A two-day ‘Talimi Mela’ showcasing Jamia Millia Islamia’s culture and education was opened on the university campus as part of its 97 Foundation Day celebrations.

A book fair, photography and animation exhibitions by AJK MCRC, a science exhibition, film festival, dramatised reading of short stories of ‘Urdu adab ke 3 sitare -- Premchand, Manto, Ismat Chugtai’, nukkad natak and food festival were the highlights of day 1 of the festival.

Chancellor JMI and Governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla, who was the Chief Guest but could not attend the function due to some pressing State engagement, in her video message said she was happy to note the remarkable progress that Jamia had made since its inception.

While talking about the unique place JMI has earned among institutions of higher learning, Heptulla said that it was her earnest desire that a Medical College is established in the university for which she will try her level best.

Heptulla said that the Vice-Chancellor, Talat Ahmad has played a significant role in the all-round development of the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmad spoke about JMI making a mark in national and international rankings and that it has been placed above many well-known universities in the country.

He also said that he was hopeful that JMI will get a Medical College in the time to come.

Ahmad said that JMI has the kind of multicultural character which a national university must have and told the students to make all effort to preserve and nurture it.
The Talimi Mela, he said, was a testimony of Jamia’s unique cultural ethos and that “we should unite and participate on this happy occasion together”.

He also asked students not to be misled by a handful of their co-students trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the university and focus on their studies.

After the inaugural function, Ahmad accompanied by Dev Swarup, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission visited all 66 stalls set up by different departments, centres, schools and offices of JMI.

They were also joined by Pro Vice-Chancellor Shahid Ashraf, Registrar, AP Siddiqui and Finance Officer, Sanjay Kumar, Deans, Heads, Directors, Chief Proctor and Provosts and the Convenor of Talimi Mela, Sadre Alam.

Stalls by B Vocational (Solar), Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, MA Ansari Health Centre, Horticulture Department displayed their innovation and different products.

Swarup inaugurated a photo exhibition and released the General and Working papers at the stall of Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies.

A special highlight of the event was the stalls set up by Indian Airforce and the Indian Navy to encourage students to learn about the forces and join them.

Another attraction was a model of a battery-operated car and solar panels which have been developed at JMI.

An exhibition on ‘Makers of Jamia Millia Islamia’ by Zakir Husain Library showcased the four-stage evolution of JMI’s logo to its present form, besides, an annotated display of portraits of the founders of the 97-year old university. 

Shyam B Menon, Vice Chancellor, Ambedkar University who was an invited speaker said that JMI’s founders had a tall vision and today we need to publicise the ideals like nationalism, brotherhood and social reform on which this university was founded.

Gandarv Theatre group, Jaipur presented a play ‘Maayne Gambhir Honay Kay’, a Hindi adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, adapted and directed by  Saurabh Srivastava at MA Ansari Auditorium. 

Colourful performances by Jamia Middle school and Mushir Fatma Nursery school children were much appreciated by the audience.

Musical programmes, ghazals,mushaira and street plays added to the gaiety and festive spirit that enveloped the university.