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From humble beginnings to academic excellence

Dr Nazir A Gilkar’s legacy is one of wisdom, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of knowledge
12:18 AM Jan 02, 2025 IST | Dr Manzoor A Shah
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It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we pay tribute to the distinguished educator Prof (Dr) Nazir A Gilkar, who breathed his last on 26th December 2024, Thursday. He was not only an eminent figure in the academic circles of J&K but also across the nation. Dr Gilkar was a luminary whose contributions, particularly in the domains of Accounting and Finance, will continue to illuminate the academic and professional paths of countless individuals.

Born in the mid-1950s in the historic downtown area of Paandaan (Malaratta), Nowhatta Srinagar, Dr Nazir Gilkar began his educational journey at Nowhatta Boys Secondary School, where he completed his matriculation. His early life was rooted in the vibrant culture and rich traditions of Srinagar, which played a significant role in shaping his character and values. Dr Gilkar’s academic brilliance was evident from a young age, and he pursued his Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) at the prestigious Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar. Immediately after graduating, he joined Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) at Zainakoot Srinagar as an accounts assistant, where he showcased his remarkable skills and dedication and rose to the position of Superintendent in a very short period. Prior to that, he had also served as a Clerk at J&K Govt Arts Emporium for a few months.

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Driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Dr Gilkar continued his academic pursuits while balancing professional responsibilities. He earned his Master’s degree in Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Kashmir, further solidifying his expertise in Commerce and Finance. His journey into education began in 1984 when he joined the School Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir, serving as Plus-Two-Lecturer in the remote district of Baderwah of Jammu Province. This experience not only honed his teaching skills but also deepened his understanding of the diverse educational needs of the region. Meanwhile, after successfully clearing the J&K Public Service Commission Interview (1988), Dr Gilkar was appointed as a Lecturer in Commerce in the J&K Higher Education Department.

This marked the beginning of an illustrious career in academia that spanned several years. He served in various Colleges across the Kashmir Valley, where his innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success earned him widespread respect and admiration. His administrative acumen led to his appointment as Deputy Registrar at the University of Kashmir, where he played a pivotal role in streamlining academic processes and fostering a culture of excellence.

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During his service in the Higher Education Department, Dr Gilkar’s passion for knowledge and academic growth led him to complete both an MPhil and a PhD degree thus further enhancing his expertise in the field of Commerce. Remarkably, his zeal for learning did not wane even after retirement. Immediately after attaining superannuation as Principal of SP College Srinagar, Dr Gilkar pursued a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree through the distance mode offered by the University of Kashmir, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to education and self-improvement.

Dr Gilkar was the Second Principal with a Commerce background to lead SP College Srinagar, one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the region. He brought a fresh perspective and transformative vision to the College. Under his leadership, the institution witnessed significant advancements in infrastructure, academic programs and student development initiatives. His ability to inspire and motivate faculty and students alike created an environment conducive to learning and innovation.

Upon retiring from the Higher Education Department, Dr Gilkar joined the Central University of Kashmir as its first Controller of Examinations (Founder CoE). In this role, he was instrumental in establishing and operationalizing the examination system from scratch. His meticulous planning, attention to detail and commitment to upholding academic integrity set high standards for the University. Dr Gilkar’s contributions during this phase of his career were a testament to his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of excellence.

As a prolific writer and scholar, Dr Gilkar authored numerous articles in national and international journals of Commerce, where his insightful research enriched the fields of Accounting and Finance. In addition, he also authored many books on Commerce/Finance, which have served as valuable resources for students, researchers, and professionals alike. His work was not only a source of knowledge but also a beacon of inspiration for researchers and academicians in the JK-UT. Furthermore, as a contributor to Kashmir’s leading English Newspaper, Greater Kashmir, Dr Gilkar shared his wisdom with a broader audience, addressing pertinent issues and guiding society with his thoughtful writings.

Dr Gilkar’s thirst for knowledge extended beyond his scholarly contributions. He was a pioneer in organizing conferences and workshops, creating platforms for the exchange of ideas and the advancement of knowledge. His commitment to fostering academic dialogue was instrumental in bridging gaps between Theory and Practice in commerce education. Through these initiatives, he shaped career paths and inspired countless students and colleagues to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields of knowledge.

Despite his ailing and failing health during the past few years, Dr Gilkar made it a point to stay in touch with his colleagues and friends about the contemporary issues and latest developments in Academia and Administration. He would always provide his suggestions to make things better, as he firmly believed in the saying, “Even the Best could be Improved.” His perseverance and dedication to staying intellectually engaged, despite physical challenges, were a testament to his unwavering commitment to progress and excellence.

Dr Gilkar was deeply admired for his friendly and approachable nature. He shared warm relationships with his colleagues, friends, relatives and neighbors, all of whom mourn his loss deeply. Known for his humility and sincerity, he was a man of impeccable character and honesty. His deeds reflected his unwavering moral principles and a genuine commitment to helping others. Whether it was offering guidance to a colleague, mentoring a student, or supporting a neighbor in need, Dr Gilkar’s actions were always driven by a sense of responsibility and compassion.

He believed in the importance of staying updated with the latest developments in one’s field of specialization. Dr Gilkar consistently encouraged his friends, colleagues, and students to remain current with global trends and advancements. As a dedicated knowledge worker, his belief in continuous learning and professional growth was a cornerstone of his philosophy. He inspired those around him to embrace knowledge, adapt to change and contribute meaningfully to their disciplines in particular and society in general.

Beyond academia, Dr Gilkar’s altruism shone brightly through his association with various social organizations. His tireless efforts and selfless contributions to these causes earned him widespread admiration and respect. His commitment to the betterment of society was a testament to his belief in the transformative power of knowledge, education and service. He worked closely with these organizations to address pressing social issues, promote community welfare and uplift marginalized sections of society. His contributions in this regard were both impactful and enduring.

Dr Gilkar was, above all, a teacher par excellence. He believed in nurturing potential, encouraging his students and colleagues to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. His unwavering faith in the abilities of others and his encouragement to excel has left an indelible mark on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him closely or working with him. His humility, approachability and genuine care for others made him not just a teacher but a mentor and guide to countless individuals.

Dr Gilkar’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. Starting from humble beginnings, he rose to the pinnacles of success through sheer hard work and an unyielding commitment to his ideals. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and passion, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on Commerce Education, Academia, and Society at large. Dr Nazir A Gilkar’s legacy is one of wisdom, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. His life serves as an inspiration to all, and his memory will continue to be a guiding light for generations to come. His absence is deeply felt not only by his students, friends and colleagues but also across every segment of society. We will all miss him invariably till eternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family and loved ones find solace in the knowledge that his contributions and legacy will endure forever….Aameen

Dr Manzoor A Shah and Dr Khurshid A Mahajan are Former Commerce Teachers and Life Members of Indian Commerce Association

 

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