An Ismaili (and the Flag) on Top of Mt. Everest….and Forthcoming @Simergphotos, Rare and Historical Photos from Australian and Other Private Collections

3 May 2014

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ISMAILI MOUNTAINEERS

Samina Baig’s cultural elegance captured in this exquisite cultural dress from Hunza. Photo: Samina Baig’s Facebook page.

PLEASE CLICK: Simerg’s Exclusive Interview with Mirza Ali and his Sister Samina Baig Who Became the First Ismaili and Pakistani Woman to Reach the Summit of Mt. Everest

Samina Baig at 21 became the first Ismaili woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest as part of her goal to scale the world’s SEVEN SUMMITS. In an exclusive interview with Simerg, when asked about placing the Ismaili flag on top Everest and if she left it there, she said:

“….And when it comes to being the first Pakistani woman and the first Ismaili woman to put the nation’s flag and the Ismaili Imamat red and green flag on top of the world, one cannot adequately express the feeling. It is indeed a BLESSING of a life time! We did bring the flag back, and with all love and respect, sent it to Sarcar Mawlana Hazar Imam.”

Please Continue Reading This World Exclusive Interview for the broader perspectives it offers about the challenges of climbing some of the world’s highest mountains!

Share and forward this LINK to your friends and family around the world. Please also leave your comments on the article’s feedback form.

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STARTING WEEK OF MAY 5: EXTRAORDINARY, RARE AND HISTORICAL PHOTOS FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Photo: Collection of the family of the late Mrs. Jean Kirk, Headmistress, Aga Khan Primary School, Nairobi. Copyright: Allison Wallace, Australia.

Simerg Exclusive Interview: Samina Baig, the First Pakistani and Ismaili Woman to Climb Mt. Everest, Sets Ambitious Goal to Conquer the World’s Seven Summits

29 April 2014

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On May 19, 2013, at precisely 7:40 am, Samina Baig became the first Pakistani woman to reach the peak of the world`s highest mountain, Everest, and proudly place on it the flag of Pakistan as well as that of the Ismaili Imamat, which is often referred to as ‘My Flag’ by members of the Ismaili community. She spent 10 minutes on the summit as her mentor, trainer and proud older brother, Mirza Ali Baig, watched her unique accomplishment from a few hundred metres away….Continue Reading This World Exclusive Interview

Samina Baig climbing Mt. Everest. Photo: Mirza Ali. Copyright. Click on image to read interview.

PLEASE CLICK: Simerg’s Exclusive Interview with Mirza Ali and his Sister Samina Baig Who Became the First Ismaili and Pakistani Woman to Reach the Summit of Mt. Everest

Roshan Thomas – Acting in the Path of God By Jalal Jaffer

3 April 2014

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ACTING IN THE PATH OF GOD

Roshan Thomas was among those who were killed in a terrorist incident in Kabul while she was celebrating the commencement of the Persian New Year, Navruz. She was buried earlier this week in Vancouver, where almost 2000 people from all walks of life attended her funeral at the North Vancouver Ismaili Jamatkhana.

Roshan Thomas was among those who were killed by terrorists in an incident in Kabul while she was celebrating the commencement of the Persian New Year, Navruz. She was buried earlier this week in Vancouver, where almost 2000 people from all walks of life attended her funeral at the North Vancouver Ismaili Jamatkhana.

By Jalal Jaffer

Acting in the path of God
Eliminates limitations, restrictions, conceptions
In pursuit of noble actions
To sustain, promote, achieve
Enhancement, progress, understanding
Amongst God’s most beautiful creation
The human being.

With clarity of mind
Determination against any odds
It was but natural
That Roshan picked a far-away geography
Hoping and pursuing and working towards
A change, some progress, any improvement
In a country, amongst a people
Engulfed in reactionary, ideological, meaningless
Battles and wars and human carnage
To what end, what purpose
Nobody could understand, far less explain
Where pre-historic level of crass ignorance
Animalistic behaviour, un-knowledge…prevailed.

Her commitment to her cause
To act in the path of God
Open the minds and hearts
Of the young and the old
Especially free the girls and women
From the yoke of servitude and worse
Through schooling, through learning, through education
A cause as noble as difficult
A place as harsh as promising
An activity as demanding as fulfilling.
Was solid and uncompromising.

Threats of violence and physical harm
Were ever present
Wise counsel to resist and desist
Came from all corners
None of this held her back
None of this affected her resolve
None of this dampened her spirits

Alas, the heartless ignoramus
A curse on human kind
Targeted her physical form…
Never realizing, never understanding
The spirit, earnestness, commitment
Residing in and within her
That would inspire, empower
Hundreds of new Roshans
More motivated, with greater commitment
To rise, fight and complete
Her cause, her belief, her vision
For the whole world to watch and celebrate.

Copyright: Jalal Jaffer.

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About the author: Jalal Jaffer is a practising lawyer in Vancouver.

Related: To the Memory of Roshan Thomas and Zeenab Kassam by Navyn Naran

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 1983 and 2014 Visits to the Parliament of Canada by Farouk B.K.S. Verjee

7 March 2014

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A QUANTUM LEAP

Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Imam and the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), at the Canadian Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2014. Simerg Exclusive Photo: Copyright Jean-Marc Carisse.

Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) and 49th hereditary Imam at the Canadian Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2014. Simerg Exclusive Photo: Copyright Jean-Marc Carisse. Please click on photo for enlargement.

By Farouk B.K.S. Verjee

Parliament Hill

27th February, 2014 will be etched as a momentous day in Ismaili history with Mawlana Hazar Imam becoming the first faith leader in 75 years to address the Joint Session of the Parliament of Canada, at the invitation of the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. Our group of invitees who travelled to Parliament in a coach proudly sang “O Canada,” and as we reached the snow-covered lawns of the Parliament Building we saw the Imamat flag flying on the hill. We had truly arrived!

The Chamber of the House of Commons was filled to capacity. Shortly after 11 a.m as Mawlana Hazar Imam entered the House to rousing applause from both sides of the House, my eyes welled up in tears as I travelled back in time to the Silver Jubilee.

Mawlana Hazar Imam signs the distinguished visitors books for the House of Commons and the Senate in the Canadian Parliament Rotunda as Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen Harper, The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons and the Honourable Noël Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate, and other individuals look on. Photo: Post Media Clip. See video link below.

I had been the Hon. Secretary of the Ismaili Council for Canada during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Silver Jubilee visit, and was thinking back to how far we had come since his first visit to the House during the Jubilee in April, 1983. Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister, and Zulficar Lalji our National President. During that visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam was recognised from the Distinguished Visitors’ Gallery by the speaker of the House, Madame Jeanne Sauve.

A unique and historical photo signed by the late Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, which was taken in the Prime Minister's Office during Mawlana Hazar Imam's Silver Jubilee visit to Canada in April 1983. (l to r) - Hon. Sec Farouk Verjee (National Council), Mr. Gerry Wilkinson (His Highness the Aga Khan's Secretariat, Aiglemont, France), Hon. Sec Mohamed Manji (Ontario Council), President Amirali Rhemtulla (Grants Council), Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Prince Amyn Muhammad Aga Khan, President Mehboob Dhanani (Ontario Council) and President Zulficar Lalji(National Council). Canada. The full signature line note from the Prime Minister read: To Farouk with the best of Memories . Trudeau. 1983. Photo: Photo: Farouk Verjee Collection, Vancouver,

This unique and historical photo signed by the late Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, was taken in the Prime Minister’s Office during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Silver Jubilee visit to Canada in April 1983. (l to r) – Hon. Secretary Farouk Verjee (Aga Khan Council for Canada), Mr. Gerry Wilkinson (His Highness the Aga Khan’s Secretariat, Aiglemont, France), Hon. Secretary Mohamed Manji (Aga Khan Ontario Council), President Amirali Rhemtulla (Aga Khan Grants Council), Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Prince Amyn Muhammad Aga Khan, President Mehboob Dhanani (Aga Khan Ontario Council) and President Zulficar Lalji (Aga Khan Council for Canada). The full signature line note from the Prime Minister read: To Farouk with the best of Memories. Trudeau. 1983. Photo: Farouk Verjee Collection, Vancouver. Please click for enlargement.

After a raucous question period relating to a budget leak, the late Prime Minister invited Hazar Imam, Prince Amyn Muhammad and the accompanying Ismaili leaders to his office. He immediately asked if we would like to have a picture taken (see photo above). It was like being in seventh heaven! Prime Minister Trudeau praised our jamats’ engagement in all aspects of National Life, having arrived here only a decade earlier. It is a well know-historical fact that the Prime Minister facilitated the settlement of thousands of stateless Asians, including Ismailis, after they were forced to leave Uganda by Idi Amin in 1972. Referring to the rowdy question period earlier, the Prime Minister jokingly said it was like going to the dentist every day! The charismatic Mr. Trudeau with his usual panache was always at his very best with his sharp wit.

At one point I quipped that hopefully by the next Jubilee we would have Ismailis in the House. The Prime Minister with his typical shrug said, “Why not earlier?” Until recently we had Yasmin Rattansi (Liberal — Toronto) and Rahim Jaffer (Conservative — Edmonton) as Federal MP’s. Mobina Jaffer sits in the Senate.

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s signature in the Visitor’s Book from the signing ceremony shown in a previous photo. Credit: Post Media Clip. See video link below.

Last week’s address by Mawlana Hazar Imam to both houses was extensive, and was punctuated by numerous applauses. It ended beautifully with the following quote from the Holy Qur’an:

“Oh Mankind, fear your Lord, who created you of a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them scattered abroad many men and women.”

Following the joint session of Parliament, Prime Minister Harper and Mawlana Hazar Imam signed an important Protocol of Understanding with the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat in the Hallway of Honour, which was draped with our National flag and the Imamat flag. As part of this historical visit Mawlana Hazar Imam also signed the distinguished Visitors Books of the House of Commons and the Senate.

Massey Hall

On the following day, a very large gathering of some 2500 people from all walks of life attended Massey Hall in Toronto to hear both the Prime Minister and Mawlana Hazar Imam.

More than 2500 people from all walks of life and from different communities lined up on Friday February 28, 2014, in frigid temperatures outside Toronto’s iconic Massey Hall Theatre to attend an event hosted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: Nurin Merchant. Copyright.

As we huddled outside the iconic 120 year old building in extreme weather with a temperature of around -28c with windshield, to go through the security checks, I was impressed by the number of non-Ismailis who were lining up in good cheer to hear our Imam. One individual got a large canister of Starbucks coffee and handed it out freely to the freezing crowd!

Our jamat can be truly proud of the events at the Parliament and Massey Hall and we can now all look forward to the opening this year in Toronto of the magnificent Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum and the Park.

Date posted: Friday, March 7, 2014.

Copyright: Farouk Verjee/Simerg. 2014.

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Click on Aga Khan Signs Visitors Books to watch a brief 1 minute video of the signing ceremony.

Photo Collection and Stirring Speech Excerpts of His Highness the Aga Khan at Simergphotos

2 March 2014

1 Comment

Simerg’s recent post about His Highness the Aga Khan’s dynamic and stirring address to members of the Canadian Parliament has been published at Simergphotos under a different page theme suited for photos. Please click on the following image to read the speech as well as view the photos, some of which are exclusive to Simerg.

Please click on image to read post at ww.Simergphotos.com

Please click on image to read post at www.Simergphotos.com

For the original Simerg post, please click on In a Dynamic and Stirring Address to Members of the Canadian Parliament, His Highness the Aga Khan Shares His Faith Perspectives

His Highness the Aga Khan at the Parliament of Canada: Selected Excerpts from the Live English Translation of Remarks Made in French

2 March 2014

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The following English translation of selected parts of His Highness the Aga Khan’s speech on February 27, 2014 to the Canadian Parliament which were in French was obtained from the live translation that was provided during the broadcast.

HONOUR AND THE WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION OF IMAMAT

His Highness the Aga Khan humbly accepts a standing ovation and honour at the Canadian Parliament on Thursday February 24, 2014. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is seen applauding, with Princess Zahra, the daughter of His Highness, and Laureen Harper, the Prime Minister’s wife, standing alongside the 49th Ismaili Imam. Photo credit: The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

….Thank you again, Prime Minister, for your invitation. It is for me an unprecedented honour. It is a feeling, a profound feeling…because I have been told that this is the first time in 75 years that a spiritual leader has addressed the Senate and the House of Commons together as part of an official visit.

It is, therefore, with humility and awareness of eminent responsibility that I address to you today, elected representatives of the Federal Canadian Parliament and in the presence of other Senior Federal Officials.

I have the great privilege of representing the Ismaili Imamat — this institution which has stretched beyond borders for more than 1400 years and which defines itself and is recognised by an increasingly large number of states, as the succession of Shia Imami Ismaili Imams.

As the 49th Imam, I have for the past 50 years, looked after two inseparable responsibilities: overseeing the spiritual wellbeing of Ismailis, as well, at the same time, as focusing on improving their quality of life and that of the people with whom they live.

Even if there was a time when Ismaili Imams were also Caliphs — in other words, Head of States, for example in Egypt during Fatimid times — my duties today are apolitical. All Ismailis are first and foremost citizens of their countries of birth or adoption. The reach of the Ismaili Imamat is, however, much larger than it was at that time since it is active today in many regions of the world. It is from this perspective that I will share with you some thoughts with you that I feel are worthy of your presence here today.

OPPOSING FORCES BUT HARMONY IS POSSIBLE
THROUGH A CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS

His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Harper in a conversation as they proceed to the signing ceremony of the protocol of understanding between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada. They are flanked on either side by the flags of the red and green flags of the Ismaili Imamat and the maple leaf of Canada. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse. Copyright.

Allow me at this point to address you again in French. I have just spoken about the incomprehension that exists between industrialised world and Muslim world and about how opposing forces have undermined relations with the great traditions of Islam. Yet, our hearts, our minds, and for many, our faith, tell us that harmony is possible. In fact, recent developments are an indication of this.

I would like to say how important constitutional development is in correcting the inability of several existing constitutions to match the evolution of societies, especially when these societies are evolving. This is a fundamental issue that, given my responsibilities, I cannot ignore. You maybe surprised to learn that 37 countries throughout the world have adopted a new constitution over the past 10 years, and 12 are at an advanced phase of modernising their own constitutions. That is a total of 49 countries. In other words, this movement involves a quarter of the UN member states. Out of that 49, 25 percent have a Muslim majority. This shows that there is now no turning back from the demand by civil societies for new constitutional structures.

I would like to take a moment now to speak to a specific political difficulty that involves the Muslim world. Religious parties, by their very structure, are based on the principle of inseparability between religion and daily life. The consequence of this is that when it comes time to negotiate constitutional terms with those who want separation between state and religion, a consensus of overarching legislation becomes very difficult to reach.

THE EXAMPLE OF TUNISIA: A GREAT STEP FORWARD

His Highness the Aga Khan seen addressing at the House of Commons Chambers to both the houses of Canadian Parliament on Thursday, February 24, 2014. Photo credit: The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.

However, there is one country that has shown us now that this is possible, and that is the Tunisian Republic.

Now is not the time or the place to go into details on its new Constitution, however, allow me to point out that this is the outcome of a responsible pluralist debate, and that it appears to contain the necessary rules to ensure mutual respect between the various parts of civil society. This is reflected in, among other things, a use of notion of coalition, whether that be at an electoral level or government level. This is a great step forward for the kind of pluralism that Canada and the Ismaili Imamat have been hoping for.

Allow me also to make note of a hopeful outcome of these developments. That is that the forum for debate and conflict within any pluralist society no longer has to be the street or square, but that it can be the constitutional court of a state’s law.

THE PORTUGUESE CONNECTION AND THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY

His Highness the Aga Khan and the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, face eager cameras at the Canadian Parliament Building on Thursday, 27 February, 2014. An oil on canvas painting of The Right Honourable Sir John Alexander Macdonald, Prime Minister (1867-1873; 1878-1891) adorns a wall as part of the House of Commons Heritage Collection, while the Ismaili Imamat and Canadian Flags form a backdrop in this historical photo. Photo credit: The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.

Besides the genius of Tunisian constitutionalists, the preparatory work of this involved consultations on comparative Constitutional Law. And I would like to acknowledge in particular the role that the Portuguese legal experts have played, citizens of the country that I greatly admire and that, like Canada, has developed a civilisation of mutual respect between communities and openness to religions. I am referring here to the law regulating the relations between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat since 2010. I am very pleased to add, before this very honourable audience, that this law was unanimously passed and it recognises the nature of the Ismaili Imamat as being a supranational entity.

In conclusion, on the Tunisian constitution, Mr Francois Hollande, the President of the French Republic, said in Tunis that “what makes your revolution unique and even your constitution, is the role of civil society.”

Date posted: Sunday March 1, 2014

Please also see: In a Dynamic and Stirring Address to Members of the Canadian Parliament, His Highness the Aga Khan Shares His Faith Perspectives on the Imamat, Collaboration with Canada, the Muslim World Community (the Ummah), the Nurturing of Civil Society, Early Childhood Education, Voluntary Work, and the Unity of the Human Race

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Ismaili Youth and Students Thrilled to Receive Invitations to Massey Hall Gathering to Honour their 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan – Simerg Wants Your Stories and Photos!

24 February 2014

His Highness the Aga Khan to Become First Faith Leader to Address Joint Session of Canadian Parliament on February 27, 2014: The ABC’s of the Event Including Past Distinguished Speakers

17 February 2014

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Material compiled and presented by Abdulmalik J. Merchant
(Publisher-Editor, www.simerg.com)

“Our Government is honoured to once again welcome His Highness the Aga Khan to Canada. Our country has a warm and lasting friendship with His Highness, who was granted honorary Canadian citizenship for his leadership as a champion of international development, pluralism and tolerance around the world.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

2006 - Hamid Karzai, 1989 - His Majesty King Hussein Ibn Talal, 1956 - His Excellency Dr. Sukarno, 1950 - Hon. Liaquat Ali Khan. Photos: Wikipedia.

Muslims leaders who have addressed the Canadian Parliament (l to r): 2006 – Hamid Karzai, 1989 – His Majesty King Hussein Ibn Talal, 1956 – His Excellency Dr. Sukarno, 1950 – Hon. Liaquat Ali Khan. Photos: Wikipedia.

ADDRESSES BY DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

A Joint Address to Parliament is a speech made by a distinguished visitor, usually a foreign head of state or head of government, to Members of the Senate and the House of Commons. Fifty-two heads of state and five non-heads of state have addressed the Joint Sessions of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada since 1939.

When His Highness the Aga Khan delivers his address on Thursday, February 27, 2014, he will become the first faith leader in 75 years and fifth among Muslims to address the Joint Sessions, since His Majesty King George VI (1895-1952) of the United Kingdom delivered the first ever address on May 19, 1939.

Photo of the Centre Block and Library of the Parliament of Canada from the Gatineau side, overlooking the Ottawa River. Photo: Wikipedia.

These extra-parliamentary events usually take place in the House of Commons Chamber and the regular proceedings of the House are suspended for the occasion. The assembly does not constitute a sitting of the House and the Mace (a large, heavy and richly ornamented staff which is the symbol of authority of the Speaker) is not present at its usual location on the Clerk’s Table.

The proceedings are jointly presided over by the Speakers of the Senate and of the House.

Sample of Hansard from The House of Commons, 1895. Shows sample of several members speaking as described in the text. The Canadian Hansard is not strictly verbatim, and is guided by the principle of avoiding "repetitions, redundancies and obvious errors." Photo: Wikipedia.

Sample of the Canadian Hansard from The House of Commons, 1895. Shows sample of several members speaking as described in the text. The Canadian Hansard is not strictly verbatim, and is guided by the principle of avoiding “repetitions, redundancies and obvious errors.” Photo: Wikipedia.

The House usually decides to broadcast the event (see link below) and to append the text of the address to Hansard, the daily printed record of the debates of parliament. The Hansard was adopted by Canada in 1880 and quickly gained a record for its excellent quality.

WELCOMING CEREMONY AND THE SIGNING OF THE VISITORS’ BOOK

Distinguished visitors are met in the Rotunda of the Centre Block by the Prime Minister, the Speakers of both Houses and other dignitaries where they sign the Senate and House of Commons visitors’ books.

The Rotunda, also called the Confederation Hall, is the formal entrance to Centre Block. Its grandeur immediately reveals the significance of the building and the institutions it houses. It welcomes visitors with an elaborate representation of Canada’s political landscape. With carved and sculpted symbols of every province and territory, it also welcomes every Canadian home. Photo: Wikipedia.

President Barack Obama signs the guest book in Parliament Hill during his visit to Ottawa shortly after becoming the US President. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is standing to President Obama's right. Photo: Whitehouse.

US President Barack Obama signs the distinguished Visitors’ Book of the Canadian Senate and House of Commons during his visit to Ottawa shortly after taking office. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is standing to President Obama’s right. Photo credit: The Whitehouse.

At the appointed time, the official party enters the House of Commons Chamber. After being introduced by the Speaker of the House, the Prime Minister provides an official welcome and invites the visitor to address the assembly.

WHO ATTENDS AND WHERE DO THEY SIT?

When a Joint Address takes place, the House of Commons becomes a grand hall, accommodating both Members of the House and the Senate, and the various guests invited for the occasion.

The seating arrangements in the House are not what they would be for a regular sitting. The Speaker of the House takes the Speaker’s Chair, with the Speaker of the Senate seated in a chair to his or her right. The Clerk’s Table is cleared of its usual material and a lectern placed at its head.

House of Commons Chamber.

The Prime Minister and the distinguished visitor are seated along the side of the Table to the Speaker’s right; the Clerk of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Commons are seated along the other side of the Table.

Senators and Justices of the Supreme Court are seated on the floor of the House in front of the Table. Members of the official delegation and other dignitaries are seated along the back wall of the Chamber. Members of the House of Commons take their usual seats.

All seats in the galleries overlooking the House of Commons are assigned to invited guests. Gallery privileges are suspended and access to the galleries is strictly controlled for this occasion.

DEPARTURE CEREMONY

At the conclusion of the address, the Speakers of the Senate and of the House make remarks. At this point, the official party exits the Chamber and proceeds to the House of Commons Speaker’s Chambers.

LIST OF DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

Heads of States and of Governments who have addressed Joint Sessions of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada

2011.09.22, Rt. Hon. David Cameron, P.M. of the U.K. of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2010.05.27, His Excellency Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States
2008.05.26, Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine
2006.09.22, Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan President
2006.05.18, Hon. John Howard, P.M. of Australia
2004.10.25, His Excellency Vicente Fox, President of the United Mexican States
2001.02.22, Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, P.M. of the U.K. of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1999.04.29, Václav Havel, President of the Czech Republic
1998.09.24, Nelson Mandela, President of the Republic of South Africa
1996.06.11, His Excellency Ernesto Zedillo, President of Mexico
1995.02.23, Bill Clinton, U.S. President
1992.06.19, His Excellency Boris Yeltsin, President of the Federation of Russia
1991.04.08, His Excellency Carlos Salinas de Gortari, President of Mexico
Her Majesty the Queen has addressed the Canadian Parliament on three occasions.
His Highness the Aga Khan received the title “His Highness” from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on July 26th 1957. Here he is pictured with Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip when the Queeen hosted a dinner hosted to mark the Ismaili Imam’s Golden Jubilee and to acknowledge the close relationship he and his family have had over generations with the British Monarchy and the UK. Photo Credit: Akdn.org
1989.10.11, His Majesty King Hussein Ibn Talal, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
1989.06.27, Chaim Herzog, President of the State of Israel
1988.06.22, Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, P.M. of the U.K. of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1988.06.16, Dr. Helmut Kohl, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
1988.05.10, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands
1987.05.25, His Excellency François Mitterrand, President of the French Republic
1987.04.06, Ronald Wilson Reagan, U.S. President
1986.01.13, His Excellency Yasuhiro Nakasone, P.M. of Japan
1984.05.08, His Excellency Miguel de la Madrid, President of Mexico
1984.01.17, His Excellency Zhao Ziyang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
1983.09.26, Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, P.M. of Great Britain
1981.03.11, Ronald Wilson Reagan, U.S. President
1980.05.26, His Excellency Jose Lopez Portillo, President of Mexico
President John F. Kennedy addressed the Canadian Parliament in 1961. Here he is seen meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan, Prince Karim al-Husseini, at the Oval Office, White House, on March 14, 1961. The Ismaili Imam had first met the President in France some six years earlier. Photo: Robert L. Knudsen (Robert LeRoy), 1929-1989.
1980.05.05, His Excellency Masayoshi Ohira, P.M. of Japan
1977.10.18, Her Majesty the Queen (Speech from the throne)
1973.06.19, Madam Indira Gandhi, P.M. of India
1973.03.30, Luis Echeverria, Constitutional President of United Mexican States
1972.04.14, Richard M. Nixon, U.S. President
1967.07.01, Her Majesty the Queen
1961.05.17, John F. Kennedy, U.S. President (link to video of President Kennedy’s speech follows this article)
An image of the original text of address by President John F. Kennedy to Canadian Parliament, Ottawa, 17 May 1961. Credit: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
1958.07.21, Hon. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, P.M. of Ghana
1958.07.09, Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President
1958.06.13, Rt. Hon. Harold Macmillan, P.M. of the United Kingdom
1958.06.02, Professor Theodor Heuss, President of Federal Republic of Germany
1957.10.14, Her Majesty the Queen (Speech from the throne)
1957.03.04, His Excellency Guy Mollet, Premier of France
His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Ismaili Imam and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, with Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the banquet hosted by His Highness in London on July 3, 2008 during his Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Baroness Thatcher addressed the Canadian Parliament in 1988 as Prime Minister of Great Britain. Photo: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee Souvenir, published by Islamic Publications Limited. 2012. Copyright.
1956.06.05, His Excellency Dr. Sukarno, Indonesian President
1956.03.05, His Excellency Giovanni Gronchi, Italian President
1956.02.06, Rt. Hon. Sir Anthony Eden, P.M. of Great Britain
1953.11.14, Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President
1951.04.05, Vincent Auriol, French Republic President
1950.05.31, Hon. Liaquat Ali Khan, P.M. of Pakistan
1949.10.24, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, P.M. of India
1947.06.11, Harry S. Truman, U.S. President
1945.11.19, Rt. Hon. Clement R. Attlee, P.M. of Great Britain
1944.06.01, Rt. Hon. John C. Curtin, P.M. of Australia
1943.06.03, Eduard Benes, Czechoslovakian President
1941.12.30, Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill, P.M. of Great Britain
1939.05.19, His Majesty the King

Non-Heads of State who have addressed Joint Sessions of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada

Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, invites the Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan to speak to the joint session of the Canadian Parliament on February 27, 2014. Here they are pictured in the Prime Minister's Office at the Parliament Building in Ottawa during one of Aga Khan's visits to the country. Photo credit: Akdn.org

Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, has invited the 49th Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, to speak to the joint session of the Canadian Parliament on February 27, 2014. Here they are pictured in the Prime Minister’s Office at the Parliament Building in Ottawa during one of Aga Khan’s visits to the country. Photo credit: Akdn.org

2014.02.27, (forthcoming) His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad
2004.03.09, His Excellency Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations Organization
1990.06.18, Mr. Nelson Mandela Deputy President of the African National Congress (note – at this time Nelson Mandela was not yet head of South Africa, which was still under apartheid rule)
1985.03.07, His Excellency Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary General of the United Nations Organization
1964.05.26, His Excellency U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations Organization
1943.06.16, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, Wife of Leader of Republic of China

Date posted: Monday, February 17, 2014.
Last updated: Thursday, February 20, 2014, 8:00 AM EST.

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1. Compiled from the following sources:

Prime Minister Harper to Welcome His Highness the Aga Khan
Parliament of Canada – Addresses by Heads of State
Parliament of Canada – Addresses by Foreign Dignitaries
Parliament of Canada – Compendium
Hansard in Canada
Wikipedia

2. Link to live broadcast on Thursday, February 27, 2014
(11:00 AM – 11:45 AM EST, U.K. 16:00 – 16:45)
Address to Canadian Parliament by His Highness the Aga Khan

3. For video of Kennedy’s speech click JFK Library Archives.

Our Final Post for 2013: Nelson Mandela at Robben Island by Muslim and Ayesha Harji

30 December 2013

“Madiba, My Hero” by Zulfikarali Khoja and “Renewal and Renaissance” by Nelson Mandela

7 December 2013

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“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children” – Nelson Mandela

Extreme close-up of a detail of a new South African Hundred Rand banknote, featuring an engraving of the face of iconic statesman Nelson Mandela, giving his trademark smile. South African wildlife and African designs form the watermarked background. Photo: Istockphoto> Copyright.

A close-up of a detail of a South African Hundred Rand banknote, featuring an engraving of the face of iconic statesman Nelson Mandela, giving his trademark smile. South African wildlife and African designs form the watermarked background. Photo: Istockphoto. Copyright.

By Zulfikarali M. Khoja
(special to Simerg)

My diverse background has provided me with three world-class heroes. As a Gujarati speaking Canadian, Ghandi stands out as my hero. The Mahatma found the roots of his policy of non-violence in South Africa where he experienced racism in its extreme form. There is a saying that India gave South Africa Ghandi and in return South Africa gave India the Mahatma.

Heroes Gandhi, Mandela, and Pearson. Image: Wikipedia photos.

As a proud Canadian I found my hero in Lester Pearson, Nobel Prize winner for Peace. It is while sitting in a geography class in a segregated school in Pretoria that I was introduced to this figure who originated the Blue Helmeted Peace Keepers to the world. At that time I dreamt of going to Canada. My dream came true!!

As a South African born Canadian there is so much one could write about Madiba, My Hero! I shall restrict myself to two things.

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid. Map: Wikipedia.

Mandela’s cell at Robben Island. Photo: Wikipedia.

His capacity for forgiveness was so deep and pure that it is difficult to imagine. I was fortunate enough to visit Robben Island. The small cell he spent 27 years and the conditions under which he had spent day after day breaking rocks was heart breaking. Tears rolled down my face as I stood in the middle of the quarry. Yet under these awful conditions he stood as a role model for his fellow prisoners, he studied at night, including Afrikaans, the language of his oppressors. How else would he be able to communicate with his prison guards and understand his enemy? How else would be able to negotiate without knowing his enemy. He believed very strongly that forgiveness does not change the past but opens the future. A future for all South Africans and for the world where is civil strife.

In one of the interviews he was asked what did you miss the most while in prison. His response was the interaction with children. Soon after he became the President of new South Africa he established the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF). Fifty percent of his salary was donated to establish this fund. With headquarters in Johannesburg the NMCF has affiliates in various parts of the world, including Canada.

Nelson Mandela with Graça Machel created a bold new movement to turn the world around for millions of children. Photo credit: UNICEF

I was fortunate to be the NMCF Chapter Chair for Ottawa. This opportunity to share the ideals and vision of Madiba to the youth of Ottawa through Youth Conferences on the Hill and extra-curricular activities in school was an enriching experience beyond measure. The Brookfield High School Choir sang South African songs throughout the city and at a variety of public events. This was only one of the ways in which Madiba’s vision was shared with Ottawa citizens.

As an educator and mediator I have been fortunate to have had these lifetime enriching experiences which I share with my children and especially my grandchildren. They are already following in their grandfather’s footsteps.

Date posted: Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Copyright: Zulfikarali M. Khoja.

Please also see Khoja’s piece Ismaili Penmanship in 1906 contributed for Simerg’s special series I Wish I’d Been There.

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Please click: RENEWAL AND RENAISSANCE – TOWARDS A NEW WORLD ORDER

Simerg – Insights from Around the World

Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions

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Our Final Post for 2013: Nelson Mandela at Robben Island by Muslim and Ayesha Harji

“Madiba, My Hero” by Zulfikarali Khoja and “Renewal and Renaissance” by Nelson Mandela