Pre-Conference Evening at the Zamana Gallery Sets the Stage for the First Ginan Studies Conference

Hussian Jassani
Nov 19
4 min read

21 September 2025 | Zamana Gallery, Ismaili Centre London

On the evening of 21 September 2025, scholars, community members, donors, and well-wishers gathered at the Zamana Gallery at the Ismaili Centre, London, for a special pre-conference programme marking the opening of the First Ginan Studies Conference held on 22 and 23 September at the Aga Khan Centre. The evening set the tone for two days of rich scholarly discussion and reflection at the Ginan Conference. The conference was a collaborative endeavour of the ASG, the South Asian Studies Unit at the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and the School of History, Religions and Philosophies at SOAS, University of London (click HERE to access the report on the conference).

Guests engrossed in listening to the proceedings of the evening at the Zamana Gallery for the pre-conference evening ahead of the inaugural Ginan Studies Conference. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

The gathering at Zamana Gallery served as both a celebration and a call to action — a moment to reflect on the significance of the ginans, the sacred lyrical compositions that have shaped the devotional, intellectual, and cultural life of Satpanth Ismaili communities for nearly seven centuries. Bringing together academic researchers, community scholars, and enthusiasts, the event underscored the evolving field of ginanic studies and the importance of preserving and deepening engagement with this rich heritage.

Prof. Zayn Kassam, Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, graced the event with her presence. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

The evening opened with welcome remarks from Shiraz Pradhan, Governor of the ASG, who highlighted the Association’s commitment to fostering scholarship and dialogue around the ginans. He thanked Prof Zayn Kassam for the partnership and support in organising the conference. He highlighted three challenges in the field of Giannic Studies: 1) increasingly, there is less emphasis on the mystical or inner meaning of Ginans, 2) the number of individuals knowing ginanic vocabulary and Khojki script is dwindling, and 3) highlighted “the tragedy of lost words” by talking about modern editions of Ginans that tend to be edited and shortened for various reasons.

Shiraz Pradhan, Governor of the Association for the Study of Ginans, welcoming participants. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Tazim R. Kassam of Syracuse University, a leading scholar in the field. Prof. Kassam reflected on the context when ginans used to be part of the Ismaili social and religious lives. By citing the 49th Ismaili Imam, she highlighted the importance of this “wonderful tradition” and responded to three questions: why ginans are a “wonderful tradition”; what are the themes in the ginans; and what is the future of the ginans? She highlighted the uniqueness of this tradition in world literature and ended by emphasising the role everyone can play in preserving this unique tradition. Her remarks provided both a historical framing and a forward-looking vision, encouraging attendees to think expansively about the potential of ginans to inform conversations across disciplines, geographies, and traditions.

Prof. Tazim R. Kassam delivering the keynote address. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

Please click here to watch the video

In his closing remarks, Hussain Jasani, Head of the South Asian Studies Unit at the IIS, remembered the founder of the ASG, Mr Pyarali Jiwa, and offered a tribute to his hard work and vision, which resulted in this conference. He expressed his deep gratitude to the donors and well-wishers whose support made this initiative possible. He emphasised that their presence and commitment are as vital as their financial contributions in ensuring that the ginanic tradition is transmitted to future generations. Jasani explained the rationale for including a panel on the performative aspects of ginans, as well as the performance of ginans by ASG volunteers, in the conference programme. He reminded the audience that there was a dedicated discussion of ginans in the Primary and Secondary RE curriculum and expressed his hope that the Khojki script will survive because of the efforts of the IIS and ASG. He described the conference as the beginning of an important shift in how the community approaches and values its heritage. He emphasised how events such as this can catalyse collaborative inquiry and renewed appreciation for these religious traditions.

Hussain Jasani, Head of the South Asian Studies Unit at IIS and ASG Governor, offering closing remarks. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

ASG Member Musa Sheikh served as the emcee for the evening and ASG Governor, in his usual humorous and witty style, offered the vote of thanks and acknowledged the support of patrons, participants, and the Ismaili Centre volunteers for their amazing service.

Mohamed Moledina, ASG Governor, offering a vote of thanks. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

Musa Sheikh, an ASG Member, served as an emcee for the evening. Image credit: the.Ismaili (UK)

The pre-conference evening at the Zamana Gallery not only celebrated the gināns as a living tradition but also created a shared space of reflection, inspiration, and anticipation. As participants departed, there was a palpable sense of momentum — a recognition that this inaugural conference marks the start of a renewed and collective effort to understand, teach, and sustain the ginanic tradition in all its depth and diversity.