News

Young members of the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides in Uganda serve meals to orphaned children at the Kasanagati Orphan Fans Society in Kawanda.
Young members of the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides in Uganda serve meals to orphaned children at the Kasanagati Orphan Fans Society in Kawanda.
Volunteers in Uganda: Serving others for a brighter future
Volunteers in Uganda: Serving others for a brighter future
28 July 2019

In Islamic belief, caring for the poor and the needy is a long established tradition. Serving orphaned children is especially commended, as quoted in the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). With this in mind, young members of the Ismaili Volunteers Corps and the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides in Uganda gathered in June to serve hearty meals to orphaned children at the Kasanagati Orphan Fans Society in Kawanda.

Children listen attentively to Sonia Mackwani during a storytelling session.
Children listen attentively to Sonia Mackwani during a storytelling session.
Civil society in India: Building a future that works for all
Civil society in India: Building a future that works for all
28 July 2019

Civil Society has the potential to play a fundamental role in bringing about change for a brighter future. This article features stories of individuals who have brought about change and bettered the lives of others, illustrating that each of us, in our own special way, can can help one another to build a better future.

Mandarins grow in the Ismaili Centre's Garden of Fruits, which also includes other species, along with their rich colours and scents.
Mandarins grow in the Ismaili Centre's Garden of Fruits, which also includes other species, along with their rich colours and scents.
Ismaili Centre Lisbon participates in Open Gardens Festival
Ismaili Centre Lisbon participates in Open Gardens Festival
24 July 2019

On a sunny weekend earlier this summer, the gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, along with other flourishing green spaces in the surrounding area, participated in the third edition of the Open Gardens Festival, welcoming visitors, and sharing its diverse flora with the public. 

A keen audience intently listens to Ismaili technology experts at the Principal Jamatkhana in Paris.
A keen audience intently listens to Ismaili technology experts at the Principal Jamatkhana in Paris.
France Jamat looks to key technologies of the future
France Jamat looks to key technologies of the future
22 July 2019

Two emerging technologies we often hear about include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain, which have the potential to revolutionise everyday life. Recently, the Aga Khan Education Board, Economic Planning Board, and Youth & Sports Committee of the Ismaili Council for France, invited members of the Jamat to learn about these key technologies from experts in the field.

The main courtyard at the Ismaili Centre Dubai features an intricate geometric arrangement of water channels which, along with the flower beds and trees, evoke the natural environment within a built-up area.
The main courtyard at the Ismaili Centre Dubai features an intricate geometric arrangement of water channels which, along with the flower beds and trees, evoke the natural environment within a built-up area.
UAE Jamat strives towards a sustainable future
UAE Jamat strives towards a sustainable future
21 July 2019

Today, climate change affects every country on every continent. It has become a global challenge that requires local engagement. In response, the Jamat in the United Arab Emirates has actively participated in environmental programming in the country, acting as stewards for a sustainable, green future.

The Global Pluralism Award recognises the extraordinary achievements of those who exemplify living peacefully and productively with diversity.
The Global Pluralism Award recognises the extraordinary achievements of those who exemplify living peacefully and productively with diversity.
Ten finalists selected for 2019 Global Pluralism Award
Ten finalists selected for 2019 Global Pluralism Award
18 July 2019

The Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP) has announced 10 finalists for the 2019 Global Pluralism Award. The Award recognises the extraordinary achievements of organisations, individuals, and governments around the world who exemplify living peacefully and productively with diversity.

Miguel Pereira Leite, President of the Municipal Assembly of Porto, congratulates Prince Amyn upon his conferral of the Medal of Honour of Porto.
Miguel Pereira Leite, President of the Municipal Assembly of Porto, congratulates Prince Amyn upon his conferral of the Medal of Honour of Porto.
Prince Amyn receives Medal of Honour of the City of Porto
Prince Amyn receives Medal of Honour of the City of Porto
17 July 2019

At a ceremony in Porto on 9 July, Prince Amyn was conferred with the Medal of Honour of the City by Mayor Mr Rui Moreira, in recognition of his patronage of the arts. 

Prince Amyn was conferred with the Medal of Honour of Porto at a ceremony held at the Mayor’s official residence.
Prince Amyn was conferred with the Medal of Honour of Porto at a ceremony held at the Mayor’s official residence.
Video: Prince Amyn conferred with Medal of Honour of the City of Porto
17 July 2019

As Portugal’s second largest city, Porto is known for its heritage, industry, and culture. During a ceremony at the Mayor of Porto's official residence, Prince Amyn was conferred with the Medal of Honour of the City on 9 July 2019.

From Left to Right, Sonal Dhanani, Khurram Lalani, Samina Baig, and Karishma Ali, all of whom have been appointed to Pakistan's National Youth Council.
From Left to Right, Sonal Dhanani, Khurram Lalani, Samina Baig, and Karishma Ali, all of whom have been appointed to Pakistan's National Youth Council.
Four Ismailis among thirty-three members selected for the National Youth Council by Pakistan's Prime Minister
Four Ismailis among thirty-three members selected for the National Youth Council by Pakistan's Prime Minister
13 July 2019

Four young Ismailis from Pakistan have been appointed onto the 33-member National Youth Council (NYC) recently established by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. The council’s mandate is to work for the upliftment of Pakistani youth and influence national policy and decision-making. Its members are prominent figures from various fields including Education, Sports, Religion, Economics, and the Arts. 

"Art is a universal language, which transcends cultural boundaries by telling a story about a particular time and place. It encourages us to search deeper within, and thus learn more about ourselves."
"Art is a universal language, which transcends cultural boundaries by telling a story about a particular time and place. It encourages us to search deeper within, and thus learn more about ourselves."
Interview with Jenny Datoo and Nabila Samji, Jubilee Arts Project Leads
Interview with Jenny Datoo and Nabila Samji, Jubilee Arts Project Leads
9 July 2019

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Jubilee Arts International Arts Festival, The.Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Jenny Datoo, Project Lead, and Nabila D. Samji, Deputy Project Lead. Jenny and Nabila look back and reflect on the journey of Jubilee Arts, from its conception, through to national events, the International Arts Festival, and the programme's continuing legacy.

During the Jubilee Arts programme, Sara Janmohamed created and submitted a mandala — a geometric figure of spiritual significance — which was selected to be displayed at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon. The name of Hazrat Ali written in Arabic appears in the centre.
During the Jubilee Arts programme, Sara Janmohamed created and submitted a mandala — a geometric figure of spiritual significance — which was selected to be displayed at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon. The name of Hazrat Ali written in Arabic appears in the centre.
Shining a spotlight on young Ismaili artists
Shining a spotlight on young Ismaili artists
9 July 2019

Young members of the Jamat had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents through the Jubilee Arts initiative at various regional and national events around the world during the Diamond Jubilee year. Artists as young as 6 years of age submitted entries, and a number of them were selected to represent their Jamats at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon (IAF) last July.

The International Arts Festival in Lisbon, showcased the finest artistic talent of the global Jamat, and coincided with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, where over 40,000 Ismailis from around the world came together in July 2018.
The International Arts Festival in Lisbon, showcased the finest artistic talent of the global Jamat, and coincided with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, where over 40,000 Ismailis from around the world came together in July 2018.
Jubilee Arts legacy continues to inspire
Jubilee Arts legacy continues to inspire
8 July 2019

Last July, in the first undertaking of its kind, Ismailis from all across the globe gathered in Lisbon to appreciate and celebrate the artistic creativity, diversity, and unity of the global Jamat. The success of the international Jubilee Arts programme has gone on to forge a legacy which continues to inspire artists to create, connect, and celebrate.

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