Telangana Governor seeks deeper AKDN-Telangana partnership
Hyderabad, Sept 14 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Monday welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to Lok Bhavan here and called for strengthening cooperation between Telangana and the AKDN.
During their meeting, the Governor sought greater collaboration in education, healthcare, urban development and community welfare.
Shukla conveyed his condolences and paid respects to the late Aga Khan IV, recalling his contribution to India and the work of the Aga Khan Development Network.
He noted that Aga Khan IV was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
The Governor also recalled Hyderabad’s association with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit to the city in July 2024 for the inauguration of the restored Qutb Shahi complex.
He described the conservation and landscape development undertaken by the Trust as an example of public-private partnership.
Shukla appreciated the AKDN’s development initiatives in Telangana, particularly in education, urban renewal, community healthcare, women-led development and employment generation.
He also highlighted the Aga Khan Academy near Hyderabad as an institution of excellence.
“We see your Network as a force for good and would encourage enhancing the cooperation between Telangana and AKDN,” the Governor said.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V highlighted the AKDN’s work in Telangana in urban renewal, community healthcare, women-led development and employment generation, and stressed the importance of continuing and strengthening the development partnership with the State.
The Governor expressed confidence that the longstanding association between Telangana and the AKDN would continue to contribute to inclusive, sustainable and people-centric development.
As a gesture reflecting Telangana’s artistic heritage, Shukla presented Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with a Cheriyal Nakashi painting depicting traditional rural Telangana life and a Karimnagar silver filigree Veena featuring the Hansa motif.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V recorded his thanks in the Lok Bhavan Visitors’ Register for the warm welcome and longstanding friendship and collaboration.
Members of the AKDN delegation, Joint Secretary to the Governor K Shashi Kiran Komandur and Regional Passport Officer Madhav R Sulphule attended the meeting.
TNT TS
