Dr Shashi Buluswar has devoted part of his life and intellect to improving education for Pakistan’s marginalised children
Pakistan and India are widely seen as archrivals, shaped by decades of conflict and mistrust. Yet, in the shadow of this rivalry lies a higher calling that transcends borders: the universal mission of education. In a world divided by politics, education stands as a shared human cause. While the two nations may seldom celebrate each other, the pursuit of learning offers a rare and vital common ground.
In the 19th and 20th Centuries, some key figures have played transformative roles in advocating for education in South Asia, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the educational landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, often regarded as the father of the Indian renaissance, emphasised the importance of modern education and advocated for the inclusion of English and science in the curriculum to prepare the people of undivided India for a changing world. Similarly, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent reformer, established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later, the Aligarh Muslim University) to promote modern education among Muslims and focused on scientific knowledge and English proficiency. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a scholar and social reformer, championed the cause of women’s education and simplified the Bengali alphabet to make learning more accessible. Lord William Bentinck, as governor-general of India, introduced significant educational reforms, including making English the medium of instruction and founding the Calcutta Medical College, which brought Western medical education to India. Thomas Babington Macaulay, through his influential Minute on Indian Education, shaped British India’s education policy by advocating for the promotion of Western literature and science through English instruction. These visionaries, each in their own way, laid the foundation for modern education in South Asia and promoted critical reforms that bridged traditional learning with the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
Although the world has lately seen unprecedented pluralism, polarisation and ultra-nationalism, it has also witnessed individuals standing for peace and prosperity, beyond division and hate. Dr Shashi Buluswar is one such individual, an Indian American scientist and serial social entrepreneur who has made education in Pakistan his mission.
Over the last 20 years, Dr Buluswar has been a strong advocate of taking schools to the most marginalised communities and neighbourhoods in Pakistan. During his multiple visits to Pakistan, he witnessed the on-ground challenges of out-of-school children and of those who are in school but not learning. Being a thought leader and a committed scholar of social entrepreneurship, he interacted with a host of non-profits in Pakistan. He witnessed the impact of The Citizens Foundation schools in some of Pakistan's rural areas and urban slums and became a supporter of the organisation.
Over the last 20 years, Dr Buluswar has been a strong advocate of taking schools to the most marginalised communities and neighbourhoods in Pakistan.
Ever since, he has been highlighting the magnitude of the education crisis that Pakistan has been facing and what it takes to come out of it. In his writings, speeches, advice and scholarship, he acts as a true friend of the Pakistani children.
In a world divided by borders and ideologies, Dr Buluswar sees education as the great equaliser, a bridge between potential and opportunity. For years, he has championed the cause of education in Pakistan as a transformative force for human development and economic growth. His message is clear: investing in education is not just a moral obligation but also an economic imperative, a path to unlocking the untapped potential of millions.
In Pakistan, where disparities in access to quality education have hindered progress, he envisions a future where classrooms become the engines of economic mobility and the children are equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the global economy. His advocacy is rooted in data and compassion. He asserts that every child educated is a step closer to breaking cycles of poverty and dependency. His vision is as ambitious as it is urgent: a Pakistan where education drives innovation, fosters resilience and bridges divides.
Pakistan has a proud history of honouring those who dedicate their lives to service, individuals whose compassion exceeds borders, cultures and faiths. One such person was Dr Ruth Pfau, the German physician who spent more than five decades battling leprosy in Pakistan’s most forgotten corners. Her tireless work transformed healthcare and saved countless lives. Pakistan rightly embraced her as one of its own. Dr Pfau’s story is not unique. The country has long been a beneficiary of individuals who make service their life mission, and their legacy continues to shape its future. Dr Buluswar has devoted part of his life and intellect to improving education for Pakistan’s most marginalised children. Like Dr Pfau, he sees the potential of Pakistan’s people, particularly its children, and has made it his mission to unlock it through the transformative power of education. Transformative change often begins with a single person’s dedication to a shared human cause. Celebrating such heroes reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to human progress.
By helping Pakistani children understand themselves and the world around them, Dr Buluswar has nurtured a generation capable of breaking the cycle of poverty and realising their true potential. His contributions have not only inspired a new generation of socially conscious leaders but have also strengthened Pakistan’s foundation for economic growth and human development. As an advisor to mission-driven champions, Dr Buluswar has demonstrated that transformative change shoots from a relentless commitment to education and equity.
The writer is a policy researcher and strategist. He is a co-author of Agents of Change and The Economy of Modern Sindh