Jamia Millia Islamia celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, in resonance with the theme of the 150th anniversary of the ‘Vande Mataram’, honouring the national song. Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor, JMI, and Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI unfurled the National Flag at the forecourt of Dr. M.A. Ansari Auditorium followed by the singing of the National Anthem, marking the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.A grand parade by the NCC Cadets and the University Security Staff added to the patriotic spirit and solemnity of the occasion. In his address, Prof. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI, reflected on India’s freedom struggle, highlighting the adoption of the resolution for attaining ‘Poorna Swaraj’ and the nation’s liberation from the stranglehold of British colonial rule by moving towards attaining self-rule. He also emphasized the remarkable effort behind the drafting of the Constitution under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, noting that the members of the Constituent Assembly deliberated clause by clause for two years, eleven months and seventeen days to give to the people of India, one of the finest constitutions in the world.
Prof. Mazhar Asif (L), Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi (R ), Registrar, JMI (Pics: JMI)
In the Presidential Address of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mazhar Asif, paid homage to the architects of the Indian Constitution for their foresight and commitment to democratic ideals. He emphasized the constitutional values of unity, democracy, inclusiveness, and social justice, and reiterated that Jamia Millia Islamia stands for “all and by all”, recognizing the collective contribution of its teaching, non-teaching, and administrative staff. Prof Asif highlighted the significance of Republic Day as the day marking the adoption of the Constitution and emphasized that students, teachers, and all fellow Indians should remember the day with gratitude and reverence for the hard work of the framers of the Constitution. He reminded students that all fundamental rights, ranging from equality and freedom to protection against exploitation originate from the Constitution and collectively shape us into responsible citizens. Prof Asif recalled the contributions of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, K. M. Munshi, Muhammad Sadulla, B. N. Rao, S. M. Mukherjee, and other distinguished luminaries, jurists and freedom fighters who worked relentlessly to draft the Constitution of India. He further reminded the gathering that “our country has no parallel when it comes to the values of multiculturalism, unity, diversity, sanskar, and sanskriti.”
The celebrations were further enriched by colourful cultural performances presented by the students (Pics: JMI)
The celebrations were enriched by colourful cultural performances presented by the students of Jamia schools and the residents of the University hostels, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and composite heritage. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.
