Ismaili Center in Houston holds developmental luncheon

By
Sabrina Sohail
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505
Amyn Aga Khan and Mayor of Houston attended development luncheon by Ismaili Center Houston
Amyn Aga Khan and Mayor of Houston attended development luncheon by Ismaili Center in Houston

Houston, 12 August 2022 (TDI): The Ismaili Center building under construction in Houston held its developmental update luncheon on Thursday.

The event was attended by Amyn Aga Khan, the Director of the Aga Khan Foundation and the younger brother of Aga Khan IV.

Sylvester Turne, the Mayor of the city of Houston along with other societal leaders also attended the event. President of the Ismaili Council for the United States, Al-Karim Alidina, welcomed all the participants to the event.

Ismaili Center in Houston

The Ismaili Centers are symbolic markers of the permanent presence and core values of Ismaili communities worldwide. They encourage mutual exchanges and understanding between diverse peoples, communities, and faiths.

A community building is currently under construction in Downtown Houston under the flagship of Ismaili Center. The center is located across the Buffalo Bayou Park.

This will be the first Ismaili Center in the United States.

It will be a place of contemplation and prayer. It will also host public programs that foster dialogue, explore new ideas, and encourage civic activity.

Remarks by Amyn Aga Khan

A developmental update for the building in Hoston was shared with the participants at the luncheon. Participants also saw a video glimpse of the building and how it will look in the future.

At the event, Amyn Aga Khan also expressed his thoughts on the construction of the Ismaili Center in Houston. According to Amyn Aga Khan, Ismaili Centers seek to provide a place where people come together to share their creativity and wisdom.

He said that the Center being constructed in Houston will be dedicated to advancing pluralism, public understanding, and civic outreach.

Moreover, the Aga Khan Foundation Director explained that the center would serve as a resource for all Houstonians. He said that the building would be a place where local, national, and international partners would come together to enhance the rich cultural tapestry of this city.

While concluding his remarks, Amyn Aga Khan announced that the Ismaili Center in Houston would work closely with the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

Remarks by Mayor of Houston:

The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turne, also attended the luncheon. During his address, he said that the center would serve as a place for all Houstonians to strengthen and forge new bonds.

Besides this, the Mayor also explained that Houston and Ismaili Center shared the notion of service to humanity. Subsequently, the Mayor emphasized the significance of the building. He said that establishing such venues attracts and appeals to the multiculturalism within Houston.

Consul General of Pakistan in Houston:

Abrar H Hashmi, the Consul General of Pakistan in Houston, also attended the luncheon held on Thursday.

He explained that Amyn Aga Khan’s views on the Houston building would resonate with people of diverse cultures and faiths.