Ismaili Centres Archive
As a full-time artist, Aquil’s creative projects are not limited to one medium, but actually encompass art in multiple forms—from portrait paintings, to canvas media, and even documentaries. He says, “positive social impact is at the core of what I do” and explains that “while my artwork ranges in subject matter, the common threads are an enthusiastic engagement with the public, the recent explicit focus on portraiture, and a deep commitment to art that helps create social change.”
The opening innings of 2018 saw the kickstart of two Regional Jubilee Art Fest events in Gujarat, India. On 14th January, Rajkot celebrated the fest, and in the following week on 20th January, Ahmedabad celebrated the event. Jubilee Arts (JA) is a Diamond Jubilee International programme that will provide the Jamat with an opportunity to experience global artistic expressions highlighting the cultural diversity of the Ismaili community around the world. It will also seek to create an environment for nurturing the arts and culture in the Jamat by way of regular and structured institutional programming, similar to the Jubilee Games initiative
For centuries, Navroz (Nowruz) has been celebrated as a festival marking the arrival of spring, with its promise of a fresh start in both nature, and in our lives. For Shia Muslims, March 21 signifies plentiful harvests, spiritual rejuvenation, a time of festivities, and a celebration of the bounty provided to us as we look forward to the future with optimism.
The Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF) announced on 21 March that Mawlana Hazar Imam will visit Portugal in July 2018 to attend events marking the conclusion of the Diamond Jubilee Year, including a Diamond Jubilee festival and a Darbar open to all Jamats.
Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam announced the establishment of the Aga Khan Music Awards.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau celebrated the occasion of Navroz yesterday at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto where it was announced that the Ismaili CIVIC 150 initiative surpassed its pledge of service.
AKAH India’s demonstration of Disaster Response activitiesduring Emergencies
at Gujarat Emergency Management Exercise (GEMEx) held on March 16th 2018
Spectators of the Jubilee Concert in Mumbai held on the 3rd of March, 2018 also had an enlightening and engaging experience of ‘Ethics in Action’.
Ethics in Action, a multi-dimensional exhibition illustrating the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has been touring the United States the last few months.
If it is true that art is a universal language, then the official Jubilee Arts song expresses that language beautifully.
Mawlana Hazar Imam confirmed plans to build a high-profile centre in Houston on 22 March during his final Mulaqat of the USA Diamond Jubilee visit. He went on to say that the process of selecting architects is already underway with guidance from Hazar Imam’s brother Prince Amyn.
Through a Skills Development Initiative, the Ismaili Council for the USA provides a support system for members of the Jamat seeking income enhancement and financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive economy.
Over the last few days, volunteers have been ready at information and registration booths at the George R. Brown Convention Center to welcome Jamati members travelling to Houston for Mawlana Hazar Imam's historic visit.
"I have always thought that the Jamat in this country would play a special role in the future of the Jamat world-wide, because this country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that, there probably isn’t an area of human endeavor in which we do not have today, a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field."
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Institutional Dinner, Atlanta, March 18, 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Houston on Sunday, March 18, to conclude his historic 10-day visit to the United States.
Jamati Work in Houston will be from Monday, March 19 to Thursday, March 22.
Immediately upon his arrival in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, March 18, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a series of engagements, including meetings with Governor of Texas Greg Abbott and Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner, followed by a lunch reception with state officials and academic, business, and civil society leaders.
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Houston today for the second stop of his Diamond Jubilee visit to the United States. Upon his arrival, Mawlana Hazar Imam was given a sabre salute by the Texas A&M Ross Volunteers, the State of Texas’ official honor guard who were also present during his Golden Jubilee visit to Texas in 2008.
Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Atlanta today for the second stop of his Diamond Jubilee visit to the United States of America. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who earlier had issued a letter welcoming Hazar Imam and the Jamat to Atlanta, was at the airport to bid him farewell together with Jamati leaders.
The Aga Khan Cubs and Brownies of Dar es Salaam came together at Upanga Jamatkhana last week to participate in planting the “sabzeh Nowroz, which literally means “the sprout of Navroz”. The cubs and brownies planted their individual sprouts, which symbolizes rejuvenation and new life on the occasion on the new year. The sprouts were planted in small mugs which were decorated by the participants. All plants will be displayed at Upanga Jamatkhana on Navroz.
