Dubai school mourns Anjana Sanalkumar, beloved teacher who served for 33 years

The Westminster School community in Dubai is mourning Anjana Sanalkumar, a longtime examinations officer and secondary teacher whose 33-year association with GEMS Education left a lasting mark on generations of students and colleagues.

Anjana, born on May 30, 1969, died of lung cancer in Dubai, the school confirmed in details shared with Gulf News. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends, many of whom described her as far more than a co-worker, remembering her as a trusted friend and a member of their own families.

GEMS Education has announced plans to establish the Anjana Sanalkumar Memorial Scholarship at The Westminster School (TWS) in recognition of her decades of service. Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, said in a letter to the school community that a contribution spanning 33 years “deserves a legacy that lives on”.

A memorial service for the Indian expatriate teacher was livestreamed on Thursday, allowing mourners to pay their respects from different parts of the world.

Leaders remember a teacher who put students first

Carl Roberts, Executive Principal and CEO, said some people contribute to an institution in ways that extend far beyond their formal responsibilities, becoming trusted and valued members of its community.

Anjana was one such person, he said, adding that she consistently placed students and parents at the centre of her work.

On behalf of the school community, Roberts extended his condolences to her family, friends and loved ones, expressing hope that they would draw strength from the respect and affection she had earned over the years.

Dr Vijayakumari Sathyan, Head of School and Deputy CEO, described Anjana as selfless, dedicated and deeply passionate about her work.

Through her tireless commitment and affection for students, Anjana had touched countless lives, Sathyan said. Her kindness and the difference she made to the school community, she added, would remain in the hearts and memories of those who knew her.

Her absence will be felt across the school

Grace Aluoka, Assistant Principal for Secondary and Sixth Form, described Anjana as a beloved colleague whose warmth, kindness and joy enriched the lives of those around her.

She said Anjana had been much more than a teacher and colleague, calling her a trusted friend, a source of encouragement and a cherished member of the Westminster School family.

Her gentle nature, genuine concern for others and reassuring smile made people feel valued, Aluoka said. The news of her death had left the school community in deep shock and sorrow, with her absence expected to be felt in classrooms, corridors and other familiar spaces.

The examination office, where Anjana had been a reassuring and familiar presence, would feel her loss particularly deeply.

Aluoka said colleagues would miss her voice, her dedication to students and the compassion she brought to her work each day. They would continue to honour her through the memories she left behind and the difference she made to students, colleagues and friends.

Her legacy of kindness, love and devotion, she added, would remain part of the school for years to come.

Two decades of friendship that went beyond work

For Shelmy Peter, Subject Leader and Events Manager, 21 years of knowing Anjana still did not feel like enough.

Peter recalled how Anjana never hesitated to help when the team needed her, approaching every request with kindness and a smile. She said the sudden loss had left her in shock.

Rather than simply saying she would miss her friend, Peter chose to remember the bond they shared.

“I will always cherish you,” she said, adding that she would hold on to the memories, conversations and moments they had shared over 21 years. “To me, you have never left us,” she added.

Mini, a secondary teacher, also struggled to come to terms with Anjana's death, describing her as more than a friend.

She was family, a confidante and one of the most precious people in Mini's life, she said, recalling the laughter, support and unconditional friendship they had shared.

Life would never be the same without her, Mini said, adding that she would carry her best friend in her heart forever.

‘I grew up with her as my family’

For Benoy Das, who works in office support, Anjana's place in his life was inseparable from his own personal journey.

Das said he had left home and his mother at the age of 19 and went on to spend 21 years working alongside Anjana, a period longer than the years he had spent growing up with his mother.

“That alone says how much you meant to me,” he said.

Having supported Anjana in the office for more than two decades, Das said their relationship had grown far beyond the workplace. She was never merely someone he worked for, but a person he felt fortunate to have in his life.

Krutika, an HR officer, said the school was mourning a deeply valued colleague who had devoted 33 remarkable years to TWS.

As examinations officer, Anjana carried out her responsibilities with commitment, professionalism and care, earning the love and respect of those who worked with her.

Her kindness, dedication and lasting contribution would always be remembered, Krutika said.

For the Westminster School community, the planned memorial scholarship will offer a lasting tribute to a woman whose influence extended well beyond her official duties. But in the memories shared by those who worked beside her, Anjana's legacy is already clear: she was a colleague who became a friend, a friend who became family, and a presence that will not easily be forgotten.