National Programmes
Inspired by the values of our faith and the traditions of our diverse cultures, the household staple that has kept the Jamat connected and informed is back for a second season of inspiring stories, thought-provoking reflections, deep dives on pressing local and global issues, and of course soothing, soulful sounds as a salve for the spirit in these difficult times.
In its new monthly format, FNR Season 2 will premiere this evening, Friday, October 15, with an exciting new lineup, including AKFC CEO Khalil Z. Shariff on location at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, President Ameerally Kassim-Lakha returning by popular demand to a familiar locale, Mayor Naheed Nenshi reflecting on over a decade in public service, and much more.
This week, as we commemorate Mawlana Hazar Imam's 64th year of Imamat, we reflect on his role as our guiding light and as a beacon for all of humanity. In this special Imamat Day edition of Friday Night Reflections, host Omar Sachedina sits down with the Right Honourable David Johnston, the 28th Governor-General of Canada, for a wide-ranging conversation exploring how Mawlana Hazar Imam has impacted him personally and how Mawlana Hazar Imam continues to light the path towards a more peaceful and pluralist world.
The season finale of FNR explores the journey of our community from its origins in migration and settlement. Dr. Zahra N. Jamal (Rice University) provides an overview of migration and refugees from an Islamic perspective followed by Al-Rahim Moosa who talks about some of the work FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance is undertaking to help displaced Jamati members. Finally, President Ameerally Kassim-Lakha offers insight on both the past and the promising future of the Jamat, and how we are helping to underwrite future success with current efforts to strengthen the Jamat's resilience.
From Mombasa to Maputo to Hyderabad and beyond, the Aga Khan Academies have begun to realize an enduring vision for primary and secondary education: to provide outstanding students with an outstanding education, rooted in a commitment to service, pluralism, and integrity. This week, Aga Khan Academy (AKA) graduate Anoushka Rajan recounts her own transformative experience at the Mombasa campus and sits down with founding and current AKA Directors Salim Bhatia and Dr. Graham Ranger to explore the remarkable journey of the Academies to date and catch a glimpse into what a worldwide network of Academies, from Nairobi to Bishkek to Damascus, will mean for the future.
We end as always with Musical Expressions to refresh and renew.
Join host Zulekha Nathoo this Friday as we sit down to hear some of the unique and inspiring stories from multi-faith family members in our Jamat. Always Karim Thomas, Vice President of the Council for Canada, joins us to share reflections on how we can continue to build a more inclusive community, and embrace a cosmopolitan ethic in our daily lives. As always we will conclude the evening with some musical expressions to refresh and renew.
This week on Friday Night Reflections, join us for an important conversation about how we can better cope with the stresses and strains of life in difficult times, and support our loved ones to do the same. Join host Aliya Noorani in conversation with psychotherapist Alwaeza Dr. Saira Sabzaali as they explore how we can help ourselves and others bust the stigma around mental health and illness, and speak more openly and honestly about the feelings and emotions that we all face.
This week on Friday Night Reflections, Council for Ottawa President Shakeel Bharmal is joined by Council for Canada President Kassim-Lakha, and Khairrunnissa Rhemtulla to introduce the Family Mentorship Program, a pillar of the Future Ready Initiative. We situate the program within the context of our faith and understand the value of a holistic approach to family goal setting and progress.
We will hear stories of success, where the Jamat, working together has enabled progress in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Together, we will learn how the Family Mentorship Program works, what it takes to be a mentor, and how the program can help any member of the Jamat.
For many of us, the past year has been one of loss. Loss of jobs, of health, of financial well-being, of freedom, of a way of life, or perhaps most difficult - of dear loved ones. Pausing to acknowledge this pain, and allowing ourselves to grieve, is critical. What does the grieving process look like, and how can we draw strength from our loved ones, from ourselves, and from our faith, in navigating these turbulent times?
This evening, join host and cancer warrior Munira Premji, along with Alwaeza Parinda Chagani, as we turn inwards to give voice to the emotions that often remain unspoken and to explore how we can turn a loss into hope, and hope into strength.
President Ameerally Kassim-Lakha provides reflection and guidance given the current climate and COVID-related challenges.
For many of us, the past year has been one of loss. Loss of jobs, of health, of financial well-being, of freedom, of a way of life, or perhaps most difficult - of dear loved ones. Pausing to acknowledge this pain, and allowing ourselves to grieve, is critical. What does the grieving process look like, and how can we draw strength from our loved ones, from ourselves, and from our faith, in navigating these turbulent times?
This evening, join host and cancer warrior Munira Premji, along with Alwaeza Parinda Chagani, as we turn inwards to give voice to the emotions that often remain unspoken and to explore how we can turn a loss into hope, and hope into strength.
President Ameerally Kassim-Lakha provides reflection and guidance given the current climate and COVID-related challenges.
Whether through film, design, or other media, the arts allow individuals to express themselves and their communities and remake the world at large through their work. By harnessing imagination and creativity, filmmaking has the potential to transform people’s lives and mindsets.
This evening on Friday Night Reflections, host Kamil Karamali is joined by international broadcast journalist Faridoun Hemani to share his story from behind the camera, traveling the world on assignment, and capturing the work of the Ismaili Imamat over the past four decades. We then meet a group of Canadian Ismaili filmmakers at different stages in their careers to learn more about what it takes to thrive in their field and hear some of the stories they have brought to life through film, television, and broadcasting.
This week marks one year since our Jamatkhanas were closed, introducing us to an entirely new way of life, with little warning. What ensued, both literally and figuratively, was isolating and distancing. In the midst of crisis, the need for connection to others, and the divine, was felt by many more acutely than ever before.
This evening we will explore the importance of mental health for all of us in these troubling times, as well as in more stable ones. How do I recognize common signs and symptoms of mental illness in myself or others? How do I support others with mental health concerns? How should we respond to the issue of stigma? Join host and author Riaz Meghji as he sits down with Dr. Ayaz Kurji and Alwaeza Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee to answer these questions and more.
We are also privileged to have President Ameerally Kassim-Lakha join us to explore the importance of mentorship, networking, and supporting each other for our collective success.
As COVID vaccines begin their roll-out across the country and the world, many Jamati members have questions or are seeking more information. When can I expect to get my vaccine? How many vaccines have been approved, and how many others are in the pipeline? How effective are they? What are the side effects and risks? Who should receive it?
This week on Friday Night Reflections, host Shaheed Devji sits down with our special panel members Dr. Shainoor Ismail (Public Health Agency of Canada), Dr. Karim Ali (Niagara Health), and Dr. Hamidah Meghani (Halton Health), to help answer your questions on COVID-19 vaccines in Canada.
We also welcome Darkhana Mukhi Dr. Nazmuddin Bhanji, offering opening reflections on the impact of the pandemic on our lives and the road ahead for the Canadian Jamat.
On this Friday Night Reflections episode, we take a deeper look at how architecture serves as an anchor of our identity, extending beyond the structural, functional, and aesthetic, reflecting our traditions, our values, and our aspirations.
Host Malika Karim-Rajan sits down with Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for a wide-ranging conversation, exploring the origin and evolution of the Award, and Mawlana Hazar Imam's ongoing work to encourage excellence in architecture as a bedrock for sustainable development.
We then travel across the globe to the Ismaili Centre Dushanbe, where architect Farouk Noormohamed shares an exclusive virtual tour of this Pamiri-inspired, architectural jewel.