www.ismaili.net

TANZANIA JUBILEE DIDAR REGISTRATION: The registration web site is goldenjubilee.co.tz.

Tanzania: 16-18 August

Probable Didar date: 17th August [May change]

This section is for posting ONLY info and updates about the Tanzania Didar

Keep us informed here about this topic.

Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 2:24 PM
Subject: Tanzania program


>>> Yesterday I had gone to darkhana JK
>>> After that there was a presentation at Upanga JK regarding MHI visit
>>> to TZ
>>> MHI will arrive at 11:30am on 16th
>>> there is a welcome at the airport where 200 - 300 will be allowed to
>>> go
>>>inside the airport and others can standoutside at the old terminal
>>> from airport straight to state house
>>> from there to his residence for private lunch and private meetings in
>>> the
>>>afternoon
>>> at 7:00pm in the evenining there is a function at Kepinski Kilimanjaro
>>> at around 8:30pm he will return to his residence
>>> on 17th at 10:15 MHI will leave for Darbar at DJ
>>> 10:30am is the time for Darbar
>>> MHI will be at darbar for 2 Hours
>>> after there back to his residence for private lunch and private
>>> meetings
>>> In the evening at about 8:00pm MHI will go Moven Pick for AKDN
>>> programme
>>> on 18th at 10:00 am MHI will leave for ZNZ
>>> there he will meet president of ZNZ and lunch with president
>>> he will return to dar again on 18th
>>> MHI will be in dar then on 19th there is a meeting in arusha with all
>>>three presidents and there will have lunch or dinner together
>>> you have full prog boss
>>> Yes I have full programme because it was said by Vice president
>>> yesterday
>>>at Upanga JK
>>> Jahangir Bhaloo
>>> the lunch or dinner of 19th is hosted by MHI to three leaders
>>> on 20th MHI will leave for Entebe at around 10:00 am from his
>>> residence
>>>towards airport
>>> Yesterday full details were given for discipline at all places
>>> airport programmes
>>> akdn programmes
>>> Meetings with presidents of TZ, ZNZ, and arusha
>>> Darbar will open at 2:30am on 17th
>>> security checking will be done
>>> and there will be nasto throughout the day
>>> No lunch on friday
>>> straight Dinner at night
>>> 3 days JK at DJ fri sat sun
>>> members of Jamat have two places to stand to see MHI
>>> Aga Khan Hopital outside on the Road
>>> and Outside his House
>>> 6500 local Jamat
>>> 4000 foreignres
>>> 2000 last time expected
>>> 75% of foreigners have requested chairs during registration
>>>
>>> 25% of local for chairs
>>> there is lots of problem with chairs and parking
>>> also lots of problems with registration
>>> Inside DJ hall good decoration
>>> good washroom facility
>>> AC
>>> Seating will be colored
>>> cards with green lines mukhi kamadia oj JAmat
>>> blue line Mukhi kamadia of private majalise
>>> gold line mukhi kamadia of normall majalise
>>> differernt colors are there
>>> there is guide book
>>> Each family has a green ticket for collecting his gift envelope after
>>>darbar
>>> there is Ismaili africa inside and other things
>>> Itreb desk will be there for sale of cassete and tasibh
>>> other information will get today at JK announcement

By Sylvia Smith for CNN

(CNN) -- The works and achievements of the influential spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims have long been baffling to categorize.

Prince Karim Al Husseini, the 49th Imam of the Isamailis and the 49th Aga Khan.

But as this rather enigmatic figurehead pays an official visit to East Africa the results of his work in rural development, education and healthcare on the continent are sparking interest.

In much the same way he has already attracted attention with investment in small and medium size enterprises which indirectly provide employment for hundreds of thousands in a swathe of countries across the continent.

Prince Karim Al Husseini, who is the 49th Imam of the Isamailis and the 49th Aga Khan, is celebrating 50 years as religious leader and visiting Kenya the country of his childhood.
Through the Aga Khan Development Network, the world's largest private development agency, countries as diverse as Mali, Rwanda, Egypt and Tanzania have benefited from a wide range of projects.

The programs have been aimed at a reduction in poverty, a boost to education, basic health care, micro-finance for the poor and promotion of private enterprise. there has also been a drive to revitalize certain historic cities and a prize for architecture and the protection of culture.

The Nation Media group was founded by the Aga Khan in 1960 and now has a growing number of newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations in English and Kiswahili. It now also operates in Uganda and Tanzania.

The Nation is the most influential media group in East Africa and has its origins in two papers set up to give the region a distinctive, national voice as Kenya and the surrounding countries geared up for independence. Today the Nation still has an independent stance on major issues and is majority owned and run by Kenyans.

In Kenya recognizing that marketing and expansion are of equal importance, has helped small-scale farmers export slim green beans or "haricot vert" directly to European supermarkets.

The Aga Khan Fund For Economic Development's Frigoken has invested in providing seeds, fertilizer and expert growing advice to more than 20,000 farmers scattered throughout the country. By setting up collection points and building a factory where the beans are topped and tailed and processed profits are maximized and farmers are assured of a regular market for their goods.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was set up 30 years ago to reward outstanding examples of contemporary design, social housing, landscaping, environmental awareness and community enhancement relevant to the Muslim world.

There have been many African winners of the award; among them Mauretania's Kaedi Regional Hospital which uses local materials to create a network of bee-hive shaped building connected by small corridors. These rounded structures are reminiscent of traditional housing and can easily be closed off turning a pod into a isolation ward.

In Egypt's capital a 500 year-old rubbish tip was imaginatively turned into a green and verdant space, the Al Azhar Park. The adjoining "historic" neighborhood of Cairo has undergone a transformation with the Aga Khan Development network also funding the restoration of mosques and cultural architecturally significant buildings.

The impoverished area of Darb-El-Ahmar has been boosted by increasing numbers of visitors who are attracted to the park's lush and spacious slopes from where they enjoy spectacular views over the Islamic city.

In 2004 the new library in Alexandria, or the Biblioteca Alexandrina, was recognized as putting the city back on the intellectual map as a center for learning and culture. It is an echo of the legendary "knowledge center" of classical antiquity used by the likes of Aristotle.

The construction has also given Egypt's second city a landmark building and in its funding, design and concept has emphasized the possibilities of international collaboration.

mbdartzgoldenjubilee

Restoring Zanzibar's Old Stone Town and historic sea front buildings is part of an initiative to revitalize the island's heritage tourism. With many of the building crumbling and in danger of collapse, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has restored landmark buildings to a high standard combining the renovation with providing top quality accommodation.

The disused telegraph building was transformed into the Zanzibar Serena Inn and the former old dispensary into shops and offices. The initiative has grown and UNESCO has recognized the Stone Town as a World Heritage Site.



visit http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/afric ... nnSTCPhoto

Home News More in this Category!
Aga Khan to build new varsity
DAILY NEWS Reporter
Daily News; Friday,August 17, 2007 @00:01

THE leader of Ismaili Muslim Community, the Aga Khan, yesterday revealed plans to finance construction of a modern university in Arusha providing various specialized programmes during talks with the Vice-President, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, at the State House.

He also told the VP that there were plans to elevate programmes offered by the Dar es Salaam-based Aga Khan University including introduction of masters and doctoral degrees in nursing.

The Aga Khan said funds for the proposed university in Arusha have already been set aside and a site for the institution identified.

His Highness, who started a three-day tour of the country yesterday, told the VP that introduction of masters and doctoral programmes at the Aga Khan University aims at fostering competence of Tanzanian health experts.

Dr Shein on the other hand, appealed to the Aga Khan University to have in place a special programme for neglected tropical diseases and devise ways to wipe them out.

The Aga Khan said the best way to eradicate the diseases was conducting thorough research.

The vice-president also thanked the Aga Khan for the support in various sectors such as education, health and tourism, noting that the assistance enables the government to bring about development to its people.

He is today scheduled to meet members of the Ismaili community in Tanzania and tomorrow he is to pay a courtesy call on President Amani Abeid Karume and then meet President Jakaya Kikwete.

As head of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan has been particularly interested in the elimination of global poverty; the advancement of the status of women; the promotion of Islamic culture, art, and architecture and furthering pluralistic values in society.

He is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world, which works towards social, economic and cultural development in Asia and Africa.

http://www.dailynews-tsn.com/index.php

****
Arusha to host second Aga Khan university

2007-08-17 09:08:37
By Guardian Correspondent


The spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, His Highness Karim Aga Khan IV, has said he is planning to build a second university in Tanzania.

He revealed the plans in talks with Vice President Ali Mohamed Shein in Dar es Salaam yesterday, saying the university would be built in Arusha and would be unique in Africa because it would provide training in `inimitable professions` only.

`We have acquired a plot and have set aside funds for the construction work. Plans are also under way to introduce a master`s degree and a PhD in medicine at the Aga Khan University in Dar es Salaam,` explained the Aga Khan, now on a five-day tour of Tanzania.

He said further that the Dar es Salaam-based already offers a master`s degree in public health, adding that both institutions would be keen on offering quality education and training.

During the talks, Dr Shein pleaded with the Imam to ensure that the universities place a premium on research centring on the diagnosis and treatment of commonly neglected tropical diseases `as a way of eradicating them once and for all`.

He praised the Aga Khan for the role he was playing in supporting the health, education and tourism sectors in Tanzania, adding: `We highly value the assistance you have been extending to us which has supplemented the government`s efforts towards bringing about development to our people.`

Responding to the appeal, the Aga Khan said that he subscribed to the recommendation and that the best way was to incorporate the diseases in medical research.

The Vice President also congratulated the Aga Khan on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the latter`s foundation, which he said had achieved an immense lot in improving the people`s well-being `through the funding of development projects in Tanzania and various other countries`.

SOURCE: Guardian
http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/20 ... 96514.html

This is in Kiswahili language which is the national language of Tanzania. The article captures most of the information given in the English article above on 'Aga Khan to build new varsity'.

Highlight:

Awali wakati akiwasili kulikuwa na nderemo na vifijo katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu J.K Nyerere.

Meaning:

Upon his arrival there was a thunderous applause at the Mwalimu J.K Nyerere Airport.


Aga Khan kujenga Chuo Kikuu Arusha
Na Mwandishi Wetu

Imam Aga Khan akiwa na Makamu wa Rais, Dk Ali Mohamed Shein jana Ikulu Jijini Dar es Salaam (photo)

KIONGOZI wa kidini wa Jumuiya ya Ismailia duniani Imam Aga Khan ameleezea nia yake ya kutaka kujenga Chuo Kikuu kipya hapa nchini.

Akizungumza na Makamu wa Rais, Dk Ali Mohamed Shein jana Ikulu Jijini Dar es Salaam, Aga Khan alisema chuo hicho kitajengwa mkoani Arusha na kwamba kitakuwa cha aina yake katika Afrika kutokana na kuhusisha masomo ya taaluma muhimu pekee.

Alisema eneo la kujenga chuo hicho limekwisha kupatikana na fedha kwa ajili ya kuanzia ujenzi wa chuo hicho tayari zimekwisha kutengwa.

Kiongozi huyo wa kidini alimweleza Makamu wa Rais kuwa mipango ipo mbioni ya kuanzisha shahada ya uzamili hadi shahada ya uzamivu (PHD) kwenye fani ya uuguzi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Aga Khan kilichoko Dar es Salaam ili kuwawezesha wauguzi hapa nchini kupata elimu ya juu katika fani hiyo.

Aidha alisema kutokana na umuhimu wa afya kwa Watanzania, chuo hicho kimeanza kutoa stashahada ya uzamili kwenye masuala ya afya kwa umma.

Katika mazungumzo hayo, Makamu wa Rais alitoa ombi kwa Chuo Kikuu cha Aga Khan kuangalia uwezekano wa kuweka programu ya magonjwa yasiyopewa kipaumbele (Neglected Tropical Diseases) ili kutokomeza magonjwa hayo, jambo ambalo Aga Khan alisema ni zuri na kusisitiza kwamba njia inayofaa ni kuhusisha magonjwa hayo katika nyanja ya utafiti wa maradhi ya afya.

Dk Shein alimshukuru Imam Aga Khan kwa misaada yake katika sekta mbali mbali ikiwemo ya elimu, afya, utalii kwa kuwa inasaidia jitihada za serikali katika kuwaletea maendeleo wananchi wake.

Alimpongeza kwa kutimiza miaka 50 ya uongozi wake katika Jumuiya ya Ismailia na mafanikio yake katika kuboresha ustawi wa jamii na kusaidia miradi katika nchi mbali mbali, ikiwemo Tanzania.

Awali wakati akiwasili kulikuwa na nderemo na vifijo katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Mwalimu J.K Nyerere.

Mara baada ya ndege aina ya LX-PAK kutua katika viwanja hivyo saa 12.30, mlango ulifunguliwa na kisha kiongozi mwakilishi wa Mtandao wa Maendeleo ya Aga Khan aliingia ndani ya ndege hiyo kwa ajili ya kumuongoza Aga Khan aweze kushuka.

Mara baada ya kushuka, Aga Khan alipokelewa na mwenyeji wake Waziri wa Mambo ya ndani, Joseph Mungai.

Wimbo maalumu wa jumuiya yao ulipigwa na Brass Bendi ya polisi na baada ya wimbo huo, kiongozi huyo alipata fursa ya kuangalia ngoma ya asili yao, sarakasi pamoja na ngoma ya Kimasai iliyokuwa imeandaliwa kwa ajili yake.

Akizungumza mara baada ya mapokezi hayo, Mungai alisema ujio wa kiongozi huyo ni kwa ajili ya kusherehekea miaka 50 ya uimamu wake katika madhehebu ya kiismailia.

Mungai alisema, Aga Khan ameweza kuwa na ushirikiano mkubwa katika nyanja ya kimaendeleo hususani kwenye sekta ya Eimu na Tiba.

"Nataka niwahakikishieni kuwa katika hili la elimu, shule ya kwanza ya wasichana iliyoko kule Zanzibar ilianzishwa na babu yake huyu Aga Khan, pia anaendelea na juhudi kubwa za kuendeleza elimu katika taifa letu," alisema Mungai.

Mkuu wa mkoa wa Dar es Salaam, Abbas Kandoro, alisema uchumi wa nchi yeyote unaendeshwa kwa nguvu za ushirikiano miongoni mwa mataifa mbalimbali.

http://www.mwananchi.co.tz/newsre.asp?id=1139

YAM from Tanzania
>Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:14:15 +0000
>
>
>YAM,
>
>As promised here is my first email after arriving in Dar es salaam. We

>arrived safely and although tired and exhausted, the excitement, the joyous
>moods of the jamat, the service, the excellent setup has left us touched
>and there is nothing short of saying wow!
>
>We arrived late last night and from the time we landed at the airport until
>now, have been looked after by the volunteers as if they have customised
>our visit to Tanzania. At the arrival, we did not have to go through
>customs, waiting in line for visas or checking of bags. We were straight
>away escorted all the way out of the airport and our visas and customs were
>looked after, via AKDN volunteers. Upon exiting the airport, we were
>provided with free shuttle to our hotels however before we could even say
>for them to take us to the hotel, they first took us to main khane to
>have a nice meal and register ourselves for everything. There were booths
>setup for registration where volunteers were waiting to give us a
>debriefing of the events to come, given all the information we required,
>after which, we were escorted to another booth if we wanted to exchange
>money, were given free cell
>phone chip to use in Dar, anything else we needed. We then had our meal and
>finally taken to our hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, we had a easy
>checkin service and escorted to our room. In our room, we had a customized
>letter waiting for us that explained all the functions of the deedar,
>hotline numbers, a fruit basket and a plate of nuts.
>
>We were informed that mowla will be arriving in the morning and if we
>wanted to, a shuttle will be waiting for us to take us to the airport or
>mowla's bunglow. Since we had decided to go and visit my aunt at the
>hospital, we had decided to pass on this opportunity but luck was on our
>side. Mowla was going to pass by the hospital so we were given the chance
>to wait for his escort and car and it was a great moment. Lots of ismailis
>were there and we met lots of toronto people at that time as well. We were
>all given flags and the atmosphere was jubilent to say the least.
>
>After the arrival of mowla, there was a luncheon hosted at Upanga JK where
>the final registration cards were given and it was a very easy process, no
>lineups and we met lots of people and the mood was excellent....people were
>all excited, moods were happy and everyone was just hugging each other.
>During the luncheon, there was mehndi and music.
>
>In the evening, we went to Upanga JK where the entire khane was filled with
>people just like old times before we all moved from Tanzania. There was
>excellent tasbih and a waez and people were just all excited. We met lots
>of unionville people and toronto people. It felt like we were in
>International centre where we meet people after a long time...
>
>All the Nairobi folks had arrived and were giving us news of Nairobi Deedar
>and my god, hearing them certainly gave us goosebumps and mowla was very
>very very happy. Everyone commented on his happiness to the point that

>mowla was almost dancing on the stage. His message, I am sure you must have
>all got by now but it was of extreme happiness and celebration. This
>further pumped the jamat and words would not be able to describe the
>happiness that is being shared in the jamat. After khane, there was food,
>sherbet, watermelon and people were just sitting out and chilling....
>
>Tommorrow morning is deedar and we are going to diamond jubilee hall at
>5:00am althoug the shuttles are starting at 2:00am. Volunteers have been
>spending sleepless nights working and decorating and are all going to be
>reporting at midnight for their duties. The work done by them has been

>excellent and they are all extremely accomodating to every need. So far, I
>have not seen a single frustration from anyone, both visitors and/or
>volunteers and this should tell us how great the visit is so far.
>
>I have you all in my heart and would have wished that all of you would have
>been here to experience this one lifetime opportunity. I cannot describe
>the feeling we are all feeling here and for me, as much as I have come to
>tanzania very often, have not seen this part of our community ever before.
>I pray and will carry all of you during the deedar and inshallah will have
>the most memorable deedar.
>
>I will update you after our deedar tommorrow and now, will say Kwaheri from
>Tanzania.

sent as recv'd...ghani ghani mubaraki

Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:20:19 +0000

YAM,

This is the update that perhaps most of you have been waiting for......

We woke up at 4:00am this morning and have hardly slept for both the days.
The excitement of this moment has been so huge that we were all worried
that we would sleep through it and hence, waited for the morning to
come so we can get to the DJ Hall. We had the shuttle waiting for us
downstairs at the hotel, at 5.00 am sharp and filled with ismailis
sharing the same passion and excitement. You could see the different
vibrant clothing, colours, sari's, suits and people from all around the
world in the shuttle, just eager to get to the hall so they can get
inside. As soon as we were dropped off at the DJ Hall, volunteers took
over, and there was hardly any rush and line ups were not that bad. We
had to go through the security gate like the airport and were checked
for any phones, or anything that would pose a danger. All was very
smooth and as soon as we passed that, we had to show our registration
cards to enter and then we were inside. The process took us less than
15 minutes and very smooth.

Inside, there was a refreshment section ready for the morning coffee
and nasto. There was chevro, sambaro, puri, biscuits and chai and we
were also give a packed box of food containing cookies, water, mandazi
and sweets. We were also given upon entering a golden jubilee pin to
wear and that is our momento to remember this event. We all then
entered the hall and got very good seating.

Salwaats, ginans, waez has started and this continued for the remaining
of the program. There was never a frustration anywhere that I could
see, and this was another amazing thing to watch, and people were
meeting after the Nairobi Deedar and all were really pumped up...you
could watch hugs, kisses and just plain old greetings and the
atmosphere was getting charged by the hour. Watching everyone around,
people praying, salwaats recitation and just the flow of positive
energy all over. Tears rolling down some eyes, very young volunteers
distributing water, kids behaving, people of all countries gathering, was just a sight that will never leave my memories...

Soon the time came and the salwaats started getting stronger and as we
closed our eyes and recitation of salwaats, I could feel the tears just
flowing down my cheeks and at that time, I had you all in my heart, and
prayed on behalf of all of you.....just reciting salwaats....and then
mowla entered the hall, and the moment we were all waiting for had arrived....

Mowla walked through various runners, and just showered his blessing
like rain falling from the sky, it was non stop and he was just giving
his blessings and all murids with open hands to recieve it....what a
moment....it was the ultimate bliss one could experience. Soon after he
went on the stage and the ceremonies took place. There was a quranic
ayat, meaning, ginan and then an excellent speech from the president of council.
He during his speech, also gave in to tears and had to control himself
which was even hard for us to do, let alone him.....it was all over
emotional and mowla was just watching all the ceremonies knowing what
was in every murids heart at that time. Finally he gave his firmans and
he went on to the points which I am sure you will get soon and would
prefer not to write here. However, the one point I must share is that
his happiness was parallel to nothing I have seen before and he
specifically mentioned that today was a day to celebrate and he waved
his hand and said, today, forget all your problems, I want you to enjoy
and celebrate....and if you dont, I will know and will get my reports
and you will be answerable to me...so go celebrate....shukar mowla!
what can I say....this words I have never heard, the smile, the
laughter from mowla, touched all of us and I could see tears in peoples
eyes like a flow of water from the river...it was a most emotional moment....

After the ceremonies, mowla once again walked on various other runners
and we were fortunate and lucky to be close to one of them and he
passed right in front of us.....and We can only say shukar as our tears
were just flowing down and all of you were in our hearts....we shared
our moments with all of you and mowla gave lots of blessings for
everyone, here and not here...

I am already emotional writing this, and recalling the event has
brought the tears back, that is the feeling we experienced.

After the deedar was finished, there was hugging and kissing and people
from all walks of the world were just coming and giving us
mubaraki...and this event brought all ismailis close to each other.

After the event, all energy has been drained however there is still
tonights festivities, music party, dinner and more celebrations....this
day is what mowla has given us to enjoy and that we shall with every
breath and every second we have....this is truly a day of happiness and
it will be marked in history as a Golden Jubilee Darbar Day......

thank you all for your prayers for making this day a memorable day for
all of us....

Kawheri from Dar es salaam

http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/daily_ ... 708196427/

excerpt:

In another development, it has also been learnt that His Highness the
Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, is scheduled
to meet with the East African heads of state in Arusha on Monday as
part of the Tanzanian leg of his 12-day East African tour.

Actually I do not think he was there. The Summit of the Head of States was running 3 hours late, hardly a timespan Hazar Imam would have in his busy schedule, he may just have cancelled his address since the early program mentionned it but the revised program a couple of days ago did not.

Admin

Press Release by the AKDN on plans for the university in Arusha and other news about his visit to Tanzania.

http://www.akdn.org/news/2007Aug19.htm

TANZANIA TO RELEASE AKDN STAMPS

Rais Jakaya kikwete na Prince Aga Khan wakionesha Stampu mpya za posta walizozindua Ikulu jana.Stampu hizo zinaonesha mradi mbali mbali ya aga Khan ikiwa ni maadhimisho ya miaka 50 ya uongozi wake. (photo)

(translation)
President Jakaya Kikwete and Prince Agakhan view the new postal stamps that they launched at the State House. These stamps showing diverse facets of the Agakhan serve as a commemoration of the 50 years of his leadership.

Kikwete ampongeza Agha Khan
Kikwete honours the Agakhan
Na Mwandishi Maalum


RAIS Jakaya Kikwete amesema serikali yake na watanzania wanathamini michango na miradi mbalimbali ya kijamii ambayo Kiongozi Mkuu wa Madhehebu ya Shia Ismailia Duniani, Mtukufu Karim Agha Khan amewekeza katika nchini.

President Jakaya Kikwete said that the government and the people of Tanzania value the various communal/institutional contributions established by the world leader of the Ismaili sect His Highness Agakhan.


Rais Kikwete aliyasema hayo juzi Ikulu wakati wa hafla ya chakula maalum ambacho Rais na Mama Salma, walikiaandaa kwa ajili kumpongeza kiongozi huyo kwa kusherehekea kutimiza miaka 50 ya uongozi wake.

President Kikwete made this statement the day before yesterday at the State House (Ikulu) at the banquet given by the President and Mama Salma in the honour of this leader to celebrate the completion of the 50 years of his leadership.


Alisema watanzania wengi wamenufaika na miradi hiyo, ikiwamo ile ya elimu na afya na huduma nyinginezo.

He said that many Tanzanians have benefited from these initiatives, among them are in the education and health sectors and others services.


Rais Kikwete alisema Watanzania wanajivunia ushirikiano mzuri ulipo kati yake na Kiongozi huyo, na akushukuru kwa kuichagua Tanzania kama moja ya nchi ya kusherehekea miaka 50 ya uongozi wake.

President Kikwete said that the Tanzanians are proud of the good cooperation that exists between him and this leader, and is grateful to him for choosing Tanzania as one of the countries to celebrate the 50 years of his leadership.


Akizungumzia ujenzi wa chuo hicho kikuu kipya mkoani Arusha ambako kiongozi huyo anatarajia kukijenga hivi karibuni, Rais Kikwete alisema serikali ina upokea na kuukaribisha uamuzi wake huo na kwamba itatoa ushirikiano wote ili kufanikisha utekelezaji wa maradi huo.


Akizungumza katika halfa hiyo, Mtukufu Karim Agha Khan, aliisifia serikali na Watanzania kuwa wanastahili pongezi kwa kuendeleza na kusimamia uhuru wa kuabudu kulingana na imani za kila mtu huku wakiishi kwa amani na utulivu.


Agha Khan alisema kutoka na Tanzania kuendeleza utamaduni huo wa wananchi wake kuishi na kushirikiana bila ya kujali tofauti zao za kidini, kunaifanya kuwa nchi ambayo ni kama zawadi kati ya nchi nyingine duniani.


?Licha ya kwamba idadi ya Wakristu na Waislamu ni karibu nusu kwa nusu, lakini mmendelea kuuenzi utamaduni huu wa kuishi kwa pamoja mkiheshimu imani za kila mtu, hili ni jambo ambalo serikali na Watanzania mnastahili pongezi kubwa,? alisema.


Alisisitiza kwamba, utaifa unaojengwa miongozi mwa Watanzania kwa kuishi kwa kuheshimiana bila ya kujali tofauti za kidini wala itikadi za kisiasa, ni msingi mzuri ambao Tanzania kama taifa, inajiwekea kwa siku za baadaye.


Pamoja na kupongeza namna Watanzania wanavyoishi bila ya kubaguana, Agha Khan pia alipongeza serikali na watu wake, kwa namna ambavyo wamekuwa wakipiga hatua mbalimbali za maendeleo.


Alisema licha ya kuambiwa na watu wake wa karibu, lakini hata yenye mwenye ameyashuhudia.


Miongoni mwa mafanikio ambayo alieleza, ni pamoja mageuzi ya kiuchumi na mwelekeo mzuri wa ukuaji wa uchumi na jitihada zinazofanywa na serikali katika kufanikisha utekelezaji wa Malengo ya Maendeleo ya Millenia (MDGs).


Agha Khan alitaja mafanikio mengine ya Tanzania kuwa ni pamoja na uandikishwaji wa watoto wote wenye umri wa kwenda shule ambayo imefikia asilimia zaidi ya 90, utoaji wa chanjo mbalimabali kwa asilimia 80 kwa watoto chini ya miaka mitano na ukuaji wa uchumi kwa asilimia sita.


Akizungumzia zaidi kuhusu utekelezaji wa MDGs, alisema mafanikio yaliyopatikana katika kuhakikisha kwamba watoto wote waliofikia umri wa kwenda shule wanapata fursa hiyo, kunaeleza changamoto ya kupanua na kuendeleza elimu ya sekondari.


Alisema ndiyo maana hata taasisi yake ya Agha Khan Foundation, imekuwa ikitilia mkazo katika uendelezaji na utoaji wa elimu, na kwamba atajenga chuo kikuu kipya nchini, ambacho kitakuwa ni mradi mkubwa kuwahi kijengwa na taasisi hiyo baadaya ya ule ambao umejengwa nchini Pakistani zaidi ya miaka 25 iliyopita.


Akifafanua zaidi kuhusu ujenzi wa chuo hicho, Agha Khani alisema kwamba ujenzi wa chuo kikuu hicho utakaofanyika Arusha, kitajenengwa kwa miaka 15 na kitagharimu dola za Marekani 450 milioni, ambacho kitakuwa na mchepuo wa sayasi na shule mbalimbali za kitaaluma.


Katika hatua nyingine, Kiongozi huyo mkuu wa madhehebu ya Shia Isimailia Dunian, pia amepongeza uhusiano mzuri uliopo katika ya serikali na sekta binafsi na kwamba ushirikiano huo ni muhimu katika ujenzi wa taifa.


Kabla ya hafla hiyo ya chakula maalum, Rais Kikwete, Agha Khan, walizindua stempu maalum ambazo zimetayarishwa na Shirika la Posta Tanzania (TPC), kama sehemu ya kusherehekea miaka 50.


Stempu hizo zinaelezea miradi mbalimbali ambayo kiongozi huyo amewekeza nchini Tanzania .

http://www.mwananchi.co.tz/newsre.asp?id=1180

Aga Khan asifu uvumilivu wa kidini nchini
The Agakhan praises religious tolerance in this country

na Mwandishi Maalum

KIONGOZI mkuu wa madhehebu ya Shia Ismailia duniani, Karim Aga Khan, amesema serikali na Watanzania wanastahili pongezi kwa kuendeleza na kusimamia uhuru wa watu kuabudu kulingana na imani zao huku wakiishi kwa amani na utulivu.

Aliyasema hayo wakati wa hafla ya chakula maalumu ambacho Rais Jakaya Kikwete na Mama Salma walikiandaa kwa ajili yake juzi usiku Ikulu, kumpongeza kwa kusherehekea miaka 50 ya uongozi wake.

Aga Khan alieleza kuwa, kuendelea kwa utamaduni wa wananchi kuishi na kushirikiana bila ya kujali tofauti zao za kidini, kunaifanya Tanzania kuwa nchi ambayo ni kama zawadi kati ya nchi nyingine duniani.

"Licha ya kwamba idadi ya Wakristu na Waislamu ni karibu nusu kwa nusu, lakini mmendelea kuuenzi utamaduni huu wa kuishi kwa pamoja mkiheshimu imani za kila mtu, hili ni jambo ambalo serikali na Watanzania mnastahili pongezi kubwa," alisema.

Alisisitiza kwamba utaifa unaojengwa miongozi mwa Watanzania kwa kuishi kwa kuheshimia bila ya kujali tofauti za kidini wala itikadi za kisiasa, ni msingi mzuri sana ambao Tanzania kama taifa inajiwekea kwa siku za baadaye.

Pamoja na kupongeza namna Watanzania wanavyoishi bila ya kubaguana, Aga Khan pia ameipongeza serikali na Watanzania, kwa namna ambavyo wamekuwa wakipiga hatua mbalimbali za kimaendeleo.

Alibainisha kwamba ndiyo maana hata taasisi yake ya Aga Khan Foundation, imekuwa ikitiliana mkazo katika uendelezaji na utoaji wa elimu, na ndio maana ameamua kujenga chuo kikuu kipya nchini Tanzania, chuo ambacho kitakuwa ni mradi mkubwa kuwahi kujengwa na taasisi hiyo baada ya ule ambao umejengwa nchini Pakistan zaidi ya miaka 25 uliyopita.

Akifafanua zaidi kuhusu ujenzi wa chuo hicho, Aga Khan, alibainisha kuwa ujenzi wa chuo kikuu hicho, kitakachojengwa Arusha, kitajengwa kwa miaka 15 na kitaghalimu dola za Marekani milioni 450.

Awali akimkaribisha katika hafla hiyo na kumpongeza kwa kutimiza miaka 50 ya uongozi wake, Rais Kikwete alisema serikali na Watanzania wanathamini michango mbalimbali ya kijamii ambayo kiongozi huyo amewekeza nchini.

Alisema Watanzania wengi wamenufaika na miradi hiyo ikiwamo ile ya elimu na afya na huduma nyinginezo.

Akizungumzia kuhusu ujenzi wa chuo kikuu kipya mkoani Arusha, Rais alisema serikali inaupokea na kuukaribisha uamuzi wake huo na kwamba itatoa ushirikiano wote ili kufanikisha utekelezaji wa maradi huo.

http://www.freemedia.co.tz/daima/2007/8/20/habari21.php

Some of TZ today\s newspapers that have articles/photos on Hazar Imam's visit

---> IN English

Daily News [www.dailynews-tsn.com]

---> IN Swahili:

Mtanzania
Mwananchi
HabariLeo
Majira
Uhuru

I am not sure of their web sites if they have one. Can't post as I am presently traveling in slow internet areas.

Admin

http://www.dailynews-tsn.com/page.php?id=8206
Home News More in this Category!
Aga Khan cheers Dar gains
DAILY NEWS Reporter
Daily News; Monday,August 20, 2007 @00:05

THE spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan, has lauded the government for its commitment to human development agenda, demonstrated by investing heavily in education and health.

"Tanzania is indeed committed to bring about development to its people and this is shown by the country's exemplary social and economic gains," the Aga Khan said in Dar es Salaam on Saturday night.

The Aga Khan, who was on a three-day visit of Tanzania, was speaking at a State Banquet hosted in his honour by President Jakaya Kikwete.

He said education and health were sectors in which his various foundations were involved and the goal was to improve the welfare of people, especially in the third world.

The Aga Khan who is on a 12-day tour of East Africa as part of 50th anniversary since he became the Immam of Ismaili Muslims in July 1957, arrived in Tanzania on Thursday, from
Kenya.

He pledged continued support to Tanzania in various sectors including health and education through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The Aga Khan said a new university which would focus on science and technology programmes to be built in Arusha would cost 450 million US dollars (about 576bn/-).

"Construction will take 15 years and will be the foundation's second biggest education project after the one in Pakistan," he said.

President Kikwete expressed gratitude to the Aga Khan, for his contribution and support to welfare of many Tanzanians through provision of education and health services "There are many Tanzanians who are what they are today because of your generous contribution.

"They got their education from schools you built or through your sponsorship. And, thousands have had their ailments treated in hospitals you built," said Mr Kikwete.

"These are the major programmes that require huge investment which we sometimes do not have.

"We still need more support from you and other strategic partners to enable us successfully carry out these important programmes for our people," he said.

Comment on this Story

>Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 8:36 PM
Subject: FW: Padhramni Observations

FORWARED AS RECEIVED.
Hi everybody,

This is a follow up email to the one I wrote last night and had missed out some interesting observations and details, thought i would share this with you all.

We arrived at the DSM airport to a very warm welcome by the Transport
and Accommodation volunteers, the volunteers were stationed inside the
building close to the Immigration and Customs area, as soon as we came
into the Terminal building our passports were collected by the volunteers
and were asked to pick up our luggage and wait outside, within a matter of minutes our passports were handed back to us stamped with a 3 month visa, no questions asked at Immigration or Customs, this is where the very warm hospitality of the Tanzanian Jamat began.

Everyday there were up to 700 guests arriving from various parts of the
world, and 2 days before the Deedar, that number was up considerably with Murids arriving by plane, cars, buses. Those who didn't have transportation into the city or accommodations, were promptly helped.

Everyday at the social halls of Darkhana and Upanga JKs jamat and visitors were served with hot breakfasts, followed by hot lunches we
had everything from masala fish, gos wari dar, muthia to lamb curry and
rice. The Jamats of Tanzania had truly opened up their hearts and wallets
for the world wide jamat.

An umedvar family from Zambia had paid for a 100,000 roses of various
colours that had arrived from Holland to decorate the Diamond Jubilee Hall and Mowla's stage. The day after we arrived in Dsm Tazim reported herself to the council office to volunteer in the flower section or anywhere else where she could do seva, she was promptly asked to report at the DJ Hall on Wednesday morning to a Zeenatbai who was in charge, there were many other sevadharis who served in the flower area, for 2 full days she was busy, the volunteers there worked tirelessly through the night and the next day, for 48 hours before Deedar they were there, on the afternoon of the day before Deedar Zeenatbai came to Tazim and told her that she was entrusted with the task of doing the only flower arrangement to be placed in MHI's rest area, she very graciously and humbly excepted this privilege to do seva on behalf of the Guelph jamat. It was the prayers and the good wishes of Guelph jamat that made this wonderful opportunity possible, the arrangement consisted of orchids and asmini in a crystal vase, and yours truly was left to pound the streets of DSM alone.

What I am going to write next is a personal experience and observation
and is by no means the view of anybody else. Prior to the arrival of MHI,
Dsm has been basking in hot 27 to 30 degree plus temperatures, and by 11 in the morning it is scorching heat, everyday in announcements in jks the jamat was warned to take precautions before going to the airport due to the scorching heat. The jamat started arriving by 10 am in bus loads, I
arrived at 10.30 to a very hot sun, people had started looking for shade
from the relentless sun, around 11 there started to form a cloud cover
over the airport, it seemed like a big umbrella that was covering the
immediate area over the airport, the sun started disappearing and suddenly it started cooling off, with the sun no where to be seen, this cloud cover lasted almost 2 hours, with the jamat very well protected from the harsh sun, 20 minutes before MHI'S departure the sun very reluctantly started coming out, by the time we got back into the buses it was back to it's full glory. To me this is yet another example of Mowla's Rehmat and how he protects his Murids in different ways.

The awal sufro on Padhramni day went to a family originally from Musoma and now residing in England for 1.1 million USD.

After Mowlas departure from the DJ Hall, the Murids rejoiced with hugs,
kisses, reunions of friends, family and tears of happiness came by the
truck load, the rejoicing continued with a Biryani dinner after prayers,
followed by a music party ras/garba into the early hours, Murids
celebrating thier Beloved Mowla's Golden Jubilee. All of us here have been very humbled with the experiences of the last few days, we pray to Mowla to share this happiness and Barakaat with one and all. Ameen.
>>

Just a small correction...the volunteers at the airport were Transport and Accomodation team volunteers..who actually ended up doing almost everything else from security to organizing the line up...these were jamati volunteers...not AKDN Volunteers.
(I was the one yelling at everyone to get into one line for anyone that was there - and sad to say..true to our form.. some of us refused to move)
I will say this...anyone that wanted to volunteer and came here a week earlier..could sign up and help.
I will post more on my experiences once I get home.....some unique experiences .......

Shams

Aga Khan unveils Sh30bn Arusha campus

Story by NATION Correspondent
Publication Date: 8/21/2007
The Aga Khan — the spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims — has announced plans to build a major university campus in Arusha, Tanzania.


The Aga Khan (left) and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete launch commemorative stamps in Dar-es-Salaam at the weekend. The spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community is on a 12-day tour of East Africa as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary since he became Imam of the 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
Photo/ CORRESPONDENT
He said the Sh30.1 billion ($450 million) complex will be developed over the next 15 years.

The Ismaili leader made the announcement at the weekend during a dinner hosted in his honour by Tanzania's president Jakaya Kikwete.

He said the decision to build the Arusha campus represented the biggest expansion move for the Aga Khan University since it opened its first campus in Karachi, Pakistan, nearly 25 years ago.

"We hope that the university will be a source of effective leadership for the East Africa of tomorrow," he said. Arusha is the official seat of the East African Community which includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

Development efforts

Mr Kikwete praised the Aga Khan's development efforts in Tanzania and described the decision to build the Arusha campus as "good news for us."

"Your deep attachment to our country has always been a source of pride and inspiration for us," he said.

Tanzania was the second leg of the Aga Khan's trip to East Africa. Last week, he visited Kenya where he announced a US$ 250 million project to create an Aga Khan University faculty of health sciences in Nairobi.

Earlier on Saturday the Aga Khan visited the Island of Zanzibar, home to one of East Africa's oldest Ismaili communities.

On Sunday, the Aga Khan arrived in Uganda's capital, Kampala, where he met President Yoweri Museveni. He was scheduled to return to Tanzania yesterday.

http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/ ... tentry.asp?

****
category_id=66&newsid=104910
extra news Aga Khan lifts hotel business
DAILY NEWS Reporter
Daily News; Friday,August 17, 2007 @00:02

MOST major hotels in Dar es Salaam are fully booked following the visit of the leader of Ismaili Muslim Community, the Aga Khan, who landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) yesterday.

The three-day visit is part of his 50th anniversary since he became the 49th Imam of the community on July 1957, at the age of 20.

A random survey conducted by 'Daily News' established that all prominent hotels in Dar es Salaam are fully booked until August 24.

The Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, which has 186 rooms, is fully booked by the Aga Khan's delegation. Other hotels which are fully booked include New Africa (126), The Protea Courtyard Hotel (52) and Sea Cliff (122).

Enjoy the slideshow of the arrival at Dar-es-Salaam at:

http://www.theismaili.org/EA.htm

YAM and Mubaraki
>
>Golden Jubilee Darbar
>
>
>
>It all started from 13th when MHI laid the foundation of Faculty of
>Health Sciences at AKU, Nairobi. He was happy and eager to express the
>extension of AKU in East Africa over the next 15 years with more
>faculties of investment about 250 million dollars. Next day, he was in
>Mombasa. Morning, he attended a ceremony to mark the 25th year of famous
>Madrasa programs (see www.akdn.org <http://www.akdn.org/> website for
>details). He looked tired but made sure to spend time with leaders of
>other Muslim sect to discuss.
>
>Later, that evening, he laid the foundation of residential facility for
>Aga Khan Academy. MHI was excited and happy. AK Academy in Mombasa is
>very close and dear to him.
>
>
>
>Next day was the big day of Darbar. We all left Mombasa in Ismaili
>chartered plane a nite before and reached Darbar Hall at about 4 in the
>morning. MHI arrived at 10:05 am. The ginan "saheba jee too more man
>bhaave" was very touching. In his farman, in the beginning he said it's
>a day of "joy and celebration for all jamat" and blessed that "our
>hearts dance in joy and happiness". He mentioned about rapidly changing
>world and how to keep up, by balancing "worldly and material with
>spiritual duties". He stressed to be "regular in prayers, go to JK, and
>say tasbih whenever you have time and wherever you are." This time there
>was an additional sentence, he mentioned "say your tasbih, and nobody
>knows that you are saying tasbih". Later, when he came again to thank
>for Nazrana, he said "now my heart is dancing in joy and celebration,
>after knowing the pledge of Time and Knowledge Nazrana" Then he got very
>happy and excited and said, that Council has not informed me about your
>plans later in the day, but I know you will all celebrate will dandia
>raas. He wished that when we play, he will be with us playing raas in
>"heart and spirit" He was waving his hands in such excitement that at
>one point he waited for jamat to clap. Since, the jamat was trained not
>to clap before deedar thru waez, but still it such a joy that the hall
>clapped and clapped and MHI was delighted. Finally, he said, he is so
>happy that he wishes to "dance and jump in joy"
>
>
>
>Just before the arrival of MHI in hall, there was this flickering
>sunlight appearing right on his chair where his head would be. The hall
>was covered but there were "cool vents" rotating on the roof for proper
>ventilation. And sunlight found its way to MHI chair. A volunteer rushed
>up the stage to pull the chair forward to avoid it. As MHI was walking
>thru the hall, the sunlight moved forward back to same position on his
>chair. Again, the same volunteer rushed up the stage to pull the chair
>more forward (while MHI was in the hall). When MHI reached the stage,
>the flickering light appeared again towards his shoulder and later
>disappeared soon without bothering the Imam.
>
>
>
>The Nairobi arrangement was brilliant, despite international jamat's
>huge participation, mostly Canadians and Pakistan. There were jamat from
>44 countries. It was such a delight for all of us. We did remember all
>of you while in deedar. We reached back to Mombasa at 1:00 am last nite.
>Last nite, the JK was held in the same hall. The awwal soofra went for 6
>crore Kshs. (about 900,000 US$)
>
>
>
>Now, MHI is off to Dar and tomorrow is darbar in Dar.
>
>Best Regards

I appreciate people wanting to share their Didar experiences but I think this is taking it too far - why are Farmans, awal sufro and the like being posted on public forums? People should respect the sanctity of these ceremonies.

mwanachi wrote:I appreciate people wanting to share their Didar experiences but I think this is taking it too far - why are Farmans, awal sufro and the like being posted on public forums? People should respect the sanctity of these ceremonies.

MHI made it very clear that these were Irshad Mubarak and not Farmans. MHI delivers Irshad Mubarak in the presence of non-Ismailis as in Central Asia, so I do not think any harm is done from that perspective. The awal sufro is part of our tradition which we should be in a position to explain and share with others. In this particular situation it reflected the level of love and devotion of murids for their Imam and how it tied up with the rest of the celebrations.

FOWARDED AS RECEIVED.

Subject: Dar-Es-Salaam - Deedar Mubarak


Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:20:19 +0000


YAM,

This is the update that perhaps most of you have been waiting for......

We woke up at 4:00am this morning and have hardly slept for both the days.

The excitement of this moment has been so huge that we were all worried that we would sleep through it and hence, waited for the morning to come so we can get to the DJ Hall. We had the shuttle waiting for us downstairs at the hotel, at 5.00 am sharp and filled with ismailis sharing the same passion and excitement. You could see the different vibrant clothing, colours, sari's, suits and people from all around the world in the shuttle, just eager to get to the hall so they can get inside. As soon as we were dropped off at the DJ Hall, volunteers took over, and there was hardly any rush and line ups were not that bad. We had to go through the security gate like the airport and were checked for any phones, or anything that would pose a danger. All was very smooth and as soon as we passed that, we had to show our registration cards to enter and then we were inside. The process took us less than 15 minutes and very smooth.

Inside, there was a refreshment section ready for the morning coffee and nasto. There was chevro, sambaro, puri, biscuits and chai and we were also give a packed box of food containing cookies, water, mandazi and sweets. We were also given upon entering a golden jubilee pin to wear and that is our momento to remember this event. We all then entered the hall and got very good seating.

Salwaats, ginans, waez has started and this continued for the remaining of the program. There was never a frustration anywhere that I could see, and this was another amazing thing to watch, and people were meeting after the Nairobi Deedar and all were really pumped up...you could watch hugs, kisses and just plain old greetings and the atmosphere was getting charged by the hour. Watching everyone around, people praying, salwaats recitation and just the flow of positive energy all over. Tears rolling down some eyes, very young volunteers distributing water, kids behaving, people of all countries gathering, was just a sight that will never leave my memories...

Soon the time came and the salwaats started getting stronger and as we closed our eyes and recitation of salwaats, I could feel the tears just flowing down my cheeks and at that time, I had you all in my heart, and prayed on behalf of all of you.....just reciting salwaats....and then mowla entered the hall, and the moment we were all waiting for had arrived....

Mowla walked through various runners, and just showered his blessing like rain falling from the sky, it was non stop and he was just giving his blessings and all murids with open hands to recieve it....what a moment....it was the ultimate bliss one could experience. Soon after he went on the stage and the ceremonies took place. There was a quranic ayat, meaning, ginan and then an excellent speech from the president of council. He during his speech, also gave in to tears and had to control himself which was even hard for us to do, let alone him.....it was all over emotional and mowla was just watching all the ceremonies knowing what was in every murids heart at that time. Finally he gave his firmans and he went on to the points which I am sure you will get soon and would prefer not to write here. However, the one point I must share is that his happiness was parallel to nothing I have seen before and he specifically mentioned that today was a day to celebrate and he waved his hand and said, today, forget all your problems, I want you to enjoy and celebrate....and if you dont, I will know and will get my reports and you will be answerable to me...so go celebrate....shukar mowla! what can I say....this words I have never heard, the smile, the laughter from mowla, touched all of us and I could see tears in peoples eyes like a flow of water from the river...it was a most emotional moment....

After the ceremonies, mowla once again walked on various other runners and we were fortunate and lucky to be close to one of them and he passed right in front of us.....and We can only say shukar as our tears were just flowing down and all of you were in our hearts....we shared our moments with all of you and mowla gave lots of blessings for everyone, here and not here...

I am already emotional writing this, and recalling the event has brought the tears back, that is the feeling we experienced.

After the deedar was finished, there was hugging and kissing and people from all walks of the world were just coming and giving us mubaraki...and this event brought all ismailis close to each other.

After the event, all energy has been drained however there is still tonights festivities, music party, dinner and more celebrations....this day is what mowla has given us to enjoy and that we shall with every breath and every second we have....this is truly a day of happiness and it will be marked in history as a Golden Jubilee Darbar Day......

thank you all for your prayers for making this day a memorable day for all of us....

Kawheri from Dar es salaam

Padhramni Observations
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:09:36 -0400


Hi everybody,

This is a follow up email to the one I wrote last night and had missed out some interesting observations and details, thought i would share this with you all.

We arrived at the DSM airport to a very warm welcome by the Transport and Accommodation volunteers, the volunteers were stationed inside the building close to the Immigration and Customs area, as soon as we came into the Terminal building our passports were collected by the volunteers and were asked to pick up our luggage and wait outside, within a matter of minutes our passports were handed back to us stamped with a 3 month visa, no questions asked at Immigration or Customs, this is where the very warm hospitality of the Tanzanian Jamat began.

Everyday there were up to 700 guests arriving from various parts of the world, and 2 days before the Deedar, that number was up considerably with Murids arriving by plane, cars, buses. Those who didn't have transportation into the city or accommodations, were promptly helped.

Everyday at the social halls of Darkhana and Upanga JKs jamat and visitors were served with hot breakfasts, followed by hot lunches -- we had everything from masala fish, gos wari dar, muthia to lamb curry and rice. The Jamats of Tanzania had truly opened up their hearts and wallets for the world wide jamat.

An umedvar family from Zambia had paid for a 100,000 roses of various colours that had arrived from Holland to decorate the Diamond Jubilee Hall and Mowla's stage. The day after we arrived in Dsm Tazim reported herself to the council office to volunteer in the flower section or anywhere else where she could do seva, she was promptly asked to report at the DJ Hall on Wednesday morning to a Zeenatbai who was in charge, there were many other sevadharis who served in the flower area, for 2 full days she was busy, the volunteers there worked tirelessly through the night and the next day, for 48 hours before Deedar they were there, on the afternoon of the day before Deedar Zeenatbai came to Tazim and told her that she was entrusted with the task of doing the only flower arrangement to be placed in MHI's rest area, she very graciously and humbly excepted this privilege to do seva on behalf of the Guelph jamat. It was the prayers and the good wishes of Guelph jamat that made this wonderful opportunity possible, the arrangement consisted of orchids and asmini in a crystal vase, and yours truly was left to pound the streets of DSM alone.

What I am going to write next is a personal experience and observation and is by no means the view of anybody else. Prior to the arrival of MHI, Dsm has been basking in hot 27 to 30 degree plus temperatures, and by 11 in the morning it is scorching heat, everyday in announcements in jks the jamat was warned to take precautions before going to the airport due to the scorching heat. The jamat started arriving by 10 am in bus loads, I arrived at 10.30 to a very hot sun, people had started looking for shade from the relentless sun, around 11 there started to form a cloud cover
over the airport, it seemed like a big umbrella that was covering the immediate area over the airport, the sun started disappearing and suddenly it started cooling off, with the sun no where to be seen, this cloud cover lasted almost 2 hours, with the jamat very well protected from the harsh sun, 20 minutes before MHI'S departure the sun very reluctantly started coming out, by the time we got back into the buses it was back to it's full glory. To me this is yet another example of Mowla's Rehmat and how he protects his Murids in different ways.

The awal sufro on Padhramni day went to a family originally from Musoma and now residing in England for 1.1 million USD.

After Mowlas departure from the DJ Hall, the Murids rejoiced with hugs, kisses, reunions of friends, family and tears of happiness came by the truck load, the rejoicing continued with a Biryani dinner after prayers, followed by a music party ras/garba into the early hours, Murids celebrating thier Beloved Mowla's Golden Jubilee. All of us here have been very humbled with the experiences of the last few days, we pray to Mowla to share this happiness and Barakaat with one and all. Ameen.

MHI landed at the Dsm International Airport at about 11 Thursday morning, there were close to 5000 murids at the airport to receive MHI, it was a very disciplined crowd, some of whom {approx. 400} got an opportunity to go on the runway where MHI'S plane arrived, MHI was accorded the Honor which is normally reserved for a head of State. The Tanzanian National Anthem along with the Ismaili anthem were played, about 20 minutes after arrival MHI left the airport in a motorcade of black Mercedes cars provided by the Tanzanian Govt. MHI'S first stop was at the State House to meet the Tanzanian President, from there the motorcade made it's way to MHI'S residence at Oyster Bay, Murids had gathered along the route by The Agakhan Hosp. and the residence, MHI waved at the crowds as the motorcade went by.

DEEDAR

This morning MHI arrived at The Diamond Jubilee Hall at 10.45 am, MHI made a very Majestic entrance in the Hall in his Golden jubilee robe that we saw during the Homage ceremony, it was a scene like no other, MHI went through the Hall covering all the areas, with chants of Salwat from the gathered Jamat and MHI showering the Murids with Khanavadan as he went by, there were approx. 12000 people in attendance. Once MHI settled on the stage, Ayats from the Quran were recited followed by the translation, this was followed by the ginan Ashaji. After this the darkhana Mukhisaheb put on a Gold chain on MHI, this was followed by a speech by the president of the national Council, where he thanked Hazar Imam for 50 years of dedicated Imamat to the Murids and the society at large, during the speech the President broke down, at this time there was hardly a dry eye in the Hall, this was followed by mehamanis by MKS of different jk's.

Following this Hazar Imam delivered the Irshad Mubarak, I will not try and interpret MHI'S Irshad Mubabrak as I feel it should be left to the people with the proper authority, but MHI was very happy, praised the volunteers, and was in a very happy mood, at the end he laughingly told the jamat to make sure that tonight they celebrated His Golden Jubilee and for one day to set aside all their problems and simply enjoy. After 45 minutes on the stage MHI proceeded to the area where there where Murids with special needs, once again before he proceeded to that area MHI went through the Hall covering all the areas where the Murids where sitting, all in all we had a very memorable Deedar, Hazar Imam was very happy through out, for me personally it had a special meaning because when MHI ascended to the throne of Imamat I was present during the Takth Nashini in 1957, I was 7 years old at the time, and 50 years later with Mowla's grace I had once again the opportunity to celebrate the Golden Jubilee on the same grounds in Upping DSM. Mubabraki to everybody. During the Deedar all the family members, friends and the Guelph Jamat were in our thoughts and prayers.