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Ismaili
Community Contributes $22 Million To Aga Khan University
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The Canadian Ismaili community opened its hearts and the purses to come up with
what is being termed the most generous fund-raising effort in its
history. Responding to a request from the Aga Khan University in Karachi,
Pakistan, the community has collected an impressive $22 million, out
of a worldwide target of $83 million. Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President
& CEO of the AKU, who came specially to be present at Toronto
functions, thanked the donors profusely.
In his keynote address, Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, H.I.,
S.I., Trustee & President of the Aga Khan University
said that since its inception, the University has benefited greatly
from its close ties with Canadians and Canadian institutions, which
provided financial assistance of $22 million in the past few years.
"Since its inception, the University has benefited greatly from its
close ties with Canadians and Canadian institutions. Besides being
generous donors, they (Canadians) have played important roles in the
university as faculty members, architects, project managers and senior
management," said Mr. Kassim-Lakha, who believes that "if you will
not go to poverty, poverty will come to you!"
Also, two hundred and sixty Canadian professionals, comprising of physicians,
lawyers, pharmacists, architects and other professionals have pledged 5.2 million
dollars in contributions to establish a Performing Arts Centre at The Aga Khan
University (AKU) in Karachi, Pakistan.
The 33,000 square foot, 200-seat Performing Arts Centre will provide space for
artistic and cultural performances, and form a part of the new Faculty of Arts
& Sciences to be built on an 1,100-acres campus, as an addition to the Aga
Khan University, Pakistan's first private, international university that is a
role model for health and education in the developing world.
The Aga Khan University Resource Development Committee for Ontario hosted a dinner
and presentation event at the Hilton Suites in Markham to recognize the generous
contributions of the Canadian professionals and the community. The invited guests
had an opportunity to meet with the Trustees of the Aga Khan University.
Dr. Karim Merali, Regional Convenor for Ontario, welcomed the guests. Toronto's
noted cardiologist and spokesman for the group, Dr. Amir Janmohamed, said that
the Performing Arts Centre project is a gift from Canadian professionals who see
the significance of building cultural and academic bridges with the developing
world. "I think it will also be a small step to fostering world peace and understanding."
Dr. J. Fraser Mustard, founding President of the Canadian Institute for Advanced
Research and founding Trustee of the AKU said, "the Aga Khan University is a unique
institution, and a fine example of Canada's effectiveness in helping people and
institutions in disadvantaged societies. AKU is one of the most powerful higher
education forces in the developing world, having real impact in addressing problems
of poverty, degradation and despair in some of the poorest countries in Asia and
Africa."
Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, commended
the AKU on its achievements.
An audio-visual presentation - 'It's Time' - highlighted the innovative and monumental
accomplishment of the Aga Khan University in the health and education sectors
of many developing countries, including Pakistan; thus, reflecting the vision
of its Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, that 'the vanished glory of Andalusia
(Spain) could only be achieved through pioneering work in the field of higher
learning.'
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