Jaipur- As part of programmes to promote reading, education, development and pluralism in India, the Aga Khan Foundation will support several sessions at the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival this week including a musical performance on opening night by the Alim Qasimov Ensemble, presented in collaboration with the Aga Khan Music Initiative.

The Ensemble’s music performances, scheduled to take place on the opening night of the Festival at the Clarks Amer Music Stage, will feature selections drawn from the repertoire of mugham, the transnational tradition of urban classical or court music that flourished in the great cultural centres of North Africa, the Middle East, West Asia, and Central Asia beginning more than a millennium ago. This performance will mark the launch of a long-term collaboration between the Festival and AKMI, which will bring artists from the Initiative’s programmes across the world to Jaipur each year.

As part of the world’s largest free literary festival, which runs from today until January 25 at Diggi Palace, the Aga Khan Foundation will support sessions including:

·       “The Buddhas of Bamiyan” with Llwelyn Morgan, Barry Flood and chaired by Festival co-director, William Dalrymple, on Thursday 22 January. The two authors will discuss the history of these remarkable sculptures which were carved in the 6th century AD and destroyed in 2001 by the Taliban.

·       “Ignited Minds”, with His Excellency Former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam leading a discussion on how to unleash India’s potential to address its development challenges, on Saturday, 24 January.

·       “Jump into The Ramayana – Engaging Children in Indian Painting”, with Indian children’s authors, Saker Mistri and Mamta Mangaldas, on Sunday, 25 January.

Fairouz R. Nishanova, Director of the Aga khan Music Initative, said, “This is a remarkable partnerhsip opportunity and an outstandng platform for AKMI artists. We are looking forward to working with the Festival and offering ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival audiences a panoramic perspective on the richness and diversity of the artistic traditions from the countries and regions where AKMI has the privilege to work.”

Sanjoy Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, producer of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Music Initiative as festival partners. In 2015 they will bring music and literature to the Festival, two vital components of our DNA. We look forward to furthering our partnership with the AKF and AKMI for future festivals.”