Sometimes it takes just five convincing ideas to grab the coveted post. This is how Prof Mushtaq Sidique became the third Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora.
Sidiqui was the last applicant facing the ‘imposing’ chief minister sitting on interviewer’s chair. Apparently to avoid influence, the lady CM even sent her close aide out of the room. She asked Sidiqui five ways to uplift IUST. By the time professor finished speaking, the CM Mehbooba Mufti blurted: “When are you joining?”
It was the coming of age for Sidiqui who till Thursday was heading an NGO, TUAM Child Tripple Trust. The NGO is known to work for the education and health sector of downtrodden section of the society.
Sidiqui, whose priority is to seek fund regulation, was appointed as VC IUST for three years. His name was recommended by a panel comprising Prof Amitabh Mattoo (Advisor to CM), Dr V S Chauhan (Former Director ICGEB, Member UGC), Prof Jalees Ahmad Khan Tareen (Former VC University of Kashmir) and Dr G N Qazi (VC Jamia Hamdard).
With over 100 international and 20 national publications to his credit, Prof Sidiqui was born on June 15, 1955. In 1979, he became the youngest PhD awardee at that time when he did his PhD from Jammu University.
In 1983, he did his Post Doctorate from School of Medicine, Chiba University, Tokyo, Japan. Previously Dr Siddiqi remained as VC Designate and Project Director Transworld Muslim University project from 2012 to 2014.
He also discharged his duties as Professor Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) from 1998 to 2012, as Centre Coordinator Advanced Center for Genetic Diseases from 2004 to 2012, Chairman and Head Department of Immunology & Molecular Medicine at SKIMS Srinagar from 2003 to 2012, HoD Central Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Biochemistry at SKIMS Srinagar from 1990 to 2003.
He has been visiting Scientist/Professor at Universities of Japan and Germany, besides been selected for Post-Doctorate Fellowship at Ministry of Science, Art & Culture, Government of Japan, Tokyo from 1981 to 1983.
But Dr Sidiqui has apparently worn an uneasy crown. He has been deputed to head the ‘controversial campus’ mired in politics. With family ties and lineage reportedly deciding the campus human resource, it will be interesting to see how Prof Sidiqui will manage the mess.
– Riyaz Ul Khaliq
