Jamia Millia Islamia Official Website
1. Introduction
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) was established in 1920 at Aligarh, United Provinces, India.
- It became a Central University through an Act of the Indian Parliament in 1988.
- The name “Jamia” means “University” and “Millia” means “National” in Urdu.
- The university’s journey from a small pre-independence institution to a central university in New Delhi symbolizes dedication and perseverance.
- Sarojini Naidu described its development as being built “stone by stone and sacrifice by sacrifice.”
2. Conception
- JMI was born out of two dominant trends during British rule:
- Anti-colonial Islamic Activism: Advocated resistance against British rule.
- Pro-independence Aspirations: Championed by the politically radical, western-educated Indian Muslim intelligentsia.
- These movements merged in 1920, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation.
- Notable contributors:
- Maulana Mehmud Hasan
- Maulana Mohamed Ali
- Hakim Ajmal Khan
- Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari
- Abdul Majid Khwaja
3. Foundation
- The Foundation Committee met on 29 October 1920.
- Prominent members included:
- Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, Mufti Kafayattullah, Maulana Abdul Bari, and more.
- On 22 November 1920, Hakim Ajmal Khan became the first Chancellor and Mohamed Ali Jauhar the first Vice Chancellor.
- Maulana Mehmud Hasan laid the foundation stone on 29 October 1920.
4. Crisis and Relocation to Delhi
- Initially, JMI faced severe political and financial challenges.
- Post the Khilafat Movement, it nearly collapsed due to a lack of support.
- In 1925, with support from Gandhiji, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr. Mukhtar Ansari, and Abdul Majeed Khwaja, JMI was shifted from Aligarh to Karol Bagh, New Delhi.
- Gandhiji’s statement: “The Jamia has to run. If you are worried about its finances, I will go about with a begging bowl.”
5. Resurgence and Growth
- In 1925, three scholars from Germany joined JMI:
- Zakir Husain (Economics)
- Abid Husain (Education)
- Mohammad Mujeeb (History)
- Contributions:
- Introduced popular evening classes for adult education.
- Established Idara-i-Taleem-o-Taraqqi in 1938.
- Financial crises were addressed by the collective efforts of teachers and scholars.
6. Shifting to the New Campus (Okhla)
- On 1 March 1935, the foundation stone for a new campus was laid at Okhla, Delhi.
- By 1936, most JMI institutions were shifted to this new campus.
- Focus on innovative education led to the establishment of Ustadon ka Madrasa (Teacher’s College) in 1938.
7. Deemed University Status
In 1962, JMI was declared a ‘Deemed to be University’ by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Established key faculties and centers:
- School of Social Work (1967)
- Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Studies (1971)
- Faculty of Engineering & Technology (1985)
- Mass Communication Research Centre (1983)
8. Central University Status
In December 1988, JMI became a Central University.
- Expanded faculties include:
- Education
- Humanities & Languages
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Law (added in 1989)
9. Vision Statement
- To build a secular and modern educational system that supports the sustainable development of society.
10. Mission Statement
- To become a world-class institution, advancing knowledge through instruction, research, and extension activities.
- To promote nationalism, pluralism, and use education to meet emerging challenges.
11. Objectives
- Foster a teaching and research-intensive environment driven by innovation.
- Encourage multidisciplinary learning and research in advanced areas.
- Provide quality education for nation-building and human resource development.
- Develop extra-mural studies and lifelong learning initiatives.
- Support socially disadvantaged sections through inclusive education.
- Promote sustainable development and environmental care.
12. Notable Personalities
Founders:
- Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mehmud Hasan
- Hakim Ajmal Khan
- Maulana Mohammad Ali Johar
- Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari
- Abdul Majeed Khwaja
Past Chancellors:
- Zakir Husain (1963-1969)
- Lt Gen (Retd) M.A. Zaki (2012-2017)
- Najma A. Heptullah (2017-2023)
Past Vice Chancellors:
- Najma Akhtar (2019-2023)
- Talat Ahmad (2014-2018)
- Zakir Husain (1926-1948)