Onlykashmir.in News
Srinagar, March 4, 2025 – In a move to “revolutionize” higher education in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi and a distinguished board announced the establishment of “The University of WathHarbor” Kashmir’s first crowdfunded university.
Unveiled at a press conference in Srinagar today, this community-driven institution will rely entirely on public donations, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to equip Kashmiri youth for the global job market.
The founders have urged the J&K government to allocate 25 acres of land on a 99-year lease and enact a Private University Act for legal support. Funding will come from donations, CSR contributions, and community backing, with a call for participation from businesses and the Kashmiri diaspora.
“This is about empowerment and Kashmir’s future,” said Dr. Makhdoomi, Chairman of the Trust. The board includes notables like Dr. Mushtaq Marghoob, Syed Humayun Qaiser, Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Latief U Zaman Deva, Khair Ul Nisa Sheikh, Gulam Nabi Var, Syed Parvez Qalander, Riyaz Ahmad Shoga, and Zareef Ahmad, supported by volunteers such as Dr. Iqbal Malik and Mahwash Masarat, Momin Iqbal Farah Zaidee, Malik Abrar, Aabid Ahmad Mir and others.
#Watch: Claiming to transform higher education in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi along with the board members of the initiative in a presser in Srinagar announced to establish Kashmir’s first crowdfunded university named “The University of WathHarbor”@MakhdoomiMehboo pic.twitter.com/V8Y6gmRm1q
— Srinagar Jang سرینگر جنگ (@srinagarjang) March 4, 2025
