Photo exhibition chronicles evolution of Jamia: Prof Farhat Basir Khan

Jamia Millia Islamia has a rich history, and these photos illustrate the remarkable transformation of the university over the course of 103 years, with Jamia evolving from a small campus into an internationally recognised institution with a rich history of playing a pivotal role during the Independence movement, said Professor Farhat Basir Khan on Friday at photo exhibition held on the campus to mark its 103rd Foundation Day.

Organised by the Architecture Department, Professor Khan a distinguished academician, a communication strategist, a media practitioner, and an innovator with several new media techniques and formats to his credit, graced the event as the Chief Guest with Jamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar inaugurating it.

The “Line Shapes and Spaces: a visual ode to Jamia” attracted a large number of students and teachers.

“Photographs capture emotions and narratives. Through the art of photography, these photographers have endeavored to encapsulate Jamia’s iconic journey. Each frame tells a distinctive story of perseverance, ingenuity, and academic excellence,” said Khan, eminent photographer and founder of the Department of Design and Innovation at Jamia.

After inaugurating the photography exhibition, Professor Akhtar said the photos showcase Jamia’s history.

Curated by Dr Arshad Ameen and assisted by co-curators Ar Farah Naz, Atufa Rais, and Ar Mohd Rahil, the exhibition immersed visitors in the essence of Jamia’s heritage. With Professor Qamar Irshad, Head of the Department of Architecture, providing direction, the exhibition skillfully melded artistic elements with historical importance.

Founded on October 29, 1920 at Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jamia was later shifted to Delhi.
The five-day celebration will include a number of academic and cultural activities.

Several programmes have been scheduled for the grand celebration of Jamia’s Foundation Day, which started on Friday and will continue until October31, 2023.

Dr Zakir Husain Library organised a book exhibition on the rare book collection pertaining to the History of Jamia. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Jamia Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Iqbal Husain in the presence of Professor Tabrez Alam Khan, Professor Incharge, Dr Zakir Husain Library, Dr Sufian Ahmad, Offg university Librarian, faculty members and members of the non teaching staff.

Rare books, archival newspapers and magazines depicting the making of Jamia were put on display in the exhibition. Some of the important literary works related to Jamia’s founders have also been showcased during the exhibition. The exhibition shall be on view till 31st October 2023.

As partof celebrations, a blood donation, Physiotherapy and Dental Check-up Camps were organised today at Gate No.7 of the university.
The NSS Unit, Dr MA Ansari Health Centre & Rotary Club jointly organised the Blood Donation Camp where more than 100 people donated blood in the mobile unit.

The Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences set up a camp where people were given physiotherapy treatment through advanced techniques while the Faculty of Dentistry (FoD) under the supervision of its Dean Prof. Keya Sircar,organised an oral health screening camp for the Jamia fraternity and their families.
The dental camp focused on screening and creating awareness about dental trauma, oral pre cancer, tobacco associated oral lesions, maxillofacial defects requiring complex surgery and their rehabilitation.

The India Arab Cultural Centre (IACC), Jamia organised a panel discussion on the topic “Palestine and the Arab World” at the Conference Hall of the Centre.

Professor A K Ramakrishnan of SIS, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Dr. Fazzur Rahman of Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) were the esteemed panelists who discussed the current situation of Palestine and response of the world on it.

Professor Nasir Raza Khan Hony director of the Centre, introduced the theme of the discussion and the speakers. Prof. Khan also highlighted the volatility of the topic and the current chaotic situation of the Arab world.

Dr. K.R. Narayanan Centre for Dalit and Minorities Studies, JMI organised a captivating “Philatelic Exhibition: Babasaheb, An Extraordinary PhilatelicJourney (1966-2023).”
This meticulously curated exhibition, under the expert guidance of Dr Vikas Kumar, a distinguished faculty member from the School of Development at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, offers an intimate portrayal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s multifaceted life and his enduring impact on society and the nation.
Professor Muslim Khan, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, JMI inaugurated the exhibition. In his eloquent opening remarks, Professor Mohd Muslim Khan lauded Dr Ambedkar as a luminous figure whose presence in discussions about India is indispensable.

Professor Padmanabh Samarendra, Director of the Centre, emphasised the imperative to view Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar within the broader context of intellectual tradition and philosophy.

The Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies (SNCWS) and Premchand Archives &Literary Centre (JPALC) organised an event titled ‘Udaan: A Celebration of Jamia’s Women’ at the Centre for Information Technology Hall of the university.
The programme consisted of an exhibition of photographs curated by architect and designer Ronesh Roy about early women pioneers who made significant contributions to the then new university.

The event started with an inauguration of the exhibition by the Professor Akhtar who delivered the inaugural address where she stressed the importance of gender inclusivity and stated women need to understand that leadership was not about a position but an attitude.

This was followed by a panel discussion where Dr Syeda S Hameed spoke about the women featured in the exhibition. Professor Bulbul Dhar, Hony Director made a slideshow presentation on more contemporary women who have shaped the modern Jamia.