Sangita was inspired by her father’s detailed recollections of his life, particularly his experiences as one of the first South Asian immigrants to England in the 1950s. The realization that she was recording the last voices of a generation of immigrants who significantly changed the course of life for future generations motivated her to write the book.
The book is about Sangita Dosanjh’s father, Ajit Singh Dosanjh, who left his village in Punjab, India, at the age of 23 and moved to England in 1954. It narrates his experiences and challenges as an immigrant and highlights the broader journey of South Asian immigrants during that era.
The book explores themes of immigration, cultural adaptation, resilience, and the significant impact of South Asian immigrants on British society. It also delves into the historical context of post-World War II and the end of British rule in India.
The material for the book was gathered through numerous conversations with her father, where he shared his memories and stories. Sangita took notes and gradually transformed these conversations into a comprehensive narrative.
The book is unique because it provides a personal and detailed account of the immigrant experience from the perspective of Sangita’s father. It captures the essence of a generation of South Asian immigrants and their contributions to British society.
It took Sangita nearly ten years to complete the book. She started writing in 2015, and the process involved extensive research and writing, which she shared gradually with friends and followers on social media.
The book covers significant historical events such as the end of World War II, the subsequent end of British rule in India, and the mass migration of Indian youth to England to fill labor shortages in the 1950s.
The book portrays the immigrant experience by highlighting the challenges and successes of South Asian immigrants. It details their adaptation to a new culture, the community support systems they built, and the impact of their contributions to British society.
Yes, Sangita plans to continue writing and publishing more fascinating immigration stories. She hopes to release these works on a much shorter timescale.
Readers can learn more about Sangita Dosanjh and her book, The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Man, by attending her author talks, visiting her website, and following her updates on social media. Information about upcoming events and book launches can also be found on her website.