New Delhi, July 16, 2026 : Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has significantly expanded and renovated the reading halls of its historic Dr. Zakir Husain Library (ZHL), marking a new milestone in its ongoing efforts to provide a modern, inclusive, and student-friendly learning environment. The upgraded library facilities are designed to meet the ever-changing and increasing academic and research needs of students, scholars, and faculty members by offering enhanced seating capacity, extended timings, improved infrastructure, and a comfortable atmosphere for study and research.
The renovated and expanded reading halls were inaugurated on July 14, 2026, by Vice Chancellor, JMI, Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar, JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, in the presence of the University Librarian Dr Vikas S. Nagrale, Deans and Heads of the Departments, distinguished university officials, faculty members, students, and invited guests. The event commenced with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, followed by a guided tour of the renovated reading halls.
Highlighting the new facilities, Dr. Vikas S. Nagrale stated that the renovated and expanded reading halls include a 250-seat reading hall exclusively for research scholars and postgraduate students and a 150-seat reading hall dedicated to postgraduate students. The upgraded facilities feature ergonomic furniture, improved lighting and ventilation, enhanced accessibility, and a comfortable study environment. To better serve the academic community, both reading halls will remain open until 12:00 midnight, seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Besides this, the reading hall of JMI’s old library is open till 2 am.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Asif reflected on the vital role of libraries as centres of knowledge, innovation, and intellectual growth. He said that libraries are not mere reading and reference spaces for scholars but serve as optimal forums to increase interaction among students, leading to enhancement of collaborative learning and academic discussion. Prof. Asif highlighted and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening academic infrastructure and emphasised that modern library facilities are essential for fostering a culture of learning and research in today’s data-driven world.
Calling libraries the “backbone of the academic life of any institution”, Prof. Rizvi stated that the expansion testifies to JMI’s continued investment in academic resources aligned with student-centric policies and outlook. The renovated and expanded reading halls are expected to significantly enhance the overall learning experience and support the university’s vision of providing world-class educational facilities, he added. He also appreciated the efforts of the university librarian and the staff of the Dr. Zakir Husain Library for their commitment to providing enhanced facilities, keeping in view the diverse and evolving needs of the large academic community at JMI.
Dr. Vikas S. Nagrale, University Librarian, expressed his sincere gratitude to Prof. Asif and Prof. Rizvi for their constant guidance and unwavering support in successfully implementing the library's developmental initiatives. He stated that these enhancements reflect the library's commitment to providing modern, student-centric learning spaces that support academic excellence and research while continuously improving its services in sync with time.
The inauguration function was conducted by ZHL's Johan Mohd. Mir followed by giving of a formal vote of thanks by Ms Shazia Alvi. The function concluded with the playing of the National Anthem.
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