Peerzada Sayeed

Karnah, Nov 17 (KNS): Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi, a prominent scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir University, passed away on Sunday at SKIMS Soura Srinagar.

According to KNS Correspondent Karnah, Professor Qureshi, originally from Karnah area of Kupwara, had a distinguished career in academics and administration. After completing his early education at Higher Secondary School Kandi Karnah, he pursued higher studies at SP College Srinagar and later earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University.

In 1996, at the age of 26, he began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Kashmir University. He later served as Vice-Chancellor of the university from 2004 to 2007, followed by a tenure as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir from 2009 to 2012.

Professor Qureshi was known for his contributions to education and the community. He was a strong advocate for educational opportunities in his home region of Karnah and supported students through guidance and financial assistance.

He is survived by his wife and three sons, who are professionally established as a doctor, an engineer, and a college professor.

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 his ancestral graveyard in Kandi on November 17, 2023, with a large number of mourners in attendance.

Professor Qureshi’s death is being widely mourned in the region, with many recognizing his significant contributions to education and society.

Meanwhile, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) faculty members, administrative staff, research scholars and students, led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, deeply condoled the demise of its founding Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.

Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi was also the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, and an eminent Economist.
In his condolence message, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, the demise of a founding figure is a moment of profound reflection and mourning, especially when that person has contributed significantly towards the establishment and growth of the varsity.

“Prof. Qureshi was a visionary leader who laid the foundation of CUKashmir 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. A Ravinder Nath said, adding that Prof. Qureshi, played a pivotal role in the academic growth of the varsity and guided the faculty members for achieving 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 Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said, 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. Wahid Qureshi, contributed through his expertise, academic and administrative standing for the overall progress and holistic development of the university since its inception,” Prof. Shahid 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, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, said, “Prof. Qureshi’s vision for a forward-thinking, inclusive, and student-centered university continues to guide the institution today.” He said the entire CUKashmir mourns this great loss, and stands united in our commitment to uphold the vision and principles of Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.

The CUKashmir 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 CUKashmir employees said.

The CU Kashmir has organised Condolence meetings at all the Campuses on Monday at 3:30pm.

With profound grief and a heavy heart, the University of Kashmir is mourning the sad demise of former Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Kashmir (KU), Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi.

Prof Qureshi passed away Sunday due to cardiac arrest at a hospital in Srinagar.
A distinguished academic and senior professor, Prof Qureshi served as KU Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2008.
In a heartfelt message, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, expressed her deep sorrow and offered her condolences.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi’s passing is an irreplaceable loss for the academic community. His leadership and visionary contributions have left a lasting impression on the University of Kashmir," she said, adding that 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," Prof Khan said in a statement issued here.

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

“Prof Qureshi’s profound impact on higher education in Jammu and Kashmir, 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.

The university community, including faculty, students, scholars and staff, joined in collective mourning for Prof Qureshi praying for eternal peace to his soul.

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

Scholars reflected on his mentorship and expressed gratitude for his dedication to education and learning.
"In this moment of grief, the University of Kashmir 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 18th November (today) at 11 am in the main campus, added the statement.

 Also, Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Masood has condoled the sad demise of former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University (KU) and Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi. In her condolence message, Sakeena Masood described the late Prof. Qureshi as distinguished academic leader and visionary, who dedicated his life to advancing education and fostering excellence.

She added that during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, he played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of University, bringing  significant improvements in curriculum, infrastructure and faculty development. She underlined that through his acumen and vision for future, Prof. Qureshi started the entrance based exams for admissions in KU, adding that he also has been the pioneer of starting several new courses in the Varsity.

The Minister also remembered the role of Prof. Qureshi in hand holding the students of far-off areas and downtrodden communities and nurturing them to excel in education. She also said that Prof. Qureshi, as  first Vice Chancellor, played a vital role in establishment of Central University of Kashmir.  She added that during the infancy years of the University, Prof. Qureshi played critical role in starting various courses in different programs at the Varsity.

She further highlighted that Prof. Qureshi, because of his integrity and honesty, has served as the Chairman of J&K Bank selection committee for a considerable time.The Minister, while playing glowing tributes to former Vice Chancellor, said that Prof. Qureshi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations and his absence will be deeply felt in the academic community. She also extended her deepest sympathies with bereaved family and prayed for highest place in Jannah for the departed soul.

Minister of Agriculture Production, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University (KU) and Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi.

The Minister described late Wahid Qureshi as a visionary academic leader who not only excelled in his field but also motivated others to strive for excellence.

Paying glowing tributes, the Minister said that Professor Wahid Qureshi was a person of par excellence, who dedicated his life towards taking education to new heights. He said that the deceased played a pivotal role in establishing both University of Kashmir and CUK as great campuses for learning and academic leadership.

Javed Dar extended sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. He acknowledged that Prof. Qureshi’s teachings will continue to inspire students and professionals to improve educational scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that late Prof. Wahid Qureshi was a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for academic world.