Speech by Chief Minister of Andra Pradesh,
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy

Speech by Chief Minister at the Stone-Laying Ceremony of The Aga Khan Academy,
Hyderabad, India, 22nd September 2006

It gives me great pleasure and immense satisfaction to associate myself on the auspicious occasion of laying the foundation stone ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy at Hyderabad. His Highness Sri Aga Khan requires no introduction to this august gathering here. Yet to refresh our memories, Sri Aga Khan has become Imam at the age of 20, one of the youngest hereditary spiritual leaders in the world.

He is the driving force for the Ismaili Muslims. He is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. He is a Harvard University Graduate in Islamic History.

Sri Aga Khan has created a large number of developmental programmes and institutions which are operating under the Aga Khan Development Network, as part of this, Aga Khan Development Network activity we are here to participate in the foundation laying ceremony for the Aga Khan Academy.

On behalf of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, I welcome the Aga Khan Development Network for its commitment, for the developmental network in the rural areas particularly in the areas of education, rural support and emergency relief. You are all aware Sri Aga Khan Foundation is involved in Tsunami relief works in our state. At this juncture, I assure His Highness Sri Aga Khan has made the right choice by selecting Andhra Pradhesh as a site for Aga Khan Academy. It is learnt that the Academy is a truly sophisticated undertaking and that serious investment in expertise, thought and resources is going into its planning and development.

On behalf of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, I assure our whole hearted support in creating positive environment for the speedy completion of the Academy and its smooth functioning.

You are all aware Hyderabad is not just a centre of technology; it is the aim of our Government to make Hyderabad as a leader in technology for the world and not just a service centre. We require to produce leaders who are not only adept with technology but also with innovativeness in a much broader sense. In this context the philosophy of Government of Andhra Pradhesh for upliftment of under privileged through various Government schemes are in synergy with Aga Khan Foundation philosophy.

The commitment of Aga Khan Academy to train the teachers from Government and Private schools as part of the services is unique. To conclude, I once again reiterate when Aga Khan Development Network is involved to do quality works please let us know how we can help to facilitate to success of the initiative and Government of Andhra Pradhesh will be there to do its bit.

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