Jamia Millia Islamia kick started its three-day cultural and literary extravaganza on Thursday to mark its 96th Foundation Day. Inaugurating the Talimi Mela as part of the celebrations UGC Chairman Professor Ved Prakash — the Chief Guest — called for "inclusive education, creativity and inspirational thinking."
Emphasing that "universities and colleges are the most enduring institutions on which society pins its highest hopes especially when it is faced with a problem of any kind, a Talimi Mela like this, illustrates the power of taleem (education)."
Prof. Prakash flagged up the importance of introspection by institutions to know where they stood vis-a-vis other higher educational institutions in India and globally.
Professor Talat Ahmad said he was happy that the university was fulfilling its mandate to make education accessible to children from marginalised and weaker sections. He cited the bridge course under which school and madarsa drop-outs were being given intensive one year teaching and training at Jamia Millia Islamia.