New Delhi, August 15: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) today celebrated 78th Independence Day with patriotic zeal and fervour. Prof. Mohammad Shakeel, Officiating Vice Chancellor & the Chief Guest of the function, hoisted the National Flag at the school assembly premises of Jamia Senior Secondary School (JSSS) of the university where the main function was held. Earlier the Vice Chancellor, Officiating Registrar Mr. M. Nasim Haider, Deans and other officials of the university were given a red carpet welcome by NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and other students of JSSS, JMI. Hoisting of the National Flag was followed by singing of the National Anthem by the gathering which included teachers of the university & schools, non-teaching staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor and other guests were formally welcomed by the Principal, JSSS, Dr. Arshad Khan and school students inside the Multipurpose Hall (MPH) of the JSSS. After the welcome speech, students of six JMI schools enthralled the gathering by singing Jamia Tarana and other cultural performances that included dance performances on patriotic songs, speech, skit, group song and qawwali.
Tiny tots of Mushir Fatima acted on the “VASUDEV KUTUMBAKAM” theme. Students of Jamia Middle School performed on the medley of patriotic songs, and the program was followed by Syed Abid Hussain Sr. Sec. School’s student’s presentation on a patriotic group song, Syed Abid Hussain Middle School, students skit was also a great source of inspiration, Jamia Girls Sr. Sec. School brilliantly performed an skit on conflict of interest between parents and their wards, patriotic qawwali was performed by the students of JSSS.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Shakeel said “Indian and social values have always been promoted in JMI. Students coming from other countries also get engrossed in this fragrant institution. The entire Indian culture is reflected in its campus. Qualities like love, affection, unity in diversity, equality and tolerance run like blood in the veins of Jamia. The university has always made serious efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment and there are many living examples of this.”
Speaking on the recently released NIRF India Rankings 2024 the Vice Chancellor said “it is a matter of great joy and pride for all of us that the university has once again secured a place among top three universities of the country. The credit goes to the hard work of teachers, non-teaching staff, researchers, students and all the people associated with the university. I would like to congratulate all of them. To reach a top position is not an easy task but to remain there and maintain that position is an even bigger challenge.” he said. The Vice Chancellor’s speech was not only confined to the disposition of the national integration but the participation of Jamians in making the national integration was also elucidated.
The function inside MPH ended with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Arshad Khan, Principal of JSSS, JMI. It was followed by planting of a tree by the Vice Chancellor in the school premises as part of the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” under the supervision of the NCC unit of the university. The Independence Day celebration culminated with a Tiranga Yatra across the campus in which students and staff members participated.
