Finally the wild-goose chase is over. Among the forty names aspiring for the top slot, the new vice chancellor of Kashmir University is the man who transformed varsity’s Biotech department from one-room entity to one of the finest Biotech facilities of the India.
As Dr Khursheed Iqbal Andrabi assumes varsity’s highest office, he leaves behind the proud legacy, the department, which is ranked amongst the top ten Biotech schools of India.
Dr Andrabi was among the front runners for the post of vice chancellor left vacant after former VC Prof Talat Ahmad joined Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi. Dr Andrabi Thursday held a meeting with chief minister Omar Abdullah at his Gupkar residence and on Friday a formal order of his appointment was issued.
With his appointment, the long pending demand for local head of varsity has been finally met.
This summer the varsity authorities had invited nominations for the post. Professors with an experience of more than 10 years were eligible to submit their nominations. The aspirants including five professors from Kashmir University and six professors from outside the state were called for interaction with the search committee in New Delhi. Out of 11, names of three aspirants were shortlisted by the panel for the post of VC of the varsity.
A doctorate from Chandigarh Medical Institute, Dr Andrabi received a post doctoral training from prestigious Tufts University Medical School Boston, MA, 1991-1992 and one from Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, which he completed during 1992-1995. He spent more than six years in the US and served as faculty staff at Cleveland Clinic Foundation Ohio during 1999-2000 before returning to valley.
At Kashmir University, Andrabi served as head of biotechnology department. He was later appointed as Dean Research.
A thorough gentleman and a hardcore academician, Dr Andrabi was among the merit holders in professional medical entrance examination at state level but didn’t join the course and pursued studies in simple graduation. He finished his Masters being a topper.
Having specialization in molecular signal transduction, he has over 20 research publications to his credit.
Dr Andrabi’s appointment has raised many expectations regarding improvement in the academics as well as administrative affairs of the university.
“I am very passionate about everything I do,” he says. “Passion is an instrument that stretches your potential as far as realising your dreams.” Considering the varsity’s reputation it is expected that Dr Andrabi would channelize the same passion to set the record straight at the campus.
Bilal Handoo
