This week, Global Academy had the honor of hosting Dr Priya Atwal, a distinguished historian and media enthusiast, who engaged our KS5 students in a captivating discussion about her life’s journey and the pivotal role historical research plays in shaping high-quality work and storytelling.

In her talk, Dr Atwal delved into her personal experiences, recounting her upbringing in a Punjabi family. She candidly shared how rare it was to see her cultural background represented in the media during her formative years. Despite these challenges, Dr Atwal’s determination and passion for learning paved the way for her success.

Being the first in her family to attend a university in the UK, Dr Atwal attended Oxford, where her love for English and History flourished. Inspired by her school experiences, she went on to author the book “Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire.” Dr Atwal revealed that her motivation stemmed from the uneducated and one-sided narratives prevalent in the media. Determined to rectify this, she took it upon herself to delve into the history of the Sikh Empire, contributing a valuable perspective to the discourse.

Dr Atwal emphasised the need for activism to be normalised, advocating that everyone, regardless of their background, can make a difference. Her journey underscores the transformative power of education, resilience, and the importance of diverse voices in historical narratives.