KU, NIT condole demise of Dr MJ Zarabi
Srinagar, Aug 10: The University of Kashmir (KU) condoled the demise of Dr. M. J. Zarabi, pioneering electronics engineer in microelectronics and former Chairman and Managing Director of Semiconductor Complex Ltd. (SCL), who was instrumental in establishing India’s modern VLSI fabrication facility.
In her condolence message, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, expressed her condolence with the family and said, “Dr. Zarabi’s contribution to India’s semiconductor ecosystem was extraordinary, and his guidance for setting up such advanced facilities at our University will always be remembered with gratitude."
Prof. Khan also recalled her recent meeting with Dr. Zarabi at the University last month to discuss the establishment of a Semiconductor Design Centre and lab-scale fabrication facility at the University’s North Campus.
She also referred to his meeting, along with Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, and Director North Campus KU, Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, with Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, to seek government support for the project.
The University fraternity extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Meanwhile NIT Srinagar condoled passing of Dr. M.J. Zarabi, former Chairman, Board of Governors. Institute’s Director, Registrar, Deans and HoDs recalled the contribution of the visionary academician
The entire NIT Srinagar family, including Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deans, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons of Centres, faculty members, administrative staff, and research scholars, students collectively expressed their heartfelt condolences honoring the profound legacy of Dr. M.J. Zarabi. They offered prayers for peace to his departed soul and strength for the grieving family.
Dr. Zarabi served as Chairman of the Board of Governors (BOG) from November 24, 2014, to November 23, 2017. During his tenure, he presided over the 88th to 95th BOG meetings, chairing a total of nine sessions according to available records.
In his condolence message, Director Prof. Kanaujia expressed profound sorrow at the loss of such a visionary leader and scientist.
Dr. Zarabi was a towering figure whose pioneering contributions to microelectronics and academic leadership inspired generations.
We stand united with his family during this difficult time and pledge our unwavering support,” he said.
Prof. Kanaujia further said Dr Zarabi's dedicated tenure as Chairman of the Board of Governors significantly strengthened NIT Srinagar’s strategic direction and governance, fostering academic excellence and institutional growth.
“His vision and commitment continue to guide the institute’s progress. We stand united with his family during this difficult time and pledge our unwavering support,” he added.
Institute’s Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman also conveyed his deep sympathy to his family and stated that “Dr. Zarabi’s dedication to education and technology was exemplary.
"His guidance played a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s growth and inspired countless students and faculty members. His legacy will continue to motivate us all toward excellence,” Prof. Rahman said.
Born and educated in Kashmir, Dr. Zarabi completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from Jabalpur, followed by a Master of Engineering and Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. His doctoral work earned him the Alumni Medal for the best thesis of the year.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Zarabi became synonymous with India’s microelectronics industry. From June 1993 to August 2005, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Semiconductor Complex Limited (SCL), the nation’s premier integrated chip manufacturing and R&D organization. Prior to this, he was Head of Research & Development and Executive Director overseeing both R&D and VLSI manufacturing at SCL.
At SCL, he spearheaded the creation of a state-of-the-art VLSI fabrication facility in 1997, a milestone in India’s integrated chip manufacturing capabilities. He also oversaw the establishment of the country’s only Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), dedicated to manufacturing Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs).
Dr. Zarabi further led pioneering efforts in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), with SCL being designated as the MEMS foundry under the Government of India’s National Programme on Smart Materials.
