Visits by the Imam to various countries achieve a great deal for the countries and the Jamats residing therein.
The announcements made by the institutions through theismaili.org generate a great deal of anticipation and excitement within the Jamat irrespective of whether Didars will be granted.
This therefore is a reason to celebrate Imams presence in the country especially when they are becoming increasingly rare.
It is a good tradition to highlight the significance of the Imams visits and celebrate them.
The letter below suggests that there were no celebations during Mowla's recent visit to Nairobi. What do you think?
*****
Respected Leaders and Naamdaar Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Khamadiani Sahebas.
Ya Ali Madad.
When our Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam arrived in New Delhi, India, on 7th April 2015, to receive the Padma Vibhushan from the Indian Government, ghat-paat, sherbaat and cake were served IN ALL THE JAMATKHANAS IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
When our Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam arrived in Toronto, Canada, on 27th May 2015, for the Annual Pluralism Lecture, the entire Canadian Jamat rejoiced with ghat-paat and dinner being served in all the Jamatkhanas across the country. In Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Vancouver, special halls were hired on May 28th 2015 and the jamats in these regions were invited to gather and watch the live screening of the lecture on giant screens that were set up specially for this purpose. After the lecture was over, the jamats were treated to a lavish banquet in each of these cities.
When our Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on 2nd August 2014, for a private visit during which He held meetings at the Dar Es Salaam Serena, all the Jamatkhanas in Dar Es Salaam were specially lit up and welcome banners for our Beloved Imam could be seen on all the major streets. It goes without saying that dandiaraas and dinner marked the happiness of the jamat.
When our Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 30th October 2011, for the opening of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel, all the Ismaili families of Khorog gathered together in the Khorog Park. There was music and dancing and biryani was served to one and all. There was rejoicing despite the fact that the jamats of Tajikistan are not at all financially well-off. Also, Khorog is so far away from Dushanbe, in the remote Pamir Mountains of Badakshan. But their love for their Imam had to be expressed especially when He was physically present in their country.
When our Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on 15th March 2016, NOTHING!! NO GHAT-PAAT IN THE JAMATKHANAS, NO REJOICING WITH SHERBAAT AND CAKE, NOTHING!!
Why is it that the Nairobi Jamat is about the ONLY Jamat worldwide that does not show any signs of rejoicing and happiness when our Beloved Hazar Imam is physically present in our city? The obvious answer points squarely at our leaders and at our Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadiani Sahebas.
Sadly, there seems to be no desire amongst our leaders in Nairobi to express love for our Imam.
But the Jamat loves the Imam! For us, He is the Lord of the fourteen worlds! And you, as our leaders, have been appointed for the Jamat. Therefore, it is absolutely unfair and unacceptable for our leaders to completely ignore the emotions of the Jamat. It is shameful, nay disgraceful, that the Jamati members of Darkhana in Nairobi had to buy a cake from the nandi and put it outside with the chai (not sherbaat, mind you!) in order to somewhat show joy that our Imam was coming to Nairobi.
Via this letter, we ask you WHY. WHY do you behave in such a cavalier manner towards our Beloved Imam and towards your Jamat? Have you completely decided to ignore the years and years of our glorious traditions that were so magnificently established as a precedent by wonderful leaders like the late Sir Eboo Pirbhai? At least past Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs like Amin Manji, Nizar Hemraj and Gulam Saleh etc had the decency to host live screenings of functions presided over by the Imam in a communal manner with refreshments and rejoicing.
Is it any wonder then that our Beloved Imam comes to Nairobi but leaves on December 12th, just one day before His Salgirah Mubarak? Is it any wonder that our Beloved Hazar Imam comes to Nairobi and then leaves on March 20th, just one day before Navroz Mubarak? Our Imam loves Kenya, and Nairobi in particular, as is evidenced in His speech given during the Government banquet in Nairobi in August 2007, and so He comes here often; more often than He visits any other country in the world! Unfortunately, our leaders, yourselves, treat these invaluable padhramnis as a burden, a drain on financial resources, which is why there is no sign of celebration in Nairobi these days, which now forces our Imam to express His disappointment by leaving the country on the eve of important celebrations such as Navroz and Salgirah Mubarak.
Please take the hint! Stop taking our Imam for granted. Take our Imam to be our Beloved Mother and Father. Imagine if your mother was leaving town on the day before her birthday – what would you do? It is extremely upsetting for the jamat to see our leaders attend functions presided over by our Beloved Imam (invitations they have received as a result of their appointments) and then do absolutely NOTHING for the Jamat to be able to express love and happiness for their Imam.
As the world encroaches more and more on our Beloved Imam’s time and attention, His jamati visits have become more and more rare. Surely, as our leaders, you should be aware of this and, therefore, take full advantage of such private visits of our Imam to Nairobi. We cannot believe it was not possible for Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadiani Sahebas or even the Council President or even Itmaadi Janmohamed to take a cake and gift to the Imam’s residence, on behalf of the Jamat, before the Imam left on December 12th and then later have the cake distributed in the jamatkhanas. We cannot believe that during the six whole days that the Imam was here recently (March 2016), it was not possible to request the Imam to send Aab-e-shafa and juro for the jamat as well as present the Imam with a Navroz cake and Nazrana on behalf of the jamat.
Kindly stop giving excuses all the time that the Imam is busy and here on a private visit. The Imam ALWAYS has time for His beloved children. But it is the leaders, yourselves, who don’t have the inclination and the initiative and the love to ensure that the jamat benefits from such invaluable padhramnis. Also, stop making excuses of troubled times such as the Imperial Bank fiasco. Nothing is more important than rejoicing when our Beloved Imam is physically here! And ghat-paat and sherbaat will not empty anybody’s pockets, especially when Nairobi does not lack in willing and generous donors.
We hope this will change, nay, it MUST change. Do not take things for granted as otherwise, if this continues, Nairobi will fall to the bottom of our Beloved Imam’s list during the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee Celebrations worldwide (or perhaps even be completely left out as Pakistan was in the Golden Jubilee).
Of course, we are sure this letter will annoy all of you and special measures will be taken to boycott us but, for ourselves, that is nothing new. The sentiments expressed in this letter are shared by a vast majority of our jamati brothers and sisters who are all upset because this Navroz was very dismally celebrated, especially when the Lord of the Worlds – our Beloved Imam – was physically present in Nairobi at that precise time. Really, the only words that come to mind are shameful, disgraceful, appalling...pathetic!
Yours sincerely,
( I have the names of the 3 individuals who wrote this but will not mention them here)
Celebrations for Mowla's Visits To Various Countries
Celebrations for Mowla's Visits To Various Countries
Last edited by kmaherali on Tue May 16, 2017 11:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Imam is always happy when we celebrate him.
I remember an interview (we posted the video sometimes ago on our FB/IsmailiHeritage page) where he said that he would also like to be weighted for his Jubilee like we did for Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah.
Also in an another interview, he describe the happiness of the Jamat when Imam comes, he said people close their shop, they decorate the JK etc..
I will try to give both links here once I find those.
Admin
I remember an interview (we posted the video sometimes ago on our FB/IsmailiHeritage page) where he said that he would also like to be weighted for his Jubilee like we did for Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah.
Also in an another interview, he describe the happiness of the Jamat when Imam comes, he said people close their shop, they decorate the JK etc..
I will try to give both links here once I find those.
Admin
This is very interesting. I am eager to see the video. In other interviews he has downplayed the fantacies of the Jubilees of his grandfather.Admin wrote:I remember an interview (we posted the video sometimes ago on our FB/IsmailiHeritage page) where he said that he would also like to be weighted for his Jubilee like we did for Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah.
Mowlana Shah Karim, in his young age when he became Imam, said that the way Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah was weigh during the Jubilees is an "Ismaili Custom" which should be "carried on"
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 504788850/
https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... 504788850/
Last edited by Admin on Wed Mar 30, 2016 12:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
Ya Ali Madad.
It is always a joyous occasion for jammat whenever MHI visit their country,it is a part of our pranalika.
Things have changed over last century.MHI travel for many reason to a country which may be a not apart of an ismaili related activity.
there are time when soem area of the world where jamat may be in pain or suffering.
Like recently MHI viisted London to attend some seminar for AID TO SYRIA
This does does not give blanket permit to jamat in UK to play dadiya raas,have sherbat and biryani.
I feel maturity and wisdom must prevail over or jamat along that is seen in our leadership.
The whole visit of MHI to any country in future must be seen in context with local and international situation,sentiments and emotion.
I personally feel that wisdom should prevail over pranlaika.
A mail from kenya fro xyz is not written in right spirit.It reflect one's dharmik bhavana and laagni may be ignorant of wishes of MHI directed discreetly to leaders of that country.
One must not just jump into dandiya,sherbet,biryani with a drop of a hat.
It is always a joyous occasion for jammat whenever MHI visit their country,it is a part of our pranalika.
Things have changed over last century.MHI travel for many reason to a country which may be a not apart of an ismaili related activity.
there are time when soem area of the world where jamat may be in pain or suffering.
Like recently MHI viisted London to attend some seminar for AID TO SYRIA
This does does not give blanket permit to jamat in UK to play dadiya raas,have sherbat and biryani.
I feel maturity and wisdom must prevail over or jamat along that is seen in our leadership.
The whole visit of MHI to any country in future must be seen in context with local and international situation,sentiments and emotion.
I personally feel that wisdom should prevail over pranlaika.
A mail from kenya fro xyz is not written in right spirit.It reflect one's dharmik bhavana and laagni may be ignorant of wishes of MHI directed discreetly to leaders of that country.
One must not just jump into dandiya,sherbet,biryani with a drop of a hat.
Nobody is talking about dandia and biriyani. Just sherbat and cake to expreses the joy and happiness of the Jamat. The Nairobi visit was an institutional one and benefitted the Jamat institutions and the country. Not a private visit.nuseri wrote:Ya Ali Madad.
This does does not give blanket permit to jamat in UK to play dadiya raas,have sherbat and biryani.
To Kmaherali:Ya Ali Madad.
I am amused to see that that you are posting/facilitating an email/etc of grumpy Khojas who are dissenting,agitating or revolting of their wish and desire.
Let not this website be a platform for it.
MHI visit was to see a new machinery of printing press of the newspaper.
there was no Inaguration of any jamati infrasturture.
there was NO NO award,honour or citation by government
we must with wisdom acertain desire is there but IS IT NECASSARY.
if a child at age 16 desire a fast and heave motorbike,but the parents see it as not neccasary.desire is not a right by law and traditions
mY CONVICTION is for haqiqati momin everyday is an Eid,,so go ahead and enjoy not just cakes and sherbat but also biryani and sheerkorma.
A joyous event of national and international pride and stature may be understood to celebrate visit of MHI to that country with sweets/etc distribution.
ALI SE DIL KI DOSTI KARO.
CAKE AUR SHERBAT SE SUGAR LEVEL BADH SAKTA HAI.
I am amused to see that that you are posting/facilitating an email/etc of grumpy Khojas who are dissenting,agitating or revolting of their wish and desire.
Let not this website be a platform for it.
MHI visit was to see a new machinery of printing press of the newspaper.
there was no Inaguration of any jamati infrasturture.
there was NO NO award,honour or citation by government
we must with wisdom acertain desire is there but IS IT NECASSARY.
if a child at age 16 desire a fast and heave motorbike,but the parents see it as not neccasary.desire is not a right by law and traditions
mY CONVICTION is for haqiqati momin everyday is an Eid,,so go ahead and enjoy not just cakes and sherbat but also biryani and sheerkorma.
A joyous event of national and international pride and stature may be understood to celebrate visit of MHI to that country with sweets/etc distribution.
ALI SE DIL KI DOSTI KARO.
CAKE AUR SHERBAT SE SUGAR LEVEL BADH SAKTA HAI.
I have noticed consistently that you have unresolved issue with the "Khojas" and regardless of the subject discussed, you are venting your anger on them all over the place. I think it may be a psychiatric problem linked to your past. Please do consult some specialist. It is just a friendly advise.nuseri wrote:T
I am amused to see that that you are posting/facilitating an email/etc of grumpy Khojas who are dissenting,agitating or revolting of their wish and desire.
In his remarks made at the inauguration of the Nation Media Groups' new Printing Press MHI said:nuseri wrote:To Kmaherali:Ya Ali Madad.
MHI visit was to see a new machinery of printing press of the newspaper.
there was no Inaguration of any jamati infrastructure.
"In such a world, it is absolutely critical – more than ever – that the public should have somewhere to turn for reliable, balanced, objective and accurate information, as best as it can be discovered. No one, including the Nation Media Group, will ever be able to do that perfectly. But it is critically important that all of us should try.
That may sound idealistic, but that is the reason that I founded the Nation a half century ago. That is also why we have also recently started a new Graduate School of Media and Communication here in Nairobi as part of the Aga Khan University. And it is why I wanted to be here today… to share in another milestone moment for the Nation Media Group.
As we often do at milestone events in our personal lives as well as in our institutional lives, we think today about our dreams of the past and our hopes for the future. Milestone moments are times for celebration, and they are also times for rededication. As we commission this new press today, we are also rededicating ourselves to the ideals which gave birth to this company almost six decades ago, and that have since propelled it forward ever since.
I am deeply pleased to be part of this moment, and to share in it with all of you."
From the above statements it is quite clear that MHI was not there simply to see a new machinery, but he was there to participate and celebrate an important milestone moment in the history of the Nation Media. He also said that he was deeply pleased to be part of that moment.
One may ask why the Imam was deeply pleased. The Nation Media since its launch has had a major impact upon the governance of countries of East and Central Africa. It has contributed significantly to the development of a free press in Africa and what that entails in respect of the impact upon public opinion and the hearts and minds of the peoples in that region.
Charles Njonjo an influential politician and who was the attorney general stated in the article: Kenya: The Aga Khan Deserves a Medal - and the Gratitude of All Kenyans http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/aga-khan ... ll-kenyans , that Mowlana Hazar Imam's involvement in the Media can only be compared to the contribution of the first president of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta:
"What Kenyatta did in in the political arena, in the establishing of political traditions and political norms of freedom (which often are more important even than the law itself) the Aga Khan did for the media."
Hence the involvement of Imamat in the Media has had a profound impact upon the perception and reputation of the Imamat and the Jamat by the society of Kenya especially the political elite. Hence any progress and development in the Nation Media enhances the image and reputation of Imamat and the Jamat and deserves a celebration as per the Imam's statement.
Because of your blatant ignorance I would advice you to go through the thread below to understand what the impact of the Media has been for the peoples of Africa.
News on and about Nation Media
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... sc&start=0
Apart from the Nation Media event, MHI during his visit, visited several institutions in the country. This strengthens them and enhances their performance which deserves celebration by the Jamat. The Imam said that it was a moment of deep pleasure for the Imam to be present. The Jamat should acknowledge that pleasure and share that pleasure with the Imam by sherbet and cake at least, after all these moments are not very frequent.
Subject: Ya Ali Madad and Mumbaraki to all
FORWARDED AS RECEIVED:
As announced at Dubai Jamatkhana Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam visit confirmed on Saturday, 5th November to UAE Jamat are invited to have a special screening of the Event award ceremony. Sheikh Rashid Hall WTC Dubai at 5 p.m. Congregation will happen at 6.30 p.m. followed by Dinner and khushiyali celebration at the venue.
FORWARDED AS RECEIVED:
As announced at Dubai Jamatkhana Beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam visit confirmed on Saturday, 5th November to UAE Jamat are invited to have a special screening of the Event award ceremony. Sheikh Rashid Hall WTC Dubai at 5 p.m. Congregation will happen at 6.30 p.m. followed by Dinner and khushiyali celebration at the venue.
Roz-e-Nur: The day of light
To celebrate the occasion of Roz-e-Nur this week, The Ismaili is pleased to present From a Thousand Years ago into the Next Millennium, a 93-minute film of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s historic first visit to the Tajikistan Jamat in May 1995.
This first formal encounter of the Imam-of-the-Time with the Tajik Jamat in recent history is celebrated annually on 24 May as Roz-e-Nur, or the Day of Light, marking the anniversary of the Imam’s first mulaqat with the Jamat in Dushanbe, and his first foot-step in Gorno-Badakhshan on 25 May. The year 2020 marks 25 years since that momentous occasion.
The dismantling of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s and the ensuing civil conflict had led to severe food and energy shortages in the geographically isolated Badakhshan region in the Pamir mountains. In the winter of 1992, a severe humanitarian crisis arose, putting countless lives and livelihoods at risk. In response to a request of the Government of Tajikistan, Mawlana Hazar Imam launched an emergency relief effort through the Aga Khan Foundation, which led to a process of positive change for the newly emerging nation. This crucial intervention protected those living in the area at that time of an existential crisis.
During his 1995 visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with government leaders and also granted mulaqats to the Jamat in Dushanbe, Porshinev, Roshtkala. Rushan, Sijd, Ishkashim and Murgab. Among the many thousands of murids who travelled long distances on foot to these locations, there were those who had never even seen a picture of the Imam before then.
After decades of isolation and waiting, the Tajik Jamat greeted Mawlana Hazar Imam with elated joy. Having gone through many years of challenging times politically, economically, and socially, and also faced difficulty in practising the faith. Roz-e-Nur brought for them a sense of salvation, and renewed hope for the future.
Today, the Tajik Jamat looks back upon this day as a turning point in their lives. Roz-e-Nur is joyfully commemorated as a celebratory occasion when families gather to feast on the traditional palau and sweet dishes, sing songs, recite qasidas and maddoh, and share unique memories and experiences.
It is also a time of happiness and festivity in expressing loyalty to the Imam-of-the-Time, and offering gratitude for his grace and care for all murids worldwide.
From A Thousand Years Ago Into The Next Millenium
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3yQFzTndyU
To celebrate the occasion of Roz-e-Nur this week, The Ismaili is pleased to present From a Thousand Years ago into the Next Millennium, a 93-minute film of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s historic first visit to the Tajikistan Jamat in May 1995.
This first formal encounter of the Imam-of-the-Time with the Tajik Jamat in recent history is celebrated annually on 24 May as Roz-e-Nur, or the Day of Light, marking the anniversary of the Imam’s first mulaqat with the Jamat in Dushanbe, and his first foot-step in Gorno-Badakhshan on 25 May. The year 2020 marks 25 years since that momentous occasion.
The dismantling of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s and the ensuing civil conflict had led to severe food and energy shortages in the geographically isolated Badakhshan region in the Pamir mountains. In the winter of 1992, a severe humanitarian crisis arose, putting countless lives and livelihoods at risk. In response to a request of the Government of Tajikistan, Mawlana Hazar Imam launched an emergency relief effort through the Aga Khan Foundation, which led to a process of positive change for the newly emerging nation. This crucial intervention protected those living in the area at that time of an existential crisis.
During his 1995 visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with government leaders and also granted mulaqats to the Jamat in Dushanbe, Porshinev, Roshtkala. Rushan, Sijd, Ishkashim and Murgab. Among the many thousands of murids who travelled long distances on foot to these locations, there were those who had never even seen a picture of the Imam before then.
After decades of isolation and waiting, the Tajik Jamat greeted Mawlana Hazar Imam with elated joy. Having gone through many years of challenging times politically, economically, and socially, and also faced difficulty in practising the faith. Roz-e-Nur brought for them a sense of salvation, and renewed hope for the future.
Today, the Tajik Jamat looks back upon this day as a turning point in their lives. Roz-e-Nur is joyfully commemorated as a celebratory occasion when families gather to feast on the traditional palau and sweet dishes, sing songs, recite qasidas and maddoh, and share unique memories and experiences.
It is also a time of happiness and festivity in expressing loyalty to the Imam-of-the-Time, and offering gratitude for his grace and care for all murids worldwide.
From A Thousand Years Ago Into The Next Millenium
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3yQFzTndyU
Blessings of Our Forefathers: The 1966 Visit of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, to Iringa, Tanzania
Narrative and Photos Submitted by
THE FAMILY OF ALIJAH AKBARALI AND ALIJIANI KULSUMBAI MOHAMED HAMIR
(Special to Barakah)
“On November 4th, 1966, as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s plane circled the Iringa airport, there was palpable excitement as the leaders of the Jamat anxiously awaited the arrival of our beloved Imam. Mawlana Hazar Imam had taken a break on his extended tour of East Africa to return to Europe to attend to some personal matter. Iringa was the second stop on his return visit from Europe. As the ebullient Imam emerged from his plane, without regard to his evident infirmary, with plastered foot and a walking cane, Jamati leaders’ ecstatic emotions turned to one of unexpected concern. But the Imam was quick to calm the leaders’ fears about his infirmed foot.” — Excerpt from narrative, below.
MOMENTOUS NEWS OF MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM’S VISIT
In September of 1966, our father, Alijah Akbarali Mohamed Hamir, was the Mukhi of the Iringa Jamat when he received a fortuitous message that the Iringa Jamat had long been praying for and anxiously awaiting. With great fanfare, happiness and gratitude, he and Kamadia Saheb Fatehali Karim Lalji, announced to the Jamat that Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, would bless the Jamat with two nights, three days visit to Iringa in November. The ecstatic Iringa Jamat observed and celebrated the announcement with Shukrana prayers and full fledged Khushali.
Aga Khan Mawlana Hazar Imam Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Iringa Aga Khan Band celebrating arrival of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Mawlana Hazar Imam undertook an extensive tour of East Africa Jamats in his upcoming 10th year of his Imamat. The purpose of this strenuous, several weeks long tour was to conduct the various religious ceremonies, and importantly also to assess the Jamats’ progress, needs and deliver Imamat guidance for both spiritual and material upliftment of the Jamat.
IRINGA AND THE SOUTHERN HIGHLAND REGION
Hill top view of Iringa, Tanzania.
Hilltop view of beautiful Iringa, Tanzania. Photo: Public domain; Matt Crypto / Wikipedia.
Our Hazar Imam’s visit to Iringa represented an outstanding opportunity for the Iringa Jamati leaders to showcase the Jamat’s growth, achievements and large contribution towards Southern Highland Region’s economic growth, vitality and establishment of social services and several civil society programs.
The history of the Iringa region, and indeed that of Tanzania, is incomplete without the mention of the role of heroic and influential Mkwawa family dynasty. The Iringa Region had achieved both high visibility and notoriety in Tanganyika during the German colonial period when in 1894 the renowned Wahehe tribal Chief Mkwawa waged a war of resistance against the German encroachment and colonialization of the Iringa region. After initial success in defeating the German military forces and a four-year war of attrition against the mighty German forces, Chief Mkwawa chose to commit suicide rather than face humiliation of capture.
Chief Mkwawa of Iringa region.
A portrait of Wahehe tribal Chief Mkwawa who waged a war of resistance against the German encroachment and colonialization of the Iringa region. Photo: The National Archives UK. Reproduced under OGL V1.0.
In 1954, British Governor Edward Twinning of Tanganyika, after many years of effort, was able to repatriate Chief Mkwawa’s Skull which the Germans in 1899 had decapitated and exhibited in a museum in Berlin, Germany. The return of the Skull was an important symbolic event signifying both the heroism and tribute for the sacrifice for freedom of the Chief and his dominant Wahehe Tribe of Iringa, and for the country as a whole. The event was observed in Iringa with a high profile and somber ceremony attended by the Governor as well as leading regional and national personalities. The Skull now resides in a small museum in the Village of Kalenga, a district of Iringa. This historical event associated with Iringa looms high in the history of Tanzania.
Chief Mkwawa's skull being returned to Tanganyika by British Governor Edward Twinning.
British Governor Edward Twinning of Tanganyika returns Chief Mkwawa’s skull to Tangangika. Photo: The National Archives UK. Reproduced under OGL V1.0.
A significant and interesting anecdote to the Mkwawa Chiefdom is the relationship that developed with a member of our family. Chief Mkwawa’s grandson, Chief Adam Sapi Mkwawa (1920-1998), had the recognition and political influence to become the First Speaker of the House of independent Tanzania’s parliament for more than 25 years over two terms. But prior to his Speakership, he had, through business relationship, befriended the family of our uncle Bhimji Asser Sachedina. Our aunt Sikina (Fuima to us) who had played a major role in our grandfather’s Iringa Jamatkhana project and his business, had developed a close friendship with the Chief and his family. Indeed, Chief Adam had come to consider her as his sister! Our aunt, specifically, had developed such trust with the Chief that the Sachedina family extended significant open trade credit to his seasonal farming financing needs.
This lasting mutual trust, affection and friendship between the two families was one of the true examples of positive cross ethnic relationships in the multicultural society of Iringa. Also, the success of this relationship and goodwill resulted in enhanced business and commerce relationship between the Chief’s Wahehe tribe and many of the Ismaili owned businesses in Iringa. Even after he became the Speaker of the parliament, Chief Adam Sapi frequently made a point of visiting the Sachedina family during his home District visits to Iringa. Through her empathy and compassion for peoples of all races, we are proud that our aunt Sikina contributed to raising the profile of our Ismaili community in Iringa.
Following World War I (1914-1918), the German defeat led to Tanganyika being a trust territory administered by the British. The first phase of Iringa’s prominence started in the 1930’s with construction of Roman Catholic Mission complex including a beautiful church, school and medical clinic facilities in Tosmaganga, a village 10 miles from Iringa. Importantly also was the construction of the high-profile towering Ismaili Jamatkhana with schooling and hostel facilities on the main street of Iringa. Establishment of these two iconic monuments, along with excellent weather and strategic location of Iringa in the Southern Highlands, were to be large catalyst for attracting both capital investments and peoples of many races to the region.
ISMAILI COMMUNITY AND IRINGA
Iringa Street scene with Ismaili Jamatkhana standing out prominently.
Street scene with Iringa Ismaili Jamatkhana standing out prominently with its high tower and clock. The Jamatkhana was completed in 1933 with the support and initiative taken by Alijah Mohamed Hamir Pradhan. Photo: Courtesy Shafin Haji.
Following the establish of the Jamatkhana in 1933, in the next three decades the Ismaili community, guided by the Imamat institutions, commenced a program of development, prominent among which were establishment of the Aga Khan School system that included new primary and secondary schools, a school boarding house facility, and a modern medical clinic and hospital. These community social services infrastructure, which were open to the general population, led to major expansion of the community from 150 to 1200 members in some 30 years from the establishment of the Iringa Jamatkhana. The community had also launched several civil society programs such as affordable housing scheme, purchasing cooperatives and promoted the services of the Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Trust including lending, savings, insurance and investment schemes.
By mid 1960s, the Ismailis had become the largest non-native population of Iringa with 1200 hundred members out of the total non-native population of some 2000. Ismailis’ dominance in trade, commerce, transportation and farming industries was significant. In particular, the establishment of the fully fledged schools including the boarding facilities brought education to remote region of the country, and in the process making Iringa and the Aga Khan school system important and unique education center in East Africa. For the first time ever, the town of Iringa had a high quality and affordable secondary education that was open to all communities. Providing boarding facilities to youths from all over the region, and retaining the youth of the town in the expanded local school system added significant vibrancy to the community, and to the region’s economic and social life.
Concurrently with above developments, and adding validation to Iringa’s prominence as a key educational center, in 1950s, the British colonial government had established in Iringa, a prominent and exclusive private secondary boarding school catering mostly to the white expatriate community of East and Southern Africa. The St. Michael and St. Georges School of Iringa, after Tanzania’s independence, was to become The Mkwawa Secondary School, a public educational facility.
MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM’S IRINGA VISIT
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives at Iringa Airport on November 4, 1966, for a 3-day visit to Iringa. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Thus, Iringa by mid 1960s, was well positioned to be one of the leading regions of the country to take on its next phase of development which began to attract more investments in other industries such as mining, road and rail transportation hub for southern half of the country, and light consumer product industries. With the resulting emergence of Iringa as a prospective economic power-house for the country, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s three day visit to Iringa foretold the excitement and anticipation of the importance the Imamat had placed on this region, and the continued contribution of the Iringa Ismaili community to the economic advancement of the country.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, is welcomed by Southern Highlands Regional Commissioner, Mr. Chamshama, upon his arrival at Iringa Airport on November 4, 1966 for a 3-day visit to Iringa. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
On November 4th, 1966, as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s plane circled the Iringa airport, there was palpable excitement as the leaders of the Jamat anxiously awaited the arrival of our beloved Imam. Mawlana Hazar Imam had taken a break on his extended tour of East Africa to return to Europe to attend to some personal matter. Iringa was the second stop on his return visit from Europe. As the ebullient Imam emerged from his plane, without regard to his evident infirmary, with a plastered foot and a walking cane, Jamati leaders’ ecstatic emotions turned to one of unexpected concern. But the Imam was quick to calm the leaders’ fears about his infirmed foot. The Jamat was to learn that his prior foot injury from a skiing accident had flared up as a result of his intense travel schedule, necessitating return to Europe for consultation with his orthopedist and resulting in his plastered foot. His orthopedist advised our Mawla to refrain from further travel to avoid stressing his foot. Our Imam would have none of it! His Jamats’ were waiting for him and he was not going to disappoint them! And so, we saw our Imam ease down the plane gangway in to the hearts of the Iringa leaders and his Jamat. This was one of the more poignant moment of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Iringa: the love of the Imam for his Jamat notwithstanding risk to his personal well-being, and the love and concern of the Jamat for the Imam.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by Mr. Yusuf Bharmal, President of Southern Highland Regional Council; Mr. Abdulla Tejpar, President of the National Council of Tanzania, and Diwan Sir Eboo Pribhai, President of the Supreme Council for Africa.
Over the next three days, Mawlana Hazar Imam despite his discomfort, conducted hours of religious ceremonies, personally blessing every one of the over 1500 member congregation including Jamats from around the region. He also conducted marriage ceremonies, providing guidance to students and the Jamat on spiritual as well as worldly matters.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, being welcomed by Mukhi Alijah Akberali Mohamed Hamir and Kamadhia Fatehali Karim Lalji during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, entering Iringa Jamatkhana during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Besides his extensive involvement with the Jamat, he was also the guest of the honor of the Regional Commissioner of the Iringa Region, Rt. Honorable Mr. Chamshama, that included a luncheon and foundation laying ceremony for a sport complex to be built by the government. Unfailing as our Imam always does, he made a sizeable donation towards the project. Later that evening, the Jamati leaders hosted a banquet in the honor of our Imam. Appropriately, the banquet was held in the social/dining hall of the Aga Khan Boarding School. Local political, other community and religious leaders were present as guests of the Iringa Jamat. Our Imam and the Ismaili community of Iringa was profusely recognized for the outstanding contribution to the development of the region through the civil society and the social services institutions the Ismaili community had established for the public good.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the foundation laying ceremony of the Iringa Sports Complex during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, lays the foundation of Iringa Sports Complex during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
During his visit to Iringa, Mawlana Hazar Imam stayed at the residence of Kamadia and Kamadiani Fatehali and Jennybai Karim Lalji. This residence was part of the Aga Khan Housing Scheme initiative in Iringa. While there were other larger and more exclusive residences that the leadership had evaluated for our Imam’s stay, the choice of the Lalji residence was fitting tribute to the value of the housing scheme, and display of humility reflective of our Imam’s disposition. Once again, during his three day stay at the residence, the members of the Iringa Jamat had the outstanding privilege of serving for our Imam’s comfort and wellbeing.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam at a gala reception hosted by the Iringa Ismaili community during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
The three days jubilations and the heartwarming physical presence our Imam had to come to end for the Iringa Jamat. Sensing the somber mood of the Jamat, our Imam conveyed his utmost happiness in being with his Jamat, his happiness and pride in the progress and the contribution the Iringa Jamat was making in the development of the region and the country. He showered bountiful blessings again and again to the Jamat, the leaders and the volunteers for their outstanding service to Jamat, and for making his visit to Iringa a memorable one. He reminded the Jamat that while he was physically leaving, his Jamat will always remain fondly in his heart.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, departing Iringa after his 3-day visit in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
As our Mawla bid farewell to the Jamat, his final words to our father, the Mukhisaheb of Iringa, were “Take Care of My Jamat!”. This affectionate admonishment by the Imam to our father was deemed as a welcome trust in him by the Imam, and a ringing reminder to never forget the Imam’s message and guidance.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Mohamed Hamir Pradhan (1880 – 1943). Photo: Hamir Collection.
Mohamed Hamir Pradhan (1880 – 1943) built and donated the Iringa Jamatkhana to the Imam of the Time. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
For our Hamir family, and particularly for our parents Akbarali and Kulsum, the news and the visit of Mawlana Hazar Imam during their term as the Mukhi and Mukhiani of the Iringa Jamat was culmination of yet another opportunity of blessings our family had been fortunate to receive in service of the Imam and the Jamat. For our father, as Mukhi, to lead the Iringa Jamat in welcoming our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam to the magnificent Jamatkana that his father, Mohamed Hamir Pradhan, had built some 33 years earlier and donated to Imam of the Time, was an extraordinary blessed event of his life. For our parents to have this opportunity to serve the Imam continued the family’s generational tradition of service of our forefathers: great-grandfather Hamir Pradhan and grandfather Mohamed Hamir Pradhan. Their service has been a source of immense pride and inspiration for the current generation of our family who have variously upheld the tradition of service to the Imam and his Jamats. These opportunities for our family are truly the “Blessings of Our Forefathers”.
Date posted: September 21, 2020.
_____________________
Barakah welcomes your feedback. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or send your comment to simerg @ aol.com if you don’t see the comment box. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to visit Barakah’s Table of Contents for links to more than 200 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, his family and the Ismaili Imamat.
This website, Barakah, is a special project by www. Simerg.com and is dedicated to the textual and visual celebration of His Highness the Aga Khan and members of his family, as well as the Ismaili Imamat.
Narrative and Photos Submitted by
THE FAMILY OF ALIJAH AKBARALI AND ALIJIANI KULSUMBAI MOHAMED HAMIR
(Special to Barakah)
“On November 4th, 1966, as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s plane circled the Iringa airport, there was palpable excitement as the leaders of the Jamat anxiously awaited the arrival of our beloved Imam. Mawlana Hazar Imam had taken a break on his extended tour of East Africa to return to Europe to attend to some personal matter. Iringa was the second stop on his return visit from Europe. As the ebullient Imam emerged from his plane, without regard to his evident infirmary, with plastered foot and a walking cane, Jamati leaders’ ecstatic emotions turned to one of unexpected concern. But the Imam was quick to calm the leaders’ fears about his infirmed foot.” — Excerpt from narrative, below.
MOMENTOUS NEWS OF MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM’S VISIT
In September of 1966, our father, Alijah Akbarali Mohamed Hamir, was the Mukhi of the Iringa Jamat when he received a fortuitous message that the Iringa Jamat had long been praying for and anxiously awaiting. With great fanfare, happiness and gratitude, he and Kamadia Saheb Fatehali Karim Lalji, announced to the Jamat that Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, would bless the Jamat with two nights, three days visit to Iringa in November. The ecstatic Iringa Jamat observed and celebrated the announcement with Shukrana prayers and full fledged Khushali.
Aga Khan Mawlana Hazar Imam Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Iringa Aga Khan Band celebrating arrival of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Mawlana Hazar Imam undertook an extensive tour of East Africa Jamats in his upcoming 10th year of his Imamat. The purpose of this strenuous, several weeks long tour was to conduct the various religious ceremonies, and importantly also to assess the Jamats’ progress, needs and deliver Imamat guidance for both spiritual and material upliftment of the Jamat.
IRINGA AND THE SOUTHERN HIGHLAND REGION
Hill top view of Iringa, Tanzania.
Hilltop view of beautiful Iringa, Tanzania. Photo: Public domain; Matt Crypto / Wikipedia.
Our Hazar Imam’s visit to Iringa represented an outstanding opportunity for the Iringa Jamati leaders to showcase the Jamat’s growth, achievements and large contribution towards Southern Highland Region’s economic growth, vitality and establishment of social services and several civil society programs.
The history of the Iringa region, and indeed that of Tanzania, is incomplete without the mention of the role of heroic and influential Mkwawa family dynasty. The Iringa Region had achieved both high visibility and notoriety in Tanganyika during the German colonial period when in 1894 the renowned Wahehe tribal Chief Mkwawa waged a war of resistance against the German encroachment and colonialization of the Iringa region. After initial success in defeating the German military forces and a four-year war of attrition against the mighty German forces, Chief Mkwawa chose to commit suicide rather than face humiliation of capture.
Chief Mkwawa of Iringa region.
A portrait of Wahehe tribal Chief Mkwawa who waged a war of resistance against the German encroachment and colonialization of the Iringa region. Photo: The National Archives UK. Reproduced under OGL V1.0.
In 1954, British Governor Edward Twinning of Tanganyika, after many years of effort, was able to repatriate Chief Mkwawa’s Skull which the Germans in 1899 had decapitated and exhibited in a museum in Berlin, Germany. The return of the Skull was an important symbolic event signifying both the heroism and tribute for the sacrifice for freedom of the Chief and his dominant Wahehe Tribe of Iringa, and for the country as a whole. The event was observed in Iringa with a high profile and somber ceremony attended by the Governor as well as leading regional and national personalities. The Skull now resides in a small museum in the Village of Kalenga, a district of Iringa. This historical event associated with Iringa looms high in the history of Tanzania.
Chief Mkwawa's skull being returned to Tanganyika by British Governor Edward Twinning.
British Governor Edward Twinning of Tanganyika returns Chief Mkwawa’s skull to Tangangika. Photo: The National Archives UK. Reproduced under OGL V1.0.
A significant and interesting anecdote to the Mkwawa Chiefdom is the relationship that developed with a member of our family. Chief Mkwawa’s grandson, Chief Adam Sapi Mkwawa (1920-1998), had the recognition and political influence to become the First Speaker of the House of independent Tanzania’s parliament for more than 25 years over two terms. But prior to his Speakership, he had, through business relationship, befriended the family of our uncle Bhimji Asser Sachedina. Our aunt Sikina (Fuima to us) who had played a major role in our grandfather’s Iringa Jamatkhana project and his business, had developed a close friendship with the Chief and his family. Indeed, Chief Adam had come to consider her as his sister! Our aunt, specifically, had developed such trust with the Chief that the Sachedina family extended significant open trade credit to his seasonal farming financing needs.
This lasting mutual trust, affection and friendship between the two families was one of the true examples of positive cross ethnic relationships in the multicultural society of Iringa. Also, the success of this relationship and goodwill resulted in enhanced business and commerce relationship between the Chief’s Wahehe tribe and many of the Ismaili owned businesses in Iringa. Even after he became the Speaker of the parliament, Chief Adam Sapi frequently made a point of visiting the Sachedina family during his home District visits to Iringa. Through her empathy and compassion for peoples of all races, we are proud that our aunt Sikina contributed to raising the profile of our Ismaili community in Iringa.
Following World War I (1914-1918), the German defeat led to Tanganyika being a trust territory administered by the British. The first phase of Iringa’s prominence started in the 1930’s with construction of Roman Catholic Mission complex including a beautiful church, school and medical clinic facilities in Tosmaganga, a village 10 miles from Iringa. Importantly also was the construction of the high-profile towering Ismaili Jamatkhana with schooling and hostel facilities on the main street of Iringa. Establishment of these two iconic monuments, along with excellent weather and strategic location of Iringa in the Southern Highlands, were to be large catalyst for attracting both capital investments and peoples of many races to the region.
ISMAILI COMMUNITY AND IRINGA
Iringa Street scene with Ismaili Jamatkhana standing out prominently.
Street scene with Iringa Ismaili Jamatkhana standing out prominently with its high tower and clock. The Jamatkhana was completed in 1933 with the support and initiative taken by Alijah Mohamed Hamir Pradhan. Photo: Courtesy Shafin Haji.
Following the establish of the Jamatkhana in 1933, in the next three decades the Ismaili community, guided by the Imamat institutions, commenced a program of development, prominent among which were establishment of the Aga Khan School system that included new primary and secondary schools, a school boarding house facility, and a modern medical clinic and hospital. These community social services infrastructure, which were open to the general population, led to major expansion of the community from 150 to 1200 members in some 30 years from the establishment of the Iringa Jamatkhana. The community had also launched several civil society programs such as affordable housing scheme, purchasing cooperatives and promoted the services of the Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Trust including lending, savings, insurance and investment schemes.
By mid 1960s, the Ismailis had become the largest non-native population of Iringa with 1200 hundred members out of the total non-native population of some 2000. Ismailis’ dominance in trade, commerce, transportation and farming industries was significant. In particular, the establishment of the fully fledged schools including the boarding facilities brought education to remote region of the country, and in the process making Iringa and the Aga Khan school system important and unique education center in East Africa. For the first time ever, the town of Iringa had a high quality and affordable secondary education that was open to all communities. Providing boarding facilities to youths from all over the region, and retaining the youth of the town in the expanded local school system added significant vibrancy to the community, and to the region’s economic and social life.
Concurrently with above developments, and adding validation to Iringa’s prominence as a key educational center, in 1950s, the British colonial government had established in Iringa, a prominent and exclusive private secondary boarding school catering mostly to the white expatriate community of East and Southern Africa. The St. Michael and St. Georges School of Iringa, after Tanzania’s independence, was to become The Mkwawa Secondary School, a public educational facility.
MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM’S IRINGA VISIT
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives at Iringa Airport on November 4, 1966, for a 3-day visit to Iringa. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Thus, Iringa by mid 1960s, was well positioned to be one of the leading regions of the country to take on its next phase of development which began to attract more investments in other industries such as mining, road and rail transportation hub for southern half of the country, and light consumer product industries. With the resulting emergence of Iringa as a prospective economic power-house for the country, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s three day visit to Iringa foretold the excitement and anticipation of the importance the Imamat had placed on this region, and the continued contribution of the Iringa Ismaili community to the economic advancement of the country.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, is welcomed by Southern Highlands Regional Commissioner, Mr. Chamshama, upon his arrival at Iringa Airport on November 4, 1966 for a 3-day visit to Iringa. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
On November 4th, 1966, as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s plane circled the Iringa airport, there was palpable excitement as the leaders of the Jamat anxiously awaited the arrival of our beloved Imam. Mawlana Hazar Imam had taken a break on his extended tour of East Africa to return to Europe to attend to some personal matter. Iringa was the second stop on his return visit from Europe. As the ebullient Imam emerged from his plane, without regard to his evident infirmary, with a plastered foot and a walking cane, Jamati leaders’ ecstatic emotions turned to one of unexpected concern. But the Imam was quick to calm the leaders’ fears about his infirmed foot. The Jamat was to learn that his prior foot injury from a skiing accident had flared up as a result of his intense travel schedule, necessitating return to Europe for consultation with his orthopedist and resulting in his plastered foot. His orthopedist advised our Mawla to refrain from further travel to avoid stressing his foot. Our Imam would have none of it! His Jamats’ were waiting for him and he was not going to disappoint them! And so, we saw our Imam ease down the plane gangway in to the hearts of the Iringa leaders and his Jamat. This was one of the more poignant moment of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Iringa: the love of the Imam for his Jamat notwithstanding risk to his personal well-being, and the love and concern of the Jamat for the Imam.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by Mr. Yusuf Bharmal, President of Southern Highland Regional Council; Mr. Abdulla Tejpar, President of the National Council of Tanzania, and Diwan Sir Eboo Pribhai, President of the Supreme Council for Africa.
Over the next three days, Mawlana Hazar Imam despite his discomfort, conducted hours of religious ceremonies, personally blessing every one of the over 1500 member congregation including Jamats from around the region. He also conducted marriage ceremonies, providing guidance to students and the Jamat on spiritual as well as worldly matters.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, being welcomed by Mukhi Alijah Akberali Mohamed Hamir and Kamadhia Fatehali Karim Lalji during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, entering Iringa Jamatkhana during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Besides his extensive involvement with the Jamat, he was also the guest of the honor of the Regional Commissioner of the Iringa Region, Rt. Honorable Mr. Chamshama, that included a luncheon and foundation laying ceremony for a sport complex to be built by the government. Unfailing as our Imam always does, he made a sizeable donation towards the project. Later that evening, the Jamati leaders hosted a banquet in the honor of our Imam. Appropriately, the banquet was held in the social/dining hall of the Aga Khan Boarding School. Local political, other community and religious leaders were present as guests of the Iringa Jamat. Our Imam and the Ismaili community of Iringa was profusely recognized for the outstanding contribution to the development of the region through the civil society and the social services institutions the Ismaili community had established for the public good.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the foundation laying ceremony of the Iringa Sports Complex during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, lays the foundation of Iringa Sports Complex during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
During his visit to Iringa, Mawlana Hazar Imam stayed at the residence of Kamadia and Kamadiani Fatehali and Jennybai Karim Lalji. This residence was part of the Aga Khan Housing Scheme initiative in Iringa. While there were other larger and more exclusive residences that the leadership had evaluated for our Imam’s stay, the choice of the Lalji residence was fitting tribute to the value of the housing scheme, and display of humility reflective of our Imam’s disposition. Once again, during his three day stay at the residence, the members of the Iringa Jamat had the outstanding privilege of serving for our Imam’s comfort and wellbeing.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam at a gala reception hosted by the Iringa Ismaili community during his 3-day visit to Iringa in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
The three days jubilations and the heartwarming physical presence our Imam had to come to end for the Iringa Jamat. Sensing the somber mood of the Jamat, our Imam conveyed his utmost happiness in being with his Jamat, his happiness and pride in the progress and the contribution the Iringa Jamat was making in the development of the region and the country. He showered bountiful blessings again and again to the Jamat, the leaders and the volunteers for their outstanding service to Jamat, and for making his visit to Iringa a memorable one. He reminded the Jamat that while he was physically leaving, his Jamat will always remain fondly in his heart.
Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in Iringa, Tanzania, visit 1966 Barakah Photo
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, departing Iringa after his 3-day visit in November 1966. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
As our Mawla bid farewell to the Jamat, his final words to our father, the Mukhisaheb of Iringa, were “Take Care of My Jamat!”. This affectionate admonishment by the Imam to our father was deemed as a welcome trust in him by the Imam, and a ringing reminder to never forget the Imam’s message and guidance.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Mohamed Hamir Pradhan (1880 – 1943). Photo: Hamir Collection.
Mohamed Hamir Pradhan (1880 – 1943) built and donated the Iringa Jamatkhana to the Imam of the Time. Photo: Hamir Family Collection.
For our Hamir family, and particularly for our parents Akbarali and Kulsum, the news and the visit of Mawlana Hazar Imam during their term as the Mukhi and Mukhiani of the Iringa Jamat was culmination of yet another opportunity of blessings our family had been fortunate to receive in service of the Imam and the Jamat. For our father, as Mukhi, to lead the Iringa Jamat in welcoming our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam to the magnificent Jamatkana that his father, Mohamed Hamir Pradhan, had built some 33 years earlier and donated to Imam of the Time, was an extraordinary blessed event of his life. For our parents to have this opportunity to serve the Imam continued the family’s generational tradition of service of our forefathers: great-grandfather Hamir Pradhan and grandfather Mohamed Hamir Pradhan. Their service has been a source of immense pride and inspiration for the current generation of our family who have variously upheld the tradition of service to the Imam and his Jamats. These opportunities for our family are truly the “Blessings of Our Forefathers”.
Date posted: September 21, 2020.
_____________________
Barakah welcomes your feedback. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or send your comment to simerg @ aol.com if you don’t see the comment box. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to visit Barakah’s Table of Contents for links to more than 200 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, his family and the Ismaili Imamat.
This website, Barakah, is a special project by www. Simerg.com and is dedicated to the textual and visual celebration of His Highness the Aga Khan and members of his family, as well as the Ismaili Imamat.