A sentient soul
Born and raised in Srinagar, an eminent engineer and versatile administrator, Dr. M. J. Zarabi took over as Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the National Institute of Technology Srinagar in 2015 serving until year 2017. His tenure ushered in what is remembered as a golden era in the institute’s history. Holding a doctorate in Electronics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc), and with more than three decades of experience in the field of microelectronics, Dr. Zarabi was an enthusiastic and committed researcher, naturally gifted at inspiring engineering and science students. For his unwavering dedication to students and society, he was regarded as a role model in both academia and industry across the country.
Upon assuming leadership of this prestigious institution, the NIT fraternity saw in Dr. Zarabi a principled, upright, and employee-friendly administrator. Tender-hearted and deeply humane, he had the rare ability to address complex challenges, such as the 2015 NIT crisis, while also championing innovative ideas for academic excellence and research. During difficult times, he remained present on campus, working alongside the community. Whether it was restructuring administrative systems, reforming academic processes, or resolving long-pending faculty grievances, Dr. Zarabi was always eager and at the forefront.
It was under his stewardship that many longstanding institutional issues found lasting solutions. In addition to his leadership, Dr. Zarabi co-authored a book on Electron Devices that offers a distinctive approach to the subject, as well as a title in the IETE Series, and contributed numerous papers to international journals. He was a Fellow and former Vice President of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (FINAE), a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (FNASc), and a Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, India (FIETE).
An iconic figure in the nation, Dr. Zarabi embodied multiple roles — accomplished engineer, institution builder, and communicator — all rolled into one. He was a soldier of knowledge and a source of inspiration to generations of engineers. It is difficult to write the word “Late” before his name; he was a living legend who will continue to reside in the hearts of colleagues, friends, family, and the wider NIT community.
Recently, he provided valuable guidance to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir on establishing a semiconductor plant. He envisioned J&K playing a prominent role not only in semiconductor product design but also in system-level product development. He encouraged entrepreneurs from J&K to take up this challenge, noting that the Government of India’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme could be a vital support mechanism. He further advocated promoting designs based on India’s own RISC-V processor, such as the Shakti processor developed by IIT Madras. Dr. Zarabi recommended the formation of a high-powered task force, bringing together state officials, industry professionals, academics, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to secure J&K’s meaningful participation in this important field.
Recipient of numerous awards, a friend of humanity, and a man of fierce moral integrity, Dr. Zarabi possessed an unbending courage of conviction. Once persuaded of the righteousness of a cause, he dedicated himself to it fully. He often said that righteousness is the ornament of knowledge. Though soft-spoken by nature, he was a compelling orator whose words were always precise, meaningful, and impactful. A strong advocate for the common man, he remained accessible to all who sought his advice or guidance.
The scientific community of India has been deeply affected by his passing. His pioneering work in the field of semiconductors has left an enduring mark on science and technology. In recognition of his service to science and society, Alumni Office NIT Srinagar has decided to host an annual Dr. Zarabi Memorial Lecture on Alumni Day, celebrating eminent contributions in semiconductors and allied disciplines. The lecture will be open to students from other institutions in and around Srinagar.
Even at the age of 71, Dr. Zarabi remained as active as ever — chairing expert committees, addressing research scholars’ queries, and pursuing academic engagements with undiminished energy. His legacy of righteousness, integrity, dedication, and nobility will keep him ranked among the country’s most eminent scholars. Prof. M. A. Shah assured that his team will strive to fulfil Dr. Zarabi’s vision of alumni connect and bring laurels to his legacy.
In his departure, we have lost not only a pioneering semiconductor expert but also a guiding light whose wisdom, humility, and humanity touched countless lives. His memory will live on in the institutions he strengthened, the ideals he upheld, and the minds he inspired. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we honour his vision with the same dedication, courage, and grace that he embodied throughout his remarkable life.
Prof. M A Shah, Former Head, PG Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Srinagar
