RIYADH — Paying tribute to the sacrifices made by the founders of their alma mater, the alumni of Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) Riyadh Chapter recently celebrated the 96th foundation anniversary of the institution with traditional zeal and fervor. Current Vice Chancellor of JMI Professor Talat Ahmad was the chief guest whereas Professor Faizan Mustafa, a legal luminary and vice chancellor of NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad, was the guest of honor. Addressing the huge gathering of fellow Jamiates, Professor Ahmad highlighted the significant contributions of JMI in promoting nationalism and its unforgettable role in nation building. "It is a matter of immense pride for Jamiates globally that the university is ranked as number one institution among the Indian universities in the field of research in nanotechnology. Excellence in research which JMI has achieved over a couple of years is well received in academic circles," he said. While assuring his assistance to provide best facilities to NRI students, particularly fulfilling hostel requirements for girls, he emphasized the importance role which the privileged JMI alumni can play in eradicating the educational backwardness of underprivileged members of the Muslim community back home. "The main purpose of celebrating the Foundation Day is nothing but introspect ourselves whether we are doing what were are expected to do for the community. It is time that we should revive the spirit and enthusiasm which led the founders of the JMI to make great sacrifices." Ahamd said he was happy that the university was fulfilling its mandate to make education accessible to children from marginalized and weaker sections of society. He cited the bridge course under which school and madrassa dropouts were being given intensive one year teaching and training at JMI under the aegis of "Nai Manzil Scheme". In his keynote address Professor Faizan Mustafa underlined the legal aspects of the minority status of JMI and AMU, which he said is a correlated issue. "If AMU's minority character is revoked, then JMI will also lose its minority status," he added. "It is an undeniable fact that a nation that faces multifarious challenges on legal fronts, it needs human resources highly skilled in legal expertise. But unfortunately, Indian Muslims overlook the discipline of law as a promising career path. Being a law graduate I am sure there are plenty of opportunities in this particular discipline. I urge NRI parents that along with other traditional known professional courses like engineering and medicine, they should also consider law as a career choice for their children," he said. Earlier the program commenced with the recitation of a few verses of the Glorious Qur'an. Ahsan Nadvi conducted the program. Former presidents Murshid Kamal and Khurshid Anwer and senior Jamiate Aftab Nizami presented bouquets to the chief guest and the guest of honor. President Anisur Rahman presented a memento to Professor Talaat Ahamd while Vice President Laique Azmi presented a memento to Professor Faizan Mustafa. In his welcome address, Anisur Rahman gave an overview of the association's performance last year. "The real message of the Foundation Day is that we should recall the objectives for which this august institution came to existence," he reminded fellow Jamiates.
