Tripti Nath/New Delhi

The 103 year old Jamia Millia Islamia is all set to open a medical college in its campus in South Delhi and also set up campuses in the Middle East. This grand announcement made by Jamia’s Vice Chancellor Professor Najma Akhtar at the centenary year convocation in Vigyan Bhawan today drew an overwhelming response from the audience with clapping that lasted at least 90 seconds.

The Jamia Vice Chancellor thanked the visionary government for accepting her request to start a medical college in Jamia. At the same time, she praised the students for focussing on studies despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.

The Vice President, Mr Jagdeep Dhankhar who was the Chief Guest at the convocation, said that the medical college will be the highest bench mark on the global horizon.

Mr Dhankhar who is Chairaman of ICWA (Indian Council of World Affairs) also announced that that the ICWA will have a Memorandum of Understanding with JMI which will fructify before the Independence Day and will be beneficial for both institutions. He said that Jamia welcomes students from more than 25 countries.

He said that the alumni of Jamia have made significant contribution.

The Vice President was joined by the Second Lady, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar. The Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, presided over the function. The hall was packed with students, teaching and non teaching staff of Jamia, members of Parliament, former Vice-Chancellors, diplomats, Heads of Foreign Missions, senior advocates and eminent citizens.

As many as 12,500 students enrolled in various courses in the 2019 and 2020 academic sessions in Jamia Millia Islamia, are being awarded degrees and diplomas today. Due to space constraints, only four gold medallists and four students who finished their doctorate, were awarded their degrees by the Vice President.

A special function will be organised later this afternoon in the Dr M.A. Ansari auditorium at Jamia Milllia Islamia where the the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena will distribute gold medals to toppers of various courses.

The students who received their 24 carat gold medals from the Vice President included Mehak Ashraf Mir who finished her posgraduation in Electronics and Communicatioon Engineering and Yash Kumar for his graduation in Sanskrit. Dr Vartika Chadha who did her Bachelors degree in Dentistry, got a gold medal from the Second Lady. 

While Dr Chadha is now pursuing MDS (Masters of Dental Surgery) from AIIMS, the other gold medallst Yash Kumar is now enrolled for a postgraduation in Sanskrit, got a degree for graduation in Sanskrit.

Anamika Chauhan (Department of Education), Mansoor Ali Quraishi (Faculty of National Sciences) Bharat Pratap Singh (Faculty of Social Sciences) and Unanza Gulzar ( Department of Law) were also honoured with doctorate degree by the Education Minister.

Congratulating the students, faculty, members and staff for achieving the milestone of a centenary convocation year, Mr Dhankar described the accomplishments of JMI as “ extraordinary’’ and congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Prof Najma Akhtar who is recipient of the 2022 Padma Shri for her contribution in transforming Jamia. “ She is the first woman Vice Chancellor of Jamia in its 100 year old history.’’

He said that the National Education Policy 2020 that came in the centenary year of JMI, is a game changer. The policy was evolved after three decades and a large number of stakeholders were consulted. “ It is crucial for students to become innovators and entrepreneurs and establish their own start-ups. The number of start-ups and unicorns that we have is a ground reality acknowledged  by the world. I call upon my friends to immerse themselves in economic nationalism with all your energy and enthusiasm. We have to take pride in our nation. India is on the rise as never before.''

Addressing the students as Warriors of 2047- the year when India will celebrate the 100^th anniversary its much cherished independence, the Vice President urged them to dedicate  to find solutions to challenges facing our country. “ You must draw upon insights instilled by your alma mater to utilise them to contribute to nation building.’’

He said that education is important but it is equally important to link education with larger societal growth. “ The empowerment of human resource is a vital ingredient in nation building. The youth have to empower themselves not by political intoxication but through the mechanism of capacity building and personality development with the ultimate objective of nurturing a healthy society.’’

Addressing the students as “ my young friends, the Vice President said, “ A centenary year convocation comes in the life of a citizen very rarely.  As a consequence of a series of government policies and initiatives, we have an eco system in place now. It allows every young mind to unleash his or her energy, to channelise and explore the potential and to realize his/her aspirations. During our time, we did not have such an eco system. We had to struggle largely but now if you have an idea, the system helps you enormously.’’

Mr Dhankar who has practised as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court, reminded students to embrace democratic principles and virtues. “ We are a democracy run by law. We have a robust system of redressal of grievances in judicial system. Street demonstrations to challenge rule of law is not hallmark of a good governance or a democracy of our nature. I am sure that young minds will focus on it and do what they can do in motivating their minds to see that such forces are discouraged.’’

Describing Jamia Milla Islamia as “ a great university which is on the rise.’’ Mr Dhankar warned against misuse of its students and faculty by elements abroad. “ This cannot be allowed.’’

Mr Dhankar told the students that while they have a promising career and a promising future. “ Be like a river-meander, choose your own path, and act on your own inclination and aptitude. Never allow yourself to be dictated when it comes to your own idea. Never have the fear of failure.’’

The Vice President told the students that although they have earned their degrees, they must be mindful of the fact that learning is a lifelong process. “ You have acquired knowledge through education. Now, you must carefully cultivate this knowledge to harvest the wisdom.’’

While acknowledging the leadership role played by Jamia during the Independence struggle, the Education Minister said, “ Jamia was born in 1920. It was during those 100 years that India attained freedom. Jamia was created to carry forward the struggle for freedom. We are now the fifth largest economy. We are also preparing for the next 25 years of ‘Amrit Kaal’ I have no doubt that in this journey, Jamia will be on the number one position in this phase in giving intellectual leadership.’’

Mr Pradhan said that he relates well to the issues concerning students as he has been associated with the students movement.