The Governor acknowledged the work of AKDN in the fields of education and healthcare, as part of a wider effort to improve quality of life in the region. He also recognised the importance of heritage conservation, drawing particular attention to the Network’s restoration work at Quli Qutb Shahi tombs.

Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the state government for its ongoing support towards AKDN programmes in the region, and together with the Governor, discussed ways to accelerate social and economic development through cultural restoration, and the creation of public spaces for recreation and reflection.

Later in the day, Hazar Imam met with Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana.

On behalf of the government, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the expert knowledge and best practice shared by AKDN through its cultural and educational programmes in the state of Telangana, and pledged continued support and facilitation of these initiatives.

In 2013, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, in collaboration with partners, began conservation and landscape restoration work on the Quli Qutb Shah archeological park in Hyderabad. The historic medieval tombs and park complex encompasses 70 structures, along with pavilions, gardens, and enclosure walls built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Later in the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Jamat of Southern India. He will travel to Mumbai tomorrow for the final stage of his 10-day official visit to India.