Arif Aajikia is a remarkable individual with a truly international background. He was born in Pakistan but holds French citizenship, and currently resides in the United Kingdom. With Indian origins, Arif Aajikia’s roots trace back to the vibrant state of Gujarat, located on the western coast of India.
It is fascinating to note that Arif Aajikia’s unique surname is derived from his father’s birthplace, the town of Ajak in Gujarat. This connection to his ancestral land speaks volumes about his deep-seated cultural ties to India, despite having lived most of his life abroad.
Arif Aajikia’s mother was born in the town of Bantva, also located in Gujarat. The state of Gujarat has a rich history and culture and is known for its diverse population and stunning landscapes. The fact that both of Arif Aajikia’s parents hail from Gujarat only adds to the complexity and richness of his heritage.
As a French citizen, Arif Aajikia has undoubtedly been exposed to many different cultures and experiences throughout his life. Living in the United Kingdom, he has likely encountered yet another distinct set of customs and traditions.
This fusion of diverse influences has undoubtedly contributed to his unique worldview and has shaped him into the person he is today.
| Name | Arif Aajakia |
| Born | 21 May 1964, Pakistan in a Muslim Muhajir Family |
| Age | 57 years old (as of 2020) |
| Famous as | Human Rights Activist and a YouTuber |
| Marital status | Married (14-Feb-1999) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Pakistani, French (1996) |
| Currently lives in | Brussels, Belgium, London (since 2012), United Kingdom |
Arif Aajakia’s journey is a testament to the power of personal conviction and the strength of the human spirit. Born in Karachi, Pakistan in 1964 as a Muslim, he spent much of his life working as a human rights activist, fighting to defend the rights of marginalized communities in his home country.
In a bold and courageous move, Arif Aajakia recently made the decision to revert back to Hinduism in February 2022. This deeply personal decision speaks to the power of faith and the importance of individual choice in shaping our identities.
Throughout his life, Arif Aajakia has been a tireless advocate for human rights. His work has focused on exposing the widespread violations of human and minority rights in Pakistan and has brought attention to the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities in the country.
Arif Aajakia’s life is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference in the world. By standing up for what he believes in and fighting for the rights of others, he has inspired countless individuals to join the fight for justice and equality.
As he continues to navigate his own journey of faith and identity, Arif Aajakia remains a powerful force for good in the world. His unwavering commitment to human rights serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to make a difference and shape the world around us.
Index of Contents
Education
Mr. Arif Aajakia is a man of diverse and impressive accomplishments, both in his personal and academic pursuits. His educational background is a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and his dedication to expanding his knowledge and expertise.
After completing his primary school education in Karachi, Pakistan, Arif Aajakia went on to finish his secondary schooling by 1980. His academic prowess and passion for learning earned him a place at Karachi University, where he excelled in his studies and graduated with distinction.
Arif Aajakia’s educational journey did not end there, however. Driven by a desire to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of the world, he pursued further studies at the prestigious Brussels School of International Studies in Belgium.
It was there that Arif Aajakia had the opportunity to study at the Ecole Européenne de Bruxelles, also known as the European School, Brussels I (ESB1). This esteemed institution is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to fostering a global perspective among its students.
Through his studies at the ESB1, Arif Aajakia gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations and developed a nuanced appreciation for the diverse cultures and perspectives of people from around the world.
A Search for Dignified Life Beyond Pakistan
Amidst the heart-wrenching struggles of the Mohajirs, Mr. Aajakia’s story stands as a poignant testament to the prevailing injustice in Pakistan. Despite his family’s roots in India and their deep love for their motherland, the harsh realities of the time compelled them to migrate to Karachi in 1947, in the aftermath of the partition.
However, the sense of belonging for the Mohajirs was not to be found in Pakistan, for even their second and third generations were still labeled as immigrants, an unjust social stigma that subjected them to maltreatment and discrimination. Mr. Aajakia’s own experiences in Pakistan were marked by his struggle to secure a good job in Karachi, a city that could not offer him the opportunities he deserved.
Through it all, his parents’ love for India never waned, and they would reminisce about their childhood in the country that held their hearts. The indifferent attitudes of the government and society in Pakistan were a stark contrast to the warmth and inclusivity that they had experienced in India.
It was this realization that led Mr. Aajakia to make the difficult decision to leave Pakistan and seek a better life elsewhere. In 1988, he moved to Sharjah, UAE, to work with the National Bank of Sharjah, hoping for a fresh start.
Mr. Aajakia’s journey towards a dignified life was far from over, as he continued to seek out new opportunities in different countries. From Saudi Arabia to Belgium, he worked hard to create a better future for himself and his family. In 1996, he obtained French citizenship, but he never forgot his Indian roots or the struggles that the Mohajirs faced in Pakistan.
Ultimately, Mr. Aajakia’s story is a reminder that one’s sense of identity is not defined by a piece of paper or legal status. He may have been a French citizen for 25 years and a Pakistani for 72 years, but he remains an Indian at heart, connected to a heritage that spans thousands of years. His resilience and determination in the face of injustice serve as a testament to the human spirit’s power to endure and overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Family
Mr. Arif Aajakia’s life journey has been one of adventure and changes, filled with joyous moments and challenges that have shaped him into the person he is today.
In 1999, Mr. Aajakia embarked on a new journey in his life, as he married a beautiful Karachi girl in his hometown, Karachi. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Madrid, Spain, seeking new experiences and opportunities. The following year, in 2000, he returned to Belgium, where he had lived previously.
In 2001, Mr. Aajakia and his wife were blessed with a daughter, who was born in the charming city of Gent, Belgium. Their family continued to grow, and in 2003, they welcomed their second child, a son, while living in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The family then moved to Amiens, France, where they resided from 2003 to 2005. It was during this time that Mr. Aajakia had the opportunity to experience the unique culture and customs of the French people.
In 2005, Mr. Aajakia’s life took a dramatic turn, as he returned to his homeland of Pakistan and became involved in politics, joining the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party.
Despite the inherent risks of political involvement in Pakistan, Mr. Aajakia successfully contested the election for Naib Nazim (Deputy Mayor) of Jamshed Town, Karachi, which was home to a staggering 1.7 million people.
His leadership skills were quickly recognized, and in 2006, he was elected as the Nazim (Mayor) of Jamshed Town. During his time in office, he was blessed with his third child, who was born in Karachi in 2007.
However, being a member of the MQM party in Pakistan was not without its dangers, and Mr. Aajakia faced persistent threats to his safety and that of his family. Consequently, on his party’s advice, he resigned as Mayor in 2007.
Mr. Aajakia returned to Belgium, where he resided for several years before making the decision to move to London in 2012. It was there that he began a new chapter in his life, launching his YouTube channel in 2014, through which he passionately spoke out against violations of the fundamental rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan.
Through his journey, Mr. Arif Aajakia has experienced the joys and challenges of life in various countries and cultures, bringing with him a unique perspective and a rich set of experiences that have shaped him into the person he is today.
Visit to India
Interview on Sudarshan News
Interview on Jaipur Dialogue
During an interview on a YouTube channel named The Jaipur Dialogue, Mr. Sanjay Dixit asked him about the challenges linked to his work then he said that from the beginning of my journey I always think that I will not survive more than 50 but fortunately I survived 57 in which 7 years is a bonus for me and now I don’t have to worry about the challenges.
Favorite quote:
“This world belongs to everyone with equal rights and duties towards each other. No one has the right to demean others and consider oneself superior. Let’s respect all lives and make this earth a liveable place.”
Contact Details
| Website | https://arifaajakia.org |
| Youtube channel | Arif Aajakia |
| Facebook page | Arif Aajakia |
| arifaajika | |
| @arifaajakia | |
| [email protected] |
Overall, Arif Aajikia’s background is a testament to the richness of human experience and the complexity of our global society. His connection to India, his French citizenship, and his current residence in the UK all speak to the ways in which our world is becoming increasingly interconnected. As an individual with such a rich and varied background, Arif Aajikia is a testament to the beauty and power of diversity.
Author
-
by
-
