New Delhi : Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal and Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Tuesday congratulated students from the Jamia Millia Islamia university, who returned after travelling over 440 km on cycle and spreading the message of "peace and pluralism".
With the vision of "Dilon Ko Jodo" (join hearts), the rally started from Lord Brahma's temple in Pushkar Feb 6, paying homage at the tombs of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer, via Jaipur, to finally reach Jamia Millia Islamia.
Sibal and Khurshid, who were present at the university to welcome the students, said the effort will go a long way in promoting secularism.
“Such initiatives must be encouraged. I congratulate students for spreading the message of peace and pluralism,” said Khurshid, whose grandfather had served the varsity as its vice-chancellor.
Jamia Vice-Chancellor Najeeb Jung said this cycle rally is a demonstration by students of their commitment to national integration, peace and solidarity.
At least 25 boys and girl students of the university spread the university's ideals of "peace, communal harmony and religious pluralism".
On the occasion, Sibal laid the foundation stone of a unique Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research that will offer several courses to help children from the underprivileged sections of society.
Sibal said he favoured inclusive education across India and such initiatives will only help mainstreaming children by providing them quality education.
The objective of the centre is to meet the challenges to holistic development of young children, particularly those who belong to communities that have been historically deprived, like the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, minorities, and children with special needs as also those affected by natural disasters and emergencies.
Jamia is trying hard to shed its impression of a glorified madrassa and establish itself as a central university with global vision. Over 18,000 students are pursuing education at Jamia currently.
-- IANS