This year’s Jodidi lecture sold out in nine minutes, signifying its importance and resonance with the Harvard community.
By Natalie Handy – Nov. 18, 2015: Focusing on pluralism and cosmopolitism, the Aga Khan encouraged a society that embraces differences rather than fearing them while giving the distinguished Jodidi Lecture at Harvard last week.
“The road to a more cooperative world does not require us to erase our differences, but to understand them. A responsible, thoughtful process of globalization in my view, is one that is truly cosmopolitan. Respecting both what we have in common, and what makes us different,” said the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
Given merely days before the recent terrorist attacks, the lecture was fitting in addressing current problems faced around the world.
In his introduction, Ali Asani, the Director of Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program at Harvard, said the Aga Khan has been responsible for both spiritual guidance and the material welfare of millions of Ismaili Muslims, residing in over 25 countries, sometimes in context of conflict and poverty.
“Often working quietly, and without seeking attention on the world’s stage, His Highness’s words, vision and deeds have impacted the lives of millions of people around the world,”Asani said, while introducing the Aga Khan.
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