Eighteen Years Later - Cassam Uteem: "Oomar's Example Continues to Inspire"

Eighteen years have passed since Dr. Oomar Uteem left us. The eldest son of former President of Mauritius, Cassam Uteem, and brother to Reza Uteem, Oomar left behind enduring memories. Through his children, Shadia and Rayhan, as well as in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, his legacy continues to inspire. His father shares his thoughts about this exceptional son, his generosity, simplicity, and commitment to others.

"Oomar was an extraordinary child," recounts Cassam Uteem, his voice trembling but filled with pride. "From a young age, he had a smile that lit up the room, a contagious laugh, and an endless curiosity for everything around him," he confides.

Born into a family where commitment and service to others were fundamental values, Oomar Uteem grew up with a deep sense of duty and responsibility. In primary school, he stood out for his kindness and ability to help his classmates. Cassam Uteem reminisces: "Even as a child, he had a keen sense of justice and empathy. He knew how to share and support those in need."

As a teenager, Oomar became a thoughtful and responsible young man. His years at Labourdonnais High School shaped his character: a balance between seriousness in studies and a zest for life. "He knew how to have fun, but never at the expense of others. He was always attentive to his friends and family. He had this rare gift of making each person feel important," his father recalls.

After high school, Oomar chose medicine, following his natural vocation to help others. He went to France and joined the University of Bordeaux, specializing in cardiology. "He admired doctors who combined skill with humanity," says Cassam Uteem. "He wanted to be a well-rounded physician, capable of saving lives, but also of touching the hearts of his patients," he shares.

During his studies, and even afterward, Oomar did not limit himself to his work. His patients, colleagues, and even those he met occasionally remembered his generosity. "He offered free consultations to those who couldn’t afford it," explains Cassam Uteem. "His humanity knew no bounds," he adds.

Even in his medical practice, Oomar looked beyond: "He often said that healing a heart was also about understanding the soul of the person," his father recalls. This blend of intelligence, competence, and kindness left a mark on all who knew him.

Beyond his career, Oomar was an exemplary son and brother. Very close to his mother, Zohra, he saw her as a constant support and moral compass. "His mother was his confidante, his guide. He loved her deeply and knew how important her presence was in his life," Cassam Uteem recounts.

Oomar himself was a father of two children: Shadia, 28, a doctoral student in philosophy at the Sorbonne, and Rayhan, 26, currently in Mauritius for his master's in finance. "Through them, Oomar is always with us," says Cassam Uteem. "His values, generosity, and simplicity continue to live on through his children," he emphasizes.

Oomar's relationship with his family illustrates his ability to balance professional and personal life. "He knew how to be there for us, for his family, even amidst his obligations," his father recalls.

Oomar also had a political streak. Inspired by his father's example and by the dedicated figures around him, he actively engaged in public life, with a desire to serve his country. "He firmly believed that you could change things, even on a small scale," explains Cassam Uteem.

But this frenetic pace, balancing medicine and political engagement, would ultimately be fatal. In 2007, after a football match with friends, Oomar suddenly succumbed to a health issue on the way home. The news of his shocking passing plunged the country into mourning. "It was an immense shock. Losing a child is the hardest trial a parent can endure," confides Cassam Uteem. "Life goes on, yes, but with a vast emptiness," he adds.

Even after eighteen years, Oomar's memory remains vivid. "Every time I meet his patients, those he treated or helped, I feel the impact he left. People remember him with affection, gratitude, and love," asserts Cassam Uteem. His son not only marked his family but an entire community.

Stories abound. Patients recount how Oomar restored their hope when all seemed lost. "He had that rare gift of reassuring, bringing comfort and hope," recalls a former patient. "He didn’t just heal the body; he healed the heart," he specifies.

For Cassam Uteem, these testimonials are precious stones in the edifice of memories: "Oomar was a light. Even gone, he still illuminates the path for many."

Shadia and Rayhan carry their father's legacy within them. "They are living proof that Oomar's love and values continue," says Cassam Uteem. Shadia, a doctoral student at the Sorbonne, embodies her father’s curious and thoughtful spirit. Rayhan, engaged in finance, demonstrates his determination and seriousness. "I see pieces of Oomar in them," the father expresses.

For Cassam Uteem, continuing to speak of his son, sharing memories, and imparting his values is a way to keep him alive: "Oomar is always with us, in every smile, in every act of kindness."

"The loss of a child is a pain that no one can truly understand," Cassam Uteem confides. "But we must accept that everything is in the hands of the Creator. We pray for him to rest in a good place, and we continue to honor his memory through our actions and choices," he adds.

This philosophy, forged by faith and experience, is what enables Cassam Uteem to continue his social and humanitarian commitment. "Oomar taught me, even in pain, to look at life with hope and determination," he says.

And for all who knew him, Oomar Uteem remains an example: a man who harmonized professional excellence, generosity, simplicity, and a love for life.

Eighteen years after his passing, Dr. Oomar Uteem continues to touch those who knew him. His life, though too short, is a source of inspiration for his family, patients, colleagues, and friends. "His time on this earth was brief, but he left an indelible mark," concludes Cassam Uteem.

Through his children, his memories, and the stories shared by those he touched, Oomar remains present, living in the hearts and minds of many. "He was a wonderful son, an exceptional doctor, and a man with a huge heart," his father sums up with emotion.