Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a Central University based in south Delhi, is gearing up to welcome non-resident Indian students who have successfully completed their 10th or 12th grades in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, said Prof. Mushirul Hasan, university's Vice Chancellor, here recently. Hasan was speaking at a reception hosted in his honor by one of the Riyadh chapters of Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association (JMIAA). Among those present were M. Shahabuddin, the founder member of JMIAA and its office bearers including Muhammad Munib, president, Atique Ahmed, treasurer, Muhammad Laique, vice-president, Arshad Bari, general secretary, and Shabbir Ahmed, joint secretary. Prof. Hasan said that Jamia Millia has witnessed tremendous progress in its infrastructure and educational developments. New courses have also been introduced in the university “and many more have to come in the near future,” he said. Hasan, who was visiting Saudi Arabia on an invitation from the Saudi government to deliver a lecture at the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh, spoke in detail on the latest developments taking place in different fields at JMI. He said JMI has been in the news for its innovation in opening new centers and introduction of courses that are both unique and timely, he said and referred to the university's website www.jmi.nic.in for more details. With the recent opening of Center for Culture, Media and Governance (CCMG), JMI sought to enhance the integration and development of interdisciplinary research into the media in India and South Asia, according to information posted at the website. The Center will act as a focal point for dialogue between social scientists, civil society players and media professionals, it said. Prof. Hasan advised the JMI alumni working in Saudi Arabia to close their differences, come under one umbrella and work together. Shahabuddin, the convener of the event, also urged the JMIAA members to be united and contribute positively for the future education of NRI students returning home. He said as a founder member of JMIAA he tried his best to mediate between two splinter groups to bring them on one platform. A number of meetings were held to sort out the differences between the two groups. “It is unfortunate that the two groups are split on petty differences that can be resolved by holding a general election,” he said. __
