13.09.2026: Maharashtra Governor welcomes Prince Rahim Aga Khan V

Maharashtra Governor welcomes Prince Rahim Aga Khan V

AKDN to work closely with Maharashtra universities on climate action, environment and micro forests

Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma today welcomed His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, on Sunday (13 September).

Thanking the Governor for receiving him, Prince Rahim Aga Khan said that the Aga Khan Development Network has been working on a Climate Action Plan for cities and implementing innovative cooling solutions in cities and towns in Maharashtra, which have brought substantial benefits to local communities.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan said that AKDN would be happy to work closely with universities in Maharashtra on environmental protection, climate action and related issues. He informed the Governor that AKDN is already undertaking initiatives in Pune, Mira-Bhayandar, Chandrapur and other places focusing on climate action, reduction of emissions and cooling solutions.

He also spoke about AKDN’s work in reviving ponds and water bodies in Vasai, which has helped in improving groundwater levels. He said the Network was committed to bringing relief to people affected by rising temperatures and global warming and to improving the quality of life of communities.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan further informed the Governor that AKDN has undertaken micro-forest initiatives at thousands of locations. He suggested that similar initiatives could be explored in universities and educational institutions across Maharashtra.

He briefed the Governor about the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad as well as AKDN’s initiatives in the fields of music and literature.

Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma expressed the desire for the Aga Khan Development Network to also explore opportunities for collaboration in livelihood development, particularly in tribal and rural areas of Maharashtra. He said that partnerships in education, environment, climate action and livelihood generation could create meaningful and lasting benefits for the people of the State.

Prince moved to see photographs of his parents in Raj Bhavan

During the meeting, the Governor Jishnu Dev Varma presented Prince Rahim Aga Khan with a special photo album containing photographs of the visits of his late father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, to Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, then Raj Bhavan, on various occasions.

Deeply touched by the photographs and memories of his late father, Prince Rahim Aga Khan remarked, “This is very touching. Amazing.”