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Family of Vijay Singh mark 30 years since racially bullied Manchester teenager died
Overview
The family of Vijay Singh, a 13-year-old Manchester schoolboy who died following severe racist bullying, have marked the 30th anniversary of his death. His sister, Preet Kaur, spoke out against racism and bullying, sharing how Vijay had hidden the abuse from his family before taking his own life on 12 October 1996. Stretford High School, where Vijay was a pupil, has since implemented strong anti-bullying policies and maintains a memorial plaque in his honour.
Key points
- Vijay Singh was a 13-year-old Manchester schoolboy who died on 12 October 1996 after facing severe racist bullying as a turban-wearing Sikh.
- His family discovered the abuse only after his death, finding a journal entry detailing the torment he experienced at school and walking home.
- His sister, Preet Kaur, who was four years old when he died, has spoken to the BBC on the 30th anniversary to raise awareness and discourage suffering in silence.
- Preet noted that while society has improved, racism and hate crimes have still not been completely eradicated.
- Stretford High School has commended Vijay's enduring legacy, noting that it has worked tirelessly over the past three decades to build an inclusive community with robust anti-bullying practices.