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Ismaili Community - Canada Day Breakfast Posted: 30 Jun 2008 03:37 PM CDT excerpt:          |
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Government of Alberta web-site: AKTC Historic Cities Programme Posted: 30 Jun 2008 03:35 PM CDT Established by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in 1992, the program undertakes restoration of historic structures, improvement of public area and rehabilitation of urban spaces in Egypt, Syria, India, Afghanistan and Mali. The exhibition, which will be in the Legislature Pedway from June 24 to July 1, outlines the massive projects conducted in these countries. http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ - PDF —– excerpt: —–          |
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His Highness the Aga Khan receives Honorary Doctorate from National University of Ireland Posted: 30 Jun 2008 09:51 AM CDT The Aga Khan received an honorary law doctorate from National University of Ireland (NUI) in Maynooth today for outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society. He received his honorary doctorate from the Chancellor of the NUI, Dr Garret FitzGerald. Speaking at the conferral, NUI president Professor John Hughes said the he was very proud to honour the Aga Khan and to recognise his achievements. “Today the college is honouring an individual who has made a significant positive impact in the developing world. He has championed religious pluralism as a way of building a common understanding among millions of people throughout the globe,” he said. “His Highness is the first member of the Islamic community to be so honoured in the history of NUI Maynooth.” The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest private development groups in the world. AKDN is made up of a group of institutions working to improve living conditions and opportunities in specific regions of the developing world. Their individual mandates range from architecture, education and health to the promotion of private sector enterprise, the enhancement of non-government organisations and rural development. The Irish Times          |
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Week-in-Review — Sunday, June 29, 2008 Posted: 30 Jun 2008 09:25 AM CDT
In Africa this week, Kenya enjoys the limelight as it hosts the Golden Jubilee Games, the first-ever, global Ismaili sports festival, that has brought together competitors and spectators, from more than 20 countries, to commemorate His Highness the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee. The theme of the Games - "Celebration Through Sport" - reflects the spirit of the Ismaili community in celebrating the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee through the universal language of sports, athletics and other recreational activities. The energy, excitement, unity and brotherhood felt by the athletes, spectators, and volunteers is very evident in the expressions, photographs and videos available at the TheIsmaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim Community. Coverage of the event by TheIsmaili.org is excellent, featuring all the latest news and frequent updates of the results of the sports. Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Princess Khaliya Aga Khan were in attendance at the Golden Jubilee Games on Sunday, and met with the medal winners of all sport events.
In Afghanistan, Britain will provide £30 million to launch initiative to support Afghan businesses and will work with companies such as Roshan, Tolo TV, AKDN, etc.
This week’s Ismailis in the News features Karim R. Lakhani, assistant professor in the Technology and Operations Management Unit at the Harvard Business School, explores the Dynamics of Colloboration in a live webcast, Yasmin Ratansi, the first Muslim female member of Parliament in Canadian history, is profiled in the current issue of the Statements Magazine, Mombasa enjoys the rare privilege of listening to an inspirational talk by author, leading motivational speaker and management consultant, Azim Jamal and Nabeel Gillani, recipient of Commonwealth Governor’s School Interdisciplinary and Community Service Award. In other news, The Aga Khan Award for Architecture earlier announced the members of the new Steering Committee for the 11th Award cycle (2008 – 2010). The Institute of Ismaili Studies had developed a number of Reading Guides to promote its academic publications to a wider audience, to make them more accessible, and to assist the non-specialist reader. The Gallery of the Institute of Ismaili Studies has featured an article and samples of Music and Poetry from the Pamir Mountains.
The Aga Khan Museum is one component of a two-building complex currently being planned for an important location 15 minutes north of downtown Toronto, Canada. The entire complex will consist of a new prayer hall by the architect Charles Correa, the Aga Khan Museum by Maki and Associates, and a formal Islamic garden by the landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic. From the blogosphere, Doug Sutherland suggests talking to His Highness the Aga Khan is key to solving world problems. A Toronto newspaper talks about His Highness the Aga Khan’s upcoming visit to London, England, in commemoration of his Golden Jubilee. We had an interesting and informative week at our Spirit and Life Blog, where we shared an excerpt from His Highness the Aga Khan’s address at the Foundation Ceremony of The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Canada, June 6, 2005, viewed some wonderful videos about Prophet Muhammad from the History Channel Biography, and talked about the Historical Perspectives on Satpanthi Literature and the Ginans. We read an extract from the Speech made by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Tutzing Evangelical Academy in Germany,upon receiving the Tolerance Award, May 20, 2006 where His Highness talks about Hazrat Ali’s regard for knowledge, followed by quotes about Nature as a reflection of Allah’s power of Creation from His Highness’s speech and Memoirs of Aga Khan III, the Inseparable nature of Faith and World as ordained in the Preamble of the Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, and mentioned by His Highness the Aga Khan during his address at the Tutzing Evangical Academy. We ended the week with origins of Ginan from Ismaili Muslim History. That is all from this week, hope you will be looking forward to more exciting and interesting news and stories next week. Click here for last week’s review.          |
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Al-Azhar Park - Environmental Inspiration? Posted: 30 Jun 2008 09:23 AM CDT http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-06-09-voa57.cfm excerpts: — — One of the many young volunteers at Egypt’s environmental day, Sara Refaat, explained the importance of hosting the event at the park. “It is an example of how you can turn something that was not pretty and was a source of pollution and mismanagement of waste and how it can be turned into something beautiful and environmentally friendly. At the same time it is a fun place and it is very healthy to be here, there are lots of greenery and open air so there is lots of fresh air,” Refaat said. — She said she learned that cleanliness is part of the Islamic religion and that anything she eats should not be thrown on the ground because it will pollute the area. Plus anyone coming from abroad will see it and then Egyptians look bad, she said. —          |
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Faruk Jessa inducted as Secretary of Rotary Cebu East Posted: 30 Jun 2008 08:55 AM CDT
June 28, 2008, at the induction ceremony of incoming Rotary President Timothy R. Alampay of Cebu Portal, held at the Cebu Golf and Country Club, Ismaili Representative for Cebu Philippines and Secretary of Rotary Club Cebu East, Faruk A. Jessa is invited to talk with the son of the Governor of Bukidnon and brother of the Senator of Bukidnon, the Honorable Congressman of Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines Joey Zubiri. Faruk Jessa and Congressman Zubiri talk about the harmony between Muslim - Christian and native communities of Bukidnon Mindanao, Philippines that has existed since the time of the Spanish in the 1800’s. Congressman Zubiri reached out to Faruk Jessa to the Ismaili Community and the Aga Khan Development network for crucial funding required to assist in the establishment of a permanent Library that would build a bridge for Muslim - Christian and Native Community of Bukidnon. The library would serve a central purpose of promoting education and higher learning and assist students of the rural population to become mainstream competitive members of the knowledge Society. On behalf of the Governor and Senator of Bukidnon Mindanao Philippines, Congressman Zubiri has given full support and open doors for any assistance required in achieving this monumental goal for the pluralistic communities of Bukidnon. Faruk Jessa was inducted as Secretary of Rotary Cebu East on June 27, 2008 by the Vice-Mayor of Cebu Philippines, the Honorable Michael Rama and witnessed by various members, visiting Rotarians and leaders of the Cebu Community including Philippines Shipping Giant, Mr. Bowen Gothong of Gothong Shipping Lines and Faruk’s initial sponsor Mr. Alex Gaisano of Gaisano Malls.          |
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Ally Ladak receives 2007 Community Peacemakers Award from YMCA Posted: 30 Jun 2008 08:54 AM CDT Ally Ladak has over 15 years of professional experience in Sales and Marketing, Customer Service, Project and Business Management. He has a particular interest in poverty and environment issues, as well as the services and issues of the disadvantaged. Ally Ladak also has over 15 years of volunteer experience including current affiliations with Self-Help Resource Centre, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Social Services Net, and the The Ismaili Arts and Culture Committee. He has over 15 years of volunteer experience as a badged and non badged volunteer within the Ismaili community. Ally Ladak is also a member of the United Way of York Region Citizen Review Panel, Mr Ladak has taught new afghan refugee children English and have taught Muslim seniors how to use the internet. Mr Ally Ladak recently served as an official volunteer for the Aga Khan Historic cities program exhibition in Toronto, Ontario. He is also an active donor of the Toronto Public Library Foundation. Ally Ladak was recognized as an outstanding volunteer by the Government of Canada in 2001 and received his service award from The Kidney Foundation of Canada.          |
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Aga Khan’s advocacy of education for women and pluralism is praised Posted: 02 Jul 2008 12:28 AM CDT
ALISON HEALY THE AGA Khan has received an honorary degree from NUI Maynooth for his work in eliminating poverty, encouraging the advancement of women and promoting Islamic culture and pluralism. The Aga Khan (71) is the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, whose 15 million-strong population is spread across 25 countries. A key figure in the equine industry, he has close ties with Ireland and owns properties including Gilltown Stud in Kilcullen, Co Kildare. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the chancellor of the NUI, Dr Garret FitzGerald, in a ceremony attended by his eldest child, Princess Zahra. In his citation, NUI Maynooth president Prof John Hughes said the Aga Khan was the first member of the Islamic community to be honoured in this way. “It is particularly fitting that this university should honour him at this time, steeped as it is, and proudly so, in the history of Catholicism in Ireland, but now a vibrant, multicultural and multi-denominational university,” Prof Hughes said. “For the Aga Khan embodies the spirit of understanding, tolerance and ecumenism that should link the great religions of the world. For 50 years he has been a voice of moderation, a voice of reason, in promoting an Islam that embraces and indeed celebrates pluralism and diversity.” The Aga Khan became Imam or spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957, at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, a former president of the League of Nations. The Aga Khan is founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of development agencies which supports the developing world in areas such as education, health, enterprise and architecture. Prof Hughes said the Aga Khan had become “a major activist for civilised humanity and universal values” and added that he had championed religious pluralism as a way of building a common understanding around the globe. “We in Ireland readily identify with this view, given that it brought peace to the island,” he said. The Aga Khan said he was “deeply honoured” to receive the award, particularly as he was the first Muslim to do so. “Being the first Muslim does carry a level of symbolism with it, which I appreciate enormously because it means that institutions, particularly this institution, is looking at the wider horizons of our world,” he said. He described NUI Maynooth as “a pathfinder” for people working in the developing world because of the way it linked research with economic development. The visit had given “a wonderful opportunity to be able to look to this university and see how together we might build bridges for a better future between Ireland and the developing world,” the Aga Khan said. Prof Hughes said the university was hugely excited by the possibility of collaboration with the Aga Khan as it already had outreach programmes in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. “I see enormous opportunities,” he said. The university, which offers a BA in equine business, was keenly aware of the Aga Khan’s links with Ireland and Prof Hughes said the Aga Khan had played “a very significant role” in the Irish horse racing industry. The Aga Khan also called for a greater pluralism in education and said it was essential to enhance the understanding that pluralism was an asset, not a liability. People were not born with the capacity to see those from different backgrounds as equals, but with the right education, they could become pluralist without even being aware of it, he said. Dr FitzGerald said it was a particular honour to present the honorary degree and he added that most people were unaware of the scale of educational work initiated by the Aga Khan. |
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NUI News: Aga Khan Honored at NUI Maynooth Conferral Posted: 01 Jul 2008 01:11 PM CDT 30 June 2008 - NUI Maynooth His Highness the Aga Khan today received an honorary law doctorate from National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He was cited for “outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society”. The Aga Khan received his honorary doctorate from the Chancellor of the NUI, Dr Garret FitzGerald.
Speaking at the conferral NUI Maynooth President, Professor John Hughes said “Today the college is honouring an individual who has made a significant positive impact in the developing world. He has championed religious pluralism as a way of building a common understanding among millions of people throughout the globe. We in Ireland readily identify with this view given, that it brought peace to this island. This University is very proud to honour the Aga Khan and to recognise his great achievements”. His Highness the Aga Khan became Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. Today, the Ismailis live in some 25 countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in North America and Western Europe.
The Aga Khan has dedicated his life to addressing serious issues in the developing world. He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest private development groups in the world. AKDN is made up of a group of institutions working to improve living conditions and opportunities in specific regions of the developing world. Their individual mandates range from architecture, education and health to the promotion of private sector enterprise, the enhancement of non-government organisations and rural development. NUI Maynooth, which offers a BA in Equine Business, is keenly aware of the close ties that the Aga Khan has with both Ireland and the local Kildare community. He has played a very significant role in this country through his involvement in the Irish horse racing industry. He owns a number of stud farms across the country. The Aga Khan took over the studs from the estate of his father Prince Aly Khan, his inheritance included six farms in Ireland: Sheshoon, Ballymany, Ongar, Gilltown, Sallymount and Williamstown. Sheshoon Stud in Kildare with the incorporation of Brownstown, is the oldest continuously operative stud in Ireland or England and was the first Irish farm purchased by the late Aga Khan. Today Gilltown, Sallymount and Sheshoon are nature sanctuaries with a great variety of wildlife, flowers and rare mature trees. “His Highness is the first member of the Islamic community to be so honoured in the history of NUI Maynooth and it is particularly fitting that this University should honour him at this time, steeped as it is in the history of Catholicism in Ireland, but now a vibrant multicultural and multi-denominational university. For the Aga Khan embodies the spirit of understanding, tolerance and ecumenism that should link the great religions of the world” added Professor Hughes. National University of Ireland, Maynooth is Ireland’s fastest growing university with about 9,000 students including 1,000 postgraduate students across 300 programmes. In 2008 the University has seen a 14% rise in its CAO first preferences – the highest of any institution in the country. |
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His Highness the Aga Khan Honoured at Nui Maynooth Posted: 01 Jul 2008 09:52 AM CDT
President John Hughes citation Maynooth, Ireland, 30 June 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan today received an honorary law doctorate from National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He was cited for “outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society”. The Aga Khan received his honorary doctorate from the President of NUI Maynooth, Professor John Hughes. Speaking at the conferral NUI Maynooth President, Professor John Hughes said “Today the college is honouring an individual who has made a significant positive impact in the developing world. He has championed religious pluralism as a way of building a common understanding among people throughout the globe. We in Ireland readily identify with this view given that it brought peace to this island. This University is very proud to honour the Aga Khan and to recognise his great achievements”. His Highness the Aga Khan became Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. Today, the Ismailis live in some 25 countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in North America and Western Europe. The Aga Khan has dedicated his life to addressing serious issues in the developing world. He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest private development groups in the world. AKDN is made up of a group of institutions working to improve living conditions and opportunities in specific regions of the developing world. Their individual mandates range from architecture, education and health to the promotion of private sector enterprise, the enhancement of non-government organisations and rural development. NUI Maynooth, which offers a course in Equine Business, is keenly aware of the close ties that the Aga Khan has with both Ireland and the local Kildare community. He has played a very significant role in this country through his involvement in the Irish horse racing industry. He owns a number of stud farms across the country. The Aga Khan took over the studs from the estate of his father Prince Aly Khan, his inheritance included six farms in Ireland: Sheshoon, Ballymany, Ongar, Gilltown, Sallymount and Williamstown. Sheshoon Stud in Kildare with the incorporation of Brownstown, is the oldest continuously operative stud in Ireland or England and was the first Irish farm purchased by the late Aga Khan. Today Gilltown, Sallymount and Sheshoon are nature sanctuaries with a great variety of wildlife, flowers and rare mature trees. “His Highness is the first member of the Islamic community to be so honoured in the history of NUI Maynooth and it is particularly fitting that this University should honour him at this time, steeped as it is in the history of Catholicism in Ireland, but now a vibrant multicultural and multi-denominational university. For the Aga Khan embodies the spirit of understanding, tolerance and ecumenism that should link the great religions of the world” added Prof. Hughes. National University of Ireland, Maynooth is Ireland’s fastest growing university with about 9,000 students including 1,000 postgraduate students across 300 programmes. In 2008 the University has seen a 14% rise in its CAO first preferences – the highest of any institution in the country. |
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Aga Khan Foundation - First Day Cover Stamps from India Posted: 01 Jul 2008 09:40 AM CDT
http://fdc4all.blogspot.com/2008/07/aga-khan-foundation-fdc-from-india.html |
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From Arnab Sen’s Blog - Visit to Bridges That Unite exhibit Posted: 01 Jul 2008 09:29 AM CDT
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Al-Azhar Park Video - Revitalizing Historic Cairo Posted: 01 Jul 2008 09:12 AM CDT
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Announcement by Roshan Telecom, an AKFED company in Afghanistan Posted: 01 Jul 2008 09:07 AM CDT Kabul, Afghanistan June 19, 2008: Roshan, the leading telecommunications operator in Afghanistan, today announced that it has reached 2 million active subscribers, reaffirming its position as the mobile operator market leader in Afghanistan. Roshan will celebrate this significant milestone today at a special event in Kabul where the firm will award the winners of its Lucky Draw. The event will also feature Afghan singer and Roshan’s new brand ambassador Farhad Darya, who will sing live at the event to mark the occasion. Roshan is the first and only company in Afghanistan to reach the 2 million active subscriber mark and complies with international standards for counting customers, active and paying. The firm, which began operations in July 2003, as the second GSM provider in Afghanistan, before any basic telecommunications infrastructure was established, is now present in over 224 cities and towns and in 33 of 34 provinces, covering almost 56% of the population. Roshan has invested more than $338 million USD to offer Afghanistan the highest network quality and is committed to the reconstruction and rebuilding of Afghanistan through its extensive corporate social responsibility programs. |
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Partnership Walk Congrats-Salute in the Alberta Legislative Assembly Posted: 01 Jul 2008 09:04 AM CDT 23rd Annual World Partnership Walk Mr. Zwozdesky: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to salute and thank the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and especially its affiliates here in Edmonton for undertaking the 23rd annual World Partnership Walk this past weekend. This is Canada’s largest and longest running annual event dedicated to increasing awareness of and raising funds for combatting global poverty. Local convenor Karim Kanji co-ordinated this year’s event with help from numerous Ismaili community members and friends, which included well over 400 volunteers and well over 1,500 walkers, fundraisers, and other helpers from the broader community. In the end about one-half a million dollars were raised right here in Edmonton alone, bringing the new grand total to about $40 million Canada-wide. One hundred per cent of all of these funds raised goes directly toward numerous projects in Africa and Asia that address global poverty issues, including health, education, rural development, and strengthening community-based solutions. Many of these projects provide clean drinking water and address safe water collection methods, irrigation, and sanitation matters. Here in Canada we sometimes take clean water for granted.
However, in many countries in Africa and Asia about 50,000 people die
every day because of water-borne diseases. The Aga Khan Foundation through
its World Partnership Walk has pledged to alleviating these and other
major problems stemming from global I would urge all members in the Assembly to join me in congratulating all the volunteers for staging and participating in this extremely important initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, which is a nondenominational and registered charity with an incredibly successful record of project accomplishments. Thank you. |
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Ismaili Muslim Youth Reflect on ‘Knowledge Society’ at National Awards Gala Posted: 02 Jul 2008 08:23 PM CDT
CALGARY, July 2 /CNW Telbec/ - High-achieving students from the Ismaili Muslim Community across Canada will gather at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary on Saturday, July 5th (6.30PM) to learn how participation in today’s Knowledge Society is essential for individual and community progress. The Honorable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education of Alberta, will be
the guest of honour and Dr. Tom Kessinger, Deputy Chairman, Aga Khan
Development Network (AKDN), will deliver the keynote address. This year’s National awards will recognize the achievements of 150
youth from across Canada who have been selected at regional I-STAR events
in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. This high
calibre awards ceremony encourages students from Grade 9 to Post-Secondary
to strive for and “The theme of this first Canadian I-STAR Awards Gala is The Knowledge Society” said Shaukat Jiwa, Chairperson of the Aga Khan Education Board for Canada. “We recognize that we live in an age where human intellect, imagination and ingenuity have become the currency of choice and one that highlights the necessity of lifelong learning and the search for excellence. We hope that our youth will become contributors in the 21st century Knowledge Society and will use this knowledge in a manner that is consistent with the ethics and values of our faith.” The Canadian I-STAR Awards Gala is a national initiative commemorating the Golden Jubilee of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. The Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to the Aga Khan as the 49th hereditary Imam and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Further information on the Ismaili Muslim Community may be found at www.theismaili.org. Related: |
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His Highness the Aga Khan in the United Kingdom to mark Golden Jubilee visit Posted: 02 Jul 2008 06:04 PM CDT Official seven-day trip will mark 50 years of becoming Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the Aga Khan Development Network’s long-standing partnership with the British Government 2 July 2008, London, United Kingdom - His Highness the Aga Khan, arrives later today on an official seven-day visit to the United Kingdom on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. During this visit, the Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims will attend a dinner hosted by Her Majesty the Queen to mark his Golden Jubilee and to acknowledge the close relationship he and his family have had over generations with the British Monarchy and the UK. The Aga Khan is scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary as well as the Secretary of State for International Development. The Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice, will host a lunch in his honour. He will also meet with the Leader of the Opposition and the Mayor of London. During his visit, the Aga Khan will meet with members of the Ismaili community. The Aga Khan Development Network has had a longstanding relationship with development partners in the United Kingdom. Over the past 25 years, AKDN has received approximately $100m in complementary support of its development activities from UK institutions, primarily the Department for International Development (DfID) and its predecessors. The geographic areas of cooperation between the British Government and AKDN include Africa, Central Asia, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, where UK support has played an important role in making a difference in the quality of life of tens of millions of people. During his visit to the United Kingdom, the Aga Khan will host a dinner for senior members of the Government, diplomats, distinguished leaders from industry, academia, the arts, faith communities, the NGO sector as well as leaders of the Ismaili community. The evening will provide an opportunity for the Aga Khan to thank the British Government and the civil society representatives for their unwavering support and commitment. During the past 50 years, the Aga Khan has fostered and overseen the
growth of one of the largest private development networks in the world.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is engaged in a wide range of
activities in education, healthcare, rural development, cultural and
economic development. These activities are undertaken for the common good
of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion in some of
the poorest regions of the world. The work of the The Aga Khan has received numerous awards and decorations. The title ‘His Highness’ was bestowed to him by Her Majesty the Queen in 1957. This visit to the United Kingdom is one of many that the Aga Khan is undertaking around the world in commemoration of his Golden Jubilee year – the 50th anniversary of becoming the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims – an ethnically diverse community whose members reside in some 25 countries, including the UK. He is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. |
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National I-Star Awards - Calgary, Saturday July 5 Posted: 02 Jul 2008 12:43 PM CDT Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tom Kessinger
Dr. Kessinger has been involved with many non-profit organizations globally for over ten years such as the Peace Corps and the Ford Foundation. He has served as a tenured member of the faculty at the Universities of Virginia and Pennsylvania and was elected as the eleventh President of Haverford College. Dr. Kessinger has served with Imamat institutions for over 20 years and began his career as the General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was instrumental in the development of the Historic Cities Program in Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and East and North Africa. Dr. Kessinger is based in Aiglemont and is currently the General Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation, responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s work worldwide. In addition to his responsibilities as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Dr. Kessinger works very closely with His Highness the Aga Khan on various international projects and frequently travels with him across the world. All I-STAR participants, their families, and public at large from across Canada are invited to attend this historic Golden Jubilee weekend in Calgary. The festivities will begin on Friday, July 4 at the 2008 Calgary Stampede Parade. In the evening, I-STAR participants will watch Stampede Chuckwagon Races and will be seated in the Stampede Grandstands as VIP guests. The I-STAR Gala Awards and Banquet will be held at the Calgary Hyatt the evening of Saturday, July 5. |
Dr. Tom Kessinger will be the Keynote Speaker at the inaugural
Canadian Ismaili Students Total Achievement Recognition (I-STAR) Awards
Gala to be held on Saturday, July 5 at the Calgary Hyatt Regency
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Science and Religion in Islam: The Link Posted: 02 Jul 2008 10:49 AM CDT From Easy Nash Summer reading for those who are interested; My choice of the top 50 posts in my 375-post Blog My blog postings are about to become sporadic as the summer vacation dawns upon us so I came up with a list of my top 50 posts as I see them. They represent a tiny fraction of my experiential encounter with the religion of my birth, Islam. The idea that learning about our universe, what it is made up of and how it operates, can be and is an integral part of the faith of Islam is a very powerful idea indeed. Here they are in descending order: |
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Historic Golden Jubilee Games draws to a close Posted: 02 Jul 2008 10:08 AM CDT The Golden Jubilee Games, a week-long international Ismaili festival of sport in celebration of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee, took place in Nairobi, Kenya between 23 – 29 June. You are invited to relive the experience of the Games through the detailed coverage provided by TheIsmaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community. Feature articles
The ceremonial end; the beginning of an era The inaugural Golden Jubilee Games came to a close on 29 June 2008, following seven days of international brotherhood, intense athleticism, and a celebration of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Jubilee through sport. The Closing Ceremony was attended by Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya. Celebrating the spirit of the Games Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya join the Jamat to participate in the Games Sport Coverage
Games draw to a close: Final sports wrap- up The Golden Jubilee Games wrapped-up on Sunday following final matches in 14 sport categories. Video and Photo Gallery
This video montage documents the struggles that athletes faced during the Games, and their valiance in overcoming them. Video: Opening Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games Golden Jubilee Games photo gallery Remembering the Games
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Canada - Welcoming new citizens Posted: 02 Jul 2008 08:48 AM CDT With the hot sun pounding down on their beaming faces, 58 people were sworn in as Canadian citizens Tuesday at the Alberta legislature. Among them was Nothando Aggrey, 38, who arrived in Canada from Zimbabwe in 2001. “I feel great. I feel like shouting,” the shy woman professed, laughing. “I do feel like a Canadian, although deep inside I am a Zimbabwean.” Aggrey moved to Canada with her husband to flee the violence in her home country. “I came because of the political situation,” said Aggrey, describing it as “hell.” “Canada is a country that has lots of freedom. That’s why I came here.” -snip- Citizenship Judge Sonia Bitar, who was herself an immigrant after fleeing her home country of Lebanon, conducted the ceremony. “People from different cultures and backgrounds, they chose a different life in Canada,” she told the crowd. “To tell you the truth, we are living in the best country in the whole world.” The group ceremony wrapped up with the singing of O Canada, followed by some tea served by Edmonton’s Ismaili community. For Aggrey, it was her first time singing the national anthem. “It felt great,” she said with a giant grin. “It felt so liberating.” -snip- |
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Ismaili Muslim Community of Calgary wins Best Cultural Entry award at Stampede Parade Posted: 04 Jul 2008 01:06 PM CDT Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is pleased to announce this year’s
Stampede Parade trophy winners. A |
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Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Banquet in London, United Kingdom 3 July 2008 Posted: 04 Jul 2008 08:27 AM CDT http://akdn.org/speeches/2008july3.html Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Banquet in London, United Kingdom 3 July 2008 (Please also see Related Material) Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim Baroness Thatcher What a great pleasure it is for me to welcome you tonight - to greet so many friends, old and new - and to acknowledge how much your friendship - and that of this country - has meant to me. I am deeply grateful for your warm welcome. I am no stranger to London, but this is a very special visit, as it is part of a year-long celebration - the Golden Jubilee anniversary of my Imamat. I came to this office in 1957 upon the passing away of my grandfather. I was an undergraduate university student at that time - and perhaps I seemed a rather unusual student, when I showed up for the next school term with two secretaries and a personal assistant! In Islamic thought and practice, the world of the spirit and the world of daily life are inseparably intertwined. This is why, over a half century, my role as a spiritual leader has also required me to act in a host of social, economic and cultural endeavours, in order to secure and enhance the well being of the Ismailis and the communities amongst which they live. The Aga Khan Development Network has grown out of those efforts, and I am happy to say, the size of its staff has also grown just a bit since my undergraduate days! In all of these endeavours, we have developed wonderful partnerships with many institutions around the world. And many of our most effective partners have come from this country. These partnerships have involved many collaborators - governmental and private, academic and charitable, non-profit and commercial, religious and secular, national and international - providing not only financial resources but also human resources and intellectual capital. London has also been an important base for our work with Governments around Europe, and with the European Union itself. Many of our partners - from the UK and other parts of Europe - are represented here tonight. We have been fortunate in these relationships, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who have made them possible. Our spirit of partnership here has deep roots. Over a century ago, my grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, worked closely with Her Majesty Queen Victoria and her governments in the pursuit of common ideals. These ties were further strengthened by the strong presence of the Ismaili community - initially in places which later became Commonwealth countries, and later, here in the United Kingdom. Many of the developing countries in which Ismailis lived were just coming into independent nationhood when I took office fifty years ago. Since that time, my attention has been focused on their challenges. My goal has been to improve the quality of life and to build new opportunity for Ismailis and the peoples amongst whom they live, while strongly supporting their pluralism and diversity. The approach we take in the Aga Khan Development Network is non-denominational and holistic. It encompasses both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. We seek to catalyze the creation of necessary basic infrastructure, together with the provision of good quality education and healthcare. We are concerned with ensuring access to appropriate credit for the poor at the same time as we are working to sustain the arts and culture. It is particularly in the field of rural development in East Africa, South East Asia and Central Asia that we have established long standing and successful programmes with the Department for International Development. This has been born of a common philosophy and approach, and has resulted in an improvement in the quality of life for tens of millions of people in some of the poorest regions in the world. It is striking to me that in 1957, there were only about 100 Ismaili residents in this country, and most of them were students. Today, there are fourteen thousand Ismailis permanently living here and of all ages and walks of life. Our story in this country is a case study in the settlement of an immigrant community - one which originated from East Africa, the Indian subcontinent and now Central Asia. Upheavals in their native lands - wars of independence, civil wars, collapsed economies and other dislocations affected the Ismailis and millions of others around them. Today almost one third of my community in this country have been born in the United Kingdom. They have maintained their religious and cultural identity and they are well integrated into their local environment. It is a community in which over 90 per cent of the university age population participate in tertiary education. The average household income is a third higher than the national average - although I say this with some trepidation as I hope we are not being overheard by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs! Britain has been an enabling environment. As a result, the community is now making a meaningful contribution to the economy and civic society, whilst also providing a resource to support initiatives in other parts of the world. In 1957, there was only one Ismaili space here for congregational prayer - and that was on leased premises! Creating places of prayer as centres for community life was fundamental to ensuring the cohesion of the community, and there are now over 40 such places. Among them, of course, a central focal point is The Ismaili Centre, located in South Kensington. Having Baroness Thatcher with us tonight is particularly significant because The Ismaili Centre was opened by her in 1985. Like other Ismaili Centres around the world, the London Centre serves not only as a gathering place for Ismailis, but as an active participant in local society, sponsoring a variety of cultural initiatives - exhibitions, lectures and other public events. These efforts reflect our pride in our heritage and our eagerness to share it with others. We have also, in these recent decades, established two new institutions of higher learning here, The Institute of Ismaili Studies, and The Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, which is part of the Aga Khan University. They both offer Masters level teaching programmes, they engage in research and publication, and they also develop curriculum materials for children in primary and secondary schools. In all these efforts, they take a holistic, civilizational approach to Islamic studies, rather than emphasizing the more narrow domain of theological dialectic. What some describe as a clash of civilizations in our modern world is, in my view, a clash of ignorances. This is why education about religious and cultural heritage is so critically important—and why we will continue to invest in these institutions. We deeply believe that scholarship, publication and instruction—of high quality and generous breadth– can provide important pathways toward a more pluralistic and peaceful world. All of these comments, then, speak to the context in which we gather tonight– a rich history of partnership reaching deeply into the past - and extending, we hope and trust, into an even more productive future. Thank you very much. |
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From UK Prime Minister’s official briefings Posted: 04 Jul 2008 08:22 AM CDT …..Asked what was discussed at the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Aga Khan, the PMS said that they had discussed the cooperation between the Government and the Aga Khan Development Network, which supported projects in health, education, poverty alleviation, peace and stability. The Prime Minister had also congratulated the Aga Khan on his golden jubilee. |
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HH The Aga Khan in London: Photographs from British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Posted: 03 Jul 2008 04:10 PM CDT From The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s photostream at Flickr. All photos link to original source.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw meeting His Highness the Aga Khan at Lancaster House, London, 3 July 2008.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband meeting His Highness the Aga Khan in London, 3 July 2008.
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Invitation to Ismaili Muslim Community of Calgary’s 12th Annual Stampede Breakfast Posted: 03 Jul 2008 01:39 PM CDT The Ismaili Muslim Community of Calgary cordially invites you to celebrate the Calgary Stampede from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ismaili Jamatkhana, 4623 11 St. N.E. This year the Ismaili Muslim Community is proud to partner with the Women & Wellness Conference to celebrate the meaningful role of women in developing an enriched civil society. As a special feature attendees are also invited to tour the Historic Cities Programme Exhibition in the Social Hall of the Jamatkhana. Information available in attached PDF: ismaili_community_stampede |
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British Prime Minister Gordon Brown meets His Highness the Aga Khan Posted: 03 Jul 2008 11:44 AM CDT
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (L) meets the Aga Khan, who is visiting the United Kingdom to mark the fiftieth anniversary of becoming the Imam of the Shia Ismaili community, at 10 Downing Street, in London, on July 3, 2008. The Aga Khan is expected to attend a dinner hosted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II during his visit. Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images |
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His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in United Kingdom Posted: 03 Jul 2008 11:19 AM CDT
Thursday, July 3: This morning, on the first full day of his Golden Jubilee visit to the United Kingdom, His Highness the Aga Khan met with the British Government’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, The Rt Hon David Miliband MP at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. His Highness was a guest of honor at a luncheon hosted by The Rt Hon Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Justice and the Lord Chancellor. After lunch he met with British Prime Minister The Rt Hon Gordon Brown.
Wednesday July 2: His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in London, England, commencing his seven-day Golden Jubilee visit to the United Kingdom. He was greeted at the airport by officials of the British Government and leaders of the UK Jamat. |
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Vision is needed at every level of government - Naheed Nenshi, For The Calgary Herald Posted: 03 Jul 2008 09:55 AM CDT Published: Thursday, July 03, 2008 At this time of year, one could be forgiven for turning one’s thoughts to summer, taking the kids to the parade tomorrow, seeing if last year’s cowboy shirt still buttons over this year’s gut (maybe that’s just me . . . and the prime minister). I’m busy helping organize a really great community event myself — the Ismaili Muslim Community Stampede Breakfast on Saturday morning. Do stop by; it’s at the southeast corner of McKnight and Deerfoot. With all this activity and the warm weather, it’s hard to get up a head of steam about politics. Nonetheless, summer is a good time to take stock of who we are as a community and where we want to go. |
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Mass wedding in Madaklasht valley Chitral Posted: 03 Jul 2008 09:53 AM CDT CHITRAL, 03 July 08: Mass wedding ceremony of 14 couples was held in Madaklasht valley. The mass wedding ceremony was organized by Aga Khan Council in collaboration with Aga Khan Social Welfare Board. The organisers had fixed rupees 40 to 50 thousand as alimony and jointure per bride. The mass wedding was arranged to save the couples families from over and unnecessary spendings. A cultural and musical show was also arranged on the occasion. The brides were presented gifts by the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board. A large number of men and women folk of the area participated in the ceremony. The mass wedding ceremony celebrated in a simple way is a very good example of the much needed practice of simplicity and austerity missing from our society. –(GH Farooqi) |
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Posted: 03 Jul 2008 09:52 AM CDT
Official Website of Shigar Fort Shigar Fort Residence has been open since June 1, 2005, following an intensive six-year restoration undertaken by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan. Originally known as Fong-Khar, which in the local Balti language means “Palace on the Rock”, this 400-year old Raja fort-palace has been brought back to life following a careful strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration. The result is a combination of authentic original 17th century architecture together with the modern amenities and services of a luxury guest house. Earlier related: |
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MIT innovation to leverage AKF to help developing world Posted: 03 Jul 2008 09:51 AM CDT
–snip– The team has formed partnerships with World Wildlife Fund, which is interested in the insulation from the perspective of reducing deforestation, as well as Packages Ltd., one of the largest straw processing firms in Pakistan, which is interested in the commercial potential, and the Aga Khan foundation, which is interested in poverty alleviation and improving living conditions in the northern areas. These partnerships have enabled the pilot project and planning for future scaleup of the project. |
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Calgary Ismaili Muslim Stampede Breakfast 2008 Posted: 05 Jul 2008 02:17 PM CDT
Personal photos from the Ismaili Muslim Community of Calgary’s 2008 Stampede Breakfast, held on the grounds of the Calgary Ismaili Jamat Khana and Centre. This year’s Stampede Breakfast as well as the Ismaili Community Float in the Calgary Stampede Parade were dedicated to the partnership between the community, the Calgary Health Region, the UCalgary Faculty of Medicine, and the United Way of Calgary, in implementing the annual Women and Wellness Conference (www.womenandwellness.ca). Additionally, the Stampede Breakfast coincided with the Calgary launch of the AKTC Historic Cities Programme Exhibition (www.akdn.org/agency/aktc_hcsp.html).
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Jubilee for an Imam among equals - Irish Times Interview with His Highness the Aga Khan Posted: 05 Jul 2008 10:52 AM CDT Saturday July 5, 2008 - source: Irish Times -snip- BECAUSE OF HIS humanitarian work and promotion of equal rights, he has received many decorations and awards, yet he seems genuinely moved by the award from NUI Maynooth. “I am deeply honoured,” he says “because this institution is a remarkable institution in its own right and therefore to receive an honorary degree from an institution such as this is very meaningful indeed.” He hopes to work with NUI Maynooth on projects such as student exchanges and joint research programmes. Maynooth’s roots in Catholicism are particularly interesting to him because many universities in the developing world started as faith institutions and are now trying to transform themselves into modern research facilities. “In the developing world, at least, we have an enormous amount of mediocrity,” he says. “Standards are terribly, terribly low and unless those standards are enhanced . . . you are not making a permanent contribution to the processes of change.” So the connection between Ireland and the Aga Khans, which began in his grandfather’s lifetime, may well be strengthened. -snip- Download complete interview in PDF or complete at the source. |
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Keeping the Faith - Ismaili Muslims host Historic Cities exhibit Posted: 05 Jul 2008 10:33 AM CDT Saturday, July 05, 2008 - Graeme Morton / Calgary Herald
Calgarians will get a chance to view the Historic Cities exhibition, an initiative of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, today when Calgary’s Ismaili Muslim community hosts its annual Stampede breakfast. The dramatic collection of photographs and narrative text chronicles the work spearheaded by the Aga Khan in promoting the conservation and restoration of buildings and public spaces in historic cities throughout the Muslim world.
The Historic Cities projects include the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, the Citadel of Aleppo and Masyaf in Syria, the Djingereyber Mosque in Mali, the Timur Shah Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Humayan’s Tomb in New Delhi, India. The exhibition will be on display this morning during the breakfast at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, 4623 11 St. N.E. It will also have public viewing hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday. The Ismaili breakfast has become one of the city’s most popular during Stampede, bridging cultural and faith barriers. “It is an ideal opportunity for us to reach out to the entire community during one of Calgary’s premiere events,” says Dewji. Multi-faith group applauds mosque Calgary’s Muslim-Christian Dialogue group has issued a message of congratulations to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community on this morning’s official dedication of their new, $14-million mosque in Castleridge. “It is our hope that the Baitun Nur mosque will be a place of prayerful contemplation and search for enlightenment, a place where Calgarians can come together to exchange knowledge and ideas, enabling us all to more fully appreciate one another,” the interfaith group said in a joint statement. “This search for mutual understanding remains essential to assuring peace and stability among diverse cultures and faiths,” it adds. The dialogue group includes representations from a number of Muslim organizations, the Arabic Christian Church of Calgary, Calgary Evangelical Ministerial Association and the Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and United Church denominations. |
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Queen celebrates Golden Jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan Posted: 07 Jul 2008 08:11 PM CDT
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Posted: 07 Jul 2008 03:47 PM CDT The first ever National Canadian I-STAR gala [Ismaili Students Total Achievement and Recognition], held at the Imperial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Calgary Alberta. 700 people gathered, including 150 participants from across the country and numerous dignitaries.
Guest of honour was the Alberta Minister of Education. Raheem Jaffer, MP and national caucus chair for the federal conservatives, Dean of the UCalgary Faculty of Education, Dean of the Mount Royal School of Business, Ruth Ramsden-Wood, president of the united way of Calgary, as well as the Chancellor of the University of Calgary were all present (just to name a few).
Key note speaker was Dr. Tom Kessinger, GM of AKF world-wide, and deputy chair of the board, AKDN, had flown in from Geneva to deliver the keynote address.
Earlier related: Canadian I-STAR: Recognizing Excellence Coast to Coast
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Week-in-Review — Sunday, July 6, 2008 Posted: 07 Jul 2008 10:04 AM CDT
We begin this week with congratulations to His Highness The Aga Khan on receiving an honorary law doctorate from National University of Ireland (NUI) in Maynooth, on June 30, 2008, for outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society. Speaking at the conferral, NUI president Professor John Hughes said the he was very proud to honour the Aga Khan and to recognise his achievements. “Today the college is honouring an individual who has made a significant positive impact in the developing world. He has championed religious pluralism as a way of building a common understanding among millions of people throughout the globe,” he said. “His Higness is the first member of the Islamic community to be so honoured in the history of NUI Maynooth.” The Aga Khan’s advocacy of education for women and pluralism in praised in the Irish Times.
Excellent photographs and video from The Historic Golden Jubilee Games as they draw to a close in Kenya. Featured in our Ismailis in the News this week, Ally Ladak receives 2007 Community Peacemakers Award from YMCA,and Faruk Jessa was inducted as Secretary of Rotary Cebu East. Vision is needed at every level of government, says Naheed Nenshi, for the Calgary Herald. From Cairo, Africa, local and international organizations celebrated World Environmental Day at Al-Azhar Park. View the interesting video of Al-Azhar Park and revitalization of historic Cairo. Lots of events happening in Canada this week as Edmonton’s Ismaili Muslim Community serves breakfast at the south Grounds in celebration of Canada Day and Aga Khan Foundation Canada receives a Salute in the Alberta Legislative Assembly for undertaking the 23rd annual World Partnership Walk in Edmonton.
In other news, MIT Innovation to leverage AKF to help developing world. From the blogosphere, after a visit to the Bridges that Unite Exhibit in Vancouver, Arnab Sen says, “AKDN is a non-denominational organization that restores sites of cultural significance, provides educational opportunities for people in rural areas, and is involved in a host of other activities. I was not aware of their wide reaching activities, so this exhibit provided a valuable learning opportunity through the use of guides, multimedia, and physical artifacts.”
We end the week with the news of His Highness the Aga Khan’s seven day visit to the United Kingdom in commemoration of his Golden Jubilee as Imam of the Ismaili Muslim Community. We have pictures of His Highness The Aga Khan’s arrival in the UK, his meetings with the British Prime Minster Gordon Brown and other government officials, the Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Banquet in London, United Kingdom 3 July 2008 and an interview of The Aga Khan from the Irish Times. At our Spirit and Life Blog this week, we talked about the Cities of Light, the Culture of Al-Andalus, looked at the timeline of Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, and the timeline of The Islamic Middle East. We listen to the catchy tunes of the Shoh Karim “Pamir Music” , the Devotional songs from the CD, Shan-i Tajali Shan-i Karimi and concluded the week with a Devotional Song: Ayenge Maula Mere by Imtiaz Fazalbhoy. |
That is all from this week, hope you will be looking forward to more exciting and interesting news and stories next week. Click here for last week’s review. |
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Queen hosts dinner for Aga Khan Posted: 07 Jul 2008 10:00 AM CDT The Queen is hosting a dinner party in honour of billionaire racehorse owner the Aga Khan. Senior members of the Royal Family will attend the Buckingham Palace dinner on Monday for the long-term friend of the Queen. The Queen, 82, and the Aga Khan, 71, are both ardent fans of horse racing and in the past they have watched the sport together at Royal Ascot. The Aga Khan was the owner of Shergar, the Derby-winning racehorse who was kidnapped from his Irish stud farm in 1983 and never seen again. He is also the Imam of the world’s 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Last year he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his succession to the title held by his grandfather. The Aga Khan is coming to the end of a seven-day visit to the UK held to mark the milestone. In 2005 he became one of six people given the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for his efforts improving living conditions in the developed world. His Aga Khan Development Network is a group of agencies working in health, education, culture and rural and economic development, in 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, south and central Asia, and the Middle East. |
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Posted: 07 Jul 2008 09:59 AM CDT
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Calgary: Ismaili breakfast gains popularity Posted: 06 Jul 2008 08:49 AM CDT Kelly Cryderman / Calgary Herald / Sunday, July 06, 2008 Just a few steps from where square dancers whirl is an exhibit on the restoration of historic Islamic sites in countries such as Syria, Egypt and Afghanistan. And alongside breakfast-eaters’ pancakes, sausage and eggs comes a dollop of stew-like bharazi, an East African dish made of pigeon peas and a mild coconut sauce. The Ismaili community has always done a traditional Stampede breakfast — with a Muslim twist. But over its 12 years of existence, the Ismaili Muslim community breakfast has evolved to become one of the city’s largest and most organized breakfasts, thrusting it into the mainstream of Stampede events, say community members and fans. “This breakfast has helped us reach out to Calgarians,” said Nashir Samanani, president of the Ismaili Council for the Prairies. The event brings together a cross-section of people that do not always mix on a day-to-day basis. On Saturday young women in short-shorts and cowboy hats could be seen eating alongside old men wearing traditional wool Afghan hats called pakols. “It’s a must-attend event for our organization,” said David Chalack, vice-chairman of the Calgary Stampede board. He along with other attending politicians spoke of the “precision” in the organizing of the event, which is held at the city’s major Jamatkhana — the Ismaili house of worship. There’s 500 volunteers making up parking, catering, security and logistics teams. And after a vicious thunder and lightning storm destroyed a giant tent that had been only partially erected last year, volunteers packed up and moved the whole event to a different location in the space of five hours. The community-based breakfast doesn’t do any advertising. Instead Calgary’s Ismaili community members are encouraged to tell friends, neighbours and co-workers to come out. Calgary’s 11,000 Ismaili Muslims appear to take the job seriously. Most of the approximately 5,000 people attending Saturday’s breakfast were either Ismaili themselves or had been invited by an Ismaili relative, friend or colleague. However, there were at least some who came out who had no obvious ties to the community. “We’ve heard a lot of good things about it,” said Dana Pearson, 34. “You get a little bit more than just pancakes. You get the peas,” added her friend and fellow speech pathologist Rhonda Hellardm, 36. Former Tory MLA Stan Nelson, who has attended the breakfast for many years, said years ago he could find a parking spot with no problem. Now, he said Saturday, it’s not so easy. “Today when you look around you will see many people from many backgrounds,” Nelson said. “It’s like going down to the Stampede grounds.” The community also used the breakfast to unveil a travelling exhibit on the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s Historic Cities Programme, which promotes the conservation and restoration of buildings and public spaces in historic cities of the Muslim world. This is the last stop on its Canadian tour and the line to get in to see the display snaked around the building. Also on Saturday, Chinook Centre general manager Terry Napper hailed his organization’s breakfast a success, despite major construction at the mall. He said there were even some extra parking spaces left open as many people chose to take public transit. Napper said volunteers fed as many as 50,000. “It went really smooth,” he said. Saturday saw the winners of the first-ever Calgary Stampede Full House contest have their pancake breakfast prepared by Stampede chefs. Stampede officials said Tarnia and Derek Wallace invited neighbours, family and friends - some from as far away as Ottawa - for a pancake breakfast in their backyard. Related Posts: |
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Posted: 08 Jul 2008 12:44 PM CDT |
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Posted: 08 Jul 2008 12:04 PM CDT Three students from Metro Vancouver — two from the same family — won a total of five of the 18 top prizes in the first-annual ISTAR competition for Canadian Ismaili students held to mark the 50th jubilee of the Ismailis’ leader, the Aga Khan. Aaria Rahim, a Grade 12 graduate from Vancouver who is entering a program in ethics, society and law at the University of Toronto, was named student of the year in the Grade 11-12 age group — a prize that includes a trip to a developing country of her choice. She also won first place in both the leadership and community service category and the arts and culture category. Another Vancouverite, Shakir Rahim, was runner-up in the same category. Shakir and Aaria are not related, but Aaria’s brother, Aarman, also won first place in the Grade 10-11 leadership and community service category plus two second-place finishes — arts and culture and science and technology. The other first prize for a B.C. student was the Grade 10-11 arts and culture award won by Aliza Vellani. Second-place prizes went to Ashraf Amlani in post-secondary science and technology, Rafiq Charania in post-secondary sports and Rafiq Baloo in Grade 11-12 sports. Third-place prizes went to Rafiq Salemohamed in Grade 10-11 academic excellence, Aquil Virani both in Grade 11-12 academic excellence and in Grade 11-12 arts and culture, Aalia Chatur in post-secondary leadership and community service, and Safiya Dhanani in Grade 11-12 science and technology. |
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Winners represent best of Muslim world Posted: 08 Jul 2008 11:50 AM CDT Don Cayo, Vancouver Sun columnist / Published: Monday, July 07, 2008 Underscoring an old link between Muslim culture and learning - Related blog post
CALGARY - The era when Europe was locked into or just breaking out of what we call the Dark Ages is also known as the Golden Age for Muslims. From the eighth century to the 12th and even beyond - in some places as late as the 15th or 16th century - Muslims led the western world in wealth, power and learning. I knew this before I visited Timbuktu - a great Muslim city of yore - in 2004. At a time before the discovery of the New World’s glitzy treasures, nearly all the gold in Europe came from West Africa. The usual route it took included camel caravans across the Sahara, and they emanated from Timbuktu. What I didn’t know before my visit was this: So great was this legendary city as a centre of learning that in some years the value of books it exported exceeded the value of its gold.
Fast forward to 2008, a time when western perceptions of Muslim learning are at a precipitous low. The dominant vision seems to be of doctrinaire mullahs in shabby madrassas inculcating the young with ideas that feed, at best, bigotry toward the West and, at worst, terrorism. While it’s sadly possible to find examples of just such schools, I’ve travelled enough to know this perception is neither a complete nor a fair picture. But it was refreshing, nonetheless, to attend a weekend event here that reminded me just how far off base it is in relation to some Muslims in many parts of the world, including a vibrant community living productively in our midst. I was an adjudicator for the first national ISTAR awards, a new level added to decades-old regional programs that recognize high achievement from Canadian Ismaili students in a variety of categories - academic excellence, arts and culture, leadership and community service, science and technology, and sports. And when they say “high achievement,” oh boy, they mean it. I’ve judged a variety of competitions over my career, including the Jack Webster Foundation’s highly competitive Seeing the World fellowship for young B.C. journalists, and I’ve never faced such difficult choices. I judged the ISTAR’s leadership and community service category, and I found good reasons in every application to put it at the top of the pile, and no clear reason in any to put it at the bottom. The depth and breadth of involvement in both secular and faith-based good works was astonishing, as were the energy, commitment and skill. But, as with my earlier visit to Timbuktu, I did learn some new things about this Muslim group at the ISTAR awards ceremony here on Saturday. Tom Kessinger, deputy chairman of the international Aga Khan Development Network - the No. 2 man to the Aga Khan, the hereditary leader of the Ismailis - noted that education, though not always in the formal sense, is at the root of virtually all his organization does. The AKDN is a huge development organization - it’s hard to say exactly how huge, as much of its funding comes from the private wealth of the Aga Khan and donations from his followers and those figures aren’t made public. It’s a complex web of non-profit and for-profit ventures, but, Kessinger noted, all have education at their core. I should have guessed. I’ve written not only about non-profit AKDN work to improve education in East Africa and other parts of the developing world, but also about some of its for-profit work in areas that range from growing and processing beans to running high-end hotels. The goal of these enterprises goes far beyond profit. (See my blog entry “Celebrating foreign aid that works” to access detailed stories on these projects.) In the bean project, for example, farmers are trained to produce profitable cash crops that don’t interfere with their traditional subsistence. In the hotels, local people don’t just do menial work - they’re recruited and trained for every kind of job. Even the crafts they display and sell are handmade and one-of-a-kind, not the mass-produced kitsch found on every downtown street corner and tourist market in poor cities worldwide. Even in AKDN’s innovative pre-schools for children of families whose members may have never seen a classroom, a big problem is that the teachers they custom train - young women with no other job options - are lured away by other schools. Nashir Samanani, president of the Ismaili Council for the Prairies, quoted the Aga Khan as saying education should be “the polar opposite of indoctrination.” The young people I met here on the weekend - and those whose long and impressive bios I pored over trying to split enough hairs to identify a winner - are, I think, shining examples of what he means. In my world of journalism where good news is most often no news, we don’t write often enough about things like this. But I think it’s important to note that, all these centuries later, learning is still central to Muslim culture in some parts of the world - Canada included. Visit Don Cayo’s blog at www.vancouversun.com/blogs |
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Queen lays on Golden Jubilee banquet for the Aga Khan and family Posted: 08 Jul 2008 11:29 AM CDT Both are ardent fans of horse racing and share an understanding of what it’s like to hold an important ceremonial role. So the Queen was particularly glad to be hosting a glittering banquet for the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee, which he celebrated last year.
Her guest at Monday’s dinner in Buckingham Palace is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and the leader of the world’s 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims. They’ve met up on several occasions since the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather to the title in 1957. To honour the milestone anniversary, the Queen wore an elegant gown adorned with golden sequins, as well as jewellery in gold and silver.
The golden theme was also picked up by the Aga Khan’s sister Yasmin, the daughter of his father Prince Aly and Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth. She was resplendent in a shimmering metallic floor-length creation, accessorised with a matching clutch. Completing the family group at the gala was the Muslim leader’s son Prince Hussain, with his American-born wife Kristin, who took the name Princess Khaliya on their marriage two years ago. Yahoo News - M&C - PR-Inside |
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Various institutional news from Central Asia region Posted: 08 Jul 2008 11:18 AM CDT
TWO DROWNED AS BOAT WITH HUMANITARIAN AID TURNS OVER 8 July 2008 DUSHANBE, July 8, 2008, Asia-Plus /Avaz Yuldoshev/ — Two employees of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) – Tajik national Afzalsho Pulikshoyev and Afghan national Abdulbasir Nuzur – were drowned on July 6 as the boat with humanitarian aid turned over in the Panj River, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI). The source at a MoI said that the accident had taken part in the area of Khumroghi, Vanj district in Gorno Badakhshan. “An operation to seek bodies is under way,” the source said. ===== Aga Khan Foundation helps local communities in south of Kyrgyzstan resolve their irrigation problems 4 July 2008 The pump station was officially opened in the presence of Executive Director of MSDSP KG, Zahir Dharshi, Deputy Akim of Alai district Uulkan Mamyrova, as well as representatives of local administration and local communities, AKDN told AKIpress. Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP KG) of Aga Khan Foundation has been working in Arpatektir village of Alai district since 2006 and promotes the establishment of village organizations, namely “Yntymak” and “Arpatektir”. MSDSP KG programs include rural support (RSP), early childhood development, and public health promotion. Since 2006, RSP projects have provided support to the poorest families through goat and poultry breeding projects, improving breed and productivity of livestock, increasing potato yields through supply of qualitative seed varieties, and rehabilitation of irrigation systems. For 20 years, the community of Arpatektir village has lived through a lack of irrigation water. In 1986 the construction of the pump station was started but was not completed. The station was completely ruined raising a big concern among local community. The construction of the new pump station and canal rehabilitation has been implemented due to financial support of MSDSP KG, which has allocated 874 000 soms. The contribution of local community which included labour, monetary, materials and supplies, was 220 000 soms. The total cost of the project was more than 1 million soms. As a result of this partnership with local community, 290 households in Arpatektir village will benefit with irrigation water and 40 hectares of land will be irrigated. This will enable the population to increase its agricultural yield for local consumption and for sale as well as kitchen gardens. Mountain Societies Development Support Program in Kyrgyzstan (MSDSP KG), which is a program of Aga Khan Foundation, was initiated in September 2003. The main objective of this program is to promote sustainable social and economic development of mountain areas of Kyrgyzstan in partnership with local communities. Rural Support Program (RSP) is one of the programs of MSDSP KG. Since 2003, 52 infrastructure projects have been completed in Alai and Chonalai districts of Osh oblast.AKIpress ===== INSTITUTE OF ISMAILI STUDIES SUPPORTS ORGANIZATION OF SUMMER CAMPS IN GORNO BADAKHSHAN 4 July 2008 KHOROG, July 4, 2008, Asia-Plus /Shonavruz Afzalshoyev/ — Summer camps in Gorno Badakhshan have opened their doors to local schoolchildren this week. Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, Said Shoghazanfarov, the head of the GBAO regional education workers’ trade unions, said that 13 out-of-town and 70 school’s camps to accommodate totaling some 5,000 children and teenagers had been organized in the region. According to him, local authorities have allocated some 130,000 somonis for organization of summer camps and further 32,000 somonis have been provided by education workers’ trade unions. Besides, five out-of-town camps have been organized by Ismaili Tarikat and Religious Education Committee (ITRECT). The ITRECT youth program coordinator in Gorno Badakhshan Mamadsaid Mamadsaidov said that the camps will accommodate more than 1,500 10th and 11th grade school students. “The education program of our camps includes three themes: human being and society; pluralism; and intellectual activity,” said the youth program coordinator. “Along with entertainment events, holidaymakers will also learn how to develop business-plans and how to act in case of possible natural disasters.” According to Mamadsaidov, their camps have been organized under support of the London-based Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS). The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a contemporary undertaking by His Highness the Aga Khan to study Islam in general and Ismailism in particular. The Institute draws on the worldwide knowledge and experience of institutions and scholars to create awareness through programs, publications, and partnerships in the field of Islamic studies. Established by His Highness the Aga Khan in 19977, the IIS promotes scholarship and learning of Muslim cultures and societies both historical and contemporary. ===== UNICEF, Aga Khan Foundation, President’s Administration ink MoU in producing cartoon serial for children of preschool age 2 July 2008 UNICEF, Early Child Development Project Management Unit of President’s Administration, Aga Khan Foundation and the Soros Foundation - Kyrgyzstan today signed the Memorandum of Understanding, UNICEF told AKIpress. The MoU was signed to strengthen partnership in producing an animated cartoon in Kyrgyz language “Keremet Koch” that is broadcast on the national television since November 2006. The charatecters of the cartoon serial, Aktan and Akilai, invite children of preschool age to on amazing journey to 5 imaginary countries - health, knowledge, art, skillful hands, country of unexpected journeys. Since Keremet Koch gained a wide popularity, the partners decided to continue this project in 2008 and 2009. A new partner, Soros Foundation - Kyrgyzstan, will join this project now. The project was created and supported by UNICEF, Early Childhood Development Project of President’s Administration, Aga KHan Foundation.AKIpress ===== ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL NGOS FORUM 1 July 2008 DUSHANBE, July 1, 2008, Asia-Plus /Bahrom Mannonov/ — A series of roundtable meetings were held at the Guest House Poytakht from June 25 to June 28 to discuss the results of the first national NGOs forum that was held in Dushanbe on May 14-15 this year. Shamsiddin Karimov, director of the Tajikistan Development Foundation, which was initiator of the meetings, said that more than 80 representatives of the state institutions, business circles and NGOs had attended those meetings. “They had an opportunity to meet with delegates of the forum and familiarize themselves with the national program for development of NGOs in the Tajikistan and the code of the main principles of activities of NGOs in Tajikistan that had been adopted at the forum,” Karimov said. We will recall that the forum, staged by Tajikistan Development
Foundation under financial support of the Civil Society Program of the Aga
Khan Development Network (AKDN), brought together more than 40 delegates
from all regions of the country. The forum participants are discussing the
national program for development of NGOs in Tajikistan and the code of the
main principles of activities of NGOs in the country. These documents have
been worked out within the framework of long- and medium-term programs of
the government such as national development strategy for 2006-2015 and the
poverty reduction strategy for 2006-2008 and are dedicated to provide
transparency of authorities’ activities and create conditions for
eradicating corruption, lawlessness and abuse of office, as well as
promote improvement of living conditions of the population in Tajikistan
and observance of rights and freedoms of citizens guaranteed by the
Constitution. To consolidate efforts of NGOs and community for ===== UCA, MOE SING MEMORANDUM OF UNDER STANDING 30 June 2008 DUSHANBE, June 30, 2008, Asia-Plus /Bahrom Mannonov/ — Tajikistan’s Ministry of Education (MoE) and the University of Central Asia (UCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on June 12. The MoE was signed on the sidelines of the CIS education ministries’ conference in Bishkek. According to the UCA, the memorandum will allow expanding cooperation in improvement of legal foundation for education cooperation, education standards and curricula as well as innovative approaches in vocational-technical education. Under the signed document, the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) will implement the program of vocational-technical education based on international standards. The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan. The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. Established in 2006, the School of Professional and Continuing Education is the University’s first operational academic program. The School is Central Asia’s first provider of formal, university-based, non-degree educational programs. It emphasizes tertiary short-cycle education (TSCE), which gives students intense training, usually in one year or less, that results in a widely accepted qualification to perform industry-specific tasks. ===== President Bakiev visits UCA campus construction site in Naryn 26 June 2008 President Kurmanbek Bakiev today is making a working tour of Naryn oblast, reported president’s press office. President Bakiev visited Akkyia area in the town of Naryn, where the University of Central Asia is under construction. The President was introduced to the projects implemented by the Aga Khan Development Network in Kyrgyzstan. AKDN Resident Representative Nurjehan Mawani made a presentation of projects for children from mountainous parts of the country and micro-crediting. President Bakiev acknowledged the AKDN for publication of popular children’s books in Kyrgyz language and said more such books should be published in future. Then President Bakiev visited the construction site of educational building and campus of the University of Central Asia. UCA President Bogdan Krawchenko presented the project. Bogdan Krawchenko said the UCA will lay a big emphasis on IT and science specialists. The UCA is now recruiting its faculty who receive training in European educational institutions to work as university professors afterwards. Moreover, UCA offers English language and math training to school students, this way enabling them to become UCA students. The overall size of the construction site is 251.58 hectares. The campus will include educational premises, student dormitory, cottages for UCA faculty, sport and recreation facilities, skiing base, student summer camp. The campus will also include parks, recreation zones, areas to conduct practical and research works. A Japanese architect designed the campus. The general layout was approved. At present, the bypass road and helicopter landing site are under construction. President Kurmanbek Bakiev familiarized himself with Continuous Professional Education Project that offers education programs for 105 students of the town of Naryn. The President said that the selected location of the University of Central Asia is good. “I think nobody will be surprised, when they will say in future that one should go to Naryn oblast for a quality education. I am strongly convinced that Naryn and Batken oblasts will become the most advanced and developed oblast of the country in 5-6 years,” Kurmanbek Bakiev said. President Bakiev wished success and good luck to all project participants. The President is accompanied by Naryn oblast governor Omurbek Suvanaliev, MPs Askarbek Salymbekov and Narynbek Moldobaev.AKIpress ===== 36 companies awarded on best environment performance 25 June 2008 Karachi, June 25 (PPI): The 5th Annual Environment Excellence Awards (AEEA) distribution ceremony will be held at a local hotel on July 2, 2008, to honour 36 best environment friendly companies of Pakistan. National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) is organizing award ceremony where Sindh Minister for Environment and Alternative Energy, Askari Taqvi and Secretary Environment, Mir Hussain Ali will present the awards to the recipients. The award has been instituted to recognize and promote the organizations which make an outstanding contribution to sustainable development. They aim to highlight policies, practices, processes and products from all sectors of business in the country, which help achieve economic and social development without harming the environment and natural resources. The following companies will receive the awards: AES LAL PIR, Aga Khan University Hospital, Attock Refinery Ltd., BHP Billiton, BP Pakistan Exploration & Production Inc., Clariant Pakistan Ltd., Dadex Eternit, Descon Engineering Ltd., English Biscuit Manufactures, Engro Chemicals Pakistan Ltd., Engro Polymer & Chemicals, Etimaad Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd., Glaxo SmithKline Pakistan, Gerrys Dnata, Habib Oils Mills, INDUS MOTOR COMPANY, International Industries Ltd., KAPCO, KSB PUMPS Company Ltd., National Refinery Ltd., Pak Arab Refinery Ltd., Pak Elektron Ltd.(PEL), Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan State Oil Co., Pakistan PTA, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd., Pakistan Oilfields Ltd., Pakistan International Airlines, Qarshi Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., Shakarganj Mills Ltd., Shell House, Serena Hotel, Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd., Siemens Pakistan Engineering Co Ltd., Tullow Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., Telenor Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. A national conference on Environment Management will also be held prior to the award ceremony. Dr. Sami uz Zaman Member Environment Tribunal Sindh, Naeem Mughal Director Technical Environment Protection Agency Sindh, Dr. Kaiser Waheed Chairman NFEH, M. Naeem Qureshi President NFEH, Zaheer Baig Chief Advisor NFEH will speak on various topics. ===== Sindh education boost: World donors gave Rs 839.373 million during
January 2006-April 2008 24 June 2008 International donor agencies donated over Rs 839.373 million funds to previous government during January 2006 to April 2008 to improve the education standard in Sindh. Out of 49,028 schools in the province, 7572 schools are non-functional whereas 29,035 schools are running without electricity and 5,037 without furniture. Vowing stern action against those responsible for destroying education system of the province, Senior Minister and Minister for Education Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq said this while addressing the post-budget 2008-09 session of Sindh Assembly during the question hour. To a query on the foreign funding, Haq said from January 2006 to April 2008 Pakistan received Rs 397.047 million from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Rs 392.000 million from Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Rs 27.941 million from Aga Khan Foundation/USAID/Royal Netherlands Embassy, 10.20 million from Road Sector Development Directorate/ADB, Rs 1.807 million from US Consulate, Rs 3.305 million from Commonwealth Education Fund: Save the Children, Rs 0.602 million from Unesco, Rs 1.204 million from Unesco, Rs 0.575 million from Unesco and Rs 4.692 million from The Give 2 Asia/The Asia Foundation under various development programmes in education sector. Holding the district government system responsible for what he said destruction of the entire education sector, the provincial minister vowed to conduct an inquiry saying that those found guilty of any irregularity would be brought to justice. He said his government had identified some 1300 schools, which were being used as “Autaqs” and “godowns” by some influential people, for re-opening while those involved would severely be punished. The government had planned to provide all missing facilities like electricity, furniture etc to schools and provided Rs 2.3 billion to districts, Rs 100 million each, in 2007-08 and the same amount would be given in the next financial year, Haq said. He claimed that due to a lacklustre response of the previous government, 39 million euros World Bank grant for promotion of education in Sindh was lying unutilised. To see commitment of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government not only the WB was ready to offer the grant but European Commission was also ready to give the same amount as a grant. To a question by Humera Alwani from treasury benches, Haq said interest rate on foreign loans for education sector was 1 percent as donors were giving the amount as a soft-loan. The education minister turned the tables on previous government when Arif Jatoi from opposition benches asked him why 41 posts were lying vacant in the two government monotechnic institutes in Fiaz Gunj and Thari Mirwah. The positions were not filled due to inability of the previous government to employ teaching and non-teaching staff in the two technical education institutes, Haq said adding his government could not fill the posts immediately during summer vacations. Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza asked Leader of the Opposition Jam Madad Ali to discipline the opposition members. The education minister came up with an unsatisfactory answer when Alwani drew his attention towards an ever-increasing fee structure of private schools, saying that had his government fixed the fees no one would open the private schools. Post-budget discussion: Sindh Assembly continued its general discussion during a post-budget 2008-09 session on Monday with treasury members welcoming but at the same time concerned about a poor law and order situation in the province and opposition members terming the fiscal document an eyewash and anti-people. As usual the session started with at least 1:30 hours delay at 11:20 am at the Assembly Building with Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza as its chair in the absence of Speaker Nisar Ahmed Khuhro. On a point of order, Humera Alwani from treasury sought an explanation from the PPP dominated house on Kamran Tessori’s run-away from police custody asking who was responsible for the negligence soon after the deputy speaker resumed the session. She asked that how people like former Chief Minister Dr Ghulam Arbab Rahim and Tessori, who was what she said involved in illegal allotments of government land, managed to leave the country while their names were enlisted in the Control Exit List? While the PPP leaders Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and other party bigwigs were sitting idol, queries of Alwani fell on the deaf ears as no one bothered to allay her concerns. ===== MoI MAKES OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN KHOROG 23 June 2008 DUSHANBE, June 23, 2008, Asia-Plus /Avaz Yuldoshev/ — On Monday June 23, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) released an official statement about the latest developments in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (Gorno Badakhshan or GBAO). The statement, in particular, said that by president’s order a working led by the Minister of Interior Mahmadnazar Solehov arrived in Khorog on June 20 to investigate the situation in the city. “President’s order was initiated by an appeal of influential residents of Khorog Imomnazar Imomnazarov, Tolib Ayombekov, Yodqor Mamadaslamov and Mamadqoqir Mamadboqirov, in which together with concern about transfer of more troops to the region to strengthen the border they also expressed their readiness to support all undertakings on further strengthening of legality and public order in the region,” the statement said. According to the statement, the situation in the region is now quite
stable and local law enforcement agencies do not have any problems with
maintaining public order in Gorno Badakhshan. Because of certain
circumstances, a number of problems have arisen only in the regional
administrative center; however they have not been so acute to assess the
situation in Gorno Badakhshan as uncontrollable, the statement said.
During its stay in Khorog, the working group held a meeting with heads of
practically all mahalla (community) of Khorog and local youth leaders. The
meeting demonstrated their interest in strengthening of legality and
public order in Khorog. A June 21 meeting with khalifas (local clerics)
assisted to clarify the situation. Khlifas expressed their readiness to
support activities of the working group in the region, the statement said.
“However, khalifas have had to admit some their omissions and indifference
to processes that have taken place in Khorog over the past
several ===== Aga Khan Development Network “Mobilizing Communities, Moving Mountains” opens in Osh city 20 June 2008 The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) exhibition entitled Mobilizing Communities, Moving Mountains was officially opened at the Kyrgyz Drama Theatre in Osh city by Vice-Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Elmira Ibraimova, and the AKDN Representative in Kyrgyzstan, Nurjehan Mawani in the presence of numerous dignitaries from government, parliament, diplomatic community and representatives from regions and civil society. More than 3000 visitors are expected to view the Exhibition over two days. Opening the exhibition, Vice-Prime Minister, Elmira Ibraimova noted: “I am very pleased that today in Osh we have a presentation of successful results and achievements of Aga Khan Development Network in Kyrgyzstan. I am glad to see the representatives of government, parliament, business community and civil society. I think that this kind of impressive presence symbolizes the contribution of AKDN to Kyrgyzstan and its regions.” The Exhibition is part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations commemorating His Highness the Aga Khan’s 50th year as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. He is founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network which works today in 30 countries of the world. Guided by the Islamic ethic of compassion for those less fortunate, AKDN works for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion. “This Golden Jubilee Exhibition is a great occasion to underline the partnership between Aga Khan Development Network and all levels of government, local communities and institutions of civil society. It is indeed a unique event for everyone. All AKDN agencies will be under one roof demonstrating how partnership can mobilize and encourage individuals and communities to transform their own lives,” said Nurjehan Mawani during press conference before the opening ceremony. Visitors to the Exhibition were delighted by the performance of the world-renowned Kyrgyz ensemble Tengir-Too and students of Ustatshakirt Center. Sponsored by the Aga Khan Music Initiative of Central Asia (AKMICA), the Tengir-Too launched its first regional tour of Kyrgyzstan at the Exhibition. This ensemble has already thrilled audiences in Europe and USA, by introducing them to the music that evokes the beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains. Guests were also treated to a stirring documentary depicting a remarkable journey from the deserts of West Africa to the foothills of the Himalayas to witness how culture can transform people’s lives. This film was specially made by AKTC to commemorate the Golden Jubilee. The Aga Khan leads a community of 15 million Ismaili Muslims living in some 25 countries, mainly in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. He is founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of nine agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, and the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalizations of historic cities – all of which are catalysts for development. The AKDN spends in excess of US$ 320 million annually on social and cultural development activities. In Kyrgyzstan, more than 600 people, most of who are local citizens, work within AKDN and its various agencies. ===== Kyrgyz Epics Celebrated in Theatre, Photography Exhibit 20 June 2008 By Irina Bondarenko TCA correspondent BISHKEK June 20 (TCA Editions) - a project, “The Theatre of the Kyrgyz Epic,” has started in Kyrgyzstan with the support of the Fullbright programme, the US Embassy and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. As part of this project there was a photo exhibition in the Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek by Margaret Morton, who is a professor at the Cooper Union School of Art. The exhibition ran from June 5 to 19. Morton graduated from Yale University School of Art and for a long time worked on charitable projects in the United States. She has illustrated four books about homeless people who were forced to make their own shelter in public places. Margaret has exhibited her own work in New York in the New Museum of Contemporary Art, in the Lowinsky and Bodell galleries, in the Wexner Arts Centre and well known galleries and museums in Europe and Asia. Her exhibition in Bishkek presented 46 photographs on large format, which tell the story of the productions of Kyrgyz epics on the New York theatre scene. The photo session represents two shows which were put on in 2007: “Kereez” by the director of the folk ethnographic theatre “Sakhna” Nurlan Asanbekov and “Janyl-Myrza.” Based on epic tales, the shows told about Kyrgyz warriors — a hunter fighting with a mythological goat and an archer who never failed to hit her mark. Morton became interested in Kyrgyzstan several years ago. In 2006 she put on her first exhibition in Bishkek of 24 large format photographs; that year the photographer visited places where the events of the Kyrgyz epics took place and learnt about the everyday life and customs of the Kyrgyz people. The manager of the project “The Theatre of the Kyrgyz Epic” Altyn Kapalova thinks that this exhibition “reflects the interest of Americans in the unusual oral national creative tradition of the Kyrgyz, which touches on the problems of the relationship of man with nature and other people.” ===== FMFB-T, UNISTREAM ESTABLISH COOPERATION 19 June 2008 DUSHANBE, June 19, Asia-Plus /Bahrom Mannonov/ - The First MicroFinance Bank of Tajikistan (FMFB-T) and Moscow-headquartered money transfer network Unistream have launched a joint project for development of network of offering money transfer services via FMFB-T’s branches in Tajikistan. Ms. Anna Ovchinnikova, PR-manager with Unistream, told Asia-Plus that thereby the money transfer network strengthens its positions in the country, developing its partnership network here and the FMFB-T’s customers get access to the Unistream services through the ban’s branches. According to her, the Unistream administration considers Tajikistan as an important direction of activity “because Tajikistan makes serious contribution to the CIS labor migration process.” She quoted the Unistream director general Suren Ayriyan as saying, “The money transfer market is growing in the post-Soviet area at a rapid pace and we estimate the annual growth at approximately 50 percent.” Mr. Ayriyan noted that Unistream’s turnover in Tajikistan rose from $139
million in 2006 to $440 million in 2007. Over the first quarter of this
year, Unistream’s transactions in Tajikistan have amounted to $106
million, which is $63 million more than in the same period of last year.
Cooperating with nine financial institutions in Tajikistan, Unistream now
operates more 465 service points in the country. Established in 2003, The
First MicroFinance Bank was the first commercial bank in Tajikistan with a
principal focus on the provision of microcredit lending. The Bank has a
national mandate to provide a comprehensive range of financial services to
the poor throughout the country. In addition to its Head Office in
Dushanbe, the bank currently has branches in Khorog, Gharm, Khujand and in
the Khatlon province. The bank is affiliated with the Aga Khan Development
Network (AKDN) and its shareholders are the Aga Khan Agency for
Microfinance (AKAM), the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), ===== Tajikistan: Tensions Rising Over Food Prices In Remote East 18 June 2008 (c) 2008 Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc. News Stories and Documents Tensions between Tajikistan’s government and local leaders in the remote eastern Badakhshan region appear to be reaching a critical stage. The inhabitants of the sparsely populated area have for weeks complained of rising food prices and what they call increasing interference from the central government. More than 500 people gathered on June 18 in front of the government building in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in eastern Tajikistan’s high mountains. They were protesting news that the government had sent additional troops to the region with a plan to arrest local leaders. “I heard that [the government] brought troops here,” one female demonstrator told RFE/RL’s Tajik Service. “I am a mother of two sons, and I do not want there to be bloodshed again and mothers to be in mourning again. We gathered here not just to prevent war, but also to learn why they brought these forces here and what the purpose of these troops is. Let [the authorities] explain why they are here. If they tell us we will leave peacefully. We do not want anything else.” Excluded From Politics Badakhshan makes up nearly half of Tajikistan, with much of the land several thousand meters above sea level. Many of its 500,000 people are Ismaili Muslims — Shi’ite followers of the Aga Khan. In a country of mainly Sunni Muslims, they have been largely excluded from Tajik politics. The Badakhshanis often found themselves the targets of various groups during Tajikistan’s 1992-97 civil war, which claimed some 100,000 lives. Since the war’s end, the people of the region have seemed to prefer living secluded lives. But they have recently complained aboutincreasing prices of basic goods, a lack of electricity, and what they see as growing meddling by the central government. Local leaders not affiliated with the government have been leading the criticism. The opposition Social Democratic Party has also seized on the discontent in a bid to garner greater popular support, not onlyregionally but throughout Tajikistan, where people face problems similar, though not as severe,as those in Badakhshan. The head of the party’s local branch, Alim Sherzamonov, was among those whobroke the news that hundreds of soldiers had been transferred to Khorog as a precautionary move ahead of a planned to visit to the area next month by President Emomali Rahmon. Badakhshan residents say they are fearfulthe government is preparing a crackdown similar to one last month in the southwestern Kulob area, which is also experiencing rising costs for basic goods. In May, the Tajik government sent troops into Kulob to capture a local figure the authorities claimed was a major drug trafficker.The troopscaptured the man, but several local residentsdied duringthe operation. ‘No One Is Telling Us Anything’ People in Badakhshan are now wondering if the same thing is about to happen there. Adding to their fears are reports that Badakhshan’s top government official, Qosim Qodir, has evacuated his family to the capital. “My reason for being here is to find out why the head of the oblastsent his family to Dushanbe,” Sabzali Mamadrizoev, one of the demonstrators, told RFE/RL’s Tajik Service. “If everything here is so peaceful, why did he send his family there? He has not said anything, he has not told the people what is going on or held any meetings about it. Our goal is to learn why no one is telling us anything.” The demonstrators dispersed on June 18 after local officials promised that the additional troops sent to the region would be withdrawn. The demonstrators have vowed to return in two days if that promise is not kept. Despite being located in the remote southeastern corner of Central Asia, Tajikistan is important to both Russia and the United States. The country hosts a Russian motorized rifle division and a modest NATO contingent engaged in support operations for U.S.-led efforts in Afghanistan. Salimjon Aioubov of RFE/RL’s Tajik Service contributed to this report |
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Posted: 09 Jul 2008 11:19 AM CDT Source
Humayun’s tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture located in Nizamuddin east, New Delhi. In time of Slave Dynasty this land was under the KiloKheri Fort which was capital of Sultan Kequbad son of Nasiruddin (1268-1287). It encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun as well as numerous others. The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. This style of mausoleum was the same that created the Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb of Humayun was built by the orders of Hamida Banu Begum, Humayun’s widow starting in 1562. The architect of the edifice was reportedly Sayyed Muhammad ibn Mirak Ghiyathuddin and his father Mirak Ghiyathuddin who were brought in from Herat. It took 8 years to build and had a Chahr Bagh Garden style in its design, the first of its kind in the region. Restoration work by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture was completed in March 2003, enabling water to flow through the watercourses in the gardens once more. Funding for this work was a gift from the institutions of His Highness the Aga Khan to India. In addition, AKTC is conducting a more significant restoration at Babur’s tomb, the resting place of Humayun’s father in Kabul. |
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Pakistan: Prince Karim Aga Khan’s Imamat Day celebrations today Posted: 10 Jul 2008 08:36 PM CDT The News
International Pakistan The 51st Imamat Day of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader and 49th hereditary Hazir Imam of Ismaili Shia Muslims, is being celebrated today around the world by his followers, including those here in Pakistan. The Prince Karim Aga Khan ascended to the throne of Imamat on July 11, 1957, replacing his grand father Sultan Muhammed Shah. The day traditionally begins with prayers in Jamat Khanas for the prosperity and uplift of Muslims in particular and humanity in general, followed by programmes ranging from shedding light on the achievements, both spiritual and temporal, of the Ismaili Muslaims under the leadership of their Hazir Imam. In one of his recent Farameens (sermons), Price Karim Aga Khan has emphasised upon the Ismailies in particular and Muslim in general to reposition theology with respect to the normal forces of human society to help develop the understanding that Muslims too live in the real world and have to contend with the same issues of life - poverty, hunger, tragedy and civil conflict - as being faced by other communities in the world. “It is a very prestigious day for us. The second Imam in a row that has crossed fifty years. It’s a big thing in Jamat Khana tomorrow; everyone’s geared up for the day,” said one follower. |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 03:41 PM CDT
Jul 10, 2008 16:00 ET OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire - July 10, 2008) - I am pleased to join Canadian Ismailis, as well as Ismailis around the world, in marking the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims. Mowlana Hazar Imam has now led the Ismaili Muslims for more than half a century. During those years he has exerted a profound influence within his community and far beyond. Canada has greatly benefited from members of the Ismaili community who have made this country their home and who contribute to all aspects of Canadian life. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said, “We are proud to live in a country that embraces the many cultures and religions of the world. Our Government considers diversity to be one of this country’s greatest assets, and we are committed to strengthening both our pluralism and our national unity.” I am pleased that the Government has a strong, long-standing relationship with Aga Khan Foundation Canada. This year marks the 25th anniversary of our collaboration. In Afghanistan, for example, the Foundation is a trusted partner of Canada in the effort to provide development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to ensure a brighter future for that country. Canada is providing $8 million to the Aga Khan Foundation Canada for its Girls Education Support Program in Afghanistan. The program is helping girls gain access to high-quality learning opportunities in secure and supportive learning environments. It is expected to benefit more than 100,000 girls and 4,600 teachers in close to 350 schools in Bamyan, Baghlan and Badakshan provinces in northern Afghanistan. Canada is also contributing some $7 million to the Foundation’s Afghanistan Community Renewal Program. Our assistance helps to identify, implement and sustain a number of projects that foster rural development and literacy. Together, these initiatives are making a significant difference in the lives of many Afghans. We are also honoured that His Highness is establishing the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto. The Government of Canada is pleased to have a valued partner in the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 51st anniversary of his accession as Imam. I encourage all Canadians to join in the Imamat Day celebrations and to learn more about the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community. |
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President of the Republic of Portugal received His Highness the Aga Khan Posted: 10 Jul 2008 01:13 PM CDT The President of the Republic received in the Palace of Bethlehem, His Highness the Aga Khan, who traveled to Portugal, in a 4-day visit, during his Golden Jubilee. The hearing was followed by lunch. |
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Media Photographs: His Highness the Aga Khan visits Portugal Posted: 10 Jul 2008 11:54 AM CDT |
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Spiritual Leader Aga Khan to visit Portugal to commemorate 50 years of ascent to the Throne Posted: 10 Jul 2008 10:47 AM CDT Source: translated via Google Lisbon 06 Jul (Lusa) - The Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of institutional and ismailis million Muslims living in some 25 countries vai be in Portugal from 10 to July 14. The Aga Khan is 49 of the hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismailis Muslims and directs a community of 15 million Muslims, eight thousand of which reside in Portugal. For his followers, Karim Aga Khan, who acceded to the throne of the Ismaili Imamat July 11, 1957, is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, daughter of the Prophet. According to the tradition of Shia Islam, Imam of the mandate encompasses both the spiritual issues and materials. During the year of Jubilee which began in July 2007, Aga Khan made several official visits, in response to calls from heads of state. In visits to countries such as India, United States, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Madagascar and the United Kingdom, the spiritual leader of ismaelitas met with heads of state and government and revisitou the programmes and projects for the development of the network Aga Khan. The visit to Portugal, which takes place from 10 to July 14 and that concide with the celebration of the day (July 11) in which the prince acceded to the throne 50 years ago, is being prepared with the help of more than 700 volunteers are expected over 15 thousand ismaelitas or the Portuguese territory and other countries. The Jubilee celebrations of the Imam, according to the community, offering opportunities for the launch of new development projects in the social, cultural and economic. According to the ethics of faith, these projects aim to improve quality of life of most vulnerable in society with the creation of schools, hospitals and housing projects. In its Silver Jubilee, 25 years ago, the current Aga Khan launched new institutions and projects of social and economic development that have contributed to improving the lives of millions in the developing world. These initiatives are now part of the Aga Khan Network for Development (Aga Khan Development Network - AKDN), a group of institutions whose mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, the micro-finance the promotion of private sector initiative and the revitalization of historic cities - all of them acting as catalysts for development. The Aga Khan Foundation is one of those institutions that make up the network and to commemorate the golden jubilee of a project is under way to establish a school of excellence for children and young people who show high capacity but have financial difficulties. The project, according to the network representative in Portugal for the Aga Khan Development, Commander Ahmad Nazim, is still being negotiated up knowing only that should be in the greater Lisbon area and will have to receive internship scheme for students from around the country . This academy of educational excellence is similar to others already set up the network in the world. The AKDN spent over 320 million dollars annually in activities of social and economic development and operates more than 200 institutions of health care, including nine hospitals and over 300 schools in the developing world. Following the tradition of their ancestors - back one thousand years until the founding of the first universities and institutions of education in the Muslim world - the Aga Khan continues to stress the importance of education. Its recognition of the need for a commitment of the “Society of Knowledge” global led to the creation of Aga Khan University (AKU) in Pakistan, for 25 years - the first private university and independent management in this country. The AKU has become, however, an international university and today operates in nine university complex in the world. The Aga Khan Fund for Culture (Aga Khan Trust for Culture - AKTC) - another institution of the utmost importance of AKDN - has been developing various projects, ranging from the holding of exhibitions of Islamic art for the rehabilitation of buildings, neighborhoods and historical cities, of Hunza in northern Pakistan, to Kabul, Afghanistan, in Cairo, Egypt, Mali, North Africa. |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 10:41 AM CDT Source: translated via Google
The Aga Khan vai be from Portugal today at the invitation of the Government of Lisbon. The visit itself extends until 14. The spiritual leader of Muslims ismaelitas has meetings planned with
the community ismaelita and contacts with representatives of the state,
including the President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva. |
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Photographs: His Highness the Aga Khan visits Portugal Posted: 10 Jul 2008 10:37 AM CDT |
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Cavaco Silva receives spiritual leader Aga Khan Posted: 10 Jul 2008 10:36 AM CDT Source: translated via Google The President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, today received in audience in the Palacio de Belem, Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Muslims and institutional ismailitas, under its five-day visit to Portugal The Portuguese head of state after a hearing offered a lunch in honour of Prince Aga Khan. The visit of the Aga Khan, which runs until next Monday at the invitation of the Portuguese government, he comes in a series of journeys made in various parts of the world to mark the year of its golden jubilee of - the 50 anniversary since it is became the Imam, spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, an ethnically diverse community that resides in about 25 countries. During his stay in Portugal, the Aga Khan hold meetings with President of the Assembly of the Republic, Jaime Gama, with the prime minister, José Sócrates, and with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Luis Amado, and Justice, Alberto Costa. The Aga Khan will be present at an event with congregational members of the Ismaili community and should meet with the High Commissioner of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio. The Aga Khan is 49 of the hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismailis Muslims and directs a community of 15 million Muslims, eight thousand of which reside in Portugal. For his followers, Karim Aga Khan, who acceded to the throne of the Ismaili Imamat July 11, 1957, is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, daughter of the Prophet. Over the past 50 years, the Aga Khan has led the growth of one of the largest private networks worldwide development aid. The Aga Khan network for development (AKDN) is dedicated to a wide range of activities in education, health and rural development, cultural and economic. In 2005 the Portuguese government and the Aga Khan network have signed a protocol of cooperation and in the same year the network has signed a partnership agreement with the Patriarchate of Lisbon for the urban community development for the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Since starting its year of Jubilee, which started in July 2007, Aga Khan made several official visits, in response to calls from heads of state. In 2005 the Portuguese government and the Aga Khan network have signed a protocol of cooperation and in the same year the network has signed a partnership agreement with the Patriarchate of Lisbon for the urban community development for the fight against poverty and social exclusion. The Aga Khan Foundation is one of the institutions that make up the network and to commemorate the golden jubilee of a project is under way to establish a school of excellence for children and young people who show high capacity but have financial difficulties. The project, according to the network representative in Portugal for the Aga Khan Development, Nazim Ahmad, is still being negotiated, knowing it just to be installed in the greater Lisbon area and that work on an internship to receive students from around the country. |
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More than two thousand people received Prince Karim Aga Khan Posted: 10 Jul 2008 10:30 AM CDT Source: translated via Google More than two thousand people received the Prince Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Muslims and institutional ismailis, their arrival at the airport of Figo Maduro, Lisbon, for a four day visit to Portugal at the invitation of the Government. The Aga Khan’s visit to Portugal, which runs until next Monday, he comes in a series of visits to various parts of the world to mark the year of his Golden Jubilee of the 50th anniversary since it became the Imam (leader spiritual) of Muslims Shia Imami Ismailis, a community of 15 million Muslims, eight thousand of which reside in Portugal. The spiritual leader, who for their followers is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet, was received with military honors by the Minister of Justice, Alberto Costa, the spokesman for the PS, Vitalino Canas, and responsible for several of that religious community in Portugal. The hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismailis Muslims afternoon will be received by President of the Republic, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, who will offer a luncheon in his honor in the Palacio de Belem, Lisbon. The Aga Khan also hold meetings with the Prime Minister, José Sócrates, the chairman of the Assembly of the Republic, Jaime Gama, the Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado, as well as the Justice Minister, Alberto Costa. For this afternoon is also scheduled a meeting with the High Commissioner of United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and former president of the Republic, Jorge Sampaio. Waiting at the airport spiritual leader of the military were more than two thousand people. |
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Portuguese President welcomes Spiritual Leader of the Ismaili Muslims Posted: 10 Jul 2008 09:16 AM CDT 
Spiritual leader of the Ismaeli Muslims The Aga Khan (L) is welcomed by Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva (R) upon his arrival at Belem presidential Palace in Lisbon on July 10, 2008, on the first of his four-day visit to Portugal. FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images
His Highness the Aga Khan visits Portugal on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee |
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His Highness the Aga Khan visits Portugal on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee Posted: 10 Jul 2008 09:15 AM CDT Lisbon, Portugal, 9 July 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Lisbon tomorrow on an official visit at the invitation of the Government. The Aga Khan is visiting the country as part of a series of visits around the world to mark his Golden Jubilee year – the 50th anniversary of his becoming the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims – an ethnically diverse community whose members reside in more than 25 countries, including Portugal. The Aga Khan will meet with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Cavaco Silva, who will host a lunch in his honour. The Aga Khan will also meet with the President of the National Assembly, Dr. Jaime Gama, the Prime Minister, Engº. José Socrates, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Luís Amado as well as the Minister of Justice, Dr. Alberto Costa. His schedule also includes meetings with the United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Dr. Jorge Sampaio – former President of the Portuguese Republic. The Aga Khan will also attend a congregational event with members of the Ismaili community. During the past 50 years, the Aga Khan has overseen the growth of one of the largest private development networks in the world. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is engaged in a wide range of activities in the fields of education, healthcare, rural development, cultural and economic development. These activities undertaken in some of the world’s poorest regions are aimed at the common good for all citizens, regardless of their race, gender or religion. The work of the Aga Khan Development Network is well recognised internationally and is undertaken under the auspice of its nine agencies as well as in partnership with Governments and leading multilateral agencies. In 2005, a protocol of cooperation was signed between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of the Republic of Portugal. In the same year, the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal and the Patriarchate of Lisbon signed a Partnership Agreement that provides the framework for cooperation in an innovative urban community support programme designed to tackle social exclusion and urban poverty. Agenda for the 10th of July 2008 Source: http://akdn.org/news/2008july9.html - |
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“Conversation on Pluralism in a City of the World” - Chancellor Nancy Cantor Syracuse University Posted: 10 Jul 2008 08:59 AM CDT The spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan, who has been a strong partner with Britain in many projects of global urgency, has also spoken profoundly and eloquently on why pluralism is fundamental to world peace and prosperity for all of us, no matter what our faith community or our home. Nearly a year after the shock and horror of the September 11th attacks, he told an audience in Amsterdam that: “the strengthening of institutions supporting pluralism is as critical for the welfare and progress of human society as are poverty alleviation and confl ict prevention. In fact the three are intimately related.” He then went on to make the critical link to education: “The problem,” he said, “is that large segments of all societies—in the developing and the developed world—are unaware of the wealth of global cultural resources, and therefore of the need to preserve the precious value of pluralism in their own and in other’s societies.” Because we often do not perceive that cultural pluralism is a critical element of well being, he said, we may fail to realize that the world’s cultural heritage is a public good, its preservation just as crucial as sustaining the natural environment. |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 08:57 AM CDT excerpt: KARACHI: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sindh Department of Education and Literacy Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand USAID’s nationwide $90 million ED-LINKS program in Sindh province. Also today, education officials launched two workshops for educators in Karachi and Islamabad as part of the ED-LINKS program. -snip- Earlier in the day, ED-LINKS launched its activities in Sindh with a 10-week leadership and management program for 125 head teachers at Aga Khan University. |
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