Brown History Podcast Brown History

During the 1970s and 80s in Britain, South Asians came together to protest against the violent racism and injustice they were facing from the government and from rising facist groups like the National Front. These South Asians, held rallies and marches, protested, and did whatever they had to do to defend and protect themselves. It is the story of how the British Asian community had reached their breaking point and decided to stand up and fight for their right to stay and live in Britain with dignity. In the latest Brown History Podcast episode, as Channel 4 releases their new documentary series – "Defiance: Fighting the Far Right" – a three-part series that examines how Britain’s Asian community was targeted with a campaign of violence and murder between 1976 and 1981, we sit with Suresh Grover, one of UK's leading activists against police brutality, and shed light on this dark chapter in British history. 
 

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In October, the government of Pakistan announced that it would expel all undocumented foreigners, including 1.7 million Afghans—one of the country’s largest immigrant communities. This includes those who were born in, brought up, married, had children, and then they raised their families, all within in Pakistan. Many of them had fled from the Taliban and are terrified of heading back to the Taliban government. In the past month, we've seen heartbreaking scenes where Afghan students bid farewell to their Pakistani classmates with heartfelt hugs, and at the border, long lines of trucks were laden with the possessions of Afghan families. The United Nations agencies and human rights organizations have widely criticized Pakistan's practice of forcefully returning refugees. This is cruelty on a massive scale. In today's episode we sit with Sanaa Alimia, author of "Refugee Cities: How Afghans Changed Urban Pakistan," and delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the intricate dynamics surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan. We look at their history, their current situation, and most importantly, we shed light on their humanity.
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We sit with Indian-American musician, music producer, and songwriter Sid Sriram, who is currently one of the most popular playback singers in India and has recently released his English-language studio album, 'Sidharth'.
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In India, Christians account for about 2% to 3% of the population. However, in the state of Kerala, Christians make up a remarkable 18% to 19% of the total population. And among them, Syrian Christians play a significant role, representing almost half of Kerala's Christian population. Although the Syrian Christians of Kerala are a minority, they are also a caste-, race-, and class-privileged minority that have historically benefited from their privileged position within society. And if the Syrian Christians are the dominant community, then it is also necessary to look at the subordinated communities, as they represent the minority within the minority. Our guest today is Sonja Thomas, author of, 'Privileged Minorities: Syrian Christianity, Gender, and Minority Rights in Postcolonial India' and together we will discuss the Christians of Kerala, specifically the Syrian Christians, and navigate the intricacies of caste, gender, class, race, religion, and language.
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The Rohingya are widely recognized as one of the most persecuted and vulnerable communities in the world. They are a people that much of the world keeps forgetting. For centuries, they called Burma/Myanmar their home, but being victims of persecution as a result of ethnic cleansing and genocide, they were forced to flee to neighbouring countries. and now, over a million Rohingyas endure life in cramped refugee camps in Bangladesh. Excluded as illegal migrants by both Myanmar and Bangladesh, they face unimaginable hardships, including unemployment, mental and sexual abuse, and the denial of basic human necessities. We sit with journalist Kaamil Ahmed, author of ‘I Feel No Peace: Rohingya Fleeing Over Seas and Rivers,’ and explore the haunting question: has the world failed the Rohingya?
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Photo by Kevin Frayer

Asha Puthli is a living legend. A musical pioneer, fashion icon, Studio 54 star, feminist, actor, environmentalist, and friends with everyone from Andy Warhol to Mikhail Gorbachev. She is cited by the New York Times as having been an inspiration to Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder. As an actor she's worked with greats that include Merchant Ivory, Louise Malle, and the Italian Director Bruno Corbucci. And she continues to stay as relevant as ever. A remix of her immensely influential 1975 track Space Talk was recently released on the music label @naya.beat and she is about to record her 11th studio album this summer. A Hollywood documentary about her life is also in the works. On today's episode, writer-director-producer @deeptidatt who has been documenting @ashaputhli in her expansive, multimedia, installation project #interstellarIconoclasts, sits down with the legendary artist to conduct a rare and incredibly far-ranging interview exploring Asha's music, life, career and inspirations.
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