From Bihar to the City of London: AI, opportunity and a historic civic honour
Anas Khan, a Chevening Scholar at Imperial College London, reflects on his journey from Bihar to the UK, where he is studying AI and machine learning and was recently admitted to the Freedom of the City of London as a City Scholar. He explores how these experiences have shaped his interest in human-centric AI for social good.
London has a way of holding many centuries in the same breath. One day, I am studying artificial intelligence (AI) at Imperial. Another day, I am standing inside Mansion House, joining one of London’s oldest civic traditions.
On 12 June 2026, I was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London as a City Scholar. The ceremony was performed by Sheriff Keith Bottomley, with the Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, in attendance. It was a proud and humbling moment. It also made me reflect on the journey that brought me here, from Bihar in India to Imperial College London.
I came to London last year as a Chevening TVS Motor Company Scholar. This scholarship has been a bridge between countries, institutions, and ambitions. It enabled me to study at one of the world’s leading universities. It also placed me in a community where empathy is a core driver of impactful leadership.