The images that come to mind are farm images, land, greenery, and small pond vibes. I’ve visited India about three times, not recently, though. I’d love to go to India and take my kids to see the culture and the chaos of it all.
How was your upbringing with Indian heritage?
In terms of being brought up with Indian heritage, we’ve done alright. My mum and dad taught us Punjabi, and we know about Sikhi and Gurbani (religious texts). I can read and write Punjabi fluently I’ve done my GCSEs and A-levels in Punjabi.
How do you maintain your cultural and religious roots?
I think the biggest part is keeping in touch with the religious side rather than the cultural side. My seven-year-old has just started going for Punjabi class, but she’s also learning about the Sikhi.
When did you join the NHS and what inspired you to do so?
I joined the NHS in 2014. During my academic period, all the subjects I chose were towards healthcare. So, I ended up getting a job within the NHS. I wanted to help people and make a difference in people’s lives. I got a job on the stroke unit and acute medicine unit and then joined the drugs and alcohol team last year.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life, seeing the issues and the problems that they struggle with and trying to support them in their recovery. We can refer them to community services so that they get support not only while they’re in the hospital but also when they leave.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in the NHS?
There are lots of different roles. I would say, find out where your interests and skills lie, and then match them to the needed skills in the NHS.
Would you recommend working for the NHS to others?
Yes. It’s enjoyable to work with people from various backgrounds, with various knowledge and skills. We are just have one big, massive community.
