Ismailis - Shah Hasan Ali Mausoleum

Hasanabad, Mazgaon, Mumbai - India

By Al-Waez Alijah Hasan Husayn Nazar Ali

Mowlana Shah Hasan Ali spent the last years of his life in the peaceful enjoyment of his large income and hereditary honours at Poona , Bombay and Bangalore . He devoted the last 30 years of his life to the up liftment of the Ismaili community in India . One of his great passions in life was horses. He had in his stables some of the best breeds of Arabian horses. His fondness for horses made him one of the prominent supporters of the turf. There are many cups won by him on the racecourses which are still preserved in the family. The Duke of Edinburgh and King Edward VII, who was Prince of Wales at that time, visited Mowlana Shah Hasan Ali at his residence during their visit to India . It was an honour which, with the exception of the leading ruling princes, was accorded to no other nobleman; this was an acknowledgement of Imam’s princely birth and of the great and loyal services he had rendered to the British government.

Mowlana Shah Hasan Ali died in April 1881 A.D., leaving three sons -Aga Ali Shah, who succeeded him to the Imamat, Aga Jangir Shah and Aga Akbar Shah. Before Mowlana Shah Hasan Ali’s death there was reconciliation between him and the ruling family in Persia . The last resting place of this great Persian nobleman, warrior, statesman, sportsman and Spiritual Leader, is at Mazagon in Bombay . This place is called "Hasanabad" after the Imam, where Ismailis have erected a mausoleum. Millions of Ismailis and Non Ismailis has visited this mausoleum from all over the world.

World Partnership Walk - Over $45m raised

Canadians join 25th World Partnership Walk to fight global poverty 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 31st, 2009
(Sunday, June 7th, in Ottawa
Sunday, June 14th, in Calgary)
WorldPartnershipWalk.com

Zee' Notes: This month the news spotlight has been on the World Partnership Walk to be held in various Canadian and US cities. Who would have ever thought the growth of this initiative from $50,000 in its inaugural year 25 years ago to last year's $5.5 million raised to help fight global poverty - and off course the impact much more due to matching contributions from various Government organizations. So if you have done your part in signing up to walk and got sponsors from your circle of life have a lot of fun and for those who haven't done so it's never too late and remember you are helping someone who, thru AKDN, may help jumpstart their family to a better life - you don't need any motivation then that....

Here some coverage for the Walk:

Vancouver Sun

Seaway News

Fighting poverty with cookies
Cornelia Naylor, Surrey NowPublished: Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Rotman MBA students visit Dubai Ismaili Centre

Zee's Notes: In January of this year a group of University of Toronto's Rotman Business School MBA students visited the Ismaili Centre in Dubai. Here is the story...


http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2009/week19/Tuesday/050517.htm

Ismailis in the News - Ali Velshi - CNN

TINA FINEBERG FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Zee's Notes: I've followed Ali Velshi ever since he was a reporter on BNN - Canada's financial TV channel - and in the past few years he has become a household word in North America from his perch as a financial anchor on CNN. He will be in Toronto on June 17-19 to speak at Moses Znaimers IdeaCity09 - billed as a gathering of 50 of the planet's brightest minds.

Here is a great article on Ali's trek from Canada's centre of the universe to now the actual centre of the universe - New York City. I never knew his father is Murad Velshi - the first Ismaili in Canada to be elected as a member of a legislature - Provincial or Federal - he was an MPP in Ontario in 1987-1990.

http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/631901

Ismailis in the News - Bilal Rajan

Zee's Notes: As we draw near to the World Partnership Walk to be held in many North American cities at the end of this month it seems there are many Ismailis who have made the decision to make a difference and certainly a young man we have met before is Bilal Rajan - author, fundraiser and UNICEF ambassador - who at a very early age made the world aware that he was making that difference with his Barefoot Challenge project. By the way did I mention he has single handedly raised $5 million for charity and that's before his 13th birthday.

Here's a couple of recent articles...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/citizenbytes/2009/04/my_barefoot_challenge.html

http://newsblaze.com/story/20090512125936iwfs.nb/topstory.html

Ismailis in the News - Dr. Vali Jamal

Zee's Notes: I came in contact with Dr. Vali Jamal entirely via the internet. His is an amazing story of a man who, though booted out of his home by Idi Amin, came back and loves to tell about the country he loves. His compelling story includes living in Canada as well as obtaining a doctorate degree from one of the most prestigous Universities in the world - Stanford and to boot, working for the UN as an economist for 25 years. He is writing a book about the Ugandan Asians and also writes articles about life in Uganda from his busy cafe in Kampala. Recently he has started a blog (see below) which I am definitely subscribing to and inshallah one day look forward to meeting him in person...

First his story as articled in New Vision in December 2007

Uganda: Two Asian Returnees' Nostalgic Tale of Love And Passion for Uganda

His Blog: For those of you from Kampala you will be absolutely floored by Dr. Jamal's look at life back in the old days and his recollection of events and people is simply mind boggling - you'll think you're back in your youthful days...

http://www.vivaeastafrica.blogspot.com/

His forthcoming book:

The JAN Project - May 24th, 2009

Zee's Notes: Over the last few weeks you will notice a number of articles and videos on Morning Chai relating to Uganda - a country where many readers were born and grew up during their formative years. Today Uganda is desperately trying to grow out of the perils facing many African countries. It is a struggle and one of the issues it faces is the lack of medical facilities and knowhow. A few years ago a Canadian doctor visited Uganda and came back with a resolve to do something about the issue of children and mothers who die tragically at childbirth. I learnt last weekend a group of former Ugandan women who are all in the medical field in Vancouver are also involved in the cause. My kudos to them and I offered to pass on the message in the hopes that Morning Chai readers will wholeheartedly support them. Here is info on an event being held next week to raise funds

Click on the photo...




When clinical professor Jan Christilaw first arrived in Uganda, she found a country “so vibrant and full of life it’s like a heartbeat. You land there and you see mangoes hanging from the trees and you think, how can this place be poor? It’s just dripping with lush vegetation and the weather is perfect and there are fruits and vegetables everywhere.”

“A woman was admitted, [who] had been in obstructed labour for days and was in septic shock and HIV positive. She died that afternoon.You hear these statistics, but when it happens when you’re there, it’s unbelievable. Suddenly, it’s a real person with a real family. It changes everything in terms of how you think about it.”

The Makerere University hospital delivers 27,000 babies a year—nearly 20,000 more than BC Women’s Hospital—and faces a number of pressing problems, including a lack of resources to deal with this huge demand for maternal health care.

If you wish to make an online donation click here:

https://www.bcwomensfoundation.org/form_jan_project.php

NUR LIGHT - The Essence Art Exhibition - May 13 to May 29

Zee's Notes: A great exhibition - don't miss it ! Here is my favorite video of Sura Nur - I know you've seen it but indulge me...

NUR
LIGHT - The Essence
Art Exhibition
May 13 to May 29
Opening celebration: May 13 at 7:00pm
Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
tel 604.713-1800
http://www.roundhouse.ca/index.php
A Roundhouse Partnership

Allah is the Light
Of the heavens and the earth
The likeness of His Light is as a niche
Wherein is a lamp - the lamp is in a glass
The glass as it were a brightly shining star
Kindled from a blessed Tree
An Olive neither of the East nor of the West
Whose oil is well-nigh luminous
Though no fire touched it
Light upon Light
Allah guides to His Light
Whom He Wills
(Qur'an 24:35)

Inspired by the mystical verse on light in the Qur'an (24:35), the exhibition NUR: Light - The Essence seeks to explore the multifaceted notion of light in both its popular and mystical forms - especially within a contemporary context.

Light, in both its physical and esoteric forms is a shared motif to many faiths and philosophies,
and is prevalent as a symbol of 'the good" in popular culture. Light, in poetry, philosophy and visual arts in the Islamic tradition (though not exclusive to it), is an intricately layered reality, metaphor and symbol, is not literally perceptible to the eye, but rather, concealed within the core of being itself. It is this symbolic illumination that gradually reveals the essence of things

The world seen through such a prism, becomes a series of veils to be uncovered by both outward and inward exploration, rational and intuitive intellection. In such a process of unveiling, there is a constant 'shrinking' of space between the macro and the micro, assimilation of the profound and the prosaic.

Curated by Amyn Sunderji and Jabbar al-Janabi, this exhibition is a collaboration of the artists from the Ismaili*, Iraqi and Iranian communities and features the work of:

Amir Ali Alibhai
Jabbar Al Janabi
Sherazad Jamal
Pari Azarm
Mohamed Somani
Rozita Moini Shirazi
Rubina Rajan
Riyadh Hashim
Alia Noormohamed
Nabil Adnan
Naznin Virji-Babul
Farida Mawji

Join us at 3pm on May 23rd for music and dance performances in celebration of light, with Ibrahim Hanna, Sufi dancer Tanya Evanson, and much much more. In conjunction with the exhibition Riyadh Hashim will offer workshops on Islamic Calligraphy (see the Roundhouse Program Guide for more information)

Inspired by Light? In collaboration with the exhibition NUR: Light - The Essence, World Poetry presents a Create a Poem space in the exhibition from 2-5 pm on weekdays and 1-4 pm on weekends between May 13 and May 25. World Poetry Volunteers will be on hand to support your muse and get you writing. Selected local poets will be contacted to read their poems at the World Poetry Extravaganza on May 25th.

Aga Khan Visit - San Antonio April 2008

Zee's Notes: An interesting article on how the San Antonio Convention Center pulled off the Golden Jubilee visit with three weeks notice after the Houston and Dallas Convention officials said no to the Golden Jubilee Organizers.

http://www.pcma.org/Convene/Issue_Archives/September_2008/Eat_Pray_Love.htm


As well, the Austin Jamat pulled off the following to celebrate 50 years of MHI Imamat - simply unbelievable !!!

Prince Rahim Aga Khan in Syria to discuss AKDN

Apr 30, 2009

Aleppo, (SANA)-Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri discussed Thursday with Prince Rahim Karem Agha Khan cooperation between the Syrian government and Agha Khan Development Network, and the importance of its developmental and social projects in Syria.

Both sides reviewed the situation and stages of the projects being implemented by the Network in Aleppo and their positive impact on boosting social and tourist development in the Syrian second city.

During the meeting held at Aleppo Governorate building, the two sides underlined the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in the rural development and small village projects.

Mazen Eyon

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2009/04/30/224293.htm

Samir Alibhai's Film 'The Aga Khan - Voice of Reason' to broadcast on BC's Knowledge Network

Shamir Alibhai is the young filmaker who has traveled the world showcasing this documentary. You can follow his blog at http://agakhanfilm.blogspot.com/

Ismaili Ginans in Burushaski

Burushaski (Urdu: بروشسکی - burū́šaskī) is a language isolate (that is, not known to be related to any other language of the world).[1] It is spoken by some 87,000 (as of 2000) Burusho people in the Hunza, Nagar, Yasin, and parts of the Gilgit valleys in the Northern Areas in Pakistan.

Ismaili Geet - 'Karibu Karim' by Shaheena Karim - Youtube

Zee's Notes: Why do I love doing this blog - every once in while I find sparks of light and genius and today I found this gem - though there is no video or pictures the voice and the music alone will mesmorize you. Enjoy...

Ismailis in the News - John Hopkins student Salman Mohammed named to USA Today First Academic Team

Photo by Will Kirk / HIPS

"I very much appreciate being recognized by USA Today; it's quite humbling," said Mohammed, winner of the university's Chester Wickwire Award for Diversity in 2006, the Johns Hopkins Exemplary Leadership Award in 2006-2007 and a 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Community Service. "The things I have done are a product of how I was raised and what I believe," he said. "As a child I looked up to His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. The Aga Khan's vision has led to the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve the lives and conditions of people in the developing world. Thus, as an Ismaili Muslim, I am passionate about serving my local communities in urban Baltimore and also the larger world community."

http://www.jhu.edu/~gazette/2009/04may09/04usatoday.html

Ismailis in the News - Odessa, Missouri C-Store Owner shot dead in family tragedy...

ODESSA, MO. - Police have identified the two people shot and killed at a BP gas station in Odessa. Nurali (Nicky) B. Bhimani, 28 and the gas station's owner, was shot and killed by a family member, Nasruddin N. Dhanani, 42. Dhanani was also found dead at the scene. Complete story here...

Ismailis in the News - Ugandan Business Tycoon and Rally Champion Riyaz Kurji Dies in Crash

Zee's Notes: Ugandan Business Tycoon and Rally Driver Riyaz Kurji,46, was buried in Kampala among thousands of wellwishers and fans after suffering a fatal car accident in a car rally. The rally was stopped after the crash with Kurji leading the race. Riyaz Kurji moved to Uganda after completing studies in Ireland and founded the largest Fish exporting company in East Africa. His Alpha Group has an annual turnover of $150 million a year spread throughout Africa, The Middle East and exports products throughout the globe. But his passion lay in driving in the various car rallies throughout the African continent.

Mourners carry the casket of the late Riyaz Kurji after prayers at Aga Khan Shia Ismaili Mosque in Old Kampala yesterday

Uganda: Fare Thee Well, Riyaz Kurji
Thousands bury rally driver Kurji New Vision
OBSERVER LOCKER ROOM: Farewell Kurji The Observer
Uganda People News: Hundreds burry Riyaz UGPulse.com
Daily Nation
TRIBUTE: Kurji is cut down in his prime
It was all about speed for fallen Kurji Daily Monitor
Renown rally driver Kurji dies Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Rwanda: Kurji Wins Pearl of Africa Rally AllAfrica.com
Celebrate Kurji's life
Dar motorists mourn Kurji
Kurji confident
Kurji's death: Motor-sport always a risk

Atlanta Convenience Group cleared - Ismailis in the News

Zee's Notes: Interesting article in a Convenience Store Trade Magazine - seems a group of 900 Ismaili c-store owners in Atlanta (wow that's a lot in one city) formed a trade group to negotiate with large suppliers and were sued for discrimination for not allowing non-Ismailis to join.

Discrimination Charges Dismissed against Muslim Convenience Store Group ATLANTA

Ismailis in the News - Meghji's expand Alberta hotel empire

Rahim Meghji along with Amin Meghji with Platinum Investments outside of their Hilton Garden Inn hotel at 17610 Stony Plain Road
Photograph by: Walter Tychnowicz, Edmonton Journal

Family brings Platinum luxury to city
Two new hotels planned by 2011
The Edmonton JournalApril 22, 2009

Amin Meghji's family owned a soap, glycerine and oil manufacturing empire in Kenya and Tanzania, and he lived a life of luxury in Nairobi with five servants.
Then nationalization of large companies, first in Tanzania and later Kenya, forced him to flee to Canada in 1976.
"We were really spoiled in Africa. If we wanted anything done we just ordered the staff to do it. Then we came to Edmonton and I had to do my own laundry," Amin says with a laugh.
He can afford to chuckle these days. Platinum Investments, the family company he runs with nephews Ali and Rahim, owns two of the city's top-rated hotels and is building another two in the next two years despite the slow economy.
The five-year-old Hilton Garden Inn and the more recent Hampton Inn and Suites -- both in the west end -- are rated the top two city hotels by travellers on the Trip Advisor website.
And they hope the Marriott Courtyard, under construction at 184th Street and 100th Avenue, and the nearby Marriott Residence Inn, due in 2011, will be just as successful.
It hasn't been easy. They were able to take advantage of the late-'70s boom by buying the 10-unit Parkland Motel on the west edge of the city, and expanding it to 40 rooms, while Amin's wife, Shahbegum, developed her Mill Woods medical practice.
They lost their downtown highrise apartment building to the bank during the '80s recession, but survived to run the Coliseum Inn next to Rexall Place for a number of years.
"We're proud we were able to get Hilton back into Edmonton," says Ali. "It wasn't easy because they had failed before (with the current Sutton Place), and weren't getting a lot of franchisee applications. But we brought them up here and they liked what we were doing."
Hampton Inns and Marriott also were impressed with the collegial approach taken by the Meghjis, an Ismaili Muslim family of Indian descent, to the hospitality industry.
"We believe in prayer and what has happened to us in Edmonton has been a miracle," Amin says.
"You can change stones into gold if you believe, but it has to benefit everyone else as well as you."
The only regret is that Amin's older brother, Alaudin -- the visionary of the family -- is not around to see the latest success.
He died two weeks after the Hilton opened in 2004.

His Highness the Aga Khan in Washington, DC - April 23, 2009

His Highness the Aga Khan meeting with The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Secretary of State, at the State Department.
Photo credit: AKDN / Zahur Ramji

Washington, DC, 23 April 2009 - His Highness the Aga Khan delivered a keynote speech at the 8th annual Global Philanthropy Forum. The Aga Khan also met with The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Secretary of State, at the State Department prior to delivering the address to participants at the Global Philanthropy Forum

http://www.akdn.org/photos_global_philanthropy_forum.asp

Zee's Notes: You must read the speech MHI delivered at the Forum yesterday. He is so articulate and makes key points in the challenges of fighting poverty in areas of the world where it seems there may be no hope. More important his views are from a first hand perspective and I am encouraged that the audience and location may well be one that can move the Global Poverty agenda at a faster pace - allbeit in an enviroment where everyone is watching their money. The advantage of the AKDN is that it has probably the lowest administrative cost as an NGO meaning most of it's money gets spent effectively.

The second reason you must read this is that MHI, at the beginning of his speech, is very funny. Is it me or does everyone notice that lately MHI inserts jokes in all his speeches and firmans. Here is the link for the speech on thed AKDN site:

http://www.akdn.org/speech/736/Global-Philanthropy-Forum-Washington-DC

Video of MHI's speech at the Forum:

Ismailis in the News - Eboo Patel named to Obama Inter Faith Council

Zee's Notes: If you haven't heard of Eboo Patel, an Oxford University PHD, here is a look at this remarkable young American Ismaili who through his passion for articulating his faith has managed to be appointed on President Obama's Inter Faith Council in Feb. 2009. If you have children you must pass this on to them for inspiration.




His background :

EBOO PATEL, Founder and Executive Director

Eboo Patel is the founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based international nonprofit working to build mutual respect and pluralism among religiously diverse young people by empowering them to work together to serve others. He is the author of Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation. Eboo holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship. He writes "The Faith Divide", a featured blog on religion for The Washington Post and has also written for the Harvard Divinity School Bulletin, the Chicago Tribune, The Clinton Journal, The Review of Faith and International Affairs, The Journal of College and Character and National Public Radio. Eboo serves on the Religious Advisory Committee of the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, the Advisory Board of Duke University's Islamic Studies Center, and the National Board of the YMCA.. He has spoken at the TED Conference, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and at universities around the world. Eboo is an Ashoka Fellow, part of a select group of social entrepreneurs whose ideas are changing the world; was named by Islamica Magazine as one of ten young Muslim visionaries shaping Islam in America; was chosen by Harvard's Kennedy School Review as one of five future policy leaders to watch; and was given an honorary doctorate from Washington and Jefferson College..

He wrote this gem of an editorial in the Washington Post a couple of years ago:

Eboo Patel
Aga Khan a Man of Vision, Inspiration
How do you explain your faith to people who do not share your truth claims and who find your sacred practices foreign?

As a minority within a minority within a minority in the West – a Muslim, a Shia, an Ismaili – I have long struggled with that question.

When I was a child and I had to explain why I was fasting from food and drink on a certain day, or why I wore an Arabic symbol for God on a chain around my neck, I would put my head down and mutter: "My mom makes me do it."

In a world where people from different faith backgrounds are in constant contact with one another, and there are forces who actively seek to sow division between diverse people, we need better ways to build understanding. We need what I call a 'public language' of faith, a language which highlights the history of our traditions, and the good works they are doing for the broader world.

Every tradition has a history, and while yours might be different from mine, I expect that you will have more understanding for who I am and how I practice faith if I tell you a little about where I come from. And every tradition has a core which seeks to serve others. And if I tell you about how the people, institutions and leader of my faith are helping people live more peaceful and prosperous lives, I think that you will have deeper respect – perhaps even admiration – for my tradition.

Today, on one of the holiest days of my life, I want to use this public language of faith, in the hopes that it will provide a window of understanding into my tradition and community.

Today, I celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Imamat of my spiritual leader, the Aga Khan.

I am an Ismaili Muslim, one of 15 million members of a Shia Muslim community spread across 25 countries. Ismailis, like all Muslims, affirm the Shahada – that there is no god but God and Muhammad is God's messenger. Like all Shia, we believe that the Prophet Muhammad appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali to lead the Muslim community after his death. Ali was known as the first Imam (this is not to be confused with the small 'i' imam, as in the person who leads Muslim congregational prayers), a designation that carried with it the unique ability to interpret the meaning and application of the Holy Qur'an in changing times. The Imam, according to Shia tradition, chooses his successor from within the Ahl al-Bayt, or the family of the Prophet. Over the course of history, disputes arose over the appointment of certain Imams, and the Shia split into multiple communities.

Today, the Ismailis are the only Shia community with a living and present Imam. The current Aga Khan is the 49th in the line of Imams recognized by Ismailis. Previous Imams have played a significant role within the Muslim ummah and the wider world. Ali was not only the first Shia Imam, he was also the fourth Caliph of the entire Muslim community. Ismaili Imams laid the foundation for the modern city of Cairo in the 10th century, and built there one of the world's most ancient universities, Al Azhar. This Imam's immediate predecessor, Sultan Muhammad Shah, served as the President of the League of Nations and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

As an Ismaili, I look to the Aga Khan for religious guidance. But one does not need to have a spiritual allegiance to the Aga Khan to admire the work of his institutions. As the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) - an innovative and highly effective association of health, education, cultural and economic development institutions - he has helped literally millions of people in forgotten parts of the developing world live more peaceful, prosperous and dignified lives.

Consider these concrete examples:

-There are 300 Aga Khan schools in the world, educating 62,000 students and employing nearly 5000 staff.

- There are over 200 Aga Khan health centers in the world, caring for nearly two million and employing nearly 10,000 staff.

- The AKDN is currently building the University of Central Asia, whose purpose is to foster the human and social capital for democracy, pluralism and prosperity in a region that gets far too little attention.

- When a tragic earthquake struck Kashmir in 2005, AKDN helicopters were amongst the first to arrive on the scene.

Two particularly distinctive aspects of the AKDN is its understanding that culture – architecture, poetry, music, calligraphy – is a crucial part of human existence, and its commitment to nurturing effective private enterprise in developing countries. On the culture front, the AKDN built Al Azhar park in Cairo and restored Humayan's Tomb in India. It has supported everything from indigenous music in Tajikistan to Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project. Regarding effective private enterprise, Roshan, a mobile phone company that the AKDN owns a 51% share in, is the single largest private employer in Afghanistan.

A substantial amount of this work is funded by the private resources of the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community. (I serve on the National Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation in the USA, which raises money and awareness for AKDN programs around the world, especially through the Partnership Walk). But all of it – the hospitals and schools, the private companies and university courses – is non-sectarian. In fact, these programs are specifically designed to nurture pluralism. As the Aga Khan once said, "Tolerance, openness and understanding toward other peoples' cultures, social structures, values and faiths are now essential to the very survival of an interdependent world. Pluralism is no longer simply an asset or a prerequisite for progress and development, it is vital to our existence."

There is a guiding philosophy, an animating ethos, behind the AKDN – Islam. Over and over again, the Aga Khan has emphasized that his work for mercy, compassion and dignity emerge directly from his commitment to Islam.

So while many people call the Aga Khan a leading philanthropist, I believe that term captures neither his inspiration nor his vision.

He is the Imam of the Ismaili community. He is a Muslim.

"On Faith" panelist Eboo Patel is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core and the author of "Acts of Faith."

Posted by Eboo Patel on July 11, 2007 9:23 AM

Kampala - 35 years later for Ugandan Ismailis

Zee's Notes: In October 1972 over 10,000 Ismailis left Uganda and migrated to Canada. Here's the funny thing even though things changed in Uganda, once Idi Amin was driven away to exile in Saudi Arabia, most have never gone back. So here is a little nostalgia.

If you get a chance send this page to someone you know who may remember some of the landmarks in the video or send them this link:

http://morningchai.blogspot.com/2009/04/kampala-35-years-later-for-ugandan.html

Here's a photo journal from someone who visited Kampala recently and you might remember the JK and the Primary School - amazing...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajk36/sets/72157614595999787/show/

Ismailis in the News - Salima Ebrahim named on Calgary Herald People to Watch List

Each year on Jan. 1, the Calgary Herald reveals its list of Compelling Calgarians -- people to watch and people who will help make our community great in the year to come. Here are some of their thoughts.

Salima Ebrahim: Issue Strategist, Community And Protective Services, City Of Calgary - "My passion is really just breaking down the barriers between people in general. The one thing I've learned from living in different parts of the world is that at the end of the day, people just want to be treated with the same level of dignity as anyone.''
Photograph by: Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald

Ismaili Authors - Meet Ameer Janmohamed

Zee's Notes: I know this book came out last year but I just finished reading it and for those who want to connect with some history or want to know about our community in Kenya 2 generations ago this is a must must read - I absolutely loved it. If you want to buy a copy email me and i'll connect you with someone in Toronto who may a few copies left.

Article from Coastweek in Mombasa

A Regal Romance byAmeer Janmohamed

'This book is a gold mine for those who were born and brought up in Mombasa'

Coastweek - - FORMER Mombasa resident, Ameer Janmohamed has written a book about his life and events revolving around it, writes ANJUM ASODIA.
Aptly titled, "A Regal Romance and Other Memories", this book is a fascinating journey of a well-known and respected individual, who spent a major part of his life in Mombasa, finally settling in London in 1972.
Ameer, or ‘Bhurio’ as he was affectionately known as, begins his book tracing back his family tree as far back as possible, noting actual events that occurred and were recorded in family letters to the late 1800s.
From his forefathers, grandfather, and father and down to his own birth, every event is documented with times and excerpts from diaries and letters.
The story then picks up speed through to the family business, family affairs, deaths in the family and how it affected his immediately family and, of course Ameer himself. His youth, adulthood and final retirement is chronicled in detail.
But this is not just a story about the man himself.
Even as he speaks (this book seems to come from the heart), Ameer gives the reader an insight into society of that time, why things happened the way they did and other people’s influence on him and the events that took place.
You can feel the awe and bond that he had with his parents, grandparents and forefathers as he carefully tracks down his lineage.
The writer has kept his language simple and clear, making you feel that you are watching a black and white film as you go through the pages.
Each character that he talks about vividly takes shape in your mind, the numerous photographs in the book aiding this.
The book ends with a glossary of Gujerati words that will be useful to non-Gujerati readers and an in-depth chronology dating back to 3000BC to date.
This book is a gold mine for those who were born and brought up in Mombasa from the 1930s to the seventies, as they will definitely remember many events and people from that time.
For those, like me, who have an interest in history and past events, this book will open a chapter in Mombasa life in that era that will not only be interesting but educational too.
Ameer Janmohamed came from a very well-to-do family and thus was involved more with people in that class of society.
Thus there is little mention of those that did not reach that level, which is the only drawback in the book.
However, had he written about every little detail in his life, this would be a much thicker version and would, perhaps lose the reader’s interest span which the current book has.

World Partnership Walk - Ismailis making a difference

A-Channel reporter Meribeth Burton embarked on a journey to East Africa to see how the funds raised in Canada through the World Partnership Walk are benefiting impoverished communities.



If you want to see all 7 videos as part of the series :

http://www.youtube.com/user/WorldPartnershipWalk



Zee's Notes: As the WPW celebrates it's 25th anniversary it's also time to reflect on our 30 plus years in Canada.

It's now been over 30 years since that fateful day in October, 1972 when then President for Life Idi Amin Dada dreamt of a homogeneous Uganda. That dream led to the greatest upheavel of Asians from a country they had called home only to be forced to leave with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Thirty years later, ex-Ugandan Ismailis are looked upon by Western countries as remarkable examples of fortitude and as hard working citizens who are solid contributors to their new homelands. I have first hand knowledge of this as my family, though from Tanzania, arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 1972 just a month before the Ugandans started their journey. That period was special in that families pulled together to survive and make a new life in a strange country - imagine jumping into a land where there was so much opportunity.

Working menial jobs - the most popular at that time was the local parking lots run by Imperial Parking (see history here) - a company that took a chance on the new immigrants and at one time probably had literally hundreds of Ismailis employed in their various city lots. A side story is a gentleman who hired many of the Ismailis - Paul Clough started with the company in 1968 worked his way up to eventually becoming President and CEO. Today Imperial Parking, started with one lot by Arne Olsen, is Canada's largest and North America's fourth largest parking lot operator.

The same story probably applies in other Canadian cities as well in the UK. The Ismaili immigrants were the beneficiares of the efforts of MHI who through his friendship with then Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau was able to secure a new life for the displaced Ugandan Ismailis. In the context of modern Ismaili History there will no greater inflection point for our community than this event or period albeit it may compare to the migration of the Ismailis into the US from the Indian Sub Continent. Every day I think of my parents I see 30 years of sacrifice and hard work and the singular goal of making it a better quality of life for their children.

I dwell on the above for the simple reason that there lies an incredible opportunity for those of us who live in the Western World to make a difference in the lives of millions in other parts of the world in uplifting their quality of life. I mentioned in my blog yesterday that during tough times Allah taps us on one shoulder to find ourself to see whether we use the unique skills each one of us have in order to make a difference - the reason we are all here. I have to mention as well Allah has his other hand on our other shoulder and successful people tell me he never takes that hand away.

So the message today is that even though times are tough and will be tough for a few more years do not, do not miss this opportunity which may only come once in a lifetime. This opportunity is to make a difference in the lives of people you may have not met or may never meet and whether you contribute your time or your means remember one thing and one thing only - what if Idi Amin had allowed the Asians to stay and then decided to take out his wrath while they carried on with their lives in Uganda - we would have never had this chance of a lifetime to give what is so precious at this time - aaaahhh Allah brings his gifts in many different ways !!!

You're being tapped...are you ready ?

Zee's Notes: The Susan Boyles story received the most response out of any of the blogs in the past 3 years. Seemed a nerve was touched and that nerve was that the Morning Chai family really felt happy for her in that she achieved success against all odds - the biggest one being herself.

I don't know but maybe it has to do with the current economic climate that's threatening all of us. What I'm reading and hearing out there is that people are scared like they've never been scared in their lifetime - not only for themselves but also for their children. I'll leave the gory details out but if you read this you already know what's going on - nanima has sung (no my nanima was not a fat lady !) and now all the excesses of the past decade have come home to roost and we will have to get back to the fundamentals of living within our means - hey haven't we heard this for 50 years - so kudos to those who have been living this guidance. Anyhow we are neither there nor here and going forward people will need to alter their way of thinking and face this challenge with great courage and faith.

My thoughts on this are that we as humans only get tapped by the divine in times of turmoil - for some reason I seriously believe that. When things are good for us I think Allah, in his infinite wisdom, pretty well leaves us alone to have our party as long as we can do so in moderation. But we all get carried away and why buy a house we can comfortably afford when we can get a 40 year low interest mortgage with a balloon payment and really go for the million dollar 4 bedroom with all the bells and whistles. Works for some - we do know that only 5% of the people can live like that - don't we ?

Anyhow back to my line - tough times are an unbelievable opportunity for us to re-connect our relationship with our soul and along with that jump back on the rope that we call the light of Allah. A rich happy gentlemen once told me the greatest lessons he learnt in his life was during the times when he had nothing and the only thing that kept him going was his faith in that Light and the belief that there was something guiding him every single day - true story !!!

The time is now for us to strenghten that faith and come through these tough times stronger than ever - the ball is clearly in our court - yes you can have it all but are you prepared to lob some top spin crosscourts into the challenge of your life ? I think so and you have some unique qualities that will get you there...inshallah I hope to cover more of this in the days and months ahead and hopefully share with you some strategies that are working for the 5%...though I guarantee you know most of what you will hear from me...

I found this gem from Google Videos and needs no commentary.

University of Alberta to Honour Aga Khan

His Highness the Aga Khan is among 12 people to be honoured by the University of Alberta for their enduring contributions to society. The Aga Khan will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree on June 9 during convocation ceremonies.

Read PR here...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/04/prweb2333074.htm

Meet Farah Nasser...Ismailis in the Media

Farah Nasser
OCCUPATION:

Reporter, "CityNews"

SHOW DESCRIPTION: "CityNews" is Toronto News. All Day, Every Day, the City is our Newsroom. Intensely-local and urban-oriented, we focus on the 'Day in the Life' realities of people's lives with a visual realism that speaks directly to those that call Toronto home. "CityNews" is seen daily at Noon, Five, Six and 11:00pm on Citytv. "CityNews" ... What Toronto is Talking About Today.

BACKGROUND:

Farah Nasser caught the journalism bug early in life. Beginning in elementary school, Farah would bring in daily newspaper clippings for 'show and tell,' updating her classmates on the latest events and happenings in the world. It wasn't until highschool that Farah got to really report for local cable television station, Rogers Television in Mississauga.

In university, Farah made the jump to radio; first as a producer, then as a reporter and anchor for 1010 CFRB in Toronto. Upon graduation, Farah took the job of television reporter at Toronto 1, before making the move to A-Channel Barrie/Toronto in 2004.
Farah joined the "CityNews" news team in August of 2006, as General Assignment Reporter, where she continues to cover the latest in what's happening in and around Toronto.

Farah's previous work experience includes a summer internship at CNN International in New Delhi, India. An experience of a lifetime, Farah got to meet with South Asian politicians, a Bollywood producer and even interviewed Mahatma Ghandi's great grandson during her internship.

EDUCATION:

Ryerson University, Radio and Television Arts.
University of Westminster (London, England), European Media Studies.

FAVES:

When she's not chasing the news, Farah enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, rollerblading and attempting to cook Indian food like her mom (she hasn't quite mastered that one yet!)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Farah devotes a lot of time doing volunteer work. She is involved in the AgaKhan Foundation, a charity that provides sustainable solutions for the underprivileged in Asia and Africa. "I truly believe every Canadian should travel to a third world country at least once in their lifetime," says Farah. "After seeing children who most likely will never get an education, women being treated like second class citizens and seniors who don't have any form of healthcare at all, I just couldn't sit still."

Learning... By Heart - Ismaili Muslim volunteers

A great video of the work by Ismaili Volunteers in Edmonton to help resettle refugees from Afghanistan...

Meet Riaz Meghji...Ismailis in the Media

Check out some of his work..




Here is the bio on Riaz from Rogers TV...

About the Host


A born risk taker, Riaz Meghji was well on his way to a white picket MBA future when his love for entertaining took over. With perfect comedic timing and a natural talent in front of the camera, he took a chance and did a 180° turn. It paid off.

After a gig as a Roving Reporter in radio promotions for Z953FM, his talent and determination were noticed as he joined the powerhouse team at MTV Canada in Vancouver. With an undeniable desire to succeed, Riaz soon became Host/Producer for their flagship show “969”, earning a 2005 Leo Award Nomination for Best Host. Writing comedic editorial segments, along with honing his craft as a show host, MTV rewarded Riaz’s efforts with a majority of the A-List interviews that passed through Hollywood North.

Still wanting to learn more about television production in a live environment, he fought for the position of Weathercaster on a competing station, becoming one of the youngest on-air personalities to contribute to the CTV News team. By day, Riaz was up to his usual playful antics, engaging celebrities ranging from Miss Piggy to Matthew McConaughey, while still facilitating thought provoking discussion about the future of movies and music with the likes of Kevin Smith and Pink, respectively. By night, he was dictating low pressure systems in a suit and tie in the newsroom, taking in all he could about the industry.

Recruited by Toronto’s SUN TV in 2005, Riaz moved across the country to write for and eventually anchor entertainment for the show ‘Inside Jam’ and the live news program ‘Canoe Live’. In late 2006, he provided his hosting services to Bell ExpressVu’s ‘Festival Access’, having the illustrious task of covering the biggest Red Carpet and parties at the Toronto International Film Festival. Within a year, he had created opportunities allowing him to cover the MuchMusic Video Awards, Gemini Awards and once again, work his charm on stars such as Shania Twain and Pamela Anderson.

In between gigs, Riaz has still found time to travel, having lived in Puerto Rico and visited Australia, Eastern and Western Europe, Peru, Pakistan and the Middle East. With his belief that life experience is essential to being a good interviewer, these particular adventures have left a lasting impression on just how crucial a journalistic flow of information is and how important a good laugh can be.

With an impressive resume and now his own production company ‘RM Entertainment’, Riaz Meghji is a face and a talent impossible to forget. An ambitious and polished performer, Riaz’s diversity as a producer and host, shows he is as capable behind the camera as he is in front of it.

Riaz has a BBA from Simon Fraser University and was recently named ANOKHI Magazine’s TV Personality of the Year for 2006.

Aga Khan Foundation - 25 year anniversary - In the News...

Local Vancouver TV Station covers the Media launch of AKF's 2009 WPW...

FYI - the male host is Riaz Meghji...

I Dreamed a Dream - life is a gift...

Zee's Notes: Over the last few days this You Tube video has been downloaded more than 30 million times - I'm sure many of you have caught it or heard of it in the news. Susan Boyles is a 47 year old Scottish amateur singer who simply 'blew away' the judges, including Simon Cowell, on the UK version of American Idol - Britain's Got Talent, and the audience with her rendition of a song from 'Les Miserables'.

Susan Boyles story is that she always wanted to be a singer but something always held her back and not until her 91 year old mom died 2 years ago she made a promise to herself that she would do something about her life's dreams.

My comment on seeing this is that you never know what life brings in front of you - but I also believe that you have to absolutely believe life is full of opportunity and yours is just around the corner. Only thing is you never give up and push all boundaries to achieve that dream. In studying and reading about people living their dreams I have learnt that these individuals look at life with the utmost optimism and their glasses are always half 'full' and never half 'empty'. The most important ingredient being the complete belief that they deserve a life of happiness and success. So when you watch this keep in mind to think about your dream - the only question is are you pursuing your own dream every single moment of your life ?

Remember there is a hand placed on your shoulder by the most powerful force you can imagine guiding you to achieve everything you ever wanted in your life - how do I know - I heard it on December 13th, 2008 and you know what if you look deep down inside yourself you'll know that only you are blocking that dream...The only funny thing is that most times, as in Susan Boyles story, it's during adversity that people get a wake up call and they kick themselves off the couch and push themselves. So my wish for you is that you make the decision, if not made already, to pursue your dreams and that 'the force' (my words) guide you to fulfill your wildest desires...

Watch the magical 7 minutes of Susan Boyles life here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

28 year old Ismaili Woman passes away in tragic accident

Soraya Nanji, centre, is seen with her roommates, Sharon Duhra, left, and Sherica Sharda. Nanji was killed when she was hit by a truck on Front St.

Woman hit by truck as she talked on phone - TheStar.com

Former roommate heard bystander scream at moment of tragedy

Mar 27, 2009 04:30 AM
Dale Anne Freed staff reporter

The moment before she died, Soraya Nanji, 28, was laughing on her cellphone with a good friend.
"`Oh my God,' I heard her say," her friend, Tylar Bertie, told the Star.
The phone dropped from Nanji's hand as she walked along Front St. just before 10 o'clock Wednesday night. Trucks honked in the background and cars drove by.
"I heard a (bystander) scream," said Bertie, 28, a former roommate. "I thought maybe she fell, dropped her phone."
And Bertie thought her friend would come back on the phone for sure so she could share another funny story. "She was eager to hear the story. I thought she'd call me back."
But that never happened.
Bertie, who was at her parents' home in Richmond Hill at the time, later saw a news flash on TV about a young woman hit by a truck while talking on the phone. She knew it was her friend.
"I called the police ... they were able to I.D. her based on what I said," Bertie said.
"Soraya was on her phone all the time. I can't imagine something like this happening when you do something as routine as this all the time," she said. "She'd walk and talk all the time. It's just so unbelievable."
Nanji had called Bertie to wish her a good flight before Bertie left yesterday for Florida, where she was flying to help her sister Lakeyshia move back to Toronto.
"She was just an amazing, amazing person who always saw the best in people," said Bertie.
At the time of the accident, they had been talking and laughing for about five or 10 minutes. It was about 9:50 p.m. Nanji had been having dinner with another former roommate in the Entertainment District and was walking to the condo she shared with two roommates several blocks west.
Nanji, an administrative assistant in sales and marketing, had worked at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre since July, said her boss David Chisholm, who said his staff was still reeling from the news.
Born in Uganda, Nanji grew up in Vancouver, where she met her current roommates.
She completed a bachelor of administrative studies at York University in 2007.

With files from Paola Loriggio and Michele Henry

MG Vassanji - A Place Within: Rediscovering India- Review

Zee's Notes: MG Vassanji has written more than 10 novels and won numerous literary awards for his work. In life, if we can somehow hook up to waking up every morning and doing what we love to do then it probably is the closest thing to it being heaven on earth. Imagine that ! - getting paid to do what you are the most passionate about and in MG Vassanji's world it is to write and indeed to write well.

So the story is that Allah in his infinite wisdom has given each one of us a unique gift of what we can do in this world. The lucky ones 'get it' early in their life and achieve that nirvana of wanting to jump out of bed every morning and many continue to live each day hoping to have a better tomorrow and I've learnt that hope is not a good strategy to hang your hat on if you want that 'zest' for living. Hope is waiting for your dreams to fall into your lap - not good ! Faith, however, is a different animal in that it's there residing in our inner self waiting to be called to do it's magic. It is that critical ingredient for you to realize that you are destined and moreso capable of achieving great things in life. Anyway i'm getting ahead of myself here as this post is to review the book.

A Place Within - MG Vassanji


What I love about MG Vassanji's work is that all his work relates to something within himself and who he is. His earlier novels took him back to his birthplace in Africa and the stories revolved around his childhood and subsequent experiences of being an immigrant in a new land - Canada - through his various characters. Also noted was that he hardly wrote of his faith and indeed he has spoken out on his inability to accept religous dogma. For someone like me who's life experience mirrors his characters in many ways I found it hard to put down any of his novels as they flooded my imagination of the years that have passed and passed so quickly. In A Place Within he goes back to the land of his ancestors and connects to the history not so much of his family but, to me, to his people. An interesting anecdote that I caught was that whenever he went to the villages and towns of his ancestors the first place he was directed to was the Ismaili Jamatkhana - there he would find a snippet of an answer of his search. Vassanji takes us into the main cities and to the villages and we get a sense of this amazing country which now is seen as one of the two, China being the main one, major drivers of ecenomic growth in the century ahead. In understanding the dynamic that is occuring in India now, one wonders how the heck can such progress be achieved in the midst of challenges such as abject poverty, communalism, corruption and the list goes on. But at the end of the day India works and it is moving at a pace where it may just be the number two economy in the universe once it sorts out it's problems though it may take a generation or two.

So yes if you get a chance MG Vassanji's A Place Within is a great read and be careful if may be a while before you can put it down.

MG Vassanji was recently in India to promote his book - here are some news items:

Home Pages
Mumbai Newsline - ‎Mar 22, 2009‎
If MG Vassanji has to search for his past, his own provenance, he would need to sit beside an unrolled map and then trace backward - from Canada where he ...

'Anything is possible in India' Daily News & Analysis

"India hits you like a tidal wave"
Financial Express - ‎Mar 21, 2009‎
But for MG Vassanji, it has taken him over 15 years and 10 visits to India to come up with a book. “I had thought I could be like Naipaul, come to India and ...

Spicezee
MG Vassanji turns to India in book
Spicezee - ‎Mar 13, 2009‎
New Delhi, Mar 13: Internationally renowned writer and two-time winner of the prestigious Giller Prize, MG Vassanji, turns his eyes towards India with new ...

Always the writer in exile
Macleans.ca - ‎Mar 12, 2009‎
MG Vassanji, one of Canada’s pre-eminent novelists, experienced his first moment of kinship with the late, great Mordecai Richler at a writer’s festival in ...

Calcutta Telegraph
MARCH IS THE LOVELIEST MONTH
Calcutta Telegraph - ‎Mar 20, 2009‎
In this category, my latest addition is MG Vassanji. I first read his novel, The Gunny Sack, and was charmed by it. Next, I read his latest novel, ...

Canadian Ismaili teen genius wants to be...a politician !!!

Thornhill
March 19, 2009 11:06 AM

By Kim Zarzour

At 12, the future is an open book: you can do anything, be anything - actor, doctor, astronaut or NHL player.
Tariq Haji is that promising age, and his dream for the future is very clear.

Some day, he hopes to be elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament.

And the first thing he'll do?...read story here

Ismaili Businessman caught in Stanford Investment scheme.

Zee's Notes: The last 7-8 years have been, in most accounts, a great time for individuals to make significant economic gains due to one of the greatest economic expansion periods witnessed. Investors took advantage of low interest rates and easy credit to leverage themselves to untold riches. I know of many, many Ismaili's who rode that wave and attained financial success not only in the Western World but also in Asia and Africa. But sadly as we see in the media today that fast moving party has smacked into a wall and now we are starting to see the carnage in the financial markets and in our own individual lives. Falling stock markets and real estate declines are hurting people like I've never witnessed in my lifetime and I remember my father paying 17% mortgage rates in 1982. When times are good a lot of frauds like the Stanford and Madoff ponzi scheme can be hidden but sooner or later the 'fat lady sings' to reveal the fraudsters for what they are - crooks taking advantage of the greed in people.

The Madoff ponzi scheme, which took in the elite Jewish Community, hit home to many Ismailis who got caught in the Salim Damji Colgate fiasco almost 10 years ago. Damji's Instant White fraud (see story here...)soaked $75 million from the Ismaili Community and most of the the money was never recovered. The sad part was that a lot of middle income families and seniors got taken in whilst Madoff was more content to only take down the very richest Jewish elite. Worse is that many of Damji's bag men, those in various cities who solicited (or conned) their friends out of their money are still out there walking though they have lost their reputations in the community.

So we will hear of many stories on these type of frauds in the days ahead and here is one of them...

In the lawsuit, filed on Feb. 25 in Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Calgary, Dynasty Furniture Manufacturing Ltd., one of Canada's largest manufacturers of upholstered furniture, started in 1979 by East African immigrant Jim Sunderji, seeks damages for misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, conversion, fraudulent conveyance and breach of trust for what it claims is an investment scheme that is "untruthful and inaccurate...read complete story here

Here is another story of an Edmonton Ismaili entrepreneur who is very active in the Vancouver real estate market which, in the last few years, had the greatest uplift in home values in comparison to any large city throughout the globe - yes it was that good...read story here

Aga Khan to visit Winnipeg in 2010 ?

UWinnipeg To Host G8 Religious Leaders In 2010

WINNIPEG, MB – Up to 100 religious leaders from diverse faiths including Christianity, Judaism, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Islam, Indigenous Spirituality and Shinto traditions will gather in Winnipeg in late June, 2010 at the invitation of Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg and the Canadian Council of Churches. It is the first time Canada will host the G8 Religious Leaders Summit which, for the past five years, has been organized to complement the meeting of G8 political leaders (in 2010, G8 leaders meet in Huntsville, Ontario.)
Participants will travel to Winnipeg from France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia (G8) as well as Africa for three days of dialogue devoted to advancing the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the G8 countries in 2000. The goals encompass pressing global concerns ranging from eradicating extreme poverty to combating HIV and malaria to ensuring environmental sustainability

Religious heads to hold own summit during G8 - Toronto Star Mar 19,2009

Nadir Mohammed to be named CEO of Rogers Communications - Ismailis in the News

Zee`s Notes: Vancouver`s Nadir Mohamed is soon to be announced as CEO of Canada`s largest media and wireless conglomerate Rogers Communications.

Nadir will become the first Ismaili to be a CEO of a major global public company - Rogers has a market cap of USD $19 billion - with interests in Cable, Telecom, Wireless, Radio, Television, Print and off course the Toronto Blue Jays professional baseball team. I first met Nadir in the early seventies as teammates of the Vancouver Aga Khan Cricket Club. I remember him vividly as at the time he was one of the only ones on the team with a car and he would, every Saturday, make the rounds and drive all over the city giving the young players rides to the game`s. A fine all-rounder who stopped playing the game to concentrate on his studies eventually becoming a Chartered Accountant. He went on to major success at BC Tel`s wireless division as President and then to Rogers in Toronto.
I saw him and wife Shabin, also a CA by profession, again in 2005 at the U. of Toronto at the commencement ceremony where MHI received an Honorary Degree. I spoke to him and Shabin for some time and both had not changed in 20 years - Nadir was the same gracious personality and he even asked me if I needed a ride to the airport. I could not be more happier for Nadir and look forward to reading on his success at Rogers in the years ahead.

Nadir Mohammed eyed as new Rogers chief Company founder, CEO Ted Rogers died last year By Etan Vlessing March 16, 2009, 12:37 PM ET TORONTO -- Rogers Communications wireless division head Nadir Mohammed has emerged as the company's next CEO. The Globe and Mail newspaper on Monday cited sources close to the executive hunt that indicated the announcement of Mohammed's promotion to the CEO post is imminent. Toronto-based Rogers, Canada's largest cable and wireless operator, has been in executive search mode since the death of company founder Ted Rogers in December. One of the few remaining obstacles to Mohammed's appointment is establishing a key management role for Edward Rogers, son of the late Ted Rogers and head of the company's cable division.

See this excellent video of the Business Community`s reaction to the news...

http://www.bnn.ca/news/7897.html

Financial Post profile on Nadir in 2005

http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1021490

Profile of Nadir by CA Magazine in 2001

http://www.ica.bc.ca/kb.php3?pageid=713

Navroz Mubarak to our global Morningchai family !!!

Zee's Notes: Amazing 12 months have gone by since, at this time last year, the Ismaili's were preparing to head off to the four cities in the US for the Golden Jubilee Darbars. A lot has happened since then - most notably the entire global economy blew up in front of our eyes - yes times have changed and indeed in most Ismaili centers there will be no central 'Khushiali' celebrations. So thanks to the people who recorded some past Navroz celebrations here is a taste...

But first...I absolutely love the new rendition of the Ismaili Anthem...yes you can guess I love being an Ismaili !!!





While we are in the Khushiali mood - I need to give you this incredible story of one man who, to me, is the absolute soul of every Khushiali celebration in Vancouver. When we first moved to Vancouver in the early seventies there was this gent - his name is Mamlo Dhanji - who started the Vancouver Ismaili Band you are listening to in the video above. Mamlo has kept the Ismaili Band tradition alive for the past 30 years and he really epitomizes the celebration of our 'Khushiali. So the story is this - I am sitting here at 2:40am at my computer and looking in my hard drive if I have a picture of Mamlo - no luck - I could get it tomorrow but I want it right now - and by chance I surf over to Flickr - the photo sharing site - and type in Ismaili and lo and behold - there is a photo of Mamlo taken by an amateur lady photographer who happens to be at the Punjabi Market on Main Street - how cool is that !!!

Here is the post from Flickr - hats off to my friend Mamlo - seventy and getting younger....



Click here for comments by visitors to this lady`s site on Mamlo...http://www.flickr.com/photos/janisbrass/118390503/

Speaking of Khushiali - there is no tradition as old and universal to Ismailis from the Indian Sub-Continent and Africa as Dandiya. I dandiyad at 12 and 3 decades later I still dandiya - though a few times I ended up at the end of the line and don`t you hate that when you turn and no one on the right to catch your dandia stick - well here is what you can do if there is just the two of you and you don`t want to go into the line...just brilliant...have a great Navroz with your loved ones...

Canadian Minister sends Navroz Greetings to the Aga Khan and the Ismaili's

Obama sends Navroz Message to Iran

Zee's Notes: Clearly the new President in the US is a different breed in that he has done in 60 days what we haven't seen from an American leader in generations or maybe centuries. Last night I caught him on Jay Leno's Tonight Show and this leader of the most powerful nation on the earth is as humble as they come...I pray that he succeeds beyond our wildest dreams as finally there is someone in the Oval office who may lead us toward world peace - if there is such a thing...maybe I'm hoping too much !!!


Here is another example yesterday in this message of hope to the people of Iran.



Here is a snippet...



Can you believe the number of people he has to travel with daily...

Aga Khan - Personality of the Year - Apollo Magazine

Apollo - The Magazine for Collectors honored MHI as the Personality of the Year in the December 2007 issue.

Personality of the year
This year the Aga Khan celebrated his 70th birthday and his golden jubilee as spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims. His extraordinary investment in arts and architecture includes plans for a museum of Islamic art, writes Lucian Harris.

Click Here for the article - you have to register - it's free.

http://www.apollo-magazine.com/features/380491/personality-of-the-year.thtml

Rita and Prince Aly Khan

I've never read - or found much material - about Prince Aly Khan and his life. Here is a video I found chronicling his romance and marriage to Hollywood queen Rita Hayworth - I believe the video footage must be from a movie that was made about the couple 50 plus years ago which also had the visit to East Africa after the wedding.

Aga Khan Golden Jubilee - Madagascar

Another GJ video - this time from one of the earlier visits - Madagascar in November 2007.

Aga Khan Golden Jubilee - Central Asia

An interesting video - would be nice to have the translation.

Aga Khan Golden Jubilee - Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat - Ottawa

Canada was blessed again with MHI's visit this time for the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building in Ottawa.

Here is Stephen Harper's address - nice to see his sense of humor...



A pictorial of the day in Ottawa...