New Delhi, The Department of Sociology, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), organised a One-Day Seminar on “Independence Day 2026: Freedom, Responsibility and Shared Nationhood” on 18 August 2026 at the FTK-CIT Conference Hall, JMI. The seminar brought together distinguished academics, scholars, faculty members and students to deliberate upon freedom, responsibility, diversity and the idea of shared nationhood in contemporary India.
The Inaugural Session was presided over by the Registrar, JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi. Smt. S. Munawari Begum, Vice-Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Padma Shri Prof. Akhtarul Wasey delivered the keynote address, while Prof. Zubair Meenai, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, JMI, gave special remarks.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Prof. Azra Abidi, Head, Department of Sociology and Convener of the seminar, emphasised that freedom is not only a historical achievement but also a continuing social responsibility. She highlighted the role of education and universities in promoting constitutional values, social justice, fraternity, dialogue and responsible citizenship.
In her address, Smt. S. Munawari Begum emphasised the transformative role of education in social development and nation-building. She reflected on the idea of nationhood and highlighted the relevance of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. She also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and emphasised that their legacy should inspire citizens, particularly the younger generation, to contribute actively to contemporary nation-building.
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey reflected on the intellectual and cultural dimensions of Indian nationhood, while Prof. Zubair Meenai highlighted the responsibility of academic institutions in strengthening democratic values, social cohesion and an inclusive understanding of nationhood.
Following the inaugural session, two technical sessions and a Special Lecture were organised on themes related to freedom, responsibility and shared nationhood. The academic sessions addressed issues of education, leadership, citizenship, diversity, social responsibility and inclusive nation-building. Prof. Farhat Nasreen, Department of History and Culture, JMI, delivered the Special Lecture, enriching the deliberations with historical perspectives on freedom, nationhood and their contemporary relevance.
The discussions underlined that shared nationhood is strengthened through education, equality, mutual respect, social solidarity and active citizenship. The sessions also provided a meaningful platform for interaction among faculty members, research scholars and students.