As Jamia Millia Islamia celebrates its 104th year—a legacy shaped by the ideals of equality and freedom—messages of pride resonate throughout our community. But for me, this day is also marked by a sense of emptiness. Jamia, born from the spirit of the freedom movement, stands tall, yet how do we honor it while voices like Meeran Haider’s remain silenced?
Meeran was more than an activist; he was a guiding presence, an elder brother (to me and many others) who fought tirelessly for his peers. Without a formal student union, he took on the responsibility of representing us all. From protesting rising fees to addressing poor hygiene in the canteen and inadequate hostel facilities, he championed issues that mattered, often risking his own comfort and safety.
I remember the 2016 incident, just before Independence Day, when police entered Jamia’s campus, allegedly for religious profiling. Amidst the fear and division this sparked, Meeran stepped up, organizing a massive protest that compelled the administration to respond. With his courage and unwavering commitment, he united us, bridging our differences. Meeran understood that a university is a microcosm of society, a space for diverse voices, and he fought tirelessly to ensure ours were heard.
His greatest test came during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)—a law widely criticized for excluding Muslim migrants from a pathway to citizenship. At a time when the nation divided, Meeran became a unifying force at Jamia, embracing the monumental task of rallying diverse student community at Jamia. From brewing chai for tired protesters to drafting press notes, guiding juniors with essays, and helping students secure hostel admissions, he embodied a leadership that went beyond words. In every gesture, big or small, Meeran demonstrated that true leadership is about standing beside people, embodying justice and unity.
Today marks another year that Meeran has spent in jail—over four years—alongside activists like Umar Khalid, charged in connection with the CAA protests. While his juniors (including me) and batchmates have moved forward, there’s a debt of unspoken gratitude that we owe him. A few weeks ago, I heard he was briefly out on parole, but I couldn’t gather the courage to call. Perhaps it was shame—shame for the freedom I enjoy while he remains confined.
As Jamia marks this anniversary, it’s not only the walls and buildings that symbolize its legacy but also the sacrifices of those like Meeran. He often quoted Tagore, his eyes lighting up as he recited lines that spoke of a world unbound by fear, where truth and reason prevailed. Those words echo now as a silent prayer for his freedom.
Meeran —your absence is deeply felt. While we celebrate Jamia’s achievements, we also celebrate the courage of those who stood firm in the face of injustice. Jamia misses you, and we hold onto the hope that you will return to walk the halls again, head held high!
Daud Arif is a Jamia Millia Islamia and U.S. Department of State alumnus. He works as a Nonprofit Communications Specialist, focusing on storytelling that amplifies community voices.
