"The exhibit is a stunning example of what it means to backup ethics with action.” -Aziza Hassan, Executive Director of New Ground: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change.
The local Jamat, as well as invited guests, had the opportunity to view the work of the AKDN and the core ethics that serve as the basis of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s global humanitarian work. In his mission to improve opportunities and living conditions of the weakest in society, he has emphasized the importance of pluralism, tolerance, and bridging the gaps across cultures. Ethics in Action served as a platform to inform viewers about AKDN's work and impact, and to interact and engage with leaders who may be in a position to improve the lives of members in their own communities.
Shehla Memon, the wife of Pakistan's Consul-General, spoke of the exhibit with special appreciation. “This is the basis of what we all should be doing—building bridges and actively engaging in compassion to help better the lives of others,” she stated. She shared that not only did she learn much, but she came away with a greater appreciation of the Ismaili community and the work being done by the AKDN. As a practicing Shia, “the foundations of the Ismaili community are the same as my own, leading back to the core of Sufism,” she remarked.
Dr. Najmedin Meshkati, Professor of Civil/Environmental Engineering and of Industrial at the University of Southern California was in attendance with his wife. Both share similar sentiments in viewing the exhibit, as they agreed “it couldn’t be better,” and emphasized the power of education, one of the eight ethical principles at the core of work of the AKDN. Dr. Meshkati was fascinated by the work being done globally to provide the resources to ensure accessible education. He was particularly interested in learning more about the Aga Khan University, and spent time with the interactive map indicating where AKDN agencies operate.
Viewing the beautiful artifacts on display from countries which benefit from AKDN programs, was Christie Lesinski, Director of Development of Grand Performances, which presents cultural programs in downtown Los Angeles. She had not been aware of AKDN's work before viewing the exhibition, and was thrilled at the entries in the art gallery, part of the Jubilee Arts Festival, being held at the same time.
Calgary’s Mayor Naheed Nenshi viewed the exhibits, saying “I was very moved to visit the Ethics in Action display highlighting and contextualizing the work of AKDN. It’s a simple concept: highlighting one ethical principle per panel and providing a real life AKDN example of that ethic principle put into action. A very effective way of communicating who we are as a community.”
While celebrating Hazar Imam's efforts over the last 60 years to improve the quality of life of the underserved in many parts of the world, the Ethics in Action exhibition served as a reminder to the Jamat also that it is our collective responsibility to support initiatives that assist others to retain a sense of dignity, and to help make their lives better. As Aziza Hassan said of the AKDN's impact, “It is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and collective effort.”
