"Ya Zhu Imomi Oshshikor" 88th Birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan IV: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Development

By Sharif Khan
Chordehum Zhu Maak Rang Ya Zhu Imomi Oshshikor 
Ya ti Nur e Voin winger Har Yi Chejme Biqaror 

Neyi Naast Damey Dargoh Duresh fasth ya Nungdor 
Paishayi Paighambiri, Yovay Faizishth Bishumor

Wurkhuvethki ilmey Dushta Keryarishth Dan Saad Hozor
Damey Kishtazod Sumer Savz ya Fasle Bahor

Ti Hiydoyat Rushanighi Aqleth Khiradey Alamdor
Donishgayisth Durzen Sebaq Saresh Khamven Towr Haror


Lupeth Zaq Farqi Nuysethk wudgev vithk Kukht Amaldor
Tukmah Yi Kukhtar Diyethk Khe Khethki Yavey Jhangdor

Johiligeth Nosth Khe Wozomedith Sak Da Dishney Qator
Kukey Yupkey Rangi Ruwun Ilm e Jurjur Ska Zawor 

Ti Idora Yisthev wurkhethk Cherkhflek Sitor e mor
Aman jirgah Adal Razekk Damvey mis ya Shah Sawor 

Ya ti Dul Dul , de Kukhthey mis Yovi Aslan Tiblador 
Ti Bari Kukhter hat, kuyi Nast Nomid Dati Darbor

Sharif cer Kukhther Mubarak Lup e Yem Nikbakhti Ror
Zu Imomey Salgirah Khush et Kushbakthi e Ror

88th Birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan IV: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Development


Today, December 13, 2024, marks the 88th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, a leader who has dedicated his life to improving the human condition. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and later attended Le Rosey School in Geneva, Switzerland.

He succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957. Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the title of "His Highness." He graduated from Harvard University, USA, in 1959, equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle the complex challenges facing his community.

The Aga Khan IV has continued to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and grandfather, Aga Khan III. He has synergized the networking of institutions called the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has a presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The AKDN focuses on economic development, social development, and preservation of cultural heritage, employing over 90,000 people and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers.

The AKDN comprises various agencies, including the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), and Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS). These agencies work together to improve the quality of life of people in marginalized communities, promoting a holistic approach to development that encompasses education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

Throughout his illustrious career, the Aga Khan IV has celebrated various jubilees of his Imamat, including the Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees. He has contributed significantly to capacity building, poverty alleviation, and quality education, earning recognition from numerous universities, parliaments, and world-level institutions.


Portugal's offer of the Seat of Imamat to the Aga Khan IV through proper legislation is a testament to his tireless efforts to promote peace, understanding, and development. His commitment to values of respect for diversity and pluralism has inspired a generation of leaders and change-makers.

The Aga Khan IV has established Ismaili Centers worldwide, which serve as vibrant hubs for cultural exchange, intellectual inquiry, and community engagement. These centers embody the Ismaili Muslim community's commitment to embracing diversity, inclusivity, and pluralism.

In conclusion, the Aga Khan IV's legacy continues to inspire and uplift people around the world, thanks to his philanthropic contributions, commitment to improving the quality of life of marginalized communities, and tireless efforts to promote peace, understanding, and development.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reviewing the Ancient History of Hunza By Haji Qudratullah Beg

By Sharif Khan
Image
This historical narrative covers the rich and complex period of Hunza State, starting from the arrival of the first settlers to the Anglo-Brusho War. With minute details, Haji Qudrat ullah Beg weaves together a number of fascinating events, figures, and cultural practices, providing a thorough understanding of the region's evolution. The book commences with the exciting story of the first settlers, including Shaano, Safar, Mamoo, Fulolu, and Mughal Titam. The author highlights the reign of King Alexander Zulqarnain, also known as Alexander the Great, who is said to have visited the region. Then Raeesay Dynasty takes center stage, with notable figures such as Diram Harai-diramiting, Saffar Harai Kuhrukutz, Shanokutuz-Barataling, and Fulolokutuz-GanishKutuz. The dynasty's history is marked by bringing together the stories of power struggles, alliances and conflicts with neighboring regions. The Azur Jamsheed Dynasty, also known as the Shamsher Dynasty, is explored in depth. The c...
Read more

Tagham: A Ploughing Festival Celebrating the Arrival of Spring

By Sharif Khan
Image
Introduction This article aims to raise awareness about the traditional Tagham festival, highlighting its cultural significance for younger generations, the general public, tourists, and anyone interested in the traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. It provides an overview of the Ploughing or Spring Festival, explaining its historical background, processes, and importance for rural communities in Gojal-Hunza. The centuries-old Tagham Festival, known as the "Spring Festival" in Wakhi and "Baphao" in Brushiski.  The word tagham is degenerated form of Persian word Tokhum means seed, similarly, Bophao means sowing seeds or scattering/ spreading seeds. marks the arrival of spring in the Hunza and Nagar regions, reflecting similar celebrations across other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Historically, it was a central cultural event for local communities but has gradually diminished due to modernization and urbanization.   Mr. Nadir Ali from Ghulkin-ShogunPutuk ready ...
Read more

Rays of Hope: The Power of Arts as an Intellectual Discourse

By Sharif Khan
Image
The arts have played a pivotal role in human history and cultural development, serving as a powerful means of expression, communication, and preservation of cultural heritage. Throughout history, art has remained a vital tool for documenting historical events, conveying mythological and religious narratives, and embodying cultural values and traditions. Such initiatives provide a window into the past, offering insights into the social, political, and spiritual contexts of historical eras. Moreover, art has been instrumental in shaping cultural identity, fostering creativity and innovation, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange. Gilgit-Baltistan, a region rich in cultural heritage, boasts numerous historical monuments, including forts, mosques, and old houses, which attract local and international tourists. Notably, the Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan (AKCSP) and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) have set a commendable example by restoring the historical forts ...
Read more