After nearly two years of planning and coordination, the long-cherished dream of bringing together Jamia Millia Islamia alumni in New Zealand finally became a reality this year. The event, organised under the banner of AAJMI New Zealand (Association of Alumni of Jamia Millia Islamia–New Zealand chapter), was held a few days ago on the eve of Jamia’s 105th Foundation Day. It witnessed the participation of around 60 Jamia alumni from different batches, professions, and parts of the country.
The gathering was graced by senior alumni such as Qamar Naeem Saifi (Batch of 1998), Shiraz Ansari (Batch of 2000), and Naeem Ur Rehman (Batch of 2002), among others. “It was heartwarming to see Jamia’s spirit unite people across generations in a country far from home,” said Mohammad Usama (Batch of 2007–2017), one of the organisers of the event.
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The evening began with a warm welcome and a brief introduction of participants who had travelled from various cities across New Zealand to be part of the occasion. A series of short speeches followed, with alumni fondly reminiscing about their student days, favourite teachers, and the countless memories that continue to bind them to their alma mater. The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and a deep sense of belonging.
The discussions also reflected on the rich legacy and progressive vision behind Jamia Millia Islamia’s founding. Alumni recalled how Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s educational philosophy inspired Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and others to establish Jamia in 1920 after parting ways with Aligarh Muslim University. In 1925, Jamia moved from Aligarh to Karol Bagh, Delhi. The space there was small, and resources were limited. But the vision was strong, and in 1935, Jamia was permanently shifted to Okhla, where the university stands today on 239 acre. The university was recognised by the UGC in 1962 and became a Central University on 26 December 1988 by an Act of Parliament.
Today it thrives as a beacon of learning and social change.
They also paid tribute to Dr Zakir Husain, who later joined hands with other stalwarts to strengthen Jamia’s foundation. His contribution helped shape the university into an institution that continues to embody inclusivity, modern thinking, and service to the nation.
Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, and Abdul Majid Khwaja were its founders. One of the leaders who gave the movement its vision and direction was Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. Later, Dr. Zakir Hussain, who later became the President of India, became one of the figures who established Jamia’s identity. Reports indicate that the institution played a significant role in the freedom struggle.
The gathering celebrated this enduring spirit that has guided generations of Jamia students across the world.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when the alumni stood together to sing the Tarana of Jamia Millia Islamia “Dayar-e-Shauq se yeh Jameeyat huyee paida.” As their voices rose in harmony, the room filled with pride and emotion, connecting everyone present to their shared roots thousands of miles away from the Jamia campus in Delhi.
The formal programme concluded with the traditional Jauhar Dinner, a tribute to Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, one of the university’s founders. The dinner provided not only a culinary delight but also an opportunity for informal interactions, laughter, and renewed friendships among old classmates and new acquaintances.
A special “Jamia Memories” session added a personal touch to the evening. Alumni took turns sharing anecdotes from their university days from late-night chai sessions at the canteen and long debates in faculty lawns to cultural festivals, hostel camaraderie, and classroom moments that shaped their youth. These reflections reignited nostalgia and reminded everyone how Jamia had moulded not only their professional paths but also their values and worldview.
Another important discussion centred on how the alumni community in New Zealand could play a larger role in supporting Jamia students who come to the Pacific region for higher studies or career opportunities. It was unanimously agreed that the AAJMI New Zealand chapter would actively assist new arrivals from Jamia helping them settle, network, and integrate into their new environment.
The meet was especially significant as it marked the first-ever celebration of Jamia’s Foundation Day in the Pacific region a proud and historic milestone for the university’s expanding global family. The event symbolised the widening reach of Jamia’s values and the unity of its alumni across continents.
Adding to the joy was the recent news of Jamia Millia Islamia securing a place among the top five universities in India in the NIRF 2025 rankings. The announcement filled the attendees with immense pride, reaffirming their faith in the university’s academic excellence and global standing.
In his closing remarks, Mohammad Usama expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success. “Wherever we stand today in our careers and lives, it is Jamia that gave us the foundation, confidence, and values to reach here,” he said. “It is now our turn to give back by standing with our Jamia community wherever we are.”
The evening concluded with group photographs, shared laughter, and a promise to meet again stronger, larger, and even more united under the proud banner of Jamia Millia Islamia.
