From Civil Services to Social Services

Mohammad Shafi Pandit, an illustrious son of the soil and an asset to Kashmiri society, passed away on the night of 18th September 2024. At 10 p.m., I saw Dr. Farooq Kallo’s WhatsApp group message regarding the sad demise of our beloved mentor and Chairman of GCC, Shafi Pandit Sahib. The news was so shocking that some of our group members initially refused to believe it, dismissing it as fake until it was sadly confirmed.

Mr. Pandit had completed his M.Sc. in Geology with distinction and served as a lecturer for some time before passing the All-India Civil Services Exam in 1969. He became the first Kashmiri Muslim to qualify for this prestigious exam (IAS) and achieved 5th rank in the 1969 batch. He was allotted the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cadre. Ashok Ogra, his family friend, in his condolence message, recalled that when Mr. Pandit first arrived to join the services, the then Chief Minister, G M Sadiq, personally received him at the New Secretariat gate. He served in various capacities in both the J&K government and the Central Secretariat on deputation. Through his hard work and dedication, he earned a respected name in state and central administration, proving his mettle in every role he took on. He became a source of pride for the Kashmiri society, serving their cause even during his career.

As Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, he launched measures to curb extravagant spending on marriages by introducing guest control practices. He, along with the then DIG of Kashmir, Veeran Aivelli, successfully managed to regulate mutton prices in Srinagar despite a month-long agitation by mutton dealers. Within bureaucratic circles, Mr. Pandit was often regarded as the Chief Secretary that J&K never had, due to his unwavering integrity and principles, qualities which perhaps did not suit the political establishment of the time. He eventually retired as Chairman of the J&K Public Service Commission, where he made significant contributions toward making the commission truly transparent and autonomous.

After his retirement, Mr. Pandit dedicated himself to societal welfare, especially concerned about the challenges facing the youth, such as drug addiction, unemployment, environmental degradation, and other social issues. He was instrumental in founding a civil society group called the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), which has been doing commendable work in addressing drug addiction and working on its prevention. GCC has advocated for new strategies to combat drug abuse, particularly in Kashmir Valley. The group has also championed clean and sustainable tourism, solid waste management and the preservation of water bodies.

One of his greatest concerns was the shrinking and degradation of Kashmir’s water bodies due to pollution and illegal encroachment. To address this, he formed a team led by Khurshid Ganai, former Advisor to the Governor and Vice Chairman of GCC, to visit Wular Lake. The team conducted an on-the-spot assessment and engaged with authorities to suggest remedial measures for restoring the lake’s former glory. In August 2024, he, along with Khurshid Sahib, Naseema Lanker and Mohammad Ashraf Fazli (Retired Chief Engineer), toured downtown Srinagar to assess the city’s ongoing development projects and engaged with officials. Mr. Pandit strived to bring about positive changes in various socio-economic aspects of our society through his work with GCC.

He was also a mentor to aspiring civil service candidates and budding officers. Remarkably, he was the first Kashmiri to serve as President of the International Youth Hostel Association, Indian Chapter, for two consecutive terms. Mr. Pandit carved a niche for himself in all walks of life. A noble soul, working tirelessly for the benefit of society, he was an able administrator, a man of high integrity, and a philanthropist. He was wise, refined, soft-spoken and deeply cultured. Always immaculately dressed, his mere presence brought joy and warmth. Words cannot fully capture his contributions to the development of J&K and the welfare of society. His untimely passing has left a deep void in the activities of GCC, but we hope that Khurshid Ganai Sahib, Vice Chairman of GCC, will rise to the occasion and carry forward his legacy.

His loss is not just a tragedy for his family but for society as a whole. His death has been widely mourned across the Union Territory of J&K, with numerous condolence messages pouring in. Even the Honourable Prime Minister, during his visit to Srinagar on 19th September 2024, acknowledged Mr. Pandit’s contributions in a public meeting, referring to him as a proud son of Kashmir.

We share our heartfelt condolences with Mr. Pandit’s grieving family and pray for his Magfirat. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Aameen

Abdul Rashid Khan (IPS) is Retired IGP