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Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010
Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010 part 2
Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010 part 3
GCMG Aero Vs Problems
KNOCKS BUNDLES IM A GOON FREESTYLE GCMG
The Kid Kp-The Motto GCMG Remix
RAY GCMG LMFAO
GCMG how we do at da yo
'GCMG
Young black recording new single GCMG
[@NANGTV] @LADYLESHURR - PIZZIN ON EM [OFFICIAL NET VIDEO]
Couto GCMG.mp4

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Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010
  • Order:
  • Published: 10 Mar 2010
  • Duration: 7:00
  • Updated: 18 Nov 2011
Author: HEARTTrustNTA
The Governor-General opened Farm Fest 2010 at a ceremony on Friday March 5 in the presence of Dr. Marc Panton Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Agriculture and other invited officials from the Ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs and the local representational level. Farm Fest 2010 featured live demonstrations, farm tours, recreational fishing, farmers market, horseback riding and a kiddys corner. Farm Fest provides an outlet to demonstrate farming practices used and produce grown at the HEART Trust/NTA Ebony Park Academy, a residential institution for specialized training in Agriculture and Garment Construction.
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010
Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010 part 2
  • Order:
  • Published: 10 Mar 2010
  • Duration: 7:00
  • Updated: 12 Aug 2010
Author: HEARTTrustNTA
The Governor-General opened Farm Fest 2010 at a ceremony on Friday March 5 in the presence of Dr. Marc Panton Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Agriculture and other invited officials from the Ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs and the local representational level. Farm Fest 2010 featured live demonstrations, farm tours, recreational fishing, farmers market, horseback riding and a kiddys corner. Farm Fest provides an outlet to demonstrate farming practices used and produce grown at the HEART Trust/NTA Ebony Park Academy, a residential institution for specialized training in Agriculture and Garment Construction.
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Governor-General officially opens Farm Fest 2010 part 2
RAY GCMG LMFAO
  • Order:
  • Published: 10 Jul 2011
  • Duration: 0:16
  • Updated: 09 Oct 2011
Author: hollywood1378
LMAO
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/RAY GCMG LMFAO
GCMG how we do at da yo
  • Order:
  • Published: 15 Aug 2011
  • Duration: 1:29
  • Updated: 15 Aug 2011
Author: Baby2pumba
This video was uploaded from an Android phone.
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/GCMG how we do at da yo
'GCMG
  • Order:
  • Published: 23 Nov 2011
  • Duration: 1:08
  • Updated: 18 Dec 2011
Author: GCMG42
Created using the One True Media YouTube App - Simply powerful video creation and editing. Create for free.
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/'GCMG
Young black recording new single GCMG
  • Order:
  • Published: 31 Jul 2011
  • Duration: 0:29
  • Updated: 31 Jul 2011
Author: Baby2pumba
This video was uploaded from an Android phone.
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/Young black recording new single GCMG
[@NANGTV] @LADYLESHURR - PIZZIN ON EM [OFFICIAL NET VIDEO]
  • Order:
  • Published: 23 Jul 2011
  • Duration: 3:37
  • Updated: 18 Apr 2012
Author: NangTV
TWITTER @ladyleshurr TWITTER @igniterr hoodtapes.co.uk - DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE HERE FOR VIDEO ENQUIRIES EMAIL - INFO.NANGTV@GMAIL.COM LIKE COMMENT SUBSCRIBE FILMED EDITED BY NANGTV
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/[@NANGTV] @LADYLESHURR - PIZZIN ON EM [OFFICIAL NET VIDEO]
Couto GCMG.mp4
  • Order:
  • Published: 30 Aug 2010
  • Duration: 2:53
  • Updated: 04 Mar 2012
Author: K9adestramento1000
GCM Guarujá/ GCM Diadema/ CDP SV Treino realizado 27/08/2010
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/Couto GCMG.mp4
gcmg
  • Order:
  • Published: 15 Jan 2012
  • Duration: 1:43:12
  • Updated: 15 Jan 2012
Author: bongsonstudio1
gcmg
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/gcmg
Hamid Karzai President of Afghanistan
  • Order:
  • Published: 23 Jun 2011
  • Duration: 1:02
  • Updated: 26 Oct 2011
Author: d568bvma
Hamid Karzai www.shanagrant.com Hamid Karzai, GCMG (born 24 December 1957) is the 12th and current President of Afghanistan, taking office on 7 December 2004. He became a dominant political figure after the removal of the Taliban regime in late 2001.[2] During the December 2001 International Conference on Afghanistan in Germany, Karzai was selected by prominent Afghan political figures to serve a six month term as Chairman of the Interim Administration. He was then chosen for a two year term as Interim President during the 2002 loya jirga (grand assembly) that was held in Kabul, Afghanistan. After the 2004 presidential election, Karzai was declared winner and became President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. He won a second five-year-term in the 2009 presidential election. http www.shanagrant.com
http://web.archive.org./web/20120520110323/http://wn.com/Hamid Karzai President of Afghanistan
The Governor-General opened Farm Fest 2010 at a ceremony on Friday March 5 in the presence of Dr. Marc Panton Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Agriculture and other invited officials from the Ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs and the local representational level. Farm Fest 2010 featured live demonstrations, farm tours, recreational fishing, farmers market, horseback riding and a kiddys corner. Farm Fest provides an outlet to demonstrate farming practices used and produce grown at the HEART Trust/NTA Ebony Park Academy, a residential institution for specialized training in Agriculture and Garment Construction.
7:00
Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Gov­er­nor-Gen­er­al of­fi­cial­ly opens Farm Fest 2010
7:00
Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Gov­er­nor-Gen­er­al of­fi­cial­ly opens Farm Fest 2010 part 2
6:20
Sir Patrick L. Allen ON, GCMG CD, Gov­er­nor-Gen­er­al of­fi­cial­ly opens Farm Fest 2010 part 3
5:11
GCMG Aero Vs Prob­lems
2:45
KNOCKS BUN­DLES IM A GOON FREESTYLE GCMG
2:13
The Kid Kp-The Motto GCMG Remix
0:16
RAY GCMG LMFAO
1:29
GCMG how we do at da yo
1:08
'GCMG
0:29
Young black record­ing new sin­gle GCMG
3:37
[@NANGTV] @LA­DYLESHURR - PIZZIN ON EM [OF­FI­CIAL NET VIDEO]
2:53
Couto GCMG.​mp4
103:12
gcmg
1:02
Hamid Karzai Pres­i­dent of Afghanistan
1:13
Boris Tra­jkovs­ki an­nounce­ment to the peo­ple in 2001, Mace­do­nia
4:15
The Kid KP "More Of Me" Club Bankhead
3:57
Salman Khan and Ka­t­ri­na Kaif
4:52
Jason Mraz - Only Human (Form We Dance ep)
7:34
Shan e Abu bakr sid­diq (RA) part1
7:48
Red Ar­rows - HD 2009 Ferté - Part 2 - the best of british
3:46
YOUNG BLACK : FULL OF THAT DRANK FULL OF THEM BARS
1:44
Cov­ered Strait with Katy Perry


  • 1Prince Katsura Tarō, GCMG (桂 太郎?, 4 January 1848 - 10 October 1913), was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army, politician and three-time Prime Minister of Japan.
    Creative Commons / Wrightbus
'''
TitleOrder of St Michael and St George
Awarded bythe Queen of the United Kingdom
TypeOrder
Motto''Auspicium Melioris Ævi''''Token of a Better Age''
ForAt the monarch's pleasure
StatusCurrently constituted
Head titleSovereign |head HM The Queen
GradesKnight/ Dame Grand Cross (GCMG)Knight/ Dame Commander (KCMG/DCMG)Companion (CMG)
Date28 April 1818
HigherOrder of the Star of India
LowerOrder of the Indian Empire
Image2
Caption2Ribbon bar of the Order of St Michael and St George }}

The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III.

It is named in honour of two military saints, St. Michael and St. George.

The Order of St Michael and St George is awarded to men and women who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country. It can also be conferred for important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

Description

The Order includes three classes, in descending order of seniority:

''Knight Grand Cross'' or ''Dame Grand Cross'' (GCMG) ''Knight Commander'' (KCMG) or ''Dame Commander'' (DCMG) ''Companion'' (CMG)

It is used to honour individuals who have rendered important services in relation to Commonwealth or foreign nations. People are appointed to the Order rather than awarded it. British Ambassadors to foreign nations are regularly appointed as KCMGs or CMGs. For example, the former British Ambassador to the United States, Sir David Manning, was appointed a CMG when he worked for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and then after his appointment as British Ambassador to the US, he was promoted to a Knight Commander (KCMG). It is the traditional award for members of the FCO.

The Order's motto is ''Auspicium melioris ævi'' (Latin for "Token of a better age"). Its patron saints, as the name suggests, are St. Michael the Archangel and St. George. One of its primary symbols is that of St Michael trampling over Satan.

The Order is the sixth-most senior in the British honours system, after The Most Noble Order of the Garter, which is the pinnacle of the British honours system, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick, The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. The third of the aforementioned Orders—which relates to Ireland, no longer fully a part of the United Kingdom—still exists but is in disuse; no appointments have been made to it since 1934. The last of the Orders on the list, related to India, has also been in disuse since that country's independence in 1947.

History

The Order was founded to commemorate the British amical protectorate over the Ionian Islands, which had come under British control in 1814 and had been granted its own constitution as the United States of the Ionian Islands in 1817. It was intended to reward "natives of the Ionian Islands and of the island of Malta and its dependencies, and for such other subjects of His Majesty as may hold high and confidential situations in the Mediterranean."

In 1864, however, the protectorate ended and the Ionian Islands became a part of Greece. The Order's basis was revised in 1868; membership was granted to those who "hold high and confidential offices within Her Majesty's colonial possessions, and in reward for services rendered to the Crown in relation to the foreign affairs of the Empire." Accordingly, numerous Governors-General and Governors feature as recipients of awards in the order.

Composition

The British Sovereign is the Sovereign of the Order and appoints all other members of the Order (by convention, on the advice of the Government). The next-most senior member is the Grand Master. The office was formerly filled by the Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands; now, however, Grand Masters are chosen by the Sovereign. Grand Masters include:
  • 1818–1825: Sir Thomas Maitland
  • 1825–1850: HRH The Duke of Cambridge
  • 1850–1904: HRH The Duke of Cambridge
  • 1904–1910: HRH The Prince of Wales
  • 1910–1917: None
  • 1917–1936: HRH The Prince of Wales
  • 1936–1957: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Athlone
  • 1957–1959: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Halifax
  • 1959–1967: The Rt. Hon. The Earl Alexander of Tunis
  • 1967–present: HRH The Duke of Kent
  • The Order originally included 15 Knights Grand Cross, 20 Knights Commanders and 25 Companions. Several expansions have been made; now, the limits are 125, 375 and 1750, respectively. Members of the Royal Family who are appointed to the Order do not count towards the limit; neither do foreigners appointed as "honorary members".

    The Order has six officers: the Prelate (as of 2006 the Rt Revd David Urquhart), the Chancellor, the Secretary, the Registrar, the King of Arms and the Usher. The Order's King of Arms is not a member of the College of Arms, like many other heraldic officers. The Usher of the Order is known as the Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod; he does not, unlike his Order of the Garter equivalent (the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod), perform any duties related to the House of Lords.

    Vestments and accoutrements

    Members of the Order wear elaborate costumes on important occasions (such as coronations), which vary by rank:
  • The ''mantle'', worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, is made of Saxon blue satin lined with crimson silk. On the left side is a representation of the star (see below). The mantle is bound with two large tassels.
  • The ''collar'', worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, is made of gold. It consists of depictions of crowned lions, Maltese Crosses, and the cyphers "SM" and "SG", all alternately. In the centre are two winged lions, each holding a book and seven arrows.
  • At less important occasions, simpler insignia are used:

  • The ''star'' is an insignia used only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commanders. It is worn pinned to the left breast. The Knight and Dame Grand Cross' star includes seven-armed, silver-rayed 'Maltese Asterisk' (for want of a better description—see image of badge), with a gold ray in between each pair of arms. The Knight and Dame Commander's star is a slightly smaller eight-pointed silver figure formed by two Maltese Crosses; it does not include any gold rays. In each case, the star bears a red cross of St George. In the centre of the star is a dark blue ring bearing the motto of the Order. Within the ring is a representation of St Michael trampling on Satan.
  • The ''badge'' is the only insignia used by all members of the Order; it is suspended on a blue-crimson-blue ribbon. Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear it on a riband or sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip. Knights Commanders and male Companions wear the badge from a ribbon around the neck; Dames Commanders and female Companions wear it from a bow on the left shoulder. The badge is a seven-armed, white-enamelled 'Maltese Asterisk' (see Maltese Cross); the obverse shows St Michael trampling on Satan, while the reverse shows St George on horseback killing a dragon, both within a dark blue ring bearing the motto of the Order.
  • On certain "collar days" designated by the Sovereign, members attending formal events may wear the Order's collar over their military uniform or morning wear. When collars are worn (either on collar days or on formal occasions such as coronations), the badge is suspended from the collar.

    All collars which have been awarded since 1948 must be returned to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. The other insignia may be retained.

    Chapel

    The original home of the Order was the Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu, the residence of the Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands and the seat of the Ionian Senate. Since 1906, the Order's chapel has been in St Paul's Cathedral in London. (The Cathedral also serves as home to the chapels of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and The Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor.) Religious services for the whole Order are held quadrennially; new Knights and Dames Grand Cross are installed at these services.

    The Sovereign and the Knights and Dames Grand Cross are allotted stalls in the choir of the chapel, above which their heraldic devices are displayed. Perched on the pinnacle of a knight's stall is his helm, decorated with a mantling and topped by his crest. Under English heraldic law, women other than monarchs do not bear helms or crests; instead, the coronet appropriate to the dame's rank, if there is one, is used (see coronet). Above the crest or coronet, the stall's occupant's heraldic banner is hung, emblazoned with his or her coat of arms. At a considerably smaller scale, to the back of the stall is affixed a piece of brass (a "stall plate") displaying its occupant's name, arms and date of admission into the Order. Upon the death of a Knight, the banner, helm, mantling and crest are taken down. The stall plates, however, are not removed; rather, they remain permanently affixed somewhere about the stall, so that the stalls of the chapel are festooned with a colourful record of the Order's Knights and Dames Grand Cross since 1906.

    The reredos within the chapel were commissioned from Henry Poole in 1927.

    Precedence and privileges

    Members of the Order of St Michael are assigned positions in the order of precedence. Wives of male members also feature on the order of precedence, as do sons, daughters and daughters-in-law of Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commanders; relatives of female members, however, are not assigned any special precedence. (As a general rule, individuals can derive precedence from their fathers or husbands, but not from their mothers or wives.) (See order of precedence in England and Wales for the exact positions.)

    Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commanders prefix "Sir", and Dames Grand Cross and Dames Commanders prefix "Dame", to their forenames. Wives of Knights may prefix "Lady" to their surnames, but no equivalent privilege exists for husbands of Dames. Such forms are not used by peers and princes, except when the names of the former are written out in their fullest forms. Furthermore, honorary members and clergymen do not receive the accolade or adopt the title.

    Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the post-nominal "GCMG"; Knights Commanders and Dames Commanders use "KCMG" and "DCMG" respectively; Companions use "CMG".

    Knights and Dames Grand Cross are also entitled to receive heraldic supporters. They may, furthermore, encircle their arms with a depiction of the circlet (a circle bearing the motto) and the collar; the former is shown either outside or on top of the latter. Knights and Dames Commanders and Companions may display the circlet, but not the collar, surrounding their arms. The badge is depicted suspended from the collar or circlet.

    Popular references

    In the satirical British television programme ''Yes Minister'', Jim Hacker MP is told an old joke by his Private Secretary Bernard Woolley about what the various post-nominals stand for.

    Ian Fleming's spy, James Bond, a commander in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (R.N.V.R.) was fictionally decorated with the CMG in 1953. (This is mentioned in the novel ''From Russia, with Love''.) He was later offered the KCMG (which would have elevated him from a Companion in the Order to a Knight Commander in the Order) in ''The Man with the Golden Gun'', but he rejected that offer as he did not wish to become a public figure.

    Current Knights and Dames Grand Cross

  • Sovereign: Queen Elizabeth II
  • Grand Master: His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO (1967)
  • Knights and Dames Grand Cross

  • The Rt. Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen, AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC (1977)
  • Sir Tore Lokoloko, GCL, GCMG, GCVO, OBE (1977)
  • Sir Michael Palliser, GCMG (1977)
  • Sir Paul Scoon, GCMG, GCVO, OBE (1979)
  • Sir Baddeley Devesi, GCMG, GCVO (1980)
  • Sir Clive Rose, GCMG (1981)
  • The Rt. Hon. Sir Ninian Stephen, KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC (1982)
  • Sir Hugh Cortazzi, GCMG (1984)
  • HM Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, (GCMG), (GCB) (1984)
  • Sir James Craig, GCMG (1984)
  • Sir Michael Butler, GCMG (1984)
  • Sir John Thomson, GCMG (1985)
  • Sir Antony Acland, KG, GCMG, GCVO (1986)
  • Sir John Fretwell, GCMG (1987)
  • Sir George Lepping, GCMG, MBE (1988)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Carrington, KG, GCMG, CH, MC, PC, DL (1988)
  • Sir Crispin Tickell, GCMG, KCVO (1989)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Wright of Richmond, GCMG (1989)
  • Sir Toaripi Lauti, GCMG (1990)
  • Sir Shridath Ramphal, OE, OM, GCMG, ONZ, AC, QC (1990)
  • The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Somare, GCL, GCMG, CH, CF (1990)
  • The Hon. Dame Catherine Tizard, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO (1990)
  • Sir Howard Cooke, ON, GCMG, GCVO, CD (1991)
  • Sir David Goodall, GCMG (1991)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, KT, GCMG (1991)
  • Sir Stanislaus James, GCMG (1992)
  • Sir Reginald Palmer, GCMG (1992)
  • Sir John Whitehead, GCMG, CVO (1992)
  • Sir James Carlisle, GCMG (1993)
  • Sir Ewen Alastair John Fergusson, GCMG, GCVO (1993)
  • Sir Rodric Braithwaite, GCMG (1994)
  • Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE (1994)
  • His Excellency Sir Colville Young, GCMG, MBE (1994)
  • Sir Nicholas Fenn, GCMG (1995)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Hannay of Chiswick, GCMG, CH (1995)
  • Sir Moses Pitakaka, GCMG (1995)
  • Sir Orville Turnquest, GCMG, QC (1995)
  • The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Hardie Boys, GNZM, GCMG, QSO (1996)
  • His Excellency Sir Clifford Husbands, GCMG, KA, CHB, QC (1996)
  • Sir Christopher Mallaby, GCMG, GCVO (1996)
  • Sir Tulaga Manuella, GCMG (1996)
  • His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, GCMG, OBE (1996)
  • Sir Daniel Williams, GCMG (1996)
  • Sir John Coles, GCMG (1997)
  • Sir George Mallet, GCMG, CBE (1997)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Williamson of Horton, GCMG, CB, PC (1998)
  • Sir John Lapli, GCMG (1999)
  • Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, GCMG (1999)
  • His Exellency Sir Boris Trajkovski, GCMG (2000)
  • Sir Andrew Wood, GCMG (2001)
  • Sir Tomu Sione, GCMG (2001)
  • Sir John Goulden, GCMG (2001)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, GCMG (2001)
  • Sir David Wright, GCMG, LVO (2002)
  • Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG (2003)
  • Sir John Young, GCMG (2003)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, KT, GCMG, PC (2004)
  • Sir Stephen Wall, GCMG, LVO (2004)
  • His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena, GCMG, CSI (2005)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, GCMG, KBE, PC (2006)
  • The Rt. Hon. The Lord Jay of Ewelme, GCMG (2006)
  • The Rev. Sir Filoimea Telito, GCMG, MBE (2007)
  • Sir Emyr Jones Parry, GCMG (2007)
  • Sir Kenneth Hall, ON, GCMG, OJ (2007)
  • Sir David Manning, GCMG, CVO (2008)
  • Sir Carlyle Glean, GCMG (2008)
  • Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD (2009)
  • Sir Frank Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE (2009)
  • Sir Arthur Foulkes, GCMG (2010)
  • Sir Peter Ricketts, GCMG (2011)
  • Sir Michael Ogio, GCMG (2011)
  • Sir Nigel Sheinwald, GCMG (2011)
  • Officers

  • Prelate: Rt Revd David Urquhart (Lord Bishop of Birmingham)
  • Chancellor: The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen
  • Secretary:
  • Registrar: The Lord Wilson of Tillyorn
  • King of Arms: Sir Ewen Fergusson
  • Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod: Sir Anthony Figgis KCVO, CMG
  • Honorary Appointments

  • Aldo Castellani, Honorary KCMG (1928)
  • Lee Kuan Yew, Honorary GCMG, CH (1972)
  • Abdelaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, Honorary GCMG (1985)
  • Chandrika Prasad Srivastava, Honorary KCMG (1990)
  • Fidel V. Ramos, Honorary GCMG (1995)
  • Anson Chan, GBM, Honorary GCMG, CBE, JP (2002)
  • Hamid Karzai, Honorary GCMG (2003)
  • Richard Armitage, Honorary GCMG (2005)
  • Kofi Annan, Honorary GCMG (2007)
  • Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, Honorary GCMG (2008)
  • Shimon Peres, Honorary GCMG (2008) Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Honorary KCMG (2010)

    See also

  • List of people who have declined a British honour
  • Order of the Bath
  • Order of the British Empire
  • Order of the Garter
  • Order of the Thistle
  • Royal Victorian Order
  • Russian Order of St George
  • References

    External links

  • Royal.gov.uk article on the order
  • "Knighthood and Chivalry." (1911). ''Encyclopædia Britannica,'' 11th ed. London: Cambridge University Press.
  • Orans, L. P. "The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George."
  • Velde, F. R. (2003). "Order of Precedence in England and Wales.
  • State Library of New South Wales: Nelson Meers Foundation — gallery to full set of insignia, including images of both sides of the badge and a close-up of the star.
  • Category:Orders of knighthood of the United Kingdom Category:1818 establishments in the United Kingdom

    ar:وسام القديس مايكل والقديس جورج ca:Orde de Sant Miquel i Sant Jordi cs:Řád sv. Michala a sv. Jiří da:Sankt Mikaels og Sankt Georgs orden de:Order of St. Michael and St. George es:Orden de San Miguel y San Jorge fr:Ordre de Saint-Michel et Saint-George ko:세인트마이클앤드세인트조지 훈장 id:Order of St Michael and St George it:Ordine di San Michele e San Giorgio he:מסדר מיכאל הקדוש וג'ורג' הקדוש nl:Orde van Sint-Michaël en Sint-George ja:聖マイケル・聖ジョージ勲章 no:Sankt Mikaels og Sankt Georgs orden pl:Order św. Michała i św. Jerzego pt:Ordem de São Miguel e São Jorge ru:Орден Святого Михаила и Святого Георгия simple:Order of St Michael and St George sl:Red svetega Mihaela in svetega Jurija sv:Order of St Michael and St George uk:Орден Святого Михайла і Святого Георгія zh:聖米迦勒及聖喬治勳章

    This text is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA License. This text was originally published on Wikipedia and was developed by the Wikipedia community.



    Honorific-prefixHis Excellency
    NameHamid Karzaiحامد کرزی
    OfficePresident of Afghanistan
    VicepresidentAhmad Zia MassoudMohammed Fahim
    Term start7 December 2004Acting: 22 December 2001 – 7 December 2004
    PredecessorBurhanuddin Rabbani
    Birth dateDecember 24, 1957
    Birth placeKarz, Afghanistan
    PartyIndependent
    SpouseZeenat Quraishi (1999–present)
    Alma materHimachal Pradesh University
    ProfessionPublic relationsPolitical scientist
    ReligionIslam }}
    Hamid Karzai, GCMG (, ; born 24 December 1957) is the 12th and current President of Afghanistan, taking office on 7 December 2004. He became a dominant political figure after the removal of the Taliban regime in late 2001. During the December 2001 International Conference on Afghanistan in Germany, Karzai was selected by prominent Afghan political figures to serve a six month term as Chairman of the Interim Administration.

    He was then chosen for a two year term as Interim President during the 2002 loya jirga (grand assembly) that was held in Kabul, Afghanistan. After the 2004 presidential election, Karzai was declared winner and became President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. He won a second five-year-term in the 2009 presidential election.

    Early years and education

    Karzai was born on 24 December 1957 in the village of Karz, located on the edge of Kandahar City in southern Afghanistan. He is an ethnic Pashtun of the Popalzai tribe. His father, Abdul Ahad Karzai, served as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament during the 1960s. His grandfather, Khair Mohammad Khan, had served in the 1919 Afghanistan's war of independence and as the Deputy Speaker of the Senate. Karzai's family were strong supporters of Zahir Shah, the last king of Afghanistan. His uncle, Habibullah Karzai, served as representative of Afghanistan at the UN and is said to have accompanied King Zahir Shah in the early 1960s to the United States for a special meeting with U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

    Hamid Karzai attended Mahmood Hotaki Elementary School in Kandahar and Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani School in Kabul. He graduated from Habibia High School in 1976. From 1979 to 1983, Karzai took a postgraduate course in political science at Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. He is well versed in several languages, including his native tongue which is Pashto as well as Dari (Persian), Urdu, Hindi, English and French.

    Early careers

    After obtaining his Master's degree in India he moved to neighboring Pakistan to work as a fundraiser for the anti-communist mujahideen during the 1980s Soviet war in Afghanistan. The Mujahideens were backed by the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran, and Karzai was a secret contact for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) at the time. While Karzai remained in Pakistan during the Soviet occupation, his siblings emigrated to the United States.

    When Najibullah's Soviet-backed government collapsed in 1992, the Peshawar Accords agreed upon by the Afghan political parties established the Islamic State of Afghanistan and appointed an interim government to be followed by general elections. Karzai accompanied the first mujahideen leaders into Kabul in 1992 following the Soviet withdrawal. He served as Deputy Foreign Minister in the government of Burhanuddin Rabbani, but when he sought to bring Gulbuddin Hekmatyar into Kabul to bring peace between him and Ahmad Shah Massoud, Karzai was jailed and beaten by the Northern Alliance. He was forced to flee from Kabul in a vehicle provided by Hekmatyar and driven by Gul Rahman.

    When the Taliban emerged in the mid 1990s, Karzai initially recognized them as a legitimate government because he thought that they would stop the violence and corruption in his country. He was asked by the Taliban to serve as their ambassador but he refused, telling friends that he felt Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was wrongly using them. He lived in Pakistan as among the Afghan refugees, where he worked to reinstate former Afghan King Zahir Shah. On the morning of 14 July 1999, Karzai's father, Abdul Ahad Karzai, was gunned down as he was coming home from a mosque in the city of Quetta. Reports suggest that the Taliban carried out the assassination. Following this incident, Karzai decided to work closely with the United Front (Northern Alliance), which was led by Ahmad Shah Massoud. In 2000 and 2001, he traveled to Europe and the United States to help gather support for the anti-Taliban movement. In a 2002 interview Karzai stated:

    |Hamid Karzai|2002}}

    According to a 55-page report by the UN, the Taliban, while trying to consolidate control over northern and western Afghanistan, committed systematic massacres against civilians. U.N. officials stated that there had been 15 massacres between 1996 and 2001. They also said, that "these have been highly systematic and they all lead back to the Taliban Ministry of Defense or to Mullah Omar himself." During the 1997–1998 battles of Mazar-i-Sharif, about 4,000 civilians were killed by the Taliban. The documents also reveal the role of Arab and Pakistani support troops in Taliban killings. Bin Laden's so-called 055 Brigade was responsible for mass-killings of Afghan civilians. The report by the United Nations quotes eyewitnesses in many villages describing Arab fighters carrying long knives used for slitting throats and skinning people.

    As the United States armed forces were preparing for a confrontation with the Taliban in September 2001, Karzai began urging NATO nations to purge his country of Al-Qaeda. "These Arabs, together with their foreign supporters and the Taliban, destroyed miles and miles of homes and orchards and vineyards," he told BBC, "They have killed Afghans. They have trained their guns on Afghan lives... We want them out."

    President and Chairman of a transitional administration

    After the 7 October 2001 launch of Operation Enduring Freedom, the United Front (Northern Alliance) worked with teams of U.S. special forces. Together, they overthrew the Taliban regime and mustered support for a new government in Afghanistan. Karzai and his group were in Quetta (Pakistan) at the time, where they began their covert operation. Before entering Afghanistan he warned his fighters:|Hamid Karzai|October 2001}}

    In October 2001, Hamid Karzai and his group of fighters survived a friendly fire missile attack by U.S. Air Force pilots in southern Afghanistan. The group suffered injuries and was treated in the United States; Karzai received injuries to his facial nerves as can sometimes be noticed during his speeches. On 4 November 2001, American special operation forces flew Karzai out of Afghanistan for protection.

    In December 2001, political leaders gathered in Germany to agree on new leadership structures. Under the 5 December Bonn Agreement they formed an Interim Administration and named Karzai Chairman of a 29-member governing committee. He was sworn in as leader on 22 December. The loya jirga of 13 June 2002, appointed Karzai as Interim President of the new position as President of the Afghan Transitional Administration. Former members of the Northern Alliance remained extremely influential, most notably Vice President Mohammed Fahim, who also served as the Defense Minister.

    Karzai re-enacted the original coronation of Ahmad Shah Durrani at the shrine of Sher-i-Surkh outside of Kandahar where he had leaders of various Afghan tribes, including a descendent of the religious leader (Sabir Shah) that originally selected Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747 as key players in this event. Further evidence that Karzai views himself fulfilling a Durrani monarch's role arise from statements furnished by close allies within his government. His late brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, made statements to a similar effect.

    After Karzai was installed into power, his actual authority outside the capital city of Kabul was said to be so limited that he was often derided as the "Mayor of Kabul". The situation was particularly delicate since Karzai and his administration have not been equipped either financially or politically to influence reforms outside of the region around Kabul. Other areas, particularly the more remote ones, have historically been under the influence of various local leaders. Karzai has been, to varying degrees of success, attempting to negotiate and form amicable alliances with them for the benefit of Afghanistan as a whole, instead of aggressively fighting them and risking an uprising.

    In 2004 he rejected an international proposal to end poppy production in Afghanistan through aerial spraying of chemical herbicides, fearing that it would harm the economic situation of his countrymen. Moreover, Karzai's younger brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai – who partially helped finance Karzai's presidential campaign – was rumored to be involved in narcotic deals, which has been rejected. Karzai said that he has sought in writing a number of times, but failed to obtain, proof of allegations that Ahmed Wali was involved in illegal drugs.

    2004 Afghan presidential election

    When Karzai was a candidate in the October 2004 presidential election, he won 21 of the 34 provinces, defeating his 22 opponents and becoming the first democratically elected leader of Afghanistan.

    Although his campaigning was limited due to fears of violence, elections passed without significant incident. Following investigation by the United Nations of alleged voting irregularities, the national election commission in early November declared Karzai winner, without runoff, with 55.4% of the vote. This represented 4.3 million of the total 8.1 million votes cast. The election took place safely in spite of a surge of insurgent activity.

    Karzai was officially sworn in as President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on 7 December 2004, at a formal ceremony in Kabul. Many interpreted the ceremony as a symbolically important "new start" for the war-torn nation. Notable guests at the inauguration included the country's former King, Zahir Shah, three former U.S. presidents, and U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.

    President of Afghanistan

    First term (2004–2009)

    After winning a democratic mandate in the 2004 election, it was thought that Karzai would pursue a more aggressively reformist path in 2005. However, Karzai has proved to be more cautious than was expected. After his new administration took over in 2004, the economy of Afghanistan has been growing rapidly for the first time in many years. Government revenue began increasing every year, although it is still heavily dependent on foreign aid.

    During the first term in Karzai's Presidency, public discontent grew about corruption and the civilian casualties in the 2001–present war. In May 2006, an anti-American and anti-Karzai riot took place in Kabul which left at least seven people dead and 40 injured. In May 2007, after as many as 51 Afghan civilians were killed in a bombing, Karzai asserted that his government "can no longer accept" casualties caused by U.S. and NATO operations.

    In September 2006, Karzai told the United Nations General Assembly that Afghanistan has become the "worst victim" of terrorism. Karzai said terrorism is rebounding in his country, with militants infiltrating the borders to wage attacks on civilians. He stated, "This does not have its seeds alone in Afghanistan. Military action in the country will, therefore, not deliver the shared goal of eliminating terrorism." He demanded assistance from the international community to destroy terrorist sanctuaries inside and outside Afghanistan. "You have to look beyond Afghanistan to the sources of terrorism," he told the UN General Assembly, and "destroy terrorist sanctuaries beyond" the country, dismantle the elaborate networks in the region that recruit, indoctrinate, train, finance, arm, and deploy terrorists. These activities are also robbing thousands of Afghan children of their right to education, and prevent health workers from doing their jobs in Afghanistan. In addition, he promised to eliminate opium-poppy cultivation in his country, which is possibly helping fuel the ongoing Taliban insurgency. He has repeatedly demanded that NATO forces take more care when conducting military operations in residential areas to avoid civilian casualties. In a September 2006 video broadcast, Karzai stated that if the money wasted on the Iraq War was actually spent on rebuilding Afghanistan, his country would "be in heaven in less than one year".

    2009 re-election and second term

    On the eve of the 20 August presidential election, Karzai seemed at once deeply unpopular but also likely to win the majority of the votes. He was blamed by many for the failures that plagued the reconstruction of Afghanistan after the toppling of the Taliban government end 2001, from the widespread corruption and the resurgence of the (neo-)Taliban to the explosion of the poppy trade. His unpopularity and the likelihood of his victory formed an atmosphere with a kind of national demoralization, which could discourage many Afghans from voting and dash hopes for substantial progress after the election.

    In this second presidential election, Karzai was announced to have received over 50% of the votes. The election was tainted by lack of security, low voter turnout and widespread ballot stuffing, intimidation, and other electoral fraud.

    Two months later Karzai accepted calls for a second round run-off vote, which was scheduled for 7 November 2009. On 2 November 2009, Karzai's run-off opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew from the race and election officials announced the cancellation of the run-off race. Karzai, the only remaining contender, was declared the winner a short time later.

    Karzai presented his first list of 24 cabinet nominees to the Afghan parliament on 19 December 2009; however, on 2 January 2010, the parliament rejected 17 of these. According to the parliament, most of the nominees were rejected due to having been picked for reasons other than their competency. A member of parliament said that they had been picked largely based on "ethnicity or bribery or money."

    On 16 January 2010, the Afghan parliament rejected 10 of the Karzai's 17 replacement picks for cabinet. MPs complained that Karzai's new choices were either not qualified for their posts or had close connections to Afghan warlords. Despite the second setback, by mid-January Karzai had 14 out of the 24 ministers confirmed, including the most powerful posts at foreign, defense and interior ministries. Shortly afterwards, the parliament began its winter recess, lasting until 20 February, without waiting for Karzai to select additional names for his cabinet. The move both extended the political uncertainty in the government, as well as dealing Karzai the embarrassment of appearing at the London Conference on Afghanistan with nearly half of his cabinet devoid of leaders.

    Since late 2001 Karzai has been trying for peace in his country, going as far as pardoning militants that lay down weapons and join the rebuilding process. However, his offers were not accepted by the militant groups. In April 2007, Karzai acknowledged that he spoke to some militants about trying to bring peace in Afghanistan. He noted that the Afghan militants are always welcome in the country, although foreign insurgents are not. In September 2007, Karzai again offered talks with militant fighters after a security scare forced him to end a commemoration speech. Karzai left the event and was taken back to his palace, where he was due to meet visiting Latvian President Valdis Zatlers. After the meeting the pair held a joint news conference, at which Karzai called for talks with his Taliban foes. "We don't have any formal negotiations with the Taliban. They don't have an address. Who do we talk to?" Karzai told reporters. He further stated: "If I can have a place where to send somebody to talk to, an authority that publicly says it is the Taliban authority, I will do it."

    In December 2009 Karzai announced to move ahead with a Loya Jirga (large assembly) to discuss the Taliban insurgency in which the Taliban representatives would be invited to take part in this Jirga. In January 2010, Karzai set the framework for dialogue with Taliban leaders when he called on the group's leadership to take part in the jirga to initiate peace talks. A Taliban spokesman declined to talk in detail about Karzai's offer and only said the militants would make a decision soon. In April 2010, Karzai urged Taliban insurgents to lay down their arms and air their grievances while visiting a violent northern province, adding that foreign forces would not leave the country as long as fighting continued. In July 2010, Karzai approved a plan intended to win over Taliban foot soldiers and low-level commanders.

    Foreign relations

    Karzai's relations with the United States are the strongest among others due to the fact that the U.S. is the leading nation helping to rebuild Afghanistan. The United States helped put him in office in late 2001 to lead his nation. Karzai's relations with Pakistan are also strong, especially with Pakistan's Awami National Party (ANP). In December 2007, Karzai and his delegates travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan, for a usual meeting with Pervez Musharraf on trade ties and intelligence sharing between the two Islamic states. Karzai also met and had a 45-minute talk with Benazir Bhutto on the morning of 27 December, hours before her trip to Liaquat National Bagh, where she was assassinated after her speech. After Bhutto's death, Karzai called her his sister and a brave woman who had a clear vision "for her own country, for Afghanistan, and for the region – a vision of democracy, prosperity, and peace." In September 2008, Karzai was invited on a special visit to witness the swearing in ceremony of Asif Ali Zardari, who became the new President of Pakistan. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have improved since PPP members Zardari and Yousaf Raza Gillani took office. The two nations often make contacts with one another concerning the war on terrorism and trade. Pakistan even allowed NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan to launch attacks on illegal militant groups in Pakistan. This was something strongly opposed by the previous government of Pakistan. The two states finally signed into law the long awaited ''Afghan-Pak Transit Trade Agreement'' in 2011, which among other things allow shipment truck to travel from one state to the other.

    Although the U.S. and others often charge that Iran is meddling in Afghanistan's affairs, Karzai believes that Iran is a friend despite Iranian-made weapons being found in his country. |General David Petraeus, Commander of US-NATO forces in Afghanistan|16 March 2011}} In 2007, Karzai said that Iran, so far, has been a helper in the reconstruction process. He acknowledged in 2010 that the Government of Iran has been providing millions of dollars directly to his office.

    On 5 August 2007, Karzai was invited to Camp David in Maryland, USA, for a special meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush. In October 2007, Karzai again rejected Western accusations against Iran, stating, "We have resisted the negative propaganda launched by foreign states against the Islamic Republic, and we stress that aliens' propaganda should not leave a negative impact on the consolidated ties between the two great nations of Iran and Afghanistan." Karzai added, "The two Iranian and Afghan nations are close to each other due to their bonds and commonalities, they belong to the same house, and they will live alongside each other for good." However, just a year prior Karzai warned that, "Iran, Pakistan, and others are not fooling anyone."|Hamid Karzai|17 February 2006}}

    Some international criticism has centered around the government of Karzai in early 2009 for failing to secure the country from Taliban attacks, systemic governmental corruption, and most recently, widespread claims of electoral fraud in the 2009 Afghan presidential election. Karzai staunchly defended the election balloting, stating that some statements criticizing the balloting and vote count were "totally fabricated." He told the media that, "There were instances of fraud, no doubt... There were irregularities... But the election as a whole was good and free and democratic." He further went on to say that, "Afghanistan has its separate problems and we have to handle them as Afghanistan finds it feasible... This country was completely destroyed... Today, we are talking about fighting corruption in Afghanistan, improved legal standards... You see the glass half empty or half full. I see it as half full. Others see it as half empty."

    In June 2010, Karzai travelled to Japan for a five day visit where the two nations discussed a new aid provided by the hosting nation and the untapped mineral resources recently announced. Karzai invited Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi and others to invest in Afghan mining projects. He told Japanese officials that Japan would be given priority in the bid to explore its resources. He stated, "morally, Afghanistan should give access as a priority to those countries that have helped Afghanistan massively in the past few years." While in Japan, Karzai also made his first visit to Hiroshima to pray for the atomic bomb victims. Japan has provided billions of dollars in aid to Afghanistan since the beginning of 2002.

    American news analysts blamed and criticized Hamid Karzai for bringing publicity to the 20 March 2011 Quran burnings when American media refused to give publicity to the event.

    Assassination attempts

    5 September 2002: An assassination attempt was made on Hamid Karzai in Kandahar City. A gunman wearing the uniform of the new Afghan National Army opened fire, wounding Gul Agha Sherzai (former governor of Kandahar) and an American Special Operations officer. The gunman, one of the President's bodyguards, and a bystander who knocked down the gunman were killed when Karzai's American bodyguards returned fire. Recently, some pictures of the US Navy's DEVGRU responding to the attempt have surfaced. Allegedly one of their members was wounded.

  • 16 September 2004: An attempted assassination on Karzai took place when a rocket missed the helicopter he was flying in while en route to Gardez.
  • 10 June 2007: The Taliban attempted to assassinate Karzai in Ghazni where Karzai was giving a speech to elders. The Taliban fired approximately 12 rockets, some of which landed away from the crowd. Karzai was not hurt in the incident and was transported away from the location after finishing his speech.

    27 April 2008: Insurgents, reportedly from the Haqqani network, used automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades to attack a military parade that Karzai was attending in Kabul. Karzai was safe, but at least three people were killed, including a parliamentarian, a ten-year-old girl and a minority leader, and ten injured. Others attending the event included government ministers, former warlords, diplomats and the military top brass, all of whom had gathered to mark the 16th anniversary of the fall of the Afghan communist government to the mujahideen. Responding to the attack during the ceremony, the UN said the attackers "have shown their utter disrespect for the history and people of Afghanistan." Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, stating, "We fired rockets at the scene of the celebration." He went on to say there were 6 Taliban at the scene and that 3 were killed. "Our aim was not to directly hit someone," Mujahed said when asked if the intention was to kill Karzai. "We just wanted to show to the world that we can attack anywhere we want to". The ability of the attackers to get so close to Karzai suggested they had inside help. Defense minister Wardak confirmed that a police captain was connected with the group behind the assassination attempt and that an army officer supplied the weapons and ammunition used in the attack.

    Personal and tribal lineage

    In 1999, Hamid Karzai married Zeenat Quraishi, an obstetrician by profession who was working as a doctor with Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. They have a son, Mirwais, who was born on 25 January 2007. According to a declaration of his assets by an anti-graft body, Karzai earns $525 monthly and has less than $20,000 in bank accounts. Karzai does not own any land or property.

    Karzai has six brothers, including Mahmood Karzai and Quayum Karzai, who are both Afghan American restaurant owners in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan Area of the United States, as well as Ahmed Wali Karzai, deceased, who was the representative for the southern Afghanistan region. Quayum is also the founder of the ''Afghans for a Civil Society'' in Maryland. Karzai has one sister, Fauzia Karzai, who is the manager of ''Helmand'' restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The family owns and operates several successful Afghan restaurants in the East Coast of the United States as well as in Chicago.

    In initial biographical news reporting, there was confusion regarding his clan lineage; it was written that his paternal lineage derived from the Sadozai clan. This confusion might have arisen from sources stating he was chosen as the head, or Khan of the Popalzai. Traditionally, the Popalzai tribe has been led by members of the Sadozais. The first King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Durrani, was the leader of the Sadozais, and the Sadozai lineage continued to rule Afghanistan until 1826 when the Barakzais ascended to the throne.

    Karzai is believed to be from the Shamizai subtribe of the Popalzais. His grandfather, Khair Muhammad Karzai, was head of the Popalzai tribe from Kandahar who relocated to Kabul and ran the business of a guest house. This allowed Karzai's father Abdul Ahad, to gain a foothold in the royal family, and subsequently, the parliament. These actions and upwards movement within the Popalzai tribal system, led to the Karzai family furnishing a viable Shamizai clan alternative to Sadozai leadership in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion when the Sadozai clan failed to provide a tribal leader. He is often seen wearing a Karakul hat, something that has been worn by many Afghan kings in the past.

    Honorary degrees and awards

    Over the years Hamid Karzai has become a well recognized figure. He has received a number of awards and honorary degrees from famous government and educational institutions around the world. The following are some of his awards and honoraria.
  • A commemorative medallion of the 11 September 2001 attacks from the United States House of Representatives, presented to him by member of the house Jack Kingston on 29 January 2002.
  • An honorary doctorate in literature from Himachal Pradesh University in India, his alma mater, on 7 March 2003.
  • In June 2003, Karzai was created an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II. On 4 July 2004, Karzai was awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Medal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his acceptance speech, Karzai stated: ''"Where Liberty dies, evil grows. We Afghans have learned from our historical experiences that liberty does not come easily. We profoundly appreciate the value of liberty...for we have paid for it with our lives. And we will defend liberty with our lives."'' On 22 May 2005, received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Boston University.
  • On 25 May 2005, received an honorary degree from the Center for Afghan Studies at the University of Nebraska — Omaha.
  • On 25 September 2006, received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Georgetown University.
  • Controversy

    The main areas of criticism surrounding President Karzai involve corruption/nepotism, electoral fraud, and the involvement of his late half brother Ahmed Wali Karzai in the drug trade. According to the New York Times, many members of the Karzai family have mixed their personal interests with that of the state, and become hugely influential and wealthy by murky means. Afghanistan is currently ranked as the second most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International. Furthermore, there is the issue of electoral fraud, which has reached such a level that Afghanistan's status as a democratic state is questionable. In fact, a special court set up personally by Karzai in defiance of constitutional norms has sought to reinstate dozens of candidates who were removed for fraud in the 2010 parliamentary elections by the Independent Electoral Commission. In addition to these issues, there is also the matter of the drug trade. Afghanistan supplies most of the world's opium, and its current production exceeds world demand, creating vast stockpiles of the drug. At the center of this trade was the half brother of President Karzai, Ahmed Wali Karzai.

    Unocal connection

    There's been much debate over Karzai's alleged consultant work with Unocal (Union Oil Company of California since acquired by Chevron in 2005). In 2002, when Karzai became the subject of heavy media coverage as one of the front runners to lead Afghanistan, it was reported that he was a former consultant for them. Spokesmen for both Unocal and Karzai have denied any such relationship, although Unocal could not speak for all companies involved in the consortium. The original claim that Karzai worked for Unocal originates from a 6 December 2001 issue of the French newspaper Le Monde, Barry Lane UNOCAL's manager for public relations states that, "He was never a consultant, never an employee. We've exhaustively searched through all our records." Lane however did say that Zalmay Khalilzad, the former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, was a Unocal consultant in the mid-1990s.

    See also

  • List of current heads of state and government
  • List of presidents of Afghanistan
  • Politics of Afghanistan
  • Afghan Peace Jirga 2010
  • References

    External links

  • Islamic Republic of Afghanistan: Office of the President
  • The Embassy of Afghanistan: President Hamid Karzai
  • Academy of Achievement – Hamid Karzai
  • PBS – Profile: Hamid Karzai
  • Notable Names Database (NNDB)Hamid Karzai
  • Notable Biographies: Hamid Karzai
  • BBC News – Profile: Hamid Karzai
  • FOX News – Bio: Hamid Karzai
  • TIME – Interview: Talking to Afghan President Karzai
  • The Re-election of Hamid Karzai
  • Category:Article Feedback Pilot Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:People from Kandahar Province Category:Pashtun people Category:Afghan anti-communists Category:Afghan Sunni Muslims Category:Current national leaders Category:Presidents of Afghanistan Category:Recipients of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Category:Attempted assassination survivors Category:Afghan exiles Category:Afghan expatriates in Pakistan Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Category:Himachal Pradesh University alumni

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    nameBoris Trajkovski
    nationalityMacedonian
    order2nd President of the Republic of Macedonia
    term start19 November 1999
    term end26 February 2004
    predecessorKiro Gligorov
    successorBranko Crvenkovski
    birth dateJune 25, 1956
    birth placeMonospitovo, Strumica municipality, SR Macedonia, Yugoslavia
    death dateFebruary 26, 2004
    death placeMostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
    spouseVilma Trajkovska
    partyVMRO-DPMNE
    religionMethodism

    Sir Boris Trajkovski GCMG ( ; 25 June 1956 – 26 February 2004) was the president and supreme commander-in-chief of the Republic of Macedonia from 1999 to 2004.

    Boris was born in the village of Monospitovo, in the municipality of Murtino, near the Macedonian town of Strumica, into a Methodist family. His father, Kiro, who died in September, 2008, was a landworker who had served in the Bulgarian army and had been imprisoned for two years for feeding POWs. Trajkovski graduated in 1980 with a degree in law from the St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. He subsequently specialized in commercial and employment law and made several visits to the United States, where he studied theology to become a Methodist lay minister.

    After he finished his studies, the Communist government confined him for a time to a remote village owing to his religious activities. There he took care of an impoverished Roma parish of the United Methodist Church. Following political liberalisation in the 1980s, he went on to head the legal department of the Sloboda construction company in Skopje. He served as secretary of youth work in the Methodist Church in the former Yugoslavia for over 12 years. Later he was President of the Church Council of the Macedonian United Methodist Church. In 1988 he took part in a Youth Exchange programme between the United Methodist Church of Macedonia and the Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead Methodist Circuit in England. In 1991 he studied English at a Christian Language College in Bournemouth, England.

    Career in politics

    Trajkovski became active in politics following the Republic of Macedonia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in November 1991, when he joined the VMRO-DPMNE party. He played an important role in developing the party's relations with other European political parties and was appointed Chairman of the party's Foreign Relations Commission. In 1997, he became the Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Kisela Voda, a municipality in Skopje. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs on 21 December 1998 but served in this post for less than a year.

    Largely because of his reputation as a moderate reformist, Trajkovski was selected as VMRO-DPMNE's candidate for president in the November 1999 election held to replace the outgoing president, Kiro Gligorov. In the presidential election of 14 November 1999, Trajkovski defeated Tito Petkovski by 52% to 45%. He was scheduled to take office just five days later, on 19 November, but because the results were disputed, parliamentary chairman Savo Klimovski became acting president until Petkovski's supporters lost their last appeal a month later.

    Trajkovski's term was marked by tensions between ethnic Macedonians and the republic's large ethnic Albanian minority. The aftermath of the Kosovo War led to months of violent armed clashes between Macedonian security forces and Albanian rebels seeking improvements on their status as a legitimate minority and generally better economical, administrative and legal conditions. Although his powers were limited and his role largely ceremonial, he presided over a NATO-brokered peace deal in 2001 that ended the violence and prevented a full-blown civil war in Macedonia. He was seen as a moderate in the ethnic dialogue, arguing for greater inclusion of ethnic Albanians, and has been credited with being a key figure in resolving the conflict. Boris Trajkovski's closest friend and advisor was his chief of staff Zoran Jolevski, who is now the Macedonian Ambassador in the United States od America and the negotiator of the Macedonia name dispute.

    In 2002 he was awarded the World Methodist Peace Award by the World Methodist Council for his role in promoting peace and political stability.

    Death

    NameTrajkovski crash site
    Date26 February 2004 at 08:00 a.m. CET
    TypeLikely CFIT caused by inclement weather
    Occurrence typeAccident
    SiteRotmilja, Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Passengers7
    Crew2
    Survivors0
    Aircraft typeBeechcraft Super King Air 200
    OperatorRepublic of Macedonia
    Tail numberZ3–BAB }}

    Trajkovski died on 26 February 2004 in a plane crash en route to an economic conference in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aircraft crashed in thick fog and heavy rain on a mountainside in southeastern Herzegovina, near the villages of Huskovici and Rotimlja some eight miles (15 km) south-south-east of Mostar. Eight other people were also aboard but none survived the impact, which broke the aircraft into three pieces. It came down in an area that had been heavily mined during the Bosnian War of the 1990s, which significantly hampered the rescue and recovery efforts.

    Although the cause of the crash is not known, it seems likely that it was the result of a controlled flight into terrain, possibly exacerbated by alleged mistakes made by the SFOR air traffic controllers at Mostar Ortijes International Airport. The approach to the airport's Runway 34 has been criticized by pilots for being difficult to handle, and as the runway is not equipped with precision landing systems, it is especially challenging in bad weather. The crash is not the first major air accident to kill a politician in southern Herzegovina: on April 3, 1996, the United States Secretary of Commerce Ronald Brown was killed while ''en route'' from Bosnia to Croatia.

    See also

  • Lech Kaczyński, died in the 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash
  • References

    External links

  • Official website of the President of Macedonia
  • The Boris Trajkovski International Foundation
  • Ley Hill Methodist Church website – see their Macedonia pages
  • Category:1956 births Category:2004 deaths Category:People from Strumica Category:Presidents of the Republic of Macedonia Category:Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina Category:State leaders killed in aviation accidents or incidents Category:Aviation accidents and incidents involving state leaders Category:Methodist ministers Category:Macedonian Methodists Category:Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity politicians Category:Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje alumni

    ar:بوريس ترايكوفسكي bg:Борис Трайковски ca:Boris Trajkovski cs:Boris Trajkovski de:Boris Trajkovski es:Boris Trajkovski eo:Boris Trajkovski fr:Boris Trajkovski ko:보리스 트라이코프스키 hr:Boris Trajkovski io:Boris Trajkovski it:Boris Trajkovski mk:Борис Трајковски mr:बोरिस त्रायकोव्स्की nl:Boris Trajkovski ja:ボリス・トライコフスキ no:Boris Trajkovski oc:Boris Trajkovski pl:Boris Trajkowski pt:Boris Trajkovski ro:Boris Trajkovski ru:Трайковский, Борис sq:Boris Trajkovski sl:Boris Trajkovski sr:Борис Трајковски fi:Boris Trajkovski sv:Boris Trajkovski zh:鲍里斯·特拉伊科夫斯基

    This text is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA License. This text was originally published on Wikipedia and was developed by the Wikipedia community.



    nameSalman Khan
    birth nameAbdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan
    birth placeIndore, Madhya Pradesh, India
    birth dateDecember 27, 1965
    occupationFilm actor, television presenter and philanthropist
    yearsactive1988–present
    residenceBandra, Mumbai
    othernameSallu
    parentsSalim KhanSalma Khan
    relativesArbaaz Khan (brother)Sohail Khan (brother)Helen Richardson (step-mother) }}

    Salman Khan (pronunciation : ; born Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan on 27 December 1965) is an Indian film actor. He has starred in more than 80 Hindi films.

    Khan, who made his acting debut with a minor role in the drama ''Biwi Ho To Aisi'' (1988), had his first commercial success with the blockbuster ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' (1989), for which he won a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He went on to star in some successful Hindi films of those times, such as ''Saajan'' (1991), ''Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!'' (1994), ''Karan Arjun'' (1995), ''Judwaa'' (1997), ''Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya'' (1998) and ''Biwi No.1'' (1999), having appeared in the highest earning films of seven separate years during his career.

    In 1999, Khan won a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his extended appearance in ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' (1998), and since then has starred in several critical and commercial successes, including ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' (1999), ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' (2004), ''No Entry'' (2005), ''Partner'' (2007), ''Wanted'' (2009), ''Dabangg'' (2010), ''Ready'' (2011) and ''Bodyguard'' (2011), which has become the second highest-grossing Bollywood film of all-time. Khan has thus established himself as one of the most successful actors of Hindi cinema.

    Early life

    Khan is the eldest son of screenwriter Salim Khan and his first wife Salma (''née'' Sushila Charak). His paternal grandfather was a Muslim from Afghanistan who came to India and settled in Madhya Pradesh, whereas his mother is a Marathi Hindu. Khan himself had once said that he is "half Muslim and half Hindu". His stepmother is Helen, a former actress, who has co-starred with him in a few films. He has two brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, and two sisters, Alvira and Arpita. Alvira is married to actor/director Atul Agnihotri. Khan finished his schooling through St. Stanislaus High School in Bandra, Mumbai, as did his younger brothers Arbaaz and Sohail. Earlier, he studied at The Scindia School, Gwalior for a few years along with younger brother Arbaaz.

    Career

    1980s

    Salman Khan made his acting debut with a supporting role in the 1988 film ''Biwi Ho To Aisi''. His first leading role in a Bollywood movie was in Sooraj R. Barjatya's romantic family drama ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' (1989), one of India's highest grossing films. It earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, as well as his first nomination for a Best Actor at Filmfare.

    1990s

    1990 saw one film release starring Khan, ''Baaghi: A Rebel for Love''. The film was a box office success, followed by four hit films in 1991, ''Patthar Ke Phool'', ''Sanam Bewafa'', ''Kurbaan'' and ''Saajan''. Despite these early successes, nearly all of his 1992–1993 releases resulted in box office failures. In 1995 he starred in Rakesh Roshan's ''Karan Arjun'' alongside Shahrukh Khan.

    In 1996, Khan performed in two movies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directional debut ''Khamoshi: The Musical'', a box office failure, but critically acclaimed; and Raj Kanwar's action hit ''Jeet''. He had two releases in 1997: ''Judwaa'' and ''Auzaar''. The former was a comedy directed by David Dhawan where he played a dual role of twins separated at birth.

    Khan worked in five different films in 1998, his first release being the comedy ''Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya'' opposite Kajol, one of the biggest commercial successes of that year. This was followed by the moderately successful drama ''Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai''. and ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'', which earned another Best Actor nomination at the Filmfare.

    2000s

    In 2000, Khan acted in films including ''Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega'' and ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke''. ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'' addressed the issue of surrogate childbirth; Khan played the role of a rich industrialist, who hires a surrogate mother after his wife becomes infertile. Critics noted his turn towards a more serious role, which reportedly had more substance in comparison to his previous roles. In 2002 he starred in the delayed release ''Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam''.

    For ''Tere Naam'', (2003) Taran Adarsh said of him, "Salman Khan is exceptional in a role that fits him to the T. He breathes fire in sequences that demand uneasiness. But beneath the tough exterior lies a vulnerable person and this facet in particular comes to the fore in the latter reels. His emotional outbursts are splendid..." He subsequently continued his success at the box office, with comedies like ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' (2004) and ''No Entry'' ''(2005)''. He next appeared in the Hollywood movie, ''Marigold: An Adventure in India'' which told the love story of an Indian man and an American woman. Khan starred in three films throughout 2008, all of which underperformed.

    Khan hosted the second season of ''10 Ka Dum'' in year 2009 which turned out to be even more successful than his first season as host of the game show in year 2008. The show got very high TRPs for Sony Entertainment Television and according to reports, the show helped Sony TV regain its third position in the Indian television ratings.

    Khan's first film of 2009, ''Wanted'' directed by choreographer turned director Prabhu Deva. In the same year, he appeared in two other films, ''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna'' and ''London Dreams''. While ''London Dreams'' doing average business, only due to the uninspiring music, but ''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna'' made 21 crores through DTH Premiere.

    2010s

    Khan's first release of 2010 was Anil Sharma's commercially and critically unsuccessful film ''Veer''. His next release, ''Dabangg'', was produced by his brother Arbaaz Khan, and released on 10 September 2010. It made a record opening at the box office and Box Office India declared it an all-time blockbuster. For his performance in ''Dabangg'', Khan received a Star Screen Award for Best Actor and a Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Male and was nominated for his sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Anupama Chopra from NDTV wrote about his performance, "It's the role of a lifetime and Salman Khan bites into it like a starving man devours a feast. He inhabits it fully, strutting and swaggering and even, spoofing himself."

    Khan's first release of 2011 was ''Ready'' which released on 3 June. The film broke several box office records and is currently the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. He next appeared in ''Bodyguard''. Upon release, the film Became a Blockbuster at the box office, with Khan's performance receiving favourable comments from critics and is currently the second highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time.

    Personal life

    In 2004, he was voted seventh-best-looking man in the world and the best looking man in India by ''People'' magazine, US. Khan has been involved in several charities during his career.

    On 11 October 2007, Khan accepted an offer from Madame Tussauds wax museum in London to have a wax replica made of himself. His life-size wax figure was installed there on 15 January 2008, making him the fourth Indian actor to have been replicated as a wax statue in the museum.

    Khan has been the subject of several controversies, including certain legal troubles. On 28 September 2002, Khan was arrested for rash and negligent driving. His car had run into a bakery in Mumbai; one person who was sleeping on the pavement outside the bakery died and three others were injured in the mishap. Charges of culpable homicide were laid against him, but later dropped, and he was found not guilty. On 17 February 2006, Khan was sentenced to one year in prison for hunting the Chinkara, an endangered species. The sentence was stayed by a higher court during appeal. On 10 April 2006, he was handed a five year jail term and remanded to Jodhpur jail until 13 April when he was granted bail.

    On September 2010, Khan was reported to have claimed during an interview to a Pakistani channel that the 26/11 attacks were hyped because the "elite" were targeted. During the interview the actor had said - "''It was the elite that was targeted this time. Five star hotels and all. So they panicked. Then they got up and spoke about it. My question is why not before. Attacks have happened in trains and small towns too, but no one talked about it so much."'' Khan also said that Pakistan was not to be blamed for it, and that the Indian security forces had failed. Khan's comments had drawn strong reactions from Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Chagan Bhujbal, Shiv Sena, BJP and other political parties. The comments were also condemned by Ujwal Nikam, Special Prosecutor in the 26/11 trial. Khan later apologised for his comments.

    His relationship with actress Aishwarya Rai was a well publicised topic in the Indian media. After their break-up in March 2002, Rai accused him of harassing her. She claimed that Khan had not been able to come to terms with their break-up and was hounding her; her parents lodged a complaint against him. In 2005, news outlets released what was said to be an illicit copy of a mobile phone call recorded in 2001 by the Mumbai police. It appeared to be a call in which he threatened Rai, in an effort to force her to appear at social events held by Mumbai crime figures. The call featured boasts of connections to organised crime and derogatory comments about other actors. However, the alleged tape was tested in the government's Forensic lab in Chandigarh, which concluded that it was fake.

    After years of speculations, actress Katrina Kaif admitted in an 2011 interview for a magazine that she was in a serious relationship with Salman Khan for several years, which ended in 2010.

    In August 2011 he admitted he suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a facial nerve disorder commonly known as the suicide disease. In an interview he said that he has been quietly suffering it for the past seven years, but now the pain’s become unbearable. It has even affected his voice, making it much harsher.

    Non film work

    Khan has started an NGO called 'Being Human' which will sell T-shirts and other products online and in stores. A portion of the sales will go to a worthy cause supporting the underprivileged.

    In January 2012, Khan has offered to pay for releasing around 400 prisoners from around 63 prisons in the state of Uttar Pradesh via his NGO. The prisoners had completed their term but due to economical reasons, they were unable to pay a legal fine for their charges.

    Awards and nominations

    Filmography

    Actor

    ! Year ! Title ! Role Other notes
    1988 ''Biwi Ho To Aisi'' Vicky Bhandari
    1989 ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' Prem Choudhary Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    1990 ''Baaghi: A Rebel for Love'' Saajan Sood
    1991 ''Sanam Bewafa'' Salman Khan
    1991 ''Patthar Ke Phool'' Inspector Suraj
    1991 Akash Singh
    1991 Prithvi
    1991 ''Saajan'' Akash Varma
    1992 Vicky/Suryavanshi Vikram Singh
    1992 ''Ek Ladka Ek Ladki'' Raja
    1992 ''Jaagruti'' Jugnu
    1992 ''Nishchaiy'' Rohan Yadav/Vasudev Gujral
    1993 ''Chandra Mukhi'' Raja Rai
    1993 ''Dil Tera Aashiq'' Vijay
    1994 ''Andaz Apna Apna'' Prem Bhopali
    1994 ''Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!'' Prem
    1994 ''Chaand Kaa Tukdaa'' Shyam Malhotra
    1994 ''Sangdil Sanam'' Kishan
    1995 ''Karan Arjun'' Karan Singh/Ajay Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    1995 ''Veergati'' Ajay
    1996 ''Majhdhaar'' Gopal
    1996 ''Khamoshi: The Musical'' Raj
    1996 Raju Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
    1996 ''Dushman Duniya Ka'' Special appearance
    1997 ''Judwaa'' Raja/Prem Malhotra
    1997 ''Auzaar'' Inspector Suraj Prakash
    1997 Captain Jeet Sharma Incomplete film
    1997 ''Deewana Mastana'' Prem Kumar Special appearance
    1998 Suraj Khanna Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    1998 ''Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai'' Suraj Dhanrajgir
    1998 Special appearance
    1998 Raju
    1998 ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' Aman Mehra Extended guest appearanceFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
    1999 ''Jaanam Samjha Karo'' Rahul
    1999 ''Biwi No.1'' Prem Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role
    1999 ''Sirf Tum'' Prem Special appearance
    1999 ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' Sameer Rafillini Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    1999 Hero
    1999 ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United'' Prem
    2000 ''Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge'' Raja Oberoi
    2000 ''Chal Mere Bhai'' Prem Oberoi
    2000 ''Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega'' Raj/Romi
    2000 ''Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke'' Special appearance
    2000 Prem Kapoor
    2001 ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'' Raj Malhotra
    2002 ''Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge'' Veer Singh Thakur/Ali
    2002 ''Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam'' Suraj
    2002 ''Yeh Hai Jalwa'' Raj 'Raju' Saxena/Raj Mittal
    2003 ''Love at Times Square'' Special appearance
    2003 Special appearance
    2003 ''Tere Naam'' Radhe Mohan Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    2003 Alok Raj Special appearanceNominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
    2004 ''Garv: Pride and Honour'' Inspector Arjun Ranavat
    2004 ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' Sameer Malhotra
    2004 ''Phir Milenge'' Rohit Manchanda Extended guest appearance
    2004 ''Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa'' Rishabh
    2005 ''Lucky: No Time for Love'' Aditya
    2005 ''Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?'' Dr. Samir Malhotra
    2005 ''No Entry'' Prem Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role
    2005 ''Kyon Ki'' Anand
    2006 ''Saawan... The Love Season'' Sameer Sam Extended guest appearance
    2006 ''Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar'' Ayaan
    2006 ''Jaan-E-Mann'' Suhaan Kapoor
    2006 Avinash Kapoor
    2007 ''Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love'' Rahul
    2007 Prem Love Guru
    2007 ''Marigold: An Adventure in India'' Prem English language film
    2007 ''Om Shanti Om'' Himself Special appearance in song "Deewangi Deewangi"
    2007 ''Saawariya'' Imaan Extended guest appearance
    2008 ''God Tussi Great Ho'' Arun Prajapati
    2008 Chetan Bhagat Special appearance
    2008 Balkar Singh/Jassvinder Singh
    2008 ''Yuvvraaj'' Deven Yuvvraaj
    2009 Radhe/Rajveer Shikhawat
    2009 ''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna'' Samir Khanna
    2009 ''London Dreams'' Mannu (Manjit Khosla)
    2009 ''Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'' Himself Special appearance
    2010 Veer
    2010 ''Prem Kaa Game'' The Sutradhaar (Narrator) Special appearance
    2010 ''Dabangg'' Inspector Chulbul Pandey(Robinhood Pandey) Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    2010 ''Tees Maar Khan'' Himself Special appearance in song "Wallah Re Wallah"
    2010 ''Isi Life Mein'' Himself Special appearance
    2011 Prem Kapoor
    2011 Lovely Singh Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
    2011 ''Tell Me O Kkhuda'' Cameo
    2011 ''Do Aur Do Paanch'' Extended guest appearance
    2012 ''Ek Tha Tiger'' Filming
    2012 ''Dabangg 2'' Inspector Chulbul Pandey(Robinhood Pandey) Filming

    Television presenter

  • ''10 Ka Dum'' (Seasons 1 & 2)
  • ''Bigg Boss'' (Seasons 4 & 5)
  • Writer

    ''Baaghi: A Rebel for Love'' (1990)
  • ''Veer'' (2010)
  • Producer

  • ''Chillar Party'' (2011)
  • See also

  • List of Indian Actors
  • List of people from Madhya Pradesh
  • References

    Further reading

    External links

    Category:1965 births Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian television presenters Category:People from Indore Category:Hindi film actors Category:Living people Category:Scindia School alumni Category:Bigg Boss Category:Indian people of Afghan descent

    ar:سلمان خان az:Salman Xan bn:সলমান খান bg:Салман Хан ca:Salman Khan da:Salman Khan de:Salman Khan es:Salman Khan (actor) fr:Salman Khan gu:સલમાન ખાન hi:सलमान ख़ान id:Salman Khan it:Salman Khan he:סלמן ח'אן jv:Salman Khan kn:ಸಲ್ಮಾನ್‌ ಖಾನ್‌ kk:Салман Хан hu:Szalmán Khán ml:സൽമാൻ ഖാൻ mr:सलमान खान ms:Salman Khan no:Salman Khan ps:سلمان خان pl:Salman Khan ru:Хан, Салман si:සල්මන් ඛාන් fi:Salman Khan sv:Salman Khan ta:சல்மான் கான் te:సల్మాన్ ఖాన్ th:ซัลมาน ข่าน tg:Салмонхон ur:سلمان خان zh:沙萊曼·罕

    This text is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA License. This text was originally published on Wikipedia and was developed by the Wikipedia community.



    nameKatrina Kaif
    birth dateJuly 16, 1984
    birth placeHong Kong
    ethnicityBritish Indian
    ResidenceMumbai, Maharashtra, India
    nationalityBritish
    occupationModel, Actress
    yearsactive2003 – present
    homepage}}
    Katrina Kaif (born 16 July 1984) is a British Indian actress and former model who appears in Indian films, mainly in the Hindi-language film industry. She has also appeared in Telugu and Malayalam films. She was voted the sexiest Asian woman in the world by ''Eastern Eye'' in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Being a British citizen, she works in India on an employment visa.

    Kaif made her acting debut with Kaizad Gustad's box office bomb ''Boom'' (2003). She tasted success in 2007 with Vipul Shah's ''Namastey London'' and followed with such films as Anees Bazmee's ''Welcome'' (2007), Abbas-Mustan's ''Race'' (2008) and Kabir Khan's ''New York'' (2009). She has since appeared in critically and commercially successful films like Prakash Jha's political thriller ''Rajneeti'' (2010) and Zoya Akhtar's dramedy ''Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'' (2011).

    Early years and personal life

    Kaif was born in Hong Kong, to an Indian Kashmiri father, Mohammed Kaif, and an English mother, Susanna Turquotte, both of whom are British citizens. Her parents divorced when she was very young. Kaif once stated, "My dad, unfortunately, and not out of choice, has had no influence on our upbringing, on our religious or social or moral bearings." When she came to India, she changed her surname to Kaif, because it was Indian in origin. Furthermore, Ayesha Shroff has maintained that the actress' original name is Katrina Turquotte. Kaif has seven siblings; a brother and six sisters. From Hong Kong, she and her family moved to China, then to Japan. From there she went to France when she was 8, and thereafter lived for a few months at a time in Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Belgium, and other European countries. Then she moved with her family to Hawaii, and eventually to her mother's home country of England. Although it is often assumed that Kaif is from London, she lived there only for three years before finally moving to Mumbai.

    Religious views

    Kaif is known to have secular religious views, and has been to various religious places in India, including Hindu, Sikh and Islamic places of worship. She has been seen worshipping at Siddhivinayak temple, Hindu temples in Haridwar, Shirdi, Amritsar's Golden temple and Ajmer Sharif dargah.

    Career

    Modeling and early film career (1998–2004)

    Kaif began her modeling career at age fourteen; her first assignment was for a jewelry campaign. She continued modeling in London under a contract with the Models 1 Agency and did campaigns for houses such as La Senza and Arcadius, and even walked on the London Fashion Week.

    Kaif's modeling work led to her discovery by London-based filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, who gave her a part in his film ''Boom'' (2003). The film, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Gulshan Grover, failed to make an impact. She then moved to Mumbai and was offered a number of modeling assignments, but filmmakers were hesitant to cast Kaif due to her poor command of Hindi.

    Breakthrough (2005–2006)

    In 2005, Kaif made a cameo in Ram Gopal Verma's drama ''Sarkar'', as Abhishek Bachchan's girlfriend. The same year, she landed her first major role in David Dhawan's adaptation of ''Cactus Flower'', ''Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya'', where she was paired opposite Salman Khan. The film also featured Sushmita Sen, Arshad Warsi, Isha Koppikar and Sohail Khan in leading roles. Upon release, the film became a moderate success with Taran Adarsh, a prominent film critic, mentioning Kaif as a "complete revelation". The following year, she was paired opposite Akshay Kumar for the first time in Raj Kanwar's box-office flop ''Humko Deewana Kar Gaye''. However, for her portrayal of Jia A. Yashvardhan, Adarsh wrote, "Taking giant strides as an actor, Katrina is, without doubt, the star of the show. It's her magnetic presence and dependable performance that you carry home once the show has ended."

    Success (2007– present)

    In 2007, Kaif appeared in four films, all of which were successful at the box office. Her first release was Vipul Shah's romantic-comedy ''Namastey London''. Kaif portrayed the character of a British Indian girl named Jasmeet "Jazz" Malhotra, alongside Rishi Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Clive Standen. Upon its release, the film became a major hit, with Nikhat Kazmi, of the ''The Times Of India'' praising the chemistry between the leading couple. She next played a supporting role in Anil Sharma's melodrama ''Apne''. Featuring Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Kirron Kher and Shilpa Shetty, the film was a box-office hit. Her next release was David Dhawan's unofficial remake of ''Hitch'', ''Partner'', where she starred alongside Salman Khan, Govinda, and Lara Dutta. Her final film of 2007, ''Welcome'', directed by Anees Bazmee and co-starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Anil Kapoor, was declared a blockbuster in India, despite negative reviews from critics.

    Her first release of 2008 was Abbas-Mustan's action-thriller ''Race''; she played Saif Ali Khan's secretary, Sophia, who is secretly in love with his hostile stepbrother (played by Akshay Khanna). The film also featured Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Sameera Reddy in leading roles. Despite its success, Kazmi wrote, "Katrina is too pale as the blousy secretary who comes into her own only when she gets seductive with a ''Touch me, kiss me'' tenor. "

    Kaif was next seen in Anees Bazmee's action comedy ''Singh Is Kinng'', portraying Akshay Kumar's love interest and Ranvir Shorey's fiancée. After its release, the film was declared a blockbuster, making it Kaif's sixth consecutive success at the box office. The movie also emerged as the third highest grossing film of 2008. Kaif's final release of the year, Subhash Ghai's ''Yuvvraaj'', was a commercial failure, but its script made its way into the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for artistic merit, original screenplay with a substance, and the film as a whole. In 2009, she featured in Kabir Khan's terrorism drama ''New York'', with John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh. It was a critical and commercial success in both India and overseas. Kaif's performance was highly praised: Taran Adarsh wrote, "Katrina gives you the biggest surprise. Known for her glamour roles, Katrina proves that she can deliver if the director and writer offer her a role of substance. She's outstanding. In fact, people will see a new, different Katrina this time." For her performance, Kaif received her first Filmfare nomination in the Best Actress category. She next had a cameo in the star-studded action-thriller ''Blue'', popularly known as India's first underwater thriller, with Akshay Kumar and Zayed Khan. However, it was declared a flop. In November 2009, she appeared along with Ranbir Kapoor, in Rajkumar Santoshi's blockbuster comedy ''Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'', as Jennifer Pinto. Critics mostly praised her fresh chemistry with Kapoor rather than her performance as a whole. Her final release that year was Priyadarshan's star-studded ''De Dana Dan'' with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal and Neha Dhupia. Despite a good opening, the film failed to do well at the box office.

    Kaif's first release of 2010 was Prakash Jha's political thriller ''Raajneeti'', where she appeared opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. The film was a modern-day adaptation of The Mahabharata set against the political backdrop of Delhi. Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpai and Shruti Seth also played starring roles. Upon release, the film performed extremely well at the box office, and earned Kaif favourable reviews for her portrayal of the dynamic Indu Sakseria. Her final release that year was Farah Khan's brainless comedy ''Tees Maar Khan'' with Akshay Kumar. The film received unanimous negative reviews from critics and was declared a flop. However, Kaif's item number ''Sheila Ki Jawani'' became a major chartbuster.

    In 2011, she was seen alongside Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin in Zoya Akhtar's dramedy ''Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'', which emerged as a major critical and commercial success. Kaif was praised for her portrayal of a fun-loving diving instructor Laila. Taran Adarsh wrote, "Katrina is a revelation...the actress continues to surprise you with her performances in film after film." She next featured in Yash Raj Films' comedy ''Mere Brother Ki Dulhan'' opposite Imran Khan and Ali Zafar. The film was successful at the box office, and earned Kaif positive notice for her portrayal of vivacious punk-rock girl Dimple Dixit, with Rahul Gangwani saying "the film ultimately belongs to Katrina Kaif. She sparkles, sizzles and infuses energy into the film." Consequently, she received her second Filmfare nomination in the ''Best Actress'' category. As of January 2012, Kaif is set to appear in three high-profile productions under the Yash Raj Films banner such as Kabir Khan's spy thriller ''Ek Tha Tiger'' opposite Salman Khan, ''Yash Chopra's Untitled Project'' alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma and Vijay Krishna Acharya's adventure film ''Dhoom 3'' alongside Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra and Rimi Sen.

    Voice dubbing

    It should be noted that due to her poor knowledge of Hindi (and other Indian languages), Kaif's voice was often dubbed by another actress. However, with the exception of ''De Dana Dan'' she has used her own voice for all of her films since ''New York''. Earlier, she had dubbed for films like ''Namastey London'' and ''Singh Is Kinng''.

    Brand endorsements

    In the year 2002, Katrina Kaif was chosen as Coca-Cola's brand ambassador in Tamil Nadu along with Tamil leading actor Vijay. The Coca-Cola advertisement was popular in Tamil Nadu, with Katrina Kaif and Vijay dancing to a Tamil song called "Gullu Gullu". She has also worked for several skin products companies, particularly Veet, as well as several multi-national brands, such as Panasonic. Katrina is now the brand ambassador of the national airline of the United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways.

    Awards

    She has won 14 awards including Filmfare awards and also nominated for 13 awards till now.

    Filmography

    ''Malliswari (2004 film) ''Sarkar (film) ''Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya'' ''Allari Pidugu'' ''Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye'' ''Balram vs. Taradas'' ''Namastey London'' ''Apne'' ''Partner (2007 film) ''Welcome (2007 film) ''Race (2008 film) ''Singh Is Kinng'' ''Hello (film) ''Yuvvraaj'' ''New York (film) ''Blue (2009 film) ''Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'' ''De Dana Dan'' ''Raajneeti'' ''Tees Maar Khan'' ''Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'' ''Bodyguard (2011 Hindi film) ''Mere Brother Ki Dulhan'' ''Agneepath (2012 film) ''Main Krishna Hoon'' ''Ek Tha Tiger'' ''Yash Chopra's Untitled Project'' ''Dhoom 3'' ''Dostana 2''
    Year ! Film ! Role ! Notes
    2003 Boom (2003 film)>Boom'' Rina Kaif/Popdi Chinchpokli
    2004 Malliswari'' || Princess Malliswari Telugu language>Telugu film
    2005 Sarkar'' || Pooja
    2005 | Sonia
    2005 | Shwetha Telugu film
    2006 | Jia A. Yashvardhan
    2006 | Supriya Malayalam language>Malayalam film
    2007 | Jasmeet "Jazz" Malhotra
    2007 | Nandini Sarabhai
    2007 Partner'' ||Priya Jaisingh
    2007 Welcome'' || Sanjana Shetty
    2008 Race'' || Sophia
    2008 | Sonia Singh
    2008 Hello'' || Story-teller Cameo
    2008 | Anushka Banton
    2009 New York'' || Maya Shaikh Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress
    2009 Blue'' || Nikki Cameo
    2009 | Jennifer "Jenny" Pinto
    2009 | Anjali Kakkad
    2010 | Indu Sakseria/Pratap
    2010 | Anya Khan
    2011 |Laila
    2011 Bodyguard'' || Herself Special appearance in song "Bodyguard"
    2011 | Dimple Dixit Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress
    2012 Agneepath''|| Chikni Chameli Special appearance in song "Chikni Chameli"
    2012 | Radha Cameo
    2012 | Zoya Filming (Releasing on August 18, 2012)
    2012 | Filming
    2013 | Pre-production
    2013 | Pre-production

    See also

  • British Indian
  • References

    External links

    Category:1984 births Category:Anglo-Indian people Category:British people of Indian descent Category:Hindi film actors Category:Living people Category:Hong Kong people Category:Kashmiri people Category:People from Hawaii Category:British actors Category:Non Malayali actors acted in Malayalam-language films

    ar:كاترينا كايف bn:ক্যাটরিনা কাইফ da:Katrina Kaif de:Katrina Kaif el:Κατρίνα Καΐφ es:Katrina Kaif fr:Katrina Kaif gu:કૅટરિના કૈફ hi:कैटरीना कैफ id:Katrina Kaif it:Katrina Kaif jv:Katrina Kaif kk:Катрина Каиф ml:കത്രീന കൈഫ്‌ mr:कत्रिना कैफ ms:Katrina Kaif no:Katrina Kaif pl:Katrina Kaif ru:Каиф, Катрина sd:قطرينه ڪيف fi:Katrina Kaif ta:கேட்ரீனா கய்ஃப் te:కత్రినా కైఫ్ uk:Катрина Каіф vi:Katrina Kaif

    This text is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA License. This text was originally published on Wikipedia and was developed by the Wikipedia community.



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