UAE | General
Everyday Hero: Parmar Samuel Andreas
Parmar Samuel Andreas remembers arriving in Dubai from Mumbai for the first time by boat on December 5, 1976, at the age of 27.
- By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:37 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Gulf News
- Samuel spends most evenings coordinating the church's relief efforts
PARMAR SAMUEL ANDREAS, Indian, relief worker
Dubai: Parmar Samuel Andreas remembers arriving in Dubai from Mumbai for the first time by boat on December 5, 1976, at the age of 27.
The young electrician and his family docked at Port Rashid and he has remained in the country ever since.
As a longtime resident of the UAE, Samuel says that he will always be grateful for the opportunities that he has been given and as such, spends much of his spare time volunteering to give back to society.
"I was born into a very poor family. I went to school but I didn't finish," he recalls. "It was only after one man helped me and gave me a job in India and then brought me here that my life changed. I will never forget him for his help. Now I can speak English and I work for a good company."
Not long after arriving to the UAE, Samuel, from Gujarat, became involved with St Mary's Church and to this day spends most evenings coordinating the church's relief efforts.
By day he is a supervisor at a Dubai-based company, but in the evening Samuel and other parishioners combine their efforts to help those less fortunate both in the UAE and around the world. "We gather clothes and goods and send them to poor people in the UAE, as well as countries, including India, Pakistan and Ethiopia."
Also a lay minister, Samuel says that he is motivated by the people who have helped him throughout his life.
"Many people have helped me and I managed to better my situation, so I have to help others. I cannot give much money, but I do whatever manual work I can to help others."
Despite not having been able to finish school himself, Samuel says that among his proudest achievements are his five children, all of whom are now teachers.
Nominated by: Elaine Fernandes describes Samuel as a "very humble, simple, quiet and dedicated worker, with a heart of gold". Elaine says she nominated him as an Everyday Hero because of his tireless efforts for those less fortunate.
Have you seen an everyday hero in action? Is there an everyday hero in your life? How did he or she help other people? To nominate someone fill in the form below and click the send button
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
