April 13, 2000

Dear Students,

The unfortunate developments on the Campus which have caused injury to you and your hostel mates has indeed pained me and I feel it intensely. As Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, it will be my, endeavour that the University and those who belong to this institution should never face any such situation in future and no one should be subjected to any injustice. The academic atmosphere of the University has been disrupted. Whatever has happened is very unfortunate and deserves to be condemned.

I came to serve this institution with some aspirations and dreams. As I was to begin on my mission, this unfortunate situation developed.

Our first priority is to address to the plight of the students and seek their ' reddressal so that they do not lose their academic year. The examination schedule will be suitably adjusted so that we step into the next academic year on time. In the wake of the events, you have displayed an exemplary restraint and sanity and I hope you will not be misled by elements who are not friendly to academic activities and have no stake in the welfare of the University to which your own future is inextricably linked. I want you not to believe in rumours and to be careful about those who have their own hidden agenda. You should give top priority to your education and your future.

Our prime concern should be the restoration of normalcy in the Campus so that academic schedule can be revived. For this it is necessary that we should uphold the objectives of the Jamia Millia Islamia and strive to achieve them without any let or hindrance. This common objective should be proactively pursued by all of us.

Sincerely,
Syed S Mahdi
e-mail: ssmahdi@jmi.ernet.in