Meet Dr. James Shera, the Pakistani educationist, politician, and philanthropist who has dedicated his life to serving others.
It is often proclaimed that through ceaseless endeavor, one shall ultimately attain the lofty heights for which one has toiled and persevered. We know that such advice often seems futile to those without the urge to taste the fruits of success. Yet, this truth is well known to those who harbor a fervent desire to conquer and the fortitude to surmount 
every obstacle in their path that may hinder them. The constancy of purpose and staunch independence of spirit are the keystones to triumph. In this present treatise, we shall acquaint our readers with a gentleman hailing from the land of Pakistan, who, through his tireless efforts, hath hoisted the image of his country amidst foreign shores and, through his sterling character, hath established a unique identity for himself, thereby elevating the Pakistani persona to even greater heights of respect and honor.
We are here with Dr. James Shera, a prominent United Kingdom (UK) politician and educationist, known for contributing to interfaith harmony and philanthropy. He established the James Shera Foundation, which supports education and healthcare initiatives in Pakistan. He has received many awards and recognitions throughout his career, including an Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University in 2022 and the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from Queen Elizabeth, in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June 2007. Dr. James Shera was awarded Sitara-e-Pakistan and the Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam; Pakistan’s civil awards of a high stature. Dr. James Shera is a shining example for the Pakistani society, who built his name and reputation based on hard work, dedication, honesty, and professionalism.
He has also had a notable political career. In 1988, he made history by becoming Rugby's first-ever elected Pakistani mayor. He has also received an honorary doctorate from many universities in Pakistan and the UK. He has been actively involved in promoting education and cultural exchange between Pakistan and the UK, serving as the President of the Pakistan Society of the United Kingdom, and as a founding member of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation.
Many vital figures played a significant role in the life of Dr. James Shera, but he specifically mentions the renowned educationist, Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed in golden words. His contributions have been acknowledged by several prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Keir Starmer, the current leader of the Labour Party and the Opposition Leader.
Dr. Shera has had a distinguished career in education, both in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He has served as a teacher, headmaster, and professor in various educational institutions in Pakistan and the UK. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of several schools and colleges in Pakistan. He began as a teacher at Newbold Middle School from 1977 to 1987, and went on to become the Head of Environmental Studies from 1981 to 1987. He went on to hold several key positions, including County Advisor for Intercultural Education at Warwickshire County Council from 1987 to 1995 and Director of the Intercultural Curriculum Support Service (ICSS) from 1995 to 2011. He has served on several boards of governors, including at Coventry University, Warwickshire College, and Newman University College, Birmingham. He has also been a member of several committees, such as the Equalities and Inclusion Partnership Board and the Catholic Commission for Racial Justice. Dr. Shera has held various key appointments, such as Associate Director of NHS Arden Cluster and Chair of Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Group of NHS Arden Cluster. He was also a Non-Executive Director of the West Midland South Strategic Health Authority (NHS) and Warwickshire Health Authority.
The writings on life, services, and personality of Dr. James Shera have been featured in numerous national and international newspapers. However, the scope of such a tremendous and historic personality cannot be encapsulated in a single article. Nonetheless, we endeavor to share some insights into his life, character, and services with you. Dr. James Shera is currently suffering from Parkinson's disease, which is unfortunately limiting his movement and speech. Team Hilal visited him at his house in Loyianwala, Gujranwala, on March 29, 2023. Let's begin our conversation with this 'son of the soil'–a Pakistani who makes us all proud.
Hilal: Dr. James Shera, it's an honor to have this conversation with you. Your career is distinguished and varied, spanning politics, education, and philanthropy. Please tell us more about your early life and education.
Dr. James Shera: Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here. I earnestly thank Team Hilal for sparing time for this interaction. My family and I feel honored to receive you here. Coming straight to your question, I was born in Gujranwala in 1946 to Mahnga Maseeh and Barkat Bibi. My father was a farmer who had only completed fifth grade, and my mother had 
never even attended school; however, it was my mother's strong desire that I pursue higher education. Seeing my parents work hard, I became a partner in their efforts from a young age.
I attended a Madrasa for my primary education. During Matric, I would take along milk to sell on my bicycle from my village in the morning. Then after selling the milk, I would join my classes, which continued for a long time. Hard work, luck, circumstances, and time helped me make it to Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore. From there, I received a scholarship to study at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, but how I got there and obtained a visa is a very long and exciting story. To cut the long story short, I hitch-hiked through Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, and Yugoslavia before reaching Italy, where I caught a train to Brussels. I worked hard for three years in Belgium and remained acquainted with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, who later rose to prominence due to his services to Pakistan in nuclear sciences. Friends in the UK led me to England in 1970, and I got a job at Rugby station as a railway guard. After completing a post-graduate degree at the University of Warwick, I enrolled as a teacher at Newbold Middle School. I joined the County Council Education Department, where I worked until my retirement.
I have always lived as a flagbearer for Pakistan. I never touched liquor in my life, not because it's something religious, but because it's not liked by almost 98% of my fellow citizens of Pakistan. So I decided that it was a matter of culture and pride that I would never drink alcohol. Some of my western friends would taunt me for that, but gradually, they all understood and respected my spirit.
Hilal: Your political career has also been noteworthy. Please tell us more about your involvement in the Labour Party in the UK.
Dr. James Shera: Sure. I became involved in the Labour Party in the UK in the 1960s. I was elected to represent the borough's Benn Ward in 1982, marking the start of four decades of public service. Then I went on to become the Mayor of Rugby in 1988. My involvement in politics was aimed at promoting social justice and equality, and my work has made a positive difference in people's lives, both at home and abroad.
Hilal: You were the first Pakistani-born mayor of a British town. Could you tell us more about that experience?
Dr. James Shera: Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I was elected Mayor of Rugby in 1988, becoming the first Pakistani-born mayor of a British town. It was an incredible experience, and I was proud to have served the community in that role. I worked to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the Pakistani and British communities during my tenure. My foremost objective always remained service to the community without any discrimination. I have been promoting equality and diversity at the national and international levels over many years–politically, socially, and culturally–with total commitment. I feel honored to have built bridges between the communities.
I have also led the Labour Group in Rugby from 2005 to 2022. In 2014, I set a record by getting elected as a councilor for the 10th consecutive term from 'Benn Ward' of the Rugby Council. I also served as Chair Overview and Scrutiny Board, of Rugby Borough Council from 2010 to 2014.
The prestigious honor of Freeman of the Borough of Rugby was conferred on me by the Rugby Borough Council in recognition of my services to the people of Rugby.
Also, in recognition of my campaigns as chair of the council of fellows of Warwickshire College, a road has been named in Rugby as James Shera Way, making me the only living person and the first Pakistani to enjoy this honor. Previously, one road is named after Mahatma Gandhi. I was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Business and Administration by the University of Bedfordshire in 2010. I feel proud that because of my commitment, diligence, and integrity, a simple Pakistani like me has been able to win such respect and admiration in a foreign country.
Hilal: You have been involved in politics for several decades. What inspired you to get involved in politics, and what role do you think politicians can play in promoting intercultural exchange and understanding?
Dr. James Shera: I got involved in politics because I was inspired by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He is my role model in politics. I wanted to impact the lives of people in the community positively. Politicians have a significant role to play in promoting intercultural exchange and understanding. They have the power to shape policies that can create an environment conducive to intercultural exchange and understanding. Politicians can build bridges between communities, promote diversity, and celebrate cultural differences through dialogue and collaboration. It is crucial that politicians recognize the value of diversity and work towards creating a more inclusive society.
The treatment of Muslim and Christian minorities in India profoundly saddens me. Hundreds of Christians were dispersed and were told either to recant the area or their faith. Innocent victims were forced to follow tribal culture or ready to face violence. Information about vandalizing homes of peaceful communities across the country is so saddening. India is doing so poorly in interfaith harmony. The political leadership and their policies will go down in history as 'third class' leaders, making their country a 'third class.' It pains me to see that the Indian President, who herself belongs to a tribal/minority community, keeps quiet on such heinous crimes. I know she fully understands the scale and gravity of the deprivation of minorities more than many others, but she is siding with the belligerents. The onus inarguably remains on the country's leadership to tackle and materialize opportunities to serve communities.
It has always been different in Pakistan. I have been studying in a Muslim Madrasa for my primary education, but no one ever forced me to convert. Yes, there are some incidents in remote rural areas that are condemnable; however, the good thing is that political leaders or institutions or the judiciary of Pakistan never sided with the culprits. This gives hope to the minorities of Pakistan to embrace the culture and traditions of Pakistan.
Hilal: Your contribution to education is commendable. Can you tell us about your experience serving on Pakistan's Board of Governors of various schools and colleges?
Dr. James Shera: Yes, indeed. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors of various schools and colleges in the UK and Pakistan. I worked to ensure that the institutions I served provided quality education to their students. I also encouraged the institutions to be more inclusive and provide opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.
My academic background has been instrumental in my career in education, where I have served as a teacher, headmaster, and Director in several educational institutions in the UK.
My career in education continued, and I very humbly held several key positions, such as County Advisor for Intercultural Education at Warwickshire County Council from 1987 to 1995 and Director of the Intercultural Curriculum Support Service (ICSS) from 1995 to 2011. While holding these key positions, I was entrusted with the responsibility of raising funds and then putting them to appropriate use. At one time, a budget of £2 billion was at my disposal, and I discharged my duties proficiently and excellently.
Hilal: Your contribution to intercultural education has been significant. Please tell us more about your work as the County Advisor for Intercultural Education at Warwickshire County Council and Director Intercultural Curriculum Support Service (ICSS).
Dr. James Shera: Sure. I served as the County Advisor for Intercultural Education at Warwickshire County Council from 1987 to 1995. In this role, I worked to provide support and guidance to schools and colleges on issues related to intercultural education. Later, I was appointed Director of the Intercultural Curriculum Support Service (ICSS), providing strategic leadership for intercultural support to 450 schools and colleges. The objective I set for myself was to enable them to raise the achievement of black and minority ethnic (BME) pupils, Gypsy Roma Travellers, new arrivals from EU countries, and the world at large.
Hilal: You have also been recognized for your philanthropic work. Can you tell us about the James Shera Foundation and its objectives?
Dr. James Shera: Yes. I established the James Shera Foundation, which supports education and healthcare initiatives in Pakistan. It is a charity organization I established to promote education for all and provide healthcare services to those in need. The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students who cannot afford to pursue higher education. We also work to provide healthcare services to the underprivileged communities in Pakistan, focusing on maternal and child health. We have made a significant impact, and we aim to continue our work in the future. Some initiatives the foundation has supported include building schools, providing scholarships to underprivileged students, and establishing medical clinics in the rural areas. Our goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of the people in Pakistan, particularly those marginalized and vulnerable.
We have the best Army in the world to protect our borders. It saddens me when fake news and propaganda are spread to malign Pakistan and its Armed Forces. We [our Army] have a legacy of martyrdom and sacrifices. I firmly believe our Army is a true savior and God's instrument. Until we have this strong Army, no power on earth can undo Pakistan. You tell me how many great powers could beat terrorism as Pakistan has done.
Hilal: You have received many awards and recognitions throughout your career. Which awards or recognitions do you hold particularly close to your heart?
Dr. James Shera: All the awards and recognitions I have received are significant, but a few are particularly close to my heart. The first is the MBE, which I received in 2007. I was honored to receive Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's recognition for my contribution to education and intercultural relations. The second award close to my heart is the Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam award, which I received from the President of Pakistan. It is a great honor to receive this civil award from my home country, and it means a lot to me. Lastly, the honorary doctorate degrees I have received from the University of Bedfordshire and FC College University are also significant because they recognize my contributions to education and intercultural relations.
Hilal: What do you see as a strength of Pakistan, and what gives you optimism for the future?
Dr. James Shera: Pakistan is a very hospitable nation. It has multiple strengths, such as its weather, terrain, rivers, plains, and mountains. It has got everything. We just need to make it the Pakistan as Jinnah envisioned. We have the best Army in the world to protect our borders. It saddens me when fake news and propaganda are spread to malign Pakistan and its Armed Forces. We [our Army] have a legacy of martyrdom and sacrifices. I firmly believe our Army is a true savior and God's instrument. Until we have this strong Army, no power on earth can undo Pakistan. You tell me how many great powers could beat terrorism as Pakistan has done. It is a blessing that at least we have a strong Army. I am sure we will bounce back from the present scenario. Another strength lies in our youth. We need to harness them, teach them skills and provide them with a good education. Europe has an aging population, and Pakistani youth have a great scope to make their future in those lands, provided they are well-groomed and educated.
Hilal: Lastly, what advice would you give to the young people of Pakistan?
Dr. James Shera: I always urged Pakistanis, especially young people, to work hard and take responsibility for their work. Always think about Pakistan and its people. I spent my life with this purpose and it changed my life. You can also do it. Education is the key to success, so I encourage young people to focus on their studies and to develop their skills and knowledge. It is also vital to be proactive and seek opportunities to volunteer and get involved in community organizations. By collaborating, young people can create positive change in their communities. Lastly, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and to stay committed to the cause. Making a positive impact requires patience, perseverance, and hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable. My advice to young people who want to excel in their lives is to get involved and stay committed to the cause and spirit of Pakistan.
The interviewer is a member of staff.
E-mail: abbashaiderr212@gmail.com
