Dave
Kissoondoyal has been one of the nominees for the Most Outstanding Young Person
(AOYP) for the Republic of Mauritius for the years
1996 and
2003.
The
AOYP program of
Jeune
Chambre Economique de Maurice
serves to recognize individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify the
best attributes of the young people of Mauritius.
Dave has been selected by the
Board of Directors
of the World Summit Award as the National Expert from Mauritius in the framework
of the World Summit on the Information Society.
He was selected from among the 489 Eminent Expert
nominations from 136 countries from the leading governmental,
industry and NGO institutions and associations in the field of e-content,
multimedia, internet and ICT. He was an Editor of the
Open Site Internet Encyclopedia.
http://open-site.org/profiles/mauritian.html
. He has been a featured member of the
TakingItGlobal Community.
http://www.takingitglobal.org/home.html?shell=fmviewfm&MemberID=41718.
Dave is a member of the Development Gateway Community.
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/ict/um/showGeneralMemberProfile.do~userId=10001400
. He
is also a member of the Digital Divide Network.
http://www.digitaldivide.net/profile/mauritius.
He is a member of the Small Islands Developing States Network
http://whoiswho.sidsnet.org/index.cfm?module=Members&page=Profile&UserID=1216.
Dave has followed the
foundation courses in Internet
Governance and ICT from Diplo Foundation
Dave Kissoondoyal is a Member of Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) (http://www.icann.org
)
At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC).
http://www.icann.org/en/committees/alac/kissoondoyal.htm
ICANN’s ALAC is responsible for considering and providing advice on the
activities of ICANN , as they relate to
the interests of individual Internet users (the “At-Large” community). ICANN, as a private sector, non-profit corporation with technical
management responsibilities for the Internet’s domain name and address
system, relies on the ALAC and the broader At-Large community to involve
and represent in ICANN a broad set of individual Internet user
interests.
Dave has also been a member of the Non
Commercial Users Constituency of ICANN.The Non-commercial
Users Constituency (NCUC) is the home for civil society organizations in ICANN's
Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO). With real voting power in ICANN,
it develops and supports Internet policies that favour non-commercial
communication and activity on the Internet.
Dave is a Member of the
Public Interest Registry .ORG Advisory Council. Public Interest Registry (www.pir.org)
is a not-for-profit corporation created by the Internet Society to manage the
.ORG domain. PIR's mission is to manage the .ORG domain in an exemplary manner
while educating and empowering the global non-commercial community to more
effectively utilize the Internet. PIR is based in
Reston,
Virginia.
PIR created the .ORG Worldwide Advisory Council in 2003 to focus solely on .ORG
issues. It is made up of leaders from the broad spectrum of the non-commercial
world. The Council serves as a key resource to the PIR Board and Staff to
incorporate worldwide input on policies, strategies, programs, and services
affecting the international non-commercial community.
Dave has been a member of the The African
Stakeholders Network (ASN) of the United Nations Information and Communication
Technologies Task Force. The ASN has been launched to ensure that United
Nations-efforts to bridge the digital divide in
Africa are better coordinated, more
inclusive and reflective of the significant efforts already underway to develop
an African information society. He has been a member of the following working groups
of the UN ICT Task Force
http://www.unicttaskforce.org/perl/user.pl?do=profile;id=2525.
Dave Kissoondoyal has ever been a member of the
UNESCO's Information for All Programme (IFAP) National Committee of Mauritius.
Information for All (IFAP) is an intergovernmental Programme of UNESCO.
http://www.unesco.org/webworld/ifap
UNESCO's Information for All Programme
provides a platform for international policy discussions and guidelines for
action on:
-
preservation of information and universal access to it;
-
participation of all in the emerging global information society;
-
ethical, legal and societal consequences of ICT developments.
The Information for All Programme provides a
framework for international co-operation and international and regional
partnerships. It supports the development of common strategies, methods and
tools for building a just and free information society and for narrowing the gap
between the information rich and the information poor. The Information for All
Programme is a key element in the fulfillment of UNESCO's mandate to contribute
to "education for all", to the "free exchange of ideas and knowledge" and to
"increase the means of communication between peoples".
When
Dave Kissoondoyal returned to Mauritius after working two and a half years in
the United Kingdom, he realised the lag Mauritius had in terms of Information
and Communications Technology. Therefore he founded the Internet Society of
Mauritius (http://www.isoc-mu.org)
with the objective of promoting the
Internet
in Mauritius. He has been the President of the Society. The Internet Society of Mauritius was nominated in the
E-Achievers Award 2002 and
finalist
of the ICT Achievers Award 2004
for the whole African Region.
Dave helped in drafting
the
Global Information Technology Readiness Report in 2001, initiative by the
World Economic Forum and the Harvard University. He has been one of the Ambassadors of
Internet Society for the World Summit on the Information Society. Dave has
participated in various conferences, seminars and workshops related to the
Internet such that the Internet Fiesta, OneWebDay, IETF, AfriNic,
African Outsourcing Summit etc.
Dave Kissoondoyal's childhood:
Dave’s
youth was not an ordinary one since he comes from a poor family. His family did
not have any property at all. His father was an attendant at the Civil Aviation
Department. His mother was a cow rearer. His family was living in a rented house
at Mare d’Albert. With the small income of his father and the revenue from milk,
it was really difficult to send all the five children to School. However, with
the help and comprehension of all the seven members of the family and the
perseverance of the parents, all five children have been able to study till
Cambridge Higher School Certificate. Dave, being the eldest son of the family
had to wake up at 5:00 AM in the morning and go to fetch fodder for the cows
before going to school. Dave’s father was allowed to do some plantation in a
plot of state land within the Civil Aviation Department complex. So Dave had to
go on weekends to work on the land at Plaisance Airport. He had to cycle from
Mare d’Albert to Plaisance and on his return either bring wood, grass or
tomatoes on his bicycle.
During
his school holidays, Dave had to go and work in sugar cane fields to be able to
earn some money to be able to buy new clothes and books. Dave only took private
tuition for his Higher School Certificate exams. Though he was really shocked after the death of his father in April 1984 –
since, being the eldest son, he would have to work, to care for his family, and
continue schooling for his younger brothers – he passed the Higher School
Certificate exams in November of the same year.
After
leaving School, Dave had a very bad experience when he was thrown in the job
market against his will since he always had the desire to study till university
level. Dave made more than 300 applications for job but was never given one
since he came from a poor family; he was not related to any influential
personality.
Since,
he did well in interviews and was not selected, he was informally recommended to
have a backing from somebody influential. Dave wrote various letters to the
Prime Minister in relation to interviews at Overseas Telecommunications Ltd as
he was subject to injustice. Dave personally explained his situation after
having granted an appointment with the
Prime Minister, however this did not remedy his situation because the Prime
Minister's instruction was not followed to the letter since he was somebody that
could be ignored. Dave addressed again to the
Prime Minister where he mentioned that he agreed to what Mr Harish Boodhoo,
the then Deputy Prime Minister,
mentioned in his memorandum- that all the jobs at the Overseas
Telecommunications Services were held by the relatives of Ministers and MLAs.
Dave
remained unemployed for quite some time after leaving school. His first job was as a Clerk at Gaytree Textiles industries. Dave
started working with a salary of Rs 1,200.
Now, he
has taken the job of CEO at KMP Global Ltd. Dave climbed the ladder solely with his efforts and hard work and
now he has reached the topmost position in his field.
He
reached this position only because he is committed to his work and has been hard
working throughout the years. Dave Kissoondoyal had received offer for
employment from different companies both in Mauritius and overseas.
In 1992
and 1993, Dave received the Merit Award Shield from Blanche Birger Co. Ltd for
his exceptional work at Blanche Birger. He obtained
encouraging letters from the Customers of Blanche Birger Co. Ltd, for
example one from General Manager of the Status Information Technology Ltd in
1994 – “ We also wish to place on record Mr D. Kissoondoyal ‘s remarkable
performance. He showed a high sense of responsibility and commitment which
largely contributed to the success of the installation.”
In 1999,
Dave Kissoondoyal received an
offer for employment as Software Engineer from Mastech in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, USA. The starting salary was $4533.33 (USD) plus benefits. Dave
declined the offer since he wanted to serve his
country first.
In 2000,
Dave Kissoondoyal declined another offer. This time was from VocalTech in Cork,
Ireland for the post of
Telecommunications and IT Director. The Starting salary was £49,500 per
annum plus benefits.
“As Director of IT, and key member of senior management, Dave's leadership
was key to our success. Not only his technical prowess, but his leadership
abilities contributed significantly to our success and in becoming the largest
call center/BPO in Mauritius in less than two years. Dave possesses the key
ingredients and balanced skills required as a leader, manager, and critical
technician. As a member of the senior management team, Dave was chosen to act on
my behalf as VP of Operations in my absence overseeing total operation and
fiscal responsibilities of a 1000 employee company. Dave's character, his
management skills, and intelligence make him an outstanding leader in any
organization.” - Mark
Hill , VP, Global Operations , Teleforma (Mtius) Ltd, An Upstream LLC Company
based at the Ebene Cybecity
Dave
attended the
Sookdeo Bissoondoyal State Secondary School of Rose Belle (SBSSSRB). For all the
school years at SBSSSRB, he was the Executive Member of the School Council
and elected
Head Boy of the School in 1984. He was also an Executive Member of the
“Amicale des Etudiants”, an Association of Students, which grouped all the “A”
status Schools.
While
leaving the School, Dave received the following note from the Rector, Mr Zahur
Maudarbocus:
“Mr Dewandranath Kissoondoyal is a very neat, quiet,
well-mannered and serious young man of very good character. He has a very
friendly personality and he gets on very well with people. Throughout his stay
at this institution, he has been very hardworking, conscientious, regular and
punctual. In fact he has scarcely even been absent from or late at school. Mr
Kissoondoyal has also participated in a great variety of extra-curricular
activities and has always been a credit to the School…He was even awarded a
special prize for his good conduct and hard work during the Cultural exchange
with with Lycee Roland Garros of Reunion Island. In 1984, Mr Kissoondoyal was
elected the Head Boy of the School and he proved a very active Leader. I have
always known Mr Kissoondoyal to seek, accept and shoulder responsibility and I
have never had any cause for complaints. Moverover he is honest and loyal.”
-
In
1979, obtained 1st Prize in the Essay Competition marking the
anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius
-
In
1980, took part in the Inter-College Quiz Competition organised by the
Mauritius Institute of Education in collaboration with the MBC-TV.
-
In
1981, obtained the 1st Prize in Essay Competition entitled “MY
COUNTRY AND I”
-
In
1982, Special Prize awarded for having come first in the School in Economics
for the Cambridge School certificate Examinations after obtaining distinction
in the subject.
-
In
1983, took part in quiz competition organised by the Mauritius Family Planning
Association and in the Lornho Award Competition. Also participated in the
Cultural Exchange with Lycee Roland Garros of Reunion Island. Was awarded
Special Prize for good conduct and hard work during the exchange.
-
In
1984, elected Head Boy and took part in debate competition organised by the
MSPCA. In July 1984, had various meetings with the Minister of Education,
Arts and Culture, Hon. Armoogum Parsuramen in relation to the Forum on White
Paper of Education. He has studied up to Parichaye (Diploma) in Hindi Language
and Sanskrit Balboth.
Dave was
involved in Youth club and
social activities at Mare d’Albert. Was one of the founders of the Celtic
Youth Club of Mare d’Albert and has been in the Executive Committee for many
years. Has also been a Member of the Rural Youth Movement of Mauritius (RYMOM).
Followed course on First-Aid from the St John’s Ambulance and also obtained the
Bronze Award of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Was one of the
pioneers of the National Young Volunteers Scheme. In 1983, followed a course on
Club Management and Leadership from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
To
purify the society, he has organised
Kathas for the public. As secretary, he performed the first katha for the
village of Mare d’Albert between the 18th and 26th April
1987. When he moved to the village of Union Park, performed various other Kathas
as Secretary of the Union Park Arya Sanatan Dharmic Sabha.
Dave
Kissoondoyal has also studied
Indian Philosophy, but unfortunately could not take the exams since he had
to travel to the United Kingdom on his professional commitments. At some stage
in time, he also started the Priest Course from the Mauritius Sanatan Dharma
Temples Federation to acquire the religious knowledge. Dave is inspired by
Mahatma Gandhi and mentions that he will follow the same path as the Mahatma.
One of
the main objectives of Dave Kissoondoyal is to work for the welfare of the
community especially those that are vulnerable and who need help. In this
respect, much effort was concentrated for the welfare of Children. Dave held
various responsible posts at the
Save the Children Mauritius. His stay at Save the Children was remarkable
since he was fully engaged in the activities of the Association and held
important posts such as Secretary, Treasurer and President. As a volunteer, he
has been continuously struggling for the betterment of the Mauritian Child. He
has operated at all levels, be in the advocacy level, influencing the policies,
at the grass root level with the communities, in Emergency relief, Training,
national and regional levels.
He was
involved in various sensitization campaigns such as “Consolidation de la famille
pour la protection et bien-etre des enfants” and on “ Early Childhood
Development”. He was in the organisation of the salon de l’enfance. The aim of
the salon was to take stock of the services offered by the Government and NGOs
towards the welfare of children and secondly to sensitize the population on
Children issues. He was also involved with counselling to children in distress.
As
Secretary of the Save the Children Mauritius, he organised and participated
actively in street exhibitions on Children’s Rights throughout the whole island.
He has been actively propagating the Rights of the Child and promoting the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child. He participated in the preparation of a
pamphlet “Conseil aux Parents”. He conducted a survey to collect children’s
views on specific issues. He also launched the child oriented and leisure
activities for Children at the Save the Children Centre at Vacoas. He organised
various film shows for children in different regions
To
safeguard a better future of the children, Dave Kissoondoyal is convinced that
the community must be empowered. He launched various Community Development
projects with the support of the local community. Examples are Creve Coeur,
Chamarel and Baie de Tombeau. In Creve Coeur, a library was set up and medical
screening done.
When
Dave Kissoondoyal was the Treasurer of the Save the Children Mauritius, he was
engaged in the setting up of the Eglantyne Jebb Training centre for disabled
children and school dropouts. He organised the forum on “Adolescent et les
parents” and the workshop leading to the Casela Declaration in connection to the
World Summit on Social Development. He was also engaged in the joint
collaboration between Save the Children Mauritius and the Jeune Chambre
Economique de Beau Bassin – Rose Hill on the organisation of the Play and
Leisure Day. He also initiated the setting up of a Leisure ground for disabled
children at Vacoas.
Dave
played an important role in drafting the alternate report on the
Convention of the Rights of the Child submitted to the UN Committee of the
Rights of the Child. Having followed the
training of trainers course from the International Save the Children Alliance,
he conducted a training course for NGOs and Government Officials on the 2nd
and 3rd April 1996. Dave Kissoondoyal attended the
World Congress on the Social Commercial Exploitation of Children in Stockholm,
Sweden.
Dave had
set up the Rodrigues Emergency Relief Operation to bring help to the people
especially children of Rodrigues. Similarly he was behind the setting up of the
Madagascar Relief Operation , Rwanda Relief Operation and Hollanda Relief
Operation. He had set up a training Centre for school dropouts and disabled
children at Rodrigues, including a library, medical check-ups for children and
nutrition course for mothers.
Dave was
an Executive Committee Member of the “Amicale des Etudiants”; he was the founder
member of the Celtic Club of Mare d’Albert. He was a member of the Rural Youth
Member of Mauritius. Dave followed various courses
to help him in his social activities. He followed the First-Aid Course from the
St. John’s Ambulance and the course on Club Management and Leadership from the
Ministry of Youth and Sports. He has obtained the Bronze Award of the Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. He has also followed training on Leadership in
Voluntary Social Work of the New De-addiction Centre Mauritius. He is also
trained by the International Save the Children Alliance to train trainers on the
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In a letter dated 18th June
1985, the
Minister of Youth and Sports of that time stated –“
Dewandranath
Kissoondoyal..would seem to be the ideal type of the Mauritian Youth..”
As
mentioned earlier, Dave Kissoondoyal’s life was not an easy one. Dave got
married at the age of 25 to Miss Rameshwaree Ramlugon. After two and a half years of happy married life, his
wife passed away leaving two daughters under his sole responsibility. However
this did not prevent him in his urge for helping others as he continued with his
responsibilities at the Save the Children Mauritius and his commitments at the
religion level. Dave gave both maternal and paternal affection to his daughters
for another four years before being married to Miss Devika Khulputeea. Dave is
now leading a happy
family life with his four daughters and one son.
Dave’s
will to struggle in every spheres of life has contributed to his success and the
message he gives to anybody is as follows:
“ There
is always dawn after a dark night, one has to be patient. With patience, hard
work and perseverance one can achieve the goal of his life.”
Dave
Kissoondoyal’s urge for helping others without expecting anything in return has
made him exercise in various fronts like in club and associations, in
social activities and within religious framework.
To help in the promotion of Bhojpuri Language in Mauritius,
Dave founded the Bhojpuri Speaking Union (BSU) and he is the President of the
BSU. Dave has been awarded the
Karmayogi Puraskar
by the Vishwa Bhojpuri Samelan (International Bhojpuri Organisation) for his
works in relation to the promotion of Bhojpuri in Mauritius
Dave's
willingness has also made him exercise in the political front as
he wants to set an example in this field as well. He wants to be a model for the
future generations. Dave Kissoondoyal believes much in the work done than
building the political image through public exposure.
Dave political career
starts when he left the position of President of the Save the Children to form
the
GROUPE
DE REFLEXION d’EMMANUEL ANQUETIL (GREA)
on the 23rd of November 1995.
In 2000 he joined the MMM. He was then
elected Secretary of the Regional No. 11. Now he is a member of the Central
Committee and member of the Politburo of the
Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM)
Political Party.
Dave
was the runner-up in the legislative Assembly General Elections of May 2010 when
he stood as candidate under the banner of the MMM in Constituency No. 11 (Rose
Belle - Vieux Grand Port)
Dave's journey does not end here. He is
committed to help his country. He believes in
"what you can give to the country rather than what the country can give
you"
Dave Kissoondoyal is on
Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/dave.kissoondoyal
; on LinkedIn -
http://mu.linkedin.com/in/mauritius
and on Twitter
-
http://www.twitter.com/dkissoondoyal
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