by Dr Suheel Rasool Mir
Dr Mantoo was a gentleman of rare humility, a scholar whose dedication to teaching remained unwavering despite his health struggles. His presence in the classroom was marked by an unshakable commitment to his students, engaging them with insight and sincerity.
On 24 March 2025, a message in our college WhatsApp group delivered a jolt of grief: “With profound sorrow, we inform you of the sad demise of our colleague, Dr Irshad Ahmad (AA History). This news is a shock to us all. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. In this hour of grief, the entire college stands with the mourning family.”
Dr Irshad Mantoo, the charismatic young Assistant Professor (Contractual) at GDC Hajin, lost his battle with blood cancer at the age of thirty-nine. He passed away at home, surrounded by his father and sister. Born in the remote village of Buchroo in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, he hailed from a humble, unresourceful family. Known by his last name, we affectionately called him Mantoo Sahib. A scholar of deep insight and a devoted teacher, he remained steadfast in his commitment to uplifting students, always true to his profession.
Academically, Dr Mantoo was a genius, possessing an in-depth understanding of modern history, with a particular focus on Kashmir’s social history. After completing his master’s degree at Kashmir University, he pursued his MPhil and PhD at Ujjain University, dedicating six to seven years to his research. Beyond his doctorate, he also qualified for India’s prestigious national-level NET examination.
A keen observer of Kashmiri society, Dr Mantoo was professionally accomplished and academically honest. He fought his illness for years with silent endurance. Though he is no more, his lessons on life and struggle remain with us—guiding us like a ray of hope piercing through the darkness.
History is replete with accounts of distinguished individuals who have endured immense hardships. Dr Mantoo’s life was no exception. An intelligent academic, a beloved teacher, a trusted colleague, and above all, a compassionate human being, he will be remembered for his unyielding passion for teaching. Despite his illness, he delivered four to five lectures daily, never allowing his students to sense the weight of his struggles.
I knew Mantoo Sahib for over six months, and in that brief time, he left an indelible impression. He never spoke of his suffering, never sought sympathy. Instead, he navigated life independently, managing everything on his own in his rented room. This quiet resilience made him a truly remarkable figure—Khudaar, as we say in Kashmiri. His expressions were often stern, yet his heart was kind. His dedication to academia and his active engagement in teaching will be remembered for generations.
To me, Dr Mantoo was an inspiration. Despite his deteriorating health, he displayed immense resilience, discipline, and intellectual vigour. Always prompt in his responsibilities, he was a beacon of exemplary conduct, deeply committed to his students. What makes his story all the more inspiring is how he refused to let his diagnosis define him. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with blood cancer, but it did not deter him. He continued working with the same vigour, immersing himself in books. A voracious reader, he was not only well-read but also profoundly knowledgeable, earning admiration both inside and outside the classroom.
Dr Mantoo was not just a teacher; he was a mentor of rare intellect, guiding us with patience and wisdom. He was a torchbearer, and his kindness was etched upon his face. Through his actions, he taught us the virtues of resilience, struggle, and passion. His devotion to his profession and his love for teaching will continue to inspire us. He was a walking library, a wellspring of wisdom, knowledge, and integrity. Every moment of his life, whether in words or silence, carried a lesson.
As a colleague, he left behind a legacy of love and care. His presence among us was a gift, and though he is no longer here, his influence remains—a guiding force that will forever illuminate our paths.
Dr Mantoo was a gentleman of rare humility, a scholar whose dedication to teaching remained unwavering despite his health struggles. His presence in the classroom was marked by an unshakable commitment to his students, engaging them with insight and sincerity. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those he taught and worked alongside—a teacher of integrity, a mentor of profound wisdom, and a colleague of exceptional kindness. Until his final days, he remained devoted to his profession, giving his best to those who looked up to him.
The fraternity of higher education has lost a stalwart. Among contractual lecturers, he was a beacon of professionalism and academic excellence. His departure leaves a void not only in the academic community but also in the lives of his bereaved father, sister, and the many colleagues and friends who shared his journey.
Dr Mantoo, I know the struggles you endured after completing your PhD. The system labelled contractual lecturers as “academic need-based arrangements,” yet you embodied the true spirit of a professor—one with immense academic credibility and professionalism. You must be smiling now, for I have written “Assistant Professor” before your name, free of the discriminatory terms that diminished your stature. Your aspirations have been fulfilled. Your honesty, resilience, and hard work have earned you the title in its truest sense.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him, we shall return!
(The author’s work ‘Cultural Encyclopaedia of the Dard Tribe: Journey Through Gurez and Ladakh’ is a sociological and anthropological resource on Dards. Ideas are personal.)
