Jamia Celebrates 92nd Foundation Day

[Following is a Jamia press release dated, Oct 29, 2012] 

Jamia Millia Islamia celebrated its 92^nd Foundation Day on October 29, 2012.

The Foundation Day celebrations started at 9.30 AM outside the M.A. Ansari Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia where the Chief Guest Mr. I.M. Kadri, a renowned Architect and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia and Mr. Najeeb Jung, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia received the Guard of Honour by NCC Cadets of Jamia.

This was followed by a Flag Hoisting Ceremony by Mr. I.M. Kadri and Mr. Najeeb Jung. The Flag hoisting ceremony was accompanied by a song ‘Yeh Jamia ka Parcham’. The morning programme concluded with a Foundation Day Function at M.A. Ansari Auditorium which is traditionally organized by the Jamia Middle School.

The students of the school conducted the programme, highlighting the achievements of the year in their report. However, the highlight was the song sung by the tiny tots from the Mushir Fatima Nursery School who endeared everyone present with their absolutely melodious composition.

Mr I M Kadri, who is an alumnus of the Jamia school from the early decade of the 1930s, narrated to a packed hall, how he was returning to his alma mater after a gap of 72 years. Recalling his years in Jamia, he spoke about numerous anecdotes involving Gandhiji, Dr Zakir Husain, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu among others. He said that a valuable lesson learnt from Dr. Zakir Husain has stayed with him till this day. He described how as a little boy when he was found crying, Dr. Zakir Husain took him to his house and taught him the valuable lesson that one must not hide behind one’s weakness, but one must constantly strive hard.

On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Mr. Najeeb Jung reminded the teaching community of the great sacrifices with which the Jamia was built and urged them to rethink how education can serve the weakest of the weak.

As part of the celebration of Jamia’s foundation day, a Sufiana Kalam will be offered by Ustad Zila Khan in the evening on the 29th of October. Mr. Kapil Sibal shall be present on the occassion and will be the Chief Guest of the Programme. Among other poets, Ustad Zila Khan will also recite urdu translations of Shri Kapil Sibal’s poetry. Shri Sibal has published two books of poems.  This programme is scheduled to be held at 7 PM in Dr. M.A. Ansari Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia.

The Foundation Day celebrations will continue into the next day.

Mr. Najeeb Jung, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia will deliver a Lecture on “Evolution of Muslims in India” under Prof. Mohd. Mujeeb Memorial Lecture 2012 which is being organized by Dr. Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. Mr. Kuldip Nayar, Eminent Journalist, former M.P. and former High Commissioner to UK will preside over the programme. On this occasion, an urdu collection of his writings will also be released. The programme is scheduled to be held on October 30, 2012 at 11 AM in Edward Said Hall, adjacent to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Jamia Millia Islamia.

The Foundation Day celebrations will come to an end on the 30th with a performance by a visiting group of Whirling Dervishes from Turkey called “Konya Turkish Tasawwuf Music Ensemble” who will perform on October 30, 2012 at 6.30 PM in Safdar Hashmi Ampitheatre, Jamia Millia Islamia. Mr. Salman Khurshid shall be the Chief Guest of this programme. This programme is being facilitated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Turkish Culture & Tourism Office and the Republic of Turkey embassy, New Delhi.

All members of the press are cordially invited to all these events. You are requested to carry your press accreditation card for additional security purposes.

Scenes from the Event:

Pictures