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Asian Voice - Saturday 12th November 2011
India Connect Celebratory luncheon and book launch at Karma Yoga House How do I apply for a visa to India? If you are planning a trip to India, irrespective of the reason of travel, you need to complete an online application form, take a print out and submit it at the nearest India Visa Application Center in the United Kingdom. This Form is common for all categories being applied for and can be found on our website at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk along Jiten Vyas, VFS Global with all required information on fees, documents required and locations where the application can be submitted. You also have the option to send us the application form and all required documents via post to our visa application center in Hayes. It is very important to keep in mind that the two photographs that you do need to submit along with your application must be of a specific size i.e. 50x50 and with a white background. The visa centers in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh do have photo booths that will be able to provide you with the right size and quality. Please note that incorrect or incomplete applications, documentation or photographs may not allow us to proceed with accepting your dossier at the visa center. A comprehensive FAQ tab on the homepage of our website will provide you with more information on your application requirements. Where do I apply for a visa to India? There are 8 locations within the United Kingdom where you can submit your application for a visa to India. These are: India Visa Application Center 60-62 Wilton Road, Victoria, London, SW1V 1DE. India Visa Application Center 142-148 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7DU. India Visa Application Center 1-3, Canalside, Uxbridge Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 0JN India Visa Application Center 20 - 21 Pemberton Street, Birmingham B18 6NY India Visa Application Center 66 Hanover Buildings Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2NN Submission of Application for all the above centers: 0830 - 1430 Hrs Collection of processed passports from all the above centers: 1300 - 1630 Hrs Monday-Friday India Visa Application Center C/o. The India Centre, Sanquhar Street, Splott, Cardiff, CF24 2AA. Working hours are from 09.00hrs until 14.30hrs Monday to Friday India Visa Application Center C/o. Mel Milaap Centre 134 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HY. Working hours are from 0930 - 1430 Hrs Monday-Friday India Visa Application Center C/o. Jain Community Centre 669 Stockport Road, Longsight, Manchester, M12 4QE. Working hours are from 0930 â 1430 Hrs Monday-Friday What documents are required and the subsequent fees to be charged? Complete information on the documents required and the subsequent fees which will be charged can be found under the section âAll About Your Visaâ on the homepage of our website http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk. Under each category information is broken down into four tabs at the top of the page titled: Visa Fees, Document Checklist, Application Form, Photo Specifications and FAQ.
For more information regarding any quires about Indian Visa please contact by email or post: Email: info.inuk@vfshelpline.com Customer Relations Department. India Visa Application Center, 60-62 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1DE
India Connect - your questions answered on India visasâ a service offered by
By Rani Singh I felt humbled at the celebratory luncheon - launch given by Mr CB Patel, Publisher/ Editor of the Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, on November 3rd, 2011, for my biography of Mrs Sonia Gandhi. I agreed to write this book because Mrs Gandhiâs story is the greatest transformational journey made by any world leader in the last four decades. My publisher and I wanted to help the wider world understand more about this remarkable lady. A welcoming atmosphere pervaded the head-
CB Patel, Publisher/Editor welcoming the guests
Pushpaben smilingly watched over the arrangements. Rupanjana spoke first, before CB, who communi-
James Brewer and wife Graciete Amaro. James is the Former Insurance Editor Lloydâs List and Raniâs honorary editorial consultant with CB Patel receiving the Love Gujarat book as a token of appreciation
quarters of CBâs flourishing publishing business which employs around 57 people across India and the United Kingdom. There was a select group of guests from the Indian elite, and I was allowed to have invitees there, too, which took the number to
cated warmly and sincerely. He told everyone that he had known my family and I for more than 30 years. I was touched when he mentioned how I had raised my two sons alone. He commented on Henry Kissingerâs review and
Lord Dholakia, Chair for the afternoon speaking about the book
well over the usual complement. CBâs talented Associate Editor, Rupanjana Dutta, organised the event. It was the
said he found it rare for an Indian-authored book to be featured in publications such as the Financial times and the Economist. Lord Navnit Dholakia,
Bihani from India House, who told me, one-on-one, that he liked my level of detail. Historian Dr Premen Addy, Cambridge
Sonia Gandhi everywhere especially in Gujarat. With aristocratic etiquette, when CB highlighted certain people in
CB Patel, Rani Singh, Lord Dholakia & Ashis Ray during book launch
contemporary of Rajiv Gandhi, highlighted that President Gorbachevâs moving Foreword to the book spoke, for the first time, of his personal relationship with Rajiv Gandhi and his wife Sonia. Ashis Ray, the Times of Indiaâs London
the room, he named each of my guests before his own. The invited panellists, my honorary editorial adviser and I were each presented with an exquisite coffee table book about Gujarat published by ABPL. The afternoon and
Dr Premen Addy talking from a Historianâs perspective
correspondent and President of the Indian Journalistsâ Association, explained how because Mrs Gandhi is a private person, a biography using research and interviews with people who know her or knew her was the right way to proceed. The last speaker was Dr Balwant Jani, Dean of Arts Faculty of Saurashtra University at Rajkot, who spoke about the popularity of
Dr Balwant Jani
CBâs wonderful generosity remains etched in my memory forever.
Ashis Ray adding some exclusive points
first literary lunch that the Asian Voice had hosted; another special honour. Many books were sold! Senior staff from Asian Business Publications Ltd supervised the serving of a delicious vegetarian meal, refusing to eat before the guests finished. CBâs wife
OBE, member of the Privy Council and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, spoke next. I was stunned to learn that he had read the book on the 22-hour flight to Perth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Also present was Press Attache Mr Sanjay K.
Ashlee Gagui from Palgrave Macmillan present to sell the books