New Delhi: Jamia Hamdard commemorated its Founder’s Day with great reverence on Saturday, honoring the legacy of its esteemed founder, Hakeem Abdul Hameed. The event was graced by Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, who attended as the Chief Guest.
The day commenced with a heartfelt Welcome Address by Prof. Reshma Nasreen, Dean of Students Welfare, Jamia Hamdard, who set the tone for the day’s celebrations by emphasizing the significance of the occasion. Her address highlighted the university’s unwavering dedication to the visionary ideals of its founder.
In his address, Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, reflected on the impact of Hakeem Abdul Hameed’s contributions to the fields of Unani medicine and education. He spoke passionately about the importance of celebrating Founder’s Day, reaffirming the university’s commitment to the pioneering values laid down by its founder.
The highlight of the event was the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Memorial Lecture 2024, delivered by Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. His lecture, titled “Globalization of Language, Literature, and Culture,” offered deep insights into the effects of globalization on cultural identity and exchange. Prof. Hasan’s thought-provoking address captivated the audience, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of language, literature, and global interconnectedness.
A significant moment in the celebration was the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Unani Medicine (Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology) under the Ayurswathya Yojana, an initiative by the Ministry of AYUSH. The centre was inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav, along with distinguished guests including Hammad Ahmed, Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard; Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor; Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar; Prof. (Dr.) Sayeed Ahmad, Director of the Centre of Excellence; Dr. Kaustubh Upadhyaya, Advisor (Ayurveda), Ministry of AYUSH; Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General, CCRUM, Ministry of AYUSH; and Prof. Asim Ali Khan, Dean, School of Unani Medical Education and Research (SUMER).
During his speech, Jadhav emphasized the role of traditional medicine, particularly Unani, in addressing the healthcare challenges of the modern world. He lauded the Ministry of AYUSH’s ongoing efforts to promote indigenous medical systems and expressed optimism that the Centre of Excellence would lead to advanced research in Unani pharmacognosy and pharmacology, contributing to its global recognition.
Chancellor Hammad Ahmed expressed his deep appreciation for the Ministry’s support in establishing the centre. He highlighted Jamia Hamdard’s enduring leadership in the fields of traditional medicine education and research. The Vice Chancellor reinforced the university’s dedication to advancing Unani medicine and providing cutting-edge research facilities.
Prof. Dr. Sayeed Ahmad, Director of the Centre of Excellence, elaborated on the centre’s mission to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific advancements. He emphasized that the centre would focus on rigorous research to scientifically validate Unani formulations and explore new therapeutic potentials.
The event also saw the participation of several notable dignitaries, including Mr. Sajid Ahmed, CEO and Secretary of the Hamdard National Foundation (HECA), and Mr. S.S. Akhtar, Controller of Examinations, as well as the deans, department heads, and senior officials of Jamia Hamdard.
In addition to the inaugural ceremony, Minister Jadhav highlighted various government initiatives to promote Unani medicine and praised Jamia Hamdard’s efforts in empowering women and improving their social standing.
The Founder’s Day celebration concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard, who expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries, faculty members, students, and staff for their contributions to making the event a success.
The occasion served as a reminder of Jamia Hamdard’s remarkable achievements and its commitment to the ideals of Hakeem Abdul Hameed. The university community, including staff, researchers, and students, came together to honor the enduring legacy of their founder and renew their dedication to the institution’s mission.
