Mr Pritvirajsingh (Praveen) Munrakhun OSK

“Love and respect rather than austerity towards students”

Biography

Pritvirajsingh Munrakhun, also known as Praveen, was born on the 22nd August 1951 in the village of Long Mountain, the son of Soondurpersand and Dhroputee Munrakhun. He has been the rector of SMC in 2001; and the principal in 1977. After retirement, he became the director of Soondur Munrakhun College.

He completed his primary education at Long Mountain Government School. After leaving primary school, he went to Royal College. Since he opted for Science, he was transferred to John Kennedy College and completed his Higher School certificate there. After working for two to three months, he went to India to pursue his degree. He returned to Mauritius after completing his degree in Bsc (Science)-Biology and pursued post graduate certificate in education at MIE. Shortly after his return, he made it his mission to continue the legacy his parents initiated, that is to provide education to needy people in his village.

Before 1977, education was not free, especially in his village where there was no institution for secondary education. Many bright pupils were deprived of secondary education due to the exorbitant fee and bus fares. On top of that, transport facilities were quite scarce. Quite often students with comparatively lower passing marks in their Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination were not admitted to the urban colleges. The fate of boys was comparatively better for they were given priority compared to young girls who had to make amends with their lot. With the same vision as his parents, who founded the college in 1956, Mr Praveen carried on his legacy by visiting all the houses in his locality, along with his friends, trying to get as many students as possible. Gradually, the number of pupils increased every year owing to his determination.

It had always been the prime duty of Mr Munrakhun to ensure that the school functioned in a very congenial atmosphere. To keep with the trend of the demands of Soondur Munrakhun College, founded by his parents, he cherished the wish to introduce subjects like Integrated Science- Chemistry and Biology at school. His generosity knew no bounds. He also provided easy access to school by making provisions for several transport facilities to students who lived at Congomah, Ilot. On prize giving day, students received laptops as gifts to encourage them in their endeavor. He was ever-ready by his pieces of golden advice to help students chose a particular subject before sitting for their Cambridge exams.

Mr Praveen Munrakhun, apart from being the principal, rector and director of Soondur Munrakhun College, had done several social works as well. He had been the chairperson on the board of MGI and the Local Government Commission. He was active in politics and acted as chairperson and Executive member in various boards under the aegis of the Ministry of Sports in the 90’s. He was also a member of the Hindu cadets and went to Africa, along with the football players twice. He was also the president of the Social Welfare Centre. He had a reputation of doing all his tasks diligently. He was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh’s award on the 20th May 1968. He was decorated with O S K National Award (the Most Distinguished Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean) in 2004.

Mr Praveen Munrakhun, has brought an awareness of secondary education and has improved the rate of literacy in the region. Young girls were given equal opportunities to keep abreast of the boys; the rich and the poor irrespective of class, caste, religion and creed were able to get access to education. As goes the motto of SMC- ‘knowledge is Power’, Mr Praveen converted knowledge into action by making education an instrument within the reach of those who could not afford it. The institution managed to survive overcoming all obstacles lying in its way and if credit is to be given to, it could not be other than Mr Praveen Munrakhun and his family.

1955

Mr Praveen Munrakhun as student in India
1968

This picture was taken when Mr Praveen Munrakhun was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh’s award by Princess Alexandra on the 20th May
1968

Mr Praveen Munrakhun being awarded the Duke of Edinburgh’s award
This picture was taken when the name of the school was changed from ‘Long Mountain College’ to ‘Soondur Munrakhun College’
Mr Praveen Munrakhun delivering speech in the Girl’s department
Mr Praveen Munrakhun addressing the students of SMC in the Girl’s department
Mr Praveen Munrakhun at Soondur Munrakhun College (Girl’s Department)
1990

Mr Praveen Munrakhun, as the principal of SMC in his office
2004

Mr Praveen Munrakhun being decorated with O S K National Award by Mr.Cassam Uteem
2004

This picture was taken when Mr Praveen Munrakhun was decorated with O S K National Award in 2004
2004

Mr Praveen Munrakhun after being decorated with O S K National Award in 2004
2019

Mr Praveen Munrakhun at The Anjalay Stadium celebrating the school’s annual sports day before covid-19
2019

Mr Praveen Munrakhun at The Anjalay Stadium, along with students of SMC celebrating the school’s annual sports day
Mr Praveen Munrakhun along with teaching staffs and students of SMC after completing the mural painting
2017

From left to right: Mr Sookur, Mr Lesjongard. Mr Oree,Mr Praveen Munrakhun, Mr Pravind Jugnauth and Mr Nando Bodha celebrating the 60th Anniversary of SMC

“Last Message of Mr Praveen Munrakhun OSK – Director“

As the new generation is touching the horizon, new changes and mannerisms are surfacing with impetus. A new version of culture is on the upsurge. We are witnessing a phenomenon of what we could slothingly term as ‘generation gap’ although it extends from a rip of knowledge, culture, lifestyle to discipline.

Discipline has now become a term that many take passively. Our students fail to realise the intricacies of discipline on compliance. Children of this time almost react on their urges, doing what they feel like, without reflecting on consequences. This spontaneous behaviour in fact relates to not listening to what their surrounding adults instruct or advise and hence completely perversing in their own ways. Our teachers from different schools are lashing out at the waywardness and unruliness of students of the current generation. So critical is the situation that teaching with such students has become a daily struggle and martyrdom. I believe that if all students take charge of the responsibilities of their actions and the implications these entail, such issues can be curbed. Our children should be sensitised, humanised but primarily valorised and loved. Today children can only be disciplined with love and respect rather than austerity and reprimands.

Hence, my earnest request to parents and all those concerned about the downgrading trends in discipline amongst our youngsters is that we should all contribute to inflect good mannerisms, implement long term disciplinary measures that will consequently impact our future generation.

Based on several interviews conducted over three weeks—as well as interviews with several family members, friends, and colleagues—we have been able to delve deeper in the riveting story of the intense personality of Mr Praveen Munrakhun, a creative person whose passion and ferocious drive impacted the lives of many.

The interviewees put nothing off limits. They were encouraged to speak honestly. They spoke candidly, about Mr Praveen Munrakhun. His family, friends, and colleagues provided an unvarnished view of the passions, vision and values that shaped his approach. His journey is instructive, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values.

Message from Family Friends

‘’Monsieur Praveen m’appelait toujours MA…’’

-J’ai fait la rencontre de ce merveilleux et humble homme en 1982 à travers uneproposition de mariagede Monsieur Daby à l’époque. Autrefois une demoiselle Gokhul, je me suis mariée avec Praveen en 1983. De cette union est née Diksha ma grande et Drishtee ma petite. Nous avions toujours eu une très bonne relation. Mais comme tous les couples, nous avions nous aussi des hauts et des bas. Toutefois, Praveen ne me laissait jamais rester en colère. C’était un époux exemplaire.

-Il a été un père modèle pour ses deux filles. Il ne leur a jamais refusé quoi que ce soit. Il a tout fait pour elles.

-Concernant son travail, le maîtremot était la discipline. Sa vie était son travail et le collège. Le collège était sa maison et sa première priorité et cela passait avant tout.

-Un souvenir qui me manque encore aujourd’hui c’est qu’il faisait un devoir de ne jamais me laisser seul. On dînait ensemble tous les soirs.

-Je dirai à mes deux fillesde suivre les pas de leur père et elles auront toujours sa bénédiction même s’il n’est pas là.

Mrs Rekha MunrakhunWife of Late Mr Praveen Munrakhun

‘’Monsieur Praveen n’était pas seulement comme un frère mais plutôt un papa surtout après la mort de ma mère…’’

-Nous avions grandi ensemble et nous sommes devenus plus proches après la mort de notre mère.

-Nous avons travaillé comme une équipe malgré les diverses difficultés.

-Monsieur Praveen a une énorme contribution dans l’agrandissement du collège.

-Il avait toujours des nouvelles idées pour l’école et sa perte est inestimable.

-Je me rappelleraitoujours des moments et de l’anxiété vécus avant et après la proclamation des résultats.

Mrs Premila Sobagrah MANAGER – View Video

‘’Il n’y aura pas un deuxième Monsieur Praveen Munrakhun…’’

-Par où commencer. Je pense que les mots manqueront pour décrire cet homme qui était mon père. Alors j’ai connu feu Praveen Munrakhun depuis ma naissance. Je l’appellerai PA pour le reste de mon existence. En outre, papa a joué différents rôles au cours de ma vie dont celui, d’un recteur, un directeur, un ami et aussi un confident avec qui je pouvais discuter et parler de tout. Il était toujours à mon écoute.

-Papa était quelqu’un avec un grand cœur et toujours prêt à aider. Il aimait le football, les chevaux et le sport en général. Il était un grand fan de Tottenham Hotspur. De surcroit, il était membre dans le centre social de Montagne Longue et il apporté grandement sa contribution à l’organisation des activités pour les villageois. Il était avec la MFA et il avait été Président du Aneerood Jugnauth Stadium, maintenant connu comme le Anjalay stadium. Passionné du sport, il voyageait aussi dans ce cadre pour promouvoir certaines activités en Afrique. En parlant de ce stade, je me rappelle toujours comment il m’emmenait toujours avec lui et quand je l’accompagnais, j’étais comme sur un petit nuage.

-Sur le plan politique il était très actif et il avait même été décoré OSK, par le Président d’autrefois; Sir Cassam Uteem. De plus, il était aussi sur les sièges du Local Government et de la MGI. Il était toujours humble et l’arrogance n’était pas dans son jardin.

-Il avait aussi un faible pour les voyages, alors il voyageait souvent. Des fois, même si on ne prenait pas l’avion, on allait seulement à l’aéroport pour voir les avions. Il aimait aussi les séjours à l’hôtel avec la famille où on resserrait les liens.

-Quand je parle de SMC, je parle de la vie de mon père. C’est la première chose qu’il pense quand il se réveille et la dernière chose avant de s’endormir. Il cogitait continuellement sur l’amélioration du collège. Il était très à cheval sur son travail. Si quelque chose clochait, il était toujours présent pour apporter son aide et pour redynamiser tous les aspects de l’école.Même malgré les congés qu’il avait, il ne les prenait jamais car il avait cette obligation que tout doit bien se passer à l’école.

-Sa famille, c’était le SMC. Mon parcours comme élève, enseignante et maintenant rectrice a été marqué par le fait que mon père n’avait jamais la distinction entre moi et les autres. Il considérait tout le monde sur la même longueur d’onde. Je ne remercierai jamais assez mon père et ce que je suis devenu aujourd’hui c’est grandement grâceà lui.

-Aujourd’hui, je peux dire avec fierté que suis la fille de Monsieur Praveen Munrakhun. Quand j’étais petite, je me souviens toujours que j’accompagnaismon papa qui allait à l’école pour voir si tout se passait bien. Le progrès de ses élèves était crucial. L’introduction de la technologie était son coup de cœur et il a fait pour l’introduire à l’école. Il a aussi mené une lutte sans merci pour obtenir la licenced’opérer pour la HSC. Ce fut une joie phénoménale pour tout le monde. Un autre fait marquant, c’était quand l’école avait remporté la compétition de Ramayana en 2011. Je me rappelle encore de ce coup de fil vers 23 heures du soir et il ne pouvait contenir sa jubilation.

-Sur une note de la fin, j’assume avec une dignité que malgré que je sois la fille de Monsieur Praveen, je ne pourrai jamais prendre sa place. La seule consolation que j’ai dans ma tête et mon cœur est que papa nous a laissé un très bel héritage de son savoir et de sagesse et je ferai de ton possible avec la famille de SMC de continuer avec ce travail.

-«Tu me manques papa. Tu es parti trop tôt mais je sais que ta bénédiction est avec nous et tu nous guideras du ciel. Merci pour tout.»

-«Je tiens aussi à remercier l’équipe d’organisation notamment ; Mons Bhojun, MissSoobug, Mons Boojhawon, Mons Daby, Mons Jhowry, Mons Dawoo et Selva pour le merveilleux travail accompli.»

Mrs Diksha Munrakhun- RamlochunFirst Daughter of Late Mr Praveen Munrakhun

“La fin d’une ère…’’

-Que dire sur mon père? Les souvenirs ne manquent pas surtout après son départ. Papa commençaittoujours ses matins avec la prière. Un autre moment qui me frappe toujours, c’était la tradition de dînertous ensemble le soir. Il adorait aussi les longs voyages en voiture les dimanches sans oublier: ‘’ so du thé’’.

-De sa vie professionnelle, je peux dire que malgré sa santé fragile et cela jusqu’à la dernière minute, il pensait toujours à l’école.Même en se reposant, il cogitait: ‘’comment pou faire l’école marche plus bien… ‘’ Même quand il était en voyage à l’étranger, il prenait des nouvelles de l’écoleà travers Monsieur Diva:’’Diva,lécole tout korek?’’ Sa famille ceux qui travaillaient à l’école.Concernant la prise des décisions papa concertait toujours le staff et vice-versa en pensant éventuellement au bien-être de l’école. Avec la nouvelle génération d’enseignant, il discutait des idées innovantes et des activités extracurriculaires. Il ne pensait jamais deux fois avant d’investir dans l’école.

-Il étaittrès généreux et il ne refusait jamais son aide à quelqu’un dans le besoin. Plusieurs fois, pendant la pause ou la récréation quand il remarqué qu’un enfant n’avait pas son repas, il disait: ‘’Diva prend enn dipain pour sa zenfanla…’’

-Autre chose qui me marque aussi, c’était sa croyance dans l’égalité. Quand j’avais fait mon entrée au collège, il m’avait dit: ‘’Mo pou pareil kouma tous zelev…’’

-Il avait aussi une passion pour la politique et on lui avait proposé d’être candidat.

-Personne ne pourra remplacer Monsieur Praveen mais nous ferons tout pour suivre ses pas.

-«Merci pour tout papa.»

Miss Drishtee MunrakhunSecond Daughter of Late Mr Praveen Munrakhun

“He loved his family, friends, staff & students greatly. He loved dearly his wife, daughters and his wonderful grandkids like no man ever does. Truly a man’s man, a family man, and someone I truly look up to and whom I have learn a lot from, I’ll be sure to carry on his legacy and never forget what a truly great man and great human he was which I have been privilege to have been part of my life. You shall always be in my heart & thoughts.”

Mr Hemrajsingh RamlochunMr Praveen’s Munrakhun’s son-in-law

Ria & Dhruv RamlochunGrandchildren of Mr Praveen

Jia RamlochunGrand-daughter of Mr Praveen

-Mr Praveen Munrakhun is my uncle and I’ve always known him as ‘mamou.’He has been part of my life ever since I was born. He has been like a second father to me, throughout my life. I’ve got a lot of fond memories of him. But if I have to choose I would say my two fondest memories would be everytime he used to carry me on his shoulders whenever I would get tired and be lazy when I’m on trips. And the second one would be, he was there at my graduation.

-Mr Praveen, mamou was a very kind, generous and loving human being. He was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone basically. From my point of view, I think he will be remembered most for being a genuine person and also his legacy he has left and the pride that he had for SMC. Since my grandparent’s demise, mamou and my mum have been putting the hard work in to keep the school open and maintain great standard.

-Mamou (Mr Praveen) has left a big void on this earth and in everyone’s life and especially mine. That’s a void that I don’t think anyone can ever fill. I don’t think anyone should ever bother trying to fill his shoes, trying to replace him because he is irreplaceable and I miss him dearly.

Mr Amrish SobagrahThe son of Mrs Sobagrah (The Manager)/Nephew of Mr Praveen Munrakhun

MG : Praveen était mon élève au collège John Kennedy. Il se démarquait des autres car il était costaud et de par sa personnalité. Praveen était un élève adorable. Après plusieurs années, j’ai repris contact avec Praveen comme Ministre du Sport. Il me parlait toujours de son école.

AG: J’ai connu Praveen comme Président de la NCA et ilvenait souvent me voir quand on avait besoin des terrains. Nous avons travaillé plusieurs années dans ce sens-là, et nous nous sommes retrouvés au Management Committee du stade Anjalay. Je retiens de Praveen sa jovialité. Je ne l’ai jamais vu en colère.

DC: J’ai connu Praveen quand je travaillais sur la propriété de Belle Vue et il venait souvent me voir pour discuter comment la propriété pourrait venir en aide au Stade ou les terrains. J’étais moi-même sportif et comme Praveen avait à cœur ce domaine, nous avons développé de l’estime l’un envers l’autre. Il avait une passion à faire évoluer le sport surtout le sport.

Mr Michel Glover/ Mr Daniel Capiron/ Mr Antoine Grenouille – View Video

Teaching Non- Teaching Staffs

‘’ I joined school at a very young age and Mr Praveen encouraged me to enroll in my studies (B.ed)..’’

– He affirms that Mr Praveen was his guide in his career

– Mr Dussoye also shares about the DISCIPLINE instilled by late Mr Praveen Munrakun

– He also insists that late Mr Praveen Munrakun always worked for the benefit of the school and the students

– He remembers about the vision of Mr Praveen Munrakun about technology and the use of latest equipment.

Mr DussoyeEducator/Head of Department BIOLOGY – View Video

“I remember him as an exceptional person. Even if he is no longer here with us, he will keep on living like a ‘culture’, a guide similar to Bissoondoyal, M.K Gandhi. He left his footprint behind.”

“He followed Sai Baba’s principles, “To live and let live.” Whatever he did, he did for the interest of others.”

“He was not a follower but a trend-setter which made him a unique leader.”

-These are the words used to describe Mr Praveen Munrakhun. According to his former colleague and friend, Mr Oree, Mr Praveen Munrakhun was known for his humanity and caring nature.

-He supported his fellow staffs and guided them like a ‘father’. He empowered teachers all the time and considered his staffs as his family.

-As stated by Mr Oree, “Mr Praveen could have invested his money somewhere else or in something else but he chose to invest it in his college. He left an institution for the interest of students in his locality.”

-He was not only viewed as a boss but also as a guide who taught them discipline. He moulded educators who work at SMC in such a way that they know how to turn a ‘modest’ result into a better one. Which is why Mr Oree said, “I won’t be surprised to hear that one day this school will earn 100 % pass one day.”

Mr OreeFormer Economics Educator at SMC – View Video

“His devotion towards the school is undeniable and he has always worked towards the upliftment and well-being of each and everyone at school”

“His legacy will be carried for the many coming years”

-Mr Sookmanee was a student of SMC as from 1972. According to him, My Praveen was a true guide, a good administrator but also a good social worker.

-He had a very soft corner for all the needy students helping them by providing them with free stationery, free uniforms and food supplies when needed. Words would definitely lack to express the gratitude towards that Mr Sookmanee has for Mr Praveen Munrakun.

Mr SookmaneeAccounts Educator /Senior Educator – View Video

‘’ Monsieur Praveen m’a aidé dans le cheminement de ma carrière …’’

-Monsieur Praveen était le pilierdu collège.

-Monsieur Praveen était très autoritaire mais il était droit concernantle travail.

-Au fond, Monsieur Praveen était très compréhensif.

-Il était toujours à l’écoute de nos problèmes.

-Monsieur Praveen a toujours été à cheval sur les cours en ligne et cela a été d’une grande utilité pendant la pandémie.

Mrs RoopchandEducator/ Head of Department FRENCH – View Video

“Mr Praveen is someone who catered for hard work.”

-He wanted all his staffs to work hard for the benefits of the school of all the students and normally he didn’t hinder the work of the teachers.

-Unfortunately, at that time, there were no textbooks for the syllabus 1126 as such, Mr Praveen encouraged Mr Meenowa to write one. When Mr Meenowa accepted,the textbook was issued throughout the island. That was a very good example of what really Mr Praveen wanted-the best for everyone.

Mr MeenowaFormer English Educator/HOD/Senior Educator – View Video

“He was very far-sighted and always encouraged his staff to move forward in their career.”

“He will be remembered for visionary leadership, dedication to education, and fostering an inclusive empowering school community”

“He was a gentleman, discipline and a respected person within the community”

“He left us a legacy of inspiration and positive change and we are dedicated to continue his vision in the honour of our late rector. He will be greatly missed yet his legacy will continue to shine as a source of inspiration for generation to come”

-Mrs Bundhoo has been working at SMC for nearly 27 years. For Mrs Bundhoo, Mr Praveen Munrakhun was not only her employer but a mentor as well.

-According to Mrs Bundhoo, Mr Praveen had a strong belief in discipline, education, learning and innovation.

-Innovation was at the heart of everything he did. He believed that embracing new ideas and approaches was essential for progress. He always wanted to introduce technology in teaching.

Mrs BundhooMathematics Educator /Head of Department – View Video

‘’ Je disais toujours à Monsieur Praveen qu’il était comme Sir Alex Ferguson…”

-Monsieur Praveen a toujours été prêt à aider que ce soit les enseignants ou les élèves.

-Il soutenait les enseignants à améliorer leurs qualifications.

-Il a fait beaucoup,surtout concernant les laboratoireset les ‘specialist rooms’.

-Le souvenir le plus marquant a été quand notre école avait obtenu au delà de 90% au niveau de la SC.

-Il a aussi mené une belle lute pour avoir la permission d’opérer les classes de la HSC.

Mr GungabissonEducator/Head of Department CHEMISTRY – View Video

«Comme enseignant, Monsieur Praveen a consacré tout son temps pour le progrès du collège.Il ne vivait que pour cela…»

-Le collège a progresséadmirablement quand il était recteur.

-Il a été soutenu par sa sœur, sa femme et ses deux filles.

-SMC est synonymede Praveen Munrakhun.

-Il était compréhensif envers les autres.

-Il était toujours serviable et à l’écoute des autres.

Mr DabyFormer French Educator – View Video

‘’Monsieur Praveen avait toujours la politesse quand quelqu’un l’approchait…’’

-J’étais comme un membre de la famille.

-Monsieur Praveen était très professionnelmais en même temps très amical.

-Les souvenirs ne manquent pas quelssoit bons ou mauvais.

-Il était un très bon administrateur.

-Il savait être sévère quand il le fallait pour ramener quelqu’un à l’ordre.

Mr DinaramFormer French Educator – View Video

‘’ Je me rappellerai toujours du bus scolaire de Kitchin…’’

-J’étais un ex-élève du collège et maintenant je suis enseignant dans ce même collège.

-Il pensait toujours aux autres, surtout au plus démunis de la société.

-J’ai aussi côtoyéMonsieur Praveen sur le plan social et politique.

-Il n’a jamais manqué l’occasion de donner à ses propres élèves la chance de devenir enseignant dans son collège.

-Je pense que nous avons une très bonne équipe à l’école pour l’avenir.

Mr JadooEducator MATHEMATICS – View Video

“There’s nothing better in life than being an educator and sharing your knowledge to others. And also helping the poor and the needy students”

“A good-hearted person, he cared about others and do good deeds”

“He was open-minded, welcoming change at all stages”

“He is a role model for me, I am greatly inspired by his actions and thoughts”

-Mr Ramlall’s relationship with Mr Praveen Munrakhun dated back in late 1950s. He retired as Senior Educator on the 22nd March 2020.

-Even now, he considers himself to be part of the school and the family.

-According to Mr Ramlall, Mr Praveen was kind, patient and gentle with others and helped those who needed help.

-Mr Praveen will always be remembered for the rich legacy he left behind, his values, virtues, love and respect towards the school.

Mr RamlallFormer Economics Educator /Senior Educator – View Video

‘’J’ai rencontré Monsieur Praveen en 1993 au Village Council…’’

-Nous avions une relation politiquetrès cordiale hors de l’école.

-C’était un homme politique.

-Un moment marquant: l’adrénaline avant les électionsavec Monsieur Praveen.

-C’était une personne visionnaire.

-Il pensait toujours à l’aspect socialdes cinq villages qui l’entouraient.

Mr SookurEducator -MATHEMATICS – View Video

‘’Monsieur Praveen ti enn mari boss…’’

-Linn fer boku pu bann dimoune dans l’endroit.

-Monsieur Praveen ti enn grand dimoune.

-Monsieur Praveen ti konne garde enn relation avec nous.

-Zamais linn refuse nous kitsoz et nous aussi zamais nou pann refuse li okenn travay.

Mr Foolell/Mr Jeetun/Mr Auroomoogum (Yosen)Non teaching staffs – View Video

‘’Le mottode Monsieur Praveen: La discipline apporte le progrès…’’

-Monsieur Praveen donnait toutes les facilités.

-En 1995 on a commencé avec seulement 5ordinateurs mais aujourd’hui, on se retrouve avec 50 ordinateurs, dont 25 dans deux salles de ‘’computer rooms’’.

-Je me souviens de mon premier jour, quand je devais faire la classe qui était sous forme d’entretien

-Je me rappelle aussi du ‘’staff meeting’’ quand il y avait l’annonce qu’on pouvait opérer pour la HSC.

-Pour l’avenir, je dirai que Miss Diksha a pris les mêmes pas que Monsieur Praveen et nous travaillerons comme une équipe.

Mr Luchmun.DEducator/ Head of Department COMPUTER STUDIES

“He was very determined to achieve his goals, for the pupils and for the school”

“He will always be remembered for his dedication for his work and for the pupils to succeed.”

-Mrs Danon was a member of the staff of SMC. She met Mr Praveen for the first time in December 1977 when she came for an interview for the post of a French and English Teacher. She has known Mr Praveen for 41 years.

-She affirms that Mr Praveen always wanted his pupils to get good results and to succeed in life. That was what he valued most in life.

Mrs DanonFormer French Educator/H.O.D – View Video

“Since he is the son of two eminent educators, he too, cherished the same vision, same aspiration, and had all the things that required him to provide quality education to the people of the village and of the neighbouring villages.”

“A cultural man, having integrity”

-Mr Jagurnath joined school in 1975 and retired in 2016. He has known Mr Praveen for 42 years.

-Since the school is celebrating its 67th anniversary, it shows that the school is a successful one.

-For My Jagurnath, Mr Praveen will be remembered for his leadership skills, management skills and administrative skills.

Mr JagurnathFormer English Educator/Senior Educator – View Video

“He never refused to help me”

“My Praveen was a very generous person. He always managed to find a way to help someone.”

-According to Mr.Vom, Mr Praveen was a generous person. He was someone who gave more than was expected, and was willing to help others.

-He was always willing to give to those less fortunate since he can feel their struggles and therefore have the urge to help.

Mr Vom PackeereesamyEx-caretaker – View Video

“Mr Praveen was known for his passion and discipline”

“Anyone who has worked with him has grown into a strong and more capable being”

-According to Mrs Chummun, even if Mr Praveen was strict, he always wished the best for others.

-The way he showed his attention and affection was through ‘tough love’.

-He was always there to guide others. She states that she was lucky to have worked under his supervision.

Mrs Rannee ChummunLibrarian Officer – View Video

“Mr Praveen would never refuse anyone help if they need it”

-My Jiva has known Mr Praveen Munrakhun since a very long time. Mr Jiva described Mr Praveen a very generous person.

-He was always there to help those who needed it. He would at times provide textbooks, bus fare fees, food for free to students who had financial problems.

Mr Diva Packeereesamy – View Video

-He has been working at SMC for the past 40 years. He was one of Mr Praveen Munrakhun’s close friends.

-Whenever he was with Mr Praveen Munrakhun, they were always talking about education. How to promote education? How to eliminate illiteracy in this northern region?

-He states that, thanks to Mr Praveen and to Soondur Munrakhun’s College, today many students are literate and they have passed their exams.

Mr InderjeetFormer Educator at SMC/Acting Rector – View Video

To know, understand and get along with someone, it is said that you need to know that person over time. But there are very few people whom you come across in life and who will instantly leave an indelible mark upon you.

Their charismatic appeal, sincerity of purpose, rigour and discipline together with their overwhelming capacity to understand and patiently appreciate the context make them rise above the mob of the common man.

That was late Mr. Munrakhun.

Not only was he a man for all seasons but he was also a man of situations and whose brought up, righteousness and confidence allowed him to guide, support and give comfort to his surroundings, close or otherwise.

It is therefore not by accident that he chose to spend his life in the education sector. Against all odds, late Mr. Munrakhun stood among with he unfortunate scholars who really needed help to find a way in life. He gave them the golden opportunity to progress intellectually and to climb the ladder of education, side by side with social and familial upliftment, so that they contribute in the advancement of the society and country.

The achievement of Mr. Munrakhun will remain for ages in our day-to-day life.

A thank you will never be sufficient to what he had achieved.

Mr JaunkySecretary, Local Government Service Commission