Oral History

I decided to interview my uncle who was the first person from my family that arrived in America. He arrived in the early 60's and faced many hardships.



Tell me about your life in India?


Well, I was the oldest of 6 children. Growing up I didn't face many hardships. However, I remember that I used to travel many miles every day either walking, on bus, or riding my bike to get to college. It was brutal especially during the summer months and the rain season. Fortunately, I am what I am because of my education.



How would you describe your arrival to America?


It was during the early 1960's, 1962 to be exact. I left home (India) and everyone was worried that I wouldn't be able to cope with the different lifestyle. I remember it being horribly cold. Since, I had a student visa and a scholarship I felt I had to make the most of it. I remember working two jobs and going to school full time. It fell great having money but I had to remain cautious and had to know how to spend it wisely. Everyone, was worried back home because they felt I had no one to look for help in America. It was a great joy when I graduated because I used to spent countless hours in the library tring to get my work done and stay one foot ahead of the rest.



So after you graduated did your life become easier?

(LAUGHS)

You would think so, but actually things got a whole lot worse. I felt because I wasn't American people looked at me differently. Even with a college degree I couldn't find a job. Heck I had a resume that stood out from the rest. The lifestyle and thinking of the people was a whole lot different than that of the people back home. I even considered going back but one of my American friends insisted things will get better. Fortunatley they did and I found a job.



What was the biggest change in lifestyle for you?


I'd have to say everything from religion to language and culture. Since there were tons of mosque back home I never had to worry about prayer. However, in Chicago at the time there was a very limited number of mosque and I had to pray at home. Rarely did you find a person who spoke the same language as you or was similar to your culture. I hated the food because I wasn't used to cooking but had to learn quickly. There were no restaurants that was of my liking. All people seemed to be eating were burgers and fries (LAUGHS).



Do you think a lot of things have changed from back when you arrived to Chicago?


Absolutely, now if you go to Devon Ave. you get a sense of home. I remember some of the few stores that were there in the early 70's are still going strong. This makes me happy because the people that are new to America from another country get a sense of hope. Since, there are is so much diversity. Each ethnic group has there little area to socialize and feel home at.



What would you tell someone who is new to America?


I would say that you get what you give. (I ask what do you mean?) Well, it's like I tell you, you can either take the easy route or the hard one. If you don't work hard at something you ain't gonna get no where. It's the same for the people that arrive to America from other nations. They have to put in extra effort because they have something to prove.