Best speaker Magazine Issue 2 - December 2017 | Page 41

2017.
In some South Pacific cultures, a
speaker holds a conch shell as a symbol
of temporary position of authority
and leaders must understand who
holds the conch-that is, who should
be listened to and when. Sometimes
to be sure, a leader must choose who
is to speak. This is the part of the risk
of leadership. A leader must be a judge
of people. For leaders choose a person,
not a position. When it comes to real
life stage just as the conch shell, the
speaker has the authority over his or
her words. It is their responsibility to
make every word matter.
Conch shells have a unique
architecture. The structure makes
the material 10 times tougher than
nacre, commonly known as mother
of pearl. This toughness, or resistance
to fractures, comes from a unique
configuration based on three different
levels of hierarchy in the material’s
internal structure. Legend says that the
conch cannot be hidden; when it drifts
ashore, it remains on the sand with
it’s sides turned up. It’s brilliant ivory
like luster remains visible even in the
darkest depth of the sea. It is also said
that if you put it to your ear, you can
hear the sound of the ocean.
Buddhism
has
incorporated
the conch shell as one of the
Eight Auspicious Symbols. The
Ashtamangala are eight symbols of
good fortune representing the offerings
made by the gods to Shakyamuni
Buddha immediately after he gained
enlightenment. In Hinduism, this shell
is used as an important ritual object.
God Vishnu, is said to hold a special
conch, Panchajanya, that represents
life, as it has come out of life-giving
waters. Also, the sound of the conch is
believed to drive away the evil spirits.
In Sri Lankan and Indian customs,
the conch shell is used as an
instrument where it is blown to state
the commencing of an event. When
the conch is blown, the primal sound of
“Om” emerges. “Om” is the sound that
was emanated by God before creation
of the universe as the Indians believe.
The conch is one of the attributes
of Lord Vishnu where its sound
symbolizes the victory of the good over
the evil. As a traditional instrument
with a legacy of many years making a
glamorous and prestigious opening at
events we believe the Conch Shell will
give the power to communication and
leadership at Best Speaker 2017.
The conch is a “natural” tool for
communication, without which, order,
speech, civilized behavior cannot
be established. The Conch’s Power
can call a meeting wherever it is and
gives the head of the meeting respect
and power. It symbolically represents
democracy and power.
If you tour around Sri Lanka, you
can scoop up plentiful Cockles on
Eastern beaches. Spy a magnificent
pintail in Southern Wilpattu. Fall in
love with the traditional Sri Lankan
blessing, Kandyan dancers, and the
sound of musicians blowing conch
shells. But when you hear the deep
sonorous sound of a conch shell
booming in the air, a sense of pride
admiration envelopes you. The
piercing, yet melodious sound is awe
inspiring. This exactly is the natural
power the conch to call the attention
of a crowd.
It is this great symbol of power that
runs behind Best Speaker 2017. Giving
priority to tradition and culture,
the contest comes to you with a new
flavor and a touch of convention. The
ceremonial conch shell will symbolize
power of speech in the contest. The
bellowing of the conch makes us all
gather to crown the best among the
best.
In ancient times, the conch shell was
blown to signify the commencement
of battle. Indian legend names ‘Eternal
Victory’ as one such conch shell
sounded in battle. So let the sound of
the conch shell echoing through mark
the beginning of Best Speaker 2017
and herald the triumph of the winner.
Let the battle begin!
BEST SPEAKER MAGAZINE 2017
41