In a poignant recount of her father’s immigrant story from the 1960s, broadcaster Narinder Kaur illuminated the struggles he faced while working tirelessly in a steel foundry. She passionately spoke of his unwavering dedication amidst adversity, battling both racism and physical hardships to forge a better future for his family.
British broadcaster and television personality Narinder Kaur has called for immigrants to be given fair chances as the UK enters 2026, sharing a personal story about her father’s life and hard work.In a post on X, Kaur wrote that she normally would not share a photo and the early life of her father as a poor immigrant, but this time made an exception only to speak out against growing anti-immigrant rhetoric. “My dad came from India in the early 60s and went straight into hard labour. No help. Not a penny given. Double shifts at the steel foundry for YEARS. The kind of work that ruins your body and shortens your life. Heat, noise, pain, exhaustion—day after day. He didn’t get a choice,” she said.Kaur described how her father and uncles endured racism and hardship in the British land but survived, saving money and building a life in a foreign place. “Every shift he worked went into that shop in Newcastle. That shop didn’t come from luck, talk, or ideas. It came from steel work, double shifts and pain… Earned with his body,” she wrote, adding that the whole family contributed to the business, including Kaur and her siblings. Kaur explained that so much physical labour can take a toll on any person, and said that her parents and uncle died young because of it. “No—the generation of immigrants back then weren’t different to the new. The new immigrants ALSO are desperate to work and make a life for themselves,” she said.Kaur concluded by urging a change in how immigrants are viewed in 2026. “This narrative must change and we must give others a chance,” she said. She highlighted every instance of resilience, dedication, and contribution of immigrant families to British society.
Social media reactions:
- Your dad and your mam are heroes Narinder I know what you mean I worked in the shipyards on the Tyne , and I’m sure they would be proud of you , your also a hero fighting against racism , I for one salute you
- Good for you Narinder that your Dad was so honest and hard working.
- I’ve said a 100 times on here… The “Immigrants” living near me are all bloody hard working and conscientious.
- Beautifully put, and on top of that supporting extended family members as well as looking after their own families. They were hard workers, hard graft, in a tumultuous time for the country.
- You don’t have to prove anything Narinder. It’s bloody awful that you have to give people your background, it’s ridiculous. People can be so weird and downright nasty with it.