Bhikhu Parekh, Political Theorist
Political Theorist

Bhikhu Parekh

Born 4 January 1935 · Maharashtra

Serving as president of the Academy of Social Sciences from 2003 to 2008.

Bhikhu Chhotalal Parekh is a British political theorist, academic, and life peer. He is a Labour Party member of the House of Lords. He was Professor of Political Theory at the University of Hull from 1982 to 2001, and Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Westminster from 2001 to 2009. He served as president of the Academy of Social Sciences from 2003 to 2008.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Bhikhu Parekh started learning English only at age 15, yet by 1966 he had earned a PhD from the London School of Economics, launching a distinguished academic career across two continents.

The Story

1
In 1954, Bhikhu Parekh graduated from the University of Bombay at just 19, having started university at 15 after growing up in a Gujarati village where his father was a goldsmith.
2
🌍 Between 1981 and 1984, he returned to India briefly to serve as Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, overseeing academic reforms during a politically tense era.
3In 1989, Parekh published two critical works on Gandhi’s political thought, dissecting colonialism and tradition with a precision that challenged prevailing interpretations.
4🏛️ On May 10, 2000, he was appointed a life peer as Baron Parekh of Kingston upon Hull, joining the House of Lords as a Labour member and influencing debates on racial equality and multiculturalism in the UK.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Bhikhu Parekh was admitted to the University of Bombay at age 15, an unusually young age for higher education in 1950s India, highlighting his early academic promise.

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Through the Years

3 photographs from the archives
The Right Honourable Bhikhu Chotalal Parekh, Baron Parekh in 2016
The Right Honourable Bhikhu Chotalal Parekh, Baron Parekh in 2016
2016
Official portrait of Bhikhu Parekh as a member of the House of Lords (2019)
Bhikhu Parekh, British political theorist, in a formal setting (2020)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Amalsad, Gujarat
Bhikhu Chhotalal Parekh was born in a small village in Gujarat where his father worked as a goldsmith with limited formal education.
1935
📚
Education
Graduated University of Bombay
Completed bachelor's degree at the University of Bombay at age 19, after starting university at 15.
1954
📚
Education
PhD from London School of Economics
Earned doctorate in political theory, laying the foundation for his academic career in the UK.
1966
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Career
Vice-Chancellor at Baroda University
Served as Vice-Chancellor at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, managing the institution during a turbulent political period.
1981
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Career
Appointed Life Peer in House of Lords
Became Baron Parekh of Kingston upon Hull, joining UK’s House of Lords as a Labour Party member.
2000
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Career
Chair of Commission on Multi-Ethnic Britain
Led commission producing the influential 'Parekh Report' shaping UK multicultural policy debates.
2000
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received one of India’s top civilian honors for his contributions to political theory and multiculturalism.
2007
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Between 1981 and 1984, Parekh served as Vice-Chancellor at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, returning to India during a politically volatile period to lead the institution.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

The 2000 'Parekh Report' became a cornerstone for multicultural policy debates in the UK, shaping how ethnic diversity is understood and managed in modern Britain.

03 / 05
👤PERSONAL

Despite starting English late, Parekh earned his PhD from the London School of Economics in 1966, later teaching at top UK universities including Hull and Westminster.

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"Gandhiji reminds us to look through another’s eyes."

— Bhikhu Parekh

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Lord Bhikhu Parekh | Political Theorist | Speech | Interview by Devang Bhatt
More from this archive
Lord Bhikhu Parekh | Political Theorist | Speech | Interview by Devang Bhatt
01
Lord Bhikhu Parekh | Political Theorist | Speech | Interview by Devang Bhatt
Narendra Modi અને BJP Gujarat વિશે Lord Bhikhu Parekh આ શું બોલ્યા?
02
Narendra Modi અને BJP Gujarat વિશે Lord Bhikhu Parekh આ શું બોલ્યા?
Parekh interview 3: Hyphenated Identities
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Parekh interview 3: Hyphenated Identities
Lord Bhikhu Parekh's Speech - Part2
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Lord Bhikhu Parekh's Speech - Part2
India's Contribution to the Great War | Asia House Bagri Foundation Literature Festival 2014
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India's Contribution to the Great War | Asia House Bagri Foundation Literature Festival 2014
Convocation Address by Padma Bhushan Lord Bhikhu Parekh
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Convocation Address by Padma Bhushan Lord Bhikhu Parekh
YUGAANTAR 2018 DAY 1 Speech of Lord Bhikhu Parekh
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YUGAANTAR 2018 DAY 1 Speech of Lord Bhikhu Parekh
Lord Bhikhu Parekh's Talk on "The Role of Civil Society in the Regeneration of India (1)
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Lord Bhikhu Parekh's Talk on "The Role of Civil Society in the Regeneration of India (1)
Lord Bhikhu Parekh' s Talk on The Role of Civil Society in the Regeneration of India (9).mp4
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Lord Bhikhu Parekh' s Talk on The Role of Civil Society in the Regeneration of India (9).mp4

🌱 What changed because of them

The 'Parekh Report' (2000) fundamentally reshaped multicultural discourse in the UK, influencing government policy and public debate on ethnic diversity and integration. His leadership roles, including presidency of the Academy of Social Sciences and membership in the House of Lords, brought political theory into practical policymaking on racial equality. His critical studies on Gandhi provided fresh perspectives on colonialism and political reform, impacting both Indian and global political thought.

💬 Social Buzz

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