Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal at the forecourt of Dr. M.A. Ansari Auditorium and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Auditorium. The occasion was graced by Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar, JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, along with distinguished faculty members, staff, students, and alumni.
The programme commenced with the arrival of dignitaries, warmly welcomed by NCC officers and cadets. Prof. Asif and Prof. Rizvi hoisted the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by students and staff, filling the atmosphere with solemnity, reverence and a deep sense of national pride.
The celebrations continued at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Auditorium with a cultural programme that began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and their translation, the soulful rendition of the ‘Jamia Tarana’, and the felicitation of guests.
Prof. Neelofer Afzal, Dean Students’ Welfare, extending a warm welcome reminded the gathering that 15th August 1947 marked not only the end of colonial rule but also the fulfilment of countless dreams and the beginning of a collective responsibility. She highlighted Jamia’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.
Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi extended warm greetings to the audience on the occasion and reflected on India’s journey from colonial oppression to liberation from socio-economic exploitation. He said: “On this day in 1947, we did not only attain political freedom but also social, economic and a host of other freedoms that make our life worth living.Preserving this freedom is an arduous task and our primary responsibility.” Prof Rizvi reminded the audience that India’s rich cultural and historical heritage continues to inspire the world. Paying a glowing tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives to win freedom for the country, Prof Rizvi said, “We need to nurture and protect our culture and tradition.”
Prof. Mazhar Asif began with “Vande Mataram,” paying tribute to the supreme sacrifices of freedom fighters. He urged the Jamia fraternity to uphold the values of integrity, freedom, and service; cultivate human virtues, and rise above malice. Stressing the importance of positive thinking, self-determination, and faith in the Almighty, he encouraged all to strive towards their goals with perseverance. “Patience should not be abandoned even in the darkest of times and we should remain hopeful as God the Almighty is always with his creation” Prof. Asif added. He also lauded the performances by the students of Jamia schools and emphasised the need to respect women and acknowledge their invaluable role in society.
The cultural programme reflected Jamia’s vibrant diversity, featuring performances from various schools, speeches from the debate club, a melodious ghazal duet by Zeeshan Ahmad and his team, and a soul-stirring qawwali by students of Anglo-Arabic Senior Secondary School. A unique rendition of the ‘Jamia Tarana’ in eight regional languages by Jamia Senior Secondary School students drew much applause. The students of Mushir Fatima Nursery School enthralled the audience with their riveting dance performance as did the talented artists from Jamia Middle school. Syed Abid Hussain Senior Secondary School presented a moving act on the partition and India’s journey towards strength and self-reliance.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Umaima, Assistant DSW, followed by the National Anthem. The day ended with high tea, marking a dignified close to celebrations that blended solemn remembrance with festive joy.
As part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, a grand ‘Tiranga Yatra’ and other events were also organised across the university earlier this week, besides, a host of lectures and cultural programmes that have been conducted by various departments, centres and offices of JMI under the aegis of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” being observed from August 2-15, 2025.
Additionally, the university’s gates have come alive with a spectacular “Tiranga” lighting display featuring saffron, white, and green colors symbolising the spirit of patriotism, unity, and courage. The mesmerizing lighting display, which commenced on August 13, 2025, to mark the Independence Day celebration, has added to the festive atmosphere on campus, drawing admiration from students, faculty members and passersby. Besides the dazzling special tricolor lighting, the national flag has been hoisted on all the gates and buildings of JMI.
