“It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of His Highness (HH) at the age of 88,” writes Ratish Nanda, CEO of AKTC, India, “It is a loss to humanity and to the many millions of his community—the Ismailis—who reside across the world, to the almost 100,000 employed within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in 30 countries, as well as to the many millions whose quality of life was greatly improved by his generosity.” In 2004, the Indian prime minister had requested the Aga Khan to support further cultural initiatives. To fit into AKTC’s objectives of coupling conservation efforts with socio-economic development as well as environmental restoration, AKTC proposed the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, spread across 300-plus acres in the heart of the national capital wherein 65 monuments have been conserved and 200-plus acres landscaped, benefitting over 700,000 people. HH also marched AKTC into Hyderabad with the commitment to conserve the 100 monuments, across 106 acres at the Qutub Shahi Tombs of Golconda. In July 2024, a museum was built at Humayun’s Tomb to enhance the visitor experience for the two million-plus annual visitors. AKDN does a lot more in India—rural development, health initiatives, numerous schools and educational initiatives, urban improvements, disaster management—across eight states. HH was always aware of each initiative, nothing was too small.