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My Grandfather’s Migration Story
(A Written Piece From His Perspective)
Looking back on my journey, I wanted to reflect on my struggles and achievements through a journal. Here today, I will share my past. I will write about the major turning points in my life, without which I would not be here today.
Mumbai, my hometown. Rich aromas filled the streets, the warm sun shining brightly. I loved many things about my home, but it was not considered a very pleasant place to live. There was a severe lack of quality education in Mumbai. Our government did not prioritize education, therefore, there was inadequate funding in the schooling system. Little did I know that one day I would leave my country, and my family behind. I would travel abroad, to a developed country. From there, I would be able to get a stable occupation to support a family.
When I was born, Mumbai was under British rule. The English treated us like second-class citizens, and we could only afford certain opportunities. My family and I were forced to apply to very selective schools, restricted to using certain washrooms, restricted to visiting particular restaurants, and sit in allocated areas designated for "Asians." It felt like it would be impossible to succeed in India without a qualified professional degree. The British stole our land's resources, our oil, and jewels. They exported it to their country to sell and profit from.
Soon after, during 1947, India gained independence from Britain. I was only 4 years old. There was a large movement in India. Indians did not want the British to keep ruling them, and leaders like Gandhi took action to gain freedom. We no longer had to abide by the laws and standards of the British. This changed everything. Many of my friends and members of my Muslim community moved to Pakistan. Even so, my father made us stay.
Existing apartment buildings were crumbling from lack of maintenance. Due to rent control and lack of adequate rent, buildings were not maintained. Although my family was middle-class, I was forced to view this every morning. Impoverished people scattered the streets, living in nearby slums. It was a congested city, and our community suffered from issues such as overcrowding, substandard housing as well as air and water pollution.
Healthcare in India was severely inadequate, despite the increasing demand for it. Doctors lacked the necessary training and resources to help the citizens. Not only was it poor quality, healthcare was also extremely expensive due to underfunding by the government. I did not want my future family to have to experience this.
When I grew older, my family decided it was best for me to travel elsewhere for university. Universities in the United Kingdom were extremely popular at the time. England was one of the few countries that allowed my father to send money abroad. I was considered to be privileged to be able to travel abroad to such a prestigious place. Additionally, many of my parents' friends had sent their children to Europe. The decision was made. I was going to the UK.
The journey to the UK was difficult. I slept in a bunk on a large boat with 7–8 other passengers. My parents could not afford such luxuries as the higher class seats, and boat travel was already quite expensive. The trip took almost two days before we arrived in the UK. Whilst traveling, I recall feeling excitement, perhaps from the suspense of not knowing what awaited me. Traveling by myself, I missed my parents, and longed to see them again.
Academic standards were high in the UK, therefore my father thought it to be an excellent place for university. Furthermore, I could get a better occupation through a European university. I went to Nottingham Trent University. It is recognized as one of the UK’s truly outstanding institutions, providing exemplary education. It was believed to be a symbol of excellence.
As a whole, the UK citizens had a better standard of living, having access to quality healthcare and nutrition. Healthcare in the UK at the time was significantly better than India. The United Kingdom was also considered a very safe country, something I found quite reassuring. Furthermore, in the UK, many citizens had access to electricity and modern appliances, unlike in India.
English schools had developed the concept of “education for all” so I believed it was a diverse community, welcoming to all races. However, there were some moments while I was in university that I was given strange looks, mainly by British students, however, I was mostly welcomed.
During the 1960’s, the time I was in the UK, there was an influx of Indians. They all traveled to the UK, for similar reasons to mine. It was a turning point for increased immigration. Over 200,000 Indians traveled to the UK. I missed my parents and never really knew my sisters growing up. My hobby of singing and playing music was the thing that really helped me through this period. As there was no internet or smartphones, music was quite popular among students. All of my classmates loved to spend time with me and hear my music. This brought me great joy and satisfaction.
There were many events that stand out in my life that were significant and influenced my choices. Looking back, I would not have been happy living and working in India. This transition was undoubtedly difficult, but shaped my character and the person I am today.
(Feel free to give feedback!)
© All Rights Reserved
Looking back on my journey, I wanted to reflect on my struggles and achievements through a journal. Here today, I will share my past. I will write about the major turning points in my life, without which I would not be here today.
Mumbai, my hometown. Rich aromas filled the streets, the warm sun shining brightly. I loved many things about my home, but it was not considered a very pleasant place to live. There was a severe lack of quality education in Mumbai. Our government did not prioritize education, therefore, there was inadequate funding in the schooling system. Little did I know that one day I would leave my country, and my family behind. I would travel abroad, to a developed country. From there, I would be able to get a stable occupation to support a family.
When I was born, Mumbai was under British rule. The English treated us like second-class citizens, and we could only afford certain opportunities. My family and I were forced to apply to very selective schools, restricted to using certain washrooms, restricted to visiting particular restaurants, and sit in allocated areas designated for "Asians." It felt like it would be impossible to succeed in India without a qualified professional degree. The British stole our land's resources, our oil, and jewels. They exported it to their country to sell and profit from.
Soon after, during 1947, India gained independence from Britain. I was only 4 years old. There was a large movement in India. Indians did not want the British to keep ruling them, and leaders like Gandhi took action to gain freedom. We no longer had to abide by the laws and standards of the British. This changed everything. Many of my friends and members of my Muslim community moved to Pakistan. Even so, my father made us stay.
Existing apartment buildings were crumbling from lack of maintenance. Due to rent control and lack of adequate rent, buildings were not maintained. Although my family was middle-class, I was forced to view this every morning. Impoverished people scattered the streets, living in nearby slums. It was a congested city, and our community suffered from issues such as overcrowding, substandard housing as well as air and water pollution.
Healthcare in India was severely inadequate, despite the increasing demand for it. Doctors lacked the necessary training and resources to help the citizens. Not only was it poor quality, healthcare was also extremely expensive due to underfunding by the government. I did not want my future family to have to experience this.
When I grew older, my family decided it was best for me to travel elsewhere for university. Universities in the United Kingdom were extremely popular at the time. England was one of the few countries that allowed my father to send money abroad. I was considered to be privileged to be able to travel abroad to such a prestigious place. Additionally, many of my parents' friends had sent their children to Europe. The decision was made. I was going to the UK.
The journey to the UK was difficult. I slept in a bunk on a large boat with 7–8 other passengers. My parents could not afford such luxuries as the higher class seats, and boat travel was already quite expensive. The trip took almost two days before we arrived in the UK. Whilst traveling, I recall feeling excitement, perhaps from the suspense of not knowing what awaited me. Traveling by myself, I missed my parents, and longed to see them again.
Academic standards were high in the UK, therefore my father thought it to be an excellent place for university. Furthermore, I could get a better occupation through a European university. I went to Nottingham Trent University. It is recognized as one of the UK’s truly outstanding institutions, providing exemplary education. It was believed to be a symbol of excellence.
As a whole, the UK citizens had a better standard of living, having access to quality healthcare and nutrition. Healthcare in the UK at the time was significantly better than India. The United Kingdom was also considered a very safe country, something I found quite reassuring. Furthermore, in the UK, many citizens had access to electricity and modern appliances, unlike in India.
English schools had developed the concept of “education for all” so I believed it was a diverse community, welcoming to all races. However, there were some moments while I was in university that I was given strange looks, mainly by British students, however, I was mostly welcomed.
During the 1960’s, the time I was in the UK, there was an influx of Indians. They all traveled to the UK, for similar reasons to mine. It was a turning point for increased immigration. Over 200,000 Indians traveled to the UK. I missed my parents and never really knew my sisters growing up. My hobby of singing and playing music was the thing that really helped me through this period. As there was no internet or smartphones, music was quite popular among students. All of my classmates loved to spend time with me and hear my music. This brought me great joy and satisfaction.
There were many events that stand out in my life that were significant and influenced my choices. Looking back, I would not have been happy living and working in India. This transition was undoubtedly difficult, but shaped my character and the person I am today.
(Feel free to give feedback!)
© All Rights Reserved
