Indian Educator Who Founded UAE Schools Dies at 84
Early Life and Voyage to the UAE
Daniel Lazar, a Kerala-born electrical engineer, resigned from a secure position with the Tata group in Pune in 1968 and set sail for the United Arab Emirates in a small boat from Gujarat on April 8, 1968.
The ten‑day crossing of the Arabian Sea was described by his organisation as perilous, marked by uncertainty, hardship and faith, and he finally reached the shores of Khor Fakkan.
The group said the journey marked the start of a life dedicated to hard work and service.
After landing, he began work in the power sector before turning his attention to building something lasting for future generations.
In 1969 he founded the Lazar Group, which later expanded into construction, facility management, garments and fashion.
Building an Education Legacy
His wife, Sosamma Lazar, co‑founder of the Lazar Group, had begun tutoring children from various backgrounds at their home in 1979.
Recognising a need for accessible English‑language schooling, she helped lay the foundation for what would become a lasting educational legacy.
The couple opened Little Flower Nursery in Ajman in 1985 and, a year later, launched Ajman Intermediate English School, which is today known as The Royal Academy, Ajman.
Currently, North Point Education operates three schools: The Royal Academy, Ajman; The Bloomington Academy, Ajman; and The Hope English School, Sharjah.
Following Sosamma’s death in 2012, the group instituted the Sosamma Lazar 100% Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence to support outstanding students pursuing higher education.
Although Daniel Lazar was not a teacher himself, he was widely regarded as an education visionary who shared a deep affection with students and strove to keep affordable, quality education within reach of expatriate children.
He believed education encompassed more than academic achievement, also nurturing values, character and opportunity.
“Educating children gives me happiness. Watching them grow into successful individuals is the greatest reward of my life,” he often said, a belief that became the guiding principle of the institutions he built.
Those institutions have touched the lives of thousands of students, families and educators over the decades.
Daniel remained deeply grateful to the UAE, the country that became his home and the place where his dreams became reality.
His organisation said he repaid that trust by dedicating his life to serving its communities through education.
Tributes and Lasting Impact
Daniel Lazar, a Dubai resident and founder of the Lazar Group and the North Point Education Group of Schools, died on Wednesday, October 14, in his native Kerala at the age of 84.
His office confirmed the passing to Gulf News on Friday.
He is survived by his son, Lanson Lazar, who serves as chairman of the group, and his daughter, Lincy D’Souza, director of operations.
The group described him as an engineer, entrepreneur, educator and visionary.
Schools under the Lazar Group held condolence meetings on Thursday, and students and teachers prayed for his soul.
Employees from across the group’s schools and companies paid tribute after his death.
Dr Prema Muralidhar, principal of The Royal Academy, remembered him as more than a founder, a father figure whose love for the school will never be forgotten.
Kripalatha, a veteran teacher at the same school, said she had spent three decades watching his vision shape generations of learners through education and values.
Asmaa Hossny praised his diplomacy, integrity, loyalty and humanity, recalling how he welcomed her into the North Point Education family.
Hussaina Begum Noor Sherrief, principal of The Bloomington Academy, honoured him as a visionary whose commitment to education created opportunities for countless children and families.
Dr Terry Burwell, principal of The Hope English School, said the founder’s legacy extends far beyond institutions and buildings.
Members of The Yellow Bus team, the group’s school transport network, recalled Daniel as a humble and compassionate leader who treated everyone with equal respect and genuine care.
Staff at Royal General Maintenance and Contracting LLC (RGMC) described him as a father figure who stood by them through personal challenges, always offering encouragement, kindness and unwavering support.
