The Avonford Secondary School family, under the leadership of principal, Mr T Reddy, played host to a fancy farewell for Mr P Dulapram, resident Accounting educator and Departmental Head of Skills and Technology at the school.
The highly-experienced educator and well-known community member officially retired, after an illustrious career, on 1 October. In an emotionally-charged speech at the Avonford Conference Centre, Dulapram stated: “I have given almost 39 years to the teaching profession and now I feel it’s time to move on.” Dulapram is known to be a humble and hard-working individual who began his teaching career at Johannesburg Secondary School in 1983. On 1 January 1985 he was transferred, at his request, to Phoenix Number 15, subsequently named Avonford Secondary by the late principal, Mr K Ramdial. Dulapram’s early life was filled with great challenges, however, his positive outlook and commitment to hard work provided the ideal ingredients for a successful journey. He fulfilled the needs of an ever-growing community school that boasts many successful businessmen and women across the country and abroad too. Dulapram epitomised the true nature of his calling through the many hours he spent after school, over the school holidays and on weekends to ensure that his learners excelled. Thus, this kind-hearted and multi-talented gentleman can be likened to a candle that consumes itself to light up the way for others. Dulapram holds various academic qualifications in the field of commerce (Accounting, Economic and Management Sciences and Business Studies), however, he is also noted to be an experienced coach in table tennis, cricket and athletics. His passion for sport and the outdoors emphasises the need for a balance between work and leisure. He remains true to the Avonford motto: “We learn not for the benefit of school, but life.”
On behalf of all the learners, Grade 12 Head Prefect for 2021, Asanda Mathenjwa, stated that Mr Dulapram will be remembered for his skills and knowledge that he imparted to learners from grades 8 to 12. “You have built future teachers and made everyone the best. Sir, situations, we were able to overcome some of our personal problems during this Covid-19 pandemic. You have inspired us through your generosity, modesty, patience and constant motivational talks. Hamba kahle Sir,” said Mathenjwa. Head Prefect of 2020, Navendra Naidoo, thanked Mr Dulapram for being a mentor, leader and father figure. Past student, Terissia Packrisamy, blessed this gentle giant of an educator for the amount of time, energy and effort he invested in her. “I am currently in the accounting field ever since I finished school. You, Sir, taught me to dream and make my dreams become a reality.” High achiever, Jyothi Ramdhani, a Grade 10 Accounting learner, stated at the formal school assembly that educators never really retire, since their work lives on in the hearts of their learners.
Principal, Mr T Reddy, in his tribute, commended Dulapram for his fine teaching skills and unconditional love and support for all learners. “On behalf of the staff and members of the School Governing Body of Avonford Secondary, we wish you good health for the rest of your days as you embark on a new chapter with your family,” said Reddy. Circuit manager, Mr VM Subrayen, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Dulapram for his unequivocal service to the Education Department. “We salute you, Sir! You are indeed a fine example to the new generation of teachers that will walk these corridors of teaching and learning,” said Subrayen.
