Istanbul, Turkey: Normally, I do not issue press releases about meetings with dignitaries, ambassadors, or diplomats, only when I attend conferences and seminars and had to deliver a lecture. However, this meeting was exceptional—one that taught me a profound lesson, one that inspired me, and one that reminded me how humanity can shine in the smallest of moments. 

I along with Dr. Mubeen Shah, Chairman, Kashmir Diaspora Coalition had been invited by Mr. Mustafa Kaya, member of Grand Assembly of Turkey for dinner at a prestigious restaurant in Istanbul. He advised me to take the metro, assuring me the restaurant was within walking distance of the station. I followed his guidance. When I boarded the metro, a young college student kindly stood up and offered me her seat. I thanked her. Since I was unfamiliar with the area, about ten minutes into the ride I asked her if she knew the location of the restaurant. She informed me that I had already passed the stop and needed to go back three stations. 

I stepped off the train to wait for the metro going back. While standing there, I met another young college student and asked if he knew the restaurant. He said he would be getting off at the same stop and would guide me once we arrived. 

When we reached the station, he asked me again for the name of the restaurant and offered to walk with me since it was only a few minutes away. Curiously, he asked who had invited me. When I told him that I was invited by a politician and he was surprised. He explained that not everyone could enter that restaurant; one needed a special connection. It was heavily secured around the clock. When I mentioned that I lived in America and showed him the name – Mr. Mustafa Kaya - he googles his name and became even more intrigued. With a shy smile he said that he is just like your Member of Congress. Then he asked, “When I see him, may I say salaam to him?” I replied, “Of course.” 

Within a few minutes we reached the main entrance—an iron gate guarded by armed security. The officer asked why we were there. We explained that we were invited by a politician and gave him the name. He made several calls to confirm. Just then, Mustafa Kaya arrived, and the gate opened. I told him that the university student had kindly guided me and simply wanted to offer his salaam. They shook hands, the student greeted him respectfully, and then he quietly left. 

After parking, Mr. Mustafa Kaya asked his driver, “Where is the student who accompanied Dr. Fai?” The driver said he had left. The Mr. Kaya instructed him, “Go and bring him back.” It took the driver almost ten minutes to find the young man and bring him to the restaurant. Mr. Kaya gently asked him why he had walked away without saying anything. Like many college students, he was modest and unassuming, never expecting attention from a dignitary. 

Mr. Kaya insisted that he join us for dinner before leaving. The young man sat beside me and whispered, “My friend, I cannot believe I am eating here. This place is only for the wealthy and the elite. I will never forget this night. And he is not even from my constituency.” His joy was genuine, heartfelt, and unforgettable. 

Now, let us reflect on what happened. The student shook hands with Mr. Kaya and quietly walked away, thinking his role was over. Five minutes later, the Mr. Kaya realized he had left. He could easily have ignored it—after all, he did not know the boy, and the boy did not expect anything in return. Yet he chose to bring him back, welcome him, and honor him. 

This is humanity. This is character. This is what is missing in many societies today. The incident deeply moved me. The respect I already had for Mr. Mustafa Kaya multiplied many times over. 

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught, “The leader of a people is their servant.” Sadly, even many Muslim leaders today do not embody this prophetic quality. But my dear friend, Mr. Kaya, you demonstrated it that evening with grace and humility. 

You have earned my sincere gratitude. 

(Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai is also the Secretary General. World Kashmir Awareness Forum, WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435. Or. gnfai2003@yahoo.com www.kashmirawareness.org