Mourning the loss

"In the name of God, the Most Merciful and the Most Beneficent."

Just a few days ago, it would have been a pleasure to talk about Prof. Gift Siromoney. But this afternoon I can only reflect upon what we have lost. We have lost a teacher, who was proud of his profession. We have lost a colleague, who was a source of inspiration to all of us.

His interest in so many disciplines is just what any Department of Statistics would require. Because Statistics is essentially an applied science. He showed us how the applications could branch off in several directions. We could not have asked for a better chief a better first head of the department. His influence on us was not restricted to our academic life alone. He took a keen interest in our general way of life. He cultivated fine tastes in us without ever being imposing.

Nothing was below his dignity, if it would help a student or a colleague, or if it would improve the department or college. He led by example. But his examples were not always easy to follow. I remember, one day, fifteen years ago, when I was a student, I couldn't come to his class on time. I reached the classroom, just as he was coming out. One of my classmates was with me. He looked at us for a second and said, "okay. I am free now and I'll tell you what I taught today!" , with that he repeated the whole lecture once again. But I do not think I can ever bring myself to give a repeat performance for the sake of a couple of students, who were not punctual.

Only a teacher with a missionary zeal can do it. Yes, Prof. Gift Siromoney was a missionary in his own way. Seeking and imparting knowledge was his mission in life. So it is no wonder he was always available to his students and/or colleagues alike. He would answer our questions, clear our doubts anywhere, anytime. Neither his seniority nor his achievements would come in the way of his relationship with each one of us.

So, ever since he passed away, we keep asking ourselves: were we aware of his greatness, when he was alive? The truth is perhaps that we knew he was great but we never realized he was that great. He was a great man who humbled himself so that his students could feel at home in his company; so that his colleagues would feel equal to him. God blessed him with greatness and humility in equal measure. We thank God for the opportunity to have known him, to have studied under him, to have taught with him, and to have derived the benefits of his knowledge, kindness and guidance.
-Abdul Huq. (Ph.D 1989)