Sir,

Apropos ‘Tribute to Sr. Annette from a friend’ by Jennifer Bhide (Star of Mysore dated Sept. 1). My father worked under David Syiem, IAS, when he was the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner during 1977-79. I had just finished my Post-Graduation then and had taken up a job in Bengaluru.

I went to meet him at his residence early morning one day as my dad had asked me to handover some papers to him. As I rang the door bell hesitatingly, he opened the door. He wore a smile, was warm and welcoming, making me feel at ease.

After a brief chat, he enquired about me and what I was doing, which reflected the concern he had for the staff who worked under him and their families.

Being told that I work in Bengaluru and that I had to rush to travel, I was stunned for a while when he told me that he was also travelling to Bengaluru after sometime and invited me to travel with him in his official car! I thanked him for his gesture and took a bus to Bengaluru later.

Indeed, he was, as you say, ‘one of the most lovable IAS Officers, most responsive and people-friendly Corporation Commissioners our city had’. Yes, he made headlines ‘when he sat on the pillion of a tax-payer’s scooter who had complained about bad roads and rode around the city for personal inspection’ — an act, perhaps, for the other officers to emulate. Besides being an exemplary Commissioner, Syiem was a great human being. Compassion personified. Beneficiaries, do recall his kind acts and helpful attitude and sing paeans even today.

Sadly, he died young but has left indelible memories amongst those who came across him. May his soul rest in peace!

– Mubasher Mirza, Bannimantap ‘B’ Layout, 2.9.2021

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