Prime Minister Kassim Join Ismaili Community to mark 60th Anniversary

Dar es Salaam: The Prime Minister of Tanzania, His Excellency Kassim Majaliwa officially graced the inauguration of His Highness The Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee with the Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Tanzania. At the Diamond Jubilee grounds in Upanga, Dar es Salaam, Prime Minister Majiliwa officially revealed the Diamond Jubilee motif to the Tanzanian public.
The motif is specially designed to signify this historic year for community. It is a symbol to mark the 60th anniversary of the Aga Khan’s coronation as a spiritual leader to the thousands of Ismailis in Tanzania and millions more globally 
 Prior to the unveiling, the Prime Minister commended the work of His Highness the Aga Khan in Tanzania. 
 “To him [the Aga Khan], overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity but a moral obligation. His highness as a spiritual leader demonstrates leadership and vision, which focuses on bringing hope and change to the community.”
 The Prime Minister noted that the relation between the Government of Tanzania and the Ismaili Community as a historic bedrock of companionship dating back to the 19th century. He further went on to say that the Ismaili community’s historic roots in the country’s economy, specifically in banking, insurance, health, cultural preservation and social development, is evidence of The Aga Khan’s longterm vision for the betterment of Tanzania. 
 “I must confess my admiration for the way the Ismaili Community in Tanzania is coordinated and organized... a reflection of your leader His Highness... continue to demonstrate that spirit [of hard work, discipline, and patriotism] so that other communities in Tanzania could borrow a leaf from your good practices.” 
 Amin Lakhani, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Tanzania emphatically stressed the importance of working with the Government of Tanzania and renewed the commitment of the Ismaili community toward the betterment of Tanzania. 
 “The bridge of understanding and respect the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has accorded to His Highness and his institutions and to the Ismaili community over the last six decades, are indeed indelible touchstones in our belief in the nobility of partnership and pluralism toward a shared aspiration for a better quality of life for all.”
 He also stated that the jubilee will be an opportunity to further progress the relationship with the Government of Tanzania with “significant goals and initiatives” to improve the quality of life for the people of Tanzania. 
 The two dignitaries then came together with other honorary guests to unveil the Diamond Jubilee logo, a representation of Islamic Art. The Prime Minister was also presented with gift from the Ismaili Community – a Zanzibari chest - signifying the Island of Zanzibar, as the first entry point for Ismailis into Tanzania.
After the unveiling ceremony, the community enjoyed a day of festivities, including dancing and a carnival for all ages. 
 Prior to the unveiling ceremony, the community walked alongside other Tanzanians as one large Tanzanian family and celebrated together alongside marvelous floats through a parade, each float representing and showcasing a distinct theme and message related to Ismailis, the AKDN Institutions, culture and the Ismaili’s interconnectedness with their homeland, Tanzania.