RIYADH — Jamia Millia Islamia, the New Delhi-based premier seat of learning, plays a stellar role in taking the country forward, Syed Shahid Mahdi, former vice chancellor of the university, said here recently. Speaking as chief guest at an impressive function here to mark the university's 95th Foundation Day, the former vice chancellor underlined the importance of education in the development of the country. Islam, he said, encourages learning from cradle to the grave, and exhorts everyone to seek knowledge even if one has to travel to China. "As long as Muslims pursued knowledge with an open mind they ruled the world and within a span of a century Islam spread from the Pacific to the Atlantic. However, when the spirit of knowledge and inquiry declined it lead to ossification of thought and consequently action," he said. Innovation, creativity and diversity are keys to successes of any educational institution and Jamia has adopted these values and is well on its way to glory, he said. R.J. Naved, known for his purposeful entertainment, enthralled the audience with his extraordinary wit and humor. Naved, guest of honor at the function, uses prank calls to correct the follies and foibles of his "catch" or victims sending meaningful social messages. Naved was thronged by his fans and well-wishers. He also said that he learned his skills and creativity in Jamia Campus where he lived for a long time and that he was proud of his association with Jamia. Ghizal Mahdi, president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association (Riyadh chapter), traced the long 95-year journey of the institution including the turmoil and turbulence it faced and highs and lows it met to realize the dreams of its founding fathers. He said the institution had a very humble beginning in 1925 and witnessed many twists and turns in its march toward glory, prestige and fame. Mahdi's address was interspersed with Urdu couplets which helped him in making his points clear and transparent. For about 37 years (from 1925-62), Mahdi said, the institution courageously and valiantly weathered many a dark clouds threatening its very survival. There also came a time when it was painfully considered to close down the institution for want of enough funds. "We salute all those life members of the institution who had taken a pledge to work for the progress and development of Jamia even when they and their families were forced to survive on a meagre monthly stipend," he said. But by the grace of Almighty Allah, now the university is ranked among the top educational institutions of the country and in February this year the National Assessment and Accreditation Council placed it in the "A-Grade." Several Jamia departments have now come to be regarded as among the best not only in India but across the globe. The Cosmology and Astrophysics group of the Center for Theoretical Physics won the 2015 "Visitor Award" given by the President of India for its work in researches. Talking about the vision of the founding fathers, Mahdi said promotion of mother tongue was their guiding factor. All learned educationists, he said, are of the opinion that imparting teaching — at least till the secondary level — in one's mother tongue is best for the overall development of a student. It also helps him to serve the society better. "By doing this, the three-language formula can be judiciously and wisely implemented and that would be of great help in national integration. "Jamia is a role model for tolerance and harmony where different hues and colors of the Indian society mash up into each other creating a distinct blend whose DNA is rooted in the crescendo of the national struggle for independence," Mahdi said impressing upon the need to pass on the rich heritage of Jamia's values to the next generation through curricular and co-curricular activities. The program began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by Abdul Rahman, who is the association's treasurer. On behalf of the association, founding member Dr. Shafatullah Khan, ex-presidents Khurshid Anwar and Murshid Kamal, and ex-general secretary Zafar Bari welcomed the guests and presented bouquets to them. In recognition of their painstaking efforts in bringing out the first-ever Directory of Jamia Alumni in the Kingdom mementos were presented to Nisar Ahmad Khan, Ghizal Mahdi, Dr. Najeeb Qasmi and Abid Aqeel. JMIAA's cricket team, which participated in the Riyadh Cricket League, was honored with a shield presented to Moin Ahmad. The guests were also presented mementos of appreciation for their monumental efforts in their respective fields. Wasiullah, Imdad Alam and Moosa Raza of the Indian Embassy were given mementos in appreciation of their community services. The program was compered by the inimitable Shahabuddin, a senior founding member of the association. The Jamia anthem (Tarana) was sung by JMIAA tarana team led by Aftab Ali Nizami. Ghayasuddin, vice president of the association, proposed a vote of thanks. Prominent Jamiates such as Laiq Azmi, Ghayyur Ul Islam, Neemu Khan, Salman Azmi, Gufran Ahmad, Naushad Alam, Mohammad Rahbar, Jawed Akhtar Qasmi and Javed Khan were present on the occasion.
