Ismaili and Aga Khan in History: Today 0419

Today in History: April 19

1900, April 19: In Junagadh, Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah declared: “It is enjoined upon all Jamats, young and old to listen properly the orders of Varas Kassim and follow what he commands. Varas Kassim commands authority on my behalf over the whole Kathiawar. [More]

1923, April 19: J.L. Moffey, Chief Commissioner, N.W. Frontier Provinces wrote "I have received a letter dated 6th April from His Highness the Aga Khan, asking me to introduce to all in authority the bearer of this letter. He is Mr. Sabjali Ramzanali, a Khoja follower of His Highness. He is proceeding to Chitral, Gilgit, Yarkand and Badakhshan by order of His Highness, in order to visit Khoja Community in those parts. Mr. Sabjali Ramzanali is accompanied by his servants and has certificates from the Commissioner of police Bombay. Every courtesy and assistance should be shown to the party."

1943, April 19: The British had launched heavy bombardment on Rangoon during the second world war, resulting in a heavy devastation of the Jamatkhana, situated at Mughal Street with the innocent casualties of 31 Ismailis.

1947, April 19: Prince Aly Khan paid a rich tribute to Major Lakhpati. He wrote: "Please convey to Major Lakhpati's family and to the whole Bombay Volunteer Corps my profoundest sympathy. We have lost in Major Lakhpati, a pillar of Ismailism and a true and sincere friend, but his memory will always remain with us." [More]

2002, April 19: the Aga Khan and Begum Aga Khan, Prince Amyn Aga Khan attended with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh a memorial service for Princess Margaret held in Westminster Abbey. [Source: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,61-272816,00.html]

2003, April 19 - NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Aga Khan, spiritual head of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims, said on Saturday survival of an interdependent globe hinged on people showing tolerance of the cultures, values and faiths of others. Prince Karim Aga Khan, speaking to Reuters in an interview in the aftermath of the Iraq war, said the need for better cross-cultural understanding had never been greater at what he called a "clearly a defining moment in world history." [Reuters] [Business Standard]

2003, April 19 - BBC - The head of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, esteemed Hamed Karzai, met Prince Karim Aga Khan in the Golkhana palace this afternoon. At the meeting, first the head of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, esteemed Hamed Karzai, talked about the progress of work on the constitution and administrative reforms. [BBC]