We held graduation at my college on Sunday.  I had the privilege of hosting one of our honorary degree recipients: Ms. Shiranee Tilakawardane (scroll down), a Sri Lankan Supreme Court Justice.  What a great experience! 

       My job was to introduce her to a dinner of visiting dignitaries on Saturday evening and, then, make sure she the conversation continued to flow.  The latter was both easy and fascinating.  Speaking with her throughout the evening, I was deeply impressed by her commitment to substantive equality – which she defines in terms of respecting and fulfilling the dignity of each and every person.   She works hard, both in her own country and globally, to improve legal remedies for abused children; and she has been a tireless advocate for woman’s rights around the world. 

     I came away from the weekend with a quote from the Analects firmly in mind, a quote that very much captures the life’s work of the remarkable Ms. Tilakawardane:

…As for Humanity: if you want to make a stand, help others make a stand, and if you want to reach your goal, help others reach their goal.  Consider yourself and treat others accordingly: this is the method of Humanity. (6.29)

      Shiranee Tilakawardane is truly a woman of Humanity and it was an honor to meet her and learn from her.

UPDATE: Here is a link to the speech she gave at Williams on Saturday afternoon.  Marvelous.