The world is mourning the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. A visionary and a philanthropist, a man with a heart, not a mere religious head, but a changing force in international development and philanthropy, too, he lived a life in contradiction with himself, one in which wealth creation and social improvement merged in a manner unprecedented in history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt condolences on X saying, “Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He was a visionary, who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. His contributions in areas like health, education, rural development and women empowerment will continue to inspire several people. I will always cherish my interactions with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world.”
Aga Khan IV’s philanthropy model was unconventional. As a 2013 Vanity Fair article captured, he was “both philanthropist and venture capitalist.” With his Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), he effectively merged for-profit operations with nonprofit activity, with any overage revenues being redirected into development activity. His impact model was one of long-term, lifting communities out of poverty and creating long-term, sustainable development in numerous sectors.
A Long-term Devotion to Progress
Through the AKDN, Aga Khan IV sponsored a range of development programs globally, with a strong focus in Asia and in Africa. His programs involved water and sanitation, infant and mother care, family nutrition, agricultural development, disaster risk management, education, and restoration of cultures. All of them represented his overall purpose: improving living standards for disadvantaged communities.
India owes a lot to him. The AKDN has played an important role in changing India, with its high-value ventures in terms of education, healthcare, and heritage conservation. Perhaps one of his most famous works in India included a commitment towards heritage conservation, an area in which he saw himself having a direct role in contributing towards social and economic development.
Heritage Conservation in India
Aga Khan IV was a visionary in valuing social and economic value in cultural heritage. In 2015, he was awarded Padma Vibhushan-India’s second-highest civilian award to honour him for his work in conserving and projecting culture for development.
One of the most ambitious works under his stewardship was a 25-year conservation campaign in Delhi’s complex of Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery, and Nizamuddin Basti. It then resulted in development of a state-of-the-art underground museum at Humayun’s Tomb, when opened for public in 2024. It was intended as a gift to India to commemorate its 75th year of Independence.
The museum and conservation in its surrounding areas represented Aga Khan’s overall outlook towards heritage. Under his leadership, more than 60 monuments have been restored, and a 300-acre city park has been developed in collaboration with surrounding community and local population.
Empowering People
Aga Khan IV’s philanthropy model was not one of mere charity but one of empowering people. His work in medical care, heritage, infrastructure, or education, was transforming lives for the long term.
His leadership not only included philanthropy but extended to educational and institution development too. He started the prestigious private university, Aga Khan University, providing first-class education to students regardless of background. His network of Aga Khan Schools in several countries played an important role in providing quality education to disadvantaged communities.
Aga Khan IV was actively involved in offering disaster relief all over the world, as well. His institutes were at the forefront in disaster-hit areas, providing medical care, rebuilding infrastructure, and rehabilitation for long-term displaced persons. For humanity, he received praise and accolades all over the world, but nothing could ever pay him a price for the positive impact that he imparted in countless lives.
With the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan, the world has lost a visionary whose contribution to humanity cannot be measured. His contribution in philanthropy, development, and culture will serve as a benchmark for future generations to follow in his path. As the entire world mourns over his passing, we honour and celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy. His heart, vision, and tireless devotion to enriching lives will forever be in our memories.
