Ravi Singh: The man who runs towards disaster
Summary
Guest Carl Saeed recounts his journey from a Sikh refugee in Punjab to a UK-based humanitarian activist, driven by his father’s WWII trauma and his own experiences with racism in Slough. He details founding the charity Sarbat Da Bhala after discovering his friend was killed in a fake police encounter in 1989. Saeed discusses his extensive disaster relief work, from Kosovo to UK floods, emphasizing Sikh principles of selfless service and condemning far-right violence as a betrayal of true patriotism.
Topics discussed
Intro and Ravi Singh's early life in Singapore
Father's WWII POW experience and family values
Immigrating to the UK and facing racism
Schooling in Slough, class dynamics and work ethic
Joining the Air Force and Sikh identity
Philosophy of kindness and community
Founding Khalsa Aid and Sarbat Da Bhala
Sikh humanitarian history and ideology
Aid work with Yazidi refugees in Iraq
Emotional stories from refugee camps
Online harassment and resilience
COVID-19 response and NHS support
Mother's pride and closing remarks
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