Hala Al-Badr: Suham Al-Azmi is a "cultural officer"
- A “champion” facing various circumstances throughout her professional journey
- Saham Al-Azmi: The honor is a moment of loyalty and a medal on my chest; I will always be proud of it
- Aisha Al-Mahmoud: Al-Azmi is a model of “seriousness, dedication, and discipline”
In an atmosphere imbued with human warmth, loyalty, and appreciation, the Kuwait Philatelic Society celebrated the career of former Director General of the Kuwait National Library, Saham Al-Azmi, known as “Umm Mushari,” marking the conclusion of her professional journey, which spanned more than three decades. The event highlighted the significant contributions she made to the service of Kuwaiti culture.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikhala Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, an honorary member of the society, who expressed her appreciation for Al-Azmi’s career, praising her role in supporting cultural activities, facilitating exhibitions, and publishing books. She emphasized that individuals with achievements are often the most exposed to challenges and criticism.
In her speech, Sheikhala Bader stated, “Our testimony regarding Al-Azmi is wounded,” affirming that she was a “champion” in facing the various circumstances accompanying her professional journey. She noted that the nature of work requires one to face both criticism and praise alike. In a striking analogy, she said, “If the army has soldiers and officers, you are one of them—an officer in culture”—referring to the effort and dedication Al-Azmi invested in the cultural field.
She affirmed that what Al-Azmi contributed during her years of service was “beyond words,” expressing her appreciation for choosing the venue of the event, as it represented Al-Azmi’s home and a place linked to her career.
Sheikhala Bader also touched upon her personal experience with retirement, urging Al-Azmi to view this new phase as the beginning of a different life, free from the pressures and responsibilities of work. She added, “I am a new retiree, and you will find that retirement life is beautiful and better than working life,” encouraging her to forget the pressures that accompanied her working years and not to regret the past. She continued, “Now, satisfy yourself. Tell your heart: Praise be to God, I have worked and served Kuwait, and the rest is up to God.” She affirmed that retirement does not mean the end of human relationships, telling Al-Azmi, “We will certainly stay in touch with you; we won’t let you go.” She also encouraged her to continue any work or activity she loves, adding, “If you have other work, pursue it. Believe me, you will find retirement life sweet, very sweet.”
For her part, Saham Al-Azmi expressed her happiness at being honored, affirming that the occasion represented a moment of loyalty to a career spanning more than thirty years at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
She stated that the Kuwait National Library represents “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 work journey, praising their cooperation and dedication in serving Kuwait. She also expressed her gratitude to the Kuwait Philatelic Society, affirming that being honored by its members and friends was “a medal on her chest” that she would always be proud of.
She specifically thanked Sheikhala Bader for sponsoring and attending the ceremony, praising her continuous support for events hosted by the Kuwait National Library during Al-Azmi’s presidency.
In a speech on behalf of Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Assistant Secretary General for Cultural Affairs Aisha Al-Mahmoud praised Al-Azmi’s career, affirming that she provided a model to emulate in “seriousness, dedication, and discipline.”
She clarified that her years of service were marked by numerous milestones of dedication and tireless effort, during which she contributed her expertise and vision to achieving accomplishments and implementing cultural projects that will stand as a testament to her exemplary performance and sincere commitment.
The event concluded with messages of gratitude for Al-Azmi’s career, reaffirming that service to Kuwait does not end with the conclusion of one’s official duties but continues from other platforms, alongside prayers for Kuwait and its people for security and stability, and for culture to remain a bridge of giving and connection between generations.
