Introduction to Punjabi Lives

Crescent Community Radio is now becoming well-known for our Oral History projects. Kashmiri Lives, East African Lives and Musical Memories have all documented, recorded and archived rich oral history inter-generational interviews. Punjabi Lives now takes this one step further with interviews from participants of Islamic, Hindu and Sikh community members, but all based on the shared Punjabi culture.

The UK has a significant population hailing from the Punjab who migrated from the 1950s onwards due to a shortage of labour in the UK. Although Punjabi culture and history is often celebrated, it is usually only through the lens of one country or religion. For example, Pakistani Punjabis celebrate Punjabi culture through an Islamic perspective, whereas Indian Punjabis often recognise Punjabi culture and heritage through a Sikh perspective. Crescent Radio’s Punjabi Lives celebrates the lives people of Punjabi background, no matter their religion or country of origin. We interviewed individuals of Islam, Sikh and also Hindu religions, all hailing from the Punjab.

“When I get upset, even now… if I am upset, I don’t speak to my Mum. I only speak to my Mum when I am happy”.

Farzana Shaheen

“I didn’t feel it was my responsibility for those back at home. My Dad had died, it was just my Mum and my brothers were looking after her. That’s how it was.”

Usha Kapila

“Punjab is a great place. If you go there it has changed a lot now. There are places where they have recreated village life from the past for everyone to enjoy”

Reeta Kataria

The project managed to complete 20 full Oral History interviews as well as 3 group reminiscence sessions. Many of the recordings are also recorded as video. All our interviews are available as audio interviews on Audiomack, Youtube and Facebook. We have also completed 10 live radio shows to promote the project and raise awareness of heritage amongst the Punjabi community. For our final event, we have produced an exhibition involving A0 size placard posters, artefacts, banners and an audio/video presentation. All of our content is archived by the Ahmed Ullah Resource Centre as well on Crescent Radio’s website, and social media.

The importance of oral history cannot be under estimated. Recording oral history first hand is a vital resource which documents the lives of local residents in an historic context. Not only is this academically vital, but for younger members from these communities, it is a vital part of understanding ‘who they are’.

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to the project –Tasneem Shahzad, Abdur Rehman Hussain, Zahir Siddique, Sajid Yasin, Sam Singh and Hussaam Faheem. I hope you enjoy learning about our shared heritage and hope this will in some small way, contribute to bringing communities together.

Faheem Chishti, Managing Director, Crescent Radio