Mawlana Hazar Imam and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Governor`s private office in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California at the Governor's private office in Santa Monica. This was followed by an intimate lunch hosted by the Governor and First Lady Maria Shriver at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
The lunch began with the Nashid al-Imamah which was followed by a performance of the US National Anthem by renowned Los Angeles singer Angel Blue. Following the meal, guests were entertained by the Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program, representing the best of the Los Angeles Opera.
During the luncheon Governor Schwarzenegger praised the Aga Khan Development Network and Mawlana Hazar Imam's efforts to alleviate poverty, and promote architecture and culture. In his remarks, Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for his hospitality and stressed the need for the strengthening of human resources, which contribute towards the building of a civil society that supports fragile democracies.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for a dinner at Getty House, the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles.
Leaders of the Jamat bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra at San Antonio airport in Texas. Photo: Zahur Ramji
President Amirali Popatia of the Ismaili Council for Southwestern USA and President Rafiq Ramzanali Pradhan of the Ismaili Council for North Texas bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at San Antonio airport, as he departs from Texas for California. Photo: Zahur Ramji
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, California, Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by Charlotte Schultz, Chief of Protocol and Will Fox, Deputy Chief of Staff from the office of the Governor of California, as well as President Samia Rashid and other leaders of the Ismaili Council for Western USA. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam is accompanied by Charlotte Schultz, Chief of Protocol from the office of the Governor of California after disembarking in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger pose for a photograph at the Governor's private office in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger engaged in discussion at the Governor's Santa Monica office. Photo: Gary Otte
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, First Lady Maria Shriver, are joined by guests in a standing ovation for Mawlana Hazar Imam at a luncheon hosted by the Governor and First Lady of California. Photo: Gary Otte
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger pays tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam in his speech during the luncheon hosted at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam addressing guests at a luncheon hosted by the Governor and First Lady of California, held at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam addressing guests at a luncheon hosted by the Governor and First Lady of California, held at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa meet at Getty House, the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles. Photo: Gary Otte mbdartz