Our Stories

See stories from the Ismaili Community around the world.

Ismailia Helping Society, India

Video: Ismailia Helping Society, India
7 March 2020

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we celebrate the work of the Ismailia Helping Society (IHS) in India. Established in 1936, under the guidance of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, IHS was established to promote the economic advancement of women in the Jamat. Over 80 years later, IHS continues to empower women who leverage their traditional skills in art, crafts, and beadwork to create lifestyle products.

A day in the life of a farmer: GE Expedition participants join in an early morning excursion with Ismaili farmers.
A day in the life of a farmer: GE Expedition participants join in an early morning excursion with Ismaili farmers.
Global Encounters Expedition: Into the heart of India
Global Encounters Expedition: Into the heart of India
17 February 2020

In December 2019, Global Encounters (GE) Expedition brought together young Ismailis from 13 countries to the rural areas of Southern Saurashtra in Gujarat to engage with the local Jamat and study the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The impact of Expedition on its participants is well known, but the impact that Expedition has on the Jamat in Southern Saurashtra is equally profound.

Artists highlighted the diversity of the community, presenting cultural performances of different countries including Syria, India, Tajikistan, Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran.
Artists highlighted the diversity of the community, presenting cultural performances of different countries including Syria, India, Tajikistan, Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran.
Jubilee Arts legacy lives on in Syria
Jubilee Arts legacy lives on in Syria
7 February 2020

The Syrian Jamat commemorated Imamat Day in 2019 by reminiscing about Jubilee Arts during an event where artists came together to perform traditional songs and dances, demonstrating dedication, passion, and excellence in their performances.

Engaging the elderly and demonstrating their value to society can bring them happiness, provide a sense of purpose, and help them feel positive about their role in the world.
Engaging the elderly and demonstrating their value to society can bring them happiness, provide a sense of purpose, and help them feel positive about their role in the world.
Bringing youthfulness into old age
Bringing youthfulness into old age
30 January 2020

The nature of life for the elderly has changed considerably in recent history. With advancements in science and healthcare, human lifespan has substantially increased and the majority of people in the world can expect to live past the age of 60. Jamati institutions in Pakistan have embarked on numerous initiatives to support the elderly and create opportunities for interaction between different generations.

Vancouver couple plays key role in helping to establish palliative care at Aga Khan University
Vancouver couple plays key role in helping to establish palliative care at Aga Khan University
14 January 2020

Over the last two and a half years, a husband and wife team from Vancouver, Canada, have helped to establish the palliative programme at the Aga Khan University (AKU) Hospital in Karachi. Through onsite visits, numerous remote conferences, and ongoing correspondence with the local team, the couple were able to set up a sustainable, long-term programme, the first of its kind in Pakistan.

Sana and Sumaira Lokhandwala with students of Muhammad Ali Girls Academy after delivering an Education Session.
Sana and Sumaira Lokhandwala with students of Muhammad Ali Girls Academy after delivering an Education Session.
Changing the cycle
Changing the cycle
23 December 2019

Period poverty is a global issue. It is estimated that one in five girls in America have left school early or missed school because of their period. In India, approximately 70% of all reproductive diseases are caused by poor menstrual hygiene. Three young Ismailis are working to increase awareness, change perceptions, and increase access to menstrual hygiene products.

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
Inspirational Ismaili women at the United Nations
Inspirational Ismaili women at the United Nations
22 December 2019

The Ismaili had the opportunity to speak with four Ismaili women working at the United Nations (UN) to learn about their careers, their work, and the role of the UN over its 74 year history. 

All Work, No Words - Official IVC Song

Video: All work, no words - Official IVC100 song
4 December 2019

On the occasion of World Volunteer Day, 5 December 2019, The Ismaili is pleased to release the official song and music video to celebrate the centenary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC), featuring participation from 41 countries across the world.

Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in his IVC Colonel uniform surrounded by members of the IVC in India.
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in his IVC Colonel uniform surrounded by members of the IVC in India.
We make a difference: Ismaili Volunteer Corps celebrates 100 years of service
We make a difference: Ismaili Volunteer Corps celebrates 100 years of service
3 December 2019

In 2019, Jamats around the world have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC). Throughout its history, the IVC has aimed to serve the needs of the Jamat. Within the ethic of improving the quality of life of all humanity, the IVC also serves the broader communities of which the Jamat is a part. This service to society is seen as a civic responsibility and has always been an important part of IVC’s work.

On the occasion to commemorate 20 years of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joined the Ismaili volunteers and leaders of the Jamat for a group photo.
On the occasion to commemorate 20 years of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joined the Ismaili volunteers and leaders of the Jamat for a group photo.
Serving with a smile in Portugal
Serving with a smile in Portugal
28 November 2019

Ever since Ismailis began to settle in Portugal in the 1970s, members of the Jamat have contributed their time and talents on a voluntary basis towards the development of the community and wider society. Here, we share the stories and experiences of Portuguese volunteers across generations, united by a lifetime of service.

Top (left to right): Ali Alhaj, Ari Surani, Anisa Zulfova. Bottom: Arisha Wadani (front right) with her Guides group in Pakistan.
Top (left to right): Ali Alhaj, Ari Surani, Anisa Zulfova. Bottom: Arisha Wadani (front right) with her Guides group in Pakistan.
Young volunteers offering service around the world
Young volunteers offering service around the world
28 November 2019

For much of the history of the Ismaili Volunteers Corps, young volunteers, scouts, and guides have played an important role in supporting the needs of the Jamat in various parts of the world. 

Anam Sherali (center) with other volunteers in Houston. The Ismaili Volunteer Corps in the USA have supported the development of the Jamat for over 40 years.
Anam Sherali (center) with other volunteers in Houston. The Ismaili Volunteer Corps in the USA have supported the development of the Jamat for over 40 years.
Volunteers in the USA continue a tradition of service
Volunteers in the USA continue a tradition of service
27 November 2019

In celebration of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC) 100th anniversary celebration this year, the USA Jamat reflects on the significance and history of the organization. Thousands of volunteers across the country have served as part of the USA IVC. Here, we highlight a number of individuals - with different paths to their journeys, these volunteers tell a tale of happiness and humility.

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