In a solemn and moving tribute, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) today condemned the heinous terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people and extended deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Jamia Hamdard issued a condemnation messaged in which its Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr) M. Afshar Alam said: “The nation has deeply devastated and shattered to hear the dastardly and cowardly act committed by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir yesterday and which caused loss of innocent lives and had left many injured in this act. This cowardly act of the terrorists tarnished the image of the country and also put a pause on the overall development of the rejuvenated Union Territory of the Jammu and Kashmir.”
“We, all faculty and non-teaching members of Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University), New Delhi strongly condemn this cowardly and inhuman act of violence in Pahalgam which has shattered many families and put a dent on the fast developing the tourist destinations of the Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorism has no place in any society, and we must remain united in our resolve to defeat it with unwavering courage and resilience. Our hearts go out to the victims and their family members during this turbulent time of grief. We stand in solidarity with them and pray for the fast and speedy recovery of the injured. We request the authorities to take all necessary actions and steps to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of every citizen of this country,” said the university.
In another development on the campus today for the Earth Day 2025 observance, at a symposium organised by the Department of Environmental Science, JMI in association with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Govt of India, Vice Chancellor JMI, Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, joined the nation in offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and called for peace, humanity, and compassion during this difficult time.
As a mark of remembrance and respect, 26 trees were planted by Prof Asif, Prof Rizvi and other officials of JMI and NIDM, distinguished guests and students in the front lawns of the administrative block of the university. Promising to honour and remember those who lost their lives in yesterday’s attack, the JMI administration has taken full responsibility for the upkeep of the memorial trees and to hold an annual remembrance event symbolizing hope and resilience of the human spirit, it said.
The aim of the two-day symposium was to create awareness and to disseminate knowledge regarding the Earth Day celebrated on 22nd and 23rd April 2025. The main motto of the event is to inform the students regarding the current situation of the environment and discuss ideas to improve it. Students from the JMI and other universities including University of Delhi, and IIT Delhi participated in various competitions as part of the symposium.
Prof. Mazhar Asif, began his welcome speech by paying a heartfelt tribute to the victims of Pahalgam terror attack. Following that, Dr Rajeev Singh, Head of the Department and Prof. Mini Thomas Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JMI welcomed the guests, faculty members and students. A guest lecture by Prof. Surya Prakash (Head, GMRD, NIDM) was followed by a brainstorming and enlightening awareness talk by Shri Rajendra Ratnoo, IAS, Executive Director, NIDM. Mr Vijay Kumar Singh, ICAS, Vice Chairman, Delhi Development Authority, spoke on the theme of biodiversity parks and the contribution of Delhi Development Authority towards nature’s protection work.
Prof. Rizvi, Registrar JMI gave a motivational talk on the Earth Day and its importance and encouraged the students and faculty members to come forward and take on-ground initiatives to protect the environment.
The day’s events concluded with a prize distribution function and the release of a newsletter of the Department of Environmental Science by the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, JMI and other distinguished guests.
