DR Syed Qasim Mehdi who passed away in Lahore recently was not only an internationally recognised scientist from the world of molecular biology but also a towering personality who contributed hugely towards scientific research and academics in the country and abroad. He belonged to that vanishing breed of scholars who are known for their academic brilliance, work ethics and above all integrity.

He was a true model of modesty, kindness and glorious traditions of the old school of scholars. There are not many of his kind. The scientific and academic community feels much poorer in his absence.

Born in a princely family of Oudh, a nephew of Raja Sahib of Mahmoodabad,

Dr Mehdi, shunned his aristocratic background to pursue scientific education where he left an indelible mark. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Lucknow University before moving to MIT for his master’s and finallyto Magdalen College of Oxford for his doctorate.

As a known authority in the field of biological sciences Dr Mehdi contribution was manifold. He played a significant and pioneering role in the initiation of human genome diversity at the prestigious Stanford University.

In the scientific world Dr Mehdi made vigorous efforts in his respective field to promote the legacy which Professor Abdus Salam and Dr Salimuzaman Siddiqui had left behind. Another contribution of his was to raise the infrastructure of scientific research in academic and medical institutions. He tirelessly advocated the need for creating awareness of scientific education in our higher seats of learning.

He also regularly contributed to international medical and scientific journals and represented the country at various international fora.

H.J. Bilgrami

Karachi

Published in Dawn October6th, 2016