Ex-KU, CUK VC Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi passes away at 80

SRINAGAR — Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir and later Central University of Kashmir passed away today here at SKIMS Soura due to cardiac arrest.

According to the news agency ANB, Professor Qureshi was laid to rest at his native graveyard in Karnah area of Kupwara. Thousands attended his last rites.

Thousands of people gathered here at his Lal Bazar residence in Srinagar to pay their respects before his body was transported to his ancestral home in Karnah.

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

Prof Qureshi 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 PhD 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.

People from different walks of life including ministers, academicians and politicians widely mourned his death.

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

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.

The Central University of Kashmir organised condolence meetings at all the campuses at 3:30 pm.

Meanwhile, the University of Kashmir also mourned the sad demise of its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi.

KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, expressed her deep sorrow and offered her condolences.

“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.

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.

To pay homage to the departed soul, KU scheduled a condolence meeting on November 18 at 11 am on the main campus, added the statement.

Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Masood has condoled the sad demise of the former Vice-Chancellor. In her condolence message, Sakeena Masood described the late Prof. Qureshi as a distinguished academic leader and visionary, who dedicated his life to advancing education and fostering excellence.

Minister of Agriculture Production, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise.

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