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Three Pounds in My Pocket

Kavita Puri meets the pioneer generation that came to post-war Britain from the Indian subcontinent with only a few pounds to make a new life.

In the 1950s, tens of thousands of migrants came to Britain from the Indian subcontinent. Many arrived with no more than 拢3 in their pocket - the limit set by the Indian authorities. They came to work in Britain's factories, foundries, and new public services. It was a time when the country desperately needed workers from its former colonies to regenerate its post-war economy. Presenter Kavita Puri, whose own father Ravi came with just a few pounds himself, hears his and other stories of the pioneering men who arrived in the 50s. They recall their first impressions of the country that once ruled over their own: the shocking housing conditions, the curiosity of neighbours and kindness of strangers and also the memories of casual racism and animosity. These men led the way for the three million Asians who live in Britain today.

30 minutes

Last on

Mon 10 Mar 2014 17:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kavita Puri
Producer Smita Patel
Associate Producer Catrin Nye
Editor Bridget Harney

Broadcast

  • Mon 10 Mar 2014 17:00