News Desk
Dr. James Shera, MBE, Rugby’s longest-serving councillor, is remembered with reverence following his passing at the age of 76. Dr. Shera’s four-decade legacy of unwavering service to the borough and his groundbreaking journey from a humble rural village to becoming the first Pakistani Mayor of Rugby in 1988 is hailed as a testament to resilience and community commitment.
His contributions were not confined to local politics, earning him the esteemed ‘Sitara-e-Imtaiz’ award from the Government of Pakistan in 1992 for exceptional services to community and interfaith relations. Rugby Borough Council leaders, in a joint statement, expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing Dr. Shera’s integrity and tireless dedication.
To honor his memory, the council plans to fly the borough flag at half-mast on the day of his funeral, yet to be confirmed. The impact of Dr. Shera extended beyond politics, reflected in ‘James Shera Way’ in Rugby, a road named in acknowledgment of his advocacy as the chair of the council of fellows of Warwickshire College.
Education held a special place in Dr. Shera’s heart, recognized by an honorary PhD from Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan, in 2021. In March 2023, he received the Quaid-e-Azam Hilal Award from the President of Pakistan, underscoring his multifaceted contributions.
In a solemn reflection upon the passing of Dr. James Shera, Lahore-based Pakistani Reverend Dr. Majeeb Able conveyed profound sorrow, labeling the event as an ‘irreplaceable loss’ and marking it as one of the darkest days in history.
Reverend Able commended Dr. Shera’s life as an exemplary symbol of patriotism and a guiding light for Christian youth in Pakistan and across Asia. He emphasized Shera’s significant role as a source of pride for both the nation and his deeply served community in Pakistan.
Dr. James Shera’s legacy will endure through his tireless efforts for interfaith harmony in Pakistan, driven by a profound commitment to his homeland and his community, he added
Pakistani rights activist Jansen Joseph lauded Dr. Shera’s life, considering it a testament to the resilience and talent within Pakistan’s Christian community when provided with the right opportunities in leading roles.
Joseph expressed admiration for Dr. Shera’s steadfast ambassadorship for Pakistan globally, highlighting his notable legacy in rugby as a source of inspiration, particularly for those aspiring to leadership through hard work, especially in less developed countries.
Additionally, Joseph urged Pakistani authorities to formally acknowledge Dr. Shera’s unparalleled contributions, including his role as a global Pakistani Christian leader and peacemaker, in the nation’s historical textbooks.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, paid tribute to Dr. Shera’s selfless dedication and distinguished leadership, remarking on his lasting impact. As the community bids farewell, they remember a remarkable individual whose influence reached far and wide. The passing of Dr. James Shera may leave a void in Rugby’s history, but his legacy will be cherished with gratitude and respect. May his soul rest in peace.