Former KU VC Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi passes away

Srinagar, Nov 17: Former Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Kashmir (KU) and the Central University of Kashmir (KU), Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi, 80, passed away at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, on Sunday morning.

He remained the VC KU from 2004 to 2008.

After completing his tenure as the VC KU, Prof Qureshi retired from his service.

In 2009, Prof Wahid Qureshi was appointed as VC CUK for a period of five years.

Prof Qureshi, a native of Karnah in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, had a distinguished career in academics and administration.

After completing his early education at Government Higher Secondary School Kandi Karnah, he pursued higher studies at S P College Srinagar and later earned his Master’s and PhD in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

In 1996, at the age of 26, he began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at KU.

He is survived by his wife and three sons.

Thousands of people gathered at his Lal Bazar residence in Srinagar to pay their respects before his body was transported to his ancestral home in Karnah.

He was laid to rest at the family’s ancestral graveyard in Kandi with a large number of mourners in attendance.

Prof Qureshi’s death was widely mourned across political and academic circles, recognising his significant contributions to education and society.

National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over his demise.

In his condolence message, Farooq Abdullah expressed his deep admiration for Prof Qureshi highlighting him as a true educationist, astute communicator, brilliant orator, and seasoned author.

He said that Prof Qureshi’s contributions to the growth and development of the KU and CUK would always be remembered.

The NC President prayed to the Almighty Allah to elevate his station in Jannat.

In his heartfelt condolence message, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “Prof Qureshi excelled in a multitude of roles, ranging from philosopher to administrator. However, he will always be remembered for his exceptional dedication to the academic field. He fearlessly worked towards revolutionising higher education, emphasising quality research, and enhancing administrative efficiency in every institution he served. Prof Qureshi’s legacy will forever inspire future generations in the pursuit of excellence.”

NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Cabinet Minister Javed Dar, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq, Members of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah and Mian Altaf Ahmad, Provincial President Showkat Mir, North Zone President Sajjad Shafi, and party functionaries also expressed grief over the demise of Prof Qureshi.

The NC rank and file extended sympathies and condolences to MLA Karnah Javed Mirchal, who is the nephew of Prof Qureshi.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed sorrow over the passing of Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi, former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University.

She conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and academic community in this moment of profound loss.

In her message, the PDP President said, “Prof Qureshi’s contribution to the academic landscape of J&K will forever be cherished. He was a beacon of knowledge and a guiding force for generations of students and educators. His legacy of commitment to education and service to the community will continue to inspire”.

The PDP extended its support and prayers to the family and loved ones of Prof Qureshi during this difficult time.

“His loss is not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a collective loss for J&K’s academic fraternity,” it said. “The party stands united in honouring his memory and contribution to society.”

Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari also expressed his grief over the passing of Prof Qureshi.

In his condolence message, Bukhari said, “Prof Qureshi’s passing has left us in grief. He was a renowned scholar who served in the highest positions in his field, including as Vice Chancellor of KU and CUK. In his long professional career, Prof Qureshi rose to great heights through his dedication and hard work. His contribution to the field of education will always be remembered. May Almighty Allah grant his noble soul a place in Jannah. I extend my deepest condolences to his bereaved family.”

Meanwhile, former legislator and Apni Party’s District President Kupwara, Raja Manzoor, also expressed his grief and sorrow over the demise of Prof Qureshi.

In his condolence message, Raja Manzoor said, “Prof Qureshi’s passing has created a void in the field of academics. His contribution to education in J&K and his affection for his community will always be remembered. May Almighty Allah rest his noble soul in Jannah and give his bereaved family the strength to bear the pain of this irreparable loss.”

Chairman Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen also expressed sorrow and grief over the demise of Prof Qureshi.

In his message, Yaseen, while expressing grief over the demise of Prof Qureshi, said that his demise was an irreplaceable loss for the entire community.

“We have lost a noble personality who always inspired and uplifted those around him. His contributions and legacy as a great educationist and researcher will be remembered for years to come,” he said.

Yaseen conveyed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage and strength for the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

KU also mourned the demise of Prof Qureshi.

In her message, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, expressed her sorrow and offered her condolences to the bereaved family.

“Prof Qureshi’s passing is an irreplaceable loss for the academic community. His leadership and visionary contributions have left a lasting impression on KU," she said. “Prof Qureshi’s work will be remembered by generations. His legacy of dedication and compassion will continue to inspire us. May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.”

KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, on behalf of the KU administration, extended his sympathies to the bereaved family.

“Prof Qureshi’s profound impact on higher education in J&K, his commitment to student welfare and his tireless efforts for academic advancement will remain forever in our hearts," he said, reiterating that the region has lost a mentor and revered academician.

A statement of KU issued here said that the KU community, including faculty, students, scholars, and staff joined in collective mourning for Prof Qureshi praying for eternal peace to his soul.

It said that the teachers and students remembered him as an inspiring figure whose contributions strengthened the foundation of the institution and enriched the lives of countless individuals.

The statement said that the scholars reflected on his mentorship and expressed gratitude for his dedication to education and learning.

“In this moment of grief, KU stands in solidarity with Prof Qureshi’s family. May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and bestow patience and forbearance upon his family to bear this irreparable loss,” a spokesperson said in the statement. “To pay homage to the departed soul, KU scheduled a condolence meeting on November 18 at 11 am in the main campus.”

CUK faculty members, administrative staff, research scholars, and students led by Vice Chancellor Prof A Ravinder Nath also condoled the demise of its founding Vice Chancellor, Prof Qureshi.

In his condolence message, Vice Chancellor CUK, Prof Nath said that the demise of a founding figure was a moment of profound reflection and mourning, especially when that person had contributed significantly towards the establishment and growth of the varsity.

“Prof Qureshi was a visionary leader who laid the foundation of CUK and was instrumental in the creation and growth of the institution. His unwavering dedication, passion for education, and commitment to academic excellence were the cornerstones upon which this university was built,” Prof Nath said. “Prof Qureshi played a pivotal role in the academic growth of the varsity and guided the faculty members to achieve academic excellence in their respective fields. Prof. A Ravinder Nath further said, “We will continue to honour his memory through our work, our commitment to education, and our dedication to shaping the future Prof. Qureshi so passionately envisioned.”

In his message, Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof Shahid Rasool said that the passing away of the founding Vice Chancellor marks not only a loss of an individual but a pivotal moment in the history of the institution itself.

“Prof Qureshi contributed through his expertise, academic and administrative standing for the overall progress and holistic development of the university since its inception,” Prof Rasool said. “Prof Qureshi’s leadership extended beyond the classroom, as he endeared himself to all with his humility, wisdom, and generosity. For me, it is a personal loss as I have had the opportunity of working under his affectionate leadership for over two decades and a memorable association of over three decades.”

In his message, Registrar CUK Prof Muhammad Afzal Zargar, said, “Prof Qureshi’s vision for a forward-thinking, inclusive, and student-centered university continues to guide the institution today.”

He said that the entire CUK mourns this great loss, and stands united in our commitment to uphold the vision and principles of Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.

The CUK faculty and staff expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the CUK employees said.

The CUK has organised condolence meetings at all the campuses on Monday at 3:30 pm.

The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), J&K, also condoled the demise of Prof Qureshi.

In a condolence message, the GCC recalled his exceptional contribution in the establishment of CUK as also his unforgettable services in enriching the development process in core verticals of KU as its Vice Chancellor.

The GCC said that Prof Qureshi combined had great personal virtues and professional acumen and his departure will long be felt in the educational space of J&K.

The GCC also recalled the active engagement of Prof Qureshi with issues of public importance as a GCC member.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved, the GCC prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Altafa Baba reports from Baramulla

The Varmul College Alumni Association (VCAA) Baramulla Degree College held a condolence meeting over the demise of Prof Qureshi.

The condolence meeting was attended by the former Dean of KU North Campus Prof Irshad Wani, former Principal of Government Degree College Baramulla Prof Sheikh Nazir, former Principal of Government Degree College Baramulla Prof Muhammad Ismail besides the eminent personalities of Baramulla town.

On this occasion, the participants paid rich tributes to the departed soul.

Recalling the services of Prof Qureshi, the participants said that Prof Qureshi had risen from a remote village of Karnah to the position of Vice-Chancellor.

Describing him as the most honest, humble man equipped with organisational skills, the participants said that Prof Qureshi was always open to suggestions which could empower the varsity.

“His contributions in furthering the cause of higher education in general and facilitating the introduction of PG courses in Government College Baramulla are immense and will always be remembered,” Prof Ismail said.