Philatelic Society Honors Director General of the National Library

Osama Diab: The Kuwait Philatelic Society celebrated the career of Saam Al-Azmi, former Director General of the Kuwait National Library, marking the conclusion of her professional journey, which spanned more than three decades, amid praise for her contributions to Kuwaiti culture. The honoring ceremony was attended by Sheikhala Al-Badr, an honorary member of the society, who expressed her appreciation for Al-Azmi’s career, highlighting her role in supporting cultural activities, facilitating exhibitions, and publishing books, while emphasizing that achievers are often the most exposed to challenges and criticism.

“You are an officer of culture,” Sheikhala Al-Badr stated, adding that “our testimony regarding Al-Azmi is marred,” affirming that she was a “heroine” in facing the various circumstances accompanying her professional path, noting that the nature of work requires one to face both criticism and praise equally. She stressed that what Al-Azmi contributed during her years of service “is greater than words,” expressing her appreciation for the choice of venue, as it represented Al-Azmi’s home and a place linked to her career.

Sheikhala Al-Badr also shared her personal experience with retirement, urging Al-Azmi to view this new phase as the beginning of a different life, free from work pressures and responsibilities. She affirmed that retirement does not mean the end of human relationships, and encouraged her to continue any work or activity she enjoys.

For her part, Saam Al-Azmi expressed her happiness at being honored, noting that the occasion represents a moment of gratitude for a career spanning more than thirty years at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters. She described the Kuwait National Library as “the nation’s memory, its people’s identity, and the custodian of its history,” expressing her pride in being part of a cultural project built and strengthened by state and societal institutions.

Al-Azmi thanked her colleagues who shared her professional journey, praising their cooperation and dedication in serving Kuwait, and expressed her gratitude to the Kuwait Philatelic Society, affirming that being honored by its members and friends is “a badge on her chest” that she will always be proud of. She specifically thanked Sheikhala Al-Badr for her patronage and attendance at the ceremony, commending her continuous support for events hosted by the Kuwait National Library during Al-Azmi’s tenure as director.

In a speech on behalf of Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Aisha Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary General for Cultural Affairs, praised Al-Azmi’s career, affirming that she provided a model of “seriousness, loyalty, and discipline.” She noted that her years of service witnessed numerous milestones of contribution and diligent work, during which she contributed her expertise and vision to achieve accomplishments and implement cultural projects that will stand as testaments to her excellent performance and sincere commitment.