Salman Mohammed named to 2009 All-USA College Academic Team

MCLEAN, VA — USA TODAY named 20 students to its twentieth annual All-USA College Academic Team, honoring them for outstanding intellectual achievement and leadership. The students will receive a $2,500 cash award. “USATODAY is pleased to be able to honor academic excellence and community service throughout the country,” said USA TODAY executive editor John Hillkirk.

Following are the 20 First Team members and their hometowns:

–snip–

Salman Mohammed, Johns Hopkins University
Home: Plano, Texas

The team of 20 was selected by a panel of judges from hundreds of students nominated by colleges and universities across the United States. Judges considered grades, leadership, activities and, most importantly, how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.

For more information on these winners as well as the second-, third- and honorable mention-team members, see the Wednesday, April 29, editions of USA TODAY or log on to allstars.usatoday.com.

Salman is featured on page 16 of the slideshow at:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/l090429_collegeallstars/flash.htm

Walk The Walk (Moiz Lakhani)

Musician Fez Meghani (His famous tu hi tho hai)

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Fez was raised in the UAE and moved to the United States at the age of 17. He wrote his first composition at the age of 15.

When Fez moved to the U.S. in 1993, the pain of separation from his family and friends drove him to write and compose songs dealing with loneliness, pain, and gloom; he wrote over 50 songs in English and Urdu. His parents later moved to the United States.

In 1995, he began to work on his first album titled “Aag,” which took a couple of years to complete. Around this time, he met a phenomenal keyboard player named Shams Sommar of Dallas, TX. They formed a band called “i.t.n.a” (in the name of Allah) and performed exclusively at Jamati events. From 1998 to 2002, they worked on an album titled “City of Light,’ which was released to commemorate Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Houston in 2002.

In 2005, Fez began to work on an album titled “A Golden Sunrise,” to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat. Two songs from this album became very popular among the youth of North America during the festivities: these were “Tu Hi Tu Hai” and “Allahumma Salli Alaa Muhammad-in Wa Aal-e Muhammad.” During the extended Golden Jubilee Year, Fez had the privilege, along with his Associate Producer and co-vocalist Aftab Ali, of performing in many cities in the US and Canada including Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Toronto, and Calgary. They have also had the honour of performing with noteworthy artists such as Taufiq Karmali, Khursheed Noorali, Shamshu Jamal, and many others.

In 2006, Fez produced an album for Shams Soomar titled “The Evolution of Creation.” This was an instrumental album that traversed a musical landscape covering Creation, revelation to the Prophets, guidance from Imams, and the quest for personal search to get closer to the Creator. The album received rave reviews on music websites such as Amazon.com and CDBaby.com.

Fez plays the keyboard and bass guitar but considers himself a better composer, lyricist, and producer. Fez is currently working on a project with Planetunity Records that will include songs in English and Urdu, with a message about the core values of Islam: peace, generosity, and love.

Fez has received tremendous support of his initiatives from his parents, brothers, and his wife Khairunissa.

Fez can be contacted at www.fezmeghani.com, or fez@fezmeghani.com

Join Bilaal Rajan in the 2009 Barefoot Challenge

Message from Bilaal Rajan

barefoot21International Volunteer Week is taking place April 19 – 25, 2009, and to celebrate the occasion, I’ll be spearheading an initiative where I’ll live life without shoes for the entire week. As they say, “You never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes,” so I’m taking it a step further: I’m going barefoot!

I am asking fellow students, teachers and the general public to do the same, or as long as they can, to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world – many of whom cannot afford shoes, let alone attend school or even know where their next meal is coming from.

Children in these countries walk miles in their bare feet every day to fetch water, work on their farm lands, go to school, or perform other chores. For many of them, the first priority is to take care of their families.

barefoot1I am happy to say that people such as Nigel Fisher, president of UNICEF Canada, is on board. Also taking part is ORCA book publishers, award-winning novelist Eric Walters, World Partnership Walk deputy convenor Leigh McMaster-Virani, and most importantly, schools in Ottawa, Calgary and Montreal. The idea is also gaining momentum in countries as far away as Australia, Afghanistan, England, Thailand, Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania. The word on the initiative is travelling fast!

I am also featured in a documentary, Yes We Can!, produced by In Sync video, which is premiering on April 19, 2009 at the Sprockets Film Festival in Toronto, where the campaign is planned to officially kick off.

I’m urging everyone to spend just one hour bare feet any day during International Volunteer Week. Even better, you can spend a half or even a full day bare feet at work, at school or at home. What are you prepared to do to make the world a better place?

Visit http://www.makingchangenow.com/ for more details.

Iqbal Kassam wins the title of ‘Top Parliamentary Speaker at the Worlds Individuals

WPGA Debater at the World Individual Debate & Speech Championships

By Ms. T. Lee, Debate Coach
Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, England hosted some of the finest high school debaters from March 28th-April 3rd at the World Individual Debate and Public Speaking Championships, (WIDPSC). The ’Worlds’, as it is affectionately known, concentrates on four disciplines: impromptu speaking, prepared speech-making, debate and interpretive reading; anyone who masters all of these may be hailed a true orator.

From its quiet beginnings, the Worlds have grown to include countries from every part of the globe from all countries who have the aspiration to succeed in the English language. This year, the competition welcomed 100 competitors from over 15 countries, including teams from South Africa, Australia, Germany, the USA and Lithuania. Canada sent a team of 12 students and has an enviable reputation of being the “powerhouse” of debate at this competition.

West Point Grey student, Iqbal Kassam (Gr. 11), joined the Canadian team after spending most of his spring break at the Harvard Model Congress in Brussels. In spite of all the chocolates and waffles, he advanced to two finals in impromptu speech and debate. In the Grand Finals of debate, he faced tough competition from the English and South African debaters, but he managed to prevail and took first in debate, earning him the title of Top Parliamentary Speaker at the Worlds Individuals!

Iqbal becomes the third WPGA student in four years to compete at the Worlds, following in the footsteps of alumni Andrew Rusk (’06/’07) and graduating debate captain, Helenaz Hajifattahi (’08).

Nur Ali

A1 Grand Prix World Cup of Motorsport Driver for Team Pakistan

Birthdate: October 12, 1974

Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas - USA

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 160 lbs.

Education: 1998 Bachelor of Arts degree, American University - Washington, D.C.
Majored in International Relations with a focus in U.S. Foreign Policy

Languages spoken: English, Urdu, German

Formula Mazda Southwest Regional Series Championships:
· 2001
· 2002


Racing Career

Navroz Mubarak (Happy New Year) to all the Ismailies around the Globe. From Sheryar Nizar

Azim Premji at Davos

OPINION: Atul Chatterjee - August 29, 2008

One example of an advanced community are Ismailis who are advanced, girls and boys study together, in schools run by the Aga Khan Foundation, which also has more than a sprinkling of other Muslim communities and Hindus.

This Foundation has the financial muscle to open a couple of hundre schools. Also it has the capability of absorbing students from other Muslim communities in an atmosphere where there is more open engagement. (Their schools employ non-Muslim teachers and they are not particularly sectarian in their approach.)

Azim Premji the owner of the IT company Wipro is also an Ismaili, most of his foundation´s work is directed at teacher improvement in government schools.

There is little cohesion between the various Muslim communities to tackle Muslim problems. Besides the clergy Muslims do not have another line of social leaders cutting across communities, most Muslim politicians are allied to the clergy.

American Chronicle | India: Tackle Muslim societies then terror.
Couple of Articles on Azim Premji September 20, 2007
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, India, Ismaili Muslims in the News.
Tags: Azim Premji
comments closed

Wall Street Journal wrote an article on Azim Premji and his Wipro International “How a Muslim Billionaire Thrives in Hindu India” [WSJ Source]. Then a critical response came from an Ismaili Muslim journalist (Farzana Versey) in Mumbai India [via Mike Ghouse]

Earlier Posts on Azim Premji:

Charlie Rose with Azim Premji
Dale Carnegie recognizes and honors Azim Premji and his team at Wipro
New book about Indian Ismaili Azim Premji
Ismailis in the News: Azim Premji

Charlie Rose with Azim Premji



Dale Carnegie Training® presents `Global Leadership Award’ to Wipro
Wipro is First Indian Company to Win this Award

http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=11881

Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Thursday, February 01, 2007 — (Business Wire India)
Dale Carnegie today announced that Wipro Technologies, the global IT services business of Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT) has won the prestigious Dale Carnegie Global Leadership Award for 2007. The award was presented to Wipro by Peter Handal, Chairman, Dale Carnegie Training® at a ceremony held in Bangalore on Thursday.

Dale Carnegie is one of the world’s leading human resources and management consulting organizations and its Global Leadership Awards is one of the world’s most coveted recognition in the Enterprise Training and Development space. Wipro is the first Indian organization to have won this award. Boeing, WalMart, Daimler–Chrysler Corporation and SAS Scandinavian Airlines have been some of the other organizations who have won this award in the past.

This award is granted to a company that places special emphasis on the development of its human resources, innovation and organizational creativity for the purpose of achieving its business objectives. Those companies rewarded are recognized for use of human resources management as parallel to their technology, thus being major contributors to the development of their countries’ economy and society.

Peter Handal, Chairman, Dale Carnegie Training® said, “In Wipro, we recognize those qualities that separate the truly great companies: commitment to providing excellent service and quality products to their customers; dedication to their employees’ growth; understanding of the value of employees and a sense of obligation that compels them to a high level of community involvement. It is for these reasons that we want to acknowledge and recognize Wipro as a truly formidable organization.”

Pratik Kumar, Executive Vice President, Wipro Limited, said that “This award is a testimony to the commitment shown by our employees to pursue a culture of continuous learning innovation and excellence that has made Wipro a globally renowned organization for technology, people and business leadership”.

“Dale Carnegie Training® recognizes and honors the way Azim Premji and his team at Wipro have been able to create a unified culture. It is truly admirable that an organization as large and successful as Wipro continues to believe and stay committed to the success of every individual within their organization. They have been able to create a sense of teamwork and a unified culture and, at the same time, have continued to successfully continue with their aggressive business strategies.” Added Handal.

About Dale Carnegie Training

Dale Carnegie Training (www.dalecarnegie.com) is a global management training company with experts in corporate management, workplace issues and leadership trends. The company provides leadership, sales and management training in over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies, training over 7 million adults in over 75 countries worldwide.

About Wipro

Wipro Technologies, a division of Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT) is the first PCMM Level 5 and SEI CMM Level 5 certified IT Services organization globally. Wipro is one of the largest product engineering and support service providers worldwide. Wipro provides comprehensive research and development services, IT solutions and services, including systems integration, Information Systems outsourcing, package implementation, software application development and maintenance services to corporations globally.

In the Indian market, Wipro is a leader in providing IT solutions and services for the corporate segment in India offering system integration, network integration, software solutions and IT services. Wipro also has profitable presence in niche market segments of consumer products and lighting. In the Asia Pacific and Middle East markets, Wipro provides IT solutions and services for global corporations. Wipro’s ADS’ are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and its equity shares are listed in India on the Stock Exchange - Mumbai, and the National Stock Exchange.

Ismailis in the News: Azim Premji

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT AZIM PREMJI

1. He finished his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University through a special correspondence program more than 30 years after leaving the school in 1966 to head up Wipro after his father’s death.

2. India’s government gave him the Padmabhushana, one of the highest civilian awards in the country.

3. He established the Azim Premji Foundation, dedicated to creating equitable education across India.

4. In 2004, Time magazine listed him as one of the world’s 100 most influential people.

5. Though Forbes estimates his wealth at $13 billion, he drove a Ford Escort until two years ago. Now he drives a Toyota Corolla.

Exclusive Interview of Ismaili Sufi, Ghazal and Qawaal Artist: SHABNAM MERALI

Sufi and Qawaal artist, Shabnam Merali is not a standard woman. An accomplished musician, she has skillfully mastered the world of classical Raags, Ghazal, Sufi-Qawaali and Ginans. She continues to enthrall her audience by singing Sufi Kalaam (Poetry). In the interview, Shabnam shares details of her life, musical career, experiences with us as we get a better understanding of this beautiful soul, who is constantly enriching many lives with her affable personality. Elegantly-simple, here is a woman you cannot help loving.

Shehzad Ali Darwish: Shabnam, you are originally from Karachi, Pakistan and now residing in Edmonton, Alberta. Did you always aspire to be a musician?

Shabnam Merali: Yes, I am from Karachi. Music has been present throughout my life, first as a child, I was fascinated by the great Ustads and felt a deep desire to seek that path. However, this was not the case when my family and I moved to Canada. I studied accounting and practiced it for numerous years. Then, one fine day, I abandoned the world of numbers and with the support of my husband and children, I pursued music.

SAD: Was it difficult? I mean…to make it as a career.

SM: It was alarming! ( laughs). The difficult part was in discovering musical intrument accompanists to work with. There were few at that time. Not like the hub nowdays, where the creative world is thriving. With perserverance and having the deep love to sing, I had to remain cerebral and not give up! Luckily, as the years progressed, I found mutual musicians and got my feet right into it.

SAD: Shabnam, you have brilliantly performed over hundreds of concerts world-wide. How do you manage to keep such a hectic schedule and still find time to pursue other endeavours. I hear you are also involved in the Ismaili Institution.

SM: Yes, I am still alive after all that !! (laughs). My schedule is tumultuous, no doubt. The family’s support is a great encouragement to keep up. I regularly perform in Pakistan, Europe, Africa, USA and Canada, thus, I am out of the country quite frequently. I manage by keeping up with my riyaazat (singing practice), and by meditation. It certainly helps keep away the clutter that does build up by travelling so much. Remember, these travels are not leisure, but often days of real hard work, be it rehearsing, delivering performaces, recordings and interviews.

SAD: Why have you chosen the genre of Qawaali & Ghazal as the medium?

SM: My love for Sufism. And my love for the Urdu poetry. Both dwell in the deep core of my heart. When I am performing Qawaali, I literally transcend into an enigma– some spirit lifting me and I am one with the Almighty. Sort of surreal to dissect the emotions. Very cathartic.

SAD: I agree. In fact, in December 2007, the show ‘Riyaazat’ held in Toronto, you got a standing ovation for your performance. I know, because I was there and quite charmed by your performing ability. How does that make you feel? Being able to “lift” the audience.

SM: Thanks for being there. I feel very humbled and blessed to be able to transcend people’s hearts with music. It is a silent communication between the aches, happiness and spiritual upliftment that we human beings can share. I recall the crowd in Karachi, Pakistan in 2007 for a concert, “Nazraana -e- Mohabbat — the audience were in thousands and my energy exude from theirs. Similarily, I experienced the same thrill when I performed, “Taarif -e- Mowla (for the Golden Jubilee) in Calgary, Alberta Dec 2007. So, it is not always necessary that the artist is the “queen” for the night, it is the audience that ignites that in me.

SAD: Heard you dabble with visual art - painting?

SM: (smiling). Who is giving out my secrets?? Yes, I have dabbled. It’s quite relaxing! You must try it too!

SAD: After all the concerts and rehearsing, the volunteer endeavours in the Aga Khan Institution(s), family commitments, being a radio host, social gatherings, and attaining many awards, what does Shabnam Merali do for relaxation?

SM: I enjoy opera. Also, the free time gives me an opportunity to spend quality time with my family and friends. I take walks. Reading and attending my lawn !!

SAD: What does Shabnam read? Who does she read?

SM: I enjoy literature, islamic studies, history and poetry. Works of M.G.Vassanji, Amitav Ghosh, Naguib Mahfooz, Farhad Daftray, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Farid Atthar, Rumi, Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Parveen Shakir, Pablo Neruda are some of my favourite reading pleasures. Each of their works attributes an extension of “human conditions”, by which, various themes are explored in the books. Very Effective. I have now commenced to collect African authors who seem to be marganilised in the global map….but are emerging slowly.

SAD: Who are your favourite musicians whom you have admired?

SM: There are few: Noorjehan for her versatilty. Mehdi Hasan for his rendering of fine ghazals. There are some instrumentalists I adore - Sitar, Sarangi and Santoor. Ashwini Deshpande a good raaga vocalist. In the Western music, it is Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky. I also enjoy jazz, so I would also say the music of Abdullah Ibrahim a South African musician. There are some lovely Arab voices of Sabah Fakhri, Umm Kulthum and Wadi es-Safi who are tender and yet powerful.

SAD: Historically, the art of Ghazals was practiced in the courtyards of the Mughal Emporers and has been dominated by male performers. The trend (thankfully) has been changing, and more women ghazal singers have taken pursuit. Was it ever a challenge for you as being a powerful ghazal singer? You are not a disciple of any ustads, so how did you break into the world of so-called male dominated field?

SM: Actually, Shehzad, the first ever classical Thumri singer was a woman named, Gauhar Jaan in the early 1990’s who was a courtyard singer and proved to be quite an extraordinary performer. women have always been active in classical music and ghazals. A fine singer, Begum Akhtar was perhaps one of the most daring women singers to delve into the art. Yes, no doubt, the male dominence has been witnessed, personally, I was fortunate to never experience such behaviour. If at any time, at some external Canadian cities, I may have witnessed the patriarchal conduct of men in the studio. I always held my ground. As for “art of Ghazal”, the poets would gather around as in a Mehfil and share their prose and lyrics. In Bahadur Shah Zafar’s (the last moghul emperor /poet) courtyard, some poets like Mirza Ghalib, Zauq and Momin Khan Khan would recite their ghazals. Of course, the period of “political poetry” as I call it, was articulated through Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Josh Malihabadi
was of great meaning to me, for I was residing in Karachi and their ghazals influenced me. I wanted to sing them. Desired to “feel” what they wrote.

SAD: Most people like Bollywood pop music in the South Asian community, how do you adapt to their interest, considering you are smoothly blended in classical / qawaali genre?

SM: Thank God we all have different taste! Imagine if we all liked the same? I adapt well in social environment. Shehzad, the good thing about having diversified array of music, we are all trying to preserve the South Asian / Central Asian cultures. The very fact, that, Classical music and Qawaali remain strong and not obscure, it is because of the interest people are developing. I see that in young people as well. Surely, for certain groups of people, pop music is something they relate to, I think it is great to have a medly of so much music. Afterall, what is music? But a prayer! A feeling to enhance or escape. It is a secret world of your own.

SAD: Wow. Well said…the last lines! Have your children taken after you?

SM: Our children are musically inclined. They enjoy operas and symphonies, and respectively play various instruments. Both have given wonderful performances within the Ismaili community and externally.

SAD: Let’s talk about what Sufism means to you?

SM: It is a way of life. Actually, I fancy not to be called Sufi, because any labelling attaches a massive responsibility and expectation. When such burdens are imposed, one loses the essence of “what” they aspire to be. I am a lover of God, does that make me a Sufi, or just a human? The word “Sufi” has become a marketing product by those who find it necessary to associate the word. Sufism is beautiful and some of the Pirs and Baba’s poetry is stunning. There is also poetry of Sufi Baba Farid, who I adore and shall visit the dargah in near future. In a historical context, I see myself singing the works of such Sufi Masters like Mevlana Jalaludin Rumi, Aamir Khusraw and Kabir. Now, by singing their poetry, one does not transform automatically in an aesthetic lifestyle, at least in my case, I am singing and finding solace in their poetry. I write Urdu poetry, and some of my poetry is spiritual. I gravitate towards Sufism, and also find the Zikr quite enriching, but cannot label
myself as a “Sufi” in all its prescribed definition.

SAD: You have been referred to as the “Abida Parveen of the West”. What is your view?

SM: Abida Parveen is a wonderful Sufi Singer ! I have most of her collection and enjoy her music thoroughly. But, our musical stylisation differs. I tend to blend Qawaali and Ghazal… No artist should be compared, for we would not need diversity. However, it is great to compliment each other as fellow artists. I like the sharing and accepting each others strength in their own sphere.

SAD: It’s Golden Jubilee….and you have been busy with performances. The respective invitations from Pakistan and Africa you received in commencing His Highness Aga Khan’s Golden aniversary, you were invited to perform. Please, share.

SM: What a humbling experience! I was invited by Pakistan ITREB to sing infront of five thousand plus audience, that was in Karachi. Soonafter, the tour continued to the neighbouring cities. I was invited twice on a musical tour to perform in Africa - Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Overall, my expressions of all the cities was just thrilling and most gratifying. People were receptive and the compliments and wishes flooded through out the performances. Additionally, in the early part of 2007, I had recorded three CD’s - Expressions (released in Canada -Dec 2007), Sunehra Safar (Golden Jubilee memorabilia -released in Pakistan -Mar 2008) and Khushi (released in Pakistan -Dec 2007) — all were recorded in Karachi for the inaugaration of Golden Jubilee, produced by Agakhan Institutions .

SAD: What would you recommend to young generation aspiring to study music? You studied Accounting, so you could always fall back on should the music not have worked.

SM: Initially, in Karachi I obtained my BA in Islamic Studies and Economics. After settling in Canada, I delved into the Accounting field and completed my Accounting degree, but the heart craved for music, thus I left the accounting career. No regrets. One should study what one has passion for. Simple. By nurturing an ability, one can flourish at an endless level. Having a strong academical background is a very important part in achievement. Personally, I am still learning and upgrading myself when there is the need for it. Same applies in the musical world. There is always room for development!

SAD: Last words to your music connoiseurs? Your audience is a diversified one — from global Ismaili Jamaati members listening to you reciting Ginans and facilitating Ginan Mushairaa’s within the Ismaili community to external audience of the Ghazal and Qawaali conecerts and private functions you have rendered your talent. Your presence is also appreciated by our Western friends, for you have also performed at the University of Alberta and at a South Asian Heritage festival held in Toronto, Canada. Your insight?

SM: Thank you for emitting so much love and support, throughout the years. Without my audience, the music would feel barren. When I witness my admirers so full of life and energy at the shows, I derive much happiness. Allah is my guide and I am a humble person seeking light through my music.

SAD: Shabnam Merali, you are an inspiration. I am an avid collector of your music and Inshaallah, I wish to hear you live in a concert again. Best wishes. Thank you for sharing your life.

SM: My pleasure, Shehzad. Best of wishes.

(Mr. Shehzad Ali Darwish is a Senior Editor / Journalist for the Naya Adab Literary Group. The organization supports progressive arts and embraces pluralism. Mr.Darwish resides between South Asia and Canada. He is currently directing a film on socio challenges of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.)

Shehzad Roy

Shehzad Roy

(Urdu: شہزاد رائے) is pop singer and humanitarian from Karachi, Pakistan. Since his first album debuted in 1995, with a revolutionary approach to fusing his lyrics with music of different genres, he has been a successful and popular singer in Pakistan. He says that, “the authenticity of the message in a song produces meaningful music.”

With five hit albums under his belt, including the 2008 ‘Qismat App Kay Haath Main Hai,’ (Fate Lies in One’s Own Hands) he is also the President and founder of Zindagi Trust,a non-for-profit charitable organization, that seeks to educate the underprivileged children of Pakistan. In June 2004, Roy was honored as one of the youngest ever recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, which is one of the highest Civil Honors awarded in Pakistan for excellence in serving humanity. For his organization’s earthquake rehabilitation in Kashmir, he was awarded with the Sitara-e-Eisaar. He was also selected to be a torch bearer for the 2008 Olympic Torch relay as the pride of Pakistan.

Zindagi Trust

After pondering over the state of education and health in our country, I realized that the ‘something is better than nothing’ view cannot apply to education and health.”
(Shehzad Roy)
Zindagi Trust is a non-profit 501(c)3 philanthropic organization that aims to provide quality education to the underprivileged children of Pakistan. It has established 29 operational schools with over 2800 children currently being educated across Pakistan. Additionally, Zindagi Trust is committed to promoting quality Government school reform and improving the curriculum and textbooks of the education system of Pakistan. Zindagi Trust along with the Book Group was successful in the remarkable transformation of Fatimah Girls Government School in Karachi where 2500 students are enrolled. Zindagi Trust has also founded vocational centers and health care clinics aimed at providing quality care to disadvantaged citizens.

Canada: Ismaili progress in politics

http://flonnet.com/fl2115/stories/20040730001405800.htm

Vol:21 Iss:15 URL: http://www.flonnet.com/fl2115/stories/20040730001405800.htm

India's National Magazine
from the publishers of THE HINDU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article: South Asian strength - Frontline (India), July 17, 2004


WORLD AFFAIRS

South Asian strength

EUGENE CORREIA




IT has been a watershed election for South Asians, who have doubled their number in the Canadian Parliament from five to 10. Nine of the new members are of Indian origin, while one is from Pakistan. Of the five incumbent MPs, four have been returned; the fifth, Harbans (Herb) Dhaliwal, a federal Minister in the outgoing government, did not contest.

The redoubtable former Premier of British Columbia, Ujjal Dossanjh, has been elected from Dhaliwal's Vancouver South riding. One of the few candidates handpicked by Liberal chief Paul Martin, Dossanjh is tipped to occupy a ministerial seat. Dossanjh had created history when he became the first South Asian Premier of a province (British Columbia) in 2000.

The number of candidates of South Asian origin this time, 42, is a record. In the 2000 election, there were at least 30. The recent election also saw the victory of three South Asian women and of a husband-and-wife duo, the latter a first in the history of Canadian elections.

Predictably, Liberal MP Gurbax Singh Malhi and Conservative MPs Gurmant Grewal, Deepak Obhrai and Rahim Jaffer have been returned to Parliament. Grewal's wife Narinder (Nina) , a political novice, defeated the seasoned Liberal politician Dr. Gulzar Cheema in the newly created constituency of Fleetwood-Port Kells in British Columbia by 2,484 votes.

Cheema is himself a history-maker, being the first South Asian to be elected to the legislature of the western province of Manitoba in 1988. He later shifted his residence to British Columbia and ran unsuccessfully in the 1997 provincial elections. Elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 2001, he went on to become a Minister of State for Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Gurmant Grewal squeezed past Sukh Dhaliwal, one of Martin's men, by 480 votes in Newton-North Delta. First elected to Parliament in 1997 on the Reform party ticket, he was again in Parliament in 2000, both times from Surrey Central, the riding that was split into Fleetwood-Port Kells and Newton-Delta North. It was one of the needle fights for the Sikh community.

Herb Dhaliwal, who had opposed Martin in the Liberal leadership race, had found his riding executive taken over by Martin supporters when he was away on a foreign tour last year. With Dhaliwal opting out of the race, Martin nominated Dossanjh as the Liberal candidate.

Dossanjh's victory seemed sure, though his switching of sides from the NDP to the Liberal Party in 2004 caused a lot of heartburning in both parties. He had lost the provincial NDP government to the Liberals in 2001.

In Ontario, Gurbax Singh Malhi retained the Bramalea-Gore-Malton seat for the fourth time for the Liberals, defeating Raminder Gill (Conservative) by over 7,000 votes. Gill, who had won the seat in the provincial elections in 1999, lost it in last year's provincial elections to Dr. Kuldeep Kultar (Liberal).

Two other Sikhs in the Liberal camp,Ruby Dhalla (Brampton-Springdale) and Navdeep Singh Bains (Mississauga-Brampton South), have also made it to the House of Commons. Dhalla, who was nominated by Martin, beat Sukalyan (Sam) Hundal of the Conservative Party while Bains defeated Parvinder Sandhu, who owns the Chandigarh-headquartered WWICS, an immigration consultancy office.

Liberal Wajid Khan, a Pakistani-Canadian, took Mississauga-Streetsville in his first run at public office from Conservative Nina Tangri who was making her third bid at electoral office.

Yasmin Ratansi, who won in Don Valley East, had made an unsuccessful electoral bid in 1988. She soundly defeated Dave Johnson, a Conservative heavyweight, to retain for the Liberals the seat that was held by former Minister David Collenette, who retired from politics.

Ratansi, who migrated from Tanzania, is joined by fellow Ismaili Muslim Rahim Jaffer (Edmonton-Strathcona) from Alberta. The 32-year-old won for the third time for the Conservatives. Similarly, Deepak Obhrai (Conservative) held his Calgary East (Alberta) seat with a big margin. In the Alberta riding of Edmonton-Beaumont, Conservative Tim Uppal's hopes rests on a recount. He lost by 40 votes to David Kilgour (Liberal).

Mobina Jaffer, an Ismaili born in Uganda, is in the Senate, the Upper House of Parliament. The Vancouver-based lawyer was nominated by former Premier Jean Chretien in 2001.

On the Indian government's web site on the Indian diaspora, it is erroneously mentioned that Kieth Martin, who won from a British Columbia riding, is "originally from Goa". A former Reformer who switched over to the Liberal side, Dr. Martin is reported to have said that he is "one-fourth" Indian, as he believes his grandmother (from his mother's side) was of Goan origin.

Zarina Kheraj receives Member of the Order of the British Empire

Zarina Kheraj receives Member of the Order of the British Empire


http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0400lambeth/page.cfm?objectid=13771272&method=full&siteid=50100> >>>

excerpt:

For the last seven years Zarina Kheraj has been jetting between her home in Dulwich and the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan.

The 66-year-old retired teacher works with a project setting up
English language classes in the impoverished central Asian country.

And now her good work has been rewarded with an MBE.

Zarina said: "It was quite a surprise. I got back from Tajikistan and
found this letter waiting for me.

"I don't know who nominated me but the British Ambassador visited one of our projects and maybe it's something to do with that.

"Our work is part of the Aga Khan Development Network and it is just
wonderful.

"It can be quite a hard place to live and if you get up in the morning
and find water flowing through the pipes and the electricity working
then you will jump for joy. But the work is wonderful.

"It is nice to do something worthwhile."

Amazing ismaili voices! Saheb Ji Tun More Mann Bhave (Ginan) By Sheryar Nizar (Nizari JK - Karachi)

Ismaili ( Aga khani ) father forgives his son's killer. USA.

Hunzai,Nazir Sabir:The Only Pakistani climed Mount Everest

Nazir Sabir Hunzai : is a Pakistani climber. He was born in Ramanji a small hamlet in Chiporsun, upper Hunza known as Gojal. He is the only Pakistani to have climbed Mount Everest and four of the five 8000m peaks in Pakistan. He has also climbed the world’s second highest peak K2 in 1981, Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak in 1982. Despite his tour operator business Nazir Sabir has been remained member of the Northern Areas Legislative Council and Education Advisor of the administration of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. After the abolution of the Hunza State in 1974, for the first time he defeated the last Mir of Hunza’s son Ghanzanfer Ali Khan.Nazir Sabir's Profile :Mountains fascinated Nazir Sabir from his early days in Hunza, the place where he was born and brought up. Soon this fascination became a passion and over two decades of wandering in the higher wilderness earned him many successes including the distinction of having climbed four of the five 8000m peaks in Pakistan including the inhospitable K2 (8616m) the world’s second highest via a new route – the West Ridge/SSW Ridge in 1981. On May 17, 2000 he stood on the summit of Everest becoming the first Pakistani to scale the roof of the world. His latest honour is the Presidentship of the Alpine Club of Pakistan to which he was elected unanimously on October 10, 2004.
He earned the prestigious President’s Award for Pride of Performance in 1982 and The Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Distinction) in 2001 for his outstanding achievements in mountaineering. As a reward of years of services rendered to the people of Hunza, Nazir was elected as their representative to the Northern Area Legislative Council in the October 1994 elections and appointed Advisor on Education and Tourism to the government.
Apart from the adventure travel business which he is running under the name of Nazir Sabir Expeditions he has been actively involved in promotion of tourism in Pakistan and has traveled extensively around the world lecturing on the country’s cultural, historical and adventure potential. He has also been raising his voice on environmental matters.

The rise of Merali’s empire By Nick Wachira

For complete article see:

http://www.eastandard.net/financialstandard/news/fsnews01060404.htm


The rise of Merali’s empire
By Nick Wachira
How a simple accountant rose to become one of Kenya's leading corporate billionaires

It all started in December 2003, when Naushad Noorali Merali, a Kenya businessman was in a reflective mood while on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to pay tribute to his God, Allah.

An official from Vivendi Telecoms placed a call to Merali and informed him that his French based business partners had signed an exclusive contract to begin the negotiations for the sale of KenCell Communications to South Africa’s mobile phone giant, MTN.

Though Merali, through his holding company, Sameer Group — which is named after his only son and child — owned 40 per cent of KenCell Communications, the call did not bother him much. At 53, Merali is at his prime and one of the richest businessmen in Kenya. Today, he controls companies with over Sh20 billion in assets. His personal wealth is also calculated to be over Sh20 billion.

In September 2002, he had received a similar call from Vivendi informing

Picture: Faazil in action at the 2003 North American Championship

2004, August 16:

Proud Moment for Ismailis
Faazil Kassam, 19, plays in the Athens Olympics for Canada

Some ten years ago, when Nashir Kassam started teaching his 8 years old son, Faazil, some of the basic techniques of the game of table tennis, little did he realize that in a few years time he would be struggling to score even a single point against his determined son. But by the age of ten, just two years after being initiated into the game Faazil already had a dream - that of playing for Canada in the future Olympic games.

Faazil's dream came true when he qualified for the Canadian Olympic team to play in Athens.

He and his partner Johnny Huang began the 2004 Olympic tournament in style when they easily eliminated the Australian Men's Doubles players Trevor Brown and Russell Lavale 11-9, 11-3, 11-6, 11-8. But they were then defeated by the Swede legends Jorgen Persson and Jan-Ove Waldner today (Monday August 16th) in an exciting match. The scores were 11-7, 16-18, 11-3, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6 to Jorgen Persson and Jan-Ove Waldner. Both Jorgen and Jan-Ove are veterans in the table tennis world circuit and have several world championships titles and an Olympic gold between them.

Amongst Faazil's accomplishments over the past few years have been winning a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, winning the Under 18 Canadian Champion and playing at the Commonwealth Games, the Pan Am Games and the World Championship. He is now North America's Doubles Champion in the Men's Category. Very recently he lost to Christophe Bertin of France in an exciting final of the US Open Under 21 Men's Singles event. On the US finals Berin commented: "He (Faazil) is very strong from the corners. I had to spin to the middle". Faazil had earlier beaten the Frenchman in the quarter finals of the Brazilian Open.

We are indeed proud of this historical achievement by a teenage member of our Jamat. He probably is the first Ismaili Olympian ever in the Western World. We wish him the best in the years to come.

Guljee

Sunday September 5, 2004
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/9/5/features/8813020&sec=features

Between physical and spiritual

BY LI-EN CHONG
THE Search for Light exhibition presents an opportunity for Malaysians to view Islamic sculpture that is refreshingly contemporary and, yet, traditionally ethereal. The body of work on display comprises 11 sculptures illustrative of the various styles and themes that Pakistani artist Amin Gulgee has worked with over the past 15 years.

Amin Gulgee attempts to express the divine in his works.
In the early 1990s, the Muslim artist explored other religions in his art, integrating the eloquent tranquillity of Buddhist postures and the mystic energy of Hindu gods into his crafts of metal and stone. Inspired by a desire to express the divine rather than a wish to preach a particular religion, the artist’s work holds appeal because of its material palpability and objective spirituality.

Originating from Karachi, Amin has exhibited in France, Turkey, Britain and the United States. A Bachelor of Arts graduate in Economics and Art History from Yale University, Amin was the recipient of the Cogar B. Goodyear Fine Arts Award. He has exhibited in over 40 group and solo exhibitions, and his work can be found in the permanent collections of the International Monetary Fund Headquarters in Washington DC, the Presidency in Islamabad, Aga Khan Foundation in New York and the Jordan National Gallery.

Islam is the central focus of The Search for Light, currently ongoing at the Townhouse Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. The tentativeness that usually handicaps the development of figurative painting and representative sculpture in Islamic art is not present here. The artist confidently reproduces life forms such as plant leaves, human hands and the metaphorical egg alongside the principal mode of Islamic artistic expression, calligraphy. Copper in warm sun-bathed tones and untreated transparent rock crystal manifest the purity of God’s gifts while the angular Kufic and flowing Nakshi script evince the academic and intellectual traditions of the Muslim world.


Ocean
In Ocean, the emblematic circle of continuous life proclaims in sacred text, “which of the favours of God can one deny”. Cast in copper, the intricately woven ball of text evokes the mysteries of creation and the completion of a united whole. The purposeful use of the Eastern Kufic script with its planed horizontal and vertical lines further endows the sculpture with characteristics of stability, harmony and unity.

The manner in which the artist harnesses the malleable and light-responsive properties of metal and stone conveys the strength of the artworks. By alternately biting metal with acid and smoothening copper surfaces into a high gleam, different textures are created. Though metal and stone are usually seen as cold and impassive, light directed onto these sculptures made from these materials transfers a warm luminescent glow, transforming the material into the organic.

In Amber Acid, Amin recycles old glass bottles into a honeycomb structure of copper. Cinnabar green light, nickel tinted yellow and burnt sienna brown come together to build a rich kaleidoscope of varying sizes and shapes. The reuse of discarded materials and the different views afforded by the reflection in and refraction of light through each piece of coloured glass is symbolic of the constantly metamorphosing “looking glass” of life. There is continuous change, and roles in life are never permanent – an abandoned glass bottle becomes a work of art.


Source
Many of the works, such as Square and Steps, show careful structural thought. All the works display an observation of harmony in design. Soldering is barely visible and carried out with technical dexterity. Source, in particular, is beautifully executed; it comprises acid treated plates of Kufic text soldered onto the metal surface. The sacred blessedness of birth and conception is further emphasised by the protective layering of the word “Allah” repeated in calligraphy over the entire surface.

Aside from glass and rock crystal, Amin integrates materials such as nuts, bolts, computer chips and metal tubing. By bringing together elements of modern technology with objects like glass and crystal that are reminiscent of ancient times, the artist attempts to relate the timeless qualities of art, beauty and spirituality. Admirable as these lofty intentions may be, there are occasional misses, however. Forgotten Text, which stands as a 12m-high sculpture in Pakistan, correlates the language of codes whether it is in the form of hieroglyphics or electronic data. Unfortunately, this sculpture, which brings to mind a unicyclist, does not possess the same engaging qualities as the other works on display. The use of a computer motherboard is somewhat clumsy and clichéd.

I found Amin’s works that incorporate calligraphy particularly captivating; they represent perfectly the relationships between text and form, the material and organic, and, on a higher level, the bond between God and mankind. The use of natural rock crystal speaks of light and recalls water, the agent of cleansing and purity. In Steps, the interlocking “Alhamdulillah”, speaks of the realisation of blessings, and the different paths upon which we all travel on the journey of life, roads that ultimately have the same beginnings and endings. The clean dignified lines of the square Kufic script, one of the earliest scripts used to record the Quran, are echoed in the form of the whole sculpture.

With his finesse at cajoling copper, glass and crystal into forming art, Amin has received worldwide recognition. The Search for Light is an important exhibition that shows us the ways in which art that is inspired by religion need not be dry or overwhelmingly forceful. Throughout, the artist fosters an affinity between physical and spiritual, and lends structure and reason to his aesthetic concepts. It is this depth of perception that makes Amin Gulgee’s sculptures so appealing to all.



n “The Search for Light” is on display at the Townhouse Gallery (No. 19A, Jalan Medang Tanduk, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur) until Sept 9. Viewing is by appointment only; call 017-7887 7216 or 03-2094 3381.

Aga Khan a Man of Vision, Inspiration - by Eboo Patel

Newsweek.Washingtonpost.com

How do you explain your faith to people who do not share your truth claims and who find your sacred practices foreign?

As a minority within a minority within a minority in the West – a Muslim, a Shia, an Ismaili – I have long struggled with that question.

When I was a child and I had to explain why I was fasting from food and drink on a certain day, or why I wore an Arabic symbol for God on a chain around my neck, I would put my head down and mutter: “My mom makes me do it.”

In a world where people from different faith backgrounds are in constant contact with one another, and there are forces who actively seek to sow division between diverse people, we need better ways to build understanding. We need what I call a ‘public language’ of faith, a language which highlights the history of our traditions, and the good works they are doing for the broader world.

Every tradition has a history, and while yours might be different from mine, I expect that you will have more understanding for who I am and how I practice faith if I tell you a little about where I come from. And every tradition has a core which seeks to serve others. And if I tell you about how the people, institutions and leader of my faith are helping people live more peaceful and prosperous lives, I think that you will have deeper respect – perhaps even admiration – for my tradition.

Today, on one of the holiest days of my life, I want to use this public language of faith, in the hopes that it will provide a window of understanding into my tradition and community.

Today, I celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Imamat of my spiritual leader, the Aga Khan.

I am an Ismaili Muslim, one of 15 million members of a Shia Muslim community spread across 25 countries. Ismailis, like all Muslims, affirm the Shahada – that there is no god but God and Muhammad is God’s messenger. Like all Shia, we believe that the Prophet Muhammad appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali to lead the Muslim community after his death. Ali was known as the first Imam (this is not to be confused with the small ‘i’ imam, as in the person who leads Muslim congregational prayers), a designation that carried with it the unique ability to interpret the meaning and application of the Holy Qur’an in changing times. The Imam, according to Shia tradition, chooses his successor from within the Ahl al-Bayt, or the family of the Prophet. Over the course of history, disputes arose over the appointment of certain Imams, and the Shia split into multiple communities.

Today, the Ismailis are the only Shia community with a living and present Imam. The current Aga Khan is the 49th in the line of Imams recognized by Ismailis. Previous Imams have played a significant role within the Muslim ummah and the wider world. Ali was not only the first Shia Imam, he was also the fourth Caliph of the entire Muslim community. Ismaili Imams laid the foundation for the modern city of Cairo in the 10th century, and built there one of the world’s most ancient universities, Al Azhar. This Imam’s immediate predecessor, Sultan Muhammad Shah, served as the President of the League of Nations and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

As an Ismaili, I look to the Aga Khan for religious guidance. But one does not need to have a spiritual allegiance to the Aga Khan to admire the work of his institutions. As the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) - an innovative and highly effective association of health, education, cultural and economic development institutions - he has helped literally millions of people in forgotten parts of the developing world live more peaceful, prosperous and dignified lives.

Consider these concrete examples:

-There are 300 Aga Khan schools in the world, educating 62,000 students and employing nearly 5000 staff.

- There are over 200 Aga Khan health centers in the world, caring for nearly two million and employing nearly 10,000 staff.

- The AKDN is currently building the University of Central Asia, whose purpose is to foster the human and social capital for democracy, pluralism and prosperity in a region that gets far too little attention.

- When a tragic earthquake struck Kashmir in 2005, AKDN helicopters were amongst the first to arrive on the scene.

Two particularly distinctive aspects of the AKDN is its understanding that culture – architecture, poetry, music, calligraphy – is a crucial part of human existence, and its commitment to nurturing effective private enterprise in developing countries. On the culture front, the AKDN built Al Azhar park in Cairo and restored Humayan’s Tomb in India. It has supported everything from indigenous music in Tajikistan to Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project. Regarding effective private enterprise, Roshan, a mobile phone company that the AKDN owns a 51% share in, is the single largest private employer in Afghanistan.

A substantial amount of this work is funded by the private resources of the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community. (I serve on the National Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation in the USA, which raises money and awareness for AKDN programs around the world, especially through the Partnership Walk). But all of it – the hospitals and schools, the private companies and university courses – is non-sectarian. In fact, these programs are specifically designed to nurture pluralism. As the Aga Khan once said, “Tolerance, openness and understanding toward other peoples’ cultures, social structures, values and faiths are now essential to the very survival of an interdependent world. Pluralism is no longer simply an asset or a prerequisite for progress and development, it is vital to our existence.”

There is a guiding philosophy, an animating ethos, behind the AKDN – Islam. Over and over again, the Aga Khan has emphasized that his work for mercy, compassion and dignity emerge directly from his commitment to Islam.

So while many people call the Aga Khan a leading philanthropist, I believe that term captures neither his inspiration nor his vision.

He is the Imam of the Ismaili community. He is a Muslim.

“On Faith” panelist Eboo Patel is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core and the author of “Acts of Faith.”

Nurjehan Mawani..Appointment of Senior Advisor to the President of the Canadian Centre for Management Development

For release November 19, 2003

Appointment of Senior Advisor to the President of the Canadian
Centre for Management Development.

Janice Cochrane, President of the Canadian Centre for Management
Development (CCMD) today announced the appointment of Mrs. Nurjehan
Mawani as Senior Advisor on Diversity to the President of the Canadian
Centre for Management Development (CCMD).

Through her varied work experience, Mrs. Mawani has acquired a unique
perspective on diversity. Combined with her dedication to inclusiveness and
shared citizenship, it will equip her well for her new role as Senior Advisor on
Diversity at the CCMD. Under her mandate, she will help to reinforce the government's commitment to
building a Public Service that reflects cultural, linguistic, regional and social diversity. She will also be
advising the Clerk of the Privy Council and the Secretary of the Treasury Board on issues related to
creating an inclusive Public Service.

This appointment is effective November 20, 2003

Biographical notes on Mrs. Mawani.

CCMD Press Office: (613) 943-5414

Faquir Muhammad Hunzai is a famous religious scholar, writer, translator, researcher, and man of letters of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Faquir Muhammad Hunzai is a famous religious scholar, writer, translator, researcher, and man of letters of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

He was born in Shinaki, the lower part of Hunza. After his early education in his native village he went to the Karachi University, where he did three M.A.s, in philosophy, Arabic and Persian languages and literatures. He received a PhD degree in Islamic Studies from the McGill University, Montreal, Canada. For a short period he served as a lecturer in Arabic and Persian at GovernmentDegree College, Gilgit, Pakistan. At present he is serving as a Research Associate at The Institute of Ismaili Studies, in London, United Kingdom. He has translated, al-Risalah al-Durriyyah, of the famous Fatimid thinker, Hamid al-Din Kirmani for the first time into the English language. According to The Institute of Ismaili Studies, “His publications include The Shimmering Light -An Anthology of Ismaili Poetry (London, 1996), a new edition and English translation of the ‘Gushayish wa Rahdyish’ printed as Nasir Khusraw: Knowledge and Liberation (London, 1998), The Holy Ahl al-Bayt in the Prophetic Traditions (Karachi, forthcoming), as well as contributions to the Encyclopaedia Iranica and other publications. He has also translated from Urdu and Burushaski into English, more than 50 works, including The Book of Healing and A Thousand Wisdoms of ‘Allamah Nasir al-Din Nasir Hunzai whose main focus is esoteric Ismailism.

Presently he is working on translations of Wajh-i Din and the Diwan of Nasir Khusraw.

Joulekhan Pirbay .Reappointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Reappointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

OTTAWA, Dec. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced two full-time reappointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). These reappointments were made in accordance with the IRB's merit-based reappointment process.

Joulekhan Pirbay has been reappointed as a full-time member in the
Montreal regional office for a term of one year, effective October 20, 2006.

Ms. Pirbay has been with the Board since October 20, 1997. Prior to her
appointment to the Board, Ms. Pirbay was a member of the National Settlement Committee of the Ismaili Council for Canada, the Director of FOCUS Canada, a literature and language teacher and a small-business owner. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Madagascar and her bachelor's and master's degrees in Hispanic Studies from the University of Montreal.

Paule Robitaille has been reappointed as a full-time member in the
Montreal regional office for a term of three years, effective January 6, 2007. Ms. Robitaille has been with the Board since January 5, 2004. Prior to her appointment to the Board, Ms. Robitaille acquired over 15 years of experience in journalism while working at the Canadian Press, La Presse, Le Devoir, L'Actualité and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She won several awards during her career as a broadcast and print journalist. Ms. Robitaille received her Bachelor of Civil Law and her Bachelor of Laws from McGill University and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1987.

Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that
reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The Board has three divisions - the Refugee Protection Division, the Immigration Appeal Division and the Immigration Division. The IRB determines refugee protection claims made in Canada, hears immigration appeals, and conducts admissibility hearings and detention reviews.

For further information: (media inquiries): Pema Lhalungpa, Press
Secretary, Minister's Office, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, (613)
954-1064