Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Kerala Kalasahiti, a leading socio cultural organization, recently feted Paul Joy, the headmaster of Open Schooling and NIOS at International Indian School, Jeddah, on his completion of three decades of dedicated service in education. Speakers at a function held at Village Restaurant here lauded Joy's efforts in shaping the minds of many children while constantly being a source of help to all students and parents who sought his assistance in school matters. They also noted his exemplary service at the IISJ. Speaking on the occasion, Malayalam News Editor Musafir highlighted the educator's “human touch” in his service to the Indian community. He said, “Paul Joy always kept his mind open to the burning issues facing school parents. He did whatever possible to redress their problems.” He noted Joy's role as a member of the Indian community, an eminent educationist and a social worker. “His selfless services and contribution as a teacher of the IISJ is immeasurable,” Musafir added. “The educator was responsible for the opening and establishment of NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) at IISJ, giving hope to thousands of students and adults, especially females, in continuing their education,” Musafir added. “It just goes to show his dogged determination and his keenness in championing the cause of education, while advocating the objectives of the national literacy mission and thus proving that he indeed comes from a state that has achieved 100 percent literacy,” Musafir added. Roy Mullungal, president of Kerala Kalasahiti, highlighted the services Paul has rendered to Indian children in extracurricular activities — debates, quizzes, seminars and workshops. “The Indian community in Jeddah will cherish his unstinted devotion to the cause of education,” Mullungal said. “Joy among his peers and the student community is viewed as an educationist and supervisor of NIOS who consistently demonstrates excellence in efficiency, productivity and quality of work. “They regard him not only for his responsiveness, knowledge of rules and practices, thoroughness and accuracy, but also for his pleasant, kind and calm demeanor,” he added. The growing number of students and adult men and women registering at NIOS from its inception shows the impact of the yeoman service rendered by him to the community at large. His efforts in solving issues helped strengthen relationships with outside agencies and organizations,” Mullungal said. “In the IISJ fraternity, Joy connects the past with the present as the coordinator of the Alumni Association. Persuasive and inspirational, he helped in the founding of IISJAA. Today it is a vibrant association. “Working under his guided efforts, the alumni generously contribute to their alma mater by way of charitable acts such as paying the fees of orphan children through donations in the month of Ramadan. “As a teacher, he has been producing 100 percent results in CBSE Board Examinations and has been a recipient of meritorious awards continuously for several years,” Mullungal noted. Ashraf Kunnat praised Joy for organizing and conducting educational programs for the children of various organizations. “These events did wonders for our youth in this age of fierce competition,” he said. “Joy's tireless efforts in serving his brethren are indeed noteworthy. He has been a promoter, host, sponsor and anchor for a number of cultural events and competitions among the Indian youth and recipient of many awards for his selfless service,” he added. Suraj Zakhari said, “Joy is a name synonymous with hard work and sincerity. He is a much sought after public figure when it comes to education and social services in the Indian community circles.” Suresh and others too spoke. All underlined Joy's various aspects of his three decades of dedicated service. They spoke about his career as a teacher in IISJ and his current role as the head of the NIOS. They extolled his 34-year experience dedicated to fellow Indians and his popularity among parents, students, teachers and society at large. They recognized the services he rendered to the school in upholding the motto: “Knowledge Is Light”. Joy started his teaching career at St. Xavier's High School, Mumbai, in 1980. He arrived in the Kingdom in 1982 to work with Saudi Telecom as a basic telephony instructor. He joined the IISJ in 1985.
