Arjun Singh inaugurates Noam Chomsky complex in Jamia

New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) In the eye of a controversy over naming of a new building in Jamia Milia Islamia University after him, Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh today inaugurated the Noam Chomsky complex in the campus, saying the institution is standing at a ''threshold poised for greater things''.

''Jamia's gradual growth from a small institution in the pre-independence India to a Central University offering integrated education from nursery to research in specialised areas is a story of dedication,'' Mr Singh in his address at the University after the inauguration ceremony.

Mr Singh refused to accept questions from mediapersons on the controversy.

Expressing the hope that the research emerging out of the university will be cutting edge, the Minister said the it should also make important interventions in shaping public policy.

''The university is witnessing a virtual unleashing of its creative potential... Over 17 new teaching and research centres, both in Social Science and Sciences have been established which are focused on themes that have urgent contemporary relevance,'' he added.

Soon after taking over the Human Resource Development Ministry in 2004, Mr Singh had made a special grant of Rs 44.28 crore towards the construction of the building complex in 2004.

The University has justified naming the new building of the Distance and Open Learning Centre and a campus road after Mr Singh.

A University spokesperson said it was a way of showing gratitude to the Minister for his unstinting support and help to the university.

Earlier, UGC Chairperson Prof Sukhdev K Thorat inaugurated the 'Arjun Singh Centre for Distance and Open Learning' on the university campus.

'Shahragh-i-Arjun Singh', the road that leads to Mujib Bagh Teachers' Housing Complex was also thrown open to public by Prof M Rais Khan, president of the Jamia Teachers' Association.

UNI