Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) marks India’s 77th Republic Day with a grand ceremony. VC Prof. Mazhar Asif and Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi emphasize social justice, equality, and the university’s 100-year legacy of patriotism.
New Delhi | January 26, 2026: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day today with patriotic fervor, aligning with the theme of the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram.’ The ceremony, held at the Dr. M.A. Ansari Auditorium forecourt, featured the unfurling of the National Flag by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif and Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, followed by a collective rendition of the National Anthem.
The proceedings commenced with a Tilawat-e-Quran and the soulful Jamia Tarana. The event’s solemnity was further heightened by a grand parade performed by NCC Cadets and the University Security Staff.
Honoring Constitutional Values
In her welcome address, Prof. Neelofer Afzal, Dean of Students’ Welfare, highlighted the enduring significance of India’s Constitution. The ceremony also served as the platform for the formal release of the University’s Annual Magazine.
Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi reflected on the long journey toward Poorna Swaraj (complete self-rule). He paid tribute to the Constituent Assembly, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, noting the nearly three-year-long deliberation required to draft one of the world’s finest constitutions.
“The Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender,” Prof. Rizvi stated. “It affirms that in India, power rests with the people.”
He further described JMI as a “shining example” of inclusivity and patriotism, noting that the university has refused to compromise on its nationalist values since its founding in 1920.
A Call to Citizenship
In his Presidential Address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif paid homage to the architects of the Constitution, including K.M. Munshi, Muhammad Sadulla, and B.N. Rao. He emphasized that JMI stands “for all and by all,” crediting the university’s progress to the collective efforts of its staff and faculty.
Prof. Asif urged students to view their fundamental rights—such as equality and freedom—as tools that shape them into responsible citizens.
“Our country has no parallel when it comes to the values of multiculturalism, unity, and sanskriti,” Prof. Asif remarked. He encouraged the JMI community to actively practice the principles of justice, liberty, and sovereignty that have defined the institution for over a century.
Cultural Showcase
The celebrations concluded with vibrant cultural performances by students from Jamia schools and university hostels, showcasing India’s composite heritage. Following a vote of thanks and a final rendition of the National Anthem, the event closed as a powerful reaffirmation of JMI’s commitment to the constitutional ethos and national service.
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