The Association for the Study of Ginans
The Association for the Study of Ginans was established in 2007 with a mission to preserve, promote and encourage research and study of the rich poetic tradition of Ginans. This remarkable literary heritage of Satpanth Ismaili Muslims or Khoja Ismailis of India and Pakistan, is a living tradition spanning more than eight centuries. The Ginans are recited or sung primarily by the Nizari Ismaili communities originating from South Asia, although not limited to them.
ASG aims to encourage the research and teaching of Ginanic literature through various online and face to face initiatives for different age groups, particularly motivating youth engagement in these endeavours. In addition, ASG also seeks to establish collaboration with external institutions of learning by holding joint courses, webinars, seminars and conferences to promote the message of Ginans, exchange ideas and build bridges that foster dialogue.
ASG has dynamic teams that are involved in Research, Academic studies, Youth Ginan activities and Audio/Visual promotions. These teams are actively engaged in several Ginan Projects and are helped and supported by international advisory teams of experts and scholars.
In addition, ASG is planning to engage in the preservation, promotion and study of Central Asian tradition of Qasidas and Maddhos. This role is a vast undertaking and includes Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan.
ASG has held or participated in six international conferences on Ginans with leading universities and organizations including the Institute of Ismaili Studies.