Content Tagged with UK

Disability Awareness Day at the Ismaili Centre, London attracted a large cross-section of the Jamat, who took part in workshops and activities to discuss disability and mental health sensitivities.

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.

In "The Harmony Project", musicians perform a medley of spiritual music combining the instruments as diverse as the sitar and the electro-acoustic guitar.

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.

Mental health is strongly linked to socioeconomic conditions; job security and steady incomes predict good mental health, while unemployment, debt and poor housing are significant contributors to poor mental health.

Positive mental health allows an individual to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to their community and family. But changes in socioeconomic conditions can impact mental wellbeing. In times of economic difficulty, it is particularly important to maintain and improve our mental health and lifestyles.

During the annual flagship concert of the Ismaili Community Ensemble, Riaz Rhemtulla and Scheherazaad Cooper bring the shadow landers to life through Kathak and Odissi dance forms.

The lyrics, movement and music that reverberated throughout the auditorium of the Britten Theatre at The Royal College of Music, captured the imaginations of hundreds in the audience. In their annual flagship performance, the Ismaili Community Ensemble demonstrated that historical literature represents an important expression of thought, culture and civilisation.

The fountain is the central feature of the Centre’s chahar-bagh roof garden.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Open House London took place on the weekend of 22 – 23 September. Buildings such as the Bank of England Museum, the Royal Courts of Justice, the BBC Television Centre, and the Ismaili Centre, London opened their doors, inviting Londoners to to view and celebrate the diverse architecture of their city.

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with Peggy Dulany, founder of the Synergos Institute, at "University Night" in London on 22 October 2012.

London, 22 October 2012 – Mawlana Hazar Imam was awarded the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award by the Synergos Institute. In a letter that was read before the audience, David Rockefeller commended the Imam’s work through the Aga Khan Development Network for having “leveraged the social conscience of Islam in ways that benefit people of all faiths; promoting tolerance, pluralism, and broad-based development.”

Participants at the Seniors Fair learn new exercise routines to improve their health and wellbeing.

Over 900 senior members of the Jamat from around the United Kingdom participated in a Seniors Fair organised by the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board last month. The event, which took place at Watford Colosseum attracted interest from the BBC Asian Network, who reported on how the Ismaili community is helping its elderly members stay up-to-date with technological advancements.

Runners Nash Pradhan and Dan McCormack completed the 2012 London Marathon in support of the Aga Khan Development Network. The pair set a Guinness world record for “Fastest marathon dressed as a video games character”.

Runners Nash Pradhan and Dan McCormack ran in support of the Aga Khan Development Network. Dressed as characters from the video game Super Mario Brothers, they set a new Guinness world record and achieved their goal of raising funds for the Khorog Diagnostic Unit in Tajikistan.

The rubab features prominently in the musical traditions of Central Asia, and is one of many instruments that contribute to the rich diversity of music in the Jamat and the ummah.

As it prepares for its January 2012 concert, the UK Ismaili Community Ensemble has found resonance with the values of the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. The celebration of cultural diversity, finding ways to inspire and involve young people, and leaving a positive legacy in London through social cohesion and cultural participation are notions that are shared by the Ensemble and have influenced the music it has created.

The Opportunity Africa conference took place between 12–13 November 2011 at the Ismaili Centre, London, and was organised by the Aga Khan Economic Planning Boards for the United Kingdom, France and Portugal.

A weekend-long Opportunity Africa conference held at the Ismaili Centre, London hinted at what is already spreading across the continent. With a growing middle class, an impending housing market boom, an infrastructure deficit waiting to be filled, and a common East African financial market on the horizon, Africa is a focal point for new expansion and entrepreneurship.

The Institute of Ismaili Studies will hold a live webcast of the 2011 Graduation for the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities on Saturday, 22 October 2011 at 2:00 PM (London time). Professor David Ford of the University of Cambridge will deliver the Commencement Address.

Cholesterol: Know it - Lower it!

National Cholesterol Week in the UK takes place between 19–25 September 2011, and aims to promote awareness of raised cholesterol levels, which are a major cause of cardiovascular disease. This is the first installment of a two-part article by Baldeesh Rai, Dietetic Advisor to Heart UK, with tips on lowering your cholesterol.

His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, addresses Duke of Edinburgh award recipients at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby.

As part of its year-long commemoration of the 25th Anniversary, the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby hosted a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award ceremony on 4 June with the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. It was the first time a Silver Award ceremony has been held outside of Government House in Victoria.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and Samira Alibhai, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, engage in discussion at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby.

Twelve months after Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto, the Aga Khan Museum and their Park, the buildings along Wynford Drive are taking shape. As construction progresses, a cross-country exhibition about the projects stops at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby where the BC Premier is among the visitors.

The Ismaili volunteer team took charge of the Water Station at Mile 20, handing out hydration and plenty of encouragement to runners as they passed a critical junction along the course.

Thirty Ismaili volunteers extended a hand of friendship and support – and many bottles of water – to some 8 000 runners at the 2011 Brighton Marathon. The event was an opportunity to get involved and give back to the wider community.

The Ismaili volunteer team took charge of the Water Station at Mile 20, handing out hydration and plenty of encouragement to runners as they passed a critical junction along the course.

Thirty Ismaili volunteers extended a hand of friendship and support – and many bottles of water – to some 8 000 runners at the 2011 Brighton Marathon. The event was an opportunity to get involved and give back to the wider community.

His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda joined members of the Nkabom Steering Committee, including Naveed Somani (far left), for consultation.

In May 2010, Naveed Somani was named to the Steering Committee for the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Nkabom International Youth Leadership Programme. Focused on equipping young people with conflict resolution skills, the programme took him to Rwanda where he witnessed the legacy of a national conflict and its resolution. He shares his impressions and experiences.

The Ismaili Nutrition Midlands Launch event took place on 9 February in Leicester, UK.

Professionals and representatives of leading healthcare organisations in the United Kingdom gathered at Leicester Jamatkhana on 9 February to learn about The Ismaili Nutrition Centre, a unique online resource that offers healthy alternatives to traditional dishes.

Pandemonium, the Morley Chamber Choir and the Ismaili Community Ensemble perform together at Cadogan Hall.

The Ismaili Community Ensemble in the United Kingdom recently collaborated with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Pandemonium and Morley Chamber Choir to present a cornucopia of beautiful music evoking the heritage of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions.

The Institute of Ismaili Studies will hold a live webcast for individuals interested in its Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) on Saturday, 20 November.