NEW DELHI: A new UK documentary has shed light on the harrowing experiences faced by British Indians in the 1970s and 80s, revealing accounts of carrying hockey sticks in cars and stockpiling petrol bombs for self-defense. Titled ‘Defiance: Fighting the Far Right‘, the three-part series aired on Channel 4 delves into the struggles of the South Asian community against a wave of racist attacks and murders during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The documentary utilizes archival footage and firsthand testimonies to narrate the story of how British Indians fought back against brutal racist attacks orchestrated by far-right groups like the National Front. Director Rajesh Thind, reflecting on his father’s precautionary measures of carrying hockey sticks in the car, highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the British Asian community during those turbulent times.
The series, produced by Rogan Productions, Left Handed Films, and GroupM Motion Entertainment, explores significant events in British South Asian history, including the Southall protests, the Battle for Brick Lane, and the Bradford 12. These events, often overlooked by mainstream media and authorities, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of British Asians’ struggle against racial violence.
Channel 4’s Head of Specialist Factual, Shaminder Nahal, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the stories of everyday British Asians striving to establish their presence in the country. Executive Producer James Rogan underlines the need for a comprehensive narrative of the Asian refugees and migrants who confronted racial violence and triumphed against prejudice.
The series commences with the tragic killing of Gurdip Singh Chaggar in Southall, followed by a fierce confrontation between Britain’s South Asian and black communities and far-right activists. The chilling statement by far-right leader John Kingsley Read, “One down, one million to go,” underscores the grim reality faced by minority communities in the face of racial hatred.
Highlighting the forgotten civil rights movement of British Asians, the documentary portrays tales of bravery and resilience in the face of violence. Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore from Left Handed Films commend the courage displayed by individuals who stood up against prejudice, emphasizing the timeliness of these stories in the current socio-political climate.
As the series unfolds, it brings to light a chapter of history marked by struggle, resistance, and eventual triumph for the British Asian community. Through compelling narratives and archival insights, ‘Defiance: Fighting the Far Right’ pays homage to the resilience and determination of those who fought against racial injustice in a pivotal era of British history.
The documentary utilizes archival footage and firsthand testimonies to narrate the story of how British Indians fought back against brutal racist attacks orchestrated by far-right groups like the National Front. Director Rajesh Thind, reflecting on his father’s precautionary measures of carrying hockey sticks in the car, highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the British Asian community during those turbulent times.
The series, produced by Rogan Productions, Left Handed Films, and GroupM Motion Entertainment, explores significant events in British South Asian history, including the Southall protests, the Battle for Brick Lane, and the Bradford 12. These events, often overlooked by mainstream media and authorities, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of British Asians’ struggle against racial violence.
Channel 4’s Head of Specialist Factual, Shaminder Nahal, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the stories of everyday British Asians striving to establish their presence in the country. Executive Producer James Rogan underlines the need for a comprehensive narrative of the Asian refugees and migrants who confronted racial violence and triumphed against prejudice.
The series commences with the tragic killing of Gurdip Singh Chaggar in Southall, followed by a fierce confrontation between Britain’s South Asian and black communities and far-right activists. The chilling statement by far-right leader John Kingsley Read, “One down, one million to go,” underscores the grim reality faced by minority communities in the face of racial hatred.
Highlighting the forgotten civil rights movement of British Asians, the documentary portrays tales of bravery and resilience in the face of violence. Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore from Left Handed Films commend the courage displayed by individuals who stood up against prejudice, emphasizing the timeliness of these stories in the current socio-political climate.
As the series unfolds, it brings to light a chapter of history marked by struggle, resistance, and eventual triumph for the British Asian community. Through compelling narratives and archival insights, ‘Defiance: Fighting the Far Right’ pays homage to the resilience and determination of those who fought against racial injustice in a pivotal era of British history.