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Asian Voice | 12th May 2018
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Keith Vaz, MP
Ashok Patel Ashok Patel, the Chairman of Travelpack, has always been involved in travel, joining his uncle’s Travel Agency Deluxe Travel in 1973. He went on to acquire Travelpack and chose to develop this brand. Travelpack now consolidates for over 90 of the world’s top airlines and specialises in tailor-made holidays throughout the world. Travelpack have arranged travel for passengers for over 35 years and has won numerous awards from the travel trade and airlines. Under Ashok’s direction, Travelpack now has offices in London, Toronto, Delhi, Gujarat and Goa. Ashok attributes his success to the strength of his 250 strong team and reveals his philosophy as: “Teamwork is about respecting each individual and developing them, whilst giving them freedom to express their views and help them shine”. Ashok admits that he works very long hours, but still finds time to spend time with his 2 children and grandchildren and sometimes gets to the odd Tottenham Hotspur match with his son. Ashok also takes a keen interest in the local community; he regularly attends charity events and participates in fundraising activities for the community. 1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in? My parents are originally from Gujarat and I grew up in Uganda, however, I have built up my business and raised my family in London which I have always considered as home.
2) What are your proudest achievements? My proudest achievement was when I achieved an equity partnership with Air Canada. It was a great feeling that a small growing company like mine could form such a special
relationship with one of the world’s major airlines. 3) What inspires you? The travel business is constantly changing and opportunities arise every day. I am totally inspired by taking on new challenges and successfully completing the various projects that come my way. 4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career? When dealing with the complex world of travel there are often times when obstacles do appear, but I always accept them as a challenge. I am very lucky to say I haven’t faced any big obstacles in my career to date. 5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? The biggest influence on my career, and a great personal friend, is Robert Milton, the Ex CEO of Air Canada and now Chairman of United Airlines. A very big player
An image has been released of a man wanted in connection with two sexual assaults on a train in Essex. The British Transport Police are looking to identify him as they believe he may hold information linked to the two separate incidents, where a female victim was touched inappropriately. The first incident was reported to police on October 5 last year, after a woman, who was in her 20s, was travelling between Romford and London Liverpool Street and was touched inappropriately three times during her journey by a man. Despite extensive enquiries and investigations into the incident, the man was not found by police. Then, on January 9 this year, a man touched a woman in her 30s inappropriately on the 7.34pm service travelling between London Liverpool Street
(Image: BTP)
Two women sexually assaulted on trains between Romford and Liverpool Street disgraceful and we’re working hard to trace the man responsible for these assaults. Acts like this will never be tolerated on the railway and everyone has the right to travel on the rail network work without fear or intimidation. As part of our Report it to Stop it campaign , we’re encouragPolice believe that this man could ing victims of hold information linked to two sexual unwanted sexual assaults behaviour to report offences to and Romford. us so that we can stop British Transport offenders.” Police now believed that Information can be both the sexual assaults sent to BTP by sending a are linked and would like text to 61016 or by calling to speak to the man pic0800 40 50 40 quoting reftured as he may have erence 157 of 01/05/2018. information that could help the investigation. Alternatively, you Detective Constable can call Crimestoppers Tim Barnes from BTP, said: anonymously on 0800 “Unwanted sexual 555 111. behaviour such as this is
in the airline world, he has always been a source of inspiration to me. 6) What is the best aspect about your current role? The best aspect of my current role is building and growing the Travelpack name into an international brand. I have enjoyed the years of establishing Travelpack as a brand leader in this country and now have the satisfaction of seeing the name becoming stronger in other parts of the world. 7) And the worst? I completely enjoy my role, it does not have any bad aspects. 8) What are your long term goals? My long term goal is to give back and contribute more to the community and develop the charities we are currently working with and who are close to my heart. 9) If you were Prime Minister, what one
aspect would you change? I would create special think tank groups that are pioneers/leaders in their specific fields to advise politicians for the benefit of the public. 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical
figure would you like to spend your time with and why. I would like to spend my time with Mahatma Gandhi, as he was a great leader and a person with integrity, strength and a wealth of knowledge. I would be keen to hear his stories and learn from him.
Harrow politicians champion region’s diversity Politicians in northwest London have championed the region’s diversity as they paid a visit to one of its most recognisable sites. Councillors and MPs from Harrow and Brent spent time at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – known more widely as Neasden Temple – as they helped raise awareness of working together. While party politics will have played a part as local elections loomed, representatives from all sides cited the greater goal of increased tolerance. They were celebrating the annual 10k challenge supporting Care UK, with 3,000 participants descending on the temple’s grounds. Cllr Sachin Shah, Harrow Council leader, said he was proud that those representing his
Bob Blackman at the 10km at Neasden Temple
borough have always been keen to visit all places of worship. He said: “Harrow is the most diverse borough in London therefore it’s vital that politicians that want to serve the people understand all the communities in Harrow.” Harrow East MP Bob Blackman was another who praised the region’s make up as he commented on the importance of places like Neasden Temple. He said: “Harrow and Brent is a diverse
area; we have people from all corners of the globe living and working here. This strengthens the area as we can draw on many cultures to work together on community projects. Take the event at Neasden Temple, weekend gone, for example. We had people from all walks of life present to raise money for Carers UK.” He added that freedom of religious expression “is important to our brilliant area”.
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