His Highness the Aga Khan to Raj Bhavan and his meeting with Hon'ble Governor Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan on Tuesday

Hyderabad,  February 27 :  His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)  met Hon'ble Governor Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday as part of his 10-day official visit to the country at the invitation of the Government of India, marking the 60th anniversary of His Highness the Aga Khan's accession to the leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957.

During his meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana, Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan appreciated the various development programmes undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network and by its partner agencies of Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and told him that the programmes should be inclusive and sustainable. The Governor assured of full cooperation by both the State Governments to the development activities of the Agencies.   

Governor Narasimhan also appreciated the multi-faceted development programmes implemented by the Aga Khan Development Network, more particularly in the field of education, health care and more particularly in the restoration and preservation of Qutub Shahi Tombs at Hyderabad. Governor cited the example of restoration and preservation works done in the Falaknuma Palace and stressed on the need to revitalise the country's culture and history by restoration and preservation of historic monuments and structures to their old grandeur through consistence cultural activism. Governor Narasimhan drew the attention of the visiting dignitary to the wisdom of ancient philosophers and thinkers of the country and their precise astronomical prediction of eclipses etc.

His Highness the Aga Khan referred to the Speech by Robot Sophia at the World Economic Forum held at Davos in January, 2018 and the way she participated in the question and answer session and on how human relations are undergoing a dramatic change.   

Governor Narasimhan while appreciating the excellent efforts by the Aga Khan Academy in promotion of education in Hyderabad, stressed on the need to impart value-based education. His Highness the Aga Khan informed the Governor that promotion of education with Global compatibility and competitiveness is their goal. Governor Narasimhan highlighted the need to provide affordable education and health care facilities with an aim to improve quality of life.

  

His Highness the Aga Khan informed the Governor that in the countries of Asia and Africa more emphasis is laid on education in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and related subjects. While agreeing with his views. The Governor stressed on the need for holistic approach in the provision of healthcare and need for more research in the field of Nano Technology, in the treatment of Oncology and cancer related diseases to ensure non-invasive, pain-less treatment coupled with psychological counseling.  Both of them also discussed on the busy and stressful lifestyle and unhealthy competition among people leading to stressful life and its impact on health conditions.     

His Highness the Aga Khan informed the Governor that their Agencies have plans for launching various development programmes in the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, in the next five years. Governor informed the visiting dignitary that the Aga Khan Development Network and its agencies should continue their activities on a continuous basis with more inclusive and sustainable approach.

His Highness the Aga Khan thanked the Governor for the meeting. Governor Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan felicitated His Highness the Aga Khan by presenting a Memento to the visiting Dignitary.

-Press note