Aga Khan Golden Jubilee - Canada 2008

Now that the GJ is over it's time to reflect on the marvelous year. All the JK's have been showing the movies from all the different visits - such memories !
Personally, I took a break from blogging to also look at the year that was and to think about the messages from Morning Chai readers. Many of you are undertaking journeys within to use the momentum of the GJ to move your own lives forward both material and spiritual by working harder to maintain or progress the balance which MHI wishes for us - it was truly a blessed year for Ismailis though it looks like it's going to be challenging in the years ahead - so my personal take was that the GJ was a primer - call it a preparation - for me to use the strength gained and to use it as a lever to fulfill all my wishes and achieve success in all my endevours.

In the months ahead I will focus on the the challenge of the economic downturn and also to undertake a journey into the history of the Ismailis.

In the meantime here are some videos on the Canada darbar. Enjoy...



Toronto Darbar Preparations



Calgary Darbar Preparations - where they transformed an entire warehouse into a spectacular showcase - leave it to those Albertans to create magic with their never say never attitude...

Aga Khan Canada Visit - Summary

MHI arrival at Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver - Nov 24th, 2008

Youtube Video by Adil Chagani



CBC News - Vancouver



CTV News - Vancouver




GLobal TV - Calgary



YouTube - Flag raising at Burnaby Darkhana (at dawn)



YouTube - Welcome Calgary style



YouTube Video on Calgary Preparations and Celebrations

YouTube Video on Toronto Prepararations and Celebrations






http://www.theismaili.org/cms/622/Canada-visit - the best summary of the visit.


An unforgettable occasionBurnaby Now, Canada - 19 hours agoNatasha Rajan can't remember the first time she saw the Aga Khan as a four-year-old in her native Tanzania. But she won't forget the most recent time, ...

Q and A with the Aga KhanVancouver Sun, Canada - 28 Nov 2008... and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and Don Cayo of The Vancouver Sun. The interview took place Nov. 23 in Toronto. ...

Golden JubilationSouth Asian Post, Canada, Canada - 27 Nov 2008Vancouver was the final stop on the Aga Khan’s eight day, four-city Canadian tour, which began in Ottawa last Tuesday, with stops in Toronto and Calgary. ...

Gallery: Aga Khan's arrival in VancouverCanada.com, Canada - 25 Nov 2008VANCOUVER - She was only nine, but Almira Bardai remembers the day the Aga Khan came to dinner at her mother's family home. She didn't get to join the 200 ...

Ismaili Muslim leader says Canada's diversity is a model for the worldThe Canadian Press, B.C. - 25 Nov 2008VANCOUVER, BC — The leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims says Canada's pluralism is a model to the world. The Aga Khan thanked Canada for ...

Muslim leader draws crowds in VancouverCBC.ca, Canada - 25 Nov 2008The Aga Khan was greeted by a crowd of thousands as he arrived at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver on Monday night. (CBC) Thousands of people turned up ...

Aga Khan's devotion to humanity revealed during Calgary visitCalgary Herald, Canada - 25 Nov 2008Unlike his father, a notorious playboy who had an eye for racehorses and Hollywood starlets, his highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV--the highness part was ...

Crowd of thousands greets arrival of spiritual leaderVancouver Sun, Canada - 25 Nov 2008VANCOUVER - Thousands of Ismaili Muslims from across North America took to the streets of downtown Vancouver Monday evening to welcome their spiritual ...

The Aga Khan reflects on the world best hopes and worst dangersVancouver Sun, Canada - 24 Nov 2008It’s something I hear a lot from people who know far more about international development than I do. Enough pieces of the puzzle have been found and fitted ...

Aga Khan sees hope for Muslim-West relationsCanada.com, Canada - 24 Nov 2008The spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims says he sees real prospects for new bridges and better relations between Muslim states and ...

Welcome to an honoured visitorCalgary Herald, Canada - 24 Nov 2008The Aga Khan's visit to Calgary today marks a significant event for the city's small but influential Ismaili community. For the first time in 16 years, ...

Spiritual leader brings out followers' emotionsCalgary Herald, Canada - 24 Nov 2008With tears in his eyes and his voice quivering, Nash Jetha speaks quietly when asked why he came to see the Aga Khan's arrival Sunday night in Calgary. ...

Aga Khan takes a personal interest in empowering womenVancouver Sun, Canada - 24 Nov 2008There are Golden Jubilee flags flying high in our great city this week denoting the visit of the great spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community ...

Aga Khan holds up Canada as model for the worldCanada.com, Canada - 23 Nov 2008TORONTO - What may often sound to Canadians like a discordant cacophony of voices from our diverse cultures and interest groups is apparently music to the ...

Thousands expected for Aga Khan's visit in CalgaryCanada.com, Canada - 22 Nov 2008CALGARY - Calgary's close-knit Ismaili Muslim community is on pins and needles in anticipation of Sunday's visit by the Aga Khan, spiritual leader for the ...

Thousands expected to attend gatheringsVancouver Sun, Canada - 22 Nov 2008VANCOUVER - Two large events will be held by religious organizations downtown in the next few days, despite BC's reputation as one of the most secular ...

Leader walking 'road of hope' salutedThe Province, Canada - 26 Nov 2008The Aga Khan's golden jubilee tour of BC made two stops yesterday -- one rubbing elbows with BC leaders, another mixing with his Ismaili supporters. ...

Aga Khan praises Canadian pluralism during Vancouver visitMetro Canada - Vancouver, Canada - 25 Nov 2008The spiritual leader of 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims and head of the world’s largest NGO, the Aga Khan, thanked Canadians yesterday for our contribution ...

Aga Khan's message of plurality a lesson for us allThe Province, Canada - 25 Nov 2008Two year-old Rose Mwaka had her foot amputated last August after an intern misdiagnosed her illness and gave her the wrong injection. ...

Thousands give Aga Khan a rock star greetingCTV British Columbia, Canada - 25 Nov 2008Thousands lined Vancouver streets Monday night for a brief glimpse of the Aga Khan as he arrived in BC for a quick stop. The leader of the world's 15 ...

Thousands welcome Aga KhanThe Province, Canada - 25 Nov 2008More than 25000 people will flock into BC Place today to greet the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims. ...

Royal hello for Muslim leaderCanoe.ca, Canada - 25 Nov 2008By DAVE DORMER, SUN MEDIA Thousands of the city's Ismaili Muslim community turned out at the Roundup Centre yesterday to hear words of wisdom and ...

Ismailis prepare to celebrate Vancouver visit of Aga Khan to BC PlaceGeorgia Straight, Canada - 24 Nov 2008By Shadi Elien Tomorrow (November 25) will mark an important day for the estimated 15000 members of the Ismaili community in Vancouver as they celebrate Aga ...

Aga Khan Marks Golden Jubilee In CanadaSouth Asian Link, Canada - 24 Nov 2008OTTAWA – Ismaili Muslims’ spiritual leader Aga Khan, the Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) arrived in Vancouver this week as ...

Thousands gather to hear Aga KhanCalgary CTV, Canada - 24 Nov 2008Thousands are filling the Round Up Centre for their opportunity to hear the Aga Khan. The spiritual leader of more than 15-million Ismaili Muslims is in ...

Aga Khan, spiritual leader to Ismaili Muslims, in Canada for eight ...Daily Gleaner, Canada - 22 Nov 2008By LAUREN LA ROSE TORONTO - Canadian Ismaili Muslims are marking a half-century of leadership of the Aga Khan, as the spiritual leader to millions around ...

The Aga Khan after 50 years: We may yet set the world rightVancouver Sun, Canada - 25 Nov 2008Despite the West's "big, big, big failure" in Iraq and continuing conflict in much of Afghanistan, the Aga Khan says the world has made great strides ...

Ismaili Muslim leader says Canada's diversity model for the worldWhistler Question, Canada - 25 Nov 2008British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, right, shares a laugh with spirtual leader Aga Khan during a photo op in the Premiers office during a visit to ...

Ismaili visitors arrive in Vancouver for Golden Jubilee Visit

View Larger Map

The map above is Downtown Vancouver - click on the bed icon to see the Hotels listed on the GJ Canada website - these are on the Transport Shuttle route to the Agrodome Satellite JK 

BC Place is the Green button and the Blue button is Downtown JK

The restaurant icon is Vancouver's famous Simbas Grill Downtown location and the Burnaby location is below - click on them for directions.

The map below is a Greater Vancouver map highlighting key areas - the Yellow button is the Pacific National Exhibition - site of the Pacific Coliseum and the Agrodome. Click on the icons to see specific areas of interest.

View Larger Map

The Aga Khan: faith and action

His Highness the Aga Khan is presented with the insignia of Companion of the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, during a private ceremony that was held at Rideau Hall, on Monday, June 6, 2005. His Highness the Aga Khan was invested as an Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada, for his meaningful contributions to Canada.

Photographer: Sgt Eric Jolin, Rideau Hall

ADRIENNE CLARKSON

(former Governor General of Canada)

Special to Globe and Mail Update

November 20, 2008  

My interest in His Highness the Aga Khan, and in his vision, dates back to 1957. Then, as a young university student, I read about Prince Karim, who had suddenly inherited his grandfather's mantle as the imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismailis. His grandfather had been a remarkable figure of worldwide renown. The young prince was still a student at Harvard, and I remember thinking, "How does he feel about inheriting this enormous responsibility as the leader of the Ismailis at the age of 20?"

Read complete article here...

Governor General Welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, officially welcomed His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. His Highness is visiting Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee

Date: November 19, 2008

Photographer: MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall

Visit the official GG site for more...

Canadian Press...

Aga Khan Visit to Canada - November 19th, 2008 - Day 2

Zee's Notes: It's now Day 2 of MHI's visit to Canada.

I went to BC Place today to volunteer for preparations for the Darbar on Tuesday Nov. 25th. What's impressing me more and more everyday is the number of youngsters who are making the committment to their faith and to MHI. I come from a time where we almost lost a whole generation of teens. In the early '80's my generation had the benefit of growing up in Africa and when we came to Canada our value systems were firmly entrenched so it was not too hard to retain our culture, faith and heritage - and off course moms stayed home while dads went off to work in their new jobs. For many new families both parents had to work so the kids, in many cases, who really grew up in Canada were heavily influenced by peer pressure and sought different answers to pressures of life. The '90's kids really grew up influenced by their grandparents who babysat them for the most part. The last 20 years have been more stable as the Canadian Ismaili nuclear family (including grandparents) firmly established themselves socially, economically and moreso their committment to their faith.
So when I saw all the teens and youth working and having the time of their life it made me grateful to all the dads, moms, grandmas and grandpas who gave themselves so their kids could have a better life. We really need to say a big thank you to those pioneers who took on the challenge in 1972 - many who arrived at Canadian airports with the clothes on their backs literally - and made it a life - and a good one at that.
So the message here is that when we celebrate the Deedar in the next few days let's spare a moment to shed a tear of joy of gratefulness of the blessings we've been lucky to have received in the almost 40 years of life in Canada - which was only possible due to the vision of one who may have a time horizon of 100 years or possibly more - is that not incredibly mind boggling ?....all we can do is be in total awe...

Some news from the wires today:

Governor General Welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan at Rideau Hall
November 18, 2008
OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will officially welcome His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. His Highness is visiting Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 4:30 p.m.

Aga Khan on eight-day visit to Canada Thaindian.com, Thailand -
Toronto, Nov 20 (IANS) The Aga Khan, the spiritual head of Shia Ismaili Muslims, is on a eight-day official visit to Canada to meet his followers and the ...

BC welcomes the Aga Khan The Asian Pacific Post, Canada
A current of electrified excitement is crackling through British Columbia’s Ismaili community as the arrival in Vancouver of His Highness the Aga Khan fast ...

The Aga Khan builds a better world The Asian Pacific Post, Canada
Celebrating his Golden Jubilee as the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan brings his message of pluralism, peace and prosperity to ...

Aga Khan to address Ismaili community here Vancouver Sun, Canada
As Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, he will meet and address members of Canada's 75000-strong Ismaili community in special events to mark his Golden ...

Aga Khan kicks off 8-day visit The Province, Canada
The spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims will meet with Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and BC ...

Aga Khan in Canada to celebrate 50 years of leadership of Ismailis The Gazette (Montreal), Canada - 18 Nov 2008
By Salim Jiwa, Vancouver Province Thousands of Ismaili Muslims have begun a week of celebration to mark the arrival of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on ...

His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Canada - Tuesday November 18th, 2008

Upon his arrival in Ottawa, Mawlana Hazar Imam is received by President Mohamed Manji of the Ismaili Council for Canada. The Honourable Ministers John Baird and Jason Kenney welcomed Hazar Imam on behalf of the Canadian Government. Photo: Gary Otte

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/622/Canada-visit

Video of MHI's arrival also on The Ismaili.org

Zee's Notes: Mubaraki to all on MHI's touchdown on Tuesday November 18th, 2008 at Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Some interesting notes on watching the video:

Hazar Imam was met by 2 senior Cabinet Ministers from the Canadian Government as he came down the stairs off the Gulfstream jet - the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. Next was Mohamed Manji, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada

Mobina Jaffer, the senator from BC, was the first in line to receive MHI followed by her spouse Mr. Nurullah Jeraj. Yasmin Ratansi, the Liberal member of Parliament for Toronto's Don Valley East riding was next.

The most heart warming welcome was with Justin Trudeau, recently elected as Liberal MP for the Papineau riding in Quebec, who also happens to be the son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau - a great friend of MHI. Indeed MHI was present at the funeral in October 2000 at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica. A cheer ensued from the jamat, watching the video, at Burnaby Lake JK as this exchange took place.

Also in line was BC Judge Sheni Dossa (wearing the red scarf) and her spouse. Next, and receiving a cheer also from the local BC crowd, off course was our very own Darkhana M/K's (Salim and Leila Ahmed and Karim and Shairoz Nathoo) , who also had travelled to Ottawa to receive MHI.

After the Nashid al-Imamah and the Canadian national anthem, MHI's motorcade departed and passed through Lansdowne Park where the Ottawa jamat had gathered to celebrate MHI's arrival. Some great pictures and first hand commentary on this at http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/ottawa-photos/ .

All in all, a great start to MHI's historic visit to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee.

His Highness the Aga Khan to arrive in Ottawa today Tuesday Nov. 18th, 2008

Media advisory

His Highness the Aga Khan to visit Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee

18th-25th November 2008

Prime Minister Stephen Harper meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan in October 2006. (CNW Group/Aga Khan Foundation Canada)

OTTAWA, Nov. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritualleader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) arrives in Ottawa today at the start of an 8-day visit to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. The Aga Khan, who is in Canada as a guest of the Government, is commemorating his fifty years of leadership as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. He will be met by The HonourableJohn Baird, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities on behalf of the Government of Canada.

During the visit, His Highness will be welcomed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada and will meet with senior government officials to discuss areas of active collaboration between Canada and the AKDN.

The Aga Khan will travel to Toronto, where he will meet with The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. He will also preside over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between McMaster University and the Aga Khan University (AKU), which has campuses and programmes in eight countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

During his stay in Calgary, the Aga Khan will meet with The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta; Dr. Indira Samarasekera, the President of the University of Alberta, and Dr. Carl Amrhein, Provost and Vice President.

In Vancouver, the Aga Khan will meet with the Mayor of the City of Burnaby, His Worship Derek Corrigan, as well as The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia.

The Aga Khan will meet and address gatherings of the Ismaili community in each city.

His Highness is scheduled to return to Ottawa for the official inauguration of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building on Sussex Drive,on December 6, 2008. The Delegation will serve a representational role for the activities of the Imamat including the AKDN, and will mark a new phase in the Imamat's partnership with Canada.

The Aga Khan Development Network has a long-standing relationship with Canada and Canadians. Over the past 25 years, the AKDN, particularly through Aga Khan Foundation Canada, has collaborated with a diverse set of institutions, including universities, government departments, the private sector and civil society organizations, to bring the best of Canada's human,intellectual and technical resources to bear on the challenges of thedeveloping world.

NOTES

Golden Jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan His Highness the Aga Khan completed his 50th year as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on 11th July 2007, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah. The Aga Khan leads a community of 15 million Ismaili Muslims living in some 25 countries around the world and is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). As part of the commemoration of His Highness the Aga Khan's GoldenJubilee which began on 11th July 2007, he has been paying official visits to some 35 countries, using these occasions to recognize the friendship and longstanding support of leaders of state, government and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, and to set the direction for the future, including the launching and laying of foundations for major initiatives and programmes.

The Aga Khan Development Network

His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals and to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network's nine development agencies focuson social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless ofgender, origin or religion. The AKDN's underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for social development is in excess of US$500 million.

www.akdn.org

Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Aga Khan Foundation Canada is a non-profit international andnon-denominational agency that supports social development programs in Asia and Africa. As a member of the world-wide Aga Khan Development Network, the Foundation works to address the root causes of poverty: finding and sharing effective and lasting solutions that help improve the quality of life for poor communities. AKFC programs focus on four core areas: health, education, rural development and building the capacity of non-governmental organizations.Gender equity and protecting the environment are integrated into everyprogram. Established in 1980, the Foundation has built a reputation in Canada as an effective development organization that acts as a catalyst forincreasing awareness and understanding of key global issues.

www.akfc.ca

Aga Khan Golden Jubilee - Ismaili Frontierless Brotherhood

Zee's Notes: During the 7 days of the Golden Jubilee Games it was very, very evident the notion of Frontierless Brotherhood among the 1100 plus athletes who gathered in Nairobi. It almost seemed that every individual who came to the games was predisposed to connecting with their Ismaili brothers and sisters from other countries. Whether you were Canadian, American, Pakistani, Indian, East African, Tajik, Afghani, Syrian, French, English etc. etc. they all were one and though the games were competitive it was all about the unity and celebrating the diversity - at the end during the closing ceremonies there were no countries but simply Ismailis and all we will remember is how joyous it was to be one.

Here's a clip from the Opening Ceremonies if you haven't seen it...




Click on the link below to get a taste of the what the Frontierless Brotherhood is all about.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/531/Orchestra-in-Dubai-expresses-the-harmony-of-the-international-Jamat-through-a-unique-musical-compilation

Ismailis prepare for Aga Khan Visit - D-2

Zee's Notes: Today is Sunday November 16th (2 days to go for MHI's arrival in Ottawa)

Vancouver was abuzz all weekend with the performances of the 'Allah Hu' shows - all four of them sold out - even though there is so much activity in preparation for MHI's Darbar being 9 days away. The youngsters who hail from Calgary mesmerized the local crowds with their 'Qawali' show and in the JK's, the restaurants and anywhere where Ismailis gathered it was to talk up the 'Allah Hu' shows - such was the impact they had on the city. So if these talented artists come to your city do not miss their spellbinding and inspirational performance.
On Saturday the local leadership gave presentations to various stakeholders on where things stood in terms of Darbar preparations. The noticeable theme in the Golden Jubilee Darbars is the effort by the leadership to keep the Jamat upto date with information. The one learning the leadership has taken away from all the Darbars held so far is that it is vital to give the Jamat info in a timely manner in order to mitigate the swell of rumors which have had major impacts - examples include the December '07 Dubai visit dates which proved to be false and the potential Summer '08 visit to Canada which also was a hoax - seemed someone had too much time on their hands - though it was a well thought out document.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the leadership across Canada that Inshallah, their hard work and efforts be rewarded with a successful visit and a happy Imam.

Here is a great video highlighting the Golden Jubilee in various cities throughtout the world...enjoy

Ismailis prepare for Aga Khan Visit

Zee's Notes: Now that the visit is official - it's time to revisit some earlier videos...enjoy







Here is a new one for you...

Canada Prepares For Aga Khan Visit

Street Banner by Vancouver's Convention Center

Canada's Ismaili's prepare for MHI's Golden Jubilee Visit.

Zee's Notes: Today is Friday November 14th, 2008. (D - 4)

If I was to try and tell you of the excitement currently being felt by the Canadian Jamat with MHI set to land in Canada in 4 days - it would be understated but you can see it in the faces of the people in JK tonite. I just got back from Burnaby Lake where the Greater Vancouver Students gathered and there was a buzz like you would not believe. Tonight, the students are having their celebration under the 'Jubilee Dome' - which is a huge semi-permanent tent which serves as the social and entertainment hall. Though the preparations have been underway for months it is now a reality for the Canadian Jamat. I can imagine similar activity occuring throughout the country.

As well, it seems everyone is in meetings being held day and night in the final organizing for Vancouver which is D-10 days. Burnaby Lake was a place to see all the leaders and convenors today in what will be a marathon session but then I suspect the next 10 days will be like this everywhere.

So the big news today was the re-opening of the registration for the International Jamat for the Vancouver and Toronto Deedars. When the website opened 2 days ago the story was that Toronto had it's capacity filled in 15 minutes and in less than 24 hours all Canadian centres were full. So tomorrow November 15th the site will re-open for the International Ismailis again. The Canadian Leadership is getting on with the challenge of reciprocating the incredible hospitality Canadians were blessed to receive this past year in all the Darbars.

Tomorrow there are 3 shows the youth are presenting entitled 'Allah Hu' at Burnaby Lake and Lions Gate Headquarters JK. Inshallah, I'll try to keep you updated on a day-to day basis as to the happenings in Vancouver as we get to the magic day November 25th, 2008.

YAM

From the news:

Aga Khan to make jubilee visit to B.C.

The Province

Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Aga Khan will visit Vancouver on Nov. 25 for a Golden Jubilee anniversary meeting with members of B.C.'s Shia Ismaili Muslim community. "The community is very excited about having His Highness visit," said Farid Damji, a volunteer with the Ismaili Council of B.C.
The Aga Khan has been spiritual leader, or Imam, to the ethnically-diverse community of Ismailis for the past 50 years. Many of his 20,000 followers in the province are expected to gather at B.C. Place Stadium for a ceremonial afternoon. "He will deliver a message and meet community leaders," said Damji. The trip is part of a worldwide tour this year. The Canadian portion runs Nov. 18-25 and Dec. 5-6.

Muslim leader to visit Calgary

Graeme Morton, Calgary Herald

Published: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader to the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims, will pay a visit to Calgary this month.
The local stop on Nov. 24 -- the Aga Khan's first visit to Calgary in 16 years -- will be part of a weeklong tour of Canada, marking his 50th year at the head of the global Ismaili community. Canada is the 14th country the Aga Khan will visit as part of the celebration, with other stops in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.
"We've been anticipating the possibility that he might come to Calgary, but to have it confirmed now is very exciting," says Calgary Ismaili community member Sameera Sereda. "There are a whole generation of young Ismailis who have never had the opportunity to see him." Calgarian Mansoor Ladha had the chance to interview the Aga Khan as a young journalist working in Tanzania in 1970. "We've been waiting for months and months for this announcement to come," Ladha said. "There will be Ismailis coming to Calgary from all across the Prairie provinces for this day." Community member Almoonir Dewji said Calgary's Ismaili population has doubled to about 10,000 since the Aga Khan's last visit here. "There's a tremendous feeling of grace and blessing that he's coming again," says Dewji. "He is a great role model to me personally, because he embodies the teaching of the prophet in the current time." Details of the Aga Khan's schedule while in Calgary are still being finalized, but a large communal gathering at Stampede Park is planned. In addition to his spiritual leadership, the Aga Khan has gained widespread attention for his humanitarian and economic development work in a number of Third World nations. He has been a champion of Islamic art and architecture and of the restoration and preservation of ancient Muslim archeological sites. The Aga Khan has developed close ties with Canadian leaders through the years, lauding our country as an example of religious pluralism in a world often torn along racial and spiritual lines.

Aga Khan visit to Canada - It's Official !!!

From The Canada GJ Website

Zee's Notes: On Saturday November 8th the announcement was made in all JK's across Canada of MHI's visit to Canada November 18-25th. The dates for individual cities were annouced the following day - the darbars will be held in Toronto (Nov 22/23), Calgary(Nov 24) and Vancouver(Nov 25). Complete info is available on the Canada GJ website:

http://www.goldenjubileecanada.org/

The following message was in all the regional editions of the electronic Al-Akhbar on the weekend.

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERSHIP

On behalf of all the Jamati Institutions, Mukhi Kamadia sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadiani sahebas, we extend our warmest Mubaraki to the Jamat on the historic occasion of our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to Canada.

The Golden Jubilee is an occasion for us to renew and reaffirm our unconditional love, devotion, and loyalty to our beloved Imam-e-Zaman. We offer our humble shukrana to our Imam for his guidance, his tremendous efforts on behalf of the Jamat and the broader Ummah, and his endeavors to improve the quality of life of the communities amongst whom we live.

The celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam's visit is a major undertaking and we sincerely thank the outstanding and selfless dedication of the countless sevadaris and donors who have contributed selflessly over many months to prepare for a memorable visit.

We pray that this historic Golden Jubilee continues to bring peace, spiritual and material happiness, and inspires the global Jamat for generations to come (Amen).

DARBAR INFORMATION

Over the coming weeks, we will keep the Jamat informed of plans every step of the way as follows:

1. Jamatkhana announcements.

2. The website http://www.goldenjubileecanada.org/ will offer regular updates on Darbar information.

3. Starting tomorrow night, you can visit the Information Desks located in Jamatkhana loggias.

4. You can also call the Golden Jubilee Hotline at 1-877-570-2008 from 6:00am until midnight Pacific Time starting Sunday.

5. Weekly and special editions of the Al-Akhbar and Electronic Al-Akhbar.

6. We will publish a Golden Jubilee Information Guide closer to the Darbar day

7. We will also publish a Regional Information Brochure closer to Darbar day, which will include parking maps, facility maps, and information you will find useful for the day of the Darbar.

8. Members of the local and national leadership will visit the Jamat over the coming weeks to share further information on this historic visit to Canada.

Aga Khan Syria Visit - August 2008

Zee's Notes: In April 2008 I organized a group of seniors to the LA Darbar. In the course of the organizing, I was floored by the number of people, particularly seniors, who had done multiple deedars in this Golden Jubilee year. I met a retired gentleman from Vancouver who called me 2 days before we were to depart for LA. In short, he had just come back with his spouse from Dubai and he wanted to join our group for LA which was full at the time. He also mentioned that he had also gone to the East Africa(Kampala, Nairobi and Dar), Mozambique and Madagascar darbars. I called him back a day later to give him options so he could travel with us and he shocked me by informing me he was going to San Antonio as he had a relative there and then he was going to fly to LA from there. Wow !!! and I found out later this couple made it to London and Portugal as well. I remember this story as I watched this video of MHI's Syria Visit and I thought of the couple if they made it there too....by the way try this - close your eyes and listen to the geets first, though it's 9 minutes, and then replay and watch - you'll feel something in your heart - but only if the music touches you like it did to me...enjoy

Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF) announces Aga Khan visit to Central Asia

Ismaili Center - Dushambe to be completed in 2009

Message from the Tajik Jamat on the Pamir Mountains still visible after 10 years

Zee's Notes: When Mukhianima at Burnaby Lake got up to speak last night everyone was sure it was to confirm the email that had been floating around that MHI was coming to Canada at the end of November. This was the second hoax for the Canadians as 6 months ago someone with lots of time on their hand created a very elaborate and authentic looking Canadian GJ itinerary sometime in May - which turned out to be, excuse my language - BS - and this time it was a simple email which stated dates and cities.

Anyhow the news was the Darbar visit to Central Asia at the beginning of November and though the Canadian visit may occur in the next 6 weeks - it has not been officially announced. Our sincere congratulations to our fellow Ismailis in Central Asia on the upcoming visit by MHI.

The other message was for the International Jamat to think carefully before making plans to travel to Central Asia.

For complete info: http://www.goldenjubileetajikistan.org/

Warm welcome awaits Aga Khan in Chitral

Warm welcome awaits Aga Khan in Chitral
The News International, Pakistan - 12 Oct 2008

Zee's notes: Interesting article on the Chitrali's efforts to raise funds for MHI's visit scheduled in mid-November.

The Light of Allah

For my fellow Canadians - while we wait for MHI's GJ visit...enjoy

Texas A&M Ross Volunteers - Aga Khan Sabre Arch Salute

April 11 - Sabre Arch Salute-Arrival of the Aga Khan - Austin:

Governor Rick Perry, who was a member of the Texas A&M Aggie Corps Of Cadets, requested the Ross Volunteers to do a sabre arch salute at a special ceremony for the arrival of the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of 16 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide. The Ross Volunteer Company played a key role in the elaborate red carpet ceremony to honor the Aga Khan at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The event signified the first stop in the United States for His Highness on a tour that marked his 50th year as the Aga Khan. Governor Perry has been a long-time supporter and friend of the Ismaili community as Texas is home to tens of thousands of Ismaili Muslims who contribute to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the state.

Aga Khan set for seven-day India visit

May 9th, 2008 - 11:09 pm ICT by admin


New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims, will arrive here May 12 on a seven-day, four-city visit to India. He will be in the capital for two days, during which he will meet President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani.
The Aga Khan will then move on to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad and leave for Dhaka May 19, the ministry of external affairs said here.
The visit marks the Aga Khan’s 50th year as imam of over 25 million Shia Ismailis worldwide.
The 70-year-old leader - also known as Prince Karim Aga Khan IV - succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan - at age 20 in 1957, becoming the community’s 49th imam.
The Aga Khan last visited India in September 2006, when he laid the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy for Excellence in Education in Hyderabad.
Earlier, in 2004 the spiritual leader gave away the Aga Khan Award for Architecture at a presentation ceremony at Humayun’s Tomb here.

TheIndian News...

Prince Aga Khan arrives May 19

Unb, Dhaka

Prince Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, will arrive in the city on May 19 on a four-day state visit to Bangladesh.His visit marks the golden jubilee of his Imamat. Prince Aga Khan became the Imam on July 11, 1957.Habib Hirji, president of the Aga Khan National Council, told reporters at a local hotel that during his stay, Prince Aga Khan will call on the president and the chief adviser and hold meetings with several advisers.Prince Aga Khan will lay the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy at Basundhara and a permanent Jamat Khana of the community.The Aga Khan Academy was built on 21 acres of land at a cost of around US$ 50 million to teach brilliant students from the primary to the secondary level, and impart training to teachers. An official of the Aga Khan Foundation said some 750 to 1200 Bangladeshi students will be admitted to the Academy on the basis of merit. The medium of teaching will be both Bangla and English.