Southall gripped the nation’s attention in 1979. Immigrants, mainly from the Indian subcontinent, huddled together to repel anti-immigration political party, National Front. It was one of the frequent race-riots of that era. Blue plaques with names of Gurdip Singh Chaggar and Blair Peach hang on the Town Hall’s brick wall to remind you. And footage of the street altercations, with the police either dispersing protestors or aiding the far-right group, depending on who you ask, survives on YouTube. But to assume that story a leitmotif for the area is to misunderstand what’s beginning to happen in this west London borough. Pakoras and jalebi still constantly sizzle in hot oil behind kiosks of street food vendors. And rows of shops displaying groceries, sarees, and more Asian wedding accessories under frontal awnings have grown longer in all directions. With HSBC bank, Poundland and Gregg’s appearing like aberrations here. Yet, change has occurred. Testament to that is, despite
follow @koleheth on twitter!