Khilafat Centenary Souvenir 1908-2008 — Page 189
accompanied by struggle and difficulties. There were many difficulties. But the final outcome was that the practice became a permanent change among many of the sisters in Lajna Imaillah America, and on e that helped to enhance the spiritual development of those who steadfastly adhered to it. The National Presidents during the 1970s were: Dr. Lubna Ijaz (1969-71 ), Aliyyah Shaheed (1971 -72), Nycemah Ameen -Yaqub (1972 -75), Rashidah Saeed (1975-81). From Circles to Regions and Beyond (1980-2000) When Sister Salma Ghani became National President in the 1980's, she faced the dilemma of bringing the Lajna together as sisters migrated in large numbers from Pakistan to America. Salma Ghani pooled the resources of talents and experiences and paired Pakistanis and Americans together and instructed them to communicate with each other, work and socialize together and become true sisters. Americans were encouraged to become informed about Pakistani culture, language (Urdu), and lifestyle and vice versa. Sister Salma established a "Target-City Preaching Program," in Zion, Illinois and Washington, DC. Sisters in these cities held numerous propagation programs for the public which included appearances on radio, and advertisements in newspapers. By the early 1990s, there was genuine mutual love between the sisters, so much so, that they became like one family. As Ahmadi immigrants from Africa, Europe, and other Asian countries gradually became part of the American Lajna, they easily melded into the already working intercultural sisterhood. Around the 1990s, 35 local branches were divided into seven regions and mor e regional events were held to encourage and regulate ongoing propagation, education, social services, handicraft and N asirat activities. In 1987, Khalifatul Masih IVrt a asked several American Lajna sisters to create an index for the three thousand page Five Volume Holy Qur'an with Commentary, which was soon to be re-published. The Khalifa also gave the United StatesJama'at the task of preparing the Jama'at's Centenary International Media Kit, which was developed by three Lajna sisters. Lajna helped sponsor and implement a full range of activities nationwide, attendant to the Jama'at's 1989 Centennial celebrations. Under the presidency of Sister Amatul Hakim Abdullah, in the early 1990's, Lajna pledged $300,000. 00 towards the Baitur Rahman Mosque Building Fund, and significantly exceeded their pledge, by paying $533,655. 75 into the fund. In 1993, the US Lajna welcomed the launching of the International Television Satellite in America, marking the beginning of MTA, which is based in London, England and broadcasts globally. A new position in National Lajna, MTA Chairperson, was inaugurated in 1995. Lajna sisters began to learn television production so as to provide taped programs for broadcasts. During the 1990s, annual Lajna conventions or Ijtema took on a new format and provided sisters with a forum to discuss new ideas, problems, national programs, and make suggestions for Lajna's enhancement. Time was set aside for intellectual and physical competitions, food and fun. From an initial attendance of about 75 at the first National Ijtema, it has presently grown to almost 2000 Lajna and Nasirat attending annual Ijtema'at held in the East Coast, West Coast, West Mid West and South regions. Lajna National Presidents during the decade of 1980-2000 were: Salma Ghani (1981-91), Amatul Hakim Abdullah (1991 -95), Salma Ghani (1995-2000), and Dr. Shanaz Butt (2000-present). Lajna USA Enters the 21st Century (2000-2007) Lajna Imaillah-USA heralded the 21st century with a number of new initiatives and new directives. With the late Amir Jama' at USA, Hadhrat Sahibzada M. M. Ahmad permission, Lajna began to conduct a full day program at the annualjalsa Salana. This allowed Lajna to include new features in the program such as recognition ceremony for Nasirat who had completed their 1st reading of Holy Qur'an and a welcoming ceremony of new Ahmadi sisters which included personal testimonies about what attracted them to Ahmadiyyat. Under the guidance of former Amir, Sahibzada M. M. Ahmad , Lajna and Khuddam worked together to create a magazine for children, called Al-Hilal while Ayesha Magazine continues to serve the Lajna readership. A Quarterly National Newsletter "Lajna Matters" created in 2001 serves to increase communication with local membership and to highlight their achievements. A Nasirat Workbook was published in 2001 to provide an activity based format for children as well as for new Ahmadis. In 2004, a team of dedicated lajna members translated the Urdu Waqfe Nau sermons of Khalifa IVrta into English