A BRADFORD community figure has been recognised for his services after receiving a doctorate from the University of Bradford.
Dr Javed Bashir, who is from Keighley, has been honoured for his contributions to community cohesion.
Shortly after the Bradford riots in 2001, Dr Bashir – who ran a restaurant at the time – invited people of all races for a free meal, on the condition that they sat and spoke with one another.
More recently, Dr Bashir played a pivotal role during the pandemic, where he teamed up with various faith communities to set up the Volunteering Interfaith Partnership (VIP), in collaboration with Strengthening Faith Institutions (where he is a safeguarding consultant) and Age UK Bradford & District.
The VIP provided hot meals, welfare packs and general support to elderly and vulnerable people during Covid-19.
Dr Bashir is also the founder and CEO of the Professional Muslims Institute, which strives for the advancement of British Muslims working in professional settings.
In 2018, he was included in a publication honouring the highest levels of achievement in the Muslim 100 Parliamentary Review and was awarded the Unsung Hero award by Keighley MP Robbie Moore, as well as being included in the T&A’s Hall of Fame.
Dr Bashir, who grew up in Pakistan, said: “I arrived in the UK at 10, without speaking a word of English.
“I worked hard and achieved success in education and employment.
“But despite that, it wasn’t enough. There was something missing - I was not genuinely happy.
“I had just been on autopilot, blindly navigating my way through life, following the societal norms which we are indoctrinated into.
“There was nothing about living a life filled with purpose and compassion. Nothing about feeding my heart and soul, as well as my bank balance.
“I decided to do something to help the community, which was a great way to broaden my perceptions.
“Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, or helping the homeless, you can find a valuable way to donate your time.
“There are many community centres and organisations which can be great places to give back.”
He added: “In some less fortunate communities, there can also be a lack of role models.
“Someone in the community giving back can be a role model, and children having a decent role model could help guide them on the right path.
“If you win and become successful, always remember the people who helped you, no matter how talented you are and irrespective of the heights you have climbed.”
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