Dr Najma Heptulla inaugurates refurbished reading room and presents the Holy Quran at JMI Library
Dr. Najma Heptulla, Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia and Governor of Manipur today presented Quran as a gift to JMI’s Dr. Zakir Husain Library as she inaugurated the refurbished reading room of the library.
This precious Quran was presented to Dr. Heptulla by late King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. She also presented a framed piece of Kiswa (the large cloth that covers the Kabaa) to the university.
Prof. Najma Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, JMI received the Quran on behalf of the university at a function held in the library, which was attended by Guest of Honours Justice Sohail Siddiqui, former chairman, NCMEI and Syed Shahid Mahdi, former Vice Chancellor, JMI, other guests, teachers and non-teaching staff of the university. The function was organised while following all Covid-19 related protocols.
While addressing the audience Dr Heptulla said she found JMI as the most suitable place to present such gifts. She appreciated Najma Akhtar’s efforts in taking the university to greater heights despite so many challenges. She reiterated that she is trying her level best to help the university in setting up a medical college and hospital.
After formally welcoming the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honours and others guests, Najma Akhtar in her address said that through this noble gesture Chancellor has given us a message of Quran ‘IQRA’— to read, research and contribute towards knowledge construction for national objectives of Education.
Prof. Akhtar further said 2020 was full of challenges and the university transformed those challenges in opportunities. She explained in detail the activities that have been carried out since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.
The Vice Chancellor said with the slight decline of Covid-19 cases in Delhi, the university will continue with online teaching but are hopeful of introducing some offline academic activities for students of science in near future for practical, research & hands-on experience.
Prof. Akhtar also said the university is preparing for second cycle of NAAC assessment and accreditation and are confident of improving upon the past performance.
“I am very happy to share with you all that the university is seized with the organization of Centenary Convocation and for which we have requested the Prime Minister to grace the occasion through virtual mode as the Chief Guest,” Prof. Akhtar said.
Guest of Honours Justice Sohail Siddiqui and Syed Shahid Mahdi also addressed the audience.
The Vice Chancellor also presented a portrait of Dr Heptulla to her, drawn beautifully by Vijayata Bhambhri, Associate Professor, Department of Arts Education, Faculty of Fine Arts, JMI during the function.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks presented by Dr Nazim Husain Al-Jafri, Registrar, JMI.
