Reference
X214/12/35
Title
Transcript of interview with male participant, born 27 February 1977 in India.
Date free text
1977- 1 Sep 2007
Production date
From: 1977 To: 2007
Scope and Content
Is employed at Luton 6th Form College.
Lived for 25 years at grandparents home. Cousins and other relatives lived nearby. Moved with grandparents to another area when aged about 10. The house was bigger, but more isolated so less friends to play with.
Lived with grandparents as had a sister not much younger, and grandparents considered two children of similar age would be too much for mother. Thought mother was an aunt until aged about 12.
First went to school aged three and a half. It was a private school called Nankana Sahib Public school. Had to travel an hour and a half on the bus to get there. Feels privileged that parents were able to send him there, as it was expensive. Lessons were taught in English. Favourite subject was Punjabi. Describes typical school day.
Has 2 sisters and a brother. Sisters live in India, brother is in America. Only the interviewee lived with the grandparents. Thinks siblings jealous as interviewee got more treats. The family would all get together often, especially for religious celebrations. Would go and stay with aunts, uncles and cousins in the summer holidays.
Came to England in May 2002. Got married in India and came to England a month later. Flew from Amritsar to Heathrow. Had high hopes of of being in a nice family with a nice husband, and of being a professional, working and having a good life. First came to in-laws house at Studham.
Initially did not have the confidence to speak in English; found the accent a problem. In-laws had an off-licence and interviewee helped out in the shop; listening to people talking helped with the accent.
Before leaving India, had a job teaching political science in college. Could not teach in England without a PGCE qualification, so applied to work as a teaching assistant. Worked with 12 - 16 year olds.
Speaks Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu as well as English, which is helpful for present job.
Experiences in England.
Details about work as a student welfare advisor; helping students with problems, mentoring, workshops on equality and diversity, etc. Students are from a wide range of religions and ethnic backgrounds. Dealing with racism.
Was born into the Sikh religion. Does morning and evening prayer, but does not consider herself a practicing Sikh. Does attend the Gurdwara.
Participant requested notification prior to access.
Reference
Level of description
item