He was a Torchbearer

In the lush, but often turbulent landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, where education has historically been challenged by conflict and remoteness, a few individuals have stood out as guiding lights of progress and learning. Among them, Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi—a renowned educationist, economist, and administrator—shines as a transformative figure who redefined higher education in the region. His life was a testament to the power of knowledge, vision, and dedicated service.

Born in 1946 in Kandi village of Karnah, a remote area in the Kupwara district near the Line of Control, Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected academic voices in Jammu and Kashmir. His life journey is one of perseverance, intellect, and relentless commitment to the upliftment of society through education.

Professor Qureshi was born into a modest family in the border town of Karnah, an area known for its scenic beauty but also its infrastructural challenges due to its geographical isolation. From a young age, he displayed a sharp intellect and a deep interest in books, much of which was nurtured despite the limited educational facilities available in his hometown.

He completed his early schooling from Higher Secondary School, Kandi Karnah, becoming one of the very few from his area to pursue higher education in a structured manner. His passion for learning and his academic excellence caught the attention of teachers and elders in the community, who supported his aspirations despite the odds.

Abdul Wahid Qureshi’s academic journey took him beyond the valley, first to S.P. College in Srinagar, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then went on to study at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)—a historic center of higher learning in South Asia—where he earned both his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Economics.

It was during his time at AMU that Professor Qureshi matured into a scholar of exceptional merit. He specialized in development economics and public finance, focusing on the economic challenges faced by marginal communities—a theme that would later influence his work in Kashmir.

Upon completing his education, Professor Qureshi returned to Kashmir with a singular vision: to uplift his homeland through quality education and academic excellence. In 1972, at the age of just 26, he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Kashmir. This marked the beginning of a distinguished academic career that would span over four decades.

In the classroom, Professor Qureshi was known for his depth of knowledge, articulate delivery, and student-centric approach. He taught courses in Public Finance, Development Economics, and Statistical Methods, earning the admiration of both his students and colleagues. Generations of students from Kashmir remember him not only as an inspiring teacher but also as a mentor who helped shape their intellectual and professional paths.

Professor Qureshi’s leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. In 2004, he was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, the largest and most prestigious institution of higher education in the region. His tenure, which lasted until 2007, was marked by several notable reforms aimed at modernizing the university and expanding its academic reach.

Under his leadership new postgraduate departments and research centers were established. Collaboration with national and international universities was encouraged. Emphasis was placed on the digitisation of libraries and introduction of modern teaching methods. Transparent hiring practices were introduced to ensure merit-based faculty recruitment and his administration sought to restore academic integrity and make the university a hub of both traditional knowledge and contemporary research.

Recognising his ability to build institutions from the ground up, the Ministry of Education selected Professor Qureshi as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in 2009. Tasked with establishing an entirely new university, Professor Qureshi took on the monumental responsibility with characteristic humility and diligence. During his tenure (2009–2012), he laid the foundational framework of the institution, recruiting faculty, designing curricula, and selecting temporary campuses while a permanent infrastructure was under development.

Despite the high offices he held, Professor Qureshi remained deeply grounded in his values. Those who worked with him often spoke of his modesty, kindness, and accessibility. Students would frequently find him offering not only academic advice but also moral support, financial help, and personal guidance. His doors were always open—figuratively and literally—to anyone in need.

He was especially attentive to students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, often going out of his way to mentor them through scholarships, job opportunities, and career counselling. His efforts earned him immense respect across the social and academic spectrum of Kashmir.

In addition to his teaching and administrative responsibilities, Professor Qureshi was also a dedicated researcher. He wrote extensively on public finance, fiscal policy, and regional economic development, with a particular focus on the challenges facing the mountainous and conflict-prone regions of South Asia.

Though he published several academic papers and presented his work at national and international conferences, Professor Qureshi remained uninterested in self-promotion. For him, the true reward was the application of knowledge for social good, not merely accolades or citations.

After retiring from active university life, Professor Qureshi continued to engage in community work and occasionally delivered guest lectures. He also mentored a number of young academics, providing feedback on their research and career plans.

Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi passed away on 16 November 2024, at the age of 80. His death was mourned across the valley, particularly in his hometown of Karnah, where thousands gathered to offer their respects. His funeral was a powerful testament to the impact he had on countless lives—not just as an educator, but as a compassionate human being.

Professor Qureshi’s legacy is multifaceted. As an academic, he inspired generations of students. As an administrator, he shaped the very institutions that define higher education in Kashmir. As a community leader, he helped uplift marginalized populations. And as a human being, he modelled humility, empathy, and service.

In recognition of his service, there have been calls from both academia and civil society for the naming of educational institutions, scholarships, or research chairs in his honour. His contributions, particularly in empowering rural youth and building robust academic institutions in a conflict-ridden region, will continue to inspire for years to come.

In a region where opportunities are often hindered by geography and politics, Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi proved that vision, education, and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His life story is not only a tribute to individual excellence but also a powerful narrative of how one person can change the destiny of an entire community through knowledge and leadership.

As Kashmir moves forward, grappling with its complex realities, the memory of Professor Qureshi serves as a guiding light—a reminder that education remains the most powerful tool for transformation, unity, and peace.

Haider Haseeb is a Research Scholar