Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to Lok Bhavan in Hyderabad on Monday (September 14, 2026)
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Monday (September 14, 2026) welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to Lok Bhavan in Hyderabad during his first official visit to India and Telangana after assuming his responsibilities.
During the meeting, the Governor called for deeper cooperation between Telangana and the AKDN in areas including education, healthcare, urban development and community welfare.
Mr. Shukla conveyed his condolences and paid his respects to the late Aga Khan IV, recalling his contributions to India and the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. He noted that Aga Khan IV was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 and was held in high regard in the country.
The Governor also recalled Hyderabad’s longstanding association with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit to the city in July 2024 for the inauguration of the restored Qutb Shahi complex. He described the conservation and landscape development work undertaken by the Trust as a notable example of public-private partnership.
Mr. Shukla highlighted that the Aga Khan Academy near Hyderabad as an institution of excellence that is nurturing young minds and future leaders.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V highlighted the AKDN’s work in Telangana in urban renewal, community healthcare, women-led development and employment generation. He said the benefits of these initiatives for local communities and highlighted the importance of continuing and strengthening the development partnership between the AKDN and Telangana.
The Governor expressed confidence that the longstanding association between Telangana and the AKDN would continue to expand and contribute to inclusive, sustainable and people-centric development.
As a gesture reflecting the State’s artistic heritage, the Governor presented Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with a Cheriyal Nakashi painting depicting traditional rural life in Telangana, and a Karimnagar silver filigree veena featuring the Hansa (swan) motif.
Published – September 15, 2026 11:46 am IST
