Elders of the Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities around the globe have made significant contributions throughout their lives to the betterment of their communities. As mentioned in the newswire last week, The World Federation presented six lifetime achievement awards during the 14th Ordinary Conference on Saturday 17th May 2014. These individuals were honored with the traditional Gujarati turban "Paghadi" for their selfless efforts. Six individuals were present to accept the award, and four were presented the award at a later date. Today we meet three more recipients:
Asgar Bharwani from Dar Es Salaam Jamaat, Tanzania
Asgar Bharwani is an entrepreneur and a successful businessman. He was the past president of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat for three consecutive terms. He has been an active member of the Jamaat and is presently Chairman of the construction committee which oversaw the construction of Juma Haji Residency, Amersi Mawji Residency, and the KSMIC Sabodo car park.
Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer from Mombasa Jamaat, Kenya
Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer is one of the longest standing volunteers within the community.
Hassan bhai is also a prolific writer and public speaker. He has authored several books on Khoja history including his latest work called Endangered Species, a 500 page history of the Khoja community. During his time he has served on a number of communal bodies at various times; he was secretary and chairman of the Debate and Education Section of the Ithna-Asheri young Men's Union, Hon secretary and later chairman of the Ithna-Asheri Education Board managing the Alibhai Panju Jaffery Primary school. He was also Vice Chairman of the Mombasa Jamaat. Whenever his services and advice are required, be it for the Africa Federation or the Jamaat he is always there.
Ahmad Hassam
A dedicated community worker for over 20 years, Ahmed was born in Zanzibar, brought up and educated in Uganda where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Makerere University in Kampala. In 1972, he migrated to the United Kingdom and studied at the London University and obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1975. He set up his own business in 1983 and now employs 75 people. Ahmad bhai has a long history of serving the community. He has served as the Vice President of The World Federation & as the past President of Birmingham Jamaat, and has been elected as Executive Councillor at Conferences in 1991,1994,and 1997. He has been on several boards and has been involved in several education and healthcare programmes in India and East Arica. He recently attended the UN NGO Forum convened by the Economic & Social Council of the UN in Geneva, to discuss poverty eradication and sustainable development in developing countries.
