Srinagar: Former Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi died after brief illness at his Delhi residence on Thursday .
Prof. Punjabi, a Padma Shri awardee in the category of literature and education, had served as the VC, Kashmir University from 1 January 2008 to 1 June 2011.
He held a doctorate in law and has authored a number of books and research papers. Prof. Punjabi has also lectured in the universities and research institutions in different parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, Canada and Australia.
Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad, Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir and other officers and functionaries of the varsity condoled the demise.
Recalling the contributions of Prof Punjabi as KU Vice-Chancellor (from 2008 to 2011) as well as his rich academic and literary pursuits, Prof Talat and Dr Mir prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul while expressing their deep sympathies and solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
“Prof Punjabi’s contributions to the growth and development of this university will always be remembered and recalled,” they said.
Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean Colleges, Dean Research, Deans of various Faculties on the campus, Heads of teaching Departments, Officers of the Registry and members from the ministerial staff also condoled the sad demise of Prof Riyaz Punjabi and expressed their solidarity with the bereaved family.