Professor Mazhar Asif joined Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) as its 16th Vice Chancellor today. He was warmly welcomed by teachers and non-teaching staff of the university at the Vice Chancellor’s Office premises. Immediately after the joining he visited Brigadier Usman’s mausoleum situated on the university campus and paid homage to him. He is the first Vice Chancellor of JMI who visited his mausoleum immediately after joining. Brigadier Usman, also known as "Lion of Naushera (Naushera Ka Sher)" was a high-ranking officer in the Indian Army who died in the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistan war.
Professor Asif also paid floral tribute to former President of India Dr. Zakir Husain and JMI’s founding member Dr M.A Ansari at their mausoleums situated on the university campus.
The Vice Chancellor met with Deans, Officiating Registrar and other senior officials of the university at the meeting hall of the Vice Chancellor’s office. He also took a round of various offices situated in the administrative block and met with the non-teaching staff.
The Vice Chancellor started his address to the gathering by saying that there is only one motto and one goal and that is…how to take this university to the highest position. He stressed that he is a student and employee centric person, “It is our responsibility to provide good accommodation, food, safety and security to students of the university. With the support of you people we will do this and try to take JMI to a higher level. We will get the help of Almighty Allah also if we will work together”, he said.
He further said “I always welcome criticism but also expect better suggestions and solutions, so come with the problem but also think about better alternatives and solutions so that together we can improve things”.
At the end of his address he said “From the core of my heart I thank you all, Jamia fraternity, the Government of India and all the friends”.
On 24th October, 2024, Hon'ble President of India in her capacity as the Visitor of Jamia Millia Islamia, appointed Prof. Mazhar Asif from the School of Language Literature & Culture Studies, JNU, New Delhi as the Vice Chancellor of JMI. He has been appointed for a period of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
