102 Foundation Day: Jamia cancels Talimi Mela, gives reason
The cancellation of annual cultural fair, Talimi Mela, has left many alumni and students deeply upset. The university will be celebrating its 102 Foundation Day from October 29-31 sans Talimi Mela. In a notice doing the rounds on the social media, the university gives reason for the move.
“This has reference to our letter dated 10.10.22 regarding organising Talimi Mela during 102 Foundation Day celebrations from October 29-31, 2022. Due to some unavoidable circumstance and paucity of fund the Talimi Mela programme has been cancelled as per direction from the Vice Chancellor,” said the notice carrying signature of Prof Ibraheem, Dean, Student’s Welfare dated October 26.
However, Jamia watchers said this is not something new in the last 33 years, the Talimi Mela has been cancelled 11 times. It was revived by Mushirul Hassan during his vice chancellorship from 2004-2009. During whole tenure of Najeeb Jung as VC of Jamia (2009–2013) Talimi Mela was not held.
It was revived again during Vice Chancellor Talat Ahmad (2014 -2018) and since 2019, Talimi Mela has not been held, including the period of Covid-induced lockdown and gathering restrictions.
During Talimi Mela, the event is open for local residents, including the Jamia biradri, residing in Okhla.