What's New
In recognition of his contribution to the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Professor Dr Farouk Mohamedhusein Tharia Topan was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship at SOAS, where he worked from 1993 until his retirement in 2006. In a wide-ranging interview with The Ismaili, Dr Topan reflects on his life in teaching, academia, and service to the Jamat.
Mirgand Shahbozov was recently awarded the prestigious “Stars of the Commonwealth” interstate award, owing to his impressive work at scientific and higher education institutions, becoming only the third person from Tajikistan to win the prize so far.
When the first Aga Khan Schools were opened by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in 1905, they reflected an explicit understanding by the Imam, underscored by centuries of Ismaili history, that learning and intellectual pursuit were paramount obligations, both for individuals and for communities.
Today, the UN celebrates International Day of Education. The theme this year is “to invest in people, prioritise education.” Investing in teachers is an intended product of the Professional Teachers Collaboration, an initiative whose primary focus is the international exchange of best practices in teaching.
Prince Rahim attended a special event in London on 18 January to honour the contributions of Dr Farhad Daftary to The Institute of Ismaili Studies, and more broadly to the fields of Ismaili and Islamic studies, as he steps down from his management roles at The Institute.
Project Shelter Wakadogo, founded in the wake of war in 2005, was the first school to provide quality education to children living on the outskirts of Gulu, a small town in northern Uganda. The school recently won the T4 World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity. In an interview, co-founder Farah Williamson spoke about the story of Wakadogo and what overcoming adversity means to her.
Have you ever noticed that your mood and energy levels change with the weather? For example, how do you feel when the sun is shining versus when it is rainy and gloomy?
The Ismaili is pleased to present a rendition of the hamd Mera Khuda, performed by four young Ismaili artists in Pakistan. The hamd’s lyrics express happiness for the presence of God in our lives. As we begin a new year full of new hopes, the song reminds us to do so with our faith in mind.
A look back at the stories we told over the past year.
The Government of Tanzania has named a street “Aga Khan Street” in recognition of the services being rendered by the Aga Khan Development Network, the Aga Khan Hospital, and Aga Khan Health Services.