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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Restoration of Talimi Mela-online petition

To, 28.11.10
Mr.Najeeb Jung
Vice chancellor
Jamia Millia Islamia

Subject: Restoration of Talimi Mela

Sir, we are Jamia Alumni who have spent a considerable part of our life at Jamia Millia Islamia and some of us were associated with the students movement during our stay at Jamia. Having seen Jamia through its various trials and tribulations, we remain ever committed to the development of a vibrant academic environment in the Jamia, yet at the same time, maintaining its unique traditions and culture.

Sir, as might be aware, Jamia Millia Islamia, since its birth, has been an institution with a difference. It is not just an educational institution but also a movement. It is probably one of the few universities, where students are admitted in kindergarten and can continue in this institution till their PhD, the highest academic degree thereby creating a unique Indian personality. In short, it does not just impart bookish education; rather it teaches a way of life. From its inception during Khilafat movement, Jamia has indeed come a long way over the years, to become a world renowned university. However, it is important that some important traditions are not forgotten.

When Jamia was born, there were a small group of people associated with Jamia. There was great bonding between them, and they all lived as part of one large family, all were part of one "Jamia Biradari." Among various program and activities, Talimi Mela has been one of the important events that strengthened the concept of “Jamia biradri” (Jamia family). Over the years the number of people living in Jamia has increased several times, but "Talimi Mela" is perhaps the only institution which still promotes the concept of "Jamia Biradar where students from all faculties and departments come together. Not just students, but even faculty members, non-teaching staffs, alumni, all converge on one platform to promote a "Pan Jamia" feeling of bondness, of unity, that we all belong to this great institution. In fact, Talimi Mela has gained a status of a religious festival for Jamia Millia Islamia, a festival that always brings a lot of happiness, fun, knowledge sharing, competitions, symposium, seminars and gathering of lost friends. This apart, organizing the "Talimi Mela" is an amazing learning experience for students who participate in it or help organize it. This experience helps them later on in life while taking on challenges in different facets of life.

Sir, we are saddened and shocked to know that you had scrapped the Talimi Mela on the occasion of 90th Yaume Tasees (foundation day) of Jamia Millia Islamia. Since no plausible explanation for the cancellation of Talimi Mela has come forward from your end, the feelings of a large section of Jamaeis have been hurt and they feel cheated.

We would respect and sincerely appreciate constructive steps that you take in line with the vision of previous vice chancellors beginning from the architect of modern Jamia, late Anwar Jamal Kidwai. We believe with your experience and guidance, Jamia will scale new heights in the years to come. Sir, we believe that on a group of theories one can found a school; but on a group of values one can found a culture, a civilization, a new way of living together among men. Jamia is one such institution that has its unique values, culture and a way of life and the potential to emerge as a world leader. Sir, please protect it and strengthen it.

Petition:

For the reasons mentioned above, we, the undersigned, request you to consider the following:

1. Restore "Talimi Mela" at the earliest; and

2. Ensure transparency and accountability in decision making.

http://www.petitiononline.com/tm2010/petition.html

Sincerely
Ghizal Mahdi. Javed Ali khan, Mohammed Rizwan, Zubair Irshad