In Conversation: An Interview Series
Resilience in spite of challenges: An interview with Amir Baig, President of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
24 March 2022
Following recent political and economic instability in Afghanistan, The Ismaili conducted a special interview with Amir Baig, President of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan, who explained the conditions facing the Jamat, and how Jamati and AKDN institutions are responding.
Interview with Esen Salma Kaya, curator at Aga Khan Centre Gallery
24 June 2021
Making Paradise: Exploring the Concept of Eden through Art and Islamic Garden Design is the latest exhibition at the Aga Khan Centre Gallery in London, UK. In this interview, its curator Esen Salma Kaya gives an insight into the multi-sensory show, the diverse artists involved, and planning it “from the heart.”
Interview with Rahim Hirji, technology consultant and country manager at Quizlet
25 May 2021
In this insightful conversation with The Ismaili, Rahim Hirji details the ways in which technology is having a growing influence on our everyday lives, covering topics from artificial intelligence and robotics, to social media and education. Detailing some of the opportunities and risks this presents, Rahim suggests how we might prepare for an increasingly digital future.
Interview with Azmina Govindji, registered dietitian and consultant nutritionist
27 April 2021
In this interview with The Ismaili, Azmina Govindji discusses nutrition and healthy eating for better physical and mental health, and shares advice on how to adjust lifestyle choices to enjoy a better quality of life.
Interview with Dr Shama Virani, Scientist at the World Health Organization
3 February 2021
World Cancer Day takes place on 4 February every year, with an aim to save countless preventable deaths by raising awareness and sharing resources relating to cancer. On this day, we bring you an interview with Dr Shama Virani, a scientist with the World Health Organization, who discusses progress, prevention, and how we might take action against the negative effects of cancer.
Interview with Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy Director, Aga Khan Trust for Culture
20 January 2021
The Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. As part of a series of conversations with key figures, Mr Allibhai discusses the positive impact of culture and its development potential, and humanity’s shared responsibility to preserve heritage.
Interview with Dr Shafik Sachedina, Head of the Department of Jamati Institutions
16 December 2020
Following the recent appointment by Mawlana Hazar Imam of a new Board of Governors of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, Dr Shafik Sachedina reflects back on the history, the ongoing impact, and planned future development of the Institute.
Interview with Dr Gijs Walraven, Director of Health at the Aga Khan Development Network
27 August 2020
Based in Geneva, Dr Walraven has direct management responsibility for the Aga Khan Health Service Companies, located in South and Central Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East. In this interview, he explains the value and importance of wearing a face mask in our continued fight against Covid-19.
Interview with landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic
25 May 2020
When Lebanese landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic was commissioned to design the Aga Khan Park in Toronto in 2005, Mawlana Hazar Imam suggested he take a tour of Islamic gardens and architecture around the world, ranging from Fatehpur Sikri in India to Alhambra in Spain. In this interview, he explains how the research trip helped his design of the Aga Khan Park to capture the essence of the Islamic garden.
Interview with Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism
6 January 2020
Meredith Preston McGhie was appointed as the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Secretary General in October 2019, and presided over the recent Global Pluralism Awards, alongside Mawlana Hazar Imam. Here she explains the meaning of pluralism, and how the Centre is addressing today’s urgent global challenges.
Humility in built form: An interview with Ismaili Centre Dubai architects
30 December 2019
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, architects Rami El Dahan and Soheir Farid visited the Centre earlier this year and looked back on the successes and challenges in designing a welcoming building of timeless elegance.
Interview with Professor El-Nasir Lalani, Director of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at AKU
30 August 2019
The.Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Dr El-Nasir Lalani, Founding Director and Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Translational Medicine at the Aga Khan University’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine. Professor Lalani discusses the implications of scientific breakthroughs in a rapidly changing world, and the potential of stem cell research to better treat diseases in the future.
