AV 06th August 2022

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

Dr Kalpana Surendranath elected as the Fellow of Royal Society of Biology

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09 Put BAME people at the heart of health services

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Indian Journalists’ Association celebrates anniversary dinner and India’s 75th Independence Day

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Aum Crematorium: Consultation calls for inclusivity, unity and transparency

RESILENCE

IS IN OUR BLOOD 50 years after Ugandan Asian expulsion, survivors applaud the resilience of the refugees and hope to see an Asian origin man as the Prime Minister of the UK with roots in East Africa.

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Russo Brothers pick Priyanka as the new Captain Marvel

PM Modi lays stone for International Financial Services HQ

Rishi Sunak promises to do everything possible to make the Asians proud The leadership candidate wishes to repay the debt of hard work and sacrifices made by the diaspora by winning the contest and becoming Britain’s first-ever ethnic minority Prime Minister.

Expelled Asians in the Netherlands after leaving Uganda, 1972

Full story on page 11

South Asian Lionesses, a dream…

Will England’s historic and record-breaking win pave the way for more South Asian girls and women to pursue a career in sports? We find out.

Ugandan Asians at a UK resettlement camp in 1972

Shefali Saxena In the uneventful year 1972, on 4th August, 80,000 Ugandan Asians were given 90 days to leave the country (Uganda) by dictator Idi Amin. As they grappled to find shelter after being ousted from their own homes by violence, over 28,000 Ugandan Asians came to Britain to start a new life. Most left all their wealth

behind, with just a few pounds in their pockets, to start a new life in a place they would be able to call home. If you happen to even take a cursory glance at the personal accounts shared by Ugandan Asians in Britain about the 1972 expulsion, heart-wrenching stories of a two-bed, one-bath home housing 40 refugees from Uganda come up in search.

Continued on page 16

Last Sunday, England’s women's team made history with its Euro championship win over Germany. The English team, coached by Dutch woman Sarina Wiegman, has had an exceptional championship run. The team has broken the Guinness World Record (GWR) with Euro 2022 Win. Continued on page 32

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HMRC plans to recruit 2,000 new staff

with Keith Vaz

DINESH SHONCHHATRA Mortgage Adviser – Major Estates Dinesh was born in Uganda and at the age of ten, during the tyranny of Idi Amin, went to India where he did his studies. He came to England with just 50pence in his pocket! He overcame struggles and grasped opportunities to be what he is today. He is an award-winning Independent Mortgage Broker with over 32 years’ experience and is the Proprietor of Major Estates, providing mortgage solutions, property sales and lettings in the Harrow & surrounding areas.

Dinesh is currently the President of Lohana Community North London, Trustee of both the Lohana Charitable Trust and Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust and Director of Dhamecha Lohana Centre. He is also Patron of the Hare Krishna Temple and past Regional Chairman, Zone Chairman and President of the Lions Club of Kingsbury. Dinesh is a massive cricket fan and a big supporter of Nottingham and proud to see them promoted to the Premier league.

1) Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?

I was born in Uganda, studied in India and I have been living in England for the last 40 years. I count England as my home…phir bhi dil hai Hindustani.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievements in the industry include: Mortgage Champion of the Year award (two years in a row), Diamond Award with Network Mortgage Power, Prestigious Best Mortgage Adviser award at Claridges

by Mortgage Times, Regular guest on Zee Companion TV speaking and taking viewer questions on business topics.

Over the last 32 years, I have helped more than 10,000 families to get their first homes. Some were complex and difficult, but in most cases, we managed to find a way. I was also proud to be elected as President of the vibrant Lohana Community North London, which was a personal dream come true for me.

3) What inspires you?

It gives me great satisfaction to help and see so many families’ dreams come true for their first house purchase and to be part of this achievement.

To also be able to help those less fortunate than us through the Lions Club and see how the funds go a long way in improving lives of the needy.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

None..although there have been many challenges, I have overcome rather than worry about the obstacles, with the mindset of always move on to the next opportunity.

5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

Too many to name any one person.

At various times of my life, I have always been fortunate to find someone whether it be my work, my community or the Lions Club, I have been grateful to God for sending someone at the appropriate time.

6) What is the best aspect about your current role?

Meeting people and having the chance to effect positive change that will help them through their life. As a Mortgage Advisor, helping many people in various ways to achieve their goals. As a community leader, to bring people together to connect with the community and get everyone involved. I am grateful to my family and staff for their on-going support.

7) And the worst?

There is no worst aspect, I feel proud to undertake all aspects of my role…the good, bad and ugly.

8) What are your long term goals?

To play my part in the betterment of the community, to retire at the age of 80, to be happy, healthy and make sure everyone is happy as well.

9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

So many things come to mind, reduce over regulation of the Mortgage sector, build more affordable homes and help those struggling with the cost of living.

10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?

The late Brian Clough; he won the football league title and two European cups with limited resources. I take inspiration from him in that “you can achieve great success with little resources on a shoe-string budget”.

To ask and learn from him how he coped with struggles and achieved success against all the odds.

FINANCIAL A SERVICES MORTGAGES Residential Buy to Let Remortgages

PROTECTION Life Insurance Critical Illness Income Protection

Please conta act:

Dinesh Shonchhatra S Mortgage Ad dviser

Call: 020 8424 C 4 8686 / 07956 810647 77 High Street, Wealdston ne, Harrow, HA3 5DQ mortgage@majorestate.co om ~ majorestate.com

Where the government is pondering a proposal of slashing the civil service’s headcount by 20%, HM Revenue and Customs permanent secretary Jim Harra informed that the department will be recruiting an extra 2,000 staff during this financial year.

The plan, laid out in HMRC’s annual report and accounts last week, aims at

appeal – rocketed to £72bn in August 2020.

“We remain focused on tackling the balance this year and will be recruiting an extra 2,000 staff, but I want to be upfront about the fact that today’s increasingly challenging economic outlook will mean more customers struggling to meet their tax obligations,” he said.

Why is England facing a drought?

If the hot and dry weather continues England will face drought in August. To minimise the impact, officials are considering imposing measures.

On Tuesday, the National Drought Group urged people to use water wisely and added hosepipe bans will be determined by individual water companies if further measures are required.

Currently, in England, the spring and summer months have been dry, with the recent extreme temperatures adding further pres-

sure. Except for the North West, most of England has moved into a state of “prolonged dry weather”.

Environment The Agency (EA) has said that to reduce usage and protect supplies during a drought, water companies can introduce temporary use bans.

Harvey Bradshaw, EA executive director for the environment and chair of the

NDG, said: “While last week’s extremely high temperatures are now behind us and there are currently no plans for restrictions on essential water use, we can all do our bit by reducing unnecessary water consumption and following advice from our water company to ensure this remains the case while our rivers are exceptionally low.

The last time drought was declared was in 2018.

Other notable droughts took place in 1975 to 1976, 1989 to 1992, 1995 to 1996, 2004 to 2006 and 2010 to 2012.

UK immigration systems delayed, receives a red rating A UK Home Office plan of modernising its immigration technology to achieve "operational efficiencies" and "optimise use of data" has not gone down well with the government's projects watchdog.

In its latest report, the Infrastructure and Projects

Authority, a joint unit under the country's Cabinet Office and the Treasury, has given the red rating saying the Immigration Platform Technologies (IPT) Programme had moved from an amber to a red warning in the 2022 report.

"The program's delivery

plan continues to be impacted by the additional work required across the wider Immigration Portfolio to support the changes needed in the [new] core Atlas system to grant Visas required to support the Ukrainian refugee scheme," the report said.

‘Endemic inequality’ plagues London’s judiciary The number of judges who belong to ethnic minority backgrounds is fewer than one in six that are currently practising in Lonon courts.

Critics are describing it as “endemic inequality” As per the statistics published this month, of 1,412 judges in posts in London courts, just 150 - 12 per cent - are recorded as being from an ethnic minority.

City University Professor Tamara Hervey

Mum left ‘physically sick’ after finding ‘cooked spider’ in cheese and onion crisps packet Sabrina Hussain was physically sick when she found a “cooked spider” in her halfeaten cheese and onion crisp packet. The mum of two, from Winson Green, Birmingham said after discovering the spider, she ran to the bathroom to vomit.

Sabrina told Birmingham Live: "I'm still feeling really sick. I really don't know what it is, it looks like a striped spider that's been cooked in

filling existing vacancies and increasing the ranks of debt-management staff under a three-year programme.

When the pandemic was at its peak, HMRC paused the majority of its debt-collection activities. As a result of which, its debt balance – defined as tax and tax credit debt owed to the department that is not subject to

with the crisps.

"It looked like some kind of string attaching it to the crisp, it was dangling off it. I don't want to touch it, it's disgusting."

"I started throwing up, it made me physically sick."

She later posted the image of the insect on social media. She said she has continued to feel ill and even gags at the mere thought of the discovery.

termed the lack of diversity as an “ongoing failure”.

“It’s the result of longstanding structural discrimination that’s been endemic in our society… that doesn’t mean it right.”

Of the 150, 71 judges identify as Asian or British Asian, 24 as Black or Black British, 40 as ‘mixed’ and 15 as ‘other ethnic group’. The ethnicity of 137 judges is unknown.

“The problem begins long before children even

reach school. So problems don’t just lie in legal education and they don’t just lie in the recruitment of judges and they don’t just lie in earlier stages of legal careers, they go across the whole of how our society is structured,” she said.

In 2021, judges who were serving in London courts declared their ethnicity, 11 per cent identified as an ethnic minority, and just 10 per cent in 2020.

Visa issues hit Europe plans, tourists pick short-haul destinations As procuring visas for European countries is taking longer than usual, tourists are opting for short-haul destinations, including Southeast Asian nations.

During pre-covid times, for a well-travelled individual, a UK visa would take 15 working days to get processed and for countries like Germany, France and Switzerland, the duration would be four days. But now, getting an appointment slot for Germany is

taking 10 to 11 weeks, while the processing time for a visa is as high as 15 working days. For France, the situation is similar.

“Given European visa challenges, customers are opting for easy visa destinations (no visa/e-visa/on arrival). Not surprising then that we are witnessing a considerable demand shift to Southeast Asia,” Rajeev Kale – president and country head, holidays, MICE, visa – Thomas Cook (India), said.

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There is a lot to be thankful for, but the journey ahead is tough On 4 August 1972, around 50,000 Ugandan Asians were denied dual rights to be in the country and depending on their travel documents, were asked to leave within 90 days. Around 27000 got the rights to move to the UK under the Uganda Settlement Rights and the rest is history. This week’s newspaper has articles (series) and column talking about the plight of the Ugandan Asians and how far the country’s race relations have come (p1, 16 and 17) since then.

In 1968, Enoch Powell gave his infamous speech regarding Commonwealth immigrants who were instrumental to rebuilding of Britain after World War II. Though removed from Shadow Cabinet by Sir Edward Heath, Powell’s speech and race relation proposal apparently helped the Conservative party win 1970 general election.

The race relations have come a long way since then and Rishi Sunak’s candidature at the party leadership contest is a proof that Britain has given opportunities to all to flourish.

Mr Sunak in a greet and meet at Lord Popat’s house on 26 July (see page 11) thanked the sacrifices made by the immigrant community that arrived in 1972, struggled through hardships to provide for their children and fulfil their ambitions through higher education and values.

With family roots in East Africa, Rishi grew up in Southampton, with parents and two siblings. His mum ran a pharmacy and dad was an NHS GP. While he grew up bookkeeping for mum’s business, delivering medicines for the pharmacy and working in a restaurant, Mr Sunak’s life is very typical of second-third generation Asian immigrants in the UK. There are so many like Rishi with the same background story and similar track record of success (in different areas of work), contributing to Britain’s treasury.

While Rishi denies his race being a hindrance to the election campaign, allies think otherwise. In the year when Britain celebrates 75 years of India’s independence as well, there is no denying the diaspora has done immensely well for themselves.

The Hinduja family- Indian in origin are the richest in the UK. Everybody is aware of the success stories of the Mittals, Bahias, Agarwals, Patels or Dhamechas. But there is a lesson in what happened in Uganda, and the history we are trying to recreate in Britain.

The Ugandan Asians over the years have shared their regrets as to how the lack of Asian representation in politics led to no opposition to Idi Amin’s dictatorial terms, no political resistance to his efforts to throw out a thriving community from their country of adoption.

That’s why those Asians arriving in the UK, started involving themselves with local politics. But have we reached that stage of adequate influence yet? According to a report published

by Dr Neema Begum and Professor Maria Sobolewska through University of Manchester, in 2019, talking about ethnic minority representation in UK’s local governments, it was found that 7% of local councillors in the UK are of ethnic minority background. But this is lower than the proportion of ethnic minority

Members of Parliament which is 10%, and lower than population estimates of 14%.

Under-representation of minority women is on average in line with White British women’s under-representation but varies between minority groups. Female under-representation is highest among women of South Asian origin, and lowest for women of Black origin. Most of ethnic minority councillors still represent the Labour party.

In line with the distribution of ethnic minorities in the UK, metropolitan boroughs have the most diverse councils.

London’s councillors are still less diverse than they should be, given the diversity of the city’s residents.

The report further said, historically, the Labour party has attracted the lion’s share of ethnic minority voters as well as having greater ethnic minority representation. To date, most ethnic minority elected politicians have been representatives of the Labour party. Labour continues to be the party of choice for ethnic minority voters, gaining 77% of their support in the 2017 election.

Nevertheless, the Conservative Party have increased their share of ethnic minority MPs and have seen high profile Cabinet roles being filled by ethnic minority MPs including Rishi Sunak and Priti Patel.

However, the inclusion of women in political spaces can be fraught with difficulty with informal ‘old boys networks’ excluding women and facilities and evening council meetings which are unsuitable for those with childcare responsibilities.

Moreover, there is generally no salary for being a councillor, who are instead paid an allowance for expenses incurred. The amounts received also vary by local council, as there is no national standard. Women are more likely than men to be in low-paid, part-time work, while levels of economic activity are lower among ethnic minority women. Ethnic minority women can also face an intersectional jeopardy of discrimination on account of their ethnicity and gender.

The Conservative Party since 2015 has become a favourite among the Indians whose vote changed history for David Cameron’s leadership. Mr Cameron in an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, called himself Britain’s first ever Asian Prime Minister.

Even in the local election in 2022, Harrow was the only council that went Conservative from Labour, due to the Indian voting pattern, but as per the population in the UK, ethnic minority representation in politics remains considerably low. And out of 65 ethnic minority MPs in the UK, 41 still belongs to the Labour party.

No one is predicting a mass exodus of Asians from the UK, but if representation remains as it is now, the voices will be too far from being heard. Rishi Sunak is as much as Indian as he is British.

He represents Richmond (York) where 95.8% population is white, who voted for him to become their MP. So even if Mr Sunak wins the leadership contest, 2024 election will remain a challenge, if the cost-of-living crisis, energy prices and tax discounts are not sorted in the coming few days. Starving people will not vote for just a kind and familiar face who supports Brexit. You have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk to save this nation’s economy.

India's fight against corruption gets a boost There is no denying the fact that there is widespread corruption in India. Petty corruption which affects the common man is highly rampant besides the grand corruption scandals which break out every now and then. A report on bribery in India states that 91% of the bribes were demanded by government officials. A major reason for demanding bribes in government services was the low pay. Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and vast powers enjoyed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). It gave the agency the go-ahead to arrest people and conduct search and seizure even when no complaint has been filed, making statements made before it admissible in court and also putting the burden on the accused to prove their innocence. Money laundering cannot be said to be less heinous than the offence of terrorism, the court said.

The court also validated the twin bail conditions according to which an accused can be granted bail only if there are reasonable grounds for the court to believe he is not guilty and was unlikely to commit any offence while on bail.

The court ruled that the entire chain of actions involved in the process of concealment, possession, acquisition, use of proceeds of crime as much as projecting it as untainted property or claiming it to be so would constitute an offence of money-laundering. Armed with the PMLA rules, the ED has quickly risen to be a powerful agency than even the CBI. Despite securing just a few convictions, the ED has been more proactive than the CBI in going after the accused in several key political cases. Widespread corruption will erode the faith of the people in the government.

The series of events since 2015 is a pointer to how the ED has emerged as arguably the most proactive of Central investigative agencies, now at the centre of several high-profile cases, many of these involving members of opposition parties.

Systemic improvements and reforms to provide transparent citizen-friendly services will reduce corruption. These, inter alia, include: disbursement of welfare benefits directly to the citizens under various schemes of the government in a transparent manner through the Direct Benefit Transfer initiative.

Implementation of E-tendering in public procurements.

Introduction of e-Governance and simplification of procedure and systems. Introduction of government procurement through the government e- marketplace (GeM). The . Central Vigilance

Commission (CVC), through various orders and circulars recommended adoption of Integrity Pact to all the organizations in major procurement activities and to ensure effective and expeditious investigation wherever any irregularity/misconduct is noticed. The institution of Lokpal has been operationalised by appointment of Chairperson and Members. Lokpal is statutorily mandated to directly receive and process complaints as regards alleged offences against public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act,1988. Social sanctions and economic incentives work better than legal action: If the law is effectively enforced, its penalties are good deterrents. However, enacting and applying strong laws against corruption is inherently problematic, since politicians and officials are the main beneficiaries of corruption. Luckily, social sanctions can be just as effective, or more so. To maintain honesty in contracts, fear of social ostracism is a powerful consideration. No one wants their misdeeds gossiped about. An effective system of social sanctions will allow clean firms to experience a lower cost of doing business by being able to access better talent, cheaper capital or stronger pricing power.

Accurate, publicly available information is essential.

Much of the ED’s current aggression, followed by frenetic media coverage, has come about in the past one decade since the ED began to handle political cases under the PMLA. Ironically, much of it happened during the tenure of P Chidambaram as Finance Minister. It was under him that the PMLA came into force in 2005 - though it was the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government that brought the PMLA Bill to Parliament, which passed it in 2002 - and the ED acquired criminal prosecution powers that had been snatched from it after the repeal of FERA. It was under Chidambaram that the ED began to frequently take up political cases and regularly hit headlines with actions in the Madhu Koda case, the 2G scam probe, the Aircel-Maxis case, the CWG case, the Sahara case, the Bellary mining case.The latest high profile case the ED is investigating now is regarding Sonia Gandhi and Rahul which and is focused on the web of transactions resulting in the assets of Associated Journals Limited, publisher of National Herald and other Congress publications, ending up with Young India Limited in which Sonia and Rahul hold controlling stake.

Another case is regarding former Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee and that of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

Thought for the week Home is one’s birthplace, ratified by memory. - Henry Grunwald

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

How’s It Looking for Prime Minister in Waiting Rishi Sunak?

I’ve taken an overview of the headlines and some of the quotes from the media I want to share with you. It’s for the Conservative Party Membership to choose the next leader and of course the PM. They will evaluate if cutting taxes now (Truss) or later (Sunak) is the right policy, or who is more likely to beat Starmer or who is more the child of Margaret Thatcher.

Basically, they can vote based on any thought, none or prejudice they see fit. No one quizzes them over it. That’s the democratic process. So what do media wags think?

By the way, if it were me, I would want taxes as now so as not to fuel inflation or a spike in interest rates, and then cut taxes before the election if possible. Ie Sunak. Whereas the Truss way is cut taxes and boost growth. You can have two economists and three opinions – so let’s not bother arguing what’s best.

I did overhear two elderly gents in the Carlton Club about 6 months ago. They thought Rishi would be a better PM because he had money and so none of the problems with Ministers in the past needing money such as Johnson – remember Mandelson – etc. And they described Liz “as an ambitious woman”. Now that’s an overheard conversation and should be binned was tittle tattle. But may well reflect the views of Conservative members. In the past 6 months however things have moved on. And may be in 6 months or 2 years or 6 Rishi would be ahead with members.

1. Rishi Sunak less unpopular with swing voters in UK PM race, survey finds –The Economic Times 2. Rishi Sunak Pledges major crackdown on sex offenders – The Hindu 3. The Sartorial Elegance of Rishi Sunak- Rishi will be the richest PM of United Kingdom – moneycontrol.com 4. Liz truss is winning over underdog Rishi Sunak – India today 5. Rishi Sunak has very good chance of becoming UK PM – Former Minister Andrew Mitchell (via The Wire) 6. UK PM candidates race for toughness against China 'to cover domestic mess' – Global Times 7. Rishi Sunak - underdog in PM race as ‘forces that be’ want Truss – The Guardian 8. Liz is Kingmaker, right choice to be a PM – Ben Wallace(The Telegraph) 9. Liz is Authentic and Straight – The Times 10. 010Sunak was wrong to walk out of the cabinet and trigger Johnson’s downfall- The Sun Newspaper 11. Rishi Show some Courage- Global times 12. Rishi Sunak vows to get tough on China- Gravitas 13. Rishi Sunak may not become UK PM- Hindustan times 14. Is UK really Ready for Rishi ? – News18 15. Sunak’s wife Non Dom status is another blow in his leadership prospects- The New Statesman To my casual eye it appears from a strategic perspective Liz has the advantage of not having just been Chancellor when economics is the key focus and also not having resigned and triggered a contest, at a time when the membership still find Johnson popular (memberships are an extreme version of the public by definition).

Strategically how does Rishi counter that? Waiting for mistakes from Liz is not the way. Pro-actively it will need more details and more flesh pressing with members and Councillors. It needs more inspiration – more land of hope and glory with more vigour. The Rishi after he won the MP votes saying “we smashed it” and how he wants Britain to be “smashing it globally” in stark contrast to a frozen panicked frightened Liz when the TV presenter faints – they didn’t show you Rishi running to her aid.

The MPs preferred Rishi. But membership tends to be more right-wing. Actually, they just want to ensure the person is error prone. The thing that gets me is the person(s) from the Treasury leaking. They leaked Rishi’s tax affairs, they leaked UK Government-China plans. There is a spy. I don’t care it’s a leak, I care someone in the Civil Service is breaching the Official Secrets Act as when they disclosed China plans. That person should be behind bars and hopefully will be.

All opinions personal.

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Unsafe and unclean care home kept in special measures An inspection led by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December 2021 found Kingswood Lodge Residential Care Home in Wigston to be unsafe and poorly led. In a routine reinspection in March this year, not enough improvements were found to be made.

Inspectors came across a "visibly unclean" home which was poorly maintained in some areas, including a ground-floor shower

room which had a rusty frame around the toilet, missing plaster on the wall and a rusty radiator. In one of the lounges, a carpet was left ripped, worn and stained and equipment was also dirty and poorly maintained.

Care plans and risk assessments were also not updated after accidents and injuries, and medicines were not handled appropriately.

The report, published in June, said: "The provider and registered manager had failed to continuously learn and improve care. Many of the issues we found at this inspection were present at our last inspection and the provider and registered manager remained in breach of our regulations."

Man attacked at Moor Street Station in Birmingham, suspect on the run A man was attacked at a railway station leading to the closure of a busy Birmingham city centre road affecting motorists and bus passengers.

The incident took place on Saturday, shortly after 7 pm at Moor Street Station with a man in his 40s said to be assaulted.

The person who attacked

him fled the scene while he was taken to the hospital.

Moor Street which runs alongside Selfridges in the Bullring and closes to the back of Primark was shut off.

A spokesman of the West Midlands Police said: “The suspect left the scene and enquiries are ongoing to trace him."

Anyone with any information on the incident is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or to contact the force via Live Chat on its website here.

Alternatively, anyone with any information can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 11.

Three decades as a doctor David Oliver, an experienced NHS consultant physician and medical writer from Manchester, revealed that he signed off work sick after more than two years working at the centre of the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the current crisis of unprecedented demand on a hamstrung system.

He now works in the South East and has looked after Covid wards and patients for many months over the past two years.

“I came into the pandemic already tired from three decades as an NHS doctor working on big, busy hospital wards and the acute medical take, combining it

all with many external national roles. Ideally, I wanted a break from medicine.

I lost close NHS colleagues and friends to Covid, watched many more become sick from it, and saw the daily impact of Covid care on the nurses, healthcare assistants, therapists, and young doctors I worked alongside. Some of their anxiety was about the risk to their own health, but much of it was due to the relentless distress we were dealing with.”

Without sufficient clinical and care staff, in sufficiently good health, and with sufficient support, energy, and morale, there will soon be no viable NHS or social care system, he added.

Bend It Like Beckham inspired a teacher to play football Tulsi Hansla,27, a teacherturned-private tutor, grew up in London as a footballmad Anglo-Indian girl, and found few role models of her own.

“When I was 12 or 13, I saw Bend It Like Beckham,” she recalls. “The main character looked like me, and I could relate to the dilemma many Indians face. In our community, if it’s a toss-up between studying and sport, the study would generally be prioritised.”

For three years, Tulsi went on to teach science at the secondary level.

However, when the pandemic hit, she decided to become a private tutor. To pursue her passion once again, she started looking for a women’s football team following the second lockdown.

In December 2021, Tulsi

joined the National Lotterysupported Gymkhana FC. “It’s the camaraderie I love.

It’s great that you can see people just like you playing football. That feels very inclusive.”

Over the past 10 years, almost £50million* funding has been raised for women’s football, supporting clubs like Gymkhana FC, thanks to National Lottery players.

The funding has enabled

free training sessions and has helped the club attend professional matches, including the women’s FA Cup final.

“Playing football gives you a different part of your identity,” says Tulsi. “It throws you together with people you might never meet, and you can see everyone’s confidence grow. I wish more women would give football a go.”

Giant tortoise enclosure near Ashby gets a nod The tortoise house at Melbourne Hall that was created on the grounds without prior approval, has now been approved by councillors, giving a boost to the owners of the popular hall and grounds in Melbourne, which aims to have an official zoo on its grounds.

The hall is already home to pigs, pygmy goats, rare breed Portland sheep, rare breed Suri alpacas, miniature ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and numerous ornamental duck breeds.

However, Historic England had opposed the plans saying it could impact the Grade-II* hall and its Grade-I listed gardens – the highest level of important and associated protection.

Historic England had said: “The further extension of the existing stables building, including the addition of a tortoise house, would continue to assert an estate character in an important area of the formal gardens at Melbourne Hall. Further extension of the building into the central vista from the Four Seasons Vase,

would make them intrusive in a key historic view.

“The proposals will result in a harmful impact on the character of the registered park and garden, and make the stables building more intrusive in views down the central vista from the Four Seasons Statue.”

The best GP practices in Leicestershire Many patients were finding it difficult to get an appointment and they were much less happy, according to this year's GP Survey.

Only 52.7 per cent of patients could get through to someone at their GP practice on the phone, according to the huge poll run on behalf of the NHS. However, there are some Leicestershire GPs who are still keeping their patients happy.

Amongst the highest surgery in ranked Leicestershire, Dr SJC Clay's Practice in Woodhouse Eaves, near Loughborough has made the mark. According to the analysis by the Reach Data Unit, it ranked 124 out of 6,418 practices across England.

These are some of the top-rated surgeries across Leicestershire -Dr SJC Clay's Practice

in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough ranked 124 with 91 per cent of patients having an overall good experience -Manor House Surgery in Belton, ranked 168 with 93 per cent having an overall good experience.

-Husbands Bosworth Centre in Medical Lutterworth ranked 213 with 92 per cent of patients having an overall good experience.

Commonwealth Games fan 'left covered in blood' after horror cycling crash A Commonwealth Games fan was left covered in blood when England cyclist Matt Walls met with a serious accident during the men's 15km scratch race qualifiers on Sunday.

The 24-year-old crashed against the wall, following which he catapulted over it and landed in the crowds at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London.

He received treatment

for more than 40 minutes before being taken away by ambulance.

With the rest of the session at the velodrome abandoned, fellow rider Matt Bostock of the Isle of Man had to be taken away on a stretcher.

England's race team tweeted: "Thoughts are with all the riders involved in the crash in the velodrome." While Scottish

Cycling added: "Unfortunately we have just witnessed another big crash at the velodrome. Kyle Gordon was taken down but thankfully got up and got back on this bike.

"Our thoughts with the two riders who are receiving medical attention."

Meanwhile, a spectator was taken away in a wheelchair covered in blood, according to reports.

Stalker subjected ex to '26 days of utter nightmare' A relentless stalker repeatedly turned up at his expartner’s home in Birmingham and made her life a living nightmare.

James Cosnett, who ignored a restraining order, also made aggressive and threatening calls.

Cosnett had 23 previous convictions for 75 offences. Although he had known his ex-partner for years they had only had a

brief relationship which broke down quickly, Birmingham Crown Court was told.

For assaulting her he was convicted and was awarded a suspended sentence and made the subject of an indefinite restraining order on October 26 2021 banning him from having contact with her or her mother.

However, two months

later, he breached the order, he went round to her address in Acocks Green, where she lived with her disabled daughter at around 4 pm causing her to call the police.

In a passing sentence, Judge Sarah Buckingham said: "Your offending took place over the course of 26 days but it was 26 days of an utter nightmare for your victims."

Police plead for help to trace a missing teenager A teenage girl named Naseemah has gone missing in Birmingham and GMP are appealing for anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to come forward. She has links to Rochdale.

GMP took to social media to tweet: "We're trying to trace Naseemah who has gone missing from the Soho area of Birmingham.

"The 13-year-old is 5ft 6ins tall and was last wearing a black jacket and dark

jeans. She has links to Rochdale and we're asking for anyone with info on her whereabouts to contact us."

Birmingham Police said: "You can do this via Live Chat on our website and quote PID: 402183."

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Kailash Manor Care Home to open its doors later this year!

TLC Care, a group of 8 luxury care homes across North London, Hertfordshire, Cambridge, and Surrey will soon be launching a ninth care home. Whether you are looking for care for yourself or a loved one, you have the opportunity to join the brand-new Kailash Manor Care Home based in the bustling community of Pinner.

You can expect the home to specialise in providing outstanding residential, nursing, dementia and respite care in beautiful surroundings within a homefrom-home luxurious environment.

One of TLC Care’s current homes is the renowned Karuna Manor Care Home which provides expert care to the Gujarati community.

Both Kailash Manor and

Karuna Manor each boast a temple within the home and embrace and celebrate cultural festivals. Kailash Manor will also provide daily vegetarian food and cater to all appetites and dietary requirements.

The home’s focus is on spiritual well-being for the mind, body and soul.

‘Kailash’ means ‘one who bestows peace’ and is the name of a Himalayan peak and abode of Lord Shiva.

The home will offer a peaceful setting where residents can live a fulfilled life,

surrounded by their team of caring professionals. This fortunate position provides residents and their families an easily accessible home with beautifully landscaped gardens, as well as a variety of outdoor spaces to share precious and special times together.

What the home will thrive in is rooted in the values of Truth, Love, and Compassion. Kailash Manor offers everything from the highest level of cleanliness to deluxe dining experiences and leisure facilities to share with loved ones.

To find out more about the home and to arrange a visit to the Marketing Suite, contact Monika Patel, Business Development Manager by calling 020 4538 7333 or email bdm@kailashmanor.co.uk.

England to open first secure school for young offenders England’s first secure school will impart “relentless love” to children who are convicted of the most serious crimes, by placing them in bedrooms instead of cells, according to its evangelical Christian founder.

On behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Rev Steve Chalke, of Oasis academies, which won the contract to run the school

said relentless love was not a “hippy” concept but a way of building trust with children who “no one has cared about very often” before.

The secure school was scheduled to open in autumn 2020 but now hopes to accept its first students in early 2024 after costs spiralled from £4.9m to £36.5m.

The school will not be

run by a prison governor but by a “principal director”, Andrew Willetts, and children will be cared for by teachers, not guards, said Chalke, who oversees 52 Oasis academies in England.

“We don’t have young offenders. We have students. Just like we have bedrooms, and we are home.

There’s none of that alienating language left,” he said.

Lib Dem politician 'evicted' from Rishi Sunak event A Liberal Democrat politician said he felt humiliated when he was evicted from reception with Conservative leadership candidate Rishi Sunak.

Laurence Brass, a Hertfordshire county councillor for Bushey North, said when he was asked to leave the event, despite accepting a personal invitation to attend, he suffered “grave embarrassment”.

Lord Dolar Popat, who hosted the reception at his home in Stanmore, admitted Cllr Brass had been invited by “mistake” , adding that it was a private event for Conservative members. The Tory life peer says he has since apologised to the councillor.

When Cllr Brass and North Bushey Lib Dem ward councillor Alan Matthews,

who was also invited, arrived, they were welcomed and given a drink – but after ten minutes, they were approached by security.

In an email to Lord Popat afterwards, Cllr Brass wrote: “I was quietly minding my own business when I was aggressively evicted from your home whilst being observed by many guests including yourself.”

Cardiff dad and son's funeral held after suspected 'poisoning' Hundreds of people lined the streets of Sylhet for the funeral of Rafiqul Islam, 51, and 16year-old Mahiqul, who died on their way to hospital on Tuesday. His wife, Husnara, along with their two other children, 20-year-old Samira and 24-year-old Sadiqul, remains in hospital and Samira is understood to be in

a critical condition. It is believed that they were poisoned, yet the cause is unknown.

Originally from Bangladesh, Mr Islam was a taxi driver who resided in Riverside, Cardiff and was a member of local badminton and football teams. A relative of his described him as "very

friendly, a very nice guy". A local community leader called him a "very helpful person who was at the mosque all the time and constantly working with the community".

Police are investigating their deaths and it is understood that Husnara and Sadiqul have now both given statements to the police.

GPs each have to see an insane 60 patients a day Coping with overwhelming demand at the NHS, Dr Selvaseelan Selvarajah , who works as a GP at St. Andrews Health Centre in Bow, said most of the time, he sees about 60 patients in a day, which is twice the level con-

sidered safe for optimal care.

The East London GP said he has already seen the worrying impact that things like the cost of living crisis and the Covid pandemic have had on people's health.

GPs are considered the

'bedrock of the NHS' - getting through 90 per cent of patients' contacts with the NHS, all for under 10 per cent of the national budget.

However, some consider GP surgeries to be at breaking point.

Theresa praises HSS (UK) at largest youth event of next generation of leaders In a week that saw the conservative leadership contest heating up, the commonwealth games in Birmingham, the first week of school holidays for many and the British Lionesses win the European Cup, you’d be forgiven for thinking most people were either glued to the television, watching some sports live or rushing to go on holiday. But for a record 400+ volunteers of HSS UK their commitment to the concept of Sanskar, Sewa and Sangathan inspired them to help, teach or attend, a 9-day intensive leadership training course known as Sangh Shiksha Varg (SSV).

Along with various councillors, Barry Gardiner MP, an ardent supporter of the Hindu community visited and chatted with HSS (UK) members and was asked to send the message that there remains in the Labour party an anti-Hindu element that the Labour party has to tackle. Baroness Sandy Verma also recognised that much

society.

Dr Yogish Joshi, General Joint Secretary of HSS (UK), in his concluding speech pointed out, however, that “these MP’s and the

more needed to be done by the Conservatives too for the Hindu community.

At the concluding ceremony too, where there was a total gathering of over 800, this point was echoed by the chief guest the Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers MP who congratulated HSS (UK) for the work they did during Covid and the continued contribution Hindus make as integral members of UK

Baroness are in the minority to come out and publicly support the community when it has been needed”.

He added that “Hindus are underrepresented in the prison population, overrepresented as taxpayers contributing to the Treasury and one of the most hardworking communities, yet they are ignored in policy making and indeed maligned by those with political agendas”.

SPA UK Celebrates Seniors Sneh Milan S

hree Prajapati Association UK hosted Seniors Sneh Milan (Conference for our senior citizens) on Sunday 24th July 2022 in Leicester.

The main theme of the Sneh Milan was presentations and discussions on “Social Care”.

Held at the SPA Leicester Community Centre, the Sneh Milan was a sell-out with over 500 of our respected elders participating from 14 different cities and towns across the U.K supported by another 100 volunteers. The event was organised by the SPA UK Seniors Committee team and hosted by a combination of volunteers from all SPA branches who managed the logistics for the full day. The event embraced the spirit of eliminating single-use plastics, and all food and drinks were served in steel plates, cups and cutlery, and prasad was distributed in paper bags rather than plastic ones.

The morning session started with an Aarti performed by a representative from each of the 14 branches present, followed by a welcome speech by the Senior’s Committee Secretary Shrimati Pushpaben Yogeshbhai Mistry (Luton), and this was followed by a lovely swagatam geet “Aap Aavya, Sau Padharya” beautifully sung by Indiraben Bhanabhai Lad (Preston), Pushpaben Yogeshbhai Mistry (Luton), and Hansaben Pravinbhai Mistry (Luton).

Piyushbhai Ambalalbhai Mistry (Birmingham) translated the presentation in Gujarati for the benefit of the elderly audience.

Nilaben Kiranbhai Mistry (Birmingham), shared her personal experiences of having to arrange care services for her father and eventually having to make the heartbreaking decision of moving him to a care home. Due to ill health, her father Shri Karsanbhai Mistry (Solihull) was unable to attend the event and relay back his emotional rollercoaster experience of leaving his own home and moving

to a new care home and city. However, he is now thriving in his new place and even aiding others in the care home.

The program also honoured 4 respected “Centurions” from the Prajapati Samaj who had recently turned 100 years old.

Shri Narshibhai Bhulabhai Mistry (Birmingham), Shrimati Bhaniben Mangubhai Mistry (Leicester), Shri Gopalbhai Rambhai Mistry (Birmingham) and Srimati Vijiaben Parshotambhai Mistry (Leicester), were all honoured with a token gift.

Following lunch, there were several entertainment items including a Bollywood dance “My Name is Anthony Gonzalvez” (London), a thoroughly enjoyable “Nrutya Natak” on the song “Jag Thi Niralu Maru Prajapati Kul Che, Sau Thi Radiyaru Maru Kumbhar Samaj Che” (Leicester), Karaoke and dance performance on old classical Bollywood songs (Bradford), a game of Bingo (Seniors Committee) and finally a Raffle draw.

The program concluded with the National Anthems of Britain and India before attendees departed for their homes. The President of SPA UK, Kamleshbhai C Mistry, commented on the programme saying "This was a fabulous event and it keeps our Samaj moving forward despite challenges such as the pandemic and we continue to deliver many new initiatives for all age groups"

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NHS launches awareness campaign for England’s most deadly Cancer The NHS is encouraging people with symptoms such as a longstanding persistent cough, to visit their GP for potentially lifesaving checks in its latest campaign to catch lung cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.

The launch of the latest Help Us Help You campaign, on World Lung Cancer Day, comes after figures suggest that people at risk of lung cancer may not be coming forward for care despite lung cancer being the biggest cause of cancer deaths in England.

While most other cancer referrals quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels after the first wave of covid-19, lung cancer referrals only returned to pre-pandemic levels in May 2022.

Cancer health chiefs are warning the public to go to their GP if they have had a persistent cough for longer than three weeks or notice other symptoms like coughing up blood or persistent breathlessness.

Around 40,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed every year, with the NHS expanding its targeted lung health check programme to ensure it reaches out and screens those most at risk of cancer.

Lung cancer is one of the most serious types of cancer and last year was the fifth biggest cause of death in England accounting for 26,410 deaths.

Thanks to national awareness campaigns and early diagnosis initiatives, one in every four GP referrals are now for suspected cancer – with the NHS seeing record numbers of people getting checked for cancer over the last year with over 5.3 million people referred between June 2021 and May 2022, and over 670,000 since March 2020 starting treatment.

The latest campaign will target the groups of people most at risk including over 60s, as well as people from more working-class backgrounds who are often more reluctant to visit their GP which is critical to getting an early diagnosis.

The new lung cancer campaign is the latest drive by the NHS to deliver world-class cancer care and restore cancer services following the pandemic.

Last month (July 2022), the NHS announced a breakthrough treatment for people with respiratory cancer, which is set to benefit around 1,000 patients a year in England.

Back in March, an NHS campaign was backed by Boxers, Love Island and Killing Eve stars, to encourage people to come forward to get checked if they have potential cancer symptoms.

The NHS has also awarded £10 million to pioneering new cancer innovations to help improve cancer diagnosis across England.

Three Met cops shared 'racist and sexist' messages with Sarah Everard’s killer in WhatsApp chat A trio of Metropolitan Police officers who are accused of sending grossly racist, sexist and misogynistic material on the messaging app with Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Couzens, joked about going on "pussy patrol" and referred to rapes as "struggle snuggles", jurors heard.

PC Jonathan Cobban, 35, PC

William Neville, 33, and former PC Joel Borders, 45, have denied the charges, which relate to improper use of a public electronic communications network, contrary to the Communications Act 2003.

Detectives found material on the WhatsApp group stored on an old phone that belonged to Couzens, the former officer who

was jailed for life over Ms Everard's rape and murder.

Prosecutor Edward Brown QC said when messages were sent, all were on duty, and said that message amounted to a rape fantasy.

Due to the ongoing investigations, Couzens' messages were not read to the court. The trial continues.

Fake pharmacies selling dangerous mislabelled drugs An ITV News investigation exposed dozens of illegal websites that are posing as pharmacies and are selling powerful prescription drugs in the UK. The pills, which treat conditions including chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia are addictive and most are banned as either Class A or Class C drugs without a doctor’s prescription.

They include drugs commonly sold under the brand names Xanax, Valium and Ambien.

One can order hundreds of pills at a time, with discounts offered for bulk buying and special promotions sent out by email.

“The substances that we found within those products are more potent than the substances they

Four-year-old Sikh boy features in Burberry ad Burberry, a British luxury brand, for its most recent advertisement has been garnering praise for featuring four-year-old Sikh boy Sahib Singh. His parents wrote on social media, “Bursting with pride for our little Singh! The ad features Sahib wearing a black patka while wearing a jacket from the brand's children's collection for their "back to school" designs.

He had so much fun at this shoot and we really loved meet-

ing everyone on set.

Being part of the Burberry Bear AW 22 campaign is incredible and to be the first patkawearing model for the biggest British brand is just an amazing achievement for our little 4-yearold and the Sikh community.”

“The video featuring Sahib and the other beautiful diverse children is live on the Burberry site and we can’t wait to see the rest of the images that are going to be released,” they added.

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replaced, so the concern is around individuals knowing how much they’re consuming at any one time,” says Dean Acreman, is Project Manager at WEDINOS. “The onset of effects may be different, so customers may re-dose [if they don’t feel anything within the expected timeframe] which increases the risk of adverse effects”

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Government staff forced to use food banks due to real terms pay cuts The chief executive of the Environment Agency wrote to environment secretary George Eustice about the hardship faced by the staff who are forced to rely on food banks due to “real terms pay cuts”.

Sir James Bevan, who heads the Environment Agency said the "unjust" 3 per cent pay increase on

offer to Environment Agency staff was significantly lower than pay rises offered to other public sector workers, including nurses and police officers.

"Those workers deserve those rises and more. But so do the staff of the Environment Agency," Bevan wrote.

"It is unjust because over

the last several years in line with government policy EA employees have taken a series of real terms pay cuts, while working harder and harder. With the cost of liv-

ing rising rapidly and inflation expected to hit 11 per cent, many of our people are finding it increasingly hard to cope.

"Many are now experiencing real hardship. Some are using foodbanks."

Currently, the rate of inflation is at 9.4 per cent, and is widely expected to rise further.

Train drivers at nine companies to strike on 13 August in pay dispute Train drivers at nine rail companies are planning to stage a strike on August 13 over pay, their union Aslef announced. The one-day strike has been organised because companies failed to offer a pay deal to enable its members to keep pace with the rising cost of living, Aslef claimed.

Drivers at Avanti West

Coast and CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, LNER, London Overground, Southeastern

and West Midlands Trains will participate in the walkout.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: “Strikes are always the last resort.

“We don’t want to inconvenience passengers – our friends and families use public transport too – and we don’t want to lose money

by going on strike but we’ve been forced into this position by the companies, who say they have been driven to this by the Government.

“We don’t see why we should forego an increase in salary to keep pace with inflation and help the privatised train companies make even bigger profits to send abroad.”

UK government urged to take a stand for migrant women against male violence To protect migrant women from male violence, Scottish and Welsh ministers have made a joint call for the UK government to bring a change of policy to Whitehall.

The Home Office announced partial ratification of the Istanbul Convention, a landmark

European treaty on protecting women from violence, which the UK first signed up to a decade ago but has only just partially enacted, initiating the ministers to take the move.

The convention impels signatories to take steps to tackle violence against

women and girls, however, Article 59, which protects migrant women, has not been included by the UK Government.

Scotland's equalities minister Christina McKelvie and Welsh social justice minister Jane Hutt wrote a joint letter to the UK's safeguard-

ing minister, Amanda Solloway, urging her to "do the right thing by migrant women" by ratifying Article 59.

Previously the Scottish and Welsh governments have taken joint stances on immigration, the economy and the Human Rights Act.

Mum with Covid and her baby died after hospital failings in care Sumera Haq, 37, a primary school teacher was rushed to hospital while eight months pregnant with her third child in August last year, after complaining of severe abdominal pain and breathing difficulties.

However, her condition deteriorated, and her

daughter Ayra Butt who was born by caesarian section did not survive, while Ms Haq suffered a cardiac arrest and died, seven days after she had been admitted to the hospital.

Her grieving husband, Kasim Butt, 41, has spoken out to call for “lessons to be

learned” from the tragedy.

An inquest found a “lack of clinical leadership” at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London that led to Ms Haq’s death.

“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the hurt and pain our family feel. The last

Black Labour MPs condemn party’s response to report uncovering ‘racism’ Black Labour MPs have criticised their party’s response to a damning report finding “overt and underlying racism” in its ranks, one calling it “a kick in the teeth”. Sir Keir Starmer is accused of blaming Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘unacceptable culture’.

The former shadow minister condemned the “triumphalist ‘it was all the last lot’” stance, saying: “Racism isn’t ended by a change of leader, and neither is factionalism.

“It requires hard, pain-staking cultural challenge – an acknowledgement of the problem and an open mind committed to real and lasting cultural change.”

Kate Osamor, a former shadow cabinet member, seconded the criticism, saying: “As a Black Labour MP, the response from this party’s leadership to the Forde report feels like a kick in the teeth.

“The report concluded that the party has failed to tackle anti-Black racism and Islamophobia. The leadership of this party needs to respond to that now.”

Last week, the long-awaited 138-page report finally released painted a devastating picture of a bitter party power struggle between two rival camps, one in Mr Corbyn’s office and the other at Labour headquarters.

year has been a living nightmare which I wouldn’t wish on anyone”, said Mr Butt, who works as a delivery driver.

The inquest concluded Ms Haq died from multiple organ failure, abdominal bleeding, covid-19 infection and pneumonia.

UK energy bills forecast to hit £3,850 British households have been told to be prepared for annual energy bills of £3,850, three times what they were paying at the start of 2022, as Russia further squeezed Europe’s gas supplies. They have also been warned that annual charges of more than £3,500 a year, or £300 a month, could become the norm “well into 2024”.

On Wednesday when Russia cut flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, British wholesale gas for delivery this winter climbed to as high as

535p per therm, while European prices also rose.

The energyfocused management consultancy BFY said October’s price cap is expected to hit £3,420 for the average dualfuel tariff. In January, Ofgem is expected to lift the cap higher and BFY is forecasting it could reach £3,850.

According to BFY, the average customer could end up “facing a bill of £500 in January alone”, reflecting increased consumption during the coldest months.

A sense of belonging Rohit Vadhwana his week I read two news in a Kenyan newspaper. Both of them were related to the Kenyan athletes performing in the Commonwealth Games 2022 and winning medals. One of them won the silver medal while the other one got a bronze one. What was striking was that invariably they gave credit for their success to their parents, community and country.

One of them mentioned that she had been trying to enter into Kenya's International Athletes team for long.

It was with the blessing of her late mother and the local Pastor that she could make it. She also said about a prayer group that she had formed in her community, where people were fasting on different days for her success. She said it also contributed to her winning the silver medal.

I was happily surprised to see the humbleness and sense of belongingness to the community prevailing among the athletes in Kenya. They didn't have an individualistic approach to their success, no sole ownership, but a sense to give credit to those around them in the community. It was also striking that both the athletes who mentioned their Mother and Father respectively had lost them sometime back. Thus mentioning the dead parent and giving all credit to them for their success in athletics is a remarkable value system that we are noticing here.

How different it is from the society where we see that sportspersons live as if they are superhuman and have come with a certain kind of superpower. Many of them also behave in a way which is certainly not respectful in society. But here is the stark contrast coming from Kenya where politeness, humility and a sense of belongingness prevail over the individualistic ego and pride. It has its own benefits that one never feels lonely in the ivory tower of fame and wealth. They do not have to go to a psychiatrist for addressing issues of depression.

It is very clear that the more we remain as a part of society, the more we find meaning and satisfaction in life. Our existence is interdependent on each other, we are never alone, and so we do not become lonely. A sense of belongingness gives humility and contentedness to an individual without which the success feels temporary and hollow. It is the reason that even those people who have achieved extraordinary feats get into depression and disappointment at a time. They yearn for continuous prestige and publicity. They cannot live a life without the limelight, as it is the only way for them to connect to people, and be among them. It is because of a lack of real connection with society and people. They need everyone to follow them, not walk with them. Rather than being a part of the society, they feel the society is for them, because of them. A sense of superiority takes away their simplicity and humbleness.

The examples of Kenyan athletes were full of inspiration, not only because of what they have achieved on the ground but also because of how they accept this success.

For them, it is not only they who were responsible for medals. It was rather family and community had been a community who they felt were the force behind their achievement.

T

(Expressed opinions are personal)

Increase in homelessness on London streets amid cost of living crisis The cost of living crisis has led to the rise in the number of people sleeping rough in London, a leading homelessness charity has said.

According to the new figures released Friday by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), between April and June 2022 almost 3,000 people were observed sleeping rough in the capital.

Compared to the same period in 2021, this is an increase of nearly a quarter and an increase of 16% on the previous three months in 2022.

Around half of those rough sleepers were doing

so for the first time.

The charity’s Director of Rough Sleeping, Petra Salva, said: “The end of the increased accommodation support measures provided during the pandemic, and the effect of the cost of living crisis are clear to see.

“And the fear is that the situation will get only worse – especially when you consider the number of households who are at real risk of losing their homes is also increasing.”

CHAIN is commissioned and funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and is the UK’s most detailed source of information about rough sleeping.

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Put BAME people at the heart of health services Shefali Saxena

diverse communities. This in turn creates a further gap in health outcomes and results in inequity. There must be a wider discussion about the health and wellbeing needs of ethnically diverse communities. Discrimination within the structures of health services is also a cause of health inequalities. A great definition taken from BMJ 2001 is 'Health Inequalities are avoidable inequalities that are unfair or unjust' - which in my view shows that we all have a responsibility to tackle them. Stigma and barriers within family and community can also play a part.

M

ini Kaur Mangat is a Patient Engagement specialist with over a decade of successful experience in the NHS and commercial health sectors. She has a passion for addressing health inequalities and social values; understanding the importance of patients being involved in their own care, self-care, and wellness. She has considerable experience in consultation within the MSK field and has a track record of delivering high standards in patient engagement. Mini has worked with many community groups and has a specialist interest in working with seldom heard groups.

Mini is an elected member of Local Government and serves as a District Councillor at Warwick District Council, she is Chair of the Council’s Health & Community Protection Programme Advisory Board. Mini has vast experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, she campaigns for Equity and Human Rights and is Chair of Warwick District Council’s Task & Finish Group addressing Race Equality.

The pandemic has shone a light on inequalities, highlighting an urgent need to strengthen action to prevent and manage ill health, particularly in ethnically diverse communities. Without fully understanding the experiences of those

within these groups, however, there’s a danger that discussions about such needs are rhetoric only, that ‘inequality’ is just another healthcare buzzword and that the same conversations will still be ongoing in five years’ time.

Mini Kaur Mangat, Head of Patient Engagement at Connect Health speaks to Asian Voice about healthcare inequalities.

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hat is the root cause of health inequalities in ethnic minorities, especially among women?

Discrimination due to a severe lack of culturally competent and culturally appropriate services. People, and particularly women, are suffering in silence because both physical and mental health services can be so hard to reach for ethnically

Experience of racism linked with poorer memory and thinking, as charity commits to targeting health and research inequalities Research presented on 1st August at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in San Diego across two presentations suggests being a victim of people who experience racism is more likely to have poor memory and thinking in both midlife and old age.

Multilevel racism associated with lower memory scores In a study of 942 participants, researchers from Columbia University measured discrimination using the Major Experiences of Discrimination Scale.

Over half of the participants were Latin Americans, 23% were black and 19% were white adults.

Researchers found that exposure to institutional racism and racism between persons was associated with lower memory scores. This association was highest in black participants.

Experiences of structural racism were associated with a type of long-term memory which involves the recollection of events, known as lower episodic memory, among all racial and ethnic groups included in the study.

Poorer cognition among oldest old is linked to experiences of discrimination In a second study, scientists from the University of California looked at the experience of discrimination in a study of Asian, Black, Latino, white, and multiracial participants who were over the age of 90.

Those who experienced wide-ranging discrimination throughout life had lower semantic memory in late life compared to those who experienced little to no discrimination. Semantic memory is the ability to recall words and is essential for language.

However, in the study of 445 people,

the rate of cognitive decline over an average of 1.2 years didn’t change between groups of participants.

Speaking about the findings, Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “So far, there’s been limited research into whether experiencing racism impacts someone’s risk of developing dementia, so these findings begin to fill in that gap. However, while they suggest that experiencing racism is associated with poorer memory and thinking at two different life stages, the study only followed people up for around a year, so it doesn’t draw conclusions about someone’s risk of subsequently developing dementia.

“A person’s dementia risk is a mix of age, genetics, and other lifestyle factors.

Although latest estimates find that 40% of all dementia cases could be prevented research is constantly uncovering more about dementia and moving our understanding forward. Larger studies are required to paint a clearer picture of how people’s experience of racism may affect known risk factors for dementia.

“We know that dementia does not affect everyone equally, age, sex, and race to name but three and targeting these health and research inequalities remains a priority for Alzheimer’s Research UK. There’s clearly much to do here but it’s great to see research like this being presented at a leading Alzheimer’s conference so that there can be an open discussion about these issues. Alzheimer’s Research UK wants to fund the best research, that is representative of all people living with dementia, to learn more about how to tackle health inequalities and we need to reach more communities in new and different ways.”

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hat according to you are the right approach and immediate solution to safeguard such people who're unable to access healthcare services?

Putting BAME people at the heart of health services would help and listen to the needs of ethnic minority communities and build solutions together, with the people and not designing pathways and expecting people to fit in. If we build a culturally competent healthcare system, only then will we truly be able to reach all communities.

I

s there any mechanism by which women with Long Covid, mental health issues, disabilities, and other lifestyle or lifethreatening diseases can seek proper access to healthcare? Where are the glitches?

I think we must remember that it is the lack of mechanisms that is the issue, it’s really important that the healthcare providers work to remove the barriers that exist within their structures and listen to the ethnically diverse communities to deliver solutions that are tailor-made to the different groups within the Black

Asian Minority Ethnic communities. It is important that health and wellbeing service providers have the cultural competence to understand what it is like to live in an ethnic minority community, to break down these barriers to access and really have the understanding to be able to support people

W

hat can families do at a fundamental level to remove the roadblock of stigma while health inequalities continue to engulf so many ethnic minority people?

Community is a big feature, particularly in my community, I am of a South Asian community, and the stigmas of keeping physical and more so mental illness a secret are still there. There is great work being done by voluntary and community organisations up and down the country to raise more awareness and encourage people to get help if they need and signposting.. even when the issue of stigma is worked on and removed and a person is taking steps to access health services, service providers must ensure a seamless process which is culturally competent and right for them to get the help they need. It is so important that BAME patients are not let down at this point when they have worked so hard to get to the point of asking for help.

I

s there enough help at a linguistic level for women whose first language may not be English?

There are resources out there in different languages, multi-lingual non-stigmatising communication is important, however merely translating material is not always the answer, the resources and professionals must be culturally competent and appropriate.

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6 - 12 August 2022

Raksha Bandhan - A thread of love

NHS in limelight for wrong reasons

'Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bound.

Thus ‘Raksha Bandhan‘ means the ‘Bond of Protection’.

On Raksha Bandhan day, the sisters tie a ‘rakhi’ (a silken thread) on their brother's wrist. This is a symbol of their love and respect for their brothers. Rakhi also signifies that the sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers.

The brothers, in turn, take a vow to always take care of and protect their sisters from all evils and dangers. As a token of their love, the brothers either give cash or other gifts to their sisters.

Raksha Bandhan is one of the very significant festivals in India. This festival is celebrated by the brothers and sisters only. The brother-sister relationship is extremely special.

The way they care for each other is beyond compare. One can never love or care for their friends as much as they love their siblings. The connection and bond one shares with brothers and sisters is simply matchless. No matter how much they fight with each other over trivial issues but when the time comes, they stand by each other and extend their support.

The bond grows stronger as they age and go through various stages of life. They are there for each other in thick and thin times. The elder brothers are highly protective of their sisters and the younger ones look up to their elder sisters for guidance. Likewise, the elder sisters are extremely caring for their younger brothers and the younger ones seek their elder brother’s help and advice on various matters.

In Indian tradition, the frangible thread of rakhi is considered even stronger than an iron chain as it strongly binds brothers and sisters together in the circumference of mutual love and trust.

The festival was actually started by our Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore by tying a rakhi on a fellow countryman’s wrist. He did this to promote brotherhood and equality among the citizens of India. Since then, this festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great spirit and emotion by the people of India. Every year all the brothers and sisters look forward to this festival with great zeal and excitement.

Traditionally, this festival is celebrated by our Hindu brothers and sisters. In an era which is marked by movements for women’s liberation and rights, Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated as a festival that promotes brotherly-sisterly concerns and appreciates the complimentary gifts of a man and woman.

Today, many centuries later, the woman is still considered an object of sexual gratification and subject to man. The celebration of Raksha Bandhan can help us remember that God created man and woman as equal and complementary partners and so a woman has every right to respect and dignity.

As per the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan falls in Shravan maas also known as the Sawan month. It is celebrated on the last day of the Shravan mass which mostly falls in the month of August. The entire month of Sawan is considered to be auspicious as per the Hindu religion.

Raksha Bandhan is known by different names in different parts of the country. But however, the essence of the festival remains the same and that is to celebrate the sacred brother-sister bond.

This year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on August 11.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

NHS is the darling of all politicians, as well as the British public. It was established at the end of WW2 by the Labour government of Clement Attlee and fiery Welshman Aneurin Bevan was the Secretary of State for Health. It was the perfect time to introduce free health services, including GP services.

It was meant for emergency only, the last refuge if other means fail or the GP refers you to an NHS hospital. Indeed people were avoiding hospitals, the least busy period in NHS’s history. So one may wonder what has changed to make NHS practically ungovernable.

The answer is staring in our face; that is if we want to improve and modernize NHS. Unfortunately, the British people, especially our politicians are stranded in the past, prisoners of their own myth created by them, especially during election time. They are unable and unwilling to implement any new measures, ideas and improvement, especially if it comes to paying; even just £10 to £20 per GP visit that most GP wants; will never happen. It serves two purposes, one is that it will root out time waster and secondly those elderly who need face-to-face appointments will get it without a long wait.

Another idea put forward by experts is to let elderly people on a long waiting list go private, with NHS paying what it would cost them and the patient paying the difference, thus shortening the NHS waiting list and elderly patients get better without a long wait.

According to the latest report, NHS is 20k short of doctors and 60k nurses and other medical staff and 6k GPs most of them work part-time as locums. What is our answer, or solution? It is to recruit qualified and experienced personnel from developing countries like the Philippines, India, South Africa and a few more, where these professionals are more needed than here in Britain.

How come the world’s sixth richest and most developed country is unable to train their own professionals, like France and Germany do, instead robbing these developing nations of their talent? On one hand, we give “Overseas Aid” to enhance education in these deprived nations, then robbed them of their best workforce. It is akin to Robin Hood robbing the poor to supplement the rich!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Magic money trees The Tory leadership candidate Liz Truss is ahead of her rival Rishi Sunak in opinion polls because she is promising "jam today" to disillusioned and angry voters, hoping to increase her chances of entering Downing Street as party leader and prime minister with rash statements. In my humble opinion, she is giving a false impression of an entire orchard of magic money trees being available to the government, ready to be harvested. Mr Sunak's approach, I think, is more responsible, wanting to get inflation under control before fulfilling desperate desires and aspirations. That makes sense to me.

Raksha Bandhan will also be celebrated in Navnat’s Annual Janmashtami Mela Only a Few days to go...! Navnat Vanik Association UK is organising the Annual Janmashtami Mela in the open field. Along with the Janmashtami celebration and Lord Krishna procession, there will also be a Raksha Bandhan celebration. Annual Janmashtami Mela is on 14 August Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm at Navnat Centre, Printing House Lane, Hayes UB3 1AR. Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice newspapers are the media partner of the event.

Providing information, Ramesh J Shah, Treasurer Navnat Vanik Association (UK) said, the main attraction of Kids Zone will be

gifts, games, rides, face-painting and Matki Fod. In the Dance zone, there will be Gujarati Kathak, Raas Garba, Bhangra and Dandiya with DJ all day. Cultural shows and professional dancers will be a source of inspiration for all. Apart from that, a Yoga session is also arranged in which Kundalini yoga and other helpful yoga practices will be shown.

Many stalls of Fashion, beauty, jewellery, sarees, and suits will also be there. A special car parking space is available. It's free entry, free parking and open for all. So, the Mela can be enjoyed with family and friends.

Gang smuggled £104 million out of UK In the biggest money laundering case to ever come before British courts, criminal kingpin Mohammed Ali Bin Beyat Alfalasi has been jailed for nine years. He smuggled £104 million out of the UK in suitcases sprayed with air fresheners.

On Thursday, Mohammed Ali Bin Beyat Alfalasi, 47, was jailed for nine years for running a network of more than 30 cash mules who flew dirty cash to Dubai between April 2019 and October 2020.

To launder the cash, dozens of gangs

across the UK paid Alfalasi in the United Arab Emirates before returning it.

After sniffer dogs specially trained to detect wads of bank notes helped to catch one of his couriers, Tara Hanlon, 30, at Heathrow Airport in October 2020, his vast criminal enterprise was exposed.

She was found with almost £2 million of cash in vacuum-packed bags inside five suitcases as she tried to board a flight to Dubai.

She was sentenced to jail for nearly three years in July 2021.

Ash Gupta

ULEZ expansion 2023: Millions of London drivers selling their cars owing to ULEZ expansion Ahead of the proposed UltraLow Emission Zone (ULEZ) extension, one in three drivers are planning to sell their vehicle in the next six months.

In a bid to push people to use public transport over driving, earlier this year, Sadiq Khan announced the plans for the zone to cover all 33 London boroughs from August 2023. With this plan in action, owners of vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standards, typically older vehicles, will have to pay a daily fee of £12.50 to drive within the zone. This includes cars, motorcycles, vans, specialist vehicles, and minibuses. Drivers who fail to pay the charge, will face a fine of £160.

KAPIL’S

•

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Are You a Racist?

I

have faced off racists for more than five decades.

Let me state for the record, the UK is one of the best nations in the EU when it comes to equalities. The EU is riddled with nations where the far-right routinely secure significant voter support whereas in the UK we have beaten the likes of the BNP into submission.

However, it’s important to also expose the bigots in our society. The clandestine racists, masquerading as liberals, I have found them to be some of the most racist.

Their fake empathy, the forced smiles, the crocodile tears, the taking of the knee, and jumping on any equalities related bandwagon, all done to hide the truth about their corrupt moral compass. Beware these charlatans of equalities and diversity, they are in it for their own self-gratification.

So, no doubt you are asking, why the question: ‘Are you a racist?’

Over the decades I have witnessed the racists getting very clever. They hide their racism using meaningless terminology. They associate themselves with diversity issues and activists. However, behind all the facade hides a core prejudice that comes to light every now and then.

Recently on twitter I challenged a leading left leaning journalist for remarks he had made, that I found offensive. He said, ‘It might leave the impression that land colonised by Brits previously lived in prelapsarian bliss. They didn’t.’. To me it came across as, Brits were not all that bad, they brought a bit of bliss to the colonised (I guess they considered Indians as savages!).

I challenged him by saying, ‘It was not for the Brits to decide if land of others was blissful or not. The British committed crimes against humanity, it enslaved millions and looted others left, right and centre. Never belittle the evil that it perpetrated on others.’. Instead of understanding his error and even possibly apologising for his crass comments, he went on to tell me, ‘In that case you might more usefully ponder how it was that a few pasty-faced foreigners with bad clothes and hygiene managed to subdue the mighty Mughal armies, fabulously wealthy bankers of Bengal and Maratha warrior kingdoms - and hold them for 200 years’.

I have to say I was dumbfounded. The ignorant buffoon was now blaming Indians for being enslaved. First by the Islamists, and then by the British. In effect saying that it’s not the fault of the aggressor, it’s the fault of the oppressed for getting invaded. It’s a bit like saying to a woman who has been raped, it’s not the fault of the rapist, it’s your fault for allowing it to happen. Can you imagine the outcry should anyone say anything like that? But when it comes to race and the subjugation of people, nations, and cultures – the white man still believes that they can do anything.

So here is my simple guide for these racists. You are a racist if you: • deny me my right to call out racism and racists • deny my heritage and my history • deny the genocide and ethnocide of my people • deny my right as a Brit to call out inequalities in Britain • deny my right to express the grief of my ancestors resulting from foreign occupation • deny my right to demand that the truth about racists, racism and colonialism be told • deny my right to demand restorative justice for crimes against humanity • deny the historical evil perpetrated by Britain on nations globally • deny my lived experience of facing racism and racists Remember, just because you voted for Obama does not make you antiracist. And likewise, just because you don’t vote for Rishi Sunak, does not make you a racist.

The real racists of today are far too clever, they are not skin heads wearing Doc Martins, today’s xenophobes are suited and booted. They will shake your hand, present a cheesy smile, and give you a hug, and then put a steel blade in your back.

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit. Please keep contributing as always. If you are new, then write to Shefali at shefali.saxena@abplgroup.com

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Rishi Sunak promises to do everything possible to make the Asians proud Rupanjana Dutta Lord Dolar Popat organised a greet and meet with the Conservative leadership and Prime Ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak at his residence on Tuesday 26 July, attended by local Tory party members, councillors and close guests.

The entrance to his beautiful house in Stanmore had members from Lord Popat’s family welcoming every invitee individually.

His garden was buzzing with at least 100 guests, munching on Indian canapes, drinking juices, and networking, while they kept their anxious eyes fixed on the door, awaiting Rishi Sunak’s entry any moment.

Mr Sunak, upon his arrival, stopped by and spoke to everyone present, obliging with a photograph and selfie or two, while exchanging pleasantries. He also posed with the Indian Journalists’ Association’s Yearbook celebrating the 75th anniversary of the organisation. The IJA hosted their celebratory dinner on Monday 25 July at The Taj in central London, which Mr Sunak was invited to attend.

His last exclusive interview with the organisation was on 1 July, just before he resigned as the Chancellor.

Lord Popat standing on the “lucky-charm” spiralling wooden stairs of his house, which was once visited by John Major during his election bid that he finally won, said, “While I'm wishing on that everyone here agrees Rishi is really good to work with because he gets on with people. So many people who have worked with him, admire him for the way he does his job. Therefore, I believe he will make a great leader of our party. And of course, the Prime Minister.

Today has been inspiring and humbling and I'm proud to support Rishi.”

Mr Sunak, in a crisp white shirt, tucked in a pair of blue jeans, stood on those stairs, and addressed the room full of audience with a broad smile, talking about Asian and immigrant values, strength in family bonds, power of education and hard work and opportunities that Britain has provided as a country to all.

He said, “I've been out and about talking to members across the country.

They've been telling me things and I've been hearing what's on their mind. I'm standing here, because like many of you, this country did something incredible for our families. And it welcomed them here as immigrants. My mom ran the local chemist in Southampton where I grew up, my dad was an NHS GP, and I was brought up with a certain set of values. I was brought up to believe that family is everything and family provides the bond

Rishi Sunak standing with Lord Popat at his residence, addressing the guests

that no government could hope to replicate.

“I was brought up to believe in hard work.

Because if you work hard, there is nothing that you can't achieve in life. I was brought up to believe in the power of education to transform people's lives, that it was worth sacrificing for, because that's how you build a better future. And I was brought up to understand the power of small business, I worked in my mom’s shop, I worked in her pharmacy, I delivered medicines to her, I worked in an Indian restaurant as a waiter. And I saw first-hand doing books or accounts or payroll, just how powerful small companies are in providing jobs and opportunity for people in their community. Now, those are my values. I know, they're all your values, too.

Those are the values that we cherish that we hold dear.

But they are also Conservative values.

And that is why I want to be Prime Minister, because this country did something great for my family, enabled them and all of us to build a better life for our children.”

Speaking about the challenges ahead as a country and how he wished to tackle them as the Prime Minister, Mr Sunak added, “I want to give everyone the same opportunities that I have had here. How do we do that? We need to do three things. We need to restore trust; we need to rebuild our economy and we need to be honest. And as your Prime Minister, I will be honest about the challenges that this country faces. You've seen that in this leadership election. So far, I have not taken the easy road, I could have said a lot of things that would have made my life easier. That's not leadership, leadership starts with honesty, the country deserves nothing less. But trust also comes from doing the things that you say, and our government must have a grip on some of the challenges that we're facing in this country and solve them. So, whether it's their NHS backlogs, whether it's illegal migration, whether it's tackling the threats we face from abroad, we've had enough talk over the last few years.

Now we need a government that delivers, and I will bring that delivery to you. But then we need to get on to rebuild the economy and I don't need to tell all of you, the single biggest challenge

we face is inflation. Many of you will remember what it's like when inflation gets out of control, so we've got to correct inflation and grip it fast. And then once we've done that, of course, we're going to cut more taxes. I'm a Conservative and I want people to earn more. And I want them to keep more of what they earn; I want to support our businesses to invest and grow. I want to take advantage of some of the things that Brexit has provided to drive growth and prosperity across this country and deregulate and we're going to do all of that.

But what I will not do is put at risk our children's future by borrowing billions of pounds, making the problem worse, risk pushing up everybody's mortgage rates, and putting the bill on the country's credit card and asking our children and grandchildren to pick up the tab. That is not how we were raised. That is not how you build prosperity. It's not right. It's not responsible, and it is certainly not a Conservative thing to do.”

Finally, speaking about the upcoming elections (in 2024) and referring to the latest council election in Harrow, that moved Labour seats to Tory in a historical win, he concluded by saying, “The last thing we need to do is reunite this country. It's been a tough couple of years. And when we get to the next election, we must do something that has never been done before. We must win a fifth General

It was an honour to host Rishi Sunak along with many supporters from across Harrow at my house. I am a big supporter of Rishi and I’m glad to play a role in helping him gain support, especially from the Indian community. I am pleased that he has reached the final two of the leadership election and I am proud to lend my support to him to become the leader of the party and our future Prime Minister. I wish Rishi all the best over the coming weeks and hope that members will lend their support to him as well.

- Lord Dolar Popat

Election victory. We'll be making political history. So, we're going to need someone who can win in London, who can win in the Northeast and who can win in Liberal leaning areas, and I am the best person to put our party in a position to win that next election.

“You showed us in Harrow how it can be done.

And I will work with you to make sure that we do that for the entire country. And in conclusion, let me say this, if I'm fortunate enough to get this job, I will give you everything I have got my heart and soul into delivering those Conservative values that we hold dear into action for our country. I will give everything I've got into working with you to make sure that we win our elections council by council, all the way up to the general election because I know the efforts and the sacrifices and the hard work that many of you in this room starting with Dolar (Lord Popat) did decades ago, to pave the path for me to stand here today and be on the precipice of being our first ethnic minority Prime Minister.

“To repay that debt, I will do absolutely everything I can, to make all of you as proud as I possibly can as your Prime Minister.”

Neck to neck Sunak is closing in on foreign secretary Liz Truss in the race to replace Boris Johnson as the next PM. Truss has a much smaller lead than was estimated earlier.

As per the recent poll conducted between July 19 and 27, Truss only has a 5point lead over Sunak. While the foreign secretary has support from 48 per cent of Conservative Party members, 43 per cent back former finance minister Sunak.

This challenges the earlier survey by YouGov between July 20 and 21 which gave a 24-point lead to Truss over Sunak. The winner will be selected by voting between August 4 and September 3 from around 200,000-strong Conservative party members and will be announced on September 5. Both contenders have been busy campaigning.

"It really hasn't felt to us like Liz was doing as well as the polls have been suggesting. Wherever he goes he is getting really good feedback and an awful lot of people are still making up their minds," 'The Times' newspaper quoted a Sunak campaign source as saying.

"Liz's support feels very soft," the source said.

However, Sunak led Truss on being 'qualified' to be Prime Minister by 10 points, 52 per cent to 42 per cent, and being authoritative, 51 per cent to 43 per cent.

Sir John Curtice, a polling expert, said it was possible that the race was closer than had been assumed.

"We have to bear in mind that since Tory MPs decided that this was the contest between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, we have had one opinion poll of the people who will actually have a vote, that is Conservative members," he told 'GB News'.

"That poll put Liz Truss well ahead, once you took out the one in five or so who did not express a view, she was on 62 per cent, way ahead of the 50 per cent that's required. But that poll is now nearly a fortnight old," he said.

"I ask all those who have supported the Boris ballot campaign not to spoil their ballots. Please don't write Boris on the ballot etc, don't destroy the ballot or just not vote," said David CampbellBannerman, a former Tory member of the European Parliament (MEP) who was coordinating the drive with Conservative peer Lord Peter Cruddas.

"We cannot allow the man who brought down Boris - Rishi Sunak - to win under any circumstances," he said.

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6 - 12 August 2022

SCRUTATOR’S Sisters help convict father who burnt their mother A 48-year-old man was given the life sentence by a court in Bulandshahr, UP, based on the testimonies of his two daughters who witnessed him and some other relatives burning their mother alive in 2016 for not having a son. The daughters, Tanya and Latika Bansal, now 18 and 20 years old respectively, say they are relieved that a 6-year-old legal battle culminated in punishment for their father Manoj Bansal. Latika said, "my mother was murdered by my father only because she did not give birth to a son. My mother raised us with so much difficulty and that man burnt her alive. For us he is just a demon. After a 6-year fight, his conviction is a relief to us. My sister and I were locked in a room and we were eyewitnesses to how our father and others burnt my mother”. The victim, Anu Bansal, got married to the accused Manoj and had two daughters. She allegedly had five forced abortions as her husband wanted a son. (Agency) Cardiac patient falls ill after getting £341.9 mn power bill A cardiac patient in Gwalior had to be taken to a doctor after he was handed a power bill of £341.9 million. The actual bill was for Rs 1,300. The 11-digit bill was sent to the home of Priyanka Gupta of Gwalior.

After she showed the bill to her father-inlaw he fell ill. The bill sparked such a sensation that even energy minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar had to intervene and tell reporters that the error has been rectified and action taken against the employee responsible for it. Priyanka’s husband said that the mammoth bill was for the month of July. Stunned by the amount, they checked with the portal of Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company and saw the same figure.

Some local journalists got wind of it and pictures of the bill soon went viral. The power utility then sent them a corrected bill of Rs 1,300, much to the relief of the Guptas. (Agency)

Kabaddi player saves elderly howker's life A kabaddi player saved a 60-year-old hawker from falling into the gap between a running train and platform at Karjat near Mumbai. The kabaddi player Ketan Thorve was on the train while the hawker was trying to board it. Thorve quickly jumped off the train on seeing the hawker getting dragged on the platform and pulled the hawker to safety. Thorve said that by the time the hawker tried getting into the train, it had picked up speed and he got dragged on the platform. “As his head was close to the gap between the platform and train, I jumped off and pulled him away from the train,” said Thorve. (Agency)

Govt brings tap water to LAC villages at -35oC

launch, marking a saturation of 47%. This is a noteworthy achievement, given the mountainous geography, isolated habitations - including those without road access - and extreme weather, with temperature dropping to -40oC and snow burying roads.

Love for Sanskrit brings Thai, Iranian students to Somnath His fascination for Sanskrit has brought Farshad Salehzehi from Iran to the Shree Somnath Sanskrit University ( SSSU) in Saurashtra. Ten months into his bachelor’s degree course, Farshad speaks fluent Hindi, even as he says it took some massive effort to master Devnagri script to write the nearly 3,500 years old language. “I could understand Sanskrit taught by professors at the university as it is quite similar to Avestan, the old Iranian language. But it was tough learning to write as I could not master Devnagri script.

While my professors said they could allow me to write Sanskrit in English script, I realised I did not come far from home to take a short cut. I persevered and months later I fare very well,” says a happy Farshad.

The SSSU has, for the first time since its inception in 2005, rallied four students from abroad to study Sanskrit. Two students are set to arrive from Bangladesh pending visa approvals while Ubonsiri Sokri has arrived from Bangkok, Thailand to pursue her masters in Sanskrit. SSSU VC Lalit Patel said that foreign students are increasingly applying for courses at the university. He said that the courses also include studies of Sanskrit grammar, history, astrology, Ved Puran, Vastushastra and more. (The Times of India)

website, animeeditor. com, that offers patrons the option to upload videos like YouTube, with additional features of blogs, vlogs, chatbot and also avideo watching platform. (Agency)

Students’ device makes drinking water arsenic free

An undergraduate student of the Faculty of Science at M S University, along with two school students, has developed a magnetic filtration device for arsenic removal from drinking water. The filtration device which has already been installed in five villages in two of the worst arsenic-hit districts of Bihar has now earned a patent from Government of India’s Patent Office. Groundwater in 31 of 38 rural districts in Bohar was affected by high concentration of arsenic posing. “As school students, we had started developing a prototype in 2019. We took part in several science competitions. And ultimately, we installed the modified device for filtration in five villages in November 2021,” said Akshat Adarsh, a third year student of geology department at MSU. He developed the device with his Patna-based friends Abhijeet Kumar, 17, and Arpit Kumar, 18. (The Times of India)

Breathtaking views of Dara Ghats

Teen bags dream US job offer, loses it after age revealed

Thanks to Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission, households in all villages in a 174-km arc from Chushul to Demchok and Chumar, tracing the inhabited stretch of the LAC with China in Ladakh, have now tap water supply that works even at -35o centigrade.

Households in villages opposite Finger 4 where Indian and Chinese troops eyeballed each other months ago, have also started getting connections. Work in other villages such as Phobrang, which guards the access road to the Gogra-Hot Spring area, is progressing at a trot. The border connections are part of 11,000 connections installed in Leh district since the scheme’s

Vedant Deokate of Nagpur landed a dream job offer from a US company after he entered into a website development competition. He wrote 2,066 lines of code over two days and landed the job. About Rs 33,00,000 a year was the salary offer. The New Jersey advertising agency wanted Vedant to join their HRD team to “assign work and manage other coders”, but later withdrew their offer after learning that he was only 15. He was chosen from about 1,000 entries from across the globe. Asking him not to be disappointed, the company suggested Vedant should complete his education and contact them for a job. “We are impressed with your experience, professionalism and approach,” the firm wrote to Vedant. Vedant had developed a

The Indian Railways operates one of the largest train networks in the world. Its trains frequently travel through some of the most breathtaking views India has to offer. One such video, shared by ministry of railways on its Twitter handle, shows an express train crossing through the beautiful landscape of Dara Ghats in Rajasthan. The video of the beautiful location is winning hearts on Twitter. The ministry's tweet further says, "Panoramic view of an Express Train traversing through the lush landscape of Dara Ghats in Kota-Nagda Section of @wc_railway."

The 41-second clip begins with a scene of a wide landscape. The train can be seen crossing the beautiful surrounding. The view from inside the train must be

breathtaking that only a passenger can relate to. "It's like 'once in a lifetime journey. Congratulations to the Railways," said one user. Another wrote, "Indian rail with its enchant beauty. Thanks for this nice post." (Agency)

3-year-old falls to death while looking for phone A 3-year-old girl, while trying to look for a cellphone which had slipped out of her hand, climbed onto the railing of the seventh floor balcony and fell to her death. Her mother had stepped out to drop off her seven -year-old sister to the bus stop outside their building in Mumbai. The police said that they have pieced together the sequence of events on the basis of the circumstances in which the child and the phone were found in the compound. The child, Shreya Mahajan, was asleep in the bedroom of their home. Around 7.15 am, her mother, Shraddha, left to drop her elder daughter.

Shreya woke up and, on not finding her mother, walked towards the balcony. She took her mother’s phone lying around and walked to the balcony. The phone fell through a gap of the railing. Shreya climbed onto the railing and slipped. She hit the AC duct and fell in the compound.

She was found lying in a pool of blood.

She was then taken to a hospital where she was declared ‘ brought dead'. (Agency)

Pigeon performs backflips A video going viral on social media shows a pigeon doing a backflip.

The short clip has stunned Twitter users. The white pigeon with a blue patch on its body is first seen spreading its wings and then performing the backflip not once, but thrice. And the bird achieves the feat with its wings outstretched. The 11-second clip shows the pigeon landing perfectly on the ground after every backflip - like a gymnast. Many users wanted to know how this is possible for a bird. According to an article in Universities Federation of Animal Welfare (UFAW), there are some breeds of pigeons - roller and tumbler which have the innate ability to perform backflips like these. "The roller and tumbler breeds of pigeon have been selected for tumbling behaviour in flight, to the extent that some tumblers can no longer fly but, instead, tumble as soon as they intend to take wing," the article said.

"The consequences to the birds are difficult to assess but are clearly adverse when they lead to injuries due to hitting the ground or tumbling over it," it added.

(Agency)

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World Hepatitis Day 2022: Hep C, Ki? Shefali Saxena The prevalence of Hepatitis C is higher in British South Asian communities (1.1%) vs the wider UK population (0.2). So, this World Hepatitis Day (28th July 2022) the Hep C, Ki? campaign, which has been developed and funded by Gilead Sciences, raised awareness of the risk factors for contracting hepatitis C, specific to British South Asian communities.

Backed by the NHS and the Hepatitis C Trust, the disease awareness programme is calling on those who might be at risk to get tested for hepatitis C. The Hep C, Ki? campaign was launched in 2021 in response to a drop in hepatitis C testing by 30% in British South Asian communities. The unconventional comedy approach features top British South Asian comedians Eshaan Akbar,

Shabana Begum

Sukh Ojla and Ali Official.

You can check out the series of comedy videos below – we can also share assets if you wish to use them on your channels.

Former patient and hepatitis C expert Shabana Begum, South Asian Outreach Officer at The Hepatitis C Trust visited her GP in 2004, after years of experiencing tiredness and

mood swings; following several rounds of tests she was diagnosed and treated for hepatitis C. She was one of the 50% of people living with the virus without knowing she had it. In the course of her treatment, Shabana experienced stigma from some people in her community due to some of the misconceptions about how hepatitis is transmitted. She believes she had been living with hepatitis C since she was 13-year-old and caught the virus whilst undergoing medical treatment in Pakistan, where she lived as a young woman in the 1980s.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Shaban Begum said, “When I was 13 my dad took me on a trip to visit family in Pakistan. During the trip, I fell ill and so he took me to see a local doctor. The doctor gave me some medication and an injection – after

“We are all at our wits' end”Street racers of London have residents fuming in anger The street racers of London have caused continued disturbance over the years. This has left the residents of the city angry and the police cracking down on this illegal activity.

The infamous street racers of London have triggered noise complaints and headlines, alike, over the years. These racers organise exclusive events through social media to show off their modified cars and participate in drag races against each other.

These groups meet up at large car parks or speed around the capital and what follows is a smokedup setting. The modified cars at these events also cause a lot of noise when revved up and cause problems for the residents of the city.

The race venues are announced by the admins of Facebook groups and

Instagram, often an or two before the event. These secret meet-ups organised by these groups are in order to avoid tipping off the police of these illegal events. These groups, driving around ’recklessly’, have been reported repeatedly by community groups across London. A man from a neighbourhood watch group in Dulwich expressed his anger about the racing across his area.

“I’ve had enough with these boy racers; they keep on going at crazy speeds across the area. They speed at upwards of 80mph down our 30 mph streets and it will not be long before they

hit a child and cause some serious damage. What will it take until something stops them? A death?”, he told My London.

In an initiative to end reckless driving, noise cameras were installed in the Kensington and Chelsea of London. These cameras were triggered by 10,000 vehicles from June 2021 to February 2022. As a result, drivers are being fined for being as loud as a “rock concert”, My London reported. The residents of the affected areas including Kensington and Chelsea expressed their discomfort in a city council report.

“We are all at our wits' end”, they said.

Of the 10,000 offenders caught on camera, BMW drivers were in the highest numbers, followed

by Lamborghini, Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Land Rover.

Home Sec to meet African ministers during Commonwealth Games to ‘discuss Rwanda-style deportations’ To try to strike new Rwanda-style deportation agreements, the Home Secretary will meet ministers from a number of African nations during the Commonwealth Games.

Priti Patel will use the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as diplomatic cover for discussions with potential partners for the Government’s flagship immigration policy.

According to

Government sources, meetings are scheduled to take place with delegations from Botswana, Nigeria and The Gambia, as well as other Commonwealth states in Africa.

A senior Home Office official said: “The Home Secretary has made no secret of the fact that she believes the Rwanda deal is a blueprint for dealing with illegal immigration.

“The Commonwealth Games offers an excellent opportunity for her to sit down with ministers from across the Commonwealth and discuss world events. Many of those meetings will include talks about the deportation of immigrants.”

this, I saw the needle had been taken from a ( dirty metal container) contaminated bin with dirty water pooled at the bottom of it. I was very young so wasn’t worried and not knowledgeable enough to be worried about any side effects, a little worried but didn’t have any immediate side effects so thought nothing of it.”

When asked how much she and her family knew about Hepatitis C, she said, “We really didn’t know much about Hepatitis C – there was (and still is) a lot of misinformation about the virus within British South Asian communities with many associating the virus with stigmatised activities, such as sex and drug use.

When I told my mum that I had been diagnosed with hepatitis C she told me that I shouldn’t tell anyone because it was either passed from husband to wife as a sexually transmitted infection, or I had done something shameful to catch the virus.”

This is where the Hep C,

Ki campaign, created by Gilead and supported by the Hepatitis C Trust and NHS England, comes in – as it uses comedy to help break down some of the barriers that exist when trying to talk about a taboo subject like hepatitis C. Sharing her thoughts on what she thinks South Asians need to learn about Hep C in order to fight the stigma around it, Shabana Begum said, “I think British South Asians need to learn that if you have spent time in India, Bangladesh or Pakistan at any time in your life – as a child or an adult, as a resident or a regular visitor then you might be at risk of hepatitis C. What’s more, risk factors for hepatitis C can include common everyday practices when overseas, such as receiving medical, dental or cosmetic treatment (including vaccinations) using unsterilised equipment, blood transfusions and even equipment used by hairdressers or beauticians – such as nail scissors, clippers and razors

– can pose a small risk if not effectively sterilised between customers.”

“If someone thinks they could have come into contact with the hepatitis C virus, they shouldn’t wait until they feel unwell to get tested. If you test positive for Hepatitis C, treatment involves taking tablets daily for 8 to 12 weeks. The treatment is usually easy to take with few side effects. Once treatment is complete, over 95% of people are cured,” she added.

According to her, one must inform themselves about Hepatitis C and its risk factors by visiting the Hepatitis C Trust’s website.

Secondly, Begum urged that one must speak to their family members about Hepatitis C – in particular, their parents or grandparents if they grew up in South Asia as they may be at risk without knowing it. Having these conversations can be tricky, so consider sharing the Hep C, Ki comedy videos with them as a way to gently approach the subject.

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A third of girls and young women in the UK cannot access free period products

Dr Kalpana Surendranath elected as the Fellow of Royal Society of Biology Shefali Saxena

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r Kalpana Surendranath, Senior Lecturer and Leader of the Genome Engineering Lab at the University of Westminster, has been admitted as the Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), for achieving distinction in the fields of biological research, teaching and application of biology.

Dr Surendranath created the Genome Engineering Laboratory in 2017 and focuses on innovative, highquality research. As a Senior Lecturer, she applies researchinformed approaches to engage students as co-creators in multiple workflows of knowledge construction. Supported by the Quintin Hogg Trust, she co-launched a student innovation community called ‘Gene Editors of the Future’, which contributed to the University’s efforts to reach the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals, as evidenced in the associated report of the University.

She was born in a remote village in India to well-educated historian parents. Her steps toward a career in science sparked from the early morning study time conversations with her Dad about the science behind practices and traditions. She earned a BSc in Biotechnology and MSc in Microbial Gene Technology and through a national-level competitive process, where she was chosen to pursue doctoral studies at the premier research institute, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Today, Surendranath is a senior lecturer and creator and leader of the Genome Engineering Laboratory www.westmingenlab.uk of the

University of Westminster, London.

In a special interview with Asian Voice, she shared her success story: s a woman in science, what amount of perseverance and challenges did it take for you to be awarded this prestigious fellowship?

My career in the past decade was scattered with challenges including maternity, the demise of parents and the covid pandemic among many.

However, it is during this time, I adapted the Nobel prize-winning CRSIPR tool for teaching and research and created the first-ever Genome Engineering Laboratory in a post-92 university in UK. My career in science involves genuine excitement and radical efforts to serve science, students, and society. hat does this mean to you and your family?

Being elected as the fellow of Royal Society of Biology for achieving distinction in biology is inspiring and energising. I am grateful to the University of Westminster for encouraging scientific innovations and supporting my initiatives in disease research and research-informed teaching. My 12-year-old son said, “I am proud seeing my mother excel in her career, she is destined to achieve furthermore in science.” o you think more women of colour have an equal chance to reach where you are today?

Harnessing a growth mindset and seeking room to grow early in the workplace is crucial for the success of every woman. We cannot deny the struggles, glass ceiling discrimination is still preventing women and racial minorities from reaching the most powerful positions. Thanks to EDI initiatives across the world pushing

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Dr Kalpana Surendranath

towards achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizations at multiple levels. Let us hope for a better tomorrow! hat would your advice be to our women readers who would like to pursue science and choose a path like you?

Getting more girls in STEM is the need of the hour, as a diverse think tank and workforce are required to find better solutions to major challenges facing today’s global population. Follow the cycle: think, question, collaborate, struggle, try, create, reflect, share knowledge, and help each other in sustainable ways to make a difference in an ever-changing world. hat do you look forward to under this fellowship? Please explain your project/work in layman's language for our readers.

Creating opportunities for students to collaborate and innovate is the most wonderful part of my profession. DNA dictates the activities of our body every millisecond. My laboratory uses the CRISPR molecular scissors to edit the content of human DNA to dissect the root cause of diseases. We are excited about our recent discovery of a potential drug target for bowel cancers.

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Birmingham ready to open biggest ever Commonwealth Games which will leave lasting legacy for region Birmingham 2022 boasts the biggest sporting and parasport programme and more medals for women than men for the first time ever at the major multi-sport event The biggest ever Commonwealth Games and the largest sporting event to be held in the West Midlands will open in Birmingham today on time and on budget.

Backed by £778 million of public funding, including £594 million from the central government, Birmingham 2022 is the most significant investment in a major sporting event since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Prince of Wales accompanied by The Duchess of Cornwall - will represent Her Majesty The Queen and officially open the Games at this evening’s Opening Ceremony, taking place at the newly-refurbished Alexander Stadium in front of over 30,000 spectators and an estimated global television audience of over one billion people.

Birmingham 2022 will

be the quickest delivered Commonwealth Games in history ready in just four and a half years instead of the usual seven. It also boasts the biggest parasport programme in Commonwealth Games history and more medals for women than men for the first time at a major multi-sport event.

Birmingham is hosting 6,500 athletes and officials from 72 Commonwealth nations and territories competing in 11 days of sport

across the West Midlands.

More than one million tickets have been sold for events across the West Midlands from Cannock Chase to Coventry.

Birmingham 2022 Chief Executive Ian Reid said: “These Games will play host to the largest sporting programme of any Commonwealth Games and for the first time will see more medals awarded to women than men. Over the coming two weeks, we will be able to showcase the very best that we have to offer.

Now is the time to celebrate our city and region. This is our moment.”

All-female crew lead RAF flypast over Wembley for Euro 2022 final A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, crewed by three women, flanked by two Typhoon fighter jets as they fly over Wembley Stadium before England’s historic fixture with Germany.

The aircraft flew over at 4:57 pm, immediately after the national anthems, before kick-off. The Hercules flew from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and both Typhoons will take off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

According to a survey commissioned by Girl Guiding, almost a third of girls and young women in the UK cannot access free period products at their school or college, despite government schemes being in place for several years. Some 32% of girls and young women said they could not access free menstrual products at their school or college because they were unavailable. Girl Guiding is urging Department for Education to fully evaluate England’s period products scheme and make it permanent.

Research by Savanta on 2,008 girls aged 11 to 18 across the UK between June 13 and 22 for the charity, found that more than onethird of students said they could obtain free period products in their school toilets (35%) but another third

revealed they had to ask a teacher if they wanted to access them (32%). More than half (54%) of respondents said they felt uncomfortable asking for period products at school, while 30% said they felt too embarrassed, the Guardian reported.

A DfE spokesman said: “No one should be held back from accessing education due to their period, which is why we launched our free period product scheme to provide girls with period products when they need them.

“We continue to work with schools to tackle period poverty, providing advice and support on ways to promote the scheme to pupils that avoids embarrassment or stigma, and to involve pupils in what products should be ordered.”

Defence demonstrates significant progress made for women in the Armed Forces 25th July marked the year anniversary of the recommendations made by Rt. Hon. Sarah Atherton MP in her report ‘Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life’. A year on, Defence have taken on these recommendations and introduced an extensive programme of work alongside the work that was already being undertaken to tackle unacceptable sexual behaviour, improve the experience for women in the Armed Forces and build trust in the Service Justice System.

Most recently Defence has launched three new measures that provide clearer direction to prevent and address incidents. These are the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Policy (JSP 769), the Zero Tolerance to Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour: A Victim/Survivor Focused Approach Policy (2022DIN01-073) and the

Tackling Sexual Offending in Defence Strategy. These policies will ensure that Defence continues to tackle unac-

ceptable sexual behaviour and is a place where people are proud to work and have faith in their justice system.

In parallel to the recently published policies, a significant programme of work has been delivered across Defence and was set out in the Government’s Response to Sarah Atherton’s Inquiry. This includes training developments, transformation of the Service Complaints System, the stand-up of the Defence Serious Crime Unit HQ, delivery of improvements to uniform and equipment, and the Servicewomen’s Health Improvement Sprint.

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Indian Journalists’ Association celebrates anniversary dinner and India’s 75th Independence Day The Indian Journalists’ Association hosted its 75th-anniversary dinner at The Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences celebrating 75 years of Indian independence. The event started with a reception at The Courtyard, followed by a panel discussion at the Edwardian I. After the welcome speech by IJA President Rupanjana Dutta, the panel discussion started with a quick note from Moderator Paresh Kiri of Tradermind. The speakers on the panel included Mohith Sondhi, Senior Director, OakNorth, Dr Swati Dhingra, Associate Professor, LSE and External Member, Monitory Policy Committee, Bank of England, Arya Taware, CEO and Founder, FutureBricks, Devie Mohan, author, Fintech advisor and analyst and Mallika Basu, food entrepreneur and industry commentator.

The discussion revolved around ‘India at 75: Changing the perception and future’.

This was followed by a speech by the Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK, HE Sujit Ghosh, who spoke about India and its people reaching new heights of success.

The IJA Yearbook with articles from members and guests was launched and was later formally handed over to the Tory leadership and Prime Ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak (see page 7) who was an invitee.

Shivangi Sen of Westminster University, studying MA in Journalism was presented with her IJA Student Journalist of the Year Award by Mr Ghosh, Naresh Kaushik (ex-President of IJA who started the awards in 2019), Lord Ranger, Lord Gadhia, Baroness Verma, Lord Popat and MP Virendra Sharma.

A vote of thanks was given by IJA Secretary Rithika to all the supporters and sponsors that included The Taj, State Bank of India UK, Bengal Heritage Foundation, Here & Now, Silk Route Legal, Hinduja Group, Esteema Capital Partner, ICICI Bank, ABPL Group and FICCI.

Moderator Paresh Kiri and Speakers - Dr Swati Dhingra, Arya Taware, Mohith Sondhi, Devie Mohan and Mallika Basu

IJA President Rupanjana Dutta giving the welcome speech

Acting High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh addressing the audience

Members of Heritage Bengal Global with their guests from HM Armed Forces and HE Sujit Ghosh

Acting Indian High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh, Virendra Sharma MP, Baroness Sandip Verma, Shivangi Sen, Naresh Kaushik, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Rami Ranger and Lord Dolar Popat

IJA Secretary Rithika Siddhartha introducing the panellists

Ruhi Khan, Anmol Puri and Namrata Bansal

Shashi Bhushan, Sarvjeet Soodan and Team SBI UK

LEGAL HELP NRI

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Team State Bank of India UK- Satyendra Singh (second from left), Sanjay Pandey, Varsha Bhat, Nikita Patel, Sayali Gijare, Darshak Purohit, Devvrat Kumbhojkar, Abhishek Gupta and Manu PC

Ghanashyam Nabar, Kevin McCole, CB Patel, Anjali Basu Alok Agrawal and Dhiren Basu

Invited guests

ho are the legal heirs of Hindu male died?

When a Hindu male dies, following are the Class I legal heirs:* Sons * Daughters * Widow * Mother Along with them the legal heirs of predeceased sons and daughters are also legal heirs of Hindu Male. ho are the heirs of Hindu female?

When a Hindu female dies intestate, following are the Class I legal heirs:-

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Ganapati Bhat, Lord Rami Ranger, CB Patel, Mohith Sondhi and Ambrish Agarwal

Shalini Grover, Asma Khan and Mehrnavaz Avari Chandu Iyer, Kevin McCole, Udayan Guha and Bharat Vaswani

* Sons * Daughters * Husband an a daughter inherit property of her father?

The Daughter has equal right over the ancestral property as coparcener under Section 6 of Hindu Succession Act. an an NRI claim a right in ancestral property?

Any coparcener whether living in India or foreign country can seek a right in the ancestral in India through court. The Coparcener can be either a daughter or a son.

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For more details contact +44 203 287 7222 / WhatsApp No.: +44 7448 725 532 or Visit our website www.legalhelpnri.com

Bharat Vaswani, Danish Khan, Thanu Kurien, Devie Mohan and Udayan Guha

Loveena Tandon asking a question

Aditi Khanna, Vivekanand Jaganathan, Mallika Basu, Kalyan Varma, Varun Singh and Deepa Sugathan

MONISHA MAHAJAN

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50 years ago - 4th August – A sad day for Ugandan Asians Kanti Nagda MBE 4th August 1972 – a date that is indelibly etched on the minds of Ugandan Asians all over the world. It was on this day, exactly 50 years ago, that the contribution that Asians had made to the development of Uganda over the last 150 years was wiped out in one fell swoop. It was the day President Idi Amin Dada decreed the expulsion of UK passportholder Asians and those who were not Ugandan citizens - about 60,000 people from Uganda within 90 days. 90 days to say goodbye to the country of birth, friendships, and relationships, indeed to the homes and lives that it had taken many years and immeasurable effort to build and form the backbone of the Ugandan economy.

The ethnic cleansing of Asians in Uganda was conducted in an Indophobic climate.

During these turbulent times, many Ugandan Asians were violently murdered.

Those who survived found expropriation of their properties and businesses, assets confiscated, their possessions looted and their extremely hard-earned bank balances stolen. Amin’s soldiers during this period were engaged in theft and physical and sexual violence against the Asians with impunity. Their treatment was brutal.

Even today, I still vividly remember visiting Makindye Prison with two of my friends, Hasu Masrani and Moti Bali to get Mr Kanti Shah of Mabale released from the prison. We found many Ugandan Asians cramped like animals in tiny cells. We were able to release one of the prisoners, but I later learned that many had been tortured and killed. A friend of mine, Harshad Patel, was hanged on a tree and shot repeatedly.

None of these events made any sense.

I am not alone in these experiences and so I urge my fellow Ugandan Asians not to forget 4th August, a very sad day for us all, and to remember and sympathise with the families of those who lost their loved ones.

Below I narrate the background of expulsion.

On 4th August 1972, President Idi Amin Dada declared, on the Ugandan Television and Radio Uganda coupled with the world press that the British Government would need to take on the responsibility for the British Subjects of Asian origins. He exaggerated the figure to 80,000 British passport holders. He accused Asians of “sabotaging Uganda’s economy and encouraging corruption”.

Amin gave Asians three months (8 November 1972) to leave Uganda. Fifteen days from his first decree, he expanded to include citizens of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

There was immediate worldwide condemnation including from India.

The Asian community in Uganda thought that this was one of Amin’s dreams and did not take it seriously until they witnessed Ugandan soldiers engaged in theft and physical and sexual violence against the Asians.

Amin also imposed restrictions on the sale and or transfer of private businesses by Asians.

The Indian Government warned Uganda of dire consequences but as usual, took no action when Amin ignored the ultimatum.

India continued to maintain diplomatic relations with Uganda and provided no assistance financial or resettlement to Ugandan Indians. A delegation of Asian leaders met with Amin but was unable to convince him to reverse his decision.

Of the 80,000 Asians in Uganda 27200 came to the UK, 6000, mainly Ismaili went to Canada, 4500 to India, 2500 to Kenya, Malawi, and Pakistan, 1000 to the USA, 1000 to Germany, and a smaller number to New Zealand, Mauritius, Norway, Australia, Austria, and Sweden. Only a few hundred

The coat of arms of Uganda

remained in Uganda.

Indians in Uganda The years 1894 to 1962 South Asians were, by deliberate choice, brought to Uganda by Britishers to serve as a buffer between white Britishers and black Africans in the middle rungs of trade and administration.

Prior to this in the 1890s, under a labour contract, 32000 British Indians were brought to East Africa to build the East African railways. Most of the surging Indians went back home but 6724 remained in Uganda after the completion of railway lines.

The Britishers had established educational institutions for the Asian minorities in preference to that of indigenous Ugandans.

By 1970 many Asians who made up only 1% of the population, were working in the Banking sector. While not all Ugandan, Asians were well off but better than the indigenous Ugandans. Asians received a fifth of the National income.

After the independence in 1962, President Milton Obote’s government gradually pursued a policy of Africanisation, which included policies, targeted at Asians.

In the 1960s, the Israelis had helped train Ugandan Army including Amin. When Amin became Chief of Staff of the new Army, he ran a sideline operation for the Israelis, supplying arms and ammunition to the rebels in South Sudan. Many of Amin’s people, Kakwa, lived in South Sudan. When Obote’s intelligence agency informed him of Amin’s dubious double act, he sacked him in 1970.

At the dawn of 25 January, 1971 Radio Uganda announced that Idi Amin Dada was Uganda’s new President having overthrown Obote. Many people suspected that Britain had a hand in the coup but it was a different conspirator, Israel. Amin was helped by Colonel Bar-Lev, the Israeli defence attaché who was advising Amin at the time.

Amin during his time degenerated antiAsian terms as “dukawallas” who looked after their families and possessed an attitude of superiority. He announced a review of the citizenship status awarded to Asians. On 7 and 8 December 1971, after declaring the census of Uganda’s Asian population, he convened an Indian conference. He presented a memorandum seeking to narrow “the wide gap” that existed between Asians and Africans. He also accused a minority of Asians of disloyalty, nonintegration, and commercial malpractice.

Finally, on 4 August 1972 Amin expelled Asians from Uganda. ******** The coat of arms of Uganda is described as: - For the shield: Sable, upon the fess point a sun in splendour and in base an Uganda drum Or, the skin and guy ropes...

- Sable, upon the fess point a sun in splendour and in base an Uganda drum Or, the skin and guy ropes Argent, a chief barry...

- For supporters : Dexter a male Ugandan Kob (Adenota kob thomasi - Bovidæ); sinister, a Crested Crane (Balearica pavonina...

Dexter a male Ugandan Kob (Adenota kob thomasi - Bovidæ); sinister, a Crested Crane (Balearica pavonina)

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RESILENCE IS IN Continued from page 1 al talents to Great Britain and the other countries in which they settled, and become Noticeably, some of the most important one of the most highly successful ethnic politicians and members of the Asian comminorities. Ugandan Asians in Britain have munity have roots in Uganda and now serve dominated certain sectors of the retail trade, in positions of power. Home Secretary Priti prospered in a range of business activities, Patel was born in London to a Ugandanand have been instrumental in helping to Indian family. Her paternal grandparents regenerate inner city areas. were born in Gujarat, India, before emigrating to Uganda and running a convenience Sudhir Ruperalia is one of the richest store in Kampala. Both of Rishi Sunak’s men in Uganda, with an estimated fortune grandfathers were born in Punjab and later of $800m in 2016. Despite making up less moved to East Africa. His parents, Yashvir than 1% of the population, they are estimatSunak and Usha Sunak were born in Kenya ed to contribute up to 65% of Uganda's tax and Tanganyika respectively. Rishi’s materrevenues. One of those who came back is nal grandfather received an MBE (Member today the country's richest man, Sudhir of the Order of the British Empire) “after Ruperalia, worth an estimated $800m. He decades and decades” of working for Inland spent time in Britain in the 1970s, where he Revenue, the tax office. In the 1960s, his says he worked a series of menial jobs before grandparents moved to the United Kingdom saving enough money to return to Uganda. from East Africa with their children.

In 2022, Rishi Sunak and his wife Ugandan Asians Akshata Murty were ranked at 222nd position with a net worth of 730 million pounds exemplars of hard work on the Sunday Times Rich List, and his wife Sharing his sentiment on this anniverwas termed richer than the Queen. Amid sary, Lord Bilimoria CBE DL told Asian continued debate over race relations, an Voice, “I remember as a boy arriving in the immigrant won the race after all.

UK with my father, Lieutenant General FN ‘Rivers of blood’ Bilimoria, who at that time was a Lieutenant Colonel posted from the Indian Army to the Enoch Powell, a Conservative Member UK and the Asian refugees from Uganda had of Parliament and then Opposition just arrived; literally thrown out of the spokesperson on defence, stood before an country they considered their home by the audience at the Midland Hotel in brutal dictator Idi Amin. I remember hearBirmingham to deliver a speech whose shading the stories of wealthy individuals who ow has continued to hover over Britain had to leave everything and flee, many of made a chilling attack on post-war immigrawhom came to England with just a few tion, and announced support for those who pounds in their pocket. backed racial divisions, warnings of future racial strife and “Over the decades, since I of being “filled with forebodreturned to the UK as a student in ing like a Roman: seeing the the early 1980s, I have seen firstRiver Tiber foaming with hand the success and accomplishmuch blood”. His speech is ments of the Ugandan Asians in infamously termed as the the UK and the immense contri‘Rivers of Blood’ speech that bution they have made to British called for a tougher immigralife in virtually every field. Many tion regime when the Labour of these individuals I count as my government was preparing to dear friends. They are an exembring in a key piece of equality plar of hard work, the importance legislation, the Race Relations of family, the importance of eduLord Karan Bilimoria CBE Act. cation, entrepreneurship and enterprise. Many of them and their descen‘Racism was there’ dants have now reached the very top includEvery time one reminisces the expuling holding the great offices of State as sion, the infamous incident of Leicester Cabinet Members, like Priti Patel and City Council placing an advert in a Ugandan achieving huge success in business. I can newspaper telling them not to come to the give two shining examples out of many; one city still leaves many in tears. Vinay Patel is my friend Lord Popat who is the Prime told us in a previous interaction, “Not Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda, Rwanda everyone was happy about the arrival of the and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ugandan Asians. The Leicester Mercury other is also my friend and Cambridge and The National Front were against immiUniversity contemporary, Lord Gadhia, who grants. They believed there were already too came to the UK from Uganda as a 2-year-old many Asians in Leicester. They were afraid and is now a fellow member of the House of of becoming overwhelmed and British culLords and a Board Member of Rolls Royce. ture being lost.”

“As a fellow Asian, I will always be so Damini Rayvadera, a Ugandan Asian proud of and inspired by the Ugandan who settled in Leicester had recently told Asians in the UK, hats off to them!”

Asian Voice journalist Kartik Kavi that Contribution to economy everyone wanted to settle in Leicester because it was populated by Asians.

A Daily Mail article from 11 February However, “Racism was there. Some people 1976, titled ‘Service with a smile back in would refer to us as Pakis whilst others Britain’, estimated that Ugandan Asians had would be less obvious about it,” she told the taken over 4,000 grocery stores, 1,000 newsweekly. As a mark of how Britain is a newsagents, 500 sub-post offices and 300 product of multiculturalism and how pharmacies with young Ugandan Asians refugees have kept the economy afloat, Mrs forming a ‘rising generation’ who were winRayvadera also shared her account of being ning a substantial amount of university looked down upon as an Asian while she places and figuring prominently in GCSE worked as a trainee nurse. She said, “In results.

Newcastle Upon Tyne, where I did my Ugandan Asians have risen to great training, I was the only Indian in the class. heights in every walk of life in the last five One manager referred to me as a unique decades. At that time, Uganda had a subperson. Others didn't like me being in stantial minority population of ethnic charge. It was something that wouldn't be Gujaratis from the Indian sub-continent, allowed now.” who had enjoyed great success in the country as traders and businessmen. While the Recently Lord Rami Ranger CBE said Ugandan economy suffered badly as a result that Britain will get a "bad name" and be of the expulsion of the Gujarati community, "perceived as racist" if Rishi Sunak doesn’t this group transplanted their entrepreneuriwin. "If people reject him, it will be a bad

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OUR BLOOD name for the party and the country because this will be perceived as racist," Ranger said. "And so there is pressure on them to prove that here race does not matter. Calibre matters and Rishi's calibre is above everyone."He added: "I am optimistic that people here will be fair and will not reject anyone on the basis of race."

Lord Dolar Popat

many of us join in the first place.”

Furthering Lord Popat’s trust in Sunak, Councillor Ameet Jogia MBE told Asian Voice, “Ugandan Asians have made a tremendous contribution to the UK – not just economically, but also culturally.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron referred to Ugandan Asians, as the most successful

Cllr Ameet Jogia MBE

However, Sunak told The Daily Telegraph in an interview, "I absolutely don't think that's a factor in anyone's decision. I just don't think that's right.”

As the Tory party is on the verge of choosing between a person of colour and a native British citizen, it is imperative that we recognise Sunak’s roots in East Africa, it is debatable whether his Asian heritage will be a hindrance to the race to leadership as the PM of Britain or not. More importantly, it raises the question of whether Britain will elect an Asian PM in 2024 or not.

‘We will make history’ Speaking to the newsweekly on 50 years of the expulsion, Lord Dolar Popat, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda, Uganda and DRC said, “Rishi Sunak has been underestimated in politics ever since he went for the selection to be a parliamentary candidate.

However, when people have the opportunity to hear about his journey as well as what he has done, they tend to lend their support to him. The majority of Tory MPs favour Mr Sunak as they have worked with him and have seen first-hand what he is able to deliver.

Whether that be creating a furlough scheme within weeks or creating support packages for the costof-living crisis, Mr Sunak strikes the balance between helping those who need it most whilst recognising that any money spent belongs to hard-working taxpayers.

“If Mr Sunak becomes Prime Minister, we can expect him to govern based on conservative values.

Many Indians have joined the Conservative Party over the last two decades as they share the values of hard work, care for family and a strong sense of community.

These values are shared by Mr Sunak and will be the foundation of his premiership.

“I hope as people get the opportunity to hear Mr Sunak’s vision at hustings and the news, they consider lending their support to him.

Not only because we will make history by electing the first British Asian Prime Minister but also because we will be electing someone who will lead the country based on the values that made

Virendra Sharma MP

immigrant groups in history. They have demonstrated great versatility and the merits of integrating into society. The UK has come a long way since the Rivers of Blood speech. We are witnessing the most diverse leadership contest in history, which is on the verge of electing the UK’s first person of colour Prime Minister in Rishi Sunak – also of East African heritage. This reflects the inclusivity of the UK in welcoming different backgrounds and providing them with an opportunity to excel. Ugandan Asians are one such group.”

Labour MP Virendra Sharma has a different point of view. He told us, “The Tory Party membership gets to choose the leader from the two options Tory MPs give them. Each debate has shown Tory members prefer Liz Truss, as a Labour MP I don’t know how Tory members will ultimately vote, but it looks like an uphill struggle for Rishi. His pitch as the voice of moderation has not gone down particularly well with members, and I expect we’ll see him pull further to the populist right as we began to see in the most recent debate. Liz has successfully painted him as the continuity candidate and I suspect to some extent a Sunak government would follow many of the same policies as Johnson did since Rishi was Chancellor for most of it. The Tory Government has increased taxes in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis and tinkered at the edges, doing practically nothing, we need a government with new ideas and new energy. Both Rishi and Liz stood by Boris Johnson for years, they all own the same legacy as Prime Minister Johnson.”

Industrialist Manubhai Madhvani, who died in 2011 aged 81, was a regular in the annual Rich Lists. He lost everything in 1972 but his business empire had interests in sugar, brewing and tourism. He once said ‘you can take someone's money, but you cannot take their know-how.'

His saying sums up the past, present and future of the exemplary and resilient Ugandan Asians who made and continue to make Britain ‘great’.

Uganda Expulsion: Ugandan Asians exhibited courage, courage and achievement despite tragic and heartbreaking past CB Patel Dear readers, a Ugandan Asian will never be able to forget 4th August 1972, wherever he/she dwells. We spoke with some friends/brothers who stayed in Uganda at that time and have grown old during the last five decades. We asked them, “Did you hear the chants of Idi Amin? What was your first reaction at that time?”

Well-known social worker and member of the ABPL family, Shri Kanti Nagda very well remembers that period. Remembering those times, he says that we heard the news on the Radio between 3-4 pm in the afternoon and felt that this seems to be a part of the habit of this man to show a variety of tantrums regularly. We took the whole thing very lightly at that time, but as days passed we understood the seriousness of the matter. We invited Kantibhai to write a detailed account of - What did he hear? What was his experience? How did he pass the days there?

The first episode of this seen-by-his-own-eyesheard-by-his-own-ears account has been published in Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.

A wave of anxiety swept across the entire Indian community living in Uganda as well as the Asian community. At that time three types of Asians lived in Uganda – Asian passport holders, British passport holders and Ugandan passport holders. The shameful verbal attack of Idi Amin continued on prosperous Asians including Uganda’s richest and most respected Madhvani family’s Manubhai Madhvani and Mayur Madhvani. Manubhai Madhvani was even imprisoned during this period. However, his presence of mind, family reputation, social services and international fame, enabled him to get released from prison. The family struggled to successfully pass through the difficult days.

On the other hand, the ouster of dictator Idi Amin continued. A Commonwealth Minister from the UK also arrived in Uganda to explain it. But Idi Amin was a maverick! (Who else will order the deportation of the Asian community who enriched their country?!) He became more furious. He organised a public program in Kampala’s stadium.

Not only that, he got a palanquin prepared like the king-emperors and sat in it himself. This palanquin was also supported by the British High Commissioner. Many such gimmicks were done by him. We will discuss it, as we go ahead, and try to understand his mentality. Well, Idi Amin was mad, but his 'insanity' infected a section of people here too.

However, it was of a different kind. This infection was racism.

A conservative section across the UK, including London, crossed the limits of puffing up to protest the arrival of Asian migrants expelled from Uganda.

In April 1968, Enoch Powell railed against the arrival of undocumented immigrants to Britain in the River of Blood speech. As reports spread that British passport holders who had suffered the ouster of Idi Amin were coming to London, protests were held against it. Around 400 porters from London's Pittsfield Meat Market took to the streets. Leicester City Council published an advertisement in Uganda's main newspaper 'Uganda Argus' stating that Leicester is overcrowded, there is no room for you, don't come...

The world may be full of mavericks, but the majority is of wise people! Edward Heath, the Conservative Prime Minister of the time, showed true preservation of British values, heritage and the tradition of justice. Undeterred by the fierce opposition of racist conservatives, he announced that British passport holders and their dependents would definitely come here and that Britain was committed to accepting them.

The preparation was started to welcome Uganda’s Asian immigrants. By December 1972 the government also started refugee camps at 12 places in Britain. Even greater, and more important, than the positive attitude of the Heath government was that (despite many attempts to spread the poison of racism) the British citizenry thus demonstrated great understanding, sensitivity and civility.

Those were the days of severe cold. This was a new type of environment for our brothers.

Many locals (non-Asians and whites) reached the refugee camp with everything from clothes and necessities to toys for children. Scared and despondent Asians who came with only worn clothes

and empty hands were given the opportunity to live a good life. This sense of generosity and sentimental warmth shown by British citizens sustained the Asians here.

It goes without saying that several stalwarts like Mrs Mary Dines, Vishnu Sharma, Dilbag Channa, Navneetbhai Dholakia, Ian Martin, and MP Eric Lubbock contributed handsomely to our society's vigilant supporters. One thing that definitely needs mention here is that the desperate Ugandan Asian community in Britain has proved to be truly unique to this country.

When the Asian community left Uganda, they left everything behind including their wealth, their thriving businesses and real-estates including land and houses – however, they came here with a golden heart. These people who came with only the clothes they were wearing, worked very hard. They worked day and night. Those who previously owned factories worked as labourers in factories here. Women's power also showed its competence. Sisters, who grew up with a lavish lifestyle in the comfort of servants, cars and villas, worked as hard as they could. This period of struggle also passed, and by the end of the decade, this class had achieved such prosperity that local people found it unbelievable. Be it in Leicester or any other place, the once miserable-helplessdespairing Asian community went on to reach zeniths of success and achievements.

Meanwhile, Yoweri Museveni became the President of Uganda. Over 500,000 UgandanAfricans died under Idi Amin's oppressive regime. It became clear to the Ugandan government and people that without Ugandan-Asians, the country's economic and administrative system would collapse.

New arrivals were publicly invited to come from Britain, India or other countries. In 1985 President Museveni came to London and publicly apologised for the painful and embarrassing events of the previous year in a grand public event. The event was held at the historic Westminster Abbey opposite the Parliament. I also attended the event along with Shri Manubhai Madhvani, Sir JK Gohel and some of our seniors.

All these things will be mentioned in the series of articles by Shri Kanti Nagada. Asians, especially Indians and Gujaratis, have been making significant contributions to the prosperity of today's Uganda and the people there are also willingly accepting it.

The progress and success of the Ugandan Asian is a glorious achievement of our people. Its 50th anniversary should also be celebrated properly.

Friends associated with this period in one way or another, have been invited to write down all these experiences. All these things, experiences, and events are what make us proud. If you read it, you will feel that this is about me – us.

Readers, as you all know, we announced when we published the 'Kenya Feature' in September - 2019 that the UGANDA FEATURE is now underway.

However, due to the corona pandemic, this planning was disrupted.

Now that public life is returning to normal, we have once again taken up this special work.

In the meantime, Lord Dolar Popat and Councillor Ameet Jogia MBE have prepared a report called 'Uganda Report'. This report beautifully weaves the saga of the Asian community rising from the ashes like a phoenix.

Preparations are underway to publish a feature covering this report and other details in the coming days.

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Aum Crematorium: Consultation calls for inclusivity, unity and transparency

O

n Saturday 30 July 2022, Anoopam Mission hosted a community briefing and consultation in Denham, Buckinghamshire, attended by Parliamentarians Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Bob Blackman MP alongside philanthropist Vijay Patel, Trustee of The Shanta Foundation, whose family announced a generous pledge of £1.25 million towards the Aum Crematorium project.

As well as senior members of Anoopam Mission led by Pujya Sahebji, Pujya Shantidada and Himat Swami, a wide cross-section of Indian community leaders were also present, including: Dr Nandakumar, Executive Director of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan; Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of The Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies; Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum of Britain; Vajubhai Pankhania, Trustee of Westcombe Charitable Foundation; Shashi Vekaria, Patron of Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (UK); Mahesh Patel, Trustee of Brahma Kumaris UK; Bharat Sodha, President of Lohana Community UK; Pramod Thakkar, Jalaram Mandir Leicester; Ranu MehtaRadia, Sai School of Harrow; Sanjay Jagatia, CEO of Ekta Unity Charity; Nemu Chandaria OBE, Chairman of Institute of Jainology; Manhar Mehta,

this important milestone. This project will outlast all of us, so it needs to be implemented in the right way which is viable and sustainable on a long-term basis.

Even if that means taking a little longer to set up the right model, find the right partners and establish the correct structures and processes. The crematorium should be professionally and independently managed by an expert operator. In the planning permission, we made clear that the facilities will be open to all faiths, but with an ethos that specifically caters to Sanatan Dharma requirePujya Sahebji, Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Jitesh ments and all the dharmic Gadhia and Pujya Shantidada in the community communities.

Aum briefing and consultation.

Crematorium project is one of the rare projects which Chairman of Vanik Council (UK); could help bring the Indian and and Mayur Mehta, Trustee of Hindu community closer - and Shrimad Rajchandra Mission create a sense of unity - so there is Dharampur (UK), a great responsibility to maintain a During the open forum, archicohesive spirit through transtect Kevin Smith provided a briefparency, open communication ing about the plans and proposals and active consultation.” for the first purpose-built cremaA question and answer session torium catering specifically to the was held during which communineeds of Hindus and other ty members raised a variety of topdharmic communities. ics, made suggestions and raised Lord Dolar Popat said, “This their concerns. These included: project will benefit the entire Yogeshbhai Nakarja mencommunity. It will be open for all tioned the contribution of the for antim sanskar, whether Hindu, Nakarja family, organisers stopped Jain or Sikh. The question in the and asked him to focus only on the starting was can a mandir host a AUM crematorium. Then he crematorium at the same site? The questioned the possibility of an answer we found in - Shiva and open funeral pyre for antim sanShamshan… we can’t find a better skaar and whether family memplace than this. But the hard work bers will be able to immerse the starts now. Make sure that your ashes. Organisers replied no to views are heard. I urge all of you to both – but would like to explore support and make this crematorialternatives for scattering ashes. um a legacy.”

Pravinbhai Amin requested to Lord Jitesh Gadhia said, “It’s have satellite meetings to brief great that so many have contributmore members of the community ed over a long period in arriving at

Festival of Inspiration concludes with the historic presence of visitors A 10-day celebration of life, culture and harmony at Neasden Temple will be remembered forever The Festival of Inspiration at the Neasden Temple concluded with the historic presence of visitors on the last day. In the evening, the visitors and volunteers celebrated England's Euro 2022 historic victory. A 10-day celebration of life, culture and harmony will be remembered forever for helping individuals, families and the community as well as for enjoying and growing together. Over 75,000 members of the local community as well as visitors from across London and the UK experienced the historic ‘Festival of Inspiration’ from 22 to 31 July 2022.

Home secretary Priti Patel joined in maha-aarti

Spread over a 7-acre site in and around the grounds of the Neasden Temple, the Festival has been made possible by the selfless service of more than 3,000 volunteers and hundreds of supporters. The festival focused on the inspiring life, work and wisdom of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, on his centennial birth anniversary.

Inspiring sights, sounds and savoury food, there was something for the whole family to enjoy and learn. The outdoor festival stage was the platform for a vibrant blend of music and dance from a variety of esteemed artists, including Indian folk and devotional singers, Indian and Western instrumentalists and classical dance troupes.

In the Island of Heroes, the cultural performances from talented youth teams from

Female volunteers prayed for the victory of the England women’s national football team

around the country were really inspiring.

With the help of more than 600 volunteers and artists the Multimedia Shows, Musical productions, UV light shows, NCGO treasurer Deepak Patel an escape room, and Vishal Patel with Head of obstacle course Neasden Temple Sadhu Yog and interactive Vivekdas games were arranged that helped to discover the inner hero within each child. In the Garden of Divinity, there were magnificent statues of some of India’s great saints, sages, philosophers and poets with succinct narratives.

Apart from that, the serene darshan of the sacred images in the Temple, the informative exhibition for Understanding Hinduism, and the Health Hub were the main points of attraction. Of course, the 27-foot murti of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the main iconic features at the Festival of Inspiration. This maha-murti offered visitors an opportunity to participate in the daily maha-arti.

and asked about the facilities and the financial schemes. Ranu Mehta Radia asked about people paying towards a funeral plan.

Organisers replied – yes to more community meetings but the schemes will be provided by the operator. Anoopam Mission is not going to run the crematorium.

Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum of Britain said, community bonds should be introduced rather than individual help.

It is a huge task; everybody must be taken together and work together. We should think of organising Dhram Yatra. Since 2007, the Hindu Forum of Britain has consistently raised concerns that the existing facilities were not compliant with our traditions and that the facilities were usually inadequate at Crematoria across the UK and the Chancellor in his last Budget speech committed to start the process of modification and construction to incorporate our needs and wishes.

Subhashbhai Thakrar said, there needs to be full financial transparency. The work and operation of Temple and Crematorium should not mix. Proper structuring is needed. Organisers replied funds will be kept in separate bank accounts. Not a single penny will be used for other purposes.

Financial accounts will also be provided.

Jaikishan Wala said we should use modern technology and mediums to reach the maximum audi-

ence. Another question raised was about the design of the crematorium.

A representative of the Jain community asked whether there will be a resident priest for Hindu and Jain ceremonies.

Organisers replied - as of now the family will have to bring their own priest, but this may be reviewed.

Dhirubhai Sangani appealed to donate as much as possible in Shravan month. He said, every family should consider donating at least one brick of £101. The project would benefit future generations. He also advised that online donation platforms should be made stronger to guard against fraud.

After inaugurating the dedicated website of AUM Crematorium: www.aumcrematorium.org Pujya Sahebji said, The AUM Crematorium is the result of combined and dedicated efforts. I bow my head to all who are associated with this noble cause.

Although there are different paths, Hindus beliefs are all one and went on to cite Pujya Yogiji Maharaj’s motto that promotes and advocates the wellbeing of everyone, regardless of background.

All communities make sure that your views are heard: Lord Popat The crematorium should be professionally and independently managed by an expert operator: Lord Gadhia Not we, operators will run the crematorium: Anoopam Mission Not a single penny will be used for other purposes, we will provide a financial report: Anoopam Mission

Dawoodi Bohras of London are hosting this year's international gathering to commemorate Ashara Mubaraka In a historic first, the Dawoodi Bohras of London are hosting this year's international gathering to commemorate Ashara Mubaraka, the first 10 days of the Islamic month of Muharram when Muslims remember the tragedy that befell Imam Husain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed.

Ashara Mubaraka, or the Blessed Ten, is a period of ten days at the start of the

His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin during Ashara Mubaraka sermon

In his second sermon, HH Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin elaborated on the meanings of true wealth, generosity, & the pitfalls of being a miser. Touching on some core principles of economics, he encouraged the audience to contribute towards causes that uplift society. His Holiness emphasised that the truest means to release oneself from the grasps of despair is to seek forgiveness for one's wrongdoings. This relief is the ultimate antidote to the despairs and despondency of contemporary life.

Community members arrived from all over the world The sermons of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin during Islamic New Year that is dedicated to AsharaMubaraka provide an immersive eduremembering the tragedy of Karbala and the cational journey that teaches about the plight of Imam Husain, his family and comdeeply-rooted values of the community and panions. humanity, contributing fully to one’s holistic In the first sermon, His Holiness Syedna growth and development. Ashara Mubaraka Mufaddal Saifuddin spoke of despair and the will be continued up to Sunday, 7th August importance of never losing hope. He 2022, at Husainy Masjid, Mohammedi Park described a number of remedies to combat Complex and Mufaddal Sports Complex. depression and maintain a positive mindset.

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BA suspends short-haul ticket sales from Heathrow British Airways has suspended ticket sales on short-haul flights out of Heathrow.

This step was taken to comply with the passenger cap announced by the London airport three weeks ago. BA paused sales last weekend and has now extended that until 15 August.

BA operates far more services from Heathrow than any other airline, with its own dedicated terminal, and agreed immediately to the cap, which limits passenger numbers to 100,000 a day across the airport.

What was the cap for?

The cap was to help ensure scheduled services could operate without delay amid last-minute cancellations, as the aviation industry continues to struggle to recruit and retain enough staff to meet the demand for flights after Covid travel restrictions were lifted.

Heathrow says there is a dearth of ground staff, who are hired or contracted by airlines. That has contributed to large queues at check-ins and problems at baggage reclaim, with the potential for any delays or hiccups to escalate into broader chaos.

So BA suspending short-haul sales was simply part of that agreement? Yes. The airline says the decision will also “maximise rebooking options” for passengers bumped from those flights it did actually cancel, four weeks ago.

Will it continue?

The cap is in place until 11 September. BA has now paused short-haul ticket sales for another week, until 15 August, and will keep the decision under review. It also plans to limit sales “dynamically” throughout the summer, without a blanket ban, restricting seats on particular flights at busy periods, although most outbound travel takes place in the first few weeks of the school holiday.

British Gas faces backlash over increased profits Boosted by higher revenues from its oil and gas business, British Gas said its operating profits had increased to £1.3 billion in the first six months of the year from £262 million during the same period last year. At the same time, the firm said it would pay a dividend of 1p per share to shareholders for the first time in two years.

The company is now facing a backlash after it announced a five-fold increase in profits and plans to reinstate paying dividends to shareholders, despite millions of households facing a squeeze as

energy bills soar. Centrica’s chief executive Chris O’Shea acknowledged the UK was facing a “difficult winter” but he defended the company, saying: “The source of our profits is not rising customer energy bills.

I know it’s difficult to see the words ‘dividend’ or

‘profits’ when people are suffering... but we’re paying a windfall tax of well over £600 million pounds... so a lot of this is going back into society.”

The bumper profits came as new forecasts showed gas and electricity bills for the most vulnerable households in Britain could rise to an average of £500 a month in January, stoking the cost of living crisis and increasing the pressure on the Government to act to save millions of families from

energy poverty.

The warning from consultancy BFY Group came as it forecast that the UK’s energy price cap could rise to an average of £3,840 in January following the latest surge in gas prices after Russia made further cuts in gas supplies to Europe.

Meanwhile, oil giant Shell announced it had smashed its profit record for a second consecutive quarter, reporting adjusted earnings of $11.5 billion in the second three months of the year, breaking the record $9.1 billion posted in the first quarter.

Govt may have to pay nearly 40% of pandemic loans Around one in 12 businesses have defaulted on the Government-backed loans they took during the pandemic. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy revealed that £414 million has so far been paid out to cover loans that have gone bad. The data is still provisional and the final figures are likely to show

much higher numbers.

By some estimates the Government might have to pay out to cover nearly 40% of the £77.1 billion that was lent during the pandemic.

During the early days of Covid-19, the Government launched three loan schemes to help out businesses as many were forced to close because of lock-

downs. Billions of pounds were paid out by banks. To speed up the loans and to encourage banks to give them out, the Treasury said it would pay up if the businesses were unable to.

For the first time the data shows what banks have claimed the most. Metro Bank and Barclays were the two single biggest claimants

so far, with the Government paying them £122 million and £88 million respectively for bounce back loans. These banks have claimed back 8.5% and 0.8% of the money they lent from the Government.

Two smaller lenders – Tide and Capital on Tap – have claimed back around a quarter of the money they lend to businesses.

Former Carillion Leading fashion brands to Tube, London Overground executives face huge fines be investigated for their staff to go on strike for misleading cover-up environmental claims

London Underground and Overground staff will go on strike on 19 August, unions have confirmed, piling on transport misery for passengers in the middle of a national rail strike.

About 10,000 members of the RMT union working on the tube, as well as 400 Overground staff working at Arriva Rail London, will strike for 24 hours on Friday, in two separate disputes over jobs and pay, as a union-imposed deadline passed without the assurances it sought from the employers.

The industrial action falls between two 24-hour walkouts

by RMT and TSSA members at Network Rail and 14 train operators on Thursday 18 and Saturday 20 August.

Tube workers will be on strike for the fifth time this year in a row over proposed job cuts and changes to pensions, driven by agreements over emergency government funding to Transport for London.

The RMT said TfL had refused to share details of a draft government proposal. Ministers have required TfL to find savings and review pensions as part of earlier bailouts, with billions in fare revenue lost since the start of the pandemic as passengers stayed off the tube. The union’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “This strike action by our members on LU and the Overground is yet another demonstration of how transport workers refuse to accept a raw deal.

“TfL have had ample opportunity to be transparent about the funding they will receive and to give tube workers the assurances they need. Yet they have totally failed to give those guarantees. “And Arriva Rail London, a company swimming in money, refuses to give our members a pay rise that will deal with the escalating cost of living crisis.” Lynch said there would be “significant disruption” due to the strike on 19 August and stressed that TfL and Arriva Rail London bore “responsibility for this breakdown in industrial relations”.

Contracting giant Carillion went into compulsory liquidation in January 2018. At the time it was the UK’s second-largest contractor and held approximately 450 contracts with the government.

Clients included the Department for Transport, the Department for Education, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said Carillion had broken market rules and Howson, Adam and Khan “acted recklessly and were knowingly concerned in Carillion’s contraventions” in the months before a 2017 profit warning that took analysts by surprise and prompted the company’s downfall.

The FCA said it had decided on provisional fines of £397,800 for former chief executive officer Richard

John Howson; £318,000 for former finance director Richard Adam; and £154,000 for Zafar Khan, also a former finance director.

It said Howson, Adam and Khan had referred their individual FCA decision notices to the Upper Tribunal, which will decide whether to uphold the regulator’s findings and proposed penalties, or whether other action should be taken.

Two PFI hospitals for which Carillion was the main construction contractor – one in Sandwell in the West Midlands and the other in Liverpool – were among the high-profile jobs immediately thrown into jeopardy. Those contracts alone were originally worth a combined £1.4 bn.

Carillion’s “total deficiency” at the time of its demise was £3 bn.

HK woman who was Asia's richest, loses half the fortune Yang Huiyan is a majority shareholder in China’s biggest property developer Country Garden and she saw her net worth plunge by more than 52 per cent to £9.3bn from £19.5bn a year ago.

Yang inherited her wealth when her father Yang Guoqiangm, the founder of Country Garden, transferred his shares to her in 2005, according to state media.

She became Asia’s richest woman two years later after the developer’s initial public offering in Hong Kong.

Yang Huiyan

But, Yang recently lost more than half her fortune in just one year after China's property market took a battering. Last year, for the 11th year running, Hong Kong was ranked the world’s least

affordable housing market. The median price of a home is more than 20 times the annual median household income, four times the ratio at which a place becomes “severely unaffordable".

Nearly eight per cent of people live below the poverty line.

While Country Garden is not desperately struggling it is a sign to investors of the way things are heading. The company announced that it planned to raise more than £282.7

mn through a share sale, for “refinancing existing offshore indebtedness, general working capital and future development purposes”.

Chinese authorities clamped down on excessive debt in the property sector in 2020, leaving even behemoth companies struggling to make payments and forcing them to renegotiate with creditors as they edged closer to bankruptcy. This has led to lagging construction and delayed delivery of properties, causing homeowners to withhold mortgage payments for homes sold before completion.

Britain's competition regulators heighten scrutiny of companies which may be exaggerating their green credentials in an attempt to woo climate-conscious consumers as well as billions of dollars from environmentally-focused investor funds.

The regulators will now also investigate whether fashion brands ASOS, Boohoo and George at Asda are misleading shoppers with their environmental claims as it scrutinises retailers for evidence of "greenwashing".

If the three companies are found to be misleading customers, the CMA will take enforcement action, including in court, if necessary, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) interim Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said, noting the probe was "just the start" of the CMA's work in the clothing sector.

Online fashion retailers ASOS and Boohoo said in separate statements they would work with the CMA and were committed to providing accurate information about their products.

Many regulators across the United States and Europe are cracking down on potentially false environmental, social and governance-related (ESG) claims made by companies across sectors as well as investor funds to make sure they are backed up.

The CMA last year published a green claims code, a set of guidelines for companies and shoppers to ensure that environmental claims are genuine and not misleading. It will examine products in the fashion brands' eco ranges, where some labelled as environmentally friendly can contain as little as 20% recycled fabric, the CMA said.

Salaries of newly qualified lawyers soar to £185,000 The average annual salary for a newly-qualified City lawyer has soared to £185,000 a year, as a war for talent in a tight labour market comes when reports of firms paying ”stupid money“ are rife.

Alan Bannatyne, chief financial officer and an industry veteran of 20-years’ standing, said the rise was “significantly up on everything” he’d seen previously, rising from £165,000 in January, in a trend that looks set to last.

Overall, Robert Walters reported what it called a “record first half” of its financial year, with profit before tax of over £26 million, up almost a quarter, from revenue of £538.6 million, up 16%. Net fee income in the UK rose 8% to £38 million.

The pound’s decline is also playing a role in lifting salaries.

Bannatyne said the closest comparison to the state current jobs market was the “war for talent” of 2006. At that time, a boom in derivatives and the financialisation of mortgage-backed securities was gathering pace and ended in the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008.

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JLR drives Tata Motors into loss India's Tata Motors has reported a wider net loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 as Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR’s) earnings skidded and raw material costs grew. The flagship of India’s largest conglomerate, the Tata Group, posted a net loss of £495 million for the three months to June 30, compared with a loss of £445 million a year earlier.

Revenue edged up 8% to £7.19 billion on rising demand at its India passenger and commercial vehicles units. Expenses, which includes raw

material costs, rose 12% to £7.77 billion.

Net automotive debt also grew 25% to £60.7 billion.

Tata Motors attributed the increase in losses to JLR’s weak performance.

The ongoing chip supply

Adani group plans to invest $70 bn in the clean energy sector Adani Group, whose combined group market capitalization exceeded $200 billion, now holds a major global renewable energies portfolio, and has also made progress in other sectors in the past one year: being the largest airport operator in India, the largest FMCG company in the country (Adani Wilmar), the country’s second largest cement manufacturer in India.

Group chairman Gautam Adani has announced that his group’s plan to invest $70 billion in the clean energy sector, will act as a facilitator for India’s green energy transition. The group has never walked away from investing in India, said Adani, while addressing shareholders during the annual general meeting of Adani Enterprises – the flagship company of the group. He called for “reshaping India’s energy footprint in an extraordinary way.

strength in “Our renewables will empower us enormously in the effort to make green hydrogen the fuel of the future. We are leading the race to turn India from a country overreliant on import of oil and gas to a country that might one day become a net exporter of clean energy,” he said.

The investment includes Adani Green Energy’s plan to aim at setting up 45 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy production capacity by 2030 for an investment of $20 billion. The company also targets developing a 2GW per year solar manufacturing capacity by fiscal year 2022-23.

The billionaire said the group is building India’s infrastructure, winning some of the largest road contracts and growing its market share in business such as ports, logistics, transmission and distribution, city gas, and piped natural gas.

issues, inflation and Covidrelated lockdowns in China weighed on JLR. The British luxury unit posted a bigger operational loss of £ 343.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, compared with a loss of £23.3 million

a year earlier. JLR expects production to ramp up in the second quarter as it sees the chip supply scenario improving and the impact of Covid lockdowns in China reducing.

Tata Motors’s non-JLR portfolio (commercial & passenger vehicles business) turned around during the first quarter of fiscal 2023, aided by strong volumes and better price realisations.

The commercial vehicles segment made an operating profit of £39.5 million as against an operational loss of £32.7 million in Q1FY22.

Govt begins privatization of Alliance Air, other ex-AI subsidiaries After Air India, the government has now begun work on privatising its erstwhile subsidiaries - regional carrier Alliance Air Aviation, AI Engineering Services and AI Airport Services.

India’s civil aviation ministry has begun a clean-up exercise, involving government guarantees that were given to Alliance Air. Additionally, it will look at the infrastructure available with the other two subsidiaries and the HR issues, including manpower deployment, which will pave the way for seeking expression of interest over the next few months.

The sale of the entities will help the government garner some resources and recover some of the money it had pumped into Air India before it was sold. Of them, the engineering arm could see the maximum interest from potential buyers as the Tata Group has major fleet expansion plans, said people in the know. A few renowned international airlines with large engineering subsidiaries are keen to forge alliances with Tatas to jointly run the maintenance shop here.

Alliance Air currently has a fleet of 19 turboprops - 18 ATRs and a made-in-India Dornier of HAL - and operates 115 daily departures on a network of 50 domestic destinations mainly in north and Northeast India. The 800-employeestrong airline will induct two more ATRs by September and another HAL-made Dornier. The regional carrier plans to start an international route - Chennai-Jaffna - soon, depending on the situation in Sri Lanka.The handing over of AI to Tatas this January, has so far been the most highprofile divestment of the Modi government.

A 360 degree view

Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

We’re currently arranging funding for an offshore firm which owns properties in central London. There were a few complications attached to the deal. Firstly, many lenders, including bridging lenders do not like to lend to foreign structures, in this particular locality.

To compound the issue, there is currently a long standing dispute with the managing agents, triggered by one particular person, who happens to be the neighbour of one of the flats in question, is retired, has a lot of time on his hands and sits on the management committee. In short, it’s a small technicality, which is in actual fact an internal improvement to the property, but a mountain has been made from a mole hill. And he took it upon himself to inform their current lender. Sometimes the perception is what has the effect, and not the reality.

As the case progressed I got to know the investors, one of the comments they made is how poor their investments had performed. The growth rate hasn’t been that strong from the time they have purchased the flats they own.

It an interesting point, many foreign buyers simply like to own a piece of central London, with any spare money generated from their business, without giving much thought to where the market is now and where it is likely to be in 5 and 10 years. Furthermore, often these properties rather than generating money, actually drain money.

Sucking money from your pocket into the property. This is not in itself bad, if the value of the property is going upwards. However, this means you need deep pockets to merely hold stock in the location.

They came to the conclusion looking back this wasn’t such a hot investment.

If they want to make a strong return on their investment, then they need to follow the money, and be prepared to invest where there is future potential in the location; regardless of how seemingly unattractive the location may seem. London does have the demand from an international appeal, but it also has its waves. And if you catch it on its way down it’s no fun.

Besides arranging the funding for this client we have also pointed them in what we think is the right direction for the coming 5 year period.

The foreign structure is also a liability, it will reduce the number of lenders one can approach. There are no tax advantages to having this structure, simply one of anonymity. The internet has too much information available to all and sundry, it is understandable some may wish to protect their privacy against prying eyes. However, there are more cleaner ways to achieve this. And as part of our exercise, we took some advice from a barrister on how the properties could be transferred back on shore, without the stamp duty or capital gains being paid. This is work in progress. The reasons as to why this structure was set up a couple of decades ago is not valid currently.

In short, whilst doing the refinance, we have given another perspective on the investment strategy to the client, as well as looking at restructuring their current set up. This has been an interesting case, one where we can add much value gained from experience and connections.

SIA Group veteran to head Air India Govt earns £15 bn from 5G spectrum auctions

Tata Sons, which took over Air India this January, had announced the appointment of Campbell Wilson who, at that time, was the CEO of Singapore Airlines (SIA) budget arm Scoot.

With India's Union home ministry giving him the required security clearance, finally SIA Group veteran Wilson will formally take over as Air India’s MD & CEO. After bidding adieu to Scoot on June 15, Wilson came to the Delhi HQ of AI on June 20 and since then he has been visiting the

airline’s facilities across India. However, he could not assume charge as the airline’s MD & CEO before getting the mandatory security clearance, which has now finally been given. This nod is a must for senior level airline personnel, whether Indian or foreign.

AI finally now has an airline background person, in fact an industry veteran, heading it. The Maharaja’s turnaround is widely seen as contemporary aviation’s biggest challenge.

Indians top in immigrant founders of US unicorns According to a National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) report more than half (319 of 582) of America’s startup companies valued at $1 billion or more - known as unicorns - have at least one immigrant founder. India, with 66 companies, tops the chart as the country of origin for the immigrant founders of US unicorns.

Immigrants from Israel founded the second-most billion-dollar companies at 54, followed by the UK (27), Canada (22), China (21), France (18), Germany (15), Russia (11), Ukraine (10), and Iran (8).

The NFAP research has identified at least 10 immigrants who have founded two or more unicorns. Four of them are from India - Mohit

Aron (founded Nutanix & Cohesity), Ashutosh Garg (Bloomreach & Eightfold. ai), Ajeet Singh (Nutanix & ThoughtSpot), and Jyoti Bansal (AppDynamics & Harness). The NFAP report looks at unicorns tracked by the research firm CB Insights. The research finds that the privately held US billion-dollar startup companies with immigrant founders have created an average of 859 jobs per company.

The collective value of the 319 immigrantfounded companies is $1. 2 trillion, which is more than the value of the companies listed on the major stock markets of many countries, including the Brazil Stock Exchange, Madrid Stock Exchange and Singapore Exchange.

The 5G spectrum auctions came to a close on Monday after seven days. It fetched a record £15 billion for the exchequer as the government now prepares to launch the high-speed telecom services from October this year across metros and top cities.

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio was the biggest purchaser, lapping up spectrum worth £8.81 billion. Jio was followed by Sunil Mittal’s Airtel that bought spectrum worth £4.31 billion, while Vodafone Idea spent £1.87 billion. Gautam Adani’s Adani Data Networks was a silent spectator in the auctions as it spent £21.2 million for buying airwaves in Gujarat, Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. The company, a surprise entrant in

the telecom business, had made it clear that it is buying spectrum mainly for enterprise purposes, and has no active plan to enter consumer mobility business.

Telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said 5G services are expected to begin by October as the government now hurries up to complete spectrum allocation and other formalities to expedite the launch. The current collections of the

government far exceed the previous record of £110,000 of 2015 auctions, indicating the confidence of the industry, which was caught in a financial mess and statutory dues, helped by AGR (adjusted gross revenue) relief. A mega package announced by the government in September, which was followed by further sweeteners for 5G auctions, saw the companies commit heavy investments. Around 71% of total 72,000MHz of spectrum put up for sale was sold, and the biggest achievement was sale in 700MHz band, which failed to find buyers in last two auctions. Jio bought the spectrum in the band.

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in brief US DRONE STRIKE KILLS AL-QAEDA LEADER The CIA killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda, with a drone strike in Afghanistan at the weekend, bringing to an end the decades-long hunt for the man who succeeded Osama bin Laden. President Biden confirmed Zawahiri’s assassination after the White House confirmed “a successful counterterrorism operation” against al- Qaeda in Afghanistan. The drone strike is the first on a terrorist target there since US forces withdrew from the country last year. The killing of Zawahiri, 71, marks the biggest blow to al-Qaeda since the US assassination of Bin Laden at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011.

PAK’S FIRST HINDU WOMAN SENIOR COP Beating all odds and rising to become Pakistan’s first Hindu woman deputy superintendent of police, Manisha Ropeta is thrilled to have “proven wrong” her relatives and is looking forward to take on new challenges: to be a “women protector” by leading a feminism drive and encourage gender equality in a patriarchal society.

Ropeta, 26, who is from Jacobabad in interior Sindh province, believes women are the target of many crimes and are the “most oppressed” people in male-dominated Pakistan. Ropeta cleared the Sindh Public Service Commission examination last year. She ranked 16th on a merit list of 152 successful candidates.

PAK HELICOPTER GOES MISSING WITH TOP ARMYMEN A military helicopter with an army general and five others went missing during a flood relief operation in southern Pakistan, the army said.

The army aviation helicopter, which was helping with the operation in Lasbela district in southern Balochistan province had lost contact with air traffic control, the army said.

It said six people, including the army general, who commands southern 12 Corps were on board. The military did not say how long the helicopter had been missing. There hasn’t been any trace of the chopper since a rescue operation began, said police official Pervez Umrani. The search had been halted due to bad weather and will resume later, he said.

BRITISH FATHER, SON DIE IN BANGLADESH A British taxi driver and his son died in Bangladesh of a suspected poisoning. Rafiqul Islam, 51, and Mahiqul, 16, along with three other members of their family, were discovered unconscious by police. The father and son died on their way to hospital. Islam’s wife, Husnara, 45, and their daughter Samira, 20, were said to be critical and their son Sadiqul, 24, is under treatment. The family, from Cardiff, were on a holiday visiting relatives and friends and were living in a rented flat the eastern city of Sylhet. Islam’s mother, his brothers and sister flown down to Bangladesh after informed about the tragedy.

6 BANGLA WAR CRIMINALS GET DEATH Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced six members of the infamous paramilitary force ‘Razakar Bahini’ to death for collaborating with the Pakistani Army for “crimes against humanity” during the 1971 Liberation War. The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Mohammad Shahinur Islam delivered the verdict. “They shall be hanged by neck until their death,” Islam pronounced, with five of the convicts faced the trial in person, while one convict was tried in absentia. Of the six accused, one was absconding. The convicts were present on the dock as the judgment was delivered after which they were brought to Dhaka Central Jail.

Pelosi to visit Taiwan as China threatens military action TAIPEI: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to land in Taiwan on Tuesday evening in defiance of Chinese threats, a trip that would make her the highest-ranking American politician to visit the island in 25 years.

Pelosi is expected to arrive via private plane at Songshan Airport, according to the Liberty Times, one of several media outlets linked to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s ruling party.

The South China Morning Post newspaper reported that the US Air Force jet that brought Pelosi to Malaysia had departed the capital. It wasn’t clear whether the US official was on board.

In a regular briefing, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it couldn’t comment on the speculation around Pelosi’s trip. “Taiwan

always welcomes international visitors coming to Taiwan to gain a better understanding of Taiwan and to display their support for Taiwan,” Joanne Ou, a spokeswoman for the ministry, told reporters.

China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, has vowed an unspecified military response to any Pelosi visit that risks sparking a crisis between the world’s biggest economies. President Xi Jinping on a call last week told President Joe Biden he would “resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity” and that “whoever plays with fire will get burned.”

The US leader told Xi during the exchange that “Congress is an independent branch of government and that Speaker Pelosi makes her own decisions.” Chinese

Demand to probe donations received by Imran's party ISLAMABAD: Pakistani politicians called for election authorities to order a probe into former prime minister Imran Khan’s party after the Financial Times reported that it allegedly received prohibited donations from foreign citizens and companies.

The article alleged that Pakistani tycoon Arif Naqvi used a charity cricket tournament to facilitate donations to Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf party from his Dubai-based private equity group Abraaj and a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family. Pakistan bars foreign nationals and companies from funding political parties.

Criticism of Khan came from prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, while leaders from his Pakistan Muslim League (N) party asked the Election Commission of Pakistan to release a years-long investigation into PTI’s funding. Sharif replaced Khan in April after the former cricketer, who was elected in 2018, was ousted in a no-confidence vote.

“I urge Imran Khan to file a defamation case against Financial Times for publishing the article,” Sharif wrote on Twitter. “If he doesn’t and I am sure he wouldn’t, it will prove one more time how brazenly he is lying and cheating the people of Pakistan.” The dispute over PTI’s alleged foreign funding comes as Khan rides a wave of popular anger over Pakistan’s economic crisis to try to force early elections. The PTI won crucial local polls in Punjab this month, adding to Khan’s political momentum, but PML-N leaders have used the allegations of foreign funding to try to discredit him.

“We have requested the Election Commission that it is your constitutional responsibility to come out with this report and take action accordingly,” said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a PML-N leader and former prime minister, according to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper. “It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to decide the case at the earliest.”

Nancy Pelosi

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying hit back at that idea, saying Congress was part of the US government and should abide by its foreign policy.

“When the House speaker, being the third-highest ranking figure in the US government, flies on a US military plane to make a provocative visit to the Taiwan region, it is certainly not unofficial behavior,” she said at a briefing in Beijing, adding that any countermeasures from Beijing would be “justified” in response to such “unscrupulous behavior.”

2 Indian-origin men shot dead in Canada NEW YORK: Ten days after the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, who had been acquitted of charges of bombing an Air India plane, two Indian-origin men have been shot dead in Canada. The killing of the two men is similar to that of Ripudaman. Meninder Dhaliwal and Satindera Gill were killed at the British Columbia resort village of Whistler. They were shot in daytime while sitting in a car in a public place like Ripudaman, as in that incident, a car was also found burning nearby. The officials have not linked the two incidents as yet.

Dhaliwal, along with his brother Barinder, was on a list of six men, four of them of Indian descent, released last year by the Vancouver Police Department which called them “gangsters” who “pose a significant risk to the safety of the public”.

Adam Palmer Police Chief warned while releasing their pictures, “Our police intelligence leads us to believe that the individuals we have identified today may be targeted by rival gang members”. Dhaliwal was a member of a gang known as “Brother’s Keeper” (BK), while Gill was not known to be involved with gangs.

Once a supporter of the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement, he later made peace with the Indian government, writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, “I am writing you this to express my deep heartfelt gratitude for the unprecedented positive steps taken by yourself to redress long-reading Sikh demands and grievances.” He was taken off the Indian government’s blacklist and granted a visa to visit India in 2019.

Gujarati couple struggling to get daughter back in Germany Nischal Sanghavi Fate struck in an evil way on Dhara and Bhavesh Shah in a foreign land as circumstance separated them from their seven month old daughter. After 8 months, the couple is still struggling to get the daughter back.

Dhara, whose family resides in Ahmedabad got married to Mumbai based Bhavesh Shah. Bhavesh who was a software engineer got a job in an IT company's development center at Berlin. The couple shifted to Berlin in August 2018 after which they were blessed with a baby girl Ariha in February 2021. While they were there, Bhavesh’s mom-dad visited them in Berlin to help them during early parenting days.

According to Dhara, "One day we noticed some blood in the kid's diaper.

Unable to know what might have caused it, we took the child to a doctor, who said that there was nothing serious. After two days, just out of precaution they again visited the doctor. However, after examining the child the doctor called some officials. The officials took the baby in their custody and charged me and my husband with sexual abuse." The Gujarati Jain couple tried to give clarifications. However, they cannot speak German and the only interpreter available was of Pakistan origin urdu speaking and not a very good translator of Hindi to German. Being a native Gujarati, Dhara is not proficient with English and Hindi languages.

According to Dhara's husband Bhavesh, "we started a legal battle to get the custody of the child. The process of DNA testing and diagnosis took about 4 months, at the end it

baby, the officials keep them with a Jain Gujarati family in India, as it is the right of the child to grow in her own religion, culture, family and nation.

They have also made procedures with the Social welfare department in India to execute the same.

Recently, it was the due date to extend the couple and baby's German visa. The child service officer who brought the baby Parents with Ariha two days before Recent picture when the baby was talked with the German official separation allowed to meet parents in German language after was proved that there was no sexual assault which, instead of returning the passport to of the kid. In the meantime, it was also conparents it was handed over to the child serfessed by my mother (the kid's grandmothvice officer. er) that the bleeding was caused by the hurtNow, the couple fears that if the legal ing of her finger while trying to handle the battle extends longer, the baby may be debaby. She could not say it before for the fear nationalosed and converted as German and of getting blamed. An affidavit for the same not be returned to them on the continuity was also presented to the court." principal, according to which as the baby is Once the charges were cleared, the offigrowing using German mother tongue and cials asked the parents that in order to get food habits and it might be inappropriate the custody of the child, they need to clear now to change the entire culture and diet the fit-to-be-parents tests. The couple has for the little girl. They may also denationalready faced two sessions, however, the alise the baby's Indian citizenship to German. After which even the Indian govlegal proceedings may take long as per the ernment will not be able to do anything. law of the land.

The couple has sent letters to India’s The family that strictly follows Jain reliMEA through reputed organisations like gion has been urging authorities to ensure JITO, Prasadham, JEET & SanskarShakti, to that the child gets appropriate vegetarian act for the custody of child to her extended food and an appropriate environment, while family in India, as the government has done not in their custody. But, the same is not folin previous similar cases. But, unfortunately, lowed so far by them. The parents have also as Ariha already turns 15-month-old, there appealed the officials that till the time they has not been any developments so far. are considered appropriate to handle the

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BJP will face 2024 polls under guidance of PM Modi, says Shah Union home minister Amit Shah said the BJP will face the 2024 parliamentary elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and form the government for the third time. Shah said the pull of PM Modi and the works done by the central government will help the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections with more seats than what it had won in 2014 and 2019 elections.

He was addressing members on the concluding day of the twoday joint national executive committee meeting of BJP’s seven national frontal organisations.

Shah asked the rank and file to continue strengthening their organisations at the booth level and keep building contacts with important local persons. Arun Singh, national general BJP secretary, said that all the alliance partners of the BJP will remain in the NDA in the next elections. “In

Amit Shah

Bihar, too, the existing alliance partners will remain in the NDA during the 2024 parliamentary elections as well as the 2025 assembly elections,” he added.

Nearly 1,100 functionaries from various states had gathered for the mega event. On his arrival at the Patna airport, Shah was given a warm welcome by the workers. Later, Shah, along with BJP national president J P Nadda, went to the party’s state headquarters to have two

rounds of discussions – first with the MPs, MLAs and MLCs, and then with Bihar unit’s core committee members. Singh said 378 delegates were sent on a two-day stay in 200 assembly constituencies across the state to get a feedback on the party’s strengths and weaknesses.

“It was done on the advice of PM Modi. The delegates were from various states with linguistic differences, but there was no problem in communication at the local level,” Singh said.

Maharashtra governor apologises for ‘Gujarati-Rajasthani’ remarks Alarmed by the criticism for undermining the people of Maharashtra, governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday tendered an apology for his remark that if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis were excluded from Mumbai, there would be no money left in Mumbai and it would cease to be India’s financial capital.

“While addressing a gathering. . . on the development of Mumbai, I feel I committed a mistake while eulogizing the contribution of members of certain communities…in the last three years, the people of Maharashtra have given me immense love and

affection, I have tried by best to enhance the prestige of Maharashtra and Marathi language. But on that day, it appears I inadvertently committed a mistake. I am confident that the people of Maharashtra will display their large heart and forgive this humble servant of people. I cannot even imagine insulting people of a state like Maharashtra which has a great tradition and a history of saints,” Koshyari said in a statement.

Leaders of the rival Shiv Sena factions, BJP, Congress, NCP and MNS as well as citizens had criticized Koshyari for his

comment at a chowknaming function last week.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who is at loggerheads with Koshyari over MLC nominations, had demanded an unconditional apology to the people of Maharashtra and said it was time that Koshyari be shown the ‘Kolhapuri chappal’.

NCP president Sharad Pawar, his daughter Supriya Sule, and Congress leaders Nana Patole and Balasaheb Thorat had condemned the statement. CM Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis had distanced themselves from Koshyari, saying they do not agree with his statement.

Navy gets India's 1st indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant Indian Navy has taken delivery of first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant from Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Designed by Indian Navy's in-house Directorate of Naval Design (DND), the carrier is christened after her illustrious predecessor, Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier.

The 262 metre long carrier has a full displacement of close to 45,000 tonnes which is much larger and advanced than her predecessor. The ship is powered by four gas turbines totalling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 knots.

Built at a cost of close to £2 billion, the ship's keel was laid in Feb 2009, followed by launching in

Aug 2013. It has an overall indigenous content of 76 per cent. Vikrant has been built with high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability, and has been designed to accommodate an assortment of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. The ship would be capable of

operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft. The aircraft carrier would soon be commissioned into the Indian Navy.

India proposes to add 3 new sites to World Heritage list India has proposed to add three cultural sites to the tentative list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites (WHS). The sites are Geoglyphs of Konkan region in Maharashtra, Meghalaya’s JingKieng Jri, a living root bridge and Sri Veerabhadra Temple and Monolithic Bull (Nandi) from Andhra Pradesh, making the total in the tentative list as 49.

Geoglyph is defined as a work of art which comes into being by arranging objects within a landscape.

What is Konkan geoglyphs special and significant is that it is the only proof of

human settlement in that region. They also depict some forms of fauna that have ceased to exist in this region.

JingKieng Jri is created by weaving and using roots of Indian Rubber tree. While the creation of such bridges may take 10 to 15 years, their life span is 500 years. Sri Veerabhadra Temple known as Lepakshi temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva - Lord Veerabhadra.

Explaining the advantages of being part of WHS list to India Narrative, seasoned archaeologist who retired as Regional Director, North from Archaeological Survey of India said, “The site benefits from this

inclusion as it helps tourism, both domestic and international, to grow by leaps and bounds.

Whenever a historical or natural place is given this tag, it sees a growth in tourist inflow. He added the tag reflects the site’s inherent heritage and historical value, these places are revered by Buddhists from across the world and specially people of those countries where Buddhism is the dominant religion like Japan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore, Mongolia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam among others.

This facilitates people-to-people contacts making diplomatic relations stronger.”

JEIS signs MoU with BHU to promote studies of Jainism The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jain Education Institutes Support (JEIS), a Delhi-based not-for-profit trust, to promote academic studies of Jainism. As part of this MoU, BHU will receive a donation of £105,000 to establish Bhagwan Shreyasnath Jain Study Fund.

BHU vice-chancellor Prof Sudhir K Jain has formed a four-member programme committee to implement the MoU. The committee is chaired by Prof Mukul Raj Mehta, department of philosophy, faculty of arts, while Prof Ashok Kumar Jain and Prof Pradyumn Shah Singh, department of Jain-Bauddha Darshan, faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnan (SVDV), have been named members of the committee.

Dr Anand Kumar Jain, department of Jain-Bauddha Darshan, faculty of SVDV,

will be the member secretary of the committee.

The VC said that the JEIS fund is a significant step in varsity’s endeavor to raise philanthropic funds to support the scholarly work by our students and faculty members. It will also give a fillip to the efforts of taking ancient Indian knowledge systems to a larger audience.

The Fund will promote and support study and research in the field of Jainism. It will enable the scholars of Jain philosophy at BHU (both faculty

members and PhD students) to effectively communicate to a wider international audience. The academic work on Jain philosophy under the initiative is proposed to be having an emphasis on English as a medium of communication to have a wider reach for an international audience.

Sharmila Jain Oswal, a representative of the donors, said that the focus of the study will be on applied Jainism and its relevance in today’s world by taking a multidisciplinary approach.

Hooch tragedy toll climbs to 46 The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy of Botad and Dhandhuka talukas climbed to 46 as eight more succumbed at Bhavnagar’s Sir T Hospital and one in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

There were no new admissions of affected patients. Botad villages account for maximum deaths with 32 people dying after consuming spurious liquor, which was essentially 99% methanol, sold in pouches. A total of 97 people are still admitted to various hospitals, of which two are said to be serious, junior home minister Harsh Sanghavi said. Sanghavi said of the 38 accused, 15 have been arrested. Meanwhile, at least 14 victims reportedly fled from Bhavnagar’s Sir T Hospital. After knowing

about the missing patients, the hospital administration informed the police about the missing patients. A total of 95 hooch victims were brought to the Sir T hospital. Of them, 55 are still under treatment. At Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, the number of patients increased to 41 from 17 and three are on ventilators.

Twenty required dialysis to reduce the concentration of methanol in their bloodstream.

JM Brahmbhatt, the hospital’s medical superintendent, said, “We have shared the list of these patients with the police.

“Many VIPs came to visit the hospital. The patients may have taken advantage of the crowd. ” However, Bhavnagar range IG, Ashok Yadav said, “The patients

did not flee the hospital but left only after recovery.”

Meanwhile, investigation revealed that the prime accused Jayesh Khavadiya, had started selling stolen methanol from the factory in which he worked as a supervisor, since February, in small quantities.

Khavadiya was working with Amos Corporation, a chemical factory, in Devraj industrial estate near Ahmedabad for the last four years. Sources said he had started supplying stolen methanol through his cousin brother and coaccused Sanjay Kumarkhaniya.

Sanjay, however, told Khavadiya that the earnings through small quantities were insignificant and they should target selling methanol in bulk.

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7 youth from N Gujarat caught on US-Canada border

ED gets Sena MP Raut’s custody in money laundering case Seeking eight days’ custody of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the special PMLA court it has been ascertained that Raut and arrested accused, his friend and businessman Pravin Raut, and HDIL promoters Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan and his son Sarang Wadhawan, conspired together and hatched a conspiracy to siphon off money from the Patra Chawl redevelopment project without completing the work.

Represented by special public prosecutors Hiten Venegaonkar and Kavita Patil, the ED submitted the accused had thus jeopardized the future of 672 tenants “whose dwellings had already been demolished. ” The ED alleged that

Raut and his family benefitted to the tune of £106,000 and that the 62-year-old politician would receive Rs 200,000 from Pravin Raut every month. Special judge M G Deshpande granted ED custody only until August 4.

The court said considering “the compass of inquiry and volume of matter,” it strongly felt custodial interrogation is necessary.

“It cannot be ignored that already chargesheet has been filed against Pravin Raut long back. Everything is already documented and available for prosecution to investigate. Even trail of money in accused’s wife’s bank account can be investigated by obtaining bank statements. Therefore, in my opinion, long ED custody for eight days is not warranted. . . In order to

investigate crime thoroughly, prayer of ED for custody deserves to be allowed partly.

Accused is remanded to ED custody till August 4. ” Raut was produced before the court around 2.15 pm. Before he entered the courtroom, he said “Aamhala sampavnyacha daav aahe” (This is a ploy to finish us). Those accompanying him advised him to remove the saffron stole he was wearing around his neck and he obliged. Heavy security was deployed around the court premises and entry was restricted.

During the hearing that lasted a little over an hour, Venegaonkar submitted Raut had not answered two summons and had not cooperated with the investiga-

tions. “During the same period when accused Sanjay Raut, avoided joining investigation, he indulged himself in threatening the key witness (a woman), asking her not to take his name before ED and further to state that previous statements recorded by ED are under threat and pressure.

Failure to do so may result in her rape and murder,” the prosecution’s plea said.

The remand plea noted the time of Raut’s arrest as 12. 05 am (a little after Sunday midnight). Just after the arrest, ED intimated the Rajya Sabha chairman through email as Raut is an RS member.

Gujarat police received information that seven youth from north Gujarat were caught by the US immigration officers while attempting to enter New York through the Quebec route. Aged between 20 and 25, the youths from Gandhinagar and Mehsana had gone to Canada in the second week of July, hoping to cross over into the US. The youths face charges under the Alien Act and are under detention in Albany said a source.

The state police tried to gather details about the seven men by questioning their families, but to no avail. The family members said that they were not aware about their journey to the US. However, police said the seven youths procured forged IELTS certificates with the help of a local agent from Mehsana and his counterpart in Delhi, and travelled to Canada on student visas. On May 5, six from Gujarat - most of them from Mehsana - were rescued after their boat began sinking in the St Regis River along the Canada- US border. A local court later exempted them from criminal proceedings and asked them to advise their countrymen to not enter the US illegally.

A human smuggling network came to the fore when a family of four from Dingucha was found frozen to death near the Canada-US border on January 16. Jagdish Patel, 39; his wife Vaishali, 37; and their children Vihangi, 11; and Dharmik, 3, lost their lives while embarking on a perilous journey to the US. After the case was reported on January 19, agencies from the US, Canada and India began investigations into the network of human smugglers.

Adani, Ambani at a turning point in their rivalry Gautam Adani, the world’s fourth richest person, has added almost $30 billion to his wealth this year, more than any other billionaire.

His net worth of $106 billion is only about half of Tesla Inc. cofounder Elon Musk’s, but $10 billion more than Mukesh Ambani’s.

While both would like markets to reward them for scripting India’s future in renewable energy, what’s ticking for them right now is all the polluting stuff in short supply: coal, palm oil, gasoline and building materials. Investors are loving Adani more - simply because he’s the bolder of the two.

Ambani, who turned 65 last month, was the toast of the global M&A market with his $27 billion fundraising in the middle of the 2020 Covid-19 disruption - first from the likes Facebook and Alphabet Inc. for his digital business and then from Silver Lake Partners, KKR & Co. Inc. and others for his retail chain. That zeal

Mukesh Ambani & Gautam Adani

seems to have now transferred over to Adani, who celebrated his 60th birthday last month as India’s newly anointed cement king, having just picked up Holcim Ltd.’s business in India.

In just the past year, Adani has spent $17 billion on 32 acquisitions, according to Bloomberg News, and is showing no signs of

slowing down even though the combined net debt across his listed companies stands at almost $20 billion, or more than four times annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda). That’s a high leverage burden to carry through a tightening global interest-rate cycle.

Contrast this with Ambani’s flagship, Reliance Industries Ltd. At an estimated $13 billion, its planned annual capital expenditure isn’t low. But the data Ambani sells has gotten pricier as competition in India’s telecoms market has shriveled. The natural gas he produces in India has seen a 62% jump in its state-mandated price cap. A fuel shortage is lifting margins at his refinery complex in Jamnagar, the world’s biggest.

All this may keep Reliance’s netdebt-to-Ebitda at a comfortable 0.7 this financial year, says Fitch Ratings, which assesses the conglomerate’s foreign-currency creditworthiness at BBB, a notch higher than India’s sovereign debt.

Yet, Ambani’s fortress-like balance sheet isn’t exactly setting the equity market on fire. Adani had only a few years earlier set up what would become the fulcrum of his empire: the Mundra port

on India’s west coast. Now he controls 24% of India’s port capacity, and has a similar lock on airports. The stock market admires how Adani has extended his hold on transport infrastructure to other parts of the economy’s humdrum plumbing: coal mining; power generation and distribution; city gas; edible-oil refining; storage for everything from crops to data; and now cement.

This, too, is a very different strategy from Adani’s older rival who’s now accelerating his succession plan. But while Ambani is going for the consumer, Adani is sticking mostly to infrastructure.

That’s useful to New Delhi, not only to generate fiscal resources by monetizing public assets but also as a foreign-policy tool.

Adani, too, should be happy if more people buy into the narrative that he’s running a business with a nationalist purpose.

SC upholds strict PMLA provisions, backs 8 people killed in MP hospital fire ED’s sweeping powers The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and vast powers enjoyed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). It gave the agency the go-ahead to arrest people and conduct search and seizure even when no complaint has been filed, making statements made before it admissible in court and also putting the burden on the accused to prove their innocence.

“Money laundering cannot be said to be less heinous than the offence of terrorism,” the court said. In a 545-page verdict penned

by Justice AM Khanwilkar, the court examined threadbare all the controversial provisions of PMLA that were challenged by petitioners, and found all of those to be valid and needed to deal with the menace of money laundering which the bench termed as a threat not only to the social and economic fabric of the country but also to its integrity and sovereignty.

In a major shot in the arm of the anti-money laundering agency,

the bench of Justices Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and C T Ravikumar also validated the twin bail conditions according to which an accused can be granted bail only if there are reasonable grounds for the court to believe he is not guilty and was unlikely to commit any offence while on bail.

The provision which sets the bar for bail very high in cases registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, had been declared invalid by the apex court in 2017 on the ground of being discriminatory but was reintroduced in the law a year later making its

application uniform.

The court justified the twin conditions saying it is also part of other laws which have stood the test of time and also constitutional validity.

The judges also held that it was not mandatory for the ED to provide a copy of Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the equivalent of FIR in PMLA cases, to the accused and it is enough if the agency disclosed the grounds of arrest at the time of arrest.

They ruled that the entire chain of actions involved in the process of concealment, possession, acquisition, use of proceeds of crime as much as projecting it as untainted property or claiming it to be so would constitute an offence of money-laundering. It means that a person, who buys a property without knowing that it is a tainted one, will also come within the PMLA purview.

A fire at a private hospital in the heart of Jabalpur killed eight people and injured five others on Monday afternoon. Two of the survivors are in critical condition, and the toll may rise.

With no emergency exit and only a four-ftwide door for entry and exit, the two-storey New Life Multispeciality Hospital in Chandaal Bhata area turned into a death trap for those on the first floor.

Among the dead are four patients, an attendant and three staffers of the hospital, Jabalpur collector Illayraja T said. All the deceased and the injured were in the Intensive Care Unit. According to SP Siddharth Bahuguna, flames were seen leaping out of the generator at 2. 38 pm. With the first shouts of ‘fire’, people began running for the lone exit.

According to a preliminary probe, the fire started due to “sparking” in the generator kept outside the hospital, the SP said.

Those who were in the OPD on the

ground floor got out. Most of the staffers too escaped, but the fire spread so rapidly that no one on the first floor could get out. Within minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames.

The first responders were on the scene in 10 minutes and the fire was put out around 4 pm.

Then, rescuers began the grim task of digging through the smouldering debris to look for those trapped.

Thirteen victims were evacuated and taken to hospitals, where eight were declared dead on arrival. One of the victims, a woman, is yet to be identified.

Last year too, five patients had died in a fire at a private hospital in Jabalpur.

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SOUTH INDIA

20 isolated in Kerala after death of man with Monkeypox-like symptoms PUNNAYUR (KERALA): Twenty people were quarantined in Kerala's Thrissur, following the death of one person with Monkeypox-like symptoms in the state, officials said on Monday.

The officials also confirmed that the victim had come in contact with "only 10 people" including family members and friends. "The situation is well under control, there's no panic here as of now. The person had direct contact with only 10 people including family members and a few friends.

Twenty people quarantined so far," said Renjini, Member, Education and Health standing committee.

The panchayat members of Punnayur village in Thrissur also held a meeting to discuss

the situation in the aftermath of the death and the subsequent measures to be taken. State Health Minister Veena George initiated a high-level inquiry into the death of the youth presenting with monkeypox-like symptoms. The youth hailed from Chavakkad Kuranjiyur in Thrissur district and tested positive in a foreign country.

"The result of the test conducted in the foreign country was positive. He sought treatment in Thrissur due to severe fatigue and encephalitis and Monkeypox is not a fatal disease," said Veena George.

Meanwhile, a contact list and route map of the youth has been prepared. Contact persons have been advised to undergo isolation. Notably, India has reported five cases of

monkeypox so far, of which three cases are from Kerala, one is from Delhi and one from Andhra Pradesh's Guntur.

Following this, the central government is on an alert even as the count of infections in some other countries has risen. NITI Aayog's member (Health) Dr V K Paul said that there is absolutely no need for any panic as the government has taken significant measures to keep the disease in check.

In an Interview, Dr Paul sought to assert that there was no need for any undue panic but added that it was still important that the country and the society stay vigilant. According to World Health Organization

(WHO), more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.

"The monkeypox outbreak can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups," said Dr Tedros, Director General, WHO.

PUNJAB

Police arrest 5 members of Bishnoi gang; 8 weapons seized CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police on Monday arrested five members belonging to the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind singer Sidhu Moosewala's murder.

Acting on a tip off, teams from Fatehgarh Sahib district busted the interstate gang operating in Punjab, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Anti-Gangster Task Force and Rupnagar range, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said. Sandeep Sandhu, a resident of Patiala, is the kingpin of this gang, the DIG said.

He is already facing charges of murder and attempt to murder among others in various police stations of Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts, Bhullar said. Sandhu is an associate of gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Guri, who is lodged in Patiala jail.

Both are active members of the Bishnoi gang, Bhullar said. Sandhu used to procure weapons from an Uttar Pradesh-based supplier and he is being tracked, the DIG said. The others arrested are Harpreet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Charanjit Singh and Gurmukh Singh.

Besides Uttar Pradesh, the gang members also used to buy weapons from Madhya Pradesh, police said, adding all links are being traced.

Fatehgarh Sahib Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ravjot Kaur said eight weapons --five 0.32 bore countrymade pistols and three 0.315 bore countrymade pistols, along with 30 cartridges, were recovered from these gangsters.

Shah offers help to Punjab in its fight against drugs CHANDIGARH: Union home minister Amit Shah said the Centre stands shoulder to shoulder with Punjab in its fight against drugs as being a border state the drug problem was greater in Punjab and, therefore, more effort will have to be made.

“We will also set up a forensic lab in Amritsar as well as open a centre of the NCB which will provide training,” he said while addressing the National Conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in Chandigarh.

“To free the youth of Punjab from drugs, we are with Punjab in whatever the state requires,” he said, assuring that the Centre will provide strong support to Punjab's anti-drug fight under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.

In 2014, when Modi became the Prime Minister, the government adopted the policy of zero-tolerance against drugs, and gradually by removing shortcomings in the system, it has made the fight against drugs a fast-paced battle, he said.

“Today for the first time after Independence, with a clear direction and fast pace, we have been able to carry forward the fight against drugs, its results are also being seen. Drugs have an

HC ALLOWS ONLINE WEDDING OF INDIAN WOMAN, US MAN A Tamil Nadu woman is all set to marry an American national of Indian origin through virtual mode, thanks to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which has given the go-ahead for the online wedding. Right to marry is a fundamental human right and sections 12 and 13 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 should be so construed as to effectuate this right, Justice G R Swaminathan held, after hearing a writ petition. In this case, the parties have chosen the online mode. Since law has to keep pace with the march of technology, Vasmi Sudharshini P N, the petitioner sought a direction to the respondent Sub-Registrar, Kanyakumari to solemnize her marriage with Rahul L Madhu through video conference.

SC ORDERS STATUS QUO ON AIADMK POWER STRUGGLE The Supreme Court asked the Madras High Court to decide afresh O Paneerselvam's (OPS) challenge to the General Council meeting of the AIADMK within 3 weeks. A bench, headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana asked the rival OPS and AIADMK to maintain the status quo in connection with the affairs of the party. EPS was elected as the interim general secretary of the AIADMK in its general council meeting held on July 11. Kumar, representing OPS, submitted that extreme decisions were taken and his client was expelled from the party in the July 11 meeting.

AAP COUNCILLOR SHOT DEAD INSIDE GYM adverse effect on the security of the individual, society, economy, and country, that is why it is necessary to uproot them with firmness,” he added.

He said that no healthy, prosperous, capable and safe nation can achieve its goals without adopting a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. Drug smuggling and its spread is very dangerous for any society. When drug smuggling spreads it hollows out generations, he said.

Shah also said that in the fight against drugs, the ministry of home affairs has gone ahead with a multipronged approach, has undertaken several administrative reforms and also developed new methods besides taking a proactive approach to engage the states.

He added that the ministry had also created a coordination mechanism in which there should be no loophole anywhere till the district level through NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre).

WEST BENGAL

Mamata drops arrested minister from cabinet KOLKATA: Arrested Bengal senior vice-president and a minister Partha Chatterjee was member of the disciplinary dropped from the Mamata committee.

Chatterjee’s Banerjee cabinet, suspended nameplates outside his offices from Trinamool Congress and were removed. stripped of all party posts, “From today, for the next marking a swift fall from grace few days - until there is a since the Enforcement cabinet reshuffle - I will hold Directorate took him into charge of the industry and Partha Chatterjee custody last weekend. commerce department, along Chatterjee, who was Trinamool secretary with all other departments that were with general, had been with the party for 24 Partha Chatterjee,” Mamata said. years and by Mamata's side for four Till a cabinet decided Chatterjee's fate, decades.

Trinamool had maintained a measured response to ED arresting him and seizing Each of the four portfolios that £2.19 million and £2.79 million from two Chatterjee held - he was minister of apartments belonging to his "close aide" industry, commerce and enterprises; IT Arpita Mukherjee. After the first raid, the and electronics; parliamentary affairs; and party had said it would go by the "judicially public enterprises and industrial accepted court evidence". Mamata had said reconstruction - will now be under Chief in the last couple of days that neither her Minister Mamata Banerjee. government nor her party would show any Besides being TMC secretary general, leniency to anyone found guilty in a court he was a member of the party's national of law as far as the irregularities in primary working committee, editor of the school recruitment were concerned. mouthpiece "Jago Bangla", the national

in brief

The formal notification from chief secretary about the cabinet decisions came less than an hour after the CM left Nabanna, the state secretariat.

An Aam Aadmi Party municipal councillor was shot dead inside a gym in Punjab's Malerkotla district, police said. Mohammad Akbar was shot from a close range. "One person came to the gym and shot him (Akbar)," Malerkotla Senior Superintendent of Police Avneet Kaur Sidhu said. One bullet hit Akbar and he died on the spot, the police said. The police said, as of now, it seemed to be the result of a personal enmity and added that investigation was underway. The incident was caught on a CCTV camera. In the video, Akbar was seen moving towards an unidentified man inside the gym. As Akbar came close, the assailant took out a weapon and fired at him.

BENGAL LOGS 1,113 NEW COVID CASES, 7 DEATHS Bengal reported 1,113 new Covid-19 infections, 2,410 recoveries and seven deaths. Currently, there are 16, 699 active cases in the state, including 16,229 in home isolation and 430 in hospitals, according to the state bulletin. The state’s recovery rate was 98.18 per cent and mortality rate 1.02 per cent. Case positivity rate was 8.33 per cent on a day 13, 367 samples were tested. In light of the recent uptick in cases, booster doses being administered in the state have also increased. In Bengal, 87,33,878 booster doses have been administered so far.

On Saturday, 2,81,897 booster doses were administered across the state.

Bengal cabinet reshuffle on August 3 KOLKATA: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday warned her cabinet colleagues against “disrespecting the party in any manner” before making a public announcement that there would be a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday. A few minutes before the CM’s cabinet reshuffle announcement, the Trinamool Congress effected a major organisational shake-up across several districts.

All three developments came in a span of an hour on Monday, a day after former cabinet minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters that the money seized by ED officials from “close aide” Arpita Mukherjee’s homes was “not mine” and that he was “a victim of a conspiracy”.

The cabinet reshuffle was necessitated by

multiple vacancies, Mamata explained. “Our senior ministers, Subrata da (Mukherjee) and Sadhan Pande have died, Partha da (Chatterjee) is in jail. Who will do their work?

Some one will have to do that,” the CM said, adding that several departments are headless.

“It is not possible for me to look after all the departments,” she said. Mamata is now in charge of 11 departments.

The CM indicated that five-six persons would be inducted in the cabinet; Bengal now has 20 cabinet ministers (besides Banerjee herself), 10 ministers of state with independent charge and nine junior ministers. Bengal, according to norms, can have 44 ministers (15% of its assembly strength of 294 MLAs).

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PM Modi lays stone for International Financial Services HQ Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the headquarters building of the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) in GIFT City in Gandhinagar. He also launched the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), India’s first International Bullion Exchange in GIFT-IFSC, along with the NSE IFSCSGX Connect.

He said that IFSC will promote innovation and will be an enabler as well as a catalyst for growth. “India

is now entering the league of countries like the US, UK and Singapore who are giving direction to global finance,” he said.

The Prime Minister said India is one of the largest economies of the world.

India International Bullion Exchange IIBX, he said, is a

crucial step in that direction. He mentioned the role of gold in ensuring economic empowerment of Indian women. He said that India’s identity should not remain limited to just a big market, but it should be a ‘market maker’. He said, “On the one hand, we are bringing in global capital for local welfare. On the other hand, we are also harnessing local productivity for global welfare.”

He said GIFT IFSC should become a gateway to global debt and equity capital for sustainable and cli-

projects.

IFSCA mate should work for financial innovations in aircraft leasing, ship financing, carbon trading, digital currency, and IP rights to investment management. The Prime Minister also said, “IFSCA should also make regulation and operation cost competitive not only in India but also in comparison to countries like Dubai and Singapore. Your aim should be to become a leader in regulations, set high standards for rule of law, and emerge as the favourite arbitration center of the

world.”

IIBX will facilitate efficient price discovery with the assurance of responsible sourcing and quality, apart from giving impetus to the financialisation of gold in India. It will empower India to gain its rightful place in the global bullion market and serve the global value chain with integrity and quality. IIBX also reenforces the commitment of the Government of India towards enabling India to be able to influence global bullion prices as a principal consumer.

Row over Cong MP’s remark over 'rashtrapatni' Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's "rashtrapatni" reference triggered a political firestorm both inside and outside Parliament with BJP going on the offensive to accuse Sonia Gandhi of masterminding the insult to President Droupadi Murmu and demanding an apology from the Congress president.

Chowdhury’s reference to Murmu, India’s first tribal President, as “rashtrapatni” on a Hindi TV channel set the tone with the BJP members up on their feet and demanding an apology as soon as the Lok Sabha had assembled for the day. BJP’s women members, who occupied the front rows, led the protest.

“The Congress leader has disrespected the President. Congress

cannot tolerate that PM Narendra Modi made a poor tribal woman the President. . Soniaji sanctioned humiliation of a woman in the highest constitutional post," Union minister Smriti Irani said.

As the House adjourned soon after noon, Gandhi walked across to the treasury benches, unusual for a senior leader, and sought to know from BJP member Rama Devi why she was dragged into the

India, UAE, France hold talks to boost cooperation in Indo-Pacific India, France and the United Arab Emirates deliberated on potential areas of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a new trilateral framework. The areas of cooperation identified by the three countries included maritime security, regional connectivity, energy and food security and supplychain resilience.

India's ministry of external affairs (MEA) said “A trilateral meeting of the ‘Focal Points’ of India, France and the United Arab Emirates was held. The three sides exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region and explored the potential areas of trilateral cooperation, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, blue economy, regional connectivity, cooperation in multilateral fora, energy and food security, innovation and startups, supply chain resilience and cultural and people-to-people cooperation”.

The resolution of the three countries to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific under the trilateral framework comes amid increasing global concern over China’s growing military muscle-flexing in the region. In the statement it also said, “they also discussed the next steps to be taken for furthering trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region”.

Bhagyesh Jha is new chairman of Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Bhagyesh Jha, retired IAS officer and writer, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi for two years. The akademi functions under the Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, Government of Gujarat. Educationist and writer Dr Jayendra Singh Jadav, who is known as the Akademi's registrar, has been repeated. On the completion of the term of the current chairman of the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya, Bhagyash Jha has been appointed on his place.

issue when Chowdhury had already apologised.

Irani stepped in and was seen gesturing towards Gandhi while protesting against Chowdhury's remark.

Gandhi too was seen gesturing towards the minister and speaking angrily.

According to accounts, Rama Devi responded to Gandhi by saying that the apology was demanded of her because she had appointed Chowdhury as leader of the Congress group in the Lok Sabha. Soon, Irani stepped in to say that she could help the Congress chief better because it was she who had levelled the allegation against Gandhi.

Sonia is said to have angrily responded to the minister. "I don't

want to talk to you," she said, according to accounts. Soon, Jyotsna Mahant (Congress), Supriya Sule (NCP) and Aparupa Poddar, Mahua Moitra and Mala Roy (all TMC) were seen escorting the Congress chief away from the treasury benches.

However, the confrontation continued, with the purported exchanges between Gandhi, Irani and Rama Devi fuelling it further.

Congress member Mahant, who was just behind Gandhi, accused Irani of insulting the Congress chief.

When Soniaji went to the other side, Smriti Iraniji came and started talking to her by pointing her finger and in an insulting tone.

Gandhi is our leader, elder to us in age… She deserves respect,” she

told the media later.

Though the row had the Lok Sabha as its epicentre, it had loud reverberations also in the Rajya Sabha despite leader of the opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's attempt to pre-empt a discussion on the ground that Chowdhury, being a Lok Sabha MP, could not be criticised in the Upper House. The protest was waved aside by deputy chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh who reminded him that the remark was not made on the floor of the Lok Sabha but outside.

Later, BJP fielded six of its tribal leaders - Union ministers Kiren Rijiju, Sarbananda Sonowal and Bharati Pawar besides Rameshwar Teli, Jaskaur Meena and Hina Gavit - to attack Congress over the issue.

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BFI expanded presents Child Of The great-granddaughter of the Empire – A Virtual Reality Experience last Nawab Nizam of Bengal Shefali Saxena Lyn Innes’ book ‘The Last Prince of Bengal: A Family’s Journey from an Indian Palace to the Australian Outback’ is more relevant than ever right now as the Conservatives are on the verge of choosing between a man of Asian origin and a British woman for the position of Prime Minister.

The Nawab Nazim (the Last Prince of Bengal) was born into one of India’s most prestigious royal families, his kingdom ranging from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. However, in 1880 British authorities forced him to abdicate and permanently abolished his titles. The Nawab’s change in fortune marked the end of an era in India. One hundred years later, Lyn Innes tells the true story of her greatgrandfather The Last Prince of Bengal, and his family’s fall from power.

The Last Prince of Bengal tells the compelling true story of the Nawab and his family as they sought by turns to befriend, settle in and eventually escape, Britain. From glamourous receptions with Queen Victoria to a scandalous Muslim marriage with an English chambermaid; and from Bengal tiger hunts to sheep farming in the harsh Australian outback, this family history visits the extremes of British rule in the age of Empire, exposing complex prejudices regarding race, class and gender. Innes charts the intimate and the universal, looking – through the turbulent betrayal of a flamboyant Monarch – at what Britain did in India.

Lyn Innes is the great-granddaughter of the last Nawab Nizam of Bengal. Born in Australia, she moved to North America, earned a PhD from Cornell University and taught at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she became associate editor of OKIKE: An African Journal of New Writing, founded by Chinua Achebe.

Innes is currently an Emeritus Professor of Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent, Canterbury. hat does a book like yours foretell about prejudices regarding race and its complexities during British rule? Do you think in reality, the situation is similar?

I found that class and wealth seemed to matter more to Victorians than race, religion, or colour. In London, in the 1870s the Nawab of Bengal was welcomed to aristocratic gatherings and court receptions, but his working-class English wife was never included. The Nawab's

W

marriage to her was regarded as 'unworthy of a Mohamedan nobleman' and a reason to force his abdication. However, Indian royalty was never regarded as equivalent to European royalty. Similar attitudes towards Asian men and women persist now, but a working-class woman can become more prominent. hat is the kind of responsibility and persona you nurture as the greatgranddaughter of the last Nawab Nizam of Bengal?

I think of myself as an Australian of Scottish, Indian and English descent. My descent from the Nawabs of Bengal gives me a connection to India and Indian history which I greatly value. At the same time, I have never been a royalist nor an admirer of Mir Jafir, and I feel it is important not to gloss over the role of the family in collaborating with the British both in 1757 and 1857. My ancestry has also made me p a r t i c u l a r l y antagonistic to racism and imperialism of any kind. hat can British Indians (born in England) learn from your book about the British colonial rule, which is otherwise not taught in textbooks?

'The Last Prince of Bengal' shows that what mattered to the British in India was power and money, and that colonial rule, including educational, social, and infrastructural changes, were for the benefit of the British ruling class, not Indians. The arrogance of the British government officials toward Indians of all classes was appalling. Also, where people of different religions and cultures had often lived and interacted peacefully together, the British sometimes encouraged division. f you were, to sum up, what Britain did in India for the contemporary generation in Britain, how would you describe it?

British colonialism in India cannot be condoned. Nevertheless, its heritage with regard to language, culture and economy has resulted in a contemporary British Asian population and culture which has benefitted all Britons. I am particularly aware of the many excellent writers, but also doctors, scientists, musicians, filmmakers, and, yes, chancellors and mayors. hat is the impetus of physical books and novels for you versus digital copies?

Although I find it very helpful to access digital books and papers, especially for research, I do like to read physical books and appreciate the craft with which they have been designed and printed. I am delighted with the way in which Saqi books produced the biography of my greatgrandfather, 'The Last Prince of Bengal'.

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From 1-7 August 2022 BFI Expanded is presenting Child of Empire, an animated Virtual Reality journey through the largest forced migration in human history, the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan.

Taking audiences through a deeply personal perspective of this epic historical event, the free installation at BFI Southbank is presented by BFI Expanded, the BFI’s year-round programme strand dedicated to immersive art and extended realities (XR).

August 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent and the emergence of India and Pakistan as independent nation-states.

British colonialism came to an end and the confrontation between the two nations led to the displacement of some 15 million people and the tragic death of more than 1 million. Child of Empiretakes audiences through this critical moment in history, following the stories of two men from the Partition generation — Ishar Das Arora (voiced by Adil Hussain), an Indian Hindu who migrated from Pakistan to India, and Iqbal-ud-din Ahmed (voiced by Salman Shahid), a Pakistani Muslim who made the opposite journey — who each share childhood memories of their experiences while playing a board game. As the two men unpack their memories, audiences embody the experience of a seven year old child at key points in the migration. Child Of Empire places viewers at the heart of the experience, offering a powerful counter-narrative and a fresh perspective on the devastating effects of forced migration on everyday individuals.

The world premiere of Lost Migrations, a powerful three-part animation that ruminates on the impact of the Partition,

Shekhar Kapur’s film to world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival Studiocanal and Working Title Films confirm that cross-cultural British rom-com What’s Love Got To Do With It? will receive its World Premiere at the 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will screen as a Gala Presentation at the Roy Thomson Hall on Saturday, 10th September.

Directed by Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) and written by Jemima Khan, What’s Love Got To Do With It? Stars The Primetime Emmy® Award Nominated Lily James (Pam & Tommy, Baby Driver, Darkest Hour, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Rebecca), Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, Penny Dreadful, Profile, Toast Of London), Shabana Azmi (Halo, Fire, Reluctant Fundamentalist, It’s A Wonderful Afterlife, City Of Joy, Madame Sousatzka), Sajal Aly (Yakeen Ka Safar, Mom, Alif) And Academy Award® And Bafta Winner Emma Thompson (Matilda, Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, Cruella, Saving Mr Banks).

The Film Also Stars Asim Chaudhry (Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, People Just Do Nothing, The Electrical Life Of Louis Wain, The Sandman), Jeff Mirza (Eternals, Blinded

By The Light), Mim Shaikh (Finding Dad,

Funding boost for city’s arts and culture projects set for approval A year-long funding pot aimed at boosting innovative arts and cultural activity in communities all across the city is set to be approved by senior councillors in Leeds.

The latest arts@leeds grants programme, which supports more than 40 Leeds-based cultural, voluntary and community organisations delivering activity in every council ward, will go before the council’s executive board this week.

If approved, over the next 12 months

the £1.6m funding programme will give a much-needed financial lift to applicants delivering everything from small, grassroots local groups to some of the city’s larger, world-famous arts organisations.

The one-year scheme will also align with the LEEDS 2023 year of culture and begin the transition to a new culture investment programme which will be developed in consultation with the sector in the autumn and help cement the LEEDS 2023 legacy.

also premieres at BFI Southbank on 1 August 2022.

Shining a light on stories from communities that have been excluded from South Asian literature and historiography: women, the Chettiar diaspora and the stateless, the animation showcases the diverse voices of the subcontinent and celebrates the individuality of each community.

Sparsh Ahuja, Child of Empire co-creator, said: “75 years after their migrations, Partition remains a deeply personal experience for my two grandfathers (Ishar and Jagdish) who directly inspired this film. By highlighting the similarities of migration journeys on either side of the border, Child of Empire is a reminder that it is ordinary people that suffer the most when nationalisms are created and torn apart by political elites.

This film is a challenge to the divisive communalism that unfortunately plagues the subcontinent today. As a child of diaspora, I have come to understand that the important stories of migration are not those of the politics that dictate it, but the people it uproots.”

Both Child of Empire and Lost Migrations form part of Project Dastaan (“Story”), a peace-building initiative which examines the human impact of global migration through the lens of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan.

Child of Empire had its world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival as part of the ‘New Frontier’programming slate. It was presented in the Alternate Realities strand at the 2022 Sheffield Doc/Fest and was previously selected for the Venice Film Festival’s Gap Financing Market, hosted as part of the 2020 Biennale.

Arts organisations will be eligible to apply for funding starting at £5,000.

In 2021/22, organisations which received arts@leeds funding generated £15.7m through ticket sales and income, with more than 75,000 people taking part in creative and cultural activities. Every pound invested by the council through arts@leeds was also matched by £29 from those organisations that received funding.

Previous recipients have included the Leeds Piano Competition, Compass Live Arts and Leeds City Varieties.

Informer, Pls Like, King Gary), Iman Boujelouah, Mariam Haque (Finding Alice, Homeland, Flowers) And Sindhu Vee (Matilda, Starstruck, Feel Good).

The Film Is Produced By Nicky Kentish Barnes (About Time, About A Boy), Jemima Khan (Impeachment: American Crime Story, The Clinton Affair, The Case Against Adnan Syed, We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks) & her Instinct Productions, alongside Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner.

Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award-winning and Mercury Prize nominated composer, Nitin Sawhney CBE has created the music for the film, with British-Pakistani record producer, DJ, songwriter, and musician Naughty Boy bringing his production and writing skills to the soundtrack, alongside three-time BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominee, Joy Crookes. Kanika Kapoor and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will also feature on the soundtrack, with Rahat appearing in the film itself.

STUDIOCANAL is fully financing and will release in their own territories – the UK, France, Germany, Australia & New Zealand – and are selling the film worldwide.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? is set to be released in UK cinemas on January 27th 2023.

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torsos upright. But those long working hours slouching on your desk, sitting cross-legged and binge watching those Netflix marathon web series takes a toll on our muscles and risks for spinal wear and tear causing chronic pain.”

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like the intestines and lungs, making it difficult to digest your food.

Stop drooping Slouching is the worst thing for your back. The ideal working posture is sitting upright on a curved office chair with a small rolled towel or a cushion behind the back, knees, and hips at the same level and feet flat on the floor.

Straighten up Pretend you are leaning against the wall with your

head upright, chin tucked in with ears, shoulders, and knees in alignment.

Stretch The ‘tech neck’ is a real thing. If your job requires you to work on your laptop all day, it is vital for you to stretch your neck and upper back intermittently.

Resort to flats While heels make quite the fashion statement, they alter the arch of your backbone. Meanwhile, low, flat daily footwear saves your joints and ligaments from all the strain.

Exercise Have a daily workout plan which involves stretches and regular conditioning exercises for your joints. Low-impact activities like swimming and taichi improve mobility and decrease joint problems.

Plant-based meat is 'healthier and more sustainable than animal products', say experts According to a new study, plant-based nutritional substitutes for animal products are healthier for both the environment and people than the animal products they are meant to replace.

A new study argues that because these foods are “specifically formulated to replicate the taste, texture, and overall eating experience of animal products, they are a much more effective way of reducing demand for meat and dairy than simply encouraging people to cook vegetarian whole foods.”

Conducted by psychologists at the University of Bath, the study concludes that plant-based meat and dairy alternatives “offer a healthier and more environmentally sustainable solution which takes into account consumer preferences and behaviour.”

The review examined 43 studies into the health and environmental impacts of plant-based foods, as well as consumer attitudes. One study found that almost 90 per cent of consumers who ate plant-based products with a similar taste, texture, and price to processed meat had the best chance of replacing meat.

The report's authors suggest that plant-based products generally require much less agricultural land, need less water and cause less pollution than animal products. Studies focusing on the healthiness of plantbased products also found they tend to have better nutritional profiles compared to animal

products, with one paper finding that 40 per cent of conventional meat products were classified as 'less healthy' compared to just 14 per cent of plant-based alternatives based on the UK's Nutrient Profiling Model.

Others found plantbased meat and dairy were good for weight loss and building muscle mass, and could be used to help people with specific health conditions. Food producers may be able to add ingredients such as edible fungi, microalgae or spirulina to plant-based foods, boosting properties such as amino acids, vitamins B and E and antioxidants. Future innovations in processing and ingredients are likely to lead to further nutritional improvements.

Report author, Dr. Chris Bryant from the University of

6 - 12 August 2022

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Effective tips to improve body posture and prevent chronic pain Bad posture has several negative effects on your body. It can affect your muscle and bone health, increase your chances of injury and even make natural body functions like digestion and breathing difficult. Being mindful of the way you sit or stand can ease chronic pains and aches that become consistent and more troublesome with time.

Dr. Mohit Kukreja, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine Specialist, said, “Thanks to gravity our feet are grounded. But it is this gravity against which our postural muscles work so that we don’t end up face planting. It is the inherent tone of our extensors that protects our joints and ligaments from falling out of alignment and keeping our

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Bath, said: "Increasingly we're seeing how plant-based products are able to shift demand away from animal products by appealing to three essential elements consumers want: taste, price and convenience.

"This review demonstrates overwhelming evidence that as well as being far more sustainable compared to animal products in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use, plant-based animal

product alternatives also have a wide range of health benefits.

"Despite the incredible advances that plant-based producers have made over recent years, there is still huge potential to improve their taste, texture and how they cook. There's also enormous potential to innovate with ingredients and processes to improve their nutritional properties for example by boosting vitamin content."

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Weak handgrip strength might indicate major health issues According to a recent study, one can rapidly and easily determine muscle strength by checking handgrip strength.

Researchers created cut-off values for the general population in the study, taking into account the relationship between handgrip strength and gender, body height, and age to be employed in clinical practice.

If someone’s handgrip strength is low, it might be an indication of underlying health problems, and not only in older individuals. Handgrip strength has been linked to health conditions already in younger adulthood, making it an effective screening tool. A number of studies have shown that low handgrip strength may be a manifestation of health conditions related to heart and lung problems.

In their study, IIASA researcher Sergei Scherbov, Sonja Spitzer and Nadia Steiber endeavoured to shed light on at what level of handgrip strength a doctor should consider sending a patient for further examination.

The results of the study provide standardised thresholds that directly link handgrip strength to remaining life expectancy, thus enabling practitioners to detect patients with an increased mortality risk early on.

Scherbov said, “In general, handgrip strength depends on gender, age, and the height of a person. Our task was to find the threshold related to handgrip strength that would signal a practitioner to do further examinations if a patient’s handgrip strength is below this threshold.” They added, “It is similar to measuring blood pressure. When the level of blood pressure is outside of a particular range, the doctor can either decide to prescribe a particular medicine or to send the patient to a specialist for further examination.”

Handgrip strength is measured by squeezing a dynamometer with one hand. In the study, the patient is asked to perform two attempts with each hand, the best trial being used for measurement. There is a special protocol for this process as the values may depend on whether the test was performed in a standing or a sitting position, among other considerations.

"Handgrip strength is cheap and easy to perform the test, but it may help with early diagnosis of health problems and other underlying health conditions. Monitoring the handgrip strength of the elderly (and in fact middle-aged people) may provide great benefits for the public health of aging populations. Our findings make it clear that handgrip strength is a very precise and sensitive measure of underlying health conditions. Therefore, we suggest it be used as a screening tool in medical practice," notes Steiber.

"It is important to point out that we are not suggesting that people should train handgrip strength in particular to decrease mortality risks. Most likely, if someone improves their handgrip strength through exercises, there will be no or very little impact on their overall health. However, low handgrip strength may serve as an indicator of disability because it reflects a low muscle strength, which is associated with a higher risk of death. A healthy lifestyle and exercise are still the best approaches to sustain good health or to improve it in the long term," Spitzer concludes.

Try these healthy nuts to lower bad cholesterol levels Dried fruits and nuts are a storehouse of healthy fats and vitamins. They pack a powerful nutritional punch, lowering bad cholesterol levels effectively and boosting heart health. Several studies have vouched for their cholesterol-lowering properties and their ability to supply the body with essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, antioxidants and a multitude of vitamins and minerals.

However, nuts have a reputation for being bad for cholesterol. But, not all

cholesterol is bad and the healthy one helps remove the harmful cholesterol from our arteries and prevents heart attacks and strokes.

Nutrition Consultant MyThali program, ArogyaWorld, Dr. Meghana

Pati said, “Nuts are beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol only when consumed in the optimal portions (not more than a handful - 20gm). The high protein and fibre in nuts make them very filling.

However, they’re also high

in calories that can add up fast and lead to weight gain.

Hence, make sure you don’t overdo it.” A few commonly consumed nuts that also help lower bad cholesterol.

Walnuts They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the same "good" fats found in oily fish like salmon and tuna. Omega-3 helps in lowering your risk of abnormal heart rhythms; decreasing triglyceride levels; slowing the rate of artery-clogging.

Almonds They are rich in Vitamin E (an antioxidant), protect cells from damage

by free radicals and maintain metabolic processes.

Peanuts They contain Vitamin B3, niacin, and antioxidants, and are a good source of proteins and fibre. They contain phytosterols and are rich in unsaturated fatty acids that help lower “bad” cholesterol.

Cashews They are the best sources of several minerals including zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium and vitamin K. They also have several flavonoids and their antioxidant levels are enhanced with roasting.

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6 - 12 August 2022

KAJOL CELEBRATES

30 years in cinema K

ajol who made her debut in the Hindi film industry with the 1992 film ‘Bekhudi’, celebrated 30 years of her acting career over the weekend. To mark the occasion, she revisited some of the most popular roles of her career and expressed gratitude for all the love she has received.

She shared a montage video that featured pictures from some of the most popular movies of her career, including ‘Bekhudi’, ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge’, ‘Gupt’, ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya’, ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Fanaa’, ‘My Name Is Khan’, ‘Helicopter Eela’, ‘Tanhaji’, and her last film ‘Tribhanga’. She set the video to the tune of ‘Unstoppable’ by Sia, and captioned it, “Someone asked me what am I feeling? Couldn’t really put it into words, except to say that it is a feeling of deep gratitude for all the love everyone has showered on me so unconditionally! So cheers to 30 years and counting…”

She also received a shoutout on social media from her husband, actor and filmmaker Ajay Devgn. Sharing a picture of them dancing together in the 2020 film ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’, Ajay wrote, “Three decades in cinema! And, you are all fired up! Frankly, you’re just getting started. To many more milestones, movies & memories.”

On the work front, Kajol was last seen on the screen in the 2021 Netflix film ‘Tribhanga’. She will next be seen in ‘Salaam Venky’, a film

by Revathi. It is also rumoured that she has a cameo appearance alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’.

Ranbir-Shraddha’s Mumbai film set catches fire, one dead

Kareena reveals she auditioned for Aamir- starrer ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ A

ctress Kareena Kapoor Khan recently revealed she gave an audition for her role in the upcoming film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. The Aamir Khan-starrer also features Mona Singh and Naga Chaitanya, and is slated for an August 11 release.

Directed by Advait Chauhan, Laal Singh Chaddha is an official Hindi adaptation of the 1994 Hollywood film, ‘Forrest Gump’. The original featured Tom Hanks in the lead role.

‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ is produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kiran Rao, and Viacom18 Studios. In an interview, when asked if she agreed to be a part of the film because Aamir was in it, Kareena said, “Aamir does not work like that. He never says do this film because I am also in it. He always says ‘listen to the story first of all’. He asked me to listen to a narration for this film as well. He gave me a four-hour-long narration and that is why I said yes to ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’.”

She added, “I had to even give an audition for ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. It was so that I could prove I am apt for the role, and I am perfect for the older part.”

On the work front, Kareena also has another project in the pipeline. She recently completed the shooting for a feature film adaptation of the Japanese bestseller The Devotion of Suspect X. The film will mark Kareena's digital debut and is directed by Sujoy Ghosh. It will premiere on Netflix.

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he sets of filmmaker Luv Ranjan’s upcoming movie, which was built at Chitrakoot Ground in Mumbai recently caught fire, resulting in the death of one person. According to media reports, the sets of a Rajshri Production film were also gutted in the fire.

Now, the general secretary of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has said they will write a letter to Maharashtra chief minister and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure the safety of workers and technicians. He said it would have been disastrous if hundreds of workers and technicians would have been on the film sets when the mishap happened.

A fire broke out at film sets installed at Chitrakoot Ground next to the Andheri Sports Complex, officials of Mumbai’s fire brigade department said. It was later

reported that a 32-year-old man was declared bought dead at the Cooper Hospital. As per the reports, none of the actors were shooting at the time, but some crew members were present on the spot.

FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey was quoted in a media report as saying, “There was no shoot going on when this incident occurred. One person lost his life. A film unit has 800-1,000 workers and technicians, what if the mishap happened when the shoot was on? For the past 4-5 years, we have written letters to CM and fire authorities that proper investigations should be conducted at such places.”

He added that if the concerns raised by FWICE do not get resolved, the federation will demand an inquiry from BMC and the state government into multiple studios.

Tanushree Dutta seeks work, says being harassed after starting #MeToo

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ctress Tanushree Dutta has said that she is not getting work after she opened up about being sexually harassed in Bollywood in 2018. Her revelations gave wind to the #MeToo movement in the Indian film industry. Tanushree recently uploaded a social media post as well about how people are not offering her work anymore in films.

In an interview, Tanushree said, “Things have been happening to me for a long time. This is the first time when I talked about everything in a single post. This is for the first time, I sat down and put down my thoughts together, while trying not to sound crazy, because when crazy stuff is happening to you, your mind can get affected by it.”

The actress, who had named actor Nana Patekar in the MeToo movement, further added, “A lot of stuff has happened since I came back to India. I am trying to resurrect my career, and people are interested in working with me, despite the image that these Bollywood mafias have portrayed as being difficult… I am getting offers for films as well as web projects, in fact signed some also, but have noticed none they materialise. All of a sudden, the producers or director go in incognito mode, or sponsors drop.”

Tanushree’s revelation in 2020 encouraged many female artists to come out with their traumas of being sexually harassed by people in power. Many well-known Bollywood celebrities were named and shamed during this movement.

Tanushree says that even those who are willing to work with

her end up stepping back because they don’t want to avoid those who are in power. “I came back in 2020, and I have lost count how many times this has happened to me. People just get one message ‘it is advisable not to work with her’. And people avoid me because they don’t want to offend anyone. They like to hunt, and that is what it is for them.

They are powerful and people don’t want to mess with them.

Nobody is going to be willing to give me a chance,” she said.

Not taking any particular names, Tanushree says these are “nameless and faceless people”. “I don’t want to drop names because I don’t have proof and they are quick to put cases. I was the face of the MeToo movement and rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. These Bollywood bullies have vicious and twisted ways. It is easy for them to harass anyone,” the actress claims.

As a result of this ongoing struggle, Tanushree reveals that although she is undergoing extreme mental stress, she is not the one to stop working. “I am not going to lose my sanity or take any drastic steps. It is troublesome and dealing with it is not easy. My life is not a bed of roses… But 12 years of my spiritual life have granted me determination and patience…I’m not enjoying the harassment. I’m enjoying the fact that people still love me. They can sabotage my career, not my spirit,” says the actor.

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6 - 12 August 2022

New title for Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani's upcoming film Perception that Bollywood is finished is 'rubbish', says KJo

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fter backlash, actor Kartik Aaryan has revealed that the new title of his upcoming film has changed from 'Satyanarayan Ki Katha' to 'Satyaprem Ki Katha'. Taking to Instagram, Kartik also shared the first look picture from the film. Apart from Kartik, actor Kiara Advani will also be part of the film.

In the film, Kartik will essay the role of SatyaPrem while Kiara will be seen as Katha. Kartik posted the picture on Kiara's birthday in which he held Kiara in his arms. Both of them closed their eyes as they shared a warm embrace.

In the photo, Kiara wore a white outfit while Kartik opted for a grey Tshirt and a black jacket. He also added background music to the post. Sharing it he wrote, "Happy Birthday Katha!! Tumhaara (Your) SatyaPrem (red heart emoji) #SatyapremKiKatha @kiaraaliaadvani."

Reacting to the post, the director of the film Sameer Vidwans wrote, "Mere (My) Satyaprem aur Katha @kiaraaliaadvani." Fans also dropped comments expressing their excitement for the new film. A person wrote, "Can't wait to witness this magic, all the best to the entire team, love and luck." Another fan commented, "Bring it soon sir. Can't wait for them to meet in theatres."

The film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala in collaboration with Namah Pictures. Announcing the film Kartik had said in a statement last year, "I have been wanting to work with Sajid sir for some time now, I couldn't have asked for better collaboration.

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F

ilmmaker Karan Johar reacted strongly to perceptions about Bollywood being “finished”, calling it “rubbish”. In the last year or so, many big-budget Hindi films have bombed at the box office even as counterparts from the south have minted money.

This has prompted some speculation on the downslide of Bollywood’s dominance in Indian cinema. Johar, who has delivered some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters like ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, says even though it has become a challenge to ensure audience footfall in theatres, good films will always work.

In a recent interaction, when asked to comment about claims that Bollywood is finished, Karan said, “It’s all nonsense and rubbish. Good films will always work. ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi' and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ have done huge numbers. We have done numbers on ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ as well. Films which aren’t good can never work and they’ve never worked.”

Films from the south easily dwarfed the figures of the hits from Bollywood. Both ‘RRR’ and ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ crossed £110 million while ‘Vikram’ and ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ earned over £35 million each.

KJo said he is hopeful that the coming line-up of films from Bollywood, which comprises titles headlined by superstars Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan, will light up the box office.

“Now we have many big films coming up. We have 'Laal Singh Chaddha', 'Raksha Bandhan', 'Brahmastra', then there is Rohit Shetty's film and finally, we are ending the year with a Salman Khan film. There's so much to look forward to. We have all the love, we just need to create the right content to create it,” he added.

Kar is set to return to direction after six years with ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’. The movie stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Shabana Azmi, Dharmendra, and Jaya Bachchan. He is also currently hosting the seventh season of his popular talk show ‘Koffee With Karan’, streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

Chitrangda criticises those opposing Ranveer’s nude photoshoot

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ctress Chitrangda Singh has reacted to the hullabaloo caused by Ranveer Singh’s nude photoshoot. While the series of pictures shared by the actor garnered praise from celebrities in the entertainment industry, it also invited some FIRs. Chitrangda, for one, thought he looked “amazing” in the pictures, and said he has a great body to flaunt.

She said that Ranveer is an actor and a creative person and it was his personal choice to pose nude for Paper magazine, which has always stood out for featuring actors in “quirky” shots.

She said, “This isn’t the first time an actor has posted, you know the nudes. I genuinely feel, whether it's a man or a woman, it's his or her body; it’s their decision. We are in the 21st century, it is one’s own decision to wear a sari or a skirt or wear shorts or whatever you want to wear. That is the minimum we can possibly give- in a free world, in a free country for god’s sake. You know without judging them.”

Chitrangda further showered praise on Ranveer, saying, "I think he looked amazing, to be honest.

He’s got a great body to flaunt and it’s a piece of art, I suppose. And uhh, you have to have the right kind of eyes to be able to see art and things. If you see wrong, if you see dirt in everything then it’s probably something to do with your mind. I’m sorry to say. I mean tomorrow if a girl wears a skirt and goes, you find that wrong, there’s something sick in your own head to have a certain opinion. I would say exactly the same thing for Ranveer.”

Ranveer has received words of support from several celebrities since the photos came out, including Alia Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Vaani Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, and Janhvi Kapoor among others.

On the work front, Chitrangda will be next seen in ‘Gaslight’, which also stars Sara Ali Khan and Vikrant Massey. The film is expected to release by the end of this year.

I feel lost at Bollywood parties, that’s a different clan: Sonu Sood

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ctor Sonu Sood turned 49 over the weekend and travelled back to Mumbai for professional commitments, including meeting people who came to the city to wish him on his birthday.

He said, “All this makes it a very special day for me. I have never met these people in my entire life. I saved many families, they come just to thank me. That keeps you smiling, that you must have done something right in your life. I am glad God is guiding us, there are miles to go but the journey is still on.”

Sonu added that he prefers to be around his loved ones, rather than throw a party for the industry people. He shared, “I don’t throw those parties, I am more of a home-body. I am not a party person, I feel a bit lost with so many people around there. A lot of people ask me to throw one, especially on birthdays, but I feel shy. It’s a different feeling. There are two phases of life- one where you are a kid and get really excited about birthdays, lot of attention around you. And now, when I feel stressed since there are so many people who want to meet me and there’s so much to do.”

Sonu doesn’t miss taking a potshot at the big fat Bollywood parties though. He said, “It’s always nice there, there are a lot of people around. I don’t know how many of them are genuinely excited for the one throwing though, they are there for the sake of it. Some are there genuinely, some just want to be seen, it’s sad. The day is all about your family and the loved ones around you, who you can connect with. These big fat parties, that’s a different clan, and with all due respect, they enjoy, they should do that. Maybe that’s not my cup of tea.”

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Vijay Deverakonda willing to pose nude

Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Boney Kapoor remember Sridevi

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ctor Vijay Deverakonda recently made a dashing debut on ‘Koffee With Karan’ alongside his ‘Liger’ co-star Ananya Panday.

In the episode, he spoke about the prospects of posing nude, and whether he would be willing to endorse a condom brand. The show’s host, Karan Johar asked Vijay a series of questions in a ‘Do or Die’ segment in the rapid-fire round.

Nithya Menen refutes wedding rumours I

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ilmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth gave us a peak into her weekend as she spent time with producer Boney Kapoor. Aishwarya took to Twitter to share pictures from their meeting in the evening over coffee. She also said that they spoke about Boney’s wife, late actor Sridevi.

In the first photo, Boney and Aishwarya smiled as he held her hand. They stood outdoors near a gate surrounded by greenery.

Aishwarya, looked at Boney in the second picture as he smiled looking at the camera.

Aishwarya wore a pink floral saree and paired it with a green blouse. Boney opted for a blue ethnic outfit. Sharing the picture, Aishwarya tweeted, “Was a delight catching up this evening over coffee with you dear @BoneyKapoor uncle ..reminiscing old times, remembering pappi akka n discussing interesting work!" Sridevi was known to her close friends as Pappi.

Fans took to the comments section and asked if a project is happening with her father Rajinikanth in Boney Kapoor’s production. A person wrote, "Next Rajini film."

A fan commented, "Any update for the coming project with @BoneyKapoor." A comment read, "@ash_rajinikanth and @BoneyKapoor #AK61 Update please????”

Aishwaryaa recently met Tamil actorfilmmaker Raghava Lawrence. While their nature of meeting still remains a mystery, some believe that they met for a possible collaboration. Recently, she also directed a music video.

She made her directorial debut with the Tamil film, ‘3’, starring Dhanush and Shruti Haasan. Her second film was the Tamil heist comedy, ‘Vai Raja Vai’. In 2017, she directed a documentary titled ‘Cinema Veeran’, on the life of stuntmen in the Tamil film industry.

n a new social media post, actress Nithya Menen made a detailed announcement about all the speculations surrounding her wedding. She shared that she has no plans of getting married now.

Nithya said, “I thought I will take this opportunity to say it myself that I am not getting married. It is a big happy made-up story. There’s nothing close to it. There’s no plan. Nobody in the picture. Yes, that’s not happening. It’s a classic case of someone who was bored and wanted to write an article… which was picked up by all the media without doing any background check.”

Nithya has again decided to take a break from acting, and in the video, she went on to share her habit of taking breaks. She said, “I am always going to take breaks from acting. I need the time to recuperate. That’s the kind of person I am. Many actors do it, but I think it’s new

for people. I will never be able to work like robots – continuously and mechanically. I have really had a tough year. I almost worked every day. I need a break now.”

The ‘Mersal’ actor was recently seen in a wheelchair at the promo event of ‘Modern Love’ in Hyderabad. Nithya revealed at the event that she fractured her leg after a fall from the staircase. In the new video on Instagram, she said her ankle is better now. “My ankle is a lot better. I have started walking now. I am happy about that. Although I loved my immobility for the time it lasted. I don’t like to get out of the bed (laughs). Now, my vacation has started!”

Nithya, who is predominantly seen in Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil films, will next be seen in films including Dhanush’s ‘Thiruchitrambalam’, ’19(1)(a)’, and ‘Aaraam Thirukalpana’.

Naga Chaitanya says 'noise' about his personal life 'louder than films'

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onths after announcing his separation from wife-actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, actor Naga Chaitanya has said that the “noise” (about his personal life) is “louder than the movies I do”. In an interview, the actor also spoke about his upcoming film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, saying that he hopes people will “start talking about my work too.”

The former couple announced their separation on their social media accounts in October last year. They issued a statement as they ended their nearly four-year-long marriage. They got engaged in Hyderabad in January 2017 and tied the knot in Goa as per Hindu rituals on October 6 and as per Christian customs the following day.

Speaking in an interview, Naga said, “The noise (about my personal life) is louder than for the movies I do. It’s unfortunate but that’s the way times are right now and that’s how some sections of the media are choosing to report.

Everyone has their ways, so it’s fine.

However, it’s my duty and responsibility as an actor to keep working hard.

Eventually, my hard work will shine and take over. I want to stay positive about it.

From August 11, things might work really

One of the questions he asked was, “Would you or would you not pose naked for an international magazine." In response, Vijay said, “I wouldn't mind if shot well.” Asked if he would endorse a condom brand in the same segment, Vijay not only said yes but also endorsed it on the spot. He said, “I think it's a really smart, safe thing to do if you don't want to have ten babies. This is my endorsement right now.”

Karan asked Ananya whether she doll like to see him “completely nude”. She replied, “I have a little bit, in ‘Liger’. But I mean, who wouldn’t?” Vijay had bared it all in the upcoming movie's poster, covering his modesty with just a bunch of roses.

The poster read, "Saala crossbreed.”

Vijay will mark his first collaboration with Ananya with the movie, which also marks his Bollywood debut. In the film, Vijay plays the character of a kickboxer who went from being ‘chaiwaala’ in Mumbai to become a professional boxer, competing in the US. The movie features Ramya Krishnan as his mother and a much-awaited cameo by Mike Tyson. The film, directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by Karan Johar, is all set to hit theatres on August 25. It will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. well for me and I’m hoping people accept me and they’ll start talking about my work too.”

On ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, he said, “It’s a huge release! I’ll get the maximum exposure in terms of openings only because of the people I’ve associated with through the span of the project. It’s a good kind of nervousness I’m feeling.

Usually, when a film like this gets accepted, it’s like a tsunami that no one can stop. I’m confident that we might just achieve that.”

The movie will mark Naga’s Bollywood debut. The film is all set to hit the theatres on August 11. It is produced

by Aamir Khan Productions, Kiran Rao, and Viacom18 Studios. 'Laal Singh Chaddha' also stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Mona Singh. It is an official remake of the Academy Award-winning 1994 film 'Forrest Gump', which had Tom Hanks in the lead role.

The actor recently saw the release of his Telugu film ‘Thank You’. It is a coming-of-age drama of a person with humble beginnings going on to become a selfmade billionaire. The film also stars Raashi Khanna, Malavika Nair and Avika Gor.

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Russo Brothers pick Priyanka as the new Captain Marvel

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he Russo Brothers have been quite vocal about their love for India and Indian actors lately. The filmmakers are friends with Priyanka Chopra and chose her for a new Captain Marvel. A video is doing the rounds from the recent press conference of Netflix’s ‘The Gray Man’, and was asked to choose between Priyanka and Deepika Padukone as the next Captain Marvel.

They said, “We have to pick Priyanka. (We are) Huge fans, big fans. We are very good friends. We are working on a project. We are producing a show, ‘Citadel’.”

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo directed a mid-credits scene in ‘Captain Marvel’, that had the titular character meeting Avengers. Brie Larson played Captain Marvel in the 2019 film.

Meanwhile, Priyanka wrapped up the shoot of ‘Citadel’ a few weeks ago.

She said in December last year, “There is nothing like Citadel on television, I think. It’s extremely high scale,

extremely finessed action, and stunts, but at the same time it’s a drama and it has heart. So, I think there is really nothing like that on TV right now and that is one of the big reasons I really

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ilind Soman is undoubtedly one of the fittest and goodlooking actors we have in Bollywood. He recently opened up about being a sex symbol in the industry.

wanted to do it. Doing something for multiple episodes…you know it’s a commitment.”

On the work front, Priyanka has Hollywood films ‘Ending Things’ and ‘It's All Coming Back’ in the pipeline.

She will also be featuring in a Hindi film – Farhan Akhtar's ‘Jee Le Zaraa’, co-starring Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt.

Pratik Gandhi to play Mahatma Rajamouli 'angry' Gandhi in web series with Netflix for only releasing Hindi version of ‘RRR’

Speaking about the film, filmmaker Hansal Mehta said in a statement, “When you speak of a historic and iconic figure like Mahatma Gandhi, there is already a great deal of responsibility on you as a filmmaker.

Our vision with the series is to make it as true-to-life as possible and supported by Ramachandra Guha’s work, we are confident and enthusiastic that we will bring audiences something to remember.

With a common vision for this ambitious narrative, I am excited to kickstart a new journey, yet again with Sameer and the team at Applause.”

Hansal Mehta had earlier collaborated with Applause for 'Scam

S Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘RRR’ made quite the noise all over the world after it was released in theatres on March 25 this year. It also found success on Netflix after it started airing on the streaming giant on May 20. While basking in the success of the movie, the filmmaker, however, has one complaint from Netflix that they only released the Hindi-dubbed version of the film on their platform.

Apart from Netflix, the Telugu-language film was also released on ZEE5 and Disney+ Hotstar. While the other OTT platforms streamed Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada versions of the film, Netflix streamed the Hindi one.

In a recent conversation with filmmaker duo The

1992’, which emerged as a glowing success. Applause Entertainment CEO Samir Nair said that making the series Gandhi would be an ’emotional’ experience. “The story of Mahatma Gandhi is more than just the story of a great individual; it is also the story of the birth of a nation and many other dramatis personae, who along with Gandhi, gained freedom for India,” he said in a statement.

Russo Brothers for Netflix, which has also aired their ‘The Gray Man’, Rajamouli aired his grievances with the platform. When asked if he was surprised by the newfound attention ‘RRR’ discovered on Netflix after having a very successful theatrical run, Rajamouli agreed.

However, he added, "First of all, I am actually angry with Netflix because they took only the Hindi version, not the rest of the four. So that is, I have a complaint against them. Second thing is, yes, I was surprised with the reception from the west.”

The filmmaker continued, "A good story is a good story for everyone. But I didn't think I could make films with Western sensibilities. I never believed myself. So when it came out on Netflix and people started watching it and the word of mouth started

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ctor Pratik Gandhi and filmmaker Hansal Mehta are joining hands once again for a web series based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. To be produced by Applause Entertainment, the biopic will be based on the writings of historian and author Ramachandra Guha, and will be adapted from his two books, ‘Gandhi before India’ and ‘Gandhi - The Years that Changed the World’.

The series will be directed by Hansal Mehta and will be set in the period during the struggle for Indian independence and will be filmed across several Indian and foreign locations.

Milind Soman says being a sex symbol is his 'USP'

In an interview with a news portal, Milind revealed that he is not at all uncomfortable being a sex symbol. In fact, the actor called it his USP. According to him, if he is uncomfortable with being a sex symbol, and being objectified, which he has been, right from the beginning of his career, then he shouldn’t be in this business.

The actor added that he recently was a part of a music video, a song called ‘Shringaar’.

Milind revealed that he has no idea why they called him for the song.

It is an objectification of the male persona. According to him, they could have taken someone in their twenties as opposed to him who is in his fifties.

The actor also spilled the beans on his nude photoshoot on the beach on his 50th birthday. He didn’t think it was a big deal.

Milind shared that when he did his first nude photoshoot, it was shot in Delhi -in the forest - and he was just walking around naked, and they were just taking pictures.

According to him, some people may object, and some people might appreciate it. It is human nature, everyone can’t like everything.

spreading and the critics started giving out good reviews for that. Yes, I was really really surprised. And yes, it wouldn't have been possible without Netflix. For that, I have great regard for them.”

‘RRR’ had trended globally for 10 consecutive weeks on Netflix and was viewed for more than 47 million hours worldwide. It starred Ram Charan and Jr NTR as revolutionaries. The film earned a lot of accolades in the west after its release on Netflix.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director James Gunn and ‘Doctor Strange’ director Scott Derrickson also praised the film.

Several actors and writers from the MCU, as well as comic book writers from both Marvel and DC Comics, have showered love on the film. ‘Gremlins’ director Joe Dante called the film a 'brutal portrait of the horrors of British colonisation.’

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High Commission of India organises T20 cricket match India win 10 medals at To celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the High Commission of India in the UK, and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry – UK organised a friendly T-20 cricket match at the Indian Gymkhana, London. The event was also aimed to show support to the Indian contingent participating at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

The High Commission team led by the Acting High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh included officers and staff of the High Commission. The FICCI team included employees of its members like Carclo Technical Plastics, ICICI Bank UK PLC, MTC Group, Red Ribbon Asset Management, SBI UK, TCS, as well as members of the Indian diaspora. The match turned out to be a thrilling encounter that went down to the last over. FICCI XI emerged victorious by 5 runs.

Close to 125 members of the Indian Community watched the match. Some of the eminent personalities cheering the team included The Rt Hon. the Baroness Prashar CBE, Chairperson, FICCI UK

Council, Manish Singh, IAS, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Sharad Chandak, CEO & Regional Head, State Bank of India, Arvid Pedersen, Vice Chair, Red Ribbon Asset Management, Ramkumar Chandrasekaran, HR Director – UK & Ireland, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Parag Anand, Director, Daksh Global, amongst others.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Sujit Ghosh said, “The friendly match between the two teams was part of the various activities being organised by the High Commission to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Such occasions also allow for interactions in an informal setting between the Community

and High Commission officials where issues are discussed, and queries related to consular and visa matters are responded to”.

Baroness Parashar said, “I am delighted that we were able to organise this friendly cricket match between FICCI Council members and the Indian High Commission to mark India’s 75 years of Independence. It was good to see families engaged in planning and cheering! It was equally fitting that this match took place just before the start of Commonwealth Games. It was a reminder that ‘Friendly Sports’ are not just about winning or losing but more about how we play. They are fun and provide opportunities for informal interaction and help to build better understanding.”

Sujit Ghosh was adjudged as the ‘Man of the Match’ for his valiant 43 not out.

Pradeep Rawat of the HCI XI was the bowler of the match with five wickets for 22 runs in his quota of four overs. Aditya Rathod of FICCI XI was the batsman of the match. HCI and FICCI intend to make it an annual feature and rotate the trophy year-on-year.

C'wealth Games

Commonwealth Games 2022 is at the most interesting point as Indian women's fours team registered a historic 17-10 win against South Africa in Lawn Bowls finals to clinch first for the country. Besides, Indian men are all set to face Singapore in the Table Tennis final. India can also expect a medal on Day 6 as Murali Shreeshankar and Muhammad Anees made it to the Long jump finals.

With 10 medals in the account, India would be looking to outperform South Africa for the 5th spot. The bigger challenge for India would be to win gold in most of their events to rank higher than South Africa or Canada. Besides, Scotland is another nation that is performing exceptionally well and might get more medals this year.

Whether India gets more gold medals or not, we’ll know later. So, here is how India looks at the Commonwealth games 2022 Birmingham.

Indian Winners: Mirabai Chanu, weightlifting, women's 49kg gold; Jeremy Lalrinnunga, weightlifting, men's 67kg, gold; Achinta Sheuli, weightlifting, men's 73kg, gold; Sanket Sargar, weightlifting, men's 55kg, silver; Bindyarani Devi, weightlifting, women's 55kg, silver; Gururaja Poojary, men's 61kg, bronze; Sushila Devi weightlifting, Likmabam, judo, women's 48kg, silver; Vijay Kumar Yadav, judo, men's 60kg, bronze; Harjinder Kaur, weightlifting, women's 71kg, bronze.

South Asian Lionesses, a dream…

Continued from page 1 According to GWR, the team of Lionesses now has the record for most goals scored at a UEFA Women's European Championship.

Germany broke this record in 2009 with 21 goals. Asian Voice reached out to experts, and parents in the community to share their two cents on how this win might break the stereotypes of South Asian culture and encourage more girls and women to pursue a career in football. While little girls are inspired and elated by this win, our respondents believe there is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to see more South Asian faces, especially women in sports like football.

Leadership race candidate Rishi Sunak wants the UK to host the future Women's football World Cup. Following the Lionesses’ incredible success at UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries announced Government’s £230 million investment to build or improve 8,000 grassroots football and multi-sport facilities by 2025, alongside the stipulation that they must provide access to women’s and girls’ football, the move will cement the team’s legacy for generations to come. This will support the FA’s ambition for the tournament to create half a million extra opportunities for women and girls to play football.

Women’s Lead Performance Doctor at The Football Association, Dr Ritan Mehta tweeted: “I feel so privileged to have been part of this journey. The Lionesses are an inspiration to everyone and I couldn’t be prouder of each of them and the work they put in daily to succeed together. They deserve this as do all those that came before them who paved the way.”

Only 44 per cent of secondary schools in England offer girls equal access to football However, the Muslim Women’s Network UK has revealed that only 44 per cent of secondary schools in England offer girls equal access to football in PE lessons.

Schools serving girls living in the most deprived areas are even less likely to be offered football as an option. Stereotypes of girls from certain communities not being interested in football will also limit the choices offered.

MWNUK CEO, Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE, said: “We look forward to seeing Muslim women in the England squad in the future. However, the investment will be required to develop their talent. Muslim women and girls are already interested in football. A number of grassroots projects

led by Muslim women provide a safe and positive environment that facilitates girls and women to participate in a number of different sports including football.

However, such initiatives will only be successful, if the local groups are well resourced. They will need funds to pay for outreach work, challenge attitudes, coaching, hiring spaces to train and play, and travel and football kits and boots.

Being involved in football does not just have to be about playing the game, some Muslim women want to be football coaches and referees. Developing girls and women for these roles will also require funding.”

Lack of diversity ‘glaringly obvious’ Speaking to the newsweekly, Head of Diversity and Inclusion Birmingham Pride, Saima Razzaq said, “The Lionesses' iconic Euros win is an important moment for women’s football in the UK, even more so when we consider the 50-year ban on the sport, only lifted in 1970. A ban that was instigated by envious men who were threatened by the large crowd women’s football attracted.” According to Saima, by winning the Euros, our women’s team have achieved something their male counterparts haven’t managed for 53 years, and by doing so will inspire a future generation of girls to follow in their footsteps, and this must include South Asian girls too.

“The lack of diversity in the team was glaringly obvious and it doesn’t come as a surprise. We as a South Asian community though, need to make this change happen for ourselves. Just as we encourage our young boys to take an interest in sport, we must ensure we instil our young girls with the same encouragement, to become the best women they can be. The win is also timely, with this year seeing the introduction of women’s cricket into the Commonwealth Games, and we should be really proud as a South Asian community that we have both India and Pakistan represented in this historic moment,” the diversity head said.

Will more Asian girls dream of a career in football or sports?

Professor Pragya Agarwal’s six-year-old multiracial twins started playing football at the age of two before the pandemic lockdown every week. They have continued this after the lockdown restrictions have been lifted. Along with football, they also do swimming, horse-riding, tennis, taekwondo, rock climbing and gymnastics. “They also used to do cricket but didn't enjoy it as

much and so we stopped,” she said.

Agarwal further added, “As a South Asian woman, I have never worried about a 'traditional' career path and for me, it is most important that my children find joy and pride in whatever they do. Some of these other sports will fall by the wayside as they grow and their interests become more specific. England’s team cheers ovee its victory against Germany in the final of the Euro 2022 football tournament But I want them to grow healthy and Girls will get their first role models active, and also as girls, I am aware they Anirban Mukhopadhyay of Heritage would be more likely to be susceptible to Bengal Foundation told Asian Voice, “We pressures and insecurities around body started the IFA Shield UK for Women, to image. So our goal has always been to raise the awareness and interest of the inculcate athleticism and pride in what a womenfolk, in football, in a community strong and healthy body can achieve. I grew where girls are not at all encouraged to take up believing I wasn't 'sporty' and although I up sports- we thought if mothers are have played cricket, football and squash brought into the playing ground, the girl occasionally I am not athletic or fit.” children will get their first role models and Pragya has taken up tennis lessons with success like today’s, it will turn into a alongside her daughters and is also keen for wave in near future with girl children taking them to develop team spirit and skills. to football regularly. And of course, there is “Whether they take up football as a career or the ‘stay fit and keep healthy’ angle to this not will very much depend on them, but I whole initiative.” will continue to challenge gender Sujatha Krishnan Barman, Advisor stereotypes for (and with) them every day so The Behavioural Insights Team told the that they do not see their gender as a newsweekly, “It's been amazing watching limitation in any way. Representation is very the English women's team over the past important and one of our twins already talks week, and even more amazing watching about going to the Olympics. It is also how they're inspiring little girls up and important for them to see more British down the country to see that as an option Asian women in these sports and in the for them. My daughter's too young for her bigger arenas so they don't feel their skin (or us) to be thinking about careers, but she colour is any limitation either,” she said. loved seeing people *like her* play on TV Improve the game and opportunities yesterday with the crowds cheering, and available the whole family gathered around to Aatish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer whoop in delight. And during halftime and Southall FC told us, “The Lionesses have breaks, she and her friend went off to kick done the entire nation proud and have the ball about in the garden with far more created history following the 2-1 win over gusto than we've ever seen before.”

Germany at Wembley Stadium. We hope Richa Prasad feels that the lionesses this fantastic achievement can really boost winning the Euro finals will really change female participation in sports, particularly things. Her daughter Riya often wears football to continue forward from the football t-shirts but this is the first time the recent success. Girls' and women’s football mother-daughter spotted more girls will only grow stronger. wearing football jerseys post the Euro win.

“At Southall Football Club, we hope to Richa’s three-year-old niece is also learning develop a new ground and sports facilities football. “I just feel that this is going to in Southall and encourage girls and women become more mainstream with England to get involved in sports. Southall team has done so well. Everyone, especially represents one of the most diverse areas in girls are so proud that they did the English the UK, which is often forgotten. Some of girls team did something which the men's the conversation following England’s team hasn't been able to do. “I guess more success has centred around lack of diversity girls will start playing football,” she told but here at Southall FC, we are looking to Asian Voice. Richa’s 14-year-old daughter tackle this head-on by creating pathways Riya hopes to have more conversations into the game. The Lionesses have inspired with her friends about football since this all. We must do all that we can to improve historic win has paved the way for more the game and improve the opportunities dialogue around women in the game. available, to build upon this legacy.”