“It is impossible to learn about His Highness, the Aga Khan, and feel anything less than awe-inspired. His Highness has dedicated his efforts to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations, while emphasizing the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds human dignity. I’m proud to congratulate His Highness and the entire Ismaili Community on the occasion the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee; 60 years of enlightened leadership.” Timothy Baldermann, Mayor of New Lenox, Illinois
On Friday, November 2, 2017, dignitaries including Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Mayor Tim Baldermann of New Lenox, former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Samoa, Carol Moseley Braun, and the Consul-General of Pakistan, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, were invited for a lunch event and viewing. Also in attendance were National Council President Barkat Fazal and President of the Midwest Council, Imran Dhatwani. In all, 150 guests viewed the Rays of Light exhibition at the inaugural launch.
Keynote speaker, Mayor Tim Baldermann, remarked, “I stand before you as a white, Republican, Buddhist Mayor, that is about to speak glowingly about the leader of the Ismaili Muslim community.” He highlighted Hazar Imam’s dedication to all people as human beings, “regardless of their religious beliefs, their ethnicity, or their economic standing.”
The Governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, addressed a letter to Mawlana Hazar Imam, recognizing the exhibit and Hazar Imam’s “lifelong dedication to improving living conditions for communities across the globe.”
Village of Oak Brook Trustee, Moin Saiyed, presented President Datwani with a Proclamation recognizing Rays of Light on behalf of Gopal Lalmalani, Oak Brook’s Mayor. After viewing the exhibit, he reminisced, saying the exhibit “just takes you back so many years. Since I grew up I knew the Aga Khan and his work, what he has done, and especially after Uganda, he was a beacon for the Muslim community....and the community has grown from that and the Aga Khan was an instrument in helping. And that’s the spirit which really makes the Aga Khan one of the greatest people.”
Over 300 volunteers spent countless hours over the course of four days installing the exhibit and setting the stage for the viewing by the Jamat and others. Volunteers like Ashmal Ali also dedicated their weekend to Rays of Light, saying, he was “able to capture the audience reaction and understanding through expressions in pictures is a privilege. The exhibit reflects all of Hazar Imam’s work and all were amazed to see the display. Documenting the experience keeps the memories alive and I feel honored to be able to contribute to that.”
As Mayor Baldermann said of Hazar Imam, “His lifetime of compassion and service is one that should be admired and emulated.”
