President conveys condolences to the family of the late Uz. N. T. Hassan Didi

The President Mohamed Nasheed has conveyed his sincere condolences to the members of the late Uz N. T. Hassan Didi’s family. The President called Uz Hassan Didi’s family on hearing the news of his passing away. 

Uz N. T. Hassan Didi passed away this morning at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. He was 85.
Late Uz Hassan Didi was in public service for 42 years. Some posts he held include; Special Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, President’s Private Secretary, Director at the Department of Information and Broadcasting, secretary and senior undersecretary at the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. He last served as the Commissioner of the Anti-corruption Board.

He was conferred ‘State Dignitary’ by President Nasheed on April 20 this year in recognition of his valuable service to the nation. He also received national service award on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of independence. 

Late Hassan Didi was a keen enthusiast of marine environment. Since 1970, Uz Hassan Didi worked to bring the threat of possible extinction of turtles in the Maldives to the public attention. He authored a book, based on types of turtles found in the Maldives, titled “Dhivehi Raajjeygai ulhey vela”, in 1993.

He also accompanied world renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau in his explorations in the Maldives, during 1960s. 

Among his other works, late Hassan Didi wrote a book titled ‘Kureege Huvadhoo Atoll’ based on the history and politics of Huvadhoo Atoll.

Uz Hassan Didi also made great contributions to the development of agriculture in the Maldives.
Late Uz N. T. Hassan Didi was also a talented painter and a photographer. National Art Gallery held “Painting Dreams”, an exhibition of paintings and photographs by Uz N. T. 

Late Uz. N. T. Hassan Didi is survived by four sons. 

Funeral Prayers for Uz Hassan Didi was held during today’s afternoon prayers at Masjidul Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaan al-Auzam. President Nasheed and other senior officials of the government attended the prayers.