HABIBA ANVERALLY : A RARE FRIEND
The friends you left behind have very precious memories of your friendship. We were fortunate to have known you, and, to have loved you. They say that loving friendship is like a rare gem - hard to find in the world today. A friendship like some of us enjoyed with you, are very rare! But we were fortunate to be able to keep our friendship with you, warm and loving, right to the sad end!
It is hard to believe that almost two years have passed by, since the day you, dear Habiba left us. We especially refer to the void she left in the SAARC Women’s Association, Sri Lanka Chapter fraternity, which is hard to fill. Her warm and friendly disposition immediately drew everyone to her. Her nature was simple and gentle — everyone found her a friend. There was no question of choice. You simply have to like her. A lot! The more we got to know Habiba, the more we realized what a truly wonderful and, generous person she was. She will always be very special to me, and, to those who knew and walked with her closely.
But what made Habiba special, I ask? I believe the answer was – her immediate reaction when she met another person. My own reaction to her friendship was, - that she made me feel important. I also found her out-reaching gestures of warm friendship, a welcome change to the usual people one meets in daily life. Again, what made her special was a simpler and more profound explanation. She obviously cared about her friends, and, made time for each of us. A specialty of her friendship was, to embrace and to make us important. Whenever there was a Project proposed, in which we were all involved, she entered into it with excitement and joy. If she was working with us on a Project, which she felt was useful, there was a strong bond between all of us. It was a lot of fun to work with her, and, sometimes just being with her — sitting quietly in an aura of warm friendship.
Habiba had a huge capacity to fund raise!!!! A selfless person, she helped to raise thousands of rupees each year for our charitable Projects. We vividly remember the time, when she was the President of the SWA-Sri Lanka Chapter, observing how tirelessly she worked, gently harnessing all our help with gratitude. She made a great success of the Fashion Show, which she proudly presented with a Reputed Designer, whom she brought down from Pakistan to add flair to the event. It was easily one of the best events presented by the SAARC Women’s Association, to raise funds for a Project, which was close to her heart - Children’s Heart Project.
Needless to say she was a great hostess, laying down each time, a spread of delicious food, and, the choicest of Sri Lankan tea, blended with their own Tea Export Company.
In all her endeavours, she was ably supported by her loving husband, Zaki, and, her adoring children Saeeda, Mohammed Anver, and Zenab and her dear grandchildren. Her eldest daughter Saeeda introduced to Sri Lanka, the SAARC Women’s Association.
Besides her contribution to the SAARC Women’s Association, she worked with equal zeal and enthusiasm with Programmes where her community was involved. She was Secretary of the Burhani Community, serving for nearly a decade.
No one ever truly dies until the flame of remembrance blows out. And Habiba will always live on in our memories. She was a true model of friendship, and, continues to be a very dear friend to us. We salute your memory, dear Habiba - the family and friends you had in the SAARC Association. We love you, and, always will.