Ismaili Digest - Page 374

Beyond Relativism: The Aga Khan on Cosmopolitan Ethics, Pluralism and Personal Search

Beyond Relativism: The Aga Khan on Cosmopolitan Ethics, Pluralism and Personal Search

nofirstname ⋅ March 22, 2015

How can we inspire people to reach beyond rampant materialism, self-indulgent individualism, and unprincipled relativism? Imam Shah Karim al-Husayni Aga Khan IV, New York, 2006 reason and faith-w656-h328Image source: theismaili.org MOHIB EBRAHIM UPDATED: APRIL 28, 2015 -- In the original version of this article the author, Mohib Ebrahim, mentioned pluralism but had not addressed it. He has now done so and we are pleased to amend ...

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Nowruz Messages from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama

Nowruz Messages from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama

nothing much ⋅ March 22, 2015

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, seen walking past the water pond of the Park located between the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum during the opening ceremony in September 2014 of the two cultural gems built by the 49th Ismaili Imam. Photo: The website of ...

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Jubilee Games to be held in Dubai in 2016

Jubilee Games to be held in Dubai in 2016

nothing much ⋅ March 21, 2015

United Arab Emirates -- 21 March 2015 -- Ismaili Councils worldwide announced on Navroz day that the second cycle of the Jubilee Games will be held in July 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Games seek to encourage and support Ismaili athletes in achieving excellence in competitive sport, and to enhance the Jamat's awareness and appreciation for physical fitness and ...

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Navroz Mubarak, 2015

Navroz Mubarak, 2015

nothing much ⋅ March 21, 2015

The NanoWisdoms Archive of Imamat Speeches, Interviews and Writings wishes all Navroz Mubarak (click on the image to view the card). In keeping with the theme of our card -- Relativism -- we would like to share with you our Editor's article, Beyond Relativism: The Aga Khan on Personal Search, Universal Ethics and Pluralism, published today on the Ismaili Gnosis website. ...

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The Beautiful Nowruz (Navroz) Tradition of Haft Sin

The Beautiful Nowruz (Navroz) Tradition of Haft Sin

nothing much ⋅ March 20, 2015

Conceived and created by Nurin Merchant of Ottawa, this Navroz greeting incorporates the rose and jasmine flowers which adorn entrances of Iranian homes during the celebration of the New Year. The base of the picture shows shoots of wheat grass signifying robust evergreen health throughout the year. Image: Nurin Merchant. Copyright. Editor's note: For seven years now, since 2009, the Smithsonian ...

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The Middle East -- Prince Aly Khan

The Middle East -- Prince Aly Khan

nothing much ⋅ March 19, 2015

Lecture by His Serene Highness Prince Aly Khan under the chairmanship of His Worship the Major, councillor Abdulkarim M.L.C., Vice - President of the Dar es Salaam Cultural Society. 30 January 1951 It is indeed ironical that here, in Dar es Salaam, "Haven of peace," I must speak of war. That I may speak of war and yet hold bright hopes ...

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Islam - The Religion of Equality -- Prince Aly Khan

Islam - The Religion of Equality -- Prince Aly Khan

nothing much ⋅ March 19, 2015

Speech by H. R. H. Prince Aly Khan Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the Council of Islamic Affairs, New York, May 27th 1958. The late Prince Aly Khan (d. 1960) was the father of the present Aga Khan (IV), and eldest son of the previous Aga Khan (III) -- who was also the Chairman of the League of Nations (1933 - ...

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Nowruz, Navroz Mubarak!

Nowruz, Navroz Mubarak!

nothing much ⋅ March 18, 2015

March 21st is Imam Hazrat Ali's solar birthday anniversary! Please read on the following pages to see how important this New Year celebration is for the Ismailis and the whole Universe, especially since this year it falls on the New Moon and Total Solar Eclipse on this Equinox day! How Divine! I am especially happy as this Navroz will be the ...

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Hamid al-Din Kirmani by Farhad Daftary

Hamid al-Din Kirmani by Farhad Daftary

nothing much ⋅ March 18, 2015

ḤAMID-AL-DIN KERMĀNI, ABU'L-ḤASAN AḤMAD b. ʿAbd-Allāh b. Moḥammad (d. after 411/1020-21), a prominent Ismaʿili dāʿi (q.v.) and one of the most accomplished Ismaʿili theologians and philosophers of the Fatimid period of Persian origin and was probably born in the province of Kirman. As in the case of other prominent dāʿis, who observed strict secrecy in their activities while living in hostile ...

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Islam and the Muslim World: An Interesting Collection of Prints, Photographs and Images at the US Library of Congress

Islam and the Muslim World: An Interesting Collection of Prints, Photographs and Images at the US Library of Congress

nothing much ⋅ March 17, 2015

I. THE ROTUNDA: GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CIVILIZATION A photo of the dome of rotunda at the USA Library of Congress. The mural acknowledges countries which have contributed to the development of civilization including, Judea for religion, Greece for philosophy, Rome for administration and Islam for physics. Created by artist Blashfield, Edwin Howland Blashfield (1848-1936) between 1896 and 1900?. Credit: Library ...

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Moments with Shams Tabriz

Moments with Shams Tabriz

nothing much ⋅ March 13, 2015

-- Selections from the Maqalat of Shams-i Tabriz, Translated and edited by Refik Algan and Camille Helminski Intensifying One's Search One's longing, one's search for the beneficence of God, must be so strong and intense that like the longing of Moses it allows no obstacle to stand in the way. When the Prophet Moses asked: "Who is more knowledgeable in the ...

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"We Appreciate" - Poem and Voices from the Aga Khan University East Africa Convocations: Graduates and Families Speak About Hopes and Express Gratitude to University's Founder, His Highness the Aga Khan

"We Appreciate" - Poem and Voices from the Aga Khan University East Africa Convocations: Graduates and Families Speak About Hopes and Express Gratitude to University's Founder, His Highness the Aga Khan

nothing much ⋅ March 11, 2015

I. Convocations By Shariffa Keshavjee (Special to Simerg) The Parklands Pavillion was transformed to host the Aga Khan University convocation ceremony in Nairobi. AKDN / Zahur Ramji Convocations are commencements Reflecting the past Looking at the future Appreciating The guiding rope That God has cast We hold fast to it The pendulum moves We appreciate The circular geometry It binds us ...

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Aga Khan Rural Support Programme awarded 2015 Times of India Social impact award for safe drinking water and improved sanitation

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme awarded 2015 Times of India Social impact award for safe drinking water and improved sanitation

nothing much ⋅ March 10, 2015

Ahmedabad, India, 10 March 2015 - The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has been awarded the Times of India Social Impact Award 2015, in the NGO environment category, for its effort in ensuring access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation in Bihar and Gujarat. AKRSP was a joint winner with the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation, which is involved in water ...

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VIDEO: Aga Khan - Creating a Brighter Tomorrow for Africa CCTV Broadcast

VIDEO: Aga Khan - Creating a Brighter Tomorrow for Africa CCTV Broadcast

nothing much ⋅ March 9, 2015

AFRICA24 MEDIA and CCTV NEWS, as part of CCTV NEWS's "Faces of Africa" series, present "THE AGA KHAN: CREATING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR AFRICA". Republished with permission from Africa24 Media. First aired on 8 March 2015. ...

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Bill Gates praises Canada's efforts to improve maternal and child health

Bill Gates praises Canada's efforts to improve maternal and child health

nothing much ⋅ March 9, 2015

Canada -- Ottawa, 27 February 2015 -- Bill Gates recognised Canada's contributions to improving maternal and child health (MNCH) worldwide at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Wednesday, and thanked Canadians for their continued support to the cause. More than 300 people gathered in Ottawa to hear Mr Gates discuss the topic with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at an event ...

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In Memoriam: Mohammed Ibrahim Ali (d. March 15, 2014)

In Memoriam: Mohammed Ibrahim Ali (d. March 15, 2014)

nothing much ⋅ March 7, 2015

Editor's note: The following In Memoriam for Mohammed Ibrahim Ali, who died a year ago on March 15, 2014, has been submitted by his youngest son, Enoo, the well known Ismaili composer and musician from Orlando, Florida. Simerg invites obituaries/in memoriam pieces honouring your family members who have passed away. Please see submission guidelines and examples by clicking Obituaries and Tributes. ...

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40 Rules of Love -- Shams Tabriz, Rumi's Teacher

40 Rules of Love -- Shams Tabriz, Rumi's Teacher

nothing much ⋅ March 6, 2015

Shams-i-Tabrīzī (Persian: شمس تبریزی‎) or 'Shams al-Din Mohammad' (1185-1248) was a Persian Muslim, who is credited as the spiritual instructor of Mewlānā Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Rumi and is referenced with great reverence in Rumi's poetic collection, in particular Diwan-i Shams-i Tabrīzī (The Works of Shams of Tabriz). Tradition holds that Shams taught Rumi in seclusion in Konya for ...

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VIDEO: Aga Khan University 2015 Convocation in Nairobi, Kenya

VIDEO: Aga Khan University 2015 Convocation in Nairobi, Kenya

nothing much ⋅ March 6, 2015

His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of AKU, presides over the 2015 Convocation ceremony of the Aga Khan University in Kenya. ...

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FULL EVENT VIDEO: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Nairobi, Kenya)

FULL EVENT VIDEO: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Nairobi, Kenya)

nothing much ⋅ March 6, 2015

As part of the commemorations to mark the Aga Khan University's the 15th anniversary in the region, on Monday, March 2, 2015, His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, presided over the last of the 2015 Aga Khan University (East Africa) Convocation Ceremonies in Nairobi, Kenya. His presence also marked his first visit to the three East ...

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Simerg Profiles His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat

Simerg Profiles His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat

nothing much ⋅ March 5, 2015

Mawlana Hazar Imam receives His Excellency Gordon Campbell at Aiglemont on March 4, 2015. Left to right: Malik Talib; Rouben Khatchadourian, Prince Rahim, HE Gordon Campbell, Mawlana Hazar Imam, Dr Mahmoud Eboo, and Dr Shafik Sachedina. AKDN/Cécile Genest Mawlana Hazar Imam received His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat, at Aiglemont, France, on Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Recently ...

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Mawlana Hazar Imam receives Canada's representative to the Ismaili Imamat

Mawlana Hazar Imam receives Canada's representative to the Ismaili Imamat

nothing much ⋅ March 4, 2015

Canada -- Gouvieux, France, 4 March 2015 -- Mawlana Hazar Imam received His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canada's Representative to the Ismaili Imamat at Aiglemont today. Recently appointed to this role by the Government of Canada, Gordon Campbell also serves as Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and is a former premier of the Province of British Columbia. Joining them at ...

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The Aga Khan receives Canada's new Representative to the Ismaili Imamat

The Aga Khan receives Canada's new Representative to the Ismaili Imamat

nothing much ⋅ March 4, 2015

Aiglemont, France, 4 March 2015 - His Highness the Aga Khan today received His Excellency Gordon Campbell, who has been recently appointed as the Representative of the Government of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. Mr. Campbell is a former premier of British Columbia and Canada's current High Commissioner in London. ...

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Obituaries and Tributes: Simerg Invites Ismaili Readers from Around the World to Honour and Celebrate Lives of Family Members Who Have Returned to Their Original Abode

Obituaries and Tributes: Simerg Invites Ismaili Readers from Around the World to Honour and Celebrate Lives of Family Members Who Have Returned to Their Original Abode

nothing much ⋅ March 3, 2015

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un "Surely we belong to God and to Him we return." -- Holy Qur'an Did you know that Simerg offers to all its Ismaili readers around the world an opportunity to submit memorials to honour and celebrate the lives of beloved members of their families who have physically departed this world? The 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana ...

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University positioned to foster healthy civil society in East Africa

University positioned to foster healthy civil society in East Africa

nothing much ⋅ March 2, 2015

Global -- Nairobi, 2 March 2015 -- Addressing the Aga Khan University's graduating class in Nairobi today, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that the university can play a central role in supporting civil society in Africa. Together with convocations in Tanzania, Uganda, the Kenyan ceremony marked 15 years of AKU's presence in East Africa. "What a remarkable day this is, and what ...

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Mawlana Hazar Imam calls on President Kenyatta

Mawlana Hazar Imam calls on President Kenyatta

nothing much ⋅ March 2, 2015

Global -- Nairobi, 2 March 2015 -- Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the State House today. The meeting followed the convocation ceremony of the Aga Khan University, where Hazar Imam presided in his capacity as Chancellor of AKU. The meeting followed the convocation ceremony of the Aga Khan University, Kenya, where Hazar Imam presided in his ...

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Aga Khan University addresses the challenge of educating a new generation of leaders in Africa

Aga Khan University addresses the challenge of educating a new generation of leaders in Africa

nothing much ⋅ March 2, 2015

Nairobi, Kenya, 2 March 2015 -At a ceremony marking the graduation of students from the Aga Khan University, His Highness the Aga Khan announced that the University will offer undergraduate degrees in Medicine and Nursing, as well as graduate professional education, in East Africa, as part of a programme to educate the leaders in the region through an investment totalling over ...

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Video: Speech: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Nairobi, Kenya)

Video: Speech: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Nairobi, Kenya)

nothing much ⋅ March 2, 2015

As we expand our work in Kenya, one of our highest priorities is to achieve international standards of healthcare especially for non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Another special focus will be neuro-science, where the promises of stem cell technology must be brought massively and competently to Africa. Our overall plan is for a nationally integrated health system, ...

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VIDEO: Aga Khan University 2015 Convocation in Kampala, Uganda

VIDEO: Aga Khan University 2015 Convocation in Kampala, Uganda

nothing much ⋅ February 27, 2015

His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of AKU, presides over the 2015 Convocation ceremony of the Aga Khan University in Uganda. ...

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VIDEO: An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia - Dr Mehdi Aminrazavi

Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS)

VIDEO: An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia - Dr Mehdi Aminrazavi

nothing much ⋅ February 27, 2015

All major civilisations of the world have cultivated a philosophical tradition, but only a few have had a continuous tradition with surviving texts. Persia is home to one such civilisation with continuity of philosophical thought for more than two-and-a-half millennia. In this 15minute interview on the Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Dr Aminrazavi reflects on his own intellectual engagement with the centuries-long ...

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FULL EVENT VIDEO: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Kampala, Uganda)

FULL EVENT VIDEO: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Kampala, Uganda)

nothing much ⋅ February 27, 2015

As part of the commemorations to mark the Aga Khan University's the 15th anniversary in the region, His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, presided over the 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday, February 26, 2015. His presence also marked his first visit to the three East African campuses of the University ...

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Aga Khan University grads equipped to lead in a "borderless" world, says President Rasul

Aga Khan University grads equipped to lead in a "borderless" world, says President Rasul

nothing much ⋅ February 26, 2015

Global -- Kampala, 26 February 2015 -- In a world that is more connected and complex than ever before, the Aga Khan University is educating leaders who will be able to face the challenges of tomorrow, said Firoz Rasul. The AKU President was addressing the university's 2015 convocation in Kampala, which was held in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. The ...

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Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with President Museveni

Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with President Museveni

nothing much ⋅ February 26, 2015

Global -- Entebbe, Uganda, 25 February 2015 -- Mawlana Hazar Imam called on President Yoweri Museveni at the State House in Entebbe today. Hazar Imam arrived in Uganda yesterday and will preside over the second of three East African convocation ceremonies of the Aga Khan University in Kampala tomorrow. AKU is celebrating 15 years of being in the region, and the ...

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VIDEO: An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia - Professor Hossein Nasr

Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS)

VIDEO: An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia - Professor Hossein Nasr

nothing much ⋅ February 26, 2015

All major civilisations of the world have cultivated a philosophical tradition, but only a few have had a continuous tradition with surviving texts. Persia is home to one such civilisation with continuity of philosophical thought for more than two-and-a-half millennia. This 29 minute interview with Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr presents an overview of his intellectual journey into Persian philosophy, covering traditions ...

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The 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation in Kampala, Uganda

The 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation in Kampala, Uganda

nothing much ⋅ February 26, 2015

Dar es Salaam, 26 February 2015 - As Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, His Highness the Aga Khan presided over the second of three Aga Khan University convocation ceremonies, in Kampala, Uganda, on 26 February 2015. The Convocation ceremony was held at Victoria Hall, Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, February 26, 2015. The School of Nursing and Midwifery graduated 49 ...

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Video: Speech: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Kampala, Uganda)

Video: Speech: 2015 Aga Khan University Convocation Ceremony (Kampala, Uganda)

nothing much ⋅ February 26, 2015

As the President has said, we plan to open a new campus in Arusha in just four years. It will be home for our new Faculty of Arts and Sciences plus two Professional Graduate Schools and a variety of other training and research facilities. We are also planning a new campus in Dar es Salaam for our Institute for Educational Development. ...

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VIDEO: Aga Khan University 2015 Convocation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

VIDEO: Aga Khan University 2015 Convocation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

nothing much ⋅ February 25, 2015

His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of AKU, presides over the 2015 Convocation ceremony of the Aga Khan University in Tanzania. ...

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ISCU Organises Sessions for IIS and SOAS Students

Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS)

ISCU Organises Sessions for IIS and SOAS Students

nothing much ⋅ February 25, 2015

News story -- The Ismaili Special Collections Unit (ISCU) recently opened its doors to students studying Islamic Arts, conducting interactive sessions where rare manuscripts and artefacts were exhibited and discussed. Sessions were organised for IIS students, both GPISH and STEP and students pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The first of these ...

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Three Reasons Why Ismailis Are An Exceptional Community in the Islamic Ummah by Mohammed Arkoun

Three Reasons Why Ismailis Are An Exceptional Community in the Islamic Ummah by Mohammed Arkoun

nothing much ⋅ February 24, 2015

"Coming from Algeria, which is my country, I can tell you that you represent in Muslim world, in Islamic Ummah a very exceptional community, exceptional community for three reasons." -- Professor Arkoun, please click to read article "Heresiographic literature describes all the sects in Islam from one point of view, the Sunnite point of view, the Shiite point of view, telling ...

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Aga Khan University to embark on a huge East African expansion

Aga Khan University to embark on a huge East African expansion

nothing much ⋅ February 24, 2015

Global -- Dar es Salaam, 24 February 2015 -- The Aga Khan University is marking "a historic milestone," said Mawlana Hazar Imam at the university's 2015 convocation. Having already had a significant impact over the past 15 years training African doctors, nurses and teachers, the next 15 will see AKU make the largest private investment in higher education in East Africa's ...

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Aga Khan University graduates to have a multiplier effect in civil society

Aga Khan University graduates to have a multiplier effect in civil society

nothing much ⋅ February 24, 2015

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 24 February 2015 - In a speech marking the graduation of 58 students in medicine, nursing and education, His Highness the Aga Khan today (Tuesday) spoke of the "multiplier effect" that they would have in building civil society. "The most important point is the multiplier effect that you can have," he remarked, "as you pass along your ...

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