This refers to the article “Scholars Matter” by Showkat Ahmad Ganaie (Greater Kashmir 21-11-2011). The article on the plight of scholars who face accommodation problems was much needed and the author deserves credit for that. Not only does Gani Kashmiri Research Scholars Inn- the only scholars’ hostel in the University of Kashmir- provide excellent facilities to its inmates but that it also prepares them for tough jobs that the research scholars may face ahead in their academic life. The quality of produce of this hostel has remained legendary since its establishment in 1979 with research scholars cracking exams like KAS, ACF, AD (Finance) and the like apart from getting appointed as teachers (Assistant Professors) at University and College level not to mention the senior secondary level. The author must be ignorant of the fact that only in the session 2010-11 some 20 scholars left the hostel to join duties of high standard. The claim that the scholars take years to complete their research work is based on gross generalization. In the last five years 50 Assistant Professors, 43 senior secondary lecturers, 4 KAS Officers, 1 ACF Topper, 1 Assistant Director (Finance), 2 Librarians, a huge number of teachers and Bank POs left this hostel to pursue their new engagements and still the author blinks and reports a flawed picture of this legacy. Not only this, the scholars of the hostel have proved their mettle at national and state level by qualifying JRF, NET and SET examinations. There are scholars who have been widely published in the form of research papers in high impact factor journals. Many books authored by the scholars get published and are cited as references all over the world. They are not simply eating their meals in the hostel but contributing to the society in every possible way. The author must not be aware that the NAAC Peer Team lauded the scholars for their overall development in academics, research and sport etc.

Tanveer Habib
Research Scholar (Ph. D)
Department of Linguistics,
University of Kashmir, Srinagar

Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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