Bristol grad whose family fled Taliban applauds ‘privilege’ of education in graduation speech

A University of Bristol student whose parents fled religious persecution in Afghanistan has graduated with a master’s in human rights law from the University of Bristol.

Gurvin Chopra made a speech to a crowd of around 1,000 graduating students on Tuesday, where here she spoke about what a “privilege it is to pursue an education”.

Her parents, Jaspal and Waryam Chopra, were previously forced to leave their home country in 2000 by the Taliban because of their Sikh religion.

The first in her family to attend university, Gurvin had always been encouraged to work hard at school, despite both of her parents not receiving an education nor being able to read or write.

via University of Bristol

Growing up in West London, Gurvin would read the family’s post, fill out their forms and read books to her brother and sister. These early experiences motivated her to pursue a career in law.

“In their youth my parents weren’t really allowed to participate in education,” Gurvin said.

“My grandfather died young and my dad had to work, and there was a cultural element of what a woman’s place was. Despite that, they’ve always seen the value in education”.

Gurvin always saw education as a “way out” and as a means to set herself apart from the women she saw growing up, “who often didn’t work.”

“I’ve found education really empowering in breaking away from that, developing a voice and helping the people around me.”

After finishing her undergraduate law degree in 2023 at the University of Bristol, for which she received a bursary, Gurvin went on to study for a master’s in Human Rights Law.

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Whilst at university, Gurvin also volunteered with the University’s Law clinic, where law students provide free legal help to those in need. She also founded the Taylor Swift Society, which now has hundreds of members.

Now working as an elected officer for Bristol Students’ Union, Gurvin has also set-up a charity, The Beathard Project, that seeks to uncover miscarriages of justice to posthumously exonerate people who have been executed for alleged crimes.

On Tuesday, during her graduation, she congratulated her fellow graduates and said “For me, as an Afghan woman, the significance of this day cannot be overstated. In Afghanistan, women and girls have been denied the right to an education, the right to be seen and heard. These are privileges that I, through education, have been fortunate to receive and foster.”

via University of Bristol

As the only educated woman in her family, Gurvin stated how it was an “honour and privilege” to have earned her master’s in human rights law.

“It is through my education that I have been able to see first-hand how access to education can be life-changing, in providing a voice, freedoms and, most importantly, choices.”

In her inspiring speech, she said that during this time of celebration, “we must remember the power education has in transforming lives, and more importantly the privileges we hold and the responsibilities we bear in ensuring that these opportunities are available to all.”

Professor Michele Acuto, the University of Bristol’s pro vice-chancellor for Global Engagement, conducted Gurvin’s graduation ceremony.

via University of Bristol

Professor Acuto said: “My heartfelt congratulations to Gurvin for the many incredible things she has already achieved, and for her outstanding service to the student community too.

“She has demonstrated the kind of ‘global civic’ leadership we aspire to in our strategy, and is an inspiration to us all.”

Acuto described Gurvin as a “credit” to the “amazing students we have the chance to host at university”, expressing “no doubt” about her future successes and looks forward to more collaboration with Gurvin in this and the years to come.

After finishing her year-long service as a students’ union officer, Gurvin plans to work on her charity before becoming a human rights lawyer.

Featured image via University of Bristol