Talimi Mela 2015 on Jamia Foundation Day Inaugurated

Describing Jamia Millia Islamia as the ‘highest and sacred seat of learning’, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said that the institution commanded a special distinction for its contributions to the nation both in pre and post independent India. He observed that Jamia was an institution founded by the passionate zeal and motivation of exemplary individuals inspired by character and nationalist ideals.

Addressing the audience on the occasion of 95^th Foundation Day of Jamia Millia Islamia in the Ansari Auditorium the Minister observed that Jamia was one of the premier and oldest institutions in India that was set up through indigenous initiatives that eschewed British support. He hoped that the students of Jamia would be conscious of the inherited legacy and remain proud about it. He went on to add that Jamia established a model which had an optimum mix of tradition and modernity. Jamia, since its inception, has evolved over years and has adapted to fast changing technological environment, he added. Every citizen of India, he observed, should not only get educated but also get enabled to make conscientious choices. He seized the opportunity to talk about the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to bring about systemic changes and stated that it was ready for out-of-the-box solutions and initiatives to meet the requirements of contemporary India.

Earlier, the hon’ble Minister was given traditional Guard of Honour by the NCC. He hoisted the Flag to mark the beginning of the Foundation Day Celebrations. Later, he inaugurated the Talimi Mela (Education Fair).

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia said that Jamia was a unique institution with a profoundly-rich legacy of imparting quality education. He felt that it was incumbent upon the institution to enable students to realize their potential and develop their talents. The Foundation Day Celebration was an opportunity for students to develop their confidence and personality, he added. Schools and universities are not institutions for churning out degrees but resource centres for producing educated persons who are conscious of their rights and duties and who acquit themselves as good human beings. He discussed various initiatives that the university had undertaken for the ensuing years. He congratulated the faculty, students and staff for bringing laurels to Jamia for upholding and working tirelessly to realize the vision of the founding fathers.

On this occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Global Jamia Alumni Network that will help Jamia to connect with alumni all over the world and gain from their intellectual resources.

Earlier, Mr. Zaheer A Ansari, Headmaster, Jamia Middle School gave an account of the activities of Jamia Middle School in respect of Foundation Day Celebrations. Dr. Jitender Singh was welcomed by Prof. Tasneem Meenai, Dean Students’ Welfare. Prof. Sadre Alam, Chairman, Foundation Day Celebrations Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

[This is an official JMI press release dated Oct. 29, 2015]