Prof. Mazhar Asif currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, bringing decades of distinguished expertise in Persian studies, Indian knowledge systems, Sufism, and mysticism. He earned his higher education from Jawaharlal Nehru University, culminating in a Ph.D. on Persian language and literature in India during the twentieth century, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship focusing on the socio-cultural history of Assam from Persian sources.
His academic journey includes roles as Professor and Chairperson at Jawaharlal Nehru University and as Professor at Gauhati University, where he contributed significantly for over two decades. Prof. Asif has held key positions such as Dean, Chief Vigilance Officer, and Chairperson at major academic bodies, and has been an active member of various national committees including those connected with the National Education Policy and NCERT.
He has guided numerous scholars, successfully supervised many Ph.D. and M.Phil candidates, and has published seven books and over twenty scholarly articles. Recognized with awards like the Mithila Ratna Samman and the President’s Medal from Afghanistan, Prof. Asif is celebrated for his academic leadership and commitment to advancing Indian and Persian heritage.