Jivan Keshavjee, Habib Chagan and the Ismaili community of Pretoria November 21, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Africa, Article, Ismaili Muslims in the News.add a comment
Excerpt:
The community of Ismaili Shia Muslims to which Miriam and Habib belonged was small but very enterprising. Its founder, Jivan Keshavjee, had arrived in Pretoria in 1894, about the time the Coolie Location was set aside for Indian occupation. He was from Chotila, a village near Rajput in India, where his family was engaged in commerce. He came to South Africa with a friend, Ganibhai Haji Cassim, who had relatives in the country. Jivan and Ganibhai worked in Port Elizabeth for a short while before they left for the Coolie Location in 1894.
In the next year, with the help of other Muslims already established in the area, Jivan started a business at 112 Prinsloo Street, K.J. Keshavjee and Sons, so named as he was known as “Khoja” Jivan Keshavjee. ‘Khoja’ means trader. His relatives who were not Keshavjees, entered the country as “Khojas,” adopted the designation as their surname and used it for their businesses. At some point, Jivan Keshavjee dropped the term and when his brothers, Velshi, Manjee and Naran, arrived in Pretoria, they came in as Keshavjees.
- snip – Soon after the Nationalist government came into power in 1948, His Highness, Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan, the Ismaili Imam, called on his followers in South Africa to leave the country. As they saw no hope of a viable future in South Africa, the Keshavjees sold their cinemas to the Chetty brothers, the emerging cinema moghuls, and emigrated.
Habib, like his pioneer Uncle Jivan, was a charismatic figure. When he left in 1952, he drew people to Kenya in the same way that Jivan had drawn people from India to the Asiatic Bazaar. Almost everyone followed. Ten years later there was no longer an Ismaili Muslim community in Pretoria. A few individuals remained but the majority had made their way to other parts of the world.
- snip – When the Ismailis left Marabastad, Pretoria lost the contributions that fine minds make to enhance a society. Had the “Khojas” remained in the Asiatic Bazaar, however, many avenues of development would have been closed to them. In other countries they had the freedom to fulfil their potential. In Canada and the United Kingdom, they embarked on careers that carried the most gifted – among them the descendants of Velshi Keshavjee – to the top of their professions. In 1987, Murad Keshavjee, Velshi Keshavjee’s grandson, who became a member of the Ontario Liberal Government of David Peterson, was deputy whip of the Liberal Party, Chair of the Committee of the Ombudsman and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Citizenship. Shafique Keshavjee, Sherbanoo Velshi Keshavjee’s grandson, is the leading heart-and-lung thoracic surgeon in Canada and director of the Toronto Lung-Transplant Programme.
The successes of Ismailis, even in diaspora, are clearly attributable to the cohesiveness of their community, a unity fostered through religious beliefs and the spiritual guidance of the Imam.
Related posts:
Organs can be repaired outside the body – New technique pioneered by Dr. Shaf Keshavjee
Pioneering Ismaili transplant surgeon from Toronto – Shaf Keshavjee
Mamajees Kitchen by Lella Umedaly – Cuisine
The In-Between World of M.G. Vassanji November 21, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Canada, Ismaili Muslim Authors, North America.Tags: Moyez Vassanji
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Length: 1 hour
Director/Writer: Robin Benger
First aired: March 9, 2006
Synopsis:
The In-Between World of M.G. Vassanji, focuses on why his novels keep winning prizes. Documentary filmmaker Robin Benger had been watching the 2003 Giller Prize broadcast the night M.G. Vassanji won his second Giller, this time for The In-Between World of Vikram Lall. Benger was intrigued by three things:
a) how anti-hoopla the writer seemed to be,
b) the fact that he, like Benger, was from Africa, and wrote about it, and
c) that here was Canada’s contribution to a fascinating global literary elite of writers of Asian and Islamic origin.
Persian Quatrain by Aga Khan III – Historical connection of Ismailis of Punjab November 21, 2009
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This particular post by Simerg shows hand-written Persian quatrain by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah printed on the invitation card for a lecture given by Rai A.M. Sadaruddin on the topic of Imamat. With additional interesting details from the history, please read at the original source.
Frequently Asked Questions at AKDN November 21, 2009
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Frequent Questions
Brief answers to some of the most common questions asked about His Highness the Aga Khan and the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) are as follows:
The Ismaili Community Ensemble performs at Trafalgar Square November 21, 2009
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The Ismaili Community Ensemble performs at Trafalgar Square in celebration of this year’s Eid ul-Fitr
Chronicles of a Muslim Woman, by Faranaz Keshavjee November 20, 2009
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Faranaz Keshavjee was born in Mozambique, is a Portuguese Ismaili and an IIS graduate. She writes extensively in Portuguese for the Expresso.
Some of her recent columns are titled: “Is there really a clash of civilizations?”; “Had Allah wished…”; “Us and Them”(featuring Nasir Khusrau); and “Fiction and facts about Islam”.
http://aeiou.expresso.pt/chronicles-of-a-muslim-woman=s25257
Oxford Alumni invited to the Delegation of Ismaili Imamat November 20, 2009
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Oxford University Society Ottawa has organized a VIP tour of the new Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building and facilities. Opened in 2008, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat was designed by the distinguished Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki and has been described as “Ottawa’s newest architectural jewel”. The tour will be followed by a brief discussion of the work of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
Music and Dance in the Pamir Mountains November 20, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Art and Culture, Asia, Tajikistan.Tags: Music
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Magic of the sunlight – The Citadel of Aleppo – on Flickr November 20, 2009
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DJ School Hunza November 20, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, Education, Education Services, Pakistan.Tags: Hunza
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The International Fetal and Newborn Growth Standards for the 21st Century November 20, 2009
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Coastweek — The University of Oxford has collaborated with the Aga Khan University, Nairobi to establish a centre in Africa for an international study of fetal and newborn growth.
This “Intergrowth – 21st” project will create a worldwide database of the growth and health pattern of babies before and after birth.
This project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and coordinated by Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Oxford.
http://www.coastweek.com/3247-13.htm
PDF document with executive summary and details
In Search of Imam Ali B. Abi Talib (AS) – A Personal Journey – By Dr. Mohamed Jindani November 19, 2009
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Dr. Mohamed Jindani is a retired solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and a former Visiting Lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London.
Discuss the Charter with Karen Armstrong – November 19 November 19, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Religious.Tags: Karen Armstrong
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Karen Armstrong will be hosting a live discussion about the Charter and its implications TODAY, 11/19, from 5-6 pm EST on the Charter’s Facebook page.
What do you want to ask Karen?
Join live or post questions ahead of time in our Discussion group.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charter-for-Compassion/
Earlier related
Raeesa Merali receives scholarship for radio broadcasting November 19, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Canada, Ismaili Muslims in the News, North America.1 comment so far
NAIT Student Wins First Alberta Equity Scholarship
September 4, 2009 – A student currently attending the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology is the first ever recipient of the Alberta Equity Scholarship, an initiative started this year by the Alberta stations of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
Raeesa Merali, an Edmonton resident, is entering her second semester in the Radio and Television program at NAIT, and is specializing in radio. The selection committee chose Raeesa to receive the $1000 scholarship based on her commitment to broadcasting, her community involvement, her ability to overcome challenges, and her embodiment of the goals of the scholarship program.
– snip — Ms. Merali, besides being a woman and a Shia Ismaili Muslim, also battles a blood disease that requires her to have regular blood transfusions and other treatments. She is a youth leader and Raeesa Merali receives her scholarship cheque from Paul Mason, GM of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group’s Red Deer operations. volunteer at her mosque, and has hosted a show on the NAIT Radio Station (“the FREAKIN’ pre- WEEKEND Show!”).
Youth Join Forces to Educate About Global Poverty November 19, 2009
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It was a day of joining forces to raise awareness through education about global poverty for Youth for Human Rights Florida, as they took part in the Aga Khan Foundation “Partnership in Action Walk”, in Orlando, Florida. The walk not only joined groups together, it brought to light is that over half the world, more than 3 billion people, live on less than $2.50 a day.
via Rogue Valley Independent Media Center.
Related photographs
Afghan President Sworn in to 2nd Term – His Highness the Aga Khan in attendance November 19, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Afghanistan, Aga Khan IV, Asia, Video.add a comment
His Highness the Aga Khan sitting next to Hillary Clinton.
The first few rows, occupied by foreign dignitaries, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, the Aga Khan, and Pakistani President Asif Zardari, rounded out the guest list.
http://www.time.com/time/world/
http://news.bbc.co.uk
http://www.app.com.pk/
Video Guardian.uk
Al-Jazeera English video
First inauguration event from 2004 – AKDN news
Bilaal Rajan receives Medal for Good Citizenship November 18, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Canada, Ismaili Muslims in the News, North America.Tags: Bilaal Rajan
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Standing next to Bilaal, Lieuntenant Governor of Ontario, David Onley and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Ontario, Michael Chan.
Related: Bilaal Rajan awarded Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship – The Youngest Ever Recipient!
Dr Nazira Chatur: A catalyst for change November 18, 2009
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Article at the source: http://www.med.ubc.ca/media/med_mag/Chatur_profile.htm
Secunderabad Jamat Khana India – Night view November 18, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, India, Jamat Khana.6 comments
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Source unknown – Earlier related
Alqadir Dhalla at XCEEi, McMaster University November 18, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Canada, Ismaili Muslims in the News, North America.1 comment so far
Alqadir is the co-founder of GoAssist Group of Companies whose portfolio includes property development, brown field redevelopment and implementing clean technologies both locally and in the developing world. Alqadir also sits on the board of directors for illustrate inc, a leading insurance illustration software company and 1-800-GoFlower.
When not working, Alqadir’s hobbies include, traveling, golf, hiking, aviation, astronomy and yoga.
Alqadir graduated in 2006 from Carleton University with a B.Eng in Systems Engineering and a minor in Business. He is currently continuing his studies in Economic Development at the University of Waterloo through EDAC and completing a Masters in Engineering at McMaster University through the Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Richmond Business Excellence Awards: Haji Manji family November 18, 2009
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November 06, 2009 – Haji Manji and his father Abdul Manji founded Sleep Shop in 1979 in Richmond.
The company started a as specialty mattress, foam and bedroom furniture retailer. Sleep Shop now has six locations and 21 employees serving Greater Vancouver. Sleep Shop is committed to customer satisfaction and offers both a price and comfort guarantee to all their mattresses.
Haji Manji said operating a successful business is more than analyzing the bottom line.
“It is all about how you get there: your supporting cast, your front-line troops, and in my case, my wife and my son. This is what brings success.”
The company’s flagship store, head office and warehouse are all located in Richmond.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/richmondreview/business/69432617.html
Anthropologist Dr. Pamela Hunte will present “The Afghan People After Thirty Years of War” November 18, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Afghanistan, Aga Khan Foundation, Asia, North America, United States.add a comment
Penobscot School in Rockland on Sunday, Nov. 22nd at 2:30 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Nov. 24th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Camden Public Library. The events are free and open to all.
Dr. Hunte’s illustrated presentation will draw on her many years of experience living in Afghanistan, first as a fresh-out-of-college Peace Corps volunteer beginning in 1969, and, for the subsequent forty years either studying or working with the Afghan people, while employed by UNICEF, the World Bank, the Aga Khan Foundation, and a number of other international NGOs and while teaching in schools and universities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States.
This presentation is offered as a community event in anticipation of the 23nd Annual Camden Conference: Afghanistan, Pakistan and India: Crossroads of Conflict, February 19-21, 2010.
Eboo Patel will be speaking at the U.S. Embassy in London November 18, 2009
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Title: Interfaith Leadership in a Religiously Diverse World
By Eboo Patel
14 December 2009 – 6pm – 7:30pm
Friends House, Large Hall
173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ
Eboo Patel is the founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based institution building the global interfaith youth movement. He was recently appointed by President Obama to the Advisory Council of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, where he is working to realize the President’s priority of interfaith cooperation. He is the author of Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation. Eboo holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship.
Karachi Electric Supply Company to setup Grid Station at the Aga Khan University November 18, 2009
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KARCHI, Nov. 17: The Karachi Electric Supply Company and the Agha Khan University signed an agreement here today for establishment of a new 132-KV shared grid station, a “joint venture” between the two organisations. The KESC was represented by its CEO Mr. Tabish Gauhar while Mr. Firoz Rasul, President, Agha Khan University, represented his institution, a Press Release issued by KESC on Tuesday said.
– snip — “This represents a significant investment for us and a symbol of support for institutions like AKU, who treat 50,000 patients a year free of charge. It is vital that we make contribution to institutions that literally, keep Karachi alive and this is the first of a programme of such projects”.
via KESC Press Release.
Acclaimed writer M.G. Vassanji wins Gov General Literary award for non-fiction debut November 17, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Books, Canada, North America.Tags: Moyez Vassanji
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MONTREAL – M.G. Vassanji’s fiction has been heaped with critical acclaim, but it was his non-fiction debut that grabbed the spotlight Tuesday as the Toronto writer won a Governor General’s Literary Award.
“A Place Within: Rediscovering India” is a deeply personal exploration of the author’s roots, a topic Vassanji says he couldn’t resist tackling.
“It chose me,” he said at a news conference.
An African by birth, Vassanji had heard stories about India from his ancestors but only visited there as an adult in 1993, with the journey turning into a true story of self-discovery.
“It sort of bowled me over,” he said of the trip. “Discovering India was part of discovering myself, who I was, where I came from … where in this India does my background fit in.
“It raised many questions – it was thrilling, it was painful. It just did many things,” he said, pointing out it took him a long time and many trips back to India to finish the book.
“Curiosity led me on and on until I somehow had a sense of how to approach this subject and the only way I could approach it was to make it a very personal book so I was not really writing about India, but myself in India.”
In 1994, Vassanji won the inaugural Scotiabank Giller Prize (then called the Giller Prize) for his novel “The Book of Secrets.”
Dr. Saleem Kassam and others helps donate gamma camera to Rouge Valley Hospital, Ontario November 17, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Canada, Ismaili Muslims in the News, North America.1 comment so far
Earlier, Dr. Kassam took a year off his medical training to volunteer with Doctors without Borders [Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)] in a refugee camp for Angolans in Zambia
Cardiac patients at Rouge Valley Health System are benefiting from the donation of a $150,000 state-of-the-art gamma camera to the Cardiac Care Program at Rouge Valley Health System. This nuclear imaging machine ensures that the program stays current and allows the staff be the best at what they do. The gamma camera images the heart and shows blood flow and how the heart functions. It can predict coronary disease and the risk of heart attack.
The camera was generously donated by three cardiac physician leaders at Rouge Valley—Dr. Joe Ricci, Dr. Saleem Kassam and Dr. Ashok Mukherjee—along with Don Patel.
– More –
Letter from the Field: Saleem Kassam, MD
I TOOK A YEAR off my medical training to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders [Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)]. From Toronto, where I had been living, I left for Amsterdam, where I had a day and a half of briefing and learned where I was going—a camp called Kalabo for Angolan refugees in Zambia.
– More –
Ugandan Vice President Gilbert Bukenya speaks at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby November 17, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Africa, Canada, Jamat Khana, North America, Uganda.1 comment so far
25 October 2009 – His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda visited the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Accompanied by His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner of Uganda in Ottawa, he sought to reach out to the Canadian Ismaili community — many of whom were born in Africa — with an invitation to invest in the future of Uganda.
Upon their arrival, they were received by Malik Talib, Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Canada and Samira Alibhai, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, as well as John Halani, Honorary Consul for Uganda in British Columbia. A number of businessmen and professionals had also gathered at the Ismaili Centre to hear Vice President Bukenya’s presentation.
Forum on ”Creating a culture of human rights through education” November 17, 2009
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[12/11/2009 17:00:00] The North-South Centre organised on 13 and 14 November the 2009 edition of the Lisbon Forum, with the aim to promote the creation of a culture of human rights, through ”quadrilogue” action, i.e. governments, parliamentarians, local and regional authorities and civil society. The Deputy Secretary General, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, and the Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, took part in the opening session.
Speech by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio
Video of the opening session [part 1]
Video of the opening session [part 2]
Video of the closing session
Concept paper
Programme
North-South Centre website
School constructed by Aga Khan Foundation in Kashmir November 17, 2009
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Srinagar, Nov 17 – Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah today inaugurated Government Higher Secondary School and Government Middle School buildings, constructed by Aga Khan Foundation in Uri and handed over the buildings to the Education Department.
Mr. Omar appreciated Aga Khan Foundation for their efforts in carrying out the development works in quake hit Uri. He praised the Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Abad Ahmad and his team for initiating several development works in the area since October 2005 earthquake and hoped that the Foundation shall continue its efforts to boost development in Uri and other areas.
http://www.kashmirobserver.net
http://etalaat.com/english/News/state-scan/6916.html
Lifetime honour for NHS stalwart Naaz Coker November 17, 2009
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From left, Truett Tate, Naaz Coker and Kamel Hothi
A MEDICAL professional who has worked in the NHS for nearly 40 years has received an award at a ceremony celebrating the achievements of the British Asian community.
Naaz Coker, from Bromley, was presented with a lifetime achievement honour at the Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards last Saturday at the London Hilton, in Park Lane.
Ms Coker, whose career spans 38 years, was commended for her contribution as chairman of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, one of London’s premier undergraduate teaching hospitals.
She is also non-executive director of the Ethical Property Company and, until November last year, was chair of homelessness charity Shelter. From 1998 to 2006, she was chair of the British Refugee Council.
Receiving her award at the glittering ceremony, she was commended for her voluntary work, which includes being a council member of St George’s, University of London.
Ms Coker, 61, said: “I felt proud to get the award but I feel like I have more goals to achieve in my life as chair of the trust, so it was unexpected.
“We have always had the best clinical care in the world but in the past we have failed to deliver on all aspects of care.
“I want us to become a centre of excellence, the hospital of choice. Becoming a foundation trust is an important part of that goal.”
The winners were chosen from thousands of nominations from across the region, spanning business, education, politics and the charity sector.
Source: http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk
