Jamati leadership presented every uniformed volunteer with a pin signifying the continuation and evolution of service in various forms by Ismaili volunteers serving the Jamat, and the communities in which they live.
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Alnoor Somji, a leader in the Florida Jamat, felt the blue color of the pin distinguished itself, and receiving the pin was a personal achievement. “The collaborative participation in the program of youth and Jamati leadership, and members of the Ismaili Council making impactful remarks and handing over the pins, made it feel like the volunteers were really appreciated for their seva. It was a proud moment for them,” he expressed.
“The ceremony, and particularly receiving the pin, really had a heartfelt impact on me in recognizing and validating the crucial role volunteers hold in Jamatkhana’s day to day activities,” said Rozina Ali from Ocala, Florida. She added, “the documentary of the USA volunteers further reinforced the importance of service in our history and the appreciation by our Imamat throughout our history as Ismaili Muslims.”
Volunteers and their families enjoyed a viewing of a documentary film detailing the history of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps in the United States and showcasing the hard work of volunteers from all regions over the last five decades.
Sacramento’s Ali Mashal became emotional during the video. “The documentary almost made me cry to feel the power of seva, our unity, and pluralism. We are from different cultures, speak many languages, and have numerous traditions but in the end, we are all bonded as One Jamat. For me, it was a blessing and I am grateful to have the IVC 100 pin and am so proud to wear it."
Alnoor Somji said of the event: “the ceremony was performed efficiently and profoundly--the activities of the photo booth, the appreciative writing of the Jamat to the volunteers, the dinner, and then raas brought a festive spirit to the ceremony.”
For two months leading up to the event, Jamati members recorded written and video messages of gratitude to the Ismaili Volunteer Corps, and reflected on the ethic of service, discussing why they volunteer and how volunteers make a difference.
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Akbar Makhani, a Jamati leader from Miami, reflected on the ceremony, saying, “The pin ceremony felt like a graduation ceremony, except that this graduation was representing 100 years of service from our forefathers to us. They would have been proud of us and how the IVC has evolved.”
Comments from Volunteers
“It was very exciting to see the youth participation in our ceremony, as well as in the IVC 100 video. It showed that the future for the Volunteer Corps is in good hands.” Samir Shallwani, Glenview HQ Jamatkhana.
“At the beginning of the ceremony, I was standing right by the podium. As I was talking to the emcees to start the ceremony, I looked up and had never seen so many volunteers sitting together like this before. What an amazing sight, one I will never forget. It was very emotional and inspirational.” Salim Bhojani, Dallas Headquarters.
"I want to make sure that the younger generation also has those values that I was taught - of respect, giving back, making sure to be selfless during your volunteering, doing it not because someone tells you to, but because of the feeling that you get when you help someone." Ammar Thayani, San Antonio.
