AV 1st August 2015

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The much ado behind the Indian Financial Code

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

See Page 20

Patidars demand reservation; launch statewide protest

See Page25

Terror attack in Gurdaspur, country on high alert

What will you like to be remembered for ?

See Page 26

VOL 44. ISSUE 13

A question frequently asked by former President A.P.J Abdul Kalam, his recent death sent a shockwave across the world as people near and far mourned in the death of the humble man who once was. He was rushed into the ICU of Bethany Hospital after he collapsed during a lecture at IIM Shillong, only to be confirmed dead in the next two hours. Our very own Missile Man had lost his life to a massive cardiac arrest.

Wrapped in tricolour, his body was brought to the capital state where a proper tribute was given by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was given a military honour with a 21 gun salute, followed with an unparalleled gesture by 96-year-old Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh who set aside his physical shortcomings to say one last goodbye to Kalam. A seven-day national mourning has been declared by the Centre and both Houses of Parliament are likely to make obituary references and adjourn as a mark of respect to his memory. His last rites will be conducted in his home town Rameshawaram, Tamil Nadu.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

80p

reach, seemed impervious.

Dr Kalam has many works to his name; he is mostly known for the development of five missiles, Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag and Agni and, his best selling autobiography 'Wings of Fire'. However, one of the little known facts is that the man also has a medical invention to his name, a coronary stent built with missile composites that brought down the cost of heart stents from

Kalam came from modest origins, slowly making his way from an aeronautical engineer in Madras Institute of Technology to Chief Scientific Advisor to Vajpayee, making himself instrumental in the P o k h r a n Nuclear T e s t , 1998, t o

A.P.J Abdul Kalam

becoming the People's President.

Kalam, redefining the constitutional needs for the role of a state head, proved his mettle in what ever he did.

He was one of the very few scientists sent for training of sounding rockets at the National Aeronautics Space Agency in the US, by Dr Vikram Sarabhai. He became to be called the missile man, for his work

on missile technologies in his tenure in defence research labs like the Defence Research and D e v e l o p m e n t Laboratory, in the 1980s and the 1990s.

His unquestionable integrity, his constant contribution to different fields of academics, science and politics and his sparkling sense of humour, all made him the more of a legend, stuff that myths are made of. In his own way, the man who was down to earth and always in

Rs 55,000 to Rs 10,000 in the 90s.

Kalam's Gujarat Connection: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam met Pramukh Swami, spiritual head of BAPS sect of S w a m i n a r a y a n Sampraday in June 2001 at Gujarat Bhavan in a chance meeting. The relationship resulted in `Transcendence - My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji', 14 years later as the book was released at

Continued on page 26

1st August to 7th August 2015

Mamata Banerjee welcomed

Rt Hon Priti Patel with Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee

Full story on page 14

Baljit Singh's murderer jailed for life Baljit “Bill” Singh (50), had gone out to buy a cake and pizza for his son's birthday. Little did anyone anticipate that it would be the last time they would be seeing him alive. Baljit Singh was brutally murdered by his former business associate and tenant, drug dealer Stuart Millership (33), on 23rd December 2014.

Stuart Millership

It is said that Millership had attacked

Baljit Singh

Singh when he had refused to give his £15,000 Range Rover as a payment for an alleged debt. Singh was battered over the head up to 20 times with an iron bar, in the living room of where Stuart Millership was living.

Millership, who knew Singh for 15 years, had stabbed him in the neck with a kitchen knife.

Continued on page 4

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Thangam Debbonaire MP

Thangam started out as a professional cellist but for the last 25 years her main focus has been working locally, nationally and internationally to end domestic violence. She moved to Bristol to be Women’s Aid’s first ever National Children’s Officer, setting up support projects in refuges across the UK for children. Since then she has helped to increase the quality and quantity of domestic violence interventions helping women, men and children; victims, perpetrators and witnesses. She has also served her local community as a school governor, trustee of a local domestic violence charity and board member for the University of Bristol Students' Union.

She’s an active and involved auntie to much-loved nephews and nieces in Bristol and beyond. She continues to play the cello as a happy amateur.

1. What is your current position?

In May 2015 I became the Member of Parliament for the Bristol West constituency.

2. What are your proudest achievements?

I was Women’s Aid’s first ever National Children’s Officer; I developed resources about domestic violence in relationships, now used widely in schools; and I felt enormously

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

The Labour W o m e n ’ s Network over recent years has given me support, confidence, new friends and a realistic idea of what life is like for an MP.

proud when making my maiden speech in parliament recently.

3. What inspires you?

My wonderful grandmother organised a coach every year to the trade union celebrations at Tolpuddle. As a child the lure of a trip to the seaside afterwards was just as powerful!

Everyone faces difficulties at times. But I feel very fortunate to have had a varied career so far – whether as a cellist; or working to combat domestic violence; or now as an MP.

Driver convicted as girlfriend killed after sex act 36-year-old Minesh Parbat has been convicted for causing his girlfriend, Lisa Watling's death in a car crash, after taking part in a sex act.

He was arrested after allegedly posting “F*** the police” on Facebook, after posting letters on Watling's medical condition, as well as court documents.

Parbat had crashed his BMW Z3 in March 2014, after having dropped his trousers to get intimate with his girlfriend, Lisa Watling (28).

The court was told that Parbat was drunk and was found with his trousers down after the

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Lisa Watling (28)

crash. Lisa Watling was not wearing a seatbelt and had died later that day due to the injuries from Minesh Parbat (36)

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Prosecutor, Philip Meredith said, “This is a case where somebody has died untimely and unnecessarily. The BMW Z3 was being driven by Mr Parbat with Lisa Watling, his then girlfriend, in the front passenger seat. In his first police interview the defendant said he hadn't been able to find his phone and went to go home to look for it but Miss Watling insisted on travelling with him. He said he found his phone at home but that it was the last thing he remembered until waking up in hospital.” Minesh Parbat is currently on bail and will be sentenced in August.

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

As an MP I get to meet lots of new people – many fantastic individuals working to make their communities a better place. I want to do all I can to support them.

7. And the worst?

Right now it’s the frustration of not being able to work at full

steam, as I’m receiving treatment for breast cancer. But I hope to make a full recovery.

8. What are your long-term goals?

A Labour government in 2020.

As I watch my young nieces and nephews growing up, I want to make sure good education, housing and jobs are available to ALL young people.

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

I would not rest until I had eliminated child poverty. It’s a scandal in the 21st century that this is now a growing problem.

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

I’ve always been intrigued by the statue of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Bristol. I’d love to ask him about his work in India – maybe with the option of a raft to help him escape afterwards!

Over 14 million cigarettes smuggled in fruit and veg boxes

Three men have been jailed for a total of 15 years for using their freight company to smuggle more than 14 million cigarettes in fruits and vegetable boxes.

The trio were arrested in May 2012 after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) had discovered that they were illegally shipping illicit cigarettes from Dubai, via East Africa into the UK, which evaded £3 million in duty.

The investigators of HMRC had uncovered the smuggling ring after working closely with the UK Border Force and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, which is now known as the National Crime Agency.

The group was led by Feroz Batliwala, in Dubai.

It is alleged that he orchestrated the purchase, shipping and delivery of the cigarettes from his home to East Africa, which were then concealed inside fresh fruits and vegetable boxes and then flown into the UK.

Feroz Batliwala

Krishan Solanki

The second accused, Krishan Solanki is said to have accepted the goods into the UK and managed the operation of the warehouse. It is said that the deliveries were made to a warehouse in Uxbridge.

The smuggled goods were removed and the fruits and vegetables were sent off for onward delivery.

Meanwhile, the third accused, Ashiquir Ali had supposedly repackaged the cigarettes into laundry bags, which were consequently collected by “customers” and also delivered to addresses in the Midlands.

John Cooper, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC said, “This was a major investigation into the exploits of three criminals attempting to flood the UK with illicit cigarettes. These men abused their position of trust as approved importers to steal millions of pounds from law-abiding taxpayers – money which should have gone into funding the UK’s vital public services.

They thought their set-up was undetectable, but they were wrong and our investigation has led to them being brought to account.”

Peer resigns after drug and prostitutes' video Lord Sewel of Gilcomstoun, the peer responsible for upholding standards in the House of Lords has resigned as deputy speaker after a video showed him allegedly snorting cocaine with two prostitutes. It is said that he will be facing a police investigation.

Baroness D'Souza, The House of has described the Lords had reported discovery as the 69-year-old “shocking and crossbench peer to unacceptable.” She the police in an also said that The unprecedented step.

House of Lords The former Labour minister also Lord Sewel would “continue to uphold standards in serves on a Nato public life and will not committee on behalf of tolerate departure from the UK. these standards.”

The Lords Speaker,

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COMMENT

Beware false gods bearing gifts

Democracy, human rights, peace and goodwill to all, form part of the lexicon of political correctness: false words hide what the false heart doth know.

The war on jihadi terrorism is frequently characterized by firing blanks. American policy in South Asia is one such example. Pakistan has long held the dubious distinction of being the first state to use non-state actors as a component of its statecraft, having organized, funded and armed its tribal Pathan levies for the invasion in October 1947, a few months of gaining its independence. The failed exercise, repeated In September 1965, and turned into a misadventure. The third attempt in the early summer of 1999 also ended in failure. The lowest common multiple in these fraught decades was Pakistan’s membership of US-sponsored military pacts, SEATO and CENTO, which brought for the country’s army a cornucopia of military and financial aid - life support system for the country’s military in power or the power behind the throne. The climax to this policy occurred in 1971, when US President Richard Nixon, and his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, rendered unbridled support to their client in Islamabad, General Yahya Khan, as his forces went about their genocidal slaughter in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), directing their ire at India to the extent of egging the Chinese leadership to strike at India in the north, thereby hoping to restore the fortunes of the Pakistan military regime. Nixon and Kissinger resorted to the language of the gutter in their references to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the people of India. More recently, on 26 November 2008, jihadi terrorists sailed across the waters from Pakistan and launched an assault on Mumbai, India’s financial hub, during which 167 innocent citizens, men, women and children, perished in the carnage. India has been the recipient of much tea and sympathy and good counsel from the United States, but Pakistan retains the affection of the White House, the State Department and the Pentagon, hence vast quantities of money and

sophisticated American arms keep flowing in to Pakistan, for defensive purposes, it is coyly claimed. The French have a saying that has stood the test of time: It translates as follows, “The more things change the more things remain the same.”

The latest cash and arms flow from Washington led the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi issue a cautionary warning, to which the Obama administration responded in time-honoured fashion: the aid was designed to keep Islamabad onside and combat domestic terror groups. F-16 warplanes, Hellfire missiles, attack helicopters and the other lethal weaponry worth around $1 billion were apparently necessary to fight al-Qaeda, whose late leader Osama bin Laden was in hiding in Pakistan with the complicity of the country’s top military brass. This bland assurance was accompanied by a six-fold increase in financial aid - a Kafkaesque explanation, you might say. India’s External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, followed with a statement: “The government has consistently conveyed to the US that it must take into account India-US relations and the impact on Indian security in deciding its military assistance to Pakistan.” This has been a dialogue of the deaf down the years and no change can be expected anytime soon.

What is true of the United States is even truer of China, routinely described in Islamabad and in Beijing as “Pakistan’s all-weather friend”. The United States and China have been on the same page on Pakistan, as they once were in their support of Pol Pot’s genocidal regime in Cambodia against Vietnam, seen then as a foe in Beijing and Washington. Lord Palmerstone, a leading mid-19th century British statesman, famously remarked: “Britain has no eternal friends or enemies, only eternal interests.” The shifting tides of geopolitics require that India, too, has its safe harbours and anchorages, each to be kept functional in the event of a crisis. A ship of state that relies on moral wind in treacherous waters is usually destined for the rocks.

India, the United States and Japan are to conduct a naval exercise of far-reaching importance in the Indian Ocean. Japan is a global ally of the United States, while India enjoys a limited partnership.

The three nations are joining together with the goal of ensuring freedom of the high seas international traffic. China claims exclusive control of the strategic waters of the South China Sea, whose artery, the Strait of Malacca is the waterway between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

China’s arbitrary position impedes the rights of the littoral states such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia to free passage., and denies them the authority to explore for offshore oil. Their dispute with China bears on the interests of India, with its critical strategic ties to Vietnam. The United States, for its part, is aligned to the Philippines through a security pact. Japan, an island nation, has close trade ties with all of these countries, as do India and the United States. The unfettered right of passage through the South China Sea brooks no denial for the three exercising powers.

India has its special reasons for participating in Operation Malabar with China claiming Arunachal Pradesh bordering Tibet, now a formidable military base for China’s power projection in South and South East Asia.

Beijing tied the knot with Pakistan, calculating,

thus, to keep India territorially cabined, cribbed and confined. Furthermore, the headwaters of the Brahmaputra and the Mekong river originate on the Tibetan plateau and flow southwards into to India and South East Asia respectively. For years, India has been sensitive about offending Beijing, when it complained that the trilateral naval exercise was an extension of America’s containment of China. Hence, in 2007, the invitation to Japan to participate in Operation Malabar was withdrawn.

The Modi government’s stance has clearly hardened of late. India is no longer willing to bend to the caprices of its truculent neighbor to the north.

It takes two to tango.

Exercising on the high seas with two of the world’s foremost navies is greatly to India’s advantage. India is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The historian K.M.Panikkar, a South Indian from Kerala, penned an acclaimed monograph, way back in 1943, entitled “India and the Indian Ocean: A Essay on the Influence of Sea Power on Indian History.” The transformation of the Indian Navy into a true blue water fleet has vindicated Sardar Panikkar’s foresight. To keep abreast with the latest advances and skills in naval science, India must train with best in the field.

Operation Malabar justifies itself on every count.

The shade of Rabindranath Tagore must be nodding with pleasurable satisfaction that Britain, with its unrivalled expertise in heritage management, will be putting its vast experience at the disposal of the authorities in Santiniketan for the restoration work in an environment that does justice to the spirit of the place. Tagore had many close English friends, foremost among them C.F.Andrews, and an immense admiration for English literary life and appreciation of the country’s political institutions.

He had always warned against the dark and negative aspects of nationalism, seeing this as a threat to the civilized values of an inclusive society.

Bengal owes a debt to a man who, more than any other, fashioned its liberal and artistic sensibility through a corpus of poetry, novels, short stories and essays, plus a range of songs unique in the language. For all that, and the adulation he evokes among Bengalis, his house in Santiniketan, where

he established the Vishwa Bharati University, is crumbling, along with other notable buildings. The UK Trade and Investment body, in its report, says.

“Given the cultural heritage and character of Santiniketan, three characteristic areas could be effected - education, culture and tourism…..softer initiatives such as setting up a public art initiative run by local artists and potential exchange programmes with Vishwa Bharati University could greatly help showcase Santiniketan ‘s strength and promote a cultural hub unique to the region and the first of its kind in India.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a three-day visit to Britain, should take this plan forward. English Heritage has made a significant contribution to the beautification of Kolkata’s river front, while she is calling British companies to invest in her State. Times are changing.

Operation Malabar: An exercise in sea power

Britain likely rescuer in Santiniketan

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The safest course is to do nothing against one's conscience. With this secret, we can enjoy life and have no fear from death.

- Voltaire

Cllr Rabi Martins

Liberal Democrats Councillor

Tim Farron will Rekindle Flame for Social Justice A study by the respected Runnymede Trust has revealed that the first Conservative budget free of any constraints from the Liberal Democrats risks widening Britain’s racial divide by making millions of minority ethnic people poorer at a faster rate than their white counterparts They say a staggering four million black and minority ethnic people could be left with less income and that hardest hit will be British Asians.

It is against this back cloth that Tim Farron takes on the leadership of the Liberal Democrats. His challenge is to rebuild a Party that suffered a monumental defeat in the general election and then went on to recruit an unprecedented number of new members within weeks of that defeat.

I think The Liberal Democrats members chose Tim Farron over Norman Lamb because he displayed an uncompromising passion for social justice and equality When viewed against the above message from the Runnymede Trust they have chosen wisely.

Tim is a man on a mission to make every citizen of this country feel equal, free and protected from undue intrusion into their private lives by government Tim’s vision is of a fairer, greener, freer Britain, A liberal society in which diversity and individuality are not just tolerated but actively supported.

He promises to stand up for freedom – to protect the right of people to live their lives as they wish to and not as the government tells them to. Unlike in Cameron’s Britain of control and

surveillance in Farron’s Britain people will be to say what they think and to protest against what they dislike, free to live their lives according to their values, free of a controlling, intrusive state and of a stifling conformity.

Tim says Equality is important because poverty and ill-health, poor housing and a lack of education are all the enemies of freedom. Tim believes that out-of-control inequality creates disharmony and can be a threat to democracy.

He is also concerned by the threat our democracy.

Cameron and Osborne seem to regard democracy just as a mechanism for counting heads when in reality its should be about a spirit of equality, openness and debate. A coming together of all communities to decide our future together fairly and justly.

Under Tim Farron’s leadership we can see a concerted effort to build a state that supports freedom A country in which power is dispersed as widely as possible and built up from below. A country built on people power not government controls.

We can also expect Tim to re-launch the campaign for the P r o p o r t i o n a l Representation election process This is a battle the Liberal Democrats have hitherto had to fight alone but after the crazy outcome of the last election where the Tories were ale to secure an overall majority with just 37% percent of the vote there is every likelihood the other minor parties, and even Labour could come of board.

Continued on page 6

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MIDLANDS VOICE

University of Birmingham finds oldest fragments of the Koran

It is said that the University of Birmingham have found some of the world's oldest fragments of the Koran.

Radiocarbon analysis found the manuscript, which were written on sheep or goat skin dated back to AD 568- AD 645.

This makes them at least 1,370 years old.

Susan Worrall, the University of Birmingham's director of special collections said, "The radiocarbon dating has delivered an exciting result, which contributes significantly to our understanding of the earliest written copies of the Koran.

“We are thrilled that such an important historical document is here in Birmingham, the most culturally diverse city in

the UK." The Professor of Christianity and Islam, Professor David Thomas added, “The radiocarbon dating of the Birmingham Koran folios has yielded a startling result and reveals one of the most surprising secrets of the University’s collections.

They could well take us

back to within a few years of the actual founding of Islam."

He continued, “According to Muslim tradition, the Prophet Muhammad received the revelations that form the Koran, the scripture of Islam, between the years 610 and 632, the year of his death.”

Baljit Singh's murderer jailed for life

court. One of Singh's Continued from page 1 brothers, Gurprit Dosanjh His body had been (47) said, “It was tough found by the police on enough coming to terms New Year's Day under bin with his death and hearing bags in the cellar of details of the way he died Millership's house, within but sitting in court listen24 hours of being arrested ing to his good name being in suspicion of stealing tarnished by the persistent Singh's Range Rover. lies of a man involved in It is said that he had the murder was very hard also taken the victim's car to stomach. It was characto do his Christmas shopter assassination without ping after the murder.

Stuart Millership who pleaded "guilty" for murder at Wo l v e r h a m p t o n Crown Court, also claimed that he played a minor role and the fatal blows to Singh had occurred after he left the scene, by two Albanian gangster, Baljit Singh’s body was found in the whom Singh had cellar of the house where Stuart allegedly owed money Millership was living to. a grain of truth.”

Judge John Warner, Stuart Millership was dismissed his claims and given life imprisonment declared, “His evidence is with the minimum term of not worthy of belief. I am 25 years for the brutal satisfied this was a delibmurder of Baljit Singh. erate lie motivated by fear Sentencing Millership, of the truth coming out.”

Judge Warner said, “Only Baljit Singh's family you know the detail of were distraught having to what actually happened in hear the allegations in

that house and what conversation passed between you and Mr Singh. I am sure he was refusing to give you all that you wanted. Your reaction was to completely lose it and to launch a sustained and frenzied attack.”

Detective Inspector Warren Hines, West Midlands Police said, “Baljit Singh and Millership were known friends and loose business associates who saw each other on a regular basis. Millership had previously lived in a flat owned by the deceased.

Baljit left his home to collect a cake and a pizza for his son’s ninth birthday party and never returned.

“This was a truly awful crime, Baljit was subjected to a brutal assault by a man he should have had no reason to fear, a man who he had befriended and helped over a number of years. I really hope this verdict will allow Baljit’s family to start rebuilding their lives.”

Man cleared of being part of Leicester sham marriage gang A Pakistani man convicted of being part of a Leicester sham marriage gang has been cleared of any wrongdoing by top judges. Syed Mehtab always maintained he did not know his ex-wife, Kubrah Saiyed, was involved in a bogus marriage ring, and that as far as he was concerned - their union was genuine.

Despite insisting he was an innocent dupe, he was found guilty of being involved in the wider plot and jailed for 12 months at Leicester Crown Court in January. But the 36year-old has now been exonerated at London's Criminal Appeal Court.

Senior judges ruled there was 'no evidence' to prove he knew about Saiyed's role in the sham

weddings.

The court heard Mr Mehtab, of Parkfield Avenue, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, married Saiyed in a ceremony in Belfast in July 2011, just two months after they met.

They split in October the following year, and the prosecution case against him was that their marriage was 'suspicious and speedy'.

Crown lawyers claimed he tied the knot to get around UK immigration laws as part of a plot involving Saiyed.

Saiyed (27) of St Denys Road, Evington, Leicester, was one of three 'stooge wives' involved in the ring and was handed a two-year jail term.She had been married to three

other men before Mr Mehtab, and had planned to marry another two being paid up to £8,000 a time by the gang's organisers.

However, Mr Mehtab's case was always that he believed their relationship was genuine, and ended it when he discovered her 'lies and deceit'.

He said he met his wife while working at a shop in London, which police were able to confirm after seeing wage slips which showed them both working there at the same time.

Mr Mehtab said he only discovered his wife had been married three times before when the Home Office told him, in September 2012, after he applied to stay in the UK.

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Quasim takes the helm of recovery really understood and related to one another.

Mixing with people has helped me come to terms with my illness and I have gained confidence.”

The trips, on board 48ft cruising yachts, provide a chance for young people to test themselves.

The fleet made stopovers at several places across the four days.

Dame Ellen, who tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, said: “Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.”

A brave cancer survivor has been on the voyage of a lifetime with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Quasim Hussain (18) from Oldham, recently took part in the four-day sailing trip with 14 other young people in recovery on a trust yachts on the Firth of Clyde.

It was the first sailing experience for the teenager, who ended treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma at The Christie in December.

‘The social aspect of the trip has been really great,” he said. “Everyone

41 Midland cops convicted of crimes in just three years

More than 40 Midland police officers and PCSOs have been convicted of criminal offences – including sex attacks – in just three years. A total of 41 cops from the West Midlands and West Mercia forces were dealt with at court since 2012. And the true figure may be even higher as Staffordshire and Warwickshire both refused to respond for requests for information.

West Midlands Police said 35 officers had been convicted of offences since 2012. They included a male officer convicted in 2012 of gross indecency with a girl under 16. In 2014 another male officer was convicted of sexual activity with a child under 16. A female detective sergeant was convicted last year of allowing a dog to worry sheep. And in the same year a female police officer was convicted of harassing an ex-partner.

Twenty-five serving police officers and PCSOs had convictions, the force

said.

Former West Midlands officer Osman Iqbal was jailed for more than seven years last September for his part in running a £1 million-plus sex and drugs racket. A court heard the 36-year-old played a "leading role" in an organised crime group which controlled £300-an-hour call girls in London’s West End. Iqbal and three cousins took charge of two “high class” brothels where cocaine was supplied to customers. His cover was blown when he arrived at work in a £170,000 Ferrari, A Home Office spokesman said: “The vast majority of police officers in this country do their job honestly and with integrity. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. But the good work of the majority threatens to be damaged by a continuing series of events and revelations relating to police conduct.

“Over the last two

years the Home Office has introduced a programme of measures to improve standards of behaviour in the police.

“They include making the disciplinary system more independent and transparent through introducing hearings in public, preventing officers resigning or retiring to avoid dismissal, and – from next year – introducing legallyqualified, independent chairs on misconduct hearing panels.

“The Government will finish the job of police reform and introduce legislation later this year.”

Drunken middle-aged man jailed for sexually molesting girl, 17, in his flat A drunken middle-aged man who sexually molested a 17-year-old girl in his flat was jailed for 10 months.

Rangzeb Khan, 55, who was known to have "open house" for young people to visit, lied to the police after his arrest. He falsely claimed the teenager had encouraged him to sexually touch her by guiding his hand onto her body. At Leicester Crown Court he admitted sexually assaulting the victim, who was sitting on a chair in the dimly lit lounge, listening to music.

Mark Knowles, prosecuting, said Khan went over to where she was sitting, calling her an angel and telling her she was beautiful. He tried to kiss her, but was so drunk he spilt his drink on her face. She "froze" when Khan touched and kissed her breasts. He then put his hand down her trousers and underwear

to touch her intimately Mr Knowles said: "She jumped up and shouted what are you doing? She ran into the bathroom crying."

Khan protested his innocence, telling the victim's friends: "I didn't do it." The teenagers all left the flat and the police were informed. The incident happened at Khan's home on Humberstone Road, Leicester, the early hours of one morning last December.

Sentencing, Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: "The complainant attended your address with a number of others who were significantly younger than you. You knew one person who was at the flat, which has been described as an 'open house' and you permitted them to drink alcohol there in circumstances where they may not be able to do in their own homes.

"In the course of the

evening you seem to have taken a liking for your victim and smacked her bottom a couple of times when you shouldn't have done. She made it clear she wasn't interested.

You'd then drunk so much you split your drink on her face and started touching her breasts and pushed her bra up." He said after the sexual assault others in the room witnessed her reaction when she jumped up, shouted and became distressed. Judge Mooncey said: "In interview, you blamed her for what you'd done.

However, you've pleaded guilty and spared her from giving evidence.

What you did was utterly disgraceful."

The court heard that Khan, who is unable to work due to injuries suffered years ago, receives a disability living allowance and has not previously committed a sexual offence.

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Female police officer saves 5-year-old girl's life Spriha Srivastava

My meeting with India’s ‘Missile Man’ Some meetings, no matter how short they are, have a lasting impact on your life. You think about it, remember it on various occasions and feel a sense of pride every time that person’s name is mentioned. My meeting with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former President was somewhat like that. Although this is one event in my life I have remembered many times, today it seems extremely momentous, especially as he is no more with us.

As a journalist, the first rule is to be inquisitive and be hungry for more. This is a rule that we are taught during our journalism degree courses, at work and at every stage. And this is what led to me my meeting with Dr Kalam. But more on that later.

Let’s first take a walk down the memory lane to 2008 when India had launched Chandrayaan, its first moon orbiter programme and so far the only country in the world to launch something like this.

While Indians around the world rejoiced and felt a sense of pride for belonging to a country that is taking over in the fields of science and technology, it did not seem to go down very well with the foreign media who reported that India should concentrate on its priorities at the moment. So what were these priorities?

Controlling poverty, corruption and high levels of illiteracy across the country.

I came across this view many times during press meets, lunches and dinners with fellow journalists and kept thinking if this is an unfair criticism especially since the scientists involved have done a huge deal of work.

I read reactions from Indian leaders who defended India’s stand but was there a need to defend?

In June 2009, The Nehru Centre in London hosted Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to deliver a keynote speech. The topic was “Is a new global order emerging? The potential role of India”.

The auditorium at The Nehru Centre was packed with Kalam fans from all over the UK. There were people sitting on the steps since the hall was packed. Dr. Kalam addressed the

audience and spoke about India’s role in today’s world order. I still remember him saying India is unstoppable and we need to educate our people. “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key socie-

as well as compliment for doing something but the criticism should not let you down.

I was very content with the response I got, after all it was from India’s ‘Missile Man.’ As the event came to a close, Dr Kalam was surrounded by a lot of dignitaries,

A heroic female police officer, Pc Melissa AllenTurner (24), saved a fiveyear-old girl, Edlyn Marques' life by performing chest compressions on her after she stopped breathing due to an asthma attack.

Pc Allen-Turner was directing traffic with her colleague, Pc Dawn Flanagan, in Southall, on 23rd June 2015, when they were alerted.

She said, “I was at one end of the road, Pc Flanagan was further away. A member of the public came up to her, and then I noticed her run in the other direction. I hadn't heard what had been said, but I just ran after her. As I was running I lost [my colleague], then members of the public

breathing' and pointing at his little girl in the car. So I took her out, put her on the curb and started CPR." Within minutes, police officers from a nearby station and paramedics joined them and the child was rushed to hospital.

The paramedics had told Pc AllenTurner that thanks to her intervention, the child had made a full recovery.

On saving a life, Pc Melissa Allen-Turner with Edlyn Marques Pc Allen-Turner said, “It feels good to were shouting 'she's in the have saved her life, to see car, she's in the car' and her family and to see she's then pointed to a car that alright. But it falls within was stopped. I looked at the remit of what we do the car and I saw the everyday.” father shouting 'she's not

Man bled to death in mosque

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

tal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher,” he had said.

At the end of the speech was a Q&A session that everyone had been waiting for. I was sitting somewhere in the middle of the hall so was hoping that my hand would be visible. The moment the floor was opened for Q&A, almost all the hands went up in the air. I knew I had to ask a question from him, no matter what so I raised my hand and waved it as much as I could, hoping he would notice. And he did. He pointed to me and said “yes young lady.”

There was my chance to ask him something that had been playing in my mind for so long. I asked him what he thought of foreign media and western country’s criticism of our moon programme and why did he not defend India’s stand when we were being criticised. He laughed and said we don’t need to defend ourselves. These are two different areas and while India needs to keep taking care of its priorities and work towards being a nation with equal opportunities for all, it also cannot stop its brilliant brains from growing and progressing. He further added that one will always get both criticism

press and other members of the audience. I wanted to go and thank him for the answer but could not see myself making through the crowd so I made my way downstairs where refreshments were being served. Slowly, the crowd made its way down with Dr Kalam in the centre walking and talking with everyone. I kept looking at him, as if admiring a man who had achieved so much in life but still continued to be so humble.

As he came downstairs, he walked towards me and said “that was a great question young lady.” I could not stop smiling and thanking him. He asked me what kind of journalism I did and wished me all the very best for my life but also asked me to go back to India since the country needs its brains back in order to progress. I assured him that someday I definitely will.

Today, when he is no more, I can’t stop thinking of the promise I made to him. While sitting here in London, sipping my hot cuppa tea and watching the sun playing hide and seek outside, I can only think of the day when I make my way back to India. That will be my true tribute to Dr. Kalam.

RIP Sir, the world will miss you forever!

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Abdul Ussene (67), a devout Muslim bled to death in the packed Wembley Central mosque, in northwest London, on 13th July 2015. It is said that he had apparently drank a powerful chemical shortly after the start of evening prayers at the mosque.

Ussene was part of the management committee at the mosque and had been worshipping there daily for more than 22 years.

After the incident, he was rushed to Northwick Park hospital.

Abdul Sattar, the mosque's imam was

informed by another worshipper that Ussene had collapsed. He said, “I came immediately and saw there was blood everywhere and on his

A homeless man, Shayan Moradisohi (31), stole floral tributes to John (74), and Janet Stocker (63), a couple who died during the Tunisia terrorist attack. He admitted stealing the flowers to “brighten up his room.”

Shayan Moradisohi had taken the flowers from under a police cordon outside Fulham Coroner's Court, on 6th July 2015.

He has no fixed abode and admitted one count of theft of the flowers in court.

The prosecutor, Kevin Christie said, “On July 6 police were on duty at a cordon at Fulham

Mortuary on aid for the victims involved in the Tunisian massacre. PC William Hunt saw the gentleman before you today reach over the police cordon, crossing a police line, and take a bunch of flowers that were part of the memorial to the victims.

PC Hunt had recognised the victim before you today from the distinctive clothing he was wearing, and observed he didn’t have any flowers, but left having lent over the cordon taking the flowers. On arrest he said he taken the flowers and put them in his room.”

Moradisohi was fined

Abdul Ussene died in Wembley Central mosque after consuming a chemical drink

clothes. He told me, ‘Imam I didn’t do anything wrong, I haven’t done any wrong for the mosque’, and then he couldn’t say any more.”

Homeless man steal flowers of Tunisia attack victims

Shayan Moradisohi admitted one count of theft

£20 by Magistrate Julie Baldwin. He was also ordered to pay £85 for prosecution costs, £180 for court costs, as well as a victim surcharge of £20.

Tim Farron will Rekindle Flame for Social Justice

Continued from page 3 Notwithstanding all of the above for many Liberal Democrats the greatest concern is Cameron’s determination to kill off the Human Rights Act. This Act lies at the heart of Britain’s commitment to protect hard won individual freedoms and liberties That is why it must be defended at all costs

Without the protection of the Human Rights Act we could easily move towards the creation of a authoritarian state which many suspect is what Cameron, Osborne and Teresa May are driving us towards.

There are some things no government should ever be allowed to do to anyone simply because the Home Secretary or Prime

Minister of the day decides it would be a good thing to do just in case some-one some where might be a threat.

In a civilised society everyone has a right to expect entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. That is the hallmark of a fair and free society That is true social justice.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

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"Yoga is a science that should not to be connected with Hinduism," says Yoga guru Dr H R Nagendra

The Jewel in Liverpool’s Crown London is often described as the centre of universe. It is the home of British Parliament. It has theatres, museums, palaces and art galleries of world renown. It has the largest diverse population compared to any capital city in the world.

Over 125 different languages are spoken here. It attracts millions of tourists whose contribution to British economy is substantial. The City of London's financial standing is the envy of the world. We all seem mesmerised by what London has to offer often forgetting that tucked away in different parts of the country are schools of culture and arts often surpassing what London has to offer.

Take Liverpool.

Renowned for its football teams and the home of pop music made so famous by Beetles, Cilla Black and others. Then only recently there was the recognition of Liverpool as a city of culture. Little do we know that tucked away in all the beauty of this Merseyside city is the Capstone Theatre where over the past few years the most significant Festival of Indian Arts in Europe takes place. Indi ka brings together brilliant innovative artists who create entirely new concepts of collaboration and music making.

It lasts over ten days, combines education with performance, and underpins two international Summer Schools of Indian Music and Dance: Dance India and Music India.

At the heart of this festival is Milapfest. It's aim is to ""Unite hearts through Arts." On average Milapfest produces over 65 performance events and more than 385 education sessions each year.It has a unique record. It employs over 220 artists each year which engages with over 2500 young people every year through performance training and career development opportunities. It is one of the few cultural curriculum supported by the Arts Council in Britain.

Milapfest created SAMYO, one of the six National Youth Orchestras of Britain, and the only such national orchestra anywhere in the Western world. It provides year round training and developmental suppprt

As I See It

to over 50 young musicians between the age of 8 and 18 years, born in Britain, and aspiring to learn and play Indian classical music.

INDIA, the Spirit of India festival which started on 24 July was electric. Amongst its invited guests were Lord Dholakia, C B Patel, Professor Gerald Pillay, the Vice Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University and many other local dignitaries.

Milapfest is the only Indian art organisation that has a strong partnership with a leading University of England.

Based in the Creative Campus of the Liverpool Hope University, Milapfest is engaged in a number of pioneering educational projects with its departments.

support for such event is part of its cultural heritage. The young minds of our diverse community are craving to participate in such events and Milapfest has filled that gap.

Youngsters no longer grow up in vacuum.

Radicalisation has no place in their development as cultural participation makes them stronger in offering respect and loyalty to their adopted homeland that is Britain."

C B Patel said, " I am delighted and proud of the educational and art development work carried out by Milapfest regionally and nationally. It is important to recognise such pioneering work that provides life changing opportunities for many young-

Kousic Sen

The opening night featuredthe popular sarode virtuoso Pandit Ranajit Sengupta, Patri Satish Kumar, and Kousic Sen. A combination of Sarod, tabla and Mridangam. The sheer joy of the young audience and the standing ovation at repeated intervals showed the hunger that exists for cultural events of this kind.

sters of the community; and we must not forget that the most important export India can offer to the world is its Arts, culture and Heritage, which has a universal appeal and relevance!" ......

The work of Milapfest and its truly unique orchestra can make London look over its shoulder. A time will come in not so distant

From left: Ms. Ragini Nayak; Mr. L. George; Mr. Rovin George; Mr. Kishor Parmar; Mr. CB Patel, Editor /Publisher; Mr. Kamal Rao; Dr H. R. Nagendra, Chancellor, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru; Dr. Kashinath Dixit; Mr. Chandrakant Shukla, Datta Sahaj Yoga Mission, UK; and Dr. N K Manjunath Sharma, Joint Director of Research, S-VYASA University

Priyanka Srivastava

Yoga offers a path to achieve pure consciousness and infinite freedom. Dr H R Nagendra, Chancellor of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthanam (VYASA) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'yoga guru', has followed a fascinating journey. After completing his education as a mechanical engineer, Dr Nagendra was deeply influenced to impart yogic knowledge to the world and inveterately practiced it in real life.

After completing his doctorate, Dr Nagendra spent more than a year working as a scientist in NASA. As against the common trend followed by most Indians who want to settle in the west, Dr Nagendra who was so inspired by Swami Vivekananda that he preferred to return to his roots in India.

As a pioneer in spreading Yoga, Dr Nagendra was successful in taking it to common people by motivating the Modi led government to initiate first 'International Yoga Day', which was a global success, held recently on June 21st, 2015.

With his vast knowledge on the subject of yoga and spiritualism, he along with the Ministry of Ayush, chalked out the first-of-itskind syllabus for yoga teachers. The new syllabus for yoga teacher unveiled

by HRD Minister Smriti Irani, will help in imparting extensive yoga training.

The syllabus approved by the National Council for Teachers in English

(NCTE) will be imparted to as many as 28 lakh teachers involved in the pre-primary schools.

Dr Nagendra has combined Yoga with science, he points at the research paper on 'cure for Bronchitis through Yoga' published recently in the British Medical Journal that got wide recognition.

During his recent visit to Asian Voice at the Karma Yoga House, Dr Nagendra expressed his surprise over people associating yoga with religion, protesting against it and calling it a 'Hindu practice'. “ Yoga is a science that should not be connected with Hinduism. This is a process which has no association with religion,” asserts Dr Nagendra. He has a valid explanation for the same. “Newton's Law of Motion is the most widely followed scientific practice. Newton made the discovery in Britain, but, can we call it a Christian theory? Is it correct to associate science with religion?” questions Dr Nagendra.

Yoga needs right direction and right dimension, which requires participation from people at large.

At his institute in Bangalore, Yoga is combined with several other medical practices including Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Ayurveda.

Hailed as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'yoga guru', he recalls how Mr Modi had been a regular visitor of Yoga centre for the last 20-25 years. It was widely reported that Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister had visited his Dr Nagendra's centre to

find a cure for his chronic cough, on the recommendation of Mr Modi.

“He has been a follower and a strong promoter of the ancient science. He (Mr Modi) believes that Yoga will strengthen the country and make the youngsters mentally and physically stronger,” said Dr Nagendra.

Starting out at the age of 9, Dr Nagendra realized the power of Yoga, which he believes gives mastery over mind. The yoga pattern followed by him imbibes Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakthi Yoga.

It all began in 1975, when Dr Nagendra along with a group of like-minded people in Arunachal Pradesh initiated Yoga education for school children from year 1-10.

Children from all religious faith, particularly those following Christianity responded well to Yoga education. “We wanted to develop their personalities by offering them educational, psychological and spiritual power,” he said. “We introduced eyesight improvement program, which was the key to make their mind and body stronger,” said Dr Nagendra.

After receiving a mammoth response in the US, where Yoga as a subject was seriously followed by parents and children, Dr Nagendra has ambitious plans to start a school in association with the mainstream educational curriculum to impart perfect knowledge of Yoga for the BritIndian youngsters.

will be discussing diabetes, as well as other fatal diseases that affect people of South Asian origin. Dr Aseem Malhotra is a cardiologist at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a consultant clinical associate at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, as well as an active member of 'Action of Sugar'.

Dr Malhotra is also

well-known for questioning the 'myth' that says saturated fat must be removed from one's diet to reduce risk of cardiovascular illnesses.

The programme will be taking place from 3pm6pm, at The Sangat Centre, 28 Sancroft Rd, Harrow, HA3 7NS. For more information, please contact Kamal Rao on 020 7749 4001.

Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar organises Diabetes Prevention Programme

Patri Satish Kumar

Lord Dholakia said, "I feel humble and honoured to be invited to this event. Liverpool has demonstrated that

Pandit Ranajit Sengupta

future when Liverpool and its citizens will overtake the Capital.

- CB

Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar, in association with Sangat Centre will be organising a Diabetes Prevention Programme on Saturday 1st August 2015.

The Diabetes Prevention Programme will host the renowned journalist and producer of 'Out and About', Dhruv Gadhvi, as well as the acclaimed cardiologist, Dr Aseem Malhotra. They

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

The Indian Design Talent Trained in Britain, Helping India Preeti Knowles runs The Hidden Gallery in Delhi and represents the British KLC School of Design in Delhi.

A talented designer, married to another talented British designer, Mike Knowles, she is pioneering some disruptive influences in the international design world.

Preeti told the Asian Voice that she was born and brought up in a privileged home in India. She did a diploma in Interior Design and pursued a BA in the same subject from The American College in London.

“Mike and I set up our interior design company, worked on some lovely homes and eventually set up an export business in furniture between India and the UK.” They designed and manufactured approximately $100 millions’ worth of product for groups like the John Lewis Partnership and were involved with the company for around 20 years.

“We moved to India in

Preeti Knowles

1999 to see if it might work. We had no intention of staying more than a couple of years. However, 16 years later we are still here and have done many wonderful interiors in New Delhi and other

cities,” she smiled.

Preeti and Mike have their own workshop and design and produce some unusual pieces using the local skills and crafts under the banner of The Hidden Gallery now. It’s a

nice space with a naturally creative feel.

Preeti feels that Design in India has progressed over the last 15 years. “Design has now started to become a profession with a huge amount of respect. Design education has miles to go to catch up with the West but it is getting there fast.

Aping the West blindly, without a proper understanding of the aesthetics, happens a lot.

In the colonial heritage, European furniture and artefacts were copied and fused with the Indian aesthetic. The fusion is still happening. The West has a more evolved and controlled approach whereas here it’s still a bit hit and miss,” she explained.

Preeti is representing Design through Distance Learning for the 30- year old KLC design school. “It gives an opportunity to people who may want a career change, or those who go into design after graduating, or need time to decide which aspect of design they want to specialise in.” They can all opt for a foundation course.

“Distance learning is available to the whole sub continent, to people in big cities and remote towns. It opens up a whole new world of access to design education with a British aesthetic.

The course would cost a fraction of what it would if the student had to physically go and study in the UK. There may be youngsters, especially young girls from traditional backgrounds, whose families wouldn’t be happy for them to travel abroad to study. This course will enable these girls to get the best of British design education in their homes.”

“I would love for the people we employ here in India to keep enriching their lives through the work we give them,” Preeti Knowles Preeti is also establishing design-led skills centres in India, where she takes great local craftsmen and introduces them to top designers. A prime example is Suresh Kumar who has worked with her for over seven years. He has gone from making simple matkas, or earthen pots, in terracotta, to large matkas in stoneware, adapting their shape and form, and now he is producing stunning studio ware to an international standard. Leading UK designer, Shalini Misra,

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wife of Soft Bank’s Rajeev Misra, is the design lead in this project.

He has progressed from using as modes of transport a push bike, then a scooter, then a motorbike, and now a Maruti 800 car.

His earnings have increased four- fold and from working on his own he now employs his wife, son and nephew. He’s also gone from being ‘just a potter’, second lowest rung on the craft ladder, to respected craftsman maker.

Preeti added, “I would love for the people we employ here in India to keep enriching their lives through the work we give them and that we as a company keep improving our quality and use local crafts and produce exquisite designs for the rest of the world. I love to see so many of our products going to customers all over the globe.

It gives me so much joy to see a happy and satisfied customer at the end of a project.”

Preeti said that her current challenge is “to keep her head up and make sure my daughters succeed in their chosen paths in education and professions, which happen to be design. I want to help them achieve whatever it is they want to achieve in their lives and careers.

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UK

Modesty is sign of maturity

While I admire Dineshbhai’s contribution to “Your Voice” column, his holier than thou attitude to his fellow contributors shows scant respect. Some of us have been contributing since augmentation of AV. Editorial Board (EB) is strict, making us adhere to word limit, shows excellent judgement in selecting letters. On rare occasion letters exceed limit when knowledgeable writers Jatindra Saha, Arun Vidyanathan tackle subjects of great importance? What makes boring is repetitiveness’ of subject matter he chooses, not such letters.

Coverage of India, BJP and political theologian Modi, makes AV/GS unique.

But that does not mean national news is ignored. However to read in-depth analysis, I would read Times, Guardian or Mail. But GS/AV is my only source of information when it comes to motherland India. Media Watch, As I see It and Alpesh’s column is joy to read.

I counted Modi’s name 30 times in last week’s AV before I stopped. Millions are looking forward to his visit in November, to listen to his pyrotechnic sonorous phraseology. Even iconic Wembley stadium will struggle to accommodate his supporters. Meeting Modi in Shakti hall in 2003 and covering his visit for AV is my pride and joy, moment that I will always cherish.

Patriarch Modi is well-respected, most admired politician of international stature who takes by storm countries he visits, putting India on world map, building bridges, cultivating friendships that may result in India gaining permanent seat on Security Council.

Bhupendra Gandhi By email

Shining example

My friend CB Patel, editor of Asian Voice, asked last week in his splendid “As I See It” column why Scotland Yard, in its drive to recruit police who can speak a second language, has omitted an appeal for Gujarati speakers. A good question.

I had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of Gujarati folk during my interesting 12-year spell in the 1970s/80s writing a full page every fortnight entitled “Shop Talk” in ABPL Group’s former Asian Business magazine for independent retailers, and can offer the view that most Gujarati men and women would not need the help of police linguists because their knowledge of English ranges from adequate to excellent.

In fact Gujaratis are a shining example to other ethnic groups who seem reluctant to step out of their comfort zone and learn to speak and write English in the UK, the country they have chosen to make their home. This is sheer laziness on their part, nothing else.

Mumbai’s International Airport

Radicalising and terrorism

Wrong end of the stick

You will recall that I wrote to Mr R K Srivastava, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, regarding provision of facilities for the disabled and behaviour of some porters at Mumbai's International airport.

A response was received from Ms Suchita Shetty, AVP\Head - Terminal Operations & Customer Services. I responded, via email, asking her specific questions regarding her letter including: - Ground handlers: you have already notified and cautioned all the ground handlers, with regard to their misbehaviour/malpractices of their (airline) staff.

Is my presumption correct in stating that, malpractice means that the demand for "chai/pani is in breach of their terms and conditions?

- "MIAL security team has increased surveillance to track and monitor such activities via the CCTV". Are there any CCTVs outside the terminal buildings?.

According to my mother, demand for "chai/pani" occurs outside the vicinity of the airport buildings once their job/task is completed.

- Dedicated zonal officers working 24/7 for assisting the passengers personally.

How do we recognise them?

- Are all the porters issued with their "bona-fide" name/lapel badges to help in their recognition?

- 24/7 helpline/airport contact centre is most welcome, but are they just a automessenger service, or are they manned 24/7 so that a prompt action can be taken, and are the passengers fully informed of such facility?

Since the end of World War II the UK has given for various reasons help, shelter and succour to millions of people of different ethnic origin, religion and nationality coming from almost all over the world. But Muslims are the only people engaged in anti-British activities. This situation is virtually the same for almost all West European countries.

To address this issue Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his five year plan (AV July 25) in Birmingham Ninestiles School. Unfortunately there has been a mixed reaction to his speech from the Muslim community. The causes of anti-British actions (described in AV on July 25) advanced by Muslims are extrovert and mostly their own imagination, for there is not an iota of truth in them. Besides how can one use these spurious reasons as justification for killing completely innocent people on bus and train? And why not use means of dialogue rather than radicalising and terrorism to iron out difference?

Since the tragedy of 9/11 successive British and European governments have tried many different ways to eliminate radicalising and consequent terrorism. If anything, the problem is getting worse than before. The Muslim reaction to Cameron’s strategy represents general Muslim unwillingness to address the issue of terrorism let alone resolve it.

To eliminate this problem the most important thing to ascertain is where such a psychology of terrorism naturally comes from, for a disease can be cured only by treating its cause.

Your reader Rudy Otter (AV 25 July) seems to have got hold of the wrong end of the stick and seems to have miusunderstood the intentions in my letter entitled “meet and greet”.

I did not propose that the exchange of views at a meeting between letter writers should be substituted for the “Your Voice” and “Tamari Vaat” columns in AV and GS. The views expressed in these columns reach out to thousands of people in the UK and all over the world as opposed to the discussion which may take place in ABPL’s offices between the dozen or so of regular letter writers. The meeting over a cup of tea at ABPL’s offices would enable us to put a face to the names that we are so familiar with.

I note that such a meeting has already been arranged for either the 22nd or the 29th of August. I would go a step further and say that to be meaningful and to serve any useful purpose, attendance at this meeting could be made mandatory upon all letter writers. If only a handful of people turn up, the meeting may not be successful.

In conclusion, I feel that as the proposed dates fall in the month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar when many marriages take place, probably the dates could be moved to a little later. Having said this, I do look forward to meeting CB, Rupanjana, Kamalbhai and members of staff at ABPL.

Mohindra Master By email

Jatindra Saha By email

Crematorium Review

I read the articles on Page 17 of the 18th July issue of Asian Voice with great interest and applaud you for publicising this sensitive issue concerning the Hindu and Sikh communities of UK. Over the last 3 years, the Hindu and Sikh communities in South Wales have been liaising with Cardiff Council to look into the provision of Ashes Dispersal areas for the ashes after cremation. I first raised this issue when I had a problem with the dispersal of ashes after my parents passed away in 2012.

The requirements we are working to are: 1. The river or stream should be fast flowing so that the ashes are dispersed quickly.

2. A platform should be erected at the water edge so that the family (and priest) can stand to conduct the last rites in safety.

3. The place should have easy access for elderly and disabled.

4. There should be parking facilities.

5. There should be reasonable privacy so that no passing onlookers can watch this very private and emotional ceremony.

At present the family have to hire a boat or disperse the ashes ‘stealthily’ in secluded spots – could even be illegal in some cases. I feel these requirements of the Hindu and Sikh communities should form part of the Crematorium Review.

Subscribe Today Rudy Otter By email

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Is there any way this lack of facilities for last rites be made a part of the review launched by the Chancellor, George Osborne? Can the influential members of the Hindu & Sikh communities of UK be made aware of this very important lack of facilities?

Channi Kaler By email

Overdue praise

It was encouraging to read Vijaybhai Joshi’s letter “Great Writing” in praise of regular contributors, as on most part these dedicated, highly qualified luminary writers elevate “Your Voice” column to new height. Although they are popular, appreciated by most readers, they seldom get the praise they deserve in print.

I was also pleased to read Ilaben’s letter, as we are in minority who contribute occasionally to add feminine touch to mostly male dominated page! We all started at bottom but persistence and learning from other writers and encouragement from Editorial Board is the answer to improve and elevate oneself to their height.

Another ingredient to success is to choose right but non-malignant lustrous subjects, be theologian, not Hobson’s choice, obscure subjects of importance not picked up by other writers, especially

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Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Sister acts

My youngest sister remarked to me that my English is rubbish but I think she is the one talking rubbish because everybody understands everything that I write clearly. She is holding a position of office secretary and promised from next week she woudl check my letter before I send it off, so the English perfect. If it’s not, then blame my sister.

By the way, she loves to read the film pages in Asian Voice newspaper and would like to be a Bollywood dancer herself but has no hope as her lower section is too large for performing the wiggling motions.

Vijay Joshi By email if it touches lives of ordinary people in their everyday struggle to survive, such as parking, housing, NHS and disability matters that affect OAPs and disabled, avoid being obnoxious, pawn or political fiduciary. As Gandhiji used to say, truth and politeness conquers hearts, makes impossible possible, turns defeat into victory!

I hope to read more letters from Ilaben, Vijaybhai and from regular contributors to maintain high standard that is joy and pleasure to read, to comment on.

Kumudini Valambia By email Continued on page 11

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'Glass floor' protecting middle classes from social slide - report

YOUR VOICE Hinduism

Continued from page 10

Hindus have always believed in living life to the fullest. They have thought of maximising their contribution to society and as well as to family. No other faith is clear about the purpose of life. The semitic religions which comprise of Judaism, Christianity and Islam start with the belief that all human beings are born sinners. A very negative approach to life.

Semitic religions believe that in order to wash away the sins the only recourse available to human beings is to pray as many times as possible. That is why all these religions are preoccupied with prayers. In particular Islam has touched this highest point on this issue. They believe in praying five times at fixed times and in a fixed direction before sunrise and ending late at night and in certain postures.

Hindus on the other hand are free to pray at the time of their convenience.

They have been advised that there are

four purposes of life which are: Artha, Kama, Dharma and Moksha. Artha denotes creation of wealth as much as you can, without this we would still be in the Stone Age. Kama implies enjoyment of life to the fullest extent, paricularly getting married and bringing up a family the universe would not function without a steady human growth. Dharma implores us to live a life of compassion and love.

No hatred for any and treating everyone as equals. Finally Moksha means living in peace with yourself, thinking of the next life and making amends for your shortcomings in this life.

Hindus have laid emphasis on a need based life rather than greed based one.

Our emphasis in on simple life and high thinking and not just counting money which is left many times unused.

Crematorium review

Pran Aggarwal MA FCA By email

Jitesh Gadhia's article regarding Crematoria Review made some very pertinent points. When dealing with government agencies we need to be precise, clear and professional in our approach. It is something we from Dharmic faiths are not very good at.

Regarding the Crematoriums let us first be clear of what we do not want.

We do not want burial places as we are cremated not buried. The other thing we do not want is open air cremations.

All over India cremations are now changing from open air to indoor cremation.

A few people who have been advocating open air cremations should not be allowed to hijack this issue. So what is it that we want the government do?

A shrine at the crematorium has been suggested and there has also been talk about there not being enough

space to accommodate people who come to pay their last respects.

Regarding the shrine I believe that funeral directors do provide with pictures of God and the Aum symbol. If we had a shrine then it would have to be attended to everyday, offered prayers and kept clean. Until we can assure this would happen we should not ask for a shrine.

Regarding space to accommodate everyone well there will never be enough space. We seem to manage quite well at present. When it comes to dispersing the ashes, this can be done in the River Thames at designated places. I believe this is the case in most towns and cities with rivers nearby.

So I remain unsure of what is it that we want and why George Osborne found this issue important enough to mention in his budget.

Lord Popat is to be commended for speaking up for the Hindu community regarding the Caste issue. Baroness Flather was put in the House of Lords by the Conservative Party. She has now abandoned it. So here we have an individual who represents no one. She said that if Hindus claim that there is no Caste discrimination then they should not object to Caste Law! So Laws should be made to please certain groups even if they are not needed! UK would become a laughing stoke if that logic was followed! Lord Desai also spoke for the Caste legislation. The University where Lord Desai was teaching had dealings with the Gaddafi regime. Lord Desai never spoke out against the atrocities of the regime. A recent survey

found that there is massive Class discrimination in this country. Would Lord Desai and Baroness Flather ask for a Law to ban Class discrimination? Lords who abandon their sponsors should have to leave. Lords should not be, ' life' time Lords. House of Lords itself is a symbol of Class discrimination. The Lords in the past kept the commoners in their place. It is a mockery of democracy that an unelected body can legislate in this country. Every year more and more Lords are appointed making it the biggest unelected legislative body in the world. Lords in its present form is no fit for purpose.

Caste Issue

Nitin Mehta Croydon

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Middle-class children benefit from a "glass floor" protecting them from slipping down the social scale in Britain, a report has said.

The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission said betteroff families managed to provide educational and social advantages to stop their slide. It found less able, richer children were 35% more likely to become high earners than brighter, poorer peers. The government said its reforms were helping disadvantaged pupils catch up.

The report for the commission, which advises the government on social mobility issues, was based on a long-term study of 17,000 British-

born children born in a single week in 1970 that measured their ability at the age of five.

It said wealthier families helped their children accumulate skills valued by the labour market and they also used social networks to secure internships and employment.

The report, by Abigail McKnight of the London School of Economics, said parental help may start with providing a good home-learning environment in the early years, and continue with seeking out better schools, offering help with homework and exam preparation.

Parental education level and attendance at a private or grammar school all had a significant impact over and above the

influence of academic attainment, it said.

The report also highlighted a "private school wage premium", where recruitment to high-earning occupations is biased towards those educated in private schools.

It said: "Not only do privately educated children achieve well in examinations and on this basis go on to have highly successful careers, but private school education also bestows a 'little extra something'.

"Some of the 'extra' is made up of soft skills - for example - presentation, conduct in social settings, accent - which have little to do with productivity and a lot to do with what economists refer to as 'signalling'."

The number of pupils attending England's secondary schools is set to rise by 20% over the course of the next decade, government figures show.

By 2024, nearly 3.3 million pupils are expected to be attending statefunded secondaries, compared with just over 2.7 million in 2015, a rise of 547,000.

The increase is mainly due to the upturn in the birth rate since 2002, the Department for Education

says. The rise follows years of falling rolls due to low birth rates in the 1990s.

State primary schools in England will also see a rise in pupil numbers, although not as great as in secondary schools due to lower birth rates in 2013.

The primary population is projected to be 4, 712,000 in 2024 - 336,000 higher than in 2015.

The DfE figures also show that projections in 2014 were slightly too low,

with 75,000 more children than forecast set to enrol in state primary and secondary schools by 2024.

There will be 20,00 more pupils than originally predicted in secondary schools in 2024 and 55,000 more in primary schools by 2023.

But Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said some schools were "already stretched to their limits".

Rise in secondary pupils over next decade

12

MEDIA WATCH

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

The Monsoon rains, mercifully, have been sufficiently adequate so far, raising hopes that its continuation will spur agricultural growth and strengthen the Indian economy. The forthcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, alas, held out few such hopes.

The Opposition parties girded up for turmoil and disturbance, such as we witnessed under the previous UPA regime when the BJP spearheaded the Opposition agitation. The cause for uproar and disruption were scams, then, as now. Lalitgate, and the far more damaging Vyapam, have led to calls for the resignations of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vijay Raje Sindhia, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

It is not unreasonable for such demands to be made, given the seriousness of the charges leveled against them, what is giving rise to growing public concern is the threat by the President of the Congress Party, that unless the resignations are submitted with immediate effect, Parliamentary proceeding would be disrupted and its business, such as legislation on matters of urgent national interest on the Goods and Services Tax and the Land Acquisition bills would be blocked. All these things came to pass in the first days of the present session. Such irresponsible behavior has been, and is, deplorable. MPs are elected at great public expense to debate issues in the interests of democratic governance; unruly conduct brings politics and politicians into disrepute. (Hindu July 22)

Call to reason

Senior Congress MP, the articulate Shashi Tharoor, made a reasoned appeal for the business of the House to be to proceed as unhindered, with speakers from every side heard courteously and attentively as the occasion demanded (July 22).

Scenes of Congress-inspired anarchy in Parliament have done the party’s fading image no favours. If the brutal truth be told, the public speeches and posturing of Congress party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who projects himself as a future prime minister of India, have shown only too well how utterly unfit he is to hold that office or other public offices. With Rahul and his mother Sonia, the party President, at the helm, the future looks bleak for Congress.

Bazaar slogans on helping the poor at the expense of the rich are no-brainers. Congress is set for the wilderness.

Govt to counter Islamic State threat

On 19 March, Home Minister Rajnath Singh issued a statement in the Lok Sabha that the global terror group Islamic State of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon (ISIL) had negligible support among Indian youth.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs, having received intelligence reports from 10 States and, presumably, consulted the Centre’s Intelligence Branch (IB) is less sanguine now.

Hence the Home Ministry is taking urgent steps to draw up “a coherent national strategy” to counter the threat.

Hopefully, it won’t be too little, too late (Hindu July 21)

Sikka scorcher lifts Infosys India’s IT giant Infosys announced a 5 per cent growth in net profit in the first quarter (April-June 2015) of the current financial year, with shares surging 11 per cent at the breaking news. Its recent stagnation appears to have been surmounted with the appoint-

Inaccurate information

Master plan for Andhra Pradesh capital The Singapore government has submitted a master plan for the future capital of Andhra Pradesh, named Amravati, to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Presenting the master plan, Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran said six key factors weighted with planners designing the heart of the new capital: providing jobs and homes, world-class infrastructure, quality living, protecting heritage sites and resource and management. The seed capital will cover an area of 16.9 square kilometers and is to include the development of the three villages of Lingayapalam, Tallaygayapalam and Uddaandarayapalam and the entire farmland between them.

The first stage of the capital will cater for 3000,000 inhabitants and will include a vibrant commercial hub, besides a state-ofthe art administrative centre.

(Hindu July 21)

Israel help for Ganga cleanup

The waters of the River Ganga may be considered sacred to millions of Indians, but there is

his country’s collaboration with Russia was part of an “intensification and diversification of its strategic ties with Russia.

“This huge, broad-based [IndiaRussia] relationship, is getting broader every day,” he said. “If the two countries decide to jointly manufacture helicopters in India, it is a big bang development, with transfers of technology and licensed production.”

Vishal Sikka

ment of Vishal Sikka as CEO a year ago to bring in fresh ideas to a company that was losing ground to its leading software rivals such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Sikka’s strategic vision focused on automation and other high margin services like artificial intelligence and digital technology.

New route

“Efforts in redesigning our clients’ experience and our widespread adoption of of innovation, both in grassroots and breakthroughs, are starting to bear fruit in large deal wins and in the growth of large clients,” Sikka explained.

Infosys acquired 79 clients in the first quarter of this year and is on course to realize its goal of a total revenue haul of $20 billion by 2020. Market expectation have been exceeded, but Sikka warned against excessive optimism on the basis of single

Ambassador Raghavan dismissed certain media speculations about diluted defence ties between India and Russia, which he said were based on “inaccurate and ill-informed information.” He said “people tend to notice a few things which are non-Russian…..there are newer and newer projects with Russia which don’t get noticed”. He said full disclosure would be made at the appropriate time (Times of India July 19)

Pipavav venture with Russian firm

An ambitious joint venture between Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Company Ltd and the Russian ship repair company, JSC Ship Repairing Centre Zvyozdochka, in which the Indian firm will hold a 51 per cent stake, was signed last week. The joint venture has been created for medium refits and life certification for 877 EKM (Indian) Submarines.

“The skills and experience developed by the joint venture will position Pipavav Defence favourably for undertaking similar work for large submarine forces of similar class deployed by countries like Algeria, Vietnam and Iran, with potential additional revenues of Rs20,000 crore,” said a statement. A site in India, furthermore, would save transportation costs to Russia. (Business Line July 22

government approval. The move simplifies procedures for further investment by foreign companies.(Mint July 17)

Innovation hub

With the Micro Units Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) operational, funding small and medium units will be easier going forward, said Minister of State in the Finance Ministry, Jayant Sinha. The government’s goal was to promote entrepreneurial activity in this critical area for sustained economic growth. If the US is the foremost innovation hub for world’s top billion richest segment, but India has the potential to occupy the role of innovation hub and driver of economic growth for the next 6 billion layer of the global population. Small cars, solar energy, medical devices in smart phones constitute the segment where demand for such products is likeliest, hence be the principal target for India’s exports.(Business Line July 13)

IIT, B-school graduates, new ‘smart’ cops

Top quality candidates are joining the officer cadre of the police services. Their numbers boast IIT degree holdrs in science or technology or a top notch business school MBA. The police services have rarely been a magnet for candidates with high qualifications or notable talent. But times are achanging. Since 2011, 2012, 2013, 70 per cent of the entrants into the police officer cadre come from this skilled background. The Modi government is doing everything in its power to encourage this trend.

The Bureau of Police Research and Development spots and recruits talent. (Times of India July 20).

Simplifying investment regime

Foreign direct investments have been be strung together with those by non-resident Indians to simplify the country’s investment regime, which gives companies greater leeway to choose how they raise capital.

Companies are to be allowed to raise foreign portfolio investments up to 49 per cent without Ganga river

little that is pristine in the sheer volume of mephitic filth that has made it and its myriad tributaries the country’s Augean Stables. Salvation may be on the way from Israel, long and justifiably perceived as the world’s foremost expert in water management techniques.

Israel has a template for reusing waste water and domestic for irrigation and agriculture respectively. An Israeli delegation is to shortly visit India to assess the contribution Israel can make in particular areas of the Ganga cleanup programme.

(Hindu July 20)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in UK See comment page 3

quarter figures (Telegraph, usiness Line, Hindu July 22 )

Helicopter deal, India-Russia ties

Speaking in Moscow to the Press Trust of India, India’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, P.S. Raghavan, said apropos of the recent signing of a defence deal with Russia under which 200 Russian helicopters would be manufactured in India as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” project, that

Tagore’s house in Santiniketan. See comment page 3

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Cameron's British Asian aide helped shape extremism speech

Honouring the War Dead and Immigration

I write returning from Italy. Italy at the heart of World War 2 and also recent battles on immigration. Before I left for Italy, I was elected as Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Memorial Gates. So these things were on my mind.

“It is nothing short of a miracle…which has called men from the uttermost ends of the earth… and which has caused human beings to do the most incalculable, improvident and, from a narrow point of view, profitless things.” This was Winston Churchill describing to the House of Commons the support for the war effort from the people of what was then the British Empire.

There is a part of immigration policy connected to military service of course.

Just ask the Ghurkas who are able to now reside in Britain because of their military service, or indeed myself as the off-spring of a member of the British Army having the same privilege when the laws were different.

But the worst sight to see is a politician, without sense of history, commenting on how they want to remove from social service pamphlets Hindi or Urdu as happened several years ago. Of course coming into this country today the ability to speak the language is of critical importance. But when a nurse asked my grandmother several years ago, ‘have you not picked up any English’ that I had to

remind the nurse, actually her grandchildren can ‘wipe the floor with you in their ability to speak English and when my grandfather was in the British Army, no one asked him during the second world war about his linguistic skills.’

Immigration policy in this country and our attitude elderly immigrants needs to have as much honour as we do for our war Dead.

There is on the internet a pack for schoolchildren entitled, ‘We also served’.

In it is recounted one quote to catch my eye: ‘I was a little coloured boy from the Caribbean and I instinctively call him Sir. “No Sir,” he hastily corrected. “It is I who call you Sir”, Flight Lieutenant Billy Strachan on being introduced to his newly appointed colleague.

When I sit across Field Marshalls and Generals I see the great debt of honour they feel towards Indian soldiers in the Wars. They want to see more Indian origin people in the armed forces. They can tell me dates and names of battalions and regiments and numbers and battles in which Indian origin soldiers fought. It is extraordinary.

We want these battles and this service taught in our schools’ history classes.

We are trying. We are planning. It is important so our living immigrants from India are honoured as much as the dead.

Yashmin Mistry wins "Solicitor of the Year"

Yashmin Mistry, a partner at the London law firm, JPC Law, was voted “Solicitor of the Year” for the second time, at the News on the Block Enfranchisement Awards Dinner, on 4th June 2015.

She has also been relisted in the 2015 top hundred most influential people in the residential leasehold property sector.

The “Hot 100”, complied by the News on the Block magazine includes a mix of leasehold campaigners, trade and professional bodies, parliaDhiren Katwa

Yashmin Mistry won Solicitor of the Year for the second time, on 4th June 2015

mentarians, managing agents, investors, building owners, lawyers, valuers, as well as developers.

Sir Rushdie skeptical of support

It is said that the controversial author, Sir Salman Rushie has claimed that the people who defended his most controversial work would not have done so in today's day and age due to political correctness. There were leading literary figures who rallied in defence to Salman Rushdie, after The Satanic Verses provoked fury of Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, who issued a fatwa against him for blasphemy, in 1989. This had forced to author to go into hiding.

Guru Purnimaa Festival

The much-awaited and popular annual Guru Purnimaa Festival will take place at Luton’s Hindu Temple (Hereford Road, LU4 0PS) this weekend.

Scores of fans of Gujarati folk and devotional songs from all over the country are expected to attend this free event.

All welcome. Hosted by Shri Vishnu Lord Bhajan Mandal, led by bhajans maestro Pragjibhai Ladva and family, the round-theclock event will begin at 6pm this Saturday (Aug 1)

and finish in the afternoon on Sunday (Aug 2).

Whilst the authenticity of such music continues to be tweaked and modified locally and globally, credit to septuagenarian Pragjibhai, pictured, who has so far maintained the originality of lyrics and rhythms of songs composed by Hindu saints hundreds of years ago.

Similarly, Khimdas Bapu of charity Tuhi Ram Seva Trust, continues to fly the flag of Sanatan Dharma, the foundations of Hinduism. An eloquent Khimdas Bapu, along with his two musician sons

13

Arun and Rohit, will lead a Guru Purnimaa event at the Hindu Temple in Slough (SL1 2XU) from 6pm onwards this Friday (31 July).

The landmark speech of David Cameron about tackling Islamic extremism and the lack of integration in the UK was helped shaped by his British Asian aide, Ameet Gill.

Ameet Gill (32), is a former speechwriter and was promoted as the Director of Strategy at 10 Downing Street after the General Election. He is considered as the Prime Minister's most trusted and esteemed advisor, having joined the team nine years back.

Gill's parents arrived from rural India as teenagers. His mother, Parminder, had previously lost everything in the process of fleeing from Pakistan to India during the partition. After arriving in the UK, she spent 35 years working in a cardboard-box factory,

Ameet Gill

while Ameet Gill's father, Darshan, worked in a carparts factory.

The couple had three daughters before the birth of Ameet. Although they had a very humble income, they still managed to send one of their daughters, as well as Ameet to private school. He also went on to study History at Oxford University on a scholarship.

Although Ameet Gill grew up in Banbury, Oxford, he admits that to struggling with his own ethnic identity in the past.

Gill said, “I understood these issues of identity and cohesion because I know what it is like to grow up in Britain dealing with them. Sometimes you feel British, Sometimes you feel Indian, sometimes you feel nothing, and if there was an ideology such as Islamic State around for others like me when I was a teenager, I've no doubt some of my friends might have been attracted to it.”

It could be said that Gill's personal experience while growing up in Britain helped formulate the Prime Minister's speech on communities feeling alienated, as well as the “failures of integration.”

Concern for Oldham woman missing since last Thursday Police are growing increasingly concerned for a missing woman from Oldham. Asma Nisar, 40, was last seen on Werneth Hall Road in Oldham, at 3pm last Thursday.

Asma is descrbed as Asian, 5ft 4in tall, of medium build, with long black hair and brown

she is safe. eyes. She was A n y o n e last seen wearwith informaing maroon tion on Asma’s c o l o u r e d whereabouts is clothes, a headasked to call scarf and a police on 101 black cardigan Asma Nisar quoting log and shoes.

2282 of 23/07/15 or the Police and Asma’s independent charity family are urging her to Crimestoppers, anonycontact them as soon as mously, on 0800 555 111. possible to let them know

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14

UK

London Mela launch raises money for Nepal earthquake victims

Reshma Trilochun

On Thursday 23rd July 2015, the launch for the London Mela festival was held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in Westminster, London. The London Mela will be taking place on Sunday 6th September 2015, in the grounds of Gunnersbury Park, West London.

The launch was hosted

Campbell.

The event also marked the bicentenary of the close relationship between Nepal and the UK, celebrating the friendship, mutual understanding and respect that has characterised the 200 year connection between the two countries.

An auction was also held during the event. The proceeds went to three of

quake. Items auctioned included Sol Campbell's signed football boots.

Addressing the guests at the event, International Development Minister, Baroness Verma said, “I am delighted to be at the London Mela festival to celebrate the strong connection between Nepal and the UK. This year marks 200 years of our close relationshipone that was evident in recent months when the UK was quick to respond to the devastating earthquakes by sending our skilled doctors, firefighters and aid volunteers to help the people of Nepal in their hour of need.”

She further stated, “I know that when crises happen overseas it is particularly tough for diaspora communities who have

family and cultural ties with the country. Three months since the first earthquake hit, the UK continues to stand by Nepal through this difficult time by providing lifesaving shelter and safe water, by helping people rebuild hospitals and reclaim their livelihoods, and by ensuring the most vulnerable are protected.”

the London Mela's charitable beneficiaries; Oxfam, The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Yumi Nepal, to support the victims of the Nepal earth-

Footballer, Sol Campbell with BBC Asian Network Presenter, Bobby Friction

A Full-house event: Book launch of Desi Girls Reshma Trilochun

On Thursday 16th July 2015, the launch of the anthology, Desi Girls: Stories by Indian Women Writers Abroad was launched, at The Nehru Centre, London.

The anthology was launched by Baroness Flather, life peer of House of Lords who is also a Trustee of Vatayan.

The chief guest on the occasion was the award winning journalist and author, Yasmin AlibhaiBrown, who has penned Refusing the Veil and Exotic England.

The book is a compilation of 22 short stories written by Indian women who reside out of the Indian diaspora, and is

edited by the renowned award winning author, Divya Mathur, founder of Vatayan: Poetry on South Bank.

The book launch had a great turnout, with people from all walks of life attending the event, including aspiring writers, book-lovers, to acad-

Baroness Flather with Lalit Mohan Joshi

emias and politicians.

There were also dramatised readings presented by actress Shalini Pieres; Pervaiz Alam, Professor and Dean with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Apeejay Stya University, India;

Mamata Banerjee welcomed

Continued from page 1 The Work and Pension minister, Rt Hon Priti Patel, welcomed the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, on Monday 27th July 2015, at the business reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to discuss the important relationship between the UK and West Bengal and how this partnership can be strengthened further.

calls to meet with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, over the plight of Hindu girls and women in her state.

Leaders from these organisations representing the “Dharmic” communities comprising of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in the UK want to discuss cases of kidnap, rape, harassment and abuse of Hindu females in the state of West Bengal with

Baroness Verma

Kathak dancers entertaining the crowd

by the very amiable BBC Asian Network presenter, Bobby Friction and had many esteemed guests present, including the renowned footballer, Sol

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

actor Karl Rhodes and filmmaker Chaand Chazelle.

There was also a powerful rendition of a song which emphasised on the theme of women empowerment. It was performed by the young and upcoming singer, Uttara Sukanya Joshi.

Priti Patel welcoming Mamanta Banerjee to the UK, at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Priti Patel said, “This is a landmark visit. A visit which brings greater strength to existing friendships, provides an opportunity to build new ones and brings greater focus on doing business to drive prosperity in both our countries. Our collective aim is to forge partnerships between our people and our institutions that will improve the lives of all our citizens.”

Speaking on West Bengal's progress, Patel said, “I’m delighted to say that things are changing fast. Today, West Bengal is on the move. Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership the state is enjoying a renaissance and its potential is beginning to be realised.”

During her five-day visit to the UK, Mamata Banerjee will be visiting many esteemed figures. It is also said that there are more than 250 organisations in the UK backing

Mamata Banerjee.

Members from the UK Dharmic organisations will also be holding a vigil on Wednesday 29th July, at 3pm, at Asia House, which will be attended by Mamata Banerjee, before she will visit the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore to pay her respects.

On Tuesday 28th July, a musical performance by an ensemble of Maestros from West Bengal was organised by the Government of West Bengal and The High Commissioner of India (UK), at the Natural History Museum, London, where Mamata Banerjee was to grace the occasion. However, following the death of the former Indian President, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the Maestros from West Bengal were paying their creative musical homage on this occasion.

63-year-old cigarette smuggler sentenced would have no Jabbar Sattar serious impact.

(63), was senHe was wrong tenced by the HM and will now have Revenue and to deal with the Customs (HMRC) consequences of for smuggling cighis criminal activarettes into the ity.

We work UK using a speclosely with our cially adapted colleagues at coat.

He was Jabbar Sattar Border Force to disarrested at Stansted rupt and detect smugglers Airport on his arrival from and will always look to Marrakesh, Morocco, on take action that fits the 16th April 2015. crime.”

Officers from Border Jabbar Sattar was preForce had discovered viously stopped on three 6,400 Marlboro Gold cigaoccasions; He was rettes in his luggage and stopped at Gatwick another 800 cigarettes Airport, on 13th January hidden inside his coat.

2015, with 4,200 cigaAssistant Director rettes; at Luton Airport, Criminal Investigation, on 5th December, with Paul Barton said, “Sattar 9,000 cigarettes; and thought he was cleveragain at Gatwick Airport, that by designing a conon 17th December 2011, cealed pocket in his clothwith 5,600 cigarettes. ing he could avoid being All the cigarettes have caught. He ignored previbeen seized and Sattar ous official warnings, has been charged with believing his actions as a four offences. serial tobacco smuggler

UK

Shashi Tharoor demands reparations and revisits the dark historical past

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Priyanka Srivastava

Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor invited the global attention when he articulately made a demand for Britain to pay reparations to India and other former colonies for its decades of imperial rule. In a speech at the Oxford Union, Mr Tharoor not only drew the attention towards

Keith Vaz MP, Leicester East

Indian Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor India's historical past but also invited an applaud from the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who agreed with Tharoor's debate and appreciated Tharoor. “Shashiji is an orator who says the right thing at the right

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

place...sometimes, such things become a turning point,” said Modi, in his speech addressed to the Parliamentarians.

Known for his eloquence, Tharoor gave point by point break up on Indian economy during colonization and how the British 'looted' India and deprived the country of its riches. Dr Tharoor, a former Congress Minister and Member of Parliament, made the case in a debate which highlighted at how “the Britain owed reparations to her former colonies.” His speech at the world famous debating society, the Oxford Union, received mixed response from people on social media. “Britain's rise for 200 years was financed by its depredations of India,” said Dr Tharoor. “We paid for our own oppression. It's a bit rich to oppress, maim, kill, torture and repress and then celebrate democracy at the end of it.”

Many in India want Britain to make financial amends for the wrongs committed during colonial rule. He suggested a symbolic compensation of “one pound a year for the next two hundred years, after the last two hundred years of Britain in India.”

Dr Tharoor's speech talked about the economic toll that British rule took on India. The 14-minute long video of his speech emerged as the most widely circulated video on You Tube and Facebook. Some prominent

YouTuber nearly drowns after jumping from Tower Bridge 17-year-old YouTuber, Shah Faisal Shinwari, pictured, nearly drowned by jumping off the iconic Tower Bridge in London, due to the strong current

of the River Thames. This was a stunt he had pulled for social media which

could have gone awfully wrong. Shinwari has over 27,000 subscriber to his Carnage YouTube channel.

After jumping from the 65-metre bridge, he was rescued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The vlogger admits that the incident was “stupid” and apologised. He was severely criticised for his “disappointing” actions.

The video has been circulating on social networking sites.

British-Asians residing in United Kingdom for several decades now have an opinion which is way different from Dr Tharoor had to say in his speech.

Rt. Hon Keith Vaz MP, Member of Parliament for Leicester East feels that monetary reparations will not be useful. “There are genuine grievances which must be addressed. Pursuing monetary reparations is complex, time consuming and potentially fruitless, but there is no excuse for not returning precious items such as the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a campaign I have backed for many years,” said Mr Vaz. “Prime Minister Modi is due to arrive in the United Kingdom in November, and Prime Minister Cameron has gone out of his way to maintain a strong bilateral relationship. What a wonderful moment it would be, if when Prime Minister Modi finishes his visit, which is much overdue, he returns to India with the promise of the diamond’s return,” voiced Vaz. Lord Dolar Popat called Tharoor's speech as “just an academic exercise, which has just put forward a passionate case.” He points at Dr Tharoor for trudging through ancient history “in the hope of finding some controversy.” “Throughout history the subcontinent has been ruled by many different forces, including the Mughal's. In my opinion it is naïve and somewhat

Lord Dolar Popat

15

Dr Rami Ranger selective to look to blame British rule for India’s struggles,” said Lord Popat.“ Dr Tharoor’s arguments will be particularly strange to the 1.5 million British Indians living in the UK, especially those of us who fled from East Africa and were given an opportunity for a better life here,” he adds.

Dr Rami Ranger, Chairman of Sun Mark Ltd has pointed towards ancient Indian practice of imparting “forgiveness.” “Whilst I understand Shashi Tharoor's noble intentions I have always believed that our ancient Indian culture teaches us forgiveness as being of paramount importance,” said Ranger.

“I do not believe any good can come out of opening old wounds, especially as the greatest pain was inflicted by dividing India on the basis of religion in line with the British policy of divide and rule which eventually became divide and run."

By dividing India, the British left a sting in the tail forever. “Millions died at the time of partition including my own father and more than 15 million people became refugees, in their own country,” he said. The bleeding Indian economy, has been the result of British policies and regrettably the British legacy is still causing bloodshed on a daily basis in the sub continent.

Cameron vows to strike Isis if Britain is under threat Prime Minister David Cameron has vowed to carry out military action against terrorists in Libya should they pose an imminent threat to Britain.

After landing in Indonesia in advance of discussions on tackling the growing threat from Islamic extremists in the South East Asia region, the prime minister made clear that he was ready to order strikes on Libyan targets should evidence emerge of an imminent plot.

Mr Cameron is already known to be behind the idea of British strikes on Isis targets in Syria should such action be approved by parliament.

On Monday he confirmed that he also reserved the right to hit threats coming from Libya if necessary. Seifeddine Rezgui, the terrorist behind the Tunisian resort attack, is known to have been trained in Libya.

“If there is a threat to Britain or to our people on our streets ... we are able to stop it by taking immediate action against that threat. As prime minister, I would always want to try and take that action, and that’s the case whether that problem is emanating from Libya or Syria or anywhere else.”

Meanwhile last Saturday it was learnt that British fighters with Isis who threatened attacks on America

and the West were being tracked down in Syria and eliminated by US drone strikes.

The targeted killings are the first of their type involving British citizens in Syria, raising concern among other foreign fighters in the region.

Those who have since been killed include Abu Rahin Aziz, 33, who fled Luton in March last year while on bail for an assault, Reyaad Khan, 21, from Cardiff, who was killed in a vehicle in Raqqa on July 7, and Assad Uzzaman, 25, who was one of five men who styled themselves the Britani Brigade Bangladeshi Bad Boys and travelled to Syria to fight as jihadis.

16

SPECIAL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

17

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015 be doing a huge photo shoot soon. I’m also looking to launch a book about my life as a young British boy. I want to tell people it doesn’t matter if you’re Asian or Indian, you don’t have to go to Bollywood.

There are different options for success; you don’t have to be boxed in.

Kiran Rai

Not just the Ray Bans…

And where do you get all the energy for this?

Some people have good relationships with their mothers, I didn’t. We are not the best of friends and I have always wanted to prove to her that I am worth something. Her absence makes me strive harder.

'If I don’t reach for it now then what’s the point?'

Who is your inspiration?

Dev Patel- he jumped from one project to another, from ‘Skins’ to ‘Slumdog Millionaire’- the man’s a genius. Meera Syal has also done really well- she’s a good writer, honest and grounded.

What is your advice to other trailblazers like yourself?

You’ve got to go out and do things yourself. Do the groundwork to get to the good work.

W

www.imdb.com/name/ nm6541449

Manchester Mega Mela sees 4,000 festival-goers soak up South Asia style in Platt Fields park

Sunetra Senior

To start with if you are in London, you must visit Oxford Street which is the place to shop, especially the Topshop flagship store which has three floors. Carnaby Street also has plenty of great stores, and a visit to Camden Market is a must.

Many Teens often enjoy street art, areas such as East London are known for displaying an intriguing variety. There are also tours which can be booked if you are one who may prefer to be guided to be able to see some of the best.

Another great day out could be ClueQuest London, ideal for teams of 3 to 5 people. It is a live escape game and its purpose is to solve the codes and puzzles to get free within a time of 60 minutes. Train your brain & see just how far you can go.

Instead of just visiting the O2, why don't you can climb over it. Up at the O2 is a challenge, and is 52 meters above ground level. You get to see the surroundings of London and can choose whether you want to climb during the day, at sunset and witness a beautiful sky or

the twilight expedition during the dark and observe London with hundreds of lights twinkling.

If you enjoy ice cream but want to take it to another level, Chin Chin Laboratories is the place to go located in Camden where you can get freshly prepared liquid nitrogen ice cream.

For those who are more on the arty side, the number of galleries within London is almost endless, whether they are major public galleries or slightly small-

PRESENTS

er ones. The larger galleries which are worth visiting include Victoria Miro which displays the work of established and up and coming artists, the Tate Modern in a free museum which showcases modern & contemporary art, the Saatchi Gallery which hosts the work of both emerging and established artists and the Serpentine Gallery which has free entry and displays a variety

of world renowned exhibitions. Though don't forget to pay a visit to the smaller independent galleries too.

Also, if you feel as if you may want to use the summer holidays to perhaps try a course in the subject you may which to study further, the are lots of different options for you to choose from.

You may want to experience what it is like to be at a top university, if you do, you can apply to Oxford & Cambridge summer school, where you can choose

ASIAN ACHIEVERS

AWARDS

The people’s choice awards

Venue: Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London W1K 7TN

Sponsors

one of the ten courses available.

Bowling is becoming less prominent, though other activities such as table tennis and ping pong are taking its place.

Bounce London is the home of ping pong. One of the founder's of Bounce, was also a founder of all star lanes, he plans to make ping pong work as well as bowling does. If you are one who enjoys bowling, but maybe want to visit a more trendier place than usual, All Star lanes is the place to go, there are five branches to choose from and there is both food and drinks available.

Air-hop is one of the first Trampoline parks in the UK, there are different areas to experience, the open jump area, the airfit classes, dodgeball, basketball slam dunk and also a foam pit if you feel like trying some aerial stunts.

There are plenty of other things to visit or to be involved in, but these are just a few things to get you started.

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

“Success does not boil down to charisma”, actor/model Kiran, face in ASOS and SPLIT STAR, told us, “it’s about a deeper genuine voice. If you speak louder, show who you really are, that’s what matters”. Kiran isn’t kidding. From his recent venture, raising a cool £15,000 standing outside Waterloo Station to fund his current film ‘Parachute’, to internationally hustling in Dubai and Argentina – where he was booked by ten top modelling agencies – the professional always presents himself bravely: “At Waterloo, I didn’t pretend to be anyone else. I stood there in my Calvin Klein suit. I communicated to people- ‘look I need this money for my production”. All that glitters, as we see then, isn’t necessarily sequin-deep:

Tell us a bit about how you got to this point?

Coming from an Asian background my mum and dad wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I always wanted to create my own projects. I put together a one man show in the West End, drawing from my cultural experiences, which I consequently took to New York.

Nothing was given to me. I don’t have GCSEs so I’ve made sure to fight. I’ve stood outside Shoreditch theatre giving out CVs, with all these snobby posh actors giving me abuse.

I’ve chased after casting directors, and snuck into events just to get that job. I always think if I don’t reach for it now, what’s the point?

Tell me about your film ‘Parachute’?

Well, it was based in Sri Lanka and it’s about a guy who falls in love with a Sri-Lankan girl and her family don’t like it. I’m playing the role of a policeman.

It’s a typical Asian drama, and you know, I fall out of a parachute!

Tell me more about the £15,000 you managed to raise for it?

I was scared, but when I want something, I will go after it. At the end of the day this is my life- it’s my career. I may have seemed like a liar, but the money wasn’t coming through the production company and investors weren’t going to give it to me. I got attention gradually because people

were talking. They saw that I was serious. One person gave me £450 after seeing me there for seven days in a row. I said loud and clear, ‘I need the money for my movie; please can you help finance me?’

What have been some of the highlights in your career?

When I got to the West End, I went straight in from nothing, working with top actors with minimal experience myself. I just had a script, adrenaline and enthusiasm. Then when I got to take it to New York it was a big deal. Being made Head of Media for the world corporate games really opened doors too, especially for my modelling career.

Has your Background Played a large role in Life?

It’s made me very humble.

I come from a Hindustani family - my mum is an air hostess, and my dad has a business background – so there’s never been that cockiness. I have no interest in that. I just do my work and go home. I like to relax too: I go swimming, take friends to dinner, and enjoy my time. You need a balance in life or you’ll never have a life!

What are your Current Projects?

A cooking/fashion show called ‘On the Menu’ which has just been commissioned by Sky. I’ve also got a film coming out in October and I’m going to

Mayors dancing to the bhangra beat

Shopping at the clothes stalls

More than 4,000 people turned out to soak up the sights, sounds and spicy aromas of South Asia at Manchester’s Mega Mela that took place last weekend.

The first day of the weekend event got off to a great start at Platt Fields park as the sun shone on festival-goers who were celebrating the distinctive dance, music, arts, crafts and food.

Artists Imran Khan, Juggy D, Sahara and Navin Kundra enter-

tained the crowds as well as the Nepalese, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi Association culture groups. In the Chai Serai marquee – a cafe with folklore, classical and contemporary dance and music – people were treated to performances from local school children.

Food-lovers also got the chance to sample some of the mouthwatering South Asian delights at the food stalls.

Pics courtesy: Joel Goodman

Asian Achievers Awards is organised every year by UK’s leading news weeklies, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asian par excellence For table booking contact us on 020 7749 4085

Sponsored Charity

Media Partners

Event Management

Official Caterer

16

SPECIAL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

17

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015 be doing a huge photo shoot soon. I’m also looking to launch a book about my life as a young British boy. I want to tell people it doesn’t matter if you’re Asian or Indian, you don’t have to go to Bollywood.

There are different options for success; you don’t have to be boxed in.

Kiran Rai

Not just the Ray Bans…

And where do you get all the energy for this?

Some people have good relationships with their mothers, I didn’t. We are not the best of friends and I have always wanted to prove to her that I am worth something. Her absence makes me strive harder.

'If I don’t reach for it now then what’s the point?'

Who is your inspiration?

Dev Patel- he jumped from one project to another, from ‘Skins’ to ‘Slumdog Millionaire’- the man’s a genius. Meera Syal has also done really well- she’s a good writer, honest and grounded.

What is your advice to other trailblazers like yourself?

You’ve got to go out and do things yourself. Do the groundwork to get to the good work.

W

www.imdb.com/name/ nm6541449

Manchester Mega Mela sees 4,000 festival-goers soak up South Asia style in Platt Fields park

Sunetra Senior

To start with if you are in London, you must visit Oxford Street which is the place to shop, especially the Topshop flagship store which has three floors. Carnaby Street also has plenty of great stores, and a visit to Camden Market is a must.

Many Teens often enjoy street art, areas such as East London are known for displaying an intriguing variety. There are also tours which can be booked if you are one who may prefer to be guided to be able to see some of the best.

Another great day out could be ClueQuest London, ideal for teams of 3 to 5 people. It is a live escape game and its purpose is to solve the codes and puzzles to get free within a time of 60 minutes. Train your brain & see just how far you can go.

Instead of just visiting the O2, why don't you can climb over it. Up at the O2 is a challenge, and is 52 meters above ground level. You get to see the surroundings of London and can choose whether you want to climb during the day, at sunset and witness a beautiful sky or

the twilight expedition during the dark and observe London with hundreds of lights twinkling.

If you enjoy ice cream but want to take it to another level, Chin Chin Laboratories is the place to go located in Camden where you can get freshly prepared liquid nitrogen ice cream.

For those who are more on the arty side, the number of galleries within London is almost endless, whether they are major public galleries or slightly small-

PRESENTS

er ones. The larger galleries which are worth visiting include Victoria Miro which displays the work of established and up and coming artists, the Tate Modern in a free museum which showcases modern & contemporary art, the Saatchi Gallery which hosts the work of both emerging and established artists and the Serpentine Gallery which has free entry and displays a variety

of world renowned exhibitions. Though don't forget to pay a visit to the smaller independent galleries too.

Also, if you feel as if you may want to use the summer holidays to perhaps try a course in the subject you may which to study further, the are lots of different options for you to choose from.

You may want to experience what it is like to be at a top university, if you do, you can apply to Oxford & Cambridge summer school, where you can choose

ASIAN ACHIEVERS

AWARDS

The people’s choice awards

Venue: Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London W1K 7TN

Sponsors

one of the ten courses available.

Bowling is becoming less prominent, though other activities such as table tennis and ping pong are taking its place.

Bounce London is the home of ping pong. One of the founder's of Bounce, was also a founder of all star lanes, he plans to make ping pong work as well as bowling does. If you are one who enjoys bowling, but maybe want to visit a more trendier place than usual, All Star lanes is the place to go, there are five branches to choose from and there is both food and drinks available.

Air-hop is one of the first Trampoline parks in the UK, there are different areas to experience, the open jump area, the airfit classes, dodgeball, basketball slam dunk and also a foam pit if you feel like trying some aerial stunts.

There are plenty of other things to visit or to be involved in, but these are just a few things to get you started.

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

“Success does not boil down to charisma”, actor/model Kiran, face in ASOS and SPLIT STAR, told us, “it’s about a deeper genuine voice. If you speak louder, show who you really are, that’s what matters”. Kiran isn’t kidding. From his recent venture, raising a cool £15,000 standing outside Waterloo Station to fund his current film ‘Parachute’, to internationally hustling in Dubai and Argentina – where he was booked by ten top modelling agencies – the professional always presents himself bravely: “At Waterloo, I didn’t pretend to be anyone else. I stood there in my Calvin Klein suit. I communicated to people- ‘look I need this money for my production”. All that glitters, as we see then, isn’t necessarily sequin-deep:

Tell us a bit about how you got to this point?

Coming from an Asian background my mum and dad wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I always wanted to create my own projects. I put together a one man show in the West End, drawing from my cultural experiences, which I consequently took to New York.

Nothing was given to me. I don’t have GCSEs so I’ve made sure to fight. I’ve stood outside Shoreditch theatre giving out CVs, with all these snobby posh actors giving me abuse.

I’ve chased after casting directors, and snuck into events just to get that job. I always think if I don’t reach for it now, what’s the point?

Tell me about your film ‘Parachute’?

Well, it was based in Sri Lanka and it’s about a guy who falls in love with a Sri-Lankan girl and her family don’t like it. I’m playing the role of a policeman.

It’s a typical Asian drama, and you know, I fall out of a parachute!

Tell me more about the £15,000 you managed to raise for it?

I was scared, but when I want something, I will go after it. At the end of the day this is my life- it’s my career. I may have seemed like a liar, but the money wasn’t coming through the production company and investors weren’t going to give it to me. I got attention gradually because people

were talking. They saw that I was serious. One person gave me £450 after seeing me there for seven days in a row. I said loud and clear, ‘I need the money for my movie; please can you help finance me?’

What have been some of the highlights in your career?

When I got to the West End, I went straight in from nothing, working with top actors with minimal experience myself. I just had a script, adrenaline and enthusiasm. Then when I got to take it to New York it was a big deal. Being made Head of Media for the world corporate games really opened doors too, especially for my modelling career.

Has your Background Played a large role in Life?

It’s made me very humble.

I come from a Hindustani family - my mum is an air hostess, and my dad has a business background – so there’s never been that cockiness. I have no interest in that. I just do my work and go home. I like to relax too: I go swimming, take friends to dinner, and enjoy my time. You need a balance in life or you’ll never have a life!

What are your Current Projects?

A cooking/fashion show called ‘On the Menu’ which has just been commissioned by Sky. I’ve also got a film coming out in October and I’m going to

Mayors dancing to the bhangra beat

Shopping at the clothes stalls

More than 4,000 people turned out to soak up the sights, sounds and spicy aromas of South Asia at Manchester’s Mega Mela that took place last weekend.

The first day of the weekend event got off to a great start at Platt Fields park as the sun shone on festival-goers who were celebrating the distinctive dance, music, arts, crafts and food.

Artists Imran Khan, Juggy D, Sahara and Navin Kundra enter-

tained the crowds as well as the Nepalese, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi Association culture groups. In the Chai Serai marquee – a cafe with folklore, classical and contemporary dance and music – people were treated to performances from local school children.

Food-lovers also got the chance to sample some of the mouthwatering South Asian delights at the food stalls.

Pics courtesy: Joel Goodman

Asian Achievers Awards is organised every year by UK’s leading news weeklies, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asian par excellence For table booking contact us on 020 7749 4085

Sponsored Charity

Media Partners

Event Management

Official Caterer

18

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

On launching my newest trading product and trader mentoring and apprentice academy to help people know when to buy and sell foreign exchange the biggest issue people have with making money online are these: 1. How do I know when to buy and sell? It astounds me people look at the news and try to work out market direction. How difficult and tiring.

So I created my indicator so like all modern activities we use computers to make life easier. It tells you based on what is happening in the market when to buy and sell by analysing historic moves in currencies and looking for similar past patterns as evidence of the right thing to do.

2. How do I ensure I do not lose money? People worry about trading causing them losses. Worst still in my experience people often when facing a loss, add to it, by buying even more – making the situation worse still very often.

3. How do I make the most of opportunities?

Most people do not realise that when you have those cases where a trade is profitable, you need a strategy for getting the most out of it. This means adding to the trade moving in your favour. If the trend is in your favour, then ride it!

4. How do I avoid a string of losing trades wiping me out? Again, many people don’t realise that experience has taught us professional traders that the trick is to trade small sizes. That way, even a string of losses keeps you safe. Add to this that the trick is also to limit the losses by keeping them small before they get big. It’s these simple strategies and skills which make all the difference.

It’s my view that summer is a good time to take time out and learn. But how do you find a mentor?

You can’t walk into a hedge fund and expect they will just let you sit with the traders. This is again where technology comes in. I use email to communicate, and a website with drip feed content so it is bite size and each week people learn something new.

I also use webinars because videos work well, as do live question and answers. You see technology allows us to be educated far better. To be apprentices, mentees. But again, too few people use these tools.

Whatever skill you look to acquire, always make sure you have a mentor. It is one of the secrets to success. Always make sure you also use technology to get ahead in your education. We do it in schools for our children. We should do it when it comes to making money and learning how for ourselves too.

For those who want be mentored by me: www.alpeshpatel.com/go

Nikkei agrees to buy Financial Times

Japan’s largest business newspaper, Nikkei has struck a $ 1.3 billion deal with Pearson, to buy Financial Times. The agreement will help the publisher expand its global reach with the assistance of a well-recognised and highly respected brand, and also give it access to the Times’ stable and advanced digital readers.

The deal, struck after Nikkei beat Germany's Axel Springer to the prize, marks the biggest acquisition by a Japanese media organization and is a coup for the employee-owned firm which will lend its name to the main

Nikkei

Japanese stock market index.

Established in 1884 and first printed on pink paper in 1893 to stand out from rivals, the FT has employed some of the leading figures in media and politics, including

Robert Thomson, Chief Executive of News Corp, former British finance minister Nigel Lawson and Ed Balls, an adviser to former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

“Pearson has been a proud proprietor of the FT for nearly 60 years. But we've reached an inflection point in media, driven by the explosive growth of mobile and social,” Pearson CEO John Fallon said in a statement. “In this new environment, the best way to ensure the FT's journalistic and commercial success is for it to be part of a global, digital news company.”

Amul to get global armour: joins the rank of Coca-Cola

Indian company Amul will soon join the ranks of Kodak and Wimbledon as the government is taking steps to get it a ‘wellknown’ trademark that will ensure the organisation complete protection across the globe. The step taken will also make sure the brand name is not used anywhere or for any product.

“It will have an impact on cross-border reputation and it will ensure that no one will be able to get registration for Amul in other categories too,” said R S Sodhi, managing director of Gujarat

Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which owns the Amul brand.

Barring a few such as PepsiCo and Telco, sources in the government said, the 62 other cases where well-known trademarks have been granted in India were done through courts after companies sought action in infringement cases. The Indian list includes Bata, Bajaj, Bisleri, Nirma and Infosys, among homegrown brands, while global players such as Cartier, Dunhill, Playboy, Mars and Yahoo have received

well-known trademarks.

Indian as well as international laws provide for well-known brands as a special category, while some even make a distinction with famous brands.

“The well-known trademarks enjoy tremendous protection. They are essentially not distinguishable and have been given protection because they have become really well-known. The protection is available even if something is not sold in India. So a similar treatment will be available for Amul or other 62 on the list,” an officer said.

Indian gold jewellery major Rajesh Exports Ltd. has announced the takeover of the world’s largest integrated precious metals refiner Valcambi, for USD 400 million.

REL, through its fully owned subsidiary in Singapore, completely acquired European Gold Refineries, the 100 per cent holding company of Valcambi in an all-cash deal.

Valcambi has a capacity to refine 1,600 tonnes of gold or altogether 2,000 tonnes of precious metals per annum. A statement

from REL said Valcambi generated revenues in excess of USD 38 billion and operating profit of USD 33 million by refining and selling 945 tonnes of gold and 325 tonnes of silver on average per year for the past three years.

“More than the price of sale, my aim was to deliver the company to a buyer, who would maintain its world-class standard and stature,” Emilio Camponovo, founder and current major shareholder of Valcambi, said in a statement. The company was fully owned by Credit

Suisse, which divested it in December 2003 to U.S. based Newmont and several Swiss investors.

“This is a historic moment for REL and for the global gold business,’’ Rajesh Mehta, Chairman, REL, said in a statement. “The coming together of REL and Valcambi would expand the global gold business and prove very productive for the future global plans of REL group. The acquisition is also of national importance for India, as India is the largest consumer of gold in the world.”

Rajesh Exports acquires Valcambi

Flipkart launches offline collection for buyers

Online retail major Flipkart has introduced 20 'experience zones' in 10 cities and aims to open 100 centres across the country by March. The collection centres will facilitate online customers to picj up their orders at their convenience.

The centres also suffice the e-commerce giant's strategy to expand itself in small towns and villages that can only serviced by these facilities. It also solves the issue of unavailability of customers during product deliveries, which ends up in a loop process that costs the company and its merchants. They could also eliminate last mile delivery costs, which account for about 28 per cent of the total transport cost. They will introduce

value added services at the stops, including spot trials, returns, cash on return and open box deliveries.

“We believe this model is a resolution to customer unavailability issues, as it offers consumers a choice to adjust the delivery time and location according to their convenience,” said Neeraj Aggarwal, senior director of delivery operations at Flipkart. “It also provides a solution to restrictions for ecommerce entry into tech parks, gated communities, and universities.”

This is not the first time an e-commerce initiated customer pick ups for online orders. Amazon launched its 'Amazon Locker' in 2011 and has thousands of pick up points across Canada.

“I am extremely proud of teaming up with the Financial Times, one of the most prestigious news organizations in the world," said Tsuneo Kita, chairman and group CEO of Nikkei. "We share the same journalistic values.

Together, we will strive to contribute to the development of the global economy.”

The sale of the FT Group is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015 and does not include its 50 per cent stake in The Economist magazine or the London headquarters of the newspaper on the banks of the River Thames.

Sosyo to cover ground overseas

Century old, Gujarat's well known brand Sosyo is in preparations to take on the likes of Coca Cola and Pepsi. Surat based Hajoori and Sons, maker of the much loved soft drink, has plans to raid into the US in the near future.

Established in 1923, Sosyo enjoys an important status among its aficionados and has not only managed to keep thriving, but also emerge stronger with time despite cut throat competition. The firm posted Rs 100 crore sales this year which indicates a 100 per cent growth. Hajoori & Sons is already exporting to over 10 countries. Partner Abbas Hajoori said, “Over the next two years, we intend to open two franchisees in the US, one each in Zambia and Dubai.”

The company claims Sosyo's value at around $ 100 million and said it plans to set up bottling plants overseas for a bigger market with an investment of Rs 120 crore.

“First we will go to Middle East, then to US and other western markets. Singapore is also our plans,” Hajoori's son and company director Ali said.

“We will need Rs 40-50 crore in early 2016 and the balance in 2017. Post expansion, our capacity will grow by 300 per cent.” Hajoori, with a 29 per cent market share in Gujarat, also eyes a panIndia coverage and phasewise presence by launching its products in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and later to Delhi, UP, Punjab and Uttarakhand. Sosyo currently boasts of 1 lakh outlets, 500 distributors and 700 employees.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

Transparency a double edged sword

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

19

Today we completed on a pub in Ealing Road called The Plough; it’s the first time I have seen it as it was purchased for the site value only, and we have no intention of running it as a going concern. We were lucky enough to acquire the next door site as well; only after someone approached us claiming to own the site, which he didn’t. He was in the middle of trying to purchase the site, as soon as we found out we snatched the deal from underneath him.

So now we own both sites adjacent to each other and we’re currently exploring options. This is a planning game, and a planning gain hopefully too.

The building is actually very nice and has a lot of character, as well many original pieces. It will be a shame to demolish it, but they say you shouldn’t fall in love with your product! And there’s a bigger agenda at play here to focus on.

The area is earmarked fo r develo pmen t, but the coun cil be in g the coun cil co uld stick in oppo sition claiming for example t hat the pub is re quired for community u se . It wou ld then ne ed to be market ed for ren tal, if there were n o takers for t ypically 12 mont hs then th ey may co nced e and agree to allow de ve lopment. We are not currently envisio ning this as ever ythin g be hin d this prope rty has bee n bu ilt u p to 10 stories hig h. The aim e ve n from the co uncil is to push the skyline high in t his area.

But you never know what to expect fully when you go for planning. It’s something not in your hands, it’s down to policies and how individuals interpret and apply them. However if they insist you need to have a pub in the area you can always try and apply for a demolition license and destroy it! After all it is your property and not theirs.

On another topic, recently there has been much press about how London property should not be a home for laundered cash. I think the sub text is it should not be allowed because we cannot get a piece of the action. It is true there is much money flowing into London property from overseas, and many are bought in companies with several layers over them to protect the ultimate beneficial owners. It has been claimed 100,000 properties in the UK are owned by overseas companies, with roughly 1/3 of these in London. It is well known that the way to get cash from India, say from the sale of land, is to route it through Dubai after which it can end up in a UK bank account ready to invest in property. To call this money ‘proceeds of crime’ isn’t appropriate as it has not necessarily been derived from criminal activity, in an economy like India where most business done is in unincorporated businesses, meaning unofficial setups, it is not unusual for business to be conducted with hard cash. An example of this is the so called ‘slum’ area in Mumbai called Dharavi, which generates $1bn per annum.

Association’s objectives are: “To act as Nominee or agent or attorney either solely or jointly with others, for any person or persons, partnership, company, corporation, government, state, organisation, sovereign, province, authority, or public body, or any group or association of them….”

The question was asked to Melanie Johnson, Minister for the Treasury, as to why the secrecy, the answer given was “BOEN is a wholly owned subsidiary of BOE, which was granted an exemption by the Minister of State for Trade from the disclosure requirements under Section 27(9) of the Companies Act 1976, because it was considered undesirable that the disclosure requirements should apply to certain categories of shareholders”.

Which is not really an answer, especially for a ‘public’ company.

I guess it’s the same with Public schools, they’re not really public they’re private.

The Bank of England with its Royal Charter Status and Official Secrets Act, has more confidentiality and security than the MoD and shockingly is even immune from questions being asked in the House of Commons. So why form a wholly owned ‘NOMINEE’ Company which in 23 years HAS NEVER TRADED and only lodges ‘Short Form’ un-audited accounts?

It has been alleged that The Bank of England was sometime after 1977 effectively ‘Privatised’, its shares being held in BOEN, thereby making a ‘closed loop’ , i.e. although BOEN is a wholly owned subsidiary of BOE, BOEN has effective control of BOE through the said shares owned by the secret shareholders.

This was further confirmed to me on a recent visit to Bengaluru where I had the privilege of hearing Prof R. Vaidyanathan, a true master. Titles and modern education do not impress me, mostly they generate clones who repeat the same verbiage they have been taught, but this man’s speech was genius, original and witty.

One of his claims was that India will be affected very little by the issues created by the West, because the Indian economy is not based on credit. He estimates more than 40% of the national income is generated by unincorporated or non-corporate entities. Due to this they can save by putting money in the bank but they are unable to borrow.

Th ere is a call for greater tran spare ncy of wh ere t he sou rce o f t he f und s come from.

H owe ve r by the same token it is only fair we g et to know where the mone y the B ank o f Eng lan d prints is c oming from and who control s it.

However to ask such a question is not so easy, on the 6th April 1977 the Bank of England formed the BANK OF ENGLAND NOMINEES LIMITED, (BOEN), a wholly owned subsidiary private limited company, no: 1307478. Its Memorandum & Articles of

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He sho wed throu gh his pre se ntations that the We st likes to make t he problems they create into world problems, in clud in g wars and th e cu rren t f in an cial issue s - t hey have been en ginee re d by the West.

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I got to speak to him afterwards and he confirmed to me the central banks in the West are privately owned and not publicly owned as most people are under the illusion of. He did assure me this is not the case with the Reserve Bank of India.

All of this fuels the case, true wealth should not be measured with how much is held in cash, but instead it should be measured in tangible goods, such as property or gold.

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l Try to get a good quality tenant with a steady, wellpaid job. Not only will they be able to pay the rent on time, but they are more likely to stay for more than a year, reducing the frequency of finding replacement tenants.

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should look at the risk versus return factor. Generally if an investment is high risk it is high return and low risk means low returns. Property is considered low risk, hence the banks will lend you 75%, BUT you can make high returns, if done well.

20

LEGAL VOICE

The much ado behind the Indian Financial Code

The updated draft of the Indian Financial Code made headlines, as it proposed to strip the RBI Governor of his powers. If passed, he will no longer have the authority to veto policy rates.

What is the IFC? The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission was set up in 2011, to re-write the Code to regulate the financial sector and introduce principles for financial regulation and the constitution, objectives, powers and interaction of financial agencies. Its also aimed to bring about coherence and effectivity in the financial regulatory framework.

Headed by Justice BN Srikrishna, the committee submitted its report in two volumes, which included 'Analysis and Recommedation' and 'Draft Law'. The revised draft in twenty parts will strive to regulate financial agencies.

According to the Act, the general direction and management of the financial agencies will be vested in the respective boards; the Financial Authority Board for the Financial

Authority, the Reserve Bank Board for the Reserve Bank, the Redress Agency Board, with respect to the Redress Agency, the Corporation Board for the Corporation; the Council Board for the Council and the Debt Agency Board, with respect to the Debt Agency.

The Code deals with the establishment of financial agencies, establishment and structure of the tribunal, allocation and regulation of financial services.

What's the fuss?

The revised draft of Indian Financial Code by the Finance Ministry, also

proposed that the powerful committee would have four representatives of the government and only three from the central bank, including the 'RBI Chairperson'. The draft which is conceived as a legislation for the financial sector, proposes a monetary policy committee which will be entrusted with the task of deciding the key policy rate and chasing the annual retail inflation target to be decided by the government in consultation with RBI. “Inflation target for each financial year will be determined in terms of the Consumer Price Index by the Central Government in

The most influential women in London

The City A.M. has accumulated a list of the most influential women in the city of London, based on active users of Twitter and their Klout scores. The Klout scores takes into account various metrics from Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, LinkedIn, Instagram, Ruby

McGregor-Smith.

Foursquare and Wikipedia. The list encompasses 64 of the most important women working in the financial hub of London, according to social media. Out of 64, 6 women of Asian ethnicity have made it to the list as well.

Achievement Awards, the Women of the Future Award, and the Global Empowerment Award.

Founder and Spice Magic CEO on networking & cooking.

Pinky Lilani. Listed in the

Rank 57 Power Score 10

drug and alcohol charity WDP. Chief Executive of A4ID, which sources free legal services for organisations fighting poverty.

Janvi Patel. Chairwoman

British Kashmiri Women Council. Business Support Manager in Water Treatment Industry.

Executive Director for Pure Hearts.

Zarina Sabir. Group Chief Accountant, easyJet PLC.

Rank 19 Power Score 54 BBC's 2013 power list of 100 most influential women in the UK. Founder and chair of Asian Women of

Rank 30 Power Score 41 and co-founder of Halebury. An employment

Rank 64 Power Score 2

Scam in operation: Beware

Maria Fernandes

A number of people have been scammed recently using personal details that have come in their possession. How this highly confidential information has come into their hands should be a serious question for the Home Office and their partners to answer.

However many migrants who are in many cases completely legal categories have responded out of fear of having their status curtailed.

Especially as the caller appears to have personal information. They are being asked to post funds to immediately and threatened with removal and deportation. The scam sounds fanciful and it is unimaginable that applicants would fall for this but many have. The details and the manner of extracting the cash varies depending on the vulnerability of the migrant. It is important to report the matter to the police immediately if such a call is made.

The UKVI should be on high alert to deal with the issue of personal information being leaked in this way.

Human rights: the last port of call With the removal of rights of appeal, and the introduction of a wholly

unsuitable system of administrative review, the issue of human rights will assume of greater importance than it has so far. The Home Office have argued that they are not obliged to consider human rights unless there is a specific application in place. The Court of Appeal recently rejected this argument and made it clear that human rights is an obligation that exists regardless of whether there was a specific application made or not. This means that the Home Office must not be allowed to refuse to consider human rights in any case. It is also worth remembering that where there are human rights arguments, applicants should lodge an appeal in the Tribunal regardless of what the notice states. A hearing before a Tribunal is far superior to an Administrative Review. If in doubt, a suggestion that is worth considering is both exercising a right of appeal in a Tribunal and applying for an Administrative Review.

The law in this area is developing and because rights of appeal are so restricted, human rights assume greater importance than ever.

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

Rana Nazir. Founder of

Rank 18 Power Score 55

Rank 43 Power Score 26

Facebook to raise free mobile internet service

lawyer by background.

Entrepreneur and blogger.

Yasmin Batliwala. Chair of

Chief Executive of Mitie Group PLC. Senior Independent Director of PageGroup PLC. Trustee of Business in the Community.

NonExecutive Director of the Department for Culture Media and Sport. Chair of CBI, the Public Services Strategy Board.

consultation with the Reserve Bank every three years,” said the draft. It further said the RBI “must constitute a Monetary Policy Committee to determine by majority vote on the Policy Rate required to achieve the inflation target.”

“In exceptional and unusual circumstances, if the RBI Chairperson disagrees with a decision taken at a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, the RBI Chairperson will have the right to supersede such decision.” In view of the uproar created by the Code, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government will take a view on the draft Indian Financial Code, which proposes to dilute powers of the RBI chief, only after receiving comments from stakeholders.

“FSLRC has made its recommendations, which have been made public for comments. After the comments are received, it is only then that the government will take a view,” he told reporters. The draft talks of 'RBI Chairperson' and not 'RBI Governor'.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Facebook Inc plans to scale up its service to offer free basic Internet on mobile phones. In a blog post released to mark the first year of the initiative, the social media forum said it will open a portal allowing any mobile operator to offer the service under its Internet.org platform. It currently partners with specific operators to launch the service in different countries.

Internet.org has brought over 9 million people online over the past year, as informed by Chris Daniels, vice president of product for Internet.org to the media.

Facebook developed the platform with six technology partners to bring an estimated 4.5 billion unconnected people online, mainly in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

It offers pared-down web services for free to users, along with access to Facebook’s own social network and messaging services.

Pipavav Defence Co signs venture with Russian ship repair giant Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Co Ltd has signed an agreement with Russian ship repair giant JSV Ship Repairing Centre Zvyozdochka. Pipavav will hold 51 per cent stake in the venture which is created for medium refits and life certification of 877 EKM submarines in India.

The indicative value of the work proposed to be undertaken by the joint venture is approximately Rs 11,000 crore.

“This will also mark the first time the work for refit of submarines is being considered for the private sector in India. The skills and experience developed by the joint venture will position PDOC favourably for undertaking similar work for large submarine forces of similar class deployed by countries such as Algeria, Vietnam and Iran, with potential additional revenues of approxi-

mately Rs. 20,000 crore,” said a company statement.

As per the terms of the agreement, Zvyozdochka will provide with complete technical assistance and support to the project, including enhancement of the infrastructure at the Pipavav Defence facilities and training the engineers.

JSC is one of the biggest companies of Russia and repairs and upgrades warships and submarines of the Russian Navy. So far, it has refurbished more than 120 submarines and 90 warships.

The company conducted an extensive survey of all the shipyards in India before it signed on with Pipavav.

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Lowest borrowing since June 2008 Currency Specialists.

Last week we saw the Bank of England’s policy vote with all nine Bank of England policymakers voting to hold interest rates at 0.5% in July. There was however signs some Monetary Policy Committee members are edging closer to backing a rate rise. The turmoil around the Greece debt talks is playing a key factor in voting to hold rates. Economists said three of the MPC's nine members might vote for a rate hike in August, getting the ball rolling for a majority to back an increase later this year or in early 2016. Overall it is suggested that a hike may come around towards the end of the year UK government borrowing fell to £9.4bn in June, down £0.8bn from a year earlier, as income and corporation tax receipts rose to record levels.

Income tax receipts rose to £11.5bn, while corporation tax brought in £1.7bn, both record monthly highs.

It was lowest borrowing figure for June since 2008, However, analysts had been expecting it to drop further to £8.5bn.In the financial year so far, borrowing has fallen by £6.1bn to £25.1bn.

Public sector net debt at the end of June 2015 was £1.513 trillion, or 81.5% of annual UK economic output, up from 80.8% in May.

Also in the UK it was reported, House prices are rising rapidly in the north east of England and falling fast in Kensington and Chelsea, according to property website Rightmove, in a remarkable reversal of the trend over the past decade. In the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the average asking price for a property fell by more than £178,000 to £2.29m during July, a decline of 7.2%. But in the northeast, prices rose by 2.1% over the month, to £147,251. The region recorded the biggest rise in asking prices of any part of the UK. In the US Figures showed that U.S. existing home sales hit the highest level since 2007 in June added to expectations for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in the coming months.

The National Association of Realtors reported that U.S existing home sales increased by 3.2% to 5.49 million units last month from 5.32 million in May. Home sales were expected to rise 1.2% to 5.40 million units in June.

A top Fed official told reporters there is a better than 50 percent chance that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in September. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard stated that the Fed should get ahead of the curve, as inflation will rise

and labour market slack will end.

U.S. consumer prices rose for a fifth straight month in June as the cost of gasoline and a range of other goods increased, further signs of firming inflation that strengthen the case for an interest rate hike this year.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3 percent last month after increasing 0.4 percent in May. Last month's increase pushed the year-on-year CPI rate into positive territory for the first time since December. The energy-driven disinflationary trend appears to have run its course, with producer prices rising in June for a second straight month.

In Europe, The euro remained vulnerable as the Greek parliament was set to vote on a second set of reforms needed to secure the country's bailout deal. The European Central Bank (ECB) is said to have increased its cash lifeline to Greek banks by €900m (£630m) just hours before the vote started. The ECB has reportedly offered more help to Greece's struggling banks through Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA). If lawmakers agree to the financial reforms, Greece will be able to press ahead with negotiations for an €86 billion bailout from its creditors. Greece's next major deadline is August 20,

when it must pay €3.2 billion owed to the European Central Bank, followed by a payment of €1.5 billion to the International Monetary Fund in September.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that Greece has cleared overdue debt repayments of €2.05bn (£1.4bn) and is no longer in arrears.

Greece reopened its banks and ordered billions of euros owed to international creditors to be repaid in the first signs of a return to a normal way of life.

Increases in value added tax agreed under the bailout terms also took effect, with VAT on processed food and public transport jumping to 23 percent from 13 percent.

However stock market remained closed until further notice. Limits on withdrawals will remain at 420 euros per week instead of 60 euros per day as well as payments and wire transfers abroad will still not be possible. Greece initiated a payment of 4.2 billion euros in principal and interest to the European Central Bank due on Monday after European authorities agreed last week to provide emergency funding assistance. It is also paid 2.05 billion euros to the International Monetary Fund in arrears since June 30.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 28th July 2015 @ 2pm

GBP - INR = 99.69

USD - INR = 63.94 EUR - INR = 70.77 GBP - USD = 1.56 GBP - EUR = 1.41

EUR - USD = 1.11 GBP - AED = 5.73

GBP - CAD = 2.03

GBP - NZD = 2.34

GBP - AUD = 2.13

GBP - ZAR = 19.56

GBP - HUF = 436.21

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WORLD

22

First Kenyan-American President Barack Obama opens new business prospects in Kenya

Saif Gaddafi sentenced to death

Tripoli: A Libyan court has sentenced Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, and eight others, to death for war crimes including the killings conducted during the 2011 revolution. The former Gaddafi regime officials sentenced to die by firing squad included former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi and exprime minister Baghdadi alMahmoudi.

Sadiq al-Sur, chief investigator at the Tripoli state prosecutor's office said, 8 exofficials received life sentences and 7 jail terms of 12 years each. 4 of the 37 defendants were acquitted, others got shorter jail terms.

The verdict on Saif was passed in absentia in Tripoli since he is held since 2011 by a former rebel group in the mountainous Zintan region beyond central government control. Saif appeared by video link only at the start of the trial.

The Zintanis refused to hand him over, but agreed to let him be tried there.

Priyanka Srivastava

grandmother Sarah and half-sister Auma.

President Obama evoked hope amongst the youth suggesting how the country had “all the potentials.” His advice to the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was to deal with corruption. This may not be unique to the Kenya, he said, but it was a sensitive issue which was “weighing down the country” and preventing the country from achieving what it could.

Kenya has been home to a large number British Indian population. Even now large number of Indians residing in Kenya are playing a pivotal role in the countries economic growth. Thus, all eyes were set on Obama's promises made in the country

US President Barack Obama, the first KenyanAmerican President was proud to visit the country, from where his father hailed. Obama not only made contact with his extended family but his visit was also seen as a welcome sign for the local entrepreneurs, businessmen, hotelier, tour operators and beach traders. The businessmen were particularly excited about the avenues set to be opened by the President at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Obama raised concerns about endemic corruption holding back the economic growth of Kenya, where his father was born. President was greeted by his paternal step

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regarding local business growth and investment policies between America and Kenya. Mr Obama urged the audience to adhere to the famous Kenyan concept of 'Harambee', which meant 'pulling together' and also assured the country to remain its 'close partner.'

Obama also pointed at the menaces such as wife-beating, female genital mutilation and lack of education for girl child, followed by African societies which has acting as a hindrance in its progress. Mr Obama also promised US help in tackling Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab. During his visit to Ethiopia, the US president praised Ethiopia as an outstanding partner in the fight against militant Islamists.

I could win: Obama

Addis Ababa: Barack Obama asserted that he could win a third time if he contested, but looks forward to spending time with his family, out of the public eye. “I actually think I’m a pretty good president,” Mr. Obama said in a speech at the African Union. “I think if I ran, I could win. There’s a lot that I’d like to do to keep America moving.

But the law is the law,” he said, “and no person is above the law, not even the president.”

Discussing the benefits of leaving the White House, the President said, “I’ll be honest with you, I’m looking forward to life after being president. I won’t have such a big security detail all the time. It means I can go take a walk. I can spend time with my family. I can find other ways to serve. I can visit Africa more often.” The question of serving as President for more than eight years came as Obama used an address to the African Union, the first by an American president, to call on nations in Africa to expand democracy, protect freedom of speech and press, and empower girls and women.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

In Brief

Booker opens doors for Indian regional writers

London: Indian regional language authors will now be able to be in contention for the most coveted literary prize, the Man Booker International Prize as new rules to come in effect from 2016 will help Indian novelists write both in English and in their mother tongues to win the award. Prize Administrator Fiammetta Rocco said, “The changed rules will certainly help Indian regional language writers, both of novels and of short stories, so long as these are published in Britain. More and more small publishers are bringing out fiction in translation here. We hope the prize will encourage publishers to be even bolder about what they bring out in translation. And if we succeed, I certainly Indian novelists, writing both in English and in their mother tongues, such as Kannada and Bengali. The future looks very bright for Indian fiction.”

Pak SC suspends first female execution

Lahore: Pakistan Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the death sentence of Christian woman accused of blasphemy. The case went global after the murder of two politicians who tried to intervene on her behalf. Asia Bibi, a farm worker and mother of four, became the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law in 2010. The Supreme Court will soon begin hearing an appeal against her conviction, said lawyer Saif-ul-Malook. “The execution of Asia Bibi has been suspended and will remain suspended until the decision of this appeal,” Malook said. governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was shot dead by a bodyguard in 2011 after he sought a presidential pardon for Bibi. The judge who later sentenced Taseer's killer had to flee the country.

Lenin statue to make a come back in Berlin

Berlin: The long forgotten giant head of political figure Lenin will be brought back to the German capital quarter of a century after the iconic fall of the Berlin Wall. The Soviet leader will gaze again on the people after the 3.5 ton piece is resurrected from its current grave. The goateed head of Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, is to be unearthed, trucked across Berlin and displayed in a lineup of historical sculptures marking the end of an odyssey that started in the Cold War. “Lenin was always set to be part of the exhibition because it’s a special statue, given its size alone,” said Andrea Theissen, curator of the Citadel Spandau hosting the exhibition from September. It was designed by Nikolai Tomsky, then president of the Soviet Academy of Arts.

Bangladeshi surfer girl destroys religious taboos

Cox's Bazar: 18 year old Nasima Akter has become an unlikely hero amongst surfers as she found an unnatural talent for the sport. Akter dominates the competition boards of Bangladesh’s newest sport, consistently beating her male rivals.

“She drew other girls that might have been afraid of what the community would say,” said Jaimal Yogis, an American journalist who met Akter four years ago. “She gave them the courage to go out there and do something that they loved, and that empowers them.” After he wrote a story on her for a travel magazine, next came a documentary to bring her story on the big screen. “She had a brightness but at the same time she had grit, and that’s why we ended up calling the film The Most Fearless,” said Yogis. “We just thought, what’s it like to have all these rumours spread about you just because you’re doing something you love?”

China to tackle demographic issues

Shanghai: Chinese couples will be allowed to have more than one kid, in six months, as issues of shrinking labour force and ageing population hovers the country. The decades old policy that restricted many Chinese families from bearing more than one child will soon be relaxed. A government official said the law could be implemented as soon as the end of the year if everything goes well. The One Child Policy was introduced in 1979 by Deng Xiao, owing to the rapid growth in population, and accounts for numerous forced abortions and mandatory sterilisations in the past three decades.

Experts have called for further relaxation of the policy to address looming demographic concerns, including a rapid decline in the size of the labour force, a rising ageing populations and severe imbalances in the sex ratio.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

In Brief

221 Baker Street belongs to notorious Kazakh Bizman

London: An investigation into the land and property dealings have suggested that the famous 221B Baker Street building, which is synonymous to the literary detective Sherlock Holmes is linked to notorious Kazakh businessman Rakhat Aliyev and his family. The son in law of Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev was found hanged in an Austrian jail cell, earlier this year, where he was held on murder charges. Chido Dunn, campaigner of Global Witness who carried out the investigations to find the link, said, “We have found numerous alarm bells and red flags linking these properties to Rakhat and the Kazakh 'ruling family', yet we still cannot say for certain who the real owner is.”

Animals to get first class treatment in JFK

New York: The Big Apple's JFK airport will now let pets travel into and out, in style with their very own airport terminal. 'The Ark', which will open next year, is a $ 48 million project which will build a 178,000 square foot facility that will care for animals passing through the airport. From cats to dogs to horses, cows, pigs, sheep and even penguins. The aim is to make the quarantine period for the animals more comfortable.

The terminal will offer a luxury facility, Paradise 4 Paws, which includes bone shaped pools, flat screen televisions, massage therapy, and more pampering services, and web cams for owners to monitor their pets.

Tigers in Bangladesh Sundarbans under threat

Dhaka: Recent census show only 100 tigers remain in Bangladesh’s famed Sundarbans forest, far fewer of the endangered animals than previously thought. The governmental tiger census carried out in 2004 with the pug mark method estimated 440 tigers in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans. “This is the first ever effort to quantify tiger abundance in Bangladesh Sundarbans based on a robust scientific protocol using camera traps and double sampling approach,” the report said. Tapan Kumar Dey, the government’s wildlife conservator, said analysis of camera footage from the year-long survey that ended in April found numbers ranged between 83 and 130, giving an average of 106. “So plus or minus we have around 106 tigers in our parts of the Sundarbans. It’s a more accurate figure,” Dey said.

Jihadi John flees the IS

London: Mohammed Emwazi popularly known as Jihadi John has reportedly fled the terror network and is on the run in Syria, fearing his own life. The Islamic State’s burly masked executioner who is behind some of the most horrific beheadings is believed to have left the terror group several weeks ago and is trying to head to North Africa. Emwazi, from London, is said to have been terrified by the publicity he received after he was identified as the murderer of British and American hostages and now fears being hunted down

by British and U.S. special forces in Iraq and Syria, a report said.

Gunmen kill US embassy employee in Pakistan

Islamabad: Reports say attackers have gunned down a US local in Islamabad early in the morning at his home. The police has identified the deceased as Iqbal Baig, and said he worked for the US Drug Enforcement Agency. The embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Pakistani officer Khalid Awan said US security officials visited the crime scene.

Baig belonged to a minority Muslim Shia sect known as the Ismaili. The community largely live in peace in Sunni dominated Pakistan where Islamic extremists view Shiites as heretics. Gunmen recently shot and killed 50 Ismailis in the southern city of Karachi.

Cecil the Lion killed by American

Harare: The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force has named the person responsible for the death of Zimbabqwe's beloved Cecil, the Lion, and identified him as tourist Walter Palmer from Minnesota , who shot the animal with a crossbow and rifle. Cecil was later skinned and beheaded, the ZCTF said. Two Zimbabwean men who were involved face poaching charges because the group did not have a hunting permit. The men, a professional hunter and a farm owner, face up to 15 years in prison in Zimbabwe if found guilty. It is unclear whether Mr Palmer has already returned to the US but police confirmed that he could also face poaching charges. “We arrested two people and now we are looking for Palmer in connection with the same case,” police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told the media.

China conducts air and sea drills

Beijing: China revealed it conducted air and sea drills in the South China Sea as it increasingly asserts claim on virtually the whole sea despite rival claims by neighbours. The live-ammunition drills involved more than 100 ships, dozens of aircraft, information warfare units as well as the nuclear force, the statebacked China Military Online said in a report posted on the defense ministry's website. It did not specify where exactly the exercises took place.

The latest exercises focused on integrating information warfare systems with air and naval forces, as well as testing the combat effectiveness of new weapons and equipment, as per China Military Online. The military achieved “new breakthroughs” in several areas

Keith Vaz asks to return Kohinoor to India

London: In response to Shashi Tharoor's recent speech at the Oxford Union, asking for Britain to pay reparations for ruining India for 200 years, UK MP Keith Vaz called for the famous Kohinoor diamond to be returned to India during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in November. “I welcome Dr Tharoor's speech and the endorsement of its message by Prime Minister Modi. I share their views.

These are genuine grievances which must be addressed. Pursuing monetary reparations is complex, time consuming and potentially fruitless, but there is no excuse for not returning precious items such as the Kohinoor diamond, a campaign I have backed for many years,” said Vaz, the longest serving British MP of Asian descent. Modi is due to visit the UK in november as Prime Minister David Cameron has gone the extra step to maintain bilateral relations.

including engaging highspeed low-altitude targets, anti-submarine warfare and intercepting supersonic anti-ship missiles with surface warships, it added.

The drills used “all sorts of information technology tactics” to create

simulated reconnaissance, surveillance, and early warning systems to detect air and sea targets in real time, it said, and the exercises were conducted in “a complex electromagnetic environment” involving many types of missiles,

WORLD

torpedoes, shells and bombs, it said.

China claims most of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in shipborne trade passes every year,rejecting the rival claims of Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Eventhough the United States has called on claimants to settle differences through talks and has said its Pacific Fleet aims to protect sea lanes critical to US trade with Southeast Asia and the oil-rich Middle East, the Asian country culls US involvement in the dispute.

Its more assertive approach recently, which includes land reclamation and construction on disputed reefs, has raised global tension.

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7.0 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia

Papua: A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck remote eastern Indonesia, damaging several buildings and leaving a teenage boy missing, after he fell into a river. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit the mountainous area of Papua in the early hours, almost 250 kilometres west of the province’s capital Jayapura at a depth of 52 kilometres. Disaster Agency spokesman, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that the quake was felt ‘very strongly’ for four seconds and prompted residents to panic and rush out of their homes. He further said that rescuers were still trying to reach the area closest to the epicentre in Memberamo district, which could take several hours. Both Indonesian authorities and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre cleared speculations as they assured that there was no threat of any tsunami waves from the temblor.

The country falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide and cause frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

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INDIA

KCR presses for Palamuru Irrigation project

Hyderabad: In a review meeting held in the city, chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao took matters into hand as he directed officials of the Irrigation Department to execute the irrigation projects fast, unlike works done in the past. He asked them to invite bids for the first phase of the Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation project without any delays.

The chief minister also instructed the authorities to estimate the number of motors required for lifting water in different stages of

Hyderabad: Competition between ‘brotherly’ states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has now taken a religious overtone, after bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh retained its famous pilgrimage of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala, the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam and Sri Kalahasthi temple in Chittoor. Telangana, on the other hand, separated with its share of temples, but none that attracts the pull closely resembling the three.

Predictably Telangana chief minister Chandrashekhar Rao’s next move was to ‘right the wrong’ by building the state’s own Tirumala, in the shape of Yadagirigutta, or a temple for Sri Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy.

After the chief minister announced his plans to develop it along the lines

the project and suggested giving the project works to different agencies by dividing the total work into five to six packages.

He mentioned that land acquisition for the project should not be a problem since the government was ready to pay market price to the lands to be acquired and good compensation to those who would be displaced from their habitations. The government has already released Rs. 300 crore for the purpose and kept the amount at the disposal of Mahabubnagar district Collector. Stating that the government was committed to provide employment to one member of every displaced family, the Chief

Minister noted that about 15,000 jobs would be given that way. Most of such candidates would be involved in the project works based on their qualifications and the rest would be accommodated in other departments.

Rao has also finalised the list of Ministers and legislators who would be given the responsibility to ensure speedy acquisition of land and re-settlement of the displaced people.

Along with Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, he would personally supervise the project works regularly.

of Tirumala, the number of visitors increased, touching 50,000.

As against Rs 66.58cr the temple earned in 2013-14, the income rose to Rs 73.31cr in 2014-15.

Yadagirigutta is situated 50 km from Hyderabad and is well connected by rail and road. But the number of pilgrims borders at a mere 20,000 or 25,000, on auspicious days, unlike Tirumala where the count is up to a lakh per day. The authorities, after renaming it Yadadri, created the Yadagirigutta Temple Development Authority to oversee the construction of a re-imagined complex creating a ‘perfect pilgrimage’ spread over nearly 2,000 acres at the Yadadri foothills. The government has set aside Rs 200 crore for the project so far, and Rs 100 crore has been promised every year.

Sabarimala: A state appointed six-member village-level committee has excluded the sacred grove of Sabarimala and Pampa in scope with the Ecologically Sensitive Area, considering its importance as a pilgrim centre. The committee was appointed to prepare a number-wise list of ESAs in Perinad village that houses Sabarimala. Village level committees were appointed in all 119 villages across the region that comes under the ESA identified by the Kasturirangan Committee for the conservation of Western Ghats.

The village level committee, chaired by Perinad grama panchayat president V.N. Sudhakaran, has submitted its report to the Director of Survey on Saturday, that has marked Sabarimala as a ‘pilgrimage zone.’ Sudhakaran opined that including

Sabarimala in ESA will freeze all pilgrim-amenity work as part of the Sabarimala master plan at Sabarimala, Pampa, and Nilackal.

Sabarimala forests do not come under any survey number and hence the committee has earmarked it as ‘unsurveyed.’ Forests as well as occupied forest land do not have any survey number.

The State government has also appointed a threemember panel chaired by Oommen V. Oommen to study the impact of the report on Western Ghats prepared by the high-level working group chaired by K. Kasturirangan.

Amritsar: The Bihar police that had booked Amritsar Deputy Commissioner of Police Parampal Singh for allegedly obtaining a fake graduation degree two decades back, has returned the case for the Punjab police headquarters to look into as the records of the senior police officer lie with them.

Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh said he was yet to receive an official communication from the Bihar government. “It is for the Punjab Police headquarters to look into the case as the records of DSP-rank and above officers are with the headquarters. I can’t say much.”

Bihar Police had booked the DCP on the complaint of a Ludhiana police inspector, Anil Kumar Bhanot. However, the DCP claimed that the Patna high court in 2014 had given a stay order in the case, and he would

challenge the present FIR and move an application for quashing it. Bhanot, on the contrary, said the FIR was registered on the basis of information obtained from various institutions, including Magadh University, and that the Bihar Police must do justice.

He said, “When the Magadh University V-C last month said that the degree was fake, he had said it after a detailed probe by a committee formed by the university.

The committee had submitted its report to the Bihar State Information Commission. But as the university or any other official did not file a complaint to the police, I had to do that.” Retaliating to the allegations, Parampal spoke out. “What can I say if the university is changing its stance now? I was suspended in 2011 but even then the Punjab government in its reply to the court had held my degree genuine.”

Telangana to make its Panel argues Sabarimala’s exclusion from ESA own place of pilgrimage

Arvind Kejriwal sets eyes on Punjab

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party is all set to make contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections after finding its place in the agrarian state of Punjab. With the abundance of NRIs from the region, a team of AAP members will soon fly to Canada to woo the Punjabi diaspora. AAP leaders said political parties are already trying to gain support from the emigrants as they will play a major role in the 2017 Assembly Polls.

Delegations of Akalis led by Ministers, are touring countries with a considerable number of Punjabis. “The popularity of the AAP in Punjab is huge, more than Delhi.

Even leaders from various political parties are keen to join the party,” said an AAP leader.

The party conducted a survey which showed alarming corruption and agrarian crisis as the two main issues of the state.

With the AAP paying

maximum compensation to farmers in Delhi, Rs 20,000 per acre and Rs 50,000 per hectare, the party has good chances of gaining influence in Punjab.

“Farmers in Punjab are looking up to the party as they are hopeful that their financial woes will be taken care of and compensated well in case of a crisis,” said the AAP leader.

The Kejriwal led party refuted all reports indicating internal conflict in the AAP and of the pary forming an alliance with Manpreet Badal led People's Party of Punjab.

An AAP leader strongly affirmed that the party was going strnog and people are fed up with 'family' politics.

Booked ACP returned to Punjab for further action

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South Brief

Jayalalithaa seeks Prime Minister’s intervention

Chennai: Perceiving a possible loss of 1450 MW of power Tamil Nadu would incur in the event of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation workers going on a strike, chief Minister Jayalalithaa sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to put a stop on the protest. Workers from recognised unions were on an indefinite strike seeking an early and satisfactory wage revision settlement. Amma wrote a letter to Mode, noting that the NLC was one of the main power sources for the state and procures 1450 MW. She urged that as the NLC was a profit-making public sector undertaking, the Prime Minister should instruct the Coal Ministry to immediately look into the workers' grievances and settle the issue amicably. The issue had to be resolved at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted power supply and in the interest of the industrial climate of the State, she said.

TDP demands special status in Andhra

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Y. Satyanarayana quoted with the media that TDP MPs would press for a special category status for Andhra Pradesh and industrial incentives as promised in the AP State Reorganisation Act. He said an assurance on special category status for AP was given by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the floor of Parliament and it would have to be implemented. He said the government should also fulfil its assurances on providing industrial incentives to Andhra Pradesh as was being given to Himachal Pradesh and other states. “Andhra Pradesh is suffering because of the delay in the announcement of the industrial incentives.” Led by C.M. Ramesh and J.C. Diwakar Reddy, TDP MPs staged a demonstration at Parliament urging the Central Government to fulfil assurances given to Andhra Pradesh in the AP State Reorganisation Act including special category status.

North Brief

HUDA to register public complaints at their door

Gurgaon: HUDA Administrator Anita Yadav has announced that water, road, sewerage and parks related complaints would be redressed at their door step by the Executive Engineers concerned. She has directed all Executive Engineers to hold meetings with the RWAs of their area on a fortnightly basis to redress their grievances and has further directed that monthly reports by the engineers be submitted to their Superintending Engineer who will then submit it to her. All the officers of the engineering wing are to strictly follow these instructions in order to solve the problems of residents at their door step so they need not have to run from pillar to post to get their grievances heard. Yadav said that most of the problems are related to drinking water, condition of roads, sewerage and parks which are related to the engineering wing.

Fair priced shops demand commission for Act

Chandigarh: Fair price shop owners in Punjab have stopped the distribution of subsidised food grain under the National Food Security Act, demanding commission for the provision. “We have stopped distributing subsidised food grain to beneficiaries as the state government is not paying any commission to us,” president of Punjab Depot Holders Union, Gurjinder Singh Sandhu said. “By not paying our dues, the state government is forcing us to engage in black marketing.”

Government working to develop Punjab overall

Amritsar: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal recently said the SAD-BJP alliance government in the state was sincerely working to ensure overall development and growth in every nook and corner of the state without any prejudice or regional disparity. He said he had devoted his entire life to serve the state with the sole aim of ensuring its overall development and prosperity of its people and similarly, concerted efforts were being made by the state government to ensure holistic development to the region. “Allegations regarding special treatment were totally baseless as we have already embarked a special scheme to ensure that every town of the state was equipped with state-of-the-art basic amenities to give facelift to the state,” he added.

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RK Pachauri shown the door, Mathur steps in

Well known climate scientist Dr Rajendra Pachauri has been removed as the director general of The Energy and Resources Institute, following charges of sexual harassment against him.

The former head of a United Nations panel on climate change, was accused of assault and criminal intimidation by a female research analyst at the organisation. An internal complaint committee at the institute later found that Pachauri was involved in harassing the employee, and recommended action against him.

The think tank has now replaced him with Ajay Mathur, the current director general of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. “The decision to appoint Dr Ajay Mathur is… the culmination of an extensive search process and an intensive evaluation of candidates from across the globe. The governing council is cer-

Dr Rajendra Pachauri

tain that the 1,200 persons working for TERI in different parts of the world would welcome this development and extend all their support towards a smooth transition,” said the press release.

Pachauri went on leave from TERI after the sexual harassment charge became public in February. Recently, a Delhi court that had restrained him from attending office allowed him to visit TERI premises other than the headquarters and the office in Gurgaon where the alleged victim is currently posted.

Unhappy with the verdict, the alleged victim said the governing council had not addressed her complaint. “They have made it look like it is a routine change of guard.

There is no mention of my case. And we do not know whether Pachauri will go immediately or continue for a few more months,” she said.

Omar blames PDP for rising militant youths

President of National Conference party, Omar Abdullah, during a membership drive in South Kashmir where more than 30 boys have joined militancy, pointed out that the tie up between the PDP and the BJP could be a reason why youth are again joining militants.

“There are reports that young and educated youth are joining militancy and this is a dangerous trend.

And the responsibility on the large is on the present government, they should not hide things,’’ he said.

As per figures given by the police, 33 youths joined militant groups in the Valley in the last six months. Omar recalled that when his father Farooq Abdullah and then Congress president Rajiv Gandhi joined hands, the youth took up the arms against the state. “Again we are passing through the same situation. This time also pact has taken place between two parties with different ideologies.”

Abdullah said the boys who raise flags can’t show their anger by any other method. “By putting these flags up they want to tell people that none of us are bothered about them.’’ He said that they have to look

INDIA - WORLD

Patidars demand reservation; launch statewide protest

One of the underlying issues of the country that erupt from time to time is the incessant hassle cast over by the statutes of reservation.

This time, the Patidar community of Gujarat, both Leuva and Kadva have voiced their need for reservation under the Other Backward Caste category.

More than 10,000 Patidars from Mansa district launched a rally in the state capital, earlier last month. Local BJP leader Mahesh Patel siod, “Patidars from 38 villages and Mansa town took part in the rally and submitted charter of demands to the Mansa Mamlatdar.” He justified the demand saying, “We need OBC status so that our children can get reservation in education and jobs. All Patidars are not well off. Many do not get benefits from the government. In coming days we will take up the issue on a bigger scale.”

The issue quickly escalated as their next rally in Visnagar district took a turn for the worse and violence ensued. The

of the Patidar community's aggressive demand for reservation was felt in Gandhinagar. BJP party president RC Faldu and general secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya held a meeting with top BJP leaders of north Gujarat at party headquarters in Kamalam. “I have not yet come across a resignation by a BJP leader,” Faldu said. “We had a meeting to discuss the party's ongoing Mahasampark Abhiyaan and issues related to upcoming local body elections. We have not discussed the Patidar's OBC reservation demand.” Key BJP office-bearers claim that there was no mention of the quota demand at the meeting.

Unfazed by the government's strong stand against the demand, leaders of the Patel community announced that they will organise public rallies in major districts of Gujarat to demand Other Backward Class (OBC) status and benefits of reservation under it in government jobs. Hardik Patel, member of the

Patidar Anamat Samit, gave an ultimatum to Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel saying, “The Patel community remained deprived of its rights since four decades and neither the BJP nor the Congress improved our condition.”

“Despite our representations to mamlatdars of various talukas, they did not consider our demands. We are giving an ultimatum to fulfil our demands before the 2017 assembly elections.

Otherwise they will make a promise to fulfil it and then put our demand on the backburner after the election.

In other states including Uttar Pradesh, Patels get reservation as OBCs. If the Chief Minister will not listen to us, then we will say that even she failed to satisfy our demands,” Patel said.

“Massive public rallies will be organised in places like Himmatnagar on August 3, in Gandhinagar on August 3, in Rajkot on August 5 in Vadodara on August 13 and in Surat on August 18.”

over the dossier to Indian counterpart, ajit doval.

The report would include

evidences of alleged Indian involvement “in sponsoring and promoting terrorism” in Karachi as well as Baluchistan.

“The ministry after completion of its work will forward the document to foreign affairs ministry for its inputs,” the source reported with an Indian paper. “The record to be shared with New Delhi will include proof of R & AW's involvement in sowing seeds of separatism in

Baluchistan. R & AW provides logistics, travel facilities and platforms to separatist Baluch elements.”

“The evidences shared with India include a copy of Indian passport issued to exiled Baluch separatist leader Brahamdagh Bugti.”

Both the countries decided to hold NSA level talks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Nawaz Sharif, in Russia recently.

Swami Tejomayananda Coimbatore, Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development (CORD) – an initative that serves 600 Indian villages and benefits almost 400,000 people in India, the 80 schools and 7 colleges managed by the CCMT Education Cell, not to mention the worldclass Chinmaya Mission hospital in Bangalore.

More recently, he conceived the unique and path breaking television series “Upanishad Ganga” which has been telecast on Doordarshan.

Guruji manages all this with immense discipline and astute attention. His time management skills are exemplary and his peo-

ple management skills are even more admirable.

Fluent in Hindi, Marathi, English, and Sanskrit, he has also translated into Hindi Swami Chinmayananda's English commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. His book 'Hindu Culture: An Introduction' has been adopted as an academic text by international schools.

A composer and self taught musician with a deep love of music, Guruji set up a residential learning institution for Indian Performing Arts in 2009, called Chinmaya Naada Bindu.

What stands out about Guruji is that he is a true role model for how to be a bhakta, a true devotee of the Lord, and how to love the Guru. His commitment to expanding the vision of Gurudev is total and complete. In the spirit of sticking to the essentials, Guruji has a unique

ability to distill even the most complex of concepts into tangible, bite-size chunks, that help seekers bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application. The hallmarks of his talks are simplicity, clarity and profundity, sprinkled with wit and wisdom. Guruji has a deeply insightful, and immensely clear, understanding of human nature and the inner, subtle workings of the human mind.

Pujya Guruji's charisma and easy style of discourse make it a pleasure to listen to him. His gentle manner, devotional heart, intellectual clarity, and open availability have earned him intergenerational appeal and endeared him to millions across the globe.

Swami Tejomayananda will be visiting London from 5th- 9th August 2015. For more details, please see the Chinmaya Mission advert on page 9.

state government attempted to push down the agitation for OBC status and reservation, as Mehsana police cancelled the permission for a Patel rally to take place by the end of July. Manoj Patel, a district youth BJP president and convenor of the IT cell said the government had also declined permission for rallies planned in other places in north Gujarat, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad.

“Permission has been denied by the state government for other rallies planned through July and August but we will go ahead with our plans,” he said. He resigned from the BJP following the arrest of top leaders of the Samast Patidar Anamat Vanchit Samiti that had organized the bloodied rally. “We will not bow before any political pressure. On July 28, more than 25,000 Patidar youth will gather and resign from the BJP. We are being pressurized to withdraw our demands but we are firm on our stand.”

A strong undercurrent

Pak to prove India's role in Peshawar attack

Pakistan government is currently working on a dossier to handover to India, and is gathering evidences from different departments and agencies.

Sources say they will include proof of alleged Indian involvement in the Taliban attack on the Peshawar school in 2014, which killed 152 people, mostly students.

A Pakistani official said National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz would hand

Sartaj Aziz

Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji

Omar Abdullah

at the things that are agitatng the youth. “You have to start taking measures that are essential to get these boys back into the national mainstream,’’ he said, adding that so many things can be done for these boys.

In response to Abdullah's statements, J&K state government spokesperson and Education Minister, Naem Akthar said the number of youth joining militancy was more last year. “We have no competition with Omar Abdullah. He still holds the record. It is because of the alienation in youth created during last six years during Omar’s tenure that left state bankrupt. During his tenure he would say that the resentment is against the government of India not against him.’’

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Swami Tejomayananda was pursuing his Master's degree in Physics in his early 20s, when he happened to hear Swami Chinmayananda speak in Bhopal. It was enough to start him on a journey of self discovery and months later he made the decision to dedicate his life in the service of society through the Chinmaya Mission.

Today, as the Global Head of the Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Guruji - as he is fondly known – oversees the work of over 300 centres worldwide, spanning 25 countries. He tirelessly travels the world, driven by his mission to strengthen, actualise and fortify the vision of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Progressive in thinking and precise in decisionmaking, he has inspired and executed many notable, innovative projects, including the Chinmaya International Residential School in

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INDIA

Terror attack in Gurdaspur, country on high alert

In a first major terror attack in eight years, heavily armed men spread bullets at Punjab’s Gurdaspur police station leaving at least seven people dead, including two Punjab police personnel and several injured. One of the four suspected terrorists was eliminated in the retaliatory action by security forces. The attack also costed the life of Superintendent Baljit Singh.

Police reported the attackers first targeted a roadside eatery and took off in a white Maruti 800 with Punjab registration number. They shot dead a roadside vendor near Dinanagar bypass. They opened fire on passengers of a moving Punjab roadways bus before targeting a community health centre adjacent to Dinanagar police station. The gunmen barged into the Dinanagar police station and opened indiscriminate fire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an immediate high-level meeting with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and other senior government functionaries to assess the situation. Union Minister Rajnath Singh has offered his assistance to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. He said in a statement, “Some terrorists have entered a police sta-

Continued from page 1

Sarangpur in Gujarat on June 20. It was the last of Kalam's 15 books.Dr Kalam co-wrote the book with Prof Arun Tiwari which tells of the exchange of ideas. “I made a promise to Pramukh Swami that I would write a book on his great spiritual life. TodayI have fulfilled my promise,” he had said.It was a friendship that both cherished even as they didn't know each other's language. In one meeting, Dr Kalam asked Pramukh Swami how one could connect to God's consciousness.

Swami replied, “You are a rocket scientist. As long as there is gravity, whatever we throw up always comes down. Likewise, as long as we are attracted and attached to the material world, we are consigned to the cycle of birth and death. But as you get free from the `pull,' one would transcend and eventually connect to God,” said a BAPS official on the former president's frequent visits.

One of the last people to be by his side in his last moments was his adviser Srijan Pal Singh, who will perhaps live the remaining of his life replaying the final day he spent with

tion and action has been initiated. I have talked to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Union

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Home Secretary L.C. Goyal about it and forces have already been rushed in and the operation is under way. I have asked the Border Security Force Director-General to intensify surveillance near the border. The situation is under control.”

Sources say the terrorists later holed up in an abandoned house with the

encounter very much in effect. There were initial reports of a hostage situation but senior intelligence officials later said there was no such threat to any civilian and that efforts were being made to either capture or neutralise the militants. The incident took place around 5:30 a.m. when the terrorists, who are suspected to have sneaked in through the Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu, first targeted a bus ferrying civilians and then

stormed into the police station.

Following an alert, combing operations discovered five improvised explosive devices on the railway tracks connecting Dinanagar to Pathankot.

The National Security Guard was also rushed in to carry out bomb detection and disposal operations.

In the list of speculations, several pointed their fingers at the Khalistanis, but Badal cleared their name, saying they had nothing to do with the revival of terrorism in Punjab and that it appeared to be an attack carried out by a terrorist group active outside the state. “The Khalistanis never indulged in suicide strikes at any target. This is clearly a suicide attack, perpetrated by some known terror groups,” for-

mer Punjab Police chief Julio F Ribeiro said.

The PM’s office has their doubts on the neighbouring Pakistan and has considered the attack to be one of their attempts to throttle India. Jitendra Singh, a junior minister said, “There have also been earlier reports of Pakistan infiltration and cross-border mischief in this area.”

High alert has been called in Delhi, Haryana and Uttarakhand in the wake of the attack. The national capital geared up on security on bus stands, public places and markets.

“We have briefed our officers and men to be vigilant and watchful in the wake of Punjab incident and an alert is being maintained,” PRO of Delhi Police Rajan Bhagat said. Additional security has been installed across borders and maximum alert announced across the north region of the country.

“Intelligence agencies have sounded a high alert for Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur cities. Intelligence agencies have told us that there should be high security for a few days in places like malls, railway stations and cinema halls as there could be a possible terror attack in one of these cities in the coming days,” minister of state for Home Ram Shinde informed the media.

last words he said. Two minutes into the speech, sitting behind him, I heard a long pause after completing one sentence.

I looked at him, he fell down.

In five minutes, we were in the nearest hospital. In another few minutes, they indicated the missile man had flown away, forever. I touched his feet, one last time.

Adieu old friend! Grand mentor! See you in my thoughts and meet in the next birth.”

World leaders condoled the permanent absence of Abdul Kalam, all grieving over the loss in their own ways.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin termed him an “outstanding scientist and a wise statesman” who had done a lot to strengthen Indo-Russian friendship and “mutually beneficial”

cooperation. “It is difficult to overestimate his personal contribution to social, economic, scientific and technical progress of India and in ensuring its national security. In Russia, Abdul Kalam will be remembered as a consistent exponent of closer friendly relations between our nations who has done a lot for cementing mutually beneficial RussianIndian cooperation,” he said in his message.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadela tweeted “RIP @APJAbdulKalam...your teachings, leadership and humanity were inspiration to us all.”

Joining the string of people to share their thoughts over the heartaching event was UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who sent his wishes to India through the media.

What will you like to be remembered for ?

Abdul Kalam’s School time Photo

Kalam. In a touching tribute to the scientist, he wrote on Social Media, “'Students should never be made to wait,' he always said. As I pinned his mike, he smiled and said, 'Funny guy! Are you doing well?' 'Funny guy', when said by Kalam, could mean a variety of things, depending on the tone and your own assessment. It could mean, you have done well, you have messed up something, you should listen to him or just that you have been plain naive or he was just being jovial. Over six years, I had learnt to interpret 'Funny Guy' like the back of my palm. This time it was the last case.

'Funny guy! Are you doing well?' he said. I smiled back, 'Yes'. Those were the

Abdul Kalam teaching Scientist at ISRO 1980

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What forcing kids to eat can do to them

If "eat what's left on your plate" is something you usually tell your children then you may want to read what this study has to say first.

According to a study published in the Journal of Paediatric Psychology, parents who force their kids to finish everything served on their plates may be doing more harm than good as forced eating disrupts normal eating behaviour, making children vulnerable to unhealthy weight gain.

The research is part of a long-term study that looks at children's psychological and psychosocial development over several years.

The same children are examined every two years, and in this particu-

lar study, the researchers dealt with data from when the children were four, six and eight years old.

In order to promote the development of normal eating behaviour, it is important for children to decide how much they want to eat. "If children

are pushed to eat everything on their plates, they may stop relying on their own body's signals, and eat until the parents are happy," the study said.

"We have looked to see if physical activity, television time and appetite traits can explain why some children's body

mass index (BMI) increases more than others' do," said Silje Steinsbekk, assistant professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

The findings also showed that the way children related to food and eating was crucial.

Physical activity and TV viewing, on the other hand, did not explain why the BMI of some children increased more as compared to others.

"Our study shows that BMI increases more in children where food especially triggers their eating behaviour. Their food intake is controlled more by the sight and smell of food, and less by an inner experience of hunger," Steinsbekk said.

Too much time on iPad could cause children chronic neck and back pain in later life

Children who spend more than 30 minutes on their iPads in one sitting could be sowing the seeds for chronic neck and back pain later in life, experts have warned. Research suggests that hunching over electronic devices at a young age can entrench bad habits which will cause musculoskeletal issues in adulthood.

Stephanie Cassidy, a Melbourne-based ergonomist and occupational therapist, said children should only spend a maximum of half an hour in a fixed position before moving again. Despite this, researchers at Curtin University, Australia, have found many families are allowing children to spend an hour or more on their tablet devices.

More than 40 per cent of parents surveyed in the study admitted they used electronic devices to keep their children 'calm and happy' for substantial periods.

Post-doctoral research

fellow Pieter Coenen will present the preliminary results at the Inter-national Ergonomics Association congress in Melbourne next month.

He said the research hoped to uncover an appropriate level of device use for children younger than five. He added: 'The behaviours they develop early in life can cause musculoskeletal issues later on in life.'

Guidelines in some countries advise a maximum one hour of screen time (including television) for children between two

and five, with no electronic device use for children younger than two.

Yet the Curtin University study of 159 children aged five and younger, including 30 younger than two, found one-quarter watched TV for more than an hour a day during the week, rising to nearly half on weekends.

Sixty per cent spent up to an hour using tablets or mobile phones during the week, with nearly 10 per cent spending more than an hour a day on their tablets during the week-

ends.

Ms Cassidy said she limits her own daughter's use of her iPad, iPod and laptop while encouraging good posture and regular activity, mindful of research showing the dangers of prolonged sitting.

She said: 'If she is using them in bed or on the couch, I'm often saying: 'Use cushions to support yourself.' 'Everything points towards a maximum of 30 minutes (usage), then we should be moving again ... if kids start reporting symptoms of neck and back pain, these symptoms are often a sign that your body is not coping with what you're putting it through.'

It comes after research by the charity Tablets for Schools found almost 70 per cent of primary and secondary schools in the UK now use tablet computers. But the study also said there is no clear evidence of academic improvement for pupils using tablet devices.

Beetroot juice could help you exercise for longer Beetroot juice could help us exercise for longer, new research suggests.

The study found the drink enhanced people's performance in exercise after they drank it for two weeks. It reduced the workload on the heart and made the organ better able to deliver oxygen to the body's muscles.

This means people can work out for longer before their muscles become fatigued, researchers said.

People who drank the bright red juice also had lower blood pressure, a finding which backs up previous research on this

topic. Researchers said the benefits of the drink

come from the fact it contains the molecule nitrate.

When converted in the body, nitrate can dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow, both important factors for exercise performance. Nitrate also triggers a series of chemical reactions in the blood, which can increase oxygen in areas of the body which are specifically lacking supply. As well as beetroot,

high concentrations of nitrate are also found in celery, cabbage and other leafy green vegetables such as spinach and some lettuce.

As part of the study, men who drank beetroot juice for 14 days had lower blood pressure and more dilated blood vessels when they were exercising and when they were resting.

Blood vessels also dilated more easily and the heart consumed less oxygen when they were working out.

Fatherhood could make you fat: study

While tracking the weight of over 10,000 men from adolescence to young adulthood, it has been found that men gain enough fat after they become fathers for the first time. And according to a new study, this could increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a study says. All those leftover pizza crusts they snatch from their kids' plates add up, said researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

A typical six-feet man who lives with his child gained an average of about two kilogram (kg) after becoming a first-time dad.

In the same period, a sixfeet man who does not live with his child gained about 1.5 kg, the results showed. By contrast, the average six-feet man who was not a father actually lost more than half-a-kg over the same time period.

"Fatherhood can affect the health of young men.

The more weight the fathers gain and the higher their BMI, the greater risk they have for developing heart disease as well as diabetes and cancer," said lead author Craig Garfield, associate professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University.

The study controlled for other factors that could contribute to weight gain such as age, race, education, income, daily activity, screen time and marriage status. It is already known that marriage results in a weight gain for men. The fatherhood weight gain is in addition to the increase resulting from marriage.

New fathers' weight gain is due to changes in lifestyle and eating habits.

"You have new responsibilities when you have your kids and may not have time to take care of yourself the way you once did in terms of exercise.

Your family becomes the priority," Garfield said.

Eat slowly to feel fuller Go slow while eating your food as people who eat slowly feel fuller and think they have eaten more than those who eat quickly, shows research.

Previous studies have found that slow eaters have lower Body Mass Index (BMIs) than those who gobble down their morsels. But the reasons were not well understood.

To investigate whether how quickly we eat influences how hungry we feel afterwards, researchers from the University of Bristol fed volunteers Sainsbury’s tomato soup through a tube into their mouths.

This set-up prevented

the researchers from judging visually how much soup had been eaten.

The participants then had 400 ml of soup put into their mouths at two rates. One was at a fast rate of 11.8 ml for two seconds, followed by a four second pause. The other, the slow rate, was 5.4 ml of soup for one second followed by a 10-second pause.

The volunteers were then asked how full they felt at the end of the meal and two hours after. Those who took the soup more slowly said they felt fuller than the fast eaters both immediately after the test and two hours later.

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Allu Arjun to endorse Telugu Baahubali creates another record, Vishal on Titans enters Guinness Book strike against T Government S

M

alayalee actor Vishal, who has often been praised for his off screen heroism, has voiced his opinion against antisocial elements in the past.

Recently he was in the news vying for a positive change in the ‘Nadigar Sangam’ infrastructure, and now he can be seen participating in the struggle to save street dogs across India.

With the state government passing order to slaughter rabid and violent dogs to protects its citizens, several animal rights activists protested and voiced their dissent. Joining the crowd, Vishal has announced he will join in the hunger strike to be held at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, organised by the ‘People for Cattle in India’.

The actor said, “I am participating as a dog lover. I wanted to raise my voice against the killing of stray dogs. The main slogans of this event will be 'stop cruelty to animals' and 'stop killing dogs in Kerala'.”

Drishyam

A

jay Devgn and Tabu starrer Drishyam is the remake of a 2013 Malayalam movie of the same name. The movie borders the story of a simple guy and his family's brush up with the law.

How they weather the storm that ensues during the violent investigation forms the rest of the story leading to an unexpected & shocking climax.

Directed Nishikant Kamat and produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Ajit Andhare and Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam will hit the movie theatres on July 31.

S Rajamouli's record breaking war drama, 'Baahubali:The Beginning' has entered the Guinness Book of World Record, for the largest poster of all time.

The most expensive Indian film that recently toppled box office records, released the gigantic promo that measured more than 50,000 square feet. The poster shows a giant portrait shot of the film’s Telugu star, Prabhas, beaming over a backdrop of storm clouds and surrounded by sword-wielding warriors and a snarling lion. It’s topped by Global United Media, the production compa-

ny listed as the record holders.

The first of a twopart historical epic, is about a deposed king who must fight his brother to regain control of his kingdom. It was reported to have taken 165 crore ($26m or £16.7m) in its opening weekend, beating the previous 108 crore

($17m or £10.9m) record set by Shah Rukh K h a n ’ s ' H a p p y New Year' in 2014. To date it has received 375 crore, making it India’s second highest-grossing film.

Comedy comes naturally to me: Allari Naresh O

ne of best contemporary Tamil comedians, Allari Naresh feels comedy comes so naturally to him that he doesn't have to put extra efforts to make it work.

“Comedy comes naturally to me. I’m at ease when I’m doing comedy. I feel so comfortable that I don’t even have to put in effort to make the jokes work. I’m so used to doing comedy that even when I’m asked to perform serious scenes, I try and induce some comedy in it.

This attempt has paid off several times,” he said.

“I do comedy films

because that’s what is expected of me. My few attempts at doing films in other genres didn’t work in my favour.”

The actor assures his upcoming 'James Bond' will offer something slightly different than the usual. “This film too is high on comedy like most of my releases. Usually, I team up with a star comedian to evoke laughter, but in James Bond I’ve teamed up with Sakshi, who plays the heroine. I’m sure audiences will enjoy our combination.”

Bohra to make a movie on Manmohan Singh

P

roducer Sunil Bohra has reportedly bought the movie rights to Sanjay Baru's 'The Accidental Prime Minister', which is based on Manmohan Singh's term as the head of the country. Of 'Gangs of Wasseypur' fame, Bohra said, “My sole intention is to make a movie covering the 10 most crucial years which changed the political spectrum of our country and fortunes of India's oldest political party- the Congress.” He said the movie will be 'denuded of any political agenda and bereft of any political leanings'. “It will be a true reflection of what has been authored by Mr Baru in his book.”

he second season of Pro Kabaddi has commenced in full swing, attracting more attention and viewers than last year.

Joining the league of stars involved in the event is Telugu superstar Allu Arjun.

The Tollywood youth icon has signed on to become the face for Pro Kabaddi league for Hyderabad. He is now the brand ambassador of the Telugu Titans, the Hyderabad franchise for Pro Kabaddi. He took to Twitter to announce the news, saying, “I have Endorsed STAR SPORTS PRO KABADDI starting from this season !”

The Hyderabad leg of PKL will kick start from August 4. The opening match will be played between Telugu Titans and defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers.

The Hyderabad franchise is owned by Veera Sports and the Jaipur Pink Panthers, by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan.

All the matches to be played by the Hyderabad team will be held in Gachibowli Indoor stadium, Hyderabad.

This is the first time when Allu Arjun is getting associated with a sports event. He is very happy with this association because he feels that the Pro Kabaddi league has helped the sport grow. Also, he will inaugurate the event on August 4.

Pakistan's Chand Nawab hopes to get compensated

I

nspiration for 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan's' Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab, played

by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the real Pakistani television journalist Chand Nawab hopes director Kabir Khan and actor Salman Khan will compensate him for inspiring the character in the movie. “People have said that I should be compensated for inspiring the character of the reporter in the film. I am also hoping I will be compensated,” he said. Nawab said he was also looking forward to meeting both of them as they have reportedly expressed a desire to meet him. No date or place have been fixed for the meeting as yet, he said.

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Salman tweets his way into yet another controversy

‘B

ajrangi Bhaijaan’ actor Salman Khan has landed himself in hot water, tweeting himself right into the middle of the Yakub Memon controversy. In a drunken Twitter frenzy, the Bollywood actor posted about a dozen tweets in which he said that the wrong man was being hung for the crimes of his brother.

“Get tiger, hang him. Parade him not his brother,” the actor had tweeted.

“Been wanting to tweet Tis fr 3 days n was afraid to do so but it involves a man’s n family.

Don’t hang brother hang tha lomdi who ran away,” he further said.

“1 innocent man killed is killing the humanity.”

Something which was hopefully posted online in good faith and revere bombed right in the actor’s face as the public started to heavily protest

against him; burning his effigy and cancelling and boycotting his movie shows. Ujjwal Nikam, the special prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, took a strong exception to Khan’s tweets in defence of Yakub, and said the actor must withdraw them. He said, said, “Tweets made by Salman Khan are highly objectionable and were an attempt

to undermine the image of the Indian Judiciary.”

What fuelled the existing fire was when the Khan, realising his faux pas, deleted his earlier tweets and posted a new one saying, ““My dad called & said I should retract my tweets as they have the potential to create misunderstanding. I hereby retract them.”

“I would like to unconditionally apologise for any misunderstanding I may have created unintentionally.”

The king of controversies has yet again done what he does best, basking in the glory of mixed reactions, untouched of unfazed by the broiling protests as the country parts into two teams, each vouching for him in their own way. Guess what he said was true. Salman Khan ‘dil mein hi aate hai, samaj mein nahi.’

days. It’s a mid-tempo party song that you can vibe (also) dance to it. I was enjoying while making this song.”

The singer is particularly ecstatic about the song’s success as this is his first single and the first time somebody collaborated with him instead of it

being the other way round.

“It is my first solo song. I have featured for other people. Whichever song I have done — be it ‘Saturday Saturday’ in which I featured for Indeep Bakshi, ‘Proper patola’ in which I featured for Diljit Dosanjh. But ‘DJ waley babu’ is my first solo independent song. This is the first time someone else has collaborated with me, someone else is featuring in my song, and it feels amazing, I am finally doing my own thing.”

The song was launched on Hungama and ranked number three within 24 hours of release on the platform. The song also crossed a million views on Youtube within 40 hours.

Kangana-Deepika cold war to intensify

B

ollywood's darlings Kangana Ranaut and Deepika Padukone have not seen eye to eye ever since 'Tanu weds Manu Returns' success party, and the cold war seems set on the path to worsen. The Deepika-Kangana stint began when the former dedicated her Best Actress Award to Kangana for her role in Queen. The gesture did not go down well with Ranaut who said she

should have called her to compliment rather than making it public.

The entire situation only escalated from there as both the actresses took chances to frown and point their finger at the other. The recent contribution to the already freezing situation is Anand L Rai's outright refusal to work with Kangana. He is reportedly in talks with Deepika for his upcoming

venture.

“Aanand L Rai is planning to cast Deepika Padukone in his next. He doesn't want to work with Kangana for his next again, he wants to change things a bit and that's why he wants to cast Deepika,” the source further elaborated.

Sources also reveal Shah Rukh Khan has taken a personal interest in Rai's next.

Badshah basks in the glory of latest hit

R

apper Badshah whose latest ‘Abhi toh party shuru hui hai’ recently won the best song of the year, is basking in the glory of his new hit ‘DJ wale babu’ featuring Aastha Gill. He feels the song is not a normal party song, and in an interview said, “The music is very simple and it’s not your regular party song. It’s a bit laidback… this is one party song that you just do not want to dance to only, but also listen.” He feels that “the hook kind of gets stuck in people’s head” and said it is a “midtempo” song and that he “enjoyed” making it.

“It’s not a typical party anthem, you know the party songs playing these

Shamita Shetty to perform despite nose injury

Hrithik Roshan stumped by Pinto

D

ance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’s most popular contestant, Shamita Shetty suffered a nose injury during the rehearsals. She was diagnosed with a broken nasal bone and a few stitches. However, the injury did not dampen her spirits as the actress is determined to perform. Eventhough the doctor has advised Shamita complete best rest for 2 weeks to allow proper healing, she will perform as she feels she should not disappoint her supporters. She said, “Yes I have fractured my nasal bone but my performance is more important.The kind of love and support I've received from viewers is humbling and I do not want to let them down.”

B

ollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is all praises for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ actress Freida Pinto’s performance in Richard Raymond biographical ‘Desert Dancer’. “Has anyone out there seen ‘DesertDancer’? Pure passion ignited.

Most incredible film I have seen. Such amazing actors. Bravo to the entire team,” Hrithik posted on Twitter. He further said, “And how amazing is Frieda Pinto. Never seen anyone dance like that. Wanted to wish her but she doesn’t pick up my phone!

Maybe she’ll get this.” The film is a true story of a young, self-taught dancer in Iran, Afshin Ghaffarian, who risked his life for his dream to become a dancer despite a nationwide dancing ban.

Kareena not PR savvy Anushka protests against cyber bullying ThI n d i a ne

A

c t re s s A n u s h ka Sharma has warned people to behave themselves unless they want to be blocked. The ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ star took to Twitter to voice against the growing case of cyber bullying. “Trying to keep my Twitter positive ( well as positive as possible ) so will BLOCK people who rant nonsense with no sense of responsibility,” she said. This is not the first time that an actor has complained about facing cyber bullying. But some of the Bollywood celebs like Rishi Kapoor and filmmaker Karan Johar, have also fallen victim to it. Tongue in cheek Amitabh Bachchan replied, “ @ A n u s h k a S h a r m a +++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++ .... don't you dare BLOCK me after all these 'positives' .. haha .. love.”

actress who was last seen opposite Salman Khan in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' maintains a low profile when she doesn't have a movie to promote.

She said she is bad at it and believes there is no need to be in the papers every single day. In an interview with a paper, she said, “I am not very PR savvy.

I’m actually very bad at it. My PR manager keeps calling me and telling me that we should do interviews, this and that, and I’m like, 'No, maybe during a movie.' It’s not that there has to be a story every single day in the newspapers. Most of the times, I’m like, 'Why?'”

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Gang vandalises immigration-raid vehicles in East London

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 1st August 2015

Asian men launch vicious attack on 29-year-old man on Tower Bridge

The Venus Retrograde transit falls in your fifth house of romance, speculation, and children. Do not get into arguments with a lover or take risks with gambling. You shouldn't jump to conclusions if your lover needs a little space. An old lover may resurface in your life, complicating matters further. Mars continues to activate your solar fourth house. Do not step on anyone's toes as there can be trouble.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

Your ruling planet Venus goes retrograde in your 4th house of home and family. Relations with your family may be a little strained. The right time to express your frustrations would be when Venus is direct as there could be more problems. Venus also rules your work and health sector, and the desire to improve these areas will also prove to be difficult.

Take your time when it comes to major decision making.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Tyres slashed by a gang in East London

During the week in which David Cameron had targeted anti-British Muslims, a gang of Muslim youths attacked vans being used for an immigration raid, in Shadwell, East London.

Three vans marked “ I m m i g r a t i o n Enforcement” and one unmarked silver car were badly vandalised by the gang of youths.

It is said that more than 12 officials had arrive in Shadwell to arrest three suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from a shop.

While returning to their vehicles, they found that the van tyres had been slashed, as well as the paintwork on the vehicles scratched. The officers also had eggs thrown on them before the police were informed. A Scotland Yard spokesman revealed that there were no arrests made but “inquiries are ongoing.”

A Home Office spokesperson said, “We will not tolerate abuse or criminal damage.

Offences will be reported to the police.”

Coming Events

l "Conversion in Hindu Culture" by Shaunaka Rishi Das. Saturday 1st August 2015, 6pm- 9pm. Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Leicester. Talk followed by light refreshments. l Golf, Dinner and Dance Charity. Saturday 8th August. Tea time: 1pm onwards. Dinner and dance: 8pm onwards. Aldenham Golf Club, Church Lane, Aldenham, Watford, WD25 8NN. For tickets, contact Ashni Patel: 07800 519 783. l Diabetes Prevention Programme. Saturday 1st August, 3pm- 6pm. The Sangat Centre, 28 Sancroft Rd, Harrow, HA3 7NS. Contact Kamal Rao: 020 7749 4001. l Hanuman Chalisa. Saturday 1st August, 12pm.

Bhajans. Sunday 2nd August, 3pm. Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple, 55 High Street, Cowley, UB8 2DZ. l "How to be Happy in this World" by H.H. Dr. Bageeshwari Devi. Saturday 8th August, 5pm7:30pm. 116 Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 4TH. Contact Anita Ruparelia: 07971 813 370. l Shree Jalaram Bapa Katha. Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August, 3pm- 6pm. Lohana Community Complex, P V Raichura Centre, Church Road, Croydon, CR0 1SH. Contact Hiteshbhai Thakker: 07956 368 339. l Mahavir Foundation: Notice of Annual General Meeting. Saturday 8th August, 8pm. 614 Kenton Road, Kenton, Middlesex, HA3 9NR. l Pujya Bhaishree's attendance on 5th Anniversary Celebration. Saturday 8th August, 9:30am onwards.

Apple Tree Centre, Sanatan Mandir, Crawley.

Contact Bharat Lukka: 07967 339 790.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com 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.

Tel. +91 79 2646 5960 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +91 94266 36912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consulting Editor: Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142

CCTV shows man being beaten by gang on Tower Bridge

Terrifying CCTV footage has emerged of a man being attacked by a large gang of men as he made his way home from a friend's wedding.

The 29-year-old was walking along Tower Bridge in London when he was set upon by one of the group, who punched him in the back of the head. He fell to the ground as the rest of the 12-strong group began to punch and kick him as he lay there helpless.

The attached clip shows the prolonged attack in which the men took turns in assaulting their victim. The incident took place on Sunday, May 31, at about 10pm but City of London Police have just released the violent footage in an attempt to capture the wedding guest's assailants.

The gang of youths are all believed to be of Asian origin, and aged between their late teens and early twenties. They were wearing hooded tops, jackets and tracksuit bottoms at the time of the attack. It is also understood that the men spoke in East

London accents.

PC Oliver Gent said: "A group of young men carried out a vicious, cowardly and unprovoked attack on a lone male minding his own business.

The victim suffered several blows to the head and body and was lucky to walk away with only cuts and bruises.

"It is paramount that we catch those responsible as the group’s next victim might end up with very serious injuries. If you were on Tower Bridge during the time of the attack or recognise any of these men from the CCTV footage, please contact us."

Venus Retrograde GEMINI May 22 - June 22 cycle occurs in your third

house of communication, siblings, and neighbours.

You may find that communications are very difficult and that you do not get the response that you are looking for. Try to withdraw for some time and reassess your whole approach. Because Venus also rules your romance sector, don't jump to conclusions if a lover is acting a little distant.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Venus Retrograde cycle occurs in your second house of money and values. Take the time and reassess your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period, and avoid making any big purchases until later in September.

Relationships with friends and family may be difficult, as these areas of your chart are also ruled by Venus.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Venus Retrograde transit occurs in your sign, affecting your first house of personal appearance and body language. Others may not be seeing you in the most favorable of light, and events may be such that you feel the need to rethink the way you present yourself.

Venus-ruled areas of your chart are career, authority figures, and communications. Extra caution in these areas of life may be necessary now.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

The lone victim was on his way back from a friend’s wedding when he was approached by a group of ten to 12 Asian men

Venus Retrograde cycle occurs in your twelfth house. This is a good time to reassess relationships from the past or present that are taking up your time and energy. Take time out from mundane realities of life and recharge your energy. Some of you will retreat and others will take up yoga or meditation. As Venus also rules your money and possessions sector, spend carefully.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Venus Retrograde cycle occurs in your eleventh house of friendships, groups, and aspirations. Your friendships or associations with groups may be a little strained during this period. You must make good use of the energy that is flowing, by channeling it positively! Creativity, romance and leisure all receive a tonic.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Your horizons have most certainly been expanding with Jupiter in the area of your chart ruling your work, as some of you will be thinking of changing their jobs.. With Venus retrograde, transiting your career sector, you will want to re-assess whether you are spending too much time at work. Time to create a better work-life balance.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 As Venus is retrograde in your Solar 9th house, e extremely careful as an argument over personal philosophies of life can get you into hot water. You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Venus Retrograde cycle occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and personal transformation. Hold onto your money, work on a budget, and avoid arguments with loved ones that revolve around intimacy and sexuality. You could also be dealing with past actions or karma. It's time to redefine what it is that you want out of life.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Venus has gone into retrograde motion for some time to come. This is going to be a time of frustration and re-assessment.

It’s all about cultivating patience until planet goes direct. This is evident mainly in the arena of relationships, but it could also flow over into business partnerships and joint ventures. While you wait, don’t waste any time organise yourself.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Venus Retrograde cycle occurs in your sixth house of work, health, and daily routines. The social aspect of relationships on the job may be strained for the time being. Do your best not to let people get to you.

Your career as well as relationships with lovers and children are also affected. The desire to get on with people around you is very strong in this period.

Bolt and Farah fire up London

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Six time Olympic champion Usain Bolt rejoiced his victory at the Diamond League meeting at the Olympic Stadium, as he grabbed the men's 100 metres title. Meanwhile, Britain's star Mo Farah, competing for the first time since allegations of doping were made against coach Albert Salazar, received loud cheers as he won the 3000 metres.

The 28 year old Jamaican who holds world record of 9.58 seconds for 100 metres, Bolt said, “The heats were good, but the finals not so good. In the final I got a really bad start. I kind of lost focus for a minute and I lost my form but I got it back at the end. So it taught me a lot, these two races. I wasn't looking for a specific

time but I knew I could have gone faster if I had got the start I wanted. The

key thing coming into this race was trying to get everything right on the

track.”

He is now confident of adding more gold medals to his collection at the tournament in Beijing which will be held between August 22 and 30 at the iconic Bird's Nest.

“Anything is possible in Beijing, it's all about the effort you put in. My coach has been happy with my technique and my work but it's all about getting race-ready now.”

Farah, who won at 7 minutes and 34.66 seconds said, “Today has helped because I can see my plans coming together.

I got amazing support which was incredible. It meant everything to me.

This is where I made my name and it changed my life to win and become Olympic champion.”

On Saturday 18th July 2015, the Cinnamon Kitchen was a buzz with the cricket greats, from Dilip Vengsarkar, Faroukh Engineer, Gordon Greenidge and Monty Panesar.

The evening was made possible by the union of two unique individuals wanting to bring about change; Samir Pathak, a surgeon from Bristol and Ranvir Singh, a successful business and Vice Chairman of the charity, Cricket Beyond Boundaries.

Samir Pathak is a keen cricketer and has played for England Universities.

His passion for the game has made him reach out to the many boys from underprivileged backgrounds and to bring them to the UK as cricketers.

The former Indian Captain, Dillip Vengsarkar is the patron of the charity and continues to send at least one boy from his academies in India to the UK each year.

The atmosphere flowed from champagne

Cricketing legends: Farookh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar and Gordon Greenidge cocktails to sumptuous canapés served by delightful waiters who went the extra mile to attend to the glamorous guests, such as Mr and Mrs Mehta, Sachin Tendulkar's in-laws; Paul Jheeta, renowned Saville Row Tailor; Lord Bhikhu Parekh; International lifestyle PR, Preea Hayre, plus many more.

Guests enjoyed a 4 course meal especially created by Chef, Raju Ramachandran . The

Photo courtesy: Raj Bakarania

Cricket legends come together for Cricket Beyond Boundaries

combination of flavours and the twist of presentation tantalised all to sheer sophistication up until desert.

Monty Panesar also wanted to make sure he contributed. “I want to keep the passion of cricket alive by giving back through the children that otherwise would not have the opportunity to shine.”

The night gave guests the chance to ask the questions whilst Dilip Vengsarkar and Gordon

Cricketer Monty Panesar with Preea Hayre Greenidge transported the audience to the cricket fields of 1984 and beyond.

Farokh Engineer was the perfect storyteller as always and gained much laughter and applause for his take on the cricket field and finished off with an auction.

A successful end to the perfect charity event helping children achieve their dreams and inspire through Cricket Beyond Boundaries.

SPORT WORLD

ECB Director Lord Patel & Former India Player Kiran More host the Prideview Cricketers’ Cup ‘15

Members of The Prideview Group & Big Hug Foundation with Lord Patel and Kiran More The Prideview Group held their 4th charity cricket tournament at Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood on Saturday 18th July with 12 teams from the Asian business community playing in matches of 5 overs each way and the eventual winners being Jade Pharmacy Group. In total the event raised over £13,500 for Big Hug Foundation, a charity which is currently aiding the reconstruction of an orphanage in Nepal. If you would like to get involved next year, please contact nilesh@pridemanagement.co.uk

Sports Fraud Bill makes progress, reaches Sonowal

The Central Government has promoted its efforts to introduce the proposed 'Prevention of Sporting Fraud Bill' in the Parliament.

The draft bill has finally reached Sports Minister S a r b a n a n d a Sonowal's office.

The Legislative Department has made necessary amendments to ensure every National Sports Federation, including the BCCI, comes under the ambit of the proposed law.

The Bill has a provision for a maximum five year imprisonment for sportspersons and officials, including that of the BCCI, committing fraud. Also, the bill has provisions for all NSFs to draft their own ‘Fraud Code’ for their players, match officials and office bearers.In the case of the BCCI, the Board will have to frame separate Code for on-field players, officials and the office-bearers.

According to a source, there are various categories of fraud being defined in the draft Bill, ranging from deriving economic benefit to manipulating results and spot-fixing and under-performing. However, even if Sonowal signs the draft bill in the next couple of days, it is highly unlikely that it will be tabled in the Parliament before the next winter session.

Once enacted, the bill will make sporting frauds including under-performance, cheating, sharing inside information, illegal and will attract jail terms and fine.

Moeen Ali plays street cricket with Birmingham youngsters

The all-rounder England star, Moeen Ali, went back to his roots on 22nd July 2015, as he visited a Chance to Shine Street session in Sparkhill, Birmingham, the place where he grew up. He joined local youngsters, aged between 8-14 in playing street cricket at Sparkhill Park.

Speaking on the occasion, Moeen Ali said, “Today has been amazing.

To be back home, the area where I grew up, and give back to the community a little bit and be part of Chance to Shine again, it’s been fantastic.”

Ali also spoke about Chance to Shine Street.

Moeen Ali at a Chance to Shine Street session in Sparkhill, Birmingham

31

The England star with Ismail Aziz (15) He said, “It keeps them off the streets and cricket can teach them a lot about life. It’s about giving back to the communi-

ties and giving children an opportunity.

Lycamobile do that brilliantly. To give a child an opportunity in life is a big thing. I was very fortunate that I had it. Not everybody gets that opportunity.”

14-year-old Chance to Shine participant, Kashif expressed, “As an England fan it's really exciting to have Moeen here. I was really happy to have a Q&A with him and he showed us how to grip the ball. This is the power of cricket. We're local lads and it shows that famous cricketers can come from wherever, right?"

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SPORT

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Sreesanth given clean chit

More than two years after cricketer S Sreesanth and others were charged with spotfixing, the test fastbowler and the other two have been cleared by a New Delhi court.

Indian prosecutors had filed charges of cheating and conspiracy against the players over their alleged links to an organised crime syndicate, in the 2013 Twenty20 series.

“The judge has passed the order and discharged all the players. There is no case against the players now,” a defence lawyer told reporters.

All the three players were arrested in May 2013 along with scores of bookies as part of a police investigation into the spot-fixing scandal that caused outrage among fans in the cricketmad nation. The players were later granted bail due

to lack of evidence.The Board of Control for Cricket in India, which had slapped life bans on Sreesanth and Ankeet

Chavan in September 2013, said its decisions would stand irrespective of the latest court order.

“The decisions of the BCCI, based on its independent disciplinary action shall remain unaltered,” it said in a statement.

The 32 year old, who played 27 tests for India, was alleged to have been paid tens of thousands of dollars after agreeing to deliberately bowl badly in an IPL match. “It's a huge relief. I have nothing against anybody. God willing I will return to cricket,” Sreesanth said.

Following the exoneration of the player, the Kerala C r i c k e t Association sent an e-mail to BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur requesting them to facilitate pace bowler

Sreesanth's return to the cricket field. “There is a popular demand in Kerala that Sreesanth should be allowed to return to the cricket field. We cannot turn a blind eye towards that. So we have requested the BCCI to reconsider the ban imposed on Sreesanth.

We are hoping for a positive reply from BCCI and we are willing to wait for their decision,” said KCA president TC Mathew.

Two days after he was acquitted of spot-fixing charges by the trial court, Sreesanth visited the KCA headquarters at the Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium here to explore possibilities of his return to full-fledged cricket.

This was Sreesanth's first visit to the stadium in almost two years following the life ban slapped on him by the BCCI. Sreesanth was assured of all possible help

by Mathew.

The Greater Cochin Development Authority, custodians of JNI stadium in Kochi, have said that the former India team player will be allowed to practice at the stadium if he wants.

Clive Rice loses battle to brain tumour at 66

South Africa’s first captain of the post-isolation era Clive Rice died after battling a brain tumour, as reported by the country’s cricket board. The 66 year old had appeared to be in remission after visiting India earlier this year to receive robotic radiation treatment in Bangalore.

Rice’s family confirmed his death, saying he was admitted to hospital on Sunday with severe stomach pains. The all-rounder captained South Africa at the age of 42 on their historic post-isolation limited overs tour of India in 1991, but was left out of the squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand the next year. He also briefly represented Scotland before the Proteas’ readmission to international cricket.

“Clive was our first captain and we knew him to be a great fighter all his life,” Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat said in a media release. “Even during his last few years he put up a typically courageous and inspirational fight against the illness that had

threatened him for a lengthy period of time.”

International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson paid tribute to the Rice. He said in a statement, “Clive Rice was a giant of the game, not just in South Africa, but across the cricketing world. Though his international appearances for the Proteas were limited to just three ODIs, Clive was a hugely inspirational figure for those of us who had the privilege to represent our country.”

“Clive was hugely regarded across the world game as a player, but later as a coach and mentor where he inspired the likes of Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock and Jonty Rhodes, and he will be greatly missed by those who knew him,” he added.