Nation marks today (2nd November) the 147th birth anniversary of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, an eminent Muslim leader of the 20th century and champion of the independence movement who significantly altered the course of history by leading Muslims of the subcontinent in the era of political turmoils triggered by the British government.
At a very young age, he showed signs of being a promising leader. At the age of 25, he was appointed as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council. As an advocate of Muslims’ rights at the global level, he worked to improve the quality of life of Muslims in the subcontinent. In 1937, he was also appointed chairman of the League of Nations.
His contribution to Aligarh University made him a great figure in the history of the Subcontinent. In recognition of his services to education, he was appointed chancellor of Aligarh University. In 1946, he suggested that Arabic should be Pakistan’s national language. A network of Aga Khan schools and healthcare institutions was set up by him.
Apart from being a dynamic political figure, he was also the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, following in his footsteps, his grandson and successor Prince Karim Aga Khan established a network of social, cultural, and economic institutions which is now serving more than 25 under developing countries.
He is credited for creating mass awareness regarding education, particularly girls education, parliamentary politics, and seeking rights for Muslims of the subcontinent. The seasoned leader rendered financial contributions for the procurement of Gwadar port which would be pivotal for the financial development of the country.
In 1946 he proposed Arabic to be made the National language of Pakistan believing that it would further enhance the ties of a new country with already existing Muslim countries. He also played an instrumental role in opening the department of Islamic studies in several Universities of Western countries. A true and adherent supporter of Pakistan and an Iconic Muslim leader passed away on 11th July 1957. His last resting place is in Asphan a city of Persia (Iran).
146th birthday anniversary – His Highness was born on 2nd of November 1877
from 1877 to 2023 would make it 146 years – am I right?