“True nourishment begins not on the plate, but in the heart that chooses balance, patience, and care.”
Introduction
The life of Dr. Shaheen Goulvaden Saïdoo is a gentle yet powerful testament to what perseverance, compassion, and purpose can achieve when guided by faith and love. Born and raised in the beautiful island nation of Mauritius, her journey was not one of shortcuts or privilege—it was a path of steady effort, sacrifice, and belief in the transformative power of knowledge. She grew up in a nurturing family under the care of her devoted parents, Rehana and Reshad, who taught her that education is not just a means to success, but a tool to uplift oneself and others.
From her earliest days, Shaheen carried within her a spark of curiosity that would one day define her profession. Her mother’s words often echoed in her mind—“When you educate yourself, you gain freedom that no one can take away.” These words became the foundation of her discipline and ambition. As a child, she displayed a keen interest in science and the study of health, nutrition, and well-being. That early fascination soon developed into a lifelong mission—to help people live healthier, more balanced lives.
Her academic path began like many others, yet what set her apart was her determination to excel at every step. She pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of Mauritius, where she immersed herself in the study of nutrition and the chemistry of food. During this time, she worked diligently on her undergraduate dissertation—“Development of a Fruit Beverage using Pineapple and Citrus Blends”—a project that earned her an A grade and later found its place in the university’s library archives. It was not merely a research paper; it was the first chapter of her scientific identity and a glimpse into the future she envisioned for herself.
Her quest for learning did not stop there. With a passion to educate others, Shaheen entered the teaching profession, serving as an educator in Food and Nutrition. Her ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a relatable and human-centered way made her a favorite among students. Yet, even as she thrived in the classroom, her heart yearned to impact lives beyond textbooks. She wanted to reach those who struggled with health issues, those who needed guidance and empathy in understanding nutrition not as a rulebook but as a way of life.
To expand her scope, Shaheen pursued a Master’s in Educational Technology and Administration alongside her teaching career. The balance between work and study was never easy, but her persistence was unwavering. She then ventured into the corporate and medical sectors, working as a medical representative—a role that introduced her to the intricate relationship between science, medicine, and public health. This experience not only honed her communication skills but also broadened her understanding of healthcare delivery systems.
It was during this period that she realized her deeper calling—to serve as a nutritionist and dietitian. She later completed her MBA with a specialization in Marketing, which gave her a new perspective on how to connect with people, build trust, and advocate for preventive healthcare. Her academic success continued with another A-grade dissertation, proving that excellence, for her, was a habit nurtured by discipline and consistency.
“Every strong woman begins as a little girl who listens deeply to the voices that teach her love, patience, and purpose.”
Phase 1: The Seeds of Faith and Curiosity (1989–2000)
In the heart of Mauritius, where the Indian Ocean meets gentle winds and lush green landscapes, a story of quiet strength began in 1989. It was the story of a girl born not into luxury or fame, but into a home rooted in faith, discipline, and love—values that would one day shape her into Dr. Shaheen Goulvaden Saïdoo, a woman of wisdom, compassion, and determination.
Her early life was marked by simplicity and guidance. She was raised by her devoted parents, Rehana and Reshad, whose unwavering belief in education and good values laid the foundation for all that she would become. Her mother, Rehana, was a woman of faith and principle—a gentle yet firm soul who believed that a child’s future begins in the home. She often said, “Education is the only wealth that cannot be stolen. Keep learning, and you will never be lost.” These words became Shaheen’s lifelong compass.
Her father, Reshad, was a man of quiet resilience. He worked hard to provide for the family, ensuring that his children never lacked opportunities to study or dream. Though he was not the one always beside her desk, his encouragement was steady, his pride in her achievements silent yet deep. Together, Rehana and Reshad formed the perfect balance of discipline and affection, faith and practicality.
From a very young age, Shaheen displayed a sense of curiosity that went beyond her years. While other children were satisfied with brief answers, she wanted to understand why—why food nourished the body, why kindness nourished the soul, why some people grew strong while others remained frail. Her questions were endless, and her parents patiently answered them, recognizing that their daughter’s curiosity was not mere mischief but the spark of intelligence and compassion intertwined.
“Dreams grow quietly when we water them with patience, effort, and faith.”
Phase 2: The Path of Purpose and Discovery (2000–2010)
The dawn of the new millennium brought with it a turning point in the life of Dr. Shaheen Goulvaden Saïdoo. As the young girl from Mauritius, who once looked at the world through the eyes of curiosity and kindness, stepped into adulthood, her journey began to take a more defined shape. The foundation laid by her parents, Rehana and Reshad, during her formative years now guided every step she took.
Having completed her college education in 2007, Shaheen stood at a crossroad familiar to many ambitious youth—the question of what to do next. Yet, her heart already knew the answer. Science had always fascinated her, and the discipline of food and nutrition seemed to call out to her soul. She remembered how her mother’s gentle lessons on balance and nourishment weren’t just about food but about life itself. That subtle wisdom became her direction.
She applied to the University of Mauritius to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Technology, a decision that would define her career and identity for years to come. Her acceptance into the university was not only a proud moment for her parents but also a realization of a dream she had nurtured since her teenage years. The world of laboratories, research, and scientific exploration became her new home, and Shaheen embraced it with humility and determination.
The first few semesters were challenging; transitioning from high school to university was like stepping into an ocean after walking along the shore. Yet, she adapted quickly, never one to shy away from hard work. Her professors soon noticed her precision in experiments and her curiosity during lectures. What set her apart was her habit of asking questions that reflected deep thought rather than mere academic interest. To Shaheen, every formula and every experiment was a story waiting to be understood.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase; you just need the courage to take the first step.”
Phase 3: The Dawn of Professional Identity (2010–2015)
The years between 2010 and 2015 marked one of the most defining phases in the life of Dr. Shaheen Goulvaden Saïdoo. Having already built a strong academic foundation, she now began to discover the shape of her professional purpose. These were the years when her dreams took a practical form—when the lessons learned from her family, her faith, and her education started finding meaning in the real world.
After successfully completing her Bachelor’s in Food Science and Technology from the University of Mauritius, Shaheen stood at the threshold of a new beginning. Her outstanding academic journey, marked by her A-grade dissertation on “Development of a Fruit Beverage using Pineapple and Citrus Blends,” had already earned her recognition within the academic community. That project had done more than secure her a top grade; it had instilled in her the confidence that research, when done with sincerity, can change lives. The pride in her parents’ eyes—Rehana and Reshad—was her greatest reward.
Her mother, Rehana, continued to be her guiding light. Whenever Shaheen faced moments of doubt or exhaustion, her mother’s words would echo softly—“Patience is a bridge; cross it, and you’ll find peace on the other side.” Her father, Reshad, never ceased to remind her that life’s challenges were just opportunities in disguise. It was this grounding that kept her strong as she stepped into the next stage of her journey—into the world of teaching and professional growth.
With her passion for nutrition and education intertwined, Shaheen joined as an educator in Food and Nutrition. For her, this was not merely a job; it was a calling. She stood in front of classrooms filled with curious students, teaching them about food, health, and the science behind nourishment. Her classes were never confined to textbooks—she spoke about the emotional, spiritual, and ethical aspects of food. Students admired her warmth and her ability to explain complex topics in simple, relatable terms. Her classroom became a space where learning met empathy, where knowledge met kindness.
Note of Thanks
With deep humility and heartfelt emotion, Dr. Shaheen Goulvaden Saïdoo extends her sincere gratitude to all those who became part of her journey — a journey marked by perseverance, patience, and prayer. From her humble beginnings in Verifuar, Mauritius, to becoming a recognized Clinical Nutritionist, educator, and mother, every milestone was made possible through the unwavering love and guidance she received from those closest to her.
Her deepest thanks go first to her parents, Rehana and Reshad, whose constant prayers, discipline, and wisdom became her foundation. Their words, “Education is your true wealth,” shaped every step of her path. It was their faith that sustained her through the most challenging moments and their unconditional love that became her greatest strength.
She expresses heartfelt appreciation to her husband, Nasheeruddin, whose patience, encouragement, and support stood as her anchor through all phases of life. From the struggles of infertility to the joy of motherhood, he remained by her side — steadfast, understanding, and kind.
Her gratitude also extends to her mentors, colleagues, and patients, each of whom played a role in enriching her purpose. The trust of her patients, their stories, and their courage inspired her to keep learning and serving with empathy.
Lastly, she bows in thanks to the Almighty, whose grace turned her waiting into witnessing. The miracle of her healthy daughter’s birth in 2023 was not just a personal blessing but a reminder that faith can move mountains.
Thanks
Dr. Shaheen Goulvaden Saïdoo