Today, the TUM community, alongside management, union leaders, and the Maitha family, came together in quiet reflection during a short prayer session and body viewing to honour the life of our dear colleague and friend, Mr. John Thoya Maitha. It was a solemn and deeply moving moment, filled with sorrow, but also with profound gratitude for the time we shared with him.

Mr. Maitha served with dedication as a Teaching Assistant at the Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies, and he previously worked in the Mechanical Engineering department. He also held the role of Deputy Director at the TUM Renewable Energy and Climate Change Research Center (RECCReC), where he provided leadership and crucial support, especially in mentoring young researchers and contributing to two major projects under the EU Horizon programme.

Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Maitha was deeply committed to community empowerment. He was known for his generosity of spirit and unwavering belief in using knowledge as a tool for change. He consistently shared his time, skills, and expertise, not only within academic spaces but directly with the communities around him. Through outreach, mentorship, and practical research, he worked to bridge the gap between the university and the people it serves. For him, education was not just about informing. It was about uplifting, equipping, and transforming lives. His legacy is one of quiet impact, selfless service, and a deep commitment to using education and science for the good of society.

As we prepare to lay him to rest tomorrow, we are reminded of just how fragile life truly is. One moment, someone is present, full of ideas, energy, laughter, and promise. The next, we are left holding memories and the imprint they leave on our lives. It is a humbling reminder that life offers no guarantees. We often move through our days focused on tasks and responsibilities, forgetting how quickly everything can change.

Let us honour Mr. Maitha not only by remembering his accomplishments, but by embracing the values he lived by. Let us be more present, more compassionate, more intentional. Let us check in with one another, offer kindness, and make space for humanity even in the busiest of days.

Rest in peace, Mr. Maitha. Your light continues to shine in the lives you touched and the community you helped build.