to stray animals and bring light into their world by offering them love and care. Once the food was ready, the volunteers split into three teams and carried the food and necessary supplies on foot to designated areas in Malabe, Kaduwela, and Weliwita Street. These areas are known to have a high population of stray animals. As the volunteers walked along the route, they searched for any stray animals that may need their help. Whenever they spotted one, they set up a feeding station with fresh food and water. It was heartwarming to see the animals run towards them and enjoy their meal with so much enthusiasm. In total, the volunteers fed around 50 stray animals during the project, ensuring that they received the nourishment they deserved. They also made sure to clean up the area just as they had found it.
The Feed a Stray project was not only about feeding the animals but also about bringing a sense of companionship and love into their lives. By the end of the project, the volunteers were exhausted but filled with joy and satisfaction. They had made a positive impact in the community by helping the speechless and vulnerable beings around them. Feed a Stray project was a small but impactful way to help furry friends in the community. The Community Services Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT hopes to inspire others to take up similar projects and make a difference in the world, one act of compassion at a time. Penned By - Rtr. Kasuni Kavindya Munasingha Editorial Member - 2022-23
CRYPTO MATRIX "Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." -Charles Lee, Creator of Litecoin The project was an introduction to the world to crypto, to whomever was looking for a way to enter the world. The project planning was started on the November 21st and conducted on the 11th of December 2022. Zoom technology enabled us to successfully complete the “Crypto Matrix” project, which was held as another impact full project under Professional Development Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT. More than 15 members participated for Crypto Matrix. Introducing the participants to cryptocurrency was one of the project’s main goals. The project was done by a veteran in this sector, Rehan Benuka the Founder of CryptoAnbu Community. He has been working in the space for more than 6 years and knows his way around in this field. The project introduced the participants to cryptocurrency very smoothly. He walked them through the shallow area of it which is enough to start the crypto journey. Not only that, he moved into greater detail about what cryptocurrency is, its different types, benefits, history, and so on. It was a very interactive session which made it really productive. We were able to successfully complete the program’s basic requirement, which called for introducing participants to cryptocurrency in order to inspire possible business owners. This was another attempt by Rotaract Club of SLIIT to generate a university graduate entrepreneur. Penned By - Rtr. Arshana Arjunan Editorial Member - 2022-23
PERSONA STRIDE STRIDE - PHASE 01 Are you an undergraduate who's looking to develop yourself and stride toward success? Look no further than Project Stride, an initiative organized by the Professional Development Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT. The goal of Project Stride is to help undergraduates realize, reflect, and reform their personalities, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. The project is broken down into three phases, each of which focuses on a critical area of personal development. This year's Project Stride has been a huge success, with participants benefiting greatly from the program. Whether you're looking to improve your communication skills, become a more effective leader, or simply become more confident and self-assured, Project Stride can help you achieve your goals. So, if you're an undergraduate looking to take your personal development to the next level, consider joining Project Stride. You won't regret it!
Financial Management Leadership Importance of Music on Mental Health The 3 phases covered the following topics respectively Participants were treated to a range of insightful sessions designed to help them grow and develop. Among the topics discussed were personal finance management and smart investment strategies, leadership and emotional intelligence, and the use of music to support mental health. During the personal finance session, attendees learned practical tips and tricks for managing their money, while the investment discussion provided valuable insights into making sound financial decisions that will pay off in the long run. In the leadership session, the speaker emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, highlighting the need for leaders to be able to understand and connect with the people they are leading. The Music on Mental Health session was particularly impactful, featuring a psychology professional and a music artist who shared their experiences of using music to overcome challenges and find strength in difficult times. Attendees were moved by the speakers' stories and left feeling inspired and empowered.
Throughout each session, attendees were encouraged to engage with the speakers and ask questions, resulting in lively and thought-provoking Q&A sessions. Overall, the event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to learn and grow, while connecting with like-minded individuals who share their interests and goals. Penned By - Rtr. Sanjay Ravichandrakumar Editorial Member - 2022-23
CORPORATE STRIDE STRIDE - PHASE 02 Stride is an initiative conducted by the professional development avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT. Consisting of 3 phases, Its main goal is realizing, reflecting, and reforming the personalities of undergraduates, supporting them to ‘stride’ towards success. The second phase, corporate stride, commenced on the 1st of February 2023 with the objective of instilling and improving corporate skills within individuals and educating them on how to stand out and reach their full potential in the corporate world. Corporate stride was carried out online through the Zoom platform and consisted of 3 virtual sessions. The first session focused on a vital component in the corporate sector, the Curriculum Vitae (CV). In the session, strategies that can be employed when formulating one’s CV to make them invaluable were introduced. Moreover, essential as well as irrelevant components in a CV were discussed in depth. The second session was regarding the platform LinkedIn and networking. Methods on how an individual can utilize this powerful tool to curate and grow their network conveniently were discussed. In the final session of the Corporate Stride, Interview skills and corporate etiquette which are vital and timely topics, were reviewed. An interactive session with the participants highlighted the skills required when facing an interview and the established code of conduct during an interview.
Additionally, each session was followed by an eagerly awaited Q and A session where the questions that participants had were answered. The project proved to be invaluable to undergraduates as well as graduates who are willing to enter the corporate sector. With 35 Participants, the series of sessions concluded on the 18th of March 2023 successfully. The 2nd phase of the stride, the corporate stride, undoubtedly provided an essential outlook on the skills required by the young dreamers to enter the corporate sector and strive to conquer the barriers to fulfill their goals in the corporate world victoriously. Penned By - Rtr. Nethmi Shavindya Editorial Member - 2022-23
“Games give you a chance to excel, and if you’re playing in good company you don’t even mind if you lose because you had the enjoyment of the company during the course of the game. ” Gary Gygax CLASH OF THE AVENUES Did someone say… Cricket? You heard right! Rotaract Club of SLIIT hosted its anticipated cricket tournament organized by the Sports and Recreational Activities Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT for its committee members: the ultimate battle between the avenues. It was a tournament filled with competition and fueled by sportsmanship between the teams. The tournament was held on the 14th of January 2023 at the Nawinna Grounds from 8 am to 6 pm, and our teams did not disappoint, bringing in their Agame towards their avenues. The committee members geared up and were ready to win the ultimate championship of the tournament and bring home the trophy. The captains were also hungry for success, which gave their teams an epic energy.
CLASH OF THE AVENUES The event started off with a bang, with each avenue bringing in their best to win the championship. It was indeed a ‘clash’ of the avenues, and the players did not provide the space to lose. After the battle, Team PD Pioneers finally took the trophy home, led by captain Rtr. Chathushi Gayle, and Rtr. Ranuka Perera won the ‘Most Runs’ title. Rtr. Vihanga Koojana secured the title for ‘Most Wickets’ , and all of the players were indeed satisfied with the proceedings of the event. To the committee members, Rotaract Club of SLIIT extends its gratitude for your untimely sportsmanship and spirit towards the event’s success. See you again in the next season! Penned By - Rtr. Sheikha Hanna Editorial Member - 2022-23
S P O R T S T R E "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." Tommy Lasorda Sports quizzes are a great way to challenge your knowledge of both the present and past of various sports. The recently concluded quiz was no different, featuring questions that tested participants' knowledge of the latest updates in the sports world as well as their understanding of the history and their intelligence regarding the presence of these sports. From testing your knowledge of current rankings and statistics to delving into the roots of a sport and its greatest champions, a sports quiz can offer a deep and rewarding dive into the world of athletics. Football, basketball, tennis, or any other named sport was questioned by the 16 teams present. This fantastic opportunity was used by the competitors to broaden their knowledge about the rich history and culture of the games we love. The sports quiz competition was a thrilling event that drew a large attendance of 32 participants, organized into 16 teams of 2 members each. The competition was conducted entirely online, with the first round taking place on Kahoot, a popular platform for hosting interactive quizzes. The Kahoot round consisted of 60 questions covering various topics related to various sports, with points awarded for each correct answer.
The second round, known as the "rapid fire" round, saw the hosts posing questions to the participants, with points awarded for the first correct answer provided within the allotted time of 5 minutes. This exciting format kept the competition fast-paced and engaging, challenging participants to think quickly and draw on their sports knowledge to come out on top. The points amassed by the teams were calculated and the first 2 teams with the highest number of points were awarded. Team “Spin Wizards” were able to clench the second position and the topmost position was snatched by the team “Backbenchers”. Rotaract Club of SLIIT would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who took part in the sports quiz competition. Your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and dedication towards the event were truly inspiring, and it was your collective efforts that made the competition such a great success. We hope that you all had a memorable and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to seeing you again in the next season. Once again, thank you for being a part of this exciting event and for supporting our mission to promote sports knowledge and awareness. Penned By - Rtr. Sanjaya Ravichandrakumar Editorial Member - 2022-23
Meme-A-Thone “Never gonna give you up, Never gonna let you down, Never gonna run around and desert you, Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye, Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you” Rick Astley Memes. You see them and you love them. But have you wanted to see what it would be like to create your own meme, let it become viral, and bask in the warmth of internet fame? This is why Project “Meme A-Thon” was launched. Project “Meme-A-Thon” was organized by Rotaract club of SLIIT under the PR & IT avenue. The project was a meme competition open to all university students in Sri Lanka. The competition was organized to provide an opportunity for participants to showcase their “meme-ing” skills, as well as to broaden the online presence of RACSLIIT. Project “Meme-A-Thon” commenced on the 11th of January 2023 with a viral PR campaign. Submissions were open from the 07th of February 2023 to the 17th of February 2023. The competition had 3 main categories; Best Photo Meme, Best Video Meme, and Most Popular Meme. Within the 10-day time period, there were 80+ submissions from more than 70 participants. Out of the submissions, the best 10 memes were posted on the official page of RACSLIIT.
The Photo and Video memes were judged by a panel appointed by the Organizing Committee while the Most Popular Meme was decided by the number of likes and shares received by a meme on Facebook. The top 10 participants received an E-certificate as well as a voucher from the gift partner while Best Photo Meme, Best Video Meme, and Most Popular Meme winners received cash prizes from the sponsors. On the 28th of February 2023 Project “Meme-A-Thon” officially came to an end. Overall Project “Meme A-Thon” was a huge success. The engagement of the participants as well as the online outreach of RACSLIIT far exceeded initial expectations. On Facebook alone Project “Meme-A-Thon” reached 27,000 people while receiving 700 post engagements. The project was also a unique and fun experience for those who participated to show their humor and wit. It is safe to say that “Meme-AThon” was and is a certified dank project. Penned By - Rtr. Pasan Abeynayake Editorial Member - 2022-23
As far as the eye could see, the sand was a never-ending sea of golden grains that shimmered in the sunlight. Pritz had spent every summer since she could remember having fun at the beach, making sandcastles, and digging her toes into the sand. Pritz, however, started to perceive the sand differently as she grew older. She gained knowledge about erosion and how human activity affects the sensitive environment of the beach. She observed how the sand dunes were continually being reshaped by the wind and waves. Pritz had an idea one day when she was sitting on the sand admiring the waves. Sand was being gathered in handfuls, which she then packed tightly into a bucket until it was full. She tipped the bucket gently on its side, building a tall tower out of the sand. Even though it was only a modest construction that would probably be destroyed by the next high tide, Pritz felt a sense of accomplishment for using the same sand that she had played in for years to create anything. Pritz recognized that the sand was similar to life as she sat and observed the tower. Although it could be molded and formed, in the end it was only fleeting, continually altering and changing. We had the ability to make something lovely in the time we had, just like the sand does. Pritz felt grateful for life's modest joys as she rose up and dusted the sand off her hands. She knew as she left the tower that she would always treasure her memories of the sand, the beach, and the lessons they had imparted upon her. THE SAND Penned By - Rtr. Gautham Ashok Kumar Editorial Member - 2022-23
SNOOPY.... THE WORLD FAMOUS ASTRONAUT Snoopyyyyy…..! In 1969, Snoopy became “the first beagle on the moon” in a series of Peanuts comic strips. Now he is on the way back to the moon aboard NASA’s Artemis 1 mission. Snoopy is a “Zero-g-indicator”. He dressed in a kind of replica of NASA’s pressure suit for Artemis astronauts, on board the space agency’s lunarorbit-bound Orion spacecraft. Snoopy was the last person to be put in Orion when closed the hatch. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson with astronaut Snoopy prior to the first attempt at the Artemis 1 launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Image credit: NASA) Zero-g-indicators help astronauts for the visual sign on crewed spacecraft to reach the orbit. The Artemis I Orion flew without a crew- other than Snoopy, 4 LEGO minifigures, Shaun the Sheep, and 3 instrumented manikins. After the 50 years, in 2018, Snoopy was first entered for the US Space program and promoted NASA’s Artemis mission. Over the next 25 days, Snoopy floated aboard Orion as it made a close flyby of the lunar surface and then soars well past the moon, travelling farther away from Earth than any space craft made for astronauts in history.
Penned By - Rtr. Keerthana Gunarathnam Editorial Member - 2022-23 Snoopy returned home, protected by a heat shield designed to survive a reentry from lunarreturn velocities. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson (left), Jeannie Schulz, widow of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, and Snoopy are all smiles during a Wednesday, April 5, 2023, visit to NASA Headquarters in Washington. As part of the visit, Schulz showed the flown Artemis I Snoopy zero gravity indicator before it goes to its final home for display at the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California. Schulz was awarded a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal by Administrator Nelson at an “Our Blue Planet” concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Snoopy rode along as the zerogravity indicator on NASA’s Artemis I mission as part of a partnership with the agency.
FINDING A TRUE LOVE Emily felt as though her entire world had been turned upside down when her long-term boyfriend left her for someone else. She believed that the agony would never go away because it was so severe. She kept seeing reminders of him, of their love, and of their future dreams everywhere she turned. She experienced a sense of being submerged in a sea of memories. But Emily fought back. She resisted allowing the suffering to overcome her fully. To divert her attention, she plunged herself into her work. Her friends were a constant source of strength and encouragement, so she spent more time with them. And she began to piece together her broken self gently but surely. It was challenging. There were those days when the hurt was just as acute as the first. Emily, though, resisted giving up. She started to view the split as a chance to get to know herself better and discover what she really wanted out of life. As she began to explore new interests and endeavors, she discovered that she had greater resiliency than she had ever imagined. Emily eventually recovered from her wounded heart and was better than ever. She had discovered that suffering should not be dreaded, but rather welcomed and used as a teaching tool. She had discovered that love was a quality that could never be lost and always remained a part of her. She had also discovered that she could pick herself up, dusting herself off, and continuing no matter what had happened. Penned By - Rtr. Gautham Ashok Kumar Editorial Member - 2022-23
On a murky and a gloomy night. Black shadows pitch the land. Emitting dark and creepy light. With paints of ebony filling the sand. No light to wither the darkness. Just invisible sounds of blackness, Noises of insects shrouding my ears, With chilly touching of fears. Wind is turning the tides of waves. Quickly filling the lagoon caves. A cracking sound went through the sky. Standing under heavy clouds I sigh. Still holding the memories we met. Water & perspiration casted us wet. Held the big net with our hands. With smiling faces in the golden sands. Love is curious tool to us. First sigh, first gossip made us one. It never caused us a great fuss. But, became a weapon when, you went none. Thinking of that, I sitting on the wet pouring beach. Grasping the sand like, a small wet leach. Dreaming of that wailing day. Where you went to fish and never returned with nay. A Wife’s Lament Penned By - Rtr. Madhawa Perera Editorial Member - 2022-23
A Terrifying Fate Curse of the Terracotta Warrior It was a warm summer evening in Tokyo when I stumbled upon a small antique shop tucked away in a quiet alley. As I browsed through the dusty shelves, my eyes fell upon a small figurine of a terracotta warrior. It was beautifully crafted, with intricate details and lifelike expressions. The shopkeeper noticed my interest and told me a story about the warrior. According to him, it was a rare artifact that had been discovered in an ancient tomb in China. It was said to be cursed, and whoever possessed it would suffer a terrible fate. I was intrigued by the shopkeeper's tale, and I decided to purchase the figurine. As I left the shop, I felt a strange sense of unease. It was as if the warrior was watching me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a terrible mistake. I placed the figurine on my desk that night and went to bed, but I could not sleep. I kept hearing strange whispers and murmurs from the figurine, and I felt like I was being watched. As the days went by, I became increasingly obsessed with the warrior. I spent hours staring at it, trying to decipher its secrets. I felt as if my soul was trapped in an endless loop, and my body was too weak to withstand it. I lost the last inch of my strength and might have passed out for days. When I regained consciousness, I realized that I needed to get rid of the figurine.
So, I grabbed it and went to find the antique shop, but it was nowhere to be found, nor was the alley I walked in that day. I was frustrated and agitated, and I did not see a way to get rid of this utter chaos. I felt helpless, wandered around like a zombie, and ended up back in my apartment. I was trapped in an endless cycle, and I could feel the warrior's dark magic slowly consuming me. But this time, it was different. The warrior had cast a spell, and suddenly, I found myself being pulled into a dark void. I tried to fight it, but it was too strong. The warrior had trapped me in the same dimension that it had been trapped in for centuries. It wanted to use me as its vessel to break free from the curse and live in the physical world. I was terrified. The dimension was dark and suffocating, and I could feel the warrior's presence all around me. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I knew that I had to find a way out, but I had no idea where to begin. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. I was trapped in the dimension, alone with my thoughts and the warrior's whispers. As I was losing my soul, heaven miraculously showed me a scroll containing a powerful incantation that could break the curse and free me from the warrior's grasp. I recited the incantation, and suddenly, the dimension began to unravel. The walls crumbled, and the darkness lifted. I was back in my own world, but I knew that the curse would always follow me. The terracotta warriors were not just relics of the past, but vessels for dark magic that could bring even the bravest to their knees. The terracotta warrior had become a part of me, and I could feel its presence wherever I went. I tried to live a normal life, but the warrior's whispers would always be there, haunting me. Penned By - Rtr. Amasha Editorial Member - 2022-23
THE BLOGGER Q3 CONTRIBUTORS RTR. KAVINDYA MUNASINGH RTR. ARSHANA ARJUNAN RTR. THISARA CHANDRAWANSA RTR. IMESH JAYATHILAKE RTR.ANUSHANTH RAJENDIREN RTR. KEERTHANA GUNARETNAM RTR. DHARSAN RAVICHANDRAN RTR. SANJAYA RAVICHANDRA KUMAR RTR. PASAN ABEYNAYAKE RTR. RASHAN GAMAGE RTR. GAUTHAM ASHOK KUMAR RTR. ESANDI LIYANARATNE RTR. MADHAWA PERERA
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