My Ismaili friends refer to me as ‘Honorary Khoji’ and let me explain why! I have studied in Aga Khan schools and of course I’m bound to have learnt something along the way. The thing is that 20 odd years on I can still recite the ginans we were taught in school and I still remember so much of those days gone by. I feel immensely proud when I meet an Ismaili and they tell me how lucky I am to have met and shook hands with His Highness.

That happened in primary school (yes it was Aga Khan Primary…!) and I was one of the selected few who were to sing a Welcome song on the school stage. Even back then I knew it was a big deal to be doing this for such a huge personality. Perhaps back then I didn’t realise how big a deal it was but as I got older and read more about The Aga Khan I learnt so much more about him and grew to respect him even more than ever.

From the many strong foundation stones that I have in my life I know that the Ismaili culture is also strongly embedded in there somewhere. Often I get asked why I give so much importance to this religion and I always retort back something my parents have always taught me – ‘If you can’t respect someone else’s religious beliefs how will you expect them to respect your beliefs?’

So having said that, I’d like to wish the Ismaili community a Happy Imamat Day and I’m wondering which Khoji friend of mine should I catch to buy me Fudge chocolate that we used to get in school during Khushali…!! 🙂