School of Law Graduate Champions Education and Social Impact in India

Dr Sharique Ahmed Khan is transforming education for underprivileged children in Kolkata through impactful initiatives.

Dr Sharique Ahmed Khan came to Leeds in 2011 to pursue an LLM in International Corporate Law at the University of Leeds’ School of Law. Now a proud alumnus and lecturer at the University of Calcutta, Dr Khan applies the lessons he learned at the School to make a tangible difference in some of Kolkata’s most underprivileged communities.

After graduating in 2012 and returning to India, Dr Khan couldn’t ignore the stark disparities in education and living conditions in his hometown of East Kolkata. “You have these luxurious gated communities right next to slums where children don’t even have access to basic education,” he says. This stark contrast motivated him to take action.

In 2013, Dr Khan conducted an empirical survey in the area to gauge residents' views on education. The survey revealed a preference for informal education over formal schooling, as local government schools suffered from inadequate infrastructure. Many children dropped out to work and support their families, while girls were often home-tutored. Dr Khan aimed to address these issues by establishing an English medium school within the community, with the goal of restoring faith in the modern education system.

Using the survey’s findings, Dr Khan founded a school in East Kolkata by the end of 2015. Today, it serves over 1,000 students, most of whom are the first in their families to receive formal education.

“I consider this a progressive accomplishment as most parents belong to vulnerable socio-economic groups, considerably apprehensive of mainstream ideas. I also consider the high enrolment rate of girls as a big step towards education equality,” he emphasises.

The school not only provides education but also offers counselling, health camps, and scholarships to ensure even the most vulnerable children can attend.

Project HarGharTaleem: taking education beyond the classroom

In early 2023, Dr Khan expanded his vision with Project HarGharTaleem (Education in Every Home), an initiative aiming to promote inclusion and equal opportunity of learning for all. “The project is designed to benefit school going children who do not have proper educational support at home and are mainly first-generation learners,” Dr Khan explains.

The project, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), enrolled 800 children in its first phase. These students, aged 6-14, receive free online lessons in all subjects, taught by a dedicated team of 50 volunteer teachers passionate about education.

The Leeds legacy: a foundation for lifelong learning

Dr Khan credits his time at the University of Leeds School of Law as pivotal in shaping his approach to education and social impact. His teaching style, for example, is inspired by two Professors who marked his time at Leeds: Professor Gerard McCormack and Professor Andrew Keay.

“As a lecturer in law, I adopt a blend of their methods to teach my students. Their teaching emphasised critical assessment and development of original thinking by using presentations, discussions, and dissertation. Their welcoming and interactive personalities effectively helped me in developing broader perspective and gaining new insights,” he says.

Professor Andrew Keay was assigned as Dr Khan’s personal tutor to oversee his educational and mental wellbeing during his time at the university. He recalls numerous interactions with him, discussing the curriculum, future courses, and career paths in the UK and EU. These discussions significantly boosted his self-confidence and motivation to pursue his future goals.

Additionally, Professor Gerard McCormack taught a module and served as Dr Khan’s dissertation advisor. His constructive feedback and patience with drafts were instrumental in helping him complete his dissertation.

Volunteering with the University of Leeds

Dr Khan maintains a strong connection with Leeds, having volunteered extensively as a mentor through the Uiversity's Careers eMentoring Scheme from 2021 to 2024. He was featured in the Across the Globe section of the University of Leeds website for his volunteer work in India in 2022 and was highlighted in the special 75th Independence Day Edition. Dr Khan has guided numerous young advocates and students in pursuing UK masters degrees, provided career advice, and participated in pre-departure briefings organised by the University of Leeds India Office.

Today, Dr Khan continues to give back to the Leeds community. He was recently selected as a Global Alumni Ambassador for the University of Leeds. He considers this role more than just a title – it’s an opportunity to give back to the institution that shaped his future.

In his new role as a Global Alumni Ambassador, Dr Khan is excited to connect with Leeds students and alumni, offering support and sharing his journey:

“This role is not only a recognition of my work but also a platform to share my learnings and experiences at various University events. The programme will give me a chance to address and interact with students and understand their perspectives and experiences,” he says.

Beyond the professional fulfilment of the role, Dr Khan looks forward to meeting incredible people and creating unforgettable memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Approach to educational equality and career guidance

As a lecturer at the University of Calcutta and Managing Trustee of SKC Trust, Dr Khan remains deeply committed to addressing educational inequality.

Addressing educational inequality is crucial for a just and equitable society. A career focused on removing inequality in access to education and providing educational equality can be highly satisfying on both personal and professional fronts.

For those aspiring to follow a similar career path, Dr Khan emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes of educational inequality – such as poverty, gender, race, and disability – and applying this knowledge to specific communities. He also suggests engaging with the communities to gain first-hand insights into their challenges. He notes that volunteering and internships are crucial for gaining experience and building valuable connections. Additionally, Dr Khan highlights that partnering with others is essential to amplifying one's impact and creating lasting change.

Dr Khan concludes, “Your passion for educational equality can inspire others and play a pivotal role in strengthening communities.”

Interested in starting your own social justice journey? Click here to explore programs that can prepare you!