I grateful to PM for giving us revival package, says Jamia V-C Najma on R-Day celebrations
72nd Republic Day was celebrated today at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) while maintaining social distancing and other Covid-19 guidelines.
Main function was organised at the lawns of Dr M.A. Ansari Auditorium of the university where Prof. Najma Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, JMI unfurled the National Flag in the presence of the Chief Guest of the function Prof.(Dr.) Ashok Seth (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri), Chairman, Fortis Escorts Hearts Institute & Governing Board.
Dr. Seth was presented with a Guard of Honour by NCC cadets of the university prior to flag hoisting.
After the flag hoisting National Anthem was sung by the gathering comprising of limited number of teaching, non-teaching staff and a few students of senior classes of Jamia Schools in view of the pandemic.
As part of cultural programmes tiny tots of Mushir Fatima Nursery School gave a musical tribute to India by performing classical dance of different States of the country.
Students of Jamia Senior Secondary School presented a group song while students of Jamia Girls Senior Secondary School and Jamia Middle School performed group dance on patriotic songs. Mesmerising qawwali performance was presented by students of Syed Abid Husain Secondary School.
During her address to the audience Prof. Najma Akhtar, VC, JMI said this Republic Day being celebrated in the extended centenary year of the university is significant for us in many ways considering the pandemic situation. It proves to be the celebration of life as well, because it has broken the monotony and dullness surrounding us.
She further said the spectacular rise of JMI in national and international rankings owes to its teachers, researchers and students’ profound interest in their class transaction, meticulous researches, diligent studies and so on.
Prof. Akhtar said university showed strong commitment to face and address the pressing challenges due to pandemic successfully while responding to every call of the Government and stood in solidarity while inspiring courage and boosting the morale and confidence of thousands of doctors, paramedical staff and other staff members, heralding health and happiness for the entire nation.
While speaking on the effect of the pandemic Prof. Akhtar said the economy of the country has been severely hit due to coronavirus. Its waves are severely felt in the universities including JMI as well. “I am happy to say that now the Government has given us a very good revival package for all those things that we were not able to get at the right time. I am extremely grateful to the Ministry of Education, UGC and ultimately to our Prime Minister for the same.”
She advised students to ‘Never give up’ and it should be their watchword for success. “Develop mastery of a range of practical skills, thinking skills, social skills, emotional skills and interpersonal skills. They will help you to show a determined attitude towards your life and career. Be up and doing. Stay in the race with sincere efforts. You are sure to succeed. I wish grand success to the school students who are going to take their board exams”, she said.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Seth, an alumnus of AMU in his address said JMI happens to be a sibling of my alma mater and I am delighted to be present at this great institution which is celebrating its centenary year.
Elaborating the role of health care and front line workers during pandemic Dr. Seth said: “They deserve respect as they played crucial role during the pandemic and sacrificed so much to save lives of people and I am here with you all as their representative.”
The gathering gave a standing ovation to the health care workers as a gesture of respect.
The function ended with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Nazim Hussain Al-Jafri, Registrar, JMI.
