A Day of Giving at Nizamuddin: Aphelion’s Contribution During Ramadan
- Secretariat Aphelion
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
On March 13th, 2025, as part of Aphelion Food for Children Day, Stichting Aphelion, in partnership with Syed Ajmal Nizami, provided warm meals to 372 Muslim children at the Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in New Delhi.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah has long been a place of hospitality and service, inspired by the teachings of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, the 14th-century Sufi saint known for his message of love, unity, and selfless giving. During Ramadan, this tradition takes on even greater significance, ensuring that those in need are not forgotten.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Our connection with Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah began in 2010, when Leo Gianotti, our chairman, first met Syed Ajmal Nizami, son of the Pir and custodian of Khawaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya. They had just met, and the connection was immediate. “Can you feel the devotion, brother?”Ajmal said to Leo, walking beside the shrine of the Saint. “Yes, Ajmal, yes”, Leo replied. They had just met, and they had become close friends almost without exchanging words, only with the contact of their own eyes, and the way of looking at the humanity around. There are devotees there for whom nothing is left, except trust in Allah. Ajmal provides hundreds, of thousands of meals every day. They play and sing Qawwali there, sometimes continuously for many hours, intoxicated by their love for the Creator.
Qawwali is a form of Sufi Islamic devotional singing originating in India. This Sufi Islamic practice found its home in shrines and dargahs throughout the region. Leo and Ajmal listened together to Qawwali. Then Ajmal said “Come! Come to meet my father!”. That is how Leo sat besides his father, the custodian of the shrine.
That year, in the spirit of Ramadan, we collaborated to provide meals at the Sufi sanctuary Dargah Sharif Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, embracing its centuries-old tradition of compassion, generosity, and service to those in need.
Leo Gianottii with Syed Ajmal Nizami at Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah
In November 2024, Leo visited Nizamuddin again. “Ajmal, I am in New Delhi” “Brother, I am so happy to hear from you!” “Ajmal, may I pay a visit to the shrine, to you, to your father?” “Brother, father is no more. Please, come. I await for you”. Ajmal and Leo met in the same room where Leo had met Ajmal’s father. “What can I do for you, Ajmal?” “Brother, we feed many people here, every day; more than 2ooo per day. But for Ramadan, we need more support, as we may have to provide for 3ooo”. “Ajmal, let me take care of the children for one day”. That was the promise of our chairman.
So, in 2025, in March, for Ramadan, we once again joined hands with Syed Ajmal Nizami to continue this meaningful work. Through our renewed efforts, we honored the dargah’s long-standing legacy of hospitality and selfless giving, ensuring that children in need received warm, nourishing meals during this sacred month.
Honoring Ramadan Through Action
March 2025. As the call to prayer filled the air and children gathered to break their fast, we were humbled to play a small role in a tradition much greater than ourselves. Providing these meals was not just about nourishment but was about dignity, comfort, and the power of community.
Though Aphelion Food for Children Day has come to an end, the spirit of giving continues. At Stichting Aphelion, we remain committed to ensuring that kindness reaches where it is needed most because acts of generosity create ripples far beyond the moment they are given.
Thank You for Being a Part of This Journey
Learn more or support future initiatives: www.stichting-aphelion.org
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