PART II

IV. HONORARY CITIZENSHIP AND “KEY OF THE CITY” AWARDS
V. HONORARY DEGREES
VI. DIPLOMACY

Compiled by Azeem Maherali, Atlanta, Georgia

Vartan Gregorian in his introductory remarks at Brown Univeristy in 1996:

….He (The Aga Khan) has affected the lives of millions. Indeed, only ten days ago, while I was in Chicago, a driver from Pakistan, noting my accent, inquired about my place of birth. When I said I was born in Iran, he asked if I was familiar with the Aga Khan. I said I was slightly familiar with the Aga Khan.

He said, “Everything I have I owe to him — my spiritual welfare, my business.”

“And do you know,” he continued, “He is coming to the United States. I wish there were an opportunity for me to thank my Imam!”

He then turned down the visor and showed me the Aga Khan’s picture. Your Highness, I told him that when I see you, I will thank you on behalf of Fateh Ali Jindhani and all the Fateh Ali Jindhanis of the world. They are a legion and they are of all faiths.

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In the 1980s, when President Reagan was about to hold his first ever meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev in Switzerland, the President was staying at a fine residence outside Geneva on the shore of Lake Geneva. The villa belonged to Prince Karim Aga Khan. The Prince, the Begum and their three children, Princess Zahra and her brothers Prince Rahim and Prince Hussain, had moved out so that the President could use the house.

It turned out that the only condition for the stay was in a note to President Reagan from Prince Hussain, the youngest, who was ten years old, in which he asked that his goldfish be fed everyday. According to Nancy Reagan, the Begum who was her good friend had told her: “Now there’s just one thing. My son has some goldfish that he adores and would you mind feeding the goldfish in the morning. And Ronnie of course right away said ‘well, of course, absolutely’. “….(read the rest in DIPLOMACY)

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IV: HONORARY CITIZENSHIPS AND “KEY OF THE CITY” AWARDS

1. Honorary Citizen of Arzachena (Sardinia) from the Mayor and Town Council, Sardinia, Italy (1962-03-17).

2. Freeman of Abidjan & Golden Key to the city from the Mayor of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (1965-08-04)

3. Golden Key to the town from the Mayor of Majunga, Malagasy Republic (1966-11-15)

4. Honorary Citizenship and Key to the City from Mayor Mian Shuja-ur-Rahman of Lahore, Pakistan (1980-04-04)

5. Key to the City from Mayor Abdul Sattar Afghani of Karachi, Pakistan (1981-02-15)

6. Honorary Citizenship of the Town, from the Mayor Ezra Gumbe of Kisumu, Kenya (1981-03)

7. Honorary Citizen of the city of Samarkand from the Mayor Aziz Nasirov and Governor Palat Majidovich Abdur Rakhmanov, Uzbekistan (1992-09-21)

8. Key to the City of Lisbon, Portugal (1996-12-17)

9. Gold Medal of the City of Granada, Spain (1998-10)

Presented on the occasion of the Award Ceremony of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

10. Honorary Citizen of the Islamic Ummah of Timbuktu, Mali (2003)

11. Key to the City of Ottawa, Canada (2005-06-06)

12. Honorary Citizen of Dar-es Salam, Tanzania (2005)

13. Key to the City of Austin, Texas, USA (2008)

14. Citizen of Honorary of the Municipality of Timbuktu, Mali (2008)

15. Honorary Citizenship of Canada, Government of Canada (2009-06-19)

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper declared in the House of Commons that Canada will grant honorary citizenship to Mawlana Hazar Imam.

“He is truly a beacon of humanitarianism; of pluralism and of tolerance throughout the entire world,” said the Prime Minister, calling him “a great partner and long-time friend of Canada, and a great benefactor to humanity.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam will be only the fifth person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship. He will join a select group of individuals that includes Swedish diplomat and Holocaust hero Raoul Wallenberg, former President of South Africa and Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and pro-democracy icon and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

2009-06-19 — The Canadian House of Commons gave unanimous consent to a motion granting Honorary Canadian Citizenship to Mawlana Hazar Imam. The motion described Hazar Imam as “a beacon of humanitarianism, pluralism and tolerance throughout the world,” and noted that “in addition to the spiritual leadership he provides to the worldwide Ismaili community,” the Imam “is also actively involved in humanitarian and development projects throughout Asia and Africa.”

 

Through the motion, the House expressed its gratitude for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s efforts in Afghanistan, “where today the Aga Khan Development Network is a vital partner in [Canada’s] efforts to secure and improve the lives of Afghan citizens.” The motion also expressed the pride of the Government of Canada at having partnered with Hazar Imam to build the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

After the motion passed, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement in which he said: “I look forward to welcoming the Aga Khan back to Canada as an Honorary Citizen, and continuing to work closely with him to improve tolerance, pluralism and development around the world.”

V. HONORARY DEGREES

To date, His Highness the Aga Khan has been awarded 20 honorary degrees by universities from 11 different countries:

1.    Canada – from five institutions of the prestigious “G13.” G13 or Group of 13, is a group of leading research-intensive universities in Canada: McGill University, McMaster University, University of Toronto, University of Alberta, University of Ottawa.
2.    UK – from three institutions of the prestigious “Russel Group.” The Russell Group is a collaboration of the top twenty universities in the United Kingdom: University of London, University of Wales, University of Cambridge.
3.    USA – from three institutions: 2 institutions of the prestigious “Ivy League” and/or from 1 institution of the Big Three. Ivy League comprises of 8 colleges considered to be among the best institutions of higher learning in Northeastern United States. Big Three (colleges) — a term used to refer to Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. As well His Highness received an award equivalent to an Honorary Degree from UCSF.  Brown University, Harvard University, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
4.    Pakistan – from two institutions: University of Peshawar, University of Sind
5.    Portugal – from one institution: University of Évora
6.    Egypt – from one institution: American University in Cairo
7.    Ireland – from one institution: National University of Ireland
8.   Kyrgyzstan – from one institution: Osh State University
9.   Lebanon – from one institution: American University of Beirut
10.  Mali – from one institution: University of Sankoré
11.  Tajikistan: Khorog State University

The following are the degrees in chronological sequence:

NOTE: Legum Doctor (LL.D. also known as Doctor of Laws) is a doctorate-level academic degree in law, or an honorary doctorate, depending on the jurisdiction.

1. LL.D. (honoris causa) University of Peshawar, Pakistan (1967-11-30)

Hazar Imam was cited as “whether it be the cause of Muslims in Pakistan, so dear to his fore-bearers and to himself, or in the far distant Philippines, his generosity has enhanced all.”

2. LL.D. (honoris causa), University of Sind, Pakistan (1970-02-06)

In its citation, Vice-Chancellor Al-Haj Sayid Ghulam Mustafa Shah, remarked:

“In a short span of 12 years as Imam, His Royal Highness has shown that he is endowed with wisdom, versatility, sagacity and statesmanship which are characteristic of his noble and great family. In the fast-changing and kaleidoscopic conditions on the continents of Asia and Africa, His Royal Highness has not only guided the socio-economic activities of his own followers, but has also rendered immense material assistance in the economic development of new and young nations and thereby advanced the well-being, prosperity and stability of the people of those countries.”

3. LL.D. (honoris causa), McGill University, Canada (1983-11-01)

David Johnston, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said in his presentation:

“This man is a bridge between North and South, East and West. His leadership is beyond politics, beyond race, beyond religion. In a world torn by division, hostility, war and fear of nuclear holocaust, he is a shining beacon of inspiration and of hard-headed accomplishment in improving the lot of humankind, in elevating the quality of civilized life and in uplifting all peoples of the world to cherish the brotherhood of man.”

4. LL.D. (honoris causa), McMaster University, Canada (1987-05-15)

In a tribute to Hazar Imam, the President of the University Mr. Alvin Lee said, “In that Islamic tradition, which treasures education, rest the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and their religious leader, His Highness the Aga Khan.”

5. D. Litt. (honoris causa), University of London, United Kingdom (1989-10-11)

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, Chancellor of the University, conferred the Degree during the Founders Day Convocation ceremony.

Mawlana Hazar Imam was cited as “a calm voice in troubled times, a world leader, uniquely placed to bridge the cultural differences dividing the East and West.”

6. LL.D. (honoris causa), University of Wales, Wales, United Kingdom (1993-11-30)

Prince of Wales, Princess Charles, Chancellor of the University, conferred the Degree.

The Aga Khan was cited for his patronage of education and academic research throughout the world.

7. LL.D. (honoris causa), Brown University, USA (1996-05-27)

In its citation, President Vartan Gregorian, remarked, “He [Prince Karim Aga Khan] has become a major activist for civilized humanity and universal values. Not in words but in deeds. Not in one location but around the world.”

(Following are excerpts from  introductory remarks made to the graduating class of 1996 by Vartan Gregorian who was  President of Brown University, Providence, in Rhode Island when the Aga Khan received the University’s Honorary degree, on Sunday May 27, 1996).

….He (The Aga Khan) has affected the lives of millions. Indeed, only ten days ago, while I was in Chicago, a driver from Pakistan, noting my accent, inquired about my place of birth. When I said I was born in Iran, he asked if I was familiar with the Aga Khan. I said I was slightly familiar with the Aga Khan.

He said, “Everything I have I owe to him — my spiritual welfare, my business.”

“And do you know,” he continued, “He is coming to the United States. I wish there were an opportunity for me to thank my Imam!”

He then turned down the visor and showed me the Aga Khan’s picture. Your Highness, I told him that when I see you, I will thank you on behalf of Fateh Ali Jindhani and all the Fateh Ali Jindhanis of the world. They are a legion and they are of all faiths.

As an educator, I thank you on behalf of universities where no Islamic Civilization was taught and where, thanks to your munificence such teaching now exists.

One more private, personal thank you — for entrusting the education of Prince Rahim to Brown University. We are grateful for your trust, we salute Prince Rahim, your beloved daughter Princess Zahra and your son Prince Hussain.

Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Class of 1996, I present to you this inspiring leader, great humanitarian, statesman and man of learning and culture, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

8. Honorary Professorship of the University of Osh, Kyrgyzstan (2002)

9. LL.D. (honoris causa) University of Toronto, Canada (2004-06-18)

10. Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, American University of Beirut, Lebanon (2005-06-25)

In its citation, the University praised the Aga Khan as “an avid philanthropist standing at the head of a network of service institutions focused on the have-nots of the world, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.”

11. Honorary Doctorate, University of Évora, Portugal (2006-02-12)

The ceremony was presided over by Portuguese President, Jorge Sampaio and Rector, Manuel Patricio. Attendees included the Portuguese Minister for State and Foreign Affairs, Diogo Freitas do Amaral, international diplomatic representatives, members of the senate and faculty of the university, and local dignitaries.

12. Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, American University in Cairo, Egypt (2006-06-15)

13. Honorary Doctorate, University of Sankoré, Mali (2008-04-25)

14. LL.D. (honoris causa), Harvard University, USA (2008-06-05)

15. LL.D.(honoris causa), National University of Ireland (NUI), Maynooth, Ireland (2008-06-30)

President of NUI Maynooth, Professor John Hughes awarded the Aga Khan with an honorary doctorate citing the Aga Khan’s “outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society”.

16. LL.D. (honoris causa), University of Alberta, Canada (2009-06-09)

17. Doctor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (2009-06-12)

His Highness the Aga Khan was recognized with the distinction of Doctor of Divinity for his work in promoting healthcare and education in developing countries at the Cambridge University. The Aga Khan became the first Muslim to receive the distinction in the University’s 800 year history.

18. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medal – 2011, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA (2011-04-26).

The Medal, established in 1975, replaces the granting of honorary degrees, and recognises outstanding personal contributions in areas associated with the University’s fourfold health science mission

VI. DIPLOMACY

1. Hosted by invitation 450 personalities from the scientific and political world for a reflection meeting on the non-proliferation of nuclear arms (1985).

2. President Reagan Stays at the Aga Khan’s Villa

President Ronald Reagan of the USA and his wife Nancy Reagan took over the Aga Khan’s 18th century Maison de Saussure in a village near Geneva as a base for the summit with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. President Reagan proclaimed at the end of that summit that he and Gorbachev had found a key to super-power peace (1985-11)

In the 1980s, when President Reagan was about to hold his first ever meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev in Switzerland, the President was staying at a fine residence outside Geneva on the shore of Lake Geneva. The villa belonged to Prince Karim Aga Khan. The Prince, the Begum and their three children, Princess Zahra and her brothers Prince Rahim and Prince Hussain, had moved out so that the President could use the house.

It turned out that the only condition for the stay was in a note to President Reagan from Prince Hussain, the youngest, who was ten years old, in which he asked that his goldfish be fed everyday. According to Nancy Reagan, the Begum who was her good friend had told her:

“Now there’s just one thing. My son has some goldfish that he adores and would you mind feeding the goldfish in the morning. And Ronnie of course right away said ‘well, of course, absolutely’. “

The fish were in a special goldfish tank in Prince Hussain’s bedroom on the second floor. Nobody used the bedroom, but everyone remembered to feed the goldfish.

And one morning the President went into the little boy’s room, and one goldfish was dead. It was lying on the bottom of the tank.

The President then said to Don [Donald Regan, the Presiden’s Chief of Staff], “we’ve got a problem,”. So, as the peace of the world hung in the balance, he called everybody in there and said “You’ve got to – take this goldfish out and find one that looks exactly like it so that we can replace this.” The members of the President’s staff were urgently dispatched to find a replacement.

“Well I thought Ronnie was going to die”, remarked Mrs. Reagan.

The goldfish replaced, it was time to meet Mikhail Gorbachev.

At the end, the mood was warm. Reagan left Geneva with his Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and with an agreement: a “nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.” The world breathed a sigh of relief. There was another communiqué – to Hussain Aga Khan and his parents:

“Dear Friends, On Tuesday I found one of your fish dead in the bottom of the tank. I don’t know what could have happened but I added two new ones, same kind, I hope this was alright. Thanks for letting us live in your lovely home. Ronald Reagan.”

3. India-Pakistan Impasse (2003-05)

At least two knowledgeable ruling politicians and a few senior Pakistani officials are crediting intense background efforts of spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, Prince Karim Aga Khan, for diplomatic breakthrough between Islamabad and New Delhi that in the past few days again ignited hope of a durable peace.

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee surprised the world in the past two weeks when he suddenly reversed the belligerent Indian stance of equating Pakistan with Saddam Hussain’s Iraq by offering “decisive” peace talks and restoration of full diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

Informed senior Pakistani officials and top ruling politicians have now said that they believed that besides the continuing diplomatic pressure from Washington, the personal efforts of Prince Karim Aga Khan over the past two weeks played a crucial role in encouraging the Indian leadership, particularly Prime Minister Vajpayee, to initiate fresh efforts to resolve Kashmir issue with Pakistan. “It seemed that Aga Khan devoted much of his time behind the glare of publicity in April in breaking ice between New Delhi and Islamabad,” divulged an informed a diplomatic source, who didn’t want to be identified

4. Panelist, The White House Conference on Culture and Diplomacy (2000-11-28)

President Clinton, Mrs. Clinton, and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright convened the first White House Conference on Culture and Diplomacy. Introducing the panel’s comments to nearly 200 prominent U.S. and foreign diplomats, artists, cultural figures, and corporate and foundation heads

Tonight, my purpose is really to listen and learn. And the Aga Khan, for instance, has dedicated much of his life to bridging differences between cultures and enhancing and preserving rich cultural legacies, said, Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright.

END OF PART II

For Titles, Decorations and Awards and Prizes please read Part I at Literary Reading: Part I – Worldwide Honours For Prince Karim Aga Khan Underline Impact of Ismaili Imamat’s Contribution . Also click H. H. The Aga Khan IV for links to more articles, photos and interviews.

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About the author: Mr. Maherali, originally of Ottawa, Canada, is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. He has contributed a similar reading on Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, which you can read in this website (see link below). Readers are invited to notify us of any errors or omissions which they come across in these readings. Please submit your feedback in the REPLY form below or send an email to simerg@aol.com, Subject: Honours conferred on 48th and 49th Ismaili Imams.

Click the following for Azeem Maherali’s similar piece on His Highness the Aga Khan III:

Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Titles, Decorations and Honours Conferred on 48th Ismaili Imam; 72 Year Reign Spanned Six British Monarchs and Seventeen PM’s

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Readers are invited to visit the following AKDN links to read full text of speeches made by His Highness the Aga Khan, to get the latest updates, and to view more photographs related to the 49th Ismaili Imam:

• » A Unique and Sustainable Approach to Development
• » AKDN on Twitter

OTHER NOTES:

President Reagan anecdote compiled from the following sources:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/reagan/filmmore/transcript/transcript2.html
http://www.mrbellersneighborhood.com/sec5/fishbowl.html/

Also, ask your children to read the story about this incident, as retold by William Sheperd, at:
http://www.5minutemystery.com/mystery/the-geneva-summit-goldfish-mystery

and invite them to figure out how the mystery was resolved.