Varmul College Alumni Association (VCAA) held special prayers and condolence meeting in Baramulla
Reyaz Rashid
Kupwara: Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi, a distinguished academician and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir and the Central University of Kashmir, left for his heavenly abode on Sunday. His burial took place at his ancestral home in Kandi Karnah, Kupwara, where thousands gathered for his Nimaz-e-Jinaza, paying tribute to the iconic educator.
Prof. Abdul Wahid illustrious career spanned various prestigious roles at the University of Kashmir. He served as a professor in the Department of Economics, Dean of Academics, Dean of Social Sciences, Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), and Coordinator of the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC). Renowned for his humility, he left an indelible mark on higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.

In addition to his academic contributions, Prof. Abdul Wahid played a pivotal role as the founding Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir, introducing innovative programs and postgraduate courses. His efforts to establish postgraduate programs at Government Degree College, Baramulla, further broadened educational opportunities in the region.
The family has announced that Fatiha Khawani (condolence prayers) will be observed on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Kanitar (Saderbal), Srinagar. Sad demise of Prof. Abdul Wahid due to cardiac arrest has left a void in the academic and social spheres.
The University of Kashmir, mourning his loss, issued a heartfelt statement. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan expressed profound grief, calling his passing “an irreplaceable loss for the academic community. Prof. Abdul Wahid dedication and vision continue to inspire students, colleagues, and scholars alike.
To honor his contributions and pay homage to the departed soul, the Varmul College Alumni Association (VCAA) held a condolence meeting and special prayers on Sunday at Affarwat Hotel, Baramulla. Prof. Qureshi was remembered not only as an educationist but as a kind and humane individual who dedicated his life to advancing education and societal welfare.In a heartfelt message, Prof. Rabia Rasool, , 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 educational landscape of Jammu and Kashmir ,” She said, adding that Prof Wahid’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 Irshad Ahmad Wani, former Director North Campus KU.
“Prof Abdul Wahid’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,” said Prof. Sheikh Nazir , reiterating that the region has lost a mentor and revered academician.
VCAA remembered him as an inspiring figure whose contributions strengthened the foundation of the institution and enriched the lives of countless individuals.
“In this moment of grief, the VCCA Degree College stands in solidarity with Prof Abdul Wahid 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,” said senior broadcast journalist Karamat Qayoom.
While addressing the condolence meeting, Prof Ismail further informed that contribution of Prof Abdul Wahid in furthering the cause of higher education in general and facilitating introduction of PG Programs in Degree Colleges are immense.
He credit Prof Abdul Wahid for playing a pivotal role in facilitating introduction of Bachelors Program in Mass Communication/Multimedia Production and PG program in mathematics at Govt. Degree College Baramulla. “He encouraged our college faculty for professional development to be equipped with current
pedagogy and motivated students for interactive class room sessions. He many a time visited the college and advised faculty and students to work smart in order to prove effective and responsible citizens and dedicate themselves for the uplift of poor and downtrodden sections of the society,” Prof Ismail said.Thus, the college alumni association is highly indebted to Profile Abdul Wahid Qureshi. May Allah grant highest place to the departed soul in echelons of Khuld-i-barreen and forbearance to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
It is in this backdrop that the Varmul College Alumni Association (VCAA) held a condolence meeting on 17th of November, 2024 at 3 p.m. in Hotel Affarwat, opposite Municipal Council Office, Baramulla.
The meeting was attended by Professors Mohammad Ismail (President VCAA), Irshad Ahmad Wani, Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Rahmat Shah, Rabia Rasool, Nuzhat Reman, Abdul Majid Chalkoo, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone and Zahid Ahmad,Engineersr Iftikhar Ahmad Kakroo and Imtiyaz Ahmad Lara, AR Shala Gen. Sec. Awqafi Islami, Bla, Senior Journalists Karamat Qayoom, Altaf Ahmad Baba and Reyaz Rashid besides other alumni working in different segments of the society.