Mauritian Pilot, Pallavee Appigadoo, Donated Rs150 000 to SACIM

At 25 years old, Pallavee Appigadoo from Terre-Rouge became the first woman to fly from South Africa to Mauritius in a Cessna 172 aircraft. Since September 2024, she has gone from being an unknown to a role model for many Mauritians and foreigners alike.

Pallavee achieved her biggest dream—piloting a small plane and crossing from South Africa to Mauritius—despite facing administrative and financial hurdles.

Alongside her Flying in the Face of Adversity project, she aimed to raise funds for the Society for Aid to Children Inoperable in Mauritius (SACIM), an organization that she credits with saving her life.

On Thursday, Pallavee donated Rs 150,000 to SACIM. This gesture is significant because the organization supported her twice: first, for a congenital heart defect detected in childhood, and later, for scoliosis during her adolescence.

She explained, “When I started this challenge, I thought of all these children. We all have dreams when we’re young, but health issues or other factors can prevent us from reaching them.

I wanted to give back to SACIM as a thank you for their love and support. I want to help children dream and achieve their goals, just like I did.”

During a heartfelt ceremony, Pallavee’s family, friends, and her flight instructor Dylan Nolan shared memories.

Dr. François Leung, a SACIM staff member, said, “I’ve known Pallavee since she was young. We’re very proud of her. I hope she continues on this path.”

SACIM President Me Shameer Mohuddy added, “We hope Pallavee will one day become SACIM’s president. Her achievement is extraordinary, and leading the organization would send a strong message.”

Mohuddy, a former SACIM patient himself, emphasized that many former patients now volunteer for the organization.

Vice-President Neena Ramdenee also called on parents across Mauritius and the islands to seek SACIM’s support for children with health issues, noting that the organization has been discreet but dedicated for many years.

Pallavee recounted her flight journey, reliving the moments with emotion. She tearfully honored her late grandparents, Padma and Ramlo, and her uncle Balkrishna (Vijen) Appigadoo, who supported her.

“I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but I couldn’t help it,” she said. She described stops along her route—from Pretoria to Mauritius—including Beira and Pemba in Mozambique, Nosy-Be and Ivato in Madagascar, La Réunion, and crossing the Mozambique Channel.

“You were all with me in the cockpit,” she said. “I could feel your love, faith, and support during the long hours in the sky. I was flying for everyone who believed in me.”

She thanked her sponsors—both well-known companies and many anonymous benefactors—who contributed money to help her realize her dream.

She also expressed gratitude to her uncle and her late grandfather, both of whom believed in her.

Dr. Leung took the opportunity to call on Mauritian doctors to join SACIM and help more children. “Many children like Pallavee need care. Our former colleague, the late Dr. Amrit Rajkumar, did a great job at SACIM, but now it’s time for new, young doctors to join and help rejuvenate the organization.”

In addition to the Rs 150,000 donation, Pallavee presented SACIM with a photo of the Cessna 172 she flew in—a keepsake symbolizing her historic journey.

Source: Le Mauricien