Southwestern US
Hazar Imam's five-day visit to Houston this week is an opportunity to reflect on how IJKC has realized the Imam's vision through its programmatic activities, and built bridges of understanding with other communities and organizations.
The Southwest Jamat witnessed an outpouring of enthusiastic artists and spectators in downtown Houston. In two short days, there were over 6,500 attendees from the Ismaili community and friends and neighbors of the Jamat as well.
Ethics in Action, a multi-dimensional exhibition illustrating the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has been touring the United States the last few months.
The Diamond Jubilee International Program, Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat, toured Houston and Austin where state and city officials joined for the exhibit’s launch in both cities, including Texas Secretary of State Rolando B. Pablos in Houston, and Mayor Steve Adler in Austin.
City of Sugar Land’s Council recognized the Ismaili Muslim I-CERV volunteers for receiving the Points of Light Foundation’s Daily Point of Light Award for their volunteer work related to Hurricane Harvey.
The third annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas took place on November 20, 2017.
In preparation for the Mawlana Hazar Imam's Diamond Jubilee, Jamati leaders from around the country, including Mukhi and Kamadia Sahebaan, convened in Houston in February for a weekend meeting and a series of workshops.
Growing up in Hunza, Northern Pakistan, Shahzadi Khan and her family lived a comfortable life. Her father was a teacher at the Aga Khan School and earned an income sufficient to support his family, so Shahzadi went to boarding school, and she and her siblings focused only on their studies.
A Personal Diamond Jubilee Experience
“These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. That spirit of volunteerism, that spirit that says we are all in this together, that spirit is exemplified by the five Points of Light recipients.”
— President Barack Obama, speaking about the Points of Light honourees at Texas A&M University on 21 October 2017.
“Work no words.”
"With just a phone call, they reached us and took my family safely. 'Thank you,' is too small an expression for these great hands of help. I am really proud to be a part of this community. Thanks." Dr. Lakshmi Puppala, who was rescued from her home in Houston, by an Ismaili volunteer.