Jamia Millia Islamia’s 104th Anniversary: A Look At The University’s Rich History
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In 1962, Jamia Millia Islamia was declared a deemed university, and it achieved central university status in 1988.
Jamia Millia Islamia was founded in 1920.
Jamia Millia Islamia, recognised as one of the premier universities in India, recently celebrated its 104th anniversary. The university’s origins trace back to a pivotal moment in history when Mahatma Gandhi called for a boycott of educational institutions supported by British rule. In response, a dedicated group of nationalist teachers and students departed from Aligarh Muslim University to establish Jamia Millia Islamia.
Interestingly, although the university is now located in Delhi, it originally started in Aligarh. The foundation was laid on October 29, 1920, by the esteemed freedom fighter Maulana Mahmud Hasan. The first Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia was another prominent figure in the freedom movement, Hakim Ajmal Khan, who played a crucial role in the university’s early development.
In Urdu, “Jamia” translates to “university,” while “Millia” means “national.” In 1920, four significant institutions were established across the country: Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi, Bihar Vidyapeeth in Bihar, Gujarat Vidyapeeth in Gujarat and Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh.
Jamia Millia Islamia thrived during the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Khilafat Movement, playing a vital role in the educational landscape of that era. However, its stability faced significant challenges following the conclusion of these movements- first with the Non-Cooperation Movement being called off in 1922 and subsequently the Khilafat Movement in 1924. The university had been receiving substantial financial support from these movements, which were crucial for its operations. Consequently, the withdrawal of support left Jamia Millia Islamia in a severe financial predicament, jeopardizing its future and growth.
To rescue Jamia Millia Islamia from its financial turmoil, Vice Chancellor Hakim Ajmal Khan, along with freedom fighters Dr Mukhtar Ansari and Abdul Majeed Khwaja, reached out to Mahatma Gandhi for assistance. As a result, the university was relocated from Aligarh to Karol Bagh in Delhi in 1925. Mahatma Gandhi was determined to ensure the survival of Jamia, famously stating that it must be sustained at all costs. He even offered to beg on behalf of the institution, stating that if they were worried about the financial crisis, he was prepared to go door-to-door with a bowl in hand. Inspired by Gandhi’s commitment, supporters rallied together with renewed vigour to save the university. Through their collective efforts, Jamia Millia Islamia was ultimately preserved from closure and continued its mission of providing quality education.
In 1962, Jamia Millia Islamia was declared a deemed university, and it achieved central university status in 1988. Currently, the institution offers a wide range of programs, including 56 PhD courses, 80 Master’s degrees, 15 PG Diploma courses, 56 undergraduate programmes, as well as hundreds of diploma and certificate courses.