Finding My Sikh Faith Against the Odds

Harj Gahley is a Sikh who began gambling when he was 23.
What started as a ‘fun’ night out with friends at a casino soon spiralled out of control until it nearly cost him his life.

A decade-long secret addiction took him to the edge of personal and financial ruin, before his lies were eventually exposed by his heartbroken wife. His hidden truth highlights a cultural stigma, as Harj faces isolation when he first turns to his faith and community leaders for help and support.

Instead of compassion, Harj finds shame and judgement when he confesses to an elder about the depth of his problems. Determined to rebuild his life, he sets out to foster understanding and create lasting change within his faith.

His path to recovery provides an honest insight into the challenges of gambling within South Asian communities and the importance of breaking the silence. Harj now campaigns to raise awareness about the harm gambling can cause, and he supports others as they confront their own battles with addiction.

Through conversations with the BBC’s Rajeev Gupta, Harj takes us on an emotional journey to a turning point where family support helps him rediscover the meaning of his Sikh faith.

[Photo Credit: Matt O’Donoghue, Photo Description: Harj Gahley]

Presenter: Rajeev Gupta
Producer: Matt O’Donoghue
Editor: Chloe Walker
Production Coordinator: Mica Nepomuceno