He is his grandfather’s greatest legacy. He is not an actual head of any state but by the virtue of his inspiring, sobering and visionary ideas, which have been put into practice, he is considered a “virtual” or “honorary” head of many states. His multinational, multi-dimensional network has been likened to his “UN”, and both the past and present heads of the UN have commended this global Muslim leader’s remarkable efforts to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the “frontier- less brotherhood of mankind”. His talks (speeches) and walks (works) have earned him numerous highest awards from such diverse organizations, that he could be the modern world’s most decorated spiritual leader as well as the greatest builder of a whole range of edifices and institutions.

Not surprisingly, his exemplary interpretation, and implementation of Islamic values, has resonated from the Western- most to the farthest Eastern frontier of Islam.

And there have been acknowledgements that the Aga Khan’s approach merits serious study and emulation.

Dr. Nizar A Motani’s essay spotlights some of these significant events before and during the 49th Ismaili Imam’s Diamond Jubilee.