Ambi-ent ode to the Grand Chief

Weekender
TRIBUTE

Ramalingam Ambihaipahar, author of the book Ambi’s Lingering Memories –Poems for Papua New Guinean Children and Adults.

By LULU MARK
YOUNG and old in every corner of this great land from the highlands to the lowlands, the coast and the islands knows who Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is.
Sir Michael Somare was the force that united thousands of tribes that are now called Papua New Guineans.
To these Papua New Guineans the sight of the national flag, singing of the national anthem or reciting of the national pledge tell of unity and freedom.
Sir Michael Somare is a name synonymous with Papua New Guinea’s Independence from Australia on Sept 16, 1975.
Sir Michael’s passing caused the people of this land to pause and reflect on what it means to be a Papua New Guinean.
On his death the causes that Sir Michael stood for were echoed even louder.
Millions around the country and throughout the world including those that once called PNG home expressed their gratefulness for Sir Michael in their own ways.
A 91- year-old grandfather, Ramalingam Ambihaipahar (affectionately known simply as Ambi) originally from Sri Lanka who first came to PNG as an educationist with his wife and three children in June 1980 and left in 2005 heard of Sir Michael’s passing in his living room in Sydney, Australia.
When his son told him, Ambi said, “Chief, the Hero” which was the title of the poem he wrote about Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare which was first published in 1993 in his book, “Ambi’s Lingering Memories –Poems for Papua New Guinean Children and Adults”.
In a video call, Ambi told The National, that in his book were also poems about other former Prime Ministers Sir Julius Chan, Paias Wingti and Sir Rabbie Namaliu and leaders Dame Josephine Abaijah and Sir Sere Eri.
“There are also poems about what I saw in PNG.
“The poems are dedicated to the late Sir Serei Eri and all sons and daughters of PNG.
“Sir Michael, he is the Chief, a hero and a good man.
“I wrote other books as well but this time I think of Chief, the Hero.

The book Ambi’s Lingering Memories –Poems for Papua New Guinean Children and Adults. The poem about Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare titled Chief, the Hero is found on page 21.
– Nationalpics by LULU MARK

When Papua and New Guineans
Laboured in their native land,
In East Sepik’s Somare family,
Michael was born to command!

“Let us unite New Guinea and Papua!
“Set that as your sacred goal!
“Form a free and sovereign nation!
“Awake and arise” was his call.

He toured the mainland and islands.
He reached the rich and the poor.
“I’ll show the road” said the Chieftain!
Followers with faith were soon there!

Marching along with their Chieftain,
The nation took a forward stride!
PNG bloomed a free nation,
A nation with heritage and pride!

Salute Sir Michael Somare!
He is a Chief with a vision!
Hail him as a national hero!
A hero of a historic mission!