Today is Jamia Millia Islamia's foundation day. Learn how this institution came into being; these people played a key role.

Jamia Millia Islamia's foundation day is celebrated on October 29th. Established in 1920 amid the freedom struggle, with the aim of promoting patriotism and self-reliant education.

Jamia Millia Islamia, a quiet campus sprawled in Okhla, amidst the bustling streets of New Delhi, today symbolizes not just a university, but an idea, a struggle, and a legacy. Its foundation day is celebrated every year on October 29th. But few people know that Jamia's beginnings were not from a grand building, but from movements, sacrifices, and silent hopes burning in small rooms.

The year was 1920, and the country was raging in the struggle for independence. Voices against British rule had grown louder. At that time, some students and teachers in Aligarh were concerned that the British government was increasing pressure on education. He wanted education to advance with freedom, nationalism, and its own values. This vision gave birth to Jamia Millia Islamia, a university that would stand on its own feet, adhere to its principles, and become a home for education for all sections of society.

Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, and Abdul Majid Khwaja were its founders. One of the leaders who gave the movement its vision, vision, and direction was Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. Later, Dr. Zakir Hussain, who later became the President of India, became one of the figures who established Jamia's identity. Reports indicate that the institution played a significant role in the freedom struggle.

Journey from Aligarh to Delhi

In 1925, Jamia moved from Aligarh to Karol Bagh, Delhi. The space there was small, and resources were limited. But the vision was strong, and in 1935, Jamia found its home in Okhla, where the university stands today on 239 acres. Jamia was recognised by the UGC in 1962 and became a Central University on 26 December 1988 by an Act of Parliament.