Jethalal Jobanputra

Personal experience of Jethalal Jobanputra

When Idi Amin announced in August 1972 that all Asian must leave the country within 90 days, we experienced a period of anxiety and fear. One of our friends was taken away by the army to the military base and treated very harshly. While, leaving for Entebbe airport. On the way at the checkpoints some of us were abused, looted and even beaten up. We lost all our assets including cash in the banks, but Idi Amin was not able to take our experiences, courage and spirit of adventure. These qualities help us to start new life in UK. When we landed at Heathrow Airport, London, we were warmly welcome by HM Government officers. We were provided with warm clothes, hot food and drinks. Special refugee camps were set up in various parts of the country. We were provided accommodation, food and cash for daily expenses. Charitable institutions like Salvation Army, Age Concern, and Lions Club help us to find houses and jobs. We started our new life right at the bottom of the ladder. With hard work and experience, we overcame all the hurdles and made good progress. Our children benefited from education facilities and attained high standard in the field of medicine, science, and law. Some of our people opened news shops, restaurants and injected new life in run down towns and cities like Leicester, Wembley and Southall. Even the Prime Minster of UK appreciated and acknowledged progress and contribution made to the country by Ugandan Indians. One English gentleman rightly told me; their loss is our gain. We built beautiful temples, mosques and Gurdwaras for worship in many towns and cities. Swaminarayan temple in Neasden London is icon of Hinduism. Swaminarayan School run by the temple is achieving highest grades every year by the students. It is a place of learning spirituality and Hindu Culture. Gurdwara in Southall is another classic example of Sikh Culture. After 40 years, we feel the UK is our home. We are proud to be British Indians.