Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Inaugurates Jamia Millia Islamia’s 105th Foundation Day & Six-Day ‘Talimi Mela’

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) marked its 105th Foundation Day with a grand inaugural ceremony held at the university’s historic MA Ansari Auditorium on Tuesday.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju graced the event as Chief Guest, alongside Vice Chancellor Prof Mazhar Asif, Registrar Prof Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, and Dean of Students’ Welfare Prof Neelofer Afzal.

The celebration began with a Guard of Honour, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and a moving rendition of the ‘Jamia Tarana’ by school students.

The event also marked the return of the Talimi Mela, Jamia’s iconic six-day educational and cultural fair, held on such a grand scale for the first time in over a decade.

Tribute to Founders and India’s Composite Culture

In his keynote address, Kiren Rijiju paid glowing tributes to Jamia’s founders—Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Dr MA Ansari, and Dr Muhammad Mujeeb—and to national icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who shaped the university’s vision.

Praising Jamia’s academic and cultural achievements, the Minister said, “JMI is unmatched in its rigour and cultural richness—mere dil mein khas jagah hai Jamia ke liye.”

He described Jamia as a ‘living embodiment of India’s unity in diversity’ and lauded its role in fostering nationalism, brotherhood, and social reform.

Rijiju assured full support from the Ministry of Minority Affairs for Jamia’s development, announcing plans for a larger auditorium and improved infrastructure.

He also reaffirmed government funding of ₹181 crore for hostels, smart classrooms, and new research facilities, including Electric Vehicle and Cybersecurity Testing Labs.

Commitment to Education and Nation-Building

Reflecting on India’s democratic and economic progress, Rijiju noted that India’s strong constitutional framework had ensured growth and stability amid global challenges.

He reminded the gathering of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, expressing confidence that India’s momentum under PM Modi’s leadership would achieve this goal well ahead of time.

Vice Chancellor Prof Mazhar Asif also expressed gratitude to the Minister and highlighted Jamia’s mission of blending tradition with modernity, empowering women, and promoting national service.

Registrar Prof Mahtab Alam Rizvi thanked Rijiju for his continued support, acknowledging the ministry’s initiatives that have elevated Jamia’s academic and infrastructural landscape.

Talimi Mela Returns with Grandeur

Following the inaugural ceremony, Rijiju inaugurated a book fair featuring 16 stalls curated by the Dr Zakir Husain Library, including a special United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pavilion.

Moreover, Jamia, ranked third nationally in SDG initiatives under NIRF 2025, showcased its best practices and student research models.

The six-day Talimi Mela will feature academic sessions, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural performances by scholars, artists, and students.

Each evening will conclude with musical performances, celebrating the spirit of education and unity.

Vice Chancellor Prof Asif further described Jamia as ‘not just a university but a thought, a dream, and a philosophy’ rooted in India’s freedom struggle.

The Foundation Day, he said, ‘honours our past and inspires the bright future that lies ahead’.

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