Srinagar, August 10 (KNS) : The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar deeply mourns the untimely demise of Dr. M.J. Zarabi, former Chairman of the Board of Governors, who passed away on Saturday.

His loss is profoundly felt not only within the NIT Srinagar community but also across the wider academic and scientific fraternity.

The entire NIT Srinagar family, including Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deans, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons of Centres, faculty members, administrative staff, and research scholars, students collectively expressed their heartfelt condolences honoring the profound legacy of Dr. M.J. Zarabi. They offered prayers for peace to his departed soul and strength for the grieving family.

Dr. Zarabi served as Chairman of the Board of Governors (BOG) from November 24, 2014, to November 23, 2017. During his tenure, he presided over the 88th to 95th BOG meetings, chairing a total of nine sessions according to available records.

In his condolence message, Director Prof. Kanaujia expressed profound sorrow at the loss of such a visionary leader and scientist.

“Dr. Zarabi was a towering figure whose pioneering contributions to microelectronics and academic leadership inspired generations. We stand united with his family during this difficult time and pledge our unwavering support,” he said.

Prof. Kanaujia further said Dr Zarabi's dedicated tenure as Chairman of the Board of Governors significantly strengthened NIT Srinagar’s strategic direction and governance, fostering academic excellence and institutional growth.

“His vision and commitment continue to guide the institute’s progress. We stand united with his family during this difficult time and pledge our unwavering support,” he added.

Institute’s Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman also conveyed his deep sympathy to his family and stated that “Dr. Zarabi’s dedication to education and technology was exemplary.

"His guidance played a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s growth and inspired countless students and faculty members. His legacy will continue to motivate us all toward excellence,” Prof. Rahman said.

Born and educated in Kashmir, Dr. Zarabi completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from Jabalpur, followed by a Master of Engineering and Ph.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelD. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. His doctoral work earned him the Alumni Medal for the best thesis of the year.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Zarabi became synonymous with India’s microelectronics industry. From June 1993 to August 2005, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Semiconductor Complex Limited (SCL), the nation’s premier integrated chip manufacturing and R&D organization.

Prior to this, he was Head of Research & Development and Executive Director overseeing both R&D and VLSI manufacturing at SCL.

At SCL, he spearheaded the creation of a state-of-the-art VLSI fabrication facility in 1997, a milestone in India’s integrated chip manufacturing capabilities. He also oversaw the establishment of the country’s only Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), dedicated to manufacturing Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs).

Dr. Zarabi further led pioneering efforts in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), with SCL being designated as the MEMS foundry under the Government of India’s National Programme on Smart Materials.

Following his retirement from SCL in 2005, Dr. Zarabi served as Executive Director (Technology) at Samtel and later became a sought-after technology consultant, advising leading companies such as Infineon Technologies and Solar Semiconductors.

He co-founded Multisphere Power Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Masamb Electronics Pvt. Ltd., serving as Founder Chairman of the latter. He also contributed as a board member to several major public sector undertakings and private firms.

A prolific academic contributor, Dr. Zarabi co-authored authoritative reference works on Electron Devices and Microelectronics. He was a Fellow and former Vice President of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, and Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India, as well as the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers.

Dr. Zarabi’s tenure as Chairman of the Board of Governors at NIT Srinagar further strengthened the institute’s growth and vision. NIT Srinagar extends its deepest condolences to his family and prays for eternal peace to his soul.(KNS)