- An interview with author and lawyer Mokshini Jayamanne
Life can often be a whirlwind of duties and responsibilities, where embracing the human experience and celebrating its nuances can often take a backseat. Lawyer and teacher of speech and drama Mokshini Jayamanne has managed to do both, and this week, The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Mokshini to talk about her debut into the world of children’s literature with a heart-warming book titled ‘Saying Hello’.
A story centred on connection and kindness, ‘Saying Hello’ takes young readers on a journey with a little girl who, like many of us, yearns for connection. However, she’s ‘othered’ by her peers because she communicates in a unique way. Her initial attempts at reaching out go awry, but a twist of fate brings her and another child together in a most unexpected manner.
The story is a testament to the power of kindness, understanding, and non-verbal communication in bridging divides, all while addressing the presence of bullying in schools and its harmful effects.
From personal experience to profound insight
But what inspired this enchanting tale? The answer lies in the heart and soul of the author.
Mokshini took a rather unique path to the creation of ‘Saying Hello’. During the first Covid-19 lockdown, she joined forces with a fellow drama teacher, Kavitha Gunesekera, to start a story-reading platform named ‘StoryLand SL’. Their aim was to offer a lifeline to children and parents during those trying times. As International Sign Languages Day approached, they wanted to celebrate it in style, with a live story session.
Of course, there was a catch – the chosen book disappeared from their libraries. Undeterred, Mokshini decided to weave a story from scratch. Her inspiration came from a deep appreciation for the universal desire to be seen and heard, regardless of one’s unique mode of communication. She believed that dissimilarities, be they physical impairments or mental dispositions, should never hinder a person’s ability to connect.
Mokshini’s own childhood was marked by a brief but impactful speech impediment and this early brush with a world of silence left her with a profound understanding of the importance of effective communication.
“I was always a very talkative child, but I was struck by a disease in my early years that robbed me of that faculty. Thankfully it was temporary, despite the medical prognosis being the exact opposite,” she said. “I can’t say it impacted me growing up, since it was short-lived, but that time in my life never left me, in that I have always carried with me the awareness that my life could have been very different had the impact of the disease been permanent.”
Now, as a lawyer, she speaks for others, while her role as a speech and drama teacher also gives her the chance to equip others to communicate effectively. But crafting a children’s book is a world apart from legal briefs and speech lessons and there was a bit more to the process than what she was typically used to.
Crafting a tale for young hearts
Writing her first children’s book was a collaborative effort, one that took two years to come to fruition with the support of her partner-in-crime, Kavitha. It was Kavitha who reached out to the talented illustrator, Shumaila Musafer, and began this project without the author’s knowledge. What followed was a series of drafts, refinements, brainstorming sessions, and idea sharing.
‘Saying Hello’ became special not only due to its heart-warming story but also because of the heart behind its creation. The author, Kavitha, and Shumaila were kindred spirits, vibing at the same frequency, and it was pure magic. A lifetime’s worth of experience and a deep connection to children’s literature played an integral role in crafting a tale that resonates with young minds.
“The best children’s books are perfect recreations of the pure beauty that thrives within the mind of a child. I am so grateful my parents, grandparents, and teachers exposed me to books from a tender age. So, whilst the story itself was written overnight, it took a lifetime’s worth of experience to create!” said Mokshini.
To some, it might be surprising that a lawyer ventured into the world of children’s literature. But for Mokshini, this project provided a colourful contrast to her daily life in the courtroom. Law, while a passion, often exposes her to the harsh realities of the world. Teaching children speech and drama, on the other hand, serves as a wholesome way to de-stress, allowing her to revel in the wonder and goodness that still exist.
Every adult has a dormant child within, Mokshini shared, and staying attuned to that inner child made life more rewarding.
Bridging divides through ‘Saying Hello’
Mokshini noted that her primary objective with ‘Saying Hello’ was to create a platform for parents to engage in conversations with their children about those who communicate differently. The story aims to foster sensitivity among children who communicate conventionally towards those who have unique communication methods. The book’s sign language chart, found at the end, serves as a bridge to connect with hearing-impaired and mute children.
But communication challenges come in many forms, from stammers and stutters to nervous dispositions. The author envisions the walls that divide these children crumbling, as parents guide their children towards embracing diversity and inclusivity from a young age.
A launch event that walks the talk
At the launch of ‘Saying Hello’ held on 21 October at Rocco’s in Colombo 7, Mokshini went a step further to reinforce the message of inclusivity. Inviting the Acting Principal of the Ceylon School for the Deaf, along with several students, she had Shammi Dias interpret the entire event into sign language.
This inclusive approach was not just a symbol but a heartfelt commitment to breaking down the barriers that language can sometimes create, because language is meant to be a bridge, not a wall. Bridging that divide, Mokshini believes, is crucial to building a healthy and interconnected society where respect for one another reigns supreme.
Building on interconnected society, Mokshini also shared that ‘Saying Hello’ was a lesson in the power of collaboration and would never have come to be without the support of her dedicated team – from Kavitha’s boundless encouragement and support to Shumaila’s creative illustrations bringing the story of ‘Saying Hello’ to life. Connecting with like-minded souls who share the same vision was what helped ‘Saying Hello’ move forward the most.
“Firstly, there would be no book without Kavitha. This is why I have dedicated this book to her. She is the one who encouraged me to publish the book. If I am to use a phrase from popular culture, we were ‘vibing at the same frequency’ right off the bat. It was magic, really! I believe getting the right team is crucial.”
What lies ahead
The journey of ‘Saying Hello’ is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of inclusivity, and the magic that happens when you embrace your inner child. With heartfelt stories and an unquenchable spirit, the author is poised to make a significant impact in the world of children’s literature. Are there more stories to tell, perhaps a sequel to ‘Saying Hello’?
Mokshini’s response is full of promise. They are working on making ‘Saying Hello’ more accessible and ideas for follow-up stories are already in the pipeline. While she’s not revealing any details just yet, the prospect of more heart-warming tales is exciting.
If you’re eager to dive into the world of ‘Saying Hello,’ you can find the book at various locations in Colombo. Be sure to check out Jam Fruit Tree Publications on Galle Road, Milk Bookstore at Horton Place, Rocco’s on Gregory’s Road, or Genelle on Isipathana Mawatha.
For those who prefer digital reading, an e-book may be on the horizon, so stay tuned for more details.
For more updates and insights, follow StoryLand SL on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also reach out via email at storylandsrilanka@gmail.com.
Author Mokshini Jayamanne with illustrator Shumaila Musafer
An animated reading of the book by Mokshini Jayamanna and Kavitha Gunesekera with interpretation in sign language by Shammi Dias
An animated reading of the book by Mokshini Jayamanne and Kavitha Gunesekera