(I) Social Justice Concerns About the Aga Hall Project in Mumbai; and (II) Sad Observations by a Canadian Ismaili Visitor to India

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Aga Hall Towers
Aga Hall Towers, Mumbai, India, centre of photo.

  • What impact will the seeming turnaround have on the way Ismailis conceptualize some of their fundamental values?
  • How will those who are feeling disaffected with the community’s institutions respond?

Article continues below

Cover page, Aga Hall brochure.

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Page 26, Aga Hall brochure.

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Institute of Ismaili Studies inaugural alumni award to Karim H Karim
Professor Karim H. Karim delivering his remarks on March 23, 2024, at the Ismaili Centre in London upon being presented the Institute of Ismaili Studies inaugural Alumni Recognition Award. Photograph: Institute of Ismaili Studies/via Karim H. Karim.

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  1. Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. (2023). Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. AKDN.
  2. Aga Hall Estate. (No date). The Aga Hall Estate, Mumbai (brochure). Aga Hall Estate.
  3. AKDN. (May 28, 2014). Aga Hall Estate Redevelopment Project: Design Report. AKDN/Stantec.
  4. American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce. (Nov 11, 2021). The Aga Hall Estate project, Mumbai, India.
  5. Charania, Shahnaz. (April 11, 2018). The Heritage Walk. The Ismaili India.
  6. Das, Basudha (2023, Feb 15). Mumbai leaves Delhi behind, ranks as world’s second-most polluted cityBusiness Today (Noida, India). 
  7. Karim H. Karim. (2022, Nov. 23). Contemporary Nizari Thought’s Pragmatic Turn and the Centrality of Ethics. Ismaili Studies Conference: State of the Field. Institute of Ismaili Studies. London, UK.
  8. Karim H. Karim. (2014). The Aga Khan Development Network: Shia Ismaili Islam. In Stephen M. Cherry and Helen Rose Ebaugh (Eds.), Global Religious Movements Across Borders. London: Ashgate Publishers.
  9. Simerg (2010, August 26). “Bombay…. has very close associations with my family.” Mawlana Hazar Imam Takht Nashini speech.
  10. Edge. (2023). The Aga Hall Estate.
  11. IICanada. (Sept 7, 2023).  Aga Hall Estate Redevelopment Information Sessions
  12. Ini Design Studio. (2023). The Aga Hall Estate Redevelopment Plan.
  13. Institute of Ismaili Studies. (2000). Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): An Ethical Framework.
  14. The Ismaili. (Feb 14, 2022). Aga Hall Estate: A gift from the past that gives into the future.
  15. The Ismaili. (March 3, 2024). Aga Hall Estate awarded Iconic Residential Project of the Year.
  16. Lakhani, Ali. (2018). Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat, London: I.B. Tauris / IIS
  17. Kurwa, Aziz R. (Sept. 11. 2021). Happy Days in HasanabadSimerg.
  18. Thakkar, Mehul. (Oct 31, 2022). Aga Khan Development Network to Invest Rs. 2,000 Crore on Luxury Development Project in South Mumbai. Money Control. 
  19. Vellani, Shams. (2020.) People of Faith: Essays on a Historical and Contemporary Profile of the Ismailis. London: IB Tauris / IIS.

7 thoughts on “(I) Social Justice Concerns About the Aga Hall Project in Mumbai; and (II) Sad Observations by a Canadian Ismaili Visitor to India

  1. Very well written article by Professor Karim. He has reviewed the project very well. Aga Hall project is an important project for Ismailis and specifically for Mumbai. His review should be considered as an appropriate input in this project and would be good for the project committee to look at it.

  2. Great article and a timely eye opener before the project moves further ahead — or future projects — in consideration of Prof Karim’s insightful observations & feedback. We’re well aware of the target market being the high end above average or NRI user, but should not disgrace from the very mandate of AKDN, unlike AKFED’s tourism division of hotels for the elite end user. Also, a high breed approach should also be explored, which may make more sense, like the ones adopted in Canada, which caters to social, market and rental housing. I believe also planned even for the downtown Vancouver Jamatkhana project.

    I was also surprised to learn the observations noted including some unhealthy social habits & saddened by the dilapidated state of some Jamatkhanas & habitats of the jamat, despite the efforts of some conscientious Canadian individuals. I think the article has indeed highlighted our skewed priorities and the decision makers should take notice by complementing the author & doing justice to this noble project.

  3. It is a premium property and that is why it demands premium prices… No? Otherwise, it will be a run down place in no time.. Only condition I would expect is that it should be open for purchase by Ismailis only.. Residents or NRI..

  4. This insightful and eye-opening article by Professor Karim H. Karim offers a profound examination of the materialist values associated with an opulent lifestyle, which seem to contrast with the normative stance of the AKDN and the Ismaili faith. Viewing this project through Professor Karim’s perspective has been incredibly enlightening. Asante.

  5. Wonderful article but does anybody listen and what steps are taken to address The Big project in Mumbai ?. Aren’t we supposed to help first and then show off we can live in luxury apartments or Flats ?. It is a shame to see what has happened to The Hassana Abad’s complex and the area. Are we changing our priorities as to what is more important ? . We are a long way to reach our goals. There is a lot of poverty in our Jamat in every country and this includes the US, Canada in UK, Africa and Pakistan or Afghanistan. We are becoming better but not there yet, thank you.

  6. I love this article.

    The Quality of life of Ismailis in India.

    I agree 100% of the situation in these areas.

    To get a more detailed perspective of the families the writer should have visited the Individual families within the society to ascertain the quality of life with the societies.

    I work with families with the societies in towns in Gujarat and my take after working for over 25 years with them is that nearly 25% of the families are living in substandard conditions and at the rate the families are being upgraded it is going to take next 25 years to bring them to par.

    My friends and I are creating model solving platforms which can be copied. examples in Keshod, Maliya Hatina, Dhari , Amereli , Una and we are presently working in Rajula.

    Increase in Quality of life and Increase in Incomes in the process.

    WE need more bodies to help and work with the Jamat.

    I know of 5 to 6 groups from Canada who are working there to assist in helping to resolve issues which compliment the institution programs.

  7. My comment is regarding the recent “improvements” to Mumbai Darkhana …I feel the work has been done poorly and perhaps not to the highest preservation of the old worldly charm of the building. Certainly it feels as though the improvements sole purpose was make the building more hospitable to office workers by bringing in air conditioning and carpets …it no longer retains the feel of an old jamatkhana.. the external work done has changed the outlook of the main building and large swathes areas of the complex have been left in poor state . The stairs are still falling apart .. the shoes area is a disgrace … compare this with how the old Jamatkhanas in East Afrca are in prime state… I dread the day Hasnabad will be air conditioned and sterile

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