Synopsis
PM Modi mourned the loss of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, recognizing him as a visionary devoted to service and spirituality. The Aga Khan was a pivotal figure in the Ismaili Muslim community and made lasting contributions to health, education, and rural development. His passing is felt deeply by many worldwide.Key Takeaways
- Visionary leader: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was recognized for his lifelong dedication to service and spirituality.
- Global impact: His contributions to health, education, and women's empowerment left a lasting legacy.
- Aga Khan Development Network: He led initiatives that aimed to uplift vulnerable communities worldwide.
- Padma Vibhushan recipient: Honored for his social development contributions in India.
- Diamond Jubilee celebration: Marked 60 years of his leadership as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the passing of the distinguished billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, referring to him as a visionary who devoted his life to service and spirituality.
The Aga Khan served as a spiritual beacon for millions of Ismaili Muslims and was the founder and president of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He departed this life in Lisbon on Tuesday at the age of 88, surrounded by his loved ones.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. His life was dedicated to service and spirituality. His lasting impact in areas such as health, education, rural development, and women empowerment will continue to motivate many. I will forever value my interactions with him. My sincere condolences go out to his family and the vast community of followers and admirers worldwide,” PM Modi shared on X.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV took on the role of Imam for the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at just 20 years old, succeeding his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III.
From that point forward, he devoted his life to enhancing the well-being of the most vulnerable communities through the initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network, promoting the understanding of Islam as a faith that embodies compassion, tolerance, and the preservation of human dignity.
During his visit to India in 2015, Prince Karim Aga Khan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his significant contributions to social development in India.
At that time, Prime Minister Modi commended the Aga Khan Foundation for its efforts in rural development and sanitation, which he had the privilege to observe during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
PM Modi also encouraged the Aga Khan Foundation to take an active role in the ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Ganga Rejuvenation’ campaigns.
The Diamond Jubilee of Prince Karim Aga Khan, which commenced in July 2017 and concluded in July 2018, celebrated the 60th anniversary of his tenure as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
During this Jubilee, Aga Khan made another visit to India in February-March 2018, invited by the Vice President, where he met with then-President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi.
A notable event during this visit was the inauguration of Sunder Nursery, a 90-acre park adjacent to Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi, by the Vice President, with Aga Khan present on February 21, 2018. This park was part of the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, a collaboration involving the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Aga Khan Foundation, Central Public Works Department, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, and the Archaeological Survey of India.
Aga Khan also traveled to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, where the AKDN is engaged in numerous development initiatives.
On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar also expressed deep condolences over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
