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Through various initiatives, AKDN and Jamati institutions are helping increase rates of digital literacy in Pakistan and beyond.
Through various initiatives, AKDN and Jamati institutions are helping increase rates of digital literacy in Pakistan and beyond.
Harnessing the potential of science and technology in Pakistan
Harnessing the potential of science and technology in Pakistan
27 May 2021

Embracing new technologies and investing in innovation is perhaps no longer a choice, but a necessity. In line with this view, Imamat and Jamati institutions in Pakistan are harnessing the potential of digital transformation to improve lives across the region.

Children stand to benefit in many ways from technology, but it is important to be aware of the potentially harmful effects.
Children stand to benefit in many ways from technology, but it is important to be aware of the potentially harmful effects.
Raising children in the age of technology
Raising children in the age of technology
27 May 2021

Covid-19 has amplified the pervasive presence of technology in human life, especially among children. According to a report by Qustodio, screen time among children doubled after the onset of the pandemic. Technology proved to be an invaluable asset to society over the past year, but it's unfettered use does not come without risks. By teaching moderation and discretion at home, parents can help their children reap the benefits of technology while avoiding its pitfalls.

Innovation has often influenced the values of society while raising new questions around the ethics of technology.
Innovation has often influenced the values of society while raising new questions around the ethics of technology.
Interview with Rahim Hirji, technology consultant and country manager at Quizlet
Interview with Rahim Hirji, technology consultant and country manager at Quizlet
25 May 2021

In this insightful conversation with The Ismaili, Rahim Hirji details the ways in which technology is having a growing influence on our everyday lives, covering topics from artificial intelligence and robotics, to social media and education. Detailing some of the opportunities and risks this presents, Rahim suggests how we might prepare for an increasingly digital future.

This first formal encounter of the Imam-of-the-Time with the Tajik Jamat in recent history is celebrated annually as Roz-e-Nur, or the Day of Light.
This first formal encounter of the Imam-of-the-Time with the Tajik Jamat in recent history is celebrated annually as Roz-e-Nur, or the Day of Light.
Roz-e-Nur: The day of light
Roz-e-Nur: The day of light
24 May 2021

To celebrate the occasion of Roz-e-Nur this week, The Ismaili is pleased to share From a Thousand Years ago into the Next Millennium, a 93-minute film of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s historic first visit to the Tajikistan Jamat in May 1995.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of his family pose for a group photograph on the occasion of the Aga Khan University’s first ever global convocation, hosted on 22 May 2021.
Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of his family pose for a group photograph on the occasion of the Aga Khan University’s first ever global convocation, hosted on 22 May 2021.
Mawlana Hazar Imam congratulates AKU graduands for embarking on a path of service
Mawlana Hazar Imam congratulates AKU graduands for embarking on a path of service
21 May 2021

Graduation ceremonies often signify moments of avid hope and possibility. The Aga Khan University’s first ever global convocation was no different, as hundreds of graduands — all dressed in green convocation robes — celebrated with faculty, trustees, and guests, while a worldwide audience participated in the virtual festivities.

Karim Kaba created “Technology4Seniors,” a non-profit organisation that uses voice-assistant technology to help seniors connect with their families and friends, as well as access entertainment such as TV shows, devotional poetry, and music.
Karim Kaba created “Technology4Seniors,” a non-profit organisation that uses voice-assistant technology to help seniors connect with their families and friends, as well as access entertainment such as TV shows, devotional poetry, and music.
Using voice-assistant technology to help seniors during the pandemic
Using voice-assistant technology to help seniors during the pandemic
21 May 2021

During the course of the pandemic, the Jamat has adapted to an increased use of technology. It is inspiring to see how Ismailis around the world have taken this transition in stride, as can be seen by the founding of The Ismaili TV, the hundreds of virtual events and programmes that have been offered, as well as the individual contributions of time and knowledge the global Jamat has provided.

In 2020, Azima said the goal of her startup was to teach people sign language, which couldn’t be done physically due to Covid.
In 2020, Azima said the goal of her startup was to teach people sign language, which couldn’t be done physically due to Covid.
Innovation for communication: Increasing deaf accessibility and inclusion during the pandemic
Innovation for communication: Increasing deaf accessibility and inclusion during the pandemic
20 May 2021

Azima Dhanjee, a Pakistani entrepreneur, co-founded ConnectHear, a platform that generates sign language interpreters and seeks to increase deaf accessibility and inclusion in Pakistan.

Maaza Mengiste delivered the 2021 Annual Pluralism Lecture from New York’s Centre for Fiction.
Maaza Mengiste delivered the 2021 Annual Pluralism Lecture from New York’s Centre for Fiction.
Maaza Mengiste delivers 8th Annual Pluralism Lecture
Maaza Mengiste delivers 8th Annual Pluralism Lecture
19 May 2021

Ethiopian-American novelist Maaza Mengiste delivered the Global Centre for Pluralism’s eighth Annual Pluralism Lecture today, 19 May, following opening remarks by Princess Zahra. The lecture, entitled “The Moment of Encounter: History, Disruptions, and Transformations” was held virtually, in partnership with the University of British Columbia.

Series on The Ismaili TV explores wonders of science and technology
Series on The Ismaili TV explores wonders of science and technology
18 May 2021

From the very beginnings of Islam, the search for knowledge has been a central tenet. With the role of science and technology becoming indispensable in the current era, it is important to keep up with current advancements and understand the significance of these fields in our daily lives. Science and Technology Unleashed is an original The Ismaili TV series which premiered in 2020 and is designed to expose the wonders of science in a thought-provoking, educational, and entertaining way.

Gaining a diverse skill set can equip students interested in business to effectively respond to new opportunities.
Gaining a diverse skill set can equip students interested in business to effectively respond to new opportunities.
Innovating for opportunity
Innovating for opportunity
16 May 2021

In the modern age of commerce, one cannot ignore technology’s rapid development and impact on business any longer. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing are significantly altering the blueprint on which both multinational corporations and start-ups alike conduct business.

The software tool allows users to text their postal code to a particular phone number and receive a reply with nearby vaccination sites.
The software tool allows users to text their postal code to a particular phone number and receive a reply with nearby vaccination sites.
Zain Manji develops tool to help find nearby vaccination sites
Zain Manji develops tool to help find nearby vaccination sites
16 May 2021

When the United States government released a service that supported users in finding a vaccination site near them, Ontario-native Zain Manji realised there was nothing stopping him from creating a similar tool for Canadians.

For decades, the Aga Khan University has educated students for local and global leadership.
For decades, the Aga Khan University has educated students for local and global leadership.
Mawlana Hazar Imam to address first AKU Global Convocation
Mawlana Hazar Imam to address first AKU Global Convocation
14 May 2021

In his capacity as Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, Mawlana Hazar Imam will deliver an address at the University’s first ever global convocation on 22 May 2021. The special virtual ceremony will bring together AKU’s graduating classes in Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK, for a unique celebration of knowledge and learning.

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