Former Kashmir University VC Hamidi Kashmiri dies at 86

Srinagar: Former vice chancellor of University of Kashmir, Professor Hamidi Kashmiri passed away late last night, a family source said. He was 86. Kashmiri was a recipient of the Ghalib Award and Sahitya Akademi Award (2005). The Government of India honored him in 2010, with the third highest civilian award of Padma Shri. Governor Satya Pal Malik, Advisor to Governor Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti,senior PDP leader and former Education Minister Nayeem Akhter and others have expressed their shock and grief over the demise of Prof Hamidi Kashmiri
In his condolence message the Governor Satya Pal Malil has prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in its hour of grief.
In his condolence statement, Advisor to Governor Khursheed Ahmad Ganai said late Prof. Kashmiri will always be remembered for his immense contribution in the fields of literature and education. He also extended his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family members in their hour of grief.
In her condolence message, PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti recalled the contribution of Prof. Hamidi Kashmiri towards literature, particularly Urdu criticism which she said earned him a distinctive place even on the national level. In his demise, the Urdu literature has lost a doyen and the State has lost a shining star, she said in her message. The PDP President has conveyed her sympathies to the bereaved family of Prof. Hamidi and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
In his condolence message, senior PDP leader and former Education Minister Nayeem Akhtar said that he was pained by Professor Hamidi Kashmiri’s demise and in his death, Jammu and Kashmir lost a brilliant academician who made a lasting contribution to state’s education.
He added that Prof. Hamidi Kashmiri will be remembered for his immense contribution in the field of Urdu criticism as well as being an institution-builder.
Akhtar has commiserated with the bereaved family of Prof. Hamidi and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.