Cause of Death Disclosed for Indian Expat Teacher Who Served GEMS Education for 33 Years.
Dubai: The Westminster School (TWS) community in Dubai is grieving the loss of Anjana Sanalkumar, a dedicated examinations officer and secondary school teacher who served GEMS Education for 33 years. Colleagues and friends have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering her not just as a respected educator but as a cherished member of their extended family.
Anjana, who was born on May 30, 1969, passed away in Dubai after battling lung cancer, according to new details released by the school.
GEMS Education had previously announced plans to establish the Anjana Sanalkumar Memorial Scholarship at The Westminster School (TWS) in Dubai, honouring her remarkable 33-year contribution to education.
In a letter addressed to the school community, Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, emphasised that Anjana’s more than three decades of dedicated service deserved a lasting legacy.
A memorial service for the Indian expatriate teacher was also livestreamed on Thursday, allowing colleagues, friends and well-wishers from different locations to participate and pay their respects.
School Leaders Honour a Dedicated Educator
Carl Roberts, Executive Principal and CEO, reflected on how certain individuals contribute far more to an institution than their official responsibilities require.
He described Anjana as someone who had become an integral part of the school’s identity through her reliability, commitment and unwavering dedication to students and parents.
Roberts emphasised that her absence would be deeply felt throughout the school community, highlighting the trust and appreciation she had earned over the years.
Extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of the institution, he expressed sympathy to Anjana’s family, friends and loved ones, hoping they would find comfort in knowing how profoundly she was respected and valued.
Dr Vijayakumari Sathyan, Head of School and Deputy CEO, remembered Anjana as a compassionate, committed and passionate educator who consistently placed the needs of others before her own.
She highlighted Anjana’s tireless efforts and genuine affection for the students of TWS, noting that her dedication had positively influenced countless lives.
According to Dr Sathyan, Anjana’s kindness, generosity and meaningful contributions would continue to hold a special place in the hearts and memories of the school community.
Remembering Her Warmth in the Examination Office
Grace Aluoka, Assistant Principal for Secondary and Sixth Form, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of her much-loved colleague.
She recalled Anjana as a person whose warmth, kindness and cheerful personality brought happiness and reassurance to everyone around her.
For Grace, Anjana was much more than a fellow educator. She was a dependable friend, a source of encouragement and emotional support, and an important member of The Westminster School family.
Grace said Anjana’s gentle personality, sincere concern for others and comforting smile made students and colleagues feel appreciated and supported.
She described the school community as deeply saddened by the loss, explaining that Anjana’s absence would be noticeable throughout the classrooms, corridors and familiar gathering spaces.
The examination office, in particular, would feel the loss of her reassuring presence, which had long created a welcoming and positive environment for those who visited.
Grace also reflected on how much the school would miss Anjana’s familiar voice, unwavering commitment to students and everyday acts of compassion.
She emphasised that the school community would continue celebrating Anjana’s life through cherished memories and by recognising the positive influence she had on students, colleagues and friends.
Her enduring legacy of compassion, dedication and love for education, Grace said, would remain an inseparable part of The Westminster School for years to come.
Two Decades of Friendship and Cherished Memories
Shelmy Peter, Subject Leader and Events Manager, reflected on her 21-year friendship with Anjana, saying that even more than two decades together did not feel like enough.
She remembered Anjana as an exceptionally supportive and caring colleague who was always willing to help others. According to Shelmy, Anjana rarely turned down requests from her team and consistently approached every responsibility with kindness, dedication and a welcoming smile.
Shelmy expressed her disbelief and sadness over Anjana’s unexpected passing. Rather than focusing on how much she would miss her, she chose to celebrate the memories they had created together.
She said she would forever treasure their conversations, shared experiences and special moments throughout their 21 years of friendship, adding that Anjana would always remain a part of her life.
Mini, a secondary school teacher, also shared an emotional tribute, describing her difficulty in accepting the loss of someone she considered family.
For Mini, Anjana was far more than a close friend. She was a source of confidence, emotional strength and unwavering support, making her one of the most important people in her life.
Expressing gratitude for the laughter, unforgettable memories and unconditional friendship they shared, Mini said life would never feel the same without Anjana.
She remembered Anjana as her closest friend and said her memories would remain in her heart forever.
A Colleague Who Became Family
Benoy Das, a member of the school’s office support team, shared a deeply personal account of his relationship with Anjana.
He recalled leaving his family home and his mother at the age of 19 before spending the next 21 years working alongside Anjana.
Benoy reflected that he had spent more years with Anjana than he had spent growing up with his own mother, highlighting the extraordinary importance she held in his life.
Although his professional responsibilities involved assisting Anjana in the office, their relationship gradually developed into a meaningful family-like bond.
He explained that Anjana was never simply a colleague or someone he supported at work. Instead, she became a cherished presence in his life, someone he felt fortunate to have known for more than two decades.
Krutika, the school’s HR Officer, also paid tribute to Anjana’s exceptional dedication and long-standing service to The Westminster School.
She highlighted Anjana’s remarkable 33-year association with the institution, describing her as a highly respected and deeply appreciated member of the school community.
In her role as Examinations Officer, Anjana consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsibility and genuine concern for students and colleagues.
Krutika emphasised that Anjana’s compassionate nature, unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the school would continue to be remembered and valued by everyone whose life she touched.
