Srinagar: The University of Kashmir (KU) held a series of condolence meetings across its campuses and departments/centres to pay homage to Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi, former Vice Chancellor of the varsity, who passed away Sunday.
KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, presided over the meeting at the main campus attended by deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty, officers and ministerial staff.
Prof Khan expressed her profound admiration for Prof Qureshi, recalling experiences they shared during their time in the United States and fondly remembered his simplicity, sense of humour and dedication to higher education.
“Prof Qureshi was an extraordinary figure whose contributions have left a lasting impact on academia,” she said, adding that his vision, care and administrative excellence are qualities all academicians must strive for.
“His passing is a huge loss to the academic community. I extend my prayers for his soul and condolences to his family.”
Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada, described Prof Qureshi “a stalwart, a perfectionist and a patient listener”.
“In a century, only a few personalities like him are born with such a legacy,” he reiterated.
In his telephonic message, Dean, Research, Prof M Sultan Bhat, paid rich tributes to Prof Qureshi’s lasting legacy in education.
“His contributions to the region’s higher education will be remembered for generations to come.”
Dean, College Development Council, Prof Khursheed Ahmad Butt, highlighted the impact of Prof Qureshi’s passing.
“He was an extraordinary administrator whose words and deeds carried deep meaning and purpose. His absence has created a vacuum in the educational landscape.”
Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, shared memories of working with Prof Qureshi in his earlier years, emphasising his integrity and dedication to KU.
“He was a man of towering honesty and commitment to KU, which he held dear to his heart. Upholding his values and ethics will be essential for the university’s progress and development.”
Joint Registrar, Altaf A Bhat, recounted Prof Qureshi’s high moral values and simplicity, quoting him as saying, “The university is more dear to me than my own life.”
Head, Department of Economics, Prof Effat Yasmin shared a personal note on her three-decade-long association with Prof Qureshi, highlighting his humility, compassion and commitment to merit.
“The love, empathy and simplicity he upheld all his life validate the profound impact he has left on all of us,” she said.
Prof Effat also chaired a separate condolence meet at the Department of Economics highlighting Prof Qureshi’s role a founding member whose vision laid the foundation for academic excellence at the department.
Head, Department of Commerce, Prof Mohiuddin Sangmi, remembered Prof Qureshi as “a saintly leader who valued and acknowledged the contributions of others”.
KU Media Advisor, Dr Musavir Ahmad, who conducted the proceedings, recalled Prof Qureshi’s journey from his birthplace in Karnah, Kupwara, to his academic milestones at Aligarh Muslim University and KU, where he began his career at a very young age.
Meanwhile, the university’s Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) also held a condolence meeting chaired by the centre’s Director, Dr Salima Jan. She honoured Prof Qureshi’s role as one of the founding directors of the centre highlighting his warmth, humility and sense of humour.
