Petra University celebrated the Kingdom’s seventy-ninth Independence Day. At the event, the president of the university, Professor Dr. Rami Abdel Rahim, emphasized in his speech that independence represents a great responsibility that requires more efforts for the nation's advancement. The celebration, organized by the Dean of Student Affairs on the university campus, featured several diverse activities alongside cultural pavilions for the student communities studying at the university.
The event was attended by Petra University’s senior advisor and its board of trustees, His Excellency Professor Dr. Adnan Badran, Senator Fadel Al-Hamoud, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq Omar Al-Barzanji, along with a number of advisers, Arab cultural attachés, representatives from various governmental institutions, college deans, and members of the faculty and administrative bodies of the university.
Abdel Rahim said that independence is the spark that ignites the nation-building process, crafting wills and overcoming challenges, and here is Jordan, having entered its second centenary, continues steadfastly its entrenched approach, based on principled stances and a comprehensive renaissance that began from the very first moment of state establishment.
Abdel Rahim pointed out that Jordanians today are writing inspiring success stories, leading the way in innovation and occupying the highest scientific and administrative positions not only at the national level but also regionally and globally, emphasizing that Jordanian universities continue to shine through their solid research and excellent student outputs.
Abdel Rahim added "At Petra University, university of scholars and learners, we raise the highest expressions of loyalty and belonging to the Majesty of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, and we are proud of our Kingdom’s positions in serving the causes of Arabism and Islam, foremost among them the Palestinian cause".
Dean of Student Affairs Professor Dr. Eyad Al-Mallah said, "Independence Day represents a national celebration and a renewed covenant that Jordan will remain a beacon of security and stability and a hub for scientific, economic, and technological achievements", affirming that the issues of the Arab and Islamic nation, especially the Palestinian cause, are present in the consciousness of all Jordanians.
Al-Mallah stated that the religious, historical, and fraternal ties between the Jordanian and Palestinian peoples will remain strong and deeply rooted, proud of the Jordanian role led by His Majesty the King in defending Palestinian rights, extending a salute of reverence and esteem to the security forces and the brave men and women of the Arab Army.
Senator Fadel Al-Hamoud, in his speech, confirmed that independence is “a great meaning that is renewed in the hearts every day, and it is a symbol of the sacrifices of fathers and grandparents who paved the way for sovereignty and dignity”. He called for Independence Day to be an occasion "to pledge to God and the homeland to remain loyal, and to work diligently and sincerely".
Al-Hamoud said "Let us instill in our children the true meaning of belonging, carry the flag as those before us did, to write new chapters of glory, and to pay tribute to the souls of our honorable martyrs", extending greetings to the brave men and women of the armed forces and security services who ensure the nation's security.
Representative of the "Ebshir Sayyidna" initiative, Amjad Al-Jariri, in his speech, expressed that the memory of independence "embodies the meanings of honor and dignity, and makes us stand proudly and proudly in front of the sacrifices of ancestors who marked the paths of freedom with their noble blood", adding "Independence was the major turning point in the modern history of Jordan, where the modern Jordanian state began to be built on foundations of progress, citizenship, dignity, and social justice".
The university president and participants inaugurated an independence photo exhibition organized by the Military Media Directorate on the university’s green lawn, displaying images of the most prominent historical milestones in the Kingdom's journey and the bright stages in the state building and its renaissance.
The green lawn also hosted interactive cultural pavilions for student communities from Petra University, participated by the Yemeni, Sudanese, Saudi, Syrian, Iraqi, Palestinian, and Egyptian communities.
The community pavilions displayed a variety of traditional national costumes reflecting the authenticity of each country, alongside famous traditional foods representing their culinary heritage, in addition to artistic handcrafts and heritage pieces expressing the culture and history of each participating community. A special corner for Jordanian cultural heritage was also set up, and the celebration included folklore music segments performed by university students on the university stage and the green lawn, along with artistic performances representing the heritage of the participating student communities and a karate arts show.
