The Gujarat Education Society of Lautoka has paid tribute to one of its founding members, the late Kanti Punja, praising his decades-long commitment to building the organisation that runs the community school and supporting generations of students. In a statement released by the society, member Bhawish Patel described Punja as “a pillar of dedication and service” whose efforts were integral to the society’s development from its earliest days.
Patel said Punja “played a key role in building and strengthening the society from its early years,” contributing significantly to its growth into an institution that has educated and nurtured hundreds of students in Lautoka. “From the very beginning, he devoted countless hours toward building and strengthening the Society,” Patel said, underlining the personal time and energy Punja invested in the school’s programs and operations.
The statement emphasised that Punja’s commitment did not wane with age. Patel noted that Mr Punja “continued to support the school up until his final days,” signalling that he remained actively involved even as his health declined. That continued presence, the society said, provided stability for the school and helped ensure a transfer of institutional knowledge to younger committee members and volunteers.
Those who worked alongside Punja remembered him for both hands-on work and mentorship. Patel said Punja’s legacy would be visible “through the many lives he had impacted and the strong foundation he helped establish,” adding that he would be “remembered with great respect, gratitude, and admiration.” The society’s tribute framed Punja not only as a founder but as a sustaining force whose contributions extended beyond brick-and-mortar improvements to include shaping the school’s culture.
On behalf of the Gujarat Education Society of Lautoka, Patel also extended heartfelt condolences to the Punja family. The society’s public acknowledgment of his passing follows a long tradition in Fiji’s tight-knit community organisations of recognising volunteer leaders who have helped establish and maintain local educational institutions.
The society did not provide further details about funeral arrangements or surviving relatives in the statement. For the community in Lautoka, the acknowledgement highlights the continuing importance of volunteer leadership in maintaining community-run schools and preserving educational opportunities for local children.
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