Chuqander are usually a deep red colour but there are varieties ranging from white, orange and even striped. Both the beets and their greens can be eaten as they are tasty and full of unique nutritious properties.

More than one billion people around the world live with disabilities – approximately 15 per cent of humanity – but they are excluded from full participation in mainstream society by physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers. Disability Days and other initiatives organised by the UK Jamat, show that these barriers can be overcome.

The Ismaili Nutrition Centre has launched a new series of articles on simple ideas for popular foods. This A to Z of different fruits, vegetables and everyday ingredients builds greater awareness of basic nutrition and encourages you to try healthy and easy ideas for preparing a range of tasty dishes. This week's entry is about amla, a tangy seasonal fruit that is high in vitamin C.

John Stackhouse, Editor-in-chief of the Globe and Mail, delivered the Ismaili Centre Lecture on 1 December 2013, in which he described pluralism as being central to Canadian identity. An annual event featuring speakers of distinction, the lecture took place at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, part of a growing network of such centres whose role is to encourage exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between peoples of diverse communities and faiths.

Ottawa, 27 November 2013 – In a ceremony held at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, Mawlana Hazar Imam was lauded by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, who presented the Imam with their highest honour – the 2013 Gold Medal. In his remarks, Hazar Imam expressed his gratitude and went on to describe the connection between architecture and quality of life, explaining how the Ismaili Centres embodied for the Jamat the hopeful aspirations of a forward looking community.

Lisbon, 7 September 2013 – Mawlana Hazar Imam is in Portugal for the 12th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, which was presented yesterday at Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle. As part of his visit Hazar Imam also held meetings with a number of senior Portuguese officials, and presided over the signing ceremony of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the Catholic University of Portugal and the Aga Khan University.

The Harmony Project premiered before audiences at the Ismaili Centre, London on 13 and 14 April 2013. Written, directed and performed by members of the United Kingdom Jamat, the theatrical production follows the story of a group of fictional characters from completely different backgrounds, brought together to create a show.

London, 16 May 2013 – At a special event held at the Ismaili Centre, Prince Amyn spoke in honour of the illustrious career of Professor Charles Correa, and acknowledged his long-standing partnership with the AKDN. Professor Correa is widely recognised in the field of urban planning not only for creating significant designs, but also for addressing social challenges through the medium of architecture.

Childhood obesity rates in the United States have more than tripled in the past thirty years, with many other western countries showing similar trends. What foods are children eating that may be contributing to this epidemic, and what can be done? Researchers at the US National Cancer Institute used the national nutrition survey database to find answers.