A Vibrant Legacy of Service

In 2019, Ismailis worldwide celebrated the centenary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC), which has impacted millions of lives throughout its rich history. Volunteers marked the anniversary with symbolic acts of service in their communities. They also shared stories, videos and musical compositions on social media that expressed their love for seva.

IVC was created just over 100 years ago in 1919, when an enthusiastic group of male Ismaili volunteers in Bombay (now Mumbai) determined that a more structured and disciplined approach was needed to better serve the community in an era of religious tension, and to face natural upheavals like floods. They adopted a formal uniform, as well as rules and regulations based on a military hierarchy of ranks. In appreciation, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, named them the “Aga Khan Volunteer Corps,” and presented them with his crest, the Taj, which they proudly wore on their hats.

Not to be outdone, the ladies of Bombay quickly reorganized themselves along similar principles, and officially became H.H. The Aga Khan Bombay Ladies Volunteer Corps. This new structure gained widespread interest. By 1923, similar institutions had sprung up across India and East Africa. In the following decades, Syria, Iran and Tajikistan followed suit, and, as Ismailis migrated, the tradition continued in Europe, Australia and North America.

In Canada, IVC was established in 1972 and was instrumental in building strong institutions that helped Ismaili newcomers settle. For years, dedicated volunteers set up Jamatkhanas in school halls, where Ismailis found reprieve from the challenges of adapting to a new country. A few school-hall Jamatkhanas remain to this day, although the community now has dedicated places of worship throughout Canada.

The Canadian IVC has also been at the forefront of organizing social events for the Jamat, in addition to leading initiatives for the betterment of society worldwide. When Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Ismailis honoured the occasion by pledging one million volunteer hours for the benefit of the wider community. Partnering with other agencies, volunteers built houses, maintained parks and natural spaces, developed programs for the elderly, supported anti-poverty initiatives, offered skills and employment mentoring, and more. They surpassed their goal within six months, with the community giving a total of 1.13 million hours of service. In 2019, Vancouver’s VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation recognized the Ismaili community of British Columbia with an award for their work in support of mental health initiatives and their philanthropic commitment to the broader community.