A lesson on book launches

The short and sweet launch of ‘Irangani’ recently is yet another feather in media-man Kumar de Silva’s cap.

Meticulous planning is the hallmark of Kumar’s projects. At a time when we cannot depend on our postal deliveries on time (often invitations reach us after the event is over), Kumar posted the invitations well in advance and followed up with SMSs and phone calls.

The result: the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery was full to capacity by 6:30 in the evening when the ‘star’ of the evening, legendary actress Irangani Serasinghe, appeared from a side entrance with no fanfare.

A brief introduction by Kumar on how he set about the task of writing ‘Irangani,’ which is the life story of the actress “as told to Kumar” was followed by the reading of a few paragraphs from the book, the presentation of the book to Serasinghe and a few words by her. And all was over.

While everyone started chatting to one another, some went across to the counters to buy the book and some went up to the lady to congratulate her. Everyone dispersed after enjoying a piece of cake and tea.

It was a fine lesson on how to organise a book launch. Of course, many will argue that the usual ‘ingredients’ were missing. The oil lamp was not lit by the VIP invitees. (In fact, there wasn’t even a chief guest).  Also missing were the keynote address, at least two talks on the contents of the book, a discourse by the author on how and why he wrote the book, the chief guest’s address and a lengthy vote of thanks mentioning a whole list of names ending with an apology for failing to mention everyone’s name. The whole process takes at least two hours. Very often the presenter takes a good part of the time introducing each speaker and quoting from the book at length in between the speeches. At the end, the invitees join a long queue for the refreshments.

With several publishers present at the Wendt that evening, let’s hope that they will have second thoughts on lengthy launches hereafter.

Judging from another book launch I attended recently, at least some seem to be realising the need to cut down on the time. It was the launch of not one but two Sarasavi publications – one by Ven. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayaka Thera on Buddhist offerings and the other on Bellanwila Temple murals. Wimalaratana Thera started the proceedings by saying he was making both his welcome speech and the vote of thanks at the same time. There were just two speeches – one on each book. The formal presentation of the books and three songs in between the speeches – “to break the monotony,”,as the Thera explained – completed the program. The presiding monk did not spend more than two to three minutes to wind up the meeting. Refreshments were then served at the SLFI lawn.

Kumar, put your thinking cap on for the next event!