Aga Khan, Kalam discuss JVs

On his visit to India after 11 years, the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili sect, held discussions with President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on joint ventures between his Foundation and the Government on development issues.

The Aga Khan Foundation, which is currently holding discussions with New Delhi to start schools in Afghanistan, is also keen on working in rural area, and development sectors such as health, education and finanace. During his discussions, the Aga Khan also discussed areas where the Foundation and the government could cooperate on micro-credit schemes for farmers. The Aga Khan is also keen that NGOs working in these areas be promoted by the Foundation.

Kalam also suggested an integrated approach to give impetus to development in key sectors. The Aga Khan Trust has also adopted 600 villages in Gujarat for their development.

On Tuesday he will hold meetings with Vice President Shekhawat, Finance Minister Jaswant Singh, Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan and Opposition leader Sonia Gandhi. He will also preside over the formal inauguration of the Humayun Tomb which has been restored under a world heritage project jointly by the Foundation and ASI.