The sudden passing of Professor Qureshi, former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University and Central University, leaves a profound void in Kashmir’s academic and intellectual circles. His legacy of humility, dedication, and service continues to inspire.
In mid-August 2024, on the occasion of the marriage of the daughter of Professor Mohammad Afzal Zargar, Registrar of Central University, held at his residence in Sadrabal, Srinagar, Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi, the late Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, was also present. He joined the invited guests in the tent, greeted everyone, and inquired about their well-being. Everything appeared normal, and he seemed to be in good health. However, on November 17, 2024, the news broke through the media that Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi had passed away suddenly due to a heart attack. According to the eternal rule that “every soul shall taste death” (Quran), he departed from this world. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un (To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return).
Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi hailed from the border area of Kundi, Karnah. He completed his early education at a time when there was a severe lack of educational facilities in the region. In 1969, he passed his matriculation exam from the High School Kundi, Karnah, with distinction. Afterward, he moved to Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir, for further studies. He graduated from S.P. College, Srinagar, and then pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University. For a brief period, he worked as a lecturer at the Regional Engineering College, Srinagar. In 1979, he joined Kashmir University and was appointed as a Lecturer in the Department of Economics in 1981. Later, he served in several important administrative positions including Head of the Department of Economics, Dean, Chief Coordinator of the PG Program, Controller of Examinations, and Dean Academics.
As an experienced and insightful educator, Professor Qureshi was one of the senior-most faculty members at Kashmir University. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University from 2002 to 2007. After his retirement, in 2012, he was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir, where he served until 2017.
During his tenure, Professor Qureshi, alongside his colleagues, particularly the renowned educationist, distinguished lawyer, and administrator Prof Mehraj Uddin Mir, made remarkable contributions to the growth and advancement of Central University. They helped transform the university into a prestigious institution, making it exemplary in every respect.
The academic and literary circles are deeply mourning Professor Qureshi’s passing and are feeling his loss profoundly. He was known for his amiable, courteous, humorous, and honest personality. I often met him at his residence in Sadrabal, even after his retirement, where he would always offer his full cooperation regarding university-related matters, especially in student admissions and other concerns. His warm demeanor and generosity were well-known, and he treated everyone with kindness, always ready to assist and act on any request.
In 1990, after the sudden martyrdom of the beloved leader of Kashmir, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Moulana Mohammad Farooq, the people of Kashmir were deeply saddened. The grief and mourning were observed widely, and Doordarshan Srinagar was also actively involved in broadcasting tribute programmes. On May 12 every year, a special programme was aired to honour the martyr. During this time, I conducted a series of live interviews with notable personalities, sharing their views on the personality and contributions of the Shaheed-e-Millat. Among those who participated was the late Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi, who paid a heartfelt tribute to Shaheed-e-Millat, highlighting his invaluable religious, national, educational and political services.
One of the most prominent qualities of Professor Qureshi, in my opinion, was his focused commitment to his responsibilities. There is no doubt that Professor Qureshi reached the highest academic position at Kashmir University based on his merit, but even after assuming the prestigious office of Vice Chancellor, he remained simple and humble, maintaining an exemplary attitude with everyone. His interactions were always warm, friendly, and brotherly regardless of his high office.
On several occasions, he discussed religious and jurisprudential issues with me and expressed satisfaction with the scholarly responses I provided to his queries.
May Allah grant him eternal peace and place him in the highest ranks of Jannah. I also pray for patience and strength for his children, family, and the thousands of students and associates who were affected by his loss. Aameen.
The Truth is This:
Aadmi Nasha-e-Ghalflat Me Bhulaa Detaa Hai
Warna Jo Saans Hai Paighaam-e-Fanaa Detaa Hai
Man often forgets in the intoxication of heedlessness,
Otherwise, every breath is a message of inevitable death
The writer is the Editor at the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, an educational institution founded by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Rasool Shah in 1899
By M.S. Rehman Shams