[iosn-general] Shahid Akhtar - A True Professional and Mentor in the ICT for Development Arena

[Fouad Riaz Bajwa]

To Shahid Akhtar - (and UNDP-APDIP Team)
A True Professional and Mentor in the ICT for Development Arena

Sharing a few words on Shahid Akhtar's retirement from the UNDP-APDIP
(www.apdip.net / www.iosn.net) on July 4th, 2007 after 37 years of
development work and leading regional specialist on ICT for development
(ICT4D) initiatives in Asia Pacific.

My interaction with Shahid Akhtar only took place occasionally during the
last two years, even though this period was too short, I found Shahid and
his team to be an inspiration for my work and contributions to the regional
and global Free and Open Source Software Movement. UNDP's contributions on
the Global ICTs for Human Development and Research scene have helped me
refine my approach towards addressing the most pressing issues that I
undertake during our line of work. 

Though short and brief, I would say, to the point, during various meetings,
Shahid has been very friendly and cooperative extending his mentorship where
we occasionally sought UNDP's support. While leading the UNDP-APDIP
programme, Shahid and his team have always been there to provide guidance
towards addressing human development issues with the best experienced advice
and approach; his remarkable team at the UNDP-APDIP office and their work
during these years are the evidence. 

Shahid is indeed one of the most practical people I have ever met in my life
and truly speaking, I wish I could work under his guidance but still working
as a Strategic Partner with the UNDP-APDIP, I learnt a great deal of lessons
and received the opportunity to experience the organization's work in some
of the most remotest parts of the world that I had never visited before. 

My last meeting with him was in Malaysia in May earlier this year and when I
shared my thankfulness for extending UNDP's support on various occasions
that has refined my work to a great extent, all he answered was, "Bajwa,
your work speaks for yourself, keep up the good work!" These words have been
a huge encouragement especially when they come from a highly professional
and experienced person like Shahid!

Thank you Shahid for your cooperation in sharing timely UNDP-APDIP knowledge
and letting me participate the organization's activities on certain
occasions and helping me contribute meaningfully. May Allah reward you with
the best and keep you safe from all harms providing you further
opportunities to work for the benefit of humanity through some other
possible roles that we may not yet be aware of.

I join Fred and Shahid's colleagues at UNDP-APDIP to wish him a happy
retirement and a happy productive long life. Amen to that!

Regards
-----------------------
Fouad Riaz Bajwa
FOSS Advocate
ICT4D Researcher and Consultant