Jamia Bestows ‘Nishan-e-Azad’ on the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia

(The following is an official Jamia Press Release)

In a special ceremony which was held at Jamia Millia Islamia, the university conferred the title of “Nishan-e-Azad’ on His Excellency Faisal Hasan Trad, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to India for his exemplary contribution to Jamia Millia Islamia.

The felicitation ceremony was held at 11.30 AM today i.e. 20 July 2011 in Dr. M.A. Ansari Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia.

The ceremony was conducted by the Registrar Prof S M Sajid. The Pro Vice Chancellor Prof S M Rashid delivered the Welcome Address where he highlighted the important landmarks in this long association that Jamia Millia Islamia has had with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This was followed by the Remarks by the Vice Chancellor Mr. Najeeb Jung who lauded the Ambassador in playing a very important role in fostering ties between the Jamia and institutions of higher learning in Saudi Arabia. Thereafter he conferred the title of ‘Nishan-e-Azad’ on the Ambassador as also presented a Citation to him (pictures attached).

His Excellency Faisal Hasan Trad, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia graciously accepted the honour and thanked the university community for giving him this special honour.

The title ‘Nishan-e-Azad’ has been instituted by the Vice Chancellor Mr. Najeeb Jung at Jamia Millia Islamia starting this year to recognize those who have played an important role in shaping the university. It has been instituted in the memory of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958) who was the First Minister of Education in Independent India.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contribution to the foundation of education in India is recognized by celebrating his birthday as the National Education Day. As India’a Education Minister, he was instrumental in establishing a national education system with free primary education as also setting up of higher education institutions of excellence such as IITs, IIS etc.

In conferring the title of “Nishan-e-Azad’ on the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to India, the university acknowledges the role played by him in fostering closer education ties between Jamia Millia Islamia and institutions of higher learning in Saudi Arabia whereby several MoUs have been signed and very many successful visits made including those by heads of state.

The Vote of Thanks was offered by Prof Zikrur Rehman, Director, India Arab Cultural Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia.

(Media Coordinator)
Jamia Millia Islamia