Reference
X214/12/20
Title
Transcript of interview with David Jonathan, born 28 September 1968 in Shimla, India
Date free text
08 April 2009
Production date
From: 1968 To: 2009
Scope and Content
Father was a central government employee, worked in the central telegraph office; mother was a teacher.
As a child would play in the streets. There was no television, no refrigerators.
When started school was considered very clever, and put up a year, going from nursery class to First Standard, and missing out KG. Was the opposite when he progressed to secondary education.
School was strict; describes punishments.
Primary education was in a co-educational, Christian educational institution. Next went to a school run by the Jain, a faith based school run by the Jain community. Feels he was discriminated against for his unusual (non Indian) name. Was physically abused and this affected confidence. Started to play truant.When Mother saw the bruises, he was removed from the school. Moved to another faith based school, run by a Hindu group with right wing nationalist views. Again had difficulties because of being a Christian and because of his western sounding name. Considers he came out of school a better Christian from learning about the Hindu faith.
Describes Christmas traditions.
After finishing school went to what in England would be called a sixth form college. It was attached to the main college. Spent 5 years at college to complete a degree. The college did not have a good reputation. Studied history, political science and economics, and also Sanskrit and Hindi.
After graduating could not get a job without a technical skill, so joined a paramedical course in the south of India, then started working as a paramedic in a private nursing home, but only stayed 3 month as the job was monotonous and there was too much corruption.
In 1991 joined th YMCA and worked in India for 10 years in community development projects. Married after about 7 years of this tenure. Describes wedding traditions.
In 1999 there was an anti-minority movement gaining momentum in the west part of India. Went to work in that region with the YMCA. Saw an advertisement for a job in the UK initiated by Grassroots in Luton and decided to apply. Had not thought of going overseas, but the job seemed interesting. Was offered the job and came to England in 2001. Leaving India was a difficult decision.
Describes coming to England for 10 days for the job interview process, and first impressions of Luton; giving notice to employers; getting visas and arranging move.
Used to keep in touch with family by sending video tapes. Father died 6 months after arrival in England. Was able to return to India for his funeral.
Arrived to a beautifully decorated semi detached house which had been furnished and equipped with beds made up and food in cupboards. Felt very welcomed. Only able to stay there 6 months, so then moved to a terraced house in a more congested neighbourhood.
Describes different work ethic in England.
Is able to speak Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu which is useful in work. At home speaks Hindi and English.
Describes the aims of the job, which he greatly enjoys. Comments on the progress made over the years.
[Note: GRASSROOTS is an ecumenical Christian programme of community engagement. In dialogue with the churches and other faith communities, GRASSROOTS strives to uncover a sharp edge of engagement with contemporary issues of community cohesion, peace and reconciliation, and injustice and inequality in Luton’s diverse context.]
Comments on physical changes in Lyton since arrival; Luton Airport development, renovation of town centre, etc.
Wife has now qualified as an accountant and has a job.
Are now British citizens.
Level of description
item