Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) today celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India with tremendous enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, in resonance with the theme of the 150th anniversary of the ‘Vande Mataram’, honoring the national song. Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, 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.
The ceremonial proceedings included Tilawat-e-Quran with translation and the soulful rendition of the Jamia Tarana. A grand and impressive parade by the NCC Cadets and the University Security Staff added to the patriotic spirit and solemnity of the occasion.
Prof. Neelofer Afzal, Dean Students’ Welfare, JMI, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of the day and the values enshrined in the Constitution of India. The University’s Annual Magazine was also formally released on the occasion.
In his address, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI, Prof Rizvi 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. Prof Rizvi also emphasized the remarkable effort behind the drafting of the Constitution under the chairmanship of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji 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 Mahtab Alam Rizvi added, “The Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, region, language, ethnicity, or gender, and affirms that in India, ‘power rests with the people'”. Explaining how the Constitution strengthens democracy, he elaborated on the core values of social justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined within it.
Underscoring the founders of JMI’s refusal to compromise with British rule in the 1920s, he described JMI as a shining example of an institution that embodies India’s foundational values of inclusivity, diversity, unity, cultural plurality, social justice and patriotism and upholds the values enshrined in the Constitution in letter and spirit. In keeping with that spirit and resolve, Prof Rizvi said that JMI stood with the nation and reminded the students about the importance of the tricolour and the concept of nationalism.
This was followed by the Presidential Address of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mazhar Asif, who 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. Prof. Asif further reminded the gathering that “our country has no parallel when it comes to the values of multiculturalism, unity, diversity, sanskar, and sanskriti.” Describing India as a sacred repository of knowledge, culture, and humanity, Prof. Asif urged the faculty, staff, and students of JMI to actively practice the foundational principles enshrined in the Constitution, those of, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, and sovereignty, which are also reflected in the core values and the nationalist spirit that JMI has upheld since its establishment in 1920.
The celebrations were further 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 a vote of thanks followed by the National Anthem. The Republic Day celebration at Jamia Millia Islamia reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the constitutional ethos and its enduring dedication to the service of the nation.
Source: Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi