By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Mussoorie, 30 Oct: “Teachers from Uttarakhand are hardworking and sincere in discharging their duties.” This was said by said by the late Ashok Pal Singh, Principal, Gandhi Memorial International School, Jakarta, Indonesia (1994—Oct.2024).
Ashok Pal Singh, an acclaimed educationist, sportsperson of national and international repute, a well travelled man globally, had his roots in Uttarakhand and belonged to the hill town of Mussoorie.
Born and brought up in Mussoorie, Ashok Pal was an excellent student since his school days at Wynberg Allen and St George’s College. After completing his Senior Cambridge examination, he graduated and later did his MA in English and B Ed from Garhwal University.
Ashok Pal Singh, along with his excellence in education, was also an international level Roller Skater of the country since his childhood days and earned many awards and citations for a number of years consecutively. Ashok won the title of “Mr Skater of India” in 1968, while Beena Singh, his sister (also an educationist) also won the title of “Miss Skater of India” in the same year.
Ashok Pal’s excellent credentials led him to join an internationally reputed school called Gandhi Memorial International School in Jakarta as the Principal. He became the driving force in turning GIMS Jakarta into one of the best IB schools in South-East Asia promoting international brotherhood, where children from about fifty countries are imparted education by a team of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated staff. Children of diplomats, foreign experts attached to the different departments of the government of Indonesia, UNO personnel and foreign investors avail the excellent education. The school is affiliated to the International Baccalaureate Diploma, Geneva, Switzerland. University of Cambridge, Local Examinations, Syndicate (IGCSE, O &A level Examinations), UK, Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, India, University of Delhi, Board of Secondary Education (CBSC),University of Mumbai India, etc.
Ashok Pal Singh always tried to remain connected to his motherland and his place of birth, Mussoorie. During more than three decades of service in Indonesia, he always preferred teachers for his school from Uttarakhand. There are many teachers from Mussoorie and Dehradun still employed in GMIS, Indonesia. His dedication for his duty was exemplary and inspiring for the coming generation. At the ripe age of 77 years, he was still giving his service to the field of education. He passed away in his office on 25 October 2024, after giving 30 years of his life to this esteemed institution. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the education and development of countless students from all over the world. He was a mentor, a guide, a true educator in every sense. His presence will be greatly missed and his legacy will forever live in the hearts of the many students, colleagues and families he touched. He leaves behind his wife (also a teacher), two sons and one daughter. The children also got their primary education in Wynberg Allen School. The elder son, Shiv Pal Singh, was an outstanding student and in extracurricular activities. He was awarded the “Spirit of Wyberg Allen” award, securing the highest marks in his ISCE Exams, and is currently working as a Senior Executive in Amazon and is based Seattle, USA. The younger brother, Dev Pal Singh is currently working as a professor in a University in New Zealand.
AP Singh was born in Mussoorie on 16 March 1947 to Prabha Singh and MP Singh. He received his primary education from St Mary’s Academy, Meerut. Later, he studied at Wynberg Allen & St George’s College (Senior Cambridge, Intermediate) Boards, scoring first divisions in both. He did his BSc from Meerut University, MA (English) from Garhwal University, B Ed (1976) from HNB University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand.
He began his teaching career as Senior Science teacher for Cambridge Certificate Waverley Convent Mussoorie, (1967), then joined as Senior Science Teacher in St Georges College, Mussoorie, and Senior Science Teacher in Allen Memorial School, Mussoorie.
He took over as Senior Education Officer in Nigeria (1981-86), then returned as Senior Science Teacher in Allen School, Mussoorie (86-93.) He went to become Principal of Gandhi Memorial International School, Jakarta, Indonesia (1994-2024).
He took keen interest in many sports from his school days, and later won many awards in Badminton, Cricket, Football and Volleyball, etc. He took special interest in Roller Skating and was Mr Doon on Skates (1965); Mr India on Roller Skating (1968-72), Pair Skater of India, Figure Skater of India (National Roller Skating Championship in Shimla, HP). He was Founder & Secretary of Roller Skating Club of India (1972); organiser of All India Open Roller Skating Championship in Mussoorie Rink (1972-81); organiser of 22nd National Roller Skating Championship in Mussoorie (1983) and also Secretary of UP State Roller Skating Association in 1978-90. He was appointed National Referee & Judge for Artistic and Figure Skating, and was the co-organiser for National Roller Skating championships in various parts of India.
He became Manager-cum Referee of Mussoorie-Delhi Roller Skating Rally (February 1975); Manager cum Referee of Mussoorie –Amritsar Roller Skating Rally (December 1975); Team Manager & Chief Coach of Indian Team for World Speed Skating Championship held in Masterton, New Zealand (1980). He was also Team Manager of Asian Roller Hockey Skating Championship held at Cairo Egypt (1983); Team Manager & Coach of Artistic Roller Skating Championship at Song Jeong, South Korea (1987).
