http://www.ismaili-net.com Promotes scholarship and learning on Islam, with an emphasis on Shi en-us info@ismaili-net.com 2010-02-08T22:44:29-08:00 hourly 1 2010-02-08T22:44:29-08:00 http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=672
We (together with a colleague) met with the Kenyan-born President of the Aga Khan University (AKU) to reflect on its accomplishments so far, and explore the university’s plans to accelerate growth in the region.

Mr Rasul informed us that the primary reason for his current EA tour (in Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam) is one filled with a sense of accomplishment — the annual AKU EA Graduation celebrations.

“There is nothing more satisfying than to witness the triumphant faces of our graduates as they receive their diplomas and degrees — followed by the proud smiles and cheers of their parents, spouses and children” said Mr Rasul, “In East Africa, graduation is definitely a family achievement!”
]]> 672@http://www.ismaili-net.com Announcement 2010-02-01T02:38:13-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=671
Experts said that the process of rebuilding the tiles was a very long process and involved detailed studies aimed at understanding the original design and composition of the Mughal-era tiles.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) director-general K N Shrivastava said: ‘‘We are going to reconstruct the original blue tile work on the canopies of the monument. Since the monument is a world heritage site, we will have to keep Unesco updated about the plan and also about the progress of the conservation work. Under the principles of conservation, monuments have to be conserved according to the original design and shape. Reconstructing the lost blue tile work is a structural requirement of the tomb.’’

According to ASI officials, the smaller canopies on the roof of the tomb were originally decorated with ceramic tiles in lapis blue, turquoise blue, green, white and yellow as was the tradition at that time. ‘‘These striking colours were highlighted by the contrasting milky whiteness of the marble dome in the background. During the early 19th century, most of the original tiles started peeling off. Only traces of them remain today,’’ said a senior ASI official.]]> 671@http://www.ismaili-net.com Development News 2010-02-01T02:30:42-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=670 Varsity plan laudable
In what is certainly a big boost to the development of higher education in East Africa, a relatively new player, Aga Khan University, plans to invest more than $700 million (over Sh910 billion) in establishing new campuses and programmes in the region.

Besides creating opportunities for students to pursue, especially health science-based courses, the university leadership is promising a job creation avenue that will engage more than 6,000 people, guaranteeing them decent livelihoods.

However, we couldn't agree more with the university president, Mr Firoz Rasul, that it's imperative that governments in the region strive to ensure a conducive environment for such a crucial but hefty investment.

With the region moving steadily towards integration, having a university for East Africa will help in skills transfer, harmonising the education offered, and bringing the learners in the various countries closer.

Already, the university is having an impact, just having held its fifth graduation ceremony during which some 117 students were awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. We believe they are ready and will all play their part in helping to uplift our health sector.
]]> 670@http://www.ismaili-net.com Development News 2010-02-01T00:54:35-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=669
DUSHANBE, January 26, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Civil Society Programme (CSP) of Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Tajikistan held a round table discussion on “Corporate Social Responsibility for the Benefit of Business and Society” in Dushanbe on January 22, press relase issued by AKF Tajikistan said.

The event participants included representatives from business sectors in Tajikistan and Russia, Agroinvestbonk, Tojik Sodirot Bank, Orienbonk, Beeline, also Kazkommertsbank, Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) companies and other business companies.

The round table discussion aimed to discuss issues of integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into the main framework of production of business companies, as well as to strengthen partnerships with Civil Society Organizations in the country.

Participants had the opportunity to share their experience of CSR implementation and discussed the integration of it within their companies in the future. Various opinions were raised on the importance of CSR both for society and business and weather this new notion is understood within its correct meaning and not taking as a philanthropy or charity. Further, ‘…CSR is not a corporate social liability but rather a responsibility…and it is also a culture of business vision and a way of thinking” noted Ozodkhon Davlatshoev, Head of AKFED in Central Asia.
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The restoration of historic sites such as Babur's Garden in Afghanistan (IMAGE LEFT) is understood to be important in sustaining modern identity and fostering contemporary culture in a world made unstable by war or politics.

An exhibition which opens Thursday at the Canada Science and Technology Museum provides an overview of Aga Khan projects and their effects, undertaken with help from Canadian partners such as the Canadian International Development Agency.

Bridges that Unite is a travelling show organized by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, based in Ottawa, which links Canadian resources to some 40 projects in a dozen countries throughout Africa and Asia.

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Dr Rafique Keshavjee, Head, Academic Planning, AKU-FAS,EA holds a PhD in Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology. Dr Keshavjee has previously worked with several institutions of international repute including the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Geneva, Switzerland; the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, UK as Associate Dean; the Graduate School of Design, Harvard University as Research Fellow; and the School of Architecture and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to joining AKU, Dr Keshavjee held the position of Program Officer at The Christensen Fund, Palo Alto, CA, which gives grants to promote bio-cultural diversity around the world. His personal interests include sailing and computer animation of Islamic geometry.
]]> 667@http://www.ismaili-net.com Personalities 2010-02-01T00:08:46-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=666
The evening honoured the legendary civil rights leader but everyone’s thoughts were also on Haiti’s devastating earthquake.

“This is like my Sept. 11th,” spoken word artist Oni the Haitian Sensation, who is of Haitian heritage, told the room after her impassioned performance imploring the public to do its part.

“Martin Luther King says that in the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

The evening was organized by a volunteer coalition with support from Toronto MP Yasmin Ratansi and KGM Enterprises. The crowd celebrated and paid tribute to Ugandan-born Senator Mobina Jaffer and to Algonquin Elder William Commanda, 96, who once conducted a sacred pipe ceremony where King had been shot in Memphis.
]]> 666@http://www.ismaili-net.com Personalities 2010-02-01T00:02:21-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=665
Residents of the Don Mills community came together today to actively support the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Olympic Torch-Bearer Mr. Mohamed Manji, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, is shown with the Golden Jubilee Athletes as he completes his segment of the Torch Relay. The athletes, who had taken part in international games in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2008, remarked that seeing the Olympic Torch brought back their many memories of the Games, which resonated with them as both Games were about the pursuit of excellence and unity amongst peoples.

Through this unique and historic moment in celebrating sport and the Olympic Spirit, the Flemingdon Food Bank, in partnership with the Ismaili Muslim community, invited Don Mills community residents to participate in a food drive to give back those who are less fortunate in our communities. The spirit of giving, caring and sharing during this holiday season is a very Canadian value and is deeply aligned with the Olympic spirit.]]> 665@http://www.ismaili-net.com Golden Jubilee Games 2009-12-28T19:45:59-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=664
Mr. Rasul, who had retired two years earlier as chief executive officer of fuel-cell developer Ballard Power Systems Inc. and was heading the Canadian association for the Muslim sect, was stunned by his offer to become president of Aga Khan University.

“I was shocked, flattered … and terrified,” recalls the 57-year-old, who agreed to take on the job. “It’s a massive role. You are talking about a university in the developing world – in countries that are highly volatile and fragile. We are in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya and Syria [among others].”

But these countries need universities to develop leaders capable of improving education and health care, battling corruption and increasing social cohesion, he said.
]]> 664@http://www.ismaili-net.com Personalities 2009-12-28T19:39:51-08:00 Postato da admin http://www.ismaili-net.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=663 Speech by His Highness The Aga Khan Cour des Comptes On Acceptance of the 2009 Nouvel Economiste Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award (Cour des comptes - Court of Accounts, Palais Cambon

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

The First President,
Minister,
Your Excellencies,
Your Excellency, the Rector,
Commissioner for diversity and equal opportunities,
Distinguished representatives of the President’s office, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and Paris Town Hall,
Distinguished guests,
Chairman of the Board of M6,
Editor in Chief and Associate Director of the Nouvel Economiste,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I shall begin by saying how honoured I am to be given the Nouvel Economiste Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award in this splendid setting, the Palais Cambon.

I particularly wish to thank Madame Tchakaloff, for her very kind words, as well as the entire editorial team under the leadership of Monsieur Nijdam, for having singled me out. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this ceremony, and here, I turn to you, Mr First President, our gracious host. And of course I also wish to greet the Finance Minister, who is on a trip to Lebanon and Syria and sends us warm greetings through Madame Cotta. Thank you.
]]> 663@http://www.ismaili-net.com Speech 2009-12-28T19:28:53-08:00 Postato da admin