A void hard to fill: Kashmir mourns Mohammad Shafi Pandit’s passing away

19 September 2024

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Srinagar, Sept 19: Kashmir is mourning the loss of a towering figure, Mohammad Shafi Pandit, one of the first IAS officers from J&K, who passed away after a brief illness late Wednesday. His death is being mourned as a significant loss to Kashmiri society for his immense contributions to the development and progress of Jammu & Kashmir.

Paying his tribute, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai (Retd IAS), his colleague, said, “Feel sad and shocked. We will miss Mohammad Shafi Pandit Saheb for a long long time. He was unmatched as an officer and a human being. Kashmir has lost a great son.”

Saifuddin Soz, former Union Environment Minister and Congress leader, while speaking to Ziraat Times, said Shafi Pandit sahab was gem of a person.
Three days ago I phoned him and
prayed for him. May his soul rest in peace, he said.

Farooq Lone, former civil servant (IAS) wrote – Sad and shocking
Haq magfirat karay!

Bashir Ahmed Dar, former Secretary of the Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education, expressed his condolences, saying, “We mourn this death as a great loss to the Kashmir civil society and offer heartfelt condolences to the survivors of this great human being. May Allah grant him Jannat.”

Mohammad Shafi Pandit made history in 1969 when he became the first Kashmiri Muslim to crack the IAS examinations. Over the course of his distinguished career, he rose to the position of Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir and later served as Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (PSC). In his role as PSC Chairman, Pandit was instrumental in reforming the recruitment process and ensuring merit-based selections. His commitment to public service extended beyond his official roles; he later mentored young aspirants from Jammu & Kashmir through the Ascent Group, helping shape future generations of civil servants.

His nephew, Kazim A. Pandit, wrote an emotional tribute, calling him “the crown of the Pandit family,” and highlighting his influence not just in public life but in personal circles as well. He described him as “the guiding force who led with humility, grace, and an unwavering hand of kindness.” Kazim’s tribute captured the sense of profound loss felt by those close to Mohammad Shafi Pandit, both within the family and across the wider community.

Mr Pandit’s legacy extended far beyond his formal titles. He was a thinker, a prominent voice for civil society, and the President of the Youth Hostels Association of India. His contributions to governance, social reform, and civil dialogue were vast, shaping both the administration and the moral conscience of the region. He is remembered for his integrity, wisdom, and the grace with which he carried out his duties.

Colleagues and friends have shared their grief at his passing. Arun Dhar, a longtime colleague, described him as “a very upright and noble person… a gem of Kashmir.”

Mantasha Binti Rashid (JKAS) wrote – Oh god. This is truly unbearable and saddening. I can’t bring myself to terms with it. Nighat Shafi must be so shattered. I am deeply saddened, my deepest condolences. May your soul rest in peace. Such a wonderful and humble soul!

Hawa Bashir extended condolences to his family, particularly his wife, Mrs. Nighat Pandit, saying, “My deepest condolences… May the departed soul rest in eternal paradise and strength to family members.”

Mr Pandit’s work as a mentor and his passion for helping young people compete in civil services examinations left a lasting impact on many. His involvement in training future civil servants through the Ascent Group contributed significantly to empowering the youth of Jammu & Kashmir and preparing them for public service.

“Mohammad Shafi Pandit sahab’s legacy will be remembered as one of wisdom, service, and humility. His passing leaves behind a void that will be hard to fill, but his contributions to public service and civil society will continue to inspire future generations”, Arjimand Hussain, Ziraat Times’ founder, said in his tribute to Mr Pandit.

Peerzada Abdal Mehjoor’s, while paying his tribute, said, “It is extremely saddening and shocking to learn about the demise of Mohammad Shafi Pandit, who was a beautiful symbol of compassionate humanism and love. May Almighty Allah bless him with the highest place in Jannatul Firdous. My deepest condolences to Nighat Ji, the children, and the bereaved family. May Allah grant them the strength to bear this immense loss. Ameen.”

Former civil servant Irfan Yasin, while paying his tribute to Mr Pandit, said, “I had the privilege of working with Shafi Pandit Sahib and also shared a family connection with him. He was brilliance personified, possessing exceptional qualities of both head and heart. His commitment to the good of the state was unwavering, and he combined hard work with an intellectual capacity of the highest level. He encouraged intelligence and the ability to think differently, always setting a high bar for others to harness their potential. Only a month ago, he visited our home to offer condolences on the passing of my mother-in-law, and he was his usual cheerful self. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous and elevate his soul to the highest ranks.”

In his tribute, Prof B L Zutshi wrote – very shocking! Bright and noble human being. My heartfelt condolences to sister Nighat and her children.