New Delhi. : The Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), hosted the annual Inter Agency Sports and Cultural Meet on February 16, 2025. The occasion aligned with the birth anniversary of Dr. Zakir Husain, commemorating and paying tribute to his legacy as a visionary leader, an eminent educationist, former President of India, and Vice Chancellor of JMI. A total of 302 children (185 girls and 117 boys) between the ages of 10 to 14 years, associated with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) across Delhi, participated in various sports and cultural activities during the meet.
The event has been an annual tradition since the early 1970s, historically linked to the Dr. Zakir Husain Memorial Society that was formed by the then School of Social Work, JMI. It continues to inspire and unite communities, making opportunities accessible to all. Through this event, children are mentored by first- year M.A. Social Work students placed in various NGOs as part of their field practicum. The programme not only celebrates talent but also nurtures self-confidence, creativity, teamwork, and hope, giving children the space to express themselves and realise their potential.
The sports events were held at the Jamia School Ground, while the cultural programme took place at the Multipurpose Hall, Jamia Senior Secondary School. With the purpose of fostering teamwork and collaboration, a group task was included as one of the sports events. The obstacle race was also unique, requiring immense coordination and alertness. Sac Race was the third sports event in which both boys and girls participated.
The cultural programme served as a platform for children to showcase their hidden talents. This year, a total of 33 performances were presented, showcasing dance, skit, mime, and a mix of these creative expressions. The performances highlighted some pertinent social issues, such as unemployment, plastic pollution, child marriage, alcoholism, domestic violence, and girls’ education. The audience was mesmerised and moved by the depiction of the issues touching children’s lives.
Dr. Satya Prakash Prasad, OSD to Vice Chancellor graced the occasion along with other inspiring personalities, Ms. Puja Aggarwaal, a para-shooter; Mr. Munna Khalid, a para- badminton player; and Dr. Sharda Kumari, an alumnus of the Department of Social Work, JMI and Retired Principal, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), R.K. Puram, New Delhi. Dr. Satya Prakash, in his address to the audience, used an example from a cultural performance thereby emphasizing the significance of creative expression in raising awareness. Ms. Puja Aggarwal, a multiple World Cup medalist, motivated participants to overcome sudden challenges in life. She emphasized the need for self-exploration to identify children’s hidden talents. She said, “You are the one who can explore your inner creativity.”
This initiative serves as a vital part of Jamia’s broader commitment to social empowerment, encouraging the full participation of marginalised communities in the country’s educational landscape. For the children, this event represents more than just a day of competition-- it symbolizes an opportunity to overcome socio-economic barriers and experience the empowering and transformative environment of a university. The event also provides children with the opportunity to interact with one another, be exposed to different cultures, and challenge their belief systems.
Dr. Asiya Nasreen, the convenor for this year’s Inter Agency Sports and Cultural Meet, presented a brief report on the event noting that the higher participation of girls is a manifestation of the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign. The entire Department of Social Work, JMI, under the guidance of the Head of the Department, Prof. Neelam Sukhramani, worked as a team to ensure that the children had a meaningful experience. In her address, Prof. Neelam Sukhramani emphasized every child’s right to quality education. She stated that every child has the right to university education and such an exposure to university culture, as provided by this event, helps imbibe the energy of education.
Trophies and prizes were distributed to the participants and winners. However, in keeping with the non-competitive spirit of the event, every participant received a prize for their attempts and zeal to learn. The event was sponsored by esteemed organisations such as Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Alumni of the Department of Social Work, JMI, and other public-spirited individuals.
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