Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual head of the Ismaili community and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Friday laid foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy on the city outskirts.

The Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation are developing the Academy, an international school of excellence, at a cost of $50 million on 100 acres of land allotted by the state government at Kancha Imarat in Ranga Reddy district.

Aga Khan, the 49th Imam or spiritual head of Islamili community, said the school, which can accommodate 1,200 students, would start functioning by 2009.

The residential school, which will offer education up to 12th standard, will have 750 students to begin with.

The Switzerland-based Aga Khan Network is developing the academy in partnership with Aga Khan University, Harvard University, Oxford University and other eminent institutions.

Rajasekhara Reddy lauded the efforts of Aga Khan Network to develop residential schools in developing countries to impart education on par with international standards.

An Aga Khan Network official said it planned to set up six academies in the current year in various countries in Africa and Asia.

Aga Khan, who arrived here Thursday night, also held talks with the chief minister and state Governor Rameswar Thakur. He will meet members of the community Saturday, before leaving for Paris.