Esmail Bharwani’s lasting impact on UCalgary learners and community

Earlier this year, a longstanding contributor to the University of Calgary was celebrated with one of its highest honours.

Esmail Bharwani, a longtime instructor with Continuing Education and donor to UCalgary, was named to the Order of the University of Calgary during the spring convocation ceremonies.

Bharwani, LLB'04, who established the Esmail and Safana Bharwani Award and educated more than 5,000 adult learners with Continuing Education, has made an impact on past and future students. His accomplishments span a long career in tax law and accounting. For more than four decades, he has inspired students, supported adult learners and given back generously through his teaching, philanthropy and leadership.

To reflect on this honour and to learn more about his journey, we invited Bharwani to share his thoughts and experiences. His reflections highlight not only his personal milestones, but also his enduring belief in the power of education, community and lifelong learning.

Congratulations on receiving the Order of the University of Calgary award. What does receiving this honour mean to you?

Thank you. I feel greatly honoured to be recognized for four decades of contributions to education and community service. This recognition validated the work I have done and encouraged me to continue building on it. My wife, Safana, and our children have made many sacrifices that allowed me to achieve what we, as a family, have accomplished. Without their support, it would have been very difficult.

When I began teaching in Continuing Education in 1980, I never imagined that one course would lead to so many opportunities to expand my work. I am grateful to the coordinators and colleagues at UCalgary who believed in me and gave me the chance to contribute.

You've had quite the legacy at UCalgary Continuing Education, both through the Esmail and Safana Bharwani Award and as a past instructor. What drew you to becoming an instructor? Do you have any memorable experiences from this time?

I have always loved sharing knowledge. I believe we each have a moral obligation to help others, whether by teaching, donating or volunteering. Before coming to Canada, I taught bookkeeping and secretarial programs in evening colleges.

When I approached a former program director with Continuing Education about teaching, his concern was that I had no university-level teaching experience. I asked him to give me just one chance with an introductory taxation course (CGA 409). That first class had 150 students. It was intimidating, but I prepared thoroughly. If I didn't know an answer, I promised to bring it back the next class, and students appreciated the honesty. 

As my confidence grew, I developed new courses and innovative teaching approaches. One of my most meaningful contributions was designing the course, Starting a Small Business, based on my 30 years of experience in Tanzania and England. The course evolved from a single session with 50 pages of notes into a five-week program with 300 pages of materials, guest speakers and practical tools. It became one of the longest-running programs in Continuing Education's history, lasting 20 years, thanks to strong support from my colleagues and leadership.

What does lifelong learning mean to you? How has it changed your life?

As the Chancellor and Senate so kindly noted during the spring convocation, my belief has always been in education's power to uplift individuals and communities. Lifelong learning is essential to staying current and marketable; it keeps our curiosity alive and opens new opportunities.

I left school after Grade 8 because my family could not afford to send me abroad. It was only later, through determination and resourcefulness, that I returned to education. Over the years, I earned two master's degrees, two professional designations and became a lawyer at 65. None of this would have been possible without a commitment to lifelong learning.

The more I studied, the more opportunities came my way. Education changed my life and it allowed me to help others change theirs.

The Esmail and Safana Bharwani Award has supported many adult learners. Why was this group particularly important to you?

I was already an adult when I first had the opportunity to pursue higher education. I experienced first-hand the unique challenges adult learners face on their journey of lifelong learning. Each new course or skill I was able to take on had a direct impact on my financial well-being. At the same time, I also saw how critical financial support — whether direct or indirect — was for adults who are balancing multiple jobs while trying to study. I will never forget the help I received from so many people during those difficult times.

In my faith, we believe that when we help others, Allah blesses us with abundance, what we call Barakat. That belief has guided me throughout my life. I strongly believe that higher education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Many adult learners are single parents working multiple jobs, newcomers with limited resources or Indigenous students with fewer opportunities — all facing significant financial barriers. If those of us who are fortunate can share, even a little, it can truly change someone's future.

Safana and I felt a moral obligation to give back. When one student succeeds, they not only uplift themselves, but also their families and communities, and often they choose to help others in turn. That ripple effect is powerful, and it is why supporting adult learners has always been so important to us.

Community involvement is central to your foundation. Why is giving back so important, and what advice would you give to someone who wants to get more involved?

For me, community involvement means seeing others as part of our extended family. Helping people in whatever ways we can improves their well-being and, in turn, the well-being of many others — directly and indirectly. My advice to anyone interested is to simply start somewhere. It doesn't have to be big. Volunteer your time, mentor someone, share your knowledge, guide those who need direction, lend a hand to a neighbour or give a little of what you can afford. Even small acts of generosity can make a lasting difference.

We all have a responsibility to our communities. Helping others whether through time, knowledge or resources uplifts everyone. Giving back doesn't always mean financial donations; it could be mentoring, volunteering, being a good neighbour or sharing expertise. The key is to find a way that aligns with your strengths and values. Imagine a world where everyone contributed in their own way. That is the kind of world we should all strive to build.

Many of our students are professionals seeking growth and new opportunities, often far from home. What advice would you give to someone whose fear is holding them back from pursuing their dreams?

If you don't try, you'll never know your potential. Fear is natural, but courage comes from taking that first step.

My own journey was full of obstacles: working multiple jobs, supporting my family and studying late into the night. It took me six years to finish my undergraduate degree part time. But persistence carried me through. I never let setbacks stop me; I looked for alternative ways to reach my goals.

Opportunities often come when you persevere. Don't let fear be the reason you don't try.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My life has taught me one lesson: believe in yourself. Do not let others tell you what you can or cannot do.

If I had listened to those who doubted me, I would never have gone to the U.K. to earn my accounting designation with just 10,000 Tanzanian shillings, nor become a lawyer at 65. With faith, hard work, sacrifice and persistence, help will come — often from unexpected places.

Patience and belief in yourself will take you where you want to go.