Source : TheIsmaili.Org
Related : MHI Arriving at Austin – USA
United States of America visit
MHI Visit to USA – Pictures
April 14, 2008 by ismailinewsblogSpeech by His Highness the Aga Khan
April 14, 2008 by ismailinewsblogSpeech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the
Dinner hosted by the Governor
and First Lady of Texas
Austin, Texas
12 April 2008
(Please also see Related Material)
Governor Perry and First Lady Anita Perry
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Governor Perry, you have been very generous in your remarks – even as you have been most gracious in your hospitality. We are deeply grateful for the warmth of the Texas welcome which you have extended to us. Of course we have known from previous experience about the wonders of Texas hospitality. As I am told one might say in Texas, “this is not our first rodeo”. But I must also say that you have outdone yourselves today – and you have our deepest appreciation.
Of course, I know that Governor Perry is highly experienced as an official host – I understand you are about to become the longest serving governor in Texas history. And this accomplishment has only been the recent culmination of your long career in public service.
I am also looking back at a long career this year, as I mark my fiftieth anniversary as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. I have been celebrating this Golden Jubilee by visiting places which have been of particular importance to the Ismaili Community over the last half century.
As many of you know, I was studying in the United States when I succeeded my grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam in 1957. My ties here thus go back to the very beginning of my Imamat.
It is fitting that the first stop on this current visit is in Texas. Of course, Texas is known around the world as a place which likes to be first and foremost in just about every area of accomplishment! So it should come as no surprise that for the Ismaili community – as for so many others – Texas is a place where superlatives apply.
Our community’s life in the United States began only a few decades ago – as our people, like so many others, found here a welcoming land of opportunity. So many of them settled in Texas, in fact, that the Ismaili community here has recently been the fastest growing anywhere on earth.
At the heart of that growth of course, is the fact that Ismailis have felt so welcome here. And the critical reason for that compatibility, I believe, is captured in the word “opportunity”. The American ethic and ideal – the Texan ethic and ideal – has always been one of openness to others and openness to the future. It is an ethic of opportunity, which the Ismaili Community deeply shares.
This commitment to opportunity is exemplified in the vitality of your diverse multi-ethnic society. It is rooted in a deep respect for the individual human being – independent of one’s background or origins.
The Governor has cited words from the Quran about the affinity of our religious commitments. The teachings of the Quran, like those of the Bible, also resonate with the words that rang out from Philadelphia in 1776: affirming that “all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Those words express our common ideal.
One of the purposes of my trip this week is to meet with the Ismaili community – all across this country. But another purpose is to meet with civic and government leaders, and to discuss ways in which the Ismaili Imamat, the institutions of our Community and the Aga Khan Development Network can partner with them even more effectively.
We would like to build, for example, on the encouraging start we have made, working with educational institutions here in Texas and elsewhere, to span the cultural gap which too often has separated the Islamic World from the West. As you may know, I see this problem not as a clash of civilizations but rather a clash of ignorances – on all sides – and ignorance is a condition that we can do much to remedy.
Similarly, I believe that we can work together to encourage the development of sustainable democracies in parts of the world where democracy has not flourished – reflecting even more rigorously on the conditions which make democracy possible, and helping democratic institutions adapt more effectively to local conditions.
Thirdly, I believe we can partner effectively in applying the world’s most advanced expertise to the challenges of development in parts of the world which are less advanced.
The United States’ position as a world leader, in my view grows directly out of its accomplishments as a Knowledge Society – and this Knowledge – rightly applied – can continue to be a resource of enormous global value.
I thought it might be appropriate for me to say a few words at this point about the Ismaili community and my role as Imam. The Ismailis are a diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam, living in many parts of the world, and encompassing numerous ethnic and linguistic traditions. Their diversity reflects the profound pluralism of the Muslim world. The diverse Ismaili community has been united over many centuries by an allegiance to the living hereditary Imam of the time.
Let me also emphasize the inseparable nature, within Islam, of faith and world: the intertwining of spiritual responsibility with the conduct of daily life. My responsibilities as Imam for interpreting the faith are thus accompanied by a strong engagement with issues relating to the quality of life, affirming the dignity of all peoples.
As many of you know, Ismaili institutions everywhere are anchored in the community’s Jamatkhanas, our places of congregation. Governor Perry has honored us by being present at the ceremonies in years past when we have laid the foundations and opened our Jamatkhanas in Texas, both in Sugarland and Plano. Most recently, the Governor’s encouragement has been instrumental in our decision to build the Community’s first high-profile Ismaili Center in the United States – and to situate it in Houston. For this support, Governor, we are profoundly grateful.
This new edifice will take its place along with six other Ismaili Centers – now located or soon to be located – in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe and Toronto. You have mentioned, Governor, your own visit to the Dubai Center, which I had the honor of opening officially last month. We are confident that the new Ismaili Center in Houston, like the Center in Dubai, will not only enhance the physical fabric of the city, but will also serve as a tangible symbol of the values we share with our good neighbors here in Texas.
Shared values are what underly successful partnerships. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnerships with the people of Texas as we work to extend the blessings of opportunity throughout our communities – and throughout the world.
My thanks to all of you for sharing in this memorable evening.
Source: AKDN
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Ismaili Muslim leader visits with Gov. Perry
April 13, 2008 by ismailinewsblog4/12/2008 5:29 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff
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It’s the Aga Kahn’s Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary as the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. | |
Texas Gov. Rick Perry and His Highness the Aga Khan met at the capitol Saturday in a display of unity and mutual respect.
The University of Texas and the Aga Khan University established a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of understanding.
The document explains the need to solve shared challenges and achieve mutual goals.
“We will be looking to Texas, not only for assisting us to achieve standards, but also to select those areas of knowledge which can be so important for the future of the developing world,” the Aga Khan said.
His Highness is a world-renowned advocate for social and economic development in the underdeveloped world.
He has also established several campuses affiliated with the Aga Khan University.
It is the Aga Kahn’s Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary as the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.
Source : News 8 Austin
UT SIGNS PACT WITH AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY
April 13, 2008 by ismailinewsblog
Austin, TX
April 12, Texas governor Rick Perry is hosting the religious leader of millions of Muslims around the world.The Aga Khan is a direct descendent of the Prophet Mohammed. The University of Texas at Austin signed an agreement to create an exchange program with the university Aga Khan founded.
— Matt Largey
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Source : Kut.Org
United States of America visit
April 13, 2008 by ismailinewsblog
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Governor Rick Perry of Texas and Princess Zahra leaving the Texas State Capitol. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, the Jamat from across Texas together with members of the international Jamat gathered at the San Antonio Convention Centre for the highly-anticipated Golden Jubilee Darbar. It was an occasion of great joy for the entire Jamat and for Mawlana Hazar Imam as Princess Zahra was also present at the Darbar.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed from San Antonio airport in Texas. He was bid farewell by leaders of the Jamat at San Antonio airport.
Source : TheIsmaili.Org
Related : United States of America visit
United States of America visit
April 12, 2008 by ismailinewsblogSaturday, 12 April 2008
Governor Rick Perry of Texas addressing the media prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Texas and the Aga Khan University, as Mawlana Hazar Imam looks on. Photo: Zahur Ramji
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra began their day with a visit to the State Capitol and a meeting with Governor Rick Perry of Texas.
Following their meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the University of Texas and the Aga Khan University that further aims to strengthen collaborations between the two institutions. The MOU was signed by President William Powers Jr. of the University of Texas and President Firoz Rasul of the Aga Khan University in the presence of the Governor of Texas and Mawlana Hazar Imam.
In his address prior to the signing, Governor Perry congratulated Mawlana Hazar Imam on his Golden Jubilee and complimented the Ismaili community in Texas. “Texas has a vibrant Ismaili Muslim community that contributes greatly to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the state” said the Governor. “Their acts of charity and good citizenship are a real tribute to His Highness’ progressive vision for the world.”
In his response, Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for the support that the State of Texas has extended to the Jamat. “I would like to thank the State of Texas for the very warm welcome they have given to members of my community who have established themselves in the United States.”
The signing ceremony was followed by a lunch hosted by the University of Texas.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra attended a Texas Gala hosted by the Governor and First Lady of Texas in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Guests from across Texas were invited to the spectacular event which was opened with the singing of the US National Anthem by Shanil Wazirali.
In his address, Governor Perry honoured Mawlana Hazar Imam. “Rare is the religious leader whose vision is so extraordinary that his appeal transcends nationality, ethnicity, and faith traditions. His Highness the Aga Khan is one such extraordinary leader.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked Governor Perry for the true Texan hospitality. “The American ethic and ideal — the Texan ethic and ideal — has always been one of openness to others and openness to the future. It is an ethic of opportunity, which the Ismaili community deeply shares.”
In his address Mawlana Hazar Imam also announced the establishment of a new Ismaili Centre to be located in Houston, Texas. “Most recently, the Governor’s encouragement has been instrumental in our decision to build the community’s first high-profile Ismaili Centre in the United States — and to situate it in Houston… We are confident that the new Ismaili Centre in Houston, like the Centre in Dubai, will not only enhance the physical fabric of the city, but will also serve as a tangible symbol of the values we share with our good neighbours here in Texas.”
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- Also see the full text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech on the AKDN website.
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Governor Perry then presented Mawlana Hazar Imam with a gift on behalf of the State of Texas. Afterwards, guests were treated to a colourful fireworks display which lit up the Austin skyline.
Source : TheIsmaili.Org
MHI Arriving at Austin – USA
April 12, 2008 by ismailinewsblog
Source : TheIsmaili.Org
Related : United States of America visit
United States of America visit
April 12, 2008 by ismailinewsblog
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra walk under a sabre arch salute presented by the Sol Ross volunteers of Texas, as they disembark in Austin, USA. Photo: Gary Otte
This afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Austin as a guest of the Governor of Texas, for the first leg of his Golden Jubilee visit to the United States of America. Mawlana Hazar Imam, who was also accompanied by Princess Zahra, was received by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin, Deputy Secretary of State for Texas Coby Shorter III, other Texas dignitaries, and leaders of the USA Jamat.
Mayor Wynn welcomed Mawlana Hazar Imam, presenting him with the Key to the City of Austin. As part of the colourful arrival ceremony, witnessed by hundreds of leaders of the Jamat from across the United States, the University of Texas Trumpet Octet performed the US National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah.
Source: TheIsmaili.Org
Aga Khan to tour USA to mark Golden Jubilee as spiritual leader
April 12, 2008 by ismailinewsblogAUSTIN: The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of 20 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide, was to begin an eight-day US visit in Texas that will be highlighted by the announcement of a nearly USD 1-billion initiative to establish residential schools in 14 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia.
The visit was the latest in a series of trips by the Aga Khan to mark his 50th anniversary or golden jubilee as imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. He previously visited East and Southern Africa, and will later be travelling to Dubai.
Tens of thousands of Ismaili Muslims live in Texas, and many of them are expected to hear their spiritual leader speak in San Antonio on April 13.
The 71-year-old Aga Khan, one of the world’s richest men and a major philanthropist, was also planning to visit California, Illinois and Georgia.
On April 18, the Aga Khan was scheduled to deliver the annual Peterson Lecture at a conference in Atlanta marking the 40th anniversary of the International Baccalaureate programme that is now offered to more than 6,00,000 students in nearly 2,300 schools in 127 countries.
In the speech, he plans to announce plans to establish 18 Aga Khan Academies, with each school expected to cost around USD 50 million, in 14 countries, according to his spokesman Nazim Karim.
One academy has already opened in Kenya, and others are being constructed in Tanzania, Uganada and India so far.
