SRINAGAR: Kashmir mourns the loss of one of its towering figures, Mohammad Shafi Pandit, who passed away after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Pandit, aged 77, was the first Kashmiri Muslim to qualify for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1969, marking a historical moment for the region. His death, occurring late Wednesday at a Delhi hospital, leaves a profound void in the hearts of Kashmiris and beyond.
Born on August 15, 1947, Pandit was part of Kashmir’s generation of ‘Midnight’s Children.’ An exceptionally bright student, he completed his MSc in Geology and briefly served as a lecturer at Amar Singh College. However, his career path changed dramatically when he passed the IAS examinations, becoming a trailblazer for generations of Kashmiri youth.
In a touching moment, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, personally went to the Srinagar airport to receive Pandit upon his return from the IAS training — a testament to the significance of his achievement for the region.
Pandit held several key positions during his illustrious career. As Deputy Commissioner of Doda, he played a pivotal role in launching the single-line administration concept, streamlining governance at a local level. As Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Pandit enforced guest control and took a firm stand against public mismanagement by invoking the Public Safety Act against Kothdars, people who import mutton and sell it at huge costs. His tenure was marked by integrity and a deep commitment to public welfare. In order to reduce the costs of marriage, he enforced guest control on Kashmir’s fast mad weddings.
Pandit’s legacy also includes his role in central government initiatives. In 1992, as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Social Welfare, he was instrumental in rolling out the Mandal Commission, a landmark event that transformed India’s approach to affirmative action. After 1996, his advocacy for depositing government employees’ salaries into their bank accounts bolstered the position of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, leading to improved financial systems in the region.
One of Pandit’s final roles in public service was as Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), where he worked diligently to reform the recruitment process and promote merit-based selections. Despite his towering contributions, Pandit never became the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, a role many felt he deserved. Insidesr in the family suggest he was victim of the coalition politics. Then, Congress ruled Kashmri with PDP and Chief Minister was under pressure to take SS Boloria as the Chief Secretary.
Post-retirement, Pandit turned to social activism, becoming a patron of the HELP Foundation, an NGO led by his wife, Nighat Shafi. The organisation focused on supporting destitute families and worked toward preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage. His philanthropic efforts further cemented his role as a guiding figure in the community.
Pandit was also an active member of the Concerned Citizens Group (CCG), which advocated for civil dialogue and better governance in Jammu and Kashmir. His most recent engagement with the group was in August, when he toured various Smart City projects in Srinagar. Tragically, his last family occasion was attending his granddaughter’s engagement in London.
Tributes poured in from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Srinagar for an official engagement, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Mohammad Shafi Pandit was a towering figure of integrity and service. His contributions to Kashmir and India will be remembered for generations.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the demise of former IAS officer. “Saddened by the demise of Shri Mohammad Shafi Pandit ji. He had an illustrious career as a bureaucrat and served with distinction.He will be remembered for his significant contributions to public service and civil society. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief”.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo in his condolence message, remembered Pandit as a very passionate officer who has been there to extend his advice and guidance whenever he was accessed for the same. He termed him a problem solver who had optimum solution for every problem at hand.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also condoled Pandit’s death, describing him as a close friend and an exemplary officer. “He epitomised the composite heritage of J&K and was a role model for youth,” Ramesh said.
Professor Rattan Lal Hangloo, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kalyani and Allahabad University, expressed his condolences on the passing of Shafi Pandit. “We express our heartfelt condolences and pray that Allah grants him a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Late Jenab Shafi Sahab was a kind-hearted person who cared deeply for the poor and needy. His dedication, resilience, and significant contributions will always be remembered. May Allah grant him Maghfirah.”
CPI (M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Mohammad Shafi Pandit and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
Pandit’s nephew, Kazim Pandit, called him “the crown of the Pandit family,” reflecting the profound personal loss felt by those closest to him. Colleagues remembered him as a patient listener, a wise leader, and a humble human being.
Mohammad Shafi Pandit leaves behind his wife, Nighat Shafi, his son, and two daughters. His son is a businessman who lives in US. One of his daughters is settled in Dubai and another in US. His passing marks the end of an era in Kashmir’s administrative and social landscape, yet his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.