Birju Dattani, born in India, was raised in a Hindu family. In 2001, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Mujahid Dattani. He later transitioned back to using his birth name, Birju, while maintaining “Mujahid” as part of his identity
His upbringing and education in India laid the groundwork for a career focused on social justice, human rights, and equity.
Birju Dattani Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Birju Dattani (also known as Mujahid Dattani) |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available |
| Place of Birth | India |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Indian-Canadian |
| Religion | Raised Hindu, converted to Islam in 2001 |
| Education | Details not publicly available |
| Languages | English |
| Current Occupation | Human Rights Advocate |
| Notable Roles | – Executive Director of Yukon Human Rights Commission |
| – Director of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution at Centennial College | |
| – Appointed Chief Commissioner of Canadian Human Rights Commission (resigned in 2024) | |
| Years Active | 2000s – Present |
| Previous Work | Social justice advocacy, equity and inclusion roles in Canada |
| Religion Conversion | Converted to Islam in 2001, adopted the name Mujahid Dattani |
| Controversy | Resigned as Chief Commissioner of Canadian Human Rights Commission due to allegations of not fully disclosing previous advocacy work under the name Mujahid(India Today). |
| Resignation Date | August 12, 2024 |
| Family Background | Not publicly available |
| Social Media Links |
Career Journey
Dattani’s career is marked by his commitment to human rights and equity. He initially gained recognition during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Yukon Human Rights Commission, where he served for over three years
Yukon Human Rights Commission). In this role, Dattani was responsible for administering the Yukon Human Rights Act, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and protecting human rights across the region.
Following his work in Yukon, Dattani transitioned to Centennial College in 2023 as the Director of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution. His career took another leap when he was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2024. However, his tenure was brief due to a controversy surrounding his past advocacy and the use of his Muslim name, which he omitted from a background check(
Resignation from the Canadian Human Rights Commission
In August 2024, Birju Dattani resigned from his position as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission following a controversy involving allegations of antisemitism. Although a formal investigation found no evidence of antisemitic beliefs, concerns were raised about his name change to “Mujahid” and some past criticisms of Israel that were not disclosed during the hiring process(
Commitment to Human Rights
Despite the controversy, Dattani remains committed to human rights advocacy. He has consistently been recognized for his contributions to equity and inclusion in Canada. His work, especially during his time with the Yukon Human Rights Commission, was widely praised for its fairness and dedication to upholding the rights of all communities
Personal Life
Birju Dattani’s personal journey reflects his evolving faith and identity. Raised Hindu, he embraced Islam in his early adulthood, a decision that has continued to shape his personal and professional life. His name change and conversion are central aspects of his identity and were factors in the public discussion surrounding his appointment as Chief Commissioner
FAQs About Birju Dattani
1. Why did Birju Dattani resign from the Canadian Human Rights Commission?
Dattani resigned after controversy arose over his past advocacy and his use of the name “Mujahid,” which he had not fully disclosed during his background check. While a formal investigation cleared him of antisemitic beliefs, concerns about transparency led to his resignation
.
2. What is Birju Dattani’s educational background?
Specific details about Dattani’s formal education remain limited, but his career reflects a strong focus on law, human rights, and conflict resolution, indicating an academic background in these areas
3. What was Birju Dattani’s role at the Yukon Human Rights Commission?
He served as the Executive Director of the Yukon Human Rights Commission for over three years, advocating for human rights and equity across the region(
.
4. When did Birju Dattani convert to Islam?
Dattani converted to Islam in 2001, adopting the name Mujahid Dattani, though he later reverted to using his birth name(
5. Has Birju Dattani been cleared of antisemitism accusations?
Yes, a formal investigation found no evidence that Dattani harbored antisemitic beliefs. The controversy primarily centered around his name change and undisclosed past activities
