Sheera Johal is a Midlands-based social activist and longstanding president of the Indian Workers Association Birmingham and Black Country (GB), with a lifelong commitment to fighting racism and advocating for justice, equality, and workers’ rights.
Born in Jandiala, Punjab — a region steeped in socialist and revolutionary traditions — Sheera grew up inspired by the stories of freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, and Chandra Shekhar Azad. His activism is also deeply rooted in the egalitarian philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the values of his Sikh heritage.
Migrating to the UK in 1969, Sheera settled in Handsworth, Birmingham, where he worked in a wide range of roles, from factory labour and taxi driving to welfare advising at the Shaheed Udham Singh Welfare Centre and the Asian Resource Centre. He also contributed to community life through martial arts training, lifeguarding, and teaching bhangra with Banner Theatre. At 45, he retrained as a Gas Safe engineer.
In the 1970s and 80s, Sheera became chair of the Birmingham Asian Youth Movement — a grassroots organisation that confronted racism and state discrimination. For the past 20 years, he has served as president of the Indian Workers Association, an organisation with a proud history dating back to the 1930s, dedicated to defending the rights of Indian migrant workers through struggles over housing, employment rights, and trade union access.
Over several decades, Sheera has been centrally involved in numerous social justice campaigns, including the Baba Bakhtaura deportation campaign, the Raindi Workers Strike at Raindi Textiles (1982), the Bradford 12 case, the Kewal Brothers Strike (1984), the Smethwick Burnsall Textile Company strike (1982), the Miners’ Strike (1984), as well as the Irish liberation, Palestinian, and Anti-Apartheid struggles.
His life’s work stands as a testament to grassroots activism, community solidarity, and the fight for justice across borders.
When asked about his views on racism and oppression, Sheera Johal says:
“Capitalism uses racism and religion to divide us.”
Reflecting on his family’s political journey, he adds:
“We fought against oppression back home, and when we came here, my parents also got involved in political activity.”
