3 days ago
Community stalwarts celebrated at Mount Edgecombe Lifetime Achievement Awards
From the left to right Dr. Patchie Naicker, Nelson, Govindsamy, Visvanathan Govender, Dr Dilip Biputh, and Alan Gounden
The Mount Edgecombe and Estates Community Association (MEECA) conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement and Legacy Award to Visvanathan Govender and Guru Sammandan Sarugaser respectively, last week.
They were honoured for their exceptional contribution to the lives of the Mount Edgecombe community and its surroundings, illuminating paths of hope in education, culture, religion, and various other fields.
Govender, the principal at Acacia Full Service School, has dedicated over 38 years to teaching, in which time he impacted the lives of many youngsters.
During the award ceremony, Dr Patchie Naicker, the chairperson of MEECA, hailed Govender's extraordinary dedication to the community, stating, 'His passion, ethics, and magnanimous effort did not go unnoticed, and his selfless legacy inspires others endlessly.'
The accolade was indicative of Govender's impact and influence on the community, and he expressed his appreciation in return.
Govender attributed much of his life's success to the foundational education he received at Natest Primary and Mount Edgecombe High, and paid tribute to his late parents, Glen and Neela, for instilling in him the importance of education.
'The values and traditions of our community have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today,' he remarked.
Govender also received the Ammen Award for excellence in education in April 2023.
'To receive such an award in the presence of my staff, management, and learners affirms my life's philosophy. Work is worship and service to man is service to God,'' said Govender.
Sarugaser, also a respected figure in community, was acknowledged for his religious and cultural leadership abilities.
Hailing from a family rich in tradition, who advocated for the promotion of the Tamil language, his influence reverberated throughout Mount Edgecombe.
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