UAE: Community pays tribute to RAK school principal

Tributes and condolence messages continued to pour in for a well-loved school principal who passed away in Ras Al Khaimah earlier this week.

Professor M. Abubaker, principal of Scholars Indian School in RAK, died at his home in the emirate on March 23 after a heart attack. He was 59.

On that day, he felt ‘some discomfort in his chest’ and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival, his family said in a statement.

Apart from serving as the principal of the Scholars school for 14 years, Abubaker was a well-known community figure in Ras Al Khaimah. He was a generous man, community members said.

He had worked in the education field for almost 30 years where he served in various roles in schools across India and the UAE. He was a seasoned CBSE Counsellor of students on matters related to behavioural, emotional, social and academic related aspects and was also serving as treasurer of Gulf Sahodaya, a body of CBSE school principals from GCC countries.

“It’s difficult to forget someone who has given us so much to remember. During his 14 years of service as the principal, educationalist, counsellor, he was the soul and life of the school. A man of simplicity, dedication, someone who always had an active presence in different walks of life. He was a religious man and an amazing leader,” the Scholars Indian School said in a statement.

Sreedharan Prasad, a social worker, remembers him as a community leader. “I have seen him for the last 16 years and he is one of the eminent principals in the emirate. He used to be very actively involved in community work and was present at all community functions in RAK as either a speaker or guest, where he would motivate people to do good, humanitarian work. I remember he would say, ‘You will be remembered when you do something for the larger good of the society’,” Prasad said.

Abubaker’s colleagues and friends knew him as an eloquent speaker, who would speak passionately on issues pertaining to education.

“Abubaker was a visionary with immense potential. He would fearlessly launch new and innovative ventures, putting forth openings for both students and teachers. He was a great source of strength for all those who are in the pursuit of their goals and desires,” said one of his friends.

His funeral was held two days after his death in his native village of Brahmarakotlu, near the coastal town of Mangalore in India. He is survived by a wife, one son and two daughters.

saman@khaleejtimes.com