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Hassan, to us who was our `rafiki' was indeed a great friend and one fine human being. He was not only sincere and dedicated to his work, but was also filled with energy and enthusiasm to help any of us when we were there without expecting anything in return. Such people are hard to come by these days.

pumzika kwa amani rafiki yango.

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Mr. Hassan was more than just a staff member at IITMZ; he was a constant presence in the lives of everyone at IIT Madras Zanzibar. Always there, always smiling, he helped without hesitation, shared his love for Swahili with enthusiasm, and brought warmth to every interaction. His kindness and dedication made him an irreplaceable part of the IITMZ family.

From the very beginning, he stood by us—waiting late into the night to drop us home, only to return early the next morning, always ready with a smile. He never asked for anything in return - giving was simply his way of life.

From guiding us through the island to actively engaging in campus life, Hassan took care of faculty, staff, and students with unwavering commitment. His generosity and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone he met. One of my fondest memories is our visit to Prison Island, where I saw his joyous side - perhaps the last time I truly spent time with him.

The last time we spoke on a video call, he greeted me in his usual way: "Hello, Mr. Sethu, Hujambo?" That voice still echoes in my thoughts, and the realization that I will never hear it again is truly heartbreaking.

Rest in peace, my Rafiki, Hassan. Your warmth will always be with us, and your legacy will live on in our hearts.

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One more picture of rafiki yangu, Hassan!

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Adding to tribute to Hassan with more pictures.

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Mr. Hassan Soud was an integral part of the IITMZ community from its very beginning. His warm smile and unwavering helpfulness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I was fortunate to have a special relationship with Hassan. He would often visit my office, and we'd engage in lively conversations in Kiswahili about a wide range of topics. Notably, we once discussed the profound questions of death and the journey to heaven. Just a few weeks ago, during a Gmeet call with Professor Preeti, Hassan unexpectedly joined us. That brief, unexpected conversation was a precious moment I will always cherish. May his Soul Rest in Peace!

Tunakumbuka Hassan Soud. Roho yake ilikuwa ya kusaidia, na tabasamu lake liliangaza. Alipenda IIT Madras Zanzibar. Tutakumkumbuka daima.

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Mr Hassan Soud, or “Anko (Uncle) Hassan” as I called him, was a man with the truest intentions, a man with a heart unlike any other i have ever come across.

Every morning started with “Habari, Vipi hali?, Za asubuhi? Salama?” And these words still echo in my mind even now when I think of him. No matter what you would have on your mind, his smile would make you believe that there’s something better out there waiting for you…

He offered to help in many ways countless times, even if it meant working over time, I haven’t met a giver like him in my life, he was the master of many topics that normally we wouldn’t even think about. He cared for us like his own children, made sure we reached safely wherever we went.

Its still unbelievable that he has left this world, but we pray that he is in a better place now, and finally at peace.

You have touched many lives with your kindness and positivity

Our prayers will always have your name in them Anko Hassan❤️‍🩹

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My best friend from IIT Zanzibar Campus

Alikuwa lafiki yang sana jaman

Rafiki mwema mungu katunyang'anya 😭 kwanini lakin sawa tu mugu hakosei lakin hapana kwanini sielewi

Mungu amlaze pema peponi na amsamehe makosa yake ampe ulinzi wa maraika wema na wazuri

😭lafiki mwema katuacha mungu kampenda zaid. Tunamuombea asamehawe makosa yake na alale mahali pema ppeponi amme ammeee

😭pumzika baba tutakukumbuka sana, nakaulimbiu yako ya salama au hojambo. Tutaimiss sana

- Bashir

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Mr. Hassan was one of those rare souls who gave without expecting anything in return. He lived to spread happiness, always carrying an infectious energy that never seemed to fad not even at 8 in the evening . His warm greetings, his ever present smile and enthusiasm made every interaction with him special.

No matter where we met on campus or outside the campus he would always recognize me from a distance, calling out my name with such joy that it instantly lifted my spirits. Travelling with him was very special he would explain little details like where we were, what the next building was, and share little details that made it very interesting. Every small to big event he was always there. His presence made the campus feel like home, and now, without him, it feels emptier.

I already miss him his laughter, his kindness, his unwavering positivity. The thought of not seeing him every day, not sharing those small yet meaningful conversations, is heartbreaking. But I will always cherish the memories, and I know that anyone who ever met him will remember him as a beacon of warmth and joy. Rest in peace, Mr. Hassan. You will always be missed.

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No one is indispensable, but few are truly irreplaceable.

Mr. Hasan, to say you can never be replaced feels too small a truth.

You wore the IITMZ badge with more pride than anyone else

The first face to greet us, the first friend we made—the one who made us fall in love with the place..

Mr.Hasan you are easily one of my fav peoples - “This is area Zanzibar” will no longer be the same place. What once felt familiar now carry a permanent void.

You showed that one doesnt need to be a rockstar to leave a legacy to outlast death. Mr. Hasan you did it with ease, with a kind word, an open heart, a helping hand,

A smile that made strangers feel like they belonged.

The world will move on, as it always does,

Seasons will change, new faces will come.

Your  absences will echo louder than presence ever did.

I will still hear the loud call of “Prof. Ram” in my office corridor, And instinctively, I might turn to reply,

Only to realize the silence that follows.

Gone in presence, yet impossible to forget.

Mr. Hasan, you were, and always will be,

The heart of IITMZ

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My cherished memories in Africa begin with Mr. Hassan, who taught us our first Swahili word, Asante Sana. The memories of Africa will never feel the same again. Asante Sana for the wonderful moments we shared.

Rest in peace.

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It's still hard to believe that he is no longer with us. Every time we met, he would greet me warmly and teach me Swahili words, showing me how to respond to greetings. I remember the last time we saw each other he kindly dropped me off at the gym, picked me up later, and even gave me his number, telling me that whenever he went to Fumba Town, he would call me.

One day, we had a friendly competition in the gym. He lifted 50 kg and did a shoulder press, while I managed 60 kg. He laughed and challenged me, determined to lift even more next time.

I will always cherish these memories. May his soul rest in peace. Rest in peace, Kaka Hassan.

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Mr. Hassan was the most unforgettably lovable person I had ever met. Every time I saw him, he would make me repeat the words 'Hujambo' and 'Mzima,' which made learning Swahili feel monotonous. I heard those words so much that even in my sleep, I muttered, 'Venaa pa... please no more Swahili!'. Even when I was stressed, he had a way of making it funny with his jokes and playful attitude.

During our vacation after the first semester, he drove us around to all the tourist spots in Zanzibar. With the enthusiasm of a kid, he took us from one tourist spot to another, determined to show us everything whether we wanted to or not. I’m pretty sure even Google Maps didn’t know some of the places he took us to. His "historical facts" were so random that at times, I wondered if he was making them up just for fun. He was the glue that held our group together and ended up being our closest companion throughout my time there. Even though I was thousands of kilometers away from home, his presence was both endearing and unexpectedly entertaining.

I never got the chance to say goodbye when I left Zanzibar. He left us all too soon. We miss you, Mr. Hassan. Hope to meet you in my next life and say "Hujambo" again!

May his pure soul rest in peace.

Zanzibar will never be the same without him.

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It's still hard for me to accept that he is no longer with us. He had asked me to bring zawadi kutoka India, and I kept wondering what I should get for him. He always wondered how big is India, and how many airports are there, how big is Chennai campus. He always wanted to visit India, and honestly, I was even more excited about his visit than he was!

He is and always will be one of the most incredible people I have ever met. His passion and enthusiasm for everything—especially Swahili, pilav, sudoku puzzles, his car, and the IITMZ campus—was truly remarkable. He would often come to my office and spend hours solving sudoku puzzles. Every day, he made sure that Prof. Ritika learned at least two sentences of Swahili so she could teach Swahili classes when she visited India.

Even when he had a cold or fever, his response was always, I am good. He never missed a single day of work and treated everyone around him like a family. His sense of humor and charismatic personality made it impossible not to love him. The depth of his care and kindness is beyond what words can express.

He used to teach me how to cook different dishes and would always say, "One day, Prof. Ritika, you cook... very tasty." He loved challenging everyone in the most fun and engaging ways. Every time we met, he would greet me so warmly and wouldn’t stop until he had completed all his greetings. I always cherished his company—he taught me so much, not just Swahili, but also how to truly live and enjoy life.

You are truly irreplaceable, Mr. Hasan, and I have no doubt that your presence will be profoundly missed by everyone on campus.

You were the best part of IITMZ ! Rest in peace, Mr. Hasan.

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Rafiki Yangu, Ndugu Yangu Hassan

It's hard to put into words the loss we all feel with the passing of Hassan. The news hit me hard, and it's taken days to even begin to process it. He was such a vibrant presence on our campus at IIT Madras, Zanzibar, and his absence leaves a void that can't be filled.

To me, he was always "Professor," -that was his playful nickname for me, and he rarely used my actual name. It was a running joke between us, a symbol of our unique bond. Every morning, without fail, we'd talk in Swahili. He'd come by my office, and we would exchange our greetings, "Habari za asubuhi, Professor!", he is always asking "Mzima?" and i respond. He’d always have a story, a cheerful, "Lete habari!" and a reminder that "Kazi iendelee!" (Let the work continue!). He was that kind of person – always making an effort to connect and always encouraging.

Hassan wasn't just a driver; he was a friend, a confidant, and a vital part of our community. I remember the very first time he took me home – it was the start of a beautiful friendship. Just the other day, he drove us home, and I recently spoke to him on the phone. It's surreal to think he's gone.

Hassan had a gift for explaining things. He was incredibly detailed and patient, always willing to share his knowledge. He even connected me with the Dimani cycling team, a testament to his generosity and willingness to go the extra mile for others.

What I'll remember most about Hassan is his unwavering positivity. He was down-to-earth, always jovial, and perpetually happy, no matter the circumstances. He had a light about him that could brighten even the toughest days. Words truly can't describe how much he will be missed. His kindness, his humor, his genuine warmth – these are the qualities that made Hassan so special. He was a good man, and his memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

We will remember and miss you rafiki. Rest in eternal peace.

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I’m deeply sad after receiving the news of Hassan’s passing.

I’m happy to have met him and had the interaction I had with him for the few months I was at IITMZ.

May his soul rest in peace.

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What a man! He was so much: the first IIT staff member you met on landing in Zanzibar, your permanent Swahili instructor during your stay there, your primary driver about town and your local tour guide, and here, pictured above, your packer-of-twenty-four-bicycles-into-a-space-designed-for-four! A gentle loving soul. We will miss him. Goodbye friend!

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For me Hassan was synonymous with Zanzibar. He was always there, smiling, offering help, teaching swahili, being pleasant, being himself. From taking us around to participating in every activity at the campus to taking care of students, doing night duties at hospitals for them, Hassan's amazing humanity touched all of us. This photo was taken when I was leaving for the airport in Feb after the first sem. Remember him telling me that I have to come back. If I go back again, it will feel very different to be in Zanzibar, without you dear rafiki.

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Dear Hassan,

Your "Habari za asubuhi" greeted us like sunshine, turning Zanzibar’s mornings into moments of warmth. Your smile dissolved my worries, your kindness made strangers family, and your spirit turned ordinary days into joy. In a world far from home, you were our anchor—a friend who carried burdens with grace and lit paths with hope. Though life feels quieter without your laughter, we’ll forever hear it in the waves, the breeze, the stories we share.

Rest now, radiant soul!

Your legacy lives in every heart you touched!

Forever missed!

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It was an amazing journey with you in Zanzibar. From the very first day , picking us up from the airport, driving us around, and those fun rides to Fumba Town, you were always there for us.

You didn’t just help us; you cared for us like family. You gave us so much love in a place far from home. You even greeted us in our own language, making us feel right at home. You taught us Swahili, made everything easier, and always had a smile for us.

You’ll always be remembered, my friend.

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I cannot still believe that this news is true. Hassan was a big part of our lives in Zanzibar. He was such a great friend. So caring, he would fondly call me 'Mama' and he was always there to help with a smile. He knew where I could get the best of vegetables, which Mango would be perfect, which Moringa leaves I should consume and he had an opinion on everything.

We once had a lengthy conversation about his prayer routine. His faith was so profound.

My entire family has met him. He always remembered to enquire about everyone.

He has taught us all so much about life. You will be missed Hassan. I wish I had come to Zanzibar the last time Raghu was there.

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I can't believe that I have known Hassan only for less than two years, not commensurate to the sense of loss I feel. That has been the impact of Hassan on me. While I can recollect a hundred memories, I can't forget the enthusiasm with which he pushed diesel from one location to another to get the diesel generator working, nonchalantly and intuitively explaining the principle of pressure head. Many a times I have felt that he was the most intuitive engineer in a room, a room filled with IIT Professors.

I also used to joke that Hassan believes that he is better than me in everything, 5,10,20 km races, bicycling, table tennis and so on. I would have willingly lost to him in every one of these and the fact that he will not be the first member from the IITMZ community that I meet when I land the next time in Zanzibar is simply too hard to swallow.

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He drove with care, both near and far,

A cheerful soul, our guiding star.

Through every turn, his kindness showed,

A heart so warm on every road.

With every ride, he’d share a smile,

Making hard days feel worthwhile.

"Kibegi kiko wapi?" he’d always say,

We’d laugh and joke every single day.

Here and there, we’d point and tease,

His joy and laughter put us at ease.

Like an uncle, he knew us all,

A helping hand at every call.

His laughter echoed, light and free,

A soul as kind as one could be.

Rest in peace, your journey’s done,

Your spirit drives on with everyone.

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‘Hakuna matata’ was a way of life for you… will miss you, Hassan!

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Hassan was the one who gave me the name "Manoji" and always made sure to teach us the beauty of Swahili. His passion for Swahili language and culture was inspiring, and he showed us the importance of connecting with others through kindness and respect. He was always there in support of Team Manoji, even if team Manoji won or lost.

His energy, warmth, and kindness will forever remain in our hearts. Tutakukumbuka daima.

Rest in peace, Hassan. Thank you for all the memories, the lessons, and the laughter.

Pumzika kwa amani.

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We will miss you forever.

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It is with deep respect and gratitude that I remember our esteemed colleague, whose dedicated service as a driver for the college went far beyond his professional duties.

His unwavering commitment to supporting our community was evident in countless ways - from ensuring timely transportation needs were met to providing assistance during medical situations. His reliability during early morning airport transfers and his patient presence until departures exemplified his exceptional work ethic.

Beyond his professional contributions, he enriched our campus community through thoughtful conversations and shared wisdom. Our discussions about family, personal growth, and life's challenges created meaningful connections that transcended workplace relationships.

The college campus has lost a valued team member whose positive impact extended to faculty, staff, and students alike. While his physical presence will be greatly missed, his legacy of professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for others will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Personally, I miss the care that he had for me, and although I am not able to believe it right now, my heart knows his kindness will continue to inspire us all.

May he rest in peace, knowing his contributions to our institution will be remembered with the highest regard.

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You have been such an inseparable part of our life and work in Zanzibar that it is difficult to imagine the place without you. I and Vijaya always looked forward to your ‘O Professor’ and ‘Hello Madam’ and what flowed from there. It is with a heavy heart that we bid a final adieu to you. You are forever in our hearts.

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With Hassan after the Fumba run_Jan19,2025.HEIC

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You gave me your phone number and never let me walk far alone. You tried to teach me Swahili and shared lessons on Islam. You brought me Visheti, fruits, and Pilau as gifts several times, but more than that, you also collaborated with me to buy gifts for the professors. You loved the students, the professors, and every fellow human, regardless of where they came from. You greeted me with Tamil words and were always happy to call me your friend, often telling me that I was exactly your son's age.

Your last wish was to learn how to use a computer and smartphone from me—a reflection of the African continent's aspirations for digital inclusion and productivity, something that our IIT Madras is contributing to. I cherished the moments when I gifted you cookies and cappuccino when you took me to buy cat food. You used to joke that the paka (cats) would cry when I wasn’t around campus.

Now, we are the ones crying because you are no longer with us.

You left us too soon and returned to the Creator. May Allah grant you entry into Jannat ul Firdaus, where eternal peace and happiness await.

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Mr. Hassan Soud Hassan - it is with an immeasurably heavy heart that we say a final Kwa Heri to you. Our lives in Zanzibar won't be the same without you.

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Rafiki Hassan Soud’s kindness and warmth touched us all—his memory will live on in our hearts.