2 days ago
HOPE Qatar holds memorial for late special educator Geetha Shoji Isaac
Tribune News Network
Doha
HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Doha held a special memorial event in honour of the late Geetha Shoji Isaac, who tragically lost her life in a recent accident in Kenya. She was among 27 passengers involved in the incident, which claimed five other lives and has deeply affected the Indian community in Qatar.
The event brought together Geetha's current and former students and their families, along with various volunteer organisations, interns, colleagues, and members of the wider community, to celebrate her life and lasting legacy.
Held at the HOPE Qatar Centre in the New Salata area of Doha, the memorial titled 'Not All Angels Have Wings' provided an emotional space to reflect on Geetha's immeasurable contributions to inclusive education in Qatar. Her calm strength, compassion and unwavering dedication touched hundreds of lives, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come—far beyond her time with us.
The gathering began with a welcome address by Aparna Merugu, Acting Centre Head of HOPE Qatar.
In his tribute, Dr Rajeev Thomas, Founder and Chief Mentor of HOPE Qatar, spoke passionately about Geetha's lasting impact on students, her professional excellence, and her unwavering commitment to each child's potential during her 15 years of service with HOPE Qatar. 'Geetha was a founding pillar of HOPE and was loved by everyone who knew her,' said Dr Rajeev. 'Her legacy and values are benchmarks that others can learn from and emulate,' he added.
He also announced the dedication of one block of the building in her honour, to be named the Geetha Shoji Memorial Block.
The gathering stood in silence to pay tribute to Geetha Shoji Isaac (58), as well as to Riya Ann (41) and her daughter Tyra Rodrigues (8), Jasna Kuttikkattuchalil (29), and Roohi Mehreen (18 months)—the other victims of the tragic accident that claimed their lives.
A video tribute from Stevin Mathew in India, the first differently-abled student of Geetha and of HOPE Qatar, was played during the ceremony. This was followed by heartfelt words from Izzati Fitri Hassan, Kels Muhammad Tariq, Muhammad Syauqi Djauhari, and Sadeem Tarek Ahmed—current students ofGeetha's class—as well as Ayman Sajid, one of her earliest students and a HOPE Qatar alumnus.
HE Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar, who was the special guest and also the father of one of Geetha's students at HOPE, shared heartfelt reflections. The Ambassador recalled how Geetha played a pivotal role in nurturing his daughter's growth, confidence, and independence, describing her as a transformative presence in the lives of their children.
HOPE staff members Asha Shiju, Hurberting Darling Che, and Omolara Olubunmi Olubanjo also shared their memories of Geetha, remembering her not just as a colleague, but as a friend and mentor whose humility inspired everyone around her.
Rev. Fr Linvin C Thomas and Rev. Aneesh Raju from the Doha Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, along with Imam Nazeer Ahmed from Aziziya Masjid, offered interfaith prayers in her honour—reflecting Geetha's spiritual depth and universal kindness.
Manikandan A P, President of the Indian Cultural Centre, and Abraham K Joseph, General Secretary, also spoke during the memorial, further reaffirming the far-reaching influence Geetha had beyond the walls of HOPE—touching lives across communities and cultural spheres.
Several other speakers, including parents, community leaders, and corporate representatives, also shared their memories, reflecting on the unique and personal connections they each had with Geetha.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the profound difference one life can make, and of the lasting impact of a heart devoted to uplifting others. Attendees also recorded their memories of Geetha in a memorial book, which will be presented to her family by the organisation.
