Jamshedpur, Feb. 4: Noted academic and founder member of various educational institutions in the city, N.K. Singh, passed away last night following a massive heart attack. He was 81.

Singh, the founder secretary of SDSM School for Excellence, was admitted to Tata Motors Hospital on January 29 with high fever. Yesterday, he was shifted to Brahmanand Narayana Hruduyalaya following severe cardiac complications. He suffered a massive attack at 10.30pm and died.

The city reacted with shock and grief as news of Singh’s death spread.

“His death is a great loss to the academic world. He had always been a source of encouragement for us. We will miss him a lot,” said registrar of Kolhan University, S. S. Razi.

Popularly known as NK, Singh was known for his vision and wisdom. His vision led to the establishment of Graduate School College for Women, of which he was founder.

Singh was former principal of Jamshedpur Co-operative College and former professor and dean of commerce department, Ranchi University.

He was also instrumental in establishing SDSM School for Excellence in Sidhgora. He set-up the school in collaboration with Late S.D. Singh, a well known social worker.

Singh’s body will be kept on the premises of the SDSM School for Excellence tomorrow for people to pay their last respects. The funeral procession will start from his residence at Bara in Sidhgora. The last rites would be performed at the Subernarekha burning ghat.