Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) celebrated the 76th Republic Day today with tremendous zeal, fervor and a strong sense of patriotism. The celebration began with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mazhar Asif along with the Chief Guest of the function, Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai (IAS), Director General (DG) of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, and the Registrar of JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, at the forecourt of Dr. M. A. Ansari Auditorium of the university. Following the unfurling of the tricolor, the assembly, which included Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors of Centres, university officials, faculty members, students, non-teaching staff and a significant number of parents, joined together in singing the National Anthem to mark the occasion.
After Tilawat-e-Quran Paak, the ‘Jamia Tarana’ team performed the Jamia Tarana followed by a formal welcoming of the guests by Prof. Neelofar Afzal, Dean, Students’ Welfare. In her address she said, “Jamia has always been a pillar of hope, progress and inclusivity embodying the ideas of justice, equality and unity that are enshrined in our constitution.” The event was followed by the release of the Students’ Handbook by the Vice Chancellor, Chief Guest, Registrar and other esteemed guests. The handbook highlights various initiatives and programmes undertaken for the welfare of students.
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Following the official reception of guests, all the three NCC units of JMI, namely, the Army, Navy and the Air Force, showcased a meticulously organised parade that commenced at the Centenary Gate of the university. Notably, this marked the inaugural presentation of the vibrant and well-coordinated parade by the platoon of university’s security personnel, which includes retired members of the armed forces. Accompanied by drums, bagpipes and various other music instruments, the Jamia band delivered a captivating performance featuring patriotic melodies.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Shri Faiz Ahmad Kidwai began his address with a quote from the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, “We bow to all the great women and men who made our Constitution and ensured that our journey is rooted in democracy, dignity and unity. May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the ideals of our Constitution and working towards a stronger and prosperous India”. He highlighted that Jamia is, “an institution that is less a university and more a living, breathing chronicle of India’s most transformative journey”. He reminded the audience that JMI was not an institution born of compromise, but of complete and uncompromising rejection of the colonial mindset, it was a “crucible of resistance” that constructed “an alternative universe of knowledge”.
“The British educational system was a machinery of cultural subjugation, designed to create clerks and administrators who would perpetuate colonial bureaucracy. Jamia has produced thinkers, revolutionaries, individuals who understand that education is not about certification, but about transformation”, he added.
Addressing the students Mr Kidwai said, “The weight you carry is not just of textbooks and degrees, but of an entire civilization’s hope. Your education is not just about acquiring skills. It is about developing immunity to simplistic narratives. When an algorithm tries to reduce human experience to a click bait headline, you must have the intellectual courage to see the layers beneath.” He added that Jamia’s legacy is not just historical but is vibrantly contemporary, continuously unfolding.
Beginning his address by extending congratulations to the Jamia fraternity on the occasion of 76th Republic Day, Vice Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif underscored the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who contributed to the nation’s independence and establishment of India as a strong Republic. He also highlighted the significant contributions of the founders of JMI in the struggle to attain independence from the British.
Prof. Asif commended all students who attained success in both academic and extra-curricular pursuits and encouraged them to attain greater glories. The Vice-Chancellor extended his thanks to all NCC cadets and students for their spectacular parades and impressive presentations during the event. He further conveyed his appreciation to all sanitation workers, security personnel, and the horticulture department for enhancing the university’s aesthetic appeal and for securing the campus. NSS volunteers’ contributions were also appreciated by the Vice-Chancellor.
Quoting the renowned poet Muhammad Iqbal, Prof Asif said that India is a remarkable nation characterized by rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. He emphasized the distinctiveness of the country, noting that despite numerous challenges, it continues to stand resilient.
The event showcased colorful cultural programmes by students from various Jamia schools and hostels of the university. The performances included a captivating performance on national symbols ‘Qaumi Nishaniyaat’ by the students of Mushir Fatma Nursery School; a dance performance on ‘Kerala’s Harvest Festival Onam’ by Jamia Middle School; a performance on ‘Glimpses of Punjab’ by the SAH School; Bihu dance of Assam by Jamia Girls’ Senior Secondary School and the vibrant Dandiya dance by Jamia Senior Secondary School.
Jamia Halls and hostel teams mesmerized the audience by presenting well researched and moving skits. These included ‘Jamia ki kahani -Taalbat ki zabani’ – a presentation on the brief history of the evolution of JMI by Begum Hazrat Mahal Hall of Girls Residence; ‘Wajood e zan se hai tasweer e kaynat mein rang’- a showcase of women’s empowerment by the Jammu and Kashmir Girls’ Hostel; a presentation on ‘Jamia aur mulk ki alambardar khawateen’- an introduction to the female freedom fighters and also founders of JMI by the Hall of Girls residence (Old); ‘Zikr-e-Zakir’- a performance on the early years of Jamia and the role of Dr. Zakir Hussain by Dr. Zakir Hussain Boys Hostel and ‘Sada-e-Jauhar’ – a brief story of the making of JMI and the contributions of the founders, especially Maulana Jauhar and Mahatma Gandhi by MMA Jauhar Hall of Boys’ Residence.
In his concluding address and vote of thanks, Professor Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar JMI, said that Jamia’s celebrations fully resonated with this year’s theme of the Republic Day, that of, Golden India: Legacy and Progress. He expressed his gratitude to all participants, organising team members and the attendees for making the event a grand success.
The celebration concluded with the singing of the National Anthem by the gathering, marking the end of a memorable and patriotic 76th Republic day celebration.
