Aly-Khan Rajani (BA, 2002), Counsellor/Head of (Development) Co-operation at the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon, says he was fortunate to have been born in Canada. As Muslims in a predominantly Hindu society, his ancestors fled from India to Africa. Then his parents were expelled from Uganda in 1972 because they were Asian. “I knew from a young age that serving humanity was my calling,” says Rajani.
I knew from a young age that serving humanity was my calling.
He says the International Development Studies program at U of T Scarborough kick-started his career in development and diplomacy by exposing him to international experts and academics — and to real work experience. Since his first co-op placement at UTSC, he has been a first responder in numerous international crises.
“I’ve been able to use my education to assist people when they need it the most,” says Rajani, “be it working for the UN, an NGO or the Government of Canada.” Through these experiences he feels he has learned, first-hand, the value of maintaining people’s dignity.
Rajani says it’s an honour for him to work on the humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis and the reopening of Canada’s assistance program (aid) office in Lebanon. “Beirut is an amazing city with diversity and pluralism at the heart of what keeps the country united, which is similar to (cities in) Canada.
“The projects we’re supporting are helping refugees and host communities by providing them with basics,” he says, “such as food, shelter and water, but also ensuring access to education and learning skills for women and youth.” He explains that this, in turn, will help contribute to growth in Lebanon and enhance people’s livelihoods, in the hope that they can return to rebuild their country when the situation allows.
Rajani wants people to know his story because he considers it a great example of what Canada is all about. He says his parents often remark that the best thing to happen to their family was getting kicked out of Uganda and becoming Canadian. They see Canada as a country that leads by example and is a model for pluralism; supporting human rights, gender equality and environmental stewardship; and practising what it preaches.
“I was a Muslim, born in Vancouver to immigrants who came with nothing. I grew up in Edmonton amongst a small group of visible minority kids, yet I was president of my student union in my elementary, junior high and high schools. I got a first-class education at the best university in the country, which enabled me to follow my passion.”
I was a Muslim, born in Vancouver to immigrants who came with nothing. I grew up in Edmonton amongst a small group of visible minority kids, yet I was president of my student union in my elementary, junior high and high schools. I got a first-class education at the best university in the country, which enabled me to follow my passion.
What’s next for Rajani? “I still don’t have a master plan, but I’m guided by my principles and my heart,” he says. “Working hard, believing in what I do every day, and innovating has opened many doors for me. I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for me next.”