Born in Azad Kashmir and sent to Birmingham in 1970 at just 12 years old, Karamat Iqbal’s life has been a powerful testament to resilience, learning, and advocacy. Arriving with a quest for a better future, he quickly encountered the harsh realities of racism, yet his spirit remained unbroken. Fuelled by an early love for books and a burgeoning sense of justice, he embarked on an extraordinary educational path, culminating in a PhD from Warwick University.

With over 45 years of experience, Karamat has become a prominent educationalist and a tireless champion for equality and diversity. From his early days as a youth worker in the 1970s, pioneering “Asian Studies” courses, and fostering community cohesion through Kabaddi, to advising government departments and leading initiatives like the Birmingham Race Impact Group, his influence has been profound. This interview offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Karamat Iqbal, a man whose personal journey from a young boy navigating a new world to a respected leader has shaped countless lives and continues to inspire us all towards a more just and equitable society.