MULTIPLE award-winning Tamil school teacher Dr Gomathy Sankaran has been honoured for her work in Tamil education in Malaysia, local media reported.
The teacher from SJK (T) Kangkar Pulai school has been contributing to the development of Tamil schools and students for 30 years.
In recognition of her work, she received the Thagaimai (Excellence) award along with a RM10,000 (S$3,129) cash prize.
The award was conferred by the Tamil Foundation Malaysia as part of the Tamil Education Recognition Awards 2026 hosted jointly with the Persatuan Guru Besar SJK(T) Malaysia, Vanakkam Malaysia, and the National Land Co-operative Society.
The love and guidance from her mother and late father have been the driving force behind her work and success, Ms Gomathy said.
He father worked as a tractor driver, while her mother tapped rubber to supplement the family’s income.
Her formative years were spent in SJKT Bukit Rengam, an institution with limited infrastructure and resources. There were no fancy laboratories or digital tools — only chalkboards, worn textbooks and teachers who taught with heart. Instead of restricting her ambitions, the limitations sharpened her resolve.
In 1997, after completing her training at Temenggong Ibrahim Teachers Training College, Gomathy formally entered the teaching profession.
From the outset, she distinguished herself not through accolades, but through commitment.
While many were content to remain within the boundaries of routine teaching, she sought growth — intellectually, professionally and personally.
Balancing full-time teaching with academic pursuits, she earned her Bachelor of Education (Science) in 2009 and subsequently her Master of Education in 2013.
Yet, her most demanding challenge came later: pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Technology while managing leadership responsibilities, innovation projects and family life.
In 2024, she completed her PhD at Open University Malaysia, an achievement she describes as “a victory for perseverance”.
Among her many contributions, the Hydro Nutri Max TVET Project stands as her flagship achievement. Conceived as a living laboratory, the project integrates STEM education with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), preparing students for future careers and sustainable living.
