Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called for a stronger Telangana AKDN partnership during Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit to Lok Bhavan on Tuesday. He sought greater cooperation between the state and the Aga Khan Development Network across key development sectors.
Shukla welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and AKDN Chairman, to Lok Bhavan. The visit marked Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s first official trip to India and Telangana after assuming his responsibilities.
During the meeting, the Governor highlighted AKDN’s contributions across several sectors. These included education, healthcare, urban development, women-led initiatives, employment generation and community welfare.
Shukla also paid tribute to the late Aga Khan IV and recalled his contribution to India. He noted that Aga Khan IV received the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
Telangana AKDN partnership draws focus on development
The Governor also recalled Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit to Hyderabad in July 2024. During that visit, he attended the inauguration of the restored Qutb Shahi complex.
Shukla highlighted the conservation and landscape development undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture at the complex. He described the initiative as a notable example of a public-private partnership.
“We see your Network as a force for good and would encourage enhancing the cooperation between Telangana and AKDN,” Shukla said.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, meanwhile, highlighted the development network’s initiatives in Telangana. He also stressed the importance of further strengthening its development partnership with the state.
The meeting also featured an exchange reflecting Telangana’s artistic heritage. The Governor presented Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with a Cheriyal Nakashi painting depicting rural Telangana life. In addition, Shukla presented him with a Karimnagar silver-filigree Veena featuring the Hansa motif.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V later recorded his appreciation in the Lok Bhavan Visitors’ Register. He thanked the Governor for the warm welcome and acknowledged the longstanding friendship and collaboration.
The discussions at Lok Bhavan focused on building upon existing cooperation while expanding the Telangana AKDN partnership in development-related areas.