Kamalinee Primary and the Lotus Park community are reeling from shock following the tragic loss of a true legend. Former deputy principal of the school, Shanillia Devi Singh encapsulated the hallmark of a great individual who nurtured and mentored thousands of young minds. She shaped and moulded them into remarkable citizens who have since taken up their rightful positions in society.
“She was a master in the art of transferring knowledge and bringing out the best in all of her charges,” said school administrator, Janelle Chetty. “To every single member of the staff, past and present, she was a mother figure with a caring disposition and a listening ear. Her words of wisdom and a deep sense of passion and caring for others will be sorely missed.”
She has left an indelible mark in the lives of the marginalised learners and parents in the community of Lotus Park, often sharing her financial resources as well as purchasing items for the needy on a monthly basis. This gave her a great deal of comfort and inner peace as she always believed in service to humanity.
Singh was a woman of deep faith. She had a great zest for life and always believed that one should live everyday as though it was your last. She loved to cook, travel and read. She was the life of a party and her infectious smile and bubbly personality was contagious and she had a positive impact, wherever, she went and to whoever she interacted with. She was never selfish, as a great ballroom dancer who imparted these skills to train the Grade 7 debutantes annually, sacrificing many hours during the vacation and weekends.
She had been in the profession for the past 44 years, having served as a distinguished educator and then as an outstanding deputy principal for the last 23 years. Through her sterling efforts and her strategic vision, she had managed to elevate the school from its humble beginnings, to being one of the highly recognised institutions.
“Her many hours of personal sacrifice and dedication extended over afternoons, weekends and vacations, is testimony to her commitment and dedication to the profession. Although, she retired at the end of June 2020, she remained in regular contact with the staff and the school. Her passing away has left a deep void in the lives of everyone she impacted upon. Her memory will be forever etched in our hearts.”
She is survived by her husband, Pravin Singh, her children, Jeno, Neriska, Avika and Yurish and her six grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
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