Srinagar, July 25: Prof. Mohammad Mobin formally assumed the charge as Vice Chancellor of the Cluster University of Srinagar on Thursday. He took over the reins of leadership from Prof. Qayyum Husain, who had completed his three-year term.
Upon his arrival at the main campus, Prof. Mobin was accorded a warm reception by the staff, with NCC cadets presenting the customary Guard of Honour.
In an interaction session attended by senior office bearers of the university, Prof. Mobin said, “I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead this young institution and help it achieve its full potential. I believe my administrative and academic experience will help me contribute meaningfully to further develop the Cluster University and complete the projects initiated by my predecessor, Prof. Qayyum.”
He stated that the administrative responsibility in a higher education institution is broadly classified into academic and corporate life. “I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to both types of responsibilities at Aligarh Muslim University. This has helped me to understand the complexities and challenges of governance in higher education institutions and also to judge what constitutes excellence in teaching and research. I, therefore, have a clear idea of what is expected of me as vice-chancellor of this university. However, I must state that I do not underestimate the responsibilities of this role,” said Prof. Mobin.
“I envision a university that nurtures curious minds and inspires creativity and hope. I envision a university that provides a supportive and inclusive environment for all, focuses on the employability of students, fosters interdisciplinary research and innovation, and strengthens the connections with the community. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and open communication, ensuring that every voice is heard,” added Prof. Mobin.
Prof. Mobin has been associated with Aligarh Muslim University for nearly five decades, as a student and later as an administrator in different capacities.
Earlier, the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Qayyum, congratulated Prof. Mobin and recalled their long professional and personal association at AMU. He expressed confidence that the Cluster University will scale new heights under the leadership of Prof. Mobin.
Prof. Qayyum also thanked the staff of the university, principals of the constituent and affiliated colleges, and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation during his tenure. He expressed contentment with his efforts to enhance the overall profile of the university.
Recalling the major highlights of his stint, Prof. Qayyum said: “Ever since I assumed the charge as Vice Chancellor in April 2021, I worked to fulfill the vision and mission statement of the institution. I explored innovative methods to achieve the status of a self-reliant institution. Besides building the infrastructure of the university and sanctioning various teaching and non-teaching posts, my focus remained on the creation of a skilled workforce. We floated several new industry-oriented courses over the last three years. We started several 5-year Integrated and PG programmes. We implemented the National Education Policy-2020 in letter and spirit to lay the foundation of a robust system that caters to the changing demands of the world.”
“I constituted various centralized committees to ensure the all-round development of students. I ensured to remain accessible to all the stakeholders, including the students, parents, and our own staff. Getting their feedback helped me arrive at better decisions and frame inclusive policies. To ensure that the university can fulfill its potential, it needs its family members to work with sincerity and dedication. I used to regularly interact with the staff members to get their feedback and also to motivate them to work for the upliftment of the university,” Prof. Qayyum added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Registrar, Prof. Syed Wilayat Hussain Rizvi, read out the impressive profile of Prof. Mobin, referring to his academic journey, research contributions, particularly in the field of Materials and Corrosion, and international exposure. He also listed the numerous contributions of the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Qayyum.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Controller of Examinations, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Principal, Govt. College for Women M.A. Road, Prof. Ruhi Jan Kanth; and Principal S. P. College, Prof. Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi.
The speakers referred to the immense contributions of Prof. Qayyum and his profound impact on the trajectory of the university. “Prof. Qayyum’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of this university,” they remarked. The speakers also pledged unwavering support to the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mobin, in his endeavor to take the university to new heights of academic and administrative excellence.
The session was moderated by Dean Humanities & Liberal Arts, Prof. Deeba Sarmad, while Dean, Commerce & Management, Prof. G.M. Lone, presented the Vote of Thanks. Those present on the occasion included Principals of the constituent and affiliated colleges, Deans of various faculties, Coordinators of various committees, and other office bearers.
