GEMS Education launches memorial scholarship for veteran Dubai teacher

The Westminster School (TWS) in Dubai has announced a permanent scholarship fund to honour Anjana Sanalkumar, a veteran Indian educator who died of lung cancer after serving 33 years with GEMS Education. The school confirmed the details following a memorial service held on Thursday, 8 October, which was livestreamed for the international community. Sanalkumar, born on 30 May 1969, served as the examinations officer and a secondary teacher at TWS. Her tenure spanned over three decades, making her one of the longest-serving staff members within the GEMS network. In a letter to the school community, Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, stated that the Anjana Sanalkumar Memorial Scholarship would be established to ensure her three-decade contribution "deserves a legacy that lives on." Leadership pays tribute to 'fabric of the institution' Carl Roberts, Executive Principal and CEO of TWS, described Sanalkumar as a figure who had become "part of the fabric of the institution." He noted that her commitment to placing students and parents first earned her a position of deep trust within the Dubai education sector. Dr Vijayakumari Sathyan, Head of School and Deputy CEO, echoed these sentiments, describing the late educator as a selfless and passionate leader who touched countless lives. The impact of her absence was particularly noted in the school’s examination office, where she managed complex academic logistics for years. Grace Aluoka, Assistant Principal…