First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe
R
Vol 46 Issue 50
28th April to 4th May 2018
Let noble thoughts come to us from every side 80p
STOP THIS FLAG DESECRATION w w w . d u b a i h o lida y s .c o
More than 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for action by UK Prime Minister Theresa against those who tore down Indian flag at Parliament Square Rupanjana Dutta
The Indian community in the UK is demanding justice from the UK government, after protesters at the Parliament Square during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, pulled down the Indian flag, ripped it into halves and then stamped on it, before walking away. More than 12,000 people have now signed a petition calling for action by UK Prime Minister Theresa May against the perpetrators as well as the instigators behind this whole incident.
What has angered them further is the presence of Met Police at the square, who allegedly witnessed the incident, but did not do anything to stop the offenders or intervene from them vandalising a state property. The perpetrators also attacked Loveena Tandon, an Indian broadcast journalist, who protested against the flag incident. She lodged a formal police complaint for being initimidated, pushed and abused with the Police later. She said, “It is well known to all that this demonstration could have turned dan-
SEE INSIDE
‘Gujarat: A Little Giant State of India’A Special article on Gujarat day by CB Patel on P4
Indian-origin Chess prodigy caught in visa battle in UK P6
Windrush immigration cases reflect on Britain's tough future P27 See a special column 'The Legacy of Empire Windrush' by Lord Dholakia on P3 Malik Law Chambers closed down P5
Protesters ripping off the Indian flag at Parliament Square
gerous. How could the organisers allow a group to bring down the flag of a country without permission from anyone or without dignity and defile it, is a wonder ! I have covered events all over the world and I would never have believed that this could happen in London.” Continued on page 18
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
Prince Charles and PM Modi meet Indian dancers at the Science Museum
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK from 17-20 April to participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.
Full report see P15-18
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
AsianVoiceNews
to
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
with
Keith Vaz, MP
Sue Hunter
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in? Leicester, I love visiting other countries and expe-
riencing different cultures, but Leicester is home. 2)
What
are
your
proudest achievements? Apart from my children and grandchildren and paying off my mortgage, it has to be becoming a Leicester councillor and that the community actually voted for me. 3) What inspires you? When I see black people making good, although they have the toughest time doing so, when that happens I smile inside and out. That’s how I felt when Barack Obama became president. 4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career? Being a black women working in Local Authority, and having to prove myself 100% more than my white counterparts.
Srutidharma das is a giant amongst Hindu spiritual leaders. His service to the Hindu community, as well as to the wider community, has been outstanding and he stands out as a shining light for his tireless service to so many people. At this difficult time for him and his family, we all send them our heartfelt best wishes. -Shailesh Vara, MP
De La Rue will not be making the new post Brexit passports
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British company, De La Rue has been making the burgundy British passports since 2009, and were going to appeal the governments decision to opt for a foreign company to make the new blue passports post Brexit. However, De La Rue has decided not to appeal against the government's decision, hence, the new passports are set to be made by a Franco-Dutch company, Gemalto. The Home Office was hit by protests in March after Gemalto was lined up to deliver the £490 million passport contract. Chief executive of De La Rue, Martin Sutherland, found this decision as “shocking news: and wanted to to get this decision overturned. However, he has now backed out.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? Those that never gave up the fight, those that continued to make change, and those that still are. And my family, who have given me the strength to continue for them and hope represent a good role model to influence them. 6) What is the best aspect about your current role? Supporting the community, getting things done, and making a difference. 7) And the worst? The Tory government, the massive cuts placed on Local Authorities, making it impossible to provide adequate services to the population. I could easily list them but I’m
sure everybody knows this. 8) What are your long term goals? To hopefully continue to serve my community as a councillor and to hopefully make change for the better. 9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change? Policy, procedure and systems. Bring them up to date, and defiantly some Ministers. 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
This is very easy. Barack Obama as we are from very similar backgrounds. It would be very interesting to see if he faced a lot of the same issues growing up and now. Not to mention he is a pretty cool dude.
Fighting gender injustice in a changing world Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales and Director of Liberty from September 2003 to March 2016, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, is to address issues of gender injustice at a public lecture at the University of Leicester. The event, ‘Fighting Gender Injustice in a Changing World’, is being hosted by the University of Leicester’s Unit for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (DICE) based in the School of Media, Communication and Sociology.It takes place on Thursday 10 May from 6pm-8.20pm at the Peter Williams Lecture Theatre, University Road, Leicester. Assistant Professor John Williams from DICE said: “It is a great honour to be hosting ShamiChakrabarti, a woman who is an inspiration to our students and to women and many men around the country and across the world. Her work on civil liberties will be very well known to most people but, in the era of ‘Me too’ and extreme gen-
Photo courtesy: Roddy Paine
Sue Hunter, a black woman of mixed heritage born in 1960; has lived and worked in Leicester City all her life. She became political in her teens, when she and her black and Asian community were facing injustice daily. Her mum, a white Irish woman introduced her and her siblings to the civil rights Leaders by reading and collecting information. Sue remembers Sunday evenings, all bathed and ready for school the next day and her mum telling them about Rosa Parkes, Martin Luther king Jnr, Malcom X, the black power movement, and the person Sue identified with most, Angela Davis. After finishing school, Sue’s passion was to study law; however she was steered towards Community and Management. This enabled her to work closely with her communities and to make change. In 2015, Sue took early retirement, however not for long as she was then successful in being voted in as a Leicester city councillor, which has enabled her to continue to work even more closely with the community.
from our multi-cultural communities will also benefit, of course, from greater gender justice.” Gender injustice continues to blight first and developing worlds, affecting all of us, rich and poor alike. Baroness Chakrabarti follows in the footsteps of great feminist thinkers such as Mary Wollstonecraft, the Pankhursts, de Baroness Shami Chakrabarti Beauvoir and der pay differentials, this Germaine Greer, all of connected avenue of conwhom have argued that cern is a timely reminder radical action is needed for of what still needs to be greater gender justice. done in order to achieve She will lay out the gender justice.” huge challenges we face in Professor Surinder creating a more gender Sharma from DICE said: equal world for women “DICE exists at the from all backgrounds, a University of Leicester world in which women and precisely to bring internationally-known speakers, men can do better at sharing power, responsibility such as Baroness and opportunity and Chakrabarti, to the where everyone has a Leicester public: BAME chance to fulfil their full women who have truly potential.Baroness made their mark in the Chakrabarti outlines what world and who continue to needs fixing and why we strive for meaningful must put women's rights social change. This preat the centre of any prosentation and subject is gressive global political important for everyone in agenda. our society, because men Martin Sutherland said, “Having done our homework and taken legal advice we now think the best pragmatic decision is to move on. Our
chances of getting the decision overturned look slim. This is the rough and tumble of business, you win some you lose some. I've been consistent. On the day I said I was surprised and disappointed on the decision and it is still surprising and disappointing. I remain in the same place today.”
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COMMENTS
Resetting the India, UK button Relationships and institutions require periodic renewals for fresh strength and vigor to cope with fresh challenges going forward. The India-UK relationship and the Commonwealth fall within this ambit for both sides. It was noticed in London that no Indian prime minister had attended a Commonwealth summit for the eight years, hence the moment was ripe for a new beginning. Prince Charles travelled to New Delhi to deliver an invitation in person from the Queen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a gesture which moved the premier as an honour for both India and himse Britain, too, is at the crossroads: the British people having made their sovereign decision to exit the European Union, yet wishing, wisely, to retain the closest ties with the Continent determined by geography, history, tradition, faith and culture. India and Britain are uniquely equipped to play a creative role in the transformation of the Commonwealth from potential to reality. Why so? Because, for a start, the Commonwealth, with 53 nation states large and small, straddles every continent with a combined population of around 2.5 billion people, features a range of diverse ethnicities, thriving markets, skilled and semi-skilled labour and abundant capital While most of its members belong to the category of developing third world, others such as the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand belong to the advanced developed segment. English is their common language. India inhabits both worlds. It is a space power capable of making moon shots and has a vast industrial base; however, these exist cheek by jowl with debilitating social backwardness, stark gender inequality and much else. India is undergoing a transition on a grand scale and its pains of labour are frequently acute. Amid this, telephony has provided millions of people with market access as never before in the country’s history. The rural and urban markets are converging and the outcome could be spectacular. India is the third-largest invest in the UK after the US and China, while the UK is the largest investor in India of the G20 states. Paul Krugman, the distinguished American economist noted a unique feature of Indian growth: that it was driven by the service and not the manufacturing sector. The Indian IT is an ubiquitous presence across the UK, Europe, the United States and South America; its industrial footprint is expanding growth of manufacturing, as essential and indispensable job creator. Apart from bilateral trade and investment, India and the UK can join forces in the African market in which each side is an experienced player. Prime Ministers Modi and Theresa May addressed Indian British CEOs on issues that affected businesses in their respective countries. Intellectual Property Rights, easier tax regimes, free trade agreements are central to the
continuing Indo-British engagement. An edit-page article in the Times of India by British Conservative party politician Tom Tugenhat and Indian businessman Jitesh Gadhia on the Commonwealth contains critical references to Jawaharlal Nehru, describing him as a ‘sceptic of the Common wealth.’ This is inaccurate. India’s first BJP prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, speaking at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as leader of the opposition, told a distinguished audience that, while the younger generation of Indian politicians, like himself, advocated the severance of India’s Commonwealth ties, Nehru favoured India’s association, acknowledging generously in retrospect that, ‘I was wrong and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was right.’ His contemporary, Congress party Narasimha Rao, prime minister in the early 1990s made a similar pronouncement, also in London. . Nehru retained India’s membership of the Commonwealth ‘as a touch of healing.’ For Sir Stafford Cripps, a senior figure in the Attlee government, India’s decision was a moment of fulfilment. Writing to Nehru, he said: ‘I am very happy and I do believe you have done something really big in world history. It is good that we have been given this chance to work together – not always seeing eye to eye – but always working heart to heart.’ In reply to Nehru’s letter of 8 April 1955 to Winston Churchill, following his departure from office as Britain’s prime minister, Churchill wrote thus [30 June 1955]: ‘I was most touched by what you said. One of the most agreeable memories of my last years in office is our association…I always admired your ardent wish for peace and the absence of bitterness in your consideration of the antagonisms that had in the past divided us.’ It may also surprise readers to learn, that Dr Henry Kissinger, a former US Secretary of State, in his latest book, Global Order, writes: ‘Emerging into a world of established powers and the Cold War, independent India subtly elevated freedom of manoeuvre from a bargaining tactic to an ethical principle…The essence of this strategy was that it allowed India to draw support from both Cold War camps – securing the military aid from and diplomatic cooperation of the Soviet bloc, even while courting the US intellectual establishment. However irritating to Cold War America, it was a wise decision for an emerging nation. With a then-nascent military establishment and underdeveloped economy, India would have been a respected but secondary ally. As a free agent, it could exercise a much wider-reaching influence. India has natural ties to the nations of the Anglosphere. Yet it it will continue to honor the legacy of Nehru preserving freedom of manoeuvre …India’s own strategic analysis will not permit a vacuum in Afghanistan or the hegemony in Asia of another power.’
Stuff and nonsense on the US relationship BJP ideologue Ram Madhav’s edit-page article in the Times of India on what he would like the Indo-US relationship to be was pure comic strip. His pretentious title ‘Look Beyond Transactionalism’ [the last word mumbo-jumbo] reveals a blinkered mindset under which its touted critique of Western civilization is restricted to prescribed dress codes for Indian women, moral policing, railing at Valentine Day cards etc. Under such oracular demonstrations of ‘ancient’ Indian culture is lodged the craven desire to please Uncle Sam and win a a coveted green card to make the experience memorable. Shared values is Ram Madhav’s pitch for a privileged strategic relationship between the two countries. The price for India’s leaders at Independence was too high: obedience to US diktat. Washington turned to Pakistan instead. A US State Department paper around 1949 advocated the setting up of a Pakistan-led Islamic bloc to contain India. The Nixon administration’s support for the Pakistani military dictator Yahya Khan and the Pakistani genocide in East Pakistan [now Bangladesh] in tandem with Maoist China is history, from which Mr Madhav appears to have learned nothing.
The two Koreas are coming together to ensure peace and stability on the peninsula the face of the Trump administration’s favoured brinkmanship and possible military conflict. Japan and China have opened a dialogue as a possible hedge against Washington’s tariff wars. As for democratic values, Mr Madhav might do well to ponder the following passage by Smedley D. Butler, the most decorated US marine commander of his generation. ‘I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street….I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912. …Looking back on it, I feel I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. We Americans operated across three continents.’ Revealed at the weekend was the Trump administration’s threat to impose economic sanctions against India if New Delhi didn’t suspend its defence ties with Russia and switch to the US for weaponry (Hindu April 21). Wake-up call for Ram Madhav
Teaching English trough Artificial Intelligence Chennai-born Indian American Venkat Srinivasan, who prefers to describe himself as a ‘social entrepreneur’ has used Artificial Intelligence [AI] to develop software as an aid in the teaching of English in one million schools across eight Indian States, covering an estimated 15 million children. The US Agency for International Funding and Mr Srinivasan’s company English Helper have funded
the project with support from social corporate finances. Mr Srinivasan, a Chartered Accountantturned AI-enthusiast says his companies were designed for impact and not profit. EnglishHelper machine reads reds existing textbooks and develops them into more effective teaching material. ‘AI will work seamlessly in an existing school,’ explained Mr Srinivasan.
Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
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Live out of your imagination, not your history - Stephen Covey
Lord Navnit Dholakia, OBE, PC, DL
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats House of Lords
The Legacy of Empire Windrush It is some decades of years when the steam ship Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury carrying with it the hopes and dreams of hundreds of young men and women from the Caribbean. Nothing like this had happened before. Here was an event when people from the margins of the Empire were coming to build a new life in Britain. There was the devastation in Britain inflicted by the war. It’s role as a global power was declining with changes in the former colonies and at home.This country was trapped in the old idea of itself. There was little policy consideration of a genuine migration policy and the settlement of new arrivals.The first arrivals were greeted with the optimistic assumption that Britain, shedding its colonial legacy was a true melting pot. Commonwealth citizens were British subjects. It was generally assumed that all the many racial, cultural and religious groups would be assimilated into a new whole- a single people with similar ideals, attitudes and values. The policy makers never thought that ‘identity’ would be an issue.New arrivals would simply “do as Romans do” and neatly fit in and assimilate.Little thought was given to the impact of racism and economic marginalisation or that people would want to retain the cultural heritage of which they were proud at the same time as feeling included as citizens. Immigration policies have played a crucial role in successive governments ever since the introduction of the Commonwealth Immigration Act of 1962. So how did we arrive to face a situation were citizens from Caribbean and other countries were denied their rights as British citizens legally settled here. The Labour Government In 1950 set up an interdepartmental Committee to consider the first ever possibility of legislation and administration methods to deal with the matter of ‘immigrants’. So preoccupied were Ministers with the numbers entering the United Kingdom that the welfare and integration of the newcomers was not even discussed. In fact the key policy recommendation was that “any solution depending on an apparent or concealed test would be so invidious as to be impossible for adoption. Nevertheless less it has to be recognised that the use of any powers taken to restrict the free entry of British subjects to this country would as a general rule be more or less confined to coloured persons”. This approach has been at the heart of control policy based on colour. No wonder we are in a mess in relation to the settlement issues of Windrush generations. This confusion is further supplemented by four other issues in recent times. First, there are the unending discussions about numbers-now focussed on the others coming from Eastern Europe and the media panics about bogus asylum seekers. Second, we worry about our national borders and our borders within what has been called “Fortress Europe “. Third, there are questions around our role in in the international community— do we face towards Europe or have bilateral relationship with other countries. And last,we worry about what is our national identity, which a focus on immigration leads us to believe is insecure and therefore must be better defined—what it is,and who can be members within the single identity. It is time to look at a new approach on immigration where race, colour, national or ethnic identity should have least impact in the way we regulate our policies.
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UK
As I See It
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Gujarat: A Little Giant of India Dear Readers,
Your first reaction could be, “Of course! You are a Gujju!”. However, I assure you, it is much more than just that. I intend to use this precious space to unite people from all spaces. I will start with my motherland Gujarat and in doing so, wish we can extend this dialogue to involve other societies, communities, and even nationalities. On May 1, next Tuesday, Gujarat will celebrate its Foundation Day. I would like to take you friends to a short walk back to history. During the independence movement, British India had categorised Indian regions into Presidencies, namely the Bombay Presidency, Madras Presidency, Bengal Presidency, etc. A large geographical area encompassing various language groups, the formation was similar to what Europe did in Africa. Scrambling for power, colonial nations held a conference in the Vatican in the 19th century, where representatives of UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Italy, divided Africa to avoid warfare and quarrels among European nations in the presence of the then Pope. This division of African nations was no different to vultures snatching at roadkill. There was no consideration on the history and culture of African societies or other visible things like language groups, faith groups or economic cooperation. Perhaps this is how the British acquired India and formed their own administrative structures. Demands were raised during the independence movement, to streamline the division of India into more meaningful ways. One of the demands, or rather suggestions, was to form provinces (They were not called States back then) based on major language groups. At one stage, Sardar Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and others, understood the practicality of it, but thought it to be very divisive. Sardar Patel, already a legend, became immortal in the memories of Indians, when he successfully unified 560 princely states after independence, with his brilliant diplomacy and technique. This move of unity has created the existing India, which is in every aspect, larger than King Ashoka's 'Akhand Bharat, and Akbar's 'Mughlai Hindostan'. Trouble soon began to brew by 1955 in the Telugu areas of the then Madras Presidency who demanded a separate state for Telugu
people. They became very vocal, and one Mr Pottu Sreeramulu went on indefinite hunger strike. Sadly he passed away. Riots took place and Pandit Nehru's government was forced to constitute a state re-organisation commission. Various states like West Bengal, UP, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and others, were formed. It is also noteworthy that Telugu people wanted their own language-based state for various reasons but today, Andhra Pradesh finds itself sharing Telugu people with Telangana, which was founded in 2014. In 1956, various states were formed on linguistic lines, but old Bombay Presidency of British era, continued as Bombay state, including present-day Maharashtra and Gujarat. This was mainly due to the opinion of some Congress leaders, especially Morarji Desai, then chief minister of Bombay state who later became India's 4th prime minister. The same year, Sanyukt Maharashtra campaign and subsequently Mahagujarat Andolan began in earnest. In Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other cities, nearly 200 people became victims to rounds of bullets following protests. Eventually in 1960, Bombay state was divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra. In the latter, there were various concerns about some parts like Belgam and Dharwad, which eventually integrated with Karnataka. Fortunately for Gujarat, the new state boundaries were almost as they were in the 11th and 12th century, especially during the time of Siddhraj Jaysinh. Text on the borders of the state can be read in a poem written by Narmad, a friend of Rev. Alexander Kinloch Forbes and Kavi Nanalal, called 'Jay Jay Garavi Gujarat', which describes the North and South and East and West boundaries of Gujarat. What is more surprising that perhaps of all the states formed in India, especially in the non-Hindi belt, Gujarat is very fortunate that the geographical mass stays mostly similar to what it was 1000 years ago. Geography plays a very important part in settlement of mankind, and evolution of societies In my opinion, the geographical location of Gujarat has been a boon not only for the state, but for India too. One of the earliest ports for hundreds of
years, Khambhat (Cambay), subsequently Bharuch and Surat, stands tall to this day. Ibn Batut and Chinese traveller Xuanzang wrote fantastic books about their travels in India, and describes their visits to Gujarat, Ahmedabad, and other places. They describe developed agriculture, outstanding manufacturing, very dependable and up to date financial services, Hundi, and many more. Some talk about their mentions of the Gujarati mind. Traders of Gujarat back in the day, traded with the spicy islands of Java, Sumatra and other (Present
CB Patel
home to Sikhs, Christians, Parsis- which is a small community. But they are in no way to be underestimated. Cornelia Sorabji, the first woman to become a barrister in the UK, is one small example of the achievements the community can achieve. If you look at India, Parsis have contributed enormously in business, commerce, sciences, arts, etc. Similarly, the Jewish community. Gujarat has all kinds of faiths and traditions. It has temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and synagogues and other places of worship. By and large it is a peaceful
Shiv temple, meet some old friends, and most importantly, walk on the very land where I once roamed as a child. I visit the very pond (now dry) where I learned how to swim. The village park, the libraries, and other places. The bond between the third or fourth generation anywhere they live, some say, transmits through their mother tongue. There is something else too. The lessons taught by the family, values, characteristics, they all link generations through generations. In Britain today, there are some 2 million people of Indian origin. The largest groups are Punjabis and Gujaratis. Both, I suppose
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caring and sharing, but they develop role models. This organisations, they do so much in voluntary sector in health, education, and communication. It is the same with other communities. Another glaring example is the Jewish community. In UK, as of now, the total number of Jewish people is 300,000 or less. Even so, look at their profile in all aspects of life. I would say they are in the front row. For 2500 years, the entire world forced atrocities on them, thrown out of their countries for simply being Jews. And after a long struggle, they were able to get a homeland- a small area of barren land. But
State Demographic in India • Total geographical area : 6 % • Total Population : 5 % • Industrial Output: 16 % • Total Export: 18 % • Diamond Polishing Business : 90 % Leading Freedom Fighters • Mahatma Gandhi • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel • Vitthalbhai Patel Philosophy and Vedic Dharma • Dayanand Saraswati Former Prime Minister • Morarji Desai Current leaders shaping India • Prime Minister Narendra Modi • BJP President Amit Shah
Indonesia) and in the west, not only the Muscat and Oman and present day Emirates, and Africa, but right up to Rome and other countries as well. Gujarat has predominantly Hindus, the people of the oldest faith – Sanatan Dharma. It has so many sects. But what is remarkable is that for thousands of years, Hindu sects or other followers of Devs and Devis don't fight amongst themselves. They don't use violence. Of course, present day Gurus have various innovative ideas to attract followers of other sects into their folds, but it is then through peaceful means. Amongst Indian Muslims, Gujarati Muslims have evolved their own temperament, heritage. Ismaili Khojas, Ishnaris, Bohras, Memons, and others are, though Muslims, they are Gujarati in temperament. This is called 'Gujaratita'. Gujarat has had its share of misfortune of religious riots in the past or completely distasteful behaviour towards untouchables. Since the last 16 years, Gujarat has no Hindu-Muslim strife as was seen before. Gujarat is a
place, with enormous harmonious relationships. Why? Geography, history, societies, and heritage- the ASMITA. Live and Let Live. These are the primary features of Gujarat and Gujarati's characteristics. There is hardly a country in the present world, in which a Gujarati does not reside. The Gujarati bond is strong, even if they do not speak Gujarati. Their attitude, their mindset, is certainly a legacy from the forefathers. Gujarat population has a large numbers of people from other states, the majority being from Rajasthan, followed by Biharis, and of course, UP bhaiyas. I know that about half a million people from Kerala reside in Ahmedabad alone. They are involved in all aspects of activities. Similarly, Gujaratis abroad have a particular fondness for their state. I was born in my maternal village near Bhadran, and for the last 70 years, my family has no land or property in the village. What I mean to say is, we have no physical bonds tying us to that place. Despite having lived only a handful of years in Bhadran, I visit the place whenever possible. I visit my Bhadran, my
are estimated to be about 800,000. There are also British Indians from other states. There is a large Tamil community, but predominantly from Sri Lanka. Before I go further, let me say, that every society in every culture has their own strength, and inevitably some weaknesses and faults. So, when I talk about Gujaratis, I am not endorsing them as the best and mighty. Whether you are a Jordy, or Scottish, or a Pakistani, or Sri Lankan, or say West Indian, or a member of any other nation, we all have something to be proud of. I focus on the topic today because one of my ardent desire in media activity is to create awareness of knowing one's own self and if possible, improving one's own self. Nobody's perfect, every one can learn from each other. Primarily, as a British Indian, my community has all of my loyalty and support. Parallely, I also respect other communities and culture, as well as faiths and traditions. Why British Gujaratis have done so well in this great country? Because of 'Gujaratita', or asmita, our traditions. If they are good, they are worth preserving. Wherever Gujaratis live, be it in India or abroad, they create Mahajans; mandals, associations, samaj, community groups, or other organisations, which not only provide a meeting place for
today, the State of Israel is a world power. Its technology, business, commerce, arts, science, defence, research, is as good as any, and better than many. All this unbelievable transformation happened for many reasons. Mainly being the resolve and dedication and devotion of the Jews abroad. Wherever a Jew is settled, in whatever way, he will spare no efforts to allocate time and resources for the development and progress of state of Israel. Be it the Indians or others, Gujaratis or non-Gujaratis, when we are settled in a civilised country like Great Britain, helping fellow Indian back in the country, is also helping ourselves. We may have great difficulty with where to begin and what to do, but we can always go right back to where we started; the village, the town. However, nothing is possible if we are not willing. The truth is, opportunities are ample. While Gujaratis and their friends all over the world celebrate the birth of a separate state of Gujarat, let us extend our best wishes to every one with the sole purpose being to let us know who we are. Let us have a clear idea of what we should do, and most importantly what we should not do. And live in harmony with other people and create a better tomorrow for everyone.
UK
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Malik Law Chambers closed down
A shock wave has gone through the Asian community as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) closed down Malik Law Chambers, high profiled immigration solicitors. Hundreds of clients’ files and casework, with some time limits on appeals and deadlines for providing documents would mean hundreds of cases might be refused.
The SRA carried out an intervention, a power given by the British Parliament to close down firms of Solicitors in some circumstances. On 18.04.2018, the SRA took possession of all papers and money from Malik Law Chambers, which has two offices in London and one in Birmingham. The SRA, established in January 2007 regulates some 130,000 solicitors and law firms in England and Wales to protect the public by ensuring that solicitors meet high standards, and by acting when risks are identified. There are several reasons why Malik Law Chambers has closed down. The SRA said, “ There is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Dr Akbar Ali Malik and on the part of Mr Imtiaz Ali, the firm’s managers, in connec-
tion with the firm’s business (Paragraph 32(1)(d)(i) of Schedule 2 to the Administration of Justice Act [1985]). That Malik Law Chambers and Dr Akbat Ali Malik, as a manager of the firm, have failed to comply with the SRA Principles 2011 (Paragraph 32(1)(a) of Schedule 2 to the Administration of Justice Act [1985]).” SRA closes down the firm if it considers it necessary to protect clients' interests and money, and for the protection of the wider public. An “intervention”, as the SRA describes the forced closing down of a firm. This means that Malik Law Chambers can no longer act for clients. All documents and money held by the firm are seized and returned to clients where they can be traced. There is a right of appeal to the High Court. Malik Law Chambers was recently criticied by the Upper Tribunal for advancing “obvi-
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ously bogus” and “seriously problematic” arguments in a judicial review. It has an impressive list of Court of Appeal and even Supreme Court cases to its name. The closer of Malik Law Chambers will have consequences for clients. If you are the victim, you will need to make alternative arrangements or claim money and documents owed to you via Devonshires of P O Box 46128, London EC2M 5WA who have been appointed to assist the SRA with the closure. Mr. Kanti Nagda of Sangat Advice Centre, based in Harrow, who had some two years ago reported Malik Law Chambers to the Law Society for negligence was able to get £ 2100.00 for his client whose case was mishandled by Malik Law Chambers; advised those affected to contact Devonshires within next 4 weeks in order to get the files.” Nagda added that there could be some outstanding or more work to be done on the case.” Mr Nagda added, “There is no charge for the Devonshires to send the documents/files to either the client or client’s new legal representative.”
Nitin Sodha elected Chairman of the NPA Nitin Sodha, M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r, K n i g h t s Pharmacy has been elected as the Chairman of the National P h a r m a c y Association. He will replace Ian Strachan, who has completed his four-year term. Mr Sodha, pictured, was elected to the NPA board in 2007 representing the West Midlands. Established in 1984, Knights Pharmacy comprises of over 50 pharmacies across the country. Mr Sodha is also a director of independent wholesaler Lexon UK which delivers drugs to more than 1,200 independent pharmacies and major groups across the UK. In 2017 Lexon reported a turnover of over £200 million. It has distribution centres in Redditch, Dublin, Durham & Leeds. According to the NPA, Mr Sodha said,“It is an honour to be chosen to chair an organisation so central to the history and the future of independent community pharmacy. After four years as Vice Chair, I look forward to continuing to work hard, with my board colleagues and the NPA staff, in the interests of independent pharmacies and the patients they serve.” Andrew Lane has been elected as Vice Chair. Michael Guerin will continue as Treasurer.
Comments from the sector
'I have no doubt Nitin Sodha will make an exceptional NPA chairman. He is both experienced and fiercely passionate about independent community pharmacy.' -Jay Patel, Executive Director, Day Lewis Pharmacy 'I am handing the baton over to an experienced colleague, who is passionate about community pharmacy, as are we all on this board. These are challenging times for the sector, but the new chair, myself and the entire board are ready to play our part in helping independents take the journey of change that is necessary.' -Ian Strachan, outgoing Chairman, NPA 'NPA is a very strong organisation representing diverse groups of pharmacists across the country. The board of management has elected Nitin to help members overcome the challenges that they are facing during these difficult times.' -Umesh Patel MRPharmS, board member NPA and independent pharmacist from Sunderland 'Nitin has been the Vice Chair for the NPA for four years and has also successfully chaired the NPA policy and Practice Committee. As NPA's Chief Pharmacist I look forward to working with Nitin to support the cause of the independent community pharmacy sector.' -Leyla Hannbeck, Chief Pharmacist, NPA
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UK
Asian Voice |
www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews
28th April 2018
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor
Jyoti Shah, Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon Some doctors are born into medical families; some feel a “calling.” Jyoti Shah felt the latter. A second generation Gujarati, both her comprehensive school and her family had never produced a doctor. Today Jyoti is a Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon at Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Why Jyoti focussed on urology Jyoti explains, “I knew early on that surgery was the career choice for me – I liked to do something definitive to make people better. Urology has a range of open and keyhole operations, and treatments for patients of all ages. There were a handful of female surgeons during my training. Still, only 11% of consultant surgeons are female, and less so Asian. It is for this reason that I teach, examine and interview future consultant surgeons. I have worked very hard to become a Consultant: I have eight degrees (Jyoti is a 1st class BSc (Hons) MBBS MD MS DHMSA FRCS (Urol)); five books; over 70 medical publications and many
Jyoti Shah
book chapters. I was Editor-in-Chief of Medical Woman and am Commissioning Editor of the journals published from the Royal College of Surgeons of England – the first female to hold this role. I received the Chairman’s Award for Asian Women of Achievement and Burton Hospitals Chief Executive’s Pride Award.
Jyoti has started a campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer Jyoti says, “Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men in this country. Yet, men often present late to health services, maybe out of fear, shame, or embarrassment. Every 45 minutes in
Indian-origin Chess prodigy caught in visa battle in UK Family of a nine year old Indian origin boy Shreyas Royal is fighting to stay in Britain, so that he can pursue his dreams to become the country's first ever world champion. Shreyas has only played chess for four years but is already defeating teenagers a decade older than him and has been considered the best prospect of his generation. His Parents Jitendra and Anju Singh moved to Woolwich, southeast London, in 2012 from Bangalore with threeyear-old Shreyas. Mr Singh, an IT project manager at Tata Group was offered a fixed-term contract in the company’s UK office but on September 10th 2018, his work permit will lapse permanently. The Times reported that with the backing of Julian Simpole, a trainer who has coached two of the English grandmasters, and Dominic Lawson, president of the English Chess Federation, Mr Singh, 38, is appealing to the Home Office. He plans apply for indefinite leave to remain on the ground that his son is a national asset.
ly’s modest flat, Shreyas reportedly said his love of the game was i m m e d i a t e because “it just felt natural”. He added: “What I like about chess is that it’s not about being physically aggressive, you have time to use your mind.” Mr Singh feared his son's promising career Shreyas Royal could be cut short Shreyas studies at the if he was sent back to Pointer School in India, and Britain would Blackheath on a full schollose his talents. “Shreyas's arship and learned to play life is here – he has roots. Chess at an after-school We are used to India, we class after his mother spent a lot of our lives livenrolled him in, to exering there but it will be a cise his mind. massive shock for Shreyas. Shreyas now spends He will not be able to conhis weekends and summer tinue his chess, it really is holidays travelling across a terrible situation,” he Britain and around the added. world competing against Mr Simpole, the former champions almost ten trainer to Luke McShane, years older than him. “I the UK knockout champidon’t think the older kids on, reportedly said: “This like being beaten by me. kid is like something I’ve The Russians are the hardnever seen before. His talest to play against,” he ent is very highly prosaid with a smile, The nounced. He’s going to be Times reported. a future world champion Surrounded by medals and we’d like it to be for and trophies in the famiBritain.”
the UK, one man dies of prostate cancer. I started the campaign with a men’s health talk at our local football club in 2016. I set up my first prostate cancer screening clinic at the Football Club in March 2016. I aimed to see 50 men a day over the two days I ran this clinic – instead I saw 113 men and diagnosed eight men with cancer. There were 137 men who were then on a waiting list and so I did it again. All of this is in my own time and is unpaid charity work, together with Sarah Minns, my colleague. I have seen 850 men in 11 such clinics, and diagnosed 41 men so far with cancer. I have also set up a prostate cancer support group in Burton to encourage men with cancer and their partners to openly discuss their cancer journey and break down the stigma associated with it. Around 50 people per month attend.
How Jyoti plans to persuade more men and their families to test Jyoti takes her clinic to
men where they are comfortable – “this started with the football club. I have since been to many Freemason lodges and Community Centres. These surroundings take away the fear of attending a hospital.” She does a lot of awareness talks and events and is grateful to her husband who wholeheartedly supports her work. She has set up a free educational not-for-profit website dedicated to this work: www.fightingptostatecancer.co.uk.
What happens in Jyoti’s two-day screening clinics “I see at least 50 men a day starting at 8am. Each man has a history taken; an examination of the prostate and a PSA blood test– this is essentially a consultation with a consultant urologist. So far, two thirds of the men I have diagnosed with cancer have been because I felt their prostate to be abnormal. Once I receive the result of the PSA blood test, I call every man with the result so that they are not worried. Any man who needs further investiga-
tions such as a biopsy comes to me at the hospital. Men diagnosed with cancer stay under my care in the NHS for continuity. I then write to every man with the results and a recommendation – a copy of which goes to the GP. I am now booked to do such an event every month until mid-2019.
Testing for men Jyoti says that there is no national screening programme in the UK. “Any man over the age of 50 years can request a baseline PSA blood test with their GP, after discussion. I target men from 50-80 in my screening clinics. In the AfricanCaribbean population, the risk of prostate cancer is double that of Caucasian men at 1:4. They could request a PSA test from 45 years of age.
What steps prevent prostate? There are no real preventative steps. There is a link with obesity and there is evidence that a low fat diet is preventative. Prostate cancer is often called the ‘silent killer’ because there are usually no symptoms.
Three quarters of UK Asians unaware ethnic background increases their risk of stroke According to a new survey commissioned by the Stroke Association, almost three quarters of UK Asians are unaware that their ethnicity puts them at a higher risk of stroke and nearly a third don’t know that strokes are preventable. In the UK, stroke is the fourth biggest killer and the leading cause of disability. Studies suggest South Asian people tend to have strokes 10 years earlier and are almost twice as likely to develop diabetes, which is a key risk factor for stroke. The Stroke Association is highlighting these statistics to support its Know Your Blood Pressure campaign, urging people of South Asian heritage to get their blood pressure checked so that they can reduce their risk of stroke. Having high blood pressure can triple your risk of stroke and contributes to half of all strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Despite this it is estimated that there are more than 5.5 million people in England alone who have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati, is
Shobna Gulati
backing the campaign, after her family was affected by stroke. Shobna said, “I know how devastating stroke is. I have lost friends and family. I am urging everyone to get their blood pressure checked regularly. Do it for yourself, do it for your family. Many strokes are absolutely preventable, the test is so quick, easy and painless, and it could mean the difference between life and death”. Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said, “A stroke can happen to anyone, but if you are of South Asian heritage you are particularly vulnerable to having
a stroke and having it at a younger age. One of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself is regularly monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure rarely shows any symptoms, so most people are not aware they have it. But, if your blood pressure is too high it puts a strain on your arteries and heart. Getting treatment will not only significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke, but also a heart attack.” Anil Ranchod, Deputy Director Public Relations & Communications, Stroke Association, told Asian Voice, “Stroke is one of those conditions that we’d all rather not think about, but as Asians we’re at higher risk of having a stroke at a younger age and need to think about it. What shocked me about the survey was that so many people don’t know that stroke can be prevented. Simply monitoring and managing your blood pressure can significantly reduce your risk. You can get free blood pressure tests at your GP or local Well Pharmacy.”
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LOCAL ELECTION
Asian Voice |
www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews
28th April 2018
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
Over 700 Asian candidates listed for London Local Elections
Council elections in England are scheduled to be held on Thursday 3 May 2018. Local elections will be held within England, with elections to all 32 London boroughs, 34 metropolitan boroughs, 68 district and borough councils and 17 unitary authorities. There will also be direct elections for the Mayoralties of Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Watford. With the exception of those areas that have had boundary changes, the seats up for election were last contested in the 2014 local elections. All seats in the 32 London borough councils will be up for election with over 700 councillors being of Asian origin. Asian Voice has compiled a comprehensive list of all those Asian candidates and the boroughs they are standing in (alphabetically) but due to limited space in this week’s newspaper we have only published those candidates standing in Barking & Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmity & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering and Hillingdon. We will carry the remaining boroughs in next week’s issue. Name Party Laila BUTT Labour Archana MANISH WANKHADE Conservative Giasuddin MIAH Labour Syed Nasir Rara NAQVI Conservative Kreshan PANCHARDCHARAM Conservative Tariq SAEED Conservative Roma TAHIR Conservative Mahammad Sajid KHALIFA Conservative Syed Baqar Raza NAQVI Conservative Muhammad SALEEM Labour Mohammed KHAN Labour Monica MOHAN Conservative Dewan Chowdhury MAHDI Conservative Foyzur RAHMAN Labour Faraaz SHAUKAT Labour Manish WANKHADE Conservative Salma ASHRAF Labour Abdul AZIZ Labour Imran KHAN Conservative Md Abu NOMAN Conservative Moin Ali QUADRI Labour Nadia YASIN Conservative Faruk CHOUDHURY Labour Taken Akhterrasul SHAIKH Conservative Tilly WIJESURIYA Conservative Kashif HAROON Labour Munish KHANNA Conservative Farhanaz MANSURI Conservative Syed Mohammed Ali Raza NAQVI Conservative Peter CHAND Labour Akhterrasul SHAIKH Conservative Syed Feroz GHANI Labour Sumaiyabanu KHALIFA Conservative Rozeena ZAFAR Conservative Imran ZAHOOR Conservative Amardeep Singh JAMU Labour Sunaina MOHAN Conservative Ange Geeta BALENDRA Labour Pavan PAVANAKUMAR Conservative Mukesh Harilal DEPALA Conservative Reema PATEL Labour Sachin RAJPUT Conservative Karl KHAN UKIP Gardi VASWANI Green Adam GHEASUDDIN Conservative Arjun Kumar MITTRA Labour Sachin PATEL Lib Dem Parmodh Kumar SHARMA Labour Ajantha Tharindra TENNAKOON Conservative Lachhya Bahadur GURUNG Conservative Kamal Bahadur GURUNG Labour Humayine Rasheed KHALICK Labour Anshul GUPTA Conservative Mubin MUKADAM Lib Dem Nagus NARENTHIRA Labour Zakia ZUBAIRI Labour Ammar NAQVI Labour Mosa ZAHED Lib Dem Kunal DHANANI-SUMARIA Green Amir KHNIFESS Labour Ali ALI Labour Jawharah Qasem ALBAKRI Lib Dem Munir MALIK Labour Gem AHMET Lib Dem Shekhar VYAS Labour Murali Sudarshan SURENDRAN Labour Jo CHODHA Labour Naresh CHAUHAN Labour Marina Masuma Bin Kabir AHMAD Labour Sunil GUPTA Conservative Suraj SHARMA Conservative Momota KHATOON Labour Sucharita SETHI Labour Shahin AHMED Conservative Rishi MADLANI Labour Abdul MALIQUE Conservative Ranjit SINGH Labour Shamim AHMED Conservative
Borough Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barking & Dagenham Barnet High Barnet East Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Barnet Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bexley Bromley Bromley Bromley Bromley Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden
Ward Abbey Abbey Abbey Abbey Abbey Alibon Alibon Becontree Becontree Becontree Chadwell Heath Chadwell Heath Eastbrook Eastbury Eastbury Eastbury Gasgoigne Gasgoigne Gasgoigne Goresbrook Goresbrook Goresbrook Longbridge Longbridge Longbridge Mayesbrook Mayesbrook Parsloes Parsloes River Thames Valence Valence Valence Valence Whalebone Whalebone Barnet Barnet Brunswick Park Coppetts Oakleigh Woodhouse Woodhouse East Finchley East Finchley Childs Hill Golders Green West Finchley Hale Mill Hill West Hendon Colindale Colindale Colindale Colindale Burnt Oak Burnt Oak Edgware Edgware Barnehurst Blendon & Penhill Crayford Crook Log Crook Log Falconwood & Welling Sidcup Kelsey & Eden Park Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Chislehurst Belsize Belsize Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Cantelowes Fortune Green
Name
Party
Borough
Ward
Shashank KRISHNA Rahoul BHANSALI Abdul QUADIR Shreena PATEL Davi KOTHARI Sanjoy SEN Abdul HAI Nasim ALI Surya KUMARAVEL Nadia SHAH Samata KHATOON Kushal BHIMJIANI Lina HAMMOUDA Mukul HIRA Nazma RAHMAN Mohammed SALIM Shiva TIWARI Anupama KUMARI Raj MEHTA Jebun QUADIR Muhammad ALI Sharmmi JEGANMOGAN Manju SHAHUL-HAMEED Josh VIGGIANI Niroshan Kantha SIRISENA Arfan BHATTI Appu SRINIVASAN Shafi KHAN
Lib Dem Conservative Labour Conservative Lib Dem Conservative Labour Labour Lib Dem Labour Labour Lib Dem Independent Lib Dem Labour Conservative Labour Conservative Green Conservative Labour Conservative Labour Lib Dem Labour Lib Dem Labour Labour & Cooperative
Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon
Frognal & Fitzjohns Haverstock Haverstock Kentish Town Kilburn Kilburn Kings Cross Regents Park Regents Park Regents Park St Pancras & Somers Town Swiss Cottage Swiss Cottage West Hampstead West Hampstead West Hampstead West Hampstead Bensham Manor Bensham Manor Bensham Manor Broad Green Broad Green Broad Green Coulsdon Town Fairfield Kenley Kenley Norbury & Pollards Hill Norbury Park Park Hill & Whitgift Purley & Woodcote Shirley North South Norwood Waddon Woodside Woodside Acton Central Acton Central Cleveland Dormers Wells Dormers Wells Dormers Wells Dormers Wells Ealing Broadway Ealing Common Ealing Common East Acton East Acton Elthorne Elthorne Elthorne Greenford Broadway Greenford Green Hanger Hill Hanger Hill Hobbayne Lady Margaret Lady Margaret Lady Margaret Lady Margaret Lady Margaret Lady Margaret Lady Margaret North Greenford North Greenford North Greenford North Greenford Northolt Mandeville Northolt Mandeville Northolt West Norwood Green Norwood Green Norwood Green
Sherwan Hussain CHOWDHURY Labour Vidhi MOHAN Conservative
Croydon Croydon
Badsha QUADIR
Conservative
Croydon
Richard Rich CHATTERJEE Tariq SALIM Yusuf Ali OSMAN Hamida ALI Mustafa Osman TARY Abdullah Ahmed GULAID Amir SADJADY Sitarah ANJUM Tej Ram BAGHA Tejinder Singh DHAMI Ranjit Lal DHEER Abdi-Rashiid HASSAN Seema KUMAR Praveen Kamlesh ANAND Sindy JASSAL Krishma ARORA Hitesh TAILOR Nigel BAKHAI Ali Dama HUSSEIN Anita KAPOOR Harbhajan Kaur DHEER Aysha Sultana RAZA Shabir AHMED Kassem Mohammad BAKSH Surendra DHUNGANA Sonul Chandu BADIANI Neha CHHABRA Rusi Keki DALAL Karam Chand MOHAN Swaran Singh PADDA Kamaldeep Kaur SAHOTA Keshav Narayan SORATHIA Shahbaz AHMED Amarjit Kaur JAMMU Shital Ved Parkash MANRO Madhava Kumar TURUMELLA Inderjit ANAND Parmjit Singh ANAND Bassam MAHFOUZ Mohammad ASLAM Amandeep Singh GILL Gurmit Kaur MANN
Conservative Green Lib Dem Labour Conservative Labour Conservative Labour Labour Labour Labour Conservative Conservative Labour Labour Conservative Labour Lib Dem Conservative Conservative Labour Labour Labour Labour Conservative Lib Dem Conservative Lib Dem Labour Labour Labour Lib Dem Labour & Cooperative Labour & Cooperative Labour & Cooperative Conservative Conservative Conservative Labour Labour Conservative Labour
Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Croydon Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing Ealing
LOCAL ELECTION
www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews Name Rajinder Singh MANN Munir AHMED Anu KHELA Tariq MAHMOOD Charan Bala SHARMA Sara KUMAR Ali SADJADY NAIERY Hafeez AHMAD Mohamed ALI Darshan Singh BHINDER Jaskiran Kaur CHOHAN Karanvir Singh DHADWAL Mohamed FAHMY Kamaljit Kaur NAGPAL Jasbir Kaur ANAND Avtar CHAND Kamaljit Singh DHINDSA Binda RAI Humaira SANDERS Ahmet HASAN Leonard MUNASINGHE Rasheed SADEGH-ZADEH Mohammad ISLAM Tahsin IBRAHIM Mahtab UDDIN Sabiha SHAHZAD Mehboob KHAN Syed TAREK Rajinder JAMES Ziaur RAHMAN Ramesh PEREA-DELACOURT Harini IYENGAR Amina LUNAT Mohamednasar LUNAT Mohammed Hussain LUNAT Yasmin LUNAT Ajay Kumar CHAUHAN Humaira GARASIA Deepa Madhusudan SHAH Samir JERAJ
AsianVoiceNewsweekly Party
Borough
Labour Ealing Labour Ealing Conservative Ealing Labour Ealing Labour Ealing Conservative Ealing Conservative Ealing Liberal Democrat Ealing Conservative Ealing Conservative Ealing Labour Ealing Labour Ealing Conservative Ealing Labour Ealing Labour Ealing Conservative Ealing Labour Ealing Labour Ealing Liberal Democrat Ealing Labour Enfield Conservative Enfield Labour Enfield Labour Enfield Labour Enfield Labour Enfield Labour Greenwich Labour Greenwich Green Greenwich Labour Greenwich Renew Greenwich Liberal Democrat Greenwich Women’s Equality Hackney Conservative Hackney Conservative Hackney Conservative Hackney Conservative Hackney Labour Hackney Labour Hackney Green Hackney Green Hackney
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018 Ward
Norwood Green Perivale Perivale Perivale Perivale South Acton South Acton Southall Broadway Southall Broadway Southall Broadway Southall Broadway Southall Broadway Southall Broadway Southall Broadway Southall Green Southall Green Southall Green Walpole Walpole Enfield Highway Enfield Highway Grange Highlands Town Upper Edmonton Blackheath Westcombe Greenwich West Middle Park & Sutcliffe Plumstead Woolwich Common Woolwich Riverside Dalston De Beauvoir De Beauvoir Hackney Downs Hackney Downs Haggerston Haggerston Haggerston Hoxton East & Shoreditch Fatemeh BEYAD Green Hackney Hoxton West Yusuf LUNAT Conservative Hackney King’s Park Rumi BEGUM Conservative Hackney Lea Bridge Imtiyaz LUNAT Conservative Hackney Lea Bridge Tahmid Rahman CHOWDHURYConservative Hackney London Fields Shabaz KHAN Labour Hackney Springfield Salma LUNAT Conservative Hackney Victoria Arunasalam YOGESWARAN Conservative Hammersmith & Fulham Askew Aliya AFZAL KHAN Conservative Hammersmith & Fulham Fulham Broadway Zarar QAYYUM Labour Hammersmith & Fulham North End Asif SIDDIQUE Labour Hammersmith & Fulham Ravenscourt Park Azi AHMED Liberal Democrat Hammersmith & Fulham Town Jagdeo Singh HAUZAREE Independent Hammersmith & Fulham Wormholt & White City Amir SADJADY Conservative Hammersmith & Fulham Wormholt & White City James CHIRIYANKANDATH Labour Haringey Bounds Green Indiana HARPER Liberal DemocratHaringey Bounds Green Bhaskar MITRA Conservative Haringey Bounds Green Kaushika AMIN Labour Haringey Northumberland Park Suraj BHANOT Conservative Haringey Stroud Green Alfred JAHN Green Haringey Stroud Green Hammad Mirza BAIG Conservative Haringey Tottenham Hale Soody AHMAD Green Harrow Belmont Labiba CHOUDHURY Labour Harrow Belmont Mina PARMAR Conservative Harrow Belmont Anjana PATEL Conservative Harrow Belmont Mrinal CHOUDHURY Labour Harrow Canons Ameet JOGIA Conservative Harrow Canons Bharat Girdharlal THAKKER Conservative Harrow Canons Govind BHARADIA Conservative Harrow Edgware Salim CHOWDHURY Conservative Harrow Edgware Nitin PAREKH Labour Harrow Edgware Ghazanfar ALI Labour Harrow Greenhill Nahid BOETHE Liberal Democrat Harrow Greenhill Narinder Singh MUDHAR Conservative Harrow Greenhill Surendra PATEL Conservative Harrow Greenhill Ramji Kanji CHAUHAN Conservative Harrow Harrow Weald Sanjay KARIA Liberal Democrat Harrow Harrow Weald Sajid PARKAR Labour Harrow Harrow Weald Pritesh PATEL Conservative Harrow Harrow Weald Manju RAGHWANI Labour Harrow Harrow Weald Bansri Valmika BUDDHDEV Liberal Democrat Harrow Headstone North Mala MORJARIA Conservative Harrow Headstone South Prakash Chhotalal RAJA Conservative Harrow Headstone South Sasi SURESH Labour Harrow Headstone South Niraj DATTANI Labour Harrow Kenton East Chetna HALAI Conservative Harrow Kenton East Nitesh HIRANI Conservative Harrow Kenton East Manjibhai KARA Conservative Harrow Kenton East Nish PATEL Labour Harrow Kenton East Aneka SHAH-LEVY Labour Harrow Kenton East
Name
Party
Borough
Shahania CHOUDHURY Labour Harrow Ajay MARU Labour Harrow Vina Vipin MITHANI Conservative Harrow Kanti RABADIA Conservative Harrow Varsha PARMAR Labour Harrow Pravin SEEDHER Conservative Harrow Sukeshi THAKKAR Conservative Harrow Sanjay DIGHE Labour Harrow Kamaljit Singh CHANA Conservative Harrow Umesh PERERA Conservative Harrow Kiran RAMCHANDANI Labour Harrow Sachin SHAH Labour Harrow Raksha Pandya Conservative Harrow Krishna SURESH Labour Harrow Swati PATEL Green Harrow Mohammad Abdulkarim KAISERIMAN Conservative Harrow Primesh PATEL Labour Harrow Raj RAJALINGAM National Liberal Harrow Rekha SHAH Labour Harrow Kanagasabaapathy KUHA KUMARAN Conservative Harrow Kareema MARIKAR Labour Harrow Prakash NANDHRA Liberal Democrat Harrow Dinesh Babubhai SOLANKI Conservative Harrow Taimaz RANJBARAN Labour Havering Umair SAEED Labour Havering Anil Kumar GUPTA Labour Havering Ashok KUMAR Conservative Havering Birendra SINGH Labour Havering Mohammed Quamrul HASSAN Labour Havering Dilip PATEL Conservative Havering Osman Ali DERVISH Conservative Havering Nisha Dilipkumar PATEL Conservative Havering Shahrar ALI Green Havering Jas DHOT Labour Hillingdon Roy CHAMDAL Conservative Hillingdon Huzaifa Fakhruddin ESSAJEE Green Hillingdon Mohammed Shofiul ISLAM Labour Hillingdon Heena MAKWANA Conservative Hillingdon Nadir MOHAMMAD Labour Hillingdon Sanjiv BISNAUTHSING Conservative Hillingdon Ali Reza MILANI Labour Hillingdon Sofia KAZI Green Hillingdon Shabbar Akberali SACHEDINA Labour Hillingdon Shahid BISEEM Conservative Hillingdon Jasvinder Singh DHILLON Labour Hillingdon Reshma KOTECHA Labour Hillingdon Kuldeep Kaur LAKHMANA Labour Hillingdon Imran KHURSHEED Labour Hillingdon Raju SANSARPURI Labour Hillingdon Siva SIVARAMALINGAM Green Hillingdon Farhad CHOUBEDAR Conservative Hillingdon Naz SHAH Labour Hillingdon Kishan Rajesh DEVANI Liberal Democrat Hillingdon Shivalee PATEL Green Hillingdon Devi RADIA Conservative Hillingdon Mohinder Singh BIRAH Labour Hillingdon Jagjit SINGH Labour Hillingdon Shehryar AHMAD-WALLANA Conservative Hillingdon Nav RANA Labour Hillingdon Jai VIRDEE Green Hillingdon
Ward Kenton West Kenton West Kenton West Kenton West Marlborough Marlborough Marlborough Pinner Pinner South Queensbury Queensbury Queensbury Rayners Lane Rayners Lane Roxbourne Roxeth Roxeth Roxeth Wealdstone West Harrow West Harrow West Harrow West Harrow Brooklands Elm Park Emerson Park Harold Wood Havering Park Hylands Mawneys Pettits Romford Town South Hornchurch Barnhill Brunel Brunel Brunel Cavendish Eastcote & East Ruislip Heathrow Villages Heathrow Villages Ickenham Northwood Hills Pinkwell Pinkwell Pinkwell Pinkwell South Ruislip Townfield Uxbridge North Uxbridge South Uxbridge South West Ruislip West Ruislip West Ruislip Yeading Yeading Yiewsley Yiewsley Yiewsley
Leaders of tomorrow – Ameet Jogia A select few number of the young British Indian diaspora were chosen to officially receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to the United Kingdom last week ahead of the “Bharat ki Baath Sab Saath Saath” event. One such member was Councillor Ameet Jogia from Harrow. Ameet Jogia is a leading, young British Indian activist for the Conservative Party in the UK. Ameet joined the Party at the age of 16 and is currently the youngest Councillor in his home town of Harrow. He also stood to be a Member of Parliament in the 2017 General Election in Brent North standing against Labour’s Barry Gardiner MP. Ameet will be standing for re-election in Harrow again on May 3. Ameet is already a popular Councillor and has a proven track record for delivering for local residents. He is renowned for being approachable and is always happy to help residents with their issues no matter how big or small. Over the last four years, Ameet has already spoken at Conservative Party Conference twice on why he is a passionate Conservative. Ameet’s story mirrors many of the issues at Modi’s reception last week and emphasises the need for the British Indian diaspora to empower its younger members to represent them and become the leaders of tomorrow.
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READERS’ VOICE
Asian Voice |
www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews
28th April 2018
Seema Malhotra MP
Labour and Co-op Member of Parliament for Feltham & Heston Member of Select Committee for Exiting EU
A stronger India - UK relationship post PM Modi’s visit
Last week was a very historic week in the history of the Commonwealth and indeed an important week for the leadership of Britain in the world as a force for progress and prosperity. The Labour Party has a proud history with the Commonwealth also – it was under a Labour Government headed by Clem Attlee soon after the 2nd World War that we saw the move from the colonial empire into a multi-racial Commonwealth that is now a unique group of 53 countries. The visit of the Indian Prime Minster underlined the importance of the long standing relationship between Britain and India. There are hundreds of thousands of Indian immigrants living in the UK with diverse backgrounds, cultures and faiths, and Indian owned businesses are a vital part of the British economy. I am incredibly proud of the contribution and success of the Indian Diaspora to the British economy and public life, and our contribution to one nation where all communities are valued and have a stake in Britain. The India Diaspora in the UK is one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the UK at around 1.8 per cent of the population, contributing 6 per cent of the country's GDP. Our history as nations together, our cultural ties and our focus on a shared future have been an important part of CHOGM. For the potential of this to be realised, we need to keep that renewed focus – through our politics, our trade and our diplomatic relations. Narendra Modi has been Prime Minister of India for four years, elected on a platform of promising to end corruption and rejuvenate India's economy. In government, Prime Minister Modi’s economic policy has focused on liberalising foreign investment rules, reforming the system of state subsidies, simplification of the tax system and investment in infrastructure. There are some positive approaches to a positive national agenda that encompasses India’s strength in its diversity including Make in India, Skill India, Start-up India. These are approaches that Britain can learn from as we seek to energise our manufacturing and entrepreneurial base. But keeping our economic links strong requires our relationship to be strong and to address issues such as post study work visas with a clear focus on the future. This is a matter on which I have written to Theresa May. Our UK-India trade relationships are challenges that go beyond individual Governments and are a joint responsibility with joint leadership to create a shared prosperous future. The range of our trade gives real hope for expansion in the future. In 2016, the UK largest import from India was apparel and clothing accessories, valued at £1.1 billion, representing 19% of all UK goods imports from India. Other exports to the UK included medicinal and pharmaceutical products, valued at £393 million (6.4% of goods imports) and appliances, valued at £0.6 billion (8% of goods exports) and general industrial machinery, valued at £0.4 billion (6% of all goods exports). India’s rapid economic growth, its accession to the WTO in 1995 and its lowering of tariffs on imported goods, have led to a dramatic rise in trade flows over the past twenty years. Trade with the UK has also risen over this period, through from a low base. However, India on a GDP per capita basis ranks 151st out of the 186 countries the IMF has data for. A challenge for the Modi government is that growth has been insufficient to absorb the growing labour market – around a third of 15 to 29 year-olds are not in employment, education or training. These challenges are common to many nations but more acute in India with its demographic changes. The challenge it presents is also an opportunity and an indication of how it is open nations confident in their people and their place in the world which must work together for shared opportunities and shared prosperity. I am incredibly proud of the contribution and success of the Indian diaspora to the British economy and public life, and the role of the diaspora in helping build the link that keep our historic and cultural links strong and provide solutions to achieve our common goals. Engaging the diaspora in our future national trade strategy should a Government priority. A strong India - UK relationship has the potential to be a strong east-west axis for global peace and prosperity. We need to invest particularly in relationships between our businesses and the next generation with a compelling vision of our shared future, and deal with challenges we both face on ensuring equality between gender, race and religion. Prime Minister Modi’s visit has brought an opportunity to take that next step.
The Windrush Generation
The Windrush Generation has been described as the people who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971. It garnered its name from the ship MV Empire Windrush which was the first to carry workers over from Jamaica in 1948, landing at Tilbury Docks in June of that year. The recent issue regarding the Caribbean Windrush generations suffering of injustice and persecution in the hands of the British government during the era of hostile environment for immigrants who came from outside the European Union is unforgiveable and unacceptable. Theresa May was the Home Secretary then in 2010. The 1971 Immigration Act gave indefinite leave to remain to Commonwealth citizens already living in the UK, because freedom of movement within the Commonwealth was ending. However, the Home Office did not record the details of each individual - so it is hard now for those who didn't get documents at the time to prove now that they were here legally. Through no fault of theirs these children who came to England in 1948 onwards at the invitation of the British government with their parents. The Windrush generation came to England to fill in the labour shortages Britain was facing after the second world war. They were deported and thrown on the scrap heap just because they did not have scrap of paper to show when they had arrived in England. They had never imagined the British government will abandon them in such a callous way after the immense contribution they had made to the economy of the country. It is really heart-breaking to see the ill treatment meted out to them and the hardships they had to undergo. These hard working people spent all the their life in England earning their living working in the NHS, railways, factories, mines, agriculture, and local governments. They raised their families here, suddenly they were declared to be illegal immigrants and deported back to the Caribbean without providing them with legal representation. Their cases were not properly investigated, nor their employment records checked, nor their payments of taxes and house ownership. Now at the 70th Anniversary Commonwealth in London both the Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Prime Minister Theresa May have apologised to the heads of the Caribbean governments for the injustice done to the Windrush generation. Apology is not enough in view of the cruelty, inhumanity, indignity and hostility suffered by these vulnerable people. They should be adequately compensated (not token compensation) and be brought back to England and given their rightful place with their families and friends. Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow
Ganeshji on Indonesia currency
Thank you for general knowledge information about picture of Hindu deity Ganesh ji on currency notes of Indonesia, where Hindus are merely 3% of the population. Minority community, secularists and liberal thinkers, in India must open their eyes to respect to Hinduism in a Muslim majority country. Hindus in India must also acknowledge Indic effect of Hinduism in all parts of the world. World has accepted Sanskrit, Indic Nonviolence, Yoga and vegetarianism. Bangkok has mural of Hindu episode “Samudra Manthan” in its international airport. Its air line is named as Garuda airlines after Garuda a vehicle of Hindu deity Vishnu. Switzerland’s CERN, the Hadron collider consortium has installed statue of Hindu God Shiva. It links Shiva with nuclear energy. Statue of Hindu/Jain personage Gandhiji, in many countries of the world, is a known fact. God particle Higgs Bosun particle was originally propounded by Indian physicist, Satyendrakumar Bose. More than 100 Indian words have been accepted as English words by Oxford English Dictionary, e.g. masala, tikka, maharaja, raani, bindi, sari, curry, Madras curry, mufti, putty, cheese-as in Hindi, and many more. Export of Budhhism to China and Japan is no secret. Kenya has declared Divali as a national holiday. It accepted Hindu religious words HAR and Ambe as its national slogan HARAMBEE. But this effect is not a surprise to fans of Swami Vivekananda ji. He had predicted “waves after waves of spiritual benevolence will rise from India to shores of the whole world.” Add to this promotion of Sanskrit language on global basis. Declaring a day of YOGA on global basis is also one of the effects. Indic influence is acting on civilisation as we know it today. But Hindus have no collective voice or strength to shout in ears of the world. Fortunately, western intelligentia has opened its eyes to Indic / Hindu potential treasure trove of pure and applied knowledge. Ramesh Jhalla By email.
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Gross injustice to Windrush generation
At the end of WW2, Britain having lost so many people of working age, turned to West Indies to recruit hard working, fit, able and willing people to come to Britain to rebuilt country’s war-torn infrastructure. The recruitment started in 1948 and by 1955, some half a million people landed on the British shore. The first ship to dock with some of these workers, was MV Empire Windrush, hence they are known as “Windrush Generation”. In 2014, the government started the drive to reduce net immigration and removing, deporting anyone who could not prove that they have the right to remain in this country. As a result, many who could not provide legal documents to prove that they are British and have a right to live here, were issued with notices, some were detained and few may have been illegally deported. They were let in without issuing proper documents. Then Home Office destroyed their “Landing Cards” in 2010, one document that could prove they are British citizens indeed. Labour’s David Lammy who raised the matter, calling it a “Day of National shame”. Home Secretary Amber Rudd, to her credit admitted that members of Windrush Generation have been badly treated and some may have been deported, although they have been in the country for decades, worked and paid their taxes. Some lost their employment and others were denied medical care under NHS. She has formed a task force of twenty civil servants’ who would deal with paperwork and all cases will be dealt-with within two weeks, even fee of £229 will be waved. PM who apologized and had cordial meeting with delegates from twelve West Indies nations, who are attending “Heads of Commonwealth” meeting. These so called Windrush Generation are people who rebuilt Britain and deserve respect and fair treatment. Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email
When Trump meets Kim
It is good to know that the war of words between two men who are wielding nuclear power, Donald Trump of the USA and Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean leader, seems to have come to an end. The summit meeting between these two men which is scheduled for the end of June will hopefully result in both sides shelving their atomic bombs in favour of peaceful co-existence. This will certainly go towards making the world a safer place for us, our children and the posterity. These two leaders were at logger heads not too long ago. Kim had said in a televised statement, that North Korea could test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean. In retallation, Trump had said that his “nuclear button was much bigger and more powerful and it worked”. We were worried that by the end of 2018, some kind of nuclear strike may take place. In effect that would have meant that the future of the world and our lives, and the lives of our children’s children, the posterity, were in the hands of one or two persons. One wonders what trump cards Trump will have up his sleeve with which he will check mate Kim. However, the coming to terms of between these two leaders is good news for the world at large since the triggering of a nuclear weapon by either of these two would mean the end of the world as we know it now. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
Would £400 fines stop fly-tipping?
Fly-tipping has become a scourge of modern time, fuelled by the selfish attitude of people, lack of respect for environment and sharp decline in moral standard. Some one million fly-tipping crimes take place every year that cost councils £800 million, the money they badly need for social services, road repair and similar essential services Councils provide in their boroughs. The new spot fines of up to £400 will be introduced this autumn, aimed at ordinary householders, as two third fly-tipping involves rubbish from home owners that people can easily take to Council dump yards. It is already illegal to employ unregistered waste removers and if inspectors find your name and address in the illegally disposed waste, they will knock on your door. It will be up to us to provide proofs, in the form of receipts, that we indeed employed a genuine, authorised waste disposal firm. These free loaders are blighting our streets and beautiful countryside to make a quick buck at our expense, as the cost of cleaning comes out of Council rates we pay. Let us hope these measure works for the good of the nation. Kumudini Valambia By email
UK
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Harrow Vote Labour on Thursday 3 May
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
LABOUR CANDIDATES REFLECTING HARROW’S DIVERSITY
Building a Better and United Harrow For the Many Not the Few
Thanks to inhumane austerity measures by Conservative government Harrow Council has had a jaw dropping 97% cut in our government grant since 2014. Faced with crippling government cuts our priority is to protect
services that support our communities. I’m very proud of our record since Labour took control in 2014. I’m also proud of our record in uniting Harrow’s culturally and religiously diverse communities including the Indian communities and the contribution they’ve made enriching Harrow. We will not ever be sectarian or divisive and will continue bonding our communities. Our manifesto is the blueprint for the future. Over the next four years we will need to go further and faster in making
KEEPING HARROW SAFE FROM CRIME
While Harrow remains one of the safest boroughs in London, with a low crime rate, the fear of crime remains high. One crime is one too many. The Conservative government have planned to cut £1 Billion from London’s police budget resulting in losing 173 uniformed police officers in Harrow - and more will go. We have all heard about the horrifying spate of murders in London recently – which the Tories deny have any link to budget cuts. Despite these cuts, the Labour Mayor is using the limited powers available to him to put an extra £110 Million into funding the Met Police. The Tory Mayor decimated local neighbour police - your Labour Mayor has now funded 3 neighbourhood police dedicated to your area. Your Labour Council will work with the police, Mayor of London and other agencies to keep you safe, and bring crime down. This is why we urge you to vote Labour on 3rd May.
Harrow a fairer place, where people feel safe and secure as we deal with the housing crisis. But all of that is at risk. A Tory council will ruin that progress and send Harrow backwards. A Labour-run Harrow council will always measure its success by how it delivers for the most vulnerable in our society. We will fight the effects of Tory austerity in Harrow, wherever they arise. The Tory vision for Harrow is a sad one. They want to see Harrow become a place where the council does very little.
Services will be privatised and provided by companies whose aims are profit, not public service. Barnet Council has already shown how this approach causes suffering throughout society. This election will be a real choice. A choice between Labour’s positive, outward-looking future for Harrow or a Tory backward vision. A choice between the cruel pro-austerity Tory party or an anti-austerity pro-public service Labour party. Vote Labour on 3rd May. Cllr Sachin Shah, Harrow Council Leader
SUPPORTING BUSINESSES
Our priority is to strengthen our local economy, encourage entrepreneurship and create local jobs. We are proud of the contribution made by our local businesses and traders from diverse backgrounds such as the large number of Indian businesses. Small businesses in particular are the backbone of our high streets. Hike in business rates by Conservative government has crippled small and medium sized traders. We have supported nearly 3000 local businesses through mentoring schemes, created business improvement districts and job fares etc. We will support local businesses with business rate relief and simplify licensing and planning process for sustained future of our businesses.
We are pleased to be putting forward candidates throughout Harrow who reflect cultural makeup of Harrow and gender balance. Our 63 excellent candidates reflect both the diversity of Harrow and the breadth of talent in the borough. For Harrow’s Labour candidates in your area please contact: Keith Ferry on 020 8861 6300 or email keith.ferry@harrowlabour.org Or write to us at Harrow Labour Party, 132–134 Blenheim Road, Harrow HA2 7AA.
OUR PROMISES TO YOU
Together, we will:
Build Harrow homes for
Harrow residents
- ensuring local families get first priority on new housing developments, while building 500 council homes to tackle the housing crisis.
Keep Harrow clean
- taking a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour, cracking down on those that make our borough dirty and procecuting landlords that overcrowd houses.
Revitalise our local economy
- supporting small businesses, securing new jobs and apprenticeships and enhancing local facilities, including a new library in central Harrow.
Protect our vital public services against Tory cuts
- defending our local NHS services such as Alexandra Avenue and Northwick Park Hospital, and supporting our police, fire services and schools against the cruelty of austerity.
Celebrating Diversity & Uniting Communities
Tribute: Kindertransports Anniversary
Labour in Harrow will continue to respect all faiths and cultures and work together with you to unite our communities and celebrate diversity. We will NOT indulge in sectarian and divise actions or appear on platform with extremists just to win votes.
Anti-Racist Vigil
Promoted by Navin Shah on behalf of the Harrow Labour Party all at 132-134 Blenheim Road, Harrow, HA2 7AA
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MEDIA WATCH
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28th April 2018
It is a mercy to escape the rants and pretentious boasts of India’s lunatic fringe politicians. Biplab Deb, Tripura’s new BJP’s Chief Minister, twitted that India had internet in the classical age of the epic, Mahabharata, much to the amusement of the twitterati, whose dismissive wit made the zany episode newsworthy. The affronted Chief Minister accused his critics of not acquiring an appropriate level of nationalism, bring to mind the priceless aphorism of Dr Samuel Johnson, the great 18 th century English lexicographer, scholar, literary critic and wit: ‘Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.’ As consolation, Deb has the company of Trump, George W. Bush, Tony Blair and their ilk and other such monuments of Madame Biplab Deb Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors. Elsewhere, BJP President Amit Shah and opposition Congress President Rahul Gandhi traded jibes and damp squibs to the manner born. Shah and Gandhi endure as India’s men for all seasons, not merely for the silly season.
PM Modi at Nordic Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Stockholm for Nordic Summit talks with the Prime Ministers of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland were the serious business of state. Trade and investment topped the agenda. Of the Nordic states, Sweden and, to a lesser extent, Finland, are global economic heavyweights. Sweden earns some $280 billion from its exports, yet its population of 10 million is about half that of New Delhi. The Indian market is of increasing importance to Sweden, from the defence sector to space, aeronautics, green energy technologies, biomaterials, smart cities and manufacturing and much else. Mr Modi and his Swedish counterpart Prime Minister Stefan Lovfen engaged in oneto-one talks on closer cooperation between their countries.
Swedish presence in India Sweden’s economic footprint in India has grown appreciably over recent decades, there now being 180 Swedish companies operating in India. Saab is hopeful that India will opt for its Griffen fighter aircraft for ihe Indian Air Force with its fast depleting frontline squadrons. The IAF has issued its second international tender for frontline warplanes in 20 years; hopefully this will fructify in the lifetime of the present generation, although it would be risky to bet on this.
Swedish entrepreneurs and hence gives them an effective insight into local cultures, habits and preferences in the drive to market their goods and services. The results, thus far, have been impressive. Swedish companies employ a total Indian workforce of 200,000. Another 1.6, million benefit indirectly in employment. Swedish companies have established 10 research and development centres and operations unit manned by 6,800 Indian staff. With this comes protection for intellectual property rights. Sweden seeks more cast iron guarantees in this area and appropriate negotiation should enable the partners to come a satisfactory mutually beneficial agreement. The two Prime Ministers agreed to an Action Plan covering all aspects of the IndoSwedish relationship, to take it forward to the next level. In conclusion, it is well worth noting that the IndoNordic Summit was Prime Minister Modi’s brainchild. He floated the idea to the Swedish premier during one of their telephone conversations. The other Nordic countries promptly came on board.
Sweden’s Indian Diaspora Bicky Charaborty arrived in Sweden way back in 1966 with no wealth but a desire to succeed in life by making the most of the opportunities that came his way. Sweden provided him with those opportunities.
Today, he is one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country, the owner of an outstandingly successful hotel chain across the country. He has devoted time, money and enterprise in preservation work of decaying of heritage value, including a railway station, and churches that once flourished as community centres. Another leading Indian is Sheweta Pandit, great niece of the musical icon Jasraj Pandit. Prasant Aggarwal, former president of Delhi Dynamo football club, has set up numerous sports ventures in Sweden; also in real estate and films. The Indian community in Sweden numbers 30,000; across all Nordic countries they number 50,000.(Economic Times April 11, Hindu April 18, 19).
PM arrives to warm UK welcome
India in top billing from Blackstone Blackstone Group, the world’s largest private equity firm, is set to invest 60 per cent of its new $4 billion in Asia over the next five years. R Rival private equity funds have already been investing in India through their Asia funds as investment opportunities in the country have multiplied in recent years. Blackstone, which holds $430 billion globally has invested $7.5 billion in India but is planning to increase this as investment institution turn increasingly to India and away from China (Mint April 16).
close to 102 million customers choosing to fly to their destinations rather than travel by rail or road. Air passenger numbers increased 28 per cent over March figures for 2017. The recent monthly increase would have been markedly higher but for an infrastructure crunch at the busiest airports of Mumbai and New Delhi. IndiGo airlines had the highest market share of 39 per cent, followed by Jet Airways with 16.6 per cent, Air India 13.4 per cent, SpiceJet 12.7 per cent, GoAir 9 per cent and Tata JV airlines 8.3 per cent. Public pockets are clearly deepening (Times of India April 19).
India’s fiscal outlook poised for reset: IMF The International Monetary Fund has said that India’s combined gross debt, including that of the central and state governments, is set to decline by almost nine percentage points to 61.4 per cent of GDP by 2023-24. This would have a favourable impact on the economy, leading to lower interest rate regime as the government borrowing declines (Mint April 19).
National security body takes shape
PM Modi greeted by PM Theresa May at 10 Downing St
Prime Minister arrived in London from Stockholm, to a warm welcome by Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. They held extensive talks on Indo-British relations and discussed international issues as well, agreeing that chemical attacks under all circumstances were abhorrent. Mr Modi reaffirmed the importance on the Indo-UK relationship, fashioned by history and commonly held values and the bonding of Indian and peoples of Britain. He said India and he took pride and felt honoured to receive the invitation to visit the UK for the Commonwealth Summit from the Queen,and delivered to him in New Delhi by Prince Charles. The occasion was marred by an unruly Pakistani-Khalistani mob at Parliament Square, orchestrated by Pakistani Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham. An Indian flag was burnt and an
Long view Swedish plans are generally predicated on a long-term basis. According to its Minister Mikael Damberg, co-production gives
Indian woman reporter set upon, presumably by practiced ‘groomers’ in the black arts of their profession (For more on Indio-UK ties, see Comment Page 3).
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TCS in 14 quarter surge Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) posted a stellar performance in profits. This was the company’s best figures in 14 quarters. TCS beat market expectations and delivered good revenue and
TCS CEO Gopinathan
growth figures. Certain verticles showed double digit year-onyear growth. In terms of markets, Continental Europe and the UK were the biggest growth areas in the fourth quarter. Rajesh Gopinathan, Managing Director and CEO said that increased demand in the region coupled with TCS’s digital solutions helped it capture new projects in the region. Overall, profits in Continental Europe grew 19.1 per cent and the UK 10.7 per cent, 8.6 per cent in Asia-Pacific and 4.9. per cent year-on-year in North America, the largest TCS market. TCS market capitalization is now near $100 billion (Business Line, Hindu, Economic Times April 20, 21).
Domestic air travel boom PM Modi, Swedish PM Stefan Lovfen, with group of Indian children in Stockholm
Indians are flying as never before. March 2018 registered
India’s security architecture has long been handicapped by the lack of a coordinating body of thinkers, military men and civilian administrators to properly address the country’s strategic policies in the light of regional developments and threats to global stability emanating from combustible great power rivalries we are witnessing today. Acquisitions of foreign weapon systems and Indian sales are to be integrated into policymaking.
Composition The committee will have a crossministry mandate with a national security adviser, principal secretary to the prime minister, the three chiefs of staff of the armed forces, chief of the integrated defence staff, foreign secretary as members. The need to align strategic goals with procurement and doctrine will be a paramount. Aspects of foreign policy will also come in for close critical scrutiny (Times of India, Hindu April 19, 20).
Massive exercise Test of IAF power Operation Gangashakti 2018, has been the most extensive and ambitious force projection exercise in the annals of the Indian Air Force. Carried out over a week on India’s western and northern borders, including the Arabian Sea, and thence across the Bay of Bengal to the Straits of Malacca, the aperture from the South China Sea to the P:acific Ocean, it tested the full range of IAF aircraft, from the Sukhoi-30MKI-30, Jaguars, Tejas, heavy lift C-130 helicopters, Ilyushin-76 flight refuellers and AWACS airborne warning system; assessing new tactics to add fresh teeth to IAF capabilities (Hindu April 16, Times of India April 20).
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The UK MPs Attacking Democracy PM Modi said he welcomes criticism because it shows a vibrant democracy. You won’t see that from Trump to Putin. But I have a problem with criticism. I have a problem when it is a bunch of morons on Parliament Square burning the Indian flag. I have a problem when it is British Pakistani MPs visiting Pakistan then asking in Prime Minister’s Question Time for the UK to intervene in Kashmir. I have problem when it is MPs like Preet Gill under the guise of standing up for Sikhs, using it to garner support for MPs who don’t realise the bigger divisive reasons for her campaign. One brave woman reporter from India Today was standing up for her country when the Indian flag was being removed by cowards. To the cowardly scumbags assaulting her on Parliament Square, I say this: 1. Your mate you are supporting in an Indian prison...well you messed that up...because with friends like you and this going viral through one of the most popular Indian publications and on Facebook....am starting to believe the case against him. Nope. I am certain of the case against him. Absolutely certain, you are walking proof. That you want him freed and I look at what you stand for. He is you. Every nation has the right to defend itself from the sedition and incitement you seek to cause. Some really p*ssed people watching this today. Some in the prison where he is held. Some national security officers. This video will go to the British High Commission whose help you seek. To MPs, who will redouble their support of everything against which you stand. You're as stupid as you look. Oh, and dressing like ISIS really doesn't help either. Seriously, let me buy you a ticket to Delhi so you can protest there. 2. Attacking the flag of a country is is about as pathetically cowardly as it gets. No attacking a woman reporter is. You are also on camera. And yes, you're being monitored by more than social media. There are ramifications and you may feel they are unjust and you may be confused by why will befall you. Don't be. This is why. 3. You've broken several laws, British criminal laws. Good luck. There are a lot of us connected to the administration and enforcement of justice and know our way around ensuring criminal laws are enforced against scum such as you. Youre not just out thought but out manouvered
and those that defend you and your cause...please do it publicly. Saves us looking under stones for you. 4. If you're so proud of your cause, why hide from the camera. Elderly men protected a woman from you. You cowards. The fictional country you want, it's called Neverland. And this is why. This is exactly why. I used to meet your supporters over two decades ago. You really are as stupid now as back then. You'd think IQ would evolve not go in reverse. We used to confound your attempts to get support in the US Congress. 25 years later, you're as backward as ever. You didn't know then why you were losing, and you don't know now. 5. That flag, and the statue of the man it stands next to in Parliament Square....touch his feet. Show traditional respect that your parents didn't teach you. Your freedoms exist because of him and it. My question is this: Pakistan is known for harbouring terrorists and its desire to cause terror in India. Has it upped its game again via its ISI for supporting terror via puppets like Jagtar Johal and ‘Khalistan’? British MPs supporting him are going to be very embarrassed when at his trial for terror the links come out. I was working in Congress when they tried it 25 years ago. I know it, when I see it. This time it’s the UK and Parliament Square, but I hope not Parliamentarians as puppets they are targeting. There are a lot of 'useful idiots' for the ISI and the Khalistan people are one of them. Simple proof: Why is there not such movement in Pakistan, after all there is a Punjab in Pakistan? When money was being siphoned in the 1980s from Mosques, we warned then it was going to terrorists in Kashmir. After 9/11 and 7/7 the West took notice and started closing down channels. Don't be a useful idiot. Do not ignore this thinking it's a minority and misguided individuals and thinking ignoring them makes it go away. They are State sponsored. They are growing in number. This is another ISIS in the making. All the hallmarks of fundamentalism. They are hijacking another religion just as ISIS did. We have to watch for and stamp it out. It will not be enough to say 'its a few misguided individuals, the rest of the faith is good'. We will all suffer unless they are stood up to as that young journalist stood up to them in Parliament Square.
MasterChef 2012 winner calls on Southampton to hold dinner parties for fundraiser Winner of the BBC's MasterChef in 2012, Shelina Permalloo, is calling on people to hold dinner parties throughout the month of May to boost the fundraising appeal for a new children's emergency department in Southampton. Shelina Permalloo is supporting the Southampton Children's Hospital Charity's “Dine at Mine” initiative, which will encourage people to hold dinner parties not only at home, but in the workplace, village halls and community centres,
as well as try out some of Shelina's favourite recipes. She said, “I am really excited by the 'Dine at Mine' initiative as it brings together two subjects very close to my heart – a passion for cooking and socialising with friends and family and support for the development of a new children's emergency and trauma department. I am hopeful that we will capture the imagination not just of people across Southampton but
Shelina Permalloo
nationwide as we look to reignite the fun of hosting dinner parties and trying out some new and inventive recipes.”
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28th April 2018
Court’s strict approach to FGM imposing 16 year travel ban A recent High Court case imposed a 16 year travel ban on ‘X’, due to concerns that X is at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The girl was Ravi Kaur born in 2016 to a Mahey white English mother and an Egyptian father. The father who currently resides in Egypt has been unable to join the mother and X in the UK because of issues with acquiring a visa. X’s mother expressed concern that her daughter may be at risk of FGM to a health visitor who made a referral to the Local Authority (LA). The LA issued proceedings and the matter was heard in the High Court before Ms Justice Russell who made an FGM protection order (FGMPO) on 15 November 2017, prohibiting X’s parents from ‘removing, seeking to remove, or instructing or encouraging any other person to remove the child from the jurisdiction of England and Wales’ until 22 August 2032. The case was unique as the Judge made the order knowing that there was a chance the father would not see his child as he remained ineligible to apply for a visa. FGM is where the female genitals are deliberately cut without any medical reason. The procedure is carried out for cultural, religious and social reasons in the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl, e.g. to prepare for marriage or preserve virginity. In addition to being extremely painful, FGM can cause life-long health problems. The practice is a criminal offence under Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 and it is illegal to take a girl out of
the UK to have this done. FGMPOs contain legally binding conditions to protect the person at risk. These came into force on 17 July 2015 and apply to England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Conditions include travel bans prohibiting the girl being taken abroad, prohibiting bringing a “cutter” to the UK to commit FGM and prohibiting the obtaining of a passport or other travel documents for the child. This sends a clear message worldwide that courts will take extreme protective measures to stop the practice of FGM; in this case the court has taken a robust approach by imposing a travel ban on X until she turns 16. The matter will soon be heard in the Court of Appeal as the parents are challenging the ruling. Ravi Kaur Mahey, Duncan Lewis Childcare Director, specialises in child abduction and FGM cases. She holds advocacy for children and adults in the County and High Court and is a member of The Law Society Children Panel. Contact Ravi on 020 3114 1102 or ravim@duncanlewis.com. Duncan Lewis Childcare Department Duncan Lewis’ Childcare team, recognised by Legal 500 2017, has extensive expertise representing vulnerable clients under legal aid, supporting families in care proceedings. Guardians appoint us to represent children in culturally complex care cases given our diverse ethnic workforce and experience dealing with vulnerable clients in physical/emotional abuse, drug/alcohol misuse, neglect, factitious illness, and non-accidental injury matters.
Curry making Bradford's underground stream turn yellow The city of Bradford in West Yorkshire has been dubbed as the “curry capital” of Britain, and proudly boasts of 200 Asian restaurants in an industry that employs almost 100,000. However, an underground beck flowing through the city has been discoloured by food waste from curry houses. Bradford has the ancient plumbing system, which means pipes in older buildings often drain into subterranean streams, rather than into sewers. It is said that washing up from Indian restaurants meant leftover curry was allegedly going straight into the Bradford Beck,
which made restaurant owners aware of this problem. Hellawell has also seen a similar problem in Westbrook Beck. He said, “It wasn't like the business owners were throwing waste curry out of their window, they were just washing their pots as usual and unbeknown to them it was landing in the beck. Once we made them aware of the A beck in Bradford was stained problem they rectified yellow it right away by which flows into the river changing the plumbing. Aire. We were delighted to 49-year-old Rob finally clear up this large Hellawell, is part of curry problem, but it is a Friends of Bradford's Beck, problem all over Bradford.
SARAH ALI CHOUDHURY:
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SP
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TLIGHT
SIMPLE, SUMPTUOUS DISHES
Sunetra Senior
Sarah is a rapidly rising chef, writer and teacher of cookery at Bournemouth College of Hospitality. Having been in the creative food business for about two years, she has already appeared on Channel 4’s My Kitchen Rules which involves contestants creating a successful popup from their homes, following her string of very successful hopes one day to take her business YouTube videos. the aptly named Easy Curry - to “My cooking journey is one that has dreamy Monte Carlo. “Opening my come full circle,” Sarah commented. own restaurant at an ideal location “I used to work in front-of-house at a would certainly be great, but for now restaurant where I would witness the I’m enjoying the private catering, joy of people eating together but had competitions, teaching, demos and an apprehension that the kitchen exploring” – that of new ideas alongwas a hot and stressful place to be. side the mixing of ingredients. Sarah Now, after a career in banking and is also an ambassador for the UK also property, and having a family, Nepal Friendship Society, rejuvenatI’ve gradually discovered the simple ing Nepalese culture in the area of magic that’s hidden in that food as well as a willing particbustling environment. I ipant in big community realised just how good at projects such as feeding “I draw from it I was when the kids the homeless in her seemed to prefer my homestead of that simple but home-cooking to Bournemouth. Thus, powerful essence eating out!” Indeed, the unfettered innate talent adverentrepreneur shows of home-cooking: tises and grows us how preserving the detail in the itself. Rustling away pure ambition not recipes is always only makes for rich such accolades as the New Kid on the Block cuisine, but a vastly a product of Small Award and qualifulfilling career. Being this” fying as a finalist in the true to herself, s hasn’t International Indian Chefs just helped herself, but also, Awards, 2017, Sarah’s culinary organically, others. “Truthfully, momentum has only continued. She my greatest influence has been my was also recognised as the youngest mother and my grandmother before Indian woman to manage an Indian that,” Sarah concluded. “I draw from restaurant when she was working at that simple but powerful essence of the Taj Mahal Restaurant in home-cooking. The detail in the Bournemouth, at just the tender age recipes is always a product of this. of twenty. My husband, for example, is from Bangladesh where the type of cook*** ing is different, but still feels that familial comfort. I take my heritage But there has been no special indusof great cooking and narrow it down try secret to Sarah’s cooking and so it becomes accessible to everyprofessional success, and this is part body.” of its unique appeal. “I enjoy what I do, and make achievable, authentic As well as that ‘sumptuous and delicious food that anyone can simplicity’ what else do you feel you recreate at home. It’s that straightbring to the table? forward. I then enjoy teaching people about those recipes! We all want Being a woman in a male-domigreat food, but don’t necessarily have nated industry, I can also bring firstthe time to do it.” This was certainly hand experience of family life and evident when we asked Sarah to be contribute to the idea of accessibility specific about some of her favourite that way. It is also an achievement ways to introduce great flavour really for me to be able to be a role model fast: “I love cooking with Scotch bonfor businesswomen and women net, a type of chilli pepper, leaving everywhere. We are taught that the stalk in, using dry shrimp and women cook and men work, but I’ve cooking on the bone.” But, there is married the two worlds. I’ve recently yet more to Sarah’s instant popularibeen named on the Britishty. As well as her food, she is also Bangladeshi power list as one of the honest and open towards her pasmost influential people and won the sions. “I really feel you should aim Venus award for Influential Woman for what you want. I am now in my of the Year, 2017. It’s great to know I forties and feel just as free as when I can inspire women who might be embarked on my first career. I allow feeling insecure or shy, transforming my mind to wander and go where the and reclaiming a traditionally cookery will take me. It’s good to go domestic space very powerfully. out of your comfort zone and push for high standards. I teach this to my Is there an alchemical element children too.” Having travelled a lot in your popular easy-to-make dishand soaked in the many gastronomic es? influences of those many exciting international locations, Sarah even The inspiration is everywhere. I
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UK Asian Business Association’s Global Dinner
Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP
give my food the attention and love, and that saves the time! What is a culinary influence in terms of heritage? If I’m having difficulty, I always go to my mum. I’d always sit and watch her cook as a child. She is from Guyana in South America while my dad is from India, and my husband, of course, is from East Bengal. There’s then a lot of mixture within the family which makes for original but homely dishes. You write columns on good food too. Can you tell us a bit about that? Yes, I’ve been able to write for publications in Singapore, Malaysia, and India and Bangladesh.
Hardeep Singh Kohli
Held at the prestigious Savoy Hotel, this blacktie dinner is a prime networking event for the Asian Community. Hosted by Tony Matharu, Chairman, ABA and Managing Director of Grange Hotels on Tuesday 15 May 2018. London Guest Speakers include Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Hardeep Singh Kohli, award winning broadcaster, comedian, writer and chef. This black-tie dinner will have a special focus on celebrating London as a global city; whilst looking at the challenges and opportunities London face now. London is populous and diverse with nearly a third of the city’s population from black, Asian or other minority ethnic groups.
Tony Matharu
It is important to recognise the huge contribution Asian businesses make to London’s economy. Up to 350 business leaders will attend, bringing together a range of industries, Asian and non-Asian businesses. Rub shoulders with key figures from business, central and local government, arts and media, high commissioners, life peers and top Asian entrepreneurs. Last year the event was attended by London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, CoChairman of the Hinduja Group, Baroness Verma, Rushanara Ali MP amongst many others. Asian Voice is the official media partner at this event. For more information visit londonchamber.co.uk/events.
Local woman has the universe in her reach
What are some favourite Indian dishes?
of
your
I actually have an online recipe book with a few of my favourites for people to see, but for me, the best ones are: my fish curry using white fish, put in a coconut sauce, and a vegan recipe comprising of Aubergine, capsicum and potato. The first is very creamy with quite a few spices so it has a strong cultural taste. Finally, what grabs you most about cooking? The feeling of the flavours exploding in my mouth and people enjoying my food. Good cooking can remind you of your childhood - just like you might remember the smell of a perfume when you went on your first date, these sensory memories stay with you. I also enjoy the challenge of getting people to see how great being able to make their own food can be. I love receiving feedback too. Personally, it’s been great being able to succeed at what I love doing. W: sarahalichoudhury.com/ T: https://twitter.com/saraheasycurry
19-year-old Anjali Sinha from Grays, Essex is in the running to represent Great Britain at the Miss Universe pageant. She will be one of around 40 women taking part in the 2018 Miss Universe Great Britain competition in South Wales in July 2018. Anjali is a student at Middlesex University, London, pursuing a degree in Medical Biochemistry. She aims to dedicate herself towards cancer research and dreams of having her own state-ofthe-art research facility for women from under privileged and challenged background. Born in Mumbai, India, Anjali moved to London with her parents when she was 4 years old. She did her schooling and college in North Harrow before moving to Grays. She strongly believes that feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength. Anjali, an animal lover, is a fitness enthusiast and regularly trains in Pilates and has been previously trained in Karate. In the run up she will be tasked with a series of challenges and fundrais-
Anjali Sinha
ing for A-Sisterhood – an organisation which supports the advancement of women worldwide. In 2018, monies from the fundraising will be donated to Llamau, a homeless charity in Wales which runs special projects to help homeless women; the National Centre for Female Genital Mutilation which aims to put an end to this crime by 2030; Stop Acid Attacks in India which helps survivors of acid violence; and The Black Mambas which is South Africa’s first allfemale anti-poaching unit protecting the rhino. Anjali feels, representing Great Britain at the internationals and bringing home the crown and making our country proud would be a huge honour and a privilege for her and her family.
MODI ADDRESSES THE WORLD FROM LONDON'S STAGE MODI VISITS UK
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Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath at Central hall, Westminster
Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix
Rupanjana Dutta
The Central Hall in Westminster echoed with cheers and applauds as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a little more than 1500 people, who were chosen through a ballot, to come and participate in his 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath'. The audience sat surrounding the centre stage, where Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, lyricist, screenwriter and poet Prasoon Joshi interviewed Mr Modi in a town-hall-style meeting. "This is a matter of great NaMo openly spoke about concern for the country. The his journey from a tea seller to a people who are committing the Royal visitor. He talked about sin are someone's son. his government policy making and love for his motherland, terrorism, inside stories of surgical strike on Pakistan, poverty, foreign policy and even urged people to change their outlook towards problems in order to solve them. With little anecdotes, he praised Indians for willingly giving up subsidy, established how his strength lay in his countrymen and how they inspired him to work even harder. He even joked calling the 'interview' staged, but was successful in touching the hearts of the diaspora present in this iconic hall, who occassionally shouted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. Mr Modi also took his non-supporters by surprise, when he indirectly addressed the unrest in India about the Lalubhai Parekh, lifetime President of Overseas Friends of BJP welcomed Kathua rape case of an eight Narendra Modi at Central Hall, year old. He said, “A rape is a Westminster rape. How can we tolerate "Any time a small girl is sexthis torture with our daughters? ually assaulted, it is painful for You are always questioning your daughters, why don't you ask all us. the same questions to your "But can we compare the sons? I believe this is the evil of number of rapes in different not just the individual but also governments? We can't say of the society. there were this many rapes in
PM Narendra Modi and Prince Charles with the Indian dancers from Akademi at the Science Museum
our government and that many in yours. There cannot be a worse way to deal with this issue." More than 500 people gathered at the Parliament Square and outside 10 Downing Street, protesting against him, demanding justice for the victims of rapes in India and several other issues.
Was this visit historic? India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting the UK, participating in the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London along with 52 other heads of government. His visit to the UK has been marked as a breaking of a decade of Indian indifference towards Commonwealth. It has been historic in many ways. First the Queen sent a personalised letter and an invitation to India's Prime Minister that was personally delivered by Prince Charles during his visit to India last year. The Aryurvedic Centre of Excellence, that was
inaugurated by Prince Charles and Mr Modi, was a symbol of the future king's commitment to his relationship with India. The Prince of Wales also personally took responsility to show the Prime Minister around in London's Science Museum. The Queen held an audience with PM Modi and he was among three people to have that exclusive meeting with Her Majesty this time. When the 91 year old monarch, who has ruled out long-haul travel, showed keeness to pass on the baton to the 69-year-old Prince of Wales, an Indian senior official said, "India has no objection to Prince Charles as the next Head because he has worked hard for the institution. However, we are also clear that there should be no institutionalisation of the post.” This particularly sealed the fate of having Prince Charles as the Commonwealth Head. This visit has also laid ground for a possible postBrexit bilateral free trade deal
and signed off on a series of commercial agreements upto £1bn. Of course chances of Britain securing a trade deal with India, that is greater than India-EU deal, will only be possible if UK makes major concessions on Indian skilled labour accessing the UK market. He has had a lengthy bilateral meeting with Mrs May with a commitment that British intelligence will help fight Pakistan-based militant groups. He also met several other heads of government, and his 30 mins meeting with Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh caught much attention. Modi's flight was greeted at Heathrow by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. British Ministers said a free trade deal is in the pipe line, but cannot be issued until Brexit transition happens. The EU has also tried to secure the same, therefore Mr Modi stopped by in Germany to meet Chancellor Merkel, on his way back to India.
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What did Narendra Modi d
The Indian diaspora rejoiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK from 17 till 20th April 2018. He was in London to attend the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), signed many bilateral as well as visited the Queen, besides engaging with the Indian community. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th night when he landed at London's Heathrow airport. They had a brief meeting at the airport. The Prime Minister then reached St James' Hotel, at Buckingham Gate after midnight, where he was staying. On Wednesday 18th
sations such as Hindu Forum of Britain, Sardar Patel Memorial Society, BAPS South London, Anoopam Mission, Brent India Association. Mr Modi then headed to the Exhibition on 5000 Years of Science and Innovation followed by a 'Living Bridge' themed Reception at the Science Museum - in presence of
Unveiling of the plaque for Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Modi in presence of Amarjeet S Bhambra
among several hospitals in the UK. Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, was present personally to escort Prince Charles and Mr Modi around. GMSP foundation was Modi meets Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. In background set up by Ramesh and standing Nilakshi Saha Sinha, who accompanied the Indian PM Pratibha Sachdev in 2006, to support vulnerable commorning at around 8am, Prince Charles. The plaque munities in India and the supporters of Narendra for the Ayurvedic Centre of UK. Ramesh and Pratibha Modi gathered outside 10 Excellence was inaugurated Sachdev said, “We see this Downing Street with and they were joined by very much as the beginning plaques and Indian flag, Amarjeet S Bhamra. A of a long-term project, linkshouting slogans like 'Chak Memorandum of ing India and the UK, to Understanding (MoU) was De India' and 'Har Har bring Indian traditional signed between the College Modi'. Around 8.54 am Mr medicine to the UK healthof Medicine (UK) and the Modi arrived at 10 Downing care system. We are very All Indian Institute of Street and was greeted at proud of our Indian culture, Ayurveda regarding estabthe door by Mrs May saying, and are pleased to be suplishment of this new centre “hope you're well Mr Prime porting a project in the UK of traditional Indian Minister.” – a country which has given medicine and yoga- the Outside Downing Street us great opportunity.” first of its kind in the UK. gates, around 100 people, Sonal Sachdev Patel, mostly women, in orange, An initiative of Prince CEO of GMSP Foundation pink and green sarees with Charles himself, the centre said, "We are strong believblack blouses, men ers in the benefits with white kurtas with of yoga and tradiorange jacket and tional Indian Nehru caps shouted medicine and are slogans supporting excited to see the NaMo. Dhol played as strengthening ties women danced to the between India and beats. Organisations the UK. This initialike Indian Ladies UK, tive is the beginUttarkhand Welfare ning of a long-term Association, Friends of plan to make these India Society tools available International-UK, more widely on the Indo-European NHS.” Kashmir Forum, UK This MoU will Dev Bhoomi Trustprovide opportuniWest Midlands, Bihari ty for both sides to Connect UK swayed Ramesh Sachdev with Prince Charles at the collaborate on Science Museum reception the Indian flag as Mr research, develop Modi left 10 Downing evidence-based guidelines Street for his future has been launched in for integrating Ayurvedic engagements. He waved at London with hopes of principles and practices the gathered crowd, who future inclusion of with modern medicine. The cheered at the PM's convoy. Ayurvedic medicines in MOU also provides opporNear Central Hall and NHS and GP prescriptions tunity to take up joint along Parliament square and supported by the GMSP research programs, funding many supporters, as old as Foundation in the UK. for which could be jointly Mainly a research centre in 70 years, danced and sang shared by both sides. The University of Westminster, to patriotic songs, cheering main base of the new centre for Modi, welcoming him. it now will work towards will be the St Charles building this trust in This included more than Centre for Health and Ayurveda as real medicine 2500 people from various Wellbeing in North and establish branches localities including organiKensington, which already
offers yoga on GP referral already and serves an ethnically diverse population. Initially, the centre will offer yoga, Ayurvedic dietary advice and cookery demonstrations and massage. As well as referring patients directly, GPs will be able to provide access via social prescription. The centre will also explore the provision of yoga and traditional medicine in other settings such as a GP surgery and at the University of Westminster. Prof David Peters of University of Westminster said “Yoga is now part of everyday life for millions of people in the UK and scientific interest in meditation is at an all-time high. Colleagues in our Faculty of Science and Technology are already researching herbal medicines and evaluating social prescribing. We want to explore these approaches in different NHS settings and gather evidence for their wider use”. In this system patients, protected by a sound regulatory environment and the support of the National Health Service, have access not just to conventional
medical treatment but to proven complementary care and therapy After that NaMo went to the Basaveshwara statue where he laid flowers to the statue. Basaveshwara was a 12th century Indian philosopher (Lingayat) and a social reformer who believed to have pioneered the idea of democracy. People shouted Bharat Mata ki Jai and Hindustan Zindabad as he walked to the statue. Dr Neeraj Patil, Former Mayor of the London Borough of Lambeth and one of the major proponent of the statue said, "We are delighted that Hon Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi ji paid tribute to the pioneer of Worlds largest democracy 'Basaveshwara' in front of mother of all Parliaments, the Westminister Parliament. "Modiji was anyway coming to UK for commonwealth conference and I requested him to pay tribute to Basaveshwara statue that was unveiled by him,” he said. "Coincidentally today is the 885th Birthday of Basaveshwara and he kind-
ly agreed to come and pay respects." This was followed by his visit to Francis Crick Institute, where he had a tour of the Research Labs. At the India UK CEO Forum there was a showcase of India UK Collaboration in Science and Technology, where Mr Modi was accompanied by Prime Minister May. They discussed major break through on malaria and cancer research. At 4 pm he had an audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, followed by an interaction with Indian community at the Centall Hall, Westminster. In ‘Bharat ki baat sabke Saath’ he was asked many questions about his policies, good governance and his indomitable spirit and energy. This was followed by a dinner hosted by UK PM for Commonwealth leaders. On 19th, Mr Modi attended the formal opening of the CHOGM summit where the Queen expressed her desire to have Prince Charles as her successor as the Commonwealth head. This was followed by an official welcome by the UK Prime Minister and
Prime Ministers May and Modi meet with Hero Cycles Chairman Pankaj Munjal at the Francis Crick Institute
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o in London?
Commonwealth Secretary General. He then attended two Executive sessions at Lancaster house, followed by a reception and dinner by Queen Elizabeth II. In between executive sessions, he had 12 bilateral meetings, with heads of Antihua & Barbuda, South Africa, Uganda, Mauritius, Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Australia, Cyprus, Fiji, St Lucia, Solomon islands and PM Modi meets Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace Jamaica. from the group of 53 heads Prime Minister Modi Manchester’s Hero of government as he had to addressed the second plerush back to Cape Town nary of the executive sesCycles showcases ‘eafter violent clashes broke sion, during which he reiterbikes’ out in the country. ated India's focus on small Manchester-based IndianAt the end of the retreat island developing nations of owned bike manufacturer today, leaders issued their the organisation and delivHero Cycles has presented joint communique and a ering "demand-driven, its electric ‘e -bike’ rather than donorrange to the Indian driven" assistance to and British Prime the organisation's Ministers Narendra smaller member Modi and Theresa May states. during the An MEA Commonwealth spokesperson said, Summit in London. "The overall objective The Prime of the Prime Ministers met with Minister's participaHero’s chairman and tion at this CHOGM managing director in 2018 signals our Pankaj Munjal during a stepped up engagevisit to the Francis ment with the Crick Institute in Commonwealth. It London and were conveys India's desire shown its Lectro bike to see range. Hero Cycles is Commonwealth the biggest bike manuincrease focus on facturer in the world developing country by volume and became priorities." one of the most high On 20th, the profile Indian compaIndian Prime nies in the UK when it Minister Narendra bought Manchester Modi joined other based bike company heads of government Avocet Sports in 2015. for the leaders' In January 2017 retreat at Windsor Hero unveiled a new Castle, which con£2million ‘global cluded the CHOGM design centre’ in Narendra Modi paying his respect at formally. The retreat Manchester near the Basaveshwara statue, in Lambeth marked an end to the National Velodrome, the leaders' statement. Modi week-long summit in home of British cycling. then flew out to Germany Britain, which started on Manchester beat competiat the end of the retreat for Monday with forums on the tion from Amsterdam, a brief bilateral meeting theme of business, women, Copenhagen and Berlin to with Chancellor Angela youth and civil society. The host the design centre. Merkel in Berlin before formal executive session of Avocet Sports Limited’s headed to India. The meetthe heads of government CEO Sreeram ing was added to the PM's meeting, themed around Venkateswaran said Mr Europe schedule, which "Towards a Common Munjal was able to explain included Sweden and the Future', concluded last to the Prime Ministers how evening. Hero is fusing UK and The closedIndian expertise. door meetings “We were immensely comprised the proud to able to tell the informal segPrime Ministers how Hero ment of is in the vanguard of CHOGM, where future UK India trade relathe leaders met tions. We have put the UK without any preat the very centre of our set agenda and growth ambitions by buywithout the ing Avocet and investing presence of their in the new global design close aides. centre in Manchester. We At the believe the UK is the naturetreat - unique ral partner for Indian to the manufacturers where we Commonwealth can share knowledge and - heads met privately to discuss PM Modi meets German Chancellor Angela learning. Hero Cycles will collaboration on Merkel in Berlin on his way back to India launch its eagerly anticipated new range of British global and designed bikes at a special UK, on the request of the Commonwealth priorities. ceremony at Old Trafford German Chancellor, offiSouth African President football ground on May 3. cials said. Cyril Ramaphosa was absent
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
PM Modi promises £1 billion Indian investment in UK Brexit remains the key topic of discussion between the two Prime Ministers
cal weapons by any party in any circumIndia has promised to invest more than stances. May also reiterated the UK’s posi£1 billion in UK economy which will tion on Russia’s recent destabilising create or save more than 5,750 British behaviour, underlined by the attack in jobs while Indian Prime Minister Salisbury and the protection provided for Narendra Modi met his British counterpart Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. the Syrian regime’s repeated use of chemThe two countries have also agreed to ical weapons against its people. forge a new India-UK Trade They also discussed their shared priorPartnership following a joint trade ities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to review between the two countries earliworking more closely together to ensure it er this year. remained free and open. They reflected on The new partnership will seek to the progress made on bilateral defence improve the accessibility of trade for busiand security cooperation since the Prime nesses in both countries as the UK Minister’s visit to India in 2016 and the assumes responsibility for its independent agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic trade policy for the first time in 40 years. areas, with closer military-to-military ties Focusing on the three key sectors of Life underpinned by a succession of high level Sciences, IT and Food and Drink, the partvisits and exchanges. They agreed to connership will seek to reduce barriers to tinue working together closely to combat trade, making it easier for trade in these terrorism, radicalisation and online sectors to continue to flourish as well as extremism. They also discussed co-operadeveloping an even stronger trading ties. The UK also intends to recruit a cyber security expert in its High Commission in New Delhi and his role would involve sharing British expertise and connecting Indian private and public sector organisations with cutting-edge UK companies who can supply their specific requirements. The trade and services between the two countries have touched £18. billion in 2017, an increase of 15 per cent over 2016 figure. UK exports to India also increased significantly by 14.9%. International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: “Removing barriers to trade is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with UK Prime a key way in which the UK can Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street capitalise on the predicted tion between the two countries on legal growth in world markets and so I’m matters. delighted we have come to this new trade May also updated Modi on the partnership with India. “It is clear that the progress of the UK’s withdrawal from the opportunities for growth in trade with India are plenty, and as an international EU, saying the implementation period economic department we will continue to agreed in March gives Indian companies use tools such as trade missions not only and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until to boost UK exports, but also to help busithe end of 2020. She reiterated that the nesses of all sizes forge ties and build, culUK will remain committed to global free tivate relationships with potential buyers trade and investment and that the UK will and investors.” remain a leading hub for global finance. Britain has also been established as Prime Minister Modi said there would be India’s second largest research partner, no dilution in the importance of the UK to with joint investment between both countries in science and innovation having India post-Brexit. He said the City of grown from almost nothing in 2008 to London was of great importance to India around £400 million by 2021, including for accessing the global markets and would over 200 individual projects, involving 175 remain so. The two leaders said trade between the different UK and Indian research instituUK and India had grown strongly over the tions and more than 100 industry partlast year and Modi said that Brexit offers ners. opportunities to further increase trade Brexit & UK-India Relation ties. Both the Prime Ministers welcomed the £1 billion of commercial deals which Prime Minister Modi's visit saw the launch has been agreed earlier the day. They of a package of technical assistance to help agreed to build on the recommendations India climb further up the rankings for of the UK-India Joint Trade Review to Ease of Doing Business, benefiting UK reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier companies and the Indian economy alike. to do business in both countries and Additionally, the two countries have also enable a stronger bilateral trade relationagreed to strengthen ties between their ship for the future. respective agriculture industries. Trading Both Modi and May also discussed the relations between the UK and India new UK-India Tech Partnership agreed received a boost recently after a series of which would create thousands of jobs and visits and trade missions between the two generate significant investment in both countries. Earlier this year Baroness economies. Finally they looked forward to Fairhead visited Mumbai and Bangalore the Commonwealth Heads of Government with a large group of technology businessMeeting and agreed on the importance of es to strengthen ties between the industry working together to build a more sustainin the two countries, this follows more able, prosperous, secure and fairer future than 100 UK businesses from different secfor all Commonwealth citizens. tors visiting in January and February this Other discussions included FTA, free year alone. movement of Indian professionals and A Downing Street spokesperson said students (visa issues), science and techthat both the leaders discussed the chemnology, counter terrorism, to name a few. ical weapons attacks in Salisbury and The MoU regarding illegal immigrants was Syria, expressing concern and making not signed. clear their opposition to the use of chemi-
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Community demands action over Indian flag desecration
Supporters of Mr Modi at Parliament Square
Continued from page 1 The Indian Journalists' Association in a statement said, “Reports of intimidation against and manhandling of a few of our members by political protesters in central London on 18 April have been brought to our notice. “Indian Journalists’ Association’s constitution obliges the organisation to defend the right of our members to freely discharge their professional duties. “Therefore, IJA strongly condemns the threats and violence faced by concerned members from anti-India demonstrators. We also call upon the British police to bring to book wrongdoers upon receiving any complaint on the matter from our members.”
Petitions and signatures Thousands have now signed the petition that was started by Friends of India Society International-UK demanding, “action against the culprits who tore down the Indian flag under the eyes of British police.” [https://www.change.org/p /theresa-may-mp-demand-
Government to strip Lord Ahmed of his Lordship and an enquiry be set up for him to account for the violent protests he instigated and organised on the 18th April 2018 against Prime Minister Modi. The whole incident is the Hate Crime against peaceful people of Indian origin and all culprits must be charged accordingly.” Overseas Friends of BJP in a statement said, “Restore India's pride torn up in London.” Elaborating it requested all its recipients, to write to their local MPs and demand justice. “It is time to stand up and speak,” it said. “As Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina you are aware that on meets PM Modi at CHOGM Wednesday 18 April 2018 London hosted the anti-India protest turn vioCommonwealth Heads of lent and the ripping and burning of the Indian Government Meeting. To National flag was indeed a mark this important intersenseless act of aggression national event, flags of the 53 member countries were and insult to all true in the Parliament Square. democracies. In a pre-meditated move, “Being a Lord, he has some anti-social elements taken an oath is to be fair to who were protesting in the all and work without prejuParliament Square dice for the British society removed and denigrated and political organisation, India’s National flag. This it seems like Lord Nazir set up to hold him to account for the violent protests he instigated and organised against Mr. Modi. Truptiben Patel, the President of HFB, in her formal letter to Home Secretary Amber Rudd said, “Lord Nazir Ahmed let the
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the matter in the Parliament and other appropriate forums.”
India's warnings to UK An MEA spokesperson told Asian Voice that India has expressed its concerns over the flag incident, which Britain has regretted to the highest levels. There were warnings of potential disruption or even violence from India ahead of the event, yet not enough care was taken to stop the incident from happening. The flag flew alongside those from the other 52 members of the Commonwealth to mark the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London from 16-20 April. A replacement flag was swiftly put up in its place. Britain's Foreign Office expressed its disappointment with the action taken by this small minority and said it contacted the Indian High Commisioner. No arrests have been made by the Police as yet. Though Mrs May did not appear to have any information about the incident when it was raised at a press conference by a PTI journalist, Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the House of Commons, described the incident as “shocking”. She also said that she would take it up with Home Secretary Amber Rudd when it is raised in Parliament by Conservative MP Bob Blackman. Mr. Blackman reportedly said that he would be writing to the Home Secretary calling for an investigation by police.
Protests in Parliament Square
Hundreds of noisy protesters greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in London on Wednesday, demonstrating over several issues. This included supporters of Jagtar Singh Johal, pro Khalistani and Azad Kashmir supporters as well as people from the CasteWatch UK. Many Indians also protested A photo of 53 heads of state at the Commonwealth Summit with Queen Elizabeth II. Mr Modi on the against the brutal second row, sixth from the left rapes in India, especially asking for justice action-against-culpritsheinous act was carried out Ahmed has violated all for Asifa, the 8 year old vicwho-tore-down-indianin the presence of rules of the position he is tim of the Kathua rape case, f lag-under-the-eyes-ofMetropolitan Police who holding in the House of including by South Asia british-police] watched the whole act Lords and proved that he Solidarity Group, Southall The Hindu Forum of silently. These groups had a has no respect for British Black Sisters and by a Silent Britain, which represents sinister motive to incite Values and other British Protest Group. Some even over 300 Hindu groups Citizens. Lord Nazir Ahmed thousands of peaceful supclimbed over the Gandhi across the country, has also organised protest outporters of India’s participastatue in the Parliament written to Home Secretary side The High Commission tion in the Commonwealth Square and wrapped it with Amber Rudd demanding Heads of Government of India on the 70th Khalistani flag. that Lord Nazir Ahmed, meeting. Kindly use the folRepublic day of India on the Holding placards readwho had organised the lowing link 27th January 2018 calling ing “Modi go home” and protest “Minorities against https://www.parliament.uk for Kashmir Independence, “we stand against Modi’s Modi” on Parliament /mps-lords-andagain marred by violent agenda of hate and greed,” Square on Wednesday, be offices/mps/ and write to protests... they gathered outside stripped of his Lordship your local MP, requesting “We therefore seek Downing Street and parliaand an enquiry should be they immediately take up urgent action from our ment as Modi arrived for
Khalistani supporters climb on the Gandhi statue in Parliament square protesting against NaMo
talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Modi later at the Bharat Ki Baat event responded in front of thousands of Indians, saying the rape cases were “a matter of great concern”, had brought “a shame” on the country and called for the perpetrators to be outed.
dent groups from more than 20 British universities. She told Asian Voice, many of the university groups had also received calls from 'UK based individuals' allegedly pressuring them to remove their signatures from the letter. They later rejoiced their efforts and support on a facebook post,
Kashmiris protesting at the Parliament Square
National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK sent a letter demanding action over the rape cases in India, especially demanding justice for Asifa. A representative said the group had come under fire thereafter. It was signed by Indian and Asian stu-
after changes to law were made in India, allowing death penalty in child rape cases. It said, “NISAU is happy that our call for 'extraordinary' measures for female safety in India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been considered by the Indian Government.”
Womann Ki Baat with Indian Ladies in UK
Indian Ladies UK members welcoming Narendra Modi outside 10 Downing Street with a dance
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of Indian Ladies in UK (ILUK), Britain’s largest Indian women’s group on Friday 20th April. The women, led by ILUK founder Poonam Joshi, presented Mr Modi with a special chest containing messages collected from Indian women across the UK and outlining their hopes and aspirations for the future of India and appealing to Mr Modi to continue his work to safeguard, empower and educate women across India. The box is appropriately called
#WomanKiBaat – an allusion to Mr Modi’s weekly address to the nation “Mann Ki Baat”. The meeting came on the final day of Mr Modi’s visit to London as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018. The group informed Mr Modi about ILUK’s new initiative ‘Beta Padhao, Beti Bachao’ - an extension of the Modi government’s widely promoted, multi-million dollar ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, which aims to improve the education, welfare and wellbeing of girls in India.
16
MODI VISITS UK
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
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What did Narendra Modi d
The Indian diaspora rejoiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK from 17 till 20th April 2018. He was in London to attend the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), signed many bilateral as well as visited the Queen, besides engaging with the Indian community. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th night when he landed at London's Heathrow airport. They had a brief meeting at the airport. The Prime Minister then reached St James' Hotel, at Buckingham Gate after midnight, where he was staying. On Wednesday 18th
sations such as Hindu Forum of Britain, Sardar Patel Memorial Society, BAPS South London, Anoopam Mission, Brent India Association. Mr Modi then headed to the Exhibition on 5000 Years of Science and Innovation followed by a 'Living Bridge' themed Reception at the Science Museum - in presence of
Unveiling of the plaque for Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Modi in presence of Amarjeet S Bhambra
among several hospitals in the UK. Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, was present personally to escort Prince Charles and Mr Modi around. GMSP foundation was Modi meets Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. In background set up by Ramesh and standing Nilakshi Saha Sinha, who accompanied the Indian PM Pratibha Sachdev in 2006, to support vulnerable commorning at around 8am, Prince Charles. The plaque munities in India and the supporters of Narendra for the Ayurvedic Centre of UK. Ramesh and Pratibha Modi gathered outside 10 Excellence was inaugurated Sachdev said, “We see this Downing Street with and they were joined by very much as the beginning plaques and Indian flag, Amarjeet S Bhamra. A of a long-term project, linkshouting slogans like 'Chak Memorandum of ing India and the UK, to Understanding (MoU) was De India' and 'Har Har bring Indian traditional signed between the College Modi'. Around 8.54 am Mr medicine to the UK healthof Medicine (UK) and the Modi arrived at 10 Downing care system. We are very All Indian Institute of Street and was greeted at proud of our Indian culture, Ayurveda regarding estabthe door by Mrs May saying, and are pleased to be suplishment of this new centre “hope you're well Mr Prime porting a project in the UK of traditional Indian Minister.” – a country which has given medicine and yoga- the Outside Downing Street us great opportunity.” first of its kind in the UK. gates, around 100 people, Sonal Sachdev Patel, mostly women, in orange, An initiative of Prince CEO of GMSP Foundation pink and green sarees with Charles himself, the centre said, "We are strong believblack blouses, men ers in the benefits with white kurtas with of yoga and tradiorange jacket and tional Indian Nehru caps shouted medicine and are slogans supporting excited to see the NaMo. Dhol played as strengthening ties women danced to the between India and beats. Organisations the UK. This initialike Indian Ladies UK, tive is the beginUttarkhand Welfare ning of a long-term Association, Friends of plan to make these India Society tools available International-UK, more widely on the Indo-European NHS.” Kashmir Forum, UK This MoU will Dev Bhoomi Trustprovide opportuniWest Midlands, Bihari ty for both sides to Connect UK swayed Ramesh Sachdev with Prince Charles at the collaborate on Science Museum reception the Indian flag as Mr research, develop Modi left 10 Downing evidence-based guidelines Street for his future has been launched in for integrating Ayurvedic engagements. He waved at London with hopes of principles and practices the gathered crowd, who future inclusion of with modern medicine. The cheered at the PM's convoy. Ayurvedic medicines in MOU also provides opporNear Central Hall and NHS and GP prescriptions tunity to take up joint along Parliament square and supported by the GMSP research programs, funding many supporters, as old as Foundation in the UK. for which could be jointly Mainly a research centre in 70 years, danced and sang shared by both sides. The University of Westminster, to patriotic songs, cheering main base of the new centre for Modi, welcoming him. it now will work towards will be the St Charles building this trust in This included more than Centre for Health and Ayurveda as real medicine 2500 people from various Wellbeing in North and establish branches localities including organiKensington, which already
offers yoga on GP referral already and serves an ethnically diverse population. Initially, the centre will offer yoga, Ayurvedic dietary advice and cookery demonstrations and massage. As well as referring patients directly, GPs will be able to provide access via social prescription. The centre will also explore the provision of yoga and traditional medicine in other settings such as a GP surgery and at the University of Westminster. Prof David Peters of University of Westminster said “Yoga is now part of everyday life for millions of people in the UK and scientific interest in meditation is at an all-time high. Colleagues in our Faculty of Science and Technology are already researching herbal medicines and evaluating social prescribing. We want to explore these approaches in different NHS settings and gather evidence for their wider use”. In this system patients, protected by a sound regulatory environment and the support of the National Health Service, have access not just to conventional
medical treatment but to proven complementary care and therapy After that NaMo went to the Basaveshwara statue where he laid flowers to the statue. Basaveshwara was a 12th century Indian philosopher (Lingayat) and a social reformer who believed to have pioneered the idea of democracy. People shouted Bharat Mata ki Jai and Hindustan Zindabad as he walked to the statue. Dr Neeraj Patil, Former Mayor of the London Borough of Lambeth and one of the major proponent of the statue said, "We are delighted that Hon Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi ji paid tribute to the pioneer of Worlds largest democracy 'Basaveshwara' in front of mother of all Parliaments, the Westminister Parliament. "Modiji was anyway coming to UK for commonwealth conference and I requested him to pay tribute to Basaveshwara statue that was unveiled by him,” he said. "Coincidentally today is the 885th Birthday of Basaveshwara and he kind-
ly agreed to come and pay respects." This was followed by his visit to Francis Crick Institute, where he had a tour of the Research Labs. At the India UK CEO Forum there was a showcase of India UK Collaboration in Science and Technology, where Mr Modi was accompanied by Prime Minister May. They discussed major break through on malaria and cancer research. At 4 pm he had an audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, followed by an interaction with Indian community at the Centall Hall, Westminster. In ‘Bharat ki baat sabke Saath’ he was asked many questions about his policies, good governance and his indomitable spirit and energy. This was followed by a dinner hosted by UK PM for Commonwealth leaders. On 19th, Mr Modi attended the formal opening of the CHOGM summit where the Queen expressed her desire to have Prince Charles as her successor as the Commonwealth head. This was followed by an official welcome by the UK Prime Minister and
Prime Ministers May and Modi meet with Hero Cycles Chairman Pankaj Munjal at the Francis Crick Institute
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o in London?
Commonwealth Secretary General. He then attended two Executive sessions at Lancaster house, followed by a reception and dinner by Queen Elizabeth II. In between executive sessions, he had 12 bilateral meetings, with heads of Antihua & Barbuda, South Africa, Uganda, Mauritius, Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Australia, Cyprus, Fiji, St Lucia, Solomon islands and PM Modi meets Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace Jamaica. from the group of 53 heads Prime Minister Modi Manchester’s Hero of government as he had to addressed the second plerush back to Cape Town nary of the executive sesCycles showcases ‘eafter violent clashes broke sion, during which he reiterbikes’ out in the country. ated India's focus on small Manchester-based IndianAt the end of the retreat island developing nations of owned bike manufacturer today, leaders issued their the organisation and delivHero Cycles has presented joint communique and a ering "demand-driven, its electric ‘e -bike’ rather than donorrange to the Indian driven" assistance to and British Prime the organisation's Ministers Narendra smaller member Modi and Theresa May states. during the An MEA Commonwealth spokesperson said, Summit in London. "The overall objective The Prime of the Prime Ministers met with Minister's participaHero’s chairman and tion at this CHOGM managing director in 2018 signals our Pankaj Munjal during a stepped up engagevisit to the Francis ment with the Crick Institute in Commonwealth. It London and were conveys India's desire shown its Lectro bike to see range. Hero Cycles is Commonwealth the biggest bike manuincrease focus on facturer in the world developing country by volume and became priorities." one of the most high On 20th, the profile Indian compaIndian Prime nies in the UK when it Minister Narendra bought Manchester Modi joined other based bike company heads of government Avocet Sports in 2015. for the leaders' In January 2017 retreat at Windsor Hero unveiled a new Castle, which con£2million ‘global cluded the CHOGM design centre’ in Narendra Modi paying his respect at formally. The retreat Manchester near the Basaveshwara statue, in Lambeth marked an end to the National Velodrome, the leaders' statement. Modi week-long summit in home of British cycling. then flew out to Germany Britain, which started on Manchester beat competiat the end of the retreat for Monday with forums on the tion from Amsterdam, a brief bilateral meeting theme of business, women, Copenhagen and Berlin to with Chancellor Angela youth and civil society. The host the design centre. Merkel in Berlin before formal executive session of Avocet Sports Limited’s headed to India. The meetthe heads of government CEO Sreeram ing was added to the PM's meeting, themed around Venkateswaran said Mr Europe schedule, which "Towards a Common Munjal was able to explain included Sweden and the Future', concluded last to the Prime Ministers how evening. Hero is fusing UK and The closedIndian expertise. door meetings “We were immensely comprised the proud to able to tell the informal segPrime Ministers how Hero ment of is in the vanguard of CHOGM, where future UK India trade relathe leaders met tions. We have put the UK without any preat the very centre of our set agenda and growth ambitions by buywithout the ing Avocet and investing presence of their in the new global design close aides. centre in Manchester. We At the believe the UK is the naturetreat - unique ral partner for Indian to the manufacturers where we Commonwealth can share knowledge and - heads met privately to discuss PM Modi meets German Chancellor Angela learning. Hero Cycles will collaboration on Merkel in Berlin on his way back to India launch its eagerly anticipated new range of British global and designed bikes at a special UK, on the request of the Commonwealth priorities. ceremony at Old Trafford German Chancellor, offiSouth African President football ground on May 3. cials said. Cyril Ramaphosa was absent
MODI VISITS UK
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
PM Modi promises £1 billion Indian investment in UK Brexit remains the key topic of discussion between the two Prime Ministers
cal weapons by any party in any circumIndia has promised to invest more than stances. May also reiterated the UK’s posi£1 billion in UK economy which will tion on Russia’s recent destabilising create or save more than 5,750 British behaviour, underlined by the attack in jobs while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his British counterSalisbury and the protection provided for part Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. the Syrian regime’s repeated use of chemThe two countries have also agreed to ical weapons against its people. forge a new India-UK Trade They also discussed their shared priorPartnership following a joint trade ities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to review between the two countries earliworking more closely together to ensure it er this year. remained free and open. They reflected on The new partnership will seek to the progress made on bilateral defence improve the accessibility of trade for busiand security cooperation since the Prime nesses in both countries as the UK Minister’s visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence assumes responsibility for its independent Capability Partnerships in key strategic trade policy for the first time in 40 years. areas, with closer military-to-military ties Focusing on the three key sectors of Life underpinned by a succession of high level Sciences, IT and Food and Drink, the partvisits and exchanges. They agreed to connership will seek to reduce barriers to tinue working together closely to combat trade, making it easier for trade in these terrorism, radicalisation and online sectors to continue to flourish as well as extremism. They also discussed co-operadeveloping an even stronger trading ties. The UK also intends to recruit a cyber security expert in its High Commission in New Delhi and his role would involve sharing British expertise and connecting Indian private and public sector organisations with cutting-edge UK companies who can supply their specific requirements. The trade and services between the two countries have touched £18. billion in 2017, an increase of 15 per cent over 2016 figure. UK exports to India also increased significantly by 14.9%. International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: “Removing barriers to trade is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with UK Prime a key way in which the UK can Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street capitalise on the predicted tion between the two countries on legal growth in world markets and so I’m matters. delighted we have come to this new trade May also updated Modi on the partnership with India. “It is clear that the progress of the UK’s withdrawal from the opportunities for growth in trade with India are plenty, and as an international EU, saying the implementation period economic department we will continue to agreed in March gives Indian companies use tools such as trade missions not only and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until to boost UK exports, but also to help busithe end of 2020. She reiterated that the nesses of all sizes forge ties and build, culUK will remain committed to global free tivate relationships with potential buyers trade and investment and that the UK will and investors.” remain a leading hub for global finance. Britain has also been established as Prime Minister Modi said there would be India’s second largest research partner, no dilution in the importance of the UK to with joint investment between both countries in science and innovation having India post-Brexit. He said the City of grown from almost nothing in 2008 to London was of great importance to India around £400 million by 2021, including for accessing the global markets and would over 200 individual projects, involving 175 remain so. The two leaders said trade between the different UK and Indian research instituUK and India had grown strongly over the tions and more than 100 industry partlast year and Modi said that Brexit offers ners. opportunities to further increase trade Brexit & UK-India Relation ties. Both the Prime Ministers welcomed the £1 billion of commercial deals which Prime Minister Modi's visit saw the launch has been agreed earlier the day. They of a package of technical assistance to help agreed to build on the recommendations India climb further up the rankings for of the UK-India Joint Trade Review to Ease of Doing Business, benefiting UK reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier companies and the Indian economy alike. to do business in both countries and Additionally, the two countries have also enable a stronger bilateral trade relationagreed to strengthen ties between their ship for the future. respective agriculture industries. Trading Both Modi and May also discussed the relations between the UK and India new UK-India Tech Partnership agreed received a boost recently after a series of which would create thousands of jobs and visits and trade missions between the two generate significant investment in both countries. Earlier this year Baroness economies. Finally they looked forward to Fairhead visited Mumbai and Bangalore the Commonwealth Heads of Government with a large group of technology businessMeeting and agreed on the importance of es to strengthen ties between the industry working together to build a more sustainin the two countries, this follows more able, prosperous, secure and fairer future than 100 UK businesses from different secfor all Commonwealth citizens. tors visiting in January and February this Other discussions included FTA, free year alone. movement of Indian professionals and A Downing Street spokesperson said students (visa issues), science and techthat both the leaders discussed the chemnology, counter terrorism, to name a few. ical weapons attacks in Salisbury and The MoU regarding illegal immigrants was Syria, expressing concern and making not signed. clear their opposition to the use of chemi-
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MODI VISITS UK
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Community demands action over Indian flag desecration
Supporters of Mr Modi at Parliament Square
Continued from page 1 The Indian Journalists' Association in a statement said, “Reports of intimidation against and manhandling of a few of our members by political protesters in central London on 18 April have been brought to our notice. “Indian Journalists’ Association’s constitution obliges the organisation to defend the right of our members to freely discharge their professional duties. “Therefore, IJA strongly condemns the threats and violence faced by concerned members from anti-India demonstrators. We also call upon the British police to bring to book wrongdoers upon receiving any complaint on the matter from our members.”
Petitions and signatures Thousands have now signed the petition that was started by Friends of India Society International-UK demanding, “action against the culprits who tore down the Indian flag under the eyes of British police.” [https://www.change.org/p /theresa-may-mp-demand-
Government to strip Lord Ahmed of his Lordship and an enquiry be set up for him to account for the violent protests he instigated and organised on the 18th April 2018 against Prime Minister Modi. The whole incident is the Hate Crime against peaceful people of Indian origin and all culprits must be charged accordingly.” Overseas Friends of BJP in a statement said, “Restore India's pride torn up in London.” Elaborating it requested all its recipients, to write to their local MPs and demand justice. “It is time to stand up and speak,” it said. “As Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina you are aware that on meets PM Modi at CHOGM Wednesday 18 April 2018 London hosted the anti-India protest turn vioCommonwealth Heads of lent and the ripping and burning of the Indian Government Meeting. To National flag was indeed a mark this important intersenseless act of aggression national event, flags of the 53 member countries were and insult to all true in the Parliament Square. democracies. In a pre-meditated move, “Being a Lord, he has some anti-social elements taken an oath is to be fair to who were protesting in the all and work without prejuParliament Square dice for the British society removed and denigrated and political organisation, India’s National flag. This it seems like Lord Nazir set up to hold him to account for the violent protests he instigated and organised against Mr. Modi. Truptiben Patel, the President of HFB, in her formal letter to Home Secretary Amber Rudd said, “Lord Nazir Ahmed let the
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the matter in the Parliament and other appropriate forums.”
India's warnings to UK An MEA spokesperson told Asian Voice that India has expressed its concerns over the flag incident, which Britain has regretted to the highest levels. There were warnings of potential disruption or even violence from India ahead of the event, yet not enough care was taken to stop the incident from happening. The flag flew alongside those from the other 52 members of the Commonwealth to mark the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London from 16-20 April. A replacement flag was swiftly put up in its place. Britain's Foreign Office expressed its disappointment with the action taken by this small minority and said it contacted the Indian High Commisioner. No arrests have been made by the Police as yet. Though Mrs May did not appear to have any information about the incident when it was raised at a press conference by a PTI journalist, Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the House of Commons, described the incident as “shocking”. She also said that she would take it up with Home Secretary Amber Rudd when it is raised in Parliament by Conservative MP Bob Blackman. Mr. Blackman reportedly said that he would be writing to the Home Secretary calling for an investigation by police.
Protests in Parliament Square
Hundreds of noisy protesters greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in London on Wednesday, demonstrating over several issues. This included supporters of Jagtar Singh Johal, pro Khalistani and Azad Kashmir supporters as well as people from the CasteWatch UK. Many Indians also protested A photo of 53 heads of state at the Commonwealth Summit with Queen Elizabeth II. Mr Modi on the against the brutal second row, sixth from the left rapes in India, especially asking for justice action-against-culpritsheinous act was carried out Ahmed has violated all for Asifa, the 8 year old vicwho-tore-down-indianin the presence of rules of the position he is tim of the Kathua rape case, f lag-under-the-eyes-ofMetropolitan Police who holding in the House of including by South Asia british-police] watched the whole act Lords and proved that he Solidarity Group, Southall The Hindu Forum of silently. These groups had a has no respect for British Black Sisters and by a Silent Britain, which represents sinister motive to incite Values and other British Protest Group. Some even over 300 Hindu groups Citizens. Lord Nazir Ahmed thousands of peaceful supclimbed over the Gandhi across the country, has also organised protest outporters of India’s participastatue in the Parliament written to Home Secretary side The High Commission tion in the Commonwealth Square and wrapped it with Amber Rudd demanding Heads of Government of India on the 70th Khalistani flag. that Lord Nazir Ahmed, meeting. Kindly use the folRepublic day of India on the Holding placards readwho had organised the lowing link 27th January 2018 calling ing “Modi go home” and protest “Minorities against https://www.parliament.uk for Kashmir Independence, “we stand against Modi’s Modi” on Parliament /mps-lords-andagain marred by violent agenda of hate and greed,” Square on Wednesday, be offices/mps/ and write to protests... they gathered outside stripped of his Lordship your local MP, requesting “We therefore seek Downing Street and parliaand an enquiry should be they immediately take up urgent action from our ment as Modi arrived for
Khalistani supporters climb on the Gandhi statue in Parliament square protesting against NaMo
talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Modi later at the Bharat Ki Baat event responded in front of thousands of Indians, saying the rape cases were “a matter of great concern”, had brought “a shame” on the country and called for the perpetrators to be outed.
dent groups from more than 20 British universities. She told Asian Voice, many of the university groups had also received calls from 'UK based individuals' allegedly pressuring them to remove their signatures from the letter. They later rejoiced their efforts and support on a facebook post,
Kashmiris protesting at the Parliament Square
National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK sent a letter demanding action over the rape cases in India, especially demanding justice for Asifa. A representative said the group had come under fire thereafter. It was signed by Indian and Asian stu-
after changes to law were made in India, allowing death penalty in child rape cases. It said, “NISAU is happy that our call for 'extraordinary' measures for female safety in India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been considered by the Indian Government.”
Womann Ki Baat with Indian Ladies in UK
Indian Ladies UK members welcoming Narendra Modi outside 10 Downing Street with a dance
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of Indian Ladies in UK (ILUK), Britain’s largest Indian women’s group on Friday 20th April. The women, led by ILUK founder Poonam Joshi, presented Mr Modi with a special chest containing messages collected from Indian women across the UK and outlining their hopes and aspirations for the future of India and appealing to Mr Modi to continue his work to safeguard, empower and educate women across India. The box is appropriately called
#WomanKiBaat – an allusion to Mr Modi’s weekly address to the nation “Mann Ki Baat”. The meeting came on the final day of Mr Modi’s visit to London as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018. The group informed Mr Modi about ILUK’s new initiative ‘Beta Padhao, Beti Bachao’ - an extension of the Modi government’s widely promoted, multi-million dollar ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, which aims to improve the education, welfare and wellbeing of girls in India.
REAL ESTATE VOICE
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THE SHAPE OF THE DEAL AsianVoiceNews
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I’m averse to new builds in general. Why ? Because they normally have the following characteristics:
Suresh Vagjiani
Sow & Reap London Property Investment
Firstly, they are overpriced, sometimes grossly; symptomatic of this is they are sold mostly overseas to Asian buyers, who for cultural reasons like to purchase new properties rather than second hand ones, god forbid if someone had actually died in one.
investment angle, though mentioned, is hardly emphasised. What is sold is a lifestyle choice, meaning the whole approach is one designed to appeal to the emotion rather than a strong case for investment being made by the developer. These are just some of the main reasons as to why I have an instant aversion to them.
Secondly, they tend to have exorbitantly high service charges, and more recently, they have been sneaking in higher and higher ground rents. This is because ground rent streams form a whole other business, which can be hived off from the development, and resold; adding a fat layer of cream to the deal.
Over the years we have successfully transacted numerous flips. What this means is exchanging on a property and reselling the contract for a higher price. This generates a massive return on the money invested. One example is in Shirland Rd, in Maida Vale, which we purchased on behalf of our client for £1.1m from auction, no less, and promptly resold for £1.3m within three days of exchange!
Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, are spent on marketing the developments. The
The money used to generate the £200k was only £100k. This was the fastest flip we have done.
AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP! Q: I am worried that my tenant will not pay the rent, as he is out work at the moment. Do you have any tips or advice? A: As there has been no actual default of rent as yet, this is a tricky one to answer. I would suggest that the first thing you do would be to simply contact the tenant, and air your concerns about the next payment of rent. Now that may seem like common sense, however, most people do not like to talk about money, or lack
of it. Non-payment, late or partial payment of rent is the biggest worry for landlords. As agents ourselves, we try to highlight the risks to landlords, and have very strict vetting procedures in place. However, this only gives a snap shot of the tenant’s financial situation at point of referencing, and could change for example due to loss of job, illness or relationship break. You can, if you wish, back this up with rent and legal protection insurance to
BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY
HMO in Liverpool Purchase Price: £315,000
Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing
help protect you against the non-payment of rent. If your tenant ends up paying the rent late or not at all, just pick up the phone to them to gain an understanding of their situation and explain that legal action may follow, if the arrears are not met. To protect your interest, you will need to serve tenants with the necessary notices to gain possession as soon as possible, whilst keeping the lines of communication open. If the tenant subsequently
Asian Voice |
19
28th April 2018
Most will take longer. The essential point in these transactions, is that the money used in the deal is only a fraction of the purchase price, usually 10%. In this example, we only had four weeks to complete the deal. The current environment is a tougher one to conduct these types of deals, as we are looking at a sluggish and uncertain market, especially in more central locations. Therefore, investors do not have the buoyancy they possessed in more rising markets. They are in more of a sit on the fence and see what happens mood. Ironically, the new build payment structure is tailor made for flipping. You have a long gap between exchange and completion, one you could not even dream to negotiate in a normal deal; you have years before completion. Therefore, the money used in the deal is very small, in proportion to the pays, the notices can be withdrawn (this part is up to you). If you go for possession, be very careful to do things correctly. There have been cases where tenants have taken landlords to court (even with 3 months of rent arrears). For example, if they are away on holiday, only to return from their break to find their flat has been emptied out and the locks have been changed by the landlord! Now as much as you might like to do this, it cost one landlord over £22,000 in damages to the tenants, as he was found to have unlawfully evicted them.
returns you could potentially make.
allowing time for the deal to mature.
You would of course need to ensure a few fundamentals are in place, in order to maximise your chances of success. Firstly, you need to ensure you are buying at a reasonable current market price, and not one which has a built in price rise to completion. Secondly, do your homework to check that this is an area which is regenerating and gentrifying, so there is an upward push on prices between exchange and completion. Thirdly, do ensure there is a nice long gap between the exchange and the completion,
We have secured such a deal, which ticks all of these boxes and more. Only a small fraction of the purchase price is required to secure this deal. It’s on the Cross Rail line, and the time period for completion is a massive three years, by which time the Cross Rail will be up and running, and the deal should have matured nicely.
If you have insurance in place, be aware of the policy conditions for notifying claims. Many insurance policies have a very short window for notifying claims. This can sometimes work against you if you are working with the tenant to get the rent payments back on track. At Sow & Reap Properties Ltd, we can assist or take over any issues you are experiencing with removing your tenant from your property. Do get in touch regarding our services, or if you just
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, The threats keep coming, Russia, Syria, Brexit, Inflation, trade wars, radioactivity, Middle East, Korea. The IMF report, The Global Financial Stability report did not help allay my concerns, instead it added to them. Add to that 75% of the ultra rich say a recession is likely in 2 years according to a CNBC report. IMF The International Monetary Fund even said, “Financial vulnerabilities, which have accumulated during years of extremely low rates and volatility, could make the road ahead bumpy and could put growth at risk.” “Valuations of risky assets are still stretched, with some late-stage credit cycle dynamics emerging, reminiscent of the pre-crisis period…This makes markets exposed to a sharp tightening in financial conditions, which could lead to a sudden unwinding of risk premiums and a repricing of risky assets” they added. World Debt Add to this that world debt is at a record $164 trillion, just as EU, UK and US Central Banks are raising rates. GDP Growth And there is more, GDP growth is set to slow in 2019 compared to 2018 according to the IMF. Interest Rates Combine with this, rising rates, as warned by the likes of Goldman Sachs, and you have an explosive mix potentially. Oil What possible reason with growth on the cards worldwide would OPEC and Russia have to cut supply? It’s hard to work out any reason and so the price of oil would bubble up would be the logical deduction. You only have to look at oil consumption, and China and India the second and third largest consumers to know combined with their GDP growth rates, demand is in place. And now for good news Well Goldman Sachs is not worried. The CEO of the firm says it looks ‘awfully good’. UBS think the risks will start in 3 years. They like Goldman Sachs do not see a trade war coming. UBS put well: “Global equities are supported by solid earnings growth. US companies, which make up about half of the global stock market, are benefiting from tax relief and a new fiscal spending package. By price-to-earnings ratio, the global stock valuation is slightly below long-term average. We remain overweight Eurozone versus UK stocks. Given their cyclical sector composition and high operational leverage, Eurozone companies are well placed to benefit from robust global demand, while UK firms should lag other regions in terms of earnings growth. We are also overweight emerging market (EM) versus Australian stocks.” What I love about big banks is when they are direct. UBS certainly were that: Alpesh B Patel For a free online trading course visit www.alpeshpatel.com/apprentice
Calling all London start-ups - Win up to £50,000 in investment with TiE London London startups looking for a boost can win up to £50,000 investment, a trip to Silicon Valley and mentoring from an esteemed panel of entrepreneurs through TiE London’s TISC Competition 2018. Hopefuls can enter their business plans until the end of May which will be judged by a panel of top businessmen and women. Successful startups will be invited to pitch in front of TiE’s Charter Members in September at a final Pitch and Awards dinner in Mayfair. This is could be your chance to get your startup noticed by some of London’s most influential entrepreneurs, investors and business owners. Sid Narang of thesqua.re is the TiE Board Member Championing this event, he said, "London is a mecca for dynamic and disruptive startups, we wanted to create an exciting way of supporting them whilst offering a bedrock of excellent mentoring and strong links with Silicon Valley. TiE’s
Francois Barou - co-founder and director ARY Labs, Sid Narang and Rickie Sehgal
main aim is to support entrepreneurialism so we are really excited to meet London’s startups."
Abhishek Sachdev
It is an interesting phenomenon of recent times that unemployment rarely gets any news time coverage anymore. The UK labour market has exhibited strong growth in the three months to February 2018, with unemployment
Rotaheat - A Start Up commercialising patented technology to convert rotational energy directly
The winner of last year’s TISC completion in London with the judges
To give a flavour of what TISC are looking for you only need to scan over last years winners which included -
into thermal energy (heat) without carbon or greenhouse gas emissions. AYR - A beautiful new vaping product that aims
to totally disrupt the vaping sector Medical Magnesium A company that creates High-Tec magnesium implants able to perform therapy and then dissolve completely. In orthopedics a successful, stabilized fracture healing is secured before the bone uses the nutrition, which the dissolving implant releases, to regrow his natural structure Medical Magnesium went on to secure $7mil in funding at TiEcon after winning TISC during their trip to Silicon Valley. Nina Amin, President of TiE London said “This is precisely TISC’s strong USP. It connects London to Silicon Valley’s investors and routes to market so winning it is just the start of what could be a whirlwind journey. It also has the backing of TiE’s 2,500 strong Charter Members, all deep technical experts with access to a large pool of ‘smart money’ meaning this is serious business and if you win? Well, you are destined for big things”.
India moves to crackdown on economic fugitives The Indian government has approved a proposal to promulgate Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance 2018, in a bid to crack down on economic fugitives and attach their properties. Sources said the ordinance seeks to confiscate properties of economic offenders like Nirav Modi. The move came after several offenders fled Indian jurisdiction after committing fraud. Provisions of the ordinance will apply for economic offenders who refuse to return, persons against whom an arrest warrant has been issued for a scheduled offence as well as wilful bank loan
defaulters with outstanding debt of over £10 million. The ordinance defines a fugitive economic offender as a person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued for committing offences like counterfeiting government stamps or currency, cheque dishonour for insufficiency of funds, money laundering, and transactions defrauding creditors. According to the ordinance, a director or deputy director may file an application before a special court to declare a person as a fugitive economic offender. The application will contain reasons to believe
that an individual is a fugitive economic offender. The application will contain reasons to believe an individual is a fugitive economic offender. It will also have information about his whereabouts, a list of properties believed to be proceeds of a crime for which confiscation is
your interest rate before the rise. Michael Saunders, an MPC member has detailed just yesterday why any future rate rises will be at a "gradual pace and to a limited extent" but added that "'gradual' need not mean 'glacial'." Across the pond, the probability of three Fed rate hikes in 2018 has risen above 80%, up from 66% just a week ago. In fact, the probability of four rate hikes this year now stands at over 30%! This is important given how much the UK economy follows Uncle Sam.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Britain, however. Interest rate expectations are sensitive to inflation, which unexpectedly fell in March to 2.50%, down from 2.70% in February and considerably below the Bank of England forecast of 2.80%, making a rate hike in three weeks’ time somewhat less certain. This highlights the most important takeaway - that at any one time, there will always be conflicting economic information about the future direction of interest rates. What is more important is for readers to look at their cost of borrowing for their
Will our recent sunshine thaw ‘glacial’ rate rises?
falling by 16,000 workers, to reach the 4.20% level the lowest since 1975! Average weekly earnings have increased by 2.80%, outstripping inflation for the first time since January 2017 to hand British workers a 0.20% real pay rise. This is a tremendous achievement for our economy; but what does this mean for interest rates? Hurry while stocks last is the key message - that’s the first order of business for property investors / businesses looking to hedge their existing borrowings or new debt. The 5
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year fixed (i.e. swap) rate stands at 1.36% - an increase of almost 40% since the start of the year. Similarly, the ten year swap rate has climbed nearly 30% year to date, from 1.21% to 1.54%. All eyes are on the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to raise rates when it meets on 10 May. However, it is important to remember that swap rates fluctuate continuously and are likely to react to market news before the MPC is able to - talk to your bank about fixing
Nirav Modi - Mehul Choksi
sought, a list of benami properties or foreign properties for which confiscation is sought, and a list of persons with an interest in the properties. On receiving the application, a special court will issue a notice to the individual, requiring him to appear at a specified place within six weeks. If the person appears, the court will terminate its proceedings under provisions of the Bill. Any property belonging to the fugitive may provisionally be attached without the prior permission of the special court, provided that an application is filed before the court within 30 days. commercial property, hotel, nursing home etc and think about the level of interest rates that will start to cause pain - this is what needs to be protected against. You can keep track of key market rates by subscribing to our FREE market rate sheet. Updated daily, this concise summary covers swap rates (i.e. fixed rates for loans), FX rates and more. Visit our website for more details.
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Bank of England to appoint new governor in 2019 In June 2019, Mark Carney will be stepping down as Bank of England Governor, leaving many contenders waiting in the wings to take over his reputable role. There are many speculations about who will be taking the reins at Threadneedle Street, and there have been names springing up as being the next possible governor. Indian origin contenders Baroness Shriti Vadera, Chair of Santander UK and Raghuram Rajan, a University of Chicago professor are among contenders. Financial Times in a report claims Shriti’s pros lie in her strong experience as a minister during the financial crisis and a dynamic manager who gets things
Raghuram Rajan and Shriti Vadera
done, while her cons are believed to be allegations of her abrasive working style. Rajan’s pros include impeccable international economics and central banking experience especially from his Reserve Bank of India times but there are no indications that he would want
the job at BoE. Rajan is the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at Chicago Booth. He was the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India between September 2013 and September 2016. He was also the Chief Economist
and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund between 2003 and 2006. He co-authored 'Saving Capitalism from the Capitalists' with Luigi Zingales in 2003. He then wrote 'Fault Lines: How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten the World Economy,' for which he was awarded the Financial Times-Goldman Sachs prize for best business book in 2010. Rajan has been the recipient of several awards, such as Infosys prize for the Economic Sciences in 2012, Euromoney Central Banker Governor of the Year 2014, and Banker Magazine (FT Group) Central bank Governor of the Year 2016.
IMF backs India's economic reforms
Reforms carried out by India has been bearing fruits and benefiting people said a top IMF official. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said despite a bumpy road, implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, will help secure the solidity of foundation of public finances. He said recent steps taken to deal with the accumulated problems in banks are important ones, identifying digital ID technology and other structural reforms as important moves towards inclusive growth. Speaking on the sidelines of the Spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank, he said, “There's certainly more to be done but India is certainly seeing benefits from what it has done. India's reforms have been bearing fruits and we see that in growth perfor-
mance. (India's) growth last year was 6.7 per cent. We're now projecting 7.4 this fiscal year and 7.8 the following. That's a very healthy acceleration and it really means for a country that is huge, adds up to an awful lot of economic activity.” Lipton added, “India's goal is to have sustained growth and to have a growth that boosts the living standards very broadly across the population. The reforms that have been carried out so far have had benefits and make a very good case for carrying forward with further reforms.” The MD said a country of India's size has to be very careful to keep public finances under control because any interruption of economic activity that comes from fiscal difficulties would be a setback. Strengthening the foundation of fiscal finances with
IMF Director Christine Lagarde
the GST is one reform that stands out. When asked if the reforms have been inclusive enough, he said the ecosystem being built around digital ID technology offers a big help in this regard. “There's been progress, but I think that this is a challenge that has not been solved yet and may not be solved for a while. But what makes sense is to carry on. I hope that in India's case, new technologies,
PNB impounds passports of 150 defaulters India's second largest public sector lender, the Punjab National Bank, has impounded passports of 150 wilful loan defaulters apart from lodged 37 FIRs against those who aren't repaying, as part of its recovery drive. In a statement it said, “The bank has already declared 1,084 wilful defaulters and published photos of 260 such defaulters in newspapers. Due to PNB's aggressive stance towards wilful defaulters, 150 passports have been impounded over the past few months.” PNB Managing Director Sunil Mehta said the bank is hopeful on recovery of loans to improve its financial position. It has been hit with a £1.4 billion fraud by diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. The bank is also looking to leverage data for loan recovery and risk management through a tie-up with an external agency. The statement said, “This
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
partnership is a part of the larger strategy to deploy technology to strengthen internal systems. This partnership will not only help the bank with loan recovery, but will also help identify and automate profitable lending strategies and minimise credit and fraud risk.” It said the two special
one-time settlement schemes have already helped accelerate recovery of bad debt, with the average rising from 70,000 to 80,000 NPA accounts a year to 2,25,000 accounts during the last 10 months. The schemes apply to small NPA accounts helping defaulters come out of debt.
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some of which are already being applied can help overcome remoteness and can promote inclusivity, whether it's retina ID numbers system and the architecture of finance and commerce that's going to be built around that or some of the new fintech innovations that allow people to do commerce or banking, whether it's savings and earning on their savings or borrowing may be useful for the creation and building businesses through new technologies.”
TCS becomes India's first $100 bn company
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Monday became the first Indian company to breach market capitalisation (m-cap) of $100 billion. However, this is not the first or only claim to fame that the company can boast of. Here is a list of TCS's achievements: By definition, market capitalisation is the value of a company that is traded on the stock market, calculated by multiplying the total number of shares by the present share price.
TCS went past the $100 billion m-cap milestone after the company's scrips gained more than 4 per cent to hit an all-time of Rs 3,557. Last week, when the markets closed on Friday, the company was at the verge of the milestone as the m-cap stood at slightly above $99 billion. TCS stock had surged more than 6 per cent on Friday. The rise in the TCS scrip's fortune came after the it posted a rise of 4.5 per cent in its Q4 net profit.
E-cigarette entrepreneur prepares to float company on stock market
49-year-old entrepreneur, Sandy Chadha, who once wagered a Bentley limousine as part of a takeover deal, is in preparation to bring his battery and ecigarette company on the stock market, with a valuation of up to £150 million. Chadha has appointed stockbrokers from Berenberg to work on the floats of Supreme Imports, which is a company based in Manchester that imports and sells light bulbs, as well as products associated to the prosperity in smoking substitutes. Sandy Chadha's family hailed from Delhi, India, and emigrated to Britain
Sandy Chadha
when he was two years old. After their arrival, his father began importing goods from the Far East. Supreme is now considered as one of the biggest sellers of batteries in the UK.
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PAKISTAN -UK
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Pak now banking on China for high-tech weapons ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has shifted its reliance from the US to China for hightech weapons, a move confirmed by the downward trend in Washington’s ties with Islamabad and America’s growing closeness with India, says a report. The shift started in the last few months of the Obama administration when the US Congress blocked the sale of eight F16 fighter jets to Pakistan, the report noted. As a result, Pakistan focused instead on the rollout of the next batch of the JF-17, the fighter jet it is developing with China and which is catching up with the F-16 in terms of capabilities. The ban also speed-
ed up Pakistan’s efforts to transfer its military procurement from Americanmade weapons towards Chinese ones, or those
made in Pakistan with Chinese support. The report quoted data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute showing that since 2010, US weapons exports to Pakistan have plummeted
from $1 billion to just $21 million last year. During the same period, those from China have also fallen, but much more slowly, from $747 million to $514 million, making China the biggest weapons exporter to Pakistan. “The shift coincided with Islamabad’s growing suspicion about the closeness between the US and India, but was accelerated by the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil in 2011,” the report said. The suspension of $2 billion in military aid to Pakistan by United States President Donald Trump this year worsened relations between the two countries.
It has been alleged that the UK's food safety regime is failing to ensure an acceptably safe food supply as food poisoning rates were very high, with confirmed cases of Campylobacter bacteria, for example, which is said to have increased by about 46% from 2008 and 2012. UK's food regulator, the
Food Standards Agency (FSA) has suggested since 2014 that poultry is not clean enough that it can be washed safely without the risk of spreading infection. Additionally, consumer trust is said to be low, and the food industry os focus on the uncertainties developing from Brexit.
The FSA is said to be planning a programme of change – FSA plans to change who conducts food safety inspections in the UK, as well as proposes to transfer responsibility for many food safety inspections and audits from the public sector to private commercial assurance providers.
Food standards could get even worse post Brexit
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Keep calm and career on Dipali Limbachia As young people, are we supposed to settle for easy 9-5 jobs or challenge ourselves with ambitious career plans? One area that is not spoken about enough, is the line of work we are expected to go into as British Asians. Asian Voice spoke to six people from the ages of 19-35, to find out what they experienced when it came to choosing their career paths. Rahul Patel, said that he didn’t feel pressured to pick medicine and was told to pick whatever made him happy. “But I totally understand and know people who are ‘coerced’ into doing things they don’t want to do.” However, he then went on to say: “I guess deep down, another aspect is to make my parents and family proud being a doctor...My parents and family (especially grandparents) have sacrificed a lot so I can have a good life and deep down maybe it’s a bigger factor than I realise into why I chose this career path. In a Reddit post, ‘Hoo’ explains how emotional blackmail can be used by some Asian parents, to get their ‘desired outcome’ through their children. It is a control mechanism that stems from guilt: ‘If you don’t do what I want you to do, you obvi-
ously don’t love me.’ The more you are told this, the more the message is ingrained in your psyche. It then develops into guilt, when you are not on the path that your parents want you to follow. Another message that is often ingrained in the minds of Asian youth, is this idea that you are not going to get a secure, ‘proper’ job in subjects such as literature, history and the media. Haresh Nayee*, was offered a place at Kings College London (KCL) to study dentistry. “If I had the choice, I think I’d probably go into property development and architecture now.” Even though he would have liked a career path in the construction industry, Haresh told the Asian Voice that it would have been “kind of silly” not to accept the offer at KCL. In general terms, Haresh claimed that “Humanities subjects such as maths and english don’t really lead to an actual job.” “My parents and I are very happy with my career choices and I am so glad I was never pressured to study finance or anything to do with science,” Henna Limbachia graduated with a first class honours in Illustration and Visual Communication at the University of Westminster, July 2017. Since then, Henna has set up a successful logo design business.
On the other hand, Jaanki Patel made it clear that she did not choose pharmacy for security: “My parents encouraged me to pursue my skills and interests as a primary reason for any chosen career path, with the financial benefits of my field being a secondary factor.” Jaanki’s husband, Ronak Patel, also a pharmacist, said that his parents and relatives “encouraged” him to follow a career in science: “...it would provide me with a safe and stable career.” Prem Patel, has a background in engineering and claims that his college teacher introduced him to the subject. “My teacher was more of a mentor to me, they provided me with an insight into engineering, how things work and about the importance of design.” Unlike others, Prem linked his career path to his childhood: “I used to work on the car, fix the boiler and constructed a garage with my father. So it is the mixture of the two that lead me to where I am now.” Educationalist, Professor Alan Smithers said that: “The most important thing a parent can do is to allow a child’s abilities and interests to unfold.” It’s not the industry that gives you a secure, stable job, it’s what you make of your chosen career path. *name has been changed to protect identity.
Pak anti-graft body to probe Musharraf
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I S L A M A B A D : Pakistan's anti-corruption body, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), approved an investigation into allegations against former President Pervez Musharraf for "holding assets beyond means" and "wrongful use of authority". The former military ruler, who is currently living in exile in Dubai, also faces high treason charges in Pakistan. He was declared an absconder by an anti-terrorism court in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and had postponed his return to the country in March over security concerns, Geo News reported. On February 9, the Islamabad High Court
Pervez Musharraf
(IHC) had redefined NAB's powers allowing the bureau to investigate exmilitary men, especially retired generals, and directed it to investigate Musharraf for his alleged corruption while in office. Lt. Col. Inamur Rahim (retired) in 2014 approached the IHC seeking a probe into the alleged corruption by Musharraf. In his complaint, the petitioner had
asked NAB to hold an inquiry into the allegation that Musharraf in his nomination papers had declared assets which were beyond his known sources of income, according to a report. Musharraf ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999. Rahim claimed that Musharraf as Chief of the Army Staff as well as Pakistan's President had violated his oath according to which he was duty bound to defend the country and protect its citizens. Rahim had referred to Musharraf's book, "In the Line of Fire", and its chapter titled "Man Hunt" to point out that the former military ruler admitted to handing over a large number of people to the US "in order to make money."
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Buddhist activists halt IPO of Chinese holy mountain BEIJING: In a rare victory for religion over business in China, the Buddhist activists have succeeded in halting the initial public offering of a Chinese holy mountain. Putuoshan Tourism Development has withdrawn its IPO application from the China Securities Regulatory Commission, according to a notice from the regulator, following a campaign waged over several months by monks who sought to frame the offering as a “marketing of faith” in violation of new rules protecting religion. The explosion of China’s middle class in recent years has fed a boom in tourism, with hotels, airlines, tour operators and luxury brands all hoping to catch a bit of the business. Putuoshan Tourism has sought to grab its share via the portfolio of assets it controls around Mount Putuo in the Zhoushan region of eastern China. One of four Chinese holy mountains, Putuo is famed for its temples and towering golden statue of Guanyin, a Buddhist symbol of wisdom and compassion.The company, owned by Zhejiang province’s government and local government asset management companies, sought the listing to raise funds for the construction of parking lots, a spa facility and cable cars, among other tourism infrastructure,
The statue of Guanyin on Mount Putuo
according to a prospectus issued in July.Plans to list the company in Shanghai met stiff resistance last year from the Buddhist Association of China. The government-backed group issued a number of statements accusing Putuoshan Tourism of harming society with the public offering.“Going public in the name of faith is the sorrow of all society,” the association said in a statement. “For the social mentality of the Chinese people, this will have a deep impact.” The notice from the CSRC this month said it had requested that Putuoshan Tourism withdraw the IPO application while the regulator reviews new rules issued in November by the State Administration of Religious Affairs concerning the commercialisation of religious sites.The halt to the IPO marks a rare success in the fight to stop businesses from profiting from
Buddhist holy sites in China - many of which have already been fully commercialised, according to Irene Lok, a researcher at Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism. Putuoshan is the third group in China to pursue the flotation of a holy mountain along with other tourism assets. Emei Shan Tourism and Anhui Jiuhuashan Tourism have both taken their eponymous holymountain assets public.As one of China’s four holy mountains, Mount Putuo has deep significance to Chinese people, Buddhist or not. Guanyin has become a Chinese cultural icon whose image often appears at the entrance of restaurants and in homes for good luck. That made it easy for companies such as Putuoshan Tourism to cash in on the assets they control, Ms Lok said.
4 British pilgrims killed in Saudi road crash R I YA D H: Four British pilgrims were killed and 12 others were injured when the coach in which they were travelling was hit by a fuel tanker in Saudi Arabia. According to Hashim Travel, the truck then caught fire, setting the bus alight. A woman in her 60s from Blackburn, Lancashire, an elderly woman and her adult son, from Preston, Lancashire, and an elderly man, also from Preston, died in the crash near the town of Al Khalas, about 30 miles north of Mecca. The coach had 18 people on board and was travelling from Mecca to Medina when the collision took place on Saturday. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the department was supporting the families of the victims.
Tej Lalvani
A groundbreaking Perfectil clinical trial1 showed for the first time that supplementation can help to protect against the ageing effects of harsh winter weather on the skin. The pioneering work led to Vitabiotics’ founder and chairman Dr Kartar Lalvani OBE receiving an honorary professorship from the University of Franche-Comté. This was the first time the award of professorship was given by the University to a British scientist in the field of dermatology. Commenting on the new Queen’s Award, Vitabiotics President Dr
Ajit Lalvani
Kartar Lalvani OBE said: “Vitabiotics is immensely honoured to once again receive the Queen’s Award for Innovation, in recognition of our unique and highly successful Perfectil research and innovation. This accolade is a testament to Vitabiotics and I would like to thank all of our dedicated staff, customers, suppliers and research partners for their continued support.” Vitabiotics’ CEO Tej Lalvani said: “Founded by my pioneering scientist father, Dr Kartar Lalvani in 1971, Vitabiotics has consistently been at the fore-
Passengers on the bus were from Birmingham, A c c r i n g t o n , Wolverhampton and Northampton, as well as Blackburn and Preston. The passengers were on an Umrah pilgrimage, an Islamic journey to Mecca. The travel firm’s director Gulfaraz Zaman said: “The coach driver said they were travelling in the opposite direction to the petrol tanker when a car overtook the tanker and he
had to move in to the side of the road a little to let it through but then the petrol tanker hit the coach which caught fire.” The Saudi Arabia embassy in London said in a statement that it "was working with (Britain's) Foreign Office to issue emergency visas immediately to both the relatives of the four pilgrims who died as well as to families of the 12 British pilgrims who were injured".
Lanka President, PM to meet soon
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet soon for crucial discussions on the impending cabinet reshuffle. According to Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the cabinet reshuffle is imminent and will take place soon, following the discussions between the President and Premier. He revealed this while addressing the gath-
Vitabiotics becomes the first vitamin company in history to receive the Queen's award for innovation for the second time Today, 21st April 2018, Vitabiotics, the UK’s number one vitamin company, is honoured to announce The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation has been awarded to its Perfectil beauty vitamins range. This is the first and only time that a vitamin company has received the award for innovation on two occasions. It marks the fourth Queen’s Award that Vitabiotics has received, including The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its Pregnacare vitamin research in 2013. Vitabiotics Perfectil is the UK’s number one nutritional supplement for skin, hair, and nails. It represents multiple innovations in the field of cosmetic science and nutrition, underpinned by a portfolio of granted and filed patents, as well as being the first choice of beauty experts and celebrities including Nicole Scherzinger.
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front of nutritional science and research. Through his inspiration I have over the last 20 years focused on developing effective & novel marketing strategies to drive growth in the UK & global export markets whilst also introducing innovative and leading new product ranges to our portfolio. My elder brother Professor Ajit Lalvani, the highly accomplished medical scientist and inventor, has over the many years helped to shape our growth strategy and boost our research programs providing valuable background support to our increasing range of products. We are all immensely proud to have yet again received this incredibly prestigious award. Vitabiotics has been fortunate enough to have now won four queen’s awards in total, the first two for enterprise in export and the latter two for innovation which is the first time any vitamin company has achieved.”
Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena
ering at the Japan Expo 2018, held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. He further opined that the United National Party’s final stance on the much anticipated cabinet reshuffle would be announced in the near future, too. Meanwhile, the list of new Cabinet Ministers has already been drafted. The new Cabinet is tipped to
have 43 Ministers. A top Government source had revealed that the list of 49 portfolios was finalized by last Friday. However, when the draft was forwarded to President Sirisena, he had directed that the number of portfolios be brought down to 43 from the current 49. The President said to bring it to 43, six of the SLFP Ministers have resigned.
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
SOUTH
TN Prof suspended for allegedly 'luring' students into sex work
CHENNAI: An audio clip exposing a Tamil Nadu professor's attempt to push female students into sex work has sent shockwaves across the state. In a clip of a telephonic conversation that lasts for around 19 minutes, Nirmala Devi, an assistant professor associated with the Devanga College in Virudhunagar, is heard telling the students about an “opportunity” that would come their way. She is heard telling them what they are expected to do certain things “secretly” for a very senior official of the Madurai Kamaraj University to which the college is affiliated. “On the academic side, I
Nirmala Devi
can take the four of you to a big level, I can assure you that. He is that big an official. I will make sure that your marks are not affected. You will get financial support and academic support also. I don't know if you will tell your parents or not. We
will open an account for you and will put money for you,” she said. When asked to elaborate by the students, she said, “In order to finish some things successfully, they are expecting college students. Till now, I have not gone down to that level. I can only say so much. I believe you will understand what they expect. If you accept this scheme, MKU will be your backbone.” Nirmala then threatens them that if the news were leaked, the girls will be subjected to negative comments. When the girls repeatedly reject the offer, the professor offers them part time jobs as well. She even claims to have access
to the “Governor” at one point, and still when the students continue to reject her offer, she finally says, “I am going to the next level. I just wanted to take you with me.” College authorities have admitted that the four students approached them with a complaint against Nirmala on March 19. Principal-in-charge of the college, Ramasamy said, “We took down the report and immediately contacted the professor. She was away for some course but she was made to come back to college immediately. We then suspended her and she remains suspended till now.
TN guv apologises for patting female journalist's cheek CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has offered regret and apologies to a woman journalist for patting her cheek. The incident took place last week at the Raj Bhavan when the journalist raised a question as he got up to leave. In a mail to Lakshmi Subramanian, the governor said, “I considered that question to be a good one. Therefore, as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed, I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter.” The Chennai Press
al head of the state is expected to set an example by his words and actions. “But we are sorry to say, your behaviour in the press meet was neither exemplary nor condonable,” it said. Governer Banwarilal Purohit patting the Meanwhile, journalist's cheek Purohit said Club had earlier sought an the “pat on cheek” was apology from the governor done with affection and to for his “unbecoming conexpress his appreciation for duct” as the governor. It her performance as a joursaid being the constitution-
nalist. “I do understand from your mail that you feel hurt about the incident. I wish to express my regret and my apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt.” Lakshmi responded to the letter in a tweet saying, “Your Excellency, I have with me your letter dated April 18, 2018, expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked.”
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WEST BENGAL
Bengal Panchayat polls: HC orders fresh dates for nomination KOLKATA: Calcutta High Court has ordered the State Election Commission (SEC) to announce fresh dates for filing of nomination for Bengal Panchayat poll. It canceled a prior SEC notification quashing an initial order of extending the nomination process by one day on April 10, and directed the Commission to issue fresh date of filing of nomination papers. The HC had last week, issued a stay on filing of nomination, following allegations of large scale violence by the Opposition parties. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI (M)) leader Rabin Deb said they are “happy” with the order. Trinamool Congress claimed that the High Court has accepted their arguments and demands. Panchayat elections in West Bengal were to be held in three phases from May 1 to May 5 and the counting of votes was scheduled on May 8. The SEC will, however, have to announce a new schedule, following the fresh order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the move. She said, “We want an early poll, as the temperature will be rising in May and in places like
Mamata Banerjee
Purulia, Bankura, and Birbhum it touches almost 50 degree Celsius. The Opposition is unwilling to hold the polls and for which they had moved the court, to stall it,” she said. The CM also worries that Ramzan starts in mid-May and hopes the polls will be over before that. She said about 30 per cent of the people will be observing Ramzan in Bengal, so the month should be spared. The Opposition had moved the HC seeking more time for filing nominations, as they alleged that Trinamool had unleashed terror in West Bengal and were not allowing Opposition candidates to file nominations. Congress MP and PCC chief Adhir Choudhury had also filed a case.
Storms kill 15, disrupt life in West Bengal
PUNJAB-HARYANA
9 new ministers join Amarinder govt in Punjab
New ministers with Capt. Amrinder Singh
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expanded his government by inducting nine new ministers at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday. All the newly inducted ministers are first-timers. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor VP Singh Badnore at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhawan. Two women ministers Aruna Chaudhary and Razia Sultana -were also elevated to cabinet rank. The newly inducted ministers are OP Soni, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Gurpreet Kangar, Balbir Singh
Sidhu, Vijay Inder Singla, Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Sunder Sham Arora. The Chief Minister also took to Twitter to welcome the new ministers and shared a picture of them after the oath ceremony. However, the cabinet expansion has left several hopefuls in the ruling party sulking. Some of them have even offered to resign from Congress party posts to show their resentment. Youth Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Kuljit Singh Nagra, former Olympian Pargat Singh and Dalit leader Raj Kumar Verka were among the strong contenders who were left out in the cabinet expansion.
Sikh widow weds Lahore man, converts to Islam A M R I T S A R: A Sikh woman who travelled to Pakistan on pilgrimage has married a man in Lahore and converted to Islam. The widow from Hoshiarpur, Kiran Bala, has left behind three young children with her father-in-law to marry Muhammad Azam, whom she met online, and has known for over a year and a half. Authorities, meanwhile, wonder if she was coerced into converting and marrying the man. Kiran, who now identifies herself as Amna Bibi, has, however, claimed that she married and converted on her own will. She said, “It was not on Facebook (that we met), it was social media. I did everything by myself, no one forced me to do anything.” She however, refused to say which media platform. Amna went to the neighbouring country with a Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee-led jatha to celebrate Baisakhi on April
Kiran Bala who converted to Islam
12. She went to Lahorebased Dar-ul-Ulaoom Naeemia on April 16, and embraced Islam, then she married Azam. Amna wrote a letter to the Pakistan Interior Ministry the same day seeking a visa extension and alleging a threat to her life in India. The SGPC has alleged that the incident reflects on the Indian intelligence's failure. Amna's father-in-law Tarsem Singh has appealed to Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj for help. He said he fears she was persuaded by radical Muslims to wage jihad.
A picture of Kolkata's Saturday Club after the storms
KOLKATA: Two separate storms lashed parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, killing at least 15 people as winds topping 80 km per hour crashed through cities. Trees were toppled, train and air traffic disrupted, electric poles uprooted in the region. Seven were killed in Kolkata and six in Howrah as the seasonal storms struck the eastern state. Five people in Kolkata died when a tree fell on an autorickshaw they were traveling in. Two people were struck by lightning in Hooghly and Bankura districts in south West Bengal. One person was killed when a house collapsed in Anandpur, and a pedestrian died after a tree fell on him in Behala. Four people including a teenage girl, were killed in Ward 61 of Howrah near Belur in two separate incidents. Two others were electrocuted when a tree fell on overhead electric wires and the wires crashed on them.
Over a dozen people were also injured in different parts of the state after branches of trees fell on them and some in wall collapses. The storm and rain brought down the temperature by about 7 degrees Celsius. Full extent of the damage was only evident three days later, as employees of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and disaster management teams battled to clear uprooted trees and cables hanging on the streets. State Minister for Disaster Management Javed Khan said, “We have deployed our entire force to clean up the mess from the city streets. They have cleared the streets and normal traffic have resumed. Most of the obstructions were due to uprooted trees, lamp posts, and dangling wires.” Mobile and internet services were hit too, with the storm bringing down overhead wires and damaging mobile towers.
HERITAGE HISTORY
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Dr. Hari Desai
Bardoli Satyagraha: A turning Point for Indian Independence • Once Patel was convinced, Gandhiji blessed and gave green signal
I
t was July 1927. In many parts of Gujarat and Kathiawad the rainfall was so heavy, so continuous and was accompanied by such strong winds as had never before been known in the memory of the oldest living persons in those areas. Barrister Vallabhbhai Patel was re-elected as the President of Ahmedabad Municipality in 1927 with reduced majority. Patel, along with his municipality staff and even the Collector of Ahmedabad district, was busy fighting the calamity and extending assistance to the affected people. Even the Collector of Kheda asked the Collector of Ahmedabad for help in securing a supply of essential commodities for his flood affected district. Patel came to their rescue in obtaining quantities of wheat, rice, sugar, kerosene etc., and sent them off to the Ahmedabad station together with a group of volunteers. The Collector of Kheda was greatly relieved when the commodities reached Kheda. Barrister Vitthalbhai Patel, the elder brother of Vallabhbhai, was the President of the Central Legislature. He not only started a flood relief fund of his own, but rushed to Gujarat to assist his brother immediately after the session of the Legislature was over at Simla. He drew attention of the Viceroy. Lord Irvin, who came to Gujarat for a two-day visit in the second week of December along with Lady Irwin, was impressed by the relief work being carried out under the leadership of Patels. Even Bombay Government was pleased. “When he presented the statement of expenditure in connection with the flood relief to the
Legislature, Sir Chunilal Mehta, the Finance Member (Minister) greatly praised Vallabhbhai’s alertness and organizing ability and said that in Gandhiji’s absence, Vallabhbhai had taken his place and discharged his duties creditably. He admitted that the discipline and the ability which the volunteers had shown was the result of years of training given to them by Gandhiji and Vallabhbhai,” records Narhari D. Parikh in “Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel”. For two years, Bardoli was protesting and petitioning against proposals for an increase in land revenue tax even with the support of Surat district’s
Industrialist Kasturbhai Lalbhai, a lifelong friend of the Sardar
representatives in the Bombay Legislative Council, but the Raj did not budge. In July 1928 itself, the Government refused to consider peoples’ perspective and declared that the revised tax was not being collected on the basis of agriculture prices but on the statistical conclusions of lease and rental calculated purely by talaatis or junior revenue officials in Bardoli taluka. The Revenue Commissioner F. G. H. Anderson jacked up the rates for Bardoli taluka by 30 per cent in January 1928. The reaction of Bardoli’s peasants was that they could not accept
Vallabhbhai Patel addressing a meeting at Bardoli
the new rates. Since the Government declined to have a dialogue with moderates in the nationalists groups, they decided to seek assistance of Vallabhbhai Patel who had past experience in leading the Nagpur, Kheda and Borsad Satyagraha. Vallabhbhai got appreciation for his public service but all was not well in the Ahmedabad Municipality under his Presidentship. He repeatedly faced opposition from his own friends like Ambalal Sarabhai and Kasturbhai Lalbhai, both prominent industrialists and even Gulzarilal Nada, the leader of the textile workers, who were among the new members. Patel tendered resignation as
Gulzarilal Nanda, from a trade union leader to Premier
the President of the Municipality in 1927 and was persuaded to withdraw. On 13 April 1928, he finally resigned when his nominee for the Chief
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Officer’s post lost support of the Board. Rajmohan Gandhi describes the episode in “Patel: A Life”:“Ambalal, Kasturbhai and Gulzarilal recommended the name of (Morarji) Desai, who was a government servant at the time, and (G.V.)
Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, the first Speaker of Lok Sabha
Mavalankar supported the suggestion. Patel, who had assured (H.L.) Dewan of his backing, expressed disagreement. He also told Ambalal and the others that he would quit if Bhagat was chosen. The council voted on the question on 13 April. In a three-cornered contest, Bhagat emerged ahead of both Dewan and Desai, with Desai getting more votes than Dewan….The minute he heard the result, Vallabhbhai picked up pen and paper and wrote out his resignation…A few hours later, he
the Mahatma blessed: was on a train to Bardoli.” “Well, then, there is nothThough defeated at the ing more to be considered. Municipality, he was Go forward and victory to destined to emerge as Gujarat.” the Sardar at the On 4th February, national level after the Vallabhbhai reached success of Bardoli Bardoli, presided over the Satyagraha. A most conference and gave seven powerful leader of the days’ time to think over Congress, Patel carefully the risks involved became the first and come to a firm deciDeputy Prime Minister sion. He returned to of India. Nanda Ahmedabad and wrote a became the interim detailed letter on the 6th PM twice and Desai rose to become the PM in 1977. Though Patel had planned Civil Disobedience activities in Bardoli following the Congress Session of 1921 at Ahmedabad, he was not prepared to accept the leadership of the peasants of Bardoli without verifying their commitment not to give up. When he was approached, he asked them to go to the Members of the Ambalal Sarabhai, an industrialist who supported Legislature. Again when Gandhiji they approached him February to the Governor along with the Members of of Bombay in which he the Legislature, he wanted requested him to postpone all of them to go back. His the recovery of the revised advice was: “You go back land revenue until such to Bardoli. If the agricultime as the whole matter turists are prepared to could be reviewed. “If you withhold not merely the feel it will help to discuss increase in the land revthe matter with me perenue but the whole of the sonally, I am ready to land revenue, and if they come whenever you are prepared to face all the desire.” dire consequences, that Vallabhbhai received in would undoubtedly ensue, reply “a very short and I am willing to come. Go curt reply” signed by the through the whole Taluka, Private Secretary to the ascertain what the peoGovernor to the ple have to say. Find out how Next Column: effect that the letter had been many are Elder Brother sent to the ready and Gandhi as Patel’s R e v e n u e then tell Department for me.” lieutenant disposal. No furThis was ther communication around 20 January was received from the 1928.The first installment Revenue Department until of the land revenue fell the 11th. And Vallabhbhai due on the 5th February, had reached Bardoli on the so that the whole of the 12th February, the day he inquiry had to be completpreferred to launch the ed in the course of 8 to 10 Bardoli Satyagraha after days. They completed the consulting all concerned. exercise and returned to (The writer is a SocioAhmedabad. Vallabhbhai political Historian. accompanied them to E-mail: Gandhiji. On hearing the haridesai@gmail.com ) justification from Patel,
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INDIA
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Naidu rejects motion to remove CJI, Cong to challenge order in SC Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the Congress-led Opposition's notice to remove Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra holding that there was no “substantial and verifiable” evidence of wrongdoing. In his order, Naidu said, “I am of the view that the allegations are neither tenable nor admissible.” He added that the “allegations emerging from the present case have a serious tendency of undermining the independence of the judiciary.” A total of 64 MPs belonging to the Congress, NCP, CPM, CPI, SP, BSP, and IUML had issued a notice seeking removal of Misra. They had levelled allegations of corruption, impropriety, and arbitrariness in allocation of cases as grounds. After holding
Venkaiah Naidu and Dipak Mishra
consultations with lawyers, jurists, constitutional experts, and retired and serving bureaucrats, Naidu said the condition “proved misconduct” laid down in the Constitution obliged those levelling charges to furnish proof of their allegations before the process for the removal kicked in. In a detailed order, he said, “The members of Parliament who have presented the petition are unsure of their
own case. The phrases used by MPs themselves indicate a mere suspicion, a conjecture or an assumption. The same does not constitute proof beyond reasonable doubt which is required to make out a case for proved misbehavior.” Regarding the allegation of prima facie evidence of the CJI's involvement in the conspiracy to pay bribes in the medical scam, Naidu said,
“Conversations between third parties with dubious credentials, which have been excessively relied upon, cannot constitute any material evidence against the holder of the office of CJI.” Meanwhile, following the rejection of the controversial move, Congress slammed Naidu's order as “illegal, ill-advised and hasty.” Congress' Kapil Sibal said they would challenge the order in the Supreme Court. He said CJI Misra should not involve himself in the “listing and hearing” petition against Naidu's order. BJP applauded Naidu and slammed Congress for its “intimidatory tactics”. Party president Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the move and called it a “despicable attempt” to weaken the country's democratic institutions.
Modi, Xi meet on April 27-28 to renew ties after Doklam Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first “informal summit” in the city of Wuhan, central China, on April 27 and 28. Marking a breakthrough in ties following the tense Doklam military stand off, the meeting comes as concrete evidence that the two leaders are keen to give some momentum to the bilateral relationship. The decision was announced following talks between Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj who was in China on a visit, and her counterpart Wang Yi. The meet will be Modi's fourth visit to China since he took up office, and a second bilateral visit. Wang described the pending meeting as a “new
Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping
starting point” in the relationship. Wang called India and China “natural partners” who have no choice but to pursue a lasting friendship and common development agenda. “We will make sure that the informal summit will be a complete success and a milestone in India-China
relations. We see socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a new era and India acts as a crucial stage in its development and revitalisation.” Swaraj said, “We believe that our commonalities outweigh our differences and that we must build on our convergences while seeking
mutually acceptable resolutions of our differences.” The meeting can also lead to back-to-back visits for Modi to China as he is scheduled to travel to the country again in June for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. A source said most events planned for the informal summit are oneon-one, even though the core delegation comprising officials in the Ministry of External Affairs who handle China will travel with the Indian PM. Swaraj said, “While making efforts to progress our relations in diverse areas, we underlined that maintaining peace and tranquility in the IndiaChina border areas is an essential pre-requisite for the smooth development of bilateral ties.”
Rebel queen Maharani Jindan Kaur's jewellery up for auction Jewellery owned by the last queen of the Sikh empire, Maharani Jindan Kaur, or the 'Rebel Queen' as she was called, is going up for auction. Her treasury, known to be the largest and the richest in the world, was seized and we all know the story of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond being presented to Queen Victoria. The bounty also includes a pair of gold pendant earrings, which will be sold off privately at Bonhams in London next week. They are expected to fetch somewhere between £20,000 and £30,000.
Maharani Jindan Kaur's gold earrings were captured after her defeat in battle by the British East
Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Islamic and Indian Art said, “These gold ear-
rings are beautiful pieces of jewellery in their own right. They are also an important
reminder of a courageous woman who endured the loss of her kingdom, and persecution and privation with great dignity and fortitude.” The 19 year old widow was the only wife out of 17 of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who did not commit sati by jumping on his funeral pyre. She was deposed, separated from her son and imprisoned by the East India Company. Her personal wealth was confiscated and plundered by the British government, who sent them to London as gifts for Queen Victoria.
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Death for rapists of minors in India
The Union Cabinet has cleared a stringent ordinance that provides for lengthy jail terms, and even death penalty for sex offenders convicted for raping girls below the age of 12. The ordinance also sets the punishment of imprisonment for life, for gang rape of a victim below 16. It also sets out life sentences for the entire natural life of a convict, ruling out anticipatory bail for rape or gang rape of a girl less than 16 years, while also providing a twomonth time frame for
investigation and the same for trial. The Cabinet met Prime Minister Narendra Modi within hours of his return from a tour of Sweden and UK. The PM reviewed the Criminal Law Ordinance, 2018, intended to provide “effective deterrence” against rape. Officials said the government has taken serious note of the “incidents of rape in various parts of the country” and framed a comprehensive response that includes tough sentences and timebound trials.
Ahmedabad crime branch cracked the rape and murder of the 11-year-old girl and her mother in Surat, and arrested the prime accused and detained three others for the crime. The crime branch sleuths arrested Harsayai Gurjar, 35, from Gangapur in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district while three others including his brother Harisinh and two other brothers – Naresh and Amarsinh Gurjar - have been detained. These two brothers were working as supervisors with Harsinh. The girl’s body having 87 injuries, including severe ones in her private parts inflicted by a stick-like object, was found in the bushes on Jiav-Budia Road in Bhestan area under the Pandesara police jurisdiction on April 6. Harsayai and his brother, both natives of Gangapur, and presently living in Pandesara area of Surat, are working as labour contractors for marble fitting. Harsayai, father of two, had bought the girl and her widowed mother from a man in Gangapur by paying him Rs 35,000. They were brought as bonded labourers from Rajasthan to Surat on March 15. Sources said that Harsayai started sexually exploiting the girl’s mother and raped her several times as soon they started living in
a room of his three-storey house. However, he planned to eliminate the widow who had started objecting to his advances and feared that she would expose him. The widow went missing on March 20 after which
11-year-old girl’s rape & murder in Surat cracked
Harsayai Gurjar
Harsayai preyed on the 11year-old girl and confined her in Harisinh’s room who was then in Gangapur. Deputy commissioner of police, crime branch, Deepan Bhadran, said, “For several days, Harsayai raped and brutally tortured the girl. On April 5, he strangulated her to death as it was getting difficult to confine her anymore. On the night of April 5, Harsayai took her body in the car and dumped it in the bushes on JiavBudia Road around 2 km from his house.” “From the CCTV footage, police traced the car owner and finally reached Harisinh, who said that Harsayai, who was in Gangapur for the past few days, could be behind the crime.”
LSE students to get £500 each over “appalling” living conditions Over 100 students at the London School of Economics (LSE) have received payouts after preparing a class action lawsuit against the university over their “appalling” living conditions. Students, all postgraduates from overseas, were paying £9,000 a year to stay in Sidney Webb House, near Borough Market, London, which was managed by Unite Housing. The students complained of lack of hot water and heating, as well as complained about mould, rubbish and mice infestations. A number of students even alleged that
they had become unwell because of the conditions they were living in. Around 120 students signed up to a class action lawsuit and raised over £5,000 to pay for a lawyer for their case. It is said that the university initially resisted the claims, but have now settled by paying an estimated £60,000 in compensation (£500 for each student). Senior partner and head of litigation at firm Edwin Coe, who was the students' lawyer, said that more than 450 students had been affected. The Sidney Webb Action Group were “very pleased with the result”.
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BBC's ‘Big Asian Summer’ In a rather ambitious season reflecting upon the journey of what is now Britain's largest minority population- British Asians, BBC has announced the Big British Asian Summer, a series of programmes from across the channel diving deep into the culture and social aspect of the community. “The Big British Asian Summer is a wonderfully rich season of programmes from across the BBC exploring the cultural, social, and familial impact of these two regions of the world coming together. From Bollywood to Sharwoods, the season will encompass a huge range of showssometimes celebratory, sometimes challenging, always inspiring,” said Alison Kirkham, Controller, Factual
Commissioning. Hanging at over three million, the British Asian community is vast and a force to reckon with. Not only are they deeply rooted in each and every fabric of modern Britain, it is they who indefinitely helped with the makeover. The season will be broadcast on BBC One, Two, and Four in August. Fozia Khan, Channel Commissioner of BBC Two said, “We are delighted that BBC Two will be at the heart of the Big British Asian Summer. From nostalgic cookery series 'A Taste of Home' to the major social history series 'Passengers', the season promised to be both celebratory and questioning.” There will also be specially commissioned episodes of BBC Two's
'Inside the Factory', which will take viewers deep into the world of curry, and 'Gardners' World', which will celebrate south Asian influences on British gardens. BBC Four will also air a documentary titled 'The Stolen Maharajah: Britain's Indian Royal'. A BBC spokesman said, “British Asians are now the biggest minority population in Britain. They're not just part of the fabric of contemporary Britain, they've helped create it.” Not only glossy, fluff pieces, the season will also look into racial tensions and “the fault lines between white and nonwhite Britain.” 'British Asian Men', a feature presented by Mehreen Baig will ask some thought provoking questions.
Stephen Lawrence Day to be held annually
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that a national day of commemoration for murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence will take place on April 22 every year. The announcement came as the family of the black teenager attended the 25th anniversary memorial of his demise in London. May said the victim's mother Doreen Lawrence, now a peer in the Lords, and father Neville “have fought heroically to ensure their son's life and death will never be forgotten.” Stephen was set upon by a gang, stabbed, and left to die in Eltham on April 22, 1993. Two of the group of up to six men who attacked him and his friend Duwayne Brooks have been convicted of murder, the
others however, walk free. Both David Norris and Gary Dobson serve life sentences. The Macpherson Report into his death found that there had been “institutional racism” in the police. “It is right that Stephen's name and legacy lives on. I feel honoured she has recognised the changes that have been made in Stephen's name and the changes that are still needed,” Baroness Lawrence said. She added that she looks forward to deliver the first Stephen Lawrence Day in 2019, alongside the government. The anniversary memorial service at St-Martinin-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, was attended royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
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Windrush immigration cases reflect on Britain's tough future Home Secretary Amber Rudd has pledged that the Windrush generation will be granted British citizenship as the government scrambles to correct a scandal they so unwittingly took up. Speaking to the Commons, she said she recognised the “harrowing” experiences of the Caribbean immigrants who were instrumental in picking up pieces of the postwar Britain, and that she was determined to right all wrongs that have taken place. The Home Office is now all set to waive citizenship fees for the immigrants and their families, along with any charges for returning to the UK for those who have already been retired to their countries of origin, after decades of building a life here. The HO will also scrap language and British knowledge tests, also bringing in speedy financial compensation for those who suffered loss. Very little, however, has been known so far. Rudd said, “The contribution of the Windrush generation and their right to be in the UK is in no doubt and I deeply regret the situation that has arisen. It is only right that the significant contribution the Windrush generation have made to
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based on numbers, not people. This is true. Driven by their fixation on a target that calls to reduce net migration to 100,000 a year, officials overlook on the fact that it is human lives they are dealing with. A solution to this attitude needs to arrive no sooner than later, because with the process of Brexit in the horizon, it comes as a necessity to show that the UK is the best place to thrive. Showcasing the corrective measures to be taken by the Home Office, it has said that a new dedicated team has been set up to help people confirm their status, along with prompt answers. “The new team has already successfully resolved nine cases and made 84 appointments to issue documents to individuals who have been in touch with the team through the freephone helpline,” it read.
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The Empire Windrush arriving in Britain on 21 June, 1948
the UK is recognised. That is why, I want to ensure they can acquire the status they deserve, British citizenship, quickly at no cost and with proactive assistance through the process.” Rudd added, “It is also why I want to make sure we set up a compensation scheme that works in the best interests of those affected. I hope that the measures I announced today will begin to reassure people as to their position and their valued status in this country.” As much as the British government tries to make amends, it cannot be denied that a rift has been created. The scandal now serves as a lesson for the future. New immigration laws are being made as the UK now leaves the European Union. There is no place for old mistakes. A recent report pointed out that the crisis was caused due to Britain's policy
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
£30 mn budget for Rajamouli’s next
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
Malavika Mohanan ropes in lead role in Majid Majidi's next
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S Rajamouli's upcoming 'RRR' featuring Jr NTR and Ram Charan in lead roles, was initially reported to have a budget of approximately Rs 200 Crores. However, reports now suggest that produce DVV Danayya revealed in a recent interview during 'Bharat Ane Nenu' promotions that the budget is actually as high as Rs 300 Crores. The movie is currently in the pre-production stage, and Ram Charan and Jr NTR have returned from the US after completing the test photo shoot. Rajamouli shares a good rapport with both the actors, having worked with Charan in 'Magadheera' and NTR in 'Student No. 1'. Shooting for 'RRR' is expected to commence in August this year, with both the stars presently busy with their other assignments. Meanwhile, Rajamouli has a star-struck fan in Bollywood. Varun Dhawan, whose latest 'October' is faring exceptionally at the box office, has expressed interest in working with Rajamouli. Talking about his wish to work in the South Indian film industry, Dhawan said, “I want to work with Shankar and SS Rajamouli. I have always wanted to debut as a hero in Tamil or Telugu cinema. Ram Charan is a good friend, and told me to learn Telugu. I love watching South Indian cinema, and am even influenced by their choices. Films like 'Arjun Reddy' or 'Mercury', for instance. Let's not even talk about how Malayalam films are the king of content.”
Kollywood to resume work after 48-day shutdown
T
he Tamil film industry is all set to resume work after a 48-day shut down. Following a marathon meeting last week, the tripartite talks between the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC), the Digital Service Provides (DSPs), and exhibitors, mediated by the state government, came to a positive conclusion. Vishal, president of TFPC, said, “From June 1, the Tamil film industry will become completely transparent. Computerised ticketing will be introduced throughout Tamil Nadu and a Government Order (GO) will be passed on this soon. To make it convenient for the public, flexible pricing of tickets will be introduced. Based on the nature of the film, the ticket rates will be fixed.” Vishal added that the TFPC will be launching its own online ticket booking platform. “The online booking charge when booked through this facility will be a maximum of '4 per transaction compared to the current 30 per ticket,” he said. The strike had begun with the TFPC differing over charges levied as Virtual Print Fess (VPFs) by the DSPs. Vishal said the DSPs have agreed to reduce the VPF rates. “For a period of six months, E-cinema rates have been brought down from 9000 to 5000 for a week's run. For a film's entire run, the rates have been revised to 10,000 from the earlier 22,000. This kind of reduction in VPF charges hasn't happened in any other state.” L Suresh, president, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are happy and very thankful to the Government of Tamil Nadu for intervening in this matter and bringing about a truce. For, never in the history of Tamil films has there been a 45-day strike. We are also happy to note that the exhibitor and producer sectors extended their support and came together with the intention of seeking a solution.”
alayalam actress Malavika Mohanan has grabbed the female lead in Iranian director Majid Majidi's upcoming Hindi film 'Beyond the Clouds'. The actress said that casting director Honey Trehan informed her that big stars like Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranaut had vied for the role. “Everybody was contending, so he was like if you get it, good. The reason why I was cast is because I fit the character. I was happy I got the role. I love these actors. I think they are amazing and to be considered as a competition alongside them is an honour. I am glad I got to work in this film,” she said. Malavika said when she first got a call from Trehan, she did not know that she will be doing a look test for the movie. “Trehan said don't get your hopes up as a lot of big actresses have done a look test... and are competing for it. Every actor wants to work with him. I was given a context and told to interpret the character in my own. I went home, decided what Tara would wear, like a bindi, nose ring, earring and did dusky make-up. I told my father to click some pictures on real locations like Madh Island.” Majidi was reportedly so impressed with her photos that she did not have to go through an audition. “The look that was locked for the film was 90 per cent of my interpretation, like the nose ring, bindi and the hair. So I was happy that we envisioned in the same way,” Malavika said. She will star in the film with Ishaan Khatter, half brother of Shahid Kapoor. She plays his sister in the movie. “we both were cast as Majidi sir saw the characters of Tara and Amir in us. Ishaan is a very talented actor. He is very sharp and a quick learner. I have done a couple of more films than an average newcomer, so that (experience) did help.”
Vidharth joins remake of Vidya Balan's ‘Tumhari Sulu’
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fter roping in Jyotika to play the female lead in the Tamil remake of 'Tumhari Sulu', makers of the film have now brought in actor Vidharth to play her on-screen husband. Director Radha Mohan confirmed the news saying, “This is not the usual hero's role, and we wanted an actor who could understand the nuances of the character and then play it on screen. From the current crop of youngsters, we felt that Vidharth would fit the bill. He has been associated with some interesting projects, and he happily came on board when we approached him.” The original movie had Bollywood actress Vidya Balan in the titular role, with theatre director Manav Kaul as her husband. Producer of the remake, Dhananjayan said, “He is an understanding husband, but puts self-respect above everything. We were looking at casting a hero, but were not looking for heroism. Vidharth was amazing in films like 'Kuttrame Thandanai', 'Oru Kidayin Karunai Manu', and 'Kurangu Bommai'. That's why we approached him.” The rest of the cast and crew is currently being finalised.
Get rid of casting couch by talking about it: Ramya Nambeesan
'S
ethupathi' actress Ramya Nambeesan weighed in on the ongoing harassment and exploitation scandal of the Tamil film industry. With several actresses coming forward voicing their issues, Ramya said, “I am not ignoring the fact that my co-actors and friends have spoken about the bad influence that exists in the industry. But, fortunately, I have not gone through this. I have been very sure about what I am doing and I always learned to say no to whatever I didn't want to do. But, I am ashamed that my friends have faced such issues.” She added, “I am not saying it is not there because I haven't gone through this, but I don't have a personal experience. I think the only way to get rid of this is by speaking about it. Now, we have several platforms to talk about it and people are actually listening to what you say. This is not a problem that exists only in cine industry, but everywhere. So, women should be strong and talk about it.” Talking about her films, she said, “These days it is a bit tough to be selective, but you should be very careful while choosing scripts. I have made mistakes in the past while choosing scripts. In the last few years, I have been very keen on selecting scripts where my character is as important as others. My last outing was 'Sathya' and 'Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma' is coming up next. I am in no hurry to sign films. I am calm and composed, waiting for the right opportunity.”
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Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh to reunite after 27 years
V
eteran actors Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan are all set to reunite on the big screen after 27 years. To appear together in the forthcoming film '102 Not Out', Kapoor said they did not feel the gap. “We worked in this film after 27 years but from the time we went on the set, we started rehearsing. We did not feel the gap between these years. I feel proud to say that I have been working with him for the last 44 years. Our first film was 'Kabhi Kabhie' (1976) and the last time we worked together was in 'Ajooba' (1991). Meanwhile, Bachchan is all praise for his co-stars in the film. “I believe if you are appreciating my performance, it is due to my co-artistes. If they don't perform well enough for your reaction, then your reaction would go wrong. So I would like to compliment Rishiji and Jimit (Trivedi) for this film. Whenever you see (this movie), if you like or don't like it, it depends on their performance too. Our performances are the reflection of their performances,” Bachchan said.
Sexual harassment allegations against Ali Zafar
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fresh round of accusations have been made against actor and singer Ali Zafar, by Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi, followed by others. Shafi took to social media, to open up about being sexually harassed by Zafar on several occasions and that her “conscience does not allow me to be silent anymore.” In a long text, Meesha said, “Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out... but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo.” Zafar took to Twitter to respond to the allegations. He denied all accusations, and said, “I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here.” He added, “I am deeply aware and in support of the global #MeToo movement and what it stands for. I am the father of a young girl and a young boy, a husband to a wife and a son to a mother. I am a man that has stood up for myself, my family, my colleagues and friends countless times in the face of slander, defamation and general unkindness. I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi.” However, soon enough, more women came forward with similar allegations. Make up artist Leena Ghani lent Meesha her support, tweeting she was not alone and that she had faced similar experiences. “Seeing (Meesha's) courage it's impossible for me to not speak now, not only in support of her but also to say she's not alone. In the many years I have known Ali, he has on several occasions crossed boundaries of what is appropriate behaviour between friends.” Elaborating on Ali's behaviour, she said it showed a “clear lack of respect for women.”
Deepika among Time’s ‘100 most Influential’ Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
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n our weekly doze of good news, Deepika Padukone is the only Indian actress to feature in this year's Time's '100 Influential People in the World' list. Padukone shared space with the likes of Nicole Kidman, Gal Gadot, Greta Gerwig, and Lena Waithe. Surprisingly, her 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' co-star Vin Diesel has penned words of appreciation for her in the magazine. HE wrote, “Making that movie, Deepika took committed to a whole other level. That's who she is as a performer. She wants the whole movie to shine, which is a rare thing. Anyone could talk about how beautiful she is, and anyone could tell you about her unmatched comedic timing. But she isn't about a star. She's an actor's actor, dedicated to the craft.” One of the highest paid artists in Indian cinema today, Deepika has 18 brands in her portfolio, a strong social media presence, and a vast fan base. Besides business, the 'Bajirao Mastani' actress also has a philanthropic side. She has been vocal about her
own battle with depression, and has been working towards creating awareness with her NGO The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLF). Deepika has a great ongoing run on the silver screen with both, Bollywood and Hollywood vying for her attention. Her latest Hindi drama 'Padmaavat' scored raging success at the box office, despite being s h r o u d e d bycontroversies.
KJo first Bolly filmmaker to get wax statue
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ilmmaker Karan Johar will get a wax statue at Madame Tussauds London, becoming Indian film industry's first filmmaker to get a wax figure at the museum. A statement from the museum said, “Karan Johar's talent and career goes well beyond just filmmaking which makes him an exciting and entertaining personality for them to add to the many other iconic International wax figures. Additionally, his wax figure will not just be launched in one city, but will simultaneously head out on tour across Asia to give his many fans across the world a chance to experience him being waxed.” The director meanwhile tweeted a photo with a caption that read, “Honoured to be the first filmmaker from India at the prestigious @MadameTussauds ...thank you to the entire team in London who worked tirelessly ...will have further details about when and where soon!!! #MadameTussauds #iifamadametusaauds”. Johar met with Madame Tussauds' creative directors and the Merlin Studios in London. His wax work is most likely to take about six months to be presented. On the work front, the 45 year old has directorial and production ventures in the pipeline, the latest one being Meghna Gulzar's 'Raazi' featuring Alia Bhatt.
Priyanka shares note for Meghan Markle
P
riyanka Chopra's friendship with soon-to-be-royal Meghan Markle is no secret. The ladies have frequently been spotted hanging out together. As Markle made it to the Time's recent '100 most Influential People' world list recently, along with fiance Prince Harry, PeeCee shared a loving note for the royal bride-to-be. Calling her a “princess for the people”, the 'Quantico' actress wrote, “Somewhere among biryani, poutine, and endless conversations, I realised just how deeply Meghan Markle cares for the world. With her, what you see is real, and what you get is a relatable young woman with her heart and mind in the right place. Her compassion, evident in the causes she supports, and her drive to break down stereotypes, obvious in her actions, will connect her to a generation in much need of kindness.” She added, “This ever-smiling, strong free spirit found her prince, fell in love and in turn made a cynical world believe in fairy tales again. But more than anything else, Meghan is an important influencer in a world that need strong public figures to
respect and look up to. People in the world can be inspired by. Meghan, standing shoulder to shoulder with Harry, will be a princess for the people. Love always, my friend. Live happily ever after.” Time magazine selects
100 people every year, who have influenced and shaped the world. This year's list includes Virat Kohli, Roger Federer, Tiffany Haddish, Rihanna, Donald Trump, and others.
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Asian Voice |
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28th April 2018
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Gang jailed for smuggling £32m of cocaine into UK A gang who used two baggage handlers to smuggle an estimated £32 million of cocaine into the UK have been jailed. Suitcases filled with drugs arrived at Heathrow Terminal 5 from Brazil and were moved to the domestic arrivals hall from the international arrivals
carousel to avoid security checks. Over the duration of 15 months, on six occasions the National Crime Agency (NCA) nabbed a total of 100 kilos of cocaine, with an average of 78.5% purity and a street value of The gang smuggled suitcases filled with drugs into the UK £16 million.
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conspiracy”. It is said that corrupt air staff in Brazil loaded bricks of cocaine onto flights while workers in the UK were allegedly sent descriptions and photographs of the bags to be taken off the international arrivals carousel. The National Crime Agency said that
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However, there have been occasions when the drugs were successfully smuggled. Judge Michael Hopmeier told London Southwark Crown Court 11 members of the gang had each acted alone for financial gain in a “highly organised” and “longstanding professional
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Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha's head Param Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in Shimla conducting his vicharan. He had reached the city on April 20, and will conduct his work there till April 24. During his stay in Shimla, Haribhakts got the opportunity to meet him and participate in his satsang. Swami met youths in Shimla and spoke to them about empathy, unity, and harmony. He will return to New Delhi on APril 25, and will continue his vicharan in the Capital till April 29.
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ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 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. Your communications are extremely high making it easy to close those lucrative deals. Also, a good time to pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves.
TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The Sun transits your first house and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behavior, 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. GEMINI May 22 - June 22 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 reassessed and put to rest. Some of you will be looking to spiritual enlightenment and take up yoga and meditation.
CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 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, and to plant a seed in the form of a wish for the future.
couriers would receive a text message with a photo of the bags to pick up. Baggage handler, Joysen Jhurry, 41, who is said to have played a “vital” role, was sentenced to 16 years in jail for conspiring to import cocaine and cannabis. Another baggage handler, Mohammad Ali, 42, described as being Jhurry's “lieutenant at Heathrow”, was jailed for 15 years for conspiracy to import cocaine. 48-year-old Michael Sutherland, was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply. An NCA Spokesman said, “This kind of corruption threatens the security of the UK border and the public.”
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.
LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23
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.
LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23
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 along with your investments. You are more willing than usual to explore and delve deeper into life's secrets and arrive at meaningful conclusions.
SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22
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.
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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.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21
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.
CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20
AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19
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.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20
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, neighbours, close relatives, friends, and co-workers may play a more important role than usual in your life during this period.
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MANOHAR LIKELY TO GET TWO-YEAR EXTENSION AS ICC CHAIRMAN AsianVoiceNews
Shashank Manohar is set to get a two-year extension as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Manohar, who became ICC first independent chairman in 2016, is scheduled to complete his two-year term in June this year. Representatives of member nations of the sport’s world governing body will be discussing the issue besides transacting usual business, at its fiveday quarterly conclave which begins on Sunday. The ICC has an elaborate election process in place, but indications are that Manohar is unlikely to face a contest and will be elected unopposed - just like he was for his first term. According to reliable sources, Manohar is open to continuing for a second successive two-year term provided the members back him unanimously.
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Shashank Manohar
The quarterly meeting is a prelude to ICC’s annual conference scheduled in Dublin in June. The only opposition to Manohar could come from England and Wales Cricket Board’s outgoing chairman Giles Clarke, but it remains to be seen whether he has enough support. It will be interesting to see what role Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB chairman Najam Sethi plays in the given
scenario, especially with his board appealing to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Forum against the BCCI for not honouring the MoU to play bilateral series. Sethi has been canvassing actively in a bid to get more international teams to play in Pakistan after successfully hosting the PSL final and a threematch T20 series against the West Indies in Karachi earlier this month. Sethi will be accompa-
nied by PCB chief executive Subhan Ahmed at the meeting. West Indies Cricket president Dave Cameron and Cricket Australia’s David Peever will not be attending the meeting due to personal reasons. ICC members will also be finalising the fixtures for 2019 World Cup to be held in England. With the quadrennial meet scheduled to be held from May 30 to July 14 next year, the ICC is expected release the fixtures later this month. The ICC will also finalise the World XI squad that will take on the West Indies in a charity match at Lord’s on May 31 to raise funds for the renovation of damaged grounds in the Caribbean. So far, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Mallik and Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera have confirmed their participation.
Sania to become mother in October Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and her cricketer husband Shoaib Malik are expecting their first child, due in the month of October this year. The couple celebrated their eighth marriage anniversary a few days back on April 12. The 31-year-old Indian tennis superstar, who is out of action due to a jumper knee issue since October 2017, tweeted a picture suggesting that she is pregnant. Sania's father and coach Imran confirmed that the six-time Grand Slam champion is indeed expecting a child. "Yes, it's true," Imran said adding that the baby is due in October. At the start of the
Sania Mirza and her husband Shoaib Malik
year, Sania had said that she was hoping to make a comeback to competitive tennis at the French Open. Sania at the recent 'Goa
Fest 2018' had said that their child would keep surnames of both of them. "Today I will tell you a secret. My husband and I
have spoken about it and we have decided that whenever we have a child, the child will have MirzaMalik as a surname and not just Malik. So that's where we stand as a family including my husband. He actually wants a daughter," Sania had said. Global super star Serena Williams had won the 2017 Australian Open when she was few weeks pregnant with her daughter Alexix Olympia and returned to the WTA Tour last month. Former world number one and Belgian star Kim Clijsters had come out of retirement in 2008, one year after giving birth to her daughter.
Pak hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed seeks a heart in India
Pakistan's much decorated remember, I’m not seeking hockey captain Mansoor any financial aid. India has a Ahmed of the 1990s is lookrobust and efficient medical ing for a heart in India. He is system and I’m only appealravaged by heart disease and ing for them to grant me the is in immediate need of a visa when the need arises,” heart transplant after comAhmed said. plications related to pacePakistani nationals are maker and stent implants allowed medical visa despite arose. He believes that the strained relations despite the estrangement between the two governbetween the two nations, ments. Ahmed added that he Mansoor Ahmed India will still provide the had been sanctioned balm. “I underwent surgery around 4-5 years ago when I $100,000 by Shahbaz Sharif, chief minister of Punjab and developed a weak heart,” Ahmed, 49, said. “But the probhis expenses are being borne by the Shahid Afridi lem existed. Around last month the condition worsened Foundation. With three Olympics under his belt, multiple and the doctors said that a transplant was the only soluChampions Trophy appearances and a World Cup gold to tion now.” Being treated at the Jinnah Postgraduate boot, Ahmed gained legendary status in the subcontiMedical Centre in Karachi, Ahmed’s case has been nent’s hockey circles. It was the heyday of Pakistan hockreferred to clinics in California in the US and India. ey and it was a time when Indian hockey lovers would “We’ve sent them my reports and India is the better cheer for Pakistan playing against any other rival, as one option given their low costs and high success rates,” of their own. It is that same sentiment, Mansoor Ahmed Ahmed said. “I am looking to India for help, but please hopes to evoke today.
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Asian Voice | 28th April 2018
Tendulkar fans lash out at Cricket Australia
Sachin Tendulkar
Damien Fleming
April 24 is cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday. A day which the Indian cricketer's fans the world over mark with reverence and die-hard love in the form of countless wishes flooding social media. April 24 also happens to be the birthday of former Australia fast bowler Damien Fleming, and to celebrate it, cricket.com.au (the official website of Cricket Australia), pushed out a tongue-in-cheek tweet on Tuesday which has sent Tendulkar fans into a tizzy. The tweet, along with the text ‘some @bowlogist gold from the man himself - happy birthday,
Damien Fleming!’ is accompanied by a video clip of Fleming bowling Tendulkar during an ODI in Perth during the 2000 Carlton & United Series. It did not take long for Tendulkar supporters to lash out at CA. For the record, Fleming dismissed Tendulkar seven times in combined Test and ODIs. In India v Australia match-ups featuring Tendulkar, Brett Lee got the legend’s scalp the most time - 14 - followed by Glenn McGrath (13) and Gillespie (8). Fleming, who turned 48, celebrated his birthday in India following his commentary stint for the ongoing IPL. Tendulkar turned 45 on Tuesday.
After being snubbed in the 2018 Indian Premier League players' auction, India fast bowler Ishant Sharma picked up a fivewicket haul for his side
services till June 4, making him available for team's first five fixtures in the County Championship and all eight Royal London One-
Ishant Sharma shines in county match
Ishant Sharma
Sussex in the ongoing County Championship against Warwickshire. Making his debut for Sussex, Ishant ended up with match figures of 29.2-7-69-5. While Sussex's star players Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer are busy in the IPL, Ishant hogged the limelight by claiming 3 for 53 and 2 for 16, respectively, in the two Warwickshire innings. The Delhi-born dismissed Wilfred Rhodes, Adam Hose and Tim Ambrose in first innings. In the second innings, Ishant sent Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell back to back to the pavilion to complete a five-wicket haul. Sussex will be getting Ishant's
Day Cup group matches. The 29-year-old from Delhi made his international debut in 2007 and has since played 81 Tests, 80 ODIs and 14 T20 internationals for India. Only three Indian seamers have more wickets than Ishant in Test cricket, with his 234 dismissals making him the ninth most prolific Indian test bowler overall. His most recent Test appearances came during India's threematch series against South Africa last month, where he played in the second and third Tests and took eight wickets. Ishant also has 115 ODI and eight T20I wickets to his name.
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DELHI SINK TO THE BOTTOM OF TABLE
Delhi Daredevils suffered a four-run defeat against Kings XI Punjab at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Monday. After posting their fifth win in six games, Kings XI Punjab jumped to top of the IPL standings with 10 points. And with five defeats in six matches, Daredevils languished at the bottom of the pile. Needing 17 off the final over, Shreyas Iyer scored 12 runs off the first five balls but young spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman got the better of him and dismissed the right-hander in the final delivery of the match to stop Daredevils on 139/8. Iyer top-scored for the hosts with 57 off 45 balls, which included a six and five fours. Thrilling win for Rajasthan Royals Rajasthan Royals won a thrilling threewicket win over Mumbai Indians on Sunday following a sensational knock of 33 not out in 11 balls by all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham. In a see-saw battle, Rajasthan required 28 from the last two overs after they collapsed from 123/3 to 125/6 in the 17th over while chasing 168. Rajasthan did not have a brisk start but Sanju Samson and Ben Stokes kept them in the hunt before Gowtham finished the job in great style. CSK men hold nerve to beat Sunrisers Chennai Super Kings registered a four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. Ambati Rayudu scored 79 runs in 39 balls and laid cornerstone for Chennai’s score of 182 for three. Chasing their second highest total this season for the second straight match, the Sunrisers, handicapped by Shikhar Dhawan’s absence, needed an aggressive start, but with debutant Ricky Bhui nervously nibbling at Chahar in the first over, and Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda handing it on a platter, it was left to Sunrisers’ skipper Kane Williamson to plough a lonely furrow. He hardly put a foot wrong in scoring 84, his third straight halfcentury, till Dwayne Bravo’s change of pace did him in, but his two partnerships helped the Sunrisers make a tight fist of it. AB de Villiers shines again AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten 39-ball 90 to take Royal Challengers Bangalore to a
six-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. The South African’s show clinched RCB their second win in five games while Delhi fell to their fourth defeat in five matches. Earlier, a fantastic rearguard action from Rishabh Pant (85) along with a purposeful innings from Shreyas Iyer (52) propelled Delhi Daredevils to 174/5 in 20 overs. Gayle, Rahul make short work of KKR Kings XI Punjab once again showed that they are the most explosive team in Power Play overs while their bowlers have proved to be the most economical in the death overs in IPL-11. KXIP cashed in on these two aspects of their game to crush Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets in a raintruncated match on Saturday. It was their fourth win this season - their first at the Eden Gardens since 2012. The win took KXIP to the top of the points table with eight points from five matches. Chasing KKR’s tally of 191/7, the visitors rattled up 96 runs without loss in just 8.2 overs when a sharp shower stopped play. But by then Chris Gayle and KL Rahul had done enough damage and put the game beyond the hapless Knights. Watson helps in Chennai win Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson scored 106 off 57 balls and helped Chennai Super Kings to score 204 for five and register their 64 run victory over Rajasthan Royals. It was their second consecutive loss while CSK, coming on the back of a defeat to Kings XI Punjab, started their journey at their adopted 'home' in Pune on a welcome note. Watson found a strong ally in Suresh Raina (46). Raina, who was making a comeback after missing CSK’s last game with a calfmuscle injury, showed no signs of illness as he smashed Stokes for four consecutive boundaries. Together they stitched a partnership of 81 off 44 balls for the second wicket. Chris Gayle guides Kings XI to victory Maverick West Indian batsman Chris Gayle smacked 11 sixes en route his 21st T20 century at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali and
score in 18.5 overs. guide Kings XI Punjab to a 15 run victory Rohit Sharma powers MI to first win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. Mumbai Indians registered their first IPL This is Kings XI's third victory in four games win by registering a comprehensive 46-run and Snrisers first loss in this season. There victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore was a solitary boundary in Gayle’s knock on Tuesday. Chasing a mammoth 214-run and he remained unbeaten on 104. Despite target, RCB managed 167/8 in 20 overs. The suffering cramps in the later part of his main architect of MI's big score was skipper innings, Gayle never threw away his wicket Rohit Sharma who regained his form and and it was evident that he wanted to be at scored 94 runs. Chasing 214, RCB skipper the crease till the last over. Sunrisers Virat Kohli found himself playing the lone arguably have the strongest bowling team ranger, as he scored a gallant, unbeaten 92 in this IPL and were shell-shocked after the even as the others around him seemed to be leather hunt they were subjected to by in no mood to fight. Gayle. Kolkata Knight Riders IPL, 2018 - Points Table clinch top spot Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Teams Mat Won Lost Tied Pts NRR Knight Riders displaced Kings XI Punjab 1 0 0 +0.394 6 5 Sunrisers Hyderabad from the Chennai Super Kings 5 4 1 0 0 +0.742 top spot in the IPL points table 6 3 3 0 0 +0.572 after they beat Rajasthan Kolkata Knight Riders 5 3 2 0 0 +0.301 Royals by five wickets in 18.5 Sunrisers Hyderabad 6 3 3 0 0 -0.801 overs. As Sanju Samson failed Rajasthan Royals to produce a magical knock, Royal Challengers Bangalore 5 2 3 0 4 -0.486 RR managed to score just Mumbai Indians 5 1 4 0 0 +0.317 160/8. But that was not enough Delhi Daredevils 6 1 5 0 0 -1.097 and Knight Riders overtake the
India to open 2019 World Cup campaign against SA on June 5
More than 40,000 runners braved the hottest London Marathon on record - with many even ignoring organiser’s advice to avoid costumes in which they may overheat. This year’s entrants on Sunday included fire-fighters who tackled the Grenfell Tower blaze as well as a police officer stabbed in the terror attack on London Bridge. Kishor Vekaria, ARB RIBA APM of Studio V Architects participated in the Marathon. He was raising money for spinal research, and has so far raised £2,361.
India will open their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5 instead of June 2 as the BCCI will have to maintain a mandatory 15-day gap between the IPL final and international assignments, as per the Lodha Committee recommendation. The 2019 World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14. The matter was discussed during the ICC chief executives meeting on Tuesday. “The 2019 IPL will be played between March 29 and May 19. But we need to maintain a 15-day gap and the World Cup starts on May 30. Therefore as per 15 day gap we could have only played on June 4. Earlier, we were scheduled to start on June 2 but we couldn’t have played on that day,” a senior BCCI official said. “South Africa are our first opponents. The CEC agreed and the matter has been referred to the ICC board,” he further added. Interestingly, ICC in their various marquee events have always started with an Indo-Pak fixture which is a sureshot sell-out. It happened in the 2015
World Cup in Australia (at Adelaide) and 2017 Champions Trophy in UK (in Birmingham). “This is the first time Indo-Pak match won’t be a starting affair. Since the format will be a roundrobin affair (all teams playing each other like 1992),” the official added. Among the other decisions that were formalised included the FTP for the next five year cycle from 201923. “As we had decided, India will play a maximum 309 days of international cricket in this cycle across formats, a reduction of 92 days from the earlier cycle. “However the number of home Test matches will increase from 15 to 19. All these Tests will be part of the World Test Championship,” he added. It was also confirmed that India will not play any day/night Test match for now as it’s not a part of World Test Championship. “All matches in ICC World Test Championship are day matches played with red ball. If that’s the case, there is no point in playing pink ball Tests if it doesn’t help in preparation for World Test Championship,” he concluded.