On February 25, 2018 the Ismaili Cultural Center hosted an exhibition of film, visual arts, and performing arts at the Indian Community Center in Milpitas, California. Entitled, the Regional Jubilee Arts Festival, this event included a rotating showcase of Ismaili Muslim artists from the western region, with submissions to be selected for the National Festival to take place in Los Angeles later this year.
This artistic showcase was a depiction of the diverse expressions of faith from within the Ismaili community in honor of the Diamond Jubilee. It also had the opportunity to act as a platform for interaction and understanding of the Ismaili Muslim heritage from the Northern California community at large.
The Mayor of Milpitas, Mr. Richard (Rich) Tran, not only attended the Festival, but he also took the stage and presented a commendation to Hazar Imam and the new Ismaili Cultural Center. “The Ismaili cultural center and Ismaili community mean so much to this city," announced Mr. Tran, joined on stage by the Vice Mayor of Milpitas, Marsha Grilli, and Councilmember Bob Nuñez. “It’s a great day in Milpitas because of the Jubilee Arts Festival.”
Vice Mayor of Milpitas, Marsha Grilli noted “I thoroughly enjoyed the art gallery and the performing arts, and came away with a deep appreciation of the talented artists that were highlighted. It was an honor to be a small part of the day.” In addition to Mayor Tran, and Vice Mayor Grilli, the delegation included former Mayor Jose Esteves, Councilmember Bob Nuñez, and Councilmember Anthony Phan, all of whom have been friends of the Ismaili community in Northern California.
The text of the commendation reads:
“On behalf of the Milpitas City Council, I, Rich Tran, Mayor of the City of Milpitas, recognize and commend His Highness the Aga Khan for celebrating his Jubilee Arts Festival on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the India Community Center...in Milpitas, California. I commend your efforts for bringing the message of hope and opportunities for economics, education, social and religious uplift for all. As the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), His Highness has improved the quality of human life by bringing a combination of economic, social and cultural development to a given area and operates in many countries across South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. Thank you for your strong leadership, not only to the Ismaili community,but all communities.”
