Jamia alumni meet in Dubai evokes nostalgic memories
dubai — It was an evening steeped in nostalgia, as over 500 alumni of New Delhi’s central university and one of India’s most famous — Jamia Millia Islamia — came from all across the world to celebrate their alma mater’s 97th birthday.
Scores of ex-Jamia students who travelled all the way from India, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UK along with their families attended the event.
The distinguished guest list included Ambassador of India to UAE Navdeep Singh Suri, the university’s vice-chancellor Talat Ahmed and other dignitaries. Alumni shared nostalgic memories of their time at the school at the event.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the university’s anthem called Jamia Tarana sung in full enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, prominent alumni Parvez Akram Siddquie welcomed the guests and JMI alumni and highlighted the university’s key objectives. He spoke about starting a medical college in the university’s campus, expansion of the campus, and campus placement for students.
Talking about the role of the alumni meet, Siddquie added: “The heart of the alumni meet lies in giving back in kind to their alma mater. Such meets not only aim to bring together and foster a bond among alumni, but also are a means of extending a helping hand to fresh graduates in different aspects, from job-hunting to settling down in the UAE. Many a times, the alumni chapter has also generated funds for pressing needs like a hostel accommodation at the university.”
Dr Haji Ibrahim, co-chairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, announced the company’s support in building the hostel facility for students, on the Jamia campus.
JMI vice-chancellor delivered a powerful speech on the values and ideals that define the university. Stating that JMI is a confluence of modern and age-old values of brotherhood and mutual coexistence, he said: “JMI is a platform from which students embark on a journey of learning and self-discovery. It is a model of national integration where children of every religion, sect, and denomination study together,” Ahmed said.
“We recalled our college days today, as we met our batchmates and friends after so many years, even 20 years in some cases. We shared the same jokes that we cracked as students and had a great time catching up,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, a JMI alumni and one of the meet’s organisers.
Suri assured his support in getting the Global Jamia Alumni Network (GJAN) official recognition and registration in the UAE.
Talking about the role of Indian expats in the UAE, Suri said: “I was talking to some very high officials in the UAE government, and they said we have been told to drive the India-UAE relationship, because our leaders believe that Indians are the people we trust. Why? ‘Because, at home we leave our children in the care of Indians, in hospitals we put our lives in the hands of Indian doctors, and in banks we put our money in the hands of Indian bankers’ he said. There is lot of goodwill earned by the Indian community.”
saman@khaleejtimes.com