“A true educator not only teaches but inspires, not only guides but empowers. Through dedication and passion, we shape the future.”
Dedication
This biography is lovingly dedicated to my parents, whose unwavering support, guidance, and sacrifices have shaped the person I am today.
This biography is lovingly dedicated to my parents, wife and daughter, whose unwavering support and to my lovely wife Swarnima and daughter Navi for their unwavering encouragement to always strive for the best. Speaking of encouragement, they did not hesitate in sparing me out of other pursuits, their precious time so that I could complete my professional obligations.
To my father, whose integrity and commitment to service instilled in me the values of discipline and perseverance. Your dedication to your work and family has been a beacon of inspiration, teaching me that true success is built on hard work and honesty.
To my mother, whose love and nurturing spirit have been my greatest source of strength. Your unwavering faith in me, your wisdom, and your endless encouragement have given me the courage to pursue my dreams fearlessly.
To my two lovely sisters and brother in laws, without whose support I would not have become the person i am today through their advice and their constant faith in my capabilities.
Everything I have achieved and aspire to become is a reflection of the values you have instilled in me. This book stands as a tribute to your love, sacrifices, and the profound impact you have had on my life.
With deepest gratitude and love,
Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber
Phase 1 : Early Years of a Prodigy
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu
On a serene morning of December 31, 1974, in the picturesque island nation of Mauritius, a child was born into a family that believed in the power of education, discipline, and perseverance. Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber, the youngest of three siblings, entered a world where love and responsibility went hand in hand.
His father, a dedicated government servant, was a man of principle. He spent his life ensuring that his children understood the value of hard work, integrity, and service to the nation. Though often busy with his official responsibilities, he made sure to impart life lessons that would shape young Shravan’s character. On the other hand, his mother, a gentle yet strong homemaker, was the heart of the household—instilling compassion, humility, and resilience in her children. She managed the home with warmth and care, ensuring that her children had the emotional strength to face life’s challenges.
Being the youngest in the family, with two elder sisters, Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber was cherished deeply. However, this also meant that he had to learn responsibility early on. His sisters, who adored and guided him, played a crucial role in shaping his perspective on life. Despite the affectionate environment, his parents ensured he understood that privileges came with responsibilities. Every lesson at home revolved around hard work, honesty, and self-discipline, principles that would later define his journey.
From an early age, Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber displayed an insatiable energy and enthusiasm for sports. Whether it was running in the open fields near his home or kicking a ball with his friends until the sun dipped below the horizon, his love for physical activity was evident. Football became his first love, and he would spend countless hours on the field, perfecting his skills and strategizing with his teammates. His natural athleticism and agility set him apart, and he quickly became a name to remember in school-level sports competitions.
It wasn’t just football that captured his interest. He was drawn toward athletics, sprinting, and endurance training, testing his limits and pushing himself beyond expectations. His enthusiasm wasn’t limited to play; he was keen on understanding the techniques, rules, and psychology behind sports. The discipline required in sports resonated deeply with the values he learned at home—hard work, persistence, and resilience.
Phase 2 : The Call of Passion
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” – Confucius
By the time Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber completed his schooling, it was clear that his heart belonged to sports and physical activity. Unlike many of his peers who pursued conventional career paths in engineering, medicine, or business, he had a deeper calling—one that aligned perfectly with his love for sports, movement, and the human body’s potential.
His decision to enrol in a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education was not merely a career choice but a leap of faith into his passion. Among the many institutions offering physical education courses, he set his sights on Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Gwalior, India, one of the most esteemed institutions in the field. The decision was a bold one, taking him beyond the comfort of his home country, Mauritius, and into the vast and culturally rich landscape of India, where he would undergo some of the most transformative years of his life.
Stepping into LNIPE Gwalior was a defining moment in his journey. The campus exuded discipline, energy, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Here, athleticism was a way of life, and students were expected to push their limits physically, mentally, and intellectually.
Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber thrived in this environment. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, eager to understand the finer aspects of human physiology, sports science, and the psychology behind peak performance. He trained under some of the best mentors in the field, learning the importance of discipline, structured training programs, and injury prevention techniques. But his biggest realization was that sports was not just about playing—it was about teaching, coaching, and inspiring others to unlock their fullest potential. This philosophy would later define his career as an educator and mentor.
It was during these formative years that fate introduced him to someone who would change his life forever. Amidst the rigorous academic and physical training schedules, he met a fellow student, a brilliant and equally passionate individual who shared his enthusiasm for education and sports. She was driven, ambitious, and deeply committed to the principles of teaching and mentoring young minds. Their conversations often revolved around teaching methodologies, the science of movement, and the profound impact a great coach can have on an athlete’s life.
What began as a friendship, built on mutual admiration and shared aspirations, gradually evolved into something deeper. She was not just a partner in discussions but someone who truly understood his dreams, struggles, and ambitions. They supported each other through gruelling training sessions, late-night study marathons, and the inevitable challenges that came with being away from home.
Over time, their bond grew stronger, built on the foundation of trust, respect, and shared vision. They knew they were meant to walk this journey together—not just as professionals in the same field but as lifelong partners.
Phase 3 : A Teacher’s Journey
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams
After completing his education in India, Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber was filled with ambition, knowledge, and an unshakable desire to make a difference. He had spent years honing his skills in sports science, physical education, and mentoring, and now it was time to return to his homeland Mauritius to put that knowledge into action.
Coming back to Mauritius was not just about reconnecting with family and familiar surroundings; it was about giving back to the community that had shaped him. He had grown up in a country where education was highly valued, but the field of physical education was still developing. Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber saw an opportunity to elevate sports education to new heights, ensuring that young minds received the guidance, training, and inspiration necessary to become well rounded athletes and individuals.
In 2004, Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber took his first step into the world of teaching by joining the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), one of Mauritius’ most prestigious educational institutions. The transition from being a student and athlete to a teacher and mentor was both exciting and challenging. His first few years as an educator were filled with enthusiasm, learning, and growth. Teaching was not just about delivering lectures on sports science, kinesiology, and biomechanics; it was about understanding each student’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.
Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber quickly realized that many students viewed physical education as a secondary subject, often overshadowed by academic subjects like mathematics and science. Determined to change this perception, he infused his lessons with energy, practical applications, and real-world examples.
He emphasized that, physical fitness was not just about sports but about lifelong health and well-being. Discipline in sports translated into discipline in life. Sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork were values that transcended the playing field and shaped character.
His unconventional and passionate approach soon gained popularity among students. Many who had previously seen sports as just a leisure activity began to take a serious interest in physical fitness and training.
Dr. Shravansingh Sowamber’s vision extended far beyond the confines of a classroom. He understood that true learning in sports and physical education happens in action, not just in theory. To instil a culture of sportsmanship and competition, he took on the responsibility of developing extracurricular sports programs within the institution.