My ancestors belonged to an Indian caste of woodworkers and metalworkers and were recruited to East Africa by the ruling white British colonists to build the railways. Collectively, the various South Asian communities were also used as the middle management between the British and the indigenous black Africans, and as such were liked by neither group.
I knew that I wasn’t liked in Africa and when I came to the UK in 1968 as an 11-year-old, I felt even more unliked. It was not long after the Wolverhampton politician, Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech that there were skinheads on the streets who weren’t happy about immigration and were beating people up. They gave their practice of harassing South Asian people the name of ‘Paki-bashing’, and the taunt of ‘Paki’ remains to this day.
I remember on one occasion my car broke down in the bare countryside and I popped into a nearby pub to ask to use the phone so I could call the AA. I was told the phone was upstairs and so I couldn’t use it. Instead of calling the AA for me, the landlord turned me away, and customers laughed at me and insulted me as I left.
I’ve always been very afraid because I was constantly anticipating abuse, and this takes its toll on your mental health. Only more recently, I’ve become less afraid, especially in Wolverhampton where I live, which is very diverse. I feel it’s my home, and that the people of all backgrounds here are very affectionate and caring towards each other.
My journey to become a pharmacist
I had a scientific background and studied to PhD level at the University of Bristol before becoming a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge, and then back at the University of Bristol.
At one point, my brother who is a lawyer came to live with me, along with his wife who was a pharmacist and I became attracted to pharmacy and decided to change career. By the time I was ready to apply in 1994, only three universities had any places left, and I chose De Montfort University in Leicester because it was near my hometown of Wolverhampton.
Initially, I trained in hospital pharmacy, and in the first year I was very poorly paid. This was also the time that my family was growing, and I needed to be able to support them better financially. I therefore moved into community pharmacy which offered a much better salary. More recently, I had been thinking of retiring but I was persuaded by a friend to move into GP practice pharmacy, working there 2 days a week and I am loving this.
Advice to those starting out in pharmacy
Don’t be surprised if you have a patient who is upset. They might not have the same mindset as you. When driving, we are aware of the existence of, and guard against the possibility of road rage. Likewise, at the frontline of pharmacy, we meet everyone and everybody. Try not to get upset and try to remain calm in order to avoid unpleasant things coming out.
Education is how we get rid of racism, so educate yourself and others. It’s also important to recognise the struggle of others and to realise that many other groups, like LGBT+ community, experiences persecution too, so learn from them.
The recent race riots
Racism is everywhere, all over the world. With the recent riots in the UK, a spark ignited and whenever the match is struck, these feelings come out.
People responded in different ways. Some people ignored the news to try to protect their mental health, but I think it’s important to know what is happening, rather than to avoid it, and to connect with those you trust and who will support you.
I was really pleased to see that the PDA quickly organised the ‘Tea and Unity’ safe space events and attended one of these myself. It’s important to be able to share our individual experiences but also to be able to know each other and to rely on each other.
I was pleased to see some white allies in attendance, but I’d like to see more white people stepping up. I want to hear more from my white colleagues about how we can work together to create a safer society.
Diversity and equality
Diversity isn’t a dilution, it’s not about losing anything, it is a win-win for all. It’s about celebrating who everybody is and the nice things about everybody’s culture like poetry, food, music, religion, language, dance, and our expression of dress sense. It’s not about becoming like others, it is about appreciating the beauty of the differences.
Equality is not about anybody saying that they are better than others, it’s about appreciating others for who they are. I want to be loved, and I want to love others.
My journey with the PDA
The PDA is the only organisation that looks after the interests of the pharmacist. In terms of how the employer treats you, you’ll get the best advice from the PDA as they’re the only independent trade union solely for pharmacists. The PDA cares about equality and diversity. Any organisation that welcomes us is where we can find solace.
Don’t fall into the trap of ignorance, read what the PDA is saying and educate yourself. If you like what they’re saying, join them, use them, and as you mature, maybe you can get involved and contribute as well. Big respectable organisations are well-placed to help the whole of society to improve. When they listen, and when we contribute, we can make a real difference.
By GP Practice Pharmacist, Dr Tarvinder S Juss
Get involved
- Join the PDA BAME Network
- Follow the PDA BAME Network on social media using #PDAbame
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, email bame@the-pda.org
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.