bout de papier, Vol. 29, No. 1 (2015), p. 31
Chinese environment, thanks in part to the years she spent in Hong Kong as a child. Her passing is felt particularly keenly within the Department’s circle of China hands, current and retired.
At the celebration of Sumeeta’s life on November 27, her director Rachael Bedlington reflected on Sumeeta’s contribution to Canadian diplomacy. “When I think of Sumeeta, I think of her professional accomplishments which were many, and her dedication, which was unflagging. Though work was sometimes very challenging, she excelled in conquering the policy details and quickly mastering aspects that were nuanced and sensitive. I believe she saw value in what she was doing. And we certainly valued her efforts, hugely. She was recognized professionally more than once, most recently in 2014 through an award for her outstanding performance in leading headquarters efforts to ensure the successful adoption at the Human Rights Council in Geneva of the flagship Canadian-led resolution on the elimination of Violence Against Women. This was a really key accomplishment for Canada, and most importantly, for the women whose lives the resolution aims to empower. She made a difference through what she was doing.”
Rachael also spoke of Sumeeta’s mischievous sense of humour. “Sumeeta took a particular pleasure in sometimes saying deliberately outrageous things, to provoke humour and lighten the mood. In our division working to promote better respect for human rights worldwide, I remember one particular occasion when a conversation about eradicating child labour led her to muse about the negative impact this could have on production of wonderful luxury products, such as Persian carpets — leading to howls of outrage and protest, and Perhaps because of her own experience, Sumeeta was particularly adept at reaching out to civil society and disadvantaged communities seeking to protect their rights. For example, in her interactions with Chinese civil society, such as migrant workers or environmental activists, those with whom Sumeeta engaged felt very strongly the momentum and energy that she brought to their work. It is a gift to be able to help others overcome their struggles, to give them hope and traction for achieving their goals, especially in other cultures. Sumeeta had that gift and used it very well, to the benefit of advancing Canada’s interests abroad.
Sumeeta was tireless, adventurous, witty and a great deal of fun. It was a privilege to have known her. To this day, she remains a reminder that life is what you make of it.
Julia Bentley first met Sumeeta when they moved to Beijing in 1996, as a diplomat and student respectively. They remained friends when they both moved back to Ottawa and Sumeeta later joined the department. Over the last five years, Julia visited Sumeeta in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Ottawa, and enjoyed a memorable weekend in Hong Kong together.
A number of Sumeeta’s friends and family members gathered at Brantwood Park in Ottawa on July 3, 2015 to view the oak tree planted in her memory and the park bench dedicated to her. It was a sunny summer day and the view of the river from the bench offers an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise busy part of town.
Experienced, professional
and dependable, we provide highly personalized residential property management services tailored to each client’s needs. ww.In TrustPropertyManagement.ca 613.853.8002
ad 6 tliat
Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 29, No. 1 (2015), p. 31. Read the rest of this issue →
