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.