MHI in Texas 12-April 08 -theismaili.org

Saturday, 12 April 2008

Governor Rick Perry of Texas addressing the media prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Texas and the Aga Khan University, as Mawlana Hazar Imam looks on. Photo: Zahur Ramji
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra began their day with a visit to the State Capitol and a meeting with Governor Rick Perry of Texas.
Following their meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the University of Texas and the Aga Khan University that further aims to strengthen collaborations between the two institutions. The MOU was signed by President William Powers Jr. of the University of Texas and President Firoz Rasul of the Aga Khan University in the presence of the Governor of Texas and Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Also see the press release on the AKDN website.
In his address prior to the signing, Governor Perry congratulated Mawlana Hazar Imam on his Golden Jubilee and complimented the Ismaili community in Texas. “Texas has a vibrant Ismaili Muslim community that contributes greatly to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the state” said the Governor. “Their acts of charity and good citizenship are a real tribute to His Highness’ progressive vision for the world.”
In his response, Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for the support that the State of Texas has extended to the Jamat. “I would like to thank the State of Texas for the very warm welcome they have given to members of my community who have established themselves in the United States.”
The signing ceremony was followed by a lunch hosted by the University of Texas.
“Rare is the religious leader whose vision is so extraordinary that his appeal transcends nationality, ethnicity, and faith traditions. His Highness the Aga Khan is one such extraordinary leader.”
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra attended a Texas Gala hosted by the Governor and First Lady of Texas in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Guests from across Texas were invited to the spectacular event which was opened with the singing of the US National Anthem by Shanil Wazirali.
In his address, Governor Perry honoured Mawlana Hazar Imam. “Rare is the religious leader whose vision is so extraordinary that his appeal transcends nationality, ethnicity, and faith traditions. His Highness the Aga Khan is one such extraordinary leader.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked Governor Perry for the true Texan hospitality. “The American ethic and ideal — the Texan ethic and ideal — has always been one of openness to others and openness to the future. It is an ethic of opportunity, which the Ismaili community deeply shares.”
In his address Mawlana Hazar Imam also announced the establishment of a new Ismaili Centre to be located in Houston, Texas. “Most recently, the Governor’s encouragement has been instrumental in our decision to build the community’s first high-profile Ismaili Centre in the United States — and to situate it in Houston… We are confident that the new Ismaili Centre in Houston, like the Centre in Dubai, will not only enhance the physical fabric of the city, but will also serve as a tangible symbol of the values we share with our good neighbours here in Texas.”
Also see the full text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech on the AKDN website.
Governor Perry then presented Mawlana Hazar Imam with a gift on behalf of the State of Texas. Afterwards, guests were treated to a colourful fireworks display which lit up the Austin skyline.

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