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VOL 44. ISSUE 8
Let noble thoughts come to us from every side
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Home Secretary, Theresa May
Reshma Trilochun
The new immigration rule brought in by Theresa May will prove to be very detrimental to non-EU workers, especially nurses and teachers. Furthermore, the skilled-worker immigration cap could also affect the availability of architects in the UK. Under the new regulations by the Home Secretary, nonEuropean workers will be made to leave the UK after six years if they are not earning more than £35,000 per year. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have said that these changes, which are due to come into effect in April 2016, will create chaos in the health service. Continued on page 6
India sets two Yoga Day records The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated with enthusiasm and gusto, as a record breaking 35,985 people, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took part in the main early morning event at Rajpath, New Delhi on Sunday. For the first time people from 84 countries performed yoga at a single venue in Rajpath. The earlier record on the first count was held by Vivekanand Kendra, a Gwalior-based institute, with 29,973 participants. Modi called the event as the start of a new era for training the human mind for mind-body bal-
27th June to 3rd July 2015
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GUINNESS RECORDS SET BY AYUSH MINISTRY
35,985
PARTICIPANTS AT RAJPATH MAKE IT THE LARGEST YOGA SESSION EVER
84-
THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF NATIONALITIES PERFORMING YOGA AT A SINGLE VENUE
ance, peace and harmony. Kapalbhati, bhujang aasan, trikon aasan, bharadwaj aasan and more - Modi did the entire 35-
More Yoga Day stories on page 16 and 17
200 million people across India & nearly 200 countries take part
38,000 yoga mats rolled out at Rajpath all Made in China
3 lakh armed forces personnel slog it out at 18,800 ft (Siachen), 18, 700 ft (Dorjila, Sikkim), on board naval ships deployed from the South China Sea to the Mediterranean
minute yoga routine, even taking a brief break to supervise the children behind him. But for a brief pranayam, yoga guru Baba Ramdev sat quietly on stage. The venue was brimming with thousands
Continued on page 26
Vaz re-elected as the Chair of Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz, the longest serving Member of Parliament of Indian origin, has been re-elected to the influential role of Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee of the House of Commons. The Leicester East MP won his Labour colleague and former Home Minister Fiona McTaggert by 412 votes to 192. Mr Vaz was also elected unanimously as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Diabetes. Mr Vaz has type 2 diabetes, and has been a strong campaigner on this issue. He told Asian Voice: “I am grateful for the support of colleagues, and I look forward to working with the new committee when its members are elected in two weeks’ time on the important issues within the Home Affairs Select Committee portfolio, especially counter terrorism. "I am also pleased to have been elected Chair of the APPG for diabetes, which has such a significant role to play in
Keith Vaz, MP
promoting engagement and sharing best practise between Parliamentarians, health experts and the public. "Diabetes and its complications are one of the most severe threats facing our nation’s health, and the financial future of our health service. I want this group to grab the ‘diabetes bull’ by the horns, and lead the fight against a condition affects billions of people worldwide, from Mumbai to Manchester.” Long standing supporter of the Indian community in Britain and a MP for more than 25 years, he was also recently appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Labour Party.
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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Prakash Patel
Prakash Patel, aged 35, is the Managing Director of the independent builder’s merchants, ABC Depot. Prakash started his professional career at an early age, selling products and goods while completing his education. At 18 he started his own import company, employing an additional 3 drivers to help cope with demand. At 21 he established his construction & development company which is currently thriving on an ever improving economy. In 2003, Prakash, along with his brothers, purchased Halarias Builders Merchants from their father and re-launched the business. They have grown the business into one of the leading builders merchants in North London and in 2011 acquired a second, 3.5 acre site in Welham Green. The success and hard work of Prakash allowed for the family to explore new opportunities. The Dry Lining distributor, Capital Drywall and the Independent Merchant Buying Group, IBC were established on the back of ABC Depots success, thus establishing the Allneeds Group of Companies. The development of these two organisations has only helped the ABC Depot continue to grow through being a member of IBC and purchasing dry lining & insulation through Capital Drywall. The company now boasts a 60 strong team of sales people, yard staff and drivers over their two branches. Through the hard work of Prakash Patel, ABC Depots future looks as prosperous as ever. 1) What is your current position? I am Managing Director of the independent builder’s mer-
chants, ABC Depot.
3) What inspires you? The biggest inspiration are the new challenges and daily problems which needs to be solved very efficiently. 4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career? The recession has made me what I am today and made me wise and strong. 5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to My proudest achievement is making my second branch a success as it also made our Allneeds group a success.
date? My older brother Vick had the biggest influence on my career for what I am very thankful.
Taxpayers face £40million bill for babies harmed in the womb by alcoholic mothers Taxpayers are being faced with a bill of more than £40million to compensate for babies harmed in the womb by their mothers' heavy drinking. Official documents show that the Government
2) What are your proudest achievements?
6) What is the best aspect about your current role? The best aspect of my career is interacting directly with each employee (team of over 60 staff). 7) And the worst? It has become to easy. 8) What are your long term goals? Our long term goals is to open multi branches and acquire other businesses’ 9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change? If I would become the Prime Minister first thing I would do would be to help business grow so they can make more jobs for people. 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why? Mother Teresa, she has done so much for poor and is very inspirational
Lord Ganesha inspired Nautilus up for sale
may have to payout a massive sum if it loses an important case later this year. There are about 87 young claimants to receive compensation, worth up to £500,000 each if the judges rule that the alcoholism of
their pregnant mothers led to the claimants in becoming victims of crimes while still in the womb. The payments will be generated if a six-year-old girl affected by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder wins an upcoming test case.The girl was left with serious birth defects, including learning disabilities, facial abnormalities and growth problems. Her adoptive parents brought the case to help cover the costs of the treatment that she will be needing throughout her life. Lawyers will argue that the girl conclusively suf-
fered an assault similar to grievous bodily harm, such was the damage caused by her mother’s drinking while pregnant. Neil Sugarman, of GLP Solicitors said “Sadly, the children and young people we represent have been terribly badly damaged by foetal alcohol syndrome. They struggle to have access to the treatment and therapies they so badly need. We want them to have the chance to ask the tribunal to reconsider whether they deserve an award under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.”
The six wheeled Nautilus car in the film 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' starred by Naseruddin Shah and Sean Connery is now up for sale. The car in the film belonged to Captain Nemo played by Shah. Post the movie, the car was bought by Stephen Lane, founder of Prop Store and now it is up for grabs at the Blenheim Palace in an
auction by the international auctioneers Coys. The vehicle that started its life as a Land Rover, is not legal or suitable for conventional use on roads in Britain. But it is expected to fetch upto £25,000 in auction. Inspiration for the decoration on the ivory coloured car was drawn from Lord Ganesha and assorted flora and fauna.
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
COMMENT
Magna Carta: Britain’s gift to the world
The 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta [Great Charter in Latin], signed in June 1215, under the pressure of the English barons, by an unwilling, recalcitrant King John at Runnymede near Windsor, was celebrated in a memorial service at the site with an addressed by the Queen. The Magna Carta was one among Britain’s many gifts to the world. Freedom under the rule of law was the seed sown at Runnymede, emerged as a sturdy sapling in the fullness of time, thence a fully grown tree in whose copious shade democratic communities the world over reflect their good fortune. “To no one will we sell, to no one deny….” is an imperishable line from the Magna Carta, it breathes dignity and its recognition by an absolute monarch accustomed to the unflinching obedience of his subjects, however flawed and unjust the application of royal power. Sixty years after the Magna Carta came the formation of a parliament, but it took a further four centuries before Parliament discovered its inherent strength to question the Divine Right of Kings and overthrow the arbitrary rule of Charles I, and after the civil war, surmount Cromwell’s iron dictatorship. Freedom of thought and speech established the sovereignty of Parliament within the context of a constitutional monarchy. It took another century and more for the Reform Bill to be passed and the abuses of the rotten and pocket boroughs to be abolished. The first great modern Indian, Rammohun Roy, who was in England at the time (1832) campaigned tirelessly for the Reform Bill, well understanding its significance for Britain and for India in the long-term. A second and third reform bill led to an expansion of the electorate,
with universal adult franchise, including the right of women to vote, coming in 1928.Liberty under the rule of law as a principle cast its spell on Swami Vivekenanda. During a speech in London in the late 19th century, he extolled its virtues even as a colonial subject of the British Empire. Constitutional government is a shared heritage of the peoples of Britain and India, one of their most enduring bonds. A columnist in the Mint newspaper proclaimed portentuously that the content of the Magna Carta was nothing new, citing among other irrelevances, the Analects of Confucius in this regard without much awareness of their texts. Confucianism was predicated principally on notions of political and social stability based largely on conformity – which is why China has experienced unbroken authoritarian rule over 2,000 years. Mature nations and societies in the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment draw on the shared heritage of human wisdom : India may have invented the zero, but the German Jewish physicist, Albert Einstein was the originator of theory of relativity. Jingoism is an infantile disorder best discarded by adults. The uniqueness of the Magna Carta is that it created the seedbed for the institutionalization of the rule of law in the public space. That private contemplation of freedom and the good life is of more ancient linage, few would deny. Together, they have helped fashion today’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights Charter to which members of the United Nations are all signatories, whatever their individual deficits. It has set a standard for humanity to face the tribulations of the present and future with courage and fortitude.
The economic dimension of the Indo-British relationship has undergone a change inconceivable to those who lived through the 1950s, 60s, 70s or even the 80s. India then was a classic third world country with primitive infrastructure, backward agriculture of the cattle-driven plough, back-breaking labour in the fields, whose yields hovered from moderate to the poor, of farmers always at the mercy of the elements. Industry was largely ramshackle, with the license and permit raj shackling growth and innovation. Against this canvas, Britain, with its advanced economy, was in the driving seat calling the shots. India, with its endemic shortage of foreign exchange was forced to depend on the largess of the Parisbased Aid India consortium of Western donors. Much has happened in the last three decades to establish a more level playing field. Aid consortia to India have disappeared, the rural Indian scene now reveals a platform for faster development despite the swathes of deep poverty that still do exist. The Green Revolution, the Milk Revolution coupled with the explosive growth of fruits and vegetables have been game changers. The Indian middle class has developed exponentially with improved opportunities and facilities in education, especially in science and engineering. Finally, India having embraced software early on, is now a global IT player. Foreign exchange is no longer a scarce commodity and the nation’s finances are largely secure. So, while India still belongs to the Third World category, it is forging ahead economically and in human skills. This should have had a transformative effect on the Indo-British relationship, but it seems is far from the case. It would appear that told Whitehall rules, immigration phobia still determine British policy towards India and Indians generally. The Department of Homeland Security keeps tightening the screws of regulatory requirements for Indian students wishing to study at British universities, while a maze of confusing restrictions on
British and foreign companies operating in the UK employing qualified Indian engineers or IT professionals entering Britain for work purposes are as rock solid ass the Great Wall of China. Scotland, it appears is out of kilter with England. The Scottish government, with cross-party support in the Edinburgh Parliament, want the right to issue visas to foreign students that will enable them to extend their stay in the country for two years on completion of their degrees. This would enable them to gain work experience and earn enough to defray at least part of their university fees. Consider this: Indian companies are the UK’s third-largest job creators after the United States and Germany. Michael Boyd, Managing Director of UKTI, said: “Our increased focus on emerging markets is starting to pay off. India has become the third-largest source market for Foreign Direct Investment projects and more than 500 opportunities have been generated through a new private-sector led delivery model in other emerging markets.” A recent study by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) India Business Forum with management consultant Grant Thornton reveals that Indian companies in the UK employ a workforce numbering 110,000. Prashant Jhawar, Chairman of the CII’s UK-based India Business Forum, said: “It would be important for the UK Government to get a deeper understanding of how [ further migration cuts] will affect stakeholders in the India-UK economic relationship.” Does anything matter in Whitehall apart from “Britain’s special relationship” with Obama’s America and its myriad misadventures? Not much, it would appear bar the shouting. It’s something of a mystery: Indians are unlikely recruits for the Islamic Caliphate ISIL, or promoters of its causes in Britain. A mystery It must remain.
It was a stellar alignment: an Indian Yogi, Mukanda Lal Ghosh, alias Paramahansa Yogananda, proponent of Kriya Yoga, and techie genius Steve Jobs cofounder of Apple: so different, yet so much alike: soul mates surely. Ghosh was born into an ordinary Bengali family in1893, grew to manhood in Calcutta before making his way to the United States. Jobs read Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi” as a teenager, revisiting it while vacationing in India in 1974, seeking enlightenment with subsequent annual visits to the country until his death four years ago. According to Walter Isaacson, Jobs biographer, in October 2011, each guest at the memorial service for Jobs was given a small brown box containing Yogananda’s book. Jobs had chosen it as his
gift for the guests at his funeral.”I know that this was a decision he had made, and whatever it was, it was the last thing he wanted us to think about,” said Marc Benioff, CEO of cloud computing giant Salesforce.com. George Harrison of the Beatles presented the Autobiography to Ravi Shankar. Both were frequent visitors to his ashram, another being the iconic rock star Elvis Presley. The syncretism in Yogananda’s philosophy – Jesus Christ had appeared in the dreams of Mahavatar Babaji, the first in the line of the spiritual order, to which Yogananda belonged. There were compatible elements of Hinduism and Christianity in their faith. One and all, they have given us much to ponder as we face life’s varied challenges.
Conundrums in Indo-British relations
Indian Yogi captivates US tech genius
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Wealth, if you use it, comes to an end; learning, if you use it, increases - Swahili proverb Gareth Thomas MP Member of Parliament for Harrow West
Why I should be the next Mayor of London I am standing to be Labour’s candidate for Mayor of London to champion both the devolution of powers to London, and the devolution of powers to Londoners. I think we are heading towards a more federal Britain and that London should be part of that journey. We create a quarter of the UK’s wealth – much of which is redistributed, and that is right. But in return, London should have more of the powers we need to tackle the big challenges our city faces: the housing crisis; stubbornly high levels of child poverty; and the need for more investment in public transport. We cannot expect to build all the homes Londoners need, to tackle poverty and inequality, or properly invest in our trains, buses and airports without having more power to control our own resources. As Mayor, I want to change this. As a start, London should have control over the property taxes paid in our city, so that we can use a little more of the wealth generated in our city to help tackle the challenges we face. London’s Mayor should have new powers to enforce a living wage and rent controls, and we should have the ability to control our skills and training budgets. But I also want power to be devolved to Londoners. We should allow Londoners to join Transport for London, to be able to attend AGMs and to hold senior management much more to account. We should build more co-op housing, giving tenants a greater say over the communities
they live in. And we should champion solar energy co-operatives to boost alternative energy sources to power our capital. But if Labour is to win back the Mayoralty, we need to do much better in Outer London. As the MP for Harrow West, I am the only Labour candidate from Outer London. Commuters in areas like Southall, Hillingdon and Croydon have been hardest hit by the increases in fares we’ve seen under Boris Johnson. On day one of my Mayoralty I would cut tube, train and bus fares by 10%, and freeze them for the next three years – a cut of almost 20% in real terms by 2020. Labour lost the last election because too many did not believe we were credible on managing the economy and felt we weren’t really in favour of wealth creation. We need to change this. I believe it is time for Labour to re-embrace the City of London. The banks have already faced considerable and deserved criticism – and will face some more – but financial services remain the bedrock of London’s economy and a world class industry within London. With HSBC and JP Morgan looking to relocate outside the UK, it’s not enough just to be angry with the City’s excesses; we need to find ways to engage those who work in our financial institutions so that they work much more in the way we would like them to – to benefit all of society.
Continued on page 6
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BCABA: Pride of the Black Country Asian community
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Dhiren Katwa
Apache Indian, the British Indian reggae star, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Music. Apache, real name Steven Kapur, who turned 48 last month, received his trophy at the annual Black Country Asian Business Awards (BCABA) ceremony in Wolverhampton last Friday. The evening began with a welcome address from BCABA Chairman Ninder Johal, which included a brief tribute to Ranjit Singh Powar, the 54-year-old father-of-two Wolverhampton hotelier who was murdered in Punjab last month. Mr Johal, suavely resplendent in a cream jacket and black bow-tie, who is also President of the Black Country Chamber and a member on the Black Country LEP, urged the government to reduce red tape and called on businesses to work closely with local universities and colleges to address the skills gap. He also encouraged new business start-ups in a bid to reduce the £7.8 billion productivity gap. Attended by around 550 guests, all with VIP tickets, the top table included Dudley Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Judy Foster, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Leader Cllr Kuldip Singh Sahota, West Midlands’ HM Lord-Lieutenant Paul Sabapathy and keynote speaker Sukhjinder ‘Jindy’ Khera, MD of KTC Edibles, the food manufacturing business.
Pair of Aulaks: From left: Tommy Sandhu, sponsor, Bill Aulak, Mr Aulack Senior and Ninder Johal
Bill Aulak, founder of the Cake Shop, was crowned Young Entrepreneur. As Bill and his father stepped off stage on collecting the award, host Tommy Sandhu, BBC Asian Network’s funnyman DJ, remarked, “pair of Aulaks”, ‘boll****’, which prompted laughter in the room, as did, “no part of my body looks as wonderful as that,” referring to a Sikh male sponsor’s long beard. There were a string of such comments from him throughout the evening which seemed to keep the audience entertained. A short stage drama featuring four elderly English ladies from the Black Country was a highlight of the evening. Brilliantly choreographed, this creative performance displayed how British Asians had introduced positive aspects to ways of life in the Black Country ever since the first settlers from the Indian subcontinent began arriving in the
1950s. For example, they introduced the 24/7, as opposed to the 9-5, corner shop opening hours. The ladies’ bhangra dance performance showing how communities had neatly weaved into the fabric of a multicultural society, well at least in the Black Country, won them rapturous applause. Winners across the nine categories, each featuring two or three finalists, included: (Business Start-Up) Red Leaf; (Community Excellence) GNG Nursery; (Regeneration) Lakshmis; (Business Person of the Year) Jitha Sahota of CBS Packaging; (Business of the Year) Gill Group; (Innovation & Enterprise) Interactive Education; (International Trade) Zeel Solutions; (Lifetime Achievement Award for Business) Jagir Singh Dudrah, veteran metal plater from Wolverhampton. Around £6,000 was raised on the night through a raffle draw and
auction for Promise Dreams, a charity which helps seriously and terminally ill children and their families. Since its inception in 2001, it has helped over 1,300 children and has raised over £2.5million. A special birthday shout out was given to Makhan Ghattaura CBE, one of BCABA’s sevenstrong, all male Board. The prestigious round-table dinner, dance and networking function, now in its 14th year, was held at Wolverhampton Racecourse, Dunstall Park. Sponsors included Birmingham Airport, Wolverhampton and Walsall Councils, University of Wolverhampton and Sandwell and Birmingham Metropolitan colleges. BCABA is a member of the umbrella organisation, National Asian Business Association, or NABA, which was officially launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable in March 2013.
Seven year old bags bravery award Seven year old Muhammed Ali has emerged as a hero, after saving his mother from armed robbers who raided his Birmingham home. He has now become West Midland Police's youngest hero after picking up an award from the Force for his bravery. The youngster was sleeping on 2nd October last year, when he heard the front door of his family home being kicked open. He jolted from his bed and ran downstairs to see his mother being rounded on by masked men, demanding for Asian gold jewellery. One of the cruel raiders grabbed hold of his baby brother and threatened to hurt him unless she handed over valuables. Little Muhammed ran
towards the men and to protect his mum - his actions were extremely brave and undoubtedly left the burglars stunned. “Moments later they left empty-handed a n d Muhammed, his mum and his baby brother all escaped unhurt, though they were understandably very shaken by the Muhammed Ali with West Midlands Police chief constable Chris Sims ordeal. “I’m delightscene soon after. to his mum’s aid and ed we’ve recognised Chief Insp Phil shouted at the men to Muhammed’s bravery Radbourne reportedly leave her alone − that with a Chief Constable’s said: “It must have been detectives believe Young Persons Award; he scary but Muhammed’s shocked the raiders so can be rightly proud of first instinct was to run much, that they fled the himself.”
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Community leader honoured
Community leader Dr Hari Shukla has received a CBE for helping to promote racial harmony in this country, especially in his local area. The 81 year old from Chapel House, Newcastle, who has previously received a MBE as well as an OBE, has devoted his life to race relations. Born in 1933 in Uganda, Dr Shukkla went to school in Kampala, achieved his teachers certificate in Kenya and his Certificate of Education from Exeter University. He later completed a course in Newcastle through The Open University. For 20 years (197494) he was the director of the Tyne and Wear Racial equality council and has been involved with a number of charities, including NSPCC and St Oswald's Hospice, as well as holding dozens of voluntary
Dr Hari Shukla
roles in organisations. Married to 79 years old Ranju, Dr Shukla, who has four children and nine grandchildren said: “My main aim is to unite and encourage people from all communities to work together for the welfare of this area. A multicultural society is not a liabilityit is an asset. And it is possible for us to live as one big family. “I try to emphasise that we all need to make a contribution to the well being of our region, however little it may be.”
Leicester Professors named in the top 10 diabetes experts globally Professor Kamlesh Khunti and Professor Melanie Davies (pictured) have been named in the top 10 diabetes experts globally on a list published at the American Diabetes Association meeting in Boston, USA. The data are compiled by Expertscape using a matrix based on nearly 100,000 articles published since 2005. The Leicester Diabetes Centre, a leading Centre in diabetes research and education, is led by Professor Kamlesh Khunti and Professor Melanie Davies from the University of Leicester and Leicester’s Hospitals. The Leicester Diabetes Centre is an alliance between the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (Leicester’s Hospitals), the University of Leicester, the local
community and Primary Care and is located at Leicester General Hospital.
Professor Khunti said: “This was a real surprise to us but we are absolutely honored to be recognised in this list of some of the top researchers in the world. This is recognition of the work being conducted by our Leicester Diabetes Team from the University of Leicester over the past 15 years.” Professor Davies said: “This is great news for Leicester and recognises the impact that our research on diabetes is having internationally."
Leicester mum to organise flex-schooling seminar Tina Tailor, a Leicestershire mum is organising a conference on Saturday 18 July for parents interested in flex-schooling so that children can legally attend school part-time. There are currently no cases of flex-schooling at any of the schools run in Leicestershire. It was estimated that about 450 pupils, mainly primary school pupils, were being flex-schooled in the country in 2010. The Leicester
Mercury reported that Tina believes "The key reasons are because I believe children should play up until the age of seven and that the starting school at age four is far too young for children to attend full time for five days a week.” But critics of flexischooling said it can be confusing for children, and put them at a disadvantage when it comes to making school friends and taking standardised exams.
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
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Gujarat Samachar - Asian Voice and Jain Samaj Manchester to honour Octogenarians Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have always believed in bringing the community together through our events- that cater to every age group. Often elderly people, especially the Octogenarians feel left out, as children and family grow up and move away. AV and GS believe every elderly man or woman is a hero, an ideal that generations should look upto and fondly remember. We consider that it's our privilege to honour these stalwarts who have contributed so much to this
community's and our progress in their small or big way. Keeping that mind, we have organised several honouring ceremonies since 2011 in the UK, across many cities, under News Editor Kamal Rao's initiative and have successfully honoured 250 people. After the success in Leicester, we have now organised an event in Manchester to honour the elderlies over 80 years with co-operation of Jain Samaj Manchester on Saturday, 18th July 2015 at 12 PM to 4.30 PM in
the Jain Community Centre, 667 / 669 Stockport Road, Longsight, Manchester, M12 4QE. The event will include Bhakti Sangeet by Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan artists and other groups followed by a pure vegetarian meal. If there are any elderly who are aged 80 years or above in your family or among friends, please email to kamal.rao@abplgroup.co m. Space is limited. Prior registration must. Registration deadline: 13th July 2015
Concert organised for Nepalese earthquake survivors at Royal Albert Hall The Help Nepal Network is organising a special musical concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 28 June in aid of the earthquake survivors of the Gurkha district in Nepal. The district of Gorkha was within the epicentre of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25 2015. More than 8,000 people have died and thousands of others have been injured and/or rendered homeless. Over 500,000 buildings,
including schools and health centers have been destroyed. The Help Nepal Network was at the forefront of providing relief to survivors of the earthquake. With this concert they aim to raise funds that will significantly aid the rebuilding process in Nepal. Many senior and well-known Nepali singers will be performing on the night, including Deep Shrestha, Om Bikram Bista, Yogeshwar Amatya,
Dipak Thapa Magar, Jems Pradhan, Sujil Karmacharya and Trishna Gurung. Renowned journalist and host of Kantipur TV’s popular talk show Fireside, Bhusan Dahal will host the event's proceedings. There are over 350 Nepali restaurants in the UK, their numerous suppliers plus Nepali businessmen in Europe. The Gurkha regiment celebrated 200 years of the service to the Queen on 9 June 2015.
New immigration rules to affect many professions...
Continued from page 1 They have also stated that up to 3,365 nurses could be affected due to the new regulations. RCN’s chief executive and general secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said “The immigration rules for health care workers will cause chaos for the NHS and other care services. At a time when demand is increasing, the UK is perversely making it harder to employ staff from overseas.” Dr Carter further stated, “The NHS has spent millions hiring nurses from overseas in order to provide safe staffing levels. These rules will mean that money has just been thrown down the drain. The UK will be sending away nurses who have contributed to the health service for six years. Losing their skills and knowledge and then having to start the cycle again and recruit to replace them is completely illogical.” Similar to the health service staff, many headteachers have worried about “significant numbers” of overseas teachers may be forced to leave the UK, under the new immigration regulations. The NAHT, the headteachers' union has question the deportation of well-trained teachers during a major teacher recruitment crisis. The NAHT's General Secretary, Russell Hobby said, “Headteachers everywhere
Car traders scam £1 million, jailed
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
are struggling to recruit. Pupil numbers are rising. Budgets are being squeezed all the time. In the face of these challenges, it seems counterproductive to force out valued members of staff for the sake of meeting a migration target.” The Head of Immigration, Simon Kenny of Moore Blatch has warned that June’s allocation of restricted Tier 2 visas, which allow entry of skilled migrant workers into the UK has been reached this month and could potentially affect architect practices outside of London that rely on this workforce. The Tier 2 application process works on a points based system, and has an annual cap of 20,700. There are approximately 1,700 Certificates of Sponsorship available on a monthly basis and where more applications are received than points available, those with the highest points will qualify for entry. In June, the minimum qualifying mark was 50 points to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship. If those applying did not fit into the priority category, applicants would need a salary of £46,000 and above to enter the UK and work. Simon Kenny commented, “This is most likely to affect architect practices outside of London that rely on skilled workers with salaries lower than
£46,000, many of whom will have had their permission to work refused in June.” Kenny added, “Many businesses will be concerned about the knock-on effects on growth and the economy and if this is allowed to continue, there could be long term risks to British business, with some opting for overseas operations. The Government came under considerable pressure during the election campaign to ensure that future immigration targets they committed to were met – whilst this is being followed, there does seem to be an inherent bias in the points based system, which could see architect practices outside of London missing out on key workers for business growth and must be reviewed as a matter of urgency.” These new regulations may seem like a wise attempt by the Home Secretary to curb immigration, however, it is proving to be damaging on nurses, teachers, architects, plus many more professions, not only for the overseas worker, but for the industry that they have contributed towards in the UK. Currently, the NHS have been suffering due to a shortage of staff and now with the decision of getting rid of well-trained staff who earn less than the outlined salary, it seems that the condition may worsen.
Car dealers who made £1.3 million in false VAT claims on more than 160 Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porches have been jailed. Manoj Vyas (55), appeared at St Albans Crown Court and was given a four years imprisonment sentence. He was slo banned as acting as a director at Alltrade for eight years. His brother, Paresh Vyas, was jailed for five years, while Sarju Popat (48), was sentenced to five-and-a half years in jailed, also banned from acting as a director for eight years. The Vyas brothers had helped Popat falsely claim back a large amount of money of tax on each sale of second hand Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porches, each worth up to £200,000 from 20092011. Manoj Vyas, who was the director of Alltrade had charged the full VAT on his sales invoices, which ultimately resulted in the purchasing company paying the full amount
to Alltrade. Because the purchasing company had an invoice invoice which showed VAT from Alltrade, they managed to reclaim the VAT they had paid to the company from HMRC. However, Alltrade had not declared this VAT to HMRC as they declared the VAT only on the profit. These luxurious cars were predominantly sold to Popat, who was an equal and active participant in this fraud. He used to tell the brothers about the exact make, model and specification of cars he needed. Popat would go on to sell the cars to an associate in Malaysia, as righthand drive cars are highly sought after there. He
would sell the vehicles VAT free for export, at below the market value. Alltrade sold over 160 vehicles and they included the full VAT charge in their invoices. They dodged a total of £1,313,500 during this scam. The assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC stated, “This was a blatant attack on the tax system. Their only aim was to line their pockets at the expense of the taxpayer. These three took away more than a million pounds from vital public services through this fraud and we will aim to recoup the proceeds of their crime. Tax crime does not pay.”
111-year-old Nazar Singh passes away
Considered as Europe's oldest man, Nazar Singh, from Sunderland, who celebrated his 111th birthday on 8th June passed away on 20th June 2015. Nazar Singh passed away in India, where he had returned to in January, and was being looked after by his two eldest sons and spent his last birthday there. His 31-year-old grandson, Harvinder Gill, described Singh as “an incredible chap.” He added, “He has lived a very happy and fulfilling life. For the past few
Unfortunately, his time has passed. It was early hours on Saturday, just before Father’s Day.” After celebrating his 110th birthday, Nazar Singh was quoted in media reports as saying, “I 111-year-old Nazar Singh passed away feel very good in India, on the eve of Fathers' Day and very happy. I still feel fit and weeks he has been sufferstrong. I pray to the lord ing with a few illnesses. to take me when he He has had pneumonia wants to.” but he was a fighter.
Why I should be the next Mayor of London
Continued from page 3
But there will be no more powerful test of whether we have changed as a party than whether Labour’s candidate is willing to support a third runway at Heathrow. I am the only candidate unequivocal in my support for private investment in both Heathrow and Gatwick. London cannot afford to turn its back on the economic opportunities and jobs that airport expansion would bring. A third runway at Heathrow alone would create 40,000 new jobs, and 10,000 apprenticeships for young people looking to fulfil their ambitions. Businesses are already losing out on an estimated £15bn of trade each year
because of the lack of cargo capacity, and other airports in Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt are already better placed to respond to the increased demand to travel to emerging markets. I have spoken to a number of Indian businessman who support a third runway at Heathrow as it could provide flights to 40 new long-haul destinations such as Ahmedabad. As Mayor, I would also set up a small business bank to help our newest entrepreneurs access the finance they need to start to grow the businesses of our future. London should also be bidding to be the European Capital of Culture in 2023, and to host the Commonwealth
Games in 2026. A future Mayor needs to champion bringing major international sporting and cultural events to London to help promote the capital in the future, but we need to make sure that those in Outer London boroughs benefit too. How about the Tate Harrow or the Tate Croydon? And why not use our world class sports facilities such as Wembley and the Olympic Stadium to inspire the next generation of London’s athletes and sports stars. We cannot be complacent about London’s future prosperity. Labour’s candidate for Mayor must be ambitious, and take bold and decisive action to secure our city’s future.
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
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UK
Sikh dentist suffers severe injuries in "Lee Rigby" style attack Trainee dentist, Dr Sarandev Bhambra, from Leeds suffered lifechanging injuries in a brutal and unprovoked racially-motivated attack at a Tesco store, in Mold, North Wales. Dr Bhambra, was working in Mold when he was attacked while shopping one lunchtime. Zack Davies (26) attacked him with a machete and a hammer. Jurors were told that the accused was said to be laughing and shouting “white supremacy”, “this is revenge” and “this is for Lee Rigby” while attacking the victim. Dr Bhambra hand was almost severed from his arm and he thought he was going to die. The victim had desperately tried to get away from Davies and even threw items from the shelves to prevent the accused from chasing him with the weapons. Dr Bhambra also suffered two wounds to the head, a wound to the lower back, an injury to the ankle and a "huge gaping wound" to the base of his left hand. The jury at Mold Crown Court heard that Zack Davies admits to wounding Dr Bhambra with intent to cause grievous A jury of six men and six women at Mold Crown Court heard
Accused Zack Davies
that Davies, of Mold, admits wounding him, however, he denies an attempted murder charge
Davies attacked him within minutes with the machete and claw hammer, which he had carried in a rucksack. It is said that the brave intervention of a customer, former soldier Peter Fuller stood in Davies' way and persuaded him to put the weapons down. While being arrested, Davies had said, “It was me. I surrendered my weapons. I did it for Lee Rigby". The court also heard how he had told
A celebration of the Windrush generation's contribution to Britain and the NHS
Reshma Trilochun
On Wednesday 17th June 2015, there was a celebration of the arrival of the passengers of the SS Empire Windrush into the UK, 67 years ago; a ship that brought settlers from Jamaica, on 22nd June 1948. The celebration was held at the prestigious St. Thomas Hospital, in London. 1948 also happens to be the year the National Health Service (NHS) was created; the event also commemorated the contribution of the new arrivals, who went on to help establish the health service. In particular, the event recognised the contribution of the Windrush generation towards the NHS.
Tesco in Mold, North Wales, where the attack took place
following the attack on 14thJanuary 2015. Prosecuting barrister Sion ap Mihangel said Zack Davies had gone out looking for his mother's boyfriend to attack him, but he could not find him. He then followed Dr Bhambra into the Tesco store because of his Asian appearance.
witnesses that he had "lost it" and that he carried out the planned attack "for the whites". The CCTV footage showing Dr Bhambra walking into Tesco and being followed by Davies before being attacked was due to be played to the jury. The trial continues.
Harrow student's app wins top prize
18-year-old Thushanthy Thillainathan won the top prize in a national competition, where she designed an app for plumbing company, Pimlico Plumbers. Thillainathan, who studies BTEC level 3 at Harrow College, beat many students from across the country. Pimlico Plumbers' founder, Charlie Mullins selected her as the winner and invited her to the head office to present her app. He also presented her with a winner's certificate, tickets to a West End Theatre show, as well as a signed copy of his new book, 'Bog-Standard Business'. They also had lunch together. Charlie Mullins said, “The entrepreneurship shown by Thushanthy has been of the highest standard. Our aim was to find some of the UK’s finest young tal-
Empire Windrush 1948
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Charlie Mullins and Thushanthy Thillainathan
ent by setting a real life business challenge. We knew that choosing a winner would be tough but Thustanthy’s application was the one which really stood out. Thushanthy has a bright future ahead of her and we hope the competition has helped to find a star of the future”. On her win, Thushanthy Thillainathan said, “I
Boxing star to host fundraiser in Glasgow
really enjoyed this competition and feel very proud to have won. Support from Harrow College has been fantastic and the surprise of being told I had won by Charlie Mullins himself was amazing.” She has one year left at college. She hopes to go onto university and pursue a career in software engineering.
Present at the event as the chief guest was Sam King, a survivor of the Empire Windrush ship, who went on to become the Mayor of Southwark. Also present was the Chief Executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens, as the Chair of NHS Equality and Diversity Council, plus a range of workers from across the National Health Service. As well as celebrate the people who came to Britain in 1948, Simon Steven stated how this event should also be an opportunity to 'celebrate the wider contribution of people from 200 nationali-
Sam King, a survivor of the Empire Windrush
ties and more have made and make today, to the running of the National Health Service... the reality is that you can't walk around any hospital... without being struck by the fact that people from all over the world come to devote their careers and their lives supporting the National Health Service. And were it not for that fact, the National Health Service would not be here today.' After the Second World War, Britain had encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries, primarily to help rebuild the country post the war, as there was a shortage of labour, especially in the NHS and London Transport. Nearly 500 passengers arrived from Jamaica to the Tilbury Dock, London, and this marked the beginning of the postwar immigration which was to change the British society. The official figures were 492 passengers, however, there were several stowaways as well. Although the British immigration was welcoming new arrivals onto its shores, there were many natives who were hostile to the idea of having “foreigners” in their country. Consequently, many of the new arrivals face discrimination, felt isolated and had to suffer extensively, especially in terms of finding accommodation. Sam King joined the
Chief Executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens
RAF World War II, however, was sent back to Jamaica after the war had ended. He was not happy with having to go back to Jamaica and took the opportunity to travel back to England on the Empire Windrush. Sam King reminisced about his experience of the Windrush, stated his ticket cost him 28 pounds and 10 shillings. He said, 'We as
West Indians, we all came together and we survived. But the irony of it is somebody in parliament said, “All these people won't stay longer than one winter in England. They'll all return to the West Indies.' He humorously continued, 'I came and I spent two years at RAF in Scotland during the war. And it is colder in Scotland than it is in England.' Sam King has been an unwearying campaigner for the community. He also founded what became the first Notting Hill Carnival, as well as was a driving force being the first black newspaper, the West Indian Gazette.
GPs to be issued with checklist to prevent deaths For the first time, GPs will be issued with checklists of symptoms to help them spot cancer, in order to prevent at least half of the needless deaths. Experts have warned that the delay by NHS in diagnosing and treating cancer is costing up to 10,000 lives per year. Doctors will be told to Boxing superstar Amir Khan is going to host a glittering fundraising dinner for the Scottish launch of the Amir Khan Foundation in Glasgow and raise funds for an orphanage in Gambia. Set up by Khan to
fast-track patients with signs, such as tiredness or unexplained bruises for urgent tests within 48 hours. The new advice from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has come amongst worry that Britain has one of the lowest cancer survival rates in Western Europe. enable him to be hands-on with his charity work, the Amir Khan Foundation provides crucial support to disadvantaged young people in the UK and worldwide. Cook Gill, cofounder of the restau-
Britain has one of the lowest cancer survival rates in Western Europe
rant, said: “We’re thrilled that King Khan has chosen our World Buffet at The Quay as the venue for the Scottish launch of his charitable venture and can’t wait for the night to arrive – it’s going to be knockout!”
UK
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor
“Sardaar Ji” Hero Diljit Dosanjh is a Hit in the UK Diljit Dosanjh is in the UK promoting his film called “Sardaar Ji,” in which he plays the hero. Diljit plays a sensitive orphan boy called Jaggi who is often bullied at school. Everything changes when he discovers that not only can he connect to human beings, he can also connect to beings from another realm. This ability lands him in comic circumstances with harmless ghosts, and he build a reputation as the go-to man to drive away a spirit. As Jaggi builds relationships with these spirits, they in turn seek his advice with their problems. Perhaps with a shrewd eye on one of the main markets in part of the British diaspora community, the film has Diljit’s character flying to the UK from India in order to catch a lady ghost.
Diljit Dosanjh
Once in the UK, Jaggi helps to solve the dilemma of a couple that has unknowingly booked a possessed castle for its wedding venue. To add to its trouble, the wedding is to be attended by a special guest – a British royal. There is not enough time to change the venue or the date. The couple has tried every ghost hunter in the world. Jaggi is the couple's last hope for a peaceful wedding. The plot thickens as the audience waits to see if Jaggi is able to convince the beautiful witch to leave the castle for the couple’s marriage. Jaggi thinks it'll be fairly easy to convince the witch, but little does he know the challenges that await him. During his promotional visit to London, Diljit took some time out from his busy schedule to talk to the Asian Voice. Without detailing exactly what motivated him to enter the movie world, he said that his first film was called “The Lion of Punjab,” and was released in 2011. He has been in the film industry full time since then. Jaggi also claimed not to have encountered any major challenges while entering the film industry; “My fans have really supported me and help me grow into a great
actor,” he said. Diljeet Dosanjh seems to be that rare film actor in that it has all been plain sailing for him, he commented. He said that he succeeded in
“When I read the script it was really amazing to imagine myself in the role of Jaggi. I felt totally at ease.” film because of his own “hard work and with working on the right kinds of scripts and stories.”
Diljeet also said that working on Sardaar Ji was a walk in the park and there were no big challenges for him. “The best part about making Sardaar Ji is that it is the first fantasy film in the Punjabi film industry. When I read the script it was really amazing to imagine myself in the role of Jaggi. I felt totally at ease.” The film is directed by Rohit Jugraj and includes Neeru Bajwa, Mandy Takhar, and Jaswinder Bhalla in the cast. There is lots of fashionable Punjabi song and dance, and, naturally, lots of sardaarjis on screen.
Tue 30 June - Sun 5 July
Akram Khan & Israel Galván
“A fascinating meeting of cultures” Evening Standard
Torobaka
Sadler’s Wells Theatre sadlerswells.com 0844 412 4300 Angel
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The Computer Hackers
Are other AV and GS readers being plagued and pestered by ‘phone calls we receive at any odd times from people trying to sell their goods and services or companies asking you to participate in their surveys? These calls have the habit of taking you by surprise at inopportune moments while you are having dinner or are in company or watching your favorite TV programmes. Thinking that it may be an important call which you may be waiting for, you rush to answer it only to find that somebody was wasting your time asking you to take part in their lifestyle survey! What can one do in these circumstances? I hate phone calls which interrupt my evening, especially when someone is trying to sell me something. Recently a friend had a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft. He asked him to turn on his computer 'to fix errors'. When asked what company he was from, he said Microsoft; knowing it was a scam, the person tried to wind him up by repeatedly asking him his name and the company he worked for. The caller got quite nasty and was verbally abusive then put the phone down. If you get such cold calls, always ask the name, company and his contact number. Then say you will ring the person back. If he is genuine, he will provide the details. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
Subash Chandra Bose
Ms Rupanjana Dutta, the Associate Editor of Asian Voice, has given a commendable account (AV June 20) of the mystery of disappearance of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. A mass awareness campaign to uncover the mystery has begun most probably because Narendra Modi is Indian PM and he does not have any colonial baggage hanging on him. Gandhiji is credited with Indian independence. But there are many who believe the main reason of the British deciding to quit India was Netaji and his army Azad Hind Fauz. The British came to realise Azad Hind Fauz will gradually grow in number and strength and they did not have enough manpower to control the huge subcontinent. Netaji was a remarkable man in all spheres of human endeavour. He was the only person who defeated Gandhiji to become President of Indian National Congress. If there was anything Jawaharlal Nehru feared from was his sudden appearance in Indian political scene and hence his obvious reluctance to uncover the mystery of Netaji’s disappearance. Since independence nothing so far has been said about what could have been the history of India if he was the First PM of that country. He had complete confidence of all Indians especially Muslims. Azad Hind Fauz was an army of men coming from all religious background. Many believe India would not have been partitioned if he was leading independence movement instead of Gandhiji.
Michelle Obama’s visit to Tower Hamlet School Michelle Obama’s visit to the East London girl’s school remains a mystery. Mulberry school in East London is a comprehensive girl’s school for 11-18 age group. More than 90 per cent of the girls are Bangladeshis and Muslims. The point is why on earth advisers and the department for Education have chosen a school where most of the students are Muslims. It was interesting to note the hijab wearing children were waving US flags. We would have thought Mrs Obama would have told them that in a ’free’ democratic world women can wear what they like, say what they like, work where they like and marry whom they like. This is complete opposite of the future that lay in front of the girls. These girls who are bright would have understood the arguments to move into the main stream society. Mrs Obama in her speech said the following: ‘you wonder if people will ever see beyond your headscarf to see who you really are?’ This is a very good point. These girls need a brave advocate for change of what is blatantly femaleoppressive religion. She made it clear that it is not her. In a multi-racial and multi- religious society to segregate girls on the basis religion is wrong. The school is not an Islamic school. Arun Vaidyanathan By email
MPs’ Imaginary Pay Bonanza
Direct Flights
Fight for Direct Flight
Having direct flights to India is an excellent suggestion but poor execution by selecting Air India. Why? Because Air India is NOT FIT for its purpose. Poor Service, Non existence of customer service, Not reliable – time wise, Poor communication with passengers when delays/cancellation for whatever reason, Staff – not helpful/polite. Recent examples from AV: Lizard in food (nightmare for vegetarian passengers), Air India pilot with bogus qualification, Plane delayed when staff does not turn up in time. Air India is mainly for Indians and NOT suitable for British Indians as we expect: Good Customer Service, Reliable – timely service, Clean, Communication with passengers when delay/re-schedule/cancellation and Helpful polite staff As we are British Indian our requirements are mostly met by British Airways/Virgin Airways, so we should petition or write letters to British Airways/Virgin Airways for Direct flights to Ahmedabad from London. Only other Indian Airline that closely matches them is Jet Airways. CB and his team MUST inform their readers regarding Air India’s poor service as it is definitely not suitable for the elderly, pregnant women and those with young children. CB is so involved in this saga it is very hard to take step back unless CB convinces Air India to improve their service standard immediately and ONLY THEN operate Direct Flights from London/Ahmedabad.
It appears that ministers at Indian Airlines are not going to budge to the justifiable demand of Gujarati diaspora for direct flight from UK destinations to Ahmedabad initiated by C.B.Patel. It's a huge disappointment for all those who supported the campaign including some dignitaries. Many are offended and feel insulted by the way Indian Authority has handled the matter. They have failed to give valid explanation in writing and decency to apologise for the refusal. I am sure the campaigners feel strongly for direct flight.The indifferent attitude of the authority must not be tolerated. We are not a laughing stock. We must show our strength. An action is needed. Boycott Indian Airlines. No matter what; even the fares are cheaper at India Airlines, do not use Indian Airlines under any circumstances. Either they cough up with apology for non-compliance or meet our demand. Hope you will take the matter further.
K Bhudia Wembley
Our politicians are lowest paid in EU. In this day and age, £67k is minacious, not bonanza. Even illiterate, thumb-print footballers earn more weekly, are multimillionaire unable to handle their wealth. Doctors, Consultants, administrators earn more than MPs. TFL just announced they employ 400 consultants earning over £100k. Most MPs have given up their cushy city jobs earning six figure salaries to enter politics. Theirs is not five day a week job, attending HOC. Most work seven days a week. As I have worked closely with MP, I know from personal experience how their work takes over their lives, even driving so many to drinks. LibDem MP Charles Kennedy lost his life due to drinks. Many MPs come from privileged background, out of touch with reality. But there are MPs, whose sole income is their salaries, running two homes, raising young family. At one time MPs used to give themselves pay-rise but now it is decided by an independent body whose recommendations should be honoured. MPs should be the cream of society, as they shape a nation’s destiny. It is emotional blackmail to compare their pay with nurses, manual workers and till girls in supermarkets. How the mighty have fallen due to naivety and fickleness of our politicians who live in fool’s paradise!
The national airline of a country by rule has the first right to start a direct flight, followed by other private airlines. Hence the mention of Air India.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email
Upendra Kapadia By email
Subscribe Today Jatindra Saha By email
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Charity rather than pomp
I read your article of the 6th June about Shri Bhanwarlal Doshi who's chosen the monastic life as per Jainism. I am too small to criticise but would like to give my humble opinion. He is a millionaire and renounced everything for ascetic simple living. I understand that because of his social status he should invite close relatives and some business people. Nonetheless, to invite 150,000 people with a pomp of procession of decorated elephants, camels, horses, musicians, 1,000 monks, etc. to celebrate his renunciation and spend many Rs. crores is too much like show business. On the other hand thousands of children under 10 in India have to cadge for the scraps and work up to midnight to feed their mothers and families. If he had started something like 'Poor Mothers Charity', he would definitely achieve moksha and God will definitely embrace him with His Love!!!
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Problem looming
Media Watch page in the Asian Voice is reporting a Metro rail system operating now in Jaipur. This is good news but bad news also. How the Jaipur auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers can make a living against this type of competition? They will have to manage on less daily income or sometimes no income maybe. This problem is coming for all Indian cities due to Metro expansion everywhere in India.
Yoga Day
Vijay Joshi By email
We all celebrated Yoga International day on 21st June 2015. Britain was one of the countries out of 177 supporting the Yoga day resolution in United Nations. Thousands of people celebrated in different parts of Britain took part in the Yoga International Day. Celebrations in India was really a great show to respect to one of the oldest civilisation of Hinduism. It is very upsetting to know that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka left the country for unknown reasons. How can other leaders of the Congress Party tolerate this behaviour of these people? Dharam Sahdev Ilford
Keep it short
I sometimes feel Asian Voice's page 3 Comment column ought to carry shorter pieces, making space for at least one more opinion. Recently my eyes popped when I saw the lead comment amounting to over 1,000 words. A tabloid newspaper like this one would better serve its mostly busy readers with briefer comments. Everyone agree? Rudy Otter By email
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Community to launch Hindu Report to present their views in current times
The Hindu community is to launch the first ever Hindu Report to present the views and thoughts of the Hindu Community on Hinduism in current times. The Hindu Report UK (2015) is the first strategic document of its kind which will draw attention to the aspirations, needs and successes of the British Hindu community across a wide range of areas. The Report will offer government bodies, national institutions and other organisations with a vested interest in promoting integration across all levels of society an insight into the British Hindu community. In addition, the report will assist nonHindu organisations in working with the current British Hindu population on collaborative projects and allowing them to utilise this information and use it to better to understand and work with the Hindu community. Once the report has been compiled it will be published and shared with All Political Parties, MPs, Lords, Government Departments, Statutory Authorities, Policy Makers, Hindu Temples & Organisations and other Interfaith Bodies. Within the next few months, the report will also form the basis of a 'Debate' secured at the UK Houses of Parliament which will look at the findings of the report and make stakeholders aware of the British Hindu contribution to the UK. The final report will be based on a balanced combination of both qualitative and quantitative data and it will be a poignant narration of the religious, socio-cultural, educational, political, legal, health and wellbeing of the British Hindu community. The United Kingdom has always embraced people with varying cultures, ethnici-
ties and religions and it will continue in doing so. The final report should enlighten the policy makers about Hinduism and help them to comprehend the needs of the people who belong to this faith. Since January 2015, as part of the Phase 1, various face to face interviews have been conducted with hundreds of Hindus in different cities & towns across Britain (North, South, East & West). The on-line questionnaire/survey that has been formulated and presented in Phase 2 of the initiative. The Hindu community form approximately 1.5% of the total population living in the UK and they contribute immensely in various sectors of local and national forums. Today, there is a huge clamour worldwide to improve the quality of life among people and instil their lives with health and prosperity. Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is the oldest known religion of this world and is one of the largest too. The people of this religious school have been very humble about their needs and their problems and have not much indulged in voicing their opinions loud. Thus, it is time they get a platform to
raise their qualms and present their visions which not only is crucial to their well-being but also will eventually aid in the progress of the nation as a whole. Miss Sneha Roy of Durham University has been commissioned to formulate the report based on independent qualitative and quantitative research.The questionnaire/survey will not only help us to understand the needs and impacts of the Hindu community, but it will also feed into national data which can be used by various stakeholders in their policy decision-making. The report will further answer questions by focusing on what the various Stakeholders are doing to address the Hindu faith, gender, secularism and multiculturalism and how do these differ by geography or with other faiths and how well is the Hindu community working across secular/religious spheres and with other civil society organisations. If you want to take part in the survey, please follow the link: https://docs.google.com/f orms/d/1CpX1wa6Nl8o0 CTQNMTZkPxjT5KA84 Y_EihTndmV-DW0/viewform?c=0&w=1
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Cameron's speech on Muslims condoning Isis raises many eyebrows David Cameron has managed to raise many eyebrows after stating how many Muslim communities “quietly condone” extremist ideology, instead of confronting it. He argued that part of some of Muslim communities have to share the blame for young Britons joining Isis as they do not confront the situation. His intervention came after the 17-year-old suicide bomber from Dewsbury, as well as the disappearance of three sisters from Bradford who are believed to have travelled to Syria. In his speech, David Cameron had said, “We’ve always had angry young men and women buying into supposedly revolutionary causes. This one is evil, is it contradictory, it is futile – but it is particularly potent today. I think part of the reason it’s so potent is that it has been given this credence.” He further stated, “So if you’re a troubled boy who is angry at the world or a girl looking for an identity, for something to believe in and there’s something that is quietly condoned online, or perhaps even in parts of your local community, then it’s less of a leap to go from a British teenager to an ISIL fighter or an ISIL wife than it would be for some-
one who hasn’t been exposed to these things.” Baroness Warsi, who was the first Muslim to sit in Cabinet, condemns David Cameron's speech. She has warned that the speech which urges Muslims not to “quietly condone” terrorist groups has “demonised” those fighting extremism. She felt the emphasis was misconstrued and misguided, giving the impression that “Muslims are part of the problem, not part of the solution.” Baroness Warsi said, “I agree there a few hundred people who believe in the Isis ideology, and it is why they choose to go to Syria and Iraq. And I also agree there are a few thousand who support the few hundred who decide to travel. But I disagree with the view that you label a community of over three million – you demonise a community of over three million – because of the actions of a few hundred or a few thousand." Warsi also stated how she found Cameron's speech as “helpful”, adding, “It disempowers those very people in British Muslim communities who on a daily basis are fighting against Isis." While the debate regarding condoning or confronting extremist ide-
David Cameron
ologies continues, the Commons Home Affairs Committee Chairman, Keith Vaz believes that the UK must “up its game” in stopping people from travelling to Syria to join Islamic State. He also proposes that the British authorities start a “hotline to Istanbul”, in order to stop people from trying to cross the Turkey-Syria border. Keith Vaz stated, “We need to up our game as far as our contact with Istanbul is concerned.” He also believes that parents and communities have a responsibility to act. He said, “I think what we also need to do is to make sure that communities realise they should be in the driving seat on these issues. It can't be done by Whitehall. It's got to be done by parents and communities. They are first and foremost responsible for watching and learning and listening to whatever is going on."
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MEDIA WATCH
Earlier this month a unit of the Indian Army was ambushed by insurgents belonging to a number of different political groups, near India’s Manipur-Nagaland border with Myanmar. Eighteen soldiers, ending their tour of duty, were killed in cold blood. The incident sent shock waves across the country. Enough was enough, was very much the public mood. It was time for action, time for a riposte to counter the perception in many quarters at home and abroad, that India was a soft state more adept with words than deeds. Multiple insurgencies in India’s North East operate from jungle bases on Myanmar soil. Wracked by insurgencies of its own for decades, the Myanmar military regime has been clearly unable to cooperate with the Indian authorities by expelling the long ensconced intruders.
Indian Army unit on India-Myanmar border
Things having come to a head, Indian Special Forces entered Myanmar, located the insurgent camps, before destroying them in a swift and devastating operation, killing anywhere between 70 to100 insurgents. Words were used by two Indian ministers that were best left unsaid. Pakistani ministers and politicians entered the fray, issuing dire warnings that a repeat performance on Pakistani territory would be met with an appropriate response, befitting, no doubt, the country’s status as a jihadi state given to incubating and exporting terrorism across its Indian and Afghan borders. The Indian government had prepared a script for the two ministers chosen to answer questions on the affair from the domestic media, but in a rush of blood they threw discretion to the winds, preferring instead to rely on their own sturdy language, which provoked an avoidable political uproar.
Washing dirty linen
Dirty linen was washed in public, which was hardly the purpose of the Indian exercise. Alarmist reporters, bit between their teeth, hinted at dire consequences for India-Myanmar relations, an unlikely event given Myanmar’s responsibility to keep out foreign insurgents using its territory as a spring board for armed assaults on neighbouring states. A similar incident occurred on the Myanmar-China border, with shells falling on the Chinese province of Yunan claiming a number of innocent Chinese lives. Few Indian correspondents took the trouble to make a rounded analysis of the incident, choosing instead a party political approach to discomfort the government (Times of India, Hindu, Telegraph, Mint, June 6-13)
Israeli take
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, speaking to the Hindu newspaper (June 15), proclaimed the right of ‘hot pursuit’ against terror groups using
an adjoining territory as a sanctuary and base of operations against an injured party. This happened to be a ground reality in the contemporary world, he averred, supporting India’s force majeure. The international community “should respect the right of countries to protect their boundaries, their values… ..because that is the first and foremost responsibility of any government.” Tell that to Indian reporters much given to sensationalizing copy. Ambassador Carmon said Israel and India faced the “same threat (of) asymmetric warfare….That is a joint challenge for us.”
Indo-Israel ties
Anti-terror cooperation would be high on the agenda of Prime Minister Modi’s talks with the Israeli leadership during his forthcoming visit to Israel (acceptable dates are being negotiated). The visit, said Ambassador Carmen, “will be historic and monumental”. Quite so. Indo-Israeli ties should not be hostage to UN resolutions and other parallel interests. “Look at the number of dialogues on different issues, the number of visits being planned, the number of diplomatic meetings and agreements signed,” between India and Israel, he said. Period.
Rail reforms a priority
India’s railway system is truly vast in every sense of the term. It is one of the world’s most extensive networks, and it is the country’s largest employer. But it has performed an enormously significant public service for a century and more, making every part of a sprawling and diverse subcontinent, with a population of 1.2 billion souls, easily accessible. That said, India’s rail network bears all the marks of an ageing system that is ramshackle and unfit for 21st century purpose. Railway ministers for decades past have treated the system as the country’s principal cash cow, its tentacles, like those of an giant octopus, possessing an
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
ungainly reach. Little thought was given to efficiency, quality of service, not to speak of profligate demands on the public purse.
New broom
The advent of the NDA government and the appointment of Suresh Prabhu as Railway Minister has seen the first winds of change blowing through the corridors of power. The minister set up an expert commission, headed by noted economist, Bibek Debroy. His Committee has recommend root and branch reform. Top of the agenda is massive decentralization, and a five year timeline for implementation. Fiscal discipline: no more haphazard expansion to satisfy a minister’s constituency needs. Next, bring in the private sector into key areas of the system. The Rail regulator must be independent of the government and answerable to Parliament (Times of India June 15)
Adani to build Kerala port
The Congress-led Kerala government has approved the solo bid of the Adani Group to build a new port in Vizhinjam in the southern coast of the state. Vizhinjam is being developed as
Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family are commemorating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. See comment page 3
a new level of cordiality and mutual trust. Bangladesh has opened its ports for the transit of Indian goods to India’s north eastern States, a stimulant also to economic activity across the region. India has given Dhaka a $2 billion line of credit, while permitted to open a special economic zone in Bangladesh. Indian investment is poised to increase exponentially, as is bilateral trade with greater market access for each side through ongoing plans to improve rail and road connectivity. Finally, there will be closer intelligence cooperation between India and Bangladesh in combating jihadi terrorism, which constitutes a threat to regional peace and stability (Times of India June 14)
World Bank on Indian growth
Gautam Adani
a container transshipment port to compete with Sri Lanka’s Colombo, which is currently the region’s largest transshipment facility. Vizinjam has sufficient depth and is located in the proximity to the main shipping routes; moreover, its depth is greater than that of Colombo, and its approach channel of 20 plus metres can dock mega container ships (Mint June 11)
India-Bangla ties in new orbit
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s widely acclaimed visit to Dhaka, Indo-B angladesh relations have reached
Bangladesh Cricket victory
The World Bank’s “2015 Global Economic Prospects” has pegged India’s economic growth for the current fiscal ending March 31, 2016 at 7.5 per cent, to be followed by 7.9 and 8 per cent respectively for the next two fiscals. These figures are highest for large economies. China’s growth has slowed marginally, but as its economy is more than thrice the size of India’s, judgment of the Indian performance must be placed in the proper perspective (Business Week June 12)
Reliance-Russian partnership talks
Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Communications, India’s fourthlargest telecom operator, announce that it was in exclusive talks with Russian conglomerate Sistema’s India mobile phone operations through a stock swap. Sistema’s billionaire owner Vladimir Yevtushenko had said earlier that he had approached Reliance Communications in May about a joint venture. The
deal would give Reliance Communications access to Sistema’s airwaves in nine circles or zones, without a significant payout as most of its airwaves were bought in competitive auctions. Sistema’s Indian telecom arm, Sistema Shyam Tele-Services, has 10 million customers. Sistema and the Russian government own nearly 74 per cent in the unlisted Sistema Shyam joint venture, while the subsidiary Shyam Group has a 24 per cent stake. Meanwhile, Russian petroleum giant Rosneft is understood to be picking up around a 50 per cent stake in Essar Oil for over Rs 10,000crore.(Business Page Telegraph, Mint June 16)
Reusable satellite launch vehicle
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is preparing to test its reusable launch vehicle in September. A plane will be flown into outer space at five times the speed of sound, deliver the payload and return to earth like a normal aircraft. The reusable model will be cheaper by far, involving new cutting edge technologies. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite, only the third of its type in the world, is set for launch next year, said Minister of State for Defence, Jitender Singh(Hindu June 16)
Charles Correa
Charles Correa, who died in Mumbai, aged 84, was widely recognized as the greatest Indian architect of his generation, whose work across continents gave him an unmatched global reputation as a luminary of urban planning. He was the chief architect of Navi Mumbai, among the l a r g e s t u r b a n spaces in the world housing over two million peo- Architect Charles Correa ple. He pioneered a number of unique concepts in urban development and affordable housing that, if adopted widely, could change the landscape of the poorest of not just India, but much of the Third World. Mr Correa founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Bombay in 1984. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
UK
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Stats show forced marriages take place mostly in Brit-Pakistani households
5 Reasons You and Politicians Should Do Yoga and Meditation
One: A mass shooting in a church in America, and a mass Yoga performance in India. As the Dalai Lama said, ‘when every 8 year old child is taught meditation, then there shall be peace in the world’. So this past week schools in the UK have added mindfulness to the curriculum to help children cope with stress. Two: Over a year ago I went to meditate with Buddhist monks in the jungles of Laos. The Hindus, Buddhists and Surrealists all know the world is an illusion. So they can be detached from its pains. Happiness comes from that realisation and that realisation comes as the ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita, carrying the ‘Song of God’ Himself says, comes from meditation. Western scientists recently discovered that Hindu-Buddhist style meditation stimulates areas of the brain which cause a feeling of happiness. Three: The British Prime Minister on taking office said he wanted a measure for happiness not just economic growth (GDP). Why? Because despite a relentless rise in British GDP since it’s ever been measured, our happiness has not had the same trajectory. Indeed some of the happiest people in the world live in countries which have the lowest GDP. The American Founding Father revolutionaries under their Constitution even sought to rid themselves of the British ‘in pursuit of happiness’. Happiness is therefore a legitimate political goal. Even
though over 200 years since its founding, the country with the world’s largest GDP does not have the greatest happiness. Four: Steve Jobs did it. As you take your MBA and try to emulate the greatest businessman of the century, don’t forget it was his meditation he referenced time and again to success. When was I happiest here in Laos? When cycling down a remote jungle hill or a moonlit deserted street at midnight. Why? It was the meditation the monks here told me of. My mind was empty. Meditation with monks taught me something; as a Hindu, I already knew how to meditate. Five: Want to make British people happier Mr PM? Want the nation to be more productive? Want it to compete better? Teach meditation in schools. Your children are being whooped by those from Eastern meditative cultures – can’t get any worse can it? The benefits to concentration and performance are well known. You can’t keep spending your GDP out of unhappiness. And that leads me to one final important part of happiness. I helped raise funds for 150 scholarships for learning Hinduism through the Oxford Centre For Hindu Studies. Education is freedom, and freedom is a luxury, freedom from the illusion of attachment to comfort. Bringing happiness to others is a source of the greatest happiness of all.
Metro bank opens its doors to Harrow residents
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British Malayalee philanthropist to be honoured
After the arrest of the 34year-old businessman from Cardiff, under the forced marriage laws, the Force Marriage Unit (FMU) have revealed new statistics that most forced marriages in the UK take place within the British Pakistani community. According to the FMU figures, which has been collaborated from the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, nearly 40% of the 1267 cases dealt by the FMU in 2014 involved people of Pakistani origin. It was followed by 7.8% Indian, 7.1% Bangladeshi, 3% Afghani
and 1.1% Sri Lankan. Furthermore, more than ¾ of the cases handled by the FMU had an
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wajed met with a large cross-party delegation of UK MPs including Virendra Sharma MP of Ealing Southall, at the event organised by the C o m m o n w e a l t h Parliamentary Association. She spoke about her continued role in trying to alleviate poverty, and even corrected an advisor when he got a statistic wrong. Hasina said, “Though we have been trying to fol-
low Westminster type of democracy, it is a difficult job. Anyway, we’re improving gradually to this end,” Virendra Sharma MP said: “The Prime Minister has been a beacon of hope for millions in Bangladesh, and her recent meeting with Mr Modi has shown that there is real interest across the region to relieve the situation of the poorest in society. I believe the honourable lady is a great force for good, and will continue to make strides for the bet-
“overseas element” to it. This means that one of the involved parties in the marriage were based in the country of origin of the UK-based family. There were also 135 cases involving victims with disabilities and
eight victims who identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Karen Bradley, the UK minister for preventing abuse and exploitation said, “We made forced marriage a crime to better protect victims and send a clear message that this brutal practice is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the UK. We also hope that criminalisation will act as a deterrent. The UK is a worldleader in the fight to stamp this out, with our Forced Marriage Unit leading efforts to combat the practice both at home and abroad."
Local MPs meet Bangladesh PM in UK
terment of everyone. Digital Bangladesh has been very successful and should be a model elsewhere.” The roll out of access to the internet for millions in Bangladesh has improved connectivity, and helped businesses thrive. The Prime Minister was introduced by her niece Tulip Siddique MP, newly elected Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn. The visit came at the end of the Prime Minister’s week long trip to the UK.
ºђકЦ® ¸Цªъ³Ъ ╙¸àક¯ђ³ЬєÃºЦ ˛ЦºЦ ¾щ¥Ц® Commercial Property Auction Thursday 9th July 2015 On behalf of Wesleyan Assurance, Oxford College, CBRE Global Investors, Legal & General, Heron Foods, LPA Receivers & Administrators at JLL, Deloitte, Smith & Williams, DTZ, Moorfield, Fairacre and introducing Agents including Stiles Harold Williams, Picton Jones, CBRE and Rob Alston Retail amongst others.
60 lots including:
Metro Bank Grand Opening- ribbon cutting by Richard Margrave, Local Director, Metro Bank Harrow; Councillor Ajay Maru, Councillor Keith Ferry, Deputy Leader of the Council; Brian Woolrich, Regional Director, Metro Bank; and Mik Kaler, Store Manager, Metro Bank Harrow.
Metro Bank has officially opened its doors to the people of Harrow on Friday 19th June. The Harrow store is the bank’s 36th location across London and the South East, and its entrance brings a convenient customer focused banking experience to the local community. The store was officially opened by the Mayor of
Harrow, Councillor Krishna Suresh, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Ferry, who cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening alongside Richard Margrave, Local Director, Metro Bank Harrow, Brian Woolrich. Regional Director, Metro Bank; and Mik Kaler, Store Manager, Metro Bank Harrow.
A British Malayalee philanthropist has been chosen for the VK Krishna Menon, pictured, award in recognition of his outstanding professional and altruistic achievements, contributions and services to the community and wider multicultural society. Dr Cyriac Maprayil, Executive Director of the institute has reportedly told the Times of India that Mavelil, President of the UK Knanaya Catholic Community, will receive the award at a function here hosted by the V K Krishna Menon Institute later this year. Originally from Kerala, Mavelil has been living and working in the UK for over a decade. The V K Krishna Menon award is given to outstanding Indian patriots who have served in the Diaspora and also distinguished themselves in various fields including science, literature, business, politics, diplomacy and philanthropy.
RETAIL INVESTMENTS
LEICESTER LE5 0QD
LEISURE INVESTMENT
BOLTON BL4 9DS
10/12 Uppingham Road, Leicestershire
HARROW HA1 2AW
45 Brackley Street, Farnworth, Bolton, Greater Manchester Recently let to Brighthouse on a new 10 year lease Rent £30,000 p.a.x.
Let to William Hill Organization Limited on a 15 year lease until 2023 (no breaks) Rent £16,000 p.a.x.
LONDON SW11 6QP
CARMARTHEN SA31 1PR
118 Northcote Road, Battersea
14 / 15 Guildhall Square, Carmarthenshire
Let to Marsh & Parsons Limited on a 15 year lease until 2030 (no breaks) Rent £59,500 p.a.x.
One unit let to Waterstones Booksellers Limited and one unit offered with vacant possession Rent £36,750 p.a.x.
DAGENHAM RM8 1UU 713 Green lane, Greater London Let on overriding lease until 2029 (no breaks). Includes residential accommodation Rent £23,000 p.a.x.
BIRMINGHAM B23 6SY 173 - 177 High Street, Erdington Let to Kruidvat Real Estate UK Limited, t/a Savers (guaranteed by Superdrug Stores plc) Rent £50,000 p.a.x.
KINGSTON UPON HULL HU6 8AG
ROMSEY SO51 8BW 10 The Hundred, Hampshire Let to Superdrug Stores until 2023 (no breaks) Rent £72,000 p.a.x.
OFFICE INVESTMENT
BRADFORD BD1 5SG City exchange, Hall Ings, Bradford, West Yorkshire 56,494 sq ft offices with future development potential (subject to consents) Vacant Possession
NORTHAMPTON NN1 2NE
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BANK INVESTMENT
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STAFFORD ST16 2JL Lloyds Bank, 5 Market Square, Staffordshire Let to Lloyds Bank plc until June 2026 (no breaks) Rent £79,000 p.a.x.
MOTOR TRADE INVESTMENT
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42 Sheep Street, Northamptonshire
365 Watling Street, Staffordshire
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Building with potential close to Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Approximately 1,111.91 sq m (11,969 sq ft) Vacant Possession
Let to Kwik-Fit Properties Limited (Guaranteed by Kwik-Fit Holdings Limited) until 2030 Rent £81,014 p.a.x.
John Mehtab: +44 (0)20 7034 4855
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14
UK
Lebara diversifies into entertainment with launch of multi-ethnic content service
Rupanjana Dutta
Lebara has launched a new entertainment service for migrants called Lebara Play to bridge the content gap within the community. Lebara Play is be the only multi-ethnic entertainment and the first such service for the migrant community, bringing together free and premium, fully licensed content in 13 languages in one place, without longterm commitments. The programme that combines the best live TV entertainment with free and premium video on demand content, delivers access to more than 150 top-rated television channels and over 3,000 popular movie titles for Tamil, Turkish, French West African and English West African audiences across Europe. The HD and SD quality content is available for streaming on mobile, computer and tablet, or via set-top box on a TV set. The content is also 100% legal and licensed, which not only produces a consistent and high quality user experience, but also provides a legitimate alternative to counterfeit DVDs and illegal services, and sends out a strong anti-piracy message in support of the creative industries. Mr Ratheesan Yoganathan, Chairman and CEO of the Lebara Group, said, “Serving the migrant community is at
own language. Lebara Play provides a huge range of content – blending the best of video on demand movies and live TV programming – with a simple and intuitive user experience, at a competitive price.” Lebara has signed deals with some of the world’s biggest content players in Europe, Africa and Asia including: l Sun Network, home to Sun TV, KTV and Adithya, the Mr Ratheesan Yoganathan the most popular Tamil entertainment chancore of everything we do nels worldwide at Lebara. While the need l African Movie Channel to call loved ones is never – licensed for the first time far away, as new locations outside Africa – specialbecome home for our cusists in new and classic tomers, different needs African cinema; such as financial services l Premium pan-African and entertainment channel, Ebony Life, and become more important. leading Nigerian channel, Lebara Play is an unriSilverbird; valled service designed for l Number one French an under-served commuNollywood movies channity; and the launch nel, Nollywood TV; proves that we’re l Top-rating Turkish delivering on our channel ATV Avrupa, plans to disrupt alongside Euro D, the existing Eurostar and TV8 entertainment International, plus an landscape and extensive catalogue of diversify our Turkish movies. communications It will be available in business.” the UK, Germany, Aditya Thakur, Netherlands and France CEO of Lebara Play, by the end of June. The added “We’ve built relarest of Europe will be tionships with some of the launched over the summer leading content compaand other territories nies worldwide, and in the worldwide by the yearcoming months we’ll be end, with an expanding announcing further deals catalogue to include to deliver customers even Romanian, Polish, Hindi more of the TV and and other content packmovies they love in their ages covering 13 lan-
guages. Some facts you may want to know about Lebara Play: l Lebara Play has flexible payment options. Voucher top-ups are available at local retail outlets, payable with cash or card – alternatively top up online, or in-app direct from your mobile device; l Subscription packages start from £9.99/month for web, tablet and smartphone. Sign up for a year and only pay for 10 months; l The set top box special introductory price of £149 (standard price £199) includes a year’s unlimited viewing of your chosen subscription package; l The Lebara Play app is available to download for free from Google Play for smartphones or tablets and is coming to iTunes App Store shortly; l Access on PC or Mac via lebara.com/play, or watch on TV via set top box (available from selected retail stores); l Register a maximum of three devices to your Lebara Play account, and watch two simultaneously; l Lebara Play’s platform has been developed in partnership with SPB TV, a leading global provider of end-to-end solutions for content services (see notes). In February 2015, Lebara launched a messaging and calling app, Lebara Talk, expanding its low cost, convenient mobile services and introducing the brand to new markets across the globe.
KPCS UK for the last 4 years has made a huge difference to the community cohesion as well as awareness of not only the Kashmiri Hindu cause but also their religious, social, cultural traditions. "Our effort has not just been to organise a puja but it is an effort to learn the religious traditions and build awareness of our heritage and practices among those living in the UK who are not Kashmiri. The Kheerbhawani puja is a classic example of one such effort where non Kashmiri priests have picked up the tradition and religious practice that is so unique to the Kashmiri Hindus (Pandits)," says Lakshmi Kaul, Founder &amp ;amp;amp; Executive Member of KPCS UK. The puja held in Romford was the second one in the UK, the first ever having been organised in Southall at the Vishwa Hindu Kendra last year by KPCS volunteers.
Empowering Donors. Supporting Charities. Help us change the world.
What is Asian Charity Clarity? When you donate money to charities, how do you know you are giving it to the most effective ones? If you are a charity, how do you stand out and best showcase the great work you do? Empowering Donors. Supporting Charities. That's what Asian Charity Clarity is all about. ACC have come up with a special rating system which assesses a charity across 18 metrics for Financial Health, Accountability and Transparency, and Accessibility. We have 110 charities on ACC right now, and will have around 500 in July. Every week, we will publish a Top 10 list looking at different aspects of Asian charities.
Top 10 Charities for Accountability
These are the Top 10 Charities in the category of Accountability & Transparency from the ones we have measured, according to Asian Charity Clarity. They are assigned a rating out of 3, based on 7 metrics on clarity over trusteeship, number of trustees, female representation, trustee experience, impact reporting, public relations and revenue from trading activates. All of these were rated 3-stars for this metric. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Magic Bus UK - 2.30 Sense International - 2.20 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Manchester) Limited - 2.20 Castewatch UK - 2.15 International Society For Krishna Consciousness London - 2.15 Akshaya Patra Foundation UK - 2.10 Board Of Deputies Charitable Foundation - 2.10 Women In Need - 2.05 Pratham UK - 2.05 The YMCA Indian Student Hostel - 2.05
www.asiancharityclarity.org.uk
The hawan and puja was conducted in the methodology followed at the main Kheer Bhawani temple with the mother Goddess
blessed. Thanks to all the Kashmiri Hindu members at KPCS," says Madhava Turumella, a Hindu scholar and priest who con-
events," says Sunil Raina from New Delhi, India." Kheer Bhawani is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kheer Bhawani (originally just Bhawani) constructed over a sacred spring in Kashmir.The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir. The temple is situated at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar near the village of Tul Mul. The term kheer refers to rice pudding that is offered in the spring to propitiate the
seated inside a water body and offerings made to her at the hawan. "We had a wonderful puja and havan of Mata Tulmul Khir Bhavani (Kshira Bhavani) of Kashmir. Felt totally
ducted the hawan along with the Shri Rama Krishna temple, Romford Priest Sanjay Pandit. "It is wonderful to see our community connecting to roots and initating young children in these
Goddess, which became part of the name of the temple. As is the custom with Hindu deities, she has many names: Maharagya Devi, Ragnya Devi, Rajni and Ragnya Bhagwati. Because of the
Upholding Religious Traditions in Foreign land
Hundreds of Kashmiri Hindus from in and around London attended the 2nd Annual Kheerbhawani puja and hawan at Rama Krishna Temple in Romford (East London) on Sunday, 14th June 2015. Organised by the Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK the effort was to recreate the actual Kheerbhawani puja held in Kashmir and continue the religious traditions of the Kashmiri Hindu community. A scattered community of around 400 families across UK, the Kashmiri Hindus, the Pandits are a community in exile now in the 25th year. Through the years in exile, some of the community members have gone on to make careers and build their lives for the better however, owing to having been uprooted from their homes the struggle over the years has not only remained limited to the geo-political demand but also of identity.
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
forced exodus in 1989-90 from the valley, Kashmiri Hindus have struggled to continue the tradition of going to Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. Traditionally, an annual festival is held at Kheer Bhawani temple on the Jesht-Ashtami (mayjune) when Hindu visit the temple and offer prayers and perform hawan to please the mother Goddess. The historic temple was built by the then Dogra ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Pratap Singh. Later it was renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1912. Tejas Kotwal said, "I am a 17 year old Kashmiri Pandit. I was 16 months old when I came to this country and am now a British citizen. My parents talk very fondly about their birthplace Kashmir which sadly because of terrorism they are unable to visit. There are many families like ours in the U.K who share a common heritage and ethnic identity. KPCS has played an important role in bringing us all together and by holding events to preserve our rich and unique heritage. Their group of dedicated volunteers encourage not just my own community but other communities to work with each other and contribute to the rich tapestry of this country.”
15
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Aruna’s 8 Step Practical Mindfulness Programme 1 Acknowledgement / Acceptance of what is 2 Non-judgement 3 Patience 4 Not knowing/curiosity 5 Trust 6 Relaxing 7 Letting go 8 Compassion
There is certainly a dilemma with resisting conformity. To what extent can we be free when we are rooted in society? It’s difficult. I’ve been broke, had a McDonalds commercial offer come in and had to say no. Similarly, I was approached by Harley Street Medical, the plastic surgery company, to be the face of their campaign but I find it unethical: sometimes being mindful is not so good for the bank! You try to do what you can.
You’ve starred in films, been behind the camera, and now use the memories to therapise: What is your attraction to cinema? It gives a responsibility to your audience and it is important to remember that. You have such power in that moment. When you go into a film, it’s the same as hypnotherapy; there’s music, the darkness, inducing of light trance and suspension of disbelief. You start to take on what you’re told. That’s what I try to harness with my channel; encouraging trust and compassion in a subliminal way.
Sunetra Senior
Erudite, calm and endlessly open, Shields immediately breaks the mould of a foxy film actress. As she pointed out during the interview, “people can confuse the image with the truth; perception with reality.” Beginning as a model, the multi-dimensional wonder transitioned - quite naturally- to the dynamic medium of cinema, before settling in hypnotherapy, her current career form. She has received both critical and commercial attention for her raw performance in French cinema’s ‘AO The Last Hunter’, and her roles in Indian films, sci-fi thriller ‘Prince’ and arthouse work ‘Mr Singh Mrs Mehta’, and has resolved to use industry experience to inspire others for the better. Sitting on her balcony in LA, a thesis paper exposed on the screen, we were lucky enough to catch her at a new pinnacle in life; in the midst of launching her mindfulness channel, Aruna Shields TV, we saw that Aruna's biggest beauty is living the daring she preaches: and academia, and then it becomes automatic. It’s the same notion with therapy. You have the groundwork through the books, you learn about the mind, but then when you see your clients it becomes spontaneous; you know what is necessary but don’t follow a set script.
What has been one of your proudest accomplishments? Securing the role in ‘AO’: they were auditioning internationally and had some huge A-listers on the list so it was real privilege to make it. It was a really gritty, animalistic role and I loved to be immersed in nature as a child. I used to run around on all fours and play with animals…
Tell me a bit about your transition from acting to psychotherapy? I’ve always been interested in psychology and been passionate about exploring the mind. Acting is like that, and transfers to the practice of treating clients. It’s about extricating people out of the mind. I play a detective, searching out the beliefs that predicate one’s life. 90% of the time we’re not conscious of why we’re doing something. Everyone is different and informed by individual cultures, events and people, and I find characters so interesting whether they are in film or from everyday life.
So they’re right on America’s Next Top Model when they say the modelling/acting world involves a lot of physical stamina? The AO film shoot was definitely gruelling and one of my most challenging. I had to combine prehistoric dialect with body language and there was a snake scene where I got bitten six times! The crew were spraying alcohol on it and we just had to keep going. With regards to modelling, some jobs are easier than others but then others are nightmares. You have to be out in all weathers and up at early hours. I’ve been so tired that I’ve fallen asleep with my eyes open. All the movies I’ve done have had some extreme element. With ‘Prince’ I never knew which building I was going to be thrown off, and in ‘Mr Singh Mrs Mehta’ it was freezing cold.
Tell me more about the marriage of the intellectual and the primal across your career? The acting and therapizing do feed off and into each other in that respect. As in therapy, the acting is cathartic and you have to be non-judgemental. There is a huge mental element where some of the best performances come out of a meditative trance-like state. There’s the grit that goes into the preparation, parallel with studying
press would call me primate- I was very discomfited by that. I have smaller boobs too and they were adding more padding in wardrobe and bringing the tiniest outfits for me to wear. But I much prefer flowing skirts, billowing dresses. People come to think you are your image. That sexual side is being created by people outside of me the producer, the media – and when you’re young you just tend to go with it. Celebrities have to be more grounded or they can become their picture. You can actually be a complete dichotomy: Google is showing these vixen images of me and it’s nothing like the person I am.
'Rarely do we stop and investigate ourselves' *** 'When you go into a film, it’s the same as being hypnotised'
What are some of the thoughts you investigate in your sessions? People are so judgemental of themselves, and that’s propagated through the magazines and media. It creates a lot of neuroses: I need to be married by this age, be somewhere by another, but it is quite improper to say ‘this is how you should live your life’. We’re not robots are we? We’re not all supposed to do the same thing. Rarely do we stop and investigate ourselves; we just go on autopilot.
You say you’ve learnt from the pressures of fame? I’ve always had difficulty conforming, especially to the label of sexy, attractive female. On the set of ‘Prince’, for example, I was told to wax my arms because they said the
Would you say your bicultural heritage, English and Indian, has informed who you are? Well my parents are very liberal themselves. My mum may come from a strict Catholic background and my father may be Brahmin, but she’s is a vegetarian and he eats meat. They’ve been married for over thirty years and they clearly have relaxed attitude towards each other so that’s been very influential. I’m a bit of gypsy and I don’t really see myself as anything. In England they’ve seen me as a brown person and I get the whole ‘where are you really from?’ and in India I’m called a coconut with my liberal outlook, but I don’t actually mind that. I think all religions and cultures have their own beauty. I don’t understand patriotism; following football teams. It only creates an Us versus Them mentality.
Name a striking film that you have been to see recently? Tyrannosaur: it’s low budget, and just goes to show you don’t need lots of money to make a great film. It was interesting because it was about psychology based in reality - none of that clichéd killing the bad guy and exacting revenge. In it, the perpetrator of the violence meets the victim and sees their point of view. In a subtle way the lead characters step inside each other’s minds. I don’t think punishing people, giving them life-sentences and worse, is the way to change them. You have to show people compassion and they have to show themselves that as well. Unless it’s a biological disorder- psychopathy for instance - sadness and trauma is what causes people to act out. War; warring amongst ourselves does not solve anything. What would be a motivational motto? Give yourself worth, and don’t rely on other people’s opinions. Whether it is a partner leaving you, your parents, or the press, people’s confidence can get knocked. Society often spews out fears and nonsense and they direct it at you: Don’t let that dictate you. www.arunashields.com;
W www.arunashields.com/tv-channel
twitter.com/thearunashields
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YOGA DAY SPECIAL
Hundreds attend yoga session at Southbank to celebrate World Yoga Day
On Sunday, hundreds of people attended the yoga session at Southbank hosted by the Indian High Commission with other community organisations to celebrate the first World Yoga Day.
Bob Blackman MP, HE Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to UK, Pritam Lal, First Secretary, Coordination, Lalubhai Parekh, Chairman, Overseas Friends of BJP and others
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Sangat community centre hosts Yoga Yoga session was organised by Sangat Community Centre in Harrow on Sunday to mark the first International Yoga Day.
Yoga session held at Parliament
Over 12.5 mn people join in Gujarat
Marking the first International Day for Yoga in Gujarat, over 12.5 million participants joined the event on Sunday at around 47,000 locations across the state. At the main event at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad, presided by Governor O P Kohli and Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, witnessed a gathering of over 75,000. Other major events in Ahmedabad were organised at the Sabarmati Riverfront, Kankaria lake and CG road apart from schools and public gardens. “It is very important to learn yoga and understand its significance in maintaining a healthy body and mind. I am going to ask all the state officers to take out time on every Sunday for yoga. They can contribute promoting yoga by learning it at their nearest public garden and community centre,” said the CM, while greeting the participants at GMDC ground. The event started at around 6.30 am with recorded speech of the Chief Minister and the Governor O P Kohli, where they talked about the origin and the relevance of yoga in modern day. A short video clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 27, 2014, where he proposed for an international yoga day, was also played. Hundreds of trainers were also placed across the ground between participants who were divided into clusters. Also, nearly 3,000 students dressed in tri-colour performed the
Rupanjana Dutta
yoga. Manish Bhardwaj, secretary of the department of sports, youth and cultural activities, actively involved in the preparations, said: “The event went ahead as planned at each district, taluka, mahanagar palika and nagar palika level. The target at each level has been met with overwhelming response at a few centres.” Sharing the numbers, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, education minster and chairman of the organising committee, said: “The response was more than expected at each centre and location. The state has touched a participation of nearly 12.5 million at all its 33 districts.” He presided over the event organised at the Sabarmati
Riverfront. Many senior bureaucrats, a few MLAs, Ahmedabad mayor Meenaxi Patel, municipal commissioner D Thara, director general of police P C Thakur and other officials from various departments joined the main event at the GMDC ground. The CM too participated with them and performed yoga during the 33-minute session. Representatives from various communities were also invited at the GMDC ground. Seated at a separate enclosure beside the main stage, the CM personally went up to them and welcomed each of them. These included leaders from various organisations,
including Brahma Kumaris, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purshotam Sansthan (BAPS), Ram Krishna Math, Sai Baba Temple, Jagannath Temple, Jhulelal Temple, gurdwaras and church. Calling namaaz an alternate to yoga as it also requires physical and spiritual well-being, Raisuddin Ahmed Khan, in-charge Mubalig, Muslim Jama at Ahmedabad said, “Yoga should be performed daily and not associated to a particular religion. Various communities should be made aware about its uses and we would certainly try in our own Muslim community that maximum people are benefitted from it.” Sharing the views on benefits of yoga, chairman of Jhulelal Mandir in Ahmedabad’s Sardarnagar area, Devidas N Punjabi, said, “We have started training people in yoga, especially women from our community. Since men are off to their business, there are special classes organised for women in the mornings and evenings.”
Following the spectacular scenes in Delhi last Sunday, where the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, led the largest Yoga demonstration in a single venue in history, Lord Bilimoria, the Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer and an Independent Crossbench Peer, led the First Annual UN International Yoga Day Celebrations in the UK Parliament to Tuesday 23 June to demonstrate the benefits of the ancient practice. A number of MPs and Peers took part in the event, including the former Defence Secretary, Lord King of Bridgwater, former Managing Director of Marks and Spencer, Lord Stone, former surgeon and professor, Lord McColl of Dulwich, Virendra Sharma MP, Chairman of the IndoBritish All Party Parliamentary Group, and Bob Blackman MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus. The event saw Yoga teachers from around the country discuss the history of the discipline and deliver demonstrations on meditation and mindfulness, breathing exercises, and office yoga. The event also welcomed the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, HE Ranjan Mathai, as a special guest speaker. In his speech, the High Commissioner stressed the importance of Yoga and
stated that he was: “delighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to the United Nations to hold an annual International Yoga Day on 21st June, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, was supported by 177 countries, including Britain.” The High Commissioner also expressed his gratitude with Prime Minister David Cameron’s declaration that: “the UK is pleased to support International Yoga Day. We were one of 177 countries to vote in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal, and we are pleased to see the enthusiasm with which it is being embraced, both in the UK and around the world.” After the celebrations, Lord Bilimoria noted that: “Over the past two and a half decades the world has increasingly been looking to India as an emerging global economic superpower. However, India’s influence on the world has also been through its amazing soft power – with Yoga being a shining example. Today Yoga is rapidly gaining in popularity around the world for its recognised benefits for wellbeing and mindfulness. It is wonderful that, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the United Nations has for the first time introduced International Yoga Day on 21st June 2015. I am delighted that we were able to celebrate International Yoga Day in the Houses of Parliament in London.”
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Yoga bringing world, people together: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yoga had played a significant role in bringing the world together, cutting across differences of colour, class and creed, and added that it was “our collective gift to humanity.” Modi also warned against “commoditization“ of the ancient Indian practice. “In India, this morning, millions of people participated in a simple yoga demonstration at Rajpath, in states and district capitals, in community groups and in their homes also,” Modi said while opening the two-day “International Conference on Yoga for Holistic Health” at Vigyan Bhavan. “This solidarity in yoga, this coming together with our brothers and sis-
ters in other countries, brings our hearts and minds closer,” he added. Acknowledging the contribution of other countries to yoga, Modi said that it may have originated in India but it drew energy from the millions who participated it around the world. “International Yoga Day is not the brainchild of a government or of the United Nations. It is a reflection of the largest knowledge-based peoples' movement the world has ever seen,” he said. “We will take this movement forward to aim for better health, more fulfilled lives and more connected com-
munities.” A total of 194 UN member countries had supported India's proposal to adopt June 21 as International Day of Yoga with 177 of these countries co-sponsoring the event. Modi pledged to foster a culture of “inclusiveness,” of “fraternity,” of one global family -“Vasudhev Kutambakam.” “I acknowledge...that this support is not just for India. This support is for the great tradition of yoga, the tradition that helps individuals and societies to discover a sense of oneness with the self, with each other and nature,” he said while addressing a gathering of eminent yoga gurus, diplomats, senior government officials and yoga
enthusiasts. Modi, however, cautioned against commoditization of yoga. “Yoga is not a commodity or a brand up for sale. It is a way to join people, join people to nature. We have to keep it that way. A day should not come where we say that my yoga is the right one and others are just making money by holding their noses and ears,” he said. Emphasizing that yoga was not a business but a state of being, Modi said it was India's gift for the world's welfare. However, he said yoga should not be seen as “hamari bapouti (our inheritance).”
YOGA DAY SPECIAL
7,000 take part in Belgium and Luxembourg
Over 7,000 Yoga enthusiasts of Belgium and Luxembourg turned up at different cities on Sunday to celebrate the International Day of Yoga that was organised in these countries by the Embassy of India in Brussels. The Embassy in association with the Belgian NGO Vidonne, prominent Yoga Federations of Belgium and Luxembourg, Antwerp Indian Association, University of Ghent, Katholic University of Leuven, Radhadesh and the City of Enghien celebrated the First International Day of Yoga in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Ardennes, Enghien, the coastal city of Kortrigk and Luxembourg City. The celebrations were part of the global efforts to popularise Yoga which was pioneered by India. The celebrations began with a curtain raiser with the internationally renowned Yoga exponent from India and the pioneer of the “Art of Living” - Sri Sri Ravishankar - speaking on Yoga and guiding a meditation and question and answer session at the European Parliament in Brussels. Subsequently, the Embassy of India in
Brussels took the initiative to co-host the large public Yoga event along with all prominent Yoga institutions and federations across Belgium under a single umbrella at the picturesque Bois de la Cambre (Forest of Brussels) in Brussels. The Yoga session commenced at 10.30 am with the message of the Prime Minister of India relating to Yoga at the last UNGA in New York. Thereafter, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Manjeev Singh Puri, welcomed the participants following which an experienced Yoga trainer from France conducted a series of Yoga asanas for about an hour. The Yoga session
in Brussels commenced with a prayer in a meditative posture with namaskara mudra and ended with Dhyana/Meditation in Jnana mudra/Yoga mudra with eyes closed for 6 minutes. Five mini Yoga sessions – for kids, back pain sufferers, pregnant ladies, senior citizens and stress emphasizing on the different aspects of Yoga followed. The Yoga session in Brussels saw participation of about 5,000 people from across Belgium comprising of all sections of the Belgian society including local politicians, diplomats, EU and Belgian Government officials, businessmen, academicians, students etc. Several members of the Indian
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community also attended the event. Almost all Yoga experts in and around Brussels served as volunteers for the Yoga session. Yoga mats, T-shirts containing the image of the popular Belgian cartoon character “Smirf” and other goodies were distributed to the participants. The proceeds from the sale of the T-Shirts are to be donated to the Cancer Research Programme of the renowned Institute Juliet Bordet of Brussels. Tech-Mahindra, an Indian IT company having operations in BENELUX, played the role of a major sponsor for organizing the celebrations in addition to other sponsors. Similar, large public Yoga events as also Yoga related lecture-demonstrations and seminars were organized in the Indian diaspora dominated city of Antwerp, the University towns of Ghent and Leuven, Enghien, Radhadesh at the Belgian Ardennes as also at the Luxembourg City in Luxembourg. Each of the venues saw participation of over 200 Yoga enthusiasts with over 1,000 people participating in Antwerp and over 500 in Luxembourg City.
Yoga in India likely to get 300,000 jawans participate Rs 5 bn boost
After the yoga day celebrations, the ministry of Ayush is now working on a proposal to promote as well as regulate yoga across India. A Rs 5 billion plan is being drawn up for creation of infrastructure for yoga, and for training facilities and research on the ancient Indian practice. "The International Day of Yoga is just a start. We want to take yoga to the remotest village of our country and to do that we need to create dedicated infrastructure, facilities and do research. It would require at least Rs 5 billion," minister of state for Ayush Shripad Naik said. The ministry has set up a special task force to suggest ways to promote and regulate yoga. The committee, headed by yoga guru H R Nagendra, chancellor of Bangalorebased Swami Vivekananda Yoga A n u s a n d h a n a Samasthana, is likely to
submit its report by September. Nagendra is also Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal yoga guru. The government is also trying to standardize the yoga techniques in order to avoid conflict or confusion. Besides, the plan would entail starting specific diploma, under graduate and post graduate courses on yoga in different universities. The government is also mulling opening up dedicated institutes and colleges for yoga, where research can also be conducted by senior yoga gurus.
From Siachen to South China Sea and from Dorjila (Sikkim) to Darbha (Chhattisgarh), Indian army men, IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) men and CRPF men on Sunday ensured that the enthusiasm of International Yoga Day, as visible on Rajpath, reverberated in every nook and corner of India. Nearly 300,000 soldiers from the armed forces and the paramilitary participated in the mega event. While yoga sessions were carried out by Army units across the country, including Kargil and Ladakh, similar camps were conducted
across naval installations. The Indian Navy declared “Yoga across the Oceans” as its theme for the first International Yoga Day and yoga sessions were conducted onboard all naval ships deployed from the South China Sea in the east to the Mediterranean Sea. The IAF too carried out yoga sessions. While Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Admiral R K Dhowan participated in the celebrations at Rajpath, defence minister Manohar Parrikar was in Meerut for the celebrations.
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Asian Achievers Awards
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Reshma Trilochun The Asian Achievers Awards (AAA), also known as The People's Choice Awards, organised by Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL), is a star-studded event where the renown and crème de la crème attend to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution and hard work of the nominees in society. The awards has been taking place annually; this will be the 15th ceremony and will be held at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel, on Friday 18th September 2015. The awards recognises the outstanding work from the individuals from across all walks of life within the Asian community, and acknowledge the accomplishments of the finest in the UK's Asian community. Each year, the awards illustrates and celebrates a certain aspect of society, and this year there will be an emphasis on Uniforms and Civil Services. There are also many Asians who serve in the Civil Services at high-ranked positions.The awards has chosen to pay tribute to the achievements of those in the Armed Forces and Civil Services by making this year's theme for the awards as Uniform and Civil Services. There are ten categories for the Asian Achievers Awards and this week, we will have a look at the Business, Media, Arts and Culture, as well as the Sports category. There are cer-
nominations are now open
tain criteria which are essential in ensuring the apt person receives the award. For the Business Person of the Year, the awardee would be a business person who is successful in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues. For Media, Arts and Culture, the recipient of the award would be someone who has made a mark in the media, which includes print and
broadcast media, cinema, art and culture; where as the Sports Personality of the Year is awarded to a sportsperson who is promising, successful and leads a great example in life. Every year, the awards selects a particular charity and encourages people to donate towards a good cause which would benefit the people in need. This year's sponsored charity is The Loomba
Foundation- The charity aims to promote the welfare and economic empowerment of disadvantage widows and educating their children. The Loomba Foundation was established in the UK as a charitable Trust Deed on 26 June 1997, by Lord Raj Loomba CBE and his wife Veena, Lady Loomba. In 2014, the chosen charity was the Cherie Blair Foundation, based in London
with a global reach. The foundation's mission is to provide women with the skills, technology, networks and access to capital that they need to become successful small and growing business owners, so that they can contribute to their economies and have a stronger voice in their societies. Through the awards, the Cherie Blair Foundation raised a staggering £100,000. There were many esteemed nominees from different respected fields and some of the winners include Hanif Kureishi CBE, novelist, winner of 2014 Achievement in Media, Arts & Culture; Dilawar Singh MBE, Sports Council for Glasgow Elected Director, won the Sports Personality of the Year; and Mahmud Kamani, founder of Boohoo, won Business Person of the Year 2014. The readers have the opportunity to nominate who they believe deserves an award in their respective field, and an independent panel of judges deliberate and choose the winners. ABPL Group has no say in who becomes a recipient of an award, and neither will they entertain any dialogue with the members of the public regarding the judging process. To nominate an achiever of your choice, simply fill in the form below and send it to us by 24th July 2015. Or you could simply visit www.asianachieversawards.com
PRESENTS
NOMINATION FORM
The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below. Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 24th July, 2015 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.
Please 4 tick the appropriate category Uniformed and Civil Services For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services. Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded to an entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise. Professional of the Year Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession. Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture. Achievement in Community Service In recognition for an individuals service to community.
Woman of the Year The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field. Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports. Business Person of the Year Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues. International Personality of the Year Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities. Lifetime Achievement Award To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.
Application Form Full Name of the Person you are Nominating: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ His/Her Contact Details (Tel & email): ___________________________________________________Occupation of the Nominee: ___________________________________________ Please attach the Nominees's CV which includes the following information (Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words) (1) Personal background (2) Most important career achievements till date. (3) Nominee's contribution to the community and nation. (4) Future Plans, ambitions and visions.
Summary-
(5) Any notable obstacles in the Nominee's career that has helped him/her to reach where they are today.
(Please include a summary in not more than 150 words why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet)
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Haunted turns wanted Suresh Vagjiani
Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company
I write from Mumbai, where I have been for close to a week, on previous visits I had never taken the time to hang around, I merely used it as a spring board to move on elsewhere. I had never taken the time to see and understand this city. On this occasion I had the good fortune of being in the hands of a couple of close friends who are Mumbaikars, who separately gave me the resident’s tour, showing me what makes this city tick. One of them originally hailed from Gujarat and has now settled in Mumbai, along with his family of children and parents, they live in a two bedroom flat in Mumbai. The other is a born and bred native Mumbaikar, who is in the film Industry; Gulfam Khan is her name, she has starred in many soap operas and has also played roles in successful movies such as Talaash. During our tour of the city, many passers by recognised her and asked for pictures to be taken with her. In India if you are a movie star or a cricketer you have the status of a Demi God. There is even the possibility they will construct a temple of yours and you will be worshipped. This has already happened for some movie stars and cricketers, such as Sachin Tendulkar. Through these two personalities I was lucky to get a glimpse of the property market in Mumbai from the local perspective. Reading media reports gives you a limited and often biased angle.
Whilst driving around town one of them told me that up north in Goregaon's Gokuldham area, on the Western Express Highway, are three tall buildings; they had been empty for 14 years. During the build phase around seven labourers involved in the construction had met with their death. Rumours started that the buildings were plagued by poltergeist activity. The rumours started as small ones and then gathered momentum.
One brave soul even bought a flat and moved in, however after a short time he soon abandoned the flat and fled. Initially I was surprised to hear so many labourers had died during this construction, this was shocking to me coming from the UK. However later I discovered this level of casualties is the industry standard. Apparently during the construction of a single block one or two deaths are to be expected. Therefore whilst constructing three blocks, six to seven deaths is an acceptable ratio. Generally whilst looking at the scaffolding constructed around buildings here in Mumbai (made of bamboo and tied together with rope) it seems no surprise, given what they had to climb upon. You would need to be a semi circus performer to be able to navigate this framework. Deaths are so common on building sites, my friend has actually even seen one labourer falling off a building just outside of her window.
reputation in the market had even sent an exorcist into the buildings, but the fellow had reported no signs of paranormal activity. This was rather honest of him, as many in his line of work are prone to either exaggerate the issue or to invent something. After all who else can double check? And it’s bad for business to say there’s nothing there at all. However this was his diagnoses, that the buildings were fine. This then begs the question as to why the buildings were empty for 14 years. One version was a rival developer had started the rumour in order to de stroy the business of his compe titor. Rumours can spread q uicke r than fires in a city like Mumbai and they soon solidify in the fe rtile min ds of hum ans and the y the n be come reality. This story is by no means an isolated case, all over Mumbai there are tales of spooky activity, for instance in D'Souza Chawl, near Canossa School, there is a well with no boundary walls. A woman once fell into the well while filling water and died. Ever since, locals say, her ghost comes there every night, strolls around, and disappears by dawn. There is another story about one of the flats at Grand Paradi Towers, Kemps Corner, all three generations of the family committed suicide, with the last case in 2004. The flat is unsold because it is believed to be possessed by spirits. Given property prices in Kemps Corner can reach Rs. 1 lakh per sq. ft., this must be pretty serious as there is certainly no lack of demand in this location. Spooky activity is not the only thing which puts a break on real estate projects. Litigation is a big blockage too. The wheels of justice turn very slowly in this country, you may even have to come back in your next life to attend a hearing and another life to hear the judgement. Whilst walking around in Colaba I enquired as to why properties here only a short distance away from the Gateway of India were in such poor condition, given the value of real estate in this location. They had mould growing on the outside of them, poorly kept. I was informed many of these property were under serious litigation and therefore no money was being spent on the maintenance of these blocks. This could be evidenced by the notices placed outside the buildings, which made a claim of ownership by one of the parties involved in the litigation. Often what happened was the property had been bought with a number of different individuals some time ago. The previous generation did everything with a shake of hands, trust was the basis of business transactions, and things have now changed. They have died and gone, the next generation now lay claim to their parents’ properties. Litigation blocks the property and stops it from being maintained, it of course cannot be sold. Therefore it is rented for below the proper market value. The sheer strength of the location is the only driving factor of why such properties are occupied as many seemed barely habitable.
Going back to our three buildings, rumours of all the properties being haunted had started during the construction phase of these buildings, and this was compounded by a resident post completion, who had stayed there and subsequently fled from the apartment. His story was then followed up strongly with newspaper articles. In a nation of believers where the existence of spirits is accepted as a fact, this rumour led to all of the blocks being empty for 14 years, no one would purchase the liveable flats due to each of them being under the grip of malignant spirits who would harass any would be resident brave enough to move in.
The builder even died during the period the buildings were empty so he never got to see any of the units sold. This is just one example of the kind of currents which move in the Mumbai property market, possibly uniquely to India. More recently over the last year these buildings have been purchased by another developer, refurbished and all the units have been sold with only the penthouses remaining. Apparently the incoming builder Rustomjee who has a good
The Real Deal
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A large two bedroom flat within a purpose built block Long lease Excellent views Low service charges Lift Close to the local shops and amenities of Kilburn and the open spaces of Maygrove Peace Park We expect the value of the property to be around £320k Very good buy and hold opportunity
Given such scenarios there is no wonder why the thirst for owning London property is so strong amongst Indians in India. The transparency and ease of transaction is refreshing in comparison. One year 25% of all transactions done in Mayfair were by Indians from India. A quick but perceptive glimpse into the Mumbai property market has shown me first hand as to why the appeal for London property is so strong overseas.
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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Surely with the power of computers we can pick winning stocks faster, more accurately than the traditional way? When I started my hedge fund, I employed fund managers and it quickly proved expensive. They were good, and that’s why they cost money. So I looked to replace them with computers – my little unpaid slaves. And it worked. One algorithm (‘APSE’) has for the past ten years outperformed Warren Buffett and every other UK company fund manager too. (I put this into Sharescope to create my own little Fintech Venture – ‘Alpesh Patel Special Edition of Sharescope’.) So what’s the secret sauce? What’s the Piri Piri of stockpicking, the secret KFC herbs of my stock selection methodology? Step one: Know what’s important – a little help from the Financial Times In picking winning stocks, I had to first look at all the stock picking criteria from PE to ROCE and esoteric ones like price-cash flow. But what works? This is where writing a weekly column on trading for the Financial Times came in handy. Every week I would spend about 12 hours researching developments over the past century to the present day in stock picking. You should not be surprised there is a heck of a lot of academic research on the subject. Five years of that and I had a good idea, plus my own experience from age 12 of investing on what will work. Step two: Have a strategy – help from Bloomberg TV But work for what period? What’s the strategy, to hold for a day, a week, a month? A year? My strategy, or rather one of them, was to pick for a year. So I came up with the idea of looking for undervalued growth stocks generating good dividends. From my years co-hosting on Bloomberg TV and interviewing and grilling fund managers I recalled how some fund managers claimed to be ‘growth’ and others ‘value’ and others still ‘income’. So I thought, ‘why not all in one’? Step three: know the importance of what is important – a little help from the Bar As a trained Barrister, the two most important things you learn are that evidence is needed for everything and secondly, you only base your case one two or three key arguments – not every single argument you could make ie you learn the importance of what is important. So you realise that PE has been more important than ROCE in stock predictions. But, how important? My next stage was to weigh the importance of each criteria. PE, revenue growth, earnings growth, cash flows all of these things you know are important but not equally so. So like a lab professor I crunched numbers and worked many late nights to discover the DNA of stock outperformance. Step four: after complexity, simplicity – help from Oxford University When I was a Visiting Fellow in Business & Industry at Oxford University, lecturing on finance, one of my research topics was how to convey financial education more simply. After all we want to make it easy for people to learn and then do. So I scored each of the stocks out of 10, based on the weightings of the various factors my research showed was important. You sort of see why my performance outdid Warren and every UK company fund manager don’t you! Step 5: teach! I love to teach, not just trade and manage money, so I then went on to create what are the best online bitesize courses on learning not just this, but more active trading too. For the first 30 readers there is a 50% off my most popular course, which happens to be on FX trading. Just visit www.trading-champions.com and enter the coupon ‘spreadbet – enjoy!
EU-India summit expected by end of 2015 The much anticipated EUIndia Summit is likely to be held by the end of the year, probably in November, according to EU and Indian officials. Manjeev Singh Puri, Ambassador of India to
the EU, while speaking at an event in Brussels said, “we hope we will be able to put together the big event that we believe can kickstart at the highest political level before the year is over.”
Jaitley woos global investors
India's finance minister Arun Jaitley has assured global investors and told them that the government was taking all the necessary efforts to relieve their concerns on the reforms process, the taxation regime and policy stability. Jaitley, who is on a 10day trip to the US, met investors and said while there was “a lot of excitement and a lot of buzz” about India, concerns were being raised about the pace of reform process and policy stability. “I clearly see two kinds of reactions. The predominant reaction is that there is a lot of excitement and a lot of buzz about India.
“Concerns that the process of reforms must be expedited… which we are trying to do. Concern over the stability of policy, which has been assured because the government’s movement is in one direction,” he said. He also said there were worries about India’s taxation regime. Jaitley, who will meet top CEOs and investors and address think-tanks during his visit, said he was in the US “really to be in dialogue with a larger body of investors because the more the investment into India, the more it will help us in our growth. Our growth helps us in removing poverty in India and, I
think, it is a very positive reaction as far as the investors are concerned.” “Almost by the day, we are getting proposals both through the direct route and also through the Foreign Investment Promotion Board route,” he said. Jaitley was accompanied by a business delegation that includes Ambuja Neotia Group Chairman Harshavardhan Neotia, Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar Kanwar, Bharti Enterprises ViceChairman and Managing Director Rajan Bharti Mittal, and Bharat Hotels Chairperson and Managing Director Jyotsna Suri.
More than 850 companies from across the country are quoted on AIM, and the scheme will work to highlight the opportunities they offer to young people. Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “World class apprenticeships are essential to support our employers and give hope and opportunity to young people. We are committed to 3 million new apprenticeship starts in this Parliament, and AIM’s
Apprenticeship scheme is exactly the kind of project that will help make that vision a reality.” Xavier Rolet, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group, said: “As we celebrate 20 years of AIM providing capital to companies to fund their growth, we are delighted to launch this new SME Apprenticeship Scheme in partnership with City Gateway. SMEs are a key driver of jobs, innovation and economic growth in the UK. Matching the UK’s most dynamic growth companies with talented young people seeking life- changing opportunities is a winwin. We have worked with City Gateway to provide apprentices with careers in the City of London and this new scheme builds on that success. The Government's focus on prioritising the creation of more apprenticeships is key to giving young people
a great future and increasing opportunity for all , and we are delighted to be involved.” Eddie Stride, CEO, City Gateway, said: “We are very excited by the potential of Apprenticeship creation by SMEs, to positively impact the level of youth employment in London and the UK. Just as SME growth is critical for a diverse and healthy economy, so is the opportunity apprenticeships offer unemployed young people, enabling them to build careers and become active citizens in our society and economy.” The announcement follows news on 14 June that the term ‘apprenticeship’ will be protected in law, strengthening their reputation, help working people and ensuring apprenticeships are recognised as a career path equal to university education.
Mr Rana Kapoor
Mr G P Hinduja
Sandip Varma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development, UK Govt and Mr Vijay Goel, Chair ASSOCHAM UK Chapter and Senior Partner, Singhania and Co. ASSOCHAM and the UKIBC are also due to sign a charter at this event.
Arun Jaitley
There is a lot of sense of satisfaction with regard to how the reform process has panned out in the last one year. Investors are certainly looking at India to make large investments,” Jaitley said. He said there were certain concerns too.
Britain's fastest growing companies to support apprenticeship recruitment
Business Secretary Sajid Javid has announced a new scheme to place apprentices in small and medium companies quoted on AIM, London Stock Exchange’s growth market for ambitious small and medium businesses. Speaking at the London Stock Exchange Group’s event on 17 June, to celebrate AIM’s 20th anniversary, he praised the scheme which he said will “bring together innovative new companies that are the future of British business, and the hardworking young apprentices who are the future of the British workforce.” The London Stock Exchange Group Foundation has committed an initial £20,000 to underwrite the cost of administering the scheme, with additional funds raised at the event last night. The scheme will be run by the educational charity City Gateway.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid MP
ASSOCHAM to organise interactive investors forum in London
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is organising an interactive investors forum on 2nd July in London at St James' Court. Eminent speakers will be discussing the subject of Fast tracking India's Growth Story with confidence and conviction to improve ease of doing Business in India, promote strategic collaborations and further strengthen India and UK bilateral economic exchanges. ASSOCHAM, India’s apex Knowledge Chamber, has been playing a pivotal role in promoting India– UK trade and investment through its India – UK Business Promotion
Council based in India and its recently established UK Chapter in London. Mr Rana Kapoor, President, ASSOCHAM, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Global Investors’ India Forum and Founder and CEO of Yes Bank will be the keynote speaker, who will be visiting London along with the delegation.
The speakers on the day will also include Mr G P Hinduja, Co-Chairman, Hinduja Group of Companies, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair, UKIBC, Mr Michael Boyd, Managing DirectorInvestments, UKTI, Mr V N Dhoot, Chairman and Managing Director, Videocon, Baroness
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt
CURRENCY VOICE
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
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Foreign Exchange
Wages outstrip inflation Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.
In the UK Inflation rose by 0.1 per cent in the year to May according the Office for National Statistics, up from -0.1 per cent a month earlier and ending a brief spell of deflation. With the largest upward contribution coming from transport services, notably air fares the ONS said. Inflation had slipped into negative territory for the first time since the 1960s in April. But economists predicted this would be temporary - saying the price of air and sea fares were significantly lower than this time last year due to the unusual timing of Easter. So far, low inflation has been a boost for workers, whose real take home pay has increased The Bank of England has previously said it expects inflation to hover around zero before rising "notably" towards the end of this year, as the impact of low oil and food prices fade away. However, economists said today inflation is still well below the Bank of England's target of two per cent - meaning it remains unlikely to hike interest rates anytime soon. The Pound gained after average earnings increased and surpassed even the most optimistic of forecasts. This is good news for the British economy as wages
now outstrip inflation. Inflation is the measure of price increases in the UK, so when wages are rising faster than inflation, this means there is more disposable income in the British economy. UK retail sales growth slowed sharply last month after strong growth in April, as shoppers bought fewer clothes, retail sales volumes rose 0.2 percent in May broadly in line with economists' expectations to show 4.6 percent growth on the year. Sales in the three months to May were up 4.5 percent compared with a year earlier, the slowest year-on-year growth in six months. Many economists have said that when adjusted for lower prices, British consumer spending could be on track for its strongest year in a decade, as low inflation and rising wages give households more disposable income. In Europe all eyes were again on Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who said he’s ready to assume responsibility for the consequences of rejecting an unfair deal with creditors. He warned that he would “say the big no” to any agreement that continued “catastrophic policies” dictated by the country’s bailout. Finance ministers of the Czech Republic and Slovakia,
who will be involved in another attempt to resolve the crisis in a meeting of euro-area finance ministers in Luxembourg, said a Greek default was now a realistic scenario. Attention will start to be shifted to a summit of EU leaders scheduled for June 25-26 in Brussels, just days before Greece’s bailout program expires at the end of the month. Recent sources have also suggested that German Finance Minister Schaeuble is to tell law makers to make plans in preparation for no agreement with Greece. International Monetary Fund (IMF) boss Christine Lagarde warned there is "no period of grace" for Greece over a debt repayment deadline. Lagarde said Greece would be in default on its loans from the IMF if it failed to make a €1.6bn payment on 30 June. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier she was "still convinced" that a Greek debt deal was possible, despite European Commission, the IMF and the European Central Bank (ECB) being unwilling to unlock bailout funds until Greece agrees to reforms. They want Greece to implement a series of economic changes in areas such as pensions, VAT and on the budget surplus before
releasing €7.2bn of funds. The U.S. home-building industry enjoyed its best two months in more than seven years as it headed into its busiest season, even as it began work on fewer houses last month following an April surge. While housing starts declined 11.1 percent to a 1.04 million annualized rate, it followed April’s revised 1.17 million pace to cap the best back-to-back readings since the last two months of 2007, the Commerce Department reported in Washington. Permits for future projects climbed to the highest level in almost eight years, indicating activity will probably pick up. The Dollar lost ground after a statement from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) signalled a pickup in the economy is keeping it on track to raise interest rates this year, though subsequent increases are likely to be more gradual than anticipated. "Since the committee last met in April, the pace of job gains has picked up and labourmarket gains have improved further", Fed chair Janet Yellen said. She then went on to say that young couples are delaying getting married because they are finding it so hard to get a mortgage to buy their first home
Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 23rd June 2015 @ 7pm
GBP - INR = 99.79
USD - INR = 63.57 EUR - INR = 70.94 GBP - USD = 1.57 GBP - EUR = 1.41
EUR - USD = 1.12 GBP - AED = 5.77
GBP - CAD = 1.94
GBP - NZD = 2.30
GBP - AUD = 2.03
GBP - ZAR = 19.14
GBP - HUF = 435.61
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LEGAL VOICE
RBI awards banking licence to Bandhan
Bandhan, a microfinance corporation, has become the first lender to receive a banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India in more than a decade. Announcing the new bank's launch in Kolkata on August 23, the bank's promoter Chandra Shekhar Ghosh said that Bandhan recently completed raising Rs 10.20 billion equity from International Finance Corporation, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, and the state-run Small Industries Development Bank of India. Following the equity infusion, its net worth has gone up to Rs 27 billion, well above the RBI's stipulation of a minimum capital base of Rs 5 billion for new banks. Bandhan, which started in 2001 with two branches, turned out to be a market leader after south-based lenders were squeezed out following the crackdown by the Andhra Pradesh government. Bandhan ended its last year as an MFI in FY15 with Rs 95 billion of loans, 6400,000 borrowers, 2,022 branches and a net profit of Rs 4.28 billion. While all the loans and the customers will be transferred to the bank, branches will be set up only in 500-600 locations.
No coercion to recover tax dues: CBDT
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairperson Anita Kapur said that it would be difficult for income tax officers to undo their order on levying the minimum alternate tax (MAT) on capital gains made by FIIs. She, however, said that till the matter is settled and the committee headed by law commission chairman Justice A P Shah gives his report, taxmen won't resort to coercive methods to recover dues. The CBDT chief said the department would also wait for the Supreme Court order on the issue. “Assessing officers cannot redo their order, but if order is in appeal, then we can certainly tell our assessing officer `please don't take it further', and this is exactly what we did in Shell and Vodafone tax cases,” the CBDT chief said. “Shell and Vodafone cases went against us and once we accepted that judgment, we told our officers `please don't do future assessments and please don't further agitate these in appeals',” she added. Kapur defended the merit of levying MAT on capital gains but said the matter would be decided by A P Shah Committee and the apex court.
ADB to increase India lending to $12 bn by 2018
Asian Development Bank has proposed to increase lending to India by almost 50 per cent to $ 12 billion by 2018, bank president Takehiko Nakao said. “ADB aims at increasing its sovereign and non-sovereign lending from the present $ 7 billion to 9 billion in three years from 2015 to 2017 to $ 10-12 billion between 2016 and 2018 using ADB's expanded lending capacity.” After meeting India's finance minister Arun Jaitley and urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu, Nakao said, “We are now targeting higher numbers. We will increase the numbers by about 50
per cent or little bit less but roughly we will try to increase lending to India by about 50 per cent,” the ADB chief said. Pointing out India's projected growth rate of 7.8 per cent for the 201516 fiscal, higher in comparison to China's estimated 7.2 per cent in 2015, ADB is expected to revise its
growth projections for the current fiscal in July, Nakao said. He added, “ADB's latest economic outlook for India published in March projects GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in FY 2015-16, rising to 8.2 per cent in the 2016-17.” “The strong growth outlook is backed by good macroeconomic indicators such as a decline in inflation and the current account deficit, and reforms to further open up certain sectors for foreign direct investment and reduce fuel subsidies. Efforts to expedite clearances for key infrastructure projects will also sustain growth momentum.”
HE Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India
Kumar Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to India
John Cridland CBE, Director General of the CBI
Sumit Mazumder, President of CII
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII
Arun Jaitley and Takehiko Nakao
CII and CBI to organise joint conference on UK-India bilateral relations
Confederation of Indian industry (CII) and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), have jointly organised a conference on 8th July to deliberate the economic cooperation agenda, post UK elections and post one year of the new Indian government. With Indian Prime Minister Modi’s first year of government just completed and a clear win for British Prime Minister David Cameron in the General Elections, time is ripe for the two economies to come together to affirm their commitment and strengthen their trade and investment ties. The conference at the Taj St James's will deliberate some of the most important economic issues in the bilateral agenda and examine the future bilateral engagement strategies of both countries, especially focusing on opportunities for business enhancement and collaboration. It will feature remarks by High Commissioner of India to the UK Shri Ranjan Mathai, British Deputy High Commissioner Kumar Iyer, President of CII Sumit Mazumder, Director General of the CBI John Cridland and Director General of CII Chandrajit Banerjee. A business panel will follow discussing emerging opportunities for India-UK collaboration. A high-level CII CEOs delegation visiting from India, will also be participating at the conference.
The event will also be celebrating CII’s 120th and CBI’s 50th anniversary. The list of CII-CEOs delegates will include: • Mr Sumit Mazumder, President, CII and Chairman and Managing Director TIL Limited • Dr Naushad Forbes, President Designate, CII and Director Forbes Marshall Private Limited • Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry • Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, Managing Director Bajaj Finserv Limited • Dr Rajiv I Modi, Chairman and Managing Director Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited • Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Past President, CII and Chairman, Hero Corporate Service Limited • Mr Shaurya V Himatsingka, National Chairman, Yi and Deputy Managing Director India Carbon Ltd • Mr Rajan Navani, Managing Director, Jetline Group of Companies • Mr Rajive Kaul, Past President, CII and Chairman, Nicco
Corporation Limited • Mr Salil Singhal, Chairman and Managing Director PI Industries Limited • Mr Sudhir Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director Pinnacle Industries Limited • Ms Rajshree Pathy, Chairman and Managing Director Rajshree Sugars and Chemicals Limited • Mr Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and CEO Siemens Limited • Mr Sunil Kaushal, Regional Chief Executive Officer- India and South Asia Standard Chartered Bank • Mr R Mukundan, Managing Director Tata Chemicals Limited • Mr Dhruv M Sawhney, Past President, CII and Chairman and Managing Director Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited • Mr Raghu Kailas, National Vice Chairman, Yi and Vice Chairman and Managing Director Unimo Exports Pvt Limited • Mr Shekhar Datta, Past President, CII and Director Wockhardt Limited
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Tier 2: further restrictions proposed
Maria Fernandes
The immigration cosh has begun to be struck at migrant aimed solely at bringing down numbers at any cost. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been asked to consider the economic impact of Tier 2 on salary and more widely to consider restrictions. The first of these has a short deadline of 21/07/2015. The wider review will have until December 2015 to respond. The task of this Committee is to consider whether salaries and skill levels should be raised. MAC have invited evidence on a number of issues. I am reproducing the questions asked: 1. How do the existing salary thresholds for Tier 2 compare to, and impact on, the overall wage distribution for each occupation? 2. What types of jobs and occupations are done by highly-specialised and/or highly-skilled experts, and is pay a good proxy for this high level of specialisation or skill? 3. What would be the impact of increasing the thresholds to a level that better aligns with the salaries of highly-specialised and/or highlyskilled experts? 4. What would be the impact of increasing the thresholds to a level that restricts the route to occupations which are experiencing skills shortages skilled to NQF level 6 or higher? 5. What would be the impact of increasing the Tier 2 minimum thresholds from the 10th to the 25th percentile for each occupation for new entrant workers? 6. What would be the impact of increasing the Tier 2 minimum thresholds from the 25th to the 50th or 75th percentiles for each occupation for experienced workers? 7. As an employer, what would be the impact of increasing the Tier 2 minimum thresholds on:
a) hiring migrant workers from outside the EU; b) hiring migrant workers from within the EU; c) hiring natives. 8. Are there additional national pay scales or sources of salary data that should be used to set the thresholds? 9. What other appropriate measures would you like to see for determining the minimum salary thresholds? 10. Should the minimum salary threshold take account of variations in regional pay? If so, how? Two industries in particular will suffer most from the changes. The health care and hospitality industries which have seen a sharp reduction in the available jobs and steep rise in salaries. Of these the hospitality industry has (just about) managed to, retain its ability to bring a limited number of chefs under the shortage occupation list who would otherwise not qualify as they are not graduate level positions. Looking at numbers in fact only 1,400 of the total of 52,500 Certificates issued abroad are from the shortage occupation list and 14,200 are from carrying out advertising requirements. Compare this to 36,500 Certificates issued for Intra company transferees. It is quite clear that the numbers coming in for care homes and restaurants are small. However multi nationals have the means to lobby for their interests and do so effectively. As for nurses, there is an acute shortage and this is causing a crisis within which will inly become apparent when it reaches critical levels. These common themes for both these industries are that they are disparate and lack a voice. It is vital that groups band together to give evidence before MAC on these very important issues. Failure to do so may be fatal.
To contact Maria Fernandes, please email at: info@fernandesvaz.com
India-born Nikesh Arora is new SoftBank president
India-born former Google executive Nikesh Arora has been appointed the president of Japan's telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp. Arora, 47, who earlier held the vice-president's post, was appointed company president and chief operating officer at a gen-
eral meeting of shareholders. In a management reshuffle last month, Arora - then investments head - was named as a potential successor to company chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son, as the telecoms conglomerate steps up its overseas expansion.
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
In Brief
224 die in Pakistan heatwave
Islamabad: A heatwave in Pakistan's largest city Karachi and other districts claimed the lives of 224 people as mercury rose to up to 45 degree celsius. Health Officials said many of the victims were elderly people who were suffering from fever, dehydration and gastric problems. Pakistan's meteorological office said the hot and humid weather is likely to continue for another week. The highest temperature recorded in the country was 48 degree celsius in 1938.
7 Taliban attackers killed after assault on Afghan parliament
Kabul: The Afghan security forces gunned down 7 Taliban militants who had attacked the Afghanistan Parliament killing 2 civilians and injuring 31 others. A suicide bomber blew himself up right outside the building where a session was in progress. An explosive-laden car was detonated near the building gates which was followed by more than half a dozen blasts. The attack came as a second district fell in the hands of Taliban, in the north. The fight off was the first one where the Afghan security team battled without foreign backing. The militant group has described the attack as a “coordinated suicide attack” and said, “We have launched an attack on parliament as there was an important gathering to introduce the country's defence minister.”
Indian 'peeping Tom' jailed in Dubai
Dubai: An Indian worker in Dubai is convicted of molestation and sentenced to three months in jail, for watching a woman use a wash room in a mosque. The court has also ordered the man to be deported on the completion of his sentence. A 47 year old Saudi translator, the complainant, told the prosecutor, “I passed by a worker and saw him watering the plants in the yard. Shortly after I entered the cubicle, I smelt an odour of sweat. It lasted for four to five minutes.” She said as she turned around, she saw the worker watching her. The worker's supervisor however, said the man is allowed to enter the women's wash room at a particular time to clean.
Anish Kapoor's erotic sculpture vandalized in France
Versailles: 'Dirty Corner', the huge 70 meter, red metal work put up in the garden of the palace of Versailles was sprayed with yellow paint by unknown vandals. The controversial Anish Kapoor sculpture was dubbed as the “vagina of the Queen” by the media. The 61 year old Kapoor expressed his sadness on the event and blamed the right-wing intolerance saying the sculpture, “has seemingly given offence to certain people of the extreme political right-wing in France,” and said the vandalism “represents a certain intolerance that is appearing in France about art. The problem seems to be political.”
Court overturns breastfeeding ban on mom with tattoo
Sydney: In a custody battle, a 20 year old woman was initially banned from breastfeeding her 11 month old son after a Federal Circuit Court judge believed the baby could be infected with HIV. Although the mother was tested negative, there were concerns for the child's health as she had been tattooed recently. “Looking at perhaps the benefit to the child, who is 11 months old, breastfeeding, as opposed to what would be a lifelong issue in circumstances where the child contracted HIV, it is the view of the court that it is not in the best interests of the child that the mother continue to breastfeed,” Judge Matthew Myers told the court. The decision was triggered by the information found on the Australian Breastfeeding Association's website. The group, however, disagreed the ruling later and the Family Court overturned the decision after the mom launched an urgent appeal.
Indian origin scientist to get Russia's highest tech award
St Petersburg: US based Indian origin scientist B Jayant Baliga will be given Russia's top technology award in recognition of his work in energy management. The Global Energy Prize is called the electronics equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Baliga invented the digital switch or the insulated gate bipolar transistor in 1983. The IGBT switches energy hundreds of thousands of times a second, raising the efficiency of any equipment manifold. Shuji Nakamura, a Nobel Laureate, is also being recognised for his work on blue light emitting diodes. Both the nominees will be presented the award by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
WORLD
China blocks India's move against Pakistan in UN
United Nations: In a United Nations meeting convened at India's request, a clarification was sought from Pakistan over Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release in the 26/11 trial. The move however, was blocked by the Chinese representatives on grounds that India did not provide sufficient information. The current chair of the UN Sanctions Committee, Jim McLay, received a letter from India's representative to the UN, Asoke Mukherjee, saying
Lakhvi's release by a Pakistani court was in violation of the UN resolution dealing with designated entities and individuals. The sanctions measures apply to designated individuals and entities associated with terror groups including AlQaeda and LeT. The committee has 5 permanent and 10 non-
permanent UN member states in it. Lakhvi's release had also raised concerns in the US, UK, Russia, France and Germany and Washington had called for his re-arrest. Lakhvi and six others were charged with planning and executing the Mumbai attack in November 2008 that left 166 people dead. A Pakistani court had set Lakhvi free on April 9, a movement which India said "eroded" the value of assurances repeatedly conveyed to it by Pakistan on cross border terrorism.
PIO kills his friend in US while playing Russian roulette Houston: A teenager of Indian-American origin was shot dead by his friend in a game of Russian Roulette. Vikram Virk confessed to shooting Jaskaran Singh in the head while playing the deadly game in Virk's car on a parking lot of a Red Roof Inn. The suspect told the police he had given Singh the handgun and believed it was emptied. He later rushed the victim to the hospital where he succumbed to the injury.
Change in the horizon for Uganda
Reshma Trilochun
Is it finally time to bid farewell to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda? The current President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has been ruling for 29 years and although there have been many oppositions in the past who have aimed to dethrone him, it seems more than possible that rivals may oust him in the upcoming election in Uganda. On 9th June 2015, many civic leaders and opposition parties came together to form the Democratic Alliance (DA), in quest of trying to overtake NRM by becoming the leading political party. However, such groupings have previously emerged and were unsuccessful in budging NRM from its place. Zac Niringiye, a former Bishop of Kampala believes that DA can become the ruling party as they are a more bold and adamant group who believe their unity can bring the much needed change in the country. As for Museveni, Niringiye said, “I do not hate Museveni. I love him because he is a human being. But he is the source of instability and needs to go.” The political state of Uganda has been a turbulent affair after its independence from the British in 1962. The transition of authority and power has never been smooth in Uganda. Not many can forget the brutal regime and crimes against humanity in Idi Amin's reign during 1971- 1979, which proved detrimental to the economic state of the country. In 1986, NRM triumphed from an enduring civil war that had started with the dislodgement of Amin 1979. Consequently, the National Resistance Movement became the victorious ruling party and ever since, Museveni has been the President of Uganda.
Idi Amin
Yoweri Museveni
Yoweri Museveri has been a prominent figure in
Uganda and it wouldn't be futile to say that a large percentage of contemporary Ugandans are aware of Museveni being the only leader and they know of no other. However, popularity may not be in his
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favour as many Ugandans are seeking for change; they are not going by the past achievements of the NRM. Rather, they are looking at the current state of the country, in terms of corruption, jobs and housing, and see what the parties will be able to offer for the betterment of Uganda and its people. Whether the Ugandans choose to have Museveni as their President, or opt for someone completely new, the fact remains that they strive for change and betterment, and the 2016 election in Uganda seems like a ray of hope.
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INDIA
Karnataka moves SC against Jaya's acquittal
New Delhi: The Karnataka government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against the acquittal of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case. This comes almost a month after the Karnataka High Court acquitted the AIADMK chief in the DA case, following which the special prosecutor in the case alleged grave mathematical error in the judgment. The special prosecutor in the DA case against
Jayalalithaa Jayalalithaa had alleged grave mathematical error in the judgement which acquitted the AIADMK chief.
Worms found in another Nestle product
Chennai: Nestle India, it seems, has lost all sense of hygiene and food safety. Still battling the Maggi noodles crisis in India, the company found itself in soup with a consumer finding worms in its baby food packet. “We have received a complaint about a worminfested packet of Cerelac. We have sent the packet for tests. We will be collecting more samples of the same Cerelac variant and will send for tests,” an official of food safety and drug administration R Kathiravan said. The complainant, M S Sriram said, “We bought the Cerelac packet on Sunday. It was opened on Monday by my wife to feed our baby. To her shock, she found worms in the powder and called me. The expiry date on the pack was printed as February 2016. We always buy food products after checking the expiry date.” He said, “The response I got at the toll-free number
of Nestle was horrible. Hence I decided to take the issue further by making a complaint to the food safety department.” Kathiravan said the chances of a properly packed product getting infested with worms is pretty remote. Apparently, a similar complaint was registered on June 2nd in Coimbatore, when a customer found larvae and worms in a packet of Nestle milk powder. “After that complaint, we collected samples of that product from other shops and tested them. The test results were negative as they were not contaminated.” Nestle has released an official comment stating that they are undertaking “every effort to investigate this complaint and are cooperating fully with the authorities in this matter.”
Citing mathematical errors in calculating the loss in the high court judgment delivered by Justice C R Kumaraswamy, Karnataka has filed this appeal. After her acquittal by the Karnataka High court, Jayalalithaa returned as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and is even contesting in an Assembly by-poll from Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar seat in Chennai, voting for which will take place on June 27. The appeal has
come as a huge setback for Jayalalithaa. Karnataka law minister T B Jayachandra had earlier in June said that the state would file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The state had appointed former Advocate General B V Acharya as a special counsel and his aide Sandesh Chowta as Acharya's second in-command. Senior Supreme Court advocate Joseph Aristotle was appointed as the advocateon-record.
Andhra threatens KCR with counter cases
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh government, in response to Telangana's threats to issue a notice against chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in the cashK Chandrashekhar Rao and for-vote scam, has N Chandrababu Naidu threatened to hit back his counterpart resigning. We are not K Chandrashekhar Rao afraid,” he said. with counter cases. Andhra Another minister agriculture minister P Pulla Atchan Naidu said Rao told reporters that Telangana chief minister Telangana's Antican't escape from law in Corruption Bureau has no phone tapping case. right to issue a notice. He “Naidu has done nothing also pointed his finger at wrong,” he said. Revanth Chandrashekhar Rao, sayReddy, a member of ing he already had 87 cases Telangana assembly, was against him, investigated arrested by ACB on May 31 by the Special Investigation while he was allegedly Team. “There is also a case offering Rs 5000,000 to of phone tapping. We have nominated member Elvis evidence which will lead to Stephenson in exchange the collapse of TRS for a vote to party candi(Telangana Rashtra Samiti) date. An audio tape of government,” he claimed. Naidu's alleged telephonic The Telugu Desam Party conversation with has dismissed all reports of Stephenson was aired on Naidu resigning. “There is some television channels no question of Naidu on June 7.
350th foundation day of Akali leader shot dead in Anandpur Sahib celebrated police encounter
Anandpur Sahib: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) celebrated the 350th foundation day of Shri Anandpur Sahib from June 17 to 19 at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib located in Punjab. The holy city was founded by the 9th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1665. Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib situated amid Shivalik hills on the bank of River Satluj is the birthplace of the Khalsa. It is the place that commemorates the miracle of 'celebrating the scum of humanity' and a wonder of the divine and transcendent guru-disciple matrix. Guru Teg Bahadar was father of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who was the 10th Guru of Sikhs. Later, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 created Khalsa Panth. Sikh military emblem a hit among tourists State chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, his daughter-in-law and
Union food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur unfurled an 81 foot 'Khanda' at Panja Piara Park as part of government celebrations. The 42 feet high and 18 feet wide stainless steel 'khanda', weighing 3 tonnes, was installed on a 39 feet high foundation and given the look of Ramgarhia Bunga of the Golden Temple. “This majestic symbol speaks out the great sacrifices of the Sikhs,” tourist Gajinder Singh, who clicked 'selfies' with the 'Khanda', said. Meanwhile, BJP national president Amit Shah, union ministers Rajnath Singh and Maneka Gandhi, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar of Haryana and Governors Kaptan Singh Solanki and Balramji Dass Tandon of Haryana and Chhattisgarh respectively attended the concluding day celebrations of 350th anniversary of the foundation of this historic town.
Amritsar: Akali Dal leader Mukhjit Singh Verka was shot dead in a police encounter at Mudhal village. He was on his way to a nursing college to pick up his niece when the incident took place. Jatinder Singh Aulakh, police commissioner, said the city police had specific inputs that notorious gangster Jagjit Singh Jagga in a Hyundai i-20 car was going to commit some crime. He said a police team was rushed towards Mudhal village. “When the police intercepted an i-20 car bearing no number plates, the occupant sped away. He then fired at the police team following him. The police retaliated and the car occupant was shot dead,” said Aulakh. He said head constable Rajesh Kumar sustained a bullet injury on his right shoulder. He was admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. Meanwhile, angry residents of Verka and SAD
workers started an agitation on the Amritsar-Attari bypass road. The protesters were not allowing the police to remove the body and the car from the spot. Akali leader Kuljit Singh condemned the killing of their ward president. Rubbishing the police version, he said Verka did not have any criminal record. He claimed that there were around eight bullet marks on his body. They demanded stringent action against the policemen who killed the leader. Eyewitnesses said the policemen were in civil dress. When they signalled the car to stop, the driver tried to escape and fired at the police team. The policemen later surrounded the car and shot him dead.
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
South Brief
Centre give hopes to enthusiasts of Jallikattu
Chennai: The Central government has given hopes to the enthusiasts of Jallikattu, a popular bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu, by promising that it may consider amending certain laws, including lifting the ban on Jallikattu. Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court. Union minister Prakash Javadekar told the reporters that “If need be, we will attempt to bring in laws to lift the ban on Jallikattu.” The ban has dampened Pongal festivities in the state, especially in southern districts where it has been a popular event for centuries, and there has been a demand for facilitating its conduct.
FIR filed against Rajinikanth's wife
Bengaluru: An FIR has been lodged against superstar Rajnikanth's wife, Latha, in connection with the veracity of a document submitted by her to secure an injunction order. Latha had secured a gag order against media in December 2014 for airing the financial dispute between her and Chennai-based Ad Bureau Associates. Her lawyer, however, has dismissed it as rumours and warned of legal action against the party that had filed the complaint. However, Ad Bureau Associates alleged in another complaint that the document produced by Latha Rajinikanth is purportedly fake and endorsed by a non-existing media association.
Novel way to communicate grievance
Bengaluru: A 'crocodile' was seen sitting on a busy street in Bengaluru, startling commuters, until they realised the reptile wasn't real. Created by local artist Baadal Nanjundaswamy, the life-sized reptile was his way of gaining the attention of people and the administration towards a giant pot hole in the northern part of the city that hadn't been fixed for days. “Everyone has the potential to express themselves in his or her own way. This is my way of communicating a grievance,” the artist said. The 36 year old took to social media, highlighting the issue with the local officials and the police. The pothole was reportedly, covered within 24 hours.
8,000 new breast cancer cases detected every year in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Karnataka is concerned over the growing cases of breast cancer in the state and focussing on spreading more awareness about the cancer that is the second most common among women. Of the estimated 45,000 new cancer cases reported every year in the state, over 8,000 are breast cancer cases. Sramila Aithal, medical oncologist from Cancer Treatment Centres of America, Philadelphia, USA, spoke on the recent advances in breast cancer and management in one of the awareness programmes.
North Brief
Another debt-ridden farmer commits suicide
Ludhiana: In less than a fortnight, another debtridden farmer has committed suicide by consuming poison in Punjab. Farmer Harmeet Singh of Mansuran village took the extreme step after he failed to return the loan taken from a private financier. “My father was under depression after the financier confiscated the land documents and was planning to sell it,” the farmer's son Ishpreet said. He said the crops were ruined because of untimely rain. This is the second debt ridden farmer to give in to financial pressure, in less than a fortnight.
Punjab builds toilets for 3300,000 rural families
Chandigarh: Punjab government claims to have built 3300,000 toilets for people in the rural areas, under the 'Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan'. A government spokesperson said the total budget earmarked for this purpose was Rs 9.37 billion and added that 792,000 families would be covered during the next three years. Punjab is set to acquire the status of an open defecation-free state with 100 per cent toilet access by October 2017, he added. Rs 15,000 has been provided to each beneficiary under this unique project.
Thieves decamp with ATM machine in Punjab
Muktsar (Punjab): Unidentified thieves uprooted and fled with an ATM carrying Rs 640,000, of a private bank on Muktsar-Abohar Road of Punjab. The matter came to light when the guard came to duty next morning. The police said a case has been registered in the matter. The footages of CCTV cameras, installed in the ATM kiosk, are being examined to identify the culprits. In a similar incident, thieves on June 7 had decamped with an ATM of a public sector bank containing Rs 280,000 from Faridkot district.
UK - INDIA
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25
New generation Gujarati UKTI state India is UK's third entrepreneurs in US moving largest job creator FDI FALLOUT beyond motels
In 2014, India proved to be Britain's third job creator, as the country saw a 65% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI). Statistics show that India helped create 9,350 jobs in the UK last year, while the US created 36,778 jobs and 9,727 jobs by Germany. These data have been released by the UK Trade Investment Agency (UKTI). The data also showed that between 2014 and 2015, India 7,730 new jobs and safeguarded 1,620 old jobs. Furthermore, percentage increase in projects (65%) was highest from India, which resulted in 122 projects, making India the third largest
Countries
United States Germany India France China (+HK) Australia Japan Canada Spain Italy
Projects Total jobs 564 97 122 124 112 81 107 72 59 91
source of FDI and the largest source of FDI from an Asian country. Managing Director of UKTI, Michael Boyd expressed, “Our increased focus on emerging markets in recent years is starting to pay off. India
(new and safeguarded)
9,727 9,350 8,198 NA 4,012 3,873 3,762 3,646 2,193
36,778
has become the third largest source market for FDI projects and more than 500 opportunities have been generated through a new, privatesector led delivery model in other emerging markets.”
Aakar Patel to head Amnesty International India
Amnesty International India has welcomed columnist and writer, Aakar Patel, as its new Director. He will head the organisations operations and efforts to end human rights abuses in India and worldwide. He is also the organization's chief political advisor, strategist and spokesperson and will direct the body towards being independent, effective, and deep-rooted in India. “We are delighted that Aakar Patel will be joining us. Amnesty International India is one of the move-
ment's three national offices, set up to increase our impact in countries with growing global influence which continue to face human rights challenges. Aakar's commitment to human rights in his journalism and writing
BJP veteran L K Advani's statement that “Forces that can crush democracy are stronger” has created a buzz in political circles, leading to notions that the statement was aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “At the present point of time, the forces that can crush democracy, notwithstanding the constitutional and legal safeguards, are stronger,” he said in a recent interview. “I don't think anything has been done that gives the assurance that civil liberties will not be suspended or destroyed again. Not at all.” “Of course, one can do it easily...But that it cannot happen again -I will not say that. It could be that fundamental liberties are curtailed again,” the former Deputy Prime Minister, who is now a member of the BJP's Margdarshak Mandal said. He also said he did not see any sign in the current polity that assures an outstanding aspect of leadership with a commitment to democracy and other aspects related to it. “Today, I do not say that the political leadership is not mature. I don't have
faith because of its weaknesses. I don't have the confidence that it cannot happen again.” BJP spokesperson M J Akbar felt it was not aimed at individuals but at institutions. "I think Advanji was referring to institutions rather than to individuals. I respect his views, but I personally don't see emergency, any chance of any emergency being reimposed in the country. I think that age is over, Indian democracy is too strong, much stronger now," he said. Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan supported Advani's comments and confirmed he was pointing out an emergency-like situation. “It is obvious whom he is talking about,
Aakar Patel
positions him perfectly to take on this important role,” Senior Director of Global Operations at Amnesty International, Minar Pimple said. Aakar said, “Amnesty International India has a terrific team that does vital work. I am proud and honoured to be working with them.” Aakar Patel has written columns for publications in India and Pakistan. He has authored “India: Low Trust Society” (2015) and co-authored “Rights and Wrongs”, a report on the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Emergency may return, fears Advani
Gujaratis not only play an important role in the US Lobby, they also savour a major place in the motel industry, with 40% of the motels in the United States owned by them. The first motel was opened in the 1940s, a venture that since, took popularity and is now called the 'Patel Motel' phenomenon. People eventually started bringing their relatives to work, who after spending 5 years, naturally moved on to create franchisees of their own. The domino effect has made the Gujarati community synonymous with motels. They now own 21,000 of the 53,000 hotels and motels in the US which makes for a staggering 42% of the US hospitality market, with a combined worth of $40 billion. The new generation, however, strives for nonconventionality and have ventured outside the known territory. They are moving beyond motels, and if they aren't, they are changing traditions in their family businesses. “The younger generation of Patels are moving into various businesses. Their entrepreneurial spirit is unique to our culture; we are seeing them move into food businesses in a big way,” says Mike Patel, a prominent hotelier from Atlanta, Georgia. Former president of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association says, “Many of the younger members of the community have gone to business schools; some of them are diversifying because of the economic downturn.” Pranav Patel
L K Advani
whose government is there, who is the Prime Minister. He knows it. But he is a statesman-like leader of the BJP. He did not want to name the Prime Minister. But whoever reads the interview would understand whom he is talking about,” he said. AAP leader, Ashutosh said, “He clearly visualises that the leadership of Modi and the government of BJP are every day crushing Indian democracy and creating a situation and ambience where emergency is not far.” While the RSS has dismissed the speculations, the Congress and other Opposition parties have shared their concerns over the matter.
Former principal and VP, operations, at his family owned TNJ Group, Pranav Patel holds management degrees from the University of New Mexico. He is well aware about the trends of second-generation Gujarati hotel entrepreneurs exploring new verticals within the hospitality sector and others. “After growing my family's hotel portfolio for eight years, I launched HotelUpgrade, a mobile app, last year to help address the issue of rising guest acquisition costs in the hotel industry. This is the No 1 issue we face as
an industry, outside of legislative problems,” says Pranav. His portfolio also extends to Great Clips hair salons, a prominent salon brand. He is the cofounder of SafelyStay, a venture-backed company that helps online travel agencies and vacation rental market. Binita Patel
Binita took a break from her family business in 2009, and joined he Cornell's School of Hotel Administration. She later pursued an internship in South East Asia and worked for four years in finance and assets management. “I came back to our family hospitality business to work with my parents and brother as the company portfolio has been diversified,” she says. According to Binita, the generational divide between management styles is evident in her company. Her parents hardly had experience in managing people. “They tended to be much more lenient with employees.” Having been an employee and having received a university education in management, personal relationships are far less important than efficient business practices, to the 30 year old. Binita now handles the asset management and investment operations of the company. Ravi Patel
“Many of the younger members of the community now have the freedom to either work in the hotel industry or pursue other career paths,” says Ravi Patel. A Democratic Party candidate for Iowa's first
Congressional district and if elected, the first Indian American in the US Congress from Iowa, Ravi Patel thanks his parents who set up businesses through their perseverance. He feels it enabled the second generation to foray into an array of new industries. "Younger members of the community are pursuing disciplines outside of hospitality or studying the more technical aspects of the hotel industry. We are innovating in an industry that historically has operated in a pretty traditional way," Apart from managing his family company, Ravi is an angel investor in his home state Iowa as cofounder and managing partner of Built By Iowa, an early and mid stage business incubator through which he has invested in over 20 startups. Devesh Patel
“My parents have been in the hospitality business for many years. But my decision to move away was inspired by an uncle, who branched off into manufacturing,” says Devesh Patel. He set up Infinilux in 2008, a company that manufactures LED lighting in Asia and sells primarily in the North American market. Even though the family doesn't own any assets in the hospitality sector, Devesh, still takes an interest in the family business and doesn't rule out acquisitions. “The current economic situation in the US is not very favourable for the hospitality sector,” according to Devesh. For now, he is happy his company is firmly on the growth path. “On the hospitality front, we are still keeping ourselves agile for any changes in the market.” Devesh sees LED lighting as a revolutionary technology of the future. Risk is an essential part of any business and something that second generation Indian-American businessmen like himself are always prepared for. “It's something like our parents, who moved here to the US from India, experienced as owners of motels and liquor stores,” he says.
INDIA
26
Bend it Like Modi
Continued from page 1
of schoolkids, college students and practitioners from different yoga institutes. The lawns too were packed. An overwhelming majority wore white Tshirts and dark track pants. Around 300,000 jawans also participated in the event. It wasn't just Delhi. The event spread across India from Rann of Kutch to INS Virat on the high seas, to passengers in mid-air on morning flights. Ayush, the ministry responsible for organising the event, is estimated to have spent Rs 300-400 million organizing the event across 650 camps. Abroad, enthusiasts spread themselves below the towering Eiffel Tower and the phlegmatic temples of Cambodia. "Did anyone ever think Rajpath would become yogpath?" the PM had asked a cheering crowd. But the odd note was that the PM spoke entirely in Hindi, despite the presence of specially invited foreign diplomats and guests. As a knowledge system, Modi said, yoga has been enriched by contributions from different quarters across the globe. It was more than physical exercise; rather a way to achieve a stress-free life.
Talha Asmal has Gujarat roots
that. The real journey is much longer. And we are trying to move in that direction." Modi, whose UN speech last year was pivotal to the announcement of June 21 as
"Yoga isn't about bending your body. If this was true, even kids working in a circus would be called yogis. It is more like tuning instruments before a concert. In the ecosystem of yoga, asanas are like
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International Yoga day, added, "Yoga is for the welfare of humankind, for a stress-free world. It is a programme for love, peace, unity and harmony." Among those who participated at Rajpath were, US ambassador Richard Verma, Nepal ambassador Deep Kumar Upadhyay, Afghanistan's Shaida Mohammad Abdali and, members of the foreign diplomatic corps and foreigners studying in India. People from across the globe joined with demonstrations of asanas held in public places. Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay took to Twitter to share his experience. “Feeling relaxed after taking part in the mega yoga event organised to mark International Yoga Day by the Indian Embassy,” he tweeted. Kathmandu saw vice president of Nepal, Parmanand Jha and actress Manisha Koirala participate in the drive. Indian officials saw 300 people attend the ceremony, while more than 2,000 in Hong Kong persevered in the rain as they gathered at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. Celebrations were also held in China, where NIIT supported the Government of Wuxi, to organise the event which had over 1,000 people practising Yoga by the side of the scenic Taihu Lake; events were also organised in Beijing. New York’s iconic Times Square saw some 30,000 enthusiasts in colourful dresses performing yoga. Similar events were held in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Beijing, Manila and other places.
Britain's youngest suicide bomber Talha Asmal has roots in Vadodara and Bharuch districts of Gujarat, setting the state police on a trail to find clues in Kavi and Kamboi villages. Named Yusuf alBritani by the IS, the 17 year old detonated a vehicle fitted with explosives while fighting in Iraq. The terrorist group statements said Asmal was one of the four suicide bombers in an attack in Salahuddin
mosque, said “The community is in utter shock and a sense of disbelief that a young lad from Yorkshire is said to become Britain’s
province, near one of Iraq's largest oil refineries. A Special Operations Group (SOG) team of Gujarat police went to Masrad looking for relatives of Asmal, whose grandfather Dawood Patel moved to Britain in the early 70s. Asmal’s father, Ismail, was born in Britain. His mother, Noorjahan belongs to Bharuch, and the SOG visited her family, in Kamboi village, too, to record their statement. Vadodara Range IGP Anupam Singh Gehlot said that while there has been no communication from Britain concerning Asmal, they were trying to determine if the families had been in touch with anyone in their native villages. “Whenever such information is received about a native of the area involved in such activity, we do voluntary verification to understand who they have been in touch with. We have to remain alert,” Gehlot said. He also added that Asmal’s family had last came to their native villages in 2003, and Noorjahan’s relatives had no idea he had joined the IS. Talha Asmal, of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was described as “a loving, kind, caring and affable teenager” by his devastated family. Qari Asim, an imam of the Makkah Masjid
youngest suicide bomber. Isis is running a sophisticated social media campaign and the community is concerned their faith is being used by hate preachers and internet groomers to manipulate their religion. ” It is believed the boy came in contact with the terrorist organisation, over the internet. He is thought to have fled for Syria via Turkey in April on a Thomas Cook flight with his next door neighbour and best friend Hassan Munshi, the brother of Britain’s youngest convicted terrorist Hammad Munshi. The 17 year old boy's family has lashed out at the terrorist group saying, “He never harboured any ill will against anybody nor did he ever exhibit any violent, extreme or radical views of any kind. Talha’s tender years and naivety were, it seems however, exploited by persons unknown, who, hiding behind the anonymity of the worldwide web, targeted and befriended Talha and engaged in a process of deliberate and calculated grooming of him. We are all naturally utterly devastated and heartbroken by the unspeakable tragedy that now appears to have befallen us.” The family said that Isis did not represent Islam or Muslims “in any way, shape or form.”
Talha Asmal
Talha's Grand father & Grand mother
27
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Daily chocolate may fend off heart disease, just don't bet your life on it
Experts warn results may be skewed by the fact healthy people feel more comfortable indulging in chocolate, while ill people may avoid it. The Mayans are said to have described cacao as the food of the gods but had short enough life expectancies that they probably never thought of it as beneficial to their health. However, a new study suggests that people who eat as much as 100g of chocolate per day – or around two bars – may be less likely to die from heart disease. Unfortunately, anyone thinking this gives them carte blanche to indulge in divine decadence is being a tad premature. The study, published in the journal Heart, which is part of the British Medical
Journal group, does show that people who eat a substantial amount of chocolate every day have lower cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. But there are some big questions that are hard for the researchers to answer, such as whether it is the chocolate that is protecting people from h e a r t attacks a n d strokes or other factors such as age and level of exercise. The study was based on questionnaires filled out by 21,000 adults in Norfolk in the 1990s, who were asked how many chocolate squares, bars or hot chocolates they consumed each day. The
respondents were followed up for 12 years to see whether they developed any heart complaints, while the researchers also undertook a review of other major studies looking at the links between heart health and chocolate. One in five of those questioned said they never a t e chocolate. Those who did admitted to between 7g and 100g a day. The chocolate eaters tended to be younger and had a lower BMI than those who said they did not touch it. They had lower blood pressure, fewer instances of diabetes, did more exercise
and confessed to eating more calories in a diet with more fat and carbohydrates and less protein and alcohol than the rest. Compared to those who said they ate no chocolate, they had an 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and 25% lower risk of premature death. Milk chocolate appeared to be just as good as dark chocolate, said the researchers, who pondered whether the calcium in the milk may be beneficial as well as the flavonoids in the chocolate. But they admit the findings may have to be taken with a pinch of salt. For example, it is possible that those who are eating least chocolate are those who are being careful because they already know they have a heart problem.
Don't blame obesity for falling fitness level in kids Child fitness levels are falling at an even faster rate than earlier feared and this time there is an evidence that it has nothing to do with obesity, shows a study. The study follows the 2009 study that showed child fitness declined by eight percent over the previous 10 years. Now, researchers have
reported an even larger drop in fitness in school children. The children who were tested were actually thinner than those measured in 2008. "Our results show there is no obesity crisis in the schools we went to as less than five percent of students were obese and the average BMI is now below
the figures recorded in 1998. This would be good news if BMI was all we had measured, but our fitness tests tell a different story," said lead researcher Gavin Sandercock from the University of Essex. The team studied over 300 students aged 10 and 11 who took part in the study. They expected that
Gardener’s Corner
children with a lower BMI would do better than the heavier children they measured six years ago. "But despite finding a lower average BMI in the children measured in 2014 than in 2008 we found the children still could not run as fast, showing they had even lower cardio-respiratory fitness."
Beginners' guide to gardening Sowing seeds
It's the miracle everyone wants: You plant a seed in the soil, add a little water and sunshine, and soon you're eating what you grew. Learn how to sow seeds and fill your garden with a feast of flowers throughout the year How do I grow hardy annuals? Add hardy annuals such as cornflowers and poppies into your garden for quick and vibrant colour. They are easy to sow directly into the soil, inexpensive, and provide you with colour the same year if sown in spring, or the following year if sown in autumn. What can they do for me? Hardy annuals are great space-fillers among shrubs or look great in their own right. You can even consider growing them in containers. n Keep displays interesting n Grow flowers for cutting n Provide a theme in the border n Make use of annual climbers What are hardy annuals? A hardy annual is one you can sow outdoors in the UK, which germinates from seed, grows, flowers, disperses its seeds and dies in one growing season. (All in the same year if sown in spring, or from one autumn to the next). There are myriad hardy annuals which you can peruse in garden catalogues and nurseries. Here is a list of favourites to choose from: n Cornflower
Children’s Corner Magic
Magic makes me mystical I don't now why I think it might be because it really is mystical Or because I haven't tried But now is the time to know why The doctor looks me in the eye "Your daughter", he said "Doesn't like magic at all She just needs to go to bed"!
My grandfather
- By Suhani Thobhani (aged 7)
My grandad Kalyanji Morarji Thakrar is an inspiration to me and many others also. He has qualities that everyone desires, for example he is always happy, and tries to bring everyone's mood up even in dull moments, he loves to joke around, always telling jokes and lightening the mood. Another quality he posses is that he is very charitable, and is always donating money and his time to the needy and to organizations in the UK and India. He is a very generous person, with his time and his all round knowledge in all aspects of life and has taught me many great skills which I know will help me when I am older, and in becoming a gentlemen just like him. My grandfather has many friend's and is a very social man. A lot of people love and respect him, I can see why. My grandfather is always willing to help others no matter what and never can say no. He is a great inspiration to everyone that knows him, because he is a great and outstanding person. Always will do whatever it takes to put a smile on someone's face. My grandfather Kalyanji Morarji Thakrar is very influential to me and amongst the Hindu community, he is always teaching me ways to improve and become a better Hindu and a better person, he is my guiding light. He is always telling me “No matter how successful you are you have a responsibility to help others”. He is a very loving grandfather, he is always smiling and looking at the better side of any situation which another reason I admire him. I hope, that by writing this article everyone will know how much of an amazing person my grandfather is, and I just want to say I Love You Daddu. - By Veer Luv Thakrar
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Richa Pallod logging in to Kollywood again A
fter a gap of 9 years, Richa Pallod will be seen in Sathya Prabhas Pinisetty's “Yagavarayinum Naa Kaakka.” Mother of a six-month-old, Richa does not classify this as a “comeback” and says she will continue to be selective about the work she does. “I have never been competitive or courted opportunities, I've only taken up work that came to me, especially if it impressed me,” she said. The actress said she never had to work for a living and her character in 'Yagavarayinum' tempted her to grab the opportunity. “It is a small but vital role. More importantly, I had conviction in it and that is very important for me. I hate stereotypical roles.” Richa rues that not many Indian filmmakers create out-of-thebox characters for women. “I personally don’t like family dramas, but don’t mind playing a mother or a homemaker, provided that character has an identity. Detailing and backstories are so important; only they draw you into the life of a character,” she says, giving the example of Piku. “It is a commercial movie, but so real. And, it touched a chord with audiences.”
'Bezubaan Ishq'
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ezubaan Ishq is a love triangle between 3 friends and their families, settled in a modern set up with traditional values. Directed by Jashwant Singh and produced by C J Gadara and Dinesh Likhiya, the film stars Mugdha Godse, Sneha Ullal and Nishant Malkit in leads roles. Music is by Babli Haque and Rupesh Verma.
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Swathi gets furious over 'aunty' comment
fan of Swathi Reddy struck a nerve with the actress with a comment on one of her photos. The guy said she looked like an 'aunty' in one of her photos on insta-
gram oblivious of the actress' pending retaliation. She said, “@suthagallery I AM AN AUNTY. It's not a bad word that I have to feel embarrassed to put up with. People like you are the reason it's hard to be yourself. I am not going to be the
Vadivelu and 'Eli' director to work together again Y uvaraj Dhayalan, director of “Eli” has plans of teaming up with actor-comedian Vadivelu for a second time. “Vadivelu sir has asked me for another film. Both of us are interested to work again. While working on our first film “Tenaliraman,” we had discussed a few story ideas. We plan to make one of these ideas into a project, but it will take time as I've started the script work for my next project,” Yuvaraj said. “One of the few story ideas I had in mind, Vadivelu
'Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho'
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colours Swati who was 16 forever. Ok, Uncle? Chill with the free advice. The only problem I have with the screenshot is that I found a comma missing in my reply. You see I am a grammar Aunty. I am not going to be Colors Swathi who was 16, forever'. Phew!with that said, the reason I put it up is because I don't want to ignore this guy's banal comment and let him and others know that if looking grown up is 'Aunty' then I am an Aunty. If having more weight than what magazines and social media approves, then I am an aunty. And proud to be one. PS- All the aunties I grew up watching are serious super women and hope I am as good as them. So yeah, PSS- Desi Aunties ko underestimate matt karo.” Following the reaction, the fan has apparently deleted not just the comment, but also his account.
iss Tanakpur Haazir Ho is an Indian political satire revolving on the background of a village. It features Annu Kapoor in the lead and other actors like Om Puri, Rahul Bagga, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra and Hrishita Bhatt.
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amalinee Mukherjee has made her comeback to the Tamil industry after six years, with an important role in the upcoming movie 'Iraivi', to be directed by Karthik Subbaraj. She confirmed the news and said, “Yes, I'm a part of 'Iraivi', but I can't divulge details about my role.” The movie is already in the work since two weeks, where the actress is paired across S J Suryah, who plays a supporting role. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Anjali, and Karunakaran in lead roles. Mukherjee was last seen in the 2009 movie “Kadalna Summa Illai.”
Sir personally liked the story of a spy. He also liked the title 'Eli', which means rat, and he felt it was apt to the story,” he said. “Vadivelu sir possesses several characteristics of a rat. When four people in a room decided to hunt down a rat, it will surely cause lot of damage to themselves. Such things have inspired the action sequences in the film.”
'Uvaa'
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Kamalinee Mukherjee returns to Tamil cinema after 6 years
vaa is an Indian comedy and social drama film, written and directed by jasbir Bhaati and produced by Dhanraj Films. The film borders on five friends in a boarding school and how their normal life suddenly turns into a rebellion to fight for justice and making an example to the outside world. The film has veteran actors Om Puri and Sanjay Mishra, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sangram Singh, Vikrant Rai and Archana Puran Singh.
Amitabh Bachchan turns superhero
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mitabh Bachchan, the veteran Bollywood actor who has a temple after him in Kolkata, will be seen as a superhero in a TV animated series, “ASTRA.” The 72 year old mega star who has never failed to amaze people with his versatility has taken his fans by surprise yet again. He shared a photo on a microblogging website confirming the news by writing, “ASTRA the Force a Tv animated series with yours truly the superhero...!! Blessings and love needed!”
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Deepika, Ranveer to get engaged in February 2016?
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here is a new Bollywood couple ready to tie the knot after Shahid Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor. If rumours are to be believed, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are ready to exchange rings in February next year. Sources say both the celebrities have received approval from their families and will make their relation official in the second month of 2016. The eccentric actor, who unfailingly amuses his fans with his offbeat qualities and statements, shared his intentions to “settle” in an interview. “I used to resist growing up but it is happening very organically. I am 29 and have a very simple aim today. I want to be an honourable family man. I have been thinking a lot about settling down.”
Kareena to attend Shahid's wedding if invited B
-town is abuzz with preparations for Shahid Kapoor's wedding to Delhibased Mira Rajput. Actress Kareema Kapoor Khan, in a recent interview admitted to know about the news long before it reached the media. “I met him at YRF a few months ago and he told me he was getting married and I congratulated him. I wish him all the best. It's a great decision.” When asked if she would attend Shahid's wedding if invited, she said, “Yes, I would.” Both the actors were in a romantic relationship, briefly, after which, K a r e e n a Kapoor married Saif Ali
Although the couple has never admitted to their relationship, their off screen chemistry and appearances bear enough proof of their affair. Be it Ranveer going on a shopping trip with Deepika’s family or flying down to Bengaluru from Malaysia, just to celebrate Deepika's father's birthday, we wish Godspeed to the beloved actors.
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Ajay Devgn to tattoo his son’s name on chest
ollywood a c t o r Ajay Devgn, who already has a tattoo of Lord Shiva and his daughter's name, on his chest, plans to ink his son Yug's name next. He said, “I have Nysa's name on my chest for a while now. Earlier Yug was too young to make sense of my tattoo or the fact that I had his sister's name written across my chest. But now my son is four years old. And he is smart. He keeps telling me, 'Papa, shirt nikalo aur didi ka naam dikhao.' Before he asks me, 'Dad, why haven't you put my name on your chest, I am going to add the alphabets UG to my existing tattoo. The 'Y' in Nysa is already prominent. All I need to do is to add 'UG' to it and this should complete Yug's name.”
acter is not romantically involved with him... We are part of the same drug drama. I am playing a doctor in the film. It is an amazing film... I loved the film. When Abhishek (Chaubey) was narrating me the film I found it brilliant. I wanted to be part of this film. I am sure people will talk about the film once it is released,” Kareena said.
Khan. Last seen in 'Jab We Met', the former couple will be seen next in 'Udta Punjab'. The film also features Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh. "The script has to be
good for us to come together in a film. There has never been a script. The script of 'Udta Punjab' required us. But we are not opposite each other, it is a three track film. My char-
Ranbir's Pak fan Mawra signs Bollywood film
Hrithik getting ready to fight with tigers
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'Dilwale' set to release on 18th December
elebrity fitness trainer Satyajit Chaurasia is currently busy training “Jodha Akbar” star Hrithik Roshan to fight with tigers for his upcoming love story “Mohenjo Daro.” “There are combat scenes between him and tigers in the film. For him, it is a stress buster which gives him a lot of delight. So I try to give him numerous workout drills to keep him
o m i n g together again after the successful 2013 m o v i e “Chennai Express,” Rohit Shetty and Shah Rukh Khan's much anticipated and a w a i t e d “Dilwale” has locked 18 December, a Christmas weekend for its release this year. The family entertainer will feature the evergreen pair of Shah Rukh and Kajol with an amazing star cast for support, including actors like Vinod Khanna, Boman Irani, Kabir Bedi, Sanjay Mishra and Varun Sharma. The team is currently shooting in Bulgaria.
happy. He has worked really hard for 'Mohenjo Daro' with a lot of planning and his body is looking perfect in the film,” he said. Satyajit has trained actors like Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Esha Deol and others in the industry. He was the mind behind Aamir Khan's famous eight pack abs in “Ghajini”. Ashutosh Gowarikar's “Mohenjo Daro” is an epic love story set in the Indus Valley civilization and is being extensively shot in Bhuj.
Nawazuddin's production lands in California
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ctor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's “Miyan Kal Aana” production, directed by his younger brother Shamas Siddiqui, is headed to California for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The 17.5minute film, that borders on the Halala law in Islam, will participate in the ongoing 21st Annual Palm Springs International Short Fest, held from June 16 to 22 in Palm Springs. The film follows the journey of a man named Imtiaz, who divorced his wife in a fit of rage only to regret the decision. He wants to rectify his mistake, but can't get his wife back until she gets married to someone else. Her next husband won't divorce her until he consummates the marriage.
akistani actress Mawra Hocane has indicated on Twitter that she has signed her first Bollywood movie, a 'mystery project' which is currently filming in Mumbai. Mawra first made headlines after Ranbir Kapoor, who is rarely seen or heard from social media, made an exception for her and addressed his first Instagram video to her. Incidentally, Ranbir's mother Neetu Kapoor and his sister Riddhima follow Mawra on Instagram. Her account is swamped with fans wishing her luck for her innings in Bollywood In the video message, Ranbir had said, "Hi Mawra, this is Ranbir here. You are extremely beautiful, extremely talented. I hope to see you sometime soon." The actress has starred in popular Pakistani TV shows like “Ahista Ahista,” “Main Bushra” and “Mere Hazoor.”
Sridevi returns to the screen
“E
n g l i s h Vinglish” actress Sridevi will return in a Tamil actionadventure, “Puli,” co-starring Vijay. Director Shibu Thameens said, “Everyone in the South wants her back, she's really popular here. She heard the script and thought it was the right subject for her return. She's looking beautiful and younger than the other two actresses, Shruti Haasan and Hansika Motwane as you'll see in the teaser.” He dismisses rumours of her playing a queen in the drama. “No, and it's not a period drama or a contemporary film. It's an actionadventure on the lines of Russell Crowe's “The Gladiator.” She is the head of a group, someone with unbelievable strength and powers and has a lot of action scenes.”
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UK
Watch the telecast of our Anand Mela at 11:30am on Sunday 28 June 6:30pm and Wednesday 1 July 11am on B4U (SKY 781) programme Talk of the Town.
Coming Events
l Property Law Seminar by Pindoria Solicitors, Thursday 2nd July, 6:30pm- 9:30pm. Sky Lounge, The Broadwalk Centre, 158 Station Road, Edgware, HA8 7AW. Contact 020 8951 6959. l Hanuman Chalisa. Sunday 28th June, 11am- 5pm. Social Club Hall, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, HA1 3UJ. l Shrimad Bhagwad Katha. Saturday 27th June- Saturday 4th July. Gujarat Hindu Society, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN. Contact: 01772 253 901. l Satsang Vicharan. Sunday 28th June- Sunday 5th July. SKS Swaminarayan Temple, Westfield Lane, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9EA. Contact: 020 8838 4900. l Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. 28Th June- 4th July, 1pm. Gurjar Hindu Union (GHU), Apple Tree Centre, Ifield Avenue, Crawley, W. Sussex, RH11 0AF. Contact: 0116 216 1684. l Torobaka- a fusion dance performance by Akram Khan and Israel Galvan. Tuesday 30th June- Sunday 5th July. Sadler's Wells Theatre. Visit:sadlerswells.com l Ladies Night (Including Dinner). Dress Code: Fun and Sparkly. Saturday 27th June, 7pm. Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SU. For tickets, Contact: 020 8861 1207. l Exhibition: “Landscape from the Hills”. Monday 29th June, 6:15pm. Dance: Kundalini. Friday 3rd July, 6:30pm. The Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London, W1K 1HF. Contact: 020 7491 3567. l International Agatha Christie Festival 2015. Friday 11th September- Sunday 20th September 2015. For more info, visit: www.agathachristiefestival.com
COMPETITION
WIN 2 TICKETS
for the Gujarati play “Gujju Bhai Banya Dabang” Asian Voice is giving the opportunity for someone to win two tickets for the Gujarati play, “Gujju Bhai Banya Dabang”. The play will be taking place on Sunday 19th July, in Leicester. To win tickets to experience this play at the Athena Conference Centre, Leicester, please answer this simple question: Who is the lead actor of the play, “Gujju Bhai Banya Dabang”? (a) Devang Patel (b) Siddharth Randeria (c) Paresh Rawal Send your answers with your full name, address and contact details to reshma.trilochun@abplgroup.com. As the subject of the email, please mention “Gujju Bhai Leicester”. The closing date for the competition is Monday 6th July 2015.
3 steps to invite more luck in your life by Sidra Jafri Sidra Jafri is an author, medium and facilitator who uses her gifts to improve people's lives; her book, The Awakening: 9 Principles For Finding The Courage To Change Your Life, was launched recently and Sidra, pictured, writes some insights. Ever had a set back and thought you're unlucky? People believe that luck is outside of them; whenever anything happens, luck is blamed, which becomes a perpetual cycle. The more unlucky they feel, more events happen which reinforces their bad luck. There are three steps, that will change ‘bad luck’ into 'good' and invite
events that reinforce it: 1) The truth is that we never get upset at what happened, but at what we think should have happened. By Accepting that everyone who was involved had free will and made a different decision to the one you wanted, you will stay open to luck! 2) Release all the nega-
Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Sales Executive: Daxa Gami - Email: daxa.gami@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com Leicester Distributors: Europe Enterprise, Raj Surani Tel: 01530 481600 (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad. Tel. +91 79 2646 5960 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +91 94266 36912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com
tive emotions that keep you stuck in your current reality. Forgiveness is about releasing the judgement so that the energy can flow freely; imagine all the negative feelings leaving your body (energy follows thought). So things you think about, you bring about! 3) What you Appreciate, appreciates you; focus on what you already have and attract more of it. In order to appreciate, write a list of 10 things that you appreciate everyday. The more you believe ‘everything is energy’, the more aware you are of the power of thought which becomes emotions which dictates actions and result
in creating destiny. To find out more about Sidra and how she too can facilitate and transform your outdated core programming and beliefs as she has done for thousands of people who are now living an Awakened life, creating more of what they want in their lives in areas such as wealth, relationships and wellbeing. Sidra loves to facilitate audiences to ‘wake up’ and transcend the underlying patterns that keep them stuck. For further information about Sidra Jafri and her London events please visit: www.sidrajafrilive.com
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ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 With the Sun transiting your solar fourth house of family and home, these areas are highlighted during this period. Buying or selling of property or even renovating it will be uppermost in your mind as you will be trying to put your roots down permanently. It is also a time when family life will be charged with emotions so be diplomatic and respect other people's views.
TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment. Socially you are very popular and your communications strengthen your connections. You will be busy with errands, paperwork, phone calls, and light socializing. Siblings, close relatives and friends may play an important role in your life during this period. GEMINI May 22 - June 22
The Sun highlights your second house of finance, and your focus is on material affairs and comfort issues. This is a good time to plan your future investments carefully to maximise your profits. If travelling make sure you keep your documents safe as there is a possibility of misplacing them. Some of you might change your travel itinerary.
CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 The Sun transits your first house and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behaviour, and self-expression. This marks the peak of your physical solar cycle, and you are in the position to make an impression on others, and to assert your personal influence. Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage of your charisma to achieve your goals. LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 The Sun travels through your twelfth house now, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. This also heralds a time for research and unfinished behind-the-scene activities. Matters which have dragged on for a while should now be re-assessed and put to rest. Some of you will be looking to spiritual enlightenment and take up yoga and meditation.
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 The Sun illuminates your sector of friends, social gatherings and group activities. You will be in constant demand and will be in a position to network with new-found friends who will promote your cause. Personal relationships are also to the fore and some of you might even find true love. This is a time to follow your dreams and ideals.
LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 More than any other time of the year, your focus is drawn to your career and standing in the society. This is the time when you are more interested in, and focused on, accomplishing something important. Contact with authority figures is more likely during this period. Recognition will come your way whether you ask for it or not, and the responsibility that goes with it. SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 You are feeling most adventurous and willing to achieve higher knowledge and spiritual growth. This is a good time to broaden your horizons through travel and higher learning. This may take you to far off lands in pursuit of your new-found goals. You must distance yourself from the mundane grind of life and take on something which is more meaningful for your inner growth.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 The Sun energizes your sector of change, transformation and regeneration. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual. You should also make sure that your tax affairs are in order. You are more willing than usual to explore and delve deeper into life's secrets and arrive at meaningful conclusions. CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 As the Sun transits your seventh house, you have a greater need than usual to be in a relationship. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". Social interactions of a personal nature are highlighted. This is likely to be an extremely busy time for most of you. Use tact and diplomacy in your dealing, otherwise you are likely to come across as over confident and egotistical. AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 The Sun transits your solar sixth house and highlights your health and also makes you take pride in your day to day work. Hence, you should enhance your skills, get organized and take up a health regime for your well being. This transit highlights the need for efficiency and as such you should bring in the new and get rid of the old ideas that do not work. PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20
After a period of relative inactivity, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very progressive period of the year, when you are inspired emotionally. You take more pride in your your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies and are generally very sociable and make friends easily.
Bangladesh humiliate India, win ODI series
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Bangladesh produced a clinical performance with the ball and then backed it up with the bat to claim a remarkable six-wicket victory against India in their second One-Day International (ODI) and thus clinch the threematch series 2-0 on Sunday. Chasing a total of 200 in a rain-hit 47-overs-aside match, Bangladesh scored 200 in 38 overs. Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman (6-43) was the star of the match. He picked up a back-to-back five-wicket haul after his 5-50 in the first ODI. It was Bangladesh's fifth win in 31 ODI matches against their mighty neighbours, which also avenged their controversial World Cup quarterfinal loss. The run chase began on a positive note when openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar took the India bowlers on in the first couple of overs. But Dhawal Kulkarni hit the brakes in the scoring as Tamim (13) was caught in the slips in the seventh over. Incoming batsman Litton Das and his partner Sarkar took it from where Tamim left. Quick singles, twos and a couple of boundaries brought pressure back on India. As the hosts scored freely, India broke the short partnership when Sarkar was dismissed in the 17th over. Litton Das too fell soon. But two experienced batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, pitched in at the right time to take Bangladesh close to the victory line. A 54-
run partnership between the duo helped the hosts inch closer to the historic win. Rahim's wicket in the 30th over, when the score was 152/4, brought some smiles in the faces of the Indians as they thought of making a comeback in the game. But Shakib had other plans, and with his experience, steered his team to victory. Earlier, opting to bat first, the visitors got off to a worst possible start, losing opener Rohit Sharma without scoring in the very second ball of the match. Incoming batsman Virat Kohli (23), who was looking to get runs under his belt, was dismissed as he was given leg before off the bowling of Nasir Hossain. With the dismissal of India's vice captain, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni promoted himself up the batting order. India's score at that time was 74/2 in 12.3 overs. Shikhar Dhawan (53), who opened the innings, was looking good to get some runs when it mattered most for the team, but was caught behind while trying to step out after giving a sharp edge to the wicket-keeper off the
bowling off spinner Hossain. Ambati Rayudu, who came in next, also gave his wicket away without scoring. India was tottering at 110/4 in 21.4 overs. Suresh Raina (34) and Dhoni held on to pile up a 50-run partnership but Raina too fell in the third ball of the batting powerplay in the 35th over. Dhoni (47), Axar Patel (0), Ravichandran Ashwin (4) fell in clusters before rain stopped play. When play resumed, it took the hosts two overs to finish the visitors innings. Ravindra Jadeja (19) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3) fell to the pacers. India stunned in ODI series opener: In the first ODI, Mustafizur Rahman made a dream ODI debut as Bangladesh crushed world champions India by 79 runs to underline their progress in the 50-over format. Paceman Rahman claimed five for 50 as the hosts posted their highest total against India before destroying their neighbours' batting lineup in 46 overs in front of a boisterous crowd at Mirpur's Shere Bangla National Stadium.
Chasing 308 to win, India got off to a strong start before the wheels came off their chase with only Rohit Sharma (63) making a meaningful contribution as their top order capitulated. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh were given a flying start from openers Tamim Iqbal (60) and Soumya Sarkar (54). All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (52) also reached his half century as Bangladesh posted a total of 307 and were all out with two balls to spare. Dhoni, Mustafizur Rahman fined over shoving altercation India's ODI captain M S Dhoni has been fined 75% of his match fee while Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was penalised 50% of his after their altercation during the first ODI. Dhoni and Mustafizur were summoned by match referee Andy Pycroft to hear each of their sides. Pycroft found guilt a Level 2 offence, the penalty for which is a fine between 50 to 100 per cent match fees or two match ban. The Indian team's manager Biswarup Dey and team director Ravi Shastri were present with Dhoni during the hearing. The Bangladesh team decided not to file a complaint against Dhoni. The incident took place during the 25th over of India's chase, when Dhoni forcefully collided with the debutant while running a single. Subsequently, Mustafizur had to leave the field and temporarily retire without completing his spell.
54 balls. It was all a far cry from the World Cup, where England suffered an embarrassing eight-wicket defeat by New Zealand. The aggregate number of runs scored by both teams - 3,151 - was a new record for a five-match ODI series, surpassing the
2,963 runs shared by India and Pakistan in 2003/04. Having seen England leg-spinner Rashid get plenty of turn during New Zealand`s innings, Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum took the unusual step of deploying Santner as one of his opening bowlers. Santner struck with his second ball when Alex Hales (one) was superbly caught by a leaping Kane Williamson at square leg to leave England eight for one. He then had Joe Root (four) stumped by Luke Ronchi despite the wicket-keeper initially fumbling the ball, which struck his chin, before completing the dismissal.
England win 5th ODI against New Zealand
England beat New Zealand by three wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis Method to win the fifth one-day international at the Riverside and so take the series 3-2. England, chasing a revised target of 192 in 26 overs collapsed to 45 for five, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner took three wickets for four runs in seven balls. But Yorkshire wicketkeeper/batsman Bairstow saw them to a three-wicket victory after England finishing on 192 for seven with six balls to spare. Bairstow, only playing after first-choice keeper Jos Buttler suffered a hand injury, made his maiden
ODI fifty. Together with Sam Billings (41), he turned the tide during a sixth-wicket stand of 80 in 57 balls. Bairstow and Yorkshire team-mate Adil Rashid (12 not out) then completed victory for a new-look England side with an unbroken stand of
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Dhoni offers to step down
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India's ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has offered to step down from the post following India's shock defeat in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Dhoni had said at the post match press conference that he was willing to step down if it guaranteed success for Indian cricket. But former players expressed their opinion against such a move . "I am really enjoying my cricket... if it is justifiable if you remove me (as captain) and the Indian cricket will start doing well, and if I am the reason for all the bad that's happening to Indian cricket, definitely I would love to step away and play as a player," Dhoni said at the press conference in Mirpur. "I am always the one who is responsible for anything bad that happens in Indian cricket. Everything that happens is because of me. Even the Bangladesh media is smiling," he said. But, several former Indian cricketers put their weight behind the beleaguered Dhoni and said that he should continue as captain. Former Indian captains like Bishan Singh Bedi, Dilip Vengsarkar and Ajit Wadekar and players like Chetan Chauhan, Chandu Borde, Syed Kirmani and Kiran More strongly backed Dhoni, saying that there was no need to press the panic button and he is the best bet till the 2016 World T20. "I don't think Dhoni should be replaced. He recently led India to the WC semifinals and this series is the first series after that. He should continue as captain," Vengsarkar said. Bedi, known for his forthright views on Indian cricket, did not want to single out Dhoni for the team's debacle in Bangladesh. Wadekar said that Dhoni was still the best person to lead India in the ODIs and T20s. "I think he's still the best bet for captaincy in ODIs and T20s. I suppose he should be retained as captain. It was amazing (the loss). They perhaps did not take Bangladesh seriously. They probably did not get enough time to prepare for ODI series," said Wadekar. Former wicket-keeper Kirmani also backed Dhoni. Chandu Borde said the Bangladesh series defeat was one off affair and Dhoni should continue as captain. Former opening batsman Chetan Chauhan said Dhoni is still a capable leader and there is no need for a change of leadership now.
India call off Zimbabwe tour
Indian cricket team's forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe next month has been called due to unresolved issues between the BCCI and broadcaster Ten Sports. According to the reports, the decision was taken citing the fatigue factors of the players along with the tussle in the broadcast rights. India were scheduled to play three ODIs and two T20 Internationals in Zimbabwe from July 10. There was always a cloud of uncertainty over the tour due to the broadcast issue, which prompted Zimbabwe Cricket to issue a statement that it may be postponed for next year. The statement further add that it was hopeful of going ahead with India's tour and it was in constant contact with both the BCCI and Ten Sports to resolve the issues before the series.
Anand gets his revenge, crushes Carlsen
Five time world champion Vishwanathan Anand defeated reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen to jump to the joint third spot after the end of the fourth round of Norway Chess tournament. After three draws in the first four rounds of the tournament Anand's hunt for the victory ended in a delightful manner as the Indian ace crushed Carlsen in all departments of the game to move up to 2.5 points out of a possible four. Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria surged ahead of the rest with his third victory in four games coming at the expense of Levon Aronian of Armenia. With five rounds still remaining in the $305,000 prize money tournament, Topalov is sitting pretty on a staggering 3.5 points.
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SPORT
North London school boys give Aussies a lesson
Nepal national team to play in a T20 match at Tunbridge Wells
Rupanjana Dutta
School boys in the nets at Merchant Taylor's School in North London have stunned the Aussies by taking a few wickets. Before the Ashes scheduled next month, the Aussie team has been training at the school for three days and invited the youngsters to field and
bowl. Australian Skipper Michael Clarke said, “They got a few wickets which is not a good sign for us, but it is a good sign for English cricket's future.” Schoolboy Deven Patel said, “It's quite nerve-racking so I just thought I'd better go back to basics.”
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah claimed a career-best 7 for 76 as Pakistan stunned Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the first Test on Sunday to take the lead in the threematch series. Yasir spun a web around the Lankan batsmen to skittle them for a paltry 206 in their second innings, just before tea on the fifth and
final day. Pakistan, set a victory target of 90, raced home in 11.2 overs with Mohammad Hafeez unbeaten on 46 and Ahmed Shehzad on 43 at the Galle International Stadium. It was Pakistan's first Test win in Sri Lanka since the eight-wicket triumph in Kandy in 2006.
Yasir leads Pak to a big win
www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th June 2015
Free Foresters Cricket Club are hosting the Nepal national team in a T20 cricket match at The Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, on Friday 26 June. Nepal, an Associate member of ICC since 1996, is touring England and the Netherlands as preparation for their ICC T20 World Cup Qualification Round matches which will be played in Belfast and Dublin in July 2015. Nepal’s progress as a force in international cricket has been impressive, and they narrowly failed to qualify for the Super Ten phase of the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup, ending in 12th position. Nepal finished below Bangladesh and Netherlands, who qualified for the Super Ten, and Zimbabwe; these 3 countries all gained four points as did Nepal, but had a superior net run rate. Nepal were placed higher than Afghanistan,
Hong Kong, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. This is a significant achievement in a country devoid of much wealth where cricket has only recently taken root. The Free Foresters is a wandering cricket club, without a home ground, which is at the forefront of amateur cricket. It plays over 80 matches a season, and is no stranger to international cricket having played the Netherlands regularly during the 20th century, and lost a close match to Ireland in 2003, which was Eoin Morgan’s debut match. The club was established in 1856 at Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, and the club’s name is derived from its original players who came from the Forest of Arden and Forest of Needwood. The term ‘Free’ reflects that its members were free to play against the club, if they so wished. 2015 is also the bicen-
tenary of the raising of the Brigade of Gurkhas, one of Nepal’s most renowned exports. The Free Foresters has close links with all the armed services playing the Royal Navy, Army and RAF each year, and several of the club’s senior members have served with the Brigade of Gurkhas. For this reason the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles will play between the innings. It is also hoped that soldiers of Gurkha regiments, a number of which are based in Kent, will be able to come and support their country. The match has been organised to prepare the Nepal team for ICC T20 qualification rather than as a charity cricket match; but it will enable those present to contribute to the Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake A p p e a l www.gwt.org.uk/earthquake-appeal.
Former Pak captain Salman Butt admits to spot fixing
Pakistan's former banned captain Salman Butt has finally confessed his unconditional participation in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal and has submitted a written apology to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). PCB has released Butt's signed statement in which he has accepted 'being a part to the bowling of two deliberate no-balls in the Lord's Test match against England', Sport24 reported. The left-arm opener had been banned along with fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir for their infamous role in a spot-fixing scandal by the International Cricket Council. Butt said that he was ready to undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB. Earlier this year, under the ICC's revised anti-corruption code, ICC had allowed Amir to return to domestic cricket before the end of his five-year ban.