The Prof. Bashir Foundation is a cause driven by the passionate students of Prof. Bashir Ahmad Mattoo. Prof. Mattoo, was a distinguished teacher, visionary thinker, and social activist whose life was devoted to the intellectual and moral upliftment of society. A Professor of Physics by profession, Prof. Bashir Ahmad guided and mentored an enormous number of students during his long academic career. To many of them he was not merely a teacher in the classroom but a mentor who shaped their thinking, aspirations, and character. Hence the name Prof. Bashir Foundation. 

Born in Srinagar in 1945, Prof. Bashir Ahmad developed, from a very young age, a deep intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to social transformation. Even in his early youth he believed that the real strength of a society lies in enlightened minds and morally grounded individuals. This conviction drove him to work tirelessly for the educational and intellectual development of young people.

His journey of institution-building began remarkably early. In 1968, at the age of just 23, even before formally joining the Higher Education Department (around 1970–71) as a professor, he and a group of like-minded educated friends established a study circle in Srinagar. This initiative mentored and guided students in their educational and career paths, while also introducing them to the intellectual and ethical traditions of Islam. The circle became a space where young minds were encouraged to think critically, cultivate purpose, and aspire to serve society.

Prof. Bashir Ahmad was also a founding member of the Iqbal Memorial Trust (IMT) in 1980. During the decade of the 1980s, he played a vital role, serving as chairman managing body, & later in different capacities, nurturing and incubating the Trust in its formative years. The vision and groundwork laid during that period helped the Trust grow into a vibrant educational movement. Today, the institutions established under IMT operate across several districts of the Kashmir Division, continuing the mission of spreading education and enlightenment.

His commitment to social welfare extended beyond education alone. Around 1982–83, along with his associates, he helped establish the Muslim Welfare Society, where he served as Secretary General. One of the society’s most enduring initiatives has been the establishment of a Yateem Khana (orphanage) in Srinagar, which has been providing care and support to orphaned children for decades.

Recognizing the urgent need to guide students after school education, Prof. Bashir Ahmad founded the Brilliant Coaching Centre in Srinagar in 1991. The centre became a beacon of hope for thousands of aspiring students, providing them with guidance and coaching to prepare for professional entrance examinations. Many students who passed through its doors went on to build successful careers in medicine, engineering, and other professional fields.

Prof. Bashir Ahmad also undertook the spadework for establishing a modern institution of engineering and management education in Kashmir. Although he passed away in 1996, the vision he initiated continued to grow and eventually materialized as the Iqbal Institute of Technology and Management (IITM) — a state-of-the-art institution that stands today as a living testament to his foresight and dedication to educational advancement.

The Prof. Bashir Foundation therefore carries forward the spirit of a man whose life was dedicated to nurturing minds, building institutions, and serving society. It seeks to continue his mission of empowering individuals through education, mentorship, and social responsibility, ensuring that the light he ignited continues to illuminate future generations.

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In tribute to his luminous journey, the following verse of Allama Iqbal beautifully captures the essence of his life and mission:

زندگانی تھی تیری مہتاب سے تابندہ تر

خوب تر تھا صبح کے تارے سے بھی تیرا سفر