Aga Khan III - A great leader and a social reformer

Monday, November 02, 2009
By By Dr Jan-e-Alam Khaki
Karachi

Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan-III (1877-1957) was a renowned nineteeth and twentieth century leader of international stature. Born in Karachi on November 2, 1877, he became a world statesman, “guide, philosopher and the friend of the world of Islam” (Qayyum, 1969).

Through his intimate knowledge of Eastern as well as Western cultures (K.K Aziz, 1998), he was uniquely placed to play a significant role in the international affairs of his time, and his long public career had many dimensions. He was a member of the Indian Imperial Legislative Council from 1902 to 1904, president of the All-India Muslim League from 1906 to 1913, and founder of the All-India Muslim Conference (1928-29).

Read complete article here 

Ismailis in the News - Calgary's Dr. Kabir Jivraj appointed to University of Calgary Presidential Search Committee

 Kabir Jivraj MBBS, FRCPC, FCCP, ICD.D

 Founding Director, Age Care Investments Ltd. Board Member

  Dr. Kabir Jivraj has been a clinical professor at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine since July 2001 and had taught undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Calgary since 1988. Prior to being in his present role, Dr. Jivraj was the Senior Vice-President and Chief Medical officer of the Calgary Health Region and the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

  Dr. Jivraj served as the president of the Alberta Medical Association in 1996/1997 and received the Association's Medal of Distinguished Service in May 2000. He also servPreviewed as the Honorary Treasurer of the Canadian Medical Association. He is an active member of the Ismaili Muslim community and is the Chair of Focus Humanitarian Assistance Canada.

 He is currently a Governor on the University of Calgary, Board of Governors. As well, he has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of the newly formed Calgary Homeless Foundation. He is also a Trustee on the Board of Northern Property REIT, a TSX listed income trust and a director of Elluminate Technologies Inc., a Calgary based private technology company.

  Dr Jivraj was recently honored in 2005 as one of the 100 Alberta's Physicians of the Century by the Alberta Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan in New York - October 27, 2009

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Actress Brooke Shields and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan attend the 2009 Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala at The Waldorf Astoria on October 27, 2009 in New York City.

by Vanity Fair

October 28, 2009, 5:15 PM

 

Last night at the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala, in New York City, Brooke Shields was photographed alongside Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, the second daughter of Hollywood beauty Rita Hayworth. (The Princess gets her royal title from her father, Hayworth's third husband, Prince Aly Khan.) Started by Princess Yasmin in 1985, the galas have helped the Alzheimer's Association raise more than $250 million. Hayworth, who died in 1987, suffered from Alzheimer's in later years, and Princess Yasmin tirelessly worked to raise awareness about the disease at a time when it was little known and even less discussed.

Ismailis in the News - Food drive bridges the divide - Toronto Star

Abdulsultan Madhani and Helena Houldcroft sort food donations. (Oct. 11, 2009)

RICK MADONIK/TORONTO STAR FIL

The Sunni and Ismaili Muslims of Flemingdon Park share the same faith and pray a few blocks from each other in Thorncliffe Park.
But it took a crisis at the local food bank to bring the two branches of Islam to work together in a common cause, alongside their Christian neighbours, in the East York community.

Read complete story here

Ugandan Vice President speaks at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby

Gathered at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby (L to R): His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner for Uganda in Ottawa; Samira Alibhai, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia; His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda; Malik Talib, Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Canada; and John Halani, Honorary Consul for Uganda in BC. Photo: Riyaz Lalani

On 25 October 2009, His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda visited the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Accompanied by His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner of Uganda in Ottawa, he sought to reach out to the Canadian Ismaili community — many of whom were born in Africa — with an invitation to invest in the future of Uganda.

Read complete story at Ismaili.org

Ismailis in the News - Calgary parkade death stuns family, co-workers

 

CALGARY - With little time to spare, Rehana Sheeraz Allidina was rushing to meet a friend at a theatre after work with free passes to the early movie. She never made it.

Read story here in the Calgary Herald

Aga Khan in Zanzibar

Aga Khan pledges more support for Zanzibar

Zanzibar President Abeid Amani Karume (right) with The Aga Khan at the official opening of the Forodhani Park in Zanzibar on Thursday. Photo/LEONARD MAGOMBA

By Costantine Sebastian in ZanzibarPosted Friday, July 31 2009 at 17:45

The Aga Khan has assured the people of Zanzibar continued support in development projects, including setting up a micro-finance scheme that will provide loans of more than Sh1 billion.

Speaking during the opening of the refurbished Forodhani Park, the Aga Khan said the initiative would offer about 1,000 loans to different segments of Zanzibaris.

Forodhani Park has been rehabilitated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) at a cost of $3 million.

Attractive look

The facelift involved the restoration of walkways, landscape, infrastructure upgrading, incorporating lighting, and drainage and renovating the seawall facing the park.

He said that the trust was ready to undertake the second phase of the project to give the area a new attractive look.

The Aga Khan was optimistic that the site would attract visitors and more enterprises, and improve lives of the people of Stone Town.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Amani Abeid Karume said that after the successful refurbishment of the park located in the World Heritage Site, his government planned more projects. He also supported an idea by the Aga Khan to establish the Indian Ocean Marine Museum.

The Zanzibar Association of Tourism Inventors chairman, Mr Simai Mohammed, told The Nation that the refurbished Forodhani Park would add value to the tourism products that Zanzibar offers to its visitors.

At the same time, some 57 traders were trained in modern business skills. They were picked from among local businessmen, who used to trade at the old Forodhani.

The chairman of the Forodhani Traders Association, Mr Salum Mohammed, said the training would improve their incomes. The training of the businessmen, which is still going on, started in January.

Forodhani, one of the last open spaces in the Stone Town, a densely populated world heritage site, is regarded as one of the most popular places for outings.

It was once a location for the main port and landing point for the sultans of Zanzibar, but the park has over the years remained a central meeting place for leisure and entertainment. The agreement for the project was signed between President Karume and His Highness the Aga Khan.

Under the agreement, also proposed for an upgrade is an Indian Ocean Maritime Museum that will showcase culture, including displays of naval vessels, artefacts reflecting the historic, commercial and cultural contacts between Africa, Middle East and India.

Ismailis in the News - Hazara Ismailis Celebrate Imamat Day

Hazara girls presenting a traditional song on 52nd Imamat Day.

Read story here

In the News....June 2009

UK to promote ghee-free Indian food

Indian Express - Jun 23, 2009
The Department of Health has launched an online nutrition centre in partnership with the Aga Khan, head of the Ismaili Muslim community. ...

East Africa gets broadband It may make life easier and cheaper

economist.com - Jun 18, 2009
The 2nd cable fronted by the Aga Khan network will connect more East African ... SEACOM is geared towards countries where the Aga Khan has businesses which ...

Rural areas in state also feel the heat of economic meltdown
Indian Express - Jun 25, 2009
He and his two friends got the placement at CSC after completing a basic course from the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) Teaching Centre at Sagpara ..

Technology centres in Northern Areas

DAWN.com - Jun 16, 2009
Microsoft and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan inked an agreement to establish the country's firstever pilot community technology learning centres in the ...

 

How the world is shaped by the 'clash of ignorances'

Daily Nation - Jun 15, 2009
These are issues which have engaged the Aga Khan Development Network for over two decades, including the innovative curricular planning of our schools and ...

 

Development: Looking back
DAWN.com - Jun 14, 2009
In Hunza, the Aga Khan Education Service has operated schools for over half a century; ... The various arms of the Aga Khan Development Network impacted on ..

 

2.7 Million Local-Currency Guarantee to Aga Khan Agency, First Mi

MicroCapital - Jun 12, 2009
The Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (AKAM) was established in 2005 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its microfinance activities is administered ...

UNBEATEN ZARKAVA RETIRED TO STUD | Sporting Life - Horse Racing …

Sportinglife.com - Jun 9, 2009
The Aga Khan said: "The quality and youth of our broodmare band is of the utmost ... "The Aga Khan Studs have produced three exceptional fillies in three ...

 

Posh Evenings And Golden Galas

Hamptons.com - Jun 7, 2009
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and designer Nancy Corzine hosted a simply elegant cocktail reception for the co-chairs and committees of this year's Rita Hayworth ...

Prince Rahim Aga Khan visits Gorno Badakhshan...Jun 4

Grameen-Jameel Joins Hands with Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance

Zawya - Jun 3, 2009
"We are proud to collaborate with the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, who is renowned in the ... The Chairman of the Board is his Highness the Aga Khan. ...

 

Walkers raise $75K to fight global poverty

Waterloo Record - Jun 2, 2009
They were taking part in the World Partnership Walk, a fundraising event for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada that began in Vancouver in 1985. ...

Prince Rahim Aga Khan arrives in Tajikistan tomorrow on a three-day working visit...June 1

Aga Khan - Forbes Magazine June 2009

In Pictures: World's Richest Royals

© Press Association via AP Images Prince Karim Al Husseini, Aga Khan Fortune: $800 million (down $200 million) Age: 72 Spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims chairs the Aga Khan Development Network that promotes investments in Asia and Africa. Horse racing enthusiast owns 900 thoroughbreds at stud farms in Ireland and France; holds stake in Goffs, one of Britain's largest horse auction houses, as well as French horse auction house Arqana. Values down in belt-tightening markets. Awarded titles of Grand Patron and Grand Donor by the French Minister for Culture for his contributions to cultural development in France; also made an honorary citizen of Canada in the past year.

Aga Khan receives Honorary Doctorate Degree from Cambridge University

Aga Khan honoured

His Highness the Aga Khan, Bill Gates and other honorary degree recipients processing into Senate House for the degree ceremony. Photo/Courtesy of University of Cambridge

Posted Saturday, June 13 2009 at 19:13

CAMBRIDGE, Friday

His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, on Friday received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the University of Cambridge’s Pembroke College.

The Aga Khan becomes the first Muslim to receive the distinction in the university’s 800-year history.

“As we celebrate our eight hundredth anniversary, it is perhaps fitting that we first honour a man who traces his ancestry to the sixth century, and to the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him,” said Dr Rupert Thompson, classicist and Fellow of Selwyn College, in a citation read out in Latin, in keeping with the College’s tradition.

“Since becoming the fourth Aga Khan, he has worked tirelessly, through his development network, to ensure that those who are pressed by the worst poverty should enjoy a reasonable standard of health care, education and financial security. And this is not humanitarianism, as he says, but the requirement of his faith.”

The Honorary Doctorate of Divinity is awarded to individuals who have made a global impact through their religious leadership.

Earlier in the week, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta in recognition of his efforts to improve the lives of the world’s poor and build a global culture of tolerance.

Ismailis in the News - Shariff family invests in Orleans East End

New east-end hotel breaks ground
Orleans Star - ‎May 22, 2009‎
Bob Monette and the city to push the project forward, as well as enthusiastic backing from the family's Ismaili community. “Today is an exciting opportunity ...

Ismailis in the News - 'Saffron Dreams' author Shaila Abdullah

Noted as "Word Artist" by critics, Shaila Abdullah is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. Her creative work focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistani women and their often unconventional choices in life. Her writing also deals with the Asian experience in America, the conflict between the two worlds and the culture of her adopted country. She offers her readers a window into the multicultural world through her vibrant characters.

Abdullah was born in Karachi, Pakistan in 1971. She has a bachelors degree in English literature and a diploma in graphic design. She also has a diploma in freelance writing. She has written several short stories, articles, and personal essays for various publications, such as Maybe Quarterly, Damazine, Women's Own, She, Fashion Collection, Dallas Child, Web Guru, About Families, Sulekha, Pakistaniaat, and a magazine of the Daily Dawn newspaper called Tuesday Review, etc. She is a member of the Writers' League of Texas.



'I am an advocate of Islam's truer face'
Rediff - We're called Ismaili Muslims," she explains. "But I chose to live in the US because here I have the freedom to actually write what I want and I can use my ...

Ismailis in the News - Youth group captures Duke of Edinburgh awards

Youth group captures awards
North Shore News - ‎May 20, 2009‎
Fatehali is the leader and founder of the Lower Mainland Ismaili Youth Extreme Adventure Group, and 14 of its participants received the Duke of Edinburgh ...

Ismailis in the News - Dr Shelina Dhanji

Ajax dentist heads to Africa
Newsdurhamregion.com - ‎May 16, 2009‎
The hospital is funded through the Agha Khan Foundation, which was created by the spiritual leader of Ismailis. The foundation does international ...

Ismailis in the News - Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon win prestigious award

VANCOUVER AUTHORS WIN PRESTIGIOUS NAUTILUS SILVER AWARD

­­­­­­­­THE POWER OF GIVING, ONCE #1 ON AMAZON.CA, IS IN THE RUNNING FOR THE NAUTILUS GOLD AWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2009

British Columbian authors Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon are thrilled that their book, The Power of Giving, has won the prestigious Nautilus Silver Award. The Power of Giving helps readers discover the many gifts they have to offer— including tapping into their potential, being creative and innovative and finding inner happiness.

“We are very thrilled and grateful that this book has been considered for such a prestigious award and also for the recognition of the message the book conveys,” said the authors of the book, Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon.

The Power of Giving was released by Tarcher/Penguin in August 2008 and hit #1 on Amazon.ca. To date, it has been published in seven languages in nine countries.
The Nautilus Book Awards recognize and reward world-changing books. This is the 9th annual award. Past winners include: Deepak Chopra, M.D., Barbara Kingsolver, Frances Moore Lappe’, Thich Nnat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Naomi Wolf and Paul Rogat Loeb, PhD.
An experienced team of book reviewers, librarians, authors, editors, bookstore owners, and leaders in the publishing industry carefully select the finalists and winners in a three-tiered judging process. Winning titles will be exhibited in a 2009 Nautilus Book Awards Showcase at BookExpo America held in the Jacob Javits Center in New York from May 28 - 31, 2009.
All Silver Award-winning titles will now move on to the final phase of judging. Gold Winners will be announced on http://www.nautilusbookawards.com/ on the morning of Friday, May 30th as well as at the BEA. The Nautilus Book Awards are administered by Marilyn McGuire & Associates, Inc. of Eastsound, WA, in association with Independent Publisher Online of Traverse City, MI.
All author royalties for The Power of Giving will go to Tides Canada Foundation.

Jamal and McKinnon are both sought-after speakers for their expertise in philanthropy. Jamal is a keynote speaker and management consultant who speaks worldwide with the goal of inspiring leaders, at all levels, to unleash potential and regain balance (The Corporate Sufi Way). McKinnon is one of North America’s leading fundraising experts, who also lectures globally. The Power of Giving has received acclaim from Wayne Dyer, Seth Godin, Jack Canfield and many more prominent reviewers.

For more information, please visit http://www.thepowerofgiving.org/.
For images visit: http://thepowerofgiving.org/media.aspx.

More information

Theresa Giacopasi Katie Sheehan
Tarcher-Penguin Harvey McKinnon Associates
(212) 366-2851 (604) 732-4351 ext. 100 Theresa.giacopasi@us.penguingroup.com ksheehan@harveymckinnon.com

World Partnership Walk - In the news

Thousands walk and roll at weekend fundraising events
Vancouver Sun - ‎May 31, 2009‎
By Denise Ryan, Vancouver SunMay 31, 2009 BC Premier Gordon Campbell (left) warms up with the crowd on Sunday, before the beginning of the 25th annual World ...
Ten thousand people and bright sunshine expected for Sunday's ...
Vancouver Sun - ‎May 31, 2009‎
By Mary Frances Hill, Vancouver SunMay 31, 2009 Sunny skies are predicted as some 10000 philanthropists prepare for Sunday's Aga Khan Foundation's World ...
Walkers raise $75K to fight global poverty
Waterloo Record - ‎21 hours ago‎
About 800 people laced up their shoes in Kitchener's Victoria Park and raised more than $75000 to fight global poverty. They were taking part in the World ...
Walking to combat poverty
Metro Canada - Vancouver - ‎Jun 1, 2009‎
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson takes part in the World Partnership Walk in Stanley Park yesterday. The 25th World Partnership Walk in Stanley Park raised ...
Aga Khan's Vancouver walk raises $2 million for global poverty fight
The Province - ‎May 31, 2009‎
By Carmen Chai, The ProvinceMay 31, 2009 Sara Janmohamed 2 1/2 of West Vancouver joined thousands of walkers in the World Partnership Walk to raise funds to ...
Thousands were on hand for the World Partnership Walk on Sunday at ...
24 Hours Vancouver - ‎May 31, 2009‎
By DHARM MAKWANA, 24 HOURS More than $2 million raised through Sunday's fundraising event, marking its silver anniversary, will go to the Aga Khan ...
Thousands walk in downtown Toronto to end poverty
CP24, Canada - ‎May 31, 2009‎
Thousands walk during the annual World Partnership Walk to raise money for people living in poverty in developing contries on May 31, 2009. ...

Ismailis in the News - Globe and Mail Finance Article

Globe and Mail Photo

'Sandwich generation' has a full plate
Globe and Mail - ‎May 31, 2009‎
In Ms. Mawani's Ismaili-Muslim culture, children look after their parents, and so her siblings do as much as they can to contribute. ...

Ismailis in the News - Nadir Mohamed, CEO Rogers

Nadir Mohamed, president & CEO for Rogers Communications.
Photograph by: Ward Perrin , Vancouver Sun

New CEO will boost Rogers: UBS analyst
Vancouver Sun - ‎May 30, 2009‎
By David Pett, Financial PostMarch 31, 2009 Based on trading yesterday, the jury is still out on the appointment of Nadir Mohamed as Rogers Communications ...
'Ted was Ted, what I do is different'
Financial Post - ‎May 30, 2009‎
Nadir Mohamed was both a colleague and close friend to the late Ted Rogers. Joining the company in 2000, he worked closely with Mr. Rogers, building the ...
Roger's tall challenges: New CEO takes it slow and steady
Canada.com - ‎May 30, 2009‎
By Jamie Sturgeon, Financial PostMay 30, 2009 Newly appointed Rogers CEO Nadir Mohamed speaks to Post reporter Jamie Sturgeon at the Rogers Communications ...
The man who now rules Mr. Rogers' neighbourhood
Toronto Star - ‎May 30, 2009‎
Rogers Communications Inc. chief executive Nadir Mohamed, 53, is the first to admit he isn't Ted Part 2. In fact, they're a study in contrasts. ...
Rogers CEO says there's only room for one more national wireless ...
The Canadian Press - ‎May 29, 2009‎
TORONTO — Rogers Communications' (TSX:RCI.B) newly appointed chief executive Nadir Mohamed is preparing for what is expected to be a dramatic battle over ...
Rogers spends to get with the programs
Globe and Mail - ‎May 31, 2009‎
Canada's major television networks will unveil their new fall prime-time lineups this week, hoping to attract an influx of ad dollars with the promise of ...
Rogers' CEO facing an industry sea change, unfazed
Globe and Mail - ‎May 29, 2009‎
TORONTO, ONT- 29/05/09 - Nadir Mohamed is the new CEO of Rogers. This is our first one-on-one with him since he took the position. ...

Ismailis in the News - USF Mourns loss of Graduate

TAMPA, Fla. (May 19, 2009) The University of South Florida is mourning the loss of recent graduate Aly Zain Lakdawala, 21. The United States Embassy in Costa Rica confirmed that his body was found one nautical mile offshore near where he was swimming with other USF students in the Pacific Ocean near Matapalo. Lakdawala graduated from USF on May 1 with dual majors in International Studies and Philosophy, and was well known at USF for his involvement in community service. Since May 8, 14 USF students have been working with the organization "International Volunteer HQ" in rural Costa Rica. The trip was part of a community service trip of USF's alternative spring break program. Lakdawala went missing when a heavy current caught some of the group swimming during a lunch break midday Saturday May 16. Costa Rican coast guard, police, lifeguards and Red Cross have been searching for him. USF staff and the director of the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement were with the group during the entire trip. Maria Crummett, Dean of International Affairs, and other staff flew to Costa Rica to assist his father in rescue efforts. Media inquiries, please contact Lara Wade, News Director, lwade@admin.usf.edu, office phone 813-974-9060, cell phone 813-833-1498.