Talimi Mela concluded with the tie up of Jamia and Delhi University

In a move to give a fillip to research and education, Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University today agreed in principle for larger sharing of resources including teachers, laboratory facilities, libraries and databases.The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of JMI’s 96th Foundation day celebrations where Delhi University Vice Chancellor and eminent professor of International Law, Prof. Yogesh Tyagi was the Chief Guest.

The two central universities will sign a formal MoU in this regard shortly, said JMI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Talat Ahmad.Addressing the students and faculty at the jam-packed, JMI’s Ansari auditorium, Prof Tyagi said, “A Healthy atmosphere, transparency, fairness, freedom from prejudices and corruption—are expected from an educational institution” and the institutions must work towards fulfilling them.

“India is culturally rich in which whether it is Hinduism or Islam, justice is at the core. Where justice and fairness shape human behaviour and conduct, all problems are resolved. Law also demands the same thing–equality, due process of justice. So there is no incompatibility between law and religion. If at all, some differences can be resolved by formal processes of law and many by informal processes” Prof Tyagi said.

Reminding the students about the importance of chasing their dreams, he said that “we are generally aware of our dreams but are indifferent to the dreams of others. What about dreams of the people of your village? What about the dreams of your community, nation and the international society?” He added that educational institutions also had a responsibility towards helping the students achieve these shared dreams.
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Prof. Ahmad, VC JMI, said that there is a very good coordination between Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia and we have agreed in principle to take it forward by sharing “our resources to make their optimal use”.

Prof. Ahmad also said that there should be a central system whereby all students from DU, JNU and JMI can come together for special events allowing for greater exchange of ideas and learning among all universities in Delhi.

In the context of the historical and cultural importance of the Talimi Mela, Prof Ahmad, said that a new feature of this year’s event was the setting up of stalls by the Indian Air Force and the Navy. “The idea behind this is “to inspire our students to join the forces and serve the nation”.

Another highlight of the Mela on the concluding day was a nukkad natak competition by JOSH, the dramatic society of JMI, in which four teams participated and presented scintillating performances that commented on different aspects of society and politics.

Prof. Tasneem Meenai, Dean of Students’ Welfare whose office plays a nodal role in the organisation of the talimi mela said, “The Jamia Cultural Commitee has been instrumental in channelizing and showcasing the talent of our students who have performed very well during the Talimi Mela this year. I hope our students will cherish this platform always.”

The Department of Social Work organised a special lecture on ‘From self-initiation to institutionalization: Celebrating the experiments and experiences of Social Activists’ by Magsaysay Awardee, Bezwada Wilson who spoke on the issue of manual scavenging in India and Omkar Nath Sharma popularly known as Medicine Baba as he collects unused medicines and distributes them to the poor and needy.

Earlier in the day, students of Jamia schools presented a heart-warming variety programme following a guard of honour to the Vice Chancellor and the hoisting of the Jamia flag.

On 27 October 2016, the Academy of International Studies, had organized a talk by Prof Neera Chandhoke underlining the importance of civil society for the functioning of democracies.

Prof Chandhoke outlined several phases in the development of civil society right from the Independence Movement to the post-Independence period, when civil society was in retreat which lasted till the Emergency. The period after the Emergency saw the rise of civil rights movements, women’s movements, the Narmada BachaoAndolan, movements for alternative education, environment, medicine and growth of crops. The PIL by the PUCL for the ‘Right to Food’ ushered a new phase with other interventions such as the Right to Information Act.  Today, according to Prof Chandhoke, many civil society organisations have become professionalized and serve as the deliverers of social goods.

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