UAE | General

'Hero' happy with simple life

A 63-year-old Pakistani gardener wins a Dubai Government Excellence Programme Award for never missing work in 27 years. The 'unsung hero' says he is happy living a simple life.

  • By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 13:02 April 25, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Nazir works from 6am to 2pm to make Dubai green. He lives a very simple and content life.
  • Image Credit: Devadasan/Gulf News
Image 1 of 4
1234

Dubai: "My work and my hobby are plants and I believe I cannot live without them," said Mohammad Nazir, a Pakistani gardener, who won a Dubai Government Excellence Programme Award.

Nazir, 63, was among 25 government employees who were dubbed "unsung heroes".

A composed and calm Nazir had never imagined that he would ever stand next to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to receive an excellence award.

"My joy knew no bounds when Shaikh Mohammad held my hand and raised it in the air. I feel so proud and elevated," Nazir told Gulf News yesterday.

Initially, it was difficult to track down Nazir for an interview because he does not use a mobile phone, but the task became very easy because apparently everyone knows him - from gardeners to the higher officials of his department.

Content

"I have a mobile phone but don't know how to use it. I keep it in my room and use it just to call my family. My colleagues dial the number for me to make a call, but of course I know how to receive calls. But I do not like to use the phone while at work," he said with a broad smile.

He works from 6am to 2pm to make Dubai green. He lives a very simple and content life. "I get offers from people to work extra time at their homes for extra money but I always turn them down because I consider it dishonesty with my official work," he said.

Nazir, who joined Dubai Municipality as a gardener 27 years ago in December 1979, was planning to resign in March this year but his supervisor advised him to complete his visa validity period ending in October 2008.

Nazir played an important role in landscaping

Nazir was selected for the award because he never shirks work, said Ahmad Mohammad Abdulkarim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department.

He said Nazir never missed work in 27 years and never used sick leave as an excuse to take off from work. He has played an important role in the landscaping and beautification of the city's major roads.

"We will give him a promotion and will also award him," said Abdulkarim, who yesterday called Nazir to his office to congratulate him. "It is a big honour for the department."


Your comments


Hearty congratulations to Mr. Nazir. This is a classic example for youngsters who go for smoking during working hours, take leave to attend interviews, etc.
Abdul
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted:

Undoubtedly it's a great achievement of Mr. Nazir whose efforts and hard work has been honored finally. This is indeed not the end of his career...its a real beginning for him and for those who deem it worth to emulate him in their endeavours... Its a life time achievement. I personally thank the Dubai Government for encouraging this.
Om
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I really appreciate the ruler of Dubai for not ignoring anyone and giving equal respect to all nationals. Respect for him in my heart really increased and I will pray to Allah to give him long life to serve the poor people.
khalid
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

You cannot imagine what was my feeling reading this report. It has really encouraged me to follow his footsteps in regard to his honesty and courage. But the most I like was that his efforts are appreciated. I mean you cannot find that in the rest of the world where a prime minister is enthusiastic about awarding a gardener.
Mohammed
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Well, actually these things make Dubai different from other places. I appreciate Dubai management for their planning and beautification of Dubai. Such awards play a very important role in employees? lives. I also appreciate Mr. Nazir?s efforts.
Nouman
Sharjah,UAE
Posted:

Congratulations to Mr. Nazir and the authority who selected the right person. He sets an example to those who don?t believe in honesty.
Afaq
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Promotion would have been better for him and his family if done sometime earlier since he is about to retire. Anyways motivation and promotion will always turn an employee to work harder and smarter.
Shejeer
Al Ain,UAE
Posted:

It shows his dedication and honesty to his work. Twenty seven years without a single sick leave is really amazing. This is the real blessing of almighty to keep him healthy. May Allah confer more blessings on him. He deserves more and more...
Noushad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted:

That's a great work Mr. Nazir, we are proud of your hard work in the UAE .Today, even Pakistan is proud of you and people like you who are hard workers.
Raed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted:

Salutations to Mr. Nazir! You are true example of philosophy of happiness!! You are not only a gardener but today you proved yourself as a good teacher. You taught us how to feel happiness from minute things of our lives. Thanks.
Altaf
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Promotion after 27 years? Why wait for so long?
Felix
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Great!!! Congrats to Nazir!!! Hope the younger generation finds inspiration from Nazir. We all look for some lame excuses to get away from work. Living a life with principles like Nazir will give us all fulfillment of having achieved something in life. Kudos to Nazir again...
Usha
Sharjah,UAE
Posted:

I wish I can become like Nazir and work for my country like him.
Salim
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I whole heartedly congratulate Mr. Nazir and all above I salute H. H. Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for looking into low levels to pick for such a award.
Mohammed
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I salute you Mr. Nazir on your efforts which you have put to make Dubai green. God bless you
Atif
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

It's very pleasant to read an article like this. The government has taken a great decision and set an example to others in praising an unknown man for his sincere work. Those who make excuses for work can consider this great man an example to their life.
Sebastian
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Very well done. I feel so pleased to heard about it and wish and pray that all of us work more hard with dignity and honesty for the sake of this country, its fantastic rulers and its people.
Jawid
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

It was great to hear about the poor people awarded by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad. Of course this proves that all are considered equally in this country.
Iftikhar
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Mohammad Nazir for his dedication, and the brilliant job he's done to beautify the city. I also would like to congratulate him on winning the award. Thank you for being our hero.
Mira
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I am just speechless about what the ruler of UAE has been doing for the betterment of his nation and expatriates equally. Great people are recognised by serving their people selflessly and honourably and the vivid example is His Highness Shaikh Mohammad. May he live long.
Barkatullah
Jabriya,Kuwait
Posted:

It?s very good to see that the less important people also get recognized for their work.
Shaheryar
Sharjah,UAE
Posted:

This is a true example of honesty and integrity towards one's work. I take great inspiration from this story and congratulate Mr. Nazir for the prestigious award. Coming from the same middle class background I feel honoured that this country appreciates talent. Long live the Shaikh and the PM and long live this country. My profound thanks to the Gulf News for making this story a part of your paper.
Mohammed
Sharjah,UAE
Posted:

It's pleasent news.
Shazif
Sharjah,UAE
Posted:

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

More from UAE General

  1. Walking for a healthier tomorrow

  2. Charity trek to frozen heights raises Dh180,000

  3. Community event to salute selfless citizens

  4. Two injured after boat and ship collide

All articles in General

More from UAE

Gulf News
Popular in UAE
Readers' pictures
Your pictures

Readers' pictures

The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week

Latest news
Community Reports

More from Community Reports

Weather

More from Weather