Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Many such students flock to the gurdwaras in Southall for free food. The documentary, broadcast on Sunday, quoted Nitin Walia, a student who has sought refuge at the gurdwara, as saying, “I can’t afford to rent a room, I’m borrowing money from relatives at home just to buy my bus fare to college. I will only be able to rent a room if I can 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.”
Didar Singh Randhawa, President of Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Southall, said a combination of recession and a surge in the number of students is changing the local landscape. Mr. Randhawa said: “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.”