This is an oral history interview with Avtar Singh Jouhl, recorded between October 1991 - February 1992, as part of the Birmingham Black Oral History Project (BBOHP), discussing his life in India and the UK.
Avtar lived in Punjab, India until 1958 when he left college and travelled to England hoping to continue his studies. He worked in foundries in Birmingham and joined the Indian Workers Association after experiencing inequalities in the workplace. He talks about his upbringing in rural Punjab, India, his involvement with Trade Unions and politics and his work and family life in Birmingham.
These recordings include racially explicit content, including discussions of racism, prejudice and violence; and language and phrasing that we would not use today. Some of this content might be unsuitable for younger listeners or triggering for People of Colour.
We recommend reading the description for each track before choosing to listen.

R1179

Track 1  The Freedom Movement
Avtar Singh Jouhl recalls the contribution his village made to the Indian Freedom Movement in the 1940s

Track 2  Indian Independence / Communism
Avtar talks about the Movement for India’s Independence and the Communist party’s contribution

Track 3  Workers on the Small Holding / Education
Avtar recalls how the small holding needed extra help during the 1950s, and how he was sent to school instead of working on the land

Track 4 Education - School Fees / Locust Eggs
Avtar remembers his school days and how children used to dig out locust eggs as a form of pest control

Track 5  Locust Eggs - School Rebellion / College Qualification
Avtar talks about the subsidy schools received for gathering locust eggs and how he organised a rebellion for the fees to be distributed fairly. He recalls how he qualified for college.

Track 6 Learning in English / Land Consolidation
Avtar recalls how subjects at college were taught in English and how during his time at college, small holding land in Punjab was consolidated

Track 7 Land Consolidation (Continued)
Avtar talks about the land consolidation in his village, corrupt officials and accusations of forgery

Track 8 Communist Party Supporter / Uncles Wounded in Communal Riots
Avtar talks about being a supporter of the Communist Party and how his uncles were wounded in communal riots

Track 9 Independence But Inheritance of a Corrupt System
Avtar talks about political changes, leaving college after his father died and legal battles in the wake of land consolidation

Track 10 Family Responsibilities
Avtar talks about taking on family responsibilities aged 16, after the death of his father and uncle and the impact it had on his life