Jamia Millia Islamia soars to new heights

Jamia Millia Islamia vice chancellor Talat Ahmed has vowed to make the university the “first choice” of students by taking it to new heights as envisioned by its founders more than nine decades ago. The vice chancellor made the solemn pledge on Friday night at a glittering event attended by prominent members of the Indian community and organized here by Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association (JMIAA), Riyadh chapter to mark the 94th foundation day of the university. Ahmad, who has been conferred with the 26th Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar award for his exemplary academic services said, ‘In order to improve our national as well as global rankings we are striving to raise the level of researches done in the university, have more tie ups with foreign universities and A-level grading by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an organization that assesses and accredits institutions of higher education in India.” “A university stands for academic progress, adventure of ideas, humanism and the search for truth and this wisdom will be the benchmark of our excellence to usher in a new era of progress and acknowledgement,” he said. He added that the role of the Jamia alumnus spread across the world will be significant in this context as their valuable support will be important for the collective effort to further upgrade the university ranking. “We have also formed a committee to update the syllabus as per industry requirements,” he pointed out. Addressing the function, guest of honor, member of the Indian Parliament and former general secretary of Jamia’s students union, Javed Ali Khan extended his support to his alma mater saying that he was ready to render any help in his capacity as a parliamentarian. He said that he was working on getting the required land for the further expansion of the campus from the government. Commenting on the alarming state of affairs in India, Akhtar who has also served as president of the Jamia Students’ Union said: “Since the BJP came to power, it has started working on the saffron agenda which is to marginalize the minorities in India with special reference to Muslims. The forceful conversion of the poor Muslims to the Hindu religion in Agra is a game plan keeping in view the 2017 assembly election in Uttar Pradesh. Hopefully, the ruling Samajwadi party in the state will give them a fitting reply.” Meanwhile, Prof. Zubair Meenai, another guest speaker congratulated the illustrious alumni in Riyadh for being so far away from their homeland and yet so close with respect to the occasion held to mark the university founders’ rich contributions. “I am very happy to note the prominent positions that Jamia alumni occupy in Saudi Arabia, which is a matter of pride for us,” he said. Earlier, Ghizal Mahdi, president JMIAA welcomed the guests and gave an overview of the great legacy of the university paying rich tributes to the founders of their alma mater. Murshid Kamal, former JMIAA president, recalled the circumstances through which the university came into existence, Abdul Rahman (treasurer) moderated the proceedings, Ghiyas Uddin (vice president) proposed the vote of thanks and Aqueel Ahmad (general secretary), Irfanul Haque (joint secretary) and Aftab Nizami (senior alumni) presented bouquets to the honorary guests. Najeeb Qasmi and Tauheed Khan were felicitated for their service and contributions.   Arab News