Hyderabad, Sep 14 (IANS) Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Monday called for further strengthening cooperation between the state and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the areas of education, healthcare, urban development and community welfare.
The Governor welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the AKDN, to Lok Bhavan during his first official visit to India and Telangana after assuming his responsibilities.
He paid his respects to the late Aga Khan IV, recalling his significant contribution to India and the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. He noted that the late Aga Khan IV was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 and was held in high regard in India.
Shukla recalled Hyderabad’s enduring association with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and warmly remembered Prince Rahim’s visit to Hyderabad in July 2024 for the inauguration of the restored Qutb Shahi complex. He described the conservation and landscape development undertaken by the Trust as a notable example of public-private partnership.
The Governor appreciated the multifaceted development initiatives of the AKDN in Telangana, particularly in education, urban renewal, community healthcare, women-led development and employment generation. He highlighted the Aga Khan Academy near Hyderabad as an institution of excellence that is nurturing young minds and future leaders.
“We see your Network as a force for good and would encourage enhancing the cooperation between Telangana and AKDN,” the Governor said, while inviting Prince Rahim Aga Khan to share his perspectives on the initiatives undertaken by the Network in Telangana and across India for the progress and welfare of humanity.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V highlighted the AKDN’s work in Telangana in urban renewal, community healthcare, women-led development and employment generation, and noted the substantial benefits these initiatives have brought to local communities. He expressed the importance of continuing and further strengthening the development partnership between the AKDN and Telangana.
The Governor expressed confidence that the longstanding association between Telangana and the AKDN would continue to grow and contribute to inclusive, sustainable and people-centric development.
Earlier, Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan on his arrival in Hyderabad.
“His Highness’s visit to India is deeply significant, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming the Imamat in 2025. His visit reflects the enduring relationship between the Aga Khan and India, built over decades through a shared commitment to human development, education, healthcare, heritage conservation and community welfare,” Azharuddin posted on X.
–IANS
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