Md Faizan Former President MANUUSU
In a profound loss to the academic community, Dr. Shameem Jairaraj Puri, a distinguished educationist, zoologist, and the former and founding Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), passes away, today. As news of Dr. Puri’s passing reverberates through the education sector, faculty members and colleagues across the country are expressing their condolences. The entire educational community joins in remembering and honoring the life and works of this exemplary figure who played a pivotal role in the growth and development of zoology and Urdu.
He was born on April 8, 1942, in Azamgarh district. Dr. Puri’s impactful career spanned decades, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of education and research.
Dr. Puri’s academic journey began at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where he not only completed his B.Sc and M.Sc but also earned his Ph.D. in Zoology in 1964. His scholarly pursuits marked the beginning of a remarkable trajectory that would shape the landscape of higher education in India.
In 1998, Dr. Jairajuri became the first Vice-Chancellor of the newly established first Urdu University of country ‘Maulana Azad National Urdu University’. His visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and ethos of the university. Renowned magzine The Milli Gazette, recognizing his unparalleled contributions, hailed him as “a leading personality” in the establishment of MANUU.
Prior to his role at MANUU, Dr. Jairajuri served as the Coordinator of the Agriculture Center at AMU, showcasing his versatile expertise. His dedication culminated in his appointment as the Founder Director of the Institute of Agriculture in 1993 at AMU, further solidifying his commitment to academic excellence.
