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.

R1194
 
Track 01 Why I Identify as Indian Punjabi
Avtar gives examples of why he identifies as Indian Punjabi and not British
 
Track 02 Why I Identify as Indian Punjabi (Continued)
Avtar gives examples of why he identifies as Indian Punjabi and not British
 
Track 03 Why I Identify as Indian Punjabi (Continued)
Avtar gives examples of why he identifies as Indian Punjabi and not British
 
Track 04 Why I Identify as Indian Punjabi (Continued)
Avtar gives examples of why he identifies as Indian Punjabi and not British
 
Track 05 Why I Identify as Indian Punjabi (Continued)
Avtar gives examples of why he identifies as Indian Punjabi and not British
 
Track 06 Workers United
Avtar talks about the common ground for workers of all communities
 
Track 07 Contribution of Indian Workers Association to The Community
Avtar talks about the contribution the IWA has made to generations of immigrants
 
Track 08 Birthday Celebrations Poem
Avtar reads his poem composed on his birthday in 1991
 
Track 09 The Communist Party and Support for the Working Class
Avtar explains why the Communist Party was important for the independence of India and the support given to the Indian Workers Association
 
Track 10 The Communist Party and Support for the Working Class (continued)
Avtar explains why the Communist Party was important for the independence of India and the support given to the Indian Workers Association
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