Akbar’s Journey

Have you ever wondered what it means to live up to your name?

For Akbar Imran, a second-year law student at the University of Ottawa, this is a constant reflection. The name Akbar means “greater” in Arabic, and he believes his parents chose it with hopes that he would grow into someone who could achieve great things. Now, as a young adult pursuing a career in law and justice, Akbar is determined to live up to that hope, carving out his own path to greatness while reflecting on what it means to create a more peaceful world.

Akbar grew up in the small town of Kenora, Ontario, far from the bustling cities where opportunities often seem more plentiful. But his sense of purpose and his drive to make a difference were sparked early on. Always involved in the humanities, Akbar began to find his voice in high school, particularly in Grade 9 when he joined the Rotary Interact Club. Through this organization, he was introduced to peace-oriented initiatives that would shape his worldview and his future ambitions.

Have you ever asked yourself, what can I do to make a difference?

Sometimes, it feels like the world’s problems are too large, too complex to address. For Akbar, it became clear that even the smallest contributions can lead to meaningful change. The Rotary Interact Club raised funds for peace initiatives, and through these efforts, Akbar was introduced to Rotary Adventures in Human Rights (RAHR), a program that would profoundly influence his understanding of peace, justice, and the importance of making your voice heard.

What does peace mean to you?

For many, the word invokes images of global treaties, conflict resolution, or international negotiations. But for Akbar, peace is far more personal. He believes peace is “the ability to go to bed without fear of being killed or cancelled for something.” It’s about tolerance and acceptance of people from all walks of life. His vision of peace extends beyond political agreements or speeches at international conferences—peace is found in our everyday interactions, in how we treat others, and in how we live our lives.

When Akbar applied to RAHR, he was already on a journey of exploration. He was taking a course in social justice and equity and shooting a documentary on the plight of the Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, China. Even though the struggles of these people were occurring thousands of miles away, programs like RAHR gave Akbar a platform to raise awareness and work toward justice in his own local community and in Canada.

Do you ever feel powerless in the face of global issues?

Akbar did at first. What he discovered through RAHR was that change starts with learning and sharing, even in the smallest of communities. RAHR provided him with the opportunity to connect with other young people who shared his passion for peace, even those from remote areas like his hometown of Kenora. In fact, RAHR brought together participants from across Canada and even internationally—one of his peers came all the way from Poland.

“I think the accessibility of RAHR is what makes it so impactful,” Akbar shared. “In Kenora, being two hours away from Manitoba, I didn’t have access to many of these kinds of programs. But RAHR is sponsored and fully funded, which means more people, especially from small towns or remote communities, can get involved in peace initiatives.”

How do you think we can achieve peace in our communities?

Akbar believes that real, lasting peace starts on a micro level—within our homes, schools, and neighbourhoods. It’s not about grand declarations at international conferences or global summits. Instead, he says, “You have to ask, how is a child being raised? Are they being taught tolerance, giving back, and accepting people from diverse backgrounds?“

Think about your own upbringing. Were you taught the importance of accepting others who are different from you? Were you encouraged to give back to your community? These questions lie at the heart of Akbar’s vision for peace. For him, peace isn’t just about preventing violence; it’s about fostering understanding and compassion in our daily lives.

Akbar sees hope in the younger generations. While many young people may not be engaging in organized peace programs like RAHR, they are still making a difference in their own ways. Have you noticed how young people today are focusing on environmental justice, inclusivity in friendships, and equity in their career choices? According to Akbar, these choices are all part of a broader movement toward peace.

“It’s more than what we see on the news,” he points out. “Crimes may still happen, but we need to ask ourselves, where is the camera lens focused? We have to shift our perspective to see the good that’s happening in everyday moments—the new kid being embraced at school, someone sharing a pencil or a meal with someone in need. That’s where peace begins.”

A Call to Reflect

Akbar’s journey is an inspiring reminder that peace and justice are not abstract ideas. They are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. His story invites each of us to reflect on our own roles in creating a more just and peaceful world.

What small actions can you take today to foster peace in your community?

How can you contribute to a more tolerant and accepting society?

Akbar’s story reminds us that no matter where we come from or how small our actions may seem, we all have the potential to make a greater impact. After all, isn’t that what peace is truly about—starting small, but aiming for something greater?