AV 11th July 2015

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe q\Z`U `]IX^\ FRJ ^`S KNJLK Pragnesh Modhwadia - Managing Partner

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VOL 44. ISSUE 10

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

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Modi's eight day tour across Central Asia

Have the attacks united or divided Britain?

Reshma Trilochun

Ten years on from the deadly bomb attacks that took place on the London underground and on one bus in Tavistock Square, on 7th July 2005, London has evolved as a city, refusing to let such attacks deter the spirit of its people as they forge ahead in life. The bombings took 52 lives and injured more than 700 people. The bomb attacks not only had a great impact on those who were the victims, but also on the passersby who had seen the aftermath with their own eyes, causing them to be traumatised at what they had seen.

Many family members of the victims can still clearly recall the ordeal they had experienced when they heard of the attacks and how hopeless they had felt during that phase.

The 52 innocent souls who lost their lives in the attacks ten years ago included Mala Trivedi, a radiographer; Neetu Jain, a computer programmer; Shyanuja Parathasangary,

Narendra Modi being welcomed by Shavkat Miromonovich on arrival at “Tashkent -1” Airport, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced his eight-day, six-nation tour across Central Asia, and is slated to mark his presence in two multilateral summits in Russia.

He will visit Uzbekistan, K a z a k h s t a n , Tu r k m e n i s t a n , Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aiming to betPrince Charles at the memorial in Hyde Park

a Royal Mail workerand Shahara Islam, a bank cashier.

What came as a shock to everyone was the fact that the four suicide bombers were the first and major of "home-grown" terrorists.

Memorials were held at St Paul's cathedral for

those who lost their lives in the bombings, as well as in Hyde park, where a wealth-laying ceremony took place as people gathered by the steel pillars.

The 52 steel pillars represented each of the 7/7 deceased victims.

As much as Britain may be moving forward, it

would not be farfetched to claim that many Britons fear that something on the scales of the 7/7 bombings may take place again.

Most recently, the terrifying Tunisia shooting incident killed 38, mainly were British tourists who were on holiday.

Continued on page 16

ter strategic, economic and energy ties.

Meanwhile, the PMO has confirmed the much anticipated PM's meeting with his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif, in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Continued on page 26

Date set for Mamata Banerjee's visit to the UK See Page - 16

2

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Louis Wheeler Louis has over 30 years commercial experience in managerial and operational roles with global scope, working for BP. He has managed subsidiary businesses in UK, Scandinavia and the Netherlands, and worked in global business environments, including business development projects in Russia, India and the Far East. He has also been involved in acquisitions and mergers and has chaired two UK industry associations.

Recently Louis has been advising and undertaking interim management roles across a number of industry sectors, most recently focussed on the Nordic region. He is currently Chairman of the Danish UK Chamber of Commerce, and works as a Business Sales and Acquisitions Consultant.

Louis has an MA in Geography from Oxford University.

1) What is your current position?

Chairman of the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce 2) What are your proudest achievements?

In my current role: growing the Chamber’s membership,

Princess Charlotte, the daughter and the youngest bundle of joy of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was christened at a service in Norfolk, on 5th July 2015.

The service was held at St Magdalene Church on the Queen's Sandringham Estate, at the same church where the Princess' late grandmother, Princess Diana was baptised, in 1961.

Although the ceremony was conducted in private, the public were invited to gather outside the church, which is a contrast to Prince George's christening ceremony, held inside the Chapel Royal at St James' Palace, where the public did not get a glimpse of the

term goals?

To enjoy a good work-life balance.

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

Sir Christophor Laidlaw

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

Improve the legal aid system

rebuilding the Board, and overseeing a happy, motivated team. In life: my children.

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

Working with a great team, with a wide range of activities and contacts, where every day is different.

3) What inspires you?

The natural landscape, with the changing seasons.

7) And the worst?

Not enough time resources

Christening ceremony of Princess Charlotte

The Duchess trying to console the crying Princess

obstacle in your career?

People not fulfilling commitments – including me!

4) What has been the biggest

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George, along with Princess Charlotte in the pram

lic.

It was announced that Princess charlotte would have five godparents; Sophie Carter, James Meade, Adam Middleton, L a u r a Fellowes and Thomas van Straubenzee.

L a u r a Fellowes is the niece of the late Princess Charlotte was in the same pram Princess of the Queen used for the Princess' Wales, while granddad. Pictured, baby Prince Charles A d a m Middleton is Prince. the Duchess' cousin.

This occasion also Carter, Meade and marked the first time the Straubenzee are all close Duke and Duchess, along friends of the Royal couwith their two children ple. were seen together in pub-

or

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

Tycho Brahe: he could teach me about the stars, improve my Danish, and I could find out what his prosthetic nose was made of!

British Army gets its first ever female Major General 8) What are your long

Brigadier Susan Ridge has been appointed by the British Army as its first ever female major general; she will be the service's chief legal advisor.

Brig Ridge will take over as Director General Army Legal Services (DGALS) in September, as she became the Army's highest ranking female officer.

The 52-year-old mother of one joined the army in 1992 and was the only female in her battalion.

She is married to a fellow officer.

Brig Ridge said, “I feel

very honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity.”

A family of 12 from Luton, reported as missing from their trip to Bangladesh are alleged to have travelled to Syria.

It is said that the family supposedly contacted their UK relatives, informing them that they were in Syria. The family were to travel to Bangladesh but were detained overnight at Heathrow Airport, on 9th April 2015, as security staff had apparently become suspicious of their motives for leaving the UK. They were allowed to board a flight the next day. During their detainment, the police had raided their property in search of any evidence,

however, no suspicious items were found; hence, they were given the permission to travel.

The family had boarded a flight to Bangladesh via Istanbul, Turkey, on 10th April. They flew back to Istanbul on 11th May and were due to fly back to the UK on 14th

General Sir Nick Carter and Brigadier Susan Ridge

However, she also admitted that she felt “slightly daunted as well.”

Luton family of 12 allegedly in Syria

The family from Luton who are believed to be in Syria

May. Their relatives reported the family missing on 17th May. Bedfordshire Police have stated, “While the suggestion is that the party's current location is in Syria, this remains uncorroborated and our enquiries are continuing.”

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

COMMENT

Modi’s crucial visit to Central Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eight day visit to the Central States of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan is another exercise in India’s evolving diplomacy. If India’s Look East policy has rightly attracted media attention and acclaim, its Eurasian policy deserves similar treatment and study. Geopolitically the Eurasian landmass is of critical importance for India’s future wellbeing.. Much of India’s history over past centuries was determined by invasions from this immense landscape. Halford Mackinder, the British pioneer of geopolitics studies in the early 20th century famously proclaimed: “The heartland controls the rim.” Its overall significance has not diminished, for Eurasia includes Siberia, which is the richest resource base on the planet. Its abundant reserves of oil and natural gas are compounded by other forms of mineral wealth. Predators from around the world have long cast their covetous eyes on this vast expanse. The Nazi invasion of Soviet Russia in June 1941 was predicated on the need to control and exploit this wealth for the realization of Hitler’s dream of world conquest. Imperial Japan’s invasion of Siberia in 1919-22 was driven by similar goals.

The next factor to consider is the social and religious composition of these Central Asian states.

They are Islamic, hence international jihadi forces such as al Qaeda and the more dangerous Islamic Caliphate based in Syria and Iraq, (ISIL) is seeking to spread its tentacles in this region in a bid for world power. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the West lost no opportunity to meddle.

Under the guise of democracy and human rights, it promoted Islamist insurgencies, believing foolishly that these forcrces could be manipulated or coerced into falling in line with Western diktat, much as it has done in the Middle East and Libya with such disastrous consequences. Such is the backdrop to the Indian Prime Minister’s strategic journey to Central Asia. Whatever else, the leaders of these

Central Asian states are resolutely opposed to the any recrudescence of Islamism, which they have put down with unsparing severity. India has close relations with several of these states, notably Tajikistan, where India shares a large air base with Russia. The time has surely come for these relationships to be placed in higher orbits of strategic partnerships including economic and energy cooperation, since the region is blessed with vast reserves of natural gas and oil. Integral to this vision is India’s goal to develop the Iranian port city of Chabahar as a railway hub servicing western Afghanistan and creating a route to the Caspian region, thence to Russia and its partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Belarus and Armenia, all part of the present Eurasian Customs Union, which in the fullness of time could translate into an economic union to match that of the Europe. India is clearly playing for high stakes.

The climax to Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary will be the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Ufa. On the sidelines of the BRICS summit Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will hold bilateral talks on Indo-Russian relations; later this year, Mr Modi will travel to Moscow for the annual IndoRussian summit. For the present, the BRICS summit will be followed by a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Council, to which India is to be admitted as full member. Russia and China are the founders of this organization with the Central Asian states as its original members. The BRICS summit will gain traction from the incipient BRICS Bank to be headquartered in Shanghai and whose first President is the experienced Indian banking executive K.V. Kamath. These developments, if past form be any guide, are likely to be dismissed as inconsequential, but the tide of history can neither be arrested nor turned back. The unipolar world awaits its last rites, its multipolar successor its formal baptism.

The Socio Economic and Caste Census report on India’s rural scene makes grim reading. The country’s lopsided development reveals one out of three families to be landless, with less than 5 per cent of rural households paying income tax, but over 68 per cent owning mobile phones. “I am sure that with the… reach that all governments have, this document will form the basis of helping us to target groups to support in….policy planning,” said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, when releasing the report in the presence of Rural Development Minister Chaudhry Birender Singh. Mr Jaitley added: “It’s going to be a very important document for all policymakers both at Central and State government levels.”

Five States with a high percentage of schedule caste households are listed as follows: Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. On sources of income, the Census avers that

5 per cent of households draw government salaries, over 3.57 per cent came from the private sector and little over 1 per cent from public sector enterprises.

Grimmer figures reveal that 38.27 or 668,000 households are landless, deriving most of their incomes from casual labour, while those making their livelihood as rag-pickers number 40,008. Marginal occupations include road transport and inland and coastal fishing. One in five families owns a motorized vehicle, from two- wheelers/three-wheelers, the occasional four-wheeler van or a boat. All in all, 25.7 per cent of the rural population exist below the poverty line.

Primary and secondary education are also well under par, with illiteracy highest among women. The report does at least identify the problems that need to be addressed. The job of the government is to address them with urgency, intelligence and imaginative supervision.

The private sector was first off the blocks. Tata Trusts [among India’s oldest philanthropic bodies] and Google teamed up to launch a scheme at the weekend to take Internet to the rural heartland and target women. Speaking on the occasion Ratan Tata, Chairman Tata Trusts, said: “I do not know if we understand enough the huge impact of what we are doing….Access to the Internet has

changed the way we acquire knowledge and I am delighted the Prime Minister has decided to to give priority to India becoming a digitalized nation.”

[See page 12] The initiative will provide basic training on the usage and benefits of the Internet for women through specially designed Internet cycle carts that will visit villages to provide easy access for women.

Tibet’s and, arguably, the world’s foremost spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, turned 80 on Monday. His life has been an eventful journey to the Enlightenment, of which Gautama Buddha spoke with such clarity and insight over 2000 years ago.

Buddha’s followers straddle the globe, most significantly in the West, where his universal message arrived many centuries after his death. The present Fourteenth Dalai Lama was reincarnated in a country which for centuries past was a unique centre of Buddhist civilization. The cultural links between India and Tibet are deep and enduring. Tibetan influence in the borderlands of the Subcontinent have been particularly long lasting, just as they are with Mongolia, where the Dalai Lama is revered as the pontiff of the Mahayana school of Buddhism.

The past often casts its shadow on the present. The Thirteenth Dalai Lama fled his country for the sanctuary of British India in 1910 when a conquering force from China entered Lhasa, looting and desecrating Tibetan monasteries in the area, the cycle

was repeated in April 1959, when the present Dalai Lama, then a young man of 23, arrived in Independent India and has remained in the country ever since as an honoured guest and mentor. He lives in Dharamsala, in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh. There are presently an estimated 150,000 Tibetans living in India, now their window to the world. A steady stream of Tibetan refugees brave the elements and sharp-shooting Chinese border guards for sanctuary in India and Dharmasala with easy access to their beloved and inspirational Dalai Lama, his counsel of hope and redemption.

Westerners, old and young, are much taken by his abiding humanism and immense personal charm.

He enjoys the experience of interacting with the younger generation at musical festivals in Britain and America. An album of songs released there celebrates the life and work of a truly remarkable man who, as our common blessing, has conquered hate and preaches peace - the essential platform for individual and collective Enlightenment.

Rural India in desperate straits

First off the blocks

Apostle of Peace turns 80

3 The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why - Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Key Ways to Boost UK Exports and Inward Investment I’ve just returned from India from a series of talks to business in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore to boost Indian companies setting up in the UK and then from the UK becoming British companies that export globally.

The UK Chancellor made clear this week – British companies do not export enough, indeed we also need more overseas investment into the UK to boost our productivity. So how?

For the past decade as the UK Government’s Dealmaker within UKTI’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, I am responsible for bringing the most innovative young companies from India, China and South East Asia to the UK, I’ve had a unusual insight into what help they need, and a lot of success in helping them do it. One critical factor is ‘how do you make that initial step, enter it, and then scale?’

This is not about how do you incorporate a company, where are their office space cheaply, why is the UK a good location, how to get a visa – this is a deeply business question which it needs a businessman to answer.

My advice to overseas business people looking to make the first step in Britain: 1. Your first UK hire, is an investment – so think like an investor As a businessman you probably don’t invest in other people’s businesses.

When you hire your first UK person, to boost sales of your UK company, that person you should think of as if you’re making an investment into a company (you are – your own).

So like an investment into a company ask yourself ‘does this person scream out to me that hiring them is a ‘no brainer’.

Have they proved to me they are going to make me

rich? But to be able to answer that, you need to ask the right questions – see number 2…

2. Interview process correctly Hire like a local – post that job on Gumtree or Monster.com and then conduct the first round via Skype, short-list and ask those shortlisted ‘here are my target list of companies that I want contracts from, who do you know, who have I missed, and what is your strategy, sales goals?’

Unless you ask the right questions, you won’t make the right hire to grow your business.

You should be so excited about the person’s answers, you’d be willing to borrow money in order to hire them.

3. Get the contract right to reduce your risk Look finding employment lawyers to draft the contract, or downloading a legally correct one is easy. What is not easy is business acumen. What you need to do is hire someone willing to work for a basic salary, plus a per sale bonus. That way if they genuinely have the skills and connections to sell your product, they will happily be heavily weighted towards sales bonuses.

If they lack confidence (warning!) then clearly they will not. Either way, your risk is mitigated.

This is just one simple way, through practical business expertise from someone who has done it, to grow your UK business. It’s good for your company, tapping into the EU – a $15tr economy, to boost its global sales and reach, and as a British company using UKTI to boost your exports. Everyone wins – once you have the right advice and practical know-how.

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MIDLANDS VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Birmingham airport urges government caution on Heathrow recommendation Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, has urged the Government to take a cautious response to the Airports Commission’s recommendations, as regional airports like Birmingham Airport continue to thrive.

Airports The Commission, led by Chairperson Sir Howard Davies, has spent the past three years looking into the future of UK aviation in order to make recommendations to the Government on the future of UK aviation, including the lack of capacity in the SouthEast.

Birmingham Airport has argued for a strategic network of longhaul airports throughout the UK, each supporting the comparative economic advantage of that region.

The Airports Commission has made an individual recommendation to Government for the Heathrow Northwest Runway scheme to be taken forward.

Birmingham Airport CEO Paul Kehoe said in reaction: “Over the past three years the Airports

Commission has explored numerous options for resolving the South-East congestion, and we are incredibly grateful to all those in the region who have supported our case for a network of airports.

“Given the significant levels of growth we have seen at Birmingham Airport within this period, especially in longhaul routes, we urge the Government to move ahead with caution so as not to damage the ability of regional airports to grow.

“The Midlands is a powerful engine of growth at the heart of our country and needs direct aviation to succeed. With our £200 million investment in the Airport, including our runway

Uday Dholakia

extension allowing for this summer’s extended series of direct flights to Beijing, we are doing all we can to support the region’s businesses and leisure passengers.

“Whilst the Government continues to review all the evidence before it, Birmingham Airport looks forward to continuing the expansion of our long-haul offering in support of the region’s economy”.

Uday Dholakia, Brand Ambassador has also responded to the decision by the C o m m i s s i o n : “Businesses, and the local communities tell us they want to be able to fly directly to their markets and not have to go through West London. We

know the Government needs to deal with congestion in the South East, but we urge Ministers to move ahead in a way that does not restrict Birmingham’s own room to grow.”

Over the course of the past three years, Birmingham Airport has presented the Airports Commission with evidence of the role that Government marketing, road and rail investment and changes to taxation can play in making best use of existing UK runway capacity.

Airports The Commission has been provided with evidence of how an Air Passenger Duty ‘holiday’ for new long-haul routes would bring over 90,000 new passengers to Birmingham Airport each year. In addition, working with Capital Economics and Steer Davies Gleave, Birmingham Airport has demonstrated that, with HS2, it will be the airport with the largest one-hour catchment area in the country, with over 15 million people a short journey away and thus able to offer an alternative to passengers in London.

Multinational firms and ethnic businesses to come together to shape supplier diversity in the UK Around 150 ethnic minority businesses and corporate firms from across the UK are coming together to take part in a national event aimed at celebrating and shaping the future strategy for supplier diversity.

MSDUK, which helps ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) compete for contracts with multinationals, is hosting its biennial Supplier Diversity Day to highlight the importance of inclusive procurement across the supply chains of global corporations.

Over 60 buyers and senior corporate executives from companies such as Coca Cola and Johnson and Johnson will attend the event alongside EMBs

from across the UK including a number of firms from London. Since it was formed in 2006, MSDUK has helped EMBs win an estimated £60 million of contracts.

Mayank Shah, CEO at MSDUK, said: "Without doubt, inclusive procurement practices are vital to a balanced regional economic growth. Not only does is support growth of SMEs including ethnic minority businesses across the country, but it also leads to job and wealth creation.

"This event is a fantastic showcase for what has been achieved especially from businesses in London such as Halebury and Contracts IT and is a celebration of how EMBs

Liverpool doctor bestowed with honorary fellowship Dr Shiv Pande, an MBBS doctor from Liverpool, member of the Indian Journalists' Association since 1982, has been bestowed with an honorary fellowship

by University of Central Lancashire.

Thanking his wife and two sons, who has supported Dr Pande, through thick and thin, he said he owed much of his success to a happy family life.

Dr Shiv Pande

Dr Sudhir Sethi

and corporate firms are working together using the MSDUK network. The aim is to educate, learn, connect and network and to provide everyone an opportunity to build a much stronger relationship. In addition, we also want this event to help us to look forward and how we can help shape the future strategy of inclusive procurement in the UK and beyond. " A number of EMBs from London will take part in the event including Contracts IT, Diversely Digital, Flame PR, Fortis Hosting, Mediareach Advertising and Arivu.

The event will be presented across a full day s programme and will include roundtables, a

business exhibition, networking sessions and a series of panel discussions on various topics such as marketing, funding, and auto enrolment.

Corporate firms who have signed up to attend the event include Accenture, Capital One, Citi, Coca-Cola, Ernst & Young, Hewlett Packard, KPMG, Leicester City Council, Pitney Bowes, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and UKTI. The event will conclude with an ethnic food festival which will serve Indian and Lebanese street food.

MSDUK currently has 38 corporate members and over 300 EMBs in its network. The not-for-profit organisation is funded by its members and offers support and networking while promoting business opportunities.

It recently unveiled ambitious long-term growth plans by electing an executive committee of six entrepreneurs from within its network to help grow and strengthen its current offering.

The Supplier Diversity Day event will take place at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on July 7 from 9am.

Indian origin Doctor launches hard hitting film to warn about FGM A well known community paediatrician Dr Sudhir Sethi has launched a hard hitting film warning people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland about FGM, and urging them to alert authorities if they suspect a girl is likely to subjected to genital mutilation.

With the long summer holidays around the corner, many young girls will be taken abroad and forced to undergo the procedure, known as FGM or female circumcision. FGM has been illegal in the UK since 1985, hence many girls are taken out of the country, and they suffer a painful fate. Almost 10% of FGM victims die as a result of the procedure and as many as one in four suffer recurrent problems.

Effects of the procedure include severe pain and shock, broken limbs from being held down, infection, increased risk of HIV/AIDS, urine retention and fatal haemorrhaging.

FGM can also lead to uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections and cysts as well as infertility along with pregnancy and childbirth complications. It can also lead to longer term psychological problems and depression.

Dr Sudhir Sethi, told the Leicester Mercury: "We have sizeable communities

Dr Sudhir Sethi

here who may be at risk from FGM. From my perspective, it is the violation of the rights of a child to be protected from any form of torture, inhumane or degrading treatment."

He added: "The signs can be very subtle. The girl might simply say she is going on a long holiday, and might simply say there is going to be a great celebration or a special event – or she may say she is going and will return as a 'proper woman'. That's all we will get. If people act and protect one child, they will potentially be protecting many children in that child's family, community and extended family."

Anyone suspecting FGM can report it by contacting Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 0005; Leicester City Council on 0116 454 1004 or Rutland Council on 01572 758407.

Scientist from India involved in breakthrough study to kill malaria parasite An international team of scientists, including a researcher from India, has discovered new ways in which the malaria parasite survives in the blood stream of its victims, a discovery that could pave the way to new treatments for the disease.

The researchers at the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Toxicology Unit based at the University of Leicester and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine identified a key protein, called a protein kinase, that if targeted stops the disease.

The study was published on Tuesday in Nature Communications.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that lives inside an infected mosquito and is transferred into the human through a bite.

Once inside the body, parasites use a complex process to enter red blood cells and survive within them.

By identifying one of the key proteins needed for the parasite to survive in the red blood cells, the team have prevented the protein from working, thus killing the parasite.

The discovery could be the first step in develop-

ing a new drug to treat malaria.

Dr Mahmood Alam, first author of the study at the MRC Toxicology Unit based at the University of Leicester, said: “There has been a great deal of excitement among malaria scientists about the outcome of our research since it not only tells us about the biochemical pathways that are essential for the parasite to survive in our bodies but it also allows us to design drugs that can spot these essential pathways and thereby kill the parasite.”

Dr Alam, who hails from Lohardaga in India, graduated in Biotechnology in Ranchi and moved to Pondicherry for his Master’s Degree in Biotechnology from Pondicherry University.

According to the World Health Organization malaria currently infects more than 200 million people world wide and accounts for more than 500,000 deaths per year. Most deaths occur among children living in Africa where a child dies every minute of malaria and the disease accounts for approximately 20% of all childhood deaths.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

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UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Spriha Srivastava

ASSOCHAM brings UK-India closer

Vijay Goel, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Rana Kapoor, G P Hinduja with other guests

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) launched its UK chapter last week after the signing of a bilateral agreement between ASSOCHAM and the UK India Business Council (in partnership with the UKTI).

The event aimed at further strengthening UK-India trade and investment corridors and establish a stronger relationship between investors and companies.

The event also saw the launch of a report titled Make in India – Pressing the Pedal by Mr. Rana Kapoor, President of Assocham and Founder & CEO of YES Bank along with Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair, UKIBC, The Rt. Hon. Baroness Sandip Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development, UK Government, Mr. Michael Boyd, MD, UKTI, Mr. G.P. Hinduja, Co-Chairman, The Hinduja Group and Mr. V.N. Dhoot, Chairman & Managing Director, Videocon Industries.

The report says that by 2025, India’s manufacturing sector is expected to generate over 100 million new domestic jobs and contribute 25 per cent of national GDP compared to - 15 per cent currently. The report also says that for India to grow at 9-10 per cent over the next three decades, we must aim to be a part of the global supply chain and produce for both domestic as well as international markets.

The event also saw keynote speeches from leading entrepreneur and industrialist Mr. G.P. Hinduja, as well as from Mr. Michael Boyd, Managing Director,

UKTI, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair, UK India Business Council and Baroness Sandip Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development, UK Government.

'Make in India' and domestic manufacturing are also the central plank of India's 2015-16 Union Budget with focus on job creation through revival of growth and investment. The report says that the progressive proposals of the Union Budget, such as liberalization of foreign investments will enable companies to raise long term capital at competitive prices and immensely boost the dual agenda of 'Invest in India' and 'Make in India' – thereby making India a global manufacturing hub of excellence Welcoming the signing of the agreement and the launch of a UK base for the Indian chambers, ASSOCHAM President Mr. Rana Kapoor stated: “India’s potential manufacturing and export-driven growth, key pillars of the India’s government’s Make In India campaign, offers a fantastic opportunity to UK investors and companies” He further stated that as a hub for trade to the European continent, London is an excellent platform for new relationships to be built and the signing of the agreement will provide British and Indian companies, especially in the SME sector, a new era of cross-border cooperation.

Mr. G.P. Hinduja, CoChairman, The Hinduja Group highlighted the unique position of India and it’s investment potential. He said: “I am British but my heart is Indian. I always look for ways of how I can grow

India. The Indian Prime Minister has really put India centre-stage and it really is the right time to invest in India. The world’s future, economic prosperity and success lies in Asia – if India succeeds, then Asia will too.

And if Asia succeeds, then so will UK and Europe.” Mr Hinduja also highlighted the effort and contribution of UK’s 1.6mn non-resident Indian audience in enhancing both UK’s and India’s economy.

The event also had speeches from Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair UKIBC who commended Rana Kapoor for his entrepreneurial spirit and also added that India invests more in the UK than in the EU put together. Mr. Michael Boyd, MD, UKTI said the UK is the largest G20 investor in India and over the last year, FDI into the UK rose by 50 per cent creating 7,700 jobs. He also said that India is the third largest source market for FDI in the UK. He outlined several benefits of doing business in the UK, one being the UK as a popular destination for Indian business investors, and this is because it is easier to do business in the UK and the UK is the eighth best country to do business in.

Rt. Hon Baroness Sandip Verma said her ambition is to have the UK has India’s number one partner. “There is a real appetite for investment in India but there needs to be an ease for all businesses to enter India, from SMEs to large corporations,” she said.

Also present at the event was Mr Praful Patel, former Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Shishukunj London seeks to inspire the community as it reopens its newly renovated headquarters Shishukunj London proudly re-opened the Shishukunj Bhavan on Edgware High Street in North London after a £1.25m renovation.

More than 1000 people attended the 2-day celebration on 4 and 5 July.

Notable visitors over the weekend included CB Patel, Vinod Thakrar (President of Lohana Community), Sandeep Virdee (Artistic Director of Darbar), Rex Shah (President of Oshwal UK) and Jagdishbhai Dave MBE (a highly regarded advocate of Gujarati education). The diversity of the visitors clearly showed that the Shishukunj Bhavan is going to become a vital resource offering services that will benefit the whole community.

The new centre will predominantly provide activities for children to include music and dance classes, fitness and lifestyle activities, academic support and training opportunities as well as acting as a daytime hub for the elderly in the community. The facility will also be available for private hire with 2 halls that can accommodate 200 people each.

The families of the major donors opened the main facilities in the building on the first morning. These key contributors included Dhirubhai and Vanitaben Pankhania, Dhanjibhai and Hansaben Tanna and the Meghraj family.

Raj Mistry (Vice President of Shishukunj) said, “we are very proud

The new Shishukunj Bhavan in Edgware

of our newly renovated bhavan and it will act as an important tool in our mission to expand the reach of Shishukunj so that its work can touch many more children around the world” The core activities of Shishukunj use Indian

works to relieve poverty, distress and sickness amongst children all over the world focusing on the provision of food, education, healthcare and shelter.

Shishukunj is run entirely by teenage and young adult volunteers

Guests take in the new facilities

culture as a medium to instill decent morals and values within the children and adults that attend to create leaders of tomorrow’s society. In addition to its weekly activities, Shishukunj's international arm ( S h i s h u k u n j International Projects)

who act as role models to the children, promoting character building and good citizenship. Over 5000 children have passed through its centres in North London and Croydon during its 40-year history. For more information please visit www.shishukunj.org.uk.

Prince Charles praises the Gurkhas

The 2nd Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles celebrated its 21st birthday, amidst the 200th anniversary of Gurkha celebrations, at the regiment's Kent barracks on Wednesday.

Prince Charles attended the celebrations and also posed for a regimental photograph with 375 Royal Gurkhas.

The Prince of Wales said, “Your forefathers would be most proud of you here today, continuing to demonstrate achievement and together ensuring the worldwide reputation of Gurkhas as the very best of soldiers.”

Prince Charles further stated, “Now though the regiment is only 21 years old, it comes from a Gurkha lineage of 200 years of unbroken, dedicated, loyal service to the Crown with an enviable war-fighting history.”

Prince Charles at the Royal Gurkha Rifles celebrations

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

7

8

National Karyakar Shibir held at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple UK

More than 1,400 karyakars from across the UK and parts of Europe attended the National Karyakar Shibir at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Sunday 5 July 2015.

The shibir, entitled ‘Upasak Karyakar’, was aimed to help karyakars imbibe key principles of spiritual knowledge in the activities that they undertake. Sadhus spoke of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personal efforts to impart spiritual wisdom during his travels. They also spoke of the conviction and strength that karyakars should foster in their lives through spiritual knowledge and observance.

Pujya Doctor Swami ( S a d h u Swayamprakashdas) offered his practical guidance on how delegates could strengthen this knowledge further.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Sadhus from India shared testimonies of dedicated karyakars in India whose personal endeavours, amidst numerous challenges have made a positive impact on many lives.

Insight into working together and introspecting on one’s progress was given.

Doctor Swami concluded by energising the audience with a motivational discourse on taking ownership and developing confidence in one’s work.

One karyakar spoke of how much he had enjoyed the shibir, “There was an excellent reference to the introduction of satsang at an early age, even to

Neasden Temple Organises Appreciation Events to Thank Local Neighbours and the Elderly

babies. Just saying the Jaynaad and showing them murtis will have a positive influence which will become apparent at a later age. There was lot more that I learnt, but

this hit a chord with me especially as I have a granddaughter.”

Another karyakar said, “Shibirs are always inspiring and show us practically how we need

to make changes in the way we think and live to lead happier and more peaceful lives. The part that struck me most was the pravachan using the Vachanamrut to give us a

practical approach to handling disagreements and our reactions to people/things we don't like.

Identifying the flaws within us helps us to react better.”

India Link International hosts gala annual lecture and awards in London

Lord Mota Singh, Krishan Ralleigh, MD, India Link, Bob Blackman MP, Lord Raj Loomba, Dr Virander Paul, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Karan Bilimoria, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and veteran cricketer Farokh Engineer with other guests

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London has fostered a profound sense of community spirit since it opened its doors in August 1995.

This year, as the Mandir celebrates its 20th anniversary, two special programmes were held to thank the elderly and local neighbours for their continued support and commitment.

Guests on both days were welcomed and personally looked after by a team of dedicated volunteers. Upon arrival, each had their photograph taken with the Mandir backdrop which was later gifted to them as a memento of their visit.

The purpose of the event for the elderly on Sunday 10 May 2015 was to celebrate their efforts in helping to build the Mandir over 20 years ago and to appreciate their dedicated services to this day.

These senior volunteers were entertained by musicians, comedians, a colourful dance, various games and presentations,

and a magic show, before being treated to a full vegetarian meal. Sadhus and trustees of the Mandir also offered their personal appreciation, thanking everyone for their invaluable contribution over the years.

More than a 150 local residents were hosted at the Mandir for a similar event on Thursday 21 May 2015.

Invitees included representatives from the three local schools, businesses (including IKEA, Tesco and Europcar), staff at the nearby health centre, priests from the local churches, and the neighbourhood police.

Guests enjoyed a special guided tour which included an exhibition explaining the multifarious activities organised by the Mandir. After a video about the Mandir’s making and its current role as a hub of community services, everyone was again thanked by the Board of Trustees for their years of support and friendship, stretching back over 33 years in some cases.

Rupanjana Dutta The monthly magazine, India Link International, on their 21st anniversary organised an annual lecture and awards ceremony at Radisson Portman Hotel, in Central London.

Among many recipients was Lord Karan Bilimoria, who was awarded the International Indian of the Year for 2014-15 for his outstanding achievements in the fields of business and education. He was also the keynote lecturer, where he spoke about the importance of Indians in Britain and the IndoBritish relations. He also noted that the current immigration rule is harming the British universities as Non-European students, including those from India, prefer to study in other countries.

He also praised the British universities, saying they are some of the best in the world. He also added that, “British brands need to be promoted more and it has

amassing manufacturing capabilities."

Lord Bilimoria was handed over the awards

by Dr Virander Paul, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, who praised UK's

time services to the legal profession.

Other award recipients included: Uma Wadhwani (International Indian Business Woman of the year); Captain Nalin Pandey, Managing

Indian Promoting Healthcare for elderly).

Pravinkant Amin (International Indian Promoting Community relations Worldwide); Bajrang Bahadur Mathur, Architect and

Paulomi Bagvatisancar presenting a classical dance number

Director of Dr Virander Paul presenting the International Indian of the Year award to P e n t a g o n Lord Karan Bilimoria Marine Services diaspora community.

Sarosh Zaiwallia, founder of Zaiwalla and Co. Solicitors, London, received the award for International Indian Life-

(International Indian Lifetime Services to Maritime Trade India and the World 2014-15); Ravinder Singh Gidar, Founder Golden Care Homes (International

Town Planner (International Indian Promoting Tourism through writing and art); and Sanjay Wadhwani, Managing Director, Wanis (International Indian Young entrepreneur 2014-15) were also awarded.

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Banking’s Success Story; Yes Bank Founder – CEO, Rana Kapoor Mr Rana Kapoor, Founder and CEO of YES BANK, was in London last week as President of The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India, or ASSOCHAM. Mr Kapoor was the keynote speaker at an evening conference held Thursday 2nd July at St James’s Court (Taj Hotel) in London, which heralded the opening up of India for business. The Asian Voice was granted an exclusive session to talk to Mr Kapoor about ASSOCHAM and YES BANK prior to the event.

Briefing documents describe ASSOCHAM thus; it “Endeavours to establish a conducive platform to global investors for engaging and exploring investment opportunities in India as well as improve Ease of Doing Business, promote cross-border business development and initiate strategic collaborations and partnerships.”

D i s c u s s i n g ASSOCHAM, Mr Kapoor described it as one of the top three chambers of commerce representing

India, with over 450,000 members.

He said that India should play to its strengths. “China decided to enter manufacturing in a wholesome way over 30 years ago and India is tapping into that opportunity so much later but there will be gaps where we are

just as good. In auto parts we are among the best in the world.

Pharmaceuticals, lifestyle products, genetics. We have to find our niche and not replicate China’s strengths. There are lots of gaps where we need to catch up with China but not necessarily compete

with it.”

In a week that Greek’s referendum “No” result has caused weak economies to have panic attacks, Mr Kapoor is reassuring. “India’s overall balance of payments today is almost $350 billion. The current account deficit is around1% today.

India has built a buffer, safety nets; a cushion in the economy to overcome these global setbacks.” He said that the situation had improved a lot over the last two years because of a focused effort by the Reserve Bank of India and over the last year due to what the Indian Government had been doing.

Turning to the undisputed success story that is YES BANK, its rise has been remarkable. With Mr. Kapoor at the helm, YES BANK completed 10 years of institutional excellence in 2014. Within a decade of its operations, YES BANK became India’s fifth largest private sector bank, and is consistently rated as the best, strongest and safest bank in its segment.

YES BANK recently launched its first international representative office in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. It has also signed up with OPIC, the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, and Wells Fargo, to support MSME growth in India.

What has Mr Kapoor learnt from his distinguished history in banking, stretching back long before YES? Prior to establishing YES BANK, Rana Kapoor was CEO and Managing Director, and main Managing Partner of Rabo India Finance (RIF) Pvt. Ltd. (a corporate finance and investment banking organisation). Prior to starting Rabo India, he was the General Manager & Country Head: ANZ Grindlays’ Investment Bank (ANZIB, from 199698). He spent 15 years at Bank of America, where he last headed the Bank’s wholesale banking businesses and held several positions of increasing responsibility, including assignments in Asian countries.

Mr Kapoor will surely continue to lead some of India’s banking sector from the front Mr Kapoor’s profile fairly gleams with awards and prizes but his achievements are self-evident by the successful outcomes of all his projects to date. He said that he is “Still going through a sharp learning phase despite a 35 year banking career.”

He pointed out that 45% of the Indian popula-

9

tion now has bank accounts.

He unlocked some of the big features he has introduced at YES BANK. Grasping compulsive decision making.

The ability to create an environment of problem solving, which means a good sound risk architecture, a risk culture, accompanied by a brand that is resonating today in India.

“So the brand is resonating on Twitter and Facebook.”

Mr Kapoor said that when he started the bank 12 years ago, there were three priorities.

The creation of a P r o f e s s i o n a l Entrepreneurship Programme, called YES PEP. “Today we have 900 management graduates in the programme out of 11,000 executives.”

Having a YES personality, which is tied with commitment to a service culture.

Commitment to YES BANKS being community hubs. Mr Kapoor wants his 650 YES BANK branches to be like community halls where the town hall experience can be created.

In one column it’s impossible to describe all the learning the YES BANK/ASSOCHAM President imparted, but Mr Kapoor will surely continue to lead some of India’s banking sector from the front.

10

UK

Different view points

Mr K. Parmar's suggestion for new writers to put forth new points of view is noteworthy. But his statement that regular writers “hog” the space is unfair.

Publication of letters is solely at the discretion of the editorial team. My letters amounting to more than 200 have been printed for which I am grateful. But in no way I have “hogged” the space.

Editor’s blurb “Yes indeed. Please keep on writing” is very encouraging too.

But many of my new ideas and subjects are not always accommodated. I assume that space, prevailing trends and company’s policy may be the reason why all new ideas by writers are not always printed.

The team has already curtailed length of letters to 200 words. But I have noted that some letters with more than 200 words are printed.

However I must ask regular and new writers to keep on writing to keep the column YOUR VOICE active. I also suggest that the Editorial team may allot more space and page to accommodate new points of view by regular and new writers. Views of readers are more important.

Readers and customer is the king.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Refugees

At present the world has two biggest problems, first Islamic terrorism, other African Migration! In April I wrote about Islamic State, Boko Haram, Al Shabab, Al Qaeda and Taliban. They are causing havoc by killing people and destroying properties and historic antiquities without regards to any castes, colour or religions! They are under the name of Islam radicalising young Muslims, children and others to be suicide bombers or terrorists to kill innocent people anywhere in the world! To fight them so many young soldiers are also sacrificed, thus world becoming bereft of young generations leaving their fathers, mothers and families weeping and wailing. To stop these inhumane, immoral atrocities each continent or group of countries should create a large defence force with soldiers, finance, planes and arsenal, also another large UN Contingent Defence Force as a Reserve!

Another problem is African Migration to Europe! This arises from unemployment and poverty in Africa. Also there are Middle Eastern refugees coming too!

It's impossible for Europe to absorb such a huge Africans exodus! Instead Europe should punish the trafficars, should create say 15 billion euro pot, build large camps near the borders soon to feed and help Africans, create jobs by starting farms and Industries in African countries to make them self-sufficient. Europe will have cheap labour there and Africans will have progress, prosperity and self respect! Absorb the refugees in Europe.

China backs Pakistan on terror mastermind

Quality is the key to success

Your comment article (AV 4 July p3) refers to China’s refusal to condemn Islamabad’s decision to release Zakir-urRahman Lakhvi, the mastermind behind the Mumbai 26/11 terror attack even when the other four UN Security Council members (US, Britain, Russia and France) did so.

One significant reason could be the fact that on 21 May 2014, Gazprom signed a 30-year agreement to supply to China 25% of China’s gas requirementsabout 38 billion cubic metres of gas per year from 2018.

A gas pipeline has to be built that would have to cross Pakistan territory to reach China. The Republic of China now accounts for half of the extra demand for world gas supply. Its demand growth rate was 13.3% in 2013.

The Russian company, Gazprom, produces 1/7 of world gas output. In 2014, it produced 470 billion cubic metres of natural gas. It supplied 75% of Russian demand and 30% of all the former Soviet Union countries’ and the entire European Union’s demand.

Its gas pipeline systems transporting gas from Western Siberian fields and other gas production centres comprises the world largest Unified Gas Supply System (UGSS) reaching every major city in Russia and Europe.

While it is desirable to have variety of opinion in “Your Voice” column, it should not be at the expense of lowering standard; as AV is roving goodwill ambassador. AV is the “Guardian”, not the “Sun” of ethnic publications with appreciative regular columns like “Comment, Political Sketchbook, As I See It and Kapil’s Khichdi.”

Most regular contributors are devoted professional people; theologians in their own professions, many with PhD, who put in special effort to contribute high quality writings most readers appreciate.

Some have even used AV as stepping stone, now write for other publications as well; have their own column and after literary odyssey, have written books and popular novels. This is indeed unique achievement for “Editorial Board” (EB) for nurturing such talent, editing and encouraging loyal contributors. I wonder where these intellectual writers would be without AV! There are very few letters from ladies but I would not expect exposure based on gender. In fair and open society like ours, everyone should be treated equally on merit, without favour or being fiduciary.

If there is will, there is certainly a way, as EB is fair, not finicky or plutocracy. It is neutral and appreciative of all quality contributions.

Nagindas Khajuria By email

Kumudini Valambia By email

Great British Lunch

Starting on Friday (10th July) and continuing throughout the summer, people across the country will be marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

As we recall those fateful days and celebrate the bravery of the airmen involved, we also remember our enduring debt of gratitude to all who serve or have served.

The RAF Benevolent Fund believes it is important for the country to share in the memory of that battle, which played out in the summer skies overhead and saw the heroism of The Few save Britain from invasion. We want to invite people across the UK to join us in showing their thanks for The Few and celebrating a defining moment in our nation’s history.

That is why we are launching the RAF Benevolent Fund’s inaugural Great British Sunday Lunch – a chance for families, friends, and communities to gather together on Sunday 13th September to host their own lunch, whether it be around the dining table or on a picnic rug in the late summer sun.

We hope your readers will join us in honouring The Few and helping us raise vital funds so we can continue to support RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families. Your readers can find more information and sign up at www.rafbf.org/gbsl.

Subscribe Today Upendra Kapadia By email

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Air Marshal Christopher Nickols, Controller, RAF Benevolent Fund London

Asian Voice in UK for only £28.50 for one year

ASIAN VOICE

Meet and Greet

I would like to put forward the following suggestion for consideration by the ABPL Board. There are about a dozen or so regular contributors to the “Your Voice” column of Asian Voice and that many to “Tamari Vaat” column of Gujarat Samachar. How about we all meet up at ABPL’s offices and put the face to the names which we are so accoustmed to?

We can then share views and opinions face to face and also meet representatives of both AV and GS. I had the privilege of chatting with CB, albeit over the wires, when he was a guest on Kanjibhai Ghedia’s Gujarati programme on NuSound Radio. I have also met Kamalbhai at our various social gatherings. I would be glad to make acquaintace with Rupanjana and others while enjoying ABPL’s hospitality in the form of a cuppa at Hoxton House!

I must add that the electronic versions of AV and GS which I receive by email are very useful indeed! I could get up to speed on what is happening in England and around the world by reading the two papers on my mobile even while away from home. Also the free calendar which we get every year clearly shows the dates for all Hindu, Jain and Christian relogious festivals.The calendar is free to subscribers and comes in addition to the periodical supplements which we get from time to time. I do not know whether other weekly or monthly publications provide these kind of free benefits for its readers.

It has been reported that Muslim families are leaving Britain to live in Syria. A family of 12 from Luton is believed to have gone to Syria to start a new life and they are aged between one and 75. The family from Bangladesh instead of coming back to Britain travelled to Syria from Turkey.

Relatives are complaining that the police has not done enough to stop them to go Syria. It is not the duty of the government to find out where the family is going. It is perfectly alright as long as the government is not spending taxpayer’s money to bring them back or waste police time to look for them and it is also a good news.

The family left Bangladesh two months ago and it took too long for one of their sons to find out where his old father was. Muslims in Luton are close knit families and they know each other through mosque and still the neighbours pretended as if they did not know much about them and even local Imams did not know them. The community claims that one of the members of the family might have been indoctrinated and if it is so by whom . Missing people are always ‘top blokes’ or ‘intelligent –A pupils, quiet and ‘lovely girls.’ France deports Imams found to be preaching hatred in their mosques and ban burka in public places and in schools. Britain is allowing extremist speakers and they are given platform at British universities. Students unions in new universities are taken by radical Islamists. The UK has got everything wrong. If Muslims want to go to Syria let them go and not spend money and resources to trace them.

Arun Vaidyanathan By email

Senior service praised

I applaud your Spotlight columnist Sunetra Senior for the way she asks open questions aimed at getting her interviewees to “open up” and reveal what makes them tick. As a former journalist, now retired, I know this technique never fails to get good material out of interviewees. It’s far more productive than asking closed questions requiring only “Yes” or “No” responses, although closed questions are necessary to confirm or clarify a point.

Taking about journalistic questions, I once found myself covering an event in a factory surrounded by a sea of faces, with the manager standing beside me. Pen poised on notebook I asked him: “How many people work here?” He grinned and replied: “Only about half of them!”

We both burst out laughing at his joke but after that unexpected response I always took the precaution, on similar occasions elsewhere, of asking: “How many people do you employ?”. No scope there for a witty remark!

My advice to Sunetra Senior is to keep asking her splendid “open” questions and producing those personalityrevealing interviews for the Spotlight page.

Rudy Otter By email

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

FICCI 2015 lecture by Dr Quraishi

Reshma Trilochun

A special Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) lecture titled, “South Asia: Struggling Democracies, Emerging Problems and Solutions” was held at King's College, London, on Monday 22nd June 2015.

The lecture was delivered by the former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr S.Y. Quraishi, of his research he conducted during his tenure as the FICCI Visiting Fellow at the India Institute, King's College, over the past few weeks.

In this FICCI 2015

Dr Quraishi

lecture, Dr Quraishi presented the findings of his study on challenges to democracy in South and Southeast Asian Countries. He was content for having chosen

this subject instead of going through an easier route. Dr Quraishi said, “I am glad I chose this subject and I realised that this is indeed a very important subject.”

Speaking about democracy, Dr Quraishi stated, “At least 60% of the world's democracy live in South Asia. Are you giving it enough importance? If not, you need to think.”

Headteacher bans short skirts from school

A secondary school headteacher has banned short skirts, as she feels that the male staff were being “distracted."

Headteacher Dr Rowena Blencowe, was fed up of having to tell the pupils to roll down their skirts as it “barely covered their bottoms,” at Trentham High School, in Stoke-on-Trent. Male members of staff also felt embarrassed at the length of the skirts. The school had even bought new skirts to prevent the rebellious girls from wearing them inappropriately. However, Dr Blencowe has decided it

Headteacher Dr Rowena Blencowe shows the appropriate and inappropriate lengths of school skirts.

would be a better idea to just ban skirts at the school and make all the students wear trousers from next September. Dr Blencowe

said, “Girls in year seven, and possibly year eight, tend to abide by the rules, but as they get older the skirts get shorter. Now it's

IMMIGRATION RULES SINCE 06 APRIL 2015 OPTIONS FOR OVER STAYERS The immigration rules since 06 April 2015, have introduced few stringent rules and policies, however, simultaneously the Home Office has introduced more flexible regime attracting right of appeals in the UK. People who have submitted the application and they have been complying since their arrival in the UK are less penalised than people who have been absconding. This is the time when the Home Office wants everyone to inform them about each detail. There is guidance about the new information and change of circumstances where people have any further information the Home Office expects every one to inform them and keep updating them continuously.

People who have never submitted any application since their arrival in the UK would be in trouble. The Home Office approach is more focused and clear now for these people. The Home office wants these people to leave the UK and then they would be granted out of country right of appeal.

Whereas, if you have been complying and trying to regularise your stay by submitting your application

or submissions regarding your updated matter then the Home Office would consider your request. You may be asked by them to provide them additional grounds in your family and private life in the UK. If the Home Office still maintain their refusal then they would grant right of appeal. Once an applicant had a right of appeal, he has more prospects.

The main change is that the application submitted before April 2015 would considered under old regime and the home Office can be requested by the applicant to reconsider. Such request is only made if the application or matter has reasonable merits. Hence the message by the Home Office is that absconding is not acceptable anymore and over stayers or people whose application has been declined must either make a fresh application or leave the country on voluntary basis.

Fehmina Farani

Farani Javed Taylor Solicitors Verulam House, 60 Grays Inn Road London WC1X 8LU

Mob.: 07773 706 866

UK

11

Many Hindus miffed with Cllr Malik

Councillor Nisar Malik has been elected as the new Mayor of Hounslow.

He has made history by becoming the first Muslim to be chosen as a mayor in the Hounslow borough.

It is a matter of pride for the Muslim community of Hounslow to have someone chosen as a mayor from their faith for the very first time in the borough. However, Cllr Malik has been receiving a lot of backlash regarding an interview he did for the Hounslow Matters Magazine. In his interview, he spoke about bringing many faiths together to uphold harmony into society, but he allegedly excluded mentioning anything about the Hindu faith. In the interview, he reportedly stated, “I want to bring people together and celebrate what we have in common.

Muslims, Sikhs,

Christian’s and Jews should meet and talk to each other so we can celebrate our humanity together.”

The Hindu community of Hounslow have expressed their shock and feel isolated by Malik's statement. There are almost 12% of Hindu in Hounslow and many believe that the Mayor is neglecting the Hindu community and other minorities. Many went one step ahead and stated that they suspect Cllr Malik has no intension of representing

other communities due to his very close association with the Hounslow Muslim forum.

Furthermore, it is also said that many from the Hindu community of Hounslow are preparing a petition to make a formal complaint against the Mayor of Hounslow, as they believe he has deliberately done this to insult the Hindu community of Hounslow.

They are demanding for immediate public apology from him before making a formal complaint to National Labour Party.

However, there are also many Hindus who believe that Cllr Malik did not deliberately choose to exclude Hindus in his speech and may have just slipped his mind.

Asian Voice had contacted Cllr Nisar Malik for his opinion but he was unavailable.

just a constant nag. Girls are coming in with skirts that just cover their bottoms - it's totally inappropriate. If a skirt is too short, the student is warned and a length of time is agreed for the issue to be resolved, but girls are still coming in with consistently short skirts.”

She further stated, “We've tried calling parents, sending pupils home and we've even had to buy some girls new skirts - which isn't something a school should

have to do. Girls with the right length skirts are just rolling them up. We tell them in form period to roll them down, but by first break they're back up again.

It's not pleasant for male members of staff and students either, the girls have to walk up stairs and sit down and it's a complete distraction. After a while it stops being a uniform issue and starts becoming a safeguarding issue.”

From September, if the

students do not dress smartly, wearing businesslike trousers, they will be sent home. The ban however, does not apply to members of staff. Dr Blencowe explained, “The ban won't apply to staff, but we do have high expectations across the school. In the past I have had to challenge a few members of staff because of their attire and if they are inappropriately dressed they will be dealt with appropriately too."

12

MEDIA WATCH

The Indian media is convulsed with the doings of Lalit Modi, once an Indian Cricket League (IPL) overlord, now a moneyed exile in London, from where he lobs periodic grenades of impropriety at Vasundara Raje, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Sushma Swaraj, India’s Minister of External Minister. The BJP during its period in opposition derailed parliamentary business day after turbulent day, week after stormy week and month, protesting UPA scams and are now being repaid in kind. As you sow, so shall you reap. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior colleagues, such as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, have (and are) maintaining a stoic silence, calculating, no doubt, that the squal would lose its force with media fatigue and public boredom.

Sushma Swaraj

Vasundara Raje

People are well aware that the Indian cricket board is a hall of mirrors, where Byzantine intrigue is the oxygen of its life support system. It has long been a money-changers’ temple whose gods preside over their separate vaulting ambitions, coming together only when they get a whiff of the cordite of indecent exposures. India’s ratings are low in every format of the game – the selection of players a karmic wheel of recycled waste.

Cracks and fissures

More serious politically are the fissures within the ruling BJP. Old guard, L.K.Advani, has drawn attention to his own probity in resigning office during the hawala scam of the 1990s, a poisoned arrow directed at the present dispensation; senior BJP-RSS ideologue K.N. Govindacharya has issued a forthright call for the immediate resignations of Vasundara Raje and Sushma Swaraj until they had cleared their names. In a reference to Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s silly observation that resignations of this sort were appropriate for the previous UPA regime but not for the sainted NDA government, Govindacharya said: “I hope political sense will prevail…

Electoral defeats and successes are just a passing phase but goodwill and credibility among the people need to be safeguarded.” (Hindu July 1)

Ethical impropriety

The capable, politically savvy Raje, who has given the BJP its immense clout in Rajasthan, is clearly a major consideration in Prime Minister Modi’s silent support; similar is the case with Sushma Swaraj, an asset in the projection of his foreign policy.

That said, their apparent shielding of Lalit Modi, who is wanted for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of corruption was unethical, commented a Times of India editorial (June 30)

Lalit Modi

India tops foreign investors’ wish list

While the Lalitgate black comedy holds Indian audiences in thrall, India appears to have stolen a march on China and the United States as the preferred destination of choice for foreign investors. The three criteria for this preference are as follows: 1.

Growth of asset value 2.

Preservation of value while the purchase of asset is sealed 3.Ease of repatriating the proceeds of sale of asset. “The big story in the Baseline Profitability Index this year [2015] is India coming out on top, with growth forecasts up, perceptions of corruption down, and investors better protected following the election of of a government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” wrote Daniel Altman, the creator of the index and adjunct Professor at the Stern School of Business of New York University, in ‘Foreign Policy’ magazine.

High returns

India’s high ranking indicates high returns and improving economic institutions. The index puts into context the performances of different countries, assessing how policies and the economic environment combined with a similar quantum of similar investments produce comparative results. In 2014, India came sixth on the investor wish list, the US 50th, China 65th and Hong Kong first (Hindu June 27)

Core sector in growth

The index of eight core industries rose 4.4 per cent in May 2015, the fastest rate since November 2014. The eight core industries – coal, crude oil, natural gas , refinery products, fertilizers, cement, steel and electricity – account for a combined weight of 37.9 per cent in the IIP, particularly encouraging coming as it does after pessimistic forecasts of severe power outages, falling demand etc (Hindu July 1, 3)

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Suzuki focus on India operations Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that Toshihiro Suzuki, eldest son of CEO Osumu Suzuki, is to be the new company President. Outlining its mid-term management plan, the company said it would forward its globalization strategy in India and apply it to other overseas operations. Suzuki is looking to introduce 20 new models in which India would play a leading role. Thus Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa has been given additional responsibility as Suzuki’s Senior Managing Officer General Manager India/Africa Automobile Marketing Division (Business Week July 1)

Business dynamic

Alex Cresswell, Executive Vice President, Land and Air Systems of the $13 billion Thales Group made a week-long visit to India with a team of 17 management leaders to work out a ‘Make in India’ strategy. The team visited Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, it they sounded out market opinion. Speaking to a reporter, Creswell said: “What is extremely important to us is not only building industrial relationships and capacity for the Indian domestic market, but also building our product line portfolio and supply chain worldwide. We are building an ecosystem that is in India, for India, from India.”

He described its “business environment [as] dynamic” (Business Line June 30)

PM opens fast lane ‘info highway’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new digital era in India with the launch of a fast lane information highway .

Its potential in unlocking the country’s future as an economically advanced nation with a skilled population cannot be overstated. The captains of Indian industry were present in force at the ceremony as they well understood the significance of the occasion. Between them, they pledged investment of Rs 4.5 lakh crore to this sector over the next 5-10 years.

Chennai Metro in motion Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha flagged off Chennai’s new Metro service last week from her office in the Secretariat through a video conference facility. The driver at the controls for the inaugural ride was a 28 old woman Preethi, an engineering diploma holder dressed in a brown salwar suit, who posed for photographs to record the historic occasion. The distance covered was 10 kilometres and the time taken was 19 minutes, with five station stops in all. Alston, which supplied the four coaches, is building a local plant. (Business Week Line) available on demand and on tap on the Net; Access to government records and services through technology.

Industry voices

Leaders of Indian industry such as Ratan Tata, Cyrus Mistry, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Sunil Mittal all joined the Prime Minister and the Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in hailing the advent of the digital age, which will connect India digitally, advance electronics manufacturing , cut imports (electronics imports are the highest after oil) and create jobs. Finally, a growing economy and declining handsets prices make India one of the fastest growing smart phone markets in the world, spurring faster in education and public health. See page 3 (Times of India, Business Line, Hindu July 2)

GDP grows 8 per cent

Economist Arvind Panagriya, Vice Chairman, Niti Ayog, has predicted that India’s growth for the current financial year ending March 31 will reach 8 per cent, up from 7.3 per cent in 2014-15.

“I will be greatly disappointed if

World Bank report

A World Bank report noted that it had taken India 60 years to achieve a $1 trillion economy, with the next trillion arriving in just seven years (2014), hence Dr Panagriya’s forecast of a likely third trillion in five years or less looks eminently feasible.

India’s Gross National Income per person now stands at a yearly Rs 100,000 (Hindu July 3)

Bangalore welcomes Northeast girls

Bangalore has extended a warm welcome to women students from Northeast. University Registrar K.K. Seethamma told of a scheme for a hostel on the campus exclusively for women students from this area to make them feel at home. He said: “We thought it was imperative, especially after the attacks on our students in Delhi,” said Simant Sharma of the Assam Association (Telegraph June 24)

Darjeeling disaster

Darjeeling, the Himalayan hill resort in north Bengal, has suffered its worst landslides in half a century, following torrential monsoon rain which has claimed 40 lives so far. Roads and bridges

Technology dream

Narendra Modi set the scene with these words “Technology will play a big role in realizing the dream of minimum government, maximum governance.”

Briefly, digital infrastructure will exist as a utility for every citizen; Services and governance to be

Darjeeling landslide

Narendra Modi

we do not hit the 8 per cent mark in 2015-16. I expect the economy to hit $3 trillion within five years or less,” he told a reporter (Business Line June 30)

have been washed away and scores of tourists are stranded.

Nearby Sikkim has also been badly affected (Telegraph July 2, 3).

6 HSBC staff sacked for mock ISIS-style video

6 HSBC staff members were sacked after their ISIS killing spoof video was made public.

The video footage posted online showed five men dressed in black overalls and balaclavas standing over an Asian colleague, Saf Ahmed, who is seen kneeling, dressed in an orange jumpsuit. One of the colleagues shouts “Allahu Akbar” as he displays a coat hanger as a fake knife.

Both British aid workers, Alan Henning and David Haines wore similar orange jumpsuits to the one worn in the spoof video when they were murdered in the most horrifying way possible last year.

6 HSBC staff sacked after mock ISIS-style video was posted online

The video was filmed during a team-building day out at a go-karting centre, in Birmingham.

A HSBC spokesperson said, “We do not tolerate inappropriate

behaviour. We took the decision to sack the individuals involved. This is an abhorrent video and HSBC would like to apologise for any offence caused.”

New arranged marriage background check service launched

While arranged marriages continue to increase among British Asians, UK Private Investigators, a growing London and East Sussex-based company with international operations, is launching a new service to help families whose daughters and sons are entering into arranged marriages.

Aimed primarily at the South Asian commu-

nity, the Arranged Marriage Investigations service will ensure that a prospective bride or groom is a suitable prospect for marriage and is not hiding something that could harm their intended spouse or damage the family. UK Private Investigators will be one of just two agencies in the UK to offer this service.

According to a study of 600 couples from metropolitan cities in India*, 69% marriages are arranged while 31% are "love marriages". Many sons and daughters favour their parents' guidance in identifying the right spouse and forming a lasting union with a suitable family that will fit with their aspirations and life plans.

Schoolgirl who fled to Syria to join Isil mocks Tunisia victims

apparent that Abase played an active role as a recruiter for Isil. The reporter had stated that she wanted to join Isil but had no contacts. To this, Abase replied, “U don’t need anyone. Just make moves and I can be it [the person who makes the introduction] or find u someone else."

The three schoolgirls who fled Britain to join Isil. From left: Kadiza Sultana, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum

It is said that Amira Abase (16), who was one of the three girls to have fled to Syria to join Isil (Islamic State) from east London school has mocked the victims of the Tunisia attack.

A reporter from the Mail on Sunday posed as a British schoolgirl who was

keen to join Isil. While conversing with Amira Abase through a series of messages, Abase had replied, “Looooool,” in other words, “laugh out loud” when told about the minute's silence that was held for the victims.

During the exchange of messages, it became

UK

Sir Elton John's childhood home in Pinner sold

The birthplace and childhood home of the iconic music maestro, Sir Elton John was sold within 72 hours of going on the market. The three-bedroom semi-detached house in Pinner Hill Road, Pinner, was put on the property market in June, with a value of £525,000.

To celebrate the sale, the estate agents invited Sir Elton John's lookalike and tribute performer, Paul Bacon, to visit the property. James Gibbs, the estate agency's co-owner said, “Paul is regarded as the World’s premier Sir Elton lookalike and tribute artist so I just thought it

would be fun to get him down to the house. We even got a piano delivered

According to an exclusive poll conducted by YouGov for The Huffington Post UK, more than half of Britons believe Muslims pose a threat to the UK, more so now than in the immediate aftermath of the 7/7 bombings ten years ago.

The survey revealed that more than ¾ of people surveyed (79%) believe that another highscaled terrorist attack is likely to take place in Britain.

56% of people thought that Islam is a “major” or “some” threat to western liberal democracy. The same question was asked a day after the 7/7 attacks and the results in 2005 was 46%.

Miqdaad Versi, the assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, did not find the survey surprising. He believes that the growing fear of Islam has been caused by the actions of a “very small minority.”

Versi said, “It shouldn’t be taken a representative of the majority just as the far right shouldn’t be taken as representative.”

A great opportunity to join the Executive Team at St Luke’s as they pursue an exciting mission to extend their services to reach more people, driving additional income from their charity shops and fundraising activities to finance the growing work. Reporting to the CEO and a member of the Senior Executive Team you will help shape the emerging strategy and development of the organisation.

With the planned retirement of the current Finance Director in October this new role has a wider remit leading the strategic development and operational management of the Finance and Resources departments which support delivery of the Hospice’s work. Resources include Finance, Human Resources, Facilities and ICT. St Luke’s Hospice provides palliative care to people living in the London Boroughs of Harrow and Brent whose illnesses are no longer curable, in the last year of their life, helping them to live well, know that their family are supported and die with dignity in the place of their choice. With income exceeding £6 million, over 120 staff and 850 volunteers, St Luke’s is entering an exciting period of growth as it aims to extend its services to more people

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Sir Elton John's lookalike, Paul Bacon came to visit the property on Pinner Hill Road

Many Britons feel threatened by Muslims

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UK

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi to attend launch of ‘Anant’ a unique musical tribute

Hampstead Hall in North London will be the venue on 10 July for the UK launch of a unique musical tribute to Rabindranath Tagore.

That tribute, appropriately-titled ‘ANANT’, is a compilation of songs originally penned in Bengali

by India’s greatest ever poet, translated into Hindi by arguably India’s greatest living poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar and brought to life through the voice of writer, filmmaker and singer Sangeeta Datta with music provided by the immensely talented, London-based musician Soumik Datta.

Two years in the making, Anant is intended to take Tagore’s precious and much-loved ‘Rabindra Sangeet’ (“Tagore’s Songs”), which form an important part of Bengali culture, to a wider, global audience.

Soumik Datta

Sangeeta Datta

The album’s release also coincides with Tagore’s Nobel centenary.

In Akhtar’s masterful hands, the songs have retained their famously classical romanticism, evoked splendidly by Sangeeta Datta who is trained in the pure tradition of Rabindra Sangeet.

“It was a huge challenge to translate Tagore but the key was to approach his poetry with humility. The beauty of his lyrics lies in their simplicity, while translating I tried to be true to that lyricism and simplicity”, Akhtar says.

Javed Akhtar

Soumik Datta – the gifted Sarod player best known for his ‘Circle of Sound’ compositions - adds a contemporary edge to the album.

Soumik has also engaged some of the best young musicians in London for the UK launch, including pianist Zoe Rahman, flutist Shammi Pithia, drummer Eddie Hick and table player Sandy Man, who will all feature at ANANT’s UK launch on 10 July.

The launch is presented by Baithak UK, a notfor-profit arts organiza-

Shabana Azmi

tion that brings the best of South Asian arts legacy to young audiences in the UK, encouraging dialogue and debate with masters and young practitioners to create new work.

The event will also feature an appearance by actress and activist Shabana Azmi who will read from Tagore.

There will also be a post performance talk by Javed Akhtar on the craft of songwriting and the art of translation.

The album is published by Zee Music and distributed by Sony.

Brighton. East is East is designed by Tom Scutt, with lighting by Richard Howell and sound and music by Alex Baranowski.

Other confirmed venues for the East is East National Tour include the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (22-27 June), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (29 June – 4 July), Churchill Theatre, Bromley (6-11 July), Princess Theatre, Torquay (13-18 July), Regent Theatre, Stoke (20-25 July), Theatre Royal, Nottingham (27 July – 1 August), Grand Opera House, York (3-8 August), Theatre Royal, Glasgow (10-15 August),The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (31 August – 5 September), Sheffield Lyceum (7 September – 12 September), Bath Theatre Royal (14 September – 19 September) and Oxford Playhouse (21-26 September).

become such a dirty word?

Sajeela had just spent a magical month in a town full of performers and punters from an immigrant background, yet where were they in the debates she saw in the media?

Sajeela’s response was to bring audiences captivating true-life immigration stories from special guests from the world of comedy, entertainment and beyond, including Shobu Kapoor (EastEnders), Jing Lusi (Holby City), Nikki Bedi (BBC Radio London 94.9), Shyama Perera (The Six O’Clock Show),

When you donate money to charities, how do you know you are giving it to the most effective ones? If you are a charity, how do you stand out and best showcase the great work you do? Empowering Donors. Supporting Charities. That's what Asian Charity Clarity is all about. ACC have come up with a special rating system which assesses a charity across 18 metrics for Financial Health, Accountability and Transparency, and Accessibility.

Every week, we will publish a Top 10 list looking at different aspects of Asian charities.

Top 10 Charities Websites by Google Page Rank These are the Top 10 Best Charity Websites, given by their Google Page Rank from 0-10 (for example, both Face book and the BBC News Homepage rank as 9 out of 10).

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Muslim Council Of Britain Charitable Foundation: 6 Art of Living Foundation: 6 The Inter Faith Network for the United Kingdom: 5 The Bhopal Medical Appeal: 5 The Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba Memorial Foundation: 5 Action Village India: 5 Pratham UK: 5 Hand in Hand International: 5 Sense International: 5 The YMCA Indian Student Hostel: 5

www.asiancharityclarity.org.uk

Fundraising reception hosted for the girls of Nepal at risk of trafficking L-R Assad Zaman (Saleem Khan), Pauline McLynn (Ella Khan) & Salma Hoque (Meenah Khan)

Pakistani chip shop owner George Khan "Genghis" to his kids - is determined to give his children a strict Muslim upbringing in 1970s Salford. Household tension reaches breaking point as their long-suffering English mother, Ella, gets caught in the cross fire - her loyalties divided between her marriage and the free will of her children.

East is East, Ayub Khan Din’s semi-autobiographical account of British Asian life in the

1970s and the clash of cultures between a multi-cultural family growing up in Salford, is a play that continues to resonate and provoke discussion. Starring award-winning actress Pauline McLynn (Father Ted, Shameless and EastEnders) as Ella and a host of the finest British acting talent completing the Khan family and friends, this critically acclaimed production of a modern comedy classic promises to be unmissable.

Photo: Marc Brenner

Immigrant diaries: Statistics don't tell the real story of immigrants, people do Immigration is a hot topic dividing Brits. How many are there? How does it effect us? Who are these immigrants? Isn't it time we heard from them?

This multi award-winning show, fresh from two acclaimed sell-out runs at London’s Southbank and the Brighton Fringe was born at the Edinburgh Fringe - but also born of frustration. Finishing her Edinburgh run in 2013 Sajeela Kershi (Mixing It, BBC Radio Scotland) found herself picking up the newspapers again and being bombarded with anti-immigration rhetoric.

When did immigrants

Empowering Donors. Supporting Charities. Help us change the world.

What is Asian Charity Clarity?

East is East makes a comeback tour

Adam Karim (Sajit Khan), Assad Zaman (Saleem Khan), Dharmesh Patel (Abdul Khan), Salma Hoque (Meenah Khan) and Simon Nagra (George Khan) join the previously announced comedy award-winning actress Pauline McLynn (Ella Khan) and original West End cast members, Ashley Kumar (Tariq Khan) and Darren Kuppan (Maneer Khan) to complete the casting of the Khan family in the national tour of Ayub Khan Din’s critically-acclaimed play East is East. The Khans are joined by Kammy Darweish(Mr Shah), Sakuntala Ramanee (Mrs Shah) and Sally Bankes (Auntie Annie).

East is East, which was part of Jamie Lloyd’s second Trafalgar Transformed season, is directed by Sam Yates, and will embark on a 14 week National Tour from 11 June 2015, commencing at Theatre Royal,

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

and comedians Juliet Meyers (The Sarah Millican Televison Programme), Inder Manocha (Skins) and Dave Cohen (Horrible Histories).

The Edinburgh Fringe run will feature Dave Cohen, Jing Lusi and a host of other guests who will already be part of the Fringe - all with funny, poignant, ridiculous and sublime stories from people who chose to live and work on this marvellously multi-cultural island.

Among them, of course, Sajeela tells her own story - of how her parents arrived in the UK in the

early hours of a cold winter's morning with all their possessions, three children and 3000 cigarettes stuffed into a Scooby-Doo van!

Sajeela Kershi has been performing stand-up since 2006. She got her big break as one of the audience ‘plants’ in Brendon Burns’s 2007 if.comedy-winning show, So I Suppose This Is Offensive Now? Since then Sajeela has written several shows for the Edinburgh Fringe festival and was a finalist at the Hackney Empire New Act Awards in 2011. This year Sajeela won an Asian

Lily committee members with Sharmila Tagore and Sumitra Mishra

On 16th June LILY Against Human Trafficking held a fundraising reception for the girls of Nepal at risk of trafficking, especially after the horrific earthquake affected the country.

The reception hosted

by Lord Verjee at Thomas Goode W1 and was successful in raising £65,000 for Nepal. Attended by Sharmila Tagore, Mr G.P. Hinduja, Siobhan McDonagh MP, Baroness Margaret Jay, Dr Michael Adler, Joan Ryan MP, Musial Navin Kundra and a host of distinguished guests. Navin sang his own composition and joked that he was afraid to hit the high notes in a room filled with so many glass objects.

LILY Committee

members Bina Rani and Shama Bhardwaj were supported by Sumitra Mishra. The volunteers group to support the evening was led by Richa Grover and all were London based alumni of Delhi's prestigious Lady Shri Ram College.

Mohini Kent Noon, Global Chairperson of LILY, said, Thousands of girls are already missing from refugee camps. Even before the earthquake, Nepal was a big source for women being kidnapped, sold or tricked into the sex trade.

LILY Against Trafficking supports 5 projects in Nepal. Our Indian projects rescue Nepalese Bangladeshi and European girls from Indian brothels, and local girls.

Woman of Achievement award (Arts & Culture section). She subsequently swapped roles and gave an award at Limelight Film Award for short films where she is presenting

the award for best comedy film. Before the Edinburgh Fringe, Sajeela will take Immigrant Diaries for a special performance at the House of Lords and to WOMAD.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

15

The High Commissioner of India hosted a reception for Queen’s Young Leaders Award winners from India at the Indian High Commission on Tuesday 30 June.

In the pic: Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Priyanka Srivastava, award winner Akshay Jadhao and Devika Malik with HE Ranjan Mathai, the Indian High Commissioner of India to UK, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and Tilusha Vyas

Aatif Nawaz: That Natural High

Sunetra Senior

People are recommended improvisational comedy as a way of opening themselves up. Equally though, as Aatif shows us, the mike swings both ways. In order to be good at entertaining, you must first be true to yourself: “there shouldn’t be this abstract idea of ‘making it’, he stated, “you do comedy for the joy of doing it”. Whether it is the direction of his career- an actor turned comedian, the way he looks at British-Pakistani identity or the anecdotes he shares on stage, all is done so gustily, with such humility and insight implicit, that the feeling is contagious. Indeed, as Aatif prepares for his big show – and a definite highlight of his life- ‘Muslims Do It Five Times A Day- for every day of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we feel taken too by his gathering, upward momentum:

Does the Energy come naturally Tell us more about your new to you? stand-up ‘Muslims Do It 5 Times A It’s just exciting. It’s one of two standard Day’? responses. It might exhilarate you, or you’ll It’s running from the 7-31st August at the be a shrinking violet.

Fringe, contains my sharpest stuff and the entry is FREE because I am confident in What’s your Style of Comedy? my ability. The tagline is ‘I’m trying to fight Storytelling: I combine the puns with Islamophobia one joke at a time’. I’m seta deeper message. ting out to challenge preconceived stereotypes and misconceptions. I am a practisYou’ve been a Film-Maker too. Are ing Muslim- I pray 5 times a day, I’m fastyou drawn to narrative material? ing currently for Ramadan – and I want to I suppose, but then it’s just the way I think. I show that Muslims do have a sense of just made the one movie- a documentary humour. Muslims and non-Muslims really aren’t that different. That’s the called ‘Postcards from Lahore’ and it purpose of the name too: yes was just about presenting this Muslims pray 5 times a beautiful city most people don’t day, but then nonsee. I was coming back to the Muslims also do a lot of city after an eighteen year fighting things 5 times a day. gap. It was screened at the Islamophobia I’ve performed great, Cannes Film Festival, and I’ve sell-out gigs to multiculhad such positive responses, one joke at tural audiences in from London to Australia. I London, but it is more for remember these French film a time the western crowd; fosterstudents who were just watching interconnection in a ing my dad eat carrots! way. I’m proud of the set- it’s Do you have a comment about the heavier, it’s got something to say.

I feel like it’s the hammer that can break outgoing nature of your profesthat glass ceiling. sion and the responsibility for cultural representation?

How did you get into comedy?

There was a time when people might talk Acting was my first love, but I’ve exclusively about Islam and stereotypes, always admired stand-up. The first time I but it doesn’t feel relevant anymore. In performed was at an Indian dance showgeneral, Islam as a subculture has assimicase, in 2005. The CD wasn’t working and lated well. So now it’s about being you. I at that time it took 45 minutes to burn a new have a perspective that’s wider than a one, so I just took the mike and let a rip.

Londoner or a Muslim, or an Asian. What I want to talk about is bigger: I talk about After that, I got on the open mike circuit. I do presenting and pursue acting as well, gay Muslims in my set, what’s happening but ultimately stand up is the most fun. It in Lebanon- it’s all very progressive. feels good to be the designated entertainer of an expectant, crowded room.

Favourite British sitcom?

The Office What attracts you to being on stage?

What is your advice to other Eliciting a laugh; just seeking that raw aspiring creatives? response. I don’t know what a psycholoBe dedicated to your craft: if you love gist would say, but that’s what I feel! I something unconditionally, you won’t enjoy being energetic too. I know stand expect anything back. ups that are more deadpan and do equally W www.aatifnawaz.com as well though.

The Mayor of Runnymede Councillor Derek Cotty with the Indian High Commissioner to the UK HE Ranjan Mathai at the tree planted by India's former Prime Minister Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1994. The plaque beneath the tree pays tribute to the Magna Carta signed in 1215, at Runnymede

16

UK

Date set for Mamata Banerjee's visit to the UK EXCLUSIVE

Rupanjana Dutta

Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal is due to reach London on 26th July, starting her official tour in the UK from 27th to 30th July 2015. She will be accompanied by a 36 member delegation as well as a team of 14 journalists representing several Indian media.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron, during his visit to Kolkata in 2013, had particularly Ms Mamata Banerjee meeting PM David Cameron in 2013 extended an invitation to the Chief not yet confirmed to attend the Minister of West Bengal. This will be UKIBC 300 delegate meeting on Ms Banerjee's first visit to the UK. 27th July, she has promised to have During her visit, Ms Banerjee dinner with Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, hopes to meet Britain's Prime the UKIBC Chair, on the same day.

Minister Mr David Cameron, On the 28th, the Chief Minister though, sources reveal, she is still is confirmed to have a lunch meeting waiting for her appointment from with the Indian delegates and plans No 10. She has confirmed to attend to attend an evening of musical pera reception by Prince Charles at formance by an ensemble of Buckingham Palace, and meet the Maestros from West Bengal.

Cabinet Minister of State for On 29th July, Ms Banerjee is Employment, Ms Priti Patel later at meeting business delegates at an Locarno Suite. While Ms Banerjee is

event jointly organised by KPMG and FICCI, followed by a trip to Tavistock square to offer floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and to Gordon Square, to the bust of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. She is then due to attend a private dinner at the Indian High Commissioner's residence in Kensington.

Before returning to India, Ms Banerjee is also supposed to meet the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, to perhaps acquire a few tips on city development. Though it is Ms Banerjee's first visit to the capital, a big fan of this city, she promises to convert Kolkata to a replica of London, in due course.

Indian Journalists' Association members in the UK are hoping for an exclusive press interaction with Ms Banerjee, depending upon her schedule. The Bengali community living in the UK is excited to welcome their beloved 'Didi' to UK and are hoping to felicitate the Chief Minister as well.

The business delegation coming to the UK with Ms Banerjee will include: n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairman Lalit Group & President, FICCI Mr Sumit Mazumdar, CMD TIL Ltd & President, CII Mr Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Industries Mr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, CESC Mr Y C Deveswar, Chairman, ITC Mr Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group Mr Sunil Kanoria, Vice Chairman SREI and Senior Vice President, ASSOCHAM Mr Saroj Poddar, Chairman, Adventz Group Mr Y K Modi, Chairman and CEO, Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairman, HSBC Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd Mr Aniruddh Dhoot, Director, Videocon Industries Ltd Mr Roopen Roy, MD, Deloitte Consulting India Pvt Ltd Mr Gaurav Swarup, MD, Paharpur Cooling Tower Ltd Mr Harsh Vardhan Patodia, CMD, Unimark Group Mr Sushil Mohta, MD, Merlin Group Mr Utsav Parekh, Chairman, SMIFS Capital Markets Ltd Mr Sanjay Budhia, Managing Director, Patton International Ltd Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Director, Luxmi Tea Group

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Mr Mayank Jalan, Managing Director, Keventer's Fresh Mr Partho Ghosh, Managing Director, Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd Mr Umesh Chowdhury, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Titagarh Wagons Limited Mr Nishant Kanodia, Matix Group Mr C K Dhanuka, Chairman and Managing Director, Dhunseri Investments Ltd Mr Shrikant Mohta, Director, Shri Venkatesh Films Mr Sumit Dabriwala, Managing Director, Riverbank Developers Pvt Ltd Mr Ravi Poddar, Chairman, Ravi auto Ltd Mr Ujjala Sinha, Managing Director, Genesis Advertising Pvt Ltd Mr Raful Saraf, Managing director, Forum Group Mr Sanjiv Paul, Managing Director, Tata Metalliks Mr Karan Paul, Chairman, Apeejay Surrendra Group Mr Mahendra Soni, Director, Media Worldwide Pvt Ltd Mr Nandu Belani, Managing Director, Belani Group Mr Shiv Siddhant N Kaul, Managing Director, Nicco Engineering Services Ltd, Nicco House Ms Pallavi P Kaul, Vice-Chairman, Nicco Parks & Resorts Ltd, Nicco House Mr C S Ghosh, Chairman & MD, Bandhan Financial Services Pvt Ltd

Survivors thank 'Goddess Amba' for saving them at Tunisia beach resort

Kamal Rao

Pallavi and her husband Naynesh Patel with friends Sheela and Suresh Patel were at Tunisia on 26 June, when 30 Britons lost their lives to terrorism.

Speaking to Asian Voice, in an exclusive interview Pallavi narrated how they were saved by Goddess Amba on that fateful day.

Pallavi Patel, 57, is originally from Uganda, came to the UK during Idi Amin's expulsion with her family. Her husband, 58 year old Naynesh, is originally from Bhadran, Gujarat and runs a newsagent shop in Milton, Cambridge.

Sheela Patel and Suresh Patel also from Cambridge, run a Post office in Chesterton.

These two group friends suddenly decided to go to Tunisia and

Naynesh Patel, Pallavi Patel, Sheela Patel and Suresh Patel

booked their holiday at Riu Imperial Marhaba hotel from 18 June to 27th June with with Thomson.

While on vacation, their daily routine included good breakfast at the hotel, after which they headed to the beach, and spent most of their time on the beach. But on 26th June, they decided to go shopping to the town center. They came back to the resort after a brief

trip; the taxi drove through the open gate and they were dropped near the lobby, though usually a taxi was never allowed beyond the main gate of the resort.

Sheela went upstairs to change to beach clothes, while Pallavi went to the hotel gift shop first and then headed to the room to change, before they planned to hit the beach. Suddenly Pallavi and Naynesh

heard gun shots, which they first thought were firecrackers. When they peeped out of the balcony, Naynesh saw people running into the resort, while the gunshots continued. A resort staff, a cleaner and a Caucasian tourist pleaded him to let them enter his room through the balcony and he gave them shelter.

The staff switched the tv on and they learnt about the gruesome terrorist activity that has taken many lives. The tourist who took shelter in their room, spoke about her husband, who was partially blind and was at the pool side, whom she feared to have lost in the massacre.

They pulled curtains and lay on the floor, till the staff received 'an all clear' text from the hotel management.

Continued on page 30

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

7/7: ten years on...

Continued from page 1 People are constantly living in fear, not knowing when a normal commute could end up becoming their last day on earth.

Remembering the attacks, Labour MP Sadiq Khan said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who lost loved ones on that tragic morning ten years ago.

We should never forget what happened. The aim of the attackers was to divide London – it was to create panic, fear and mistrust between communities. But they failed. They failed because they underestimated the values and strength of Londoners and the city’s spirit of togetherness. As we pause to remember those who lost their lives and were injured that day, we should also reflect on the resilience of a city whose different communities stood together, united, in defiance of the terrorists.”

Although it may seem as though Londoners have not let the attacks divide them, it would be foolish to dismiss the fact that many communities feel alienated or more targeted post 7/7.

After the attacks, many Muslims have had to suffer immensely in the past 10 years due to the bloodily attacks by four coward suicide bombers. Many sections of the media and society were quick to lament the whole faith with the same brush, blaming them all to be extremists, forgetting the contribution of Muslims in the UK. Mohammed Shafiq, the Chief Executive of the Ramadhan Foundation comments on the attacks and how the terrorists went against the principals of Islam. “Today ten years on from the 7/7 terrorist attacks we remember all those killed and injured and their loved ones. They were killed by evil men who were driven by hate and a poisonous ideology, which has distorted Islamic teachings.

British Muslims stood with the victims on that day and do so again today; we reject this terrorism and ideology and commit ourselves to work with all to protect the safety and security of our country and fellow citizens.

The terrorists were not acting in the name of Islam, their crimes are an affront against our peaceful religion and Muslim scholars from around the globe have rejected this ideology.”

Shafiq remembers the day of the attacks. “On that day as I stood on the streets of London after those attacks worried about what the future will hold, we saw the best of London, people of all faiths coming together in unity to send a defiant message to the terrorists that you may wish to divide our communities but you will fail and they did indeed fail.”

The Ramadhan Foundation was set up in

August 2005, a month after the deadly bombings. It is a leading Muslim organisation in the UK that is working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all communities.

Mohammed Shafiq strives to continue to devote himself in serving humanity, amidst the challenges that he may face. He mentioned, “Today as we confront ISIS and their supporters, we reaffirm our commitment to that same unity and purpose... For as long as the threat remains, our duty remains to stand united against terrorism and take them on; we have rejected their violence and stand with the victims of terrorism and their families.”

However, he understands that there is still a long way to go and a lot of work involved, as many young people are being influenced and radicalised into becoming extremists.

“Sadly, we still have more work to do. There are too many young people being groomed by ISIS online and in recent days more families choosing to put their own and their children’s safety at risk by travelling to Syria.

We need to engage young people, give them a voice and hear what it is that drives them to carry out this violence."

Furthermore, on the tenth anniversary of the attacks, the British Muslim Youth & Faith Matters will be launching the National Youth Consultation on Extremism. They will review and assess what actually draws young people online to possibly join groups, such as ISIS. The Chief Executive of Faith Matters, Fiyaz Mughal OBE said, "This is a real opportunity to assess the push and pulls of what influences young people online and how material may influence behaviour in relation to the way that extremist groups promote their caustic and deadly narratives. This will be led by young people, for young people and needed at a time when so many people are confused as to what is driving so many young people to the nihilism of extremist groups. More than ever, we all need answers.”

As everyone gets together to pay their respects to the victims of the attacks, we should all take a moment to think about the other global barbarities which take place on a daily basis.

We should also not be quick to blame a certain part of society or a particular community; yet, we should not neglect any signs of radicalisation. The earlier we detect it, the faster we may get to the root of the problem.

There is a long way to go until the society can reach that state of harmony again and post such attacks, one may believe that it could be near to impossible for things to go back to how it once used to be.

Modi's digital vision, launches audacious 'Digital India'

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the aspiring 'Digital India' project, pitching the country as the world destination for the next big idea. The project aims to create a digitally empowered society and knowledge community.

Inaugurating the 'Digital India' week in New Delhi in the presence of senior ministerial colleagues, industry chiefs and CEOs of several global companies, Modi said, “We have to move from E-

governance to M-governance. M-governance does not mean Modi governance. It means Mobile governance.”

'Digital India' is a series of policy initiatives under the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, under the Ministry of Communications Technology. However, the initiative will be overseen by a Monitoring Committee headed by none other than the Prime

Minister himself.

Highlighting the country’s potential in IT sector, he called upon the youth to innovate and go for 'Design in India' and promised government support to start-ups saying India had the potential to become the second country after the US in this space.

When posed with questions regarding cyber safety, he said India should come up with solutions to meet the challenge

posed by this threat of 'bloodless war'. “Clouds of a bloodless war are hovering over the world. The world is terrified by this…

India has a big role to play in this. Can India play this big role? India has talent.

Can India provide a shield to the world by providing innovative and credible solutions? Why should we not have such a confidence? We should accept this challenge to ensure that the entire humanity lives in peace.”

The Prime Minister has stated the scheme is to benefit the poor, he said “It is government's duty to make rural India benefit from digital drive.

People used to debate why does a poor nation like India need to send satellites? But, now that satellites forecast weather, it benefits the poor farmer.”

“I am confident that all the citizens of this country will be able to fulfil their dreams through Digital India. We aim to change India's future.

Demographic dividend needs digital strength,” Modi said. “Digital connectivity is important.

Digital divide can create big problems between the rich and the poor. The poor person will never be able to benefit from the opportunities that we are creating if he is not digitally connected,” empha-

sising on the value of the initiative.

We need to embrace the change that digital connectivity can bring.

Now towns will come alongside places where the optical fibre network is present....Banking will soon go paperless....We can reduce the burden of students with Digital India...I can envision a world where people will store products in digital godowns.”

Union IT minister Ravi Shanker Prasad said the initiative is directed “more at the poor rather than at the elite” who can afford technology and, spelt out the work being done by the government.

He said the government programme will lay 7 lakh km of optic fibre cables over the next three years, to help over 2.5 lakh village panchayats get high speed connectivity.

Indian industry captains have hailed the initiatives launched by the Modi government and called it visionary and innovative.

They made the remarks after a 15-member delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his office. “The speed and scale of rollout of these campaigns have been remarkable and unprecedented,” a statement by the PMO quoting the delegation as saying.

“As three sectors of the economy - oil and petroleum, electronic goods and defence - account for most of our import bill, there is huge potential for the industry to innovate and make in India,” Modi told the delegation. Reiterating his vision of governance based on trust and simplification of processes, Modi told the members to work

for technological selfreliance. He also spoke on the attention he was giving to speed up projects by holding monthly interaction (Pragati) with various ministries and chief secretaries of states across the country.

An 11-member delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci), which called on Modi later, appreciated the government's steps to improve the environment for growing business. “The prime minister urged the federation to motivate its members to work for growth in key sectors such as agro products, textiles and defence-related manufacturing,” the statement said. Modi also asked the Ficci members to take advantage of the government's initiatives for developing infrastructure sector, including railways.

SPECIAL REPORT

Modi too, has a dream

17

“I dream of a Digital India where high-speed digital highways unite the nation....I dream of a Digital India where 1.2 billion connected Indians drive innovation...I dream of a Digital India where government is open and governance is transpar-

ent...I dream of a Digital India where technology ensures government is incorruptible...I dream of a Digital India where rural economy has access to ehealthcare...I dream of a Digital India where world looks to India for the next big idea.”

Our financial inclusion programme is the largest in the world. In less than five months, we have opened 160 million 'Jan Dhan' accounts. The direct benefit transfer scheme has been extended to 130 million people in a

few months. As many as 110 million new insurance policies were issued in less than five weeks...that's how technology has been used.

Through Digital India, we want to change our lives and way of governance.”

“Normally Industry moves faster than government but with Digital India, I have no hesitation in saying, the government has moved faster. We at Reliance will invest 250 crores across the Digital India pillars. I believe Digital India will be a huge success. It empowers the youth to fulfil their aspi-

rations. It is my conviction, Prime Minister, under your leadership, the Digital India initiative will create a partnership among all sections of society... a partnership that will leverage the power of 1.2 billion Indians. A partnership built on the ability and industry of all our citizens ”

DI aimed to change our lives: Arun Jaitley

Scheme in interest for India Inc hails initiatives the financially regressive launched by Modi govt

IIT-JEE Topper Kruti Tiwari appointed as brand ambassador

IIT-JEE topper from Indore, Kruti Tiwari has been handpicked by the Prime Minister himself as the brand ambassador of the initiative. She will be associated with the campaign for the next one year, travelling extensively across the country spreading the message of Digital India.

Kruti Tiwari

An excited Kruti said, “I was very happy.

I never thought that I will be the brand ambassador of such a big brand that too from a government. The Prime Minister wanted someone young. The PM wants to spread the

message what government is doing about e-locker, escholarship that's why he chose a young person. It is really important for students like us to know about e-scholarships, before we used to run from pillar to pillar. I will make my friends aware about all the services through social media.”

Reliance to invest in digital space: Mukesh Ambani

Get voting for the Asian Achievers Awards

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Reshma Trilochun

The Asian Achievers Awards (AAA), also known as The People's Choice Awards, organised by Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL), is a star-studded event where the renown and crème de la crème attend to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution and hard work of the nominees in society.

The awards has been taking place annually; this will be the 15th ceremony and will be held at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel, on Friday 18th September 2015.

The awards recognises the outstanding work from the individuals from across all walks of life within the Asian community, and acknowledge the accomplishments of the finest in the UK's Asian community. Each year, the awards illustrates and celebrates a certain aspect of society, and this year there will be an emphasis on Uniformed and Civil Services. Men and women from ethnic minorities in Britain make up 5.6% of the Armed Forces and 2.9% of the ministry of Defence Civil Service. There has also been a good number of British-Asians representation in Civil services, especially in areas such as the Home Office, MOD and CPS over the last few years. The awards has chosen to pay tribute

to the achievements of those in the Armed Forces and Civil Services by making this year's theme for the awards as Uniform and Civil Services.

There are ten categories for the Asian Achievers Awards and this week, we will have a look at the Women, Community and Lifetime Achievement category.

There are certain criteria which are essential in ensuring the apt person receives the award. For the Woman of the Year, the awardee would be a woman who

has made a significant mark in any chosen field. In the Community Service category, an individual's service to the community will be recognised, while the Lifetime Achievement Award is given to honour those who during their lifetimes have made immense contributions in any given field to their community and the country. This remarkable individual will be marked as an example as an example for the younger generation.

There were many esteemed nominees from different respective fields and some of the winners include Priya Lakhani OBE, a former barrister and founder of FMCG business Masala Masala, who won Woman of the Year 2014; Wasim Gulzar Khan MBE, the first British-born Pakistani to play professional cricket in England was recognised for his Achievement in Community Service; and the Lifetime Achievement Award 2014 went

to Sir Anwar Pervez, the founder of the Bestway Group.

Every year, the awards selects a particular charity and encourages people to donate towards a good cause which would benefit the people in need. Last year, the chosen charity was the Cherie Blair Foundation and through the awards it raised a staggering £100,000. This year's sponsored charity is The Loomba Foundation- aiming to promote the welfare and economic empowerment of disadvantage widows and educating their children. The Loomba Foundation was established in the UK as a charitable Trust Deed on 26 June 1997, by Lord Raj Loomba CBE and his wife Veena, Lady Loomba.

The readers have the opportunity to nominate who they believe deserves an award in their respective field, and an independent panel of judges deliberate and choose the winners. ABPL Group has no say in who becomes a recipient of an award, and neither will they entertain any dialogue with the members of the public regarding the judging process.

To nominate an achiever of your choice, simply fill in the form below and send it to us by 24th July 2015. Or you could simply visit www.asianachieversawards.com and nominate.

PRESENTS

NOMINATION FORM

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below.

Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 24th July, 2015 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

Please tick the appropriate category Uniformed and Civil Services For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services.

Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded to an entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

Professional of the Year Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture.

Achievement in Community Service In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Woman of the Year The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field.

Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports.

Business Person of the Year Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues.

International Personality of the Year Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities.

Lifetime Achievement Award To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

Application Form Full Name of the Person you are Nominating: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ His/Her Contact Details (Tel & email): ___________________________________________________Occupation of the Nominee:____________________________________________ Plea se a tta ch the Nominee s' s CV whic h inc lude s the f ollow ing informa tion (Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words) (1) Personal background ( 2) Most important career achievements till date.

(3) Nominee's contribution to the community and nation.

(4 ) Future Plans, ambitions and visions.

( 5) Any notable obstacles in the Nominee's career that has helped him/her to reach where they are today.

Summary- (Please include a summary in not more than 150 words why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet) Your name and contact details: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your current Occupation/Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact ____________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ Sponsors

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

REAL ESTATE VOICE

The Shoe Maker

19

When we were located in Southwick Street we came across a shoe repair shop also based in Paddington, our connection was he also does key cutting; and we often needed keys copied.

He often asked the question: how’s business? and what do we do?

Having explained what we do and how business was he would often remark he needs to come and see us and sit down with us. After about two years of this he finally came and actually arranged to meet.

By this time I think we had even moved location.

After digging into his affairs it was obvious if he carried on doing what he was doing and nothing else he would be living a hand to mouth existence. The easiest way to convince a new client to see the importance of investing in property is to get them to look at their own home, when and how much they had paid for it compared to what the property is worth now. The chances are the property would have gone up more than they have saved. This will - hopefully! - demonstrate how property will increase in value going forward in the same way.

The problem was he had very little deposit, not enough even to put down for a small value property of £250k. He did however have equity in his main home, which was the only property he had invested in.

I me ntione d we cou ld extract the equ ity from h is main home by way of a remortg age and the n u se th is as a deposit f or this purchase . Instinctively most people do no t like the idea of re financing the ir main homes. Most first g enerat io n Indians have worked hard to d rive their mortgage down, as whilst they have a mortgage the y pe rc eive it to be a burden and somethin g t o g et rid of. So as they are t rying to e radicat e debt from t heir lives, t hey become qu it e n at urally averse to the id ea of refinancing t heir homes again.

After much nervous discussion the couple agreed, apprehensive and full of doubt. You know this when people keep saying ‘we are trusting you’, several times over. When people say this it means they are not prepared to take responsibility for what they are doing but handing it over to someone else.

However they made the move and got the refinance done, the money was taken on an overdraft basis. This means they do not pay the interest on the extra funds until they choose to draw the funds down. This is ideal, as if you take the funds you’re paying for the interest and you’re not utilising the money.

We managed to find a one bedroom ex local property in W2, with a slight view of the canal. Interestingly the canal was simply built to use as a means of transportation with horses on either side being used to pull the barge. When the train network was expanded in the 1840s and 50s, the cost of transportation was decreased, as a consequence so was the use of canal and sea routes. Around the same time there was an increase in more modern methods of making bricks, cement and glass which led to a prolific activity in house building. Hence to date there exist a lot of Victorian built properties.

When this occurred the canals became dumping grounds and open sewers. So it actually wasn't a good thing to be close to one. However in time they were cleaned and became attractive places to live. Any property which is close to a canal or has a canal view now attracts a premium.

We pu rch ased this propert y in September o f 2012, fo r a shade un der £250k , t o kee p the stamp d uty to 1%. We actu all y tried to purchase th is property pre vio usly, about a year before but the re was some issu e with the pape rwork, apparent ly the lawye r for the selle r had n't don e the pape rwork properly an d therefore the property c ould no t be sol d o n.

After this was tidied up and the seller was ready to do the deal, naturally the agent approached us again.

At that time the property was cheap, but more than this it was simply difficult to find anything priced at this level. Now it’s not difficult, it’s impossible.

The property was purchased and a small amount of work was done to tidy it up and then it was promptly rented for £350pw.

The property was recen tly valued at £375k . This means the couple have go t e quity o f £125k more in the property.

They have n ot saved this amount d urin g t he last three years.

From doubters they have been converted into believers, they wish to replicate this again. However the market has changed. The ‘ease’ with which they had done this nearly three years ago is not the same anymore. At that time £62,500 was required to enter this one bedroom property, now the entry fee is £93,750. An uplift of 50% not to mention the added stamp duty involved.

So the game is getting more and more expensive to enter. People who are not in this circle will be priced out altogether.

The Real Deal

They have at least no w decide d to take anothe r ste p, n ot only this they have also taken the wise de cision t o in volve t heir children t oo. H aving seen the value of property investment the y wish t o pass t his kno wle dge on to the next gen eration so they d o n ot miss o ut as they did .

Hyde Park, London, W1 Purchase Price: £1.6m l A large one bedroom raised ground floor flat in a highly sought after location l Share of freehold l Very high cielings l Period features l Properties in this location are being sold for around £2,200 per sq. ft. while we are getting this for around £1,900 per sq. ft. l Close to Baker Street, Regents Park, Hyde Park and the bustling cafes and shops on Marylebone High Street Call us now to secure this deal!

The next step involves refinancing the existing BTL to take out whatever they can and use this as a deposit for another property.

One of their daughters has a well-paid job so it makes sense for her to be involved in the purchase. Typically one can borrow up to five times your annual income as a loan. The deposit required in this case will only be 10-15% of the property value.

So we have been given two instructions one to make some use of the equity they have gained in the BTL property and the other is to procure a property which will make use of their daughter’s wage. This is a little back to front, but doable though probably not in Central London as the budget given comes to only £180k. This will have to be on the outskirts of London, the discount is not likely to be a strong one, therefore particular attention has to be paid to getting the right location. There are many around London which are likely to spike up over the next few years.

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

55 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch Tower, London, W1H 7AA

Follow us online:

Sowandreapuk

SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week l The internet has limited use when researching property. We have done a few deals where the statistics on the internet did not support our decision; but our local knowledge did and our clients made money on all of them. l Property is not as illiquid as many think; potentially it can be sold quickly through an auction and possibly for more money, don’t forget you can always refinance as well.

20

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I’ve been asked by a reader about how it is they can profit from what is happening with the Euro. 5 Steps to Profit from the Euro Crisis: 1. Understand FX is like buying and selling anything else Take EUR/USD – it has a value eg 1.100 Dollars to the Euro. To profit from this you can buy at one price and sell at a higher price. Or you can sell at a higher price first, in expectation the rate will fall – and you buy back cheaply later. You do it all online, or over your smartphone app that your broker has, and click to buy, click to sell. Simple 2. Understand it is quick to start For a start you can open a broker account in 3 minutes with small sum in it, eg under £1,000. I usehttp://etx.tradermind.com Of course, bet too large and you could lose all your money, and then some!

3. It is not difficult to do There is this notion that these things are difficult.

One of the most amazing things was how my family members picked up trading, from the shopkeeper, to the retiree, to the school teacher. They would look at charts of currencies and quickly get an idea of direction. They would bet small amounts and that was it.

They were self-taught.

4. Take a course If you want more confidence, take a course – it’s a great investment. Mine are the best anywhere in the world of course – www.trading-champions.com 5. Take a view So how do you decide when to buy and sell? You look at the charts. You see the trend. And that is the easiest way for beginners to get started. You pick how many pounds you want to make for every point the currency moves. And you click. That’s it.

In trading online, people make it more complicated than it is. It can be. If you really want to know GDP figures and those things. But ultimately, even the most sophisticated traders will follow trends. Some will trade around news, but for beginners, trend following for momentum in a price is easiest. As you gain practice, you can then ask more detailed questions, like when should I take profit? When should I take a loss?

But for most people the simplicity of trading is hugely seductive. Oh, and in the UK, you can do it tax free through brokers such as http://etx.tradermind.com – not often the Government let’s you dodge tax is it? It’s perfectly legal, and all the brokers are UK regulated with UK bank accounts. That means the UK Government also gives protection to the accounts too.

Accenture aiming for the stars after it crosses TCS in headcount

IT firm Accenture said it expects to hire about 95,000 in FY 2015, as it continues to see strong growth, shooting past Tata Consultancy Services in headcount, in its latest quarter. “We ended the quarter with a global headcount of about 336,000 people, and we now have approximately 237,000 people in our global delivery network.

We now expect that approximately 95,00 people will join our company in fiscal '15,” chief financial officer David Rowland said.

It also reported utilisation of 90 per cent, down from 91 per cent in the previous quarter. In the quarter, Accenture said it added 12 clients with bookings in excess of $100 million, and also

raised its FY growth target for the third time this year, as it continues to see strong growth in digital.

“In the third quarter, we delivered more than 30% growth in local currency in digital-related services which now account for more than 20% of our total revenues. Demand for digital is pervasive across the entire business,” Accenture CEO Pierre Nanterme said.

India's largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services had last reported of 319,656 employees on its rolls, and is expected to hire about 60,000 employees in the current financial year.

RBI Governor attends debate in London on monetary policy impact over global markets

Short-term real interest rates (US) will remain near zero for more than three years, according to the majority of institutional investors, academics and policy makers polled at the AQR Asset Management Institute’s inaugural Perspectives event, at London Business School. At the start, delegates were asked how much longer they expected short-term real interest rates (US) to remain near zero, with 38% answering more than three years.

However, when polled on the same question at end of the discussion, delegates had hardened their stance with 53% saying more than three years.

The debate ‘ P e r s p e c t i v e s : Unprecedented Monetary Policy Intervention. The Current and Future Impact on Global Markets’ heard three distinct views – academic, investor and central banker – on the impact and efficacy of monetary poli-

cies.

Speakers included Raghuram Rajan, Governor, Reserve Bank of India, who presented on the challenges facing central bank policy makers in the current economic and political environment, Roger Urwin, Global Head of Investment Content, Towers Watson, Jeremy Stein, Moise Y. Safra Professor of Economics, Harvard University, and Lars Svensson, Professor, Stockholm School of

Economics.

Robert W. Jenkins, Chair of the AQR Asset Management Institute and Adjunct Professor of Finance at London Business School, who moderated the debate, commented: “A clear theme from the debate was that many market participants believe that central bank extraordinary monetary policy is driving the continued low rate environment, while many central bankers do not.” He

added: “Interest rates are low - but not as low relative to history as many might believe so a return of rates "to normal" may surprise on the low side.”

Additionally, almost two thirds (64%) of delegates felt that Quantitative Easing is highly likely to create an asset price bubble – where prices become disconnected from reality.

Three quarters (76%) said that over the next five years there is a low likelihood of global economies experiencing either high inflation or deflation.

David Kabiller, CoFounder of AQR, commented: “The event provoked lively debate and, as evidenced by the audience poll before and after the event, shifted perceptions.

The Institute is proud to bring together scholars, policy makers and industry-leading practitioners to deeply probe a specific issue of vital importance confronting the global investment community.”

A high-powered CEOs delegation led by Mr. Sumit Mazumder, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is visiting UK from 8-10 July, 2015.

The visit aims to strengthen collaboration with diverse stakeholders – including government institutions, industry bodies, academia, think tanks, media and the Diaspora – and enhance the overall bilateral economic relationship. The visit comes at an opportune time with the recent re-election of Prime Minister Cameron in the UK and ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s anticipated visit to the country in November.

The UK continues to be the most popular business destination in Europe for Indian companies – in fact, India has emerged as the third largest investor in the UK economy, with more Indian FDI being pumped into UK than the rest of Europe combined and there is a huge potential for UK-India cooperation in engineering and manufacturing sectors under the Make in India initiative. With new policies in India, particularly aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the country, there is significant opportunity to enhance foreign institutional investment into India.

During the course of

the two and a half days, several engagements have been lined up to deliberate on some of the most important economic issues in the bilateral agenda and examine the future bilateral engagement strategies of both countries as well as the opportunities for business enhancement and collaboration.

The delegation will participate in the annual conference on “The Future of India-UK Economic Relations” being organized by CII in partnership with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where John Cridland CBE, Director General of CBI is expected to speak, alongside the CII leadership, HE Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to UK and Mr. Kumar Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner and Director General - India, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

A Business Roundtable on the “Make in India” initiative with the CII CEOs and members of UK India Business Council will be hosted by the High Commission of India. In addition, a discussion with institutional investors is being held with the London Stock Exchange and SBICAP. A bi-partisan, bi-cameral UK-India Roundtable with several members of the

UK Parliament is planned at Westminster.

Furthering regional connect, the delegates will explore “India’s Leadership in the Commonwealth” with the C o m m o n w e a l t h Enterprise and Investment Council and also sign an agreement entering into a strategic partnership. The delegation will look at strengthening Manchester-India ties via business, technology, academic and sports collaboration with MIDAS, National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester and Manchester United.

To generate thought leadership and exchange perspectives on geopolitical and economic affairs, the delegates will also engage in a closed-door discussion with experts at Chatham House.

At several occasions, the delegation is expected to meet with Rt Hon Hugo Swire, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Rt Hon Oliver Letwin, Minister for Government Policy and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Rt Hon John Whittingdale, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Mr Dominic Jermey OBE,

CEO, UKTI. Members of the delegation include Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry; Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman, Hero Corporate Service Limited; Mr Rajive Kaul, Chairman, Nicco Corporation Limited; Mr Dhruv M Sawhney, Chairman and Managing Director, Triveni Turbine Limited; Mr Shekhar Datta, Director, Wockhardt Limited; Dr Rajiv I Modi, Chairman and Managing Director, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited; Mr Shaurya V Himatsingka, National Chairman, Young Indians (Yi) and Deputy Managing Director, India Carbon Limited; Mr Salil Singhal, Chairman and Managing Director, PI Industries Limited; Ms Rajshree Pathy, Chairman and Managing Director, Rajshree Sugars and Chemicals Limited; Mr Sunil Kaushal, Regional Chief Executive OfficerIndia and South Asia Standard Chartered Bank; Mr John Mulhall, Chief Financial Officer, Tata Chemicals Limited; and Mr Raghu Kailas, National Vice Chairman, Young Indians (Yi) and Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Unimo Exports Pvt Limited.

Raghuram Rajan

CII CEOs Delegation visits UK

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

Greece say NO to austerity Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said Greeks made a "brave choice" as thousands celebrated in the streets after hearing the final result despite European officials warning that it could see the country ejected from the Eurozone. Greece's governing Syriza party had campaigned for a "No", saying that the bailout terms were humiliating. Mr Tsipras said late on Sunday that the Greeks had proved that "democracy won't be blackmailed."

Alexis Tsipras

To further add to the turmoil, Greece's finance minister, who often clashed with creditors, resigned.

Yanis Varoufakis wrote on his blog that he had

been "made aware of a certain preference by some Eurogroup participants, and assorted 'partners', for my... 'absence' from its meetings". The Euro temporarily lost ground last night after 61.3 percent of Greeks voted “no” and to reject the austerity measures demanded by its international creditors during their referendum.

On Friday 3rd July a report revealed Britain's private-sector services grew more than expected last month, suggesting the economic recovery picked up going into the second half of the year. The Markit/CIPS UK Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose by 2 points in June to 58.5, topping all forecasts and combining with positive constructions figures painted an optimistic picture for the UK. But it warned that the recovery looks increasingly unbalanced. Growth in British manufacturing declined to its lowest in more than two years last month, according to its survey on Wednesday. The latest services PMI makes it more likely the Bank of England will want to

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 7th July 2015 @ 3pm

GBP - INR = 98.00

USD - INR = 63.47 EUR - INR = 69.45 GBP - USD = 1.54 GBP - EUR = 1.41

EUR - USD = 1.09 GBP - AED = 5.67

GBP - CAD = 1.97

GBP - NZD = 2.33

raise interest rates from a record low 0.5 percent later this year, Markit said.

The UK economy has grown faster than previously estimated in the first three months of the 2015. The Office for National Statistics said the economy grew by 0.4% in the quarter, compared with an earlier estimate of 0.3%.

Growth was boosted by a better performance from the construction industry than previously estimated. Annual growth to March was also revised up to 2.9% from 2.5% previously.

The US Dollar strengthened against many of its peers in response to the Greek crisis causing heightened demand for safe-haven assets. The appreciation has been slow moving, however, after Tuesday’s impressive confidence data was countered by a fall in business conditions.

June’s ISM Manufacturing index bettered estimates and rose to 53.5 in June from 52.8 in May, further strengthening the Dollar.

The index is back to its January reading after slowing in March and April.

GBP - AUD = 2.08

GBP - ZAR = 19.24

GBP - HUF = 446.55

www.rationalfx.com

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22

LEGAL VOICE

Experts discuss "Doing Business with India"

Reshma Trilochun

On Wednesday 24th June 2015, leading business experts gathered at Westminster for an event entitled, “Doing Business with India”, hosted by Santander UK. The event brought together a panel of distinguished figures who discussed the potential trade opportunities between the UK and India as well as offer a variety of views on building lasting commercial relationships.

The illustrious figures on the panel were Sid Khemka, the CEO of kOnnect Digital Ltd; Hannah Simcoe-Read, the CEO and founder of NVH Technology; Arbinder Chatwal, the Head of Indian Advisory Services Group, BDO LLP; John Carrol, Santander UK's Head of International; Pratik Dattani, the Director of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI); and Dr Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA, the Chairman of Sun Mark Ltd. Baroness Wheatcroft, a Member of the UK-India Roundtable also joined the panel at the end.

At the event, Baroness

Wheatcroft explained why the UK export figures had fallen below expectations.

She said, “It takes time and that is why at the moment exports are not soaring the way I would like to see them. It takes time to put the groundwork in. You can’t just race into a country like India, expect to understand it and get it right.

But nevertheless, if you work with government you will find that doors do open."

She further stated, “Not to say that there aren’t difficulties, but both the UK and Indian governments could do more to make relationships between our two countries, which go back so far and are so important, really gel properly… I am very hopeful that we will get to our target, perhaps a little

late, of doubling exports to India.”

Pratik Dattani spoke about the challenges that UK companies may have to face, as well as the difference in cultures. He said, “When you go to India and when you speak to somebody and say, ‘we like this, can you do it?’

Everyone will say ‘yes’.

When an Indian says ‘yes’ it doesn’t necessarily mean ‘yes’. Follow up.

Make a few trips and then see whether ‘yes’ actually means ‘yes’.”

This lead to Hannah Simcoe-Read stressed the importance of making contacts and how you should do your research before embarking into a different country. She said, “It’s very important to be immersed in the culture and actually work hands on in the country in

order to understand it, and do your homework... It took me nearly 18 months to make the contacts, to understand how you work in India, to create partnerships. And relationship building in India – whether it is with governments, or whether it is local authorities or whether it is support for SMEs, or in banking – it is very, very essential.”

Dr Rami Ranger added, “Economies are not growing in the West.

So, British companies, by plugging into the Indian economy or Indian companies can get out of sluggish recovery. So, India can become an engine for the growth of this country.”

Dr Ranger, like the others on the panel recommended taking expert advice before entering the market. He said, “I have gone through the portal Santander bank have made. It is amazing. I don’t think that any bank has gone that far in facilitating exports and giving people knowledge. So I think that your first port of call is to go on the website and join and you will get to know a lot more than we already know.”

Tax credit cuts to affect British Asians

Cuts to tax credits in the 8th July budget are likely to badly and disproportionately affect Britain's ethnic minority communities, a Financial Times analysis of official data has revealed.

Under the current system lower income families receive extra payments for each child living at home.

Chancellor George Osborne has indicated that he is planning substantial cuts to tax credits and housing benefits to save £12bn from welfare budget.

Recent government data has revealed, tax credits- a form of welfare payments to low earners provide 10% of Pakistani and Bangladeshi households.

This is essentially because these communities tend to have bigger families and lower incomes than average. The study also revealed, that Indians

receive the lowest amount of income through tax credits, much less than average 2% that white Britons claim. Blacks receive about 6% of payments.

Omar Khan, director of Runnymade, a race equality think-tank and a member of the ethnic minority advisory group to the

George Osborne's budget on 8 July, seems to affect the ethnic minority in larger scale. While Asian Voice is preparing for an extensive analysis on this government's first budget in our next week's issue, it is evident that small scale businesses, especially Asian shopkeepers or retailers will be affected by the new trading laws that will come into order soon.

The Chancellor is due to announce that shops with less than 3000 square

feet of space- can now open for more than 6 hours on a Sunday- threatening many small retailers, who have so far benefitted from the existing law. The opening times will remain a devolving issue- letting the mayors and local councillors finally decide the opening hours.

Pranav Patel, a local shopkeeper in South London told Asian Voice, “I read the news about the trading hours changing on Sundays. I have a few

City based analysis has shown that places with higher non white population, tend to receive higher benefits. A chart below shows the percentage in details: City

Bradford East Bradford West Blackburn Birmingham Hodge Hill Birmingham Hall Green Tottenham West Ham East Ham Peterborough Leicester East

%Non-white population 46.9 62.9 40.7 64.3 64.5 49.9 65.5 76.9 22.6 68.6

tax credit as % of household 46.3 63.5 43.5 54.8 43.9 42.7 47.9 47.5 43.0 44.3

Department for Work and Pensions, said the cuts to tax benefits will inevitably affect the racial inequalities and probably increase child poverty.

According to 2011 census, while Blackburn has about 20,000 Indians, 18,000 are of Pakistani origin. Hindus constitute 0.4% of the population, but

Average value(both in and out of work) £7659 £7872 £7320 £8387 £8053 £7104 £6884 £7342 £6683 £6727

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

The Immigration Act changes

Maria Fernandes

This week’s article provides further areas where changes have or are about to be introduced.

Investigations of marriages: New regulations in force from the 1st March 2015 introduce provisions for investigation into proposed marriages or civil partnerships. There is a 28 day period of notice which in non EU nationals can be extended to 70 days. All marriages where one of the parties is a non EU national must be referred to the Secretary of State who must decide whether or not to investigate it as a “sham” and must serve a notice of her decision under s48 of the Immigration Act 2014 before a marriage can take place.

Removal procedures: New regulations have been introduced. The aim is to simplify the process of removal. It will allow the Secretary of State to remove a person if they require leave to enter or remain and do not have it, there is no requirement for a notice to be served and enables their families to be removed without a separate notice.

Biometrics for British Citizenship: Intended regulations to come into force within 21 days after introduction (although the instrument has not yet

been published) Introduction of biometric information to be required for registration or naturalisation applications as British Citizens. There will also be special provision for taking biometrics of children under 16.

Residential tenancies: This is still being piloted and the cities chosen for this include Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell from December 2014.

Landlords will have a duty to check the immigration status of tenants and will be fined £3000 for each tenant for failing to do so.

Banks and building societies required to check status of applicant: Formal regulation bar those who do not have leave from opening bank accounts, although these regulations have now formally been introduced, it has in practice been impossible for those not lawfully present to open accounts. Even worse there have been cases of those who are in the UK lawfully who are denied the ability to open an account easily.

Driving licences: Those who do not have lawful status will not be entitled to apply for a driving licence. In reality this has been an unwritten rule for many years.

To contact Maria Fernandes, please email at: info@fernandesvaz.com

Housing hacked, displays cryptic message

27% are Muslims. In Leicester 28.3% are of Indian origin, while only 2.4% of Pakistani origin.

Birminghm has 3% Bangladeshis, 6% Indians and 13.5% Pakistanis.

London borough of Newham (West Ham and East Ham) have 13.8% Indians, 9.8% Pakistanis and 12.1% Bangladeshis.

Realty portal Housing.com's website was hacked recently resulting in the site going down mutliple times.

The home page of the hacked website displayed, “#rahulyadav #housingdown.” and a message that read, “Yes! We will solve real estate but 10X better with The Chief Architect. We've achieved a lot in the last three years

but the game has just begun. Yet, we are hungry for all! :) #LookUp” Rahul Yadav put a screenshot of the hacked page distancing himself from the event, “I would have DESIGNED it better. # N o t I n v o l v e d #LoveYouTechTeam.”

The issue comes just days after CEO and cofounder Yadav was sacked.

fitted so far with the trading laws, but now it will definitely affect us.

This government must think of an alternative way to help the smaller businesses like us.

We do contribute to the economy as well and our needs are often disregarded.”

But Raj, a local shopkeeper near Sainsbury local in Hoxton

(East London) said, “25 years back all the super markets used to remain closed on the weekends.

After constant complaints from customers, they now remain open for 6 hours.

With this change in law, the super markets will perhaps now remain open for longer- but that does not affect me.”

In a figure released in 2007, 39% of Asianowned businesses are in the Wholesale and Retail sector (compared to 23%

for businesses in general).

Asian-owned firms are relatively under-represented in Business Services: around 33% of Asianowned businesses are in this sector compared to 40% for all businesses.

Britain's biggest retailers remain divided over the extending trading hours along with the Church of England, that has clearly shown its opposition to this change in fear of dwindling church attendances.

Osborne's Sunday trade laws to affect Asian retailers

George Osborne

shops, and some quite close to big super markets.

I know that we have bene-

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

In Brief

US and Cuba to open embassies in state capitals

Washington: President Barack Obama announced that both, USA and Cuba have agreed to open embassies in each other's capitals. “This is a historic step forward in our efforts to normalise relations with the Cuban government and people and begin a new chapter with our neighbours in the Americas.” Both the countries had been secretly working on the reestablishment of the embassies and collectively came upon the agreement. “As part of that effort, President Raul Castro and I directed our teams to negotiate the reestablishment of embassies. Since then our State Department has worked hard with our Cuban counterparts to achieve that goal and later this summer Secretary Kerry will travel to Havana formally to proudly raise the American flag over our embassy once more.” The agreement comes after more than half a century of hostilities between both the countries. The U.S. Embassy in Havana is scheduled to open on July 20,as per the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

Afghan appoints first woman SC judge

Kabul: Anisa Rasouli, head of the Afghan Women Judges Association and former juvenile court judge, is the first and the only female to be nominated to the nine member bench. The decision came after it was delayed and put on hold by opposition from Islamic conservatives. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani nominated a female judge to sit on the Supreme Court, provoking retaliation from conservatives. “I'm proud to announce that for the very first time I have nominated a woman to the Supreme Court,” Ghani addressed a gathering of diplomats and women's rights activists. “Appointing a woman to the Supreme Court does not alter the judicial system. We do have full support of the Ulema (Islamic scholars) for it,” he added. The nomination, which requires approval of the parliament, is part of efforts by Ghani's unity government to promote more women to high-profile positions since he and his Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah assumed office last September.

Meiji sites in Japan get world heritage status

Tokyo: Unesco has decided to grant world heritage status to more than 20 old industrial sites in Japan; the 23 Meiji period sites that include coalmines and shipyards and have contributed to the country's transformation from feudalism to a modern economy.

South Korea had opposed to the application as more than 60,000 Korean labourers were forced to work at seven sites during Japan's colonial rule. UN body's 21 member panel withheld the decision until negotiations were conducted between both the sides.

The application was later given a go when Japan agreed to acknowledge the use of conscripted labour.

“Japan is prepared to take measures that allow an understanding that there were a large number of Koreans and others who were brought against their will and forced to work under harsh conditions in the 1940s at some of the sites,” Japanese delegation told Unesco in a statement.

Iraqi fighter jet accidently bombs Baghdad, kills 12

Baghdad: One of the many Sukhois, used by Iraq to fight against the Is, was returning to its base when it accidently dropped a bomb over a Baghdad neighbourhood, killing at least 12 people. Military spokesnman, Brig Gen. Saad Maan Ibrahim said a technical failure caused the jet to malfunction and drop the bomb. Among the 12 killed, 3 were children and 2 women. Footage from the scene showed rescue teams in orange jumpsuits and blue helmets searching through the rubble for victims. One victim was seen wrapped with a blanket, being rushed to an ambulance.

Boko Haram extremists bomb city

Jos: A mosque and a muslim restaurant fell prey to Boko Haram extremism as bombs exploded in the city of Jos, claiming 44 lives. The first bomb erupted at the Yantaya Mosque whn leading cleric Sain Yahaya of the Jama'atu Izalatul Bidia Organisation was addressing the crowd. The second bomb detonated at Shagalinku, a restaurant frequented by state governors and other elite politicians. The survivors who spoke on the event, only voiced themselves on condition of anonymity. Jos has always been targeted for violent religious confrontations as it is located in a region where Nigeria’s majority Muslim north and mainly Christian south collide. The city has been targeted in the past by bomb blasts claimed by Boko Haram terrorists that have killed hundreds of people.

WORLD

23

Yanis Varoufakis' resignation, scope for productive negotiations

Athens: Greece's flamboyant and vociferous finance minister Yanis Varoufakis put forth his resignation after pressure from his government and country's creditors identified him as an hindrance to productive talks about a new bail out. In a statement on his blog, the ex-finance minister said, “I was made aware of a certain preference by some Eurogroup participants…for my… ‘absence’ from its meetings; an idea that the prime minister judged to be potentially helpful to him in reaching an agreement.”

A self proclaimed “erratic Marxist”, Varoufakis had vehemently campaigned for a 'No' for the referendum held by the country, rubbing eurozone partners the wrong way.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had recognised the souring relations between Varoufakis and the Eurogroup, and was on a lookout for an opening to place him out. His withdrawal has raised expectations for an easy going negotiation between the country and its creditors.

Varoufakis said Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had judged that his resignation “might help achieve a deal” and that was the reason he was leaving the finance ministry. “I shall wear the creditors' loathing with pride.” The referendum “will stay in history as a unique moment when a

Yanis Varoufakis

small European nation rose up against debtbondage,” Varoufakis said. His last task at the Finance Ministry was to announce that the government was seeking a new chief to run the country’s national statistics service, indicating Greece’s current chief statistician, Andreas Georgiou, wouldn’t stay.

The 'No' vote of over 61 per cent in the country's first referendum in 41 years Sunday, to the bailout deal offered by the IMF, ECB and European Commission, presents a crisis to Eurozone elites who wish to impose further austerity on a depressed Greek economy. Greece owes its creditors € 240 billion, who had conditioned that the country make reforms in order for it to receive further bailout funds.

S u c c e e d i n g Varoufakis, 55 year old Oxford-educated Euclid Tsakalotos has been appointed as the new finance minister. He head the country's negotiating team in talks with the countrys' international

creditors and has substantial experience considering the matter on hand.

His first job will be to deal with the revelation that the ECB will not increase funding to Greece as its banks are prepared to run out of cash.

Currently, Greece's fate is largely in the hands of the European Central Bank and of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel, under pressure in Germany to cut Greece loose from the euro zone, met French President Francois Hollande to seek a joint response before an emergency summit of euro zone leaders in Brussels.

They said that the door was open for a return to debt negotiations with Greece, but called on Athens to make detailed proposals. Mr Hollande, “I stress the fact that time is running out and there is urgency, urgency for Greece and urgency for Europe.”

Meanwhile, Varoufakis cruised around the streets of Athens on his bike and had drinks with his friends after his resignation. His publisher has already plugged a new edition of his book about international financial crises, 'The Global Minotaur' and his current Twitter bio reads, 'Economics professor, quietly writing obscure academic texts for years, until thrust onto the public scene by Europe's inane handling of an

inevitable crisis.'

The most affected were the pensioners who do not use bank cards, relying on banks instead as they were unable to withdraw any money after Greek government imposed capital controls.

They were seen queuing before dawn at banks around the country which temporarily opened to let them collect the €120 they were allowed. Some banks even handed out debit cards to pensioners in the hope they use them in future. Many British Asian pensioners live in the country, who bore equal brunt of the mishap.

The Greeks rejection of the referendum has not only pushed the future of the Eurozone into uncharted waters, but also affected investors across the world. Asian markets opened lower than usual this week, and the benchmark BSE Sensex in India opened 300 points down.

The rupee too was trading 15 paise down at 63.59 against the US dollar.

“Indian stock and currency markets will remain volatile over the next month or two as a result of the Greek crisis and renewed fears of a deficient monsoon leading to a drought,” said the CEO of a leading domestic asset management company. “The Sensex may correct by another 3-4 per cent as foreign investors may pull out their money in a kneejerk reaction to developments in Europe.”

Moving letters by Afghan schoolgirls

Anastasia Motricala

In the village of Deh Subz, Afghanistan, schoolgirls have expressed what going to college would mean to them by writing touching, yet upsetting letters as they talk about the education they could only dream of.

The Zabuli Education Center founded in 2008, is the village’s only school for girls and it has given them the opportunity to go to school for the first time and a chance to transform their lives. The group of girls will graduate from ZEC this autumn but unfortunately there is no college where they can further continue with their education, implying their schooling must end at the age of 17, or 18.

Aziza, a student in the 12th grade at ZEC is the first girl in her family to get an education. She is one of the many schoolgirls that have understood the value of knowledge and began to wish about attending college, the girls all talk about the opportunities to come in their way if they go to college and they involve getting a good

Aziza

Shakera

job and bringing knowledge back to their village to educate other people.

Shakera wants to become a judge, education

The GroundTruth Project, a not-forprofit organisation based in Boston, has created a film showing how education has helped the girls.

The filmmaker Beth Murphy says: ”It's kind of accepted girls just don't go to college. They can't go for a number of reasons.

"In this village they live off less than $1 (64 pence) a day, and they can't get to colleges in different towns, and families won't let them leave.

"They can't go to college, so college should go to them."

Campaigners are trying to raise fund to build The Zabuli Technical College in the village, which would be the first ever girl’s college in rural Afghanistan, they wish to build it in time for the start of the next Afghan school year in April Picture courtesy: The GroundTruth Project 2016 when the girls graduate, but in the means freedom of speech interval they are left in to her and education will doubt about their futures. help her defend her rights.

24

INDIA

Haritha Haram experts concerned over quality of seedlings

Hyderabad: Launched on the 3rd, the Haritha Haram programme initiated by the Telangana government has been gathering momentum and received appreciation from across the country. The state government intends to plant around 160 Crore seedlings in the next 4 years through the initiative.

However, agriculture experts closely working with the cause, have shown concern over the quality of seedlings being used. They say that most of the seedlings are premature and have not grown

into saplings, which means many of them would not be able to withstand extreme climatic conditions and are bound to perish in the heat or extreme rains.

A senior horticulture

Patkar seeks clarification from CM on Land Acquisition Bill

Chennai: National Alliance of People's Movements advisor Medha Patkar believes Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa needs to clarify her place in the Land Acquisition Bill.

She said, “Whether Jayalalithaa joins the National Democratic Alliance is her business, but she should answer whether she will support the farmers’, fishermen’s and the people’s rights to their land, as early as possible.”

In the meeting which was attended by the CPI(M), the MDMK and VCK, she noted the absence of the Congress, AIADMK and the DMK and said it was as if the political parties had accepted the Central

Medha Patkar Government's plan to strip people of their resources.

“Both urban and rural people will be deprived of their resources. Water, minerals and other natural resources are being sold to corporates. The land owned by the urban poor is the target of real estate developers. Land belongs to people, including agriculture, fisheries, and traders. We must save the land for the security of the people.”

officer associated with the programme said, “Usually, it takes a seedling about nine months to grow into a self-sustainable sapling. But it is not the case here. Most of the plants in the nurseries were only sown in March and are now being dispatched for plantation. They would not be able to survive.”

Experts from the department, who gone through various nurseries in the

city, said that the amount of time given for the seedlings to turn into saplings was very short.

“The plants require some time to age. If the government plants them in a hurry , the chances of their survival are next to none,” an expert said.

In light of the situation, Palle Rajeshwar Reddy Nalgonda in-charge for the Haritha Haram programme, said they are planning to re-examine the issue and take a more scientific approach. “There are concerns and we are hoping to address them soon.”

Ramadoss to seek removal of TN CEO Sandeep Saxena

Coimbatore: After chief minister Jayalalithaa's victory in the R.K. Nagar Assembly by-election, political parties of the state have no hope for free and fair elections, as per Pattali Makkal Katchi founder president S Ramadoss. He said his party would seek the removal of Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Saxena and a petition will be submitted to the Election Commission for its effect.

He also dismissed the possibility of an early election in the State saying it was the handiwork of the intelligence sleuths.

He believes Jayalalithaa's victory in the by-election was not a real victory and definitely not a precursor to the ensuing Assembly elec-

who contributed Rs 500 and a widow who contributed her pension of Rs 1,000 are more important than those who fooled us for more than three decades,” Villager Hardev Singh said.

The idea came to Hardev after he met an engineer supervising the construction of a bridge in Rajasthan. He later came back to his village and discussed it with the villagers, jointly agreeing to build their own bridge.

People of nine villages raised around Rs 1 Crore for the construction of the bridge, which will become a vital link for the people of around 30 villages and will help close to 1.25 lakh people have better connectivity to Sirsa town.

Chandigarh: In a meeting held by Punjab deputy Chief Minister Sukhbi Singh Badal, it is decided the state government will honour 3762 players with a cash prize of worth Rs 15 Crore, for earning laurels and bagging prizes in national and international sports in the last 4 years.

“Badal would give away cash awards to the tune of Rs 9 crore to 308 international medallists during a function at Ludhiana on July 16 that would include medalists in different World Cups, Asian championships, Commonwealth championships and national games,” a spokesperson said.

He further said, “In addition to this, prize distribution functions would also be organized in various districts in which cabinet ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries would honour the players.

On the directions of deputy chief minister, the

South Brief

Andhra denotes common people of the two states: Pawan Kalyan

Hyderabad: In a press conference, actor and Jana Sena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan has declared that none of the MPs from the state, including union ministers Ashok Gajpathi Raju and Suhana Chowdhary are speaking anything regarding the fight for their region's special status. In reference to the demand for invocation of Section 8 of the AP Reorganisation Act that will provide the Governor the power to supervise law and order in the joint capital, he said, “All leaders and people from Andhra Pradesh should leave all claims to Hyderabad. While the loss has been done, nothing cane be done now except building a new capital. The term Andhra is not about caste or any political party. It simply denotes common people of the two States.”

Karnataka Assembly caught in disputations over Lokayukta dismissal

Belagavi: Karnataka Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa was put in a spot in a recent session held where in 57 members presented a signed petition for the removal of Lokayukta Y Bhaskar Rao. When BJP and JDS members raised the issue, he replied, “ For the first time such a petition has come. Will have to look into it and decide on it with caution. We will come to face the brunt if we take any wrong decision.” Asking the members not to be in a hurry, he said, “We will have to take steps within the framework of the Constitution, also keeping the future in mind.” When several ruling Congress members objected to the petition stating that the Chair has clearly expressed its opinion on the issue, Thimmappa said, “I'm carefully examining things, there should be no errors in the decision the House takes.”

North Brief

S. Ramadoss tion. Sandeep Saxena had hurriedly called for elections and rules were not followed favouring the ruling party.

Criticising the State Government for mismanaging the power situation, Ramadoss said the chief minister had promised to make Tamil Nadu a power-surplus state but had only been extending deadlines. And to date, the State remained power deficient, which impacted the growth of industries.

Punjab government to Bridging the gap between bureaucracy and people's power honour state medal winners

Sirsa: After bureaucracy and red tapism started to weigh them down, the villagers of Haryana's Sirsa district took matters into their own hands by crowdfunding Rs 1 Crore to build a bridge over the Ghaggar river.

“The villagers have been saying that even their fathers and grandfathers had appealed to the politicians visiting this area for a bridge to be constructed. However, their demands were always ignored. They needed a boat to travel from one village to the other. Many people have also lost their lives while attempting to cross the river,” a villager said.

They wanted a bridge over the river to reach Sirsa town with their farm produce faster and get better access to markets in Punjab. When their plea to politicians and bureaucrats fell on deaf ears, they teamed up to built a 250foot-long, 14-foot-wide bridge. “For us, a labourer

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Sukhbi Singh Badal sports department has started to bestow honour to the medal winners in senior national competitions, national school games, inter-university games and senior state championships including Paralympics.”

The sports department has selected 831 players in 2010-11, 518 in 2011-12, 745 in 2012-13 and 1,470 in 2013-14 and 2014-15 for cash prizes. Those found positive in dope tests have clearly been declared ineligible for the honour.

Net Ball and Kho Kho will be included in the sports policy, next year.

Amritsar local ranks 129 in Civil Services Exam

Amritsar: Walking on his father's footsteps, 29 year old Navneet Singh Bains' hardwork paid off as he ranked 129 in the Union Public Service Commission's Civil Services examinations. Ecstatic over the results, he said, “It was my fourth attempt. In 2008, I cleared Indian Forest Services Examination. In 2009, I made it to the interview of the Civil Services Examination, but couldn’t make it. In 2012, I cracked the Civil Service Examination, but was allotted Indian Audit and Accounts Service. As getting into the Indian Foreign Services was my dream, I again tried in 2014 and tasted success by bagging 129 rank.” Singh has completed his engineering from Chandigarh and is currently posted as divisional forest officer in Ludhiana district. “My father Sukhjit Singh Bains, who is posted as managing director of the Punjab Finance Corporation, has been a role model for me who always inspired me to improve my ranking. My mother is a house wife. We belong to Amritsar City and lived here for long before moving to Chandigarh.”

Gurus' relics settled at Takht Keshgarh Sahib

Anandpur Sahib: The relics of Guru Hargobind Sahib, Teg Bahadur and Gobind Singh, which were brought to Anandpur Sahib from Patiala, are placed at the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib to be diplayed to the devotees. The antiquities include chola sahib, manuscript, hair, comb and turban, 20 inch iron arrow, three and a half inch long siri sahib, 30 inch long wooden spear, sword, whip and five arrows relating to the three Gurus. After bhog of Sri Akhand path at the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, gubani kirtan was held at Sri Dasmesh hall. Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib jathedar Giani Mal Singh, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar thanked all the organisations, individuals, nihang organisations, sant samaj and devotees for their cooperation during the celebrations of the 350th foundation day of Anandpur Sahib conducted recently.

Martyr Lance Naik Harpreet Singh paid felicitous tribute

Ajnala: Lance Naik Harpreet Singh of the Eighth Sikh Regiment, who lost his life combating militants in the Uri Sector of jammu and Kashmir, was given a respectful and befitting send off at his native village of Abbusaid. His father lit the pyre as jawans from the army reversed arms in respect and honour to the departed. The entire village turned up to pay their respects to Lance Naik, whose body was brought wrapped in the Tricolour. The government has promised to give his widow a job and bear all the expenses of educating his daughters. A number of civil and army officials, including Capt Sunil Kumar of the Eighth Sikh Regiment, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Tejinderpal Singh Sandhu, sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Surinder Singh and Ajnala deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Tilak Raj placed wreaths on the body of the brave soldier.

INDIA

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25

Recurring deaths in Vyapam Scam haunts Chouhan

The biggest scam in the history of the country, the Vyapam scam was brought into light in 2013, and concerns to the manipulation in the selection process for government jobs conducted by the Madhya Pradesh P r o f e s s i o n a l Examination. Vyapam is acronym for MP's Vyavasik Pareeksha Mandal, which conducts tests for professional courses and recruitment for various posts.

Officials, businessmen and politicians were reported to be involved in putting up proxy examinees on basis of which, candidates were recruited.

However, the real situation arose after investigation into the scam began. One after another, people involved; including witnesses, accused, those assisting the probe, and a journalist, started dying in what has been observed as a domino effect. One after the other, people variously linked with the scam are dying, and the mystery deepens with every new death reported even as the probe agencies struggle to unravel it.

Over 2,000 people have been arrested in connection with the scam so far, including former education minister Laxmikant Sharma. The

Amit Sagar | Feb 19, 2015 Found dead under mysterious circumstances in Sheopur.

Accused of rigging results of forest guard recruitment exam of three candidates Anshul Sachan | June 14, 2010 Died together in car accident with two more people Anuj Uikey, Shyamveer Yadav, All three were mediators in scam Bunty Sikarwar | June 21, 2014 Committed suicide in Gwalior

D K Sakalle | July 4, 2014 predecessor of dean Arun Sharma, who died on Sunday, at Jabalpur Medical College, Alleged to have immolated himself Ramendra Singh| Jan 15, Committed Suicide. Soon his death his Mother also mitted suicide. Accused in scam

Shailesh Yadav | March 26, 2015 Cause of death unknown. Son of governor R N Yadav. Accused in contractual teachers appointment case started after a report was lodged based on the information of an Indorebased civil rights activist, Dr Anand Rai. He believes only 10 of the 40 reported deaths are related to the scam. “10 of the deaths that have occurred so far are in suspicious

circumstances. The rest may be a matter of coincidence. I do not know about the rest who died but 10 of these, including journalist Akshay Singh, Namarata Damor and Narendra Tomar, have died in very suspicious

2015 after comPMT

circumstances.”

Other major whistleblower and cyber forensic specialist Prashant Pandey said it was clear that some of the deaths were mysterious, with the most recent case being that of journalist Akshay

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Lalit Modi

ior ED official said. Under the law, if an individual does not comply with summons issued under PMLA, the ED can move a court to obtain a non-bailable warrant or even a red corner notice against the person, said a lawyer, who did not want to be mentioned. “There are several other options, but these two are mostly used in case of non-compliance,”

he added.

So far, the ED has investigated 15 other cases of over Rs 2,000 crore that involves Modi and others under FEMA. Modi, currently in the UK, has recorded all his statements until now, through Abdi. When contacted, Abdi said, “I have not received any ED summons and neither has Mr Modi.”

Rajasthan Governor wants 'Adhinayaka' out of National Anthem

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh feels the word 'adhinayaka' has no place in the national anthem as it praises India's British rulers, and has suggested it be replaced with 'mangal' instead.

While addressing the convocation ceremony of the University of

Rinku Pramod Sharma | April 21, 2013 Committed suicide in Jhansi. Accused in police constable recruitment scam

Deepak Verma | 2010 Died in road accident days after state govt initiated probe into scam

ED rains on Lalit Modi, gives him 2 weeks

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Lalit Modi in reference to a money laundering case and has given him 2 weeks to appear before court.

The ED case, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, is based on a criminal case registered by the Chennai Police against Modi in 2013. This is not the first time he has been called by the ED in connection with IPL investigations. Modi was earlier summoned by the agency under the less stringent Foreign Exchange Management Act. “This time around, it is mandatory for Modi to appear in person before the ED. If he fails to appear before the agency, we will proceed against him under the law,” a sen-

Devendra Nagar | Dec 26, 2013 Died in Road accident

Narendra Singh Tomar | June 28, 2015 Died at M Y Hospital, Indore

Dr Rajendra Arya | June 28, 2015 Died of liver infection while being treated at a govt hospital in Gwalior

arrested people included over a hundred of politicians, several MPPEB officials, bureaucrats, middlemen, students and their parents. Out of these, over 40 people have already met their end.

Investigation of the

Singh. Another person to be highlighted is Gwaliorbased social activist Ashish Chaturvedi, who claimed to have disclosed the involvement of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's relatives and seven others in the scam.

All of them claim they fear for their lives.

Opposition parties, journalists and activities have strongly propagated against the removal of the chief minister and ask how Chouhan can continue to avoid his moral responsibility for a crime committed right under his very nose in Bhopal that spoiled the careers of hundreds of meritorious and talented youngsters.

Madhya Pradesh high court initially rejected Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's demand for a CBI probe and formed a special investigating team to investigate the case.

However, considering the growing tensions, chief minister Shivraj Chouhan has “yielded to the wishes of the public” and asked for a CBI probe in the case. “A democracy functions on the voice of the people,” he said. “The incidents of the last few days have disturbed me. I have asked for the CBI to examine the deaths as well, but don't link every death to the investigation.”

Namrata Damor | Jan 7, 2012 Found dead near railway tracks in Ujjain village. Call records reveal several calls were made to her number minutes before she died.

Was in list of students who cleared PMT-2010 using unfair means.(The Aaj Tak journalist died while inter viewing Namrata’s father)

Rajasthan, Governor Singh said, “Jan-GanMan adhinayaka jai hey... 'adhinayaka' for whom? It praises British rule. It should be amended and replaced by word 'jangan-man mangal gaye'. I have respect for Rabindranath Tagore, but national anthem's 'adhinayaka' word should be

replaced by 'mangal',” he said.

The debate over the poem's meaning dates back to 1911, soon after it was penned by Tagore.

It however, was put to rest in 1937, when the Nobel laureate rejected the charge in a letter written to Pulin Behari Sen.

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INDIA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

It's official! Shahid-Mira hitched in private ceremony

Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput are officially Mr and Mrs Kapoor after they wedded in a close family ceremony. The wedding was a family affair. “They wanted a very private ceremony. Only around 40 of their close friends and family were present,” a source close to the actor said. The venue of the wedding had tight security and there were barricades placed on the road near the bungalow. The couple married at industrialist Shivinder Singh’s farmhouse in Delhi. “My bhabhi is very nice, I hope sabko aisi bhabhi mile,” Sanah, Shahid’s step-sister told the media, as she accompanied the couple, along with Shahid’s father, actor Pankaj Kapoor and step-mother Supriya Pathak.

“Thank you so much for your support, we look forward to spending this time with our family,” said Pankaj.

The Sangeet ceremony was attended by only 50 guests. A source said, “There were 45 people from Shahid's side and the remaining 105-odd guests were from Mira's side. At one point, it was decided that the two sides. Sasha with his parents, friends and

siblings, and Mira's parents and relatives, would form two teams and compete with one another. And though Sasha's side had just 45 people, it won, thanks to the groom himself, who is a proficient dancer.”

The wedding started at 5 am at a private bungalow on the Delhi-Gurgaon highway. There was no music in the Baaraat except for dhols. Shahid dancesd in a golden sherwani and pagdi.

Radha Soami bhakts from across India were expected.

All the relatives wore blue turbans. The wedding ended at around 12.30pm, after which the couple lunched with the family and their Guru from the Radha Soami Satsang Beas.

Sources confirmed 30 to 40 guests were present when Mira, 21, and Shahid, 34, exchanged their vows.

Nadiad boy found dead in Germany

Modi's eight day tour across Central Asia

Continued from page 1 The development comes after recent souring of relations over the Kashmir issue and border ceasefire violations.

The main agenda of the series of short trips is to cover the neighbouring resource-rich nations.

Modi has his priorities set on the energy sector, Kazakhstan is a pronounced producer of oil, and the other countries on the list have large reserves of natural gas.

India has a long-pending project TAPI, with Turkmenistan, that involves construction of a gas pipeline from the country over Afghanistan, across Pakistan, to India, that needs a push. Apart from this, Modi wishes to promote infrastructure projects that would connect Central Asia to the Indian region, boosting opportunities for trade and investment.

The BRICS summit will focus on discussions to enhance cooperation in economic field, including the possibility of trade in local currency. With the BRICS Development Bank already set up, the summit could look at the possibility of starting a credit facility in local currency. India has applied for a membership with the Shanghai C o o p e r a t i o n Organisation, a security grouping led by China and Russia. The summit held by SCO will most likely see India as a full member.

Narendra Modi with the CEOs and business leaders of Kazakhstan and India, in Astana, Kazakhstan

Modi interacting with children after paying tributes at the bust of the former Prime Minister, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri

Beginning his diplomatic trip in Uzbekistan, Modi was received by his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and his cabinet colleagues, in the capital of Taskhent. He held talks with President Islam Karimov and the two countries have reportedly inked three pacts to boost cooperation between

their offices in the fields of culture and tourism.

He said, “I and the president discussed regional and international issues including the situation of Afghanistan. We also shared our concerns on the rising threat of extremism and terrorism in our extended neighbourhood.”

Modi briefed Karimov

about the International North South Transport Corridor and has proposed that Uzbekistan become a member. “I sought his support for India joining the Ashgabat Agreement,” a transport corridor that would link Central Asia to the seaports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Ankur Mandal, who was pursuing Mtech in Germany was found dead in Technische University Hamburg Library by an attendant. The German police and the embassy is yet to reveal the postmortem report and the circumstances under which Ankur's body was found.

Ankur was preparing a powerpoint presentation of his project and was busy for the past few days. He had shifted out of his previous accommodation in Hamburg and moved to a new flat in the end of the last month. The same night, he decided to spend the night preparing for the presentation at the library, as it was scheduled to be held the following day.

His distraught father, Pankaj Mandal, awaits his

son's body to arrive in Nadiad from Hamburg. He is yet to be told how his only son, pursuing MTech in Germany, died in a university library. “I don't know what happened. It was after his friend Vandit Raval informed us that we came to know of his death.

The Indian embassy is helping us. We are awaiting the arrival of his body,” says Pankaj.

After a woman challenged the procedural necessity of disclosing the identity of the father and issuing notice to him on a plea seeking sole guardianship of the child by the unwed mother, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no need for the consent of the father in giving guardianship of a child to an unwed mother.

The apex court bench headed by Justice Vikramajit Sen made this statement while recalling the earlier order of a guardianship court and asking it to re-examine the plea by the unwed mother seeking guardianship of the child without issuing notice to the father. He said that the lower courts, including the high court, lost sight of the issue that

was before them and they decided the matter without taking into account the welfare of the child.

The mother had argued that the man stayed with her barely for two months and did not even know the existence of the child. After the woman's plea was rejected by a trial court and the High Court, she filed an appeal in the Supreme Court in 2011. She pointed out that if identifying the father is not mandatory on a passport application form, this can be allowed in a guardianship case, too, under “exceptional circumstances”.

The judgement by the Supreme Court has been largely well received with many seeing it as a sign of progress in the Indian judiciary.

Ankur Mandal

Supreme Court rules unwed mothers can be guardians

27

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Study: daily glass of grapefruit juice 'protects against heart disease' A daily glass of grapefruit juice keeps blood vessels healthy and could protect against heart disease, a new study shows. Just half a pint a day was enough to improve circulation.

Scientists have identified that health-boosting chemicals, called flavanones, that are naturally found in citrus fruits are responsible for the benefits.

The findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest regular grapefruit juice consumption could play a vital part in warding off heart disease – Britain’s biggest killer.

Around 73,000 people a year in the UK die from heart-related illnesses.

They kill one in six of all men and one in ten women. Eating a diet rich in fruit has long been known to have a protective effect. But there has

been less research on precisely what it is in citrus fruits like grapefruit that helps to sustain a healthy heart.

Researchers at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research at Clermont-Ferrand, France, recruited 48 healthy women aged between 50 and 65 – one of the highest risk groups for heart disease.

Half the group was given a daily quota of 340 millilitres – roughly half a pint – of grapefruit juice packed with flavanones and the rest an identicallooking drink but with no flavanones. After a few months the two groups then swapped over.

The results from the six-month trial showed that after regular consumption of flavanone-containing juice, there was a significant improvement in the health of the volunteers’ blood vessels. But there was little or no change when they drank the flavanonefree version.

Researchers measured this with a test called flowmediated dilation, which is designed to show how

‘stretchy’ and flexible artery walls are. The more elastic they are the better as it allows blood to flow more freely to the heart.

In a report on their findings the researchers said: ‘Regular grapefruit juice consumption by middle-aged, healthy postmenopausal women is beneficial for arterial stiffness. This effect may be related to flavanones present in grapefruit.’

The study was partfunded by a grant from the Florida Department of Citrus.

However, patients with existing heart disease should be careful about drinking grapefruit juice as it can interfere with medication.

Levels of drugs used to treat raised cholesterol or high blood pressure can increase significantly after just one glass of the juice, exposing patients to a greater risk of side-effects.

Cranberry juice may protect against diabetes This blush red sweet fruit packs more benefits than you would imagine.

Cranberries are freshly found throughout North America. Cranberry juice and extracts have long been used by Native American Indian tribes as medicine and now a latest supports the same.

According to a new study, published in the Journal Nutrition, drinking low-calorie cranberry juice may help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Cranberries provide a rich source of protective compounds called polyphenols - that support our body's natural defences and help us

achieve a balanced lifestyle to improve health. To find the effectiveness of polyphenol-rich cranberries, researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided eight weeks'

Nuts are packed with heart healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They make for a healthy, filling snack that can curb cravings, lower cholesterol and more. A new study, published in the Journal Nutrition, suggests that including tree nuts in your daily diet could be an easy and inexpensive way to stay slim and fit. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts.

Although tree nuts contain fat and calories, previous studies have

shown that diets enriched with nuts do not increase weight.

"Filled with plant protein, dietary fibre, and healthy mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids, tree nuts are a satiating food that may actually help suppress appetite," said lead study author Carol O'Neil, professor at Louisiana State University Agricultural Centre in the US. To reach this conclusion, researchers studied more than 14,000 men and women. It was found that those who consume tree nuts were 25 percent less

worth of meals to 56 healthy adult volunteers (average 50 years of age).

One group drank a glass of low-calorie cranberry juice twice daily. The other group drank a placebo beverage with a similar colour

and flavour. Individuals drinking two glasses of low-calorie cranberry juice a day improved across all these measures.

"At the start and end of the experiment, the researchers measured things like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, blood lipids, as well as C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation," said Christina Khoo, director of Research Sciences at Ocean Spray.

"These findings suggest that polyphenols help to protect our bodies, and may be adept at keeping a large number of ailments at bay," Khoo added.

According to the World Health Organisation estimates the trio of diseases

annually claim 15.6 million lives around the globe.

Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and salicylic acid. Studies have shown that the cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins that possess anti-clinging properties, which prevent the bacteria from binding itself to the cells on the walls of the bladder.

These compounds prevent these bacteria from multiplying and further and flush them out of the body through urination.

"Cranberries are good for your skin and immunity as they are packed with anti-oxidants. It is known that cranberry juice helps to prevent urinary tract infections," says Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Shalimar Bagh Hospital, New Delhi.

likely to be obese and 21 percent less likely to have an elevated waist circumference than those who did not consume tree nuts.

Overall, nut consumption was associated with lower body mass index, systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance and higher lev-

els of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (good cholesterol).

"Just 1.5 ounces of nuts per day (about 1/3 cup) can give you many of the important vitamins, minerals and energy you need throughout the day," Maureen Ternus, executive director of, International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF) said. Nuts are quite underrated as a nutritious snack but the trend seems to be catching up.

Eat nuts daily to help lose weight

Do food labels make us eat healthy?

If you are making unhealthy food choices, part of the blame can be shared by food labels that confuse consumers with an overload of information, says a new research.

“We found that the range of labels used by retailers and manufacturers can be confusing to customers for a number of reasons,” lead researcher Sheena Leek from the University of Birmingham.

“The number of individual pieces of information on a product – such as fat, saturated fat, salt, sugar and calories, as well as percentage of guideline daily amount, grams per serving and a related colour scheme –

can cause overload confusion,” Leek said.

Technical complexities, such as the difference between fat and saturated fat, also confuse the customers, the research revealed.

Decision making of the shoppers also get affected by a lack of knowledge about what constitutes a healthy diet, the study that involved face-to-face interviews with 30 shoppers.

When participants were asked to pick up healthy food by reading the labels on the products, one in seven of the decisions taken by respondents were incorrect, the findings showed.

Multiple antibiotic courses harmful to children Multiple courses of commonly used antibiotics may have a significant impact on children's development, shows a study.

The study found that female mice treated with two classes of widely used childhood antibiotics gained more weight and developed larger bones than untreated mice.

However, at the same time both of the antibiotics also disrupted the gut microbiome, the trillions of microbes that inhabit the intestinal tract.

For the study, the mice were given three short courses of amoxicillin (a broad-spectrum antibiotic), tylosin or a mixture of both drugs.

"The number of courses of antibiotics matters.

We get a little interruption of the maturation process after the second course of antibiotics, and then we have even more interruption after three courses," said lead co-author Laura M. Cox from the department of medicine at NYU School of Medicine.

Short, high-dose pulses of tylosin had the most pronounced and long-lasting effect on weight gain, while amoxicillin had the

biggest effect on bone growth--a prerequisite for increased height.

The drugs altered not only the bacterial species, but also the relative numbers of microbial genes linked to specific metabolic functions.

A n t i b i o t i c - ex p o s e d microbiomes may be less adaptable to environmental changes, said the study.

The more pronounced effects of tylosin on weight gain and microbiome disruption are especially worrisome, given the increasing popularity of macrolide antibiotic prescriptions for children.

The accumulating evidence highlights the need for better awareness of the potential downsides of antibiotic overuse, the authors said.

The study appeared online in Nature Communications.

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Kamal Haasan Mahesh Babu in Rajamouli's next keen to watch 'Gour Hari Dastaan' A

Krishna files divorce, claims mental harassment K

r i s h n a Kulasekaran, of 'Yatchan' and 'Grahanam' fame, has applied for a divorce with the Chennai family welfare court after an year of marriage.

Married to his long time girlfriend Hemalatha for over a year, Krishna has claimed to be a victim of physical and m e n t a l harassment.

He has stated his wife wouldn't let him home on days when he returned from shooting, doubted him for having relationships with other women and gave him mental stress, all which affected his work.

Meanwhile, his wife Hemlatha has pressed dowry charges against the actor and his family, who have rubbished the claim and said nobody from his family demanded any money from anyone. Krishna is known for films like, 'Kazhugu', ' Ya a m i r u k k a Bayamey' and 'Pandigai'.

F

ilmmaker S.S. Rajamouli will get together with superstar Mahesh Babu for a Telugu project which was announced a few years ago.

“Mahesh and Rajamouli were supposed to team up a few years ago, but the project got delayed. As soon the second part of 'Baahubali' releases next year, both are expected to start working on the film.

Rajamouli will resume

shoot on the remaining portion of second part of 'Baahubali' from September. As soon as the second part releases, he will start work on his film with Mahesh Babu,” a source said.

The film, produced by K.L. Narayana is expected to go on floors by the end of 2016.Mahesh will complete shooting for Sreekanth Addala's family drama "Brahmotsavam" and another untitled project with Puri Jagannadh, before collaborating with Rajamouli.

Nagarjuna and Karthi on a month long trip to Europe

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o-stars Akkineni Nagarjuna, Karthi and Tamannah Bhatia are set to leave on a month long trip to Europe to shoot for their upcoming Tamil-Telugu bilingual.

A statement from the PVP Cinema production house said the major schedule of the film will commence in Europe. It also added that the shooting will shift to Paris and Lyon in France after Belgrade and conclude in the beautiful city of Ljubljana the capital of

Thoda Lutf Thoda Ishq

Slovenia.

This will be the first time a South Indian film is shot in Belgrade, capital of Serbia and the actors will also shoot some high-octane action sequences. A car chase sequence scripted to film will set a new benchmark for action sequences as per Director Vamsi Paidipally.

I Love New Year

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irected and produced by Sachin Gupta along with Bharat Bansal and Vivek Yadav, under Chilsag Chillies banner, Thoda Lutf Thoda Ishq is a comedy drama featuring the hilarious devilries of two young guys, and their journey through life. The movie stars Hiten Tejwani, Rajpal Yadav, Neha Pawar and Rakesh Bedi. TLTI will hit the screens on July 10.

fter many delays, Kangana Ranaut and Sunny Deol starrer, I Love New Year is out to release on July 10. The plot of the film is taken from 'The Irony of Fate' and follows the trails of what happens between two people in a span of two days. Ranaut plays a musician and Deol, a serious Wall Street Banker, both meet by chance on New Year's Eve. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and the music is given by famed composer Pritam.

Aditya Chopra blasts Kangana Ranaut

Baahubali

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ce actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan is raring to watch “Gour Hari Dastaan- The Freedom File,” an upcoming biopic on Oriya freedom fighter Gour Haridas who had fought bureaucracy for recognition. A source said, “When Kamal heard about the film being featured around a man whose struggle was worth telling a story, he was intrigued to see it.

More so, because it is directed by National Award winning filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, who recently worked with the former in the forthcoming Tamil film Papanasam'.” “He had seen my earlier biopic 'Mee Sindhutai Sapkal' and loved it. So when he heard about the irony of the last of our freedom fighters being made to run from pillar to post to establish his identity, the historian in him went back to his own lineage where freedom fighters had spent their lives for the nation. He immediately expressed desire to watch the film and even offered to upload it at his own home theatre,” Mahadevan said. The film features Vinay Pathak as the freedom fighter and Konkona Sen Sharma as his wife and also features R a n v i r Shorey and D i v y a Dutta.

he most expensive production in the history of Indian films and the much awaited two part film, Baahubali will release on the 10th in two languages, Tamil and Telugu. It will also be dubbed in Malayalam and Hindi. Prabhas, Rana Dagubatti, Tamannah and Anushka Shetty play the lead roles with Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, Nassar, Adivi Sesh, Tanikella Bharani and Sudeep in important supporting roles. The soundtrack and background score for the film is composed by National Award winner M. M. Keeravani and art designed by National Award winner Sabu Cyril. The movie has already entered the Guinness Book of Records for the world's biggest poster.

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ollywood's leading actress Kangana Ranaut has irked filmmaker Aditya Chopra of YRF productions. The actress has been in the limelight for quite some time after the recent success of “Tanu weds Manu Returns” and filmmakers are lining up to sign her. One of the reasons she grabbed headlines was when rumours of her being offered Salman Khan starrer “Sultan” started doing the rounds. However, Ranaut claimed to have turned down the project due to prior commitments with Vishal Bharadwaj's “Rangoon.” She said, “Yes, Sultan's dates are clashing with Rangoon and I am already committed to Rangoon.” Chopra, however, wasn't too happy about Kangana going around telling how she rejected the film. He was miffed to the point where he called her in the middle of the night and fired her on the point. Guess Ranaut had more of a “blast” than she intended to.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

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Asanskari Babuji's Twitter fail

ollywood's most sanskaari and beloved Babuji, Alok Nath broke bad on the internet as he posted an abusive comment to Kavita Krishnan, Secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association, on Twitter. The episode started with the latter posting, “Careful before s h a r i n g #SelfieWithDaughter with #LameDuckPM. He has a record of stalking daughters.”

The tweet sent Modi followers in a rage, who attacked her with vicious tweets and comments.

Joining the mob, Nath tweeted “Jail the Bitch”, only to find himself swarmed by Twitter trolls. Kavita Krishnan also reacted to the comment saying, “Modi bhakts like @aloknath who call women 'b.....h' will do a

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great job of respecting daughters, sisters.”

Following the reaction, he deleted the tweet and posted his photo along with his daughter, captioning it, “#SelfieWithDaughter ye jo teri muskaan hai na bitiya ye mera garv

hai. Your happiness is my pride.” But the damage had already been done and what tailed was an unrelenting Twitterati having fun at Nath's expense.

Speaking on his offensive tweet the actor said, “It was spur-of-the

“Catching up with Aamir Khan and Kiran for their next production directed by Advait Chandan,” he posted on Facebook along with a picture. This is not the first time both the stars are working together as Rahman had earli-

er composed music for 'Lagaan', 'Mangal Pandey: The Rising' and 'Rang De Basanti'.

The team is currently busy casting for the film and looking for actors befitting the roles.

The film, which is in the pre production stage, will go on floors soon but details about its plot are yet to be revealed. The last

Aamir to team up with A.R Rahman in his next

amir Khan will be collaborating with AR Rahman for his next production, an untitled film directed by debutante director Advait Chauhan. Oscar winning Rahman took to Twitter and Facebook to share the news.

Clash for you, not for us : Shah Rukh

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moment. I was very upset when the lady called our prime minister a ‘stalker’. She had no business to be so crass and disrespectful to a man who holds the highest office in the land. According to me the idea of fathers posting selfies with daughters was just so fabulous. Why spoil it with negativity?”

“I reacted as a huge fan of Narendra Modi and as the father of a daughter who had just posted a picture at the PM’s request. When I read this lady’s ‘stalker’ comment, I was shocked and disgusted. I reacted emotionally.

I shouldn’t have used such strong and harsh words. I immediately regretted my impulsive response and deleted the tweet. But it was too late.”

ays after Salman Khan went on a tweet rant about how the leading Khans of the industry are all friends and equals, King Khan shut down deliberations over 'Raees' and 'Sultan' clashing at the box office next year. “We have now become friends, so we will do everything together. For you all it is a clash, but not for us. We both are going to do well then.

There might be a business clash but there will be equal profit for us,” he said in an event. Shah Rukh starrer 'Raees' directed

by Rahul Dholakia which also features Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is set to release on Eid, next year, the same time as Aditya Chopras' Salman starrer 'Sultan'.

film under Aamir's production was 'Talaash: The Answer Lies Within', a neo-noir psychological thriller released in 2012.

Tiger Shroff approached for Jackie Chan's Kung Fu Yoga

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ctor Tiger Shroff has confirmed he has been approached to appear in Jackie Chan's upcoming directorial centure 'Kung Fu Yoga'.

The star is ecstatic and called the Hollywood actor his inspiration, saying the project will be like his dream coming true. Junior Shroff said, “Yes, I have been approached for a role in Kung fu Yoga. The talks are on but I haven't signed the film yet.” It is said the the film was formerly offered to superstar Aamir Khan during his visit to China but gave up on the project due to his commitment for 'Dangal'.

The film will start shooting in September.

BJP MP and Bollywood veteran actress Hema Malini in a car accident

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ollywood's dreamgirl and BJP MP Hema Malini has met with an accident after her Mercedes collided with another car, resulting in the death of a four year old.

The 66 year old actress was in the car that was allegedly speeding at the time it collided with a Maruti Alto in Dausa, Rajasthan. Her driver Ramesh Thakur was driving the car and an FIR has been lodged against him, under various sections of IPC including 279 and 304 (A).

There were three people in the Mercedes, Hema Malini, her PA and driver, while the other car seated five people, including two children, two women and the complainant Hanuman Mahajan. Four year old Sonam succumbed to injuries on way to a hospital, while Hanuman, his wife Shikha, Somil, and Seema, were shifted to Jaipur’s SMS hospital.

The actress was proceeding from Mathura via Bharatpur to Jaipur when the unfortunate happened, on Agra-Jaipur National Highway-11 near Dausa around 9 pm. Hema was brought to hospital at Jaipur where she underwent CT scan and other tests. Locals staged a protest after the accident and tried to block the highway, but they were dispersed

Nargis roped in to play Sangeeta Bijlani in Azhar

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u m o u r s have been confirmed that Nargis Fakhri will play the role of Sangeeta Bijlani, across Emraan Hashmi in the upcoming biopic based on former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin's life. “We have locked Nargis to play Sangeeta Bijlani in the film. She fit the bill in terms of looks, style and glamour. We did the look test with her. She is a talented actress and we are glad to have her on board,” sources said. Nargis will also enrol into some workshops to prepare for the role.

However, there is another role for an actress that is yet to be filled, “There will be another heroine that too will be an established one.

We are yet to decide who we should cast,” the source added.

by police.

“She had lacerations in para-nasal area and on forehead near the right eyebrow,” P Tamboli, facility director at Fortis said. “A surgery of debridement and repair of lacerated wounds was carried out post midnight. Her clinical parameters are at normal level. She is doing fine and has been started on liquid diet.”

She has also suffered a minor fracture in her nasal bone. Plastic surgery was carried out near the nose and eyebrows and it will take six weeks for the wounds to heal, as per the doctors of the hospital.

State chief minister Vasundhara Raje met with the actress and visited the hospital where Mahajan and his family is admitted and enquired about the injured family, directing the administration to provide necessary care to the patients. The condition of seriously injured five year old boy Somil, who was admitted to the ICU, is now improving and the condition of Hanuman, his wife and brother’s wife is stable in polytrauma ward, Additional Superintendent of SMS Hospital Ajit Singh said.

Both the vehicles have been ceased and the police has issued a probe in the matter.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali to launch Vinod Khanna's son Sakshi

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eteran actor Vinod Khanna has been training his third son Sakshi for his upcoming debut film, an untitled romantic musical that will be produced by famed director- producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bhansali is all praises for Sakshi's passion for acting and striking similarities with his father. He had met him three years back and decided to cast him in the lead once the script was given a go. So while Rahul Khanna has found his space in indie films and, Akshaye Khanna is satisfied with his brief moment in the spotlight, it is now the youngest Khanna's time to shine.

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UK

Congratulations We've had a great response to the "Gujju Bhai Banya Dabang" competition and we'd like to thank you all for your participation. The winners are as follows: Croydon: Aruna Dave Wembley: Nupur Shah East Ham: Jamna Pankhania Harrow: Jyotsna Radia Leicester: Natwarlal Mistry Birmingham: Varsha Rajani You will be receiving your tickets by post.

Once again, thank you for your participation.

COMPETITION

We are giving three lucky winners the chance to win a copy of Meera Syal's novel, The House of Hidden Mothers. There are two signed copies and one unsigned copy available. All you have to do is answer this simple question:

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Asian Voice is starting two new sections in the newspaper Aiming at our young readers, we will be dedicating some space to ‘Children’s Section’ for engaging our children with the paper. Feel free to write to us on the topic: ‘what heritage means to you’ or if you think you have a story writer in you, send us a short story in about 250 words and Email Reshma: reshma.trilochun@abplgroup.com.

The age limit for submitting articles in this section is STRICTLY till 19 years.

Think you have a photo journalist in you? Email us your uncommonly common photo and if our Editors like it, it will be published in Asian Voice in our ‘Photo of the Week’ section. Email: reshma.trilochun@abplgroup.com

Letter writers Seminar Dear Letter Writers, It is about time we meet again.

How about a Saturday in August (22 or 29 August) at Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6 HW between 3-6pm.

Please let us know your preference (22 or 29 August) on email to kamal.rao@abplgroup.com.

Name Meera Syal's debut Novel. (a)The House of Hidden Mothers (b) Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee (c) Anita and Me. Please send your answer with your full name, address and contact details to reshma.trilochun@abplgroup.com. As the subject of the email, please mention “Meera Syal”. The closing date for this competition is 13th July 2015.

Coming Events

l Wedding Reception of Pooja and Jagdip. Pooja, daughter of Manu and Nisha Suri and granddaughter of Lord Ranbir Singh & Lady Tarlochan Kaur Suri, as well as Darshan Kaur & Late Surendra Singh Kohli of Iran. Jagdip is the son of Ajit Singh & Late Krishna Devi Tank. Sunday 26th July 2015. l Kathak- 'Nritya Rang'. Wednesday 15th July, 6:30pm. Book Launch: 'Desi Girls: Stories by by Indian Women Abroad'. Thursday 16th July, 6:30pm. Classical Musical Night with Marina Alam.

Friday 17th July, 6:30pm. The Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF. Contact: 020 7491 3567. l Gujjubhai Retire Thai Chhe. Sunday 19th July, 7:30pm. Organised in aid of Care Education Trust Fund, Wyllotts Centre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2HN. For tickets, contact Nitin Shah: 020 8361 2475. l Gujju Bhai Banya Dabang. Saturday 18th July.

Fairfielf Hall, Croydon. Contact: 020 8672 7576. l Barbeque & Annual General Meeting, organised

by Patidar Samaj of West London. Sunday 19th July, 3pm. Indian Gymkhana Sports Club, Thornbury Avenue, off Great West Road, Osterley, Middlesex TW7 4NQ. Contact Mukeshbhai Patel: 020 8892 5056.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Sales Executive: Daxa Gami - Email: daxa.gami@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

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- AV

Survivors thank 'Goddess Amba' for saving them at Tunisia beach resort

Continued from page 16

Pallavi and Naynesh took their passport and ticket and headed to Sheela and Suresh's room, planning to leave the resort immediately.

Standing in their room, the two couples watched ambulance taking injured and dead people (wrapped in towels) away.

Shocked at witnessing this mayhem, they continued to text their children in the UK, while Pallavi's son forwarded their details to Home Office for assistance.

Pallavi is currently

receiving medical counseling, while the British authorities continue to speak to them upon their return, to gather more information on the incident. Pallavi told Asian Voice, “So many friends I made on this trip have lost their lives. Thomson has refunded the full money for our holiday and have apologised for our experience. But I believe Ambaji (Goddess Durga) have saved us. If we did not go shopping on that day, we would have also lost our lives in this massacre.

Thank you Ambaji for saving our lives.”

It seems that the winds of change begin to gather momentum and put a strong focus on domestic and family matters. Besides spending more time tending to domestic affairs, the focus can be on cultivating and nourishing your inner foundations, so to speak. Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished, but try not to come on too strong when you deal with others.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Keep your assertive inclination under control as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions.

However, this is not likely to be an easy-going week because demands on time and energy are going to be heavy. The art of making haste slowly should therefore be cultivated.

The focus is on finances this week, but that doesn’t mean you should worry yourself sick. Rather, it is about finding new and improved ways to boost your earnings potential. It’s fine to consider several options but don’t get caught up in indecision. Schedule networking opportunities later this week. Every day routine and health issues need to be re-assessed.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 You will continue to be in a restless mood for some time to come. This makes you impatient with restrictions and even more determined to cut your own path. Do not get over-anxious if everything seems to be in slow motion - it is time to pull a few strings. You are likely to experience some tension in close relationships.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 You know you have no choice but to streamline and re-assess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. Jupiter in your sign makes you feel invincible, base your decisions on facts.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Start the week by inviting comments and criticism of what you have in mind financially, but do not lose your temper when you get others' views.

Instead, use them to advantage. A friendly relationship or marriage of people you know could be wavering or on the point of break-up. Try to understand things.

Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires.

Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to self-discipline and pace yourself wisely.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Work is going to play a great part for some of you, who are widening their horizons. An important time to build too, as Saturn can be very severe and cold especially regarding relationships. Regardless of the limits, you have the capacity to turn the course of your life in a more fulfilling direction.

It would be unwise to take any risks, particularly in regard to joint interests and investments.

Expenses and outgoings are likely to become heavy. So be extra careful if you need to deal with complex legal matters and necessary red tape. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals.

Associate with people that you are comfortable with.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Urvashi Jagadeesan (India) Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 2012, Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad. Tel +91 79 2646 5960 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Hardik Shah (M) +91 99250 42936 Email: hardik.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Neeta Patel (Vadodara) M: +91 98255 11702 Email: neeta_abplgroup@yahoo.co.in Business Co-ordinator: Shrijit Rajan M: +91 98798 82312 Email: shrijit.rajan@abplgroup.com International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group (South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 022 2471 4122 Email: jain@jaingroup.net Delhi Office: Tel: +91 9311581597

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The accent’s very much on relationships, you and a partner may become embroiled in financial arrangements or some other nitty—gritty aspect of your relationship. Either you or your partner have been going through a phase of inner doubts and uncertainties, and perhaps the main source of tension has simply been the need for breathing space in your relationship.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

At work sometimes a little upheaval and chaos is exactly what you need to set things right again.

There’s no need to be indecisive: the time is now. you’ll have no qualms about deciding what you want and going after it with total devotion. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector, bringing erratic highs and lows. The key for you as always is balance.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Although there are very intense amorous energies indicated in your chart, the trouble is that these are likely to be marred by feelings of jealousy. Do not therefore dabble in anything that could harbour such negative potential, as it is bound to end in heartache.

Existing emotional differences can be sorted out now.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Expanding Olympic torch for Rio 2016 unveiled

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Rio de Janeiro organisers have unveiled the torch for the 2016 Olympic games.

Made from recycled aluminium and resin and given a satin finish, the torch will open with different visible segments when the flame is passed from one torchbearer to another.

The recycled aluminium torch was created by Sao Paulo based design studio Chelles and Hayashi.

Each torch weighs between 1 and 1.5 kilogram and measures 63.5 centimeters when contracted and 69 centimeters when expanded.

On expanding vertically, the segments will reveal “the elements that add the Brazilian flavor,” with soil, sea, mountains, sky, and

sun represented in the colours of the Brazilian flag; green, yellow, blue, and white. Organisers said the torch presents the Olympic spirit with its texture. The triangles running the length of its body suggest the three Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, and the floating effect of its different segments, refer to the efforts of the athletes.

Beth Lula, brand director for the local organising committee said, “The design of the Rio 2016 torch was inspired by the Olympic spirit, our country's nature, and the harmonious diversity and energy of our people. We used the specific stroke of the Rio 2016 brand to design the torch's contours.”

“We want to show the world the chemistry that

we believe will be born when the Olympic flame meets the warmth of the Brazilian people,” local organising committee president Carlos Nuzman said.

12,000 torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame across 300 cities and towns of 26 Brazilian states and the federal district. The relay is expected to start in May in Brasilia and continue for about 100 days. The torch will travel nearly 12,400 miles of Brazilian roads and fly around 10,000 miles over the north and mid-west parts of the country.

The unveiling was made in a ceremony attended by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in the capital of Brasilia.

for the Zimbabwe tour.”

India will now only have 14 players to pick from for the three ODIs and two T20s.

India captain Ajinkya Rahane said, “It is unfortunate for Karn that he had to miss out because of injury.

He was a crucial part of our team.” He said the reduction in squad strength didn't make

selection any easier. “It is not easy as a captain to select 11 players because all the players in the squad are equally important for the captain and it is really challenging to pick the best 11.”

The team will depart for Harare on July 7 and is scheduled to play ODIs on the 10th, 12th and the 14th, followed by Twenty20 itnernationals on July 17 and 19.

Karn Sharma ruled out due to injury

Legspinner Karn Sharma has been ruled out of India's Zimbabwe tour after he fractured his left middle finger. A BCCI media release said, “The BCCI medical team confirms that leg-spinner Karn Sharma has been ruled out of India's tour of Zimbabwe, starting on 7 July 2015, due to injury.

Karn has fractured his left middle finger. There will be no replacement for him

SPORT WORLD

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Pragyan Ojha to join Bengal to revive his international career

Following the footsteps of Ambati Rayadu, Pragyan Ojha will be seeking transfer from Hyderabad to Bengal. The Hyderabad Cricket Association gave permission to Ojha regarding the transfer, the HCA secretary John Manoj said. The CAB joint secretary, too, gave a positive affirmation. “It is still work in progress," Saurab Ganguly said.

"We may take a few days more to arrive at a decision."

The process for domestic transfers involves getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the home association and then submitting it to the BCCI. Transfers must be done before September 1. The only procedure that remains before Ojha officially becomes a part of Bengal for the next season is formal approval of the CAB executive committee. Ojha wants to get his spot back in the national side and therefore he wanted to play against the top teams in the Ranji Trophy. However, Hyderabad is placed in the lowest group of the tournament. Unlike Rayudu’s move, which involved a spat with the HCA hierarchy, Ojha’s move has been quite smooth. This is because he has been clear and honest about his intentions. “He approached us and explained his rationale honestly," Manoj said. "Once he had made up his mind, we just respected his decision, supported him and issued the NOC." Bengal welcomed Ojha with open arms as their team needed a lead spinner. This is not the only major change that Bengal will be seeing in the new season.

They have approached Lalchand Rajput to replace their coach Ashok Malhotra. Rajput has been in negotiations with Uttar Pradesh, who too are looking to replace their coach Venkatesh Prasad. Ojha was suspended due to his bowling action earlier and was cleared to bowl in February 2015. The new season will start next month, where Ojha will play for India A against Australia A in two four-day games.

Vijender Singh no longer amateur, becomes professional boxer

Reshma Trilochun

On Monday 29th June 2015, a press conference was held in London, at the Cinnamon Club where Francis Warren of Queensberry Promotions, and Neerav Tomar of IOS Sport and Entertainment officially announced that the Indian boxer, Vijendra Singh has now turned to professional boxing.

Vijender Singh has signed a four-year promotional agreement in which Queensberry Promotions and IOS Sport and Entertainment will ensure that the talented middleweight boxer fights a minimum of six times in the first year. He will now base himself in Manchester and be trained under renown trainer, Lee Beard, who has also worked with the British boxing legend, Ricky Hatton.

Vijender Singh has had an excellent run as an amateur boxer in India,

From left: Lee Beard, Francis Warren, Vijender Singh and Neerav Tomar

competing and winning medals at well-reputed competitions. He won Silver at the 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, Bronze at the 2006 Asian Games as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2009 Amateur Championships and 2010 Commonwealth Games; also won Gold at the 2010 Asian Games.

Francis Warren, who is

also the son of the International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren, stated, “I think this is a landmark deal for British boxing; probably the highest profile Asian signing that has probably been made maybe since Amir Khan. But the big difference there is that Vijender is born and bred from India and he is going to come and try to con-

quer the UK before going back to glory in India, to which I'm sure will be another hero's welcome.”

Singh's highly awaited professional boxing debut is scheduled for autumn 2015, and BoxNation are to televise his fights live and exclusive in the UK. Neerav Tomar, who is also Vijender Singh's manager said, “It's a historic moment for Indian

boxing with Vijender turning Pro. He's a top fighter and is extremely motivated to train hard and perform.”

Tomar added, “Indian boxers have huge potential to be world beaters and Vijender will be the flag bearer for a nation of over billion people.”

Lee Beard spoke about trainer Singh last week in Manchester. He said, “I put him through tests, physically, mentally and technically. He sailed through all the tests. He's very strong and has an open mind to learning new things... he's a thinking fighter...”

The sensational boxer, Vijender Singh spoke about how he decided to become a professional boxer. “I came here in Manchester last week and saw the whole set-up. I then decided that if I can do amateur fights than why can't I turn pro? I took my decision and made my mind to try as a

pro boxer because I did my best in amateur boxing, like in the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

I'm trying my best now in pro boxing.”

Singh is not only a boxer, but works in the police department in India, and has also acted in the Bollywood film, Fugly. Speaking about his experience of working in a movie, he said, “I want to do everything in my life because I don't want to regret that 'maine yeh nahin kiya... maine woh nahin kiya'. I just want to do everything in my life.

Bohat kuch karna hai abhi.” Vijender Singh's message to his fans was, “Love you all and just love me. I'm turning pro now and I need your wishes. Thank you so much, love you all and we'll meet soon in the ring.”

Asian Voice wishes Vijender Singh the very best in his future boxing endeavours.

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SPORT

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th July 2015

Blow to the chest proves fatal for young British cricketer

Bavalan Pathmanathan died after he was hit by a ball on the chest while playing for Manipay Parish Sports Club in division three of the British Tamil League. The British Tamil cricketer was on field at the Long Ditton recreation grounds on Sunday when he received the blow.

Even though was given Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and treated in an ambulance, the 24 year old succumbed to the injury. A spokesman from the Ambulance Service said, “We were called to Windmill Lane, Long Ditton, to reports that a man in his 20s had been injured by a cricket ball striking his chest. We sent an ambulance and two cars to the scene along with an ambulance from the London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance also. The man was treated at the scene and then taken to Kingston hospital in a life-threatening condition.”

Bavalan Pathmanathan

Surrey chief executive Richard Gould expressed grief at the sad news and offered his condolences to Pathmanathan's family.

“Everyone at the club has been deeply saddened to learn of Bavalan's death and would like to extend their sympathies to his family, friends and everyone who knew him from

within the community of cricket. Batsmen's safety on the field of play has been a topic of conversation in recent months following the death of former Australia international Phillip Hughes, who was struck on the neck by a bouncer last November.”

Batsmen's safety on

field has been a matter of debate after casualties increased.

Former Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes was killed recently after he was struck in the neck by a bouncer. In India, Bengal batsman Ankit Keshri died this year after an onfield collision in a domestic match.

Gujarat to host Commonwealth Table Tennis Tournament

Table Tennis players from 25 countries will fly down to Surat to take part in the Commonwealth Table Tennis tournament to be held at Pandit Deendayal Indoor Stadium, from October 27 to November 1.

This would be a first time Gujarat organises an international tournament of a massive magnitude and stature, India,however, will be hosting the Commonwealth championships for the sixth time.

The championships will see over countries participating in different categories like, men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed double, apart from the men's and women's team championships, in the six-day event.

Making the announcement at a press meet in Surat, Table Tennis Federation of India secretary-general Dhanraj Choudhary said the tournament will do a lot of good for the paddlers in the state who have been showing a lot of promise in

the last couple of years. In the last edition in New Delhi, India had bagged a silver (men's team) and a bronze (women's team) medal, besides winning bronze medals in other categories. Veterans Sharath Kamal and Mouma Das had three medals each to their accounts, including the team events. Both of them, besides winning the men's and women's singles bronze also bagged the men's doubles and mixed doubles bronze medals.

“We have both experience and youth to tackle the medal issues and after a sting of intensive national camps, the selectors will sit to pick the squad for the championships,” said Choudhary.

He also praised the Gujarat State Table Tennis Association for volunteering to host the championships. President of GSTTA, Vipul Mittra, has already formed a highpowered organising committee under the chairmanship of Milind Torawane, commissioner of Surat Municipal Corporation, and other top dignitaries.