Farewell to a Lifelong Learner

My first encounter with Professor Nazir Ahmad Gilkar remains etched in my memory as a defining moment in my academic journey. It was at the University of Kashmir in 2004, where he visited our Department of Education to present a complimentary copy of his book, “Commerce Education in Kashmir – A Study”, published by Book Vision Kashmir, to my supervisor, late Professor N.A. Nadeem. During the same visit, Professor Gilkar also submitted a research paper on academic auditing for the departmental journal, INSIGHT. When my supervisor entrusted me with the task of reviewing this research paper for typographical errors, I was impressed by its originality and creativity. As a young scholar eager to grow, I would diligently preserve clippings of his articles published in Greater Kashmir; a leading daily of the valley. These pieces, marked by clarity and depth proved instrumental in shaping my career trajectory.

Professor Gilkar’s ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible manner made him a beacon of scholarship. Known for his significant contributions as the Controller of Examinations at the Central University of Kashmir, Dr. Gilkar revolutionized the examination system, ensuring transparency, credibility, and timely declaration of results, even in challenging circumstances like the 2014 floods.

He conducted end semester examination workshops at the Central University to provide platform to the faculty to deliberate the issues confronting the conduct of examinations. I remember in one of the workshop on Examination Reforms at Government College of Education he had suggested then Controller of Examinations at University of Kashmir to establish Research and Statistical Wing at the University and subject the examination result untreated data of students to analysis and interpretation for deriving meaningful research backed insights for examination reforms. He also presented a data backed paper on undergraduate examination operations and its impact on academic productivity of students in this workshop which was judged best by the experts.

He worked as an incharge finance officer at Central University for more than two years. Dr. Gilkar initiated several important measures to restructure the Finance Section of the University and ensured that the section strictly functions and processes the documents according to the norms and rules laid down by the Government of India. Dr Gilkar had authored a very important book “Profitability Analysis: An Exploratory Study”. One of the leading entrepreneurs of the valley commented that the insights from this book proved indispensable for decision-making in his business enterprise.

Post retirement Prof Nazir Ahmad Gilkar was enrolled for our BEd programme in distance education. He was a role model for distance learners. He never asked for any type of concessions like relaxation in attending contact classes while being enrolled for BEd programme in Distance Education. He keenly attended the contact classes, maintained a reflective diary and read source texts in Education in addition to the study material. He was a strict disciplinarian and a man of ideas. He treated himself as an inquisitive learner. I shall quote one example of his humble nature.

I peeped through the window frame of my chamber in Distance Education and there was a long queue of students for receiving a study material. I saw Professor Gilkar in the queue waiting for his turn to receive the material, it was raining and he was holding an umbrella. I quickly moved from my chamber and requested him that I will collect it on his behalf. He declined the favor and waited for his turn; here I realized Education is taught through behavior of a good teacher. What set Professor Gilkar apart was his unwavering quest for learning.

One instance stands out that reflects Professor Gilkar’s deep sense of justice and concern for students. He was the Program Director of contact classes of BEd Distance Education that were being conducted at S.P College Srinagar. One of the resource persons had displayed non-seriousness in handling sessional awards of teaching of bioscience. Instead of the correct 17 marks, her sessional marks were erroneously recorded as 7 out of 20, leading to her failing the sessional component despite scoring 61 out of 80 in the theory.

The student, whose father was a poor laborer, approached Professor Gilkar, who was then Principal at SP College and Program Director of BEd contact classes. Upon learning of the issue, Professor Gilkar immediately summoned the resource person responsible and rectified the oversight. He personally met the Controller of Examinations and ensured that the student’s result was corrected in the subsequent notification, saving her academic year.

He attended seminars and workshops with the enthusiasm of an inquisitive learner, always eager to absorb new knowledge. I often saw him diligently jotting down notes during sessions, never missing a single moment of insight. Punctuality was his hallmark—if a seminar was scheduled to start at 10:00 AM, he was already there, fully prepared. His research presentations were exemplary, thought-provoking, and rich with implications.

I remember an inspiring instance when Professor Neelofar Khan, the former Director of Distance Education, assigned me to conduct contact classes for nearly 1,200 students at SP College. Professor Gilkar, serving as the Principal at that time, exemplified humility and dedication. Despite his administrative position, he exhibited not an iota of arrogance. He personally ensured arrangements for accommodation and addressed the students during the induction-cum-orientation program. Addressing the group of BEd students in the SP College Auditorium on 9^th June 2012, Prof. Gilkar shared a memory from his school days. He spoke of his beloved teacher, Pandit Kashi Nath Mattoo, who was greatly respected in the community.

In their school neighborhood lived a visually impaired elderly man who was living alone. Pandit Kashi Nath assigned his students the important duty of caring for him. During the harsh winter months, Prof. Gilkar’s mother would prepare a firepot, which he would then deliver to the old man’s house to keep him warm. Through this experience, Pandit Kashi Nath instilled in his students the values of compassion and empathy. He stressed the pupil teachers to reap empathy and concern for their community. Prof Gilkar refrained from submitting his honorarium bill, even though he served as the Program Director for the contact classes.

Professor Gilkar’s commitment went beyond administrative duties. He arranged heating facilities for the students, even before the required payments were made by the Distance Education department. He personally inspected the classes, interacted with students to address their grievances, and demonstrated empathy and care in every possible way. When the washroom facilities were non-functional, he generously allowed students to use his personal washroom, a gesture that spoke volumes about his compassion and sense of responsibility. He would religiously read my articles in Greater Kashmir and contact me telephonically with a constructive feedback. This tribute is a humble acknowledgment of his remarkable contributions and the invaluable influence he has had on my life and many others.

Dr. Showkat Rashid Wani, Senior Coordinator, Distance Education, University of Kashmir