Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi, a prominent scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir University, passed away at SKIMS Soura on Sunday.
He died of cardiac arrest, his family sources said.
Prof Qureshi, who was admitted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura after complaining of chest pain at his Saderbal Srinagar residence this morning, suffered cardiac arrest, and doctors declared him dead on arrival in the hospital, family sources said.
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 with a large number of mourners in attendance.
He is survived by wife and three sons, who are professionally established as a doctor, an engineer, and a college professor.
A distinguished academician and senior most professor, Qureshi served as Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University from 2004 to 2008.
He was appointed as VC Central University of Kashmir (CUK) later in 2009 for a period of five years.
Professor Qureshi, a native of Karnah in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, was presently residing in Srinagar.
After completing his early education at Higher Secondary School Kandi Karnah, Prof Wahid pursued higher studies at SP College Srinagar and later earned his master’s and PhD in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University.
He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in Department of Economics at Kashmir University and later served as Vice-Chancellor of the university from 2004 to 2007.
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.
Prof Qureshi’s death has been widely mourned.
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.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
Remembering the late academician, Omar described him as a “remarkable individual” who made outstanding contributions to academia and administration.
“Wahid Sahib was a philosopher, an administrator, and a visionary who revolutionized higher education with his unwavering dedication,” CM said.
He highlighted Professor Qureshi’s efforts to enhance quality research and administrative efficiency across institutions.
Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Masood condoled the sad demise of Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
In her condolence message, she described the late Prof. Qureshi as a distinguished academic leader and visionary, who dedicated his life to advancing education and fostering excellence.
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.
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.