Governor Rao extended his felicitations to Hazar Imam on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee. Together they explored opportunities for continued cooperation in the fields of education and healthcare, and discussed how state institutions and AKDN agencies might collaborate more closely to improve livelihoods in the state of Maharashtra.

Later in the day, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who acknowledged Hazar Imam’s contributions to development in Maharashtra, in India and across the world. The two leaders considered the upgrading of specialised medical services, and the improvement of educational programmes in the region. They also exchanged views on how AKDN’s experience in rural development, revitalisation of heritage, and urban renewal might be adapted and shared in this region in particular.

The meetings took place in Mumbai on the final day of Hazar Imam’s 10-day Diamond Jubilee visit to India, during which he also visited Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.