Celebrating the achievements of alumni in Mauritius
When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The Study UK Alumni Awards pay tribute to the impact that alumni of UK higher education institutions have had in their chosen field, and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK. The Alumni Awards were set up in 2014 to honour the outstanding achievements made by UK alumni who are now business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders across the globe. The British Council is delighted to announce the 10 finalists, for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2017-18, selected for their outstanding achievements as business professionals and community leaders, and for their important contribution to strengthening collaborative ties between the UK and Mauritius.
This year, we honoured two award categories:
- Professional Achievement Award - This award recognises alumni whose work has created change in their chosen profession.
- Social Impact Award - This award recognises alumni whose work has positively changed their society or community.
Meet this year's finalists
Among stiff competition from a variety of strong applicants, these candidates stood out. Find out what makes their story unique.
Professional Achievement Award Finalists:
Dr Devina Lobine
Dr Devina completed her PhD in Natural Products at Durham University through the Split-site PhD programme with University of Mauritius. Devina is working with the Compagnie de Mont Choisy, developing and producing value-added bio-products. She is also youth ambassador for SANBio, a shared biosciences and innovation platform working collaboratively with young scientists and entrepreneurs to address global challenges such as diseases and malnutrition. Devina’s UK study has provided her with skills and knowledge in pharmacognosy, enabled her ability as an independent thinker and provided her the opportunity to establish and plug into networks of experts in life sciences. Devina is using her skills, knowledge and networks to bridge the gap between science and business, fostering bio-entrepreneurship to have positive direct impact on African economies.
Dr Kamlesh Dookayka
Dr Kamlesh studied physics at the University of Oxford between 2000 and 2004. Kamlesh has been carrying out science outreach and various leadership activities among youth. He is currently part of a national Agency setup to promote Renewable Energy. Kamlesh opted for Physics at Oxford under a government scholarship. He enjoyed pursuing his passion for science at the oldest surviving campus in the English-speaking world. This experience at a top ranked university drove him to doctoral studies in astro-particle physics. Now in Mauritius, Kamlesh has been active in the public sector in the fields of science, diplomacy and sustainable development and has made contributions both at local and international levels.
Niraj Keshav Padaruth
Keshav studied for a BSc Quantity Surveying at University of Reading and then MSc in Project Management at Greenwich University. Keshav became the youngest ever Senior Quantity Surveyor at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and then the first Registrar of the Professional Quantity Surveyors’ Council, helping establish the Council . Keshav is also currently the Vice President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Mauritius. In 2016, at the age of 31, he was admitted as the youngest ever RICS Fellow in Africa and one of the youngest worldwide. The 4 years Keshav spent as a student in the UK taught him about self-discipline and work/life balance. The universities facilities and faculty were world class and the level of the lecturers were great. Keshav is now promoting his profession in Mauritius and more widely in Africa and the UK, helping to bring on the younger generation of professionals, graduates and potential graduates in Quantity Surveying.
Dr Mahendra Gooroochurn
Mahendra has been at Loughborough University for 3 years to complete a PhD in Mechatronics: Engineering in Medicine. His UK experience was instrumental in enabling him to forge his research, critical analysis, scholarly rigour, his team building in professional and social circles, networking skills and professional skills which, coupled with the excellent standards of management and quality at Loughborough, has left him enabled, inspired and motivated to excel in his own field of practice. Mahendra is an accredited professional in green building design and construction, a registered trainer in Mechatronics and a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology of the UK. He helped set up an Energy Audit Management Scheme for Mauritius in collaboration with the British Research Establishment and is helping devise sustainability principles for buildings in Mauritius. Mahendra is a strong advocate of sustainable growth of Mauritius, whilst instilling a passion for science and engineering in the younger generation.
Neelam Ramsaran-Jogeea
Neelam studied at University of Greenwich: Bachelor of Laws, from 2006 – 2009 and then at BPP Law School: Bar Vocational Course, from 2009 – 2010. She has practised as a barrister in Mauritius since 2012. She does litigation and advisory work and her practice includes criminal, civil and family law. She has conducted cases before all the courts in Mauritius, as well as a successful civil appeal case before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Neelam observes that the University of Greenwich and BPP Law School provided her with the best possible preparation to face the challenges of life as a barrister. Along with excellent academic training, she was trained in barrister’s etiquette to the highest professional standards. Neelam, with the help of the President of the Bar Council and some colleagues, is setting up a law clinic so that she can apply her skills and expertise in support of people in Rodrigues.
Prakassam Ramiah
Prakash, studied for an MBA at University of Surrey and an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Cranfield University after being awarded the Chevening Scholarship. Prakash is a lead strategic marketer and advocate for renewable energy generation in the Republic of Mauritius as well as other small islands development states. Prakash’s promotion of the regional renewable energy sector includes adopting best practice quality standards adapted to the tropics, and is impacting positively on Mauritius’s efforts in support of SDG 7 towards affordable and clean energy. Prakash observes that his UK universities provided him with leadership qualities and strategic decision-making skills through his interactions with marketing gurus who are key to continuous innovation within the renewables sector and to the enhancement of the sector’s technical and professional abilities. Prakash is now campaigning as a council member of the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers for the reduction of Co2 emission across the small island developing states.
Social Impact Award Finalists:
Dr Muhammad Ali Subratty
Ali studied optometry at the Cambridge Campus of Anglia Ruskin University from 2010 to 2013. Ali Subratty has achieved clinical excellence in his work and is using his expertise to provide free eye screening campaigns throughout Mauritius. Ali testifies that Anglia Ruskin University has the latest equipment, with lecturers providing high quality accessible clinical expertise to their students. This accessible support was crucial in his quest to become a fully qualified Optometrist and also an optometrist who uses his skills in areas of Mauritius where they may be most needed but least afforded. Ali takes care of every person’s eyes with meticulous attention and utmost care, because he realizes that if everyone can see better, with healthy eyes, that will help realise a vision of a better world.
Leckraj Amal Bholah
Amal attained a Masters of Science in Global eHealth from the University of Edinburgh. Amal is a medical doctor who is passionate about technology. He is Founder & CEO of Smart Health Limited which aims to make healthcare services more accessible, affordable and efficient. Amal made a career leap from clinician to entrepreneur during his study in the UK, where he acquired multi-disciplinary skills and learnt to lead a team focused on bringing innovative health technological solutions to complex health issues. Amal is aiming to transform healthcare institutions through technology enabling enhanced delivery of healthcare services. Moreover, including accelerating achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3.8, Universal Health Coverage in Africa. Amal's work has received various international recognition, including Top 3 start-up for the European Telemedicine Innovation Competition, and publication of one of his mobile applications in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Compendium of Innovative Health Technologies for Low Resource Settings.
Krishnee Adnarain Appadoo
Krishnee studied her LLB with French Law at University College London, her LLM in International Legal Practice at The University of Law and her MA in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS. Krishnee is now a lecturer in Laws at the University of Mauritius. In her spare time, she is involved in projects working on ocean preservation, female empowerment, and employability skills. She is a climate activist in Mauritius and Africa and is undertaking her PhD on the analysis of the legal enforceability of the loss and damage principle. Krishnee says that her educational experience in the UK has moulded her into the fiercely independent and passionate women she is, and has instilled in her the skills of professionalism, critical thinking, legal research and a deep empathy for victims of injustice. It also helped her develop a sense of British stoicism, hard work, and humour. Krishnee is supporting and influencing young Mauritians to act as environmental stewards.
Avinash (Vashil) Jasgray
Vashil studied an MSc in Project Planning and Management at the University of Bradford. Vashil is currently Project Manager for Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS). He is responsible for upgrading the skill of all organisations affiliated to MACOSS in project writing and management, so that they can improve projects designed for the betterment of the community. Vashil observes that University of Bradford provided him with qualities and skills in community development project management vital to confront issues that beset society, such as drug abuse, poverty, inequality of people living with disabilities and youth empowerment. Vashil is now taking his skills and expertise to help NGOs, including NGOs of which he is a member, to develop and implement projects in a systematic and sustainable way.
