Srinagar April 29 (KNS): Professor Hameed Naseem Rafiabadi (Hamidullah Marazi) from Central University’s Department of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religions on Wednesday assumed the charge of the varsity’s new Dean of Social Sciences.

 Prof Rafiabadi will hold the chair of DSS for the next three years according to the varsity order issued in pursuance of the provisions of Ordinance 10 of the university framed under statute 5(3) of the Universities Act 2009.

An internationally acclaimed academician noted scholar and author of several dozen books Prof Rafiabadi has 20 years of teaching, research and administrative experience. Since 2019, he has held the chair of the HoD Department of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religions Central University where he launched few special courses in pluralistic studies of religion. He has also served as Head, Department of Islamic Studies University of Kashmir from 2010 to 2013.

Specializing in Mysticism and comparative study of religions, Prof Rafiabadi has published over 200 papers in reputed national and international journals. Apart from authoring several books on Islamic mysticism, Religion, Theology, he has edited a voluminous book on ‘World Religions and Islam: a critical study. He is on the board of various national and international journals. Besides being a member of the All India Milli Council, Prof Hameed  Naseem Rafiabadi is a core member of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) Washington, USA.

Prof Rafiabadi is Chairman Board of Studies CUK, member of faculty JMI New Delhi and represents the national religious organization at the global level.

An award-winning mentor, a highly collaborative leader, and skilled consensus-builder, Prof Rafiabadi has also demonstrated an abiding commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in both his academic life and administrative work.(KNS)