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Headley reveals role of LeT, Pak Army in Mumbai attack

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13th February to 19th February 2016

British citizens seek non-EU parents’ settlement rights

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

David Headley

Disclosing startling details regarding the 26/11 attacks and his role in it, American terrorist of Pakistani origin, David Headley spilled a lot of beans involving the LeT and the Pakistani Army. He has until now named ISI officers and gone into details of the 2008 attack, making grave revelations.

Deposition of Pakistani-American LeT operative Headley began

Vol 44 | Issue 39

on 8th February, before a special Mumbai court where he revealed the sequence of events and planning behind the horri-

ble 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The deposition is being recorded via video conferencing and will continue for the next few days.

SPECIAL

Check out pages 16-17 for our special feature on Preparing for motherhood.

See page 27 for our special feature on the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review 2016.

Headley has been made an approver in the case. “This is for the first time in the Indian legal history that a foreign terrorist has appeared before an Indian court and testify,” said special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. While he refused to divulge any details, he said Headley's evidence will unfold many facts behind the 26/11

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Continued on page 26

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Rupanjana Dutta

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as they are not a burden on taxpayers, or have no recourse to public funds.

However post 9th July 2012, reviews to the immigration rules especially to the Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) route, are making a mockery E out of family val-

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London and currently an MP has attacked Prime Minister David Cameron for not trying hard enough to regain control of Britain's borders as speculation intensifies over V which side of LUSI the EU cam- EXC paign he will join. The Tory government came to power essentially on the basis of Indian votes, and today the irony is on ues, by effectively banning us. older parents from non-EU Prior to 9 July 2012, countries to join their famparents of immigrants who ily in the UK, even if the acquired British citizenapplicants met with all the ship and rights to live in earlier requirements. this country were allowed Indeed, it is often on the to bring their dependents basis of these requirements including parents who that people chose to make were over 65 to live with their life in the UK, under them here, provided the the impression that when applicant was able to look the time comes, they would after them financially. be able to sponsor their Wealthy individuals were parents to join them in the also allowed to join under UK. At a time when visit the retired people of indevisas are also increasingly pendent means route. Yet being refused, the governthe government continues ment’s approach to family to make misleading statereunification is of particuments suggesting migrants lar concern. are welcome here as long Continued on page 8

2

ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP Asian Voice |13th February 2016

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to

Rahul Dixit

Rahul Dixit is the Founder and Director of Asset India, a company that helps OCIs and NRIs invest in Indian property.

Rahul came to the UK in 2009 to pursue an MBA at the Oxford Brookes University, with specialism in Real Estate. He founded Asset India in 2011.

Rahul knows the Indian real estate market inside out, having worked for 14 years with industry giants like Tata Housing, K. Raheja Corp and Hiranandani Group prior to his move to the UK. His strong relationship with major Indian developers complemented with an extensive OCI/NRI network across UK and Europe gives him the ideal platform to drive Asset India’s growth. As the Founder Director, he is responsible for all strategic decisions of the company and for structuring investment deals.

1) What is your current position?

Director, Asset India 2) What are your proudest achievements?

Giving birth to Asset India, and the whole journey of taking it through infancy to a stage where it is now able to stand, walk and run.

3) What inspires you?

Energy and drive. I mean real drive, keep going till you bust your gut and puke blood kind of drive. It’s not about doing your best. It is about doing whatever it takes.

Whenever I see that kind of drive – in any one – it energizes me all over again. It separates

Date & Time: 23 March 2016, 5:30-9pm Venue: TBC Age: 15-40

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

I would try and make decisions based on ideals, rather than just deals.

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

Meeting new people everyday, and forging strong relationships that often transcend business and become personal friendships.

My wife won’t agree with that though.

7) And the worst?

I would say work-life balance, but then what is life if not work?

8) What are your long term goals?

In the long term we are all dead.

YOUTH CONFERENCE 2016

On Wednesday 23 March, we will be hosting our annual Youth Conference networking evening. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers who will share their success stories, give motivational short talks to inspire and advise the younger generation, so that young people can fulfill their aspirations and get ahead in the world of work. There will be a scope to take part in Q&A and brief workshops.

On a less serious note, I would like Asset India to grow into an inspiring company that is not just very successful, but also gives a lot back to society.

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

Narayan Murthy – the Infosys founder. First for building Infosys. And then for staying humble even after achieving so much.

third runway.

Reports claims that international airports, such as in Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam and Istanbul grew much faster in the last one year, and may soon overtake Heathrow airport's top spot.

PRESENTS

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the men from the boys very quickly.

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

Finding people who will walk the talk. Building a business is hard, and you need an able and passionate team who will not take no for an answer, and will find a way when stuck.

Heathrow loses its top spot London Heathrow airport, which was considered as the world's busiest was overtaken by Dubai in 2015. It has now emerged that it has also lost its place as being Europe's biggest airport due to the continuing uncertainty regarding a

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

Gautam Buddha. There is too much violence in this world.

Would try and persuade him to come back and help the world relearn and rethink the idea of ahimsa.

Dr Rami Ranger CBE Centre for Graduate Entrepreneurship's 1st annual enterprise lecture

The Dr Rami Ranger CBE Centre for Graduate Entrepreneurship held at the London South Bank University, held its first Annual Enterprise Lecture on Thursday 4th February 2016, at the institute's Keyworth Centre. More will be reported in next week's Asian Voice.

Prime Minister calls for prisons to be named and shamed Prime Minister David Cameron, has criticised the “scandalous failure” of Britain's jail system. He states prisons that release criminals who reoffend should be named and shamed.

It has been analysed that 60% of short-sentenced convicts will reoffend within 12 months of being released from prison which no doubt, is harmful to society.

David Cameron said, “This failure really matters.

It matters to the public purse: this cycle of reoffending costs up to £13 billion a year. It matters to you: because in the end, who are the victims of this reoffending? It's the mothers who gets burgled or the young boy who gets mugged. It matters to the prison staff- some of the most deeply committed public servants in our country- who have to work in dangerous and intimidating conditions. And yes, it matters to the prisoners themselves, who mustn't feel like society has totally given up on them.”

He further stated, “In short: we need a prison system that doesn't see prisoners as simply liabilities to be managed, but instead as potential assets to be harnessed.”

Prime Minister David Cameron

While also speaking about the failure of the prison system, David Cameron has also mentioned about infants who are kept behind bars as their mothers are serving their jail sentence.

The Prime Minister said, “It is absolutely terrible to think that some

babies are spending the earliest months – even years – of their lives behind bars. Prison staff do their best to make these environments pleasant. Some units even have special sensory

rooms, so that babies can see colours, sights and sound – even nature – that they wouldn’t ever otherwise see inside the grey walls of a jail.”

He further added, “There are actually women in these prisons who were born in the same prison twenty years earlier, and then have ended up there later as criminals them-

selves. Think of the damage done to the life chances of these children. It’s time to think seriously about whether this is the right approach. We’ve got to break this cycle.”

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Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

The defining relationship that never was President Barack Obama said that Indo-US ties would be the ‘defining relationship of the twenty-first century,’ that the United States of America would help India achieve pole position in its alleged ambition to become a great power, that their common pursuits of democracy based on the rule of law meant a shared global outlook. This is the sort of of hyperbole that in the fullness of time joins the political debris of the age. Truth is that America’s closest allies in the Third World have been an assortment of dictatorships, from the feudal, jihadi-driven monarchies of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf sheikhdoms to the militaryjihadi establishment in Pakistan, the banana republics of Latin America empowered by US-trained death squads.

That Saudi Arabia is a member of the UN panel on Human Rights courtesy strong American and British support tells its own cynical tale. Brutal military regimes, such as Suharto’s in Indonesia, and the close anti-Indian alignment between the Nixon Administration alignment and Maoist China in the last quarter of the twentieth century forms the seamless American narrative. Realpolitik and empire have been the name of the game since the emergence of the United States as an independent nation state. Nato operates on the doctrine of ‘Subsidiary Alliances’ enunciated by Lord Wellesley in late eighteenth century India. Disobedience was an anathema and any reluctance to obey orders from on high carried stiff penalties. It doesn’t bode for the future health of the IndiaAmerican relationship that the US State Department is planning to restore the hyphenated India-Pakistan syndrome of former years. The removal of the hyphen meant treating both countries as separate identities, which helped take Indo-US ties forward. The restored hyphen will surely take them backward, which is surely not what either party desires Afghanistan in the Greater Middle East is a wasteland of warring parties, the principals funded and armed by the Pakistani military-intelligence nexus, yet the country’s peace process over which Washington presides is restricted to Pakistan, China, the Taliban and the beleaguered Kabul government. India has been studiously excluded.

One answer could be the fallout from the intensifying

Syrian crisis and the formally unacknowledged but the very real second cold war now in operation. This may prove to be the seedbed of a third world war. Serbia 1914, Syria now.

American power and influence has been effectively neutered by Russian military intervention, which seemingly has turned the tide against the Western-armed and Saudi Arabian-funded Syrian opposition, as a recent report by Mark Mazzetti & Matt Apuzzo in the New York Times reveals. The result has been Washington’s brazen see no evil, hear no evil reaction to the Saudi beheading of a dissident Shia cleric, ritual public floggings and much else in this benighted Wahabi kingdom. Worse: during its period as lone ranger in Syria, the US and its coalition partners went easy on the war against the terrorist ISIL and kindred jihadis. Turkey covertly allowed the Islamic Caliphate to export its oil through pipelines traversing Turkish territory.

With Russia bombing sorties in a day exceeding what the US-led coalition chose to carry out in a month, the Washington, Ankara-Saudi bluff was called. Kim Sengupta in The Independent described ‘the condescension’ of the Western military establishments about Russian equipment: missiles ‘more dumb than smart,’ the navy ‘more rust than ready’ etc. The Russian weaponry on display include missiles launched from the Caspian Sea, ultra modern anti-missile defence and electronic systems that have produced shock and awe in the pristinely arrogant West.

Washington’s panic response has been to place Russia above ISIL as the principal threat to US security. Its military budget for Europe has increased four-fold to counter ‘Russian aggression.’ The Western media is in Russophobic overdrive. The BBC produced a film on the steps to a nuclear war in the wake of a concocted Russian invasion of Latvia. In December 2001, the Corporation projected a similar scenario of American marines landing off the coast of Mumbai to separate Indian and Pakistani forces allegedly at war. This was in the context of the Pakistani-engineered jihadi terrorist assault on the Indian Parliament. Old habits die hard.

India-Nepal ties normalize, as border blockade ends Residents and traders dismantled tents and roadblocks

by Madhesi protesters angered by the cavalier treatment meted out to them over their rights by the political parties responsible for drafting the new Nepalese Constitution. A four-month blockade of border roads brought trade between India and Nepal to a shuddering halt, bringing a chill to relations between the two countries. India, ever the scapegoat of Nepalese politicians, was blamed for the blockade and the ensuing chaos arising from it. Nationalists and Maoists jumped on the populist bandwagon, an experience with which India has long been familiar. Several years ago, Nepal was ignited by stories that Bollywood film star, Rithwick Roshan had remarked – falsely, as it turned out - that Nepalese women were unattractive! There were cries of an Indian insult to Nepalese womanhood and chaos on the streets of Kathmandu. There were calls for Nepal to turn to China for salvation. Breastbeating Indian media pundits wailed at the diplomatic

setback, hinting darkly of an imminent apocalypse, if India didn’t soothe Nepal’s injured feelings. If Nepal wished to go the way of Tibet nobody could, or would, stop it. You can bet your bottom dollar that Nepal won’t, no sir. So we are back where we were – until the next time.

Anyhow border trade has resumed.. and so have military ties. India and Nepal are to engage in war games – ‘Surya Kiran’ – at Pithoragarh in Uttarkhand sometime this week, indicating bilateral relations are on the mend. This is all to the good. A postscript to this event is in order. A fortnight or so ago, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. on a visit to Kathmandu, made a snide remark, that India would do well to learn from China’s model relationship with Nepal. India’s education also takes in China’s sponsorship of the genocidal Cambodian monster Pol Pot, its molleycoddling Pakistani military dictator Yahya Khan and its current bullying tactics against its neighbours in the South China Sea. Period.

Indian healthcare can follow IT trajectory Global healthcare is valued at $ 7.4 trillion, second only to the expenditure on food and agriculture. What machines did for the twentieth century, healthcare can do for the twenty-first. So argues Devi Shetty, one of India’s most eminent cardiac surgeons, in a recent newspaper article.

He has been the greatest game changer in the field, as his hospital in Bangaluru testifies. He recalls how his boss at the iconic Guy’s Hospital in London, Allen Yates, had observed that Indian doctors as a rule were compassionate, were blessed with ‘magic in their hands.’

When Mr Shetty left Guy’s twenty-six years ago and returned to India, five British nurses joined him at Kolkata to start the BM Birla Heart Research Centre, then India’s sole super specialty heart hospital. The nurses trained a

few hundred Indian nurses and very soon these nurses reached the highest standards in professional skills, which they eventually took for the higher salaries in the US, UK and the Middle East.

To cut a long story short, Mr Shetty pointed to India’s present mega software industry whose exports are worth $100 billion and growing rapidly. He writes: ‘Today developed countries have to knock on our doors….We don’t need billions of dollars in FDI to make India a global leader in healthcare delivery All we need is make reforms in medical and nursing education. India has a chance of being the healthcare provider of the world and as a result Indians will have access to the highest quality of care at an affordable price.’

Malnutrition on the wane Malnutrition, long the scourge of Indian society, appears to be showing visible signs of decline, according to a recently released first tranche of reports of the National Family Health Survey. Covering 13 States, it reveals that in the decade ending 2015-16, a significant number of Indians are in better shape than before. The statistics from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, both with high malnutrition levels, have shown a perceptible fall.

This may not be ‘Mission Accomplished’ as in say, polio eradication, but, hope-

fully, this might be the beginning of the end. A healthy population, remember, is the bedrock of a doable and progressive economy.

Malnutrition is the single largest contributor to child mortality, yet not easily visible, hence largely ignored, especially in rural areas. It leaves the body vulnerable to all manner of diseases, more particularly diarrhoea, malaria and respiratory infections.

Eradicating malnutrition is a cause like no other, if India is to embrace a future that works.

3

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.

- Milton Berle

Alistair Burt

Minister for Mental Health

It's time to change; it's time to talk Earlier this week, I met a young man called Zephyr Jussa.

Zephyr is a bright, thoughtful and articulate student with a rich social life and a good group of friends. He is studying Psychology at Coventry University, a subject that is very close to his heart.

That’s because for many years, Zephyr has struggled with mental ill health.

When Zephyr was six years old, his mother and father divorced. As a result, he felt very unsettled and that he didn’t have anywhere he could really call home. He began to get into trouble at school and became very introverted, particularly during his teens, eventually sinking into depression. He certainly didn’t want to tell anyone, or even admit to himself how he was feeling. Even now, Zephyr told me that while some of his male friends have changed their minds about speaking up, a large number still struggle to talk about their feelings.

Zephyr isn’t alone in feeling this way. Here in England nearly two thirds of people are feeling worthless and alone because of their mental illness.

Men often find it particularly difficult to open up about their thoughts and feelings. ‘Man up’ and ‘boys don’t cry’ are phrases that are all-too common in our culture.

It’s this sort of language that can cause many men to hide those emotions from even those closest to them.

That means many people end up facing their darkest hours alone, feeling unable to talk to anyone and crucially, unable to ask for the help they might need. The result can be deadly – suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50. That means more men are dying by suicide than of cancer or car crashes.

In the South Asian community here in England more than ten percent of men are suffering from a common

mental disorder at any one time. That’s why today is so important. It is time to change those

Zephyr Jaffa

attitudes to mental illness and it is time for us to talk to one another about how we are feeling.

If we all take the time to talk to a friend or colleague about how we are feeling, or about our experiences of mental illness, we can help change the way two thirds of people are feeling.

It doesn’t have to be daunting or difficult – a simple cup of tea and a chat could have an impact. The benefits of talking cannot be underestimated – 60% of people say they felt better after having a conversation with someone about their mental illness.

Zephyr is testimony to this. He reached a point where he knew he had to say something for the good of his health.

After being admitted to The Priory, he found that there were a number of young people his own age – some boys, some girls – who were going through the same thing as him.

While it was initially daunting to speak to others, it got easier and easier.

As a government, we are doing more than ever to support people with mental illness, investing an extra £600 million over this Parliament and transforming services so people get better, faster care. But we can all play a role in making mental illness and talking about it, as acceptable as talking about a broken leg.

That’s why we’re asking everyone to have a conversation about mental health today: it’s time to talk.

4

UK

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Asian Voice |13th February 2016

"Will you marry me?"

Rupanjana Dutta Proposal planning is traditionally left to the men. But one women-only company in Leicester is encouraging fellow ladies to take charge and propose to their partners this leap year. Carriages Weddings & Events has launched a brand new proposal planning service to help anyone who needs some creative assistance, or simply a hand with working out the logistics.

The company was formed in July 2015 by 27 year old Brit-Indian Meera Majithia and 26 year old Sonal Kholia, as they felt there was a gap in the market for a forward thinking, personal event management company that specialises in Asian weddings.

But with change in times, the girls also started getting asked by family and friends to help them plan how to propose to their partners. Hence the unique idea to offer as a service for other people just came to their mind. And helping women to take charge and ask their partners to marry them (at least once in

EXCLUSIVE

In modern days, according to a recent survey, almost half of British men Women-only company said they would say yes if their other half proposed to them. Famous female prolaunches new posers include; Queen Victoria, Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Hudson and service to help Halle Berry.

Company Director Sonal speaking females propose to Asian Voice exclusively, said, to their partners “February 29th is traditionally the one day where women can turn the tables and ask their partner to marry them.

We want to help all the women out there and give them some added confidence, and show them that actually, it’s ok to propose to your partner all year round – especially given the modern society we live in today.

“Times are changing and like with anything else you need to keep moving with them. Our new service is aimed at those to-be brides (or grooms) who want to make their proposal story special and memorable, because it’s something that will stay with them and their loved one for the rest of their life.”

Creative Director Meera added, “A proposal is something you will al nd Son remember for the rest of Meera a your life and our aim is to every 4 years), was something that excitensure that every proposal we manage is ed them even further. both personal and unique. At the end of The 12th century tradition of the day, no two relationships are the women proposing to men began in same and it is down to us to ensure that Ireland where women were allowed to this comes across in any romantic gespropose to men. According to folklore ture made by the man or the woman. tradition, if the proposal was rejected, “At the moment it’s quite brand then the man in question would have to new. But we’re getting plenty of interest buy her 12 pairs of gloves to hide her in it. So we’re looking to help women hand from the embarrassment of not propose.” wearing an engagement ring.

Organisation launched to discuss British issues faced by Muslim businessmen Muslims for Britain is a new British organisation talking about British issues faced by Muslim business people. The group, which launched last week has decided that their first issue will be working for a ‘leave’ vote in the EU referendum and will be joining the Vote Leave coalition.

At a recent event in Birmingham, over 70 leading Muslim business people from across the country – and from industries including manufacturing and media - gathered to discuss the campaign.

The meeting was addressed

by Dan Hannan MEP. The Muslims for Britain Board includes: Saqib Bhatti (Joint Secretary-General); Aftab Chughtai (Joint Secretary-General and

Business Champion); Naheed Majeed (Former Lady Mayoress of Windsor and National Campaign Lead); Iftikhar Awan (Consultant and Lead for Manchester and Yorkshire); Obaidullah Khan (West Midlands Lead); and Abdus Hamid (Lead for South of England).

Saqib Bhatti, Joint Secretary-General of Muslims for Britain, said "We are a British organisation engaging in British issues, and we think there is a need for the voice of Muslim business people to be heard in the EU referendum debate. Muslims for Britain will campaign with Vote Leave. We are a community of wealth creators, job providers and great economic contributors to the UK and we believe

Britain would thrive outside the EU.” A f t a b Chughtai, Joint Secretary-General of Muslims for Britain, said: “Britain needs to fully embrace the global market, as Saqib Bhatti Aftab Chughtai we have a strong future outside the addressed those attending the EU. We could have a fairer reception, said "The EU referimmigration system that endum is an opportunity to recognises the incredible conrediscover Britain’s global tribution from the vocation. A leave vote would Commonwealth in the past, allow Britain to become a and we could secure trade global trading nation again deals with exciting and and allow an improved system expanding countries like for immigration that does not Pakistan, India, Bangladesh necessarily prioritise immiand Australia.” gration from the European Dan Hannan MEP, who Union.”

Leicester's high street is Britain's most multicultural According to researchers, Narborough Road in Leicester is considered as Britain's most multicultural high street, with shopkeepers from 23 different countries.

Academic researchers from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found that the 222 shop units' owners were from 23 different countries.

Business owners from the high street in Leicester are from four continents, which include countries such as Pakistan. Afghanistan, Iran,

In Brief

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Keith Vaz

Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Poland, Lithuania, Hong

Kong and Canada.

Narborough Road is considered as the commercial heart of a community of more than 11,000 people.

The lead researcher at the LSE's Super Diverse Streets project, Suzanne Hall said, “What we found in Narborough Road was staggering really, and we didn't interview every owner of every business. It is the world in microcosm, all these people, from all these different places, different cultures, living cheek by jowl, working with

each other and living in harmony.”

Member of Parliament for Leicester East, Keith Vaz shared with Asian Voice, “Leicester is a city full of surprises and I am not surprised that researchers have found a road that has so many nationalities represented there. We have many roads like Narborough Road. Leicester is the multicultural centre of Britain where different communities are able to live in peace and harmony. We are the mirror of the world."

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Ikea refund customers for plastic 'leather' chairs

Ikea offered customers refund after they bought hairs and sofas advertised as leather.

However, it was found that some products were partially plastic, or had no trace of leather at all.

Pharmacy named and shamed for "helping out staff"

The team at Parkem Chemists with owner Subha Patel on the right.

A pharmacy has been "named and shamed" for paying less than the minimum wage – over what the owners say was a technicality.

Parkem Chemists, in Dominion Road, Glenfield, is on a list of 92 companies the Government claim short-changed staff out of a grand total of £1.87 million.

However pharmacy owners Mr Suryakant and Mrs Subha Patel said they were simply caught out for letting staff buy items from the shop on account – and at a 15 per cent discount – then deducting the money from their wages at the end of the month.

Nine men guilty of sex offences

Nine men have been found guilty of a range of serious sexual offences as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation.

The men, Afraz Ahmed (33), Choudhry Ikhalaq Hussain (38), Rehan Ali (27), Kutab Miah (35), Mohammed Dauood (38), Abid Khan (39), Mohammed Zahid (45) and Mahfuz Rahman (29) were found guilty of offences which occurred mainly in Rochdale, mostly between 2004-2008. The men have been convicted following two trials at Manchester Crown Court. The convictions, part of Operation Doublet, relate to eight victims aged 13-23 at the time of the offences.

Police hunting convicted rapist thought to have fled country during trial

Police hunting a convicted rapist who fled the country during his trial believe he may now be in Pakistan.

Choudhry Ikhalaq Hussain, 38, was convicted of rape, sexual activity with a child and conspiracy to rape in November. He was convicted in his absence and police believe that he fled the country during his trial.

Hussain had claimed that a family member had died and was given permission by the trial judge to attend the funeral, which was due to be held somewhere in the UK. Police say he may now be in Pakistan.

UK's oldest mosque opens its doors to the public

Britain’s oldest mosque has opened its doors to the public in an effort to create a dialogue about Islam.

Over 100 people attended the event at the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque on Brougham Terrace, Kensington, on Sunday, a building which first became a mosque in 1889.

As part of a Visit My Mosque initiative by the Muslim council, the mosque invited Merseyside people to observe prayers and ask questions about Islam.

The mosque, which has five floors, is still under refurbishment.

The building was once derelict and falling apart but, after work began on the estimated £3m project in 2009, it reopened 2014.

UK Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

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Brows to reckon with Chandigarh-born British beautician, Shavata Singh, is the name to trust when it comes to grooming your eyebrows. She is a hot favourite with a-listers, having clients from both the elites and celebrities in the UK, to the starlets of Bollywood.

The 45-year-old owner of the brow studio has a regular client in the muchloved singing sensation, Adele, and has other remarkable names who vow by her services, such as Victoria Beckham, Kelly Brooks and many others.

'Brow'sing through life: Shavata Singh Shavata Singh has her signature I was doing 20 brows in a studio at Beauchamp day.”

Place, London, as well as Singh had moved to 22 others across the UK. the UK, along with her She used to work in an parents, at the age of six. iconic Mayfair salon, She is not only popular Michaeljohn, for some with the ladies, she also years, but it was only after has many male clients as a Vogue editor wrote well who trust her eyeabout her service that she brows expertise. started to have a fan folSpeaking about the lowing. She said, “I was importance of the right waxing this editor's legs brow shape, Shavata and I told her that her Singh said, “Brows should brows looked awful. I not be the loudest feature asked her if she would on the face, but should allow me to shape them. silently compliment it.

She said yes and then Just like a frame around a wrote about me. After the painting.” article came out, suddenly

5

Gang of 12 jailed for raping teenager Khalid Raja Mahmood

Tauqeer Hussain

Sufyan Ziarab

Bilal Ziarab

A gang of twelve men, aged between 19 and 63, have been jailed for up to 20 years for grooming and repeatedly raping a vulnerable schoolgirl, aged between 13 and 14, for their “selfish, sexual gratification”.

It is said that the men had raped the teenaged victim after giving her alcohol and cannabis at locations in Keighley, West Yorkshire; locations which included an underground carpark as well.

The court heard that the victim was repeatedly raped by the men over 13 months, between 2011 and 2012, in encounters arranged by a drug dealer.

Bradford Crown court convicted 11 of the men of

Yasser Kabir

Israr Ali

raping the girl, while the 12th man was sentenced for sexual activity with the victim.

Sufyan Ziarab was one of the men who allegedly rape the victim in the underground carpark of an abandoned police station in Keighley. He allegedly told investigating detectives that the girl was “a prostitute you don't pay for”.

While sentencing the Roger men, Judge Thomas QC said, “She was only 13 or 14 when the 12 of you took such terrible and heartless sexual advantage of her. This is a category of case which involves the sexual exploitation of usually young, vulnerable girls by

Kasir Khan,

Zain Ali

Saqib Younis

Hussain Sardar

Faisal Khan

Mohammed Akram

groups of men who take advantage of a child for their own selfish, sexual gratification.”

Tauqeer Hussain (23), Yasser Kabir (25), Sufyan Ziarab (23), Bilal Ziarab (21), Israr Ali (19), Nasir

Khan (24), Saqib Younis (29), Hussain Sardar (19), Zain Ali (20), and Faisal Khan were all convicted of rape. Mohammed Akram (63), was convicted of sexual activity with the girl.

Man shot dead in Birmingham warehouse

56-year-old Akhtar Javeed, was shot dead in a raid at the premises of his catering supplies business in Digbeth, Birmingham.

It is said that masked men had tied up several employees at the warehouse along with Javeed before leading him away.

He was later found on the street with a gunshot to his head. Police have

released a statement from Javeed's family.

“He's left behind a wife, a daughter and three younger sons, two of which are still so young. If you have any information at all, come forward. Please help bring closure to our family and justice for him. He was cruelly taken from us and his young children, who will now have to grow up without their father.”

6

UK

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice |13th February 2016

Priti Patel marks landmark digitisation of historic South Asian books Rupanjana Dutta On Thursday 4 February, the Prime Minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion and Employment Minister Priti Patel visited the British Library to see some of the historic materials being digitised as part of a unique project to preserve one of the world’s largest single collections of early printed South Asian books and Indian manuscripts.

The “Two Centuries of Indian Print” project – launched ahead of the UK-India Year of Culture in 2017 with support from the UK Government – aims to make 11 million pages of South Asian titles available online for the first time. This material spans the period from 1714-1914 and includes at least 22 South Asian languages.

The first phase of the project has begun, digitising some 200,000 pages from Bengali books, including the earliest Bengali title published in 1778, as well as many other rare works.

The digitisation of the whole collection will mean that people from around the world will be able to view this material online for the first time. This will transform access to this historic and fragile collection, enabling researchers to trace the roots of India’s rich literary and cultural heritage at the same time as boosting opportunities for digital scholarship and commercial technology.

Ms Patel said: “Digitising the world’s largest collection of historic South Asian books, many dating back hundreds of years, is an important milestone in our shared history which will further strengthen the deep cultural ties between our two great nations.

“This reflects Prime Minister Modi’s aspirations to make India’s cultural treasures accessible, and builds on his momentous visit to the UK last

Priti Patel with HE Navtej Singh Sarna

year where we first announced these plans.

“The enduring bond between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy is supported by the vibrant Indian diaspora in the UK who contribute so greatly to our economy and society. The UK-India Year of Culture in 2017 will be a great celebration of Indian achievements around the world.”

The Minister’s visit coincided with her first official meeting with the new Indian High Commissioner HE Navtej Sarna earlier on the day to further cement the cultural links between the UK and India. Both discussed issues of mutual interests, issues related to Indian Diaspora, follow up of decisions taken during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the UK in November 2015, Ms. Patel’s recent visit to India to participate at the

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, upcoming visits from both sides and other important issues.

Ms. Patel conveyed to the High Commissioner the UK Cabinet appreciation to the British Indian community and their role in building bridges of friendship and goodwill between India and the UK. Roly Keating, Chief Executive of the British Library, said: “The British Library’s South Asian collections are among the largest and richest in the world, and “Two Centuries of Indian Print” is our most ambitious project yet to share them with the widest possible audience.

“It’s wonderful to have such enthusiastic support from the Minister for our plans, and we look forward to working with partners in the UK and India to develop the exciting potential of this project even further.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Leicester faith leaders support the Armed Forces

On Tuesday the Armed Forces were welcomed to Leicester by the internationally recognised St Philip’s Centre, to take part in a day of events designed to promote community understanding during the United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Many of the Armed Forces personnel in attendance are originally from Leicester and belong to Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and other major faith communities. Other personnel were from Leicester’s local Army Reserve unit, the 158 Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps.

The personnel were accompanied by Rt Hon Earl Howe, the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Minister of State for Defence, Imam Asim Hafiz, the Islamic Advisor to the Armed Forces and members of the Armed Forces Muslim Association.

The Armed Forces dele-

gation began their day at Crown Hills Community College, with an Army vehicle on site for pupils as they started their school day.

Earl Howe, the Minister for Defence at the House of Lords, welcomed the students: “I’m delighted to be here at your college, a place that considers inter-faith harmony as not just as another subject on the curriculum but as the essence of your ethos, extending beyond the school gate into the wider community.

"Together we can help tackle divisive forces that spread misunderstanding and mistrust, especially among peoples of different religions. Despite the troubles going on around the globe, I feel that universal harmony is within our grasp.’’

The delegation then visited the Federation of Muslim Organisations, Masjid Al Falah, where they met members of the

Federation of Muslim O r g a n i s a t i o n s .

Abdulkarim Gheewala, the chair of the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO), said: “This visit has helped raise Leicester Muslim communities’ awareness of the historic contribution of Muslims to the British Armed Forces and demonstrate to the Armed Forces personnel that the FMO fully supports the Armed Forces’ work.”

Next the group met members of the Hindu community at Shree Hindu Temple – one of the oldest temples in the UK - and took part in the traditional Sikh langar at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara. The evening concluded with an interfaith reception at St Philp’s Centre where they were joined by HM Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Lady Gretton.

Bhavans celebrates Republic Day

Lord Suri, GP Hinduja, Lord Dholakia, Joginder Sanger, Lord Parekh, Dr Marr and HE Navtej Singh Sarna

Bravery of two women nails attacker The bravery of two women has been commended by the police, as their evidence against a man who sexually assaulted them resulted to him being sentenced to jail.

Ajay 42-year-old Gorania, allegedly carried out six sex attacks and one offence of rape in Berkshire, between 2007 and 2013 against these two women.

Thames Valley Police arrested him and he was put on a two-week trial at Reading Crown Court, in

Ajay Gorania

October 2015.

A jury unanimously found him guilty of one count of rape of a female

over 16, and five counts of sexual assault.

He returned to the same court in February to be given his sentenced. He has been jailed for 17 years for his offences.

Detective Constable Amanda Winterbourne, led the investigation. She said, “I have huge respect for the two victims in this case, who have shown remarkable resilience and bravery. I hope the conviction will help them, knowing that justice has been done.”

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan celebrated India's Republic Day on Wednesday 3 February at The Bhavan headquarter in West Kensington, London. It was attended by MPs, Peers, dignitaries, businessmen and community

leaders. Chief Guest was Indian High Commissioner HE Navtej Singh Sarna. The event included speeches by Joginder Chairman Sanger, Lord Ranbir Suri, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, G P

Hinduja and HE Navtej Singh Sarna. Cultural programme included music and dance by Bhavans students. The compere for the evening was Shri Nandakumara.

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

UK Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Nepalese community urged to come forward in £50mn 'Ponzi' scheme enquiry The City of London Police has urged the Nepalese and Gurkha community to come forward about a suspected £50mn 'Ponzi' scheme, where the community is suspected to have invested thousands or millions with little return.

A 'Ponzi' scheme fraudulently distributes returns to investors from the money paid in by other investors.

Police is reportedly investigating an accused City-based foreign exchange trading firm Capital World Market; believed to have arrested 14 people, and released them on bail.

The City of London Police believe about 450 Gurkha and Nepalese community members invested but many have not made contact with police.

Speaking about the alleged scam, a community representative told Asian Voice, “This goes back a

year or two and we are aware that many exGurkhas have been victimised.

“As expected it is an Asian concept the fear of loss of face and being seen to be a fool for having been taken for a ride. We (the community) have spread the word around that they can come through us or directly approach the police and all in total confidentiality.

He added, “Our people are very gullible. There was a similar scheme around 20 years back but this was

in Nepal. The people involved were professional and shrewd. The UK scam allegedly offers 5% (so I believe in this case) return on a monthly basis, simple calculation would add this to 60% APR. “The monthly interest payments are made promptly every month, the ‘happy’ client then spreads the ‘good news’ around and the rest follow. The victim does not realise he is getting the 5% from his own money.

“In Nepal, the scam built up the network and

when the scammers had hit their target, they disappeared. Also in the Nepal scam the victims were used as agents to draw in customers and in the end they had to personally refund the customers, in most cases selling land and property to make up for it.”

Tikendra Dewan, the Chair of the British Gurkha Welfare Society, told Asian Voice exclusively, “The Gurkha/Nepali community have been made aware of this scam and strongly encouraged to come forward to help the Police to help them as they are the victims and not the suspects.

They can directly contact the Police on 0207 601 6830 or on 03001232040 or mail at opvanburgh@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk. Should they need our assistance BGWS stands by. All cases will be dealt with the strictis confidentiality.”

Red wristband company to be summoned before Parliament compulsory to be worn, in exchange for meals.

According to company filings, the company made £3 million on a turnover of £29 million.

Chairman for the home The company which is contracted by the Home Office to look after immigrants, Clearsprings, had allegedly forced asylum seekers to wear red wristbands, and is to be summoned after the emergence of the information that one of the company's directors is being paid nearly £1 million.

Clearsprings were criticised for making the bands

Data shows Hindus are the happiest in the UK

According to recently released official data, religious people from all different cultures and faiths are happier compared to those who do not identify themselves with any religion.

The data gathered by the Office for National Statistics suggest that among all the faiths in the UK, Hindus have come on top as being the happiest, scoring above the national average, and slightly under the demographic of people who consider themselves as being “in very good health”. On a scale of one to ten, Hindus were rated 7.57 for happiness Christians came second at 7.47; Sikhs third with 7.45, and Buddhists with 7.41.

Out of the religious groups, Muslims had the lowest happiness score of 7.33. Those who belongs to “no religion” scored 7.22.

affairs committee, Keith Vaz spoke regarding the company. “We will be calling them in [to the Parliament]. The situation regarding Clearsprings is most concerning. There

have been numerous complaints which ought to have alerted the Home Office.

The taxpayer needs value for money, not to be ripped off by providers providing inadequate service.

WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST

R A H AT FAT E H A L I K H A N Bhangra music and dancing with

A celebration of ASIAN

A B R A R U L H AQ SHAZIA MANSOOR S U K S H I N D E R S H I N DA THE LEGENDS BAND DHOL DRUMMERS MALKIT SINGH

MUSIC, FA S H I O N & FILM

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

7

World Widows Report 2016 There’s plenty of research about poverty and discrimination against women and girls – but in most of this research widows, as in society itself, are largely invisible.

The Loomba Foundation began addressing it in the latter part of that decade and it is only now, at the beginning of 2016, that we have a comprehensive global, country by country picture of this issue.

Lord Raj Loomba The first thing this report lays bare is that discrimination against widows is not confined to India, or to South Asia, or even to developing countries. It is a deep-rooted feature of gender discrimination all over the world, though its form and impacts differ.

The report provides hard statistical backup to the heartrending stories of individuals. There are over 258m widows, their 585m children and when you add their dependents the number swells over a billion people who are directly affected as a result of widowhood. l Around the world, 1 in 10 women of marital age are widows – but in Afghanistan it’s 1 in 5, followed closely

by Ukraine l More than half of all widows are in East and South Asia – more than 1 in 3 in India and China.

Major causes of widowhood include: Poverty, causing death due to Hazardous work suicide, alcohol, depression and Poor healthcare or nutrition. 1 in 7 widows all over the world lives in extreme poverty (that means on less than a dollar a day), where basic needs go unmet.

Conflict, There’s a high incidence of war widows in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, but also in the Balkans. In war, widows are seen as easy prey for rape, unprotected and vulnerable.

Disease and famine contributes to widowhood.

Then there is the Stigma that attaches to widowhood in a wide variety of ways. One area is religion and superstition, where women are routinely blamed for the husband’s death.

Children of widows suffer the most: Lack of education – in many countries widows cannot afford to pay for education and need the children to help bring in income to sustain the family. Therefore, Child labour, Sex trafficking and child prostitution, Child marriage and Child widows complete the circle, where uneducated young girls are wholly dependent on an old husband and become destitute when he dies.

The report has highlighted issues of widowhood, which are : Property theft and denial of inheritance; Superstition and cruel beliefs; Gender discrimination; Denial of right to family (children removed from mother); Child labour; Remarriage – impossible to remarry or forced remarriage; Widowhood rituals; Child marriage; Poverty and neglect; Lack of social welfare provision; Public health; Girls deprivation.

Sustainable Development Goals When you consider the evidence in this report, you can see that the hope of achieving some of the Sustainable Development Goals is fanciful unless these issues are addressed.

The SDG declaration says that by 2030 “All forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls will be eliminated, including through the engagement of men and boys.” www.theloombafoundation.org

T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O W AT RICOHARENA.COM #MelaCoventry

The Loomba Foundation Loomba House 622 Western Avenue London W3 0TF 020 8102 0351

8

UK

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

As I See It

CB Patel

Heap praise on a few, but why ignore many others?

At various events we hear the British politicians and our own Lords and MPs praising the achievements of the Asians, especially the Indian community. So far so good.

But to keep on heaping praise on some very successful tycoons or enterprising professionals is not enough.

Within the community some 30% people sadly are likely to be unemployed or unemployable. The reason could be many. Besides the overall economic environment and the changing pattern of employment, it could also be the lack of a level playing field for non-white job seekers.

It is a well-known fact that educated Asians and blacks are unable to obtain proper jobs easily, very often because of who they are rather than what they are capable of doing. Several national surveys have revealed this fact. Hardly any national, especially political leader speaks intelligently and forcefully about thousands of overseas students who come to UK and were cheated by fraudulent colleges.

Similarly, the Asian shopkeepers are undergoing severe strain in the changing scenario of retail activities.

Africa was allegedly discovered by some European explorers. Perhaps people need to be reminded that in East and Central Africa dukawallahs, mainly of Indian origin, had penetrated deep into the interiors prior to the European explorers.

The children and grandchildren of dukawallahs became corner shop owners, a loose term for Asians, predominantly of Indian entrepreneurs who have reinvigorated several run-down high street and council estate shops, when they migrated to the UK. Because they are ‘independent' they have been unable to have a united and strong voice.

The Central Government and local Government have not done much to alleviate the unfair treatment meted out to such enterprising group of people.

It is all very well to praise a few who are outstandingly successful. They deserve it but equally the powers that maybe and our own Lords and MPs should ensure that they should not ignore the vast majority who have disadvantage for obvious reasons or for no fault of their own.

The Parliament has been discussing immigration every now and then, but our own voices seem to be silent. Why? India is doing well but has its own problems too.

India has confirmed its position as the fastest growing major economy with 7.3% real GDP in the final quarter of last year compared to the same period of 2014.

The Central Statistical Office has predicted that Indian growth would be 7.6% for the full year – highest for 5 years.

Indeed, this is remarkable when the Chinese GDP grew by 6.9% in 2015, a 25-year low. India received special bonus as a very big oil importer during the period of oil price collapse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken several initiatives to increase manufacturing sector. His 'Make in India' initiative is not yet rolling but there are several large investments on the way (See Scrutator's page no.12).

The Modi Government is facing an uphill task to pass several important legislations in the Upper House of Parliament where he is facing stiff opposition from the majority members

belonging to Congress and other political outfits. Some misguided religious zealots from affiliated organisations of the BJP are also creating unnecessary and avoidable problems for the ruling party.

Equally India's growth is not largely dependent on exports, though it depends on rain God which has not been very kind for the last two seasons.

Indians in India and abroad have put their faith in PM Modi. Though he is facing an uphill task, overall the odds are probably in his favour.

Why Hindus are the happiest?

A study compiled by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals that religious people from all different faiths are happier than those who have “no religion”.

Of all the faiths from the UK, in a ranking of 10 Hindus (7.57) are the happiest, scoring well above the national average. Christians (7.47), of all the denominations, were the second happiest followed by the Sikhs (7.45) and Buddhists (7.41).

Followers of religion were more happier than those who belong to “no religion”.

In the happiness index, the Jews somehow are at 7.37 below the national average. Muslims had the lowest happiness ranking of the religions listed with a score of 7.33.

This ONS report analysed personal well-being data of more than 300,000 adults in the UK during 3 years – between 2012 and 2015.

Such statistics are open for different interpretations. But in simple terms the ethos of Hindus with an ageold tradition of values would have played an important part in formulating their mindset. It is not too difficult to recollect the basic guideline of Hinduism.

All men are equal: अयंबन्धुरयंनेति गणना लघुचेतसांउदारचरितानां तुवसुधैव कुटुम्बकं ayam bandhurayam neti ganana laghuchetasam udaracharitanam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam (Only small men discriminate saying: One is a relative; the other is a stranger.

For those who live magnanimously the entire world constitutes but a family).

Or Only one God with different names: “Ekam evadvitiyam” (He is One only without a second).

Similarly, I would like to go to Isha Upanishad and quote: ishavasyam idam sarvam yat kincha jagatyam jagat tena tyaktena bhunjitha ma gridhah kasya svid dhanam ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदँसर्वंयत्किञ्च जगत्यांजगत्। तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्।। (Whatever moves in this world is enveloped by Isha (the Lord). Enjoy it with renunciation; do not covet other man’s wealth).

Let there be no misunderstanding.

No one should think Hindus have no expectations, ambitions or they do not have the drive or the determination.

They have all these things, besides traditional spiritual values.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

British citizens seek Non-EU kin settlement rights

Continued from page 1 Yet the government continues to make misleading statements suggesting migrants are welcome here as long as they are not a burden on taxpayers, or have no recourse to public funds.

BritCits, a registered charity, founded by Sonel Mehta is fighting a legal case in the High Court to enable British citizens to sponsor their non-EU parents to come and live in the UK. After almost three and half years of effort, the High Court has accepted their petition and ordered a hearing on April 19 and 20, 2016 in London. It is hoped that a victory here would allow British citizens to sponsor their elderly parents to live with them in the UK and look after them in their old age.

the lives of Debarshi’s parents by living with and looking after them in the UK. If the current rules, effectively a ban on parents like Debarshi’s, remain in place, Debarshi and his wife will have no choice but to move to a country where his parents can stay with them. Not an easy decision given the efforts which they have gone to in order to build a life here, but an easy one when balancing the need and responsibilities to those who gave him life.

after ones parents is a must. However, what this means for these other two British citizens in the family – Puneet’s wife and son, remains uncertain. Will the family break up with Puneet forced to stay away from his wife and son to take care of his parents or will a British child miss out on a British upbringing and education? Puneet is torn between taking care of his parents and ensuring a bright future for his son.

Of further concern is the rules affecting the development of the precious bond Case Studies between grandchildren and Asian Voice came across grandparents. hundreds of case studies, Puneet with parents Speaking to where British citizens and Asian Voice, Sonel, Another case we came residents are denied their the Founder of BritCits across was that of Puneet. fundamental right to famisaid, “BritCits is not advoPuneet, a British citizen ly by the Home Office on cating an open-door policy lives in London with his trivial grounds or because on immigration. However British wife, and British of rules which have been we think it’s imperative son. He came to the UK in deemed by even parliathat immigration rules are early 2006, for a company mentarians as a ‘ban masfair and clear, in both their assignment on a work perquerading as a rule’. intent and application; mit, subsequently choosing One such case was that rules must be such where to naturalise as a British of Debarshi, in a story that the interest of a child precitizen, and thus will likely resonate with vails whatever the parents’ renounced his Indian citimany naturalised British financial situation. zenship. Having devoted citizens.

“Ridiculous reasons for refusal – such as denying a British citizen is actually British, or that a couple married for over 12 years with three children does not in itself prove the existence of a genuine relationship – are unacceptable.

When the only recourse to an error made by the Home Office is the applicant taking the appeal to court, the path to family reunification often proves to be prohibiDebarshi with parents when they visited London as tourists tive in terms of time and the last nine years to the Debarshi and his wife money. We are also conUK, helping many big are both British citizens, cerned with changes made businesses, achieving sighaving lived in the UK by the Immigration Act nificant milestones and since 2005. He came to the 2014, which takes away the contributing to our econoUK on a work transfer, and ability to appeal against my, Puneet has been met his now wife Radha Home Office decisions on rewarded with regular prowho was then here as an the basis that the immigramotions. With his career international student. Now tion rules have been going from strength to Debarshi and wife both wrongly applied. strength, Puneet wishes to work at reputable compa“We demand better see his family as a complete nies as professionals. from the government of a unit, thereby wants to The current ADR rules developed nation, one sponsor his parents (both are of concern to Debarshi, which has been a pioneer now aged 63 and living in as the only child of parents on the UN convention India). He feels it is also his living alone in India. rights of the child, has benduty to take care of their Whilst Debarshi is able to efited from the contribuwell-being in their old age, arrange for a carer, this tion of migrants to our ensure his son has suffiwould only ensure provisociety and indeed, a cient time to spend with sion of physical care. Only nation which historically the grandparents, and vicefamily can provide the and even today, is known versa, in order to enable a emotional care, especially for its own people venturstrong bond to develop that needed during old age ing into other countries between them. when parents needs so around the world, to live, If the rules are not often resemble that of chilwork and reunite with famchanged, Puneet has indidren’s. No paid help can ily.” cated that he will with replace that.

Want to contact BritCits? almost complete certainty Debarshi and his wife Write to them at need to leave the UK in have made good progress britcits@gmail.com. order to be somewhere he in their careers, having Website:www.BritCits.com can look after them, as takinvested a decade of their Twitter @BritCits ing care of them in their lives here and to date, not More on the ADR old age, is a top priority. It having claimed any benechallenge: https:// is also an important lesson fits. They are very clear net www.facebook.com/events in life that Puneet wants to contributors, but wish to be /1104551039564514/ teach his son – that looking able to also contribute to

UK Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Dr Nandakumara; Indian Heritage’s Emissary Abroad Born in a place of historic Sanskrit scholasticism, absorbing the best of India’s ancient Vedic heritage as a babe in his mother’s arms, it was inevitable that the child Mattur Nararayanavadhani Nandakumara would one day become the principle keeper of the flame that burns in every Indian’s heart; the fire of historic wisdom and texts going back 4,000 years. He is Executive Director at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; the Indian Institute of Arts and Culture.

The beautiful South Indian village, Mattur in Karnataka, is known for its Vedic and Sanskrit scholars. Here, a baby was born to a family of great Vedic scholars in 1952.

The infant Mattur Narayanavadhani Nandakumara, commonly known as Nandaji, was destined for a special life on account of his genes, his ability, and his environment. Today he is the UK’s most respected Indian priest and authority on historic Vedic and Sanskrit literature.

So what was the hinterland for this career?

Nanda’s early memo-

Dr Nandakumara

ries are of home on the banks of the river Tunga.

“One side greenery, the other side river. I remember learning everything in the lap of nature. The lovely gardens around the village, like the Arecanut

(supari) and coconut gardens we used to grow during our holidays. We would be sitting, climbing trees, swimming in the river and playing cricket.”

But one cloud; Dr M.N. Nandakumara lost his

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and Culture, before change the subject.” becoming its Academic The idyllic childhood Director full time. His did not provide a charmed background of Sanskrit life, though. and interest in dance and Dr Nandakumara says music helped. his Sanskritik background Dr Nandakumara stood against him in the never realized how valuworkplace. He thought he able his childhood might not even get a teachupbringing would prove to ing post. be. Both he and the “Growing up in our Bhavan’s Executive state, it was never D i r e c t o r easy to get a job.

Mathoorji’s were It wasn't that “I remember on modest they’d discrimisalaries as the nate against learning Bhavan is a Brahmans, but everything in charity institute. the situation In 1994, was such. the lap of when the Fortunately, I nature.”

B h a v a n ’ s was able to find Executive Director a job in a high Mathoorji decided to school in go back to India, Nanda Bangalore.” He earnt was made Deputy around 400 rupees a Director. “I am very gratemonth, and could hardly ful to Mathoorji who support his family, even taught me everything. Our though they were not then Chairman, Shri dependant on him, being Maneck Dalalji and Dr landowners.

Marr taught me. These are He prayed for a better the three people, apart job and was rewarded. A from my gurus back in my student of Mathoorji’s, village, who influenced (the former Executive me. They always used to Director of the Bhavan) say that ‘Developing a who worked at the British sense of sacrifice in one’s Museum, visited the young life is most important for Mattur Narayanavadhani. any individual. The minute Between the Bhavan’s you think of doing good, Executive Director and his an unseen hand will help student, Jeanine Miller, you do more.’

Nandaji would be taken At present, the Bhavan care of. Mathoorji would is progressing thanks to host him and Jeanine the leadership of our preswould fund a PhD at SOAS ent chairman, Shri in Sanskrit- related studJoginder Sanger. He’s ies. been one of our big supNanda arrived in porters and is a pillar to London in 1977. our Bhavan.”

He studied under Nandaji is confident Padma Shri Dr John Marr, that his legacy will contina SOAS senior lecturer. ue with someone who will The young academic appear when the time is taught part time at the right and keep the flame Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, alive. the Indian Institute of Arts

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father at the age of three, and does not remember his face.

“We were left with one photograph of his, which we have kept. But my four brothers filled that gap; they took care of me, never making me feel my father’s absence. My mother lived until 2003. My aunt and my brothers influenced my life until the age of seven or eight. School, the teaching and the village environment added to my influences.” Strict vegetarians, the family did not eat onions or garlic.

Until about 1960, no one left the village, Nanda recalls. “All of them studied there. We had a primary and a middle school.

Once they’d finished their middle school, they'd become agriculturalists and learn the Vedas. They were content with what they had. Even women knew those studies in our village.”

By the time Dr Nandakumara reached 16, the villagers had built a high school; easier and safer for the village girls to study locally, they felt.

The childrens’ gurus helped mould them.

Sanskrit class started at 5 am before school and Nanda found the challenge of waking up early made easier by the desire to be part of the study group.

Night times were for homework.

The boy grew up to take an MA in Sanskrit at Mysore University.

It wasn’t planned, as he was on a Botany and Zoology student.

“But I was not very good at Zoology so I had to

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Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Junior doctors and strike I read Mr B M Gandhi's letter (AV Feb 6 p10) with interest. Medical workers cover a very wide range of professions, not all of them would fall under the definition of essential services. However, doctors, transport, police and fire do fall under essential services and strikes should be made illegal in these professions.

Mr Gandhi says that BMA is acting like a trade union rather than a professional body. I disagree. BMA is registered as a trade union at national and local level and has always acted as such first, and as a professional body second. Again, Mr Gandhi says GPs earn salaries above £100,000. I disagree. GPs earn that £100,000 as net profit run as a business. They get another £150,000 to cover their running costs.

Also, I take issue with Mr Gandhi's assertion that medical profession is riddled with corruption throughout Africa and Asia.. I was saved from a life threatening illness in Sudan in 1982 by dedicated doctors. In 2013, a medical problem that was not diagnosed correctly here in UK in previous two years was resolved and cured in Mumbai hospital in two days.

Finally, the sticking point in JD's strike is whether Saturday should be considered eligible for extra pay.

Surely the motive is money driven rather than patient oriented.

Nagindas Khajuria By email

Ponzi scandal

I am a former Gurkha and one of the victims of this socalled "Ponzi" scandal. Gurkhas indeed have become the innocent victims of this illegal "Ponzi" and made lots of innocent Gurkhas and their families homeless and penniless in Nepal and now it has spread like a zika virus in UK. This has got to stop otherwise more Gurkhas and their families will become homeless and pennyless in UK etc. We have to catch the main culprits and these are the same thugs now settled in UK preying the innocent Gurkhas at home and abroad. It is very unfortunate and sad to say that the Gurkhas have been cheated for more than 200 years by the UK government and now from the so-called the "Ponzi" scandal?

Yam Gurung (rtd) By email

Sonia Gandhi

After reading ‘Readers’ Voice’ on 23 Jan 2016 about Sonia Gandhi by Dr Moorty Handworth and its reply by Arun Vaidyanthan on 30th Jan, I just want to ask Dr Moorty who wrote that Modi was a tea vendor turned politician etc.

Dr Moorty will you tell me that when India got independence from British rule, up to now which candidate to become Prime Minister got highest votes in India’s history? Of course Modiji. Up to now which prime minister roamed super power countries like America, Germany, France, Russia, etc, to boost business for India? Modi got highest applause in America, Britain’s Wembley Stadium and everywhere he went.

He got tremendous welcome.

Modi is a humble man. When becoming prime minister, he had to raise Indian flag in Red Fort, he started his speech, “I Narendra Modi, a son of tea vendor has never dreamt that one day as a prime minister, I will host India’s (Tricolour) flag at Red Fort.” Modi is not roaming world for sightseeing, nor minting black money abroad like other politicians of former government. The world sees lot of qualities in him. What is wrong with Sonia Gandhi not to reveal her real past history??

Sudha Rasik Bhatt Oxfordshire

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Going down memory lane

Letter writers

Like other prominent letter writers, I also read Shree C.B.’s Jivant Panth, regularly.

Articles like “Good Health is the prime happiness”, ‘Life without aim’ explain fundamental principles of life, essential for survival. Once, whilst writing about his experiences of Charotar he wrote a famous quote ‘Nadiad (my birth place) Saksharoni Bhumi chhe’ (Land of Learned) was heartening. G.M Tripathi, the author of the epic novel Sarswatichandra was born in Nadiad.

Ramesh Bhai’s mention of Bombay reminded us of our memorable time. Both my husband and I graduated from Bombay University and feel 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' in true sense.

Viewing some of the films he mentioned in the electric atmosphere of Opera House or Maratha Mandir was exceptional pleasure.

But recollections dear to my heart are parading for N.C.C. with weighty rifle at 8.00 a.m. and joining Shree K.M. Munshi, a great author at 9.30 to recite Geeta’s 12th chapter.

The memory I treasured was visiting him at his residence at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan to brief him how well we managed our hostel in the absence of a matron.

He showed so much humbleness and respect to two nineteen year old girls.

The revised set up of this page looks attractive and reader friendly.

Ila Kapadia By email

Have something to say about the stories featured in Asian Voice? Letters are welcome at: aveditorial@abplg roup.com Word limit: 200 words.

Dinesh Sheth has submitted interesting suggestion that contributors to Readers’ Voice be accorded some sort of honor for writing letters. Editor of GS/AV has to decide whether to give such prize in first place.

I am reminded that in 1948 to 1955, Pujya Shri Hirjibapa, saint of East Africa, used to reward us with an Osmiroid pen for filling books with names of “Sita Ram”. I have noticed some papers give star ratings to writers. Some papers also give cash prize to best letters. Sometimes, one letter may be worth many prizes.

If the writer is nominated by readers, or if Editor decides to honor the writer, then writer has not to prove requisite number of letters, to prove quantity or quality. Onus would be on the editorial team.

However, inspiration to express via willing newspaper involve no perspiration, the very selection must be pleasant to writer. Also consider that the editorial team must be receiving 1000s of letters, making the task of selection difficult.

The team has to balance between policy of the publication and sentiments of the writers. I and all the writers will be looking forward to outcome of the suggestion.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Perfect solution to refugee crisis

I wonder why blinkered West is keeping silence when perfect solution for refugee crisis is staring in their eyes. Super rich Saudi Arabia (SA) has built ultra-modern deep water “King Abdullah Port Complex” on Red Sea coast, at a cost of $100 billion with modern housing facilities for 2 million people.

The Port with 30 multipurpose deep water births with 20 million tons capacity and “Smart Gate System Technology” for quick trucks turnaround, capable of birthing largest cargo vessels and cruise liners, has plenty of land in “industrial Valley” for further expansion. Yet city is practically empty, ghost town with just 5000 inhabitants.

What better solution than housing cohesive Sunni Syrian refugees who share same religion, culture and Arabic language? As these refugees are well educated, hardworking with no language barrier, they could invigorate and assimilate with indigenous people, be an asset to SA who is chronically short of manpower with 20% of workforce consists of migrants from South Asia and Europe who neither speak Arabic nor are they Sunnis!

EU should provide financial assistance to these refugees to move in these ultramodern empty flats rather than waste billions to keep them in “Tent Cities” breeding ground for ISIS recruitment, as people without hope, aspiration, living in inhumane refugee camps are irrepressible, fodder for radicalization.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Scourge of Mankind

Having been recently diagnosed with sciatica, stenosis (narrowing of the space between two discs) and spondolysis (inflammation) in the spinal cord, I find that I am not alone. On making enquiries, many other people are also victim of this painful condition. It makes me wonder whether, like diabetes, the condition is more common in us south Asians or is it a scourge of modern living, more widespread than we are aware!

In this condition, the nerve in the spinal cord gets trapped between the vertebrae and causes cramping pain along the whole of the leg.

The basic symptom is terrible pain, agonising and tortorous which begins at the buttocks and continues along the line of the nerve. It is the inflammation along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body from buttocks down the feet and is diagnosed by an MRI scan. If all the conventional treatments like painkillers and ointments fail, the surgeons try to first treat it with epidural steroid injections. If that do not work, the only other alternative is to remove the offending disc(s) surgically. In the initial, less severe, stage, relief can be achieved by exercises which involve in bending forward.

We would like to hear from other readers who may have succumbed to this condition and how they have come to terms with it.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Dangerous private ambulances

While private ambulances and hospitals play important part in keeping over stretched health service functioning, recent case of an old patient who catapulted to death in private ambulance transferring her to hospital has raised concerns, as these non-emergency ambulances are not regulated. Even the driver had no CPR training, thus unable to provide basic assistance, had to wait for NHS ambulance to arrive when time is of essence to save lives.

Private hospitals should check suitability before awarding such contracts. It is time government should regulate, licence and make it mandatory to have minimum standard both for vehicles and drivers to avoid such tragic accidents in future. Loss of even one life under such circumstances is one too many.

Kumudini Valambia By email

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EXCLUSIVE

Home Office revokes Business school license to recruit and teach non EU students

Oscar nominated film director visits UK to cast and film new movie on Kashmir crisis

Rupanjana Dutta

Oscar nominated and controversial film director, screenwriter, and human rights activist Ashvin Kumar visited the UK to find the 16 year old actress to star in his new film Noor, which will be shot in both the UK and Kashmir later this year. Based on true events, a feature length narrative film, Noor is about the human impact of the crisis in Kashmir. It's the story of three generations of women who are trapped in one of the world's forgotten conflicts, which has left over 100,000 people dead.

Speaking about the film, Kumar said: “I want to make this film to show people the human side of what's going on in Kashmir; to change the narrative so that they can understand - there is still hope. I've made two documentaries about Kashmir over the last five years, Inshallah, Football and Inshallah, Kashmir; but my heart has always been in drama, and so I've spent the last two years distilling the many tales I've heard on my travels into one film: Noor.”

Kumar who just left UK on Monday after a successful trip, travelled from city to city, trying to raise money or sponsorship for his upcoming film Noor through crowdfunding. He

screened his older documentaries for the Kashmiri community settled in the UK, followed by a Q+A session, in the hope that people will be motivated enough to contribute to his next film. Speaking to Asian Voice exclusively, Ashvin said, “This is also a tax efficient way of investing- trying to reach out to the community through SIES (Seed Investor Enterprise Scheme) and spreading awareness about this upcoming film in a way.”

Ashvin's mother, the famous designer Ritu Kumar one of India's top fashion designers and is also the costume designer for the film Noor. Ashvin grew up in Kolkata, studying at La Martiniere for boys before being moved to the famous Doon school in Dehradun. While Kolkata may feature in his forthcoming films, his style of

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filmaking, Ashvin believes is quite influenced by his formative years. “It possibly goes back to being in an Etonian style all boys boarding school, and the hazing that went on there created this sense of standing up to the misuse of power.

“My memories of Kashmir were coloured by family holidays, golfing and pony rides. My grandfather was Kashmiri, as a consequence my mother’s side of the family have strong roots in the valley. After the violence broke out in 1989, what was an annual family ritual - visiting Kashmir in the summer - was discontinued. The last time I went to Kashmir was 1987.

“When I returned in the summer of 2009, it was a wholly different place. The barbed wires, bunkers, boots on the ground, guns and ruins of centuries old capital, Srinagar winded me. I wasn’t a particularly political person when I went to Kashmir — I realise this now. The gap between the stuff one read in the papers and the lives that we led, as well to do upwardly mobile urban Indians closed considerably. Kashmir pulled me into politics - I’ve aways been interested in the human story behind the headlines, and a combination of the dastardly state of affairs and my own guiding instincts led me to this point.”

The Home Office has allegedly revoked London School of Business and Finance's (LSBF) license to recruit and teach non EU students. The college is part of for-profit education group Global University Systems, which runs several institutions in the UK, Asia and North America.

The BBC reported that Home Office said the college had been found to be in breach of its duties in sponsoring students from outside the European Union. The college said the issue stemmed from "a technical discussion" about the proportion of non-EU students it had accepted whose visa applications had then been refused. The BBC further reported that LSBF rector and chief executive Prof Van Rooijen said the college's own independently audited figures were "definitely within the margins" so it was "surprised and shocked" by the Home Office's conclusion.

National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK published an advisory on facebook saying, “Any current Indian studens facing curtailment, please get in touch with NISU at secretary@nisu.org.uk.

No new international Indian student should apply to LSBF till further notice.”

One student said he feared he would be unable to complete his £8,500 course. Another student doing a master's degree in business administration at LSBF said almost half the students on his course had so far received a Home Office "notice of curtailment". The students are asked to return their residence permits and told they may not work in the UK. Prof Rooijen reportedly said, "These are genuine and good students. We will deal with every student on an individual basis to ensure they will be able to continue their courses and complete their qualifications."

Expansion plans for Europe's 'largest Hindu temple'

Touted as being the “largest Hindu temple of its kind in Europe”, Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple of UK, in Tividale village, is planning to expand. The temple submitted an application to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, of plans of constructing a Chariot Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple UK, Tividale Village House to store a chariot. They acquired in 1995, is spread in about also applied for the construction of 30 acre plot. It attracts visitors a processional route for Rathyatra, from all over the UK and is open which is pending consideration. throughout the year.

This Balaji temple, which was

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MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan has opted for the status quo in the interest rate, choosing to put the ball in the government’s court – in other words, to await Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s Budget later this month. He said he would then take a call on loosening monetary policy. His watch word appeared to be growth without discarding present fiscal targets calculated to control inflation. Come the day, come the hour, and we should know the best or the worst, as the case may be. Meanwhile, Minister Jaitley indicated that the government would increase budgetary allocations for rural and social schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He said: ‘One engine to grow further, despite the global slowdown that has also impacted our exports, can be by improvRaghuram Rajan ing the rural economy.

The Centre and State governments can do this through a rural push by measures such as rural electrification, roads and irrigation.’ The Minister also stressed that the government would not resort to spending cuts to meet fiscal deficit targets as it had an overall impact on economic growth.

No spending cuts

Mr Jaitley continued: ‘In the recent past, there was hardly any year when a major portion of the Budget estimate for expenditure was not cut; especially in the months of November and December.…growth rate was also impacted. But this will be the first time governmental works will not be cut and more than the Budget estimate will be spent.’

He noted that there had been a short fall in the monsoon months.

(Business Line, Telegraph February 3)

Smart cities

The government’s announcement that 20 Indian cities had been earmarked as smart cities has opened a new chapter in the country’s urban history. Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that the government had set aside Rs 200 crore as funding each city in the first part of the plan. The selection process was rigorous with each application from the States put under careful scrutiny by an outside expert agency to make the final call. Bhubaneswar topped the list for its robust smart city presentation. The appropriate smart infrastructure will be the core of the smart city with domestic and foreign investors making the bulk of the contributions. ‘Every city should follow credit rating.

Otherwise no one will come and invest from outside,’ said Minister Naidu.

Manufacturing on 4-month high

The manufacturing sector rebounded in January following an earlier blip due largely to the devastating late monsoon floods in Tamil Nadu.. It rode into expansion mode on the back of new orders from domestic and foreign clients. Although the rate of expansion was modest, the rise was the sharpest in four months and augurs well for industry (Business Line, Hindu February 2)

Services scale the heights

India’s services sector surged a 19-month high posting 54.3 per cent growth in January. ‘Amid forecasts of further improvement in demand and favourable government policies, service providers in India expect output to continue to increase in the next year,’ said a trade body Business Line February 4)

Indian hotel tops global list

Travel website TripAdvisor has declared that Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur was rated the world’s top hotel. ‘The Oberoi Vanyavilas was ranked sixth, and Jaipur’s Taj Rambagh Palace took fifteenth spot. ‘We are extremely proud to have been recognized by millions of

Auto Expo 2016 Domestic and global carmakers flocked to New Delhi for a prestige event none of them would wish to leave out of their diaries. The Indian market keeps growing as does the country’s burgeoning middle class with deep and small pockets remain an allure for all the major brands. While India’s auto industry grows at 8.5 per cent annually, in South Korea, Germany, China and the USZ growth is is 7.4, 5.4, and 1.4

Hyderabad firm and Zika vaccine Hyderabad manufacturer Bharat Biotech announced that it has two vaccine candidates for tackling the mosquito-borne Zika disease. One is a recombinant vaccine and the other an inactivated vaccine. We believe we have an early mover advantage in developing the vaccine and are probably the first in the world to file for global patent for Zika vaccine candidates,’ said Bharat Biotech

Auto Expo 2016, Delhi

respectively. ‘The Indian market has promise to grow over five million units and this would be a solid and steady growth,’ said Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India (Business Line February 4)

Dalian pledges $10 billion

Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda said it would develop a $10 billion industrial park in Haryana, its first project in Haryana giving a huge lift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative. Chinese entrepreneurs are making waves with their investments in the country. The Hunan-based Sany Group, is to invest $5 billion in renewable energy and housing projects, while Foxconn is to put $5 billion into a Research & Development semiconductor facility in Maharashtra (Telegraph January 23 )

Metro coaches for Australia

India sent the first consignment of six metro coaches to Australia a fortnight ago. ‘This is the first shipment of the planned 450 coaches that will be exported to Australia over two and a half

Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella (Times of India February 4)

Sistena to bring in Concert Group

The clothing retailer Concept Group 40 per cent owned by AFK Sistema, will be entering the Indian market in partnership with the Tata Group. Vladimir Yevtushenkov, Sistema’s principal stakeholder told Russia 24 TV channel during an interview in Davos India had been chosen as the ‘plot,’ as a prelude to enter the Arab and Chinese markets. With its retail assets, Children’s World and Concept Group have a network across 425 cities across Russia and Kazakhstan (Russia India Report January 22)

Russian provinces eye Indian tie-ups

Russia is giving greater freedom to its provinces to engage directly with Indian States. “There is completion among provinces like Astrakhan, Mordova and Bashkortostan to take advantage of the positive trend in IndiaRussia ties,’ said Vladimir Mazov, Minister of Economic Affairs, Mordova, told reporters.

‘Moscow handles defence and strategic ties with India, but provinces have been given a free hand to deal with India in the fields of agriculture, health education, cultural cooperation,’ he said, stating that his province had begun promoting yoga as a sign of deepening cooperation with India.

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Bashkortostan Bashkortostan Economic Development Minister, Sergei Novikov, said: ‘Bashkortostan which is the home of a flourishing defence industry has enjoyed cordial relations with India. But now we are introducing another facet of our state…’ (Hindu February 1)

Made in India nuclear power plant parts

In a move that could become a model for countries wishing to enter the Indian civil nuclear energy market, India and Russia have set up a working group to draw up plans for the local manufacture of Russian designed power plants for India. The project emanates from the Action Programme signed between Rosatom and India’s Department of Energy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow for the Indo-Russian summit with President Vladimir Putin last December. Evgeni Griva, Director General Rosatum South Asia the Action Programme includes cooperation in the joint development of technologies for power generation industries (Hindu February 5)

Neo-fascists oppose close India-Sri Lanka ties

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera lashed out at ‘neo-fascists’ in the country for opposing closer India-Sri Lanka ties. Pointing to certain ‘misguided Sinhalese Buddhists who wear their ethnicity on their sleeves’ Minister Samaraweera said that instead of being grateful to India for having given the majority community ‘their great religion, Buddhism’, such people spread fear of India. ‘Whenever a bridge over the Palk Strait to connect our two countries is proposed, they get into a paranoid frenzy that all of India is waiting to drive over and make Sri Lanka their home. When trade agreements they see swarms of barbers across to flood the Sri Lankan market.’

Close ties welcomed

As India forges ahead to become an economic superpower, Sri Lanka must sees this progress ‘not as as a threat but as a great opportunity to prosper and develop. …we are blessed with a historic opportunity by way of our location right next to one of the world’s largest and fastest growing – an economy thirty times our size.’ He said Lankan exports to India had risen 10 times since the signing of an India-Sri Lanka free

Full list

The listed cities are as follows: Bhubaneswar, Pune, Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, Visakhapatnam, Solapur, Davangere, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belgaum, Udaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, Ludhiana and Bhopal (Hindu, Business Line, Mint January 29)

Umaid Bhavan Palace Hotel, Jodhpur

TripAdvisor travelers,’ said Chinmai Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, pleased also by the world ratings of the Group’s other iconic hotels.

years,’ said a Shipping Ministry statement in New Delhi. The coaches, each 75 feet long and weighing 46 tonnes, were built in Vadodara and shipped from Mumbai.

India-Nepal border traffic resumes after blockade. see comment page 3

UK Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

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Politics of Sport, Democracy and Fair Play

From UK battling doping in Football to India and gambling in cricket, to global tennis, FIFA and athletics, sport and controversy go hand in hand – as I recently commented on BBC. How does the behind the scene politics of these things work? I write to you from Hong Kong.

It has emerged that there was a plot to rig the February 2015 ITUC Asia Pacific election. Global Leaks has revealed that Carol Beaumont, the former New Zealand Labour Party MP and secretary of New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, was being pushed by General Secretary Sharan Burrow for the post of ITUC (AP) General Secretary through dubious means. Leaked emails show how Ms Burrow engaged with Grant Belchamber (international officer, Australian Council of Trade Unions), Helen Kelly, president NZCTU, and Carol herself, with the purpose of engineering a win against Noriyuki Suzuki, the current general secretary of ITUC (AP) and the man who finally beat her.

An email dated January 18 of last year, written by Ms Carol to Ms Burrow and Ms Kelly, shows how she solicited their clandestine support through undemocratic means.

On January 29, 2015, Grant Belchamber wrote to Sharan Burrow and Helen Kelly, brainstorming on how best to create cracks and swing votes for Ms Carol.

He wrote: “If votes are weighted by

membership, Suzuki appears to have almost 60% at present. This includes SEWA. Taking SEWA from Suzuki leaves him with 51%. Critical we speak with them.” He then goes on to talk about hopes of swinging NTUC-I (Nepal) and NTUF (Sri Lanka) as well.

Sharan Burrow’s response is equally shocking and against the spirit of trade unionism.

Her mail, in short, read: “It’s enough to spook him (Suzuki) and to demonstrate split in region. SEWA will vote with you (Carol) I am certain. And PWF will go with the wind. Bishnu has started Rengo conversation. I will be in contact with Koga as soon as noms close. Meanwhile I have one of the GUFs talking to Rengo Affiliate…”

She also spoke of fixing a retirement date for Suzuki.

These are political tactics, and indictment of their commitment to free and fair elections. Ms Burrow may have been ensuring placements of associates and faithfuls in key positions so that that there is little opposition to her.

A well known sympathizer of the Australian Labour party, Sharan Burrow has faced criticism from Joe Hockey, a Liberal Party Member, for promoting the ALP and at the same time criticizing the Liberals.

Around the world, from global sport to regions, it appears democracy and fair play get in the way of sport.

Renting: A brave new world

Switch on the news and the chances are you'll see a politician at a building site making an announcement about “getting Britain building”. And it is little wonder that government is Dianne Cowie, scrambling to be seen Director, Duncan Lewis to be taking action when homeownership is plummeting while rents continue to soar. But beyond the headlines about helping first time buyers, the major changes government is pushing through are likely to most affect those renting.

These reforms have come fast over recent years and housing experts have had to run hard to stay ahead of the game. It is not surprising if many private renters and social tenants are unaware or confused by the changes that could affect them. To make things more complicated the changes in welfare and housing policy are affecting different groups differently. So the impact is distinct depending on whether you are renting private or socially, within the social housing sector between those in local authority and housing association properties, by age, income, whether you are in work and whether you are an existing tenant or not.

Under the reforms which are currently passing through parliament, the biggest changes are likely to be felt by those within the social rented sector.

Carrying on from previous reforms there is a push for much shorter tenancies, with local authorities mandated to offer 2-5 year agreements and thus reducing security of tenure. But this will only affect new tenants and it will only apply initially to council and not housing association tenants. The government is also introducing what has been dubbed 'Pay to Stay'. Under this initiative some social tenants will be charged rents equivalent to private housing if their income is above £40,000 in London and £30,000 outside of the capital.

Both these policy changes look set to

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widen the differences in the deal that tenants are offered depending on whether they are entering local authority or housing association accommodation. Another change is likely to see the two converge. In a reprise of one of the most popular policies of the Thatcher government, the government has decided to extend the statutory Right to Buy a council home at a discount to housing association tenants. For those in social housing who cannot afford to buy and not claiming housing benefit there is some good news as following the chancellor's announcement last summer to cut rents by 1% per year for four years.

This will, however, affect the ability of landlords to carry out repairs and build much needed new homes.

For those in the private rented sector the changes are also far reaching.

There are greater powers to clamp down on rogue landlords and the changes follow new obligations introduced recently for private landlords to check the immigration status of tenants.

If this wasn't confusing enough, added to this mix are a string of welfare reforms, including freezing of benefits, introduction of Universal Credit and reduction next April in the benefit cap, the maximum that a household can claim in benefits, from £26,000 to £23,000 in London and £20,000 in the rest of the country – mainly affecting larger families in major cities.

These changes look set to fragment what tenants can expect depending on where they live and who they are.

Whilst reforms may make for good press releases they are creating a sea of confusion and uncertainty. Without proper advice and information some tenants could start to slip behind on their rent. Equally the changes could make some tenants more hesitant to ask for repairs if their tenancy is shorter, even if their home is in a terrible state of disrepair. As a solicitor I try to ensure a fair deal. It is surely also incumbent on all those involved from government to landlords to play their part in helping tenants as we enter this brave new world.

Bengalis to celebrate Saraswati Puja in Britain With Vasanth Panchami around the corner, Bengalis in Britain are gearing up to celebrate Saraswati puja in different parts of the country, over this weekend. The day also popular among youngsters from the community as the 'Bengali Valentine's Day', Devi Saraswati is believed to be the Goddess of eternal knowledge and wisdom.

In London, like every year, the Croydon Bengali Connection will be hosting a puja on Saturday 13th February at Old Palace of John Whitgift Junior School, Melville Avenue, Croydon CR2 7YN, which will be inaugurated by MP Gavin Barwell. The puja will start at 5pm. The cultural programme will include

Kirtan by ISKCON, inaugural song by children as well as drama, choir and dance, Bengali folk song performance (baul) and bhog distribution (prashad).

London Sharad Utsav will also host their first ever Saraswati puja on Saturday 13th from 1pm to 4pm at Victoria H a l l , Sheepcote R o a d , Middlesex HA1 2JE in Harrow.

This will include puja, prashad, music and a lot of fun including unadultarated adda.

On 14th February at 28 Portland Drive, Milton

Keynes, MK15 9LP, Saraswati Puja will be celebrated with much pomp and gaiety by the local Bengalis. The puja will be hosted with bhog and a list of cultural programme, including singing and dancing by adults and children.

Celebrating Saraswati Puja for your local Bengali community?

Send us a photo and few lines on this year's celebration by Monday 15 Feb at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.co m to be a part of our postevent coverage.

14 SPECIAL

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India Connect AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Celebrating Valentine's Day

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

Reshma Trilochun

It's the lovebirds' favourite time of the year- it's the season of love; it's Valentine's Day! What best way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year than to escape on a mini vacation as the D-day falls on a Sunday. I'd say, it's a great reason to head off to a great getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of the usual grind in the city.

Valentine's Day getaways

Edinburgh

Rome

Paris

Venice

Valentine's Day ideas Right. You may be lost this time around as to what to do and where to go for Valentine's Day. But it doesn't need to be so difficult.

Spa time How about just the two of you indulging in some much needed me-time, or in this case, us-time.

Head off to a spa and have special couple treatments. It is sure to set the mood and get the ball rolling as a start to a fun-filled V-Day.

Wine & Dine Why not take the time out and go out for a romantic meal with your partner? It may seem like a cliched idea, but it is one of the safest bet. Opt for a romantic candle-lit dinner, and spend the night gazing into each others' eyes, while gorging the scrumptious food.

Tamarind Restaurant, Mayfair, London The Chilli Pickle, Brighton Shish Mahal, Glasgow Pushkar, Birmingham Rajshahi, Bradford

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Homemade picnic How about arranging an indoor picnic instead? Set the ambience with the right lighting and music, and share your favourite treats and nibbles. Just go with the flow.

Just you & I If everything else fails to work, then just sit back and watch an old classic together.

Just the two of you, watching your favourite movie while munching popcorn, cuddling away on the sofa can be a simple yet affectionate way of celebrating Valentine's Day.

Let's eat out!

Online registration and submission of OCI applications for Grant of OCI Cards, PIO to OCI Service and for OCI Miscellaneous Service.

Government of India, Ministry of Home affairs has introduced and implemented the online module for submission and processing of OCI applications.

With effect from 23rd November 2015, all applicants are required to upload the Photograph and requisite supporting documents after completing the online registration process and Printing of the application form. i.e Proof of Indian Origin Documents, Birth Certificate, Surrender Certificate of Indian Passport, Marriage Certificate or any other proof of Indian Origin documents (PDF ONLY) prior to the physical submission of the application at the Application Centres.

Accordingly, all applicants are hereby requested to strictly follow the procedure mentioned below for processing of applications for OCI Registration, PIO to OCI and for OCI Miscellaneous Services.

The applicant shall submit the application form online and upload the recent photograph as per the correct specification and upload the PDF copy of eligibility Documents at the OCI registration website-http://passport.gov.in/oci/ After the successful registration of OCI application and uploading the pdf copy of Eligibility documents, the applicants are required to submit the physical copy of duly signed application form with 2 photographs and the Original Documents with correct fee at the nearest Application Centre.

Applicants are required to provide/submit the same documents in original, which are uploaded on the online module after online registration.

Once the original documents have been verified by the High Commission of India, London and its respective consulates In Birmingham and Edinburgh, the original documents will be returned to the applicants.

If there is any deficiency in the application/uploaded documents/ photograph, found in the documents the Indian Mission/Post concerned will inform notify the applicants No applications will be accepted at any of the application centres, if the online registration is not completed and Supporting Documents / Photograph are not uploaded successfully as per the guidelines.

All applicants are requested to strictly comply with the above mentioned instructions.

The processing of OCI comes with three steps: Step-1: complete and uploading of the documents online.

Complete http://passport.gov.in/oci/ all information as per your foreign passport.

Upload documents.

Print and sign all parts of the application.

Book and appointment Take your signed application and all the original documents to VFS Global.

Step -2: Submission of fully completed application to VFS Global.

Processing of documents at VFS Global.

VFS will send the application for processing to the High commission of India/Consulate.

Dispatch of applications to New Delhi from The High commission of India/ Consulate.

Verification of OCI application at New Delhi.

Granting and printing of OCI cards at New Delhi.

Dispatch of OCI Cards from New Delhi to United Kingdom.

Step-3: Track your application Arrival of printed OCI cards to The High commission of India/ Consulate Applicant track and Printout of on-line status report.

Applicant submit in person Printout of on-line status report and foreign passport to VFS Global.

Foreign passport and Printout of on-line status report sent to The High commission of India/Consulate for match up of OCI. Match up of OCI Cards with foreign passport dispatch to you via DX trackable service.

OCI and Your foreign passport arrive to your requested address.

For more information please click below weblink: http://www.vfsglobal.com/India/U K/index.html

For more information please contact us on our helpline numbers: +44 203 793 8629 / +44 203 695 9849 Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:30 (except for Consular Holiday)

Alternatively applicants can also call : 09057 570 045* * Please note calls to this number will be chargeable at the rate of 95p per minutes plus a connection charge from a BT landline. Calls from mobile phones may cost considerably higher.

For Email inquiry please email us: OCI: info.ociuk@vfshelpline.com Visa: info.inuk@vfshelpline.com Consular & Passports: Info.ppt-Consularuk@vfshelpline.com

India Connect - your questions answered on India visas” a service offered by

SP

Asifa Lahore

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Saraswati Samman to honour high grade A level students with cash/citation awards on March 14

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the power of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands symbolically representing four aspects of human personality in learning – mind, intellect, alertness and ego.

Saraswati Samman is the first such initiation to encourage excellence in education within Asian community irrespective of caste and creed. We got representations from substantial number of students in the first year itself. Lord Dholakia and other jury members have reviewed the shortlisted nominations and finalised the names of the winners.

Mr Kanti Nagda, Trustee/Secretary of Karma Yoga Foundation, said: “I am glad that Karma Yoga Foundation has started a process of encouraging A level students by not only honouring them but giving a cash prize which they can use to enhance their further studies. The fact that this is going to be an annual event will enable more A level students to participate in 2016 round.”

Karma Yoga Foundation is a modest effort by a business which allocates sizeable sums for various human service activities, including promoting education.

Lord Dholakia said: “I am delighted to sponsor the Saraswati Samman programme at the House of Lords. Unlike other awards, this event is to recognise the remarkable educational achievement of our students in the United Kingdom.

Education of children is at the heart of all parents. I know of families who have sacrificed their income so that their children can build a promising career for themselves. We now know that they feature on a par with all other high achieving students. The award is one way of saying thank you to them. Well done. Saraswati has been on your side. Let us hope that Laxmi will follow.”

15

Sunetra Senior

Asifa Lahore is Britain’s first publically out Muslim drag queen. She is a regular on London’s gay club and burlesque scene, having recently launched The Masala Club in Walthamstow, a dinner and dance outfit, serving up the double delight of curry and cabaret. She is also known in the LGBT community for her fashion-conscious, funny music videos exhibiting her vocal talent alongside the smoky eyes and burgundy leather. But this is just one side of Lahore’s story. Sitting in a little London café, with the cool air of a lifer rock-star she explained to us, “my career took off because I embraced my identity through my love of performance. There came a point where I had a huge Asian following, both men and women, and I came to a realisation: I could use my fame to speak up for the thousands of Gaysians (gay and Asian) who’ve felt afraid like me.” Indeed, her conviction is the product of earlier silence: “most British people do come out in their teens, but I was told by my sister to stay quiet. I had even agreed to marry my cousin in Pakistan. After that my grades started to drop at university when I was finally put in touch with several LGBT charities and support groups, and could appreciate who I was. Now I do a lot of campaigning, up and down the country, to raise awareness, as well as in the homeland.” *** But Lahore refuses to reduce the issue to her background; Pakistani culture being a colourful characteristic of her shows. “It is a difficult time not just if you are gay and/or Muslim” she asserted. “We’re living in world where it is difficult to be yourself, in all your plurality. There is so much pressure to identify - to conform - in one way: you could be straight and Christian, practising or not practising, Muslim, Hijabi, and you’ll face the same challenge.” 'Hers a narrative of glamour and sexual politics, Lahore does not just stand for the Gaysian community, but the right to individuality at its very depths.'

Lord Dholakia

Who wants to date mediocrity in an era of academic excellence?

However, there are only a few islands of academic brilliance floating in a sea of mediocrity. The reason is – very few chase excellence.

The secret of joy in academics is contained in one word – excellence.

And achievers of excellence go the extra mile and stand out from the crowd.

In the past, with a good report card you received a parental pat on the back, but now it could also be cash in your pocket.

Motivation is the key to educational success.

And surely one of the best ways to generate motivation is by offering rewards.

The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia PC OBE DL and Karma Yoga Foundation will honour the Indian sub-continent students – who have excelled in 2015 A level examinations – with Saraswati Samman at a function in House of Lords on March 14, 2016.

The award ceremony will begin at 4pm.

UK-settled high grade achieving students (for A levels) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – irrespective of religion, caste or creed – were invited to furnish their results.

The winners will be felicitated with awards on the occasion. People concerned have been invited for the event.

The following cash rewards would be given on the occasion: £2,500 to the Best (Platinum) Achiever (Total £2,500). £1,001 each to 3 (Gold) Achievers (Total £3,003) £501 each to 5 (Silver) Achievers (Total £2,505) Why Saraswati Samman?

In the Indian culture Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness.

Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that

TLIGHT

You recently filmed the Channel 4 documentary, Muslim Drag Queens – a programme on the lives of gay Asian performers; how have you felt since it aired?

Initially I felt exposed, but I was expecting that. There were the trolls, online abuse and death threats, but the message of being LGBT and Muslim was put out there, and the overall reception was positive. People across all walks of life and age groups have shown their support: I had 20-30 Asian aunties on the dance floor at one of my club nights, for example.

It wasn’t until your mid-twenties that you came out; tell us more about this journey?

I was afraid for a long time. Coming from an Asian background, everyone was always in each other’s houses and knew each other’s business, and I actually love that feeling of community.

But for me it was stigmatising. When my parents found out, for example, they took me to a doctor; not out of malice, just pure ignorance. After the help at university, I regained my confidence and was able to break away. I had always been a great performer – I went to the Brit School of Performing

I would say to the whole Asian community: be yourself Arts, attended by singers such as Leona Lewis and Kate Nash- and taking up drag just followed naturally. I entered Drag Idol, a national drag competition, and managed to reach the finals as the first Asian person to enter.

Some see Drag as a celebration of fluid sexuality. What exactly is it about performing that attracts you?

Culture! My first experiences of it come from the influences of say, seventies Bollywood, and the Asian community just loves dressing up. We are also very experimental; mixing and matching eastern with western styles.

You have said that Islam has worked in tandem with your beliefs on gay marriage?

Getting married was a catalyst in coming out. Authenticity and marrying someone you love is at the heart of all South-Asian religion. Having my relationship validated legally on paper also helped my family understand the seriousness of the commitment; that this love was real.

You said in the Huffington Post: “Cameron is talking about the threat of extremism but actually I think it’s a form of terrorism that British gay Muslims aren’t getting the support and advice and guidance that they need to just be themselves in the UK” Please elaborate?

If people aren’t being represented accurately, that is a form of terrorism; my Free Speech segment was cut from BBC Three. People want to avoid being offensive, and a whole community remains oppressed. When British gay Muslims are not being portrayed in all their identities, how can you propose to give anyone an authentic voice? I would love to speak to Cameron: tell him everyone needs to be heard.

What are some of your current and future projects?

I just finished work on Channel 4’s diversity programme, True Colours. I would also love to campaign with the UN, raising awareness on an international scale. Finally maybe some modelling in the Indian and British-Asian fashion weeks.

Finally, what would be your advice to others who are afraid to come out?

I would say to the entire Asian community—just be you! Have those difficult conversations. Make sure you don’t sell out on yourself. twitter.com/AsifaLahore

16

WOMEN & BABY

Preparing for motherhood

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

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Going through motherhood is probably one of the most life-changing experiences in a woman's life. A woman goes through a series of emotions, from anxiety and fear, to anticipation and excitement, for the arrival of her baby. This could also be a daunting experience for expectant mothers who are awaiting the arrival of their firstborn. They may not have the slightest idea of how to look after their unborn child, as well as their own health.

Therefore, this special feature on Preparing for motherhood, will give you an insight on how to take care of yourself during, before and after your pregnancy.

Reshma Trilochun

Supplements Folic acid is proven to be essential for pre conception, as well as up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. It is said that women are recommended to take folic acid for ideally three months before conceiving, as well as the first trimester of pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of the baby developing conditions such as spina bifida, which is a condition where the spine does not develop properly.

You can also get your folic acid from green leafy vegetables, brown rice, granary bread, as well as breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid. However, one may not be able to get the adequate amount of folic acid only with food, therefore, it may be necessary to consume supplements as well.

There are many supplements available at pharmacies and you can speak with a medical expert, such as with your GP or a pharmacist, who can guide you about the right supplement

according to your health and body.

Diet

During pregnancy, one has to make sure that they are eating the right food and avoiding consumption of food that can prove harmful for their baby.

Pâté, including vegetable pâtés, as well as mould-ripened soft cheeses and soft blue-veined cheeses contain listeria bacteria that cause listeriosis. Although infection is rare with this bacterium, even a mild form of this infection in pregnancy can lead to severe illness in a

newb o r n baby, stillbirth or miscarriage.

Avoid consuming brie, camembert, goats' cheese, Danish blue, gorgonzola and roquefort.

Pregnant woman should also avoid raw eggs, raw meat, unpasteurised milk, liver, fish, caffeine and alcohol. It is advised

that you also avoid taking any supplements containing vitamin A, high-dose multivitamin supplements and fish liver oil supplements.

According to the Food Standards Agency's eatwell plate, your daily meal should consist of a variety of food from the four main food groups; fruits and veg-

etables, starchy food, protein and dairy.

However, one must bear in mind that not everyone requires the same diet.

What may suitable for someone else’s body and wellbeing may not be appropriate for yourself. So do ensure that you speak to a medical professional who will help you with your dietary requirements.

Exercise

Exercise is important prior to conceiving, as well as during the pregnancy

Dad friendly facilities

Let’s not neglect the fathers when we speak of motherhood and babies.

Fathers support and comfort their wives during this life-changing period, who would go the extra mile to take care of the baby while the mother recuperates after childbirth.

However, many fathers may find it difficult to do the basic necessities in public, such as changing the nappies of their baby in public, as not many safe and hygienic changing facilities are available where men can change their babies.

The Dad Network, the UK’s most pioneering fatherhood support has launched a campaign for more dad-friendly baby changing facilities.

The founder of The Dad Network, Al Ferguson said, “Society is going through a cultural shift seeing more and more dads take active, hands on roles in parenting and public facilities need to reflect this.”

Inspired by Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher, who campaigned

However, that does not mean you engage in extreme sports during your pregnancy; that will be harmful for yourself and your baby. Exercising helps you by giving you the strength to carry the weight you gain during the pregnancy; it prepares you for the physical demands of labour and birth, as well as helps getting back in shape after childbirth easier.

It also improves your mood, reducing the feelings of anxiety and depression. Exercise gives you an energy boost, as well as helps you to sleep better. It may also reduce your risk of getting some pregnancy complications.

While pregnant, once should choose low-impact exercises, such as walking,

in 2015 in the US for dadfriendly baby changing facilities, The Dad Network has created a webpage for dads to list and locate “Dad Friendly Facilities” in the UK. The webpage allows them to upload the name and address, along with a photograph of the place that has the changing facilities, with information whether it is an appropriate place to change nappies or not.

Al Ferguson further stated, “We feel that in order for real change to hit the UK, we need to be highlighting both the dad friendly and unfriendly facilities in the hope that businesses will recognise the importance of this issue.”

cycling on am exercise bike, or swimming. These exercises work your lungs and heart without straining your joints. Swimming is ideal during pregnancy as the water makes you feel lighter, and it also eases the swelling is your ankles and feet. Swimming can be carried on right up to your delivery date.

Going to Pilates and yoga classes can also help build your strength and make you suppler. Yoga also keeps you toned and relaxed during pregnancy.

However, you have to ensure that the Pilates or yoga instructor is qualified to teach pregnant women.

During pregnancy, steer clear of rigorous sports and exercise regimes that involve falls or jolts.

Avoid mountain biking, skiing, waterskiing and horse riding.

What not to do

When try for a baby, you have to make sure to avoid binge drinking and smoking. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, smokers take longer to conceive. They also suggested that smoking makes a woman's eggs more prone

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W OMEN & BABY 17 Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Sleeping positions You should avoid putting any pressure onto your stomach when you are pregnant. Finding the right sleeping position during this phase may seem difficult, but it is best to stick to SOS, in other words, “Sleep On Side�; preferably on your left side. It is said that sleeping on your left increases the amount of blood and nutrients reaching the placenta and your baby. You can sleep with your knees and legs bent, and you can also put a pillow between your legs to sleep more comfortably.

to genetic abnormalities, as well as increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

You should also avoid excessive drinking if you

are planning to get pregnant. Excessive drinking is linked to irregular periods, abnormal estrogen and progesterone levels, and lack of ovulation, which makes it more difficult to conceive.

Doctors

During your pregnancy, it is important that do not miss any of your medical appointments. Pregnancy

may cause some discomfort to your body, however, there are certain symptoms that you should not ignore and should definitely seek medical help straight away.

These symptoms include abdominal pain which may include unusual or severe cramps; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea; blurred vision; fainting or feeling dizzy, plus many other symptoms.

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression is a form of depression some women experience after

Multitasking mothers Looking after a baby in itself is a full-time job as babies require your full attention. Most mothers wait until their maternity leave is done with in order to go back to work or take up a new project.

However, there are also mothers out there who multitask, during pregnancy as well as after childbirth.

A remarkable example of multitasking is of Halla Koppel, a native of Iceland and a former TV host, who had enrolled on a one-year MBA course at Oxford University's SaĂŻd Business School, on 21st September 2015, and gave birth to her daughter, Louisa, on 23rdSeptember.

Halla Koppel recalls the initial stages on the course. She said, “The first term I tried to turn up to everything and I nearly managed. I did show up [to class] a week after she was born. I felt better than I had thought.�

She was also well aware of the compromise that would be required when juggling the two events in her life. “I knew that by having a baby I was giving up the potential of getting the highest grade I could get. I was aware of that from the beginning. I am quite comfortable with everything.�

Koppel wants to take it upon herself to make

giving birth. It can develop in the first 6 weeks of childbirth, but is not always apparent until around 6 months. Initially, it may seem like you’re going through mood changes where you feel irritable and have episodes of tearfulness. This is known as the baby blues.

This usually clears up within a few weeks, but if it doesn’t that means you could be suffering from postnatal depression.

What the cause is for postnatal depression is not clear, but it is thought that it is a result of many things, which may include the physical and emotional stress of looking after a new-born baby; lack of sleep; hormonal changes that happen shortly after the birth of the baby; as well as individual social circumstances.

Many women do not

consult their doctors as they may feel guilty, or they may be unaware that they are in fact going through postnatal depression. If you feel that you or your partner is going through this, then it is encouraged that you consult a doctor as it is unlike-

ly that the condition will get better by itself quickly.

For more information on pregnancy, visit the NHS w e b s i t e : www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-andbaby/pages/pregnancyand-baby-care.aspx

Yoga classes for pregnant women

Yoga bellies: www.yogabellies.co.uk/classes/bumps Yoga birth: www.yogabirth.org Yoga 4 pregnancy: www.yoga4pregnancy.co.uk Joyful babies: www.joyfulbirthbaby.com Love baby yoga: www.lovebabyyoga.co.uk

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Halla Koppel with baby Louisa

motherhood an accepted part of business life. She said, “It is important for people on the MBS to learn to work with mothers. It's important for it to be visible. In a lot of workplaces women are hiding the fact that they are mothers. I just want to take part in changing this.

Having babies is just part

of life. This shouldn't be different; it should be part of the norm.�

Certainly, there must be several mothers like Halla Koppel out there who are balancing motherhood and their education or their work simultaneously, and proving to be successful at both. That is the power of motherhood.

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18

BUSINESS

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ArcelorMittal posts $8bn Indian economy likely to grow 7.6% in 2015-16 loss, eyes $3bn share issue AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 13thFebruary 2016

ArcelorMittal said it had lost nearly $8 billion last year, and that it planned to seek $3 billion in new capital from shareholders to shore up its finances. Shares of the world's biggest steel maker fell more than 5 per cent last week in Amsterdam. The company is one of the big producers that has been hit by lower demand from the slowing global economy. It said its loss, including a $6.7 billion retreat in the fourth quarter last year was mainly down to falling steel prices that were depressed by a surge of Chinese exports, and to write-offs in the company's large mining business. In the fourth quarter of 2014, ArcelorMittal lost $955 million. China's economic slowdown has upset many commodity producers,

including steel makers. But they, instead of importing steel, have ramped up their own capacity, which now accounts for about half of the global production of raw steel. The only logical antidote to the Chinese economy slowdown and domestic producers' reluctance to cut production had been to unleash exports that undercut rivals globally.

Lakshmi Mittal, the company's chairman and chief executive has called the results “rather sobering” and “disappointing”.

Mittal also forecast that his company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, a widely cited financial metric, would be “in excess” of $4.5 billion in 2016, compared with $5.2 billion in 2015.

Indian economy is forecast to grow by 7.6% in 201516, marginally higher than the finance ministry's estimate, making it the fastest growing major economy in the world. Data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Monday showed the economy grew 7.3% in the OctoberDecember quarter, slower than the previous quarter's upwardly revised 7.7% expansion.

Growth for the JulySeptember quarter was revised to 7.7% from the previously reported 7.4%.

April-June quarter was revised upwards to 7.6% from 7% earlier. Full growth for 2015-16 was more or less in line with estimates and higher than the 7.2% expansion in the previous year. While the economy slowed a little in the December quarter, growth was faster than

China's 6.8% expansion in the third quarter. The finance ministry expects the economy to grow by 7.1-7.5% in the current financial year and then accelerate in the years ahead. multilateral Several agencies expect growth in the 7-7.6% range for the current financial year. The Indian economy, Asia's third largest, is seen as a bright spot against the

backdrop of a gloomy global economy and the latest numbers will give some comfort to the authorities, who are battling to revive growth and create jobs.

Policymakers said the data showed that the economy was turning around.

“The economy was doing well and Monday's data confirms that it is doing well against the backdrop of slowing growth globally.

The second quarter num-

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ber has also been revised upwards,“ Jayant Sinha, minister of state for finance, said.

The government changed the way it measures the economy last year, saying it was in line with global practices. While the government and the Reserve Bank of India have stood by the numbers, several agencies and private economists have raised doubts about the methodology.

They say the robust numbers are out of sync with other data such as exports, credit offtake, industrial output growth, which show that the economy still remains sluggish.

Exports have contracted for 13 consecutive months, while two successive years of patchy monsoon rains have also dented rural demand, a strong pillar for overall economic growth.

Pichai gets $199mn stocks, highest for a Google exec TCS rated world's most powerful IT services brand Google's Sundar Pichai is poised to become one of the highest-paid executives this year after parent Alphabet awarded him restricted stock worth about $199 million. Pichai, who is Google's chief executive officer, received 273,328 Class C shares on February 3 that will vest in quarterly increments through 2019 if he remains on the job, according to a filing by the California-based company.

Pichai, the former deputy of Google cofounder Larry Page, was named to run the search engine unit following the reorganization into holding

Sundar Pichai

company Alphabet last year. The award is the biggest ever given to a Google executive officer whose equity grants have to be reported in filings, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg. It is Pichai's first award since taking over the company's highestgrossing unit.

India's top multinational IT company Tata Consultancy Services has been rated the world's most powerful brand in Information Technology Services by a leading global brand valuation firm. Brand Finance's 2016 annual report evaluated thousands of the world's top brands to determine which are the most powerful and the most valuable.

Scoring highly on familiarity, loyalty, staff satisfaction and corporate reputation, TCS has emerged as the IT industry's most powerful brand with a score of 78.3 points. “TCS customer focus has been central to its recent success, but a closer

TCS CEO N Chandrasekaran

look at our data shows strong and improving scores for brand investment and staff satisfaction too,” said David Haigh, CEO, Brand Finance. “It has emerged as a dominant force in the IT

services industry and is the strongest brand in the sector. Its brand power is indisputable,” Haigh said. Across all industries, Disney was rated as the most powerful brand and Apple as the

most valuable brand for 2016. According to the report, TCS is also the fastest growing brand within its industry over the last 6 years.

The company's overall brand value has increased from $2.34 billion in 2010 to $9.4 billion in 2016.

“Customer centricity lies at the heart of our organization and is a key driver for growth of the TCS brand.

The efforts of our 344,000 employees - our best brand ambassadors - have helped our brand strength to be rated at the top of our industry,” said N Chandrasekaran, CEO and Managing Director of TCS.

Indian equity funds a ‘volatile asset class’ despite surge in flows

By Roger Aitken Online investment platform Rplan, which offers access to over 2,000 funds for retail investors and a tool to compare fees, has found a huge 280% increase in flows into Indian-only funds in 2015 as compared with 2014, as investors looked to capitalise on this market. But they also warn that these funds could be the latest “investment fashion item.”

The research from Rplan, which is authorized and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, reveals that there are 294 Indianfocused collective investments (mutual funds, exchange traded funds and investment trusts) available to investors, but 90% have the two highest risk rankings of 6 and 7 (16% and 74% respectively).

The means annualised volatility of 15% - 24.99% or over 25%, respectively.

Just 23% of the funds available to invest in are fixed income, with the remainder being pure equi-

ty (shares). The asset management industry has certainly capitalised on the growing investor appetite in India by launching 21 Indian collective investments over the past 12 months, and 63 (21%) of the total have been launched since 2013. A little under half (47%) have been around for at least five years.

The Indian stock market grew by around 30% in 2014. And, despite investment returns being negative in 2015, it still outperformed global markets.

That said, the S&P BSE SENSEX, India’s most tracked bellwether stockmarket index measuring the performance of the 30 largest companies across the Indian economy, stood at 24,539 on Tuesday, 2 February 2016. It puts the one-year return at a lacklustre -14.54% and year to date performance at 6.04%.

Some market commentators though are predicting a much stronger performance over the course of the next year fuelled by

Photo above shows Mr Rana Kapoor, YES Bank's CEO & Managing Director, and Nikhil Rathi, the LSE Plc's CEO, signing an MoU on 19 January 2016 in London.

steady GDP growth, price declines in commodities such as crude oil, and falling inflation.

Stuart Dyer, Rplan.co.uk’s CIO, commenting said: “The Indian stock market has been outperforming global markets and this explains why we have seen such a big increase in inflows into Indian equity funds.

However, our research shows that this is a very volatile asset class and investors should only have a small exposure to it as part of a balanced portfo-

lio.”

In a cautionary note Dyer adds: “I fear that Indian equities are the latest investment fashion item just as China and emerging markets have been. These are high profile, but high risk investments. And, many retail investors are overly exposed to them.”

The findings come in the wake of the world’s first Indian fixed-income ETF (exchange traded fund), the LAM Sun Global ZyFin India Sovereign Enterprises Bond UCITS ETF, being listed on the

London Stock Exchange (LSE) on 19 November 2015.

Available to be traded in Sterling (‘CRRY’ ticker) or US dollars (‘CURY’), this ETF is composed of six issuers including bonds from the Export Import Bank of India (with a 9.3% coupon) and the Food Corporation of India (9.95% coupon) as at 16 Oct 2015.

It tracks the total performance of corporate bonds issue by SOEs (Sovereign Enterprises) and focuses on the liquid bonds having the highest rating in its category with an average maturity of almost 9 years.

Put in perspective, underlying diversified Indian corporate bonds have offered fairly attractive US dollar returns of 6.75% (CAGR) for the last 15 years.

More recently, this January a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally ratified by officials from Yes Bank, India’s fifth largest private bank, and the LSE in the UK for both

parties to collaborate on debt and equity issuance through the exchange.

Yes Bank, which was co-founded by Rana Kapoor in 2004 and today has a pan-India presence across all 29 states and seven Union Territories of the country, aims to list up to $500m of Green Bonds on the LSE in 2016.

This latest collaboration not only confirms London’s position as the leading international green finance centre, but more longer term it should be brings benefits of further internationalizing India’s capital markets. Despite recent weakness in India’s stock markets, when investing in India one must take a long-term view to cash in.

For now though India's GDP has come in reassuringly positive with news earlier this week that the country officially overtook China as the world’s fastest growing economy. This follows Monday's release of India’s higher-than-expected year-on-year GDP growth rate of 7.3%.

REALESTATEVOICE Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Turnover is Vanity, Profit is Sanity

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

19

We are in the process of closing a studio flat in Kensington, the price of the property has been struck at £485k.

This is cheap given the location, lease (which is over 100 years), and the block. The memorandum of sale should be in by today. The vendor wanted a quick sale, an exchange imminently and completion by the end of the month, hence we were put forward for the deal.

Properties at this value are going fast, anything below £1m is flying. However anything above this level is sticking, there are price reductions and nervousness in the market as you go further up the scale. Understandably so, given what’s going on not just in the property market but globally.

The property is worth £520k as it is. The aim is to purchase, freshen up and refinance in six months’ time; this will extract some juice out of the property. You would ordinarily expect the property to have gone up by this time given the location.

However given the stamp duty increase in April you don't quite know how the market will react. I would expect a sluggishness for a few months, more of a token sentiment by the market. As where else will people put their money if not London property? Hike or no hike. The stamp duty hike is of course undesirable but the market will absorb this and move on especially at entry levels. What’s interesting is after the hike and the anticipated plateau in the market, the market will carry on rising again. Hong Kong was one country where the dreaded mansion tax was introduced, the market flattened for a little while and then carried on its rise. London is a more resilient market than Hong Kong.

On the plus side this deal is considered to be at the bread and butter level in terms of price, meaning whatever happens in the economy people will always be buying bread and butter and you cannot go lower than this in this part of town.

Studios in Kensington have doubled in value over the last ten years in a steady fashion, even over the credit crunch years of 2007 to 2009, the statistics show only a slight dip in 2008. This demonstrates this investment is a resilient one. Even in the midst of a down turn you will not go far wrong. What’s surprising however is the prices for three bedroom plus properties in this location have increased far more than studios. This obviously reflects the demand on the ground, and suggests perhaps more families are moving into the area.

The three bedroom plus market is more volatile it can drop in price heavily when the market goes soft, as intuitively expected. Not a huge issue if you’re living in it, but a problem if it’s an investment and you have a loan, especially if the bank knocks on your door one day and asks you to put more money in the deal since the value of the property has dropped too much.

I met someone who has a very colourful history and has built himself a tidy fortune through investing in property. His strategy is to build and hold. His words to me were “Turnover is Vanity and Profit is Sanity”, meaning to turn, sell or flip properties may make you feel good momentarily, but this is not the way to make real money from property. Property investment is a long term and even permanent hold.

He has been in the game for a long time, and he has developed his own model of studios which he implements into his large portfolio of buildings, which number over 1,000 units all in prime locations. He commissioned a report by one of the leading agents which shows what the rental demands for studios in London are, the research reveals studios rent 98.6% of the time. The other 1.4% is not because they are empty but this is the time required for the refurbishment.

This demonstrates the demand for entry level accommodation in London is almost insatiable, and the investor I came across has got the right focus and strategy.

Despite the huge mass of properties under his belt he's still hungry for more, clearly property is not just an investment but it has become a drug. He needs to keep taking a hit of doing a deal, and needs to be experiencing the adrenaline of doing property deals. It is no longer a means to an end but an end in itself.

This deal will require an investment of about £180k with all the fees included. It should return this amount back I would estimate within three years. The important point of investment is location.

This is certainly one of the most desirable locations in London, and even if measured on a global platform this investment will hold its ground. It’s rare to get any discount when purchasing at this level, as they come in short supply.

We will be releasing a new deal which we are putting together in our seminar which will be taking place on the 25th February 2016 in Wembley, those who attend will have a chance to invest. The deal has been structured in a way which will insulate investors from the changes the government will be introducing in stages from 2017. It is no longer the time where you can invest blindly into property, the structuring has to be well thought out, otherwise you could well be giving a chunk of your investment to the Tax Man.

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

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SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week

l Central London property prices are higher than rest of the country, however they’re always in high demand. So if you have to sell a property you will be able to do so quickly in this location. There is always a strong demand and liquid market. l Buying an investment property is not like buying your home. Don’t get emotional regarding the investment property, you’re allowed to get emotional about your home.

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ASIANVOICE

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you from Singapore before returning to Oxford University to do a live web conference with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkotta about setting up business in the UK. I thought I would exclusively share with you the questions and some short answers I’ll give!

1) While elaborating on your role as a UKTI Dealmaker, could you describe the kind of companies you are looking to support to set up in the UK? A: Outstanding entrepreneurs, innovative intellectual property, potential to grow very quickly and globally from a UK base.

2) After setting up, which are the other markets which Indian investors should target for export from the UK base? How should they be positioning themselves?

A: Use UKTI export advisors firstly to find the best markets.

3) Could you share some experiences of fast growing Indian companies in the UK and what you believed made them tick?

A: Great products the market needed, great insightful entrepreneurs who focused on execution.

4) In all your experience of mentoring Indian companies setting up in the UK, what has been some of the major challenges?

A: Visas, bank accounts! The UK and EU market has been easier to deal with an welcoming for the product.

5) What kind of return on investments have you seen with SME investors in the UK? A: Everyone wants to be a TATA and make $1bln in profits. But actually from every sector I have seen Indian companies grow from cybersecurity to software to food science out of the UK. 6) If money wasn’t a criterion, which sectors would you invest in the UK right now and why?

A: Fintech – there is so much money to be made from removing banks from our lives.

7) Often you have the situation of high net individuals meeting the financial criteria of an entrepreneur visa but are unsure of what business to set up in the UK? What practical advice would you give to them about business planning?

A: make a business plan first and foremost to determine the opportunities and think about acquiring and existing business, like Tata did.

8) Could you offer some quick tips on how to win clients in the UK? A: consider a UK based performance paid business development manager, hire them as if you are investing in their business – that will make sure you pick the best.

9) A related question is if a company chooses to appoint a business development agency, how should one go about in selecting one? Are there ones that you could pick out which have been useful to overseas investors?

A: I like the guys at Oury Clark and London and Partners to speak to.

10) Raising finances in the UK would be something which I lot of the prospective investors would be interested in - could you offer a roadmap?

A: I work with Envestors.com – have a look at what they say about raising angel investments and also check out British Business Angels Association too for insights on this.

11) A related question is on pitching documents – if a company wishes to take professional help on preparing slide decks/ business plans for VCs and financial investors which are the midrange UK consultancy companies?

A: The ones I have just mentioned are good for this indeed. Plus the web has a lot of good slides on what you need to include.

12) I would assume that you would have Indian food cooked at home, but if you had to choose your favourite Indian eating joints where is one likely to find them in London? Which are the ones where vegetarians would feel at home?

A: UK is so easy for veggies – but even better than say Drummond St or anywhere in Hounslow, Wembley, Harrow, Mayfair, you have of course our supermarkets and thanks to Lord Noon all the Indian food you could want – much more cost effective!

www.asian-voice.com

Business Secretary and Brit-Indian Peer step up to fight discrimination AsianVoiceNews

Rupanjana Dutta

A review into increasing progression in the labour market by people from BME backgrounds has been announced on Friday by the Government. In a speech at an UpRising event the Business Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed he has asked Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith to lead a review looking at the issues faced by businesses in developing BME talent from when they start work through to executive level.

Baroness McGregor-Smith who is of British-Indian origin, is the first Indian and woman CEO in a FTSE 250 company. The review is also meant to consider the obstacles faced and the impacts these have on the individuals and the businesses themselves. It will also look at the evidence base and consider those interventions that have worked well and what more

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith can be done.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am committed to ending discrimination at work and extending opportunity to everyone regardless of their race, colour or religion.

We have record employment, strong growth and rising wages but there is more to do to ensure everyone has the same chance to progress at work.

“This isn’t just the ‘right’ thing to do – harnessing the potential from the widest

Smartphone market: India surpasses US As per a report released by Counterpoint Research, India has become the second-biggest smartphone market in terms of active unique smartphone users, crossing 220 million users, surpassing the US market.

Senior analyst Tarun Pathak said, “This speaks volumes for the scale Indian market provides for any player in the mobile-connected ecosystem.” “Though India still has a long way to go as the smartphone penetration of the total potential population is still below 30 per cent. As a result, India continues to attract new smartphone brands every quarter adding to the more than 150 smartphone brands selling their devices in the country.

Furthermore, governmentdriven initiatives such as

Make in India and Digital India had gained momentum in 2015 to attract more players in the mobile value chain. Almost half of the total mobile phones shipped in India during the quarter were assembled in India, driving the Make in India trend. We estimate this trend to scale even faster and broader in 2016.”

The firm said over 20 mobile phone brands are now assembling their parts in India. Smartphone shipments in India grew a healthy 15 per cent in the October-December quarter.

Samsung led the overall mobile phone market and the smartphone segment during the quarter, with market shares of 23.6 per cent and 28.6 per cent respectively.

pool of talent you can makes absolute business sense for employers right across the UK.” Baroness McGregorSmith’s review will complement Sir John Parker’s review into diversity on boards. She said: “I am delighted to be leading this review. It has never been more important to fully capitalise on the skills and talents of every individual in the workplace, regardless of their background.

“We need to remove the barriers that for so long have restricted BME talent from reaching the most senior levels in business. These actions will deliver longterm economic benefits for the UK.” The review is part of the Government’s ambitious BME 2020 plan and is aimed at improving labour market outcomes for those from BME backgrounds.

CBI Director-General, Carolyn Fairbairn, said:

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

“Nurturing talent from all backgrounds makes a real difference to the success of our businesses, the economy and the UK’s future place in the world.

“Baroness McGregorSmith’s new review marks a positive step and companies stand ready to help identify and challenge the obstacles to all forms of talent progression in the workplace.”

Ministers from across government have been charged with: Increasing

the proportion of apprenticeships taken up by young people from BME backgrounds by 20% Increasing the number of BME students going to university by 20% Ensuring that 20,000 start-up loans are awarded to BME applicants by 2020 Increasing BME employment by 20% by 2020 Increasing the diversity of the armed forces Increasing the diversity of police recruitment.

Councils to decide on Sunday trading hours The Cameron government has given powers to the local councils to decide on allowing the shops to remain open for more time on Sundays. A host of measures to shake-up shop opening hours will be put forward as amendments to the Enterprise Bill, Sajid Javid, the business secretary, said. It comes less than three months after Cameron was forced to scrap a vote on plans to relax trading laws after they sparked a revolt by 20 Conservative MPs. However, despite opposition to the proposals from MPs and some retailers, Javid has pushed ahead by unveiling measures to allow councils to introduce zones where shops can trade for longer. Presently,

large shops are limited to six hours of trading between 10 am and 6 pm, while small shops are unrestricted.

The proposals to devolve trading rules have split retailers, with Bryan Johnston, a spokesman for the British Retail Consortium, warning the changes would lead to a “fragmentation” of the shopping landscape as councils introduce different zones, which could confuse consumers.

Amee Chande, setting benchmark in the e-commerce sector Amee Chande, Managing Director for Alibaba is an inspiration for Britons. A true global citizen, she was born in London, grew up in Vancouver, Canada, where she studied business and psychology at Simon Fraser University, then came back to the UK to do a Masters at the London School of Economics and then finished an MBA from Harvard Business School, in the US. Ms Chande's experience is wide ranging including stints at Tesco, Walmart and McKinsey, before starting to work in London for Alibaba in 2015. Alibaba is now the world’s most valuable global retail brand, a posi-

Amee Chande tion it usurped from fellow e-commerce giant Amazon.

A resident of London’s Notting Hill area, Ms Chande is a board member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and a member of

the Young Presidents’ Organisation.

In an interview, speaking to FT, she confessed that the most enjoyable part of her job is 'People'.

“At Alibaba in Europe, we spend a lot of time helping companies large and small think about their business opportunities in China. I love hearing the stories and motivations of entrepreneurs building fantastic British brands, and the passion they have for sharing their story and products with the world. Each one is so unique, and inspiring. I really enjoy the challenge of building a team from scratch; finding talented individuals and transform-

ing it into a group with a collective purpose,” she said.

While Ms Chande enjoys travelling, photography and outdoor pursuits such as kayaking and trekking, she believes the best piece of advice a mentor would have ever given her was- if she did not feel scared before starting a new role, then the challenge was perhaps not big enough or the decision not brave enough.

Taking up that advice (perhaps), Chande is currently learning Chinese and has developed a deep understanding of Chinese ecommerce that goes way beyond objective Western views.

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

BoE keeps interest rate increase on hold Currency Specialists.

In the UK, Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came out better that expected at the figure of 52.9, a three month high, increasing from the previous figure of 52.1 and beating the expected figure of 51.8 showing growth within the UK manufacturing sector.

Mortgage Approvals for December showed an Increase from the previous figure of 70.424K to 70.837K beating the expected decreasing figure of 69.600K perhaps indicating potential growth within the housing market. The UK construction sector slowed in January to its weakest level for nine months.

The Construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 55 from 57.8. Economists had forecast for a reading of 57.5. The construction PMI release was in contrast to a stronger-than-expected start for the manufacturing sector published on Monday. Markit economist Tim Moore said "Taken together with the slowdown in new order growth, the latest survey suggests that construction companies are braced for a relatively subdued first quarter."

Optimism among construction companies waned to its lowest level since December 2014, the survey showed. "Some firms highlighted concerns that underlying demand conditions had started to soften."

Britain's services sector was

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

unscathed by growing worries about the global economy last month but firms are concerned about risks ahead including a referendum on European Union membership.

The Bank of England kept interest rates and their asset purchase program on hold at 0.5% and £375bn respectively, but the voting moved to a unanimous 9-00 in favour of inertia, with Ian Mcafferty relinquishing his position as the MPC’s solitary hawk. In the press conference, BoE governor Mark Carney reiterated the likelihood that the next move in rates will be up. This was covered in the statement, but questioned over recent probabilities of a possible cut, addressed by Governor Carney in the press conference, affirmed this and was encouragement enough for a GBP rally in trade.

In the Eurozone, Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) released a figure of 52.3 matching the previous figure and expected figure for the Eurozone whereas countries such as Germany and Spain saw an increase with Germany increasing from the previous figure of 52.1 to 52.3 and Spain increasing from the previous figure of 52.5 to 55.4. As a collective the Eurozone

Manufacturing PMI was positive at 52.3 however lower than December’s figure of 53.2, causing deflation fears to grow within the Eurozone as continuous growth is not being seen in this sector.

Mario Draghi President of the ECB spoke mainly about the annual report of the ECB for 2014.

Draghi discussed that the policies put in place by the ECB in 2014 they had expected inflation figures to reach 1.5% in 2016 and 1.8% in 2017. Although these expectations have not yet been met he then went on to say that the policies put in place in the summer of 2014 had been very effective and provided substantial support to the euro recovery area which ‘would have been in outright deflation’ without these measures being put in place.

The Eurozone unemployment rate dropped in December to its lowest rate in over four years despite worries about the global economy.

In the United States, Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came out lower than the previous figure of 52.7 the initial figure for December. Showing growth at a slower rate within the manufacturing sector, however it has increased from the final PMI

reading for December which was 51.2. This recent figure of 52.4 was still the second lowest since October 2013. The Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for January came in at 53.2 compared to a projection of 53.

The composite PMI fell from 54 in December to 53.2, the lowest level since October 2013. The ISM services report for the US is also showing a slowdown in growth last month. The index came in well below expectations at 53.5 in January, compared to 55.8 in December and forecasts of a reading of 55.1.

To compound USD weakness New York Fed president William Dudley said yesterday that the weakening of the economy means conditions have tightened since the Fed raised rates. If current concerns are still in place at the time of its March meeting the Fed would have to take that into consideration to decide if it will raise rates again. He also cited that any further strengthening of the USD could have serious consequences for the health of the US economy.

On a slightly more positive note for the US economy the ADP employment change beat forecasts as US employment increased by 205,000 in January compared to forecasts of a 195,000 rise.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 9th February 2016 @ 12.35pm GBP - INR = 97.93

USD - INR = 67.98

EUR - INR = 76.24 GBP - USD = 1.44 GBP - EUR = 1.28

EUR - USD = 1.12 GBP - AED = 5.30

GBP - CAD = 2.00

GBP - NZD = 2.19

GBP - AUD = 2.05

GBP - ZAR = 23.30

GBP - HUF = 400.22

www.rationalfx.com

Information provided by RationalFX. None of the information on this page constitutes, nor should be construed as financial advice. The exchange rates used are the commercial foreign exchange rates provided by RationalFX. For a live quote or to find out more about how RationalFX can help you, call us on 0207 220 8181.

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UK

In Brief

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Anti-Muslim rhetoric hurting Sikhs too: Obama

WASHINGTON: United States President Barack Obama has accepted that SikhAmericans are victims to threats and harassment as they are often “perceived to be Muslims”. Seeking to reassure MuslimAmericans in his historic address to the minority community from the mosque in Baltimore, Maryland, he termed the recent anti-Muslim rhetoric in the US poll campaign as “inexcusable”. “Since 9/11, but more recently, since the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, you've seen too often people conflating the horrific acts of terrorism with the beliefs of an entire faith.

And of course, recently, we've heard inexcusable political rhetoric against Muslim Americans that has no place in our country,” said the President, in a subtle jibe at Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. “Around the country, women wearing the hijab have been targeted. We've seen children bullied,” Obama said.

Sikh actor barred from plane for wearing turban

CHANDIGARH: Indian-American Sikh actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia claimed that he was banned from boarding a flight because of his turban. He posted a photograph with his flight ticket on Instagram, saying he was not allowed to board Aero Mexico flight to New York for refusing to remove his turban. A New York daily quoted Ahluwalia as saying, "That (remove his turban) is not something I would do in public. That's akin to asking someone to take off their clothes."

Two Indian-origin men jailed for robbery in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Two men of Indian-origin were jailed up to nine years in Singapore an ordered to be given 12 strokes of the cane for robbing a currency exchanger of $430,000 in 2014.

Annadurai Raman, 43, a Singaporean permanent resident and Malaysian Tachana Moorthy Peromal, 29, accepted to conspiring with six others to rob a person named Ali Yousouf Saiboo of two luggage bags containing local and foreign currencies amounting to 624,036 Singapore dollars and two mobile phones, on November 5, 2014. Annadurai was sentenced to seven years in prison and 12 strokes while Tachana was given nine years and caning.

Air strikes destroy IS radio station in Afghanistan

KABUL: US air strikes have destroyed an Islamic State-operated radio station in a remote part of eastern Afghanistan. 'Voice of the Caliphate' radio was destroyed by two US air strikes, according to a US military official. Army Colonel Mike Lawhorn, spokesman for the USNATO mission in Afghanistan said US forces conducted two “counter-terrorism air strikes” in Achin district in eastern Nangarhar province. The radio station used to illegally broadcast across the region, calling on fighters to join the groups and, threaten journalists in the provincial capital, Jalalabad. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said the US would spend $7.5 billion to fund the fight against the Islamic State group.

No ban on Sikh turbans: France

NEW DELHI: France has clarified that there are no ban on Sikh wearing turbans in public places, with the restriction solely on burqa “for obvious security reasons”. Following allegations on the “so-called restrictions” imposed on wearing the turban, the French embassy said France upheld the freedom of religion, as well as the right not to have one, and opposed discrimination on this ground. The “ban” on turbans was applicable only in public schools. “French law in this matter is very precise, the restriction applies to the wearing of all visible religious signs, without any discrimination, and it applies only to public schools. It leaves it to the heads of public schools to take the most appropriate measures, so that it is implemented in a sensitive manners,” said the embassy.

www.asian-voice.com

Lankan Tamil leaders seek UN help on 4,000 missing AsianVoiceNews

JAFFNA: Sri Lanka's ethnic Tamil leaders have asked top UN human rights official to help determine the fate of more than 4,000 civilians reported missing in the country's long civil war amid the government's assertion that most of them are probably dead. UN official Zeid Raad alHussein met with the chief minister of Sri Lanka's Northern Province, the centre of the war, which ended in 2009. He is on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka to review measures taken by the government to investigate alleged war abuses during the war.

Both, the government and the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels are accused of grave human rights violations. As per UN estimates, up to 100,000 people were killed in the 26-year war, but many more are feared

UN high Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein

to have died, including up to 40,000 civilians in the final months of the fighting. The UN Human Rights Council adopted a consensus resolution last year, in which the country agreed to an investigation with foreign participation. Zeid said he discussed several issues with Northern Province chief minister CV Wigneswaran and other provincial officials, including the missing people, detentions

without trial and militaryoccupied private land. He said he would take the issues up with the central government.

“The discussions very much focused on the challenges faced by the province, but also the plans and achievements in that regard, and the people who aspire to see more information in terms of those detained and those missing and the issue of release of

Pak approves Hindu Marriage Bill ISLAMABAD: Finally the Hindu minority community in Pakistan will soon have a marriage law as a parliamentary panel has unanimously approved the Hindu Marriage Bill. The National Assembly standing committee on law and justice on Monday passed the final draft of Hindu Marriage Bill 2015, where five Hindu lawmakers were specially invited. Though the delaying tactics continued almost to the last, the committee adopted the bill unanimously after making two amendments to fix the minimum age of the marrying male and female at 18 and making the law applicable to the whole country. The bill will now be tabled in the National Assembly where it has fair chances of being passed as the ruling Pakistan Muslim

League-Nawaz (PML-N) party is supporting it.

Committee chairman Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk expressed regret over the long-drawn tactical delay in framing family law for the Hindu community. It was unbecoming of us Muslims in general and the political leaders in particular. We were required to facilitate the legislation, not obstruct it. If we 99 per cent of the population are afraid of one per cent, we need to look deep inside what we claim to be and what we are," he said.

Virk and ruling PML-N lawmaker Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani had been pushing for approving the bill but members of other parliamentary parties persisted with raising objections. Shagufta Jumani of

Pakistan People's Party and Ali Mohammad Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf raised many queries about minimum age of a Hindu girl to be married and the status of marriage if any of the partners converted to Islam.

"Under the banner of Pakistan Hindu Council, I arrange mass marriage of around 100 girls every year and we clearly deny marriage of even an orphan who is under 18. People do not insist on marrying anyone below 18 years," Vankwani said. He wanted to drop a clause in the bill that said the marriage will be nullified if any of the partners converted to Islam. It was inserted by the Council of Islamic Ideology when the bill was sent for 'Sharia vetting' some six months ago.

Hafiz Saeed calls for more attacks on India MUZAFFARABAD: Jamaatud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed has praised last month's terror attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, and encouraged similar attacks on the country. Addressing a rally of over one thousand people in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region, he said, “800,000 Indian troops are committing genocide on Kashmiris. Don't they have a right to carry out Pathankotstyle attacks for their defense?”

He also lauded militant leader

Hafiz Saeed

Sayed Salahuddin, leader of the United Jihad Council, who had

claimed responsibility for the attack.

“You have only seen one attack on Pathankot. Matters could easily escalate,” he said.

The crowd chanted slogans including, “The war will continue until the liberation of Kashmir” and “We are ready for jihad.”

Strategic Analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said Saeed's praise of Salahuddin could be part of a “deflection strategy” to steer blame away from JeM, and Pakistan, where it is based.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

lands,” Zeid said. He said the discussions would continue during his visit. Wigneswaran said he gave Zeid a list of the more than 4,000 people reported missing, with dates and places where they were seen last. Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said most of those reported missing were probably dead, adding that the new government found no secret detention centres being run by the state and, that there were only 292 people in government detention.

Wigneswaran said Zeid opposed the suggestion of negotiating an amnesty for Tamil rebel suspects detained for years without trial. Zeid said releasing innocents through a quick and proper legal process would be the best course of action.

Lanka lifts ‘ban’ on Tamil national anthem

COLOMBO: Putting an end to the unofficial ban, Sri Lankan school children sung Sinhala and Tamil versions of the national anthem at a celebration marking the 68th anniversary the country's independence from Britain.

Despite facing opposition from certain quarters, the move is seen as an effort by the government to reach out to the Tamil minority after the nearly 26-year war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam that ended in 2009 before it took the lives of over 100,000 people. “A new journey begins by reinstating the singing of the national anthem in Tamil,” said deputy minister for public enterprise development Eran Wickramaratne. Deputy foreign minister Harsha de Silva wrote in a Facebook post, “A first in my lifetime. After many years the Independence Day celebrations came to a close with the national anthem sung in Tamil.” President Maithripala Sirisena since becoming President in 2015 by defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa, has begun several actions to win back the Tamils in the reconciliation process.

Indian chefs urged to celebrate their impact beyond kitchen Indian chefs are being urged to take part in a new international prize, that was launched last week to recognise one chef who has made an exceptional contribution to “improving society through gastronomy.” It will be judged by many of the world’s most influential chefs, aided by leading experts from other disciplines.

The prize will be an achievement award held

annually that will celebrate a chef of any nationality who demonstrates how gastronomy can be a powerful force for change: those men or women whose impact can be felt ‘beyond the kitchen.’

The winner will have improved society in some way through gastronomy.

This could be through culinary innovation, a commitment to social responsibility, sustainability or the economic development of their com-

munity; involvement in health or environmental campaigns, the promotion of pioneering cultural projects, or works that benefit society through their positive impact on the food industry.

To be considered for the prize, chefs have to be nominated online by a professional from the world of gastronomy. The winner will receive 100,000 to devote to a project of their choice that demonstrates the wider role

of gastronomy in society.

The prize will be awarded by the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) in San Sebastian, a world leading academic institution in gastronomy, and will be promoted by the Basque Government under the Euskadi-Basque Country Strategy.

The decision on the winner of the Basque World Culinary Prize will be announced on the 11th July 2016.

WORLD Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Nomination deadline

All entries and nominations must be received before midnight on 29 March 2016.

Finalists will be announced in May 2016.

NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW!

Are you a UK Based Charity who seeks to solve the most pressing social issues of our time, both in Britain and globally?

Nominate yourself for the Asian Voice Charity Awards 2016 by visiting our website www.asianvoicecharityawards.com

The Awards ceremony will be held on Friday 20th May 2016 at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London

Award Categories

For Charities and Not-for Profit Institutions

I Charity of the Year

This award recognises a UK-registered charity for their outstanding work and contribution to society, as well as demonstrated excellence service and achievement in its work over the last five years.

There is are no criteria on the annual income, but the charity must demonstrate consistently delivered outstanding service for their size and yearon-year-growth I Start-Up of the Year This award is similar to Charity of the Year, but specifically for charities that have been operational for three years or less.

I Outstanding Achievement

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated dedication, professionalism and integrity throughout their career, and who has produced an identifiably profound effect on the sector in the UK or otherwise through their work and management over at least a 15-year period.

I Most Enterprising

This award recognises a social enterprise or the trading arm of a charity that has made a significant difference to beneficiaries through its ability to generate income to meet its social goals over the last two years.

I Fundraising Campaign This award awards an overall campaign that used a variety of innovative fundraising approaches to display real quantifiable results to achieve or exceed its targets in the last 12 months.

I Outstanding PR Team

This award recognises excellence in charity PR, either in-house at a charity, or an agency undertaking a PR campaign on behalf of a charity.

Benefits of the specific PR campaign must be proven to show extensive press and media coverage in the last 12 months.

For Charity/Corporate Partnerships:

I Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility

This award recognises the best corporate partnership and corporate responsibility programmes. It honours a company which goes beyond simply CSR projects to engage in partnerships in the last two years with either UK-registered or international charities, social enterprises or unincorporated charitable projects, to demonstrate quantifiably positive impact to the community.

The partnership should demonstrate significant positive outcomes and impact, as well as innovation in its approach

I Consultancy of the Year

This award recognises a consultancy firm that has demonstrated a real commitment to the sector and sector organisations in its work, showing a real worth

in sharing its expertise during the last 12 months.

The work could take a range of forms: such as on the overall strategic direction of a charities, advisory services for philanthropy, social impact assessments, M&A activity, change management, leadership and development, business planning for charities and social enterprises. It could also relate to work not for one organisation, but more widely, such as thought leadership that has driven positive change in the sector.

I Investment Management Award

This award recognises excellence in the professional services offered to the sector, showing evidence of real quantifiable investment returns, especially within the last 12 months, but also within a wider timeframe context, and show a real understanding of the investment needs of charities, with which they work.

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

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23

Racist slur hits Canada's Sikh minister TORONTO: Canada's first Sikh defence minister Harjit Sajjan was interrupted in the Parliament as an opposition member shouted that MPs needed an “English-toEnglish” translation as he spoke. Veteran Conservative MP Jason Kenney sparked a controversy in the question period of the Parliament with a taunt directly targeted at Sajjan while he was talking about the military mission against the Islamic State. Former defence minister himself, Kenney said MPs needed a translation for Sajjans' responses.

The 45 year old Sajjan was named Canada's defence minister in November after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 30-member Liberal cabinet was sworn in. Fellow liberals were quick to act in his defence and pounced on Kenney, calling his heckling racist. After the question period, Liberal Kevin

Harjit Sajjan

Lamoureux rose on a point of order asking Kenney to apologise for an “inappropriate comment” directed at the defence minister.

“I'm wondering if the member would do the proper thing and apologise or at the very least explain his comments,” Lamoureux said. Indian-origin Liberal MP Ruby Sahota called Kenney's refusal to apologise “unacceptable”.

Kenney, later took to Twitter to explain why he made the comment, saying he found the minister's answer “totally incoherent”.

Quake rocks Taiwan, more than 40 killed TAINAN: An earthquake brought down buildings in Tainan city, south Taiwan, resulting in 40 confirmed deaths as per sources. An official said that the toll would definitely go over 100. The magnitude 6.4 quake struck when most people were at home sleeping. Four people including a baby were killed when a high-rise building with 100 homes collapsed into rubble. The Mayor William Lai said people were alive but trapped and all means would be used to rescue them. He said survivors had reported legal “violations” in the building, giving no further details. Officials said that 310 people had been rescued, with 100 of them taken to hospital. Nearly 500 people were injured and a further 121 are still unaccounted for.

Seventeen stories of the Weiguan Jinlong apartment complex crumbled to dust.

Records show that about 260 people were living there

but it is suggested that more than 300 were inside at the time of the collapse as some students were renting rooms and may have been unregistered. It is also suggested that residents may also have had guests staying to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday. Lai said he had contacted judicial units and that prosecutors had formally launched an investigation into the construction of the apartment building. “We've also commissioned three independent bodies to preserve evidence during the rescue so we can assist the residents if they want to file lawsuits in the future. We will hold the builder responsible if they have broken the law,” he said.

Hundreds of soldiers are involved in the rescue effort, with the help of hi-tech equipment, sniffer dogs and cranes. Shelters are being set up for those who have lost their homes in the city of two million people.

GM mosquitoes could solve zika crisis, say scientists LONDON: Scientists have claimed that millions of genetically modified mosquitoes should be released into countries affected by Zika, to bring the disease under control. While the WHO has declared the outbreak as a global public health emergency, scientists at a British biotech company Oxitec believe the virus can be brought under control in just a few months.

Trials in Brazil have already shown that the GM insects can cause populations of the aedes aegypti mosquito to drop by 90 per cent, and cases of dengue to fall by 99 per cent. The

World Health Organisation is in favour of the new technology. Hadyn Parry, Chief Executive of

Oxitec said, “I think a role out of GM mosquitoes could stop this very quickly indeed. We're expecting to

get the go ahead very soon and then this could make a real difference.”

Secretary of Health in Piracicaba, Pedro Mello, said the trial had been a success and they were planning to expand the release in the region and investing in its own GM mosquito factory. “The initial project in CECAP/Eldorado district clearly showed that the Friendly Aedes aegypti solution made a big difference for the inhabitants of the area, helping to protect them from the mosquito that transmits dengue, Zika and chikungunya. It is important to remember

that in dengue year 2014/15 CECAP/Eldorado had 133 cases of dengue, the highest incidence in the city of Piracicaba. In 2015/2016, after the beginning of the Friendly Aedes aegypti Project, we had only one case.”

Zika was first discovered in Africa in the 1940s but the first outbreak outside of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands only occurred last May, when a case was reported in Brazil.

Since then the disease has spread to 32 other countries in south and central America and the Caribbean. Current methods of control such as

spraying can only reduce populations it by 30-50 per cent. The company has however, come across opposition from anti-GM campaigners who have even claimed that the release of mosquitoes near Sao Paulo in May caused the outbreak.

“It makes me very angry really,” said Parry.

“Most of these people don’t live in dengue infected areas, they live in Derbyshire. It’s a sort of arrogance that somebody in the UK thinks they know better than health officials in other countries, and it is going to cost lives.”

24

INDIA

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5 arrested for attacking Tanzanian student In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 13th Februay 2016

BENGALURU: A Tanzanian female student was beaten up and stripped by a mob in a case of “mistaken identity”, after a woman was killed by a car in Bengaluru. The 21 year old BBM student was dragged out of her car in which she was seated along with three other friends after they reached the accident spot. She was stripped by a section of the mob and pushed out of a slowmoving bus that was passing by as she tried to board it to escape from them, said the All African Students Union adviser, Bosco Kaweesi.

The other three were also beaten up. Kaweesi said she was in no way connected with

the accident which had occurred much before and, that the police “was not helpful” when they were approached.

Police Commissioner NS Megharikh said that after the accident claimed the life of a 35 year

2 injured as leopard enters Bengaluru school

BENGALURU: A conservation scientist and a forest department employee have suffered injuries while trying to capture a leopard which had entered into a school premises.

The leopard was captured when it collapsed after being tranquillised. Rescuers took it to an animal rescue centre at the Bannerghatta National Park, over 30 km from the school.

Conservation scientist Sanjay Gubbi and forest department employee Benny Maurius suffered injuries while trying to corner and tranquillise the leopard that was mov-

ing around the corridors of the school. Gubbi, who is associated with the Nature Conservation Foundation, was called in to guide forest officials to capture it. Locals reported that it was the first time that the animal was sighted in the region. “It was a long struggle to capture the leopard.

Although it was injected with tranquillisers it could be captured only when the medication took full effect,” said DCP Dr S Boralingaiah. The two persons who suffered injuries while trying to inject the tranquilliser into the leopard were out of danger, said the police.

old woman, the driver of the car was assaulted and taken to the hospital. The Tanzanian woman and her friends had reached the spot much later, and the mob mistook them for being responsible. “It was mistaken identity,” he said.

“We have taken up the case for assault on the woman,” he said. He said a mob of 200 to 300 people were present after the accident but the police had brought the situation under control after the mishap.

Five people including a gram panchayat member have been arrested for rioting and arson, and the the attack on the student, based on eyewitness accounts and footage of CCTV cameras. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who announced the arrests said the people were in the process of identifying those involved in the attacks.

Child smuggling racket busted, 16 arrested BENGALURU: Police have arrested 16 members of a gang that was involved in smuggling children to US. The arrested members were believed to have smuggled 32 children to US using fake parents and forged documents. The gang, including three women, were arrested during raids across the city.

The gang allegedly obtained US visa for children using fake parents and papers. The couples would take the kids to the US and return in a few days leaving them behind. The arrests were a culmination of a yearlong probe that began with a tip off to the police.

During initial interrogation, the kingpin, Uday Prathap Singh, 44, claimed they were facilitating illegal immigrants living in the US to take their children there.

Police are not ready to believe his claims and are probing further to explore any involvement of child traffick-

ing gangs or organ harvesters.

Police are yet to know the whereabouts of the smuggled children.

Police officers said there would be more arrests since it is unlikely that the same couple would have travelled several times to smuggle out so many children.

Officials at the US Consulate General, Chennai, said they are working closely with police in the investigation. "We take seriously all allegations of fraudulent visa applications and we are working with Bengaluru authorities regarding this alleged human smuggling ring," said the spokesperson of US Consulate General.

Debate on legalising drug sale Pro-gay rights Ontario PM honoured at Golden Temple

CHAN DIGARH: Several civil society activists, scholars and politicians have joined hands to launch a campaign demanding that a controlled sale of traditional drugs - opium, poppy husk and cannabis, be legalised in the state. The demand came at a time when the Punjab state government was busy showcasing seizures and arrests made by the police under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act as its achievement at national platforms.

The campaign will be anchored by scholars and politicians like Dr SS Johal, Chancellor, Central University of Punjab; Aam Aadmi Party MPs HS Khalsa and Dr Dharamvira Gandhi; Dr SS Gill, former Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot; Prof Jagmohan Singh, nephew of martyr Bhagat Singh and general secretary of Association for Democratic Rights, RS Bains, noted

human rights lawyer; and Dr Chaman Lal, former professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. They have based their argument on controlled drug sale policies introduced by Portugal, Brazil and some states of the US which had led to a lowering in drug addiction. Supporters of the legalisation claim that the enforcement of the NDPS Act has led to the monopoly of some illegal drug cartels.

“Time has come to shed the moralistic cloud surrounding the subject and demystify it through a modern and scientific approach and with the age-old empiricism of the past,” said Dr Dharamvira Gandhi. “The aim is to build a large pressure group that would force all the major parties to come up with a blueprint detailing how they would deal with the crisis. Merely accusing leaders of other parties is not the solution. We need a policy change,” he added.

AMRITSAR: Premier of Canada's Ontario province, Kathleen Wynne offered her prayers at the holiest of Sikh shrines Harmandar Sahib, and was honoured by the Shiromani G u r d w a r a Parbandhak Kathleen Wynne at Golden Temple Committee. her views on same sex marDressed in a turquoise riages. The SGPC maintained coloured suit with her head that the Sikh religion did not covered with a dupatta, she legitimise same sex marwas accompanied by SGPC riages. They however, welofficials as she entered the comed her, escorted her to the Golden Temple.

SGPC information office and Kathleen's visit was surpresented her with a goldrounded by controversy as the plated photo of the holy SGPC took a stand on not to shrine. honour her with a siropa, due She was escorted to the to her support to the gay comsanctum sanctorum and was munity, same sex marriages, shown all the important areas and her own sexual orientaof the shrine. She even visited tion. SGPC president Avtar the Langar Hall and briefly Singh Makkar had earlier helped in cooking food. In the said that the Canadian leader visitors' book, she said she was welcome to offer prayers was humbled to visit the at the shrine but would not be “beautiful sacred place”. honoured with a siropa due to

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Karnataka ropes in investments worth £13.3 billion

BENGALURU: Karnataka has roped in £13.3 billion worth of investments at the fourth edition of its global investors meet, according to a state minister. “We have signed 121 agreements and expression of interest to the tune of £13.3 billion at the GIM,” said Industries Minister R V Deshpande, at the valedictory function on the second day of the three-day mega event. The state government was able to secure investment worth £17.5 billion during the last three years and this years figures were not up to the expected level. The investments were in the state's focus sectors; manufacturing, pharma, bio-technology, IT, agri-business, urban infrastructure, infrastructure and tourism. “Investments will be made across the state, including Bellari, Dakshina Kannada, Ramanagaram and Daksina Kannada,” Deshpande said.

TN actor’s headless body identified, husband arrested

CHENNAI: Chennai city police have solved the mystery of a headless body found in a garbage bin in Ramapuram a month ago. The body belonged to a small-time actor Sasirekha. The police arrested her husband Ramesh Sankar, and his girlfriend Kawkiiyaa Kashiiv, and charged them with murder. The pair were in a live-in relationship and stayed in Madhanandhapuram near Kundrathur, where the investigators arrested them. They located the head after the arrest when the two informed them of dumping it in a canal. “It appeared to be a crime of passion, so we suspected that the murder was the fallout of an affair, ” a police officer said.

Techies vie with cadres for AIADMK seats in TN

CHENNAI: G Dinesh, a mechanical engineer with a master's degree from French institute Ecole Centrale De Nantes, said the time is right for the youth to join electoral politics. “I find AIADMK with its pro-people policies to be the best party,” he said while standing in queue at the AIADMK headquarters to file his nomination for the assembly election.

Confident that his CV and his stint in an MNC and a work in an NGO would fetch him a ticket for the Maduravoyal constituency.

Meanwhile, another tech student, M Nandini, B Tech from Sathyabama University, is all smiles. The 25 year old is keen to try her luck in the Mettur assembly constituency.

BJP leaders not to support SAD candidate

TARN TARAN: In a big blow to the Shiromani Akali Dal, Tarn Taran district unit of the ruling alliance partner BJP has asked its workers not to support to the SAD candidate in Khadoor Sahib by-election. BJP district president Navreet Singh Safipur said in a statement that during his two-day election tour of the area, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal did not seek BJP's support for his party's candidate. This hurt the BJP activists and instructions were issued not to support the SAD candidate. He said the SAD had never lost any opportunity to run down its alliance partner BJP. The national party had now decided to not only oppose the candidate, but also support any of the better candidates in the constituency.

Shiv Sena leader shot at in Ludhiana

LUDHIANA: Two unidentified men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at Shiv Sena leader Amit Arora in Ludhiana, last week, at Basti Jodhewal Chowk. Arora, who has sustained injuries in the neck, was rushed to the CMC hospital after the incident, as the gunmen escaped unhurt. Arora was waiting for someone when the two motorcycle-borne men fired at him and fled. An FIR has been registered and the probe is on.

UK/WORLD Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

www.asian-voice.com

Paul Kalanithi – a tale of living while dying

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Anand Pillai

This is a sad but beautiful story of a neurosurgeon facing impending death – a doctor experiencing what it takes to be a terminally ill lung cancer patient and how he makes use of his remaining precious limited time. The celebration of his daughter’s birth is beautifully juxtaposed with the terror of mortality in his memoir – When Breath Becomes Air. Paul Kalanithi epitomised the modern-day successful man, gifted in both science and humanities.

The son of immigrant Indians, he majored in English and Biology at Stanford before getting a master’s in English literature there followed by a master’s in philosophy from Cambridge and in deciding whether to pursue a career in English literature or medicine, he wrote: “I could either study meaning or experience it.” And he chose medicine. He went to medical school at Yale.

In 2013 at the age of 36 when he was looking forward to a promising career in medicine, he had a rude awakening after he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Kalanithi was a nonsmoker and enjoyed reading and the outdoors. His life changed when weight loss and severe back pain sent him to consult the

Paul Kalanithi with wife Lucy and daughter Cady

doctor. He knew what was coming even before the CT scan results revealed multiple tumours.

“I flipped through the CT scan images, the diagnosis obvious: the lungs were matted with innumerable tumours, the spine deformed, a full lobe of the liver obliterated.

Cancer, widely disseminated. I was a neurosurgical resident entering my final year of training. Over the last six years, I’d examined scores of such scans, on the off chance that some procedure might benefit the patient. But this scan was different: it was my own.”

As a neurosurgeon at Stanford Medical Center, Kalanithi was used to looking at CT scans of patients. What he was not accustomed to was looking at his own, and that’s what happened to him. At a young age of 36 he read his own death sentence in the

medical report.

It’s a remarkable book, especially for its description of his transition from an all-powerful doctor to an anxious patient.

Though disturbed, Kalanithi had a clear idea of his next steps. “Prepare to die. Tell my wife that she should remarry.”

He died in less than two years time in March 2015. But in the interim period, he wrote about his experience facing mortality as a doctor and as a patient. Still ambitious to finish his residency, he returned to work when his cancer responded to chemotherapy.

Among the choices he and his physician wife (Dr Lucy Kalanithi) made during this phase was to have a baby. Their daughter Elizabeth Arcadia, known as Cady, (conceived through IVF) was born nine months before his

Paul Kalanithi

death.

The decision to have a child was very important to Kalanithi.

“As soon as he got diagnosed he wanted to do it right away,” Lucy says.

She asks him: “Don’t you think saying goodbye to your child will make your death more painful?”

He replies: “Wouldn’t it be great if it did?”

On his little bundle of joy, he writes “a joy unknown to me in all my prior years, a joy that does not hunger for more and more but rests, satisfied.”

In her existence he truly found the meaning of his life.

The passages describing their time together are among the most moving in the book.

“As a doctor, you have a sense of what it’s like to be sick, but until you’ve gone through it yourself, you don’t really know. It’s

Millions of leprosy cases go undiagnosed Many people believe that leprosy is a disease that was eradicated many years ago.

But the reality is quite different as the world observed January 31 as the World Leprosy Day. There is renewed sense of urgency to keep on tackling this forgotten disease as in 2014 alone, 213,899 people were diagnosed with leprosy and it is estimated that there are millions more with the disease yet to be diagnosed.

If it is left untreated, it can lead to disability and blindness.

One of the reasons so many cases go undetected is because of the lack of knowledge surrounding the condition. There are many myths and false assumptions associated with the disease which have contributed to a stigma. This is another reason many cases go undetected as often people are too scared to admit they have it for fear of being ostracised by community, something which has been common practice in countries like India, Mozambique and Bangladesh.

If there are indeed millions left undiagnosed, this would challenge the World Health Organisation’s dec-

laration made in the year 2000 which stated that the disease was no longer a public health problem.

They based this statement on the fact that the number of reported cases had fallen to less than one case in every 10,000 people.

Since the declaration, funding for leprosy work has fallen.

Sarah Nancollas, chief executive of international charity Lepra, says this has led to the missing millions being left undiagnosed. “We believe that there are millions of people with experience of leprosy worldwide, far more than the official numbers indicate. This is because of a lack of knowledge about the disease but also the stigma associated with leprosy that often prevents people from coming forward for treatment despite the fact it is a totally curable illness.”

One way of preventing an increase in the number of cases is to detect them earlier. Educating people on the disease in areas that are particularly affected means they are likely to spot the symptoms at an earlier stage. This decreases the chance of a permanent disability as well as

the chance of spreading infection, says Nancollas whose charity is working hard to do just that.

Aside from the health benefits, there are also other advantages to early detection. People, who show the physical signs of leprosy are often excluded from their community, cast out by their families and may then struggle to find work. This can often push individuals and families deeper into poverty. This could be prevented if leprosy was detected earlier and treated before any further physical signs emerged.

“It’s important that we don’t slow down our efforts for people whose lives are affected by leprosy and other tropical diseases because, not only do they impact a person’s health, but also their ability to work and feed their families which can push them further into poverty.

Women in particular face discrimination as they are often left unable to marry or, if married, are abused, abandoned or unable to undergo treatment as it means spending time away from the home.

This is reflected in WHO

figures which show that women only make up 36% of 2014’s new cases.

Through earlier detection, some of these cases of social exclusion could be avoided. This is why work in the area of neglected tropical diseases, including leprosy, should not slow down as it has been doing, but instead should accelerate in order to find those missing millions.

like falling in love or having a kid,” Kalanithi writes.

When cancer struck, he went back to literature to understand his experience and make sense of death.

Ultimately, he made a decision: “Even if I’m dying, until I actually die, I am still living.”

Kalanithi’s father is an eminent cardiologist, his mother trained as a physiologist in India, one brother is a neurologist and the other works in consumer electronics.

Kalanithi never intended to take up medicine. He knew medicine only by its deficits. He writes about “the absence of a father growing up, one who went to work before dawn and returned in the dark to a plate of reheated dinner”.

He wanted to be a writer. Along the way, he became fascinated by human biology.

It impressed upon him the notion that the brain was a biological organ that enabled the mind to make sense of the world and, among other things, appreciate the meaning of

25

literature.

Although his first love was literature, Kalanithi became a neurosurgeon because he wanted to learn about “what really matters in life”.

His decision to go to medical school, he writes, was an effort “to forge relationships with the suffering, and to keep following the question of what makes human life meaningful, even in the face of death and decay”.

Lucy Kalanithi, an internal medicine doctor at Stanford Health Care, still lives in the town of San Carlos in northern California where she and Paul settled after marrying in 2006. A moving and thoughtful memoir of family, medicine and literature, one of the most poignant things about Kalanithi’s story is he learned how to live while dying. He learned to live in the present until he died surrounded by family. His mental state was alive. He didn’t die until he died. He was just 37 when the end came.

Kalanithi did not live to see his book published.

SAD DEMISE

Mrs Satwant Kaur Singh 15 December 1933 - 2 February 2016 Mrs Satwant Kaur Singh, mother of Mr Jasminder Singh, Chairman & CEO of Edwardian Hotels London, passed away on Tuesday 2 February 2016 in London, aged 82.

In a message to friends and family, Jasminder Singh and family said: ‘It is with great sadness that we inform you that our dearest Mamma/Wadimamma has passed away. For those of you who were graced by her presence, I'm sure you will be able to remember her as a very strong lady with the biggest heart of all. She was the matriarch of our family and her presence will forever be missed. Luckily, she has blessed us all with many unforgettable memories that we will treasure for years to come.’

The funeral service was held on Thursday 11 February 2016 in Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Alice Way, Hounslow, London TW3 3UA.

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Priti Patel may take on Cameron on Brexit AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 13th Februay 2016

Employment minister Priti Patel is giving some anxious moments in Downing Street as she is believed to be on the verge of becoming the first member of the cabinet to defy Prime Minister David Cameron and declare herself as a supporter of a Brexit. She is understood to have demanded an urgent meeting with Cameron after he himself announced he would campaign for Britain to stay in the EU. Ms Patel has been privately clear that she is reluctant to compromise her anti-EU belief.

According to a report in the Daily Express, she has come under huge pressure

unite the eurosceptics in the party once Cameron quits.

A Tory source, according to the Daily Express report, said: “It seems she

Lord Loomba CBE gets One Globe Award Loomba Foundation’s India's Minister of State for project to provide digniUrban Development, Babul fied livelihood to 5,000 Supriyo, gave away the One widows of Varanasi Globe Awards at the 'One through skills training in Globe: Uniting Knowledge tailoring and sewing Communities Conference' machines. held in New Delhi recently.

Lord Loomba CBE, Dalbir Singh The One Globe conThe awards recognize and honour individuals as well (Chair), Hon’ble Minister of State Babul ference is India's leading as domestic and interna- Supriyo and Harjiv Singh (Founder) conference that brings received the award for together global thought tional companies for their Excellence in Creating leaders to discuss how we contributions in building a Social Impact for helping build a 21st century knowl21st century knowledge and providing global recogedge economy in India and economy through their ininition to over 258 million South Asia. It explores the tiatives in digital economy, widows and their 585 milintersection of technology, R&D, smart cities, entrelion children worldwide. innovation, smart cities, preneurship and social Prime Minister Modi skills, regional collaboration impact. recently supported The and education.

Lord Raj Loomba CBE

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has been told by George (Osborne) that if she campaigns for Brexit he will make sure she does not get a good job when he becomes

Prime Minister.”

But he added: “The problem for him is that Priti would be an ideal face for the campaign because the most undecided voters are women and she is a departure from old white men.”

With Home Secretary Theresa May and London Mayor Boris Johnson both indicating that they will back the Remain campaign, eurosceptics are looking for a senior figure to lead the campaign and then potentially become a Tory leadership contender.

Ms Patel is being urged by fellow MPs who believe she would be the perfect figurehead for the group to

join the Out campaign.

Meanwhile, the Government said that a British EU exit could mean thousands of refugees landing on Britain’s shores “overnight”.

A “Brexit” could undermine a Franco-British bilateral agreement that allows Britain to carry out border checks on French soil, stopping many refugees and other migrants, a spokesman of Cameron said.

“Should Britain leave the EU there’s no guarantee those controls would remain in place,” Cameron’s spokesman told reporters at a daily briefing on Monday.

Continued from page1 attack. “The evidence of Headley is important for two reasons - One of the Indian terrorists Abu Jindal who was in Pakistan and against whom the trial is pending. So, Headley may give the broader aspect of the criminal conspiracy.

The second aspect of the evidence of Headley would be that why the conspiracy was hatched, who were the persons behind the criminal conspiracy and how it progressed with ultimately a huge death toll of 160 persons,” Nikam said. Headley gave his statement before special judge G A Sanap.

Appearing before the court through video conference from an undisclosed location in the US, Headley said he was a true follower of terror group Lashkar, and even had falsified information on his visa application to gain entry into India.

He said he had joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2002 “for a course” in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan, the outfit’s headquarters. “I heard a speech by Lashkar head and was motivated.

Hafiz Saeed 'saab' is the head of Lashkar,” Headley said. He described Lashkar as “a militant organisation in Pakistan whose goal is to fight the Indian Army and assist the people of Kashmir.” Saeed and Zakiur-Rehman Lakhvi would give religious speeches and speak of jihad, defined as “fight against enemies of Islam.” They treated India as their enemy.

Headley had made eight visits to India for this conspiracy. He underwent Daura-e-Am (preliminary training) and Daura-e-Khas (advanced training in weapons and explosives).

Another camp called Daura-e-Ribbat (intelligence course) was held in Mansehra, 40 miles from Abbottabad, where Saeed and Lakhvi were present.

Headley said he visited Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with a friend and retired Major Abdur

Rehman Pasha to meet a drug peddler Zeb Shah to seek his help in smuggling weapons to India. He was arrested in Landi Kotal, a town next to the Afghan border, on suspicion of being a foreigner in a restricted area. Carrying literature on India at the time, Major Ali from the InterServices Intelligence (ISI) interrogated him and helped him walk out free.

He carried a Pakistani identity card which made things easier. When Headley told Major Ali that he intended to visit India, he introduced him to Major Iqbal, also of the ISI, “because he thought I could be used to gather intelligence,” he testified.

He identified Lashkar commander Sajid Mir, also known as 'Wasi', as his Lashkar “colleague.” Mir was his main contact in the outfit. It was on Mir’s instructions that Headley changed his name from Dawood Gilani to David Headley in 2006. He then applied for a US passport under the new name. He said, “I changed my name so that I could enter India. I wanted to enter India with an American name. I then disclosed this information to my colleague Sajid Mir of LeT.” He also said the 10 people involved in the 26/11 attacks had made two previous attempts on Mumbai; the first in September 2008, which failed as the boat which started from outside Karachi ran into some rocks and sank. The second attempt took place a month later. He was informed of the two attempts by Mir. He said about a year before the 26/11 attack, Lashkar operatives planned an attack on a meeting of Defence Scientists that was to be held at Mumbai's famous Taj Mahal hotel. “We made a mock of the Taj,” he said.

Headley's maps and videos helped the Pakistani fidayeens land by sea on Mumbai's shores and launch one of the audacious attacks on the financial capital. Headley also said his Lashkar handler Sajid Mir

had asked him to survey the famous Sidhivinayak temple in Mumbai as a possible terror target. The temple was, however, not attacked.

“I did surveillance of multiple places like the Taj Hotel, Naval air station and the Maharashtra State Police Headquarters in south Mumbai. I also selected landing sites for the terrorists.”

He admitted that LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen are working under the United Jihad council, and that all these are terrorist organisation in Pakistan working against India. He was asked

by LeT to gather military intelligence in India and also recruit someone from Indian military for spying.

Headley also said he was asked to make a general video and recce of Mumbai

by Major Iqbal. He also revealed information that in the Spring of 2006, a meeting was held where LeT members Muzzabil Butt, Sajid Mir and Abu Khaffa were present. It was then decided that from Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi, an office will be set up in Mumbai. “ISI provided financial, military and moral support to terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed, LeT and Hizb-ulMujaideen,” he said and went on to claim that his opinion was formed on the basis of hearsay. When Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam asked him if he was paid by LeT and ISI, he replied in the negative and said, “There is no basis for this question.”

Between November 26 and 29, 2008, terrorists rampaged through two fivestar hotels Oberoi and Taj Mahal Palace, Jewish outreach centre at Nariman House, Cafe Leopold, all in Colaba, besides Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Cama and Albless Hospital. While nine terrorists were killed during the response operations, gunman Ajmal Kasab was tried and hanged on November 21, 2012 at Pune’s Yerawada jail.

David Cameron & Priti Patel

from Chancellor George Osborne to stay silent in the referendum as she has been identified as a potential leadership rival who could

Date

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Headley reveals role of LeT, Pak army in Mumbai attack

Indian navy shows its might at International Fleet Review INDIA Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

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The might of the Indian Navy was on full show at the recently held International Fleet Review 2016, as the event witnessed India's maritime partners.

The Indian Navy's biggest event ever, the 11th Fleet Review and the 2nd International Fleet Review was held at Vishakhapatnam on the East Coast on February 6. Inaugurated by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, he greatly appreciated the prowess of the Navy and urged the global participants to carry back a message of global peace and brotherhood. The last time an event of such a large scale was conducted in Mumbai in 2001 when international navies made their esteemed presence.

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he Naval Fleet Review is a longstanding tradition of navies from all over the world, and is conceived as a show of naval might and readiness for battle. So far, 10 Reviews have been held in India, with the first in 1953. The IFR allows the

mations from the Indian Coast Guard. A mobile column of warships and submarines steamed past the presidential yacht at the end of the review, flaunting the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy.

The Presidential yacht, INS Sumitra that displayed the

host nation to display its maritime capabilities and establish mutual trust among fellow maritime nations. The IFR logo is remarkable depiction of the three operating dimensions of the navy: a ship, submarine and and aircraft, with the letter I F R across it. The Dolphin remains the mascot for the event as a symbol friendship across oceans.

President Mukherjee reviewed the international fleet consisting of 75 frontline ships and submarines, besides 24 ships which had sailed from different parts of the globe. Each ship was manned by the ship's company, dressed in white ceremonial uniforms. The flypast that accompanied the presidential review comprised of 15 formations of 45 aircraft, including two for-

Ashoka emblem, hosted the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the three Service Chiefs, along with Mukherjee as they reviewed the naval flotilla.

President Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi wore caps with ‘President’ and ‘Prime Minister’ embossed on them. The IFR saw engagement of a total of 50 Navies.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan conducted his guests. The ships under review stood in six columns with sailors dressed in white ceremonial uniforms. Majestic aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Virat were anchored in the backdrop.

Also present were warships INS Kolkata, Mysore, Ranvijay, and the latest addition INS Kadmat. All

President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Modi review the fleet from presidential ship INS Sumitra

major navies included those from the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK. Naval Air Arm’s fixed and rotary wing aircraft took part in the 71 aircraft fly-past. The Swedish Skycats aircraft display team performed wing walking aerobatics. On display were three kilo-class submarines; INS Sindhuvir, Sindhukriti and Sundhuraj.

The foreign ships included United States' USS Antietam, a guided missile corvette, HMS Defender of UK, JS Matsuyuki of Japan, IRIS Alvand of Iran, BNS Somudra Joy from Bangladesh, Liuzhou from China, and HMAS Darwin from Australia.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I believe that if oceans were to proper our economies, then we must use seas to build peace, friendship and trust, and curb conflict, respect and ensure freedom of navigation; and cooperate, not compete in responding to the challenges in the seas. The large presence of foreign navies at this Fleet Review is a confirmation of our shared urge to walk the pathways of peace and cooperation to keep the maritime domain safe and secure. The oceans and worlds' waterways are global commons. Vasudhaiva

Kutumbakam - the concept of the whole world as a family, is perhaps most vividly witnessed on the oceans of the planet, that connect us all.” Modi also announced that India would host the first ever Global Maritime Summit in April this year.

“To build on the gains from today's gathering, India would host the first ever Global Maritime Summit in April this year. Its priority

promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future.” He said, “Navies world over have conducted fleet reviews to symbolise their loyalty, allegiance to the nation and strengthening bonds between the sailors and the State. IFR 2016 does that much and much more.”

“The emerging maritime

would be to scale up and strengthen the vibrant trade, investment, technology and commercial linkages between India and other maritime nations.”

He also released a photo essay book on the 'Maritime Heritage of India'.

After inspecting the parade, the President in his speech at the banquet hosted in his honour by Chief RK Dhowan, said, “While showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, IFR 2016 has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying our c o m m o n desire to use the seas to

security challenges, across the oceans of the world, have magnified the responsibilities of navies. The seemingly vast stretches of water are our common economic development highways connecting distant lands with bonds of friendship. In order to preserve and secure our shared global highways, and to maintain good order at sea, India, and in particular the Indian Navy, has always pro-actively engaged likeminded mari t i m e nations,” he said. The President a l s o

said that the presence of warships, personnel and delegations at the International Fleet Review aptly reflects and carries forward “our endeavour to highlight that we are 'United through Oceans'”.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu arrived on February 5 and laid a wreath at the Victory-at-Sea memorial on Vizag beach, paying homage to all the martyrs.

A twominute silence was observed on the occasion as a mark of respect.

He also inaugurated the IFR village and the maritime exhibition organised by the Navy on the grounds of the Andhra University Engineering College.

Naidu s a i d Vishakhapatnam was the eastern gateway to the country. “Andhra Pradesh is centrally located on East Coast and it plays an important role in economic growth of the country. The state is at the forefront of Prime Minister's 'Make In India' concept,” he said.

The entire affair concluded on the 8th with the a Joint International Band Concert at the Naval Officers' Institute. Naval Bands from participating Navies, along with the host Navy jointly presented in front of Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief Guest for the event. The Joint Band Concert was in perfect harmony as all the navies together echoed the very theme of “Bridging through Ocean”.

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Prabhu DevaTamannaah pair to terrify soon

AsianVoiceNews

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ne of the highest paid directors in Bollywood, Prabhu Deva who was last seen on screen in a supporting role in Captain Vijayakanth's 'Engal Amma', 12 years back, will soon be seen in a horror movie by director Vijay. The film will feature Prabhu and Tamannah as the lead pair and is all set to begin this month. The project will be bankrolled by Prabhu Deva Studios and the official announcement will come later this week.

Nayanthara denied entry into Malaysia

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ollywood actress Nayanthara was supposed to join the 'Iru Mugan' team in Malaysia recently. But the actress could not join the team as she was detained at the Malaysian Airport. The reason for the detainment was that there was mismatch of name in the Passport of the actress.

Nayanthara's original name is Diana Mariam Kurien. To prevent the spread of ill-motivated

rumours official sources in Malaysia have confirmed that the top actress has been detained only for this name mismatch and not for any other wrong reason. We hope the issues get sorted out soon and our dear lady super star gets a smooth entry into t h e Malaysian country.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

'Baahubali' in comics, video games

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Rajinikanth praises Dhanush’s 'Visaaranai'!

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'V

isaaranai' has received exceptional critical acclaim from one and all, including actor Kamal Haasan who showered praises on the movie. However, it was Thailavar Rajinikanth, who shook director

'Fitoor'

Vetrimaaran and actor Dhanush by openly lauding the movie on Twitter. According to the veteran actor, in all his career as an actor, he has never seen or enjoyed a movie like 'Visaaranai'. He also added that the movie will become one of the best in world cinema.

Based on real life incidents, the movie is an adaptation of a Tamil novel called Lock Up, which is based on incidents of police atrocity and abuse of power that is provided to them. The thriller has already done its rounds at the Venice International Film Festival in 2015. Produced by Dhanush's production house Wunderbar Films, it stars Dinesh, director and actor Samuthirakani, Kishore and Murugadoss in crucial roles.

'Sanam Teri Kasam'

S Rajamouli's unforgettable 2015 film 'Baahubali' will soon be available in a series of comic books, novels, animation and video games. All being developed in collaboration with the filmmaker, Arka Mediaworks and character entertainment company Graphic India will promote them on multiple platforms like gaming, digital content and merchandise. Rajamouli said, “Extending the world of Baahubali beyond movies allows us to reach a larger audiences and that is really exciting for me. We are happy to be collaborating with Graphic India who I believe have the best knowledge and experience in this space.” Co-founder and CEO of the company, Sharad Devarajan said, “The epic storytelling and groundbreaking visuals that SS Rajamouli created have captivated millions of fans including myself, and the future of Indian cinema shall now always be defined as 'before Baahubali' and 'after Baahubali'. I am so deeply honoured and humbled to work with, and learn from Rajamouli, Shobu and the Arka team as we bring their epic world into comics, animation, and gaming.”

‘Titli’ gets French Critics' award

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Based on 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, 'Fitoor' is a romantic drama directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur.

It features Tabu, Katrina Kaif, and Aditya Roy Kapur in lead.

Romantic drama directed by Divya Khosla Kumar, the movie has already tugged many a heart strings with its sound tracks.

ilmmaker Kanu Behl's directorial 'Titli' has won the Best First Foreign Film Award conferred by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics 2016. Co-produced by Dibakar Banerjee Productions Pvt Ltd and Aditya Chopra, under Yash Raj Films banner, the movie features Ranvir Shorey, Amit Sial, Shashank Arora, Lalit Behl and Shivani Raghuvanshi in lead roles. “This seems to be the biggest of them all. It seems like a big honour and completely unexpected.

I am genuinely elated that the film is garnering this sort of acclaim,” Kanu said. The FSCC gives four prestigious awards every year, including Best French Film, Best International Film, Best Foreign Film and Best Short Film. 'Titli' has won awards at various international film festivals held at places like Bordeaux, Hawaii, New York, Turkey, and Spain.

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I went through vigorous training for 'Neerja': Sonam AsianVoiceNews

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In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, actress Sonam Kapoor talks about her upcoming movie 'Neerja' and the importance of standing up for what's right.

Mitul Paniker

The trailer for 'Neerja' looks absolutely promising. Was preparing for the movie tougher than your other projects? How different was it?

It wasn't tougher, it just required more hard work.

Director Ram Madhwani and I are very meticulous about any character concerned and this one had to be a little more refined. I went through rigorous training for almost two months.

What was your experience working with Shabana Azmi in the movie?

Shabana Azmi's my aunt. She knows me since I was born, so for me she has never been The Shabana Azmi, she has always been my aunt. She has seen me grow up and gives me advise on personal matters.

So we share a very close relationship. We have a certain comfort, where I could hug her and cuddle with her, and there was a certain reality that actually comes off screen.

Neerja Bhanot was an exceptional character.

Do you think Indian women lack female role models?

No. I think we have very inspirational heroines in India. Neerja Bhanot is an unsung hero, the youngest recipient of the Ashoka Chakra, which is why we did a film on her. She needs to be known and celebrated once again, 30 years later. I think strong characters that come

out will inspire more of us to stand up for what's right.

Would you call yourself a feminist?

I am a feminist. I am a complete feminist. I believe in women's rights and I have said this time and again since I was 21 years old.

Bollywood actresses are making quite the buzz in the west. When will we see Sonam Kapoor make her Hollywood debut?

As soon as I get a role which inspires me. I am not interested in playing the exotic Indian girl. I want the story to inspire people then only can I decide. I want the film to have depth and gravity. None right now, but as soon as I get something interesting for me to do, I will go for it.

Irrfan Khan turns down Spielberg's offer

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ontemporary actor Irrfan Khan has quite a grip in Hollywood, with western actors heaping praises on him.

After well-known actor and 'Inferno' co-star Tom Hanks commended his professionalism, American actress and comedienne Mindy Kaling called him her “favourite actor in the world” last week.

While the actor himself has taken his foreign projects seriously, he recently turned down a Steven Spielberg drama 'Ghost in the Shell', alongside Scarlett Johansson. While his fans and the media collectively gasped, the actor said, “No is never a pleasant thing to say. I believe there is a right time for things to fall in place. I feel extremely humbled by the kind of opportunities that come my way and I am hungry for so much more as an actor,” he said.

Talking about ScarJo, he said, “She's a brilliant actor. Hopefully, we will share screen space sometime soon in something else.” The actor has been part of two-Oscar winning films, 'Slumdog

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Millionaire' and 'Life of Pi'. He had bowed out of Ridley Scott's 'The Martian', and was eventually replaced by Chiwetel Ejiofor as a scientist of Indian-origin in the Matt Damon-starrer.

“It's quite a dilemma for me to make such choices as I am at a stage in my career where I'm trying my best to surprise my audience with every role, give them some variety. Who wouldn't want to work with prestigious names like Ridley Scott and Steven Spielberg! I am hoping the future holds something so path-breaking and so empowering for me as an artist that a 'no' will not be an option,” he said.

ky is the limit for our beloved Piggy Chops, and not only us, but even the West can't seem to get enough of her now. After winning the Favourite Actress in a New TV Series Award at the People's Choice Awards 2016 for 'Quantico' and presenting an award to Vin Diesel at the same event, Priyanka Chopra has been slowly inching her way close to a much deserved international stardom. After attending the Screen Actors Guild Award recently, she will now be a presenter at the forthcoming Oscars, which are to be held on February 28 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, LA. While the esteemed awards has found itself in controversy over the lack of diversity in the nominees, the official Twitter handle of the 88th Academy Awards recently announced its second slate of 13 new Oscar presenters with Priyanka's name alongside esteemed people like Steve Carrell, Jared Leto, Julianne Moore, Olivia Munn, Margot Robbie, Kerry Washington, and Reese Witherspoon, to name a few. Responding to the news, an ecstatic Priyanka tweeted, “Looking forward to the Academy Awards.

This will be an insaaaane night!”

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ollywood actress Deepika Padukone who had quite an eventful year with back to back hits, has won the NDTV Indian 'Actor of the Year' award.

She received the award for her performance in the film 'Piku', by her on-screen father Amitabh Bachchan.

While Deepika ruled the stage at the events, it was her alleged boyfriend who couldn't keep his energy levels down and kept rooting for the actress. “You know, the day you got to go and act and do a scene with Deepika, there is just no worry. She is so generous as a co-actor you can trust her to the degree that you just look into her eyes and connect and the scene will happen,” Ranveer Singh said.

When asked what scene he was talking about, Deepika flashed her

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ans of Rancho rejoice! Actor Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have confirmed plans for a sequel to 2009 blockbuster movie '3 Idiots'. “Raju Hirani has given me a hint about '3 Idiots' sequel and I am giving you all a hint. The film will happen if and whenever he will write the script. Let's keep our fingers crossed,” Aamir said at the special screening of 'Saala Khadoos'. Hirani said, “Six months back I thought of an idea which would be great for the sequel.

Abhijat and I worked on it for a few days and then spoke to Aamir about it. He got really excited but nothing much has happened. Its' a long way. But this is one film that I really want to do.”

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NDTV's 'Actor of The Year' award for Deepika

Virat, Anushka end relationship?

And now a sequel to '3 Idiots'

Priyanka to be Oscar presenter now

Asian Voice | 13th Februar 2016

ormer love birds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have ended up their two year old relationship, says a media report. The report further says, “while the 27year-old actress is maintaining a stoic silence on the breakup, her former beau has made quite a spectacle of it. All rumours about Virat trying to woo Anushka back are hogwash. He unfollowed her on Twitter and Instagram and then, uploaded, deleted and reuploaded a photograph of himself, originally captioned, 'Heartbroken'.”

dimples saying, “I don't know which scene he is talking about!”

The eccentric Ranveer then started singing, “Nazar jo teri laage, main deewani ho gayi...

Deepika we are really proud of you. Since you are leaving tonight, to go and shoot your big Hollywood action blockbuster, we all wish you all the best. May you conquer this new frontier and make us proud like you always have!”

Preity Zinta to get married soon?

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ollywood actress Preity Zinta called up her friends and asked them to fly out to Los Angeles for her wedding. Her would be is G e n e Goodenough, who is her American boyfriend since the past 18 months. Gene was spotted beside Preity in the IPL 2015.

"It's a five day affair in the US from February 12-16. It would be great if you can join me in my moment of happiness," she was quoted as saying. Preity has been thinking about tying the knot with Gene since quite some time. There were lot of rumours about their marriage happening last month and it seems that she chickened out then. All said and done, it mustn't have been an easy decision for her to take even now.

Sunny Leone apologises to Sunny Deol

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unny Leone has apologised to 'Ghayal' star Sunny Deol for all the 'funny' jokes they share due to their similar first name. In a recently conducted interview where she had to promote her adult comedy 'Mastizaade', she said, “Mr Sunny Deol, I just want to say that I am so sorry.

Please forgive me, because of the many horrible, weird jokes on you and me- all because of me. So I am sorry.” Talking about Indians' double standards on sex, she openly said, “I think people are a lot more accepting, a lot more open-minded than we give them credit for, I am a walking proof of that. If people had double standards and were this way, I wouldn't have been here.”

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UK

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New Arrival

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Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Anoushka Desai

Born: 2nd February 2016 Mummy: Sheena Desai Daddy: Neel Desai Congratulations to Sheena Desai and Neel Desai on the arrival of newborn baby girl Anoushka Desai.

It’s wonderful to hear the news. May all the love and pride you feel keep growing year by year.

Lots of Love and Blessings from: Dada: Kaushikbhai Desai, Dadi: Deepikaben Desai Nana: Bharatbhai Mehta, Nani: Geetaben Mehta Gt. Grandnana, Gt. Grandnanis, Kaka, Kaki, Mama, Mami and all Desai & Mehta family.

7/7 type blast for Hollywood film Amid fears of international terrorism taking place in several corners of the world, a recent blast took place in London, on Lambeth Bridge, blowing up a double decker bus. But it was not a cause of concern. One might be wondering how can a bomb blast not be a cause of concern in this day and age. In actuality, the blast which frightened many passersby in London was actually for an upcoming Hollywood movie. The blast was so realistic that it reminded people of the horrific bus bombing in 2005. Although this stunt was all for fiction and filming purposes, it did leave many baffled initially.

The scene, which took place

on Sunday 7th February, was a control explosion, for which Lambeth Bridge was closed. The new film, 'The Foreigner', stars Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan.

The renowned author of the Shopaholic novels, Sophie Kinsella wasn't too please with the commotion the blast had made. She wrote on Twitter, “Hey film types, next time you blow up a bus on Lambeth Bridge maybe tell us first so children in park aren't freaked?”

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Deputy Editor: Anand Pillai Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Email: anand.pillai@abplgroup.com Editorial Executive: Reshma Trilochun Tel: 020 7749 4010 - Email: reshma.trilochun@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Advertising Managers: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Head - New Projects and Business Development: Cecil Soans - Email: cecil.soans@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Head of Sales & Marketing: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Marketing Sales Executive: Rintu Alex - Email: Rintu.alex@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4003 - Mobile: 07816 213 610 Business Development Manager: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com 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 Leicester Distributors: Shabde Magazine, Shobhan Mehta Mob: 07846480220 (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

Locums exploit high rates of pay ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Now is the time to culti-

vate an easier relationship with life, get out and about, explore fresh possibilities and make new friends. Any effort to enrich your life by making changes is almost certain to work in your favour and you will be surprised how circumstances help you once you make the initial move.

There has been a lot of scrutiny in regards to the NHS and the staff crisis in recent times. The health service's regulator has allegedly stated that locum workers were being “unprofessional” by leaving hospitals in dilemma as they were being offered a high wage elsewhere.

Jim Mackey has supposedly said that doctors and nurses are exploiting a staffing crisis in the NHS by pinching out “extortionate rates” for agency work.

While the NHS may

seem short staffed, there are people who make GP appointments only to miss them and do not cancel them promptly. According to a poll of 507 people by the pharmaceutical company, Astellas, 7 out of 10 people support fining people who miss their medical appointments.

Chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, Dr Maureen Baker, agreed that missed appointments were in fact frustrating for doctors, but she believes that charging patients “is not the answer”.

Coming Events

l Sangeet Ki Duniya- with renowned singers from Mumbai: Sunday 14th February 2016. The Queen Elizabeth Hall, West Street, Oldham, Manchester, OL1 1NL. For tickets, contact: 0161 834 3787. l Paintings by Eknath Giram: Wednesday 24th- Friday 26th February, 11am- 7pm. M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery. The Bhavan, The Home of Indian Arts, 4A Castletown Road, West Kensington, London W14 9HE. Contact: 020 7381 3087. l Hanuman Chalisa: Sunday 14th February, 11am5pm. Social Club Hall, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ. Contact: 020 8459 5758. l Rock On Music & Gift A Smile presents Shaan Live in concert: Friday 19th February, 7:15pm. De Montford Hall, Leicester. For tickets, contact: 0116 233 3111. l The Mayor's Big Sing- A Musical Workshop: Sunday 21st February, 6:30pm. Rose Theatre, Kingston Upon Thames.

Visit: www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on l Winter Soiree: Tuesday 23rd February, 6:30pm11pm. The Fable, 52 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2FD. For tickets, contact: 07801 273 101.

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Try to take things in your

stride rather than anticipating what might happen. Keep calm as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Intense focus is what is needed now so do not let yourself be distracted by non-essentials.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 It's a time of slow and steady progress. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

The outlook remains optimistic as developments bring you a sense of real achievement. Relationships look great as Venus and Mars help to enhance your personal magnetism and put you in a gregarious mood. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on love and creativity, make the most of this phase.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

You will find added scope and greater incentive to push full steam ahead with your cherished aims. You must be careful not to tread on other people's toes. This is the right time to talk things over with your loved one - especially anything that has been worrrying you or making you feel insecure.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Do not kid yourself that emotional problems can always be solved by material means. This only covers the cracks and does nobody any good in the end. Be prepared to confront the issues. If love has left you feeling rather dejected or cynical, it looks as though soon events will pull you out of this mood of despondency.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 With Sun and Mercury in your 5th house of romance and creativity, you should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This will give you a chance to meet people of your own calibre and pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 The prevailing cosmic pattern packs a powerful punch early this week.

Having such potent energies, make you feel positive and confident in whatever you do. This is not the time to hold back or underestimate your potential if you wish to further an important aim. Some of you will try to get away from the routine chores.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

If lately you have had all sorts of demands being placed on you from all sides, don't despair. Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life. Once you know, don't hesitate to implement it. The planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

You are endowed with a level of determination that others sometimes find formidable. Once you set your mind on a goal you stay the course no matter what obstacles you encounter. Saturn's placement in your Solar 12th house denotes a phase of restriction, sometimes frustration, in one's life.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Much enthusiasm goes into professional ambitions right now, but you need to be your own boss in many ways.

You will be determined to place your lifestyle on a foundation of greater security. Taking a broad perspective on the prevailing cosmic pattern, far-reaching change begins to gather momentum.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

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 and a need to look at things more objectively. Wait before going full steam ahead with grand actions and gestures.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

SPORT

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India in Under-19 World Cup final AsianVoiceNews

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Three-time champions India continued their invincible run to enter the ICC Under19 World Cup final for a fifth time with an emphatic 97run win over Sri Lanka in the semi-finals on Tuesday at Mirpur in Bangladesh.

India did well to reach 267/9 after a shaky start before putting up an impressive effort to dismiss Sri Lanka for 170 in 42.4 overs.

The batting stars were Anmolpreet Singh (72 off 92) and Sarfaraz Khan (59 off 71), who amassed his fourth 50 plus scores in five innings player in the tournament. The three time champions now await either West Indies or hosts Bangladesh in the final to be played on February 14. Indians, put into bat on an overcast morning, were put under pressure right away with its formidable opening pair of

Rishabh Pant and captain Ishan Kishan falling cheaply to leave their team at 27/2 in the 10th over.

Batting was not easy but Anmolpreet and the in-form Sarfaraz steadied the ship with a 96-run stand off 126 balls for the third wicket.

While Anmolpreet's was a

gritty 92-ball knock, powerhitter Sarfaraz too played a measured innings considering the circumstances. The 18-year-old IPL recruit, who came into the match with scores of 76, 21*, 74, 74, still managed to pierce the field for six fours and a maximum.

Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Suresh Raina to lead Rajkot team Gujarat Lions

Anmolpreet, who struck half a dozen fours and a six during his stay at the crease, stitched another handy 70run partnership with Washington Sundar (43 off 45) after Sarfaraz's departure. India needed a move on in the last 10 overs and the late burst came courtesy Sundar and Armaan Jaffer, who smashed 29 off 16 balls before Mayank Dagar's 17run cameo off 10 balls took his team to a competitive total in a crunch match.

Defending the target, the Indian bowlers did not allow the Lankan chase to take off.

India missed quite a few chances on the field but the bowlers were still good enough to keep things tight for the opposition. After a batting cameo, Dagar did his bit with the ball as well, grabbing 3/21 in 5.4 overs of his left-arm spin.

BCCI told to accept Lodha panel recommendations The Supreme Court of India suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) fully accept the recommendation of the Justice Lodha Committee on the structural reforms of the apex cricketing body.

A bench of Justice T S Thakur and Justice Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla told the BCCI that Justice Lodha Committee has given a "very viable rational solutions. You take a realistic view of the matter and act according to the recommendations".

Impressing upon senior counsel Shekhar Naphade, appearing for the BCCI, the report's significance, the court said: "The report deserves respect as it is given by the most competent and well-meaning members of the legal fraternity."

"It may affect some people who are holding positions but any transition has to have its problems," the court said as Naphade sought to project the difficulties that the apex cricketing body was encountering with the recommendations.

"It involves sweeping

Justice Lodha

changes. We are not taking an obstructionist view.

There are technical and legal problems. The legal committee (of the BCCI) will take a call on the recommendations, which in turn will be considered by the Cricket Board and take a final decision," Naphade told the court pointing out that BCCI was registered as a society in Tamil Nadu and had to go by its bye-laws.

Not missing on apparent reservations on the part of the BCCI, the court made it clear that it would not appreciate any suitability assessment of the recommendations by the cricketing body.

"We will say that we accept the recommenda-

tions and ask the Justice Lodha Committee to push forward its (recommendations) to its implementation.. help and steer them (BCCI) in the implementation of the recommendations and also monitor it", Chief Justice Thakur said making it clear that there could not be any if and buts in going along with the recommendations for structural reforms.

The court said that there could be no digression from carrying out the recommendations unless the cricketing body tells something enormous that can't be done.

Telling the court that they could read the writing on the wall, Naphade said sought some time for BCCI to respond.

Senior counsel Indu Malhotra, appearing for Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB), told the court that some states including Bihar

and the six northeastern states have no representation in the apex cricketing body, while on the other hand, Maharashtra and Gujarat has multiple votes but Naphade cited historical reasons to justify the latter position.

The apex court-appointed Lodha Committee have made a host of far-reaching recommendations for improvement of cricket administration in the country including limiting the term for the BCCI office bearers with cooling off period and separate governing bodies for the BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

It had also recommended bringing the BCCI under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, legalisation of betting, uniformity in structure of state associations, and a one-state-one-member (vote) pattern for the BCCI governing body.

The news of a British Asian sports player accusing an Indian sportsman of sexual harassment has been making the rounds in the media in the recent days.

As a responsible family publication, Asian Voice has decided to refrain from publishing this news in our newspaper.

One fallout of the two-year suspension imposed on Chennai Super Kings was that other teams were free to adopt the `lion' logo. In spite of CSK's absence, the lion will be roaring in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season with the arrival of newly-christened Gujarat Lions. The Rajkot-based franchise, owned by mobile manufacturing company Intex, officially launched the team and anointed Suresh Raina the skipper. Raina was the team's first draft pick. Intex owner Keshav Bansal had the second-lowest bid during the team auction and the Delhi-based company chose the Capital to launch its new outfit. While Raina will be the captain, veteran Australian batsman Brad Hodge has been appointed coach. The Lions are expected to have a tough task on the field in IPL-9, having to competing with six well-settled outfits. But Bansal appeared confident. “We are aware that other teams have the advantage of playing for eight seasons and have their own fan base. “It just means we'll have to put in extra effort, innovate and bring some fresh ideas to the table. We'll implement a 360-degree marketing approach. Legacy is not something that is built overnight. We'll put our best foot forward because brand building is a long-term process,” Bansal said.

Pawar may be first `independent' ICC chairman

Sharad Pawar, senior politician and former Indian cricket board (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) president, could be appointed the first `independent chairman' of cricket's world governing body in June this year, following developments in Dubai at the ICC board meeting.

The ICC board has recommended that “in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest and to follow best principles of good governance,” it would seek to re-establish as quickly as possible the “independent position of ICC chairman.” The ICC board agreed that a new chairman should be elected for a two-year term through a secret ballot. The independent chairman will not be allowed to hold any post with any member board and may be re-elected at the expiry of the term with a maximum limit of three terms. To qualify, nominees must be either a past or present ICC board director and should have the support of at least two full-member directors. Pawar, it is understood, qualifies on most terms and is expected to relinquish the post of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president once the BCCI agrees to the Lodha Panel stipulations on an age-cap of 70 years for administrators.“That will make him perfectly eligible,” a source close to the development said.

Shane Watson most expensive at IPL auction

Youth, rather than experience, was the flavour of the IPL auctions. The biggest buzz, however, was all about a veteran, Shane Watson of the banned Rajasthan Royals, who was lapped up

by Royal Challengers Bangalore for £950,000, the most expensive buy.

In a slight shift from previous years, team owners kept their purse strings tightly drawn when it came to international stars but were far more liberal when it came to domestic and uncapped players. In just over eight hours, the eight franchises spent £13.6 million in buying 94 players, which included 28 overseas

Shane Watson

ones. Unlike the previous two auctions where players like Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik crossed the £1 million mark early in the proceedings, this time teams were more judicious with the selections.

The Watson buy wasn't as eye-popping as the £1 million plus deals Yuvraj

Singh and Dinesh Karthik secured in the last auction.

It raised eyebrows, nonetheless.

The bidding for the 34year-old Australian allrounder was slow off the blocks, but picked up once Rising Pune Supergiants joined the fray. Pune threw in the towel when RCB bid

£550,000 and just when it looked like he was heading to Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians entered the fray.

Vijay Mallya's team eventually sealed the deal at £950,000. Making a mockery of predictions and reputations, Delhi's left-arm spinner Pawan Negi, who started at a base price of Rs 3000,000, turned out to be the most expensive Indian buy at £850,000. His `home' team, the Delhi Daredevils, battled hard with Pune to add Negi -who was a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the World T20 squad - to their lineup.

Negi was followed by

31

last year's costliest buy, Yuvraj, who was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad for £700,000, less than half of the £1.6 million he fetched last year. In fact, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians were the first to vie for the southpaw.

Just when the RCB corner looked content bidding £550,000, SRH entered the fray and swung the proceedings in their favour.

It was the same price Delhi paid for the inclusion of South African pacer Chris Morris. Another player who was expected to rake in the big bucks but fell short of expectations was maverick Englishman Kevin

Pietersen, who was bought

by Pune for £350,000, only £150,000 more than his base price. Among the nine marquee players who went under the hammer, New Zealander Martin Guptill went unsold. By the end of the marquee round, it was clear that splurging big bucks on established stars wasn't part of their strategy.

With most teams favouring batsmen while retaining players, the focus was largely on bowlers and bowling all-rounders. This apart, the talented bunch from Rajasthan Royals and CSK found homes which offered them more than their base price.

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Asian Voice | 13th February 2016

Shami, Negi included in Indian squad for Asia Cup, World T20

India's 15-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20 has been named along similar lines as the unit that contributed to a landmark 3-0 sweep of Australia and was named for three matches with Sri Lanka, the only changes being that Mohammed Shami was recalled at the expense of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Manish Pandey expectedly made way for Virat Kohli.

Shami had returned from Australia before the ODI series had begun with a hamstring injury and the BCCI had set, at that time, that his recovery period would be between four to six weeks. Sandeep Patil, the chairman of selectors, confirmed that the Bengal fast bowler had recovered and that there was not reserve fast bowler should Shami suffer a recurrence.

"Mohammed Shami is fit, bowling well and has recovered, that is all I can say at the moment," said Patil after the squad for both tournaments was

Pawan Negi and Mohammad Shami were included the India squads

named.

"Regarding Manish Pandey, it is difficult to say whether a player is dropped or rested, its a tough call to make because Manish did exceptionally well in Australia. He is a player for the future."

Pandey, who scored a match-winning maiden ODI century in the final match in Sydney recently, is Kohli's replacement for the Sri Lanka series but the selectors stuck with Ajinkya Rahane, who also gives the team a back-up opener's option. The squad,

to be led by MS Dhoni, is otherwise the same as the one selected for the Sri Lanka series. Yuvraj Singh, Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan Singh remain, as do the rookie pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are the first-choice spinners, and the men currently serving as cover for them are Harbhajan Singh and the uncapped left-arm spinner Negi. Negi, 23, was this week named in the T20

squad for Sri Lanka and has been retained for the Asia Cup and World T20.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy he took six wickets at 33.66 (economy 8.71) and scored173 runs at 86.50 with a strike-rate of 173 for Delhi.

"This is the best combination of 15 we can think of," Patil said in a press conference after the meeting. Patil expressed his faith in Dhoni's leadership despite the recent mixed run. "We have no right to tell people when to retire, we have total faith in Dhoni's captaincy. He is the right person to lead in Asia Cup and World T20," Patil said.

India T20 squad: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane/Manish Pandey, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammed Shami, Pawan Negi.

Irfan Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja begin new innings

Irfan Pathan with his wife Safa Baig Gujarat cricketers Irfan Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja have taken guard to start a new innings of their lives. While Irfan tied the knot with 21-year-old Jeddah girl Safa Baig, Jadeja got engaged to Rajkot's Rivaba Solanki, a mechanical engineer. Both functions took place last week. Thirty-one-year-old Pathan married Baig, a model by profession who

works with a public relations firm, after a two-year relationship that began when they met in Dubai.

The simple ceremony attended by both families was held at Haram Shareef in the holy city of Mecca.

Meanwhile, after the ring ceremony in Rajkot, Jadeja said, “I wanted to marry a girl from my caste. My sister showed me Rivaba's photo and I liked her.�

Ravindra Jadeja engaged with Rivaba Solanki