Hassan Hirji
Mr. Hassan Hirji was born and raised in Mpigi, Uganda after his father had migrated from India in the early 1930s. They were encouraged to migrate to East Africa based on the guidance of the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community at the time, Aga Khan III Sultan Mohammad Shah.
The Hirji family opened up a small store which flourished in the rural town of Uganda which enabled them to purchase other stores and continue to prosper. Education remained a top priority within the family and Mr. Hirji graduated with a teaching degree and began working in the Kabaka school. After President Amin issued the expulsion decree the Hirji family was rendered stateless due to their Ugandan citizenship. With his education and work experience, Hassan was able to migrate to Canada along with his parents as Ugandan Asian refugees.
They were resettled in Brockville and eventually reunited with their entire family over the following years. Hassan and his parents eventually moved to Toronto where they have continued to work and volunteer within and outside of the Ismaili Muslim community. As an accountant and systems manager for over 20 years continues to do community work while traveling around the world and spending time with his family.
This interview was conducted at a local Tim Hortons in the Don Mills area of Toronto, Ontario.