New Delhi

Prof. Mazhar Asif, who has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Prof Asif, is an expert in the field of Sufism and the medieval history of India.

With an academic, research, and administrative experience of over 20 years, Prof Asif will be the 16th VC of Central University. His appointment fills a post that was vacant since the superannuation of Prof Najma Akhtar in November 2023.

A release from the University said,” With his vast experience in education and leadership, Prof. Asif is set to lead Jamia Millia Islamia towards new horizons in academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration.’

Professor Mazhar Asif, 58, is an expert in Persian language and literature. He holds a PhD in Persian language from JNU and a post-doctoral degree from UGC.

He has also served as a member of the executive council of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Urdu University and Jawaharlal Nehru University. Along with these, he also held a few influential positions in the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The professor has presented over 20 research papers at several national and international conferences and also has nine books published in Persian, English, and Assamese languages.

Professor Asif is working as a professor at the Center for Persian and Central Asian Studies under the School of Languages, Literature, and Cultural Studies of JNU.

He is also known as an experienced teacher who has not only contributed to the academic field but has also played an important role as a member of the drafting committee of the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Apart from this, he has also played a leadership role in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL).

The appointment of Professor Mazhar Asif is being considered an important step in terms of the future of Jamia Millia Islamia. With this appointment, hopes have arisen among students and teachers that the university will reach new heights under the leadership of Professor Asif.

Syed Anwar Kaafi, a Jamia alumnus, wrote on social media, "Finally, the time of waiting is over. Jamia Millia Islamia has got a new Vice-Chancellor. I hope Jamia will work to take it to new heights."

Professor Mazhar Asif's academic credentials and experience are his greatest strengths. He has made significant contributions in areas such as Persian literature, Sufism, and medieval Indian history.

He has served in many prominent educational organizations and committees at the national and international levels. Under his leadership, Jamia Millia Islamia is expected to move further ahead in the field of education and research.

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The appointment of Professor Mazhar Asif marks a turning point for Jamia Millia Islamia.