Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University Najma Akhtar made an appeal to the Central government on Saturday seeking clearance to establish a medical and nursing college as a component of the university.
Akhtar said that a medical college is an important requirement for the South East Delhi neighbourhood where the university is located and would also be helpful for people living in adjoining areas such as Noida. Akhtar made the comments on Saturday during the 102nd Foundation Day celebrations of JMI.
Subhas Sarkar, the state minister of education for the Union, oversaw the event. Sarkar discussed the institute’s contribution to advancing education in the nation while speaking to the institution and many stakeholders connected to it.
“Since its establishment, the university has achieved uncountable milestones, which will remain memorable and significant for the nation. I congratulate you all, it is a matter of great pride that the institution has passed another milestone,” said Sarkar, as he congratulated the vice-chancellor, teaching and non-teaching staff, students and alumni of the university.
The freedom movement and the non-cooperation movement gave rise to the central government university. The Congress adopted a resolution of non-cooperation in 1920 after Mahatma Gandhi called for a boycott of state-run schools and colleges, recommending “the gradual withdrawal of children from schools or colleges… controlled by the government and… the establishment of national schools and colleges in the various provinces.”
In response, a number of organisations surfaced, among them JMI. In order to provide an indigenous education free from British influence, a group of students, academics, and activists—including Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat Ali, better known as the Ali brothers—joined the Non-Cooperation Movement and founded the Independent National University. Soon after, the institution changed its name to Jamia Millia Islamia and relocated from Aligarh to New Delhi.
Sarkar added that Jamia is among the best prominent varsities in the country. “The students, research scholars and teachers have been constantly excelling in studies, teaching, research and other academic activities”, he said.
VC Akhtar said that the varsity had always laid emphasis on progressiveness, enlightenment and unity in diversity.
“The university always speaks about coexistence and patriotism. We have been conducting national and international seminars and conferences on nation building and society and has always played its distinctive role in making these dreams come true,” Akhtar added.