Footprints in Obscurity

Pramudith D Rupasinghe was born in Gampaha, Sri Lanka. His multi-disciplinary academic excellence in clinical psychology, political science, development studies and humanitarian diplomacy along with linguistic competency in English, French and Russian paved his path to enter the humanitarian arena. His humanitarian service has been extended to many parts of the world working with various organizations including the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the United Nations. ''Footprints in obscurity'' is the refreshing experience of a brave young man who stepped in to the unknown a decade and a half ago. The author takes a walk down memory lane as he vividly narrates a series of real stories that are interconnected and built around lives of men and women whom he had the rare opportunity to witness first hand. A boy who was dreaming to discover the imaginary world that conquered his mind when his father was relating 'free-time' stories realizes his dream after three decades, breaking frontiers and overcoming diverse hurdles on the way. He brings out the voices that were destined to be silent for ever to the attention of the world audience in a forceful manner. ''Footprints in obscurity' can be introduced as an impressive effort by the author not only to narrate a true story about Africa but also to bring to light on how childhood dreams shape one's adult life. Surein Peiris Senior Officer Humanitarian Diplomacy, IFRC Geneva