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In a momentous occasion, the Aga Khan University will receive its Charter from Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and will inaugurate a new state-of-the-art University Centre in the heart of Nairobi. The event will air live on The Ismaili TV tomorrow, 11 June, and will feature an address by Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Over the past year, the challenge of Covid-19 in Texas has been compounded by a winter storm that left millions throughout the state without power and water, and Hurricane Laura, which caused extensive property damage and displaced many. In the face of these challenges, members of the Ismaili community came together to assist those in need, staffing vaccine mega-sites, volunteering to distribute food and water, donating large amounts of PPE to first responders and communities in need, and organizing dozens of drives, including to collect blood, food, and books.
To coincide with World Environment Day, The Ismaili is pleased to present two short films produced by Prince Hussain, demonstrating the natural beauty of the oceans and the delicate ecosystems they support.
This week, The Ismaili presents a rendition of Ya Imami Haqq by Ambarkhan Sarojkhan from Tajikistan. The song’s lyrics express gratitude for the grace of the Imam-of-the-Time, while the video illustrates that one’s generosity may be returned in the most unexpected way.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues through 2021, Ismaili youth from around the world have been playing their part on the frontline. From travelling to remote areas to provide healthcare access, to stepping in at short-staffed hospitals, to holding down the fort in Covid wards, young members of the Jamat have stepped up to support citizens and families impacted by the pandemic.
As technology advances and the realm of cyberspace becomes more central in our personal and professional lives, understanding the landscape of cyber security and technological policy will become ever more important.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.