Search for:
SOCIAL
HISTORY
>
Dr.
Abdul Qaiyum Lodhi (1937 to 1991) | He was a sociologist,
educator and a literary enthusiast. He was a sterling champion
of human rights and social justice. Born in Pakistan, he attended
public school and university earning a Masters of Arts in Sociology
from Punjab University in Pakistan in 1962 following his first
degree in the natural sciences. After immigrating to Canada,
he earned a second Masters of Arts in Sociology from the University
of Toronto. Following this, he worked toward a doctoral degree,
also in Sociology, from the University of Toronto. He completed
his PhD in 1971.
Dr. Lodhi's teaching career
in Canada began in 1970 and took him to five different universities.
He was a distinguished teacher, scholar and mentor at St. Thomas
University from 1984 to 1991, moving through the ranks of assistant
professor to full professor in a mere seven years. In addition
to teaching and research, in which he created strong interests
in his students, he earned distinction as the main co-founder
of the Atlantic Human Rights Centre, the designer of St. Thomas
University's certificate program in Criminology and Social Justice
and the recipient of the annual Human Rights Award from the New
Brunswick Human Rights Commission in 1989.
Concerned with the development
of the person in the truest sense, Dr. Lodhi wanted to end peoples'
inhumanity towards others. He taught about human rights, social
justice, the reduction of prejudice and discrimination, anti-racist
education and the promotion of equality for all those who, because
of a different or differing condition, are relegated to perdition.
He did this in a positive and appealing way but above all, he
lived it and reflected a model that served as a catalyst for
change and growth. He was deeply spiritual and highly magnanimous.
Part of his appeal stemmed from his simplicity and love in dealing
with colleagues, friends and students. All of those who worked
with him through the Atlantic Human Rights Centre can attest
to the fact that the experience with him has been an education
in itself.
Dr. Lodhi was certainly pleased
and perplexed at the concept of "human" practice, and
to him "human rights" were the natural outgrowth. Signs
of progress were present at the time but there was still much
to be done. In one of his papers, published in his last co-edited
book, Human Rights: Issues and Trends (1993), he pleaded for
a turn around in human rights in developing countries.
His vision of peace and understanding
among peoples, underscoring the celebration of their similarities
through respect and acceptance lives on. The Dr. Abdul Qaiyum
Lodhi Memorial Lecture and workshop series at St. Thomas University
are inspired by and reflect his vision.
<<
top
The project was made
possible with the support of the
Department
of Canadian Heritage through the Canadian Culture Online Strategy
The Acrobat Reader
is available free from 