Guru Geethaya is a book translated to Sinhalese(my native language) by Dadigama V Rudrugu in a way back when. The original title is Der erste Lehrer (The First Teacher) by Russian author Chinghiz Aitmatov. If I translate the word Guru Gethaya into English it would mean "Teacher's song". This book became pretty popular in my childhood. Maybe because it became a common gift for the children. And our teachers openly  supported it (the book portray them in a favorable light). However, I never had the chance to read it as a child. I only got to read it last week thanks to a recommendation made by my cousin.
 
The first thing I liked was the way the author describe the background of the story. He gives us a clear view of the environment that the story took place in. He even adds to the excitement by saying something like this.

 I seem to be holding a brimming cup, and I am afraid of spilling it. That's why I want people to help me with their advice, to tell me what to do, to come and stand with me at my easel, if only in thought, and share my emotions

That teacup analogy was dead on. That's how I feel too after I read or watched something awesome (I suppose everyone does). so he had me there. Then he goes on about some twin poplars on a hill near the village. you can clearly see they are somehow significant to the story. Not just as a landmark but also as an icon.

The Two Poplars by Oliviana

 The many times I drove back to Kurkureu from faraway places, I always had that nostalgic feeling: “Will I see my twin poplars soon? Will I ever reach home? All I want is to go up that hill and stand under the trees for a long, long time, listening to the murmur of their leaves.”

It's not just about the story of the ones who planted them but also the stories of everyone one who came in contact with it. Each person has their own experiences. Somehow those two trees seem to touch many people. we all have things like that in our lives too that we can relate to. It may not be a tree but anything that connects to you. So there you can feel a connection with the story and it also makes you want to know more about  it.

 Then the story of the two people who planted the trees. A teacher with a dream bigger than himself, working so hard for the things he believes in. even with all the scorn that surrounds him. A girl who saw a light in the murky darkness of her life and ran towards it. That was my favorite part of the story. The moment that girl break the chains that are holding her and started towards her future.

For that was the first time in my life I did something on my own decision, something I considered right, without hesitation or fear of punishment. Deserted by my friends...

And when they plant those trees as an act of gaining hope, it really was a moving moment

They'll grow into handsome trees, you'll see! They'll be standing here, on this hill, side by side like two brothers. And they'll always be in sight to gladden the hearts of good people. Life will be different then, too, Altynai. The best is still ahead...

This book was good, though it's better to read it as a child. The message this gives away would be better received by children. It doesn't mean it's just for kids it's good for even us adults but it'll be more than that for kids. This book is said to be marketing soviet government but I didn't find anything bad about it while reading. Maybe they are referring to "one brick on a wall idea" the book is selling. Most of my teachers will not take it well if they are not invited to a new school opening that they instigated. But the guy in the book understands it. Anyways if you haven't read it already consider to reading it. it's not that long either.