31-05 2023 14:43
wrote:
I had the good fortune of knowing and working with Mr. Siddiqi for a long time. He was warm, kind and always ready with a smile. His leadership and passion for his work were exemplary. While it is quite common in the UN to refer to colleagues by their first name, I always referred to him as Mr. Siddiqi - his age, wisdom and experience always reminded me of my professors from the University and the respectful address became a habit. I had spoken with him a few days before his demise and as always, he was concerned about some colleagues, trying to help them and suggesting solutions to challenges. This is how I will remember him - kind, helpful and solution-oriented. Whenever we spoke, he would ask me about my plans to come down to Pakistan to meet him and his team, and I always promised him that I would do so soon. It is sad to think that when I am finally there, I would not be able to meet him. The first time that I ever spoke with him may years ago, we found out that his family and I were from the same place in pre-partition India. He promised to visit someday to see for himself all the changes to the city that I had talked about. Next time I go home, I will think of Mr. Siddiqi and the many lessons he taught me as a colleague and professional - kindness, leading an active and committed life, and connecting with people with an open heart and mind! Rest in peace, Mr. Siddiqi! You will be missed.
31-05 2023 14:43
wrote:
I had the good fortune of knowing and working with Mr. Siddiqi for a long time. He was warm, kind and always ready with a smile. His leadership and passion for his work were exemplary. While it is quite common in the UN to refer to colleagues by their first name, I always referred to him as Mr. Siddiqi - his age, wisdom and experience always reminded me of my professors from the University and the respectful address became a habit. I had spoken with him a few days before his demise and as always, he was concerned about some colleagues, trying to help them and suggesting solutions to challenges. This is how I will remember him - kind, helpful and solution-oriented. Whenever we spoke, he would ask me about my plans to come down to Pakistan to meet him and his team, and I always promised him that I would do so soon. It is sad to think that when I am finally there, I would not be able to meet him. The first time that I ever spoke with him may years ago, we found out that his family and I were from the same place in pre-partition India. He promised to visit someday to see for himself all the changes to the city that I had talked about. Next time I go home, I will think of Mr. Siddiqi and the many lessons he taught me as a colleague and professional - kindness, leading an active and committed life, and connecting with people with an open heart and mind! Rest in peace, Mr. Siddiqi! You will be missed.
