Road to the Games...

The Vaishalinagar Scouts and Guides honour athletes at the Closing Ceremony of the National Sports Tournament. Photo: Courtesy the Ismaili Council for India

From http://www.theismaili.org/

Road to the Games is a series of articles profiling Ismaili athletes from countries around the world, and the journeys they have undertaken to reach the Golden Jubilee Games. The series is being published in the run-up to the Games, which will take place between 23 – 29 June in Nairobi, Kenya.

Road to the Games: Saurashtra galli players impress in cricket final

Road to the Games: Athletes from USA, Australia and New Zealand train for the Games

In the News - June 2008

Mombasa premiere for 'An Islamic Conscience' - June 13th

he French government, the Afghan government and the Aga Khan sign a letter of intent on medical projects in Afghanistan - June 12th

Movie Review: AN ISLAMIC CONSCIENCE: the Aga Khan and the Ismailis - June 12th

Friends of the environment : Aga Khan Planning and Building Services holds art competition - June 10th

Why the world needs more Canada - Jun 12th

A look at Afghan conference pledges - June 12th

By The Associated Press
Some of largest donations at international conference for Afghanistan, where total of $21.4 billion pledged:
_ United States: $10.2 billion, over 2 years.
_ Asian Development Bank: $1.3 billion, over 5 years.
_ Britain: $1.1 billion, through 2013.
_ World Bank: $1.1 billion, over 5 years.
_ European Union: $770 million, through 2010.
_ Germany: $653 million, through 2010.
_ Canada: $600 million.
_ Norway: $500 million, over 5 years.
_ United Arab Emirates: $250 million.
_ Australia: $234 million, over 3 years.
_ Italy: $195 million, over 3 years.
_ Saudi Development Fund: $118 million.
_ Aga Khan Development Network: $100 million, over 5 years.
_ Denmark: $84 million.
_ Iran: $50 million in aid, $300 million in loans, over 3 years.
_ South Korea: $30 million, over 3 years.
_ China: $2.2 million.


Rafat Jan Rukanuddin receives distinguised service award from U. of Iowa - Jun 7th

Volunteer at African games - June 5th

Bridges That Unite...Exhibition opens in Vancouver

Exploring Canada's Global Leadership
What is Canada’s role in a world where poverty and hopelessness thrive?

With this provocative question, BRIDGESTHATUNITE, an interactive travelling exhibition, invites visitors to consider Canada’s role in the world through the lens of a remarkable 25-year partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Built on a set of common values, such as pluralism, democracy and peace, this unique partnership is transforming lives around the world.

Click here for info on this AKFC initiative...

Bridges that Unite: Exhibit locations and dates


The exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Vancouver, BC
June 11 - 22, 2008
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W3

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday: 11am - 7pm
Saturday -Sunday: 9am - 5pm


Zee's notes: In the next 2 weeks close to 300 Canadian Ismaili athletes head to Kenya for the GJG to be held in Nairobi June 22-29th, 2008. They may very well run into these two Canadians in Nairobi and Zanzibar on this AKFC initiative.

Arno – Nairobi

Kent - Tanzania

And 10 more Canadians in various global locations

Unbeaten Zarkava continues to shine...

Zee's notes: Will Zarkava prove to be one of the best ? Only time will tell - here is her latest victory at Chantilly - watch the entire video.

Zarkava team eye Arc mission

Zarkava appears likely to challenge all-comers in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe later in the year after furthering her reputation as the outstanding filly of her generation in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks).
Her owner and breeder the Aga Khan nearly ran out of superlatives to describe his latest star following her three-length success at Chantilly.
Christophe Soumillon settled her at the back of the field before moving her into contention, and she was cheered from the rooftops as a burning run down the centre of the track proved too good for Gagnoa and Goldikova.
It was the fifth time her owner had teamed up with trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre to win the race and the unbeaten Zarkava was completing a French Oaks-1000 Guineas double.
"Petite Etoile ran for my grandfather and she only had one filly, called Zahra, who I named after my daughter," said the Aga Khan. "Breeding from that filly has been the sole reason the family has come back to the strength it is now.
"Shergar is in there, and now Zarkava. She is without a doubt one of my best - an exceptional filly and the perfect example of breeding continuity."
De Royer-Dupre added: "We will consider the Arc de Triomphe with a run before that, although I am not sure the Prix Vermeille would be the best preparation race.
"Christophe said he only had to hit her once, just to keep her on a straight line, and we don't see any reason why she couldn't stay a mile and a half."
The Aga Khan added: "There is a staying pedigree and I believe fillies progress more than colts between the summer and autumn, so I think we will see more progress from her between September and October."
Jim Bolger was unable to add to his Derby success as Prima Luce made a bold bid from the front but was swallowed up in the home straight.

The Press Association

Zee's Notes: Here is a photo from last October of Princess Zahra and Prince Amyn after Zarkava's win at Longchamps

Honorary degrees awarded at Commencement - Harvard University

Prince Karim Aga Khan (L) and British author J.K. Rowling hold their honorary degrees during the 357th Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts June 5, 2008.REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)

http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2008/06.05/01-honorands.html

More Commencement pictures here:

http://rss.news.yahoo.com/imgrss/events/lf/060408commencement

Zee's Notes: MHI was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at his alma mater Harvard University on Wednesday June 5th, 2008 . The local media was abuzz with news when MHI's plane landed at Augusta airport in Maine on Tuesday June 4th. MHI was amongst 11 honorees including US Senator Edward Kennedy and JK Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter tales and also the commencement speaker. Here is a Time Magazine picture from 50 years ago when MHI was a student at Harvard. I also found this video on YouTube - wow - what a tribute !!! Interesting to see Professor Ali Asani, originally from Nairobi, who celebrates his 25th year of teaching at Harvard in 2008.

By: Hank Walker
Time & Life Pictures

Africa...the land of my birth..going back to my roots

Zee's Notes: Four weeks to go - it's a strange feeling thinking of going back to the land I last saw as a 12 year old. For those in my generation, though we are steeply rooted in our adopted homeland - Canada, we can never forget the time of our childhood that was spent in the Continent of Promise. Many have told me not to have very high expectations of what Africa is today - they say not much has changed and in some cases things are not better than in the early 1970's. So I have promised myself to go with an open mind and go with the flow - something many of us should do in life - otherwise we miss the the real gift of Allah - life itself. But I gotta say that the atmosphere of meeting my fellow Ismailis from all over the world promises one week that no one who will be in Narobi will ever forget. The games will be played with vigor and competition will be intense - there will be arguments and debates - but at the end of the day some 1,000 plus athletes and thousands more who will be there as spectators will emerge as a family - a family that will remain united forever and for a generation we will talk of the 'week that was' in Nairobi. So in keeping with the theme of all my previous GJG posts here is a video - a little different as it showcases different cities in Africa - so have a look and see if you recognize the city of your childhood - Nairobi, Kampala, Dar-es-salaam, Mombasa, Kinshasa, Durban, Accra, Lagos etc...

Gujarat - Land of my forefathers...

Zee's Notes: As I ran across news and articles on India during the recent visit of MHI it was an eye opener to see what is happening in India - specifically the economic miracle of India.
A while back I featured a video which showed the history of the Ismailis in the Indian Sub-continent, most notably India and specifically Gujarat. For most of us who hail from East Africa our real roots lie across the Arabian Sea in the Indian State of Gujarat. I have listened many a times to my grandfather who spoke of his father coming to Tanzania in a dhow for a better life in Africa. In the course of approximately 60 years India has tranformed itself from a British Colony to a global industrial powerhouse courted by Fortune 500 companies. India today is changing as it's young people proudly shout out their Indian heritage - quite a change from 25 years ago. We've all heard of Indians being recruited by US Tech firms and interestingly enough 33% of all IT management positions in the US are held by these Desi professionals. India is now savvy enough to market it's talent to the world stage. Here is a couple of interesting videos (I love YouTube) of the land which is so deeply rooted in my history. Hope you enjoy them...

Nairobi Mitumba Market - report by CBC...

Zee's Notes: Here's an interesting Canadian take on Nairobi's thriving 'Mitumba' trade. Indeed there are many Ismailis involved in the market as suppliers throughout the world.

Astrophysicist awarded UVic’s highest academic honour

Dr. Arif Babul remembers the exact moment when his lifelong passion for outer space began. It was July 20, 1969, and he was one of millions around the world who were glued to their televisions as Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped down onto the moon and into history.

Read the article here...

Canadians join World Partnership Walk to fight global poverty

11 a.m. on Sunday, May 25th, 2008
(Sunday, June 1st, in Ottawa & London)

News Release

http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/


Zee's notes: This Sunday the 24th Annual World Partnership Walk gets underway in major cities across Canada. It is simply mind boggling that this event which was started by a handful of ladies in Vancouver as a way for them to give back has morphed into a global event. The Canadian event alone has raised more than $40 million dollars to help raise the standard of living for millions in the Third World. To me the funds raised is not about giving money to the less fortunate - what is that they say give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day but teach him how to catch a fish and he'll eat for a lifetime - so the work that I see the AKF and FOCUS and all the Aga Khan Institutions achieve is that they provide the opportunity for the destitute to have hope for them and their children.
I remember going to Mumbai in 1996 with a group of 35 cricket mad enthusiasts to watch the World Cup of Cricket and what struck me was watching a family of 5 just outside our hotel. In the daylight the mom and dad would sit on the pavement waiting for handouts while the young kids played nearby. In the evening they would eat in the same place and at nightfall the five would huddle under a blanket and in the morning the same routine would restart - all 24 hours in the same corner. While this may disturb you but you have to remember that this family sees no hope for growth in their future and so every single day is another day to live and survive just to see another day.
So if you consider what the WPW is aiming to do and that almost 100% of the funds are used for programs to give families like the one I saw in Mumbai have a hope for their future then you can only give to your heart's desire and go to sleep satisfied that you were a part of giving that hope and hopefully one day that family will escape that corner of the pavement and their children will get educated and that for them life will hold the same promise as it does for you and me.
Now how many times do you give thanks that you ended up in a country like Canada - not only am I in awe every single day but moreso I cannot fathom the vision of looking a century ahead - simply something to think about in this year of the Golden Jubilee...

MHI In Bangladesh...May 19-22

Prince Karim Aga Khan shakes hands with President Iajuddin Ahmed during a courtesy call at the Bangabhaban yesterday. Photo: PID

Ismaili leader Aga Khan begins four-day visit to Bangladesh

Aga Khan Academy foundation laid: Global partnership stressed...The New Nation

Graft-free govt not enough for social progress, : Aga Khan

Aga Khan to invest in Bangladesh

Eliminating graft, fraud vital for social progress Says Prince Karim Aga Khan

Aga Khan lays foundation stone for Jamatkhana

Aga Khan pledges help in developing human resources

Aga Khan for quality edn to end confusions over Islam

Aga Khan keen to buy Rupali Bank: Adviser

Aga Khan for quality edn to end confusions over Islam

Prince Aga Khan leaves for home

GJG - Road to Kenya...

Zee's notes: We are now just 5 weeks away from the Opening Ceremonies of the first ever Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi June 22-29th, 2008. It goes without saying that this will be the biggest sporting event in the history of the Ismaili Community. Just to give you a perpective this will bring together over 1100 athletes from the four corners of the world to Nairobi - probably the city that has seen the most visits by MHI in his 50 years as Imam. I think of it as his favorite place and so it is most fitting that such a global spectacle takes place there. From what I have seen and heard the organizers have dotted their i's and crossed their t's to make this a most memorable event - no, a once in a lifetime event for the Ismaili Community to remember. While this is just one event of many to commemerate the Golden Jubilee of MHI, I sincerely believe it will be one that will truly unite and display the strength of the diversity within our community. And as you also watch the Beijing Olympics this year you will agree with me that sports has a canny way of bringing together people of different backgrounds and creating lifetime friendships - something I have no doubt the Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi will deliver...hope to see you there - i'll be there, inshallah, wearing my Canadian flag...eh !

I've become a bit of a buff of YouTube lately - it's also like life - once you start on the journey you never know where it takes you...Enjoy the marvelous pictures of a Nairobi that I don't recognize from 35 years ago...

UK loves Suleman Mirza's talent

Zee's notes: Here is an amazing example of what life can offer if we are open to it. I look at life as a gift to be grabbed by both hands and if one is lucky enough - by the way you do believe that you make your own luck - life can be a magical journey. Now what does this have to do with the video you are about to see ? Simple - be open to all the surprises that confront you day by day - some come as problems and some make you feel good all over - the two are no different - they are simply that - gifts from Allah. Enjoy...

Prince Aga Khan to arrive today in Dhaka

Unb, Dhaka
Prince Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, arrives in Dhaka today on a four-day state visit.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37218

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/index.php?id=149

In the news in May 2008...

The acclaimed groundbreaking documentary AN ISLAMIC CONSCIENCE makes its Africa debut in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on May 28!

Dedicated Service Results in Emory's Top Honor 14 May 2008

Debris of collapsed schools still haunting Balakot mothers Associated Press of Pakistan, Pakistan - 14 May 2008

Once upon a time in Hunza Valley WWF International, Switzerland - 14 May 2008

Hashoo Museum opens Daily Times, Pakistan - 13 May 2008
The Hashoo Tharwani family history in Pakistan stretches over 150 years...

Get rid of racism by treating all equally: author Edmonton Sun, Canada - 12 May 2008

Gilani lauds AKF for uplift in rural areasThe News - International, Pakistan - 12 May 2008

Zarkava a cut above Skynews 12 May 2008
Aga Khan Studs thoroughbred continues winning ways...

Educating the neglected north The News - International, Pakistan - 9 May 2008

Scouts mean the world to us Welland Tribune- 4 May 2008

Producers hope to help kids deal with social diversity Vancouver Sun, Canada - 3 May 2008

MHI in India

President Nizamuddin Ajani of the Ismaili Council for India welcomes Mawlana Hazar Imam to the country. Photo: Gary Otte

More Coverage:

TheIsmaili.org

AKDN.org

Aga Khan focuses on madrassa reforms, heritage monuments (Lead)

Aga Khan meets President Patil

The Aga Khan is back in city after 16 yrs

Muslim spiritual leader Aga Khan meets PM

Aga Khan meets India's junior Foreign Minister - video

More Ismaili Sports Legends

Zee's notes: Thanks to all those who emailed and called on my comments on some of the Ismaili sporting legends a few days ago. Here are some more:

Amir Esmail: Amir was a soccer star who was good enough to play in the big leagues in Portugal. Though he passed away a few years ago, I had the opportunity to know him as he lived in Vancouver. I knew him to be a tremendous teacher of the game and he always had the time to impart his knowledge to a willing listener. Amir also loved to sing ginans in JK and truly was a humble gentleman. His son Karim also was a star soccer player in the Vancouver High School scene and he coaches youngsters in the Ismaili Youth Soccer Camp.

Amin Bhulji: No words can describe 'Bhulji's' passion for the game of soccer. I have heard legendary tales of his soccer prowess when he dazzled crowds as a forward for the Young Africans (Yanga) Soccer Club in Dar-es-salaam. He moved to Vancouver in the early 1970's and impressed scouts to be given a shot at trying out for the old Vancouver Whitecaps of the NASL - a professional league. Though injuries and age worked against him Bhulji continued his passion with the Ismaili Soccer Club in Vancouver which has been in existense now for 30 plus years. Many young Ismailis, who owe their early development to Bhulji, went on to play for their Colleges and Universities across Canada. A few years ago he started the very successful Ismaili Youth Soccer Camp. Bhulji will be 'going home' for the Golden Jubilee Games as Coach of the Canada Ismaili Mens Soccer Team.

Shiraz Sumar: 'Sumar' was another cricket legend - in Tanzania. He is the only Ismaili ever to play in the World Cup of Cricket - 1975 in England for East Africa. Shiraz's exploits on the field were always the talk of the town and moreso he was known for his leadership skills which earned him the Captainship of the Tanzania National Team. I remember one year he came to Vancouver to play a few games for the Ismaili Club, then known as the Aga Khan Cricket Club, and the stories he told us of his experiences over the years you had to appreciate what he had accomplished in his sporting life. Sadly Sumar could not make it to Vancouver for the CIG games due to family commitments and he was sorely missed.

If you are a cricket fan and from Dar click here for a trip down memory lane - did you know that in August 1946 (year of the Diamond Jubilee) at the annual Aga Khan Cup Tournament Mowlana Sultan Mohammed Shah sat through the game and presented the trophy to the winning team at the Dar-es-salaam Gymkhana. Wow - wouldn't it be something if history repeats itself at the Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi in 6 weeks !!!

India history...Sidhpur Foundation

Incredible 2 part look at a little history of Ismailis in India and the struggles to educate children...

Ismaili Student recognized for Ryerson Leadership Award

Navroza Alibhai (Leadership Award of Excellence – Program Development) works for International Services for Students at Ryerson, organizing events for new international students to help them assimilate into Canadian life. She is an executive member of the Ryerson Ismaili Students' Association, a member of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps for Ontario, and a volunteer with the Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario. She also works as a religious education teacher and organizes after-school programs for children from low-income immigrant families.

http://www.ryerson.ca/arts%2B/newsandevents.html

McCord museum hosts Historic Cities

In a world where modernity pushes forth our collective systems at stifling speeds, art exists as rare moments of reflection, commenting on where we are, where we came from and where we are headed.
The Muslim world has a rich cultural and artistic history and a somewhat turbulent present. Rapid change has taken its toll on monuments of the past. One third of the UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in the Muslim world. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is working towards revitalizing ancient monuments from the rubble and dust of centuries gone by, through interventions focused on the physical, social and economic revitalization of historic sites in the Muslim world.


Revitalization of UNESCO Muslim World Heritage sites showcased