LONDON, December 1, 2009

 

Hundreds of “destitute” Indian students, unable to find part-time jobs because of recession, have been forced to scrounge for free food in gurdwaras at Southhall, a west London suburb, according to a BBC documentary.

Didar Singh Randhawa, president of the two Sri Guru Singh Sabha temples in the area, told the programme that many had no place to live and they either sought shelter in gurdwaras or slept rough.

“We see hundreds of students hanging out in the streets, but there could be thousands. Most come here every day for food. We are happy to provide food. But they also ask for accommodation. If they don’t find anything, we provide them with shelter for a day or two. We can’t keep them for longer. We are hearing that some are sleeping rough,” he said.

A student from rural Punjab, Nitin Walia (21), said: “I can’t afford to rent a room, I’m orrowing money from relatives at home just to buy my bus fare to college. I will be able to rent a room only if I find a job, if I can’t find one I will return to India. But that will bring great shame. I don’t know how I will return the money I have borrowed.”