New Delhi, September 15, 2024:Jamia Hamdard celebrated its Founder’s Day on September 14, 2024 with great enthusiasm and reverence, honouring the legacy of its visionary founder, Hakeem Abdul Hameed. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India as the Chief Guest.

The day commenced with a warm Welcome Address by Prof. Reshma Nasreen, DSW, Jamia Hamdard who set a reflective and celebratory tone. Prof. Nasreen’s eloquence underscored the importance of the occasion and the university’s commitment to its founder’s ideals.

Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, passionately spoke about the significance of Founder’s Day in reaffirming the university’s dedication to the values of Hakeem Abdul Hameed, a pioneer in Unani medicine and education. He emphasized the enduring impact of Hakeem Abdul Hameed’s visionary leadership on the institution and beyond.

The highlight of the celebration was the prestigious Hakeem Abdul Hameed Memorial Lecture 2024, delivered by Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. Titled “Globalization of Language, Literature and Culture” the lecture offered profound insights into the relationship between globalization and the evolution of language, literature and culture. Prof. Hasan’s erudition and eloquence captivated the audience, providing valuable perspectives on cultural exchange and global interconnectedness.

In a landmark event for the advancement of Unani medicine, the Centre of Excellence in Unani Medicine (Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology) was inaugurated under the Ayurswathya Yojana, an initiative of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. The inauguration, held on Founder’s Day, was led by Shri Prataprao Jadhav and witnessed by esteemed guests including Janab 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).

Shri Jadhav, in his address, highlighted the importance of traditional systems of medicine like Unani in addressing modern healthcare challenges. He praised the Ministry’s efforts to promote and strengthen indigenous medical systems under the Ayurswathya Yojana. “The Centre of Excellence in Unani Medicine will pave the way for advanced research in pharmacognosy and pharmacology and contribute to the global recognition of Unani medicine,” he remarked.

Janab Hammad Ahmed, Hon’ble Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard expressed gratitude to the Ministry of AYUSH for their support in establishing this state-of-the-art centre, emphasizing Jamia Hamdard’s pioneering role in traditional medicine education and research. Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard reiterated the university’s commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of Unani medicine and providing cutting-edge research facilities for scholars.

Prof. Dr. Sayeed Ahmad, Director of the Centre of Excellence, outlined the objectives of the centre, stating that it will focus on in-depth research in pharmacognosy and pharmacology to scientifically validate Unani formulations and explore new therapeutic potentials. “This centre will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and development, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific advancements,” he added.

The event also featured notable dignitaries, including Mr. Sajid Ahmed, CEO and Secretary, Hamdard National Foundation (HECA); Mr. S.S Akhtar, Controller of Examinations; Deans, Head of Departments and Senior officials of Jamia Hamdard.

Shri Jadhav also discussed the Government of India’s initiatives to promote Unani medicine under the Ministry of AYUSH and commended Jamia Hamdard’s efforts to empower women and improve their status within Indian society.

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, faculty members, students, and staff for their active participation and contributions to the event’s success.

The Founder’s Day celebrations at Jamia Hamdard serve each year as a platform for reflecting on the university’s achievements and its unwavering commitment to the values and vision of Hakeem Abdul Hameed. The entire university community, including teaching and non-teaching staff, research scholars, and students, participated in this significant occasion, reaffirming their dedication to the institution’s mission.