Dubai: Students and colleagues have paid rich tributes to a university lecturer who recently passed away in the UAE.
A mother-of three, Dr Shermin Hashir, 43, was a faculty at the University of Sharjah’s College of Dental Medicine. The Indian expat, who taught periodontology at the Restorative Dentistry Department, passed away at a hospital here on Friday.
According to her husband, Dr Hashir Hassan, an orthopedic surgeon with Rashid Hospital in Dubai, Dr Shermin passed away at 5.30am on Friday after suffering pulmonary embolism that led to heart failure. The doctor-couple has two daughters and a son.
The bereaved family is currently in the south Indian state of Kerala where Dr Shermin was laid to rest on Saturday. “We miss her dearly. She was a caring wife and loving mother. She spread a positive vibe in the family. We are devastated by her loss,” Dr Hassan told Gulf News.
Her death has shocked and saddened the students and faculty members at the university as well. Some of them who spoke to Gulf News on Monday paid rich tributes to her.
One of her students, Waseem Ibrahim Tawba, said Dr Shermin was more than just a teacher. “She was a mentor, guide, and friend to many. She has taught us for four years. She always turned her lectures into engaging discussions ensuring that everyone will participate no matter what, beyond her academic contributions," he added.
"She always embraced life’s beauty and inspired everyone to find joy in the little things. She always encouraged her students to seek happiness not only in our academic pursuits but also in the richness of life experiences.”
'Touched countless lives'
“I still remember her infectious laughter and her optimism that used to brighten our day. No matter how bad the day was, she always showed pride in everything we achieved just like a proud mother. As she told me once birds fly away from their nests and only memories stay, and that’s exactly what she has left us with—great memories, laughs, and love. I am so grateful I had a close friend and a mentor. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she has touched, forever inspiring those who were lucky enough to know her,” he added.
Dr Alya Abdalla Al Hammadi, a paediatric dentist with SEHA, Abu Dhabi, who was a former student of Dr Shermin, said she was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of her beloved teacher.
“From the very beginning of our university training days, Dr Shermin was a constant source of support and inspiration. Her dedication to teaching, unwavering guidance, and genuine care for each of us left an indelible mark on our journey. Dr Shermin’s wisdom and kindness will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of learning from her. May her legacy continue to inspire us in our careers, and may she Rest in Peace,” she said.
'Big loss'
Her colleague Dr Abier Abdulsattar, who is also a periodontist, said she had known Dr Shermin ever since the latter joined the university seven years ago. “She was full of life and she loved life. She was always smiling, had a positive attitude and was always willing to learn. Everyone was shocked when the university announced her demise. We are still in disbelief. It is a big loss for students and faculty in the college. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” she added.
Another colleague, Dr Mounib AlRifai, a clinical tutor at the University of Sharjah, said: “I have worked there since 2018 and since my day one, Dr Shermin was one of the first people I made friends with. She was very helpful and we immediately became friends. Throughout the past five years, she has been there for me always. A source of positive energy and good vibes, she was always very helpful to all. She picked me up when I was feeling down. Losing her was a great shock that will definitely leave a gap in my life as she had always got my back and she will be missed dearly.”
