Srinagar, April 14: A voluntary initiative to form a private Jammu & Kashmir gathered momentum on Tuesday as the WathHarbour Foundation launched its proposed “Kashmir Private University Project” at a well-attended event in Srinagar.
The programme featured the unveiling of a vision document, release of a campaign anthem, screening of a short film, and a membership drive, drawing participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders including policymakers, academicians, civil society representatives, and industry members.
High-level participation
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani attended as Chief Guest, alongside senior officials and prominent personalities. The event also saw representation from Ms. Neha Jain (IPS, SP East) through SSP Srinagar, and was attended by Advocate Zaffar A. Shah, former JKPSC Chairman Latief-uz-Zaman Deva, noted poet Zareef Ahmad Zareef, PSA Founder & Patron Dr. G.N. Var, WathHarbour Foundation Founder Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi, former broadcaster Peerzada Abdal Mahjoor, and Jagmeet Kaur Bali, President of All Sikh Minority Employees Association.
Other attendees included Faiz Ahmad Bakhshi, General Secretary of KCC&I; Prof. M.A. Shah, Dean International Affairs, NIT; former Joint Director School Education Mehboob Ahmad; former KAS officer Aijaz Kakroo; Advocate A.R. Hanjura; consultant S.P. Qaisar; Dr. Afifa Kamili, former Director SKUAST-Kashmir; Dr. Nighat Fatima, former Principal Government Degree College; former banker Riyaz Ahmad Shoga; PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat, General Secretary M. Syed Wani, Financial Secretary Hilal Ahmad Khan, Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo, PRO B.A. Shah, social activist Dr. Touseef Bhat, trade leader Peer Imtiyaz-ul-Hassan, Moulana Hassan Afzal Fordosi, and WathHarbour Coordinator Moomin Wani, among others.
The event was hosted by Dr. Farhat Umar, with participation from members of the WathHarbour Foundation and Private Schools’ Association in large numbers.
Government assures support
Addressing the gathering, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani described the recently passed Private University Bill as a “historic milestone” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure in J&K.
He emphasized that establishing quality institutions within the region would help curb the outflow of students and capital, while also supporting economic growth and providing opportunities closer to home.
Stakeholders call for collective effort
PSA Founder Dr. G.N. Var termed the legislation transformative, stating it could position J&K as an educational hub and create new opportunities for students.
Senior Advocate Zaffar A. Shah stressed that while the legal framework is in place, its success would depend on active societal and institutional participation.
Vision to retain talent
WathHarbour Foundation Founder Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi outlined the vision of creating a comprehensive educational ecosystem in Kashmir to address brain drain and foster innovation.
PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat extended full support to the initiative, stating that the association remains committed to strengthening education “from KG to PG.”
Toward an education hub
Other speakers highlighted the need for policy alignment, administrative facilitation, and inclusive growth in the higher education sector. The initiative received broad endorsement as a step toward reducing educational migration and building a knowledge-driven economy in the region.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by S.P. Qaisar, who reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to advancing the project through collective efforts.
With strong backing from policymakers, academia, and civil society, the Kashmir First Private University Project is being seen as a significant step toward positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a centre of educational excellence.
