Jamia Hamdard held a condolence meeting on Wednesday at Board Room, Vice Chancellor’s office, Jamia Hamdard in honour of Syed Shahid Mehdi, former Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard.
The condolence meeting was presided over by Vice Chancellor Professor (Dr) M Afshar Alam. In his presidential address, he expressed sorrow over the passing of Syed Shahid Mehdi on December 22, 2025 in New Delhi. At the time of his passing, he was with his family members. He was laid to rest at the Jamia graveyard, where university teachers, students, colleagues, family members, and the present Vice Chancellor gathered to bid him a final farewell.
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Shahid Mahdi served as Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia from 2000 to 2004.
Professor Alam highlighted the work performed by Syed Shahid Mehdi as an administrator and academician. He served as the 4th Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard from 10/11/2019 to 24/08/2020.
Professor Iqbal S Hasnain, Member, Executive Council, Jamia Hamdard also expressed his deepest condolence to the bereaved family members of Syed Shahid Mehdi and highlighted the excellent career of Mehdi.
The condolence message was presented by Col. Tahir Mustafa, Registrar, Jamia Hamdard and express that the Vice Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard and the entire staff of the university express deep grief and sorrow on the sad demise of Syed Shahid Mehdi, Former Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard.
Mehdi was a distinguished academician and administrator whose vision and leadership greatly enriched Jamia Hamdard. His contributions to higher education, culture, and public service will always be remembered with respect and gratitude.
Mehdi’s tenure as Chancellor was marked by his commitment to academic excellence and his tireless efforts to strengthen the University’s standing nationally and internationally, said the university. His guidance and wisdom have left an indelible mark on the Jamia Hamdard community, it said.
The Jamia Hamdard fraternity conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Faculty members, including the Dean of the schools, head of the departments, and non-teaching staff were also present in the condolence.
Born in 1939, Shahid Mahdi was an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University. After completing his Master’s degree in History with Political Science, he had a teaching stint at AMU and Kurukshetra University between 1959 and 1963. In 1963, he joined the Indian Administrative Service, securing second rank in his batch, an early indication of the distinction that would mark his career.
Activist Shabnam Hashmi wrote: “Syed Shahid Mahdi, a remarkable individual left an indelible mark on all who knew him. As a scholar, administrator, and human being, he embodied intellectual curiosity, sensitivity, and humility.
“His tenure as Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia was a testament to his vision, leadership, and commitment to education. But it was his personal qualities that truly set him apart – his warmth, approachability, and generosity of spirit. He was a man of rare depth and refinement, with a passion for learning and a love for life. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
