Racially bullied schoolboy remembered 30 years on

Warning: This article contains details which some may find distressing

"Monday: My money was taken.

"Tuesday: Names called.

"Wednesday: My uniform torn.

"Thursday: My body pouring with blood.

"Friday: It's ended.

Saturday: Freedom."

This was the last entry made by 13-year-old Manchester schoolboy Vijay Singh in his journal before his death on Saturday 12 October, 1996.

Described as a "caring" older brother, the avid Manchester United fan was said to have been a "confident" and "popular" boy until he was targeted by racist bullies.

His family were not aware of this abuse until after his death.

A coroner recorded an open verdict at Vijay's inquest but his family believe he took his own life.

Vijay's little sister Preet Kaur is now 34.

She spoke to the BBC on the 30th anniversary of his death, both to tell her brother's story and to speak out against bullying and racism.

"It has been 30 years since Vijay's death," Preet said. "I guess we learn to live with that but we don't forget the pain and the hurt that is caused over the years."

Preet was only four when she lost him.

Being so young, she said her memories of him had largely been influenced by watching home videos.

"Vijay was very, very protective and caring of myself and our siblings," she said.

Vijay played football at his school in Stretford and was a popular member of the local Sikh community.

"He was a keen footballer and a very avid fan of Manchester United," Preet said.

"He was always a 'happy-go-lucky' boy.

"We know now that he was putting on a front."

Preet said there had been few signs at home that Vijay was being bullied prior to his death.

"He was absolutely normal," she said.

"He didn't show any signs of upset, struggle or suffering from any sort of mental health."

After his death, Vijay's family found the poem he had written and later found out, through a family friend, that he had been bullied.

"The bullying he experienced was because of his identity and how he looked - as a turban-wearing Sikh person," Preet explained.

"He would be taunted at school, when he was playing football, and when he was walking home.

"Vijay was called names like [a highly offensive racist term].

"These people didn't know where he came from or what his religion was."

Preet, who is now a mother herself, said it had been very difficult knowing that things might have been different for Vijay had he been able to open up to someone.

"He was quite a confident person until he experienced these issues at school," she explained.

"Maybe he thought he wasn't as strong if he showed a different side, but we can't know."

Preet said her family had spent the last three decades with a "person missing".

"You never forget that void in your life," she said.

"I mean it is really tragic - heartbreaking - to see my parents go through celebrations over the years.

"There's all these birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, special events, Christmas and New Year.

"And my parents have to experience these things feeling like somebody's actually missing.

"They have been very strong."

Reflecting on societal changes over those 30 years, Preet said racism had still not been "completely eradicated".

"Things have improved but it is still a problem," she said.

"We had a period of where it did get better. People were educating themselves.

"But unfortunately in the current climate a certain hate culture has been instigated.

"Hate crimes haven't been completely eradicated - they're still happening today."

Vijay's death highlighted the culture of bullying at Stretford High School, where he had been a pupil.

Since then, the school has implemented strong anti-bullying policies, something which Preet has commended.

A school spokesperson said: "Vijay Singh remains an enduring part of the history and heart of Stretford High School.

"As we mark 30 years since his tragic passing our thoughts are with the entire Singh family.

"Over the past three decades, we have worked tirelessly to build an inclusive community where every child feels safe, valued, and respected.

"We remain unreservedly committed to celebrating diversity and upholding robust anti-bullying practices so that Vijay's legacy continues to positively shape our school for generations to come."

Preet said bullying and mental health issues can happen anywhere and to anyone.

She urged everyone not to suffer in silence.

"Speak to anybody at all," she said. "Anyone you feel comfortable with.

"Even if you don't think it's relevant - it absolutely is.

"There are people out there - you are not alone.

"If sharing Vijay's story helps even one person, that would be worthwhile.

"And if it helps someone, that is Vijay's legacy."

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