| Title: | R1180_01 Track 1_Avtar Singh Jouhl |
|---|---|
| Description: |
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. R1180 Track 1 Engagement and Marriage Avtar Singh Jouhl talks about his arranged engagement and marriage at the age of 16 Track 2 Marriage (continued) and Family Responsibilities Avtar talks about getting married and the death of his father the same year Track 3 Losing Faith and finding Marxism Avtar recalls the incident that played a part in him losing his faith and reading Marxist literature Track 4 The Caste System Avtar defines how the caste system still operates in India (in 1992) Track 5 The Caste System (continued) and Colour Prejudice Avtar continues to describe how the caste system is still influential and talks about colour prejudice in India Track 6 Black Rather Than Asian / Folk Songs and Poetry About Colour Avtar explains why, for political reasons, he likes to be called black rather than Asian. He talks about traditional songs, poetry and their references to colour and chauvinism. Track 7 Punjabis, Pakistan and India Rivalry Avtar talks about the religious differences between Indian and Pakistani Punjabis and how the Punjabi culture is part of his heritage although he believes in Marxism Track 8 Punjabi Chauvinism and Heroes Avtar talks about traditional story tellers, poetry and Punjabi heroes Track 9 Punjabi History (continued) / Education Avtar talks Punjabi history and about his education Track 10 Education (continued) / Haircut / Land Consolidation Avtar talks about how he was enrolled at school, a visit to the barber and land inheritance |
| Keywords: |
Immigration, India, Sound Archive/ Oral History, Social history/ BBOHP, Social history/ Birmingham Black Oral History Project, South Asia |
| Usage Rights: | CC BY-NC 3.0 - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 You are free to share & adapt this material. Credit: © Birmingham Museums Trust |
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