Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.

The 53rd al-Dai Al-Mutlaq and head of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has accepted the Chancellorship of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a historic seat of learning in the nation’s capital New Delhi.

Saifuddin was unanimously elected as the chancellor by members of the court of the Jamia Millia Islamia for a period of five years, effective 14th March, 2023.

Like his predecessors, especially his respected father Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin and esteemed grandfather Syedna Taher Saifuddin, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin remains committed to the causes of education and upholds their legacy of scholarship and patronage of centres of learning. Saifuddin is the sole benefactor of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s premier educational institute, Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Academy’s fourth campus in Mumbai last month. Syedna Saifuddin has also held the Chancellorship of Aligarh Muslim University for two consecutive terms since 2015, a position held by both his predecessors as well.

Syedna is a keen advocate of digital literacy and in 2016 donated 1000 computers to a group of high schools in Aligarh, where he is also responsible for the restoration of the Syedna Taher Saifuddin High School at Minto Circle. Most recently, he has announced his intent to help with the construction of a new School of Pharmacy at Aligarh Muslim University.

Syedna’s administration has also recently initiated a program whereby teachers are recognised and awarded for their contributions and excellence in creating stimulating environments for learning and growth.

Established in 1920, Jamia Millia Islamia is a Central University in New Delhi, India. JMI was ranked 1st among all central universities in India according to a recent report released by the Ministry of Education of India.