TODAY on the occasion of the 142nd birthday of Sir Aga Khan III, we should remember this great man, who was among the prominent Muslim leaders of the world during the 19th century. At a very young age, he showed the signs of being a promising leader. At the age of 25 he was appointed as a member of the Imperil Legislative Council. As an advocate of Muslims’ rights at the global level, he worked for improving the quality of life of Muslims in the subcontinent.

He brought political awareness among Muslims by leading the Simla deputation and later on being instrumental in forming the All India Muslim League and was unanimously appointed its first president.

In 1937, he was also appointed chairman of the League of Nations. His contribution to Aligarh University made him a great figure in the history of the Subcontinent. In recognition of his services to education he was appointed chancellor of Aligarh University.

In 1946, he suggested that Arabic should be Pakistan’s national language. A network of Aga Khan schools and healthcare institutions was set up by him. A part from being a dynamic political figure, he was also the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, following in his footsteps, his grandson and successor Prince Karim Aga Khan established a network of social, cultural and economic institutions which is now serving are more than 25 under developing countries.

Kamran Khamiso Khowaja

Sujawal

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2019