A University for the People: Kashmir’s First Crowdfunded University to Be Established

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize higher education in Jammu & Kashmir, the establishment of the region’s first crowdfunded university has been officially announced. 

The "University of WathHarbor," a pioneering institution built entirely on public support, donations, and collective effort, will be a university by the people, for the people, and of the people of J&K.

The university aims to offer cutting-edge education in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and technologies related to the 4th Industrial Revolution, providing Kashmir’s youth with the skills needed to compete on a global stage.

At a press conference held today in Srinagar, the founders of the project highlighted that this is not a profit-driven venture. Unlike traditional private universities, the University of WathHarbor will not have individual owners. It will be a community-driven institution dedicated to education, research, and social upliftment.

Why This University is Needed

Currently, Jammu & Kashmir has 150,000 students enrolled across 11 government universities but lacks substantial private sector involvement in higher education. Thousands of students leave the region every year to pursue higher education elsewhere. This university seeks to change that by providing world-class education within the region, allowing local students to study closer to home and reduce the brain drain.

Support Requested from the Government

To bring this vision to life, the project founders have requested the Jammu & Kashmir Government to:

• Allocate 25 acres of land on a 99-year lease at a nominal fee, in line with the policies followed in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
• Pass the Private University Act in J&K to provide legal backing for institutions like this.

A Call for Public Participation

The university will be funded through donations, corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, and community support. The founders are calling on businesses, professionals, and the Kashmiri diaspora to contribute to this historic initiative.

"This is not just about education; it’s about self-reliance, empowerment, and shaping Kashmir’s future. We invite everyone to be part of this movement," said Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi, the founder of the initiative.

With strong public participation and government support, the University of WathHarbor aims to become a global hub for research, innovation, and skill development.

Board Members Present at the Press Conference:

• Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi (Founder and Chairman of the Trust)
• Dr. Mushtaq Marghoob, Trustee (Former Professor and Head of PG Department of Psychiatry, GMC)
• Syed Humayun Qaiser, Trustee and Spokesperson (Former Director, Radio Kashmir)
• Zareef Ah Zareef (Poet and Social Activist)
• Syed Parvez Qalander, Consultant (Chartered Engineer)
• Latief U Zaman Deva (Retired IAS and Former Chairperson of JKPSC)
• Khair Ul Nisa Sheikh (Principal Advisor to the Chairman, Executive Director, World Trade Center, India)
• Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Media Coordinator (TV Producer and Filmmaker)
• Riyaz Ahmad Shoga, Accounts Officer (Ex-Banker and Social Worker)
• G N Var (President, Private School Association)
• Faheem Abdullah (Artist)

Volunteers Present at the Press Conference:

• Dr. Iqbal Malik
• Momin Iqbal
• Farah Zaidee
• Mahwash Masarat
• Malik Abrar
• Aabid Ahmad Mir

For more information, contributions, and collaboration opportunities, visit www.uni4kashmir.com or contact kash2education@gmail.com / +91 9103585647.

Media Contact:

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan,
Media Coordinator
+91 9906669999