News

The Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. As part of a series of conversations with key figures, Mr Allibhai discusses the positive impact of culture and its development potential, and humanity’s shared responsibility to preserve heritage.

Since the beginning of time, people have handed down knowledge and lessons from one generation to the next in the form of stories. The novelist Haruki Murakami once said that “Stories lie deep in our souls. Stories lie so deep at the bottom of our hearts that they can bring people together at the deepest level.” For one young member of the Jamat in the Far East, continuing this centuries-old tradition is of crucial importance.

Sensitive to the needs of our young Jamat in a time of uncertainty, and in the absence of regular in-person camp offerings, the virtual Mosaic camp was an example of innovation and dedication from a small group of volunteers in the UK, looking to inspire and educate leaders of the future.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, community leadership of the Far East region was faced with the unique challenge of engaging a widely dispersed Jamat living in 12 different countries without being able to engage physically. As centres were suspended and travel came to a standstill, the Ismail Council for the Far East adapted by utilising webinars, social media, and other modes of technology to keep the community connected with their faith with each other. Ultimately, technology was the tool that helped unite everyone and strengthened the relationship between the community and its institutions.

With optimism and hope for a new beginning, and as we all think about our resolutions for the new year, The Ismaili would like to share with you 21 Goals for 2021!

With a nod to each one of our 21 Ismaili Council jurisdictions across the globe, and inspired by our 20 Goals for 2020, we hope we can resolve to accomplish them all together.

Happy New Year!