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22nd October to 28th October 2016

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Frustrated India bangs its head against the Great BRICS Wall of China

As the dust settled on the 8th edition of the annual BRICS Summit held in Goa this year, India yet again managed to put Pakistan in a spot, with the theme weighing heavy on terrorism. Mincing no words, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a united attack on the issue looming over the world, and predictably signed a handful of defence deals with Russia.

With the script of the two-day event written mostly by India, ‘Terrorism’ was what dominated the meet. India called on its partners to come together and act against terrorism, signed defence deals with Russia, and managed to soften Brazil’s stand regarding the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.

China however, dug in its heels, standing firm on its stance over Masood Azhar and India’s inclusion in the NSG. Day one began with Modi targeting Pakistan calling it the “mothership” of terrorism. “In our own region, terrorism poses a

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SEE INSIDE ....

A Tribute to Lord Gulam Noon

All Eyes On India's Triple Talaq Row

See Page 8

See Page 24

Raja Ram Mohan Roy: From Village Pathshala to Bristol See Page 25

Best Indian students avoid Britain over hostility to migrants

Narendra Modi with the BRICS Leaders

grave threat to peace, security, and development.

Tragically the mothership of terrorism is a country in India’s neighbourhood.

Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership. This country not just shelters terrorists,

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it nurtures a mindset. A mindset that loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains. It is a mindset that we strongly condemn. And against which we, as BRICS, need to stand and act together. BRICS must

speak in one voice against this threat,” Modi said at the inaugural session. He added, “Criminality should be the only basis for punitive action against the individuals and organisations

Continued on page 21

UK government's hostility towards migrants is pushing international students away, a study has revealed. It goes without saying that overseas students make an enormous contribution to the British economy.

Research shows that they support 170,000 UK jobs, and are worth over £10.7 billion to the economy annually. A recent secret government study has reported that that only 1% of students overstay their visa permit, despite the government suggesting in the past that the figure was far higher.

In the past Boris Johnson had insisted that the government should exclude Foreign students from the immigration number. Despite this, May is reportedly determined to crack down on the number coming to the country.

Continued on page 6

2

ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice 22nd October 2016

www.asian-voice.com

to

Professor Andrew Boulton

Professor Andrew Boulton is a graduate of Newcastle-uponTyne and subsequently trained in Sheffield, and Miami prior to accepting an appointment at Manchester University. He has authored more than 450 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, mainly on diabetic lower limb and renal complications. Among his many awards, he has received the ADA’s Roger Pecoraro Lectureship, the EASD Camillo Golgi prize and was the first recipient of the international award on diabetic foot research. He was the 2008 winner of the ADA’s Harold Rifkin award for distinguished international service in diabetes.

Most recently he received the 2012 Georgetown distinguished achievement award in diabetic limb salvage.

Andrew is a previous editor of Diabetic Medicine and is currently an associate editor of Diabetes Care. He was the founding Chairman of the Diabetic Foot Study Group and was previously Chairman of Postgraduate Education and then Hon. Secretary/ programme chair for the EASD. He is currently President of the EASD. 1) What is your current position?

I am currently a Professor of Medicine (Diabetes) at the University of Manchester and a Consultant Physician at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK. I am also a Visiting Professor of Medicine (Diabetes) at the University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA and am also President of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).

2) What are your proudest achievements?

My graduation with honours from Medical School!

Thereafter, my best move was probably entering the field of diabetes which offers so many chal-

lenges to the research clinician.

Naturally I was proud to receive the first International Award for Research in the Diabetic Foot in 1995, the Golgi prize and lectureship of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in 2003, and the Harold Rifkin Award of the American Diabetes Association for distinguished international contributions in the field of diabetes.

3) What inspires you?

The facts that I have learnt from patients with diabetes over the last 35 years.

Listening to patients’ comments about complications of diabetes has resulted in many ideas for research projects, many of which have in

Imam convicted of sex charges flees UK on false passport A religious leader who carried out sex attacks on two young girls at his Dudley mosque has fled the country using a false passport.

Hafiz Rahman who was convicted by a jury on five specimen charges of indecent assault has flown to Bangladesh to avoid sentencing.

Judge Nicholas Cartwright, who issued a warrant for his arrest, was told Rahman had bought a ticket through an agency for Bangladesh last Friday and had illegally left the United Kingdom just 24 hours later. He said Wolverhampton Crown Court had been told last Friday Rahman was too ill to attend as the eight manfour woman were considering the evidence at the end of his five day trial.

There was a likelihood, said the judge, that Rahman who was the Imam at the Queens Cross

mosque had left behind assets in this country.

The judge ruled that Rahman who surrendered his own passport to his solicitors as part of the bail conditions he has breached would now be sentenced for his crimes on November 3.

DC Liz Skype from the West Midlands Police public protection unit said Rahman who had denied committing the offences 30 years ago had been allowed to keep his freedom because at the time he had not breached the conditions of his bail.

the long-term helped us better understand the pathways that lead to the complications, and thereby help us in a better way to prevent them.

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

I fear that the increasing burden of administration in the NHS is having an adverse effect on the willingness and ability to perform clinical research.

I never thought, having worked in the United States, that I would see the day when the forms to obtain ethical permission for a simple study are more complex now in the UK than they are in the USA 5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

As a young junior doctor working at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield in the late 1970s, I was considering a career in Primary Care (general practice). It was Professor John Ward, later my mentor, who persuaded me to go into clinical research in diabetes and I have come to realise that “knowing diabetes is knowing medicine”.

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

I do believe that the ability to combine leading a large multinational diabetes association such as the EASD with caring for patients whom I have known for many years at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Manchester Diabetes Centre is a delightful combination.

Moreover, my work in the clinical aspects of diabetic complications

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particularly pertaining to the lower limb and the kidneys, has enabled me to perform collaborative research with many excellent Centres across the world, and to visit many of these lecturing and doing hands-on clinical teaching in both developed and developing countries.

7) And the worst?

Having worked in the NHS since 1976, I fear that the bureaucracy has increased exponentially in recent years. For example, having to be signed off to be safe to use implements such as a tendon hammer and a tuning fork on an annual basis seems to me a little excessive!!

8) What are your long term goals?

One particular goal is to help the lot of those people with diabetes in India and in this regard I am already involved in planning some projects to help identify the true number of people with dia-

HM The Queen earns a new title Last week Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej died in Bangkok aged 88. While the Thai government has shut down for a period of 30 days which will be followed by a year of mourning. This is led to our Queen getting an unexpected honour.

Queen Elizabeth II, now at 90, is not just Britain’s longest reigning monarch, but the world’s longest reigning monarch.

She marked the honour by inspecting the Corps of Royal Engineers at Brompton Barracks in Chatham, marking the regiment’s 300th anniversary.

As she arrived, the Queen received a salute by two

divers in a giant water tank, complete with diving suits and breathing apparatus.

The Queen who has reigned for 64 years, eight months and seven days has some way to go to becoming the longest reigning monarch ever. She has to beat King Sobhuza II of Swaziland, who reigned for 82 years and 253 days after becoming king at four months old.

Dog walkers to fall foul of the law Dog owners who walk their pets without a bag to clean up after the pet could be penalised before any offence is committed. Boston borough council in Lincolnshire is considering introducing legislation which would give it the power to fine walkers who aren't carrying “poop bags”.

Under the proposed Public Space Protection Order set to be introduced in February 2017 the fines which stands at £50 could be raised to £100.

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betes and to see what we can do to help in early diagnosis and management to prevent the devastating late complications.

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

I think a tax on sugary drink, high fat fast foods, etc, is a must if we are going to curtail the epidemic of type 2 diabetes, obesity and children’s dental decay. In addition, I would consider bringing in a basic low charge for attendance at GP and hospital outpatient appointments.

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

Dr Paul Brand who was born to parents who were missionaries living in the hills just west of what was then Madras, now Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. His work in leprosy in south India in the 1950s and 60s has informed the way we manage patients with certain diabetic foot problems because the loss of sensation with leprosy, though of different cause, is similar to the end stage of diabetic peripheral nerve disease. He stated, “Because of where I practice medicine, I never made much money: but as I looked back over a lifetime of surgery, the host of friends who were once my patients bring me more joy than wealth can ever bring”.

He was an inspiration to all of us and it was my great honour to give the first Paul Brand Memorial Lecture celebrating his life.

London Zoo visitors locked up for their safety Zoo’s are places where creatures are kept in enclosures as humans come to look at them. Yet in a bizarre turn of events, it was visitors to the London Zoo who had to kept locked inside ‘safe areas’.

As zookeepers armed with tranquiliser guns and armed police in assistance with a police helicopter attempted to re-capture Kumbuka, the gorilla.

Kumbuka, the 29 stone (184kg), 18-year-old male western lowland silverback escaped from his den after a door was left open.

Visitors to the gorilla enclosure reported the animal charging aggressively at the viewing window.

Witnesses said the “loose animal” siren barred as police were called at 5:20pm to help deal with the 7ft gorilla as visitors were held in the safety of cafes, aquariums, the bird

and butterfly enclosures and gift shops for an hour.

A zoo spokesperson said Kumbuka had only escaped into a keeper area which was not open to the public and was tranquillised with a dart and that the gorilla was not hurt in the incident.

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Asian Voice |22nd October 2016

Picking up the pieces Following the Indian Army’s strikes across the Line of Control in Kashmir, a period of relative calm returned to India and Pakistan., helped, no doubt by Islamabad’s state of denial. According to a report in Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, the country’s military and intelligence heads and senior government ministers, discussed the international standing. The ministers pointed to Pakistan’s loss of credibility abroad because of the impunity enjoyed by jihadi terror groups, whose cross-border attacks on Indian lives and property were carried out with the full approval of the Pakistan military and its related intelligence services..

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, told his interlocutors that unless these groups were reined in, the country’s foreign policy objectives, most notably on Kashmir and relations with India, would be thwarted and Islamabad would fail to get any sympathetic hearing from foreign governments and civil societies.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported the meeting.

It was penned by its senior writer Cyril Almeida and appeared on October 6. All hell, it would appear, broke loose. The government, in a menacing state of denial, debunked the story and imposed a travel ban on Mr Almeida, who now fears for his safety and, very likely, his life. That has been the standard practice in Pakistan for years, with courageous journalists who went a step too far disappearing and never being heard of again.

You can bet there won’t be too much fuss or bother if Mr Almeida were to vanish without trace.. The Obama administration and the US President himself can be expected to express their concern, without impeding the flow of the US military-financial aid package to Islamabad. Belong, as he does, to Pakistan’s beleaguered Christian community, Mr Almeida will be fair game, hereon, for the jihadi assassin in search of heavenly grace, for having dispatched a cursed infidel in time-honoured fashion. As President Obama is a Nobel Peace laureatre, his intervention may help.

Meanwhile, the Nawaz Sharif government sent two

special envoys to Washington to cajole and bully its political establishment into supporting Pakistan over Kashmir and much else. One of the envoys, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed thundered to a gathering at the capital’s Stimson Center that America being a declining power, Pakistan had in place an alliance with Russia, China and Iran up its sleeve. His colleague, Shezra Mansab, a would-be conjuror, sought to alarm his audience with talk of Pakistan’s nuclear weaponry.

Neither Houdini was able to pull it off. American audiences are accustomed to such clowning. More embarrassing, by far, was Russia’s robust support for India’s strikes at jihadi targets, which Ambassador Alexander Kadakin in New Delhi described at what he described as ‘Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’ – a term over which every Indian government – but no foreign government - has enjoyed exclusive copyright. No longer, apparently, as Russia’s use of the words demonstrate only too well. If this wasn’t enough, the Ambassador said India could rely on Russian support should it decide to strike again in face of further Pakistani provocation. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed should return home wiser, ready to take an elementary course in courtesy and good manners, when speaking on foreign soil. Methinks neither man did his state great service in Washington.

Ministry of External Affairs sources in New Delhi, said Indian ministers were delighted by Ambassador Kadakin’s forthright statement, which went further than that of any other country. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assured him that India’s relationship with the United States would have no bearing on India’s strong, time-tested ties with Russia. Watch this space for the BRICS Summit in Goa, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold one-to-one talks with President Vladimir Putin. Two fearless men, with no-nonsense attitudes: the outcomes of their conversation should be very interesting indeed.

Chinese companies eye Indian opportunities Increasing numbers of Chinese companies are looking to India for business opportunities. Global Times – the mouthpiece of the country’s establishment commented recently that first duty in these difficult times was for Chinese companies to investment in China. However, the balance of Sino-Indian trade has been weighted hugely in China’s favour, crossing $52 billion in 2014-15, forcing India’s Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to raise the issue with her Chinese counterpart Wang Showen. She requested that Indian pharmaceutical companies – most with US and EU accreditations – and IT companies be given easier access to the Chinese market, which the Chinese Minister promised to expedite.

Meanwhile Chinese capital venture funds are lining up to make low-profile investments in India. For instance, Kinzon Capital, the venture capital arm of Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, has $200 million with which to invest in 10-12 Indian startups. The interest among such funds comes in the backdrop of global internet giant Alibaba investment in Paytem.

Kinzon has already made key appointments in India, hiring Tej Kapoor, former country head of Londonbased investment firm Daily Mail Group, and Ajay Lakhotia, former India head of Vertex Management, to drive its venture capital investment. The Fosun Group, with an annual revenue of $12 billion and profit of $1.2 billion has also launched its private equity business in India, having appointed Rahul Raisurana, former Managing Director of Standard Chartered Equity’s India unit. Fosun is also making its way into the Indian realestate sector, with local appointments to oversee the company’s operations.

The question to be asked is what drives this increasing Chinese business presence in India. Is it the mount-

ing problems of the economy back home? Problems there undoubtedly are that can no longer escape the attention of international China watchers. David Shambaugh, a noted American authority on the country, has written an acclaimed study, ‘China’s Future,’ in which he quotes a past Chinese prime minister, Wen Jiabao as saying that the nation’s economy is ‘unstable, unbalanced , uncoordinated and unsustainable.’ His successor, the present Prime Minister Le Keqiang has said’ China’s economic growth model remains inefficient; our capacity for innovation insufficient; over capacity is a pronounced problem and the foundation of agriculture is weak.’ China’s President Xi Jinping has also lamented that ‘the tasks our Party faces in reform, development and stability are more onerous than ever – and the conflicts, dangers and challenges are more numerous than ever.’

The Economist (May 7, 2016) provided a somber diagnostic analysis, from which the following passage is quoted: ‘This is a government not so much guiding events as struggling to keep up with them. In the past year alone, China has spent nearly $200 billion to prop up the stock market; $65 billion of bank loans have gone bad, financial frauds have cost investors at least $20 billion; and $600 billion of capital has left the country. To help growth, officials have inflated a property bubble.

Debt is still expanding twice as fast as the economy.’

Having read the signs, are Chinese entrepreneurs and investors looking to India as a safe haven? Maybe. It should set us thinking about the deeper ramifications of Sino-Indian relations and the possible consequences of the fallout on the Sino-Pakistan strategic alignment.

Every imperial slippage in the last five hundred years has begun with a severe financial disorder.

Tourist surge in Ladakh Not many tourists would want to make it the Kashmir valley, where the Hurriyat’s jihadi writ reigns supreme.

The quiet of Ladakh, where there is much to savour, both from its pristine view of the high Himalayas, its exquisite valleys and streams and, not least, its warm, welcoming inhabitants. Having tasted its pleasures, the thirst keeps growing. Hence visitors return in ever increasing numbers, from India and from foreign parts, notably Europe and America. Ladakh’s culture is of the Buddhist tradition of neighbouring Tibet. The problem is the state’s small population, which is a mere 280,000, and the tourist numbers expected in 2017 to number 313,000.

Traditional life revolved around herding and growing wheat in the valleys, very much a community exercise with families helping each other ou in the harvesting season.. But times are changing. A larger airport at Leh, the capital, and better roads have made remote areas increasingly accessible. Hotel space may be limited but many homes have been opened to visitors, as is now common practice in Sikkim. Education opportunities have increased and the ubiquitous laptop is a common sight among the young. The old world is slowly making way for the new. Development is now the State mantra but the hope is that tradition and modernity can be woven into a seamless reality.

3

It is harder to crack a prejudice than an atom.

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

India, UK & US Elections As I write I am about to visit 10 Downing St for work meetings in the morning and thereafter fly to New York, before going to India for PM May’s visit. So the UK-India-US relationship is on my mind.

First, the Americans have only belatedly understood India. This is partly because of the Cold War. It’s partly because, as I discovered when I was a US Congressional Intern for Eliot Engel in 1994, the Indian Govt was then spending $0 on lobbying the US Government although there were outstanding herculean efforts by the likes of Navdeep Suri at the Indian Embassy in Washington.

And whenever it received aid, the US Congressmen who were anti-India (Pakistan spent millions on lobbying) such as Charles Wilson (remember the movie Charlie Wilson’s War) would make anti-India speeches for hours on end. ('Keep your peanuts' has long been a justified Indian response) Second, the other problem was the lack of mobilisation by the Indians in the US. They hadn’t made their billions yet so hadn’t decided to coordinate and organise as they do so very well now.

You may think Democrats are natural friends of India, more so than Republicans. Eliot was pro-India, he lobbied the White House when I was in Congress to have Pakistan declared a terrorist state – that you may think does not make him pro-India necessarily – but it was 1994 – the terrorism he was talking about was in Kashmir. And how right Eliot was. He is still in Congress.

But don’t forget it was the Republicans who signed the Nuclear Treaty with India, although it was the Democrats and Kennedy who told China to stop trampling freely through an ill-prepared India.

How will the new US President engage with

India?

Well he or she will sign bigger arms deals than Britain does. This is partly because the US makes a broader range of defence equipment than the UK. But the new US President will face the same problem as the UK in trying to get closer to post-Cold War India. Which is India evaluates words by how a country sits on the Pakistan-India security issue. India does not trust China because China funds Pakistan. India will not trust the new US President, regardless of what he or she says because they have foot dragged on Pakistan being openly declared a terrorist base.

India may say it supports US funding of antiterror efforts in Pakistan, but India knows, as when the US did it in 1979 against the Afghans via Pakistan, that the US jumped in with money and the ISI kept 90% and sent 10% to the Mujahidin.

Obama has already made clear the US believes it cannot secure Afghanistan without Pakistan, and so it has to live with the consequences.

All this works out well for Britain, because when Cameron was in India, he made clear Britain is not on the fence anymore between India and Pakistan, and he did not backtrack in front of Mr 10% who landed in Britain asking for money a week later whilst his country drowned – I refer to the Pakistani PM. PM May has to repeat what Cameron did in 2010 “We can not tolerate in any sense the idea that [Pakistan] is allowed to look both ways and is able, in any way, to promote the export of terror, whether to India or whether to Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world."

So what for India.

Well, things would be better for India if the US was even closer an ally. And it will be vital for PM May to repeat the sentiment Cameron did.

4

UK

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BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir on Gipsy Lane Celebrates 5th Anniversary His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, previous head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), touched the lives of millions of people around the world. He taught that mandirs should be a hub for not only worship, but nurturing values and serving the community. He was the inspiration behind the ornate BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Gipsy Lane in Leicester.

The Mandir celebrated its fifth anniversary on Saturday 8 October 2016 in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami from India and hundreds of devotees and well-wishers from around the country.

The theme of the celebrations focused on the Mandir as a ‘labour of love’ and the way it has enriched the lives of so many.

The day started off with a traditional Vedic ceremony with prayers for world peace and harmony. This was followed by an evening cultural programme that took a capacity gathering on an uplifting journey tracing the history of BAPS activities in Leicester. This covered the earliest gatherings in a devotee’s home in 1968, the numerous visits of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, earlier tem-

Annakut offerings to deities

views which resonated with the spirit of volunteerism behind the Mandir. Young children through to the elderly all played a part in the inspiring programme.

Lead coordinator of the

ples on Doncaster Road and in the City Centre, through to the present day.

The story of how the Mandir came to be was told through a series of insightful sketches, videos and inter-

Mandir, Darshan Patel, said, “A testament to the warmth with which the Mandir is regarded is the support of local businesses and schools for this event. With the large numbers expected, Lidl on Gipsy Lane together with Northfields Primary School and Soar Valley College offered overflow car parking.

Arriva generously supplied a double decker bus to then shuttle visitors back to their cars to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for everyone. Schools also visit regularly from Leicestershire and beyond. So it’s heartening to see how quickly the Mandir has become a valuable part of the local community and we’re deeply grateful to everyone for their kind support and goodwill.”

Devotees at the cultural evening

PBV

Diwali celebrations in Leicester

those people was amazing, too. I had no idea they would be here."

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri made his Diwali debut – and brought the Premier League trophy with him.

He said: "It's fantastic and I'm proud to be here.

Diwali is a huge festival and I am enjoying learning

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Blind athlete ‘proud’ to claim Ironman world record

Haseeb, 46, and his guide Duncan SheaSimonds, claimed the record in the event in Barcelona

An athlete from Leicestershire has claimed a new world record as the fastest person to complete an Ironman competition blindfolded.

Fully blind Haseeb Ahmad, from Oadby, smashed the previous record for the challenging course – a 2.2-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26-mile run – by almost seven minutes.

Haseeb, 46, and his guide Duncan SheaSimonds, claimed the record in the event in Barcelona on October 2. He got confirmation last week (10th) that he is now the official record-holder. They finished the course in 11 hours, three minutes and 31 seconds.

The father-of-one said he was inspired by the fact that the race was on the 20th birthday of his daughter Ayeisha, who was there to cheer him on.

Haseeb was registered blind at 17 due to retinitis pigmantosa, an incurable condition in which the cells of the retina degenerate.

Trojan Horse teachers win appeal over lifetime classroom bans

30,000 people attend Diwali celebrations in Leicester Billed as the largest Diwali event outside India, Leicester's vibrant festivities transformed the Golden Mile into a living sea of people, with tens of thousands of men, women and children watching the community being illuminated.

Last Sunday, the multitudes gathered in Melton Road from early in the evening to listen to music, watch dancing and see the spectacular switch-on and fireworks display.

Leicester City Council put the attendance at 30,000.

The honour of switching on the lights fell to 11year-old Jodeen Kaur, a pupil at Rushey Mead School.

The youngster had won a writing competition to land her the coveted task.

Speaking to The Leicester Mercury Jodeen said: "It was amazing. I never thought something like this would ever happen. Being on stage with all

In Brief

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice |22nd October 2016

(Pic Courtesy: Leicester Mercury)

about the new culture. There are so many people here and it's great to be part of it. The city of Leicester is fantastic and there

are so many cultures."

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It's wonderful to celebrate Diwali here in Leicester. It's something all the communities of the city come and share in – and it's the people who make this very special."

After the Golden Mile was illuminated by thousands of lamps hung from shops, homes and lampposts, the masses watched fireworks rocket above their heads and boom out over the city.

Cossington Street recreation ground hosted a Diwali village for the first time. It featured funfair rides, entertainment and a wide range of stalls and food.

October 16 marked the start of the major festival in the Hindu calendar, which builds up to Diwali Day on October 30. It is also an important event in the Sikh and Jain faiths.

Two teachers who worked at the school at the centre of the Trojan Horse scandal have overturned their lifetime bans from the classroom.

Inamulhaq Anwar (pictured) and Akeel Ahmed – both formerly of Park View School in Alum Rock – overturned the orders on appeal as a judge accused the teachers’ standards watchdog of “serious procedural irregularity”.

The Department of Education said it was “disappointed” by the decision and intended to ask for a re-hearing.

Giving his ruling in Birmingham, Mr Justice Stephen Phillips voiced “considerable doubt” about the fairness of the National College for Teaching and Leadership hearing which imposed the bans in February.

The panel concluded that both men had agreed to the inclusion of “an undue amount of religious influence in pupils’ education” at the school, now called Rockwood Academy.

Park View - part of the now defunct Park View Educational Trust - was at the centre of anonymous allegations which claimed there was a wider plot by Muslim hard-liners to take control of several Birmingham schools.

LSE student and 'future leader' of Sri Lanka found dead A young scholar at the London School of Economics (LSE), who represented the next generation of Sri Lankan political leaders, was found dead in his dorm room last week.

Friends became worried about Adhil Bakeer Markar (pictured), 25, when he wouldn't answer his phone and wasn't seen at his lectures.

When they tried him at his dorm residence they got the help of university officials to open the door and found him "sprawled on the floor," a source told Sri

Lanka's The Sunday Times.

Bakeer Markar had complained of being ill, but when he spoke with one of his brothers last Tuesday evening had said "I am recovering and will be OK." Scotland Yard is not investigating his death and believe it is not suspicious.

His body was discovered Wednesday, October 12.

He was the son of Sri Lankan politician Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, chairman of the country's National Media Centre – a project established to monitor the country's media. In the

past he has also served as the country's Cabinet Minister of Media.

The LSE posted a memorial online. "Sri Lanka lost one of talented young future leaders and academics," wrote a member of the UK's Sri Lankan

community.

Bakeer Markar was attending the University on a Chevening Scholarship, a prestigious award for future leaders, funded by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He had just begun studying for a Masters in Comparative Politics in September.

In 2015 Bakeer Markar had represented the Sri Lanka Youth Delegation at the United Nations. Other Sri Lankan youth delegates posted a video calling his death a "great loss for our nation and community."

www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016 AsianVoiceNews

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Theresa May’s India visit to boost post-Brext ties

Rupanjana Dutta

Mos st popu ular agen nt to IN NDIA

At the invitation of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of United Kingdom Mrs Theresa May will pay an official visit to India on 6-8 November 2016. This is PM May’s first bilateral overseas visit outside Europe since taking office.

Mrs May will hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi during her visit on developing the strategic partnership between the UK and India, building on the deep links and cooperation we share.

During the visit, PM May and PM Modi will jointly inaugurate the India-UK Tech Summit.

PM May will also be accompanied by a trade delegation consisting predominantly of small and medium businesses. UK Secretary of State for International Trade Mr. Liam Fox who will be in India to co-chair the IndiaUK Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) will also join PM May during her visit to India.

She will take examples of the best of British business to India. The visit will mark the Prime Minister’s first trade mission, with a business delegation drawn from regions across the UK due to accompany her to India. It will consist predominantly of small and medium sized businesses, including Geolang, an innovative cyber security company based in Cardiff, Torftech, a creative energy company based in the South-East, and Telensa, a company focussed on smart city solutions based in Cambridge.

While we are not yet aware of all the delegates of Indian origin accompanying her, it is believed Alpesh Patel, a top trader, financial analyst and a columnist in Asian Voice will join Mrs May. The Prime Minister will use the visit to deliver on the ambitious vision for Britain after Brexit she set out in a speech earlier this month, forging a new global role for the UK as a country with the self-confidence and the freedom to look beyond the continent of Europe. And she will use the visit to deliver on her pledge to create an econo-

Theresa May

Narendra Modi

my that truly works for all, by introducing new and emerging enterprises, as well as more established players, to the key Indian market. A number of commercial deals are expected to be signed during the visit, creating and securing jobs at home and demonstrating market confidence in the strength of the British economy following the EU referendum vote.

With approximately 1.5 million people of Indian origin in the UK, the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in our national life. India is now our second largest international job creator – last year, India created 7105 new jobs in Britain through 140 projects, and in total Indian companies currently employ over 100,000 people in the UK. We have unique ties between our two countries, and there is enormous potential to grow.

The Prime Minister will visit two cities in India, starting with the capital New Delhi, where she will inaugurate the India-UK TECH Summit alongside Prime Minister Modi. The TECH Summit, South Asia’s largest technology conference, will provide a platform for promoting technology-intensive trade between the two countries.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Prime Minster said: “As we leave the European Union we have the chance to forge a new global role for the UK – to look beyond our continent and towards the economic and diplomatic opportunities in the wider world. I am determined to capitalise on those opportunities, and as we embark on the trade mission to India we will send the message that the UK will be the most passionate, most consistent, and most convincing advocate for free trade.

“In the past the focus of trade delegations has been big businesses, but I want to take a new approach that recognises the full range of British business.

So this time we will be focussing on small and medium sized businesses – and, importantly, the delegation will include representation from every region of the UK. I want to create an economy that truly works for everyone – and this new approach to international trade missions will help achieve just that.

“The relationships between our two countries are strong, and the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in our national life. In my talks with Prime Minister Modi I want to build on our relationship for the benefit of both our countries, generating jobs and wealth and maintaining cooperation on defence and security.”

The visit will mark the Prime Minister’s second trip to India. In her capacity as Home Secretary, she previously visited New Delhi and Hyderabad on 27-29 November 2012, where she visited the National Police Academy and held talks with Ministers and the National Security Adviser on bilateral security cooperation.

Over the last two years, the top 5 Indian investments in the UK have been: l JLR with an investment of £97million producing 3820 jobs l Tata Motors with an investment of £84 million producing 1825 jobs l FirstSource with an investment of £31m producing 678 jobs l Neterwala with an investment of £20m producing 152 jobs l India Bulls with an investment of £66 million producing 150 jobs.

Hindu Forum of Britain in association with Karma Yoga Foundation have organised the 15th Diwali celebrations at the House of Commons on 26th October from 4pm. The reception will be hosted by Bob Blackman MP, Lord Dholakia, Virendra Sharma MP, Caroline

Lucas MP, Rt. Hon Nigel Dodds MP and Rt. Hon. Angus Robertson MP. This multi-party reception is the only event that encompasses and invites members and peers from all political parties to share the

colourful and wondrous Diwali celebration with Hindu community leaders, religious leaders and leading figures from businesses across Britain.

The invite only event is not open to public.

Hindu Forum of Britain to host 15th Diwali celebrations

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Best Indian students avoid Britain over migrant hostility Continued from page 1 The Times reports that home secretary Amber Rudd tried to remove students from official immigration statistics, in order to protect them from an impending post-Brexit crackdown on immigration, but May blocked the move.

With scrapping of post study work scheme (2 years visa to work in the UK, after graduation) Indian students now choose Singapore, Australia, Canada, US and even mainland Europe over the UK as a destination for higher study. The number of Indian students has fallen by 10% in the last one year alone. With the pound rate low against rupee, UK should expect an influx of foreign students- which of course have been affected

by Mrs May's 'unwelcome' attitude.

Ishita Dutta, a student of University of Calcutta told Asian Voice, "I have scored quite high marks in my finals. I am thinking of higher studies but I have not applied to any UK universities because of the immigration rules.

"My father is a University of London graduate, and my mother studied in Scotland. We are naturally attracted to Britain as a destination for

further education. But after paying £25,000 as a one-year course fee, we are expected to head back immediately after the course finishes, without a fair opportunity to gain some work experience. I would rather go to the US or Canada (I have offers from both) to achieve my dreams. It's a shame how UK has closed its doors on us."

A YouGov survey of 1,658 adults, conducted late last month, suggests that voters do not share ministers’ negative views of international students. The study has found that, half of voters want the government to encourage more overseas students to study at British universities, while fewer than a third say they should be deterred.

The Times revealed, people were also relaxed about international students staying to look for work in Britain once their degree courses end, the study said.

When asked their view of overseas students who remained in Britain after finishing their studies, 42 per cent said they had a positive impact and just 13 per cent a negative impact, with the remaining 45 per cent saying they had no effect or they did not know.

Another question asked if foreign students should be allowed to stay in Britain

for a limited period to look for a graduate-level job, in line with current practice — 54 per cent said yes and 28 per cent said no.

The findings raise further questions about Theresa May’s hardline stance on immigration after proposals to force companies to reveal how many foreign workers they employ were scrapped following an outcry.

Vice Chancellors of many 24 Russell Group universities were unhappy to be left out when Home Office announced the trial in August in which just four institutions (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and Bath) were allowed to process visas for overseas students for Masters degrees, themselves. They students were also going to be allowed to stay in the UK for 6 months after graduationg, 2 months more than ohers, to find skilled and relevant jobs. The experiment was meant to run for two years, depending on results, was meant to extend. However with Amber Rudd's comment on tougher rules for students on lower quality courses, and profeciency in English, this left many questions unanswered including the definition of lower quality courses.

At the moment, international students can stay

IN SUPPORT OF PHARMACY Thousands of High Street pharmacies in England face closure following plans to cut NHS funding by £170m, according to Health Minister Alistair Burt who has handed over the reigns to the new Minister David Mowat.

The Department of health made an announcement about cuts to pharmacy funding on 17th December 2015. Mr Burt, Minister for Community and Social Care, estimated that the number of pharmacies closing could be between 1,000 and 3,000, out of 11,674 overall.

Department of Health officials have said that in some parts of the country there are more pharmacies than needed.

But they have not explained the thinking behind their decisions. No impact assessment has been shared with the profession.

But the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the body representing the profession says this could put more pressure on GPs and accident and emergency departments. And, make it harder for people to get their medicines and free advice about health.

According to the Department of Health, funding for these pharmacies is set to fall from £2.8bn to £2.63bn from October as part of the drive to find £22bn of savings across the health service by 2020.

This would mean that many pharmacists would be left with leases and possible bankruptcies causing hardship to the staff and the communities that are being served. It will also have an impact on the job market as there would be fewer opportunities for younger pharmacists at a time when the burden on the health care system is increasing.

Even the GPs leaders like Dr Mark Spencer, co-chair designate of New NHS Alliance, and a GP in Fleetwood,

oppose the cuts and has said: “This policy appears to be extremely shortsighted. The proposed £170m cut will save roughly 0.14% of the Hemant Patel annual NHS budget, but the services and expertise we risk losing have the potential to save far greater NHS resource in the long run.

“While the exact number of pharmacies that will be forced to close as a result of the funding cut remains to be seen, it is quite astonishing to hear that the government seems to accept it could be as many as one in four. Jeremy Hunt has stressed on multiple occasions that the sustainability of the NHS lies in developing out of hospital care, and a focus on prevention. Cutting funding to vital primary care providers completely contradicts this approach.

“Studies have shown that community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the majority of the population, and accessibility is greatest in areas of high deprivation.

Closing high street pharmacies is likely to widen health inequalities in the most deprived areas of the country, but it will also have the knock on effect of increasing demand on general practice, at a time when GPs are already struggling with capacity and recruitment.”

About the author Hemant Patel is secretary at North East LPC, and four-time former president of the RPSGB. He also served as chairman of NPA, vice-chairman of PSNC.

4 months after their courses end and then leave unless they find a job that pays him £20,000.

According to Sir David Greenway, Vice Chancellor of Nottingham University, the brightest and best international students are attracted to come to the UK, bringing diversity.

According to a calculation by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Universities UK, foreign students and their visitors create more than 63,000 jobs. Higher education is UK's one of biggest and successful exports. It contributes £10bn in overseas earnings, £4bn from tution fees alone. That makes it a top ten export activity- bigger than chemicals, telecoms, food and drink.

Moreover a survey in 2012 showed that 78 per cent of international graduates intend to develop professional relationships with organisations in Britain and 86 per cent remained

connected to their University. A high percent of international students go on to leadership positions at home- this asset becomes very important after Brexit. It is the right time to do all the government can, to attract highcalibre foreign students.

Instead it is deterring them with tough visa based on false assumptions.

Sanam Arora, the President of National Indian Students Union (NISU) told Asian Voice, “The word migrant suddenly seems to carry this rather negative connotation that is associated with the rhetoric of crime and 'oh they take our jobs'. First of all, students are not in the truest sense of the word 'migrants'. They are consumers of international higher education who happen to be based in the country for the duration of their studies. At the most they may be referred to temporary migrants and therefore should never be

Leader accused of keeping plastic explosives In a courtroom of the Old Bailey, a leading Muslim community figure from Acton has been accused of keeping plastic explosives in his back garden has suggested it was planted after he twice refused to be an MI5 spy. Khalid Rashad is on trial charged with having 8oz (226g) of explosives, a 9mm cartridge and five 8mm round after it was found in this garage near Wembley Stadium.

The 63-year-old building contractor was asked if any security services were connected with the explosives discovered.

Mr Rashad said: “At the end of the day I cannot say I have,

because I have not seen anyone who put this thing there so I cannot point the finger and say I believe it's them.”

Mr Rashad, a Jamaican told the court he changed his name when he converted to Islam in 1993. He went on the describe the two occasions when MI5 contacted him. One in 2012 when he was invited to Whitehall where he was asked to become an operative. On another occasion, he had a meeting at a hotel in Hammersmith asking to spy on young Muslim men travelling overseas. On both occasions he refused.

The case continues.

Labour MPs demand answer over Chakrabarti appointment Jeremy Corbyn on Monday faced fresh demands from Labour MPs to set out exactly when he held disShami cussions with Chakrabarti about her controversial appointment as a peer amid claims that he has created a "safe space" for anti-Semitism.

They raised concerns about the leader's response to a damning Home Affairs select committee report stating Labour has a problem with Anti-Semitism, accusing him of "pouring petrol on an already difficult situation" after he issued a statement claiming the authors had a "disproportionate" focus on Labour.

Allegations suggested Baroness Chakrabarti was offered the honour as part of an agreement to chair

the anti-Semitism inquiry.

Whitehall sources, who were involved in the honours process, have however claimed that Mr Corbyn made the request for a

peerage for the human rights lawyer after he commissioned her to conduct the inquiry – but before its conclusion was released.

Sources revealed Chuka Umunna and David Winnick, both senior members of the home affairs committee, also spoke out against Mr Corbyn’s response to their report.

Labour was involved in

counted as part of the net migration numbers.

“India sends 300,000 students abroad every year, an industry worth many billions of dollars and indeed as the second largest consumer of the fourth largest export market of the UK it is about time they got the consumer rights that go along with being the consumers of a UK export. The UK wants the best and brightest of Indian students to come to the UK but sadly this won't happen if we don't recreate the healthy welcome feeling that the UK once offered. Countries like Germany have made education free, so I fail to understand why the UK is making our own revenues and higher education institutions suffer.

“As Indian diaspora of the UK as well we need to ask ourselves if we are doing enough in the field of higher education cooperation between the UK and India.”

No-bel at Dylan’s door

Bob Dylan, pictured, the recipient of the 2016 Nobel prize for Literature, has been surprisingly quite as the Swedish Academy attempt to contact Dylan, but in vain.

Sara Danius, the academy’s permanent secretary told state broadcaster SR: “Right now we are doing nothing. I have called and sent emails to his closest collaborator and received very friendly replies. For now, it's certainly enough.”

Every year on December 10th the winners are invited to Stockholm to receive their awards from King Carl XVI Gustaf and to address the banquet. The Swedish Academy in unaware if Dylan will attend or not.

75-year-old Dylan is the first songwriter to win the literature prize. This year’s contenders included author Salman Rushdie, Syrian poet Adonis and writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o from Kenya. yet another anti-Semitism row after Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, cochairman of the party in Chingford, east London, allegedly told LBC Radio that Israel ‘exploits the fact of the Holocaust’ to justify crimes against Palestinians.

www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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A Tribute to Lord Gulam Noon They say time is the best healer but unfortunately for me, although it’s been a year since my father Lord Gulam Noon passed away, it is still very fresh in my mind and not a moment or day goes by where he is not missed and remembered with affection. I know for sure that he continues to help and guide me like he always used to do.

My relationship with Dad was an extremely close one as it was a double headed one, in my personal life and also in my professional life. I dearly miss him on both fronts!

Growing up in the early years, although he was busy building up his business, he always found time for my sister Zarmin and me and made sure we had everything we wanted, nearly close to being spoilt!! My childhood memories are of very warm and close knit family celebrations, with my cousins and Dad’s brothers and sisters, with my grandmother holding court, lots of food and sweets! These family get-togethers were to last the next 50 years with regular visits to our hometown of Bhawani Mandi. There we would all gather from all parts of the world and reminisce our memories of wonderful times we had.

The highlight was always sitting together, eating all the lovely food, sometimes even fresh river fish which he caught and marinated himself. He was a people’s person and always loved to have his family and friends close.

I think my father was the happiest there, in the company of his family and helping the poor and needy in his home town!

This legacy continues

with the Noon Hospital and various schools that he helped over the years. This has now become my passion also, and I am working towards raising funds to expand on all fronts in his hometown. With the values he taught us, determination, integrity and goodwill, both my sister Zarmin and I have started a new trust in our father’s honour. “The Noon Memorial Legacy Trust”, this trust will help us keep his legacy going for not only the Noon Hospital in his home town of Bhawani Mandi, Rajasthan but The Noon Centre of equality and diversity in UEL, London where he was the

Chancellor. He did so very much for us over the years and we feel we want to now give back to him in our own special way.

Dad was great to work with. He had the patience of a saint while dealing with people and guiding them along. He was my mentor and inspiration since I started Noon Products with him way back in 1989 and we all worked very hard to see it grow and grow and become the success the whole world sees today. He truly was the “Curry King” as known by all in the food industry. I used to see him everyday as he walked into his office, stopping at my

When Dad passed away a year ago, many people who knew him paid their tributes in wonderful and fitting ways. It would be impossible for me to do his legacy true justice in a few short paragraphs. But there were a few powerful lessons he left imprinted on me that I’d like to share.

One thing that stood out in particular for me at the time of his passing was the number of people who explained how had it not been for him, they would not have taken a critical step in their lives. Whether it was marrying someone, starting a business, venturing abroad or extending their education. Through a conversation, encouragement,

intervention with their families or just sheer force of persuasion; he had inspired them in his own unique way to do something they may not have otherwise. And they were all eternally grateful for it. For most of us, these stories were new.

Anyone who had met him could see that Dad possessed numerous enviable traits but one he cited most often himself, as what he valued after integrity, was constantly engaging with people and helping them in any way he could. This included people from all walks of life, from those who worked on his factory floor to people he had never met before who approached him directly. His innate capacity to help and support those around him was extraordinary. He took time and effort in a way that is

difficult to imagine for someone of his position. For him, achievement, success, wealth and status were hollow if you did not use it to your full ability to help along a fellow man, regardless of the relationship you shared.

The other striking feature of Dad’s was his deep rooted positivity. Despite what many believed, he had his fair share of challenges and upheavals through his own life’s journey. But in each case, his attitude was singularly positive. He never let any event get the better of him and was certain that his attitude and abilities would see him through any crisis. Whether it was the fire that tore through his factory or the sight of armed terrorists through his peep hole as he was holed up at the Taj in

Back: Arun Harnal, Natania Harnal and Manraj Sekhon Front: Zeenat Harnal, Late Lord Noon and Zarmin Sekhon

table to have an update and a chat. This I miss dearly, sometimes just looking up expecting him to walk by brings tears to my eyes.

We all miss him dearly but I thank the Almighty that we were so very lucky to have such an amazing father; I would want him as my father in each and every lifetime!

He taught me hard work always pays and to never ever give up on your dreams. I know his hand will always be on my head, blessing me and guiding me to achieve all I want in life!!

Dearly loved and greatly missed Zeenat Noon Harnal Mumbai. In those times and also later in life when reflecting on such incidents, his response and recollection was always a positive and grateful one.

Not long after my wife, Zarmin, and I first met, she tried to explain to me what her father meant to her.

Quite simply she said that she was in constant awe of him; in what he had achieved, how he related to those around him, how he never settled for anything less than the best; and, how he lived his values in his everyday life. Over the years, I began to fully understand what she meant and became in awe of all he represented. He symbolised many things to many people, but to us he was simply a father.

- Manraj Sekhon Son in Law

Lord Gulam Noon passed away on October 27, 2015. This tribute by his family members is by invitation from the Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar

When asked to summarise my relationship and my experiences with my father-in-law, the late Lord Noon, or Dad as he was always to us, it is extremely difficult to put pen to paper. The wide gambit of emotions and feelings recollecting precious moments spent with him are so many!

What can one say about a man who epitomised everything that a great human being should have, like courage in adversity, immense integrity and morals, honour in abundance, huge amount of tolerance and the deepest respect and understanding of all religions? One thing I can say with certainty is that he practised all of the above every day of his life.

This was evident from the first time I met him in his imposing Suite at the Taj in Mumbai when Zeenat introduced me as the man she wanted to marry. He was a perfect gentleman and the one piece of advice offered to me was to give up my Suzuki motorbike as it was too risky on the Bombay roads! I came to know later that he had one for years when he was younger!

Also what came across was his tolerance and support for his daughter wanting to marry a Hindu, not withstanding what the Bohra community would think. What mattered to him was that I was of good character with a decent career ahead of me. This he had already checked with my top bosses!

Since that moment many many moons ago, he was always a pillar of strength for me personally, and to so many others around the world, as we keep finding out even now!

He saw good in everyone and was of a firm opinion that everyone deserved a second chance as to err is human. Most of the time this proved right! Just like he was available to us at all times, he was also there for everyone he knew, no matter where he was or what time it was. He always had time for people no matter how busy he was. These were lessons for how to be humble in life, no matter how high or big one gets.

Dad doted on Natania, my daughter, and I remember vividly we both standing outside the delivery room at St Mary’s and he was more nervous than me! Natania was the apple of his eye and could do no wrong in his eyes! Zeenat and I had a hard time as Dad was always on her side!

He was extremely fond of all his family members.

He made sure he spoke to them regularly and in par-

ticular he spoke to Zeenat a n d Zarmin, his two daughters, everyday no matter where he was.

We all miss his calls!

Dad and I shared a passion for cricket and shooting, which took us to various parts of the world.

I coveted the times we spent grouse shooting, deer stalking and fishing in the unspoilt beauty of Scotland during the official shooting season, always from the 12th of August! I must thank our dear family friend, David Robinson, for introducing us to the wonders of Scotland!

Cricket took us from the cosy Committee Room at the Oval in London, to the paradise of Barbados for one of the most relaxing breaks we took as a family! Playing beach cricket on the sands of the wonderful Sandy Lane resort, to swimming with the turtles and getting to see the great Brian Lara play his last match!

Meeting Sir Gary Sobers and Sir Everton Weekes, of the dreaded 3 W’s, was a special moment for him as they were his heroes from the 60’s. We then searched and located the place where the other greats, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, were laid to rest, to complete the pilgrimage of the cricket greats of Barbados!

Dad’s other passion was his love for tigers and I went with him twice to see them in the wild at Ranthambore in Rajasthan. Early morning safari in freezing cold, sitting in the open jeeps for hours over two days, finally being rewarded to see the magnificent tigress and her cubs on one occasion and a full grown male tiger on the next trip! Dad was so excited to see them, he was like a child with a new toy!

It was truly an amazing sight, well worth the discomfort.

I could go on and on as there are so many precious moments I spent with him.

Zeenat, Natania and I feel so proud to have known and spent the time that we did, though too short, with such a larger than life person, our loving Dad, and we miss him every moment of the day!

There is a huge void that will never be filled but we know for sure that he is smiling down on us, and all he considered as friends, showering us with his blessings, now and forever!

Arun Harnal

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Early Business Background

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Bird Man Sarwandeep Singh: Showing the World the Birds of India Sarwandeep Singh is the MD of the Indian Birding Company.

A successful business sourcing garments for top outlets in the UK and the US has transformed into a successful business taking foreigners and Indians on Birding Tours; Bird Photography and wildlife adventure tours in India and its neighbouring countries.

Birding, explains Sarwandeep, is going to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to watch and see bird species only found in India. Some people want to watch and observe, they are called Birders. others want to see and take photographs; they are called Bird Photographers.

“India has 13% of the world’s bird species, so people interested in birds have to go there if they want to see them,” Singh explains. “In England you have more Birders than Bird Photographers; out of the whole of Europe the

Sarwandeep Singh

British are the keenest at Birding. Birders love to go and look at the birds’

plumage, colour, juvenile or baby birds. The Americans are very keen too.”

In the early nineties, Sarwandeep was busy working for a sourcing company representing US companies Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy Stores in India. Every three months or so, he would come and spend time in the UK or the US so he became very at home in England.

From 1996, he set up his own sourcing company providing Adam Children’s Wear, manufacturing garments in India for Miss Selfridge, BHS and others, so the UK relationship continued.

“Slowly my interest in wildlife got the better of me, I wound up my garment company and went full time into Birding and Wildlife Photography,” he says.

Singh’s approach to anything is always scientific and logical, so to complete a mission he makes a practical plan and works to that.

For example, he has just co-authored a book, Birds of India, published

by Om Books. The other four authors are Bikram Grewal, Sumit Sen, Sarwandeep Singh, Nikhil Devasar and Garima Bhatia. It has 4,400 photos, 800 pages, and displays all 140,00 all the different bird species of India.

UK Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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Andaman and Nicobar He has three more sinIslands, Lakshadweep, or gle-author books of his the eastern part of India; own lined up for those Assam, Arunachal, interested in Birding. This Manipur. Some tours trio looks at topics are just looking at like ‘where to find birds from the forbirds’ and ‘how est, or the birds of to differentiate India has 13% of the ocean, or b e t w e e n birds of the them.’ the world’s bird But he species, so people desert. All our trips are cusalso handles interested in tomised,” he the Bird birds have to go explains.

Tours, along with his team. there to see Ambition How does he them, do it all?

If you look Sarwandeep Sarwandeep up Singh spends 150online you will likely 200 days a year travelfind numerous beautiful ling around the sub-contiphotographs of birds of nent, touring India, Nepal India where you see his and Sri Lanka for instance, name. and 160 days a year in Yet this expert always Delhi. When he is in Delhi, has desires and ambitions he spends 9-10 hours a day of his own. Currently he writing. In his spacious wants to locate the Sclaters airy Noida living room, he Monal bird that is to be sits at a big oval table with found on a small patch of seven to eight reference land in Arunachal Pradesh books spread out in front of in the eastern corner of him. Fiercely disciplined, India, close to the Chinese but nice and sociable with border. it, he does the work.

“I went there in the Sarwandeep is a great host; summer, May 2016, spent he is not reclusive, and he time there, but did not see entertains with passion. He Sclaters Monals. any loves his cricket too.

They’re so rare. Very few Typically, overseas exist because they have disBirding clients arrive in appeared over the years, Delhi, spend one night due to deforestation, polluplanning and briefing with tion, or hunting. So it’s not Sarwandeep, then head off too easy to find these birds, on whatever package they and you have got to be have chosen; seven star, lucky to see this little felfive star, medium or budglow,” he says, smiling, the et tour. “Certain birds are love he has for the wildlife only found in Ladakh, the of the air showing clearly.

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READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

Malala’s view of terrorism Malala is quite correct to say, that the west’s interference caused it, in Afghanistan, when it had a socialist government, with freedom of religion and equal rights for women. Then Saudi Arabia did not like a socialist government in a Muslim country, along with Pakistan with a military government, did not like it. Afghanistan being a landlocked country, not allowed access through Pakistan, requested Russia for food aid.

Saudi Arabia decided to finance the ‘Mujahadin’, to fight the Afghan government, the USA, and the UK, with the help from Pakistan trained them. Russian armed forces went to help Afghanistan and the innocent citizen’s suffered in the civil war. The ‘Mujahadin’ drove the Russians out and the ‘Taliban’, who are Afghans (which is a way of life) drove the corrupt ‘Mujahadin’ out. After the 9/11 attack in the USA, by ‘Al Qaeda’s Osama Bin Laden’ of Saudi Arabia, who was trained by the US and the UK, started the war against the ‘Taliban’ in Afghanistan.

It is high time, that Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, set up a joint security force, to combat the threat of terrorism. So that they are unable to carry out acts of terrorism and cross borders without any opposition. Only a joint security force can stop them.

India and Pakistan should also hold talks to unite the countries, instead of fighting with each other, with a new constitution, where there are no political parties, but independent members of parliament, who after the election elect a Prime Minister and cabinet.

Mr Jal Framji By email

Brexit

The British Government has not been able to work out the negotiating strategy for Brexit with the European Union because those who campaigned for Brexit won the referendum based on lies, misinformation, fear and scare mongering. They campaigned without working out any plan for the government to implement post Brexit.

What happened to the £350 million a week earmarked for funding NHS, they are not talking about it now. They were not sincere about it. They said we will get back our sovereignty, which was never lost but was shared with 27 other European Nations, who also shared they sovereignty with us like we did with them.

Immigration is perhaps the most sensitive and divisive issues when it comes to EU membership.

Freedom of movement is a pillar of the EU and the region's citizens have the right to move and reside freely in other member states. Brexit said they will control immigration, they have not shown how they would do it and what would be their annual intake of the immigrants. The matter is still in air.

They have taken the British people for a ride, because of the ordinary people are paying the price of high inflation, unemployment, fall in investment, financial insecurity the pound has fallen to its lowest level.

With no post Brexit plan evident, and political parties divided within themselves, Parliamentarians must re-exert their authority. They were elected to think and act, not to be told what to do.

Baldev Sharma Harrow

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Navratri a tonic for winter gloom

Battle of the giants

Last Week Unilever, the makers of Marmite and other household products, told Tesco that because of the fall in the vlalue of the pound, they will be raising the the prices of their items like Marmite by 10%. Marmite is a spread made of yeast extract containing a high sourcs of vitamin B and children love it. I never liked the taste of Marmite but apparently many people enjoy it.Unilever said that the plummeting value of the pound means it is more expensive to buy the ingredients that go into making their products.

Tesco refused to accept the increase and Unilever had to give in.

The proposed price increase was a consequence of the downward slump in the value of the pound following Brexit. Would other manufacturers follow suit and raise the cost of their products? Only time will tell. It would appear that Brexit has started to take its toll as house prices have also seen an upward trend. At the time of writing, we understand that the dispute has been resolved pro tem, but it could raise its ugly head again in some other form. How long will the status quo be maintained? Soon other products will go up in price. In contrast to Newton’s Law of gravity, normally anything that goes up does not come down.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Beautiful photos of Navratri and Durga Puja in last week’s AV are fitting tribute to our cultural excellence and Hindu community’s contribution to our multi-faith, multi-cultural society. It seems Diwali, Navratri, Raksha Bandhan and Janmastami, Lord Krishna’s birthday are celebrated throughout the length and breadth of our beloved adopted “Karma Bhumi” with increasing love, devotion and panache by everyone who believes in peace, progress, prosperity and cultural assimilation that British Indians achieve with ease and confidence. No wonder they are one of the most successful ethnic minorities in Britain.

GS, AV and its editor C.B. Patel are playing leading roles, along with many MPs, Councillors and community leaders to put these festivals in public domain. Perhaps it was the first time Navratri was celebrated on the street of London, outside Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow West, in true Navratri spirit, as celebrated in streets of Gujarat, with participation from wider communities.

Perhaps Harrow East and Brent North, with significant Indian population and community friendly MPs like Bob Blackman, Barry Gardiner and only Gujarati London Assembly Member Navin Shah should follow suit in organizing “Street Festival” next year. I am sure they will get whole-hearted support from local temples, community leaders and businesses that will bring joy and fulfilment in local people.

UK balance of trade’s historical deficit

The “cumulative average” balance of trade in the UK from 1955 to 2016 was a deficit of £1,469 billion. Thus the “annual average” trade deficit for 62 years has been £23 billion.

For every £100 billion worth of imports, UK exported £77 billion worth. With regard to the EU, the price of UK exports will remain the same when you consider devaluation advantage offset by import duty disadvantage. Whereas, imports from EU will suffer a double whammy: devaluation and duty, both disadvantages if we leave the Single Market. Because with EU we are always in a trade deficit, the duty we pay will always be much larger that the duty we recover.

The famous Apple iPhone’s 18+ key components are manufactured in several known countries and several unknown countries, including S Korea, Japan, USA, Taiwan and Italy. It is assembled and packed In China. 10+ different currencies are involved. The same is true of all products globally. Comparing trade negotiations to playing poker is fool hardy. The Cabinet, Government and Parliament, rather than arguing among themselves, must get cracking and play the poker game with EU officials on the other side of the table for real.

Nagindas Khajuria By email

Blind faith

News about a girl’s death while observing religious fast, and another news about offering 20 crores rupees worth of edible ghee as offering to deity, that flooded the street are crass display of blind faith. Devotees turn into insane mob by wasting money and edible resource. This amount of ghee could have fed many poor folks. Cash could have been donated towards welfare of soldiers’ family. Religious fasting with total disregard to health and safety of devotee is also blind faith. It is a pity that no research is done to make religious practice a pleasant one, without torturing one self.

In a book ”Yogi kathamrut-Paramhamsa Yogananda”, there is mention that a true yogi can fast for 40 years. This statement is verified medically in Bengal-1936 and Ahmedabad-2006. Intelligent devotees must pursue such knowledge and bring the religion in 21stCentury. Such a gift can far outweigh technology gift by modern science, which has created lethal radioactive fallout, scrap, and weapons of mass destruction.

Such practice can liberate devotees from mundane sorrows. In most pragmatic terms, such method of getting sustenance from sun, ether and atmosphere can be useful n famine, non-pastoral areas and astronauts’ space travels.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Generation Gap

Information technology in the form of mobile phones, iPad and tablets have virtually taken over our lives, especially that of younger generation who are so good at handling these gadgets while oldies like us struggle. But when it comes to putting pen to paper, we excel, to the surprise of youngsters who find it difficult even to draft a simple letter.

Recently we went on short break to Wales, staying at an open campsite. Being school holidays, group of older students were also staying there. The campsite was situated on a beautiful, isolated land; right in the middle of open forest with fast flowing stream nearby, with wild life in abundance.

Early morning walk was particularly rewarding. But only few determined, nature loving persons would take the trouble to get up early. Most youngsters would pass their time in canteen, munching burgers, busy taking on their mobiles or sending texts, the activity they could easily carry out from their bedrooms. It seems spirit of adventure, pleasure of outdoor life, art of conversation has been replaced by meretricious lifestyle.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Kumudini Valambia By email

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GRAMMAR SCHOOLS: BACK FOR GOOD?

Selva Pankaj, CEO – Regent Group

Prime Minister Theresa May has recently announced that she will be ending the arbitrary ban on the creation of new grammar schools. The end of the ban has provoked a range of responses, as while the Prime Minister is not suggesting that we regress to a time when children were specifically segregated due to their ability, it places into question the support of the comprehensive school system, which many before her have spent time implementing.

Mrs May has commented, “This is about being unapologetic for our belief in social mobility and making this country a true meritocracy.”

Further, she has proposed measures which aim to mitigate the risk that underprivileged children will lose out due to this change. These new selective schools will be required to take a proportion of disadvantaged pupils, and may, for example, be asked to establish a "high quality, non-selective free school", or set up a primary feeder school in a deprived area.

The main advantage of bringing back grammar schools is the idea that it will bring about greater social mobility. This means that gifted students will be able to access a high standard of education, regardless of their background.

However, there has been a significant backlash in response to this reform, as many people believe the 11-plus exam is very divisive, as a large amount of children rely on extortionate amounts of tutoring to pass.

However, Education Secretary Justine Greening has commented on the 11-plus system saying, “We are looking at how we can make sure that that test is a very open one that able children, whatever their background, can get through."

Many people also disagree with re-introduction of grammar schools as they believe that segregating students at such a young age, purely due to their academic ability, is wrong as they fear it will have a negative impact on young children’s feelings of self-worth. It may also mean that only a small percentage of the most able students in the country will receive the highest standard of education.

This is a factor which Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector of Schools, appears to believe is detrimental. He stated, “We will fail as a nation if we only get the top 15 per cent to 20 per cent of our children achieving well.”

The topic of grammar schools will always be controversial, but only time will tell whether our new Prime Minister lifting this ban on them, will be in the best interests of our education system.

www.regentgroup.org.uk www.selvapankaj.com

Asian Voice |22nd October 2016

11

Asda engages with students across UK through Rangoli competitions Leicester City came alive with laughter and excitement on the 7th October 2016 with music, dance and a splash of colour as Asda partnered with Music Arts Leicester to organise a children’s rangoli competition. Children from around the city arrived at the venue, dressed in festive attire eager to show their creative talents. Three talented children, were awarded gift cards worth £50 from ASDA for creating some brilliant Rangoli designs.

When asked on what she will do with the gift card, one of the winners said: “I will give it to my mother, so we can go shopping together and I can buy lots of Ferrero Rocher’s

and fireworks for Diwali from ASDA!” The atmosphere was buzzing with festivities as all 25 excitable children who participated, used their creative talent to make Rangoli designs.

Similarly, this year, to enhance the festive mood, ASDA partnered with Panchmukhee’s Durga Puja celebrations at Harrow Arts Centre on 8th October, where 25 local children created beautiful Rangoli designs.

Three children who took part, received ASDA gift cards worth £50 for their creative designs.

Debdutta Manik, mother to one of the prize winners said: ‘’The Rangoli activity for chil-

Rangoli competition in Harrow

dren has been a brilliant experience. It is a great way to engage the kids.

They were really into it.

My daughter who cannot talk was actually typing on her communication aid to tell us which colour she

wanted. And her friend Ayona and I helped her create it. At home we do ‘Alpona’ which is the Bengali version of Rangoli and its great when ASDA does something like this to keep kids engaged...’’

Plan now to avoid post-Brexit languages crisis, say MPs The government must plan now to avoid a post-Brexit languages crisis, say a cross-party group of MPs and peers.

Trade talks after leaving the EU will need more UK officials with language skills, say the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Modern Languages.

Ministers say their reforms are already boosting language learning in schools. Launching a checklist on Brexit and languages, the group say lack of language ability loses the UK an estimated 3.5% of economic performance.

The country currently relies on the EU to negotiate trade deals but this will no longer be possible once the UK has left the Union, they add.

APPG co-chair Baroness Coussins called for "a national plan to ensure the UK produces the linguists we need to become a world leader in global free trade and on the international stage."

The group identify a need to boost skills in both European and nonEuropean languages for the purposes of trade, international relations and security. In particular, they fear the loss of European language skills if EU nationals already living in the UK are not guaranteed residency status post Brexit.

They also want the UK to continue full participation in the Erasmus+ scheme, where young people study, work volunteer and train abroad in Europe, some working as language assistants in schools.

The checklist includes calls to: - Guarantee residency status for EU nationals already living in the UK - Continue full participa-

tion in Erasmus+ - Set up a national plan to boost language education from primary school through to post-graduate level A Department for Education spokeswoman said government policies meant the number of students taking one language at GCSE was up from 40% in 2010 to 49% this year.

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Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

The festive season in Bengal, marked by the arrival and departure of the Goddess Durga has come and gone, leaving memories to savour. The presence of foreign dignitaries, British, American, Russian and Chinese, from their respective missions in Kolkata, emphasized the cultural inclusiveness of the celebrations. The following piece by Craig Hall, the American Consul General in Kolkata, best sums up the spirit that animates this unique event.

‘Durga Puja has arrived. The celebration has begun. And what fun! Is there another festival anywhere in the world like Durga Puja?...As a newcomer to India, Durga Puja has become for me a season of creation.

Durga Puja idol, Kolkata

A time to transform the ordinary – or even dirty – into something clean and beautiful. A time to make something new. Polluting clay becomes a beautiful idol. A vacant lot littered with garbage becomes a temple site. Bamboo poles become a sacred shrine… .hope is rekindled that our lives, families and communities can be transformed too. Also, there is a spiritual element that makes Durga Puja miraculous.

Communities work together to prepare for Durga Puja, crafting the idols and building the pandals. And not even the most talented artist or well-versed priest can impart the spirit into the idol.

It is something we wait for. It is something beyond us.

‘It may be the transcendent nature of the festival that makes for the harmonious community spirit of Durga Puja. All participate in the festival, in one way or another. Rich and poor. Young and old. Professionals and labourers. All ethnicities and creeds. (I saw a Buddhist Durga Puja today!).

‘We are all brothers and sisters. With the same spiritual needs and hopes. And Durga Puja is a reminder that in the end God will conquer evil, transform chaos into peace, and make something beautiful out of us.’ (Telegraph October 8)

volumes in nearly five years.

According to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, September sales stood at 2,78,428 units ass against 2,32, 170 units in the same month last year.

Festive season

‘The passenger vehicle numbers represent a build-up of investments for the festive season .

Besides, various car makers have been able to sort out capacity issues leading to the supply of certain models which are in high demand,’ said Society Deputy Director General Sugata Sengupta in New Delhi (Hindu October 8)

Forex reserves at record high

India’s foreign exchange reserves scaled a new high of $371.99 billion to the week September 30, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The increase was propelled by a $1.468 billion surge in foreign currency assets, which constitute the major component of the overall reserves (Hindu October 8)

BRICS Reserve operational

Terror attack foiled

A 60-hour standoff between two armed jihadis holed up in a government institute in Pampore on the outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital ended with the deaths of both men, killed by a special squad of Indian Army commandos. The building was a wreck at the end of the encounter, but no Indian lives were lost.(Hindu October 13)

Exponential rise in car sales

Car sales, led by utility vehicles segment, rose 19.92 per cent in September, touching the highest

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

BRICS’ contingent reserve arrangement is now operational to deal with any short-term balance of payments pressures member states, which consist Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, may face. This was

announced in Washington to the Finance Ministers of the group, by India’s Arun Jaitley, who said the mechanism was operational, as it was properly equipped to carry out the tasks for which it was formed (Business Line October 8)

Military space centre proceeds apace

India is preparing the ground for the formation of a space command to cope with the challenges of regional security. Signalling a shift from civilian to military priorities in space facilities, India has been expanding its satellite programme in the last three years to include long-distance communications for troops in in the field, cross-border surveillance and a more accurate application of fire power. The establishment of a space command centre is seen as a necessary force structure to fulfill these goals. Such a command centre, stretching across all military requirements, ‘needs to be expedited,’ said Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

Eyes in the sky

‘India requires eyes-in-the-sky for anti-terror operations,’ said retired Air Force Group Captain Ajay Lele, now Sernior Fellow at the Institute of Defence Analyses in New Delhi. He continued: ‘Space technologies are useful in any tactical and strategic operations, for intelligence gathering, communications, navigation.

Space is the fourth dimension of warfare.’ According to Manmohan Bahadur, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Air Power in New Delhi, and a retired Air Vice Marshal, India needs ‘many more’ military satellites. A space command is a necessity, so the journey should start now.’ (NDTV report)

GSLV engine fit for purpose

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has got its cryogenic engine going for the launch of heavier satellites into higher geosynchronous orbit. The recent successful launch of GSLVFO5 has installed confidence in India’s cryogenic technology, which had earlier been beset with teething problems. GSLV-FO5 belongs to the GSLV Mark II generation of rockets that use indigenous cryogenic engines.

tured by Saab, is on offer to the Indian Air Force which seeks to replenish its dwindling battleworthy squadrons to the required numbers to meet twin threats from Pakistan and China. The Gripin is equipped with cutting edge technology including weapon systems of world class quality. The plane comes with offer of a full transfer of technology on Indian platforms, thereby fulfilling the Made in India goal set by the Indian government (Hindu October 13)

ABB technology to power Indian buses

Swiss power and automation and automation technology group ABB has drawn up plans to transform India into a fully electric vehicle nation by 2030. This includes an offer to convert around 150,000 state transport diesel buses into electric buses that can be charged in 15 seconds. With no overhead lines, the ABB electric buses connect to a high-power charging contact at bus stations through a controlled moving arm. The bus is equipped with on-board batteries that get charged at ‘flash charging ’bus stations in 15 seconds. The saving in diesel oil imports is huge (Hindu October 13)

Market size aids Indian firms

The World Economic Forum (WEF) stated that Indian firms have profited significantly by the size of its domestic market.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, WEF Head of Business Engagement Olivier Schwab, said the scale of the Indian market, and the innovation necessary made by Indian companies make them highly competitive globally.

Business models

‘What’s interesting in India with some of the start-ups is the sheer scale of the potential market.

They have the opportunity to scale beyond what can be done in

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Europe, for example. So what gives birth to interesting business models that can be replicated around the world. There are about 30 Indian companies now from the 17 in 2014,’ he added.

(Hindu October 13)

Cisco expectation in India justified by results

Over the past decade and more, ever since its arrival in India in 1995, the US technology giant, Cisco, has had its expectations fulfilled, said CEO Chuck Robbins to a reporter in Mumbai. “We’ve been here for 21 years…and then we made the big bet to make it our second headquarters almost a decade ago that was a very big move and it has paid off very well for us. ..it’s a source of tremendous innovation on the development side…it is a source of talented employees across our business functions . It is a country that has a leader who believes in the power of what technology can do for the future.

And now we are going to start manufacturing here.’ (Business Line October 13)

Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and State Assembly Speaker T.N. Thongduk have invited the Dalai Lama to visit the State, which he promised to do early next year.

They told him ,’We are eagerly waiting your holy presence in Arunachal Pradesh.’

The Dalai Lama advised them to adopt a compassionate with people, ‘You are public servants.

You should transcend party lines and live up to people’s aspirations. He told them that no religion advocated ill treatment of others and that the path of peace should be adopted by all. (Times of India October 13) ay for the new. Development is now the State mantra but the hope is that tradition and modernity can be woven into a seamless reality.

Chandrayaan -2

The mission’s success confirmed that GSLV Mark II is ‘more than qualified’ to put Chandraayan 2 to the moon into orbit, said M. Annadorai, Director ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore. It is all set to complement ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) which, with its string of 35 straight successes has proved itself as a rocket capable of launching lighter satellites into lower orbit.

GSLV takes this achievement farther into space. Teams at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre are busy building the orbiter, lander and the rover(Frontline magazine October 14)

Group photo of BRICS leaders in Goa. Report, analysis next week

Gripen offer to IAF

Sweden’s frontline fighter aircraft, the single seat Gripen, manufac-

Leh, capital of Ladakh. see comment page 3

UK Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

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Parents urged to vaccinate their children against flu this winter Public Health England is encouraging parents and carers to help protect their children from flu this winter, as the largest ever programme vaccinating children against it gets underway. This year, the vaccine is being offered to 2 – 4 year-olds, those in school years 1 and 2, and is being extended to school year 3.

But with a survey of parents of eligible children showing nearly 4 out of 10 are unaware of the nasal spray, a campaign has been launched to raise awareness of flu vaccination among parents and at risk groups, such as pregnant women. Although 55% of parents understand the need for their children to be vaccinated every year, nearly 1 in 8 have either never given vaccination any thought, or report that the main thing putting them off vaccination is that their children seldom get flu.

Children have the same symptoms as adults including fever, chills, aching muscles, headaches and a sore throat. More than one in three parents think children recover from flu in a couple of days. In fact, sometimes children need up to a week in bed before

ney or liver disease; chronic neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; and diabetes.

The free flu vaccine is also available for p r e g n a n t w o m e n .

Research shows that around four in 10 pregnant women got their Dr Chintal Patel, The Belgravia Surgery jab last year.

Dr Chintal they are on the mend.

Patel, The Belgravia Some children develop a Surgery, comments: “Flu very high fever or complican be much more dangercations from flu, such ous for children than parbronchitis or pneumonia. ents realise. Data shows Children in the under 5 age that children under the age group are more at risk of of 5 are most likely to be being admitted to hospital admitted to hospital for flu due to flu than any other compared to any other age age group. group.

Ensuring that young Dr Saral Anand, ones are vaccinated can Wellington Health Centre, reduce the spread of this said: “Let’s be clear on the infectious disease amongst facts, flu can cause serious the whole family, protectcomplications for pregnant ing those who are vulnerawomen and their babies. ble like grandparents. Flu The safest way to help procan be particularly dangertect them both is the flu ous for those with longvaccine. term health conditions.

Visit www.nhs.uk/stayThese include: chronic reswell for more details on piratory disease, such as how to help you and your chronic obstructive pulfamily to stay well this winmonary disease, bronchitis ter. or emphysema; heart, kid-

Legal Aid For Domestic Abuse Cases Legal Aid eligibility within family proceedings is subject to a merits and financial assessment. In cases of domestic abuse, evidence must be provided within a five year period immediately preceding the date of any Kathy Walker application.

Many victims of domestic abuse remain connected to their perpetrators through their children and this frequently result in court applications being made by the perpetrator for contact as the victim tries to safeguard their children. Where such applications are made immediately following Non-Molestation Order proceedings, it is likely that the victim will be eligible for Legal Aid and thereby will not face their perpetrator unrepresented.

Documentary evidence of domestic abuse required to be provided to satisfy legal aid funding eligibility requirements takes many forms, such as: l GP letter or letter from a health pro fessional; l Police crime number or letter from police; l Letter from a domestic abuse service such as MARAC, REFUGE; l Evidence from a housing officer; l Non-Molestation Order.

However, you do not need any of the above evidence to apply for a NonMolestation Order/Injunction.

In many circumstances the application for contact occurs in the years that follow domestic abuse. Prior to the landmark decision of Rights of Women, R (on the application of) v The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice [2016] EWCA Civ 91 confirming domestic abuse evidence for legal aid eligibility purposes could be within a five year period, there was the strict time limitation of the evi-

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dence being provided twenty-four months within the Legal Aid Agency regulations. Whilst the decision of Rights of Women goes some way to mitigating the unfortunate circumstances of domestic abuse victims facing their perpetrators in court alone over emotive issues such as the children, it still sets a time limit which presumes that domestic violence ends after five years. In reality, the effects of domestic abuse can stay with the victim long after five years.

In these circumstances, the victim can be faced with the harrowing objective of trying to secure the child’s best interests, without the benefit of legal advice. This can be extremely concerning where issues of domestic abuse are yet to be proven and require a separate hearing to determine whether the person alleging violence is being truthful.

This may force the victim to be crossexamined by their perpetrator and vice versa, presenting a difficult scenario for the victim who may still be living with the effects of domestic abuse.

It is acknowledged that Legal Aid has faced significant cut backs throughout the years. Whether there should be such an arbitrary time limit to decide which domestic abuse victims should receive representation is questionable. Ultimately, the use of time limits may make a victim feel that the violence they have suffered is no longer of significance where it occurred longer than five years ago.

Further, placing the victim in the impossible position of arguing their case with the long lasting effects of domestic abuse still present in their mind.

About the author – Kathy Walker Kathy is a Director in Duncan Lewis’ Child Care Department. She is an expert in family injunctions, having represented victims of domestic violence throughout her career and specialises in assisting children’s guardians, the child directly, parents, grandparents and family members in relation to child law and domestic violence matters.

Strange But True

Austerity Bites Home Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince and the person behind Saudi Arabia’s economic reform programme has bought a luxury super yacht for £300million shortly before the country launched an austerity drive. He was recently spotted in the south of France holidaying on board the 134 metre Serene.

A supercomputer’s power of weather prediction Thanks to a new breakthrough supercomputer, the Met Office can make long-range forecasts up to 13months in advance. The £97 million computer based near Exeter has successfully modelled The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) which determines

the weather the UK experienced. The NAO is based on the pressure difference in the seas around Iceland in the north and the Azores in the south.

Bigamist committed suicide An inquest heard how a man who jailed for bigamy hanged himself, after his second wife found pictures of his third wedding on Facebook and after his third wife found out about his the ongoing relationship, with the second wife.

His suicide note, left in blood said: “you don't need to worry about me anymore.”

Mandatory English tests for mini-cabbers Transport for London has announced a new rule that all minicab drivers in

London will need to demonstrate their English skills in a written and verbal test to acquire a licence.

The decision was made after Uber complained the private hire drivers in London had to take a £200 English exam before obtaining or renewing their licence. The new rule will come into force from April 2017.

Payouts for 100,000 pensioners Over 100,000 pensioners in poor health who were mis-sold annuities are to be compensated under a formal redress scheme.

Enforced by City watchdogs, savers with health issues who have not got a significant sum of their retirement income will be paid over £500 in the redress.

UK

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Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

Samir Patel extradited to India Following Government of India’s request for extradition, Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, an Indian national, was extradited on Tuesday (18 October 2016) to face trial in India.Patel is facing trial in connection with post-Godhra riots in India in 2002. He is charged with the offence under Section 302 of IPC, along with 43 other accused. The offences include murder, rioting and being member of an unlawful assembly.

The accused was arrested in India and was on bail and after jumping bail had escaped to UK. This is the first extradition from UK since the signing of the Extradition Treaty in 1992. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), one of the key departments in the British government dealing with extradition requests, reportedly said

that Patel had consented to his extradition to India.

A team from Gujarat Police was expected to have arrived in London to take Patel to India. The riot, in which 23 people were killed, was reportedly one of nine cases probed by a special investigation team appointed by the Supreme Court. A special court had convicted 23 people for the riot on April 9, 2012.

Patel’s trial in the special court could not be completed when he absconded. It is expected to be resumed after he is taken to India.

The Hindustan Times reported that unlike Patel, who “consented” to the extradition, Tiger Hanif, wanted in India in connection with the 1993 blasts in Surat, has consistently opposed extradition.

Hanif, an aide of

underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, was arrested in Bolton, Greater Manchester, in March 2010, but lost all legal avenues to avoid it.

One of his pleas to prevent extradition – that he would be tortured in Indian jails – was overruled by the judge in the Westminster Magistrates Court in May 2012. The court in fact sent a team to Gujarat to examine jail conditions there and to assess the validity of Hanif’s plea, but the judge dismissed it and called him a “classic fugitive”.

Hanif, whose full name is Mohammed Umarji Patel, made a final appeal to then Home secretary Theresa May, soon after the court judgement in May 2012. But there has been “no update” on Hanif’s final appeal with

the Home secretary.

India revoked passports of individuals such as Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya – allegedly involved in financial irregularities – and sought their deportation, but Britain has not yet agreed to the requests.

The list of individuals sought by India from Britain through extradition and deportation is said to be around 15. Some recent cases of individuals wanted for alleged offences in India are: • Vijay Mallya (financial) • Lalit Modi (financial) • Ravi Shankaran (Navy war room leak case) • Tiger Hanif (1993 blasts in Gujarat) • Nadeem Saifi (Gulshan Kumar murder case) • Raymond Varley (UK citizen; child abuse cases in Goa)

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Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

14

CB Patel, Publisher & Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar with the former Indian High Commissioner to UK, HE Navtej Sarna, at his Kensington residence during his farewell party.

Lord Swraj Paul and Dhimant Trivedi, Chief Executive, Europe Operations, Bank of Baroda light a diya at the Bank of Baroda Diwali celebration at Sheraton Park Lane.

The House of Commons reduced to tears

The super-basement attempt that collapsed a house A millionaire cosmetic surgeon's mansion which collapsed in June this year as he tried to build a superbasement has suffered a major setback. Owner Sid Gautam, 36, has now been refused permission to a new seven bedroom on the site.

The £1million home in Penarth, south Wales, which came down had been bought for £800,000 in 2014. Gautam wanted to add extra rooms to the property but the walls

Found dead in a gated £1 million home

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was found dead in a gated £1 million home in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

A neighbour called the police after she heard a loud scream from the property.

The home which belongs to the Matharu family owns a car leasing business operated out of another home nearby worth £2 million. The victim in her 30s was attempted to be resuscitated by an ambulance crew for over an hour before being pronounced dead.

Thames Valley police have begun the investigation following a postmortem report by a Home Office pathologist. A spokesman for the force said officers of its major crime team were called to investigate and a 58-yearold man was arrested.

Sid Gautam

crumbled and collapsed into the planned new bottom floor.

The plan was to make the house, a six-bedroomed family home in the same 1920s style and the basement is for extras storage and a playroom for children.

While super-basements are popular in London as wealthy homeowners add

extra space without extending upwards - they are extremely rare in Wales.

KBMD celebrates 20th anniversary KBMD Limited, Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors, celebrated their 20th Anniversary on 16th September at VIP Lounge, Edgware. The weather was excellent, the turnout was just over 300 people and the décor and the entertainment were superb.

The evening started with a champagne reception to welcome the clients.

KBMD took this opportunity to capture photos of clients using an instant Polaroid camera and a KBMD photo frame which were displayed to clients towards the end of the evening. A photo canvas was on display showing pictures of when KBMD was born on 01 July 1996.

Guests were then invited into the main hall of the VIP Lounge. The open bar and the cocktail bar soon became the focus of attention. The master of ceremony was the famous Diamond Meghji, who kept all the guests entertained throughout the evening.

There was a magician who went around the tables dazzling clients with his magic tricks.

Dhiresh, one of the founding members of KBMD, welcomed all to

The mother of all parliaments has seen a fair share of debates, spectacles and other historical events happen. But last week MPs in a historical first displayed raw emotion as a fellow member told her story of the child she lost 23 years ago.

The MPs were reduced to tears as Vicky Foxcroft, Labour MP for Lewisham Deptford, movingly spoke about losing Veronica at just five days old as part of a debate during Babyloss Awareness Week. The MP who became pregnant at 16 described how the baby died as the umbilical cord got tangled around her neck during birth.

Ms Foxcroft said “This is probably the hardest speech

I have ever had to write and deliver. My baby awareness week is every year - the 22nd to the 27th of February, my five days of her being alive. I don't have children now because I live through the fear of the same thing happening and I just couldn't do it twice.”

Ms Foxcoroft moved MPs including Conservative stalwart Sir Nicholas Soames and Victoria Prentis as she described the experience of turning off the life support machine five days after the baby’s birth.

The MP said she wanted to share her experience to help other young women, after she was made to feel like she should be “grateful” her child died.

Medicines the elderly don't need

Bhavesh Bhudia, Tulsi Hirani, Ramesh Hirani, Dhiresh Patel, Neelam Patel, Mayur Patel, Kunverji Patel, Pushpa Patel, Reshma Kanbi, Rashmi Patel, Sanjay Ruda, Sapna Patel and Padmini Vaghjiani

Donation to St.Luke’s Hospice- £1750 raised from raffle prizes.

the celebration and gave a brief insight as to how KBMD was born. After the welcome speech, African dancers entertained everyone with their acrobatics and even got some of their clients to participate and

give speeches.

Raffle tickets were at the celebration that raised £2000 during the evening. £1750 was donated to St Luke’s Hospice and £350 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

An NHS review has found on in three elderly patients could be being prescribed unnecessary medicines, putting them at needless risk. The review of 1,800 over 75s for NHS Corydon found the average patient was given six different

medicines to take.

However after a reassessment hundreds of prescriptions were cancelled because they were no longer effective and dozens were stopped as patients had side-effects or bad reactions

A reason to enter politics Parliamentarians have many reasons as to why they take up public office.

For some, it's the thrill of power, the prestige of titles, to be a globetrotter and perhaps the just a wiliness to serve and represent the public, but nappy changing?

Well that the reason cited by the seasoned parliamentarian Dame Margret Hodge. As a way to keep herself sane in between changing nappies of her first child and on the suggestion of a friend.

Dame Hodge joined the Labour party in 1973 as a councillor for Islington.

The 72-year-old made

this candid revelation as she promoted her book, Called to Account, about the time as chairwoman of the public account committee. She said there herself in ‘her work to cope with the grief of losing her husband, Henry in 2009’. She added, “It's an irony that since 2010, they have been the most professionally successful years of my life.”

UK Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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15

Thousands gather to celebrate Diwali in Trafalgar Square On Sunday 16th October, thousands of people gathered at Trafalgar Square to celebrate the 15th Diwali in London, and were joined

by Mayor Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayor for Business Rajesh Agrawal. The festival of light attracted a huge number of visitors, dancers, singing and live entertainment.

Commenting before making a speech at the festival opening, Mr Khan reportedly said: "London is open to all people and all communities – we don’t just tolerate each other’s’ differences, we embrace them.

"Nowhere is this more apparent than in London’s joyous celebration of Diwali in Trafalgar Square.

"Diwali’s central message of peace and mutual respect is one that we can all learn from."

Air India organised a photo booth where visitors

Deputy Mayor Rajesh Agrawal, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Shruti Dharma das from ISKCON and other guests light diya on the main stage at the Diwali celebration in Trafalgar Square

dressed up as the Air India Maharaja and had their photos taken. Sewa day also had a stall in the Square, where many youngsters stood explaining visitors about the concept, their 120 projects across the UK and encour-

aged people to register for organ donation.

Stage performers included British Asian singer Navin Kundra, among others. Throughout the day, an Indian street food market sold a variety of tasty vegetarian food and non-alcoholic drinks.

There were plenty of chances to stock up on Indian essentials – including jewellery, spices, rangoli and ayurvedic products.

Revellers had the chance to don a sari, learn a Bollywood dance, participate in yoga and meditation sessions for beginners, get a henna tattoo, pick up top health tips, find out

London Mayor Sadiq Khan at Sewa day stall with Ashok Chauhan MBE, Manoj Ladwa and other volunteers

more about Diwali and the faiths behind it, or simply enjoy this year’s illuminations.

Children took part in a range of activities at the festival, including story-

telling sessions, games, and arts and crafts all linked to Diwali traditions.

This year, the Mayor of London invited members of the public to share their Diwali stories on social

media, using the hashtag #MyDiwali to share your experience with the world.

Ravi Bhanot has been chosen as the Chairman for Diwali in London Committee next year.

Let your family enjo oy

the light.

Send money for Diw wali wali.

0800-026-0535 0800 026 0535 moneygram.co.uk /moneygram

@moneygramMe

Send at:

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16

Easy to make recipes at home this Diwali www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice |22nd october 2016

Light Appetisers

Steamed Methi Muthia

INGRedIeNtS:

INGRedIeNtS:

l onion-5 Large [4 Cups sliced] l Green Chillies-3 l Minced Ginger-1/2 tsp l Lemon Juice-2 tbsp l Chopped Coriander Leaves-4 tbsp l Chopped Curry Leaves-2 tbsp l Red Chilli Powder-2 tsp l Coriander Seeds Powder1/2 tsp [optional] l turmeric Powder-1/2 tsp l Cumin Powder-1 tsp {Make your own cumin/jeera powder} l Salt-to taste l Chickpeas Flour/Besan-1 1/2 Cups l Rice Flour-3 tbsp l Cooking Soda-1/4 tsp l Water-As Needed l oil-to deep Fry + 3 tbsp Method: Peel, rinse and slice onion. Finely chop green chillies, coriander leaves, curry leaves, mince ginger. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wok. take sliced onion, green chillies, coriander & curry leaves, ginger, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander seeds powder and salt in a wide bowl. Mix everything well and add chickpeas besan, rice flour. Mix everything to combine the flour with onion pieces, sprinkle water and mix well to bring everything together. Add lemon juice mix and add 3 tbsp of hot oil and mix again. drop around a small amount of mixture in oil with hand or using a spoon, make 6-7 pakoda in a batch. Make pakora of the size you prefer small, medium or big and cook in medium flame until all sides are golden brown. drain the pakoda in kitchen paper and cook remaining pakoda in batches. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

Gajar Ka Halwa INGRedIeNtS:

l l l l l l

Carrots - 2 cups (app. 4 carrots) Milk - 2 cups Sugar - 1 cup Ghee - 2 tblsp Nuts & Raisins - 1/4 cup (Almonds &/ Cashews) Cardamon - 2 (crushed or use 1/4 tsp cardomom powder)

For making the muthia dough: l 2 cups besan/chickpea flour l 1 tbsp water or yoghurt add more if required l ¼ tsp baking soda l 2.5 cups chopped methi leaves l 1 tsp salt or as required l 2 tbsp semolina l 1 tsp turmeric/haldi l 1 tsp cumin/jeera powder l ½ tsp red chilli powder/cayenne pepper l 2 tbsp lemon juice For tempering the steamed muthia: l 2 tbsp oil l 1 tsp white sesame seeds l 1 tsp mustard seeds l a pinch of asafoetida l 1 sprig of curry leaves

For garnishing the steamed muthia: l few chopped coriander leaves l some freshly grated coconut

Method: Mix all the ingredients except water/yoghurt then keep aside for 15-20mins and add water to make a smooth dough.

Making steamed muthia: From half of the dough, make sausage shaped long rolls and place them in a greased container. Steam the rolls for 17-20 minutes, once warmed and cooled, slice the rolls. temper the ingredients mentioned in the tempering list and add the sliced muthia and fry for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

Traditional Dessert

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

We have teamed up with Sainsbury's to offer you delicious and easy recipes using a wide assortment of ingredients to help you make the ultimate diwali feast.

Onion Pakoda

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 22nd october 2016

Traditional curry

Aloo Paneer Kofta

Vegetables Mixed Dal Recipe

INGRedIeNtS: (measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml) l 200 gms paneer/cottage cheese, grated l 3 medium sized aloos/potatoes, which have been boiled & peeled and then grated l 1½ tbsp almond flour or 1 tbsp milk powder l ½ tsp black pepper powder or crushed black pepper l ¼ or ½ tsp red chili powder/lal mirch powder l ¼ or ½ tsp garam masala powder l 1 or 1.5 tbsp chopped coriander leaves/dhania patta l 1.5 or 2 tbsp corn flour

INGRedIeNtS:

l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l

2 to 3 tbsp mixed chopped dry fruits - almonds, cashews, pista chois and raisins vegetable oil for frying rock salt or regular salt as required

Method: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the dry fruits. Check the seasoning and add more salt or spice powders if required. take a medium sized ball from the mixture and flatten it slightly. Place the dry fruits in the centre and bring the edges toward the centre and cover the dry fruits completely. Seal the kofta well, make sure they do not break while frying, make all the koftas this way. heat oil for shallow frying or deep frying in a kadai or pan. Add the stuffed koftas and fry till golden brown from all over and drain the kofta on paper tissues before serving. All ingredients are available at Sainsbury’s stores.

Seasoned Kuska Biriyani INGRedIeNtS:

Method: Wash, peel and grate the carrots or grind them.

Grating leaves some texture to the carrot at the end. heat the ghee in a small pan and fry the nuts and raisins. heat the milk in a heavy bottomed pan and add the carrot. Cover and cook on medium flame, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom. After 15-20 minutes, after all the milk is absorbed by the carrot, add sugar and stir continuously. After 8 minutes as the oil starts getting separated from the halwa, add cardamom powder, fried nuts and raisins and 1 tablespoon of ghee.

Mix for another minute and switch off. to make cardamom powder, grind it with a little sugar to get a fine powder. All ingredients available in Sainsbury’s stores.

l l l l l l l l l l l

2 Cups - Basmati Rice 1 tbsp - Ginger-Garlic Paste 2 Medium - onion 2 Medium - tomato 1 - Green Chilies 1 tsp - Red Chili Powder 1/4 tsp - turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp - Garam Masala (optional) 3 1/4 Cups - Water or as required to taste - Salt 1 tbsp - Chopped Coriander Leaves For tempering l 3 tbsp - oil l 2 - Bay Leaf/tej Patta l 1- Black Cardamom/Badi elachi l 1 - Star Anise/Chakri Phool

17

to Roast and Grind l 1 tsp - Cumin Seeds/Jeera l 1 tsp - Fennel Seeds/Saunf l 4 - Cloves l 2 inch - Cinnamon l 2 - Green Cardamom l A Pinch - Grated Nutmeg to Grind l 1/4 Cup - Coriander Leaves l 1/4 Cup - Mint Leaves l 2 - Green Chilies

l l

1 Cup - Mixed dals 2 Cups - Mixed Chopped Vegetables 1 Medium - onion 1 Medium - tomato 3 - Green Chillies 1 tsp - Red Chili Powder 1 tsp - Coriander Powder 1/2 tsp - turmeric Powder 2 tsp - Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp - oil or Ghee A Pinch Asafoetida/hing 1 tsp - Cumin Seeds 1 tbsp - Lemon Juice

l l l

1/2 tsp - Garam Masala to taste - Salt 1 tbsp - Chopped Coriander Leaves

Method: Soak the dals for 15 mins. You can use equal portions of toor dal, chana dal, whole masoor dal, green moong dal, yellow moong dal, lobia and rajma (if using lobia, rajma or chana, soak for a min of 2 hrs). As the dal’s soak, prepare vegetables of your choice. Finely chop all the vegetables, slice onion, chop tomato, green chillies, coriander leaves. Wash the soaked dal’s and add in a pressure cooker along with all chopped vegetables (except onion, tomato, green chillies, coriander leaves), pressure cook for 4 whistles. heat oil or ghee in a pan or wok, add hing, cumin seeds and allow to splutter. Add onion, green chilli, ginger-garlic paste and fry until onion becomes light brown. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and mix well, then add tomato mix and cook until tomato gets mashed. Add mashed dal with 2 to 3 cups of water, salt and bring it to boil, now keep the flame in medium and simmer for 5 mins. Add lemon juice, coriander leaves mix well and off the flame. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

Method: Wash and soak rice until we needed it or for 15 to 20 mins. Peel and finely chop onion, tomato, green chillies. Grind pudina (mint) leaves, coriander leaves, green chilli and keep aside. dry roast all the ingredients except nutmeg listed under 'to Roast and Grind' for a minute, allow to cool and grind with nutmeg into powder. heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker, add all the ingredients listed under 'For tempering' and allow cumin seeds to splutter. Add onion, green chillies and fry until onion becomes soft, add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, fresh spice mix and mix well and cook for a min in low flame. Add the tomato, mint-coriander paste, mix well and cook on a slow flame until tomato gets mashed. once tomato gets mashed add 2 tbsp of water mix again and cook for 2 minutes in slow flame, now add the soaked, drained rice and mix gently, fry it for 2 mins with gentle stirring. Add 3 1/4 cups or 3 1/2 cup water, salt to taste, coriander leaves mix and close cooker, cook for 1 whistle after that keep flame to low and cook for 5 mins, off the flame and allow to cool pressure cooker before you open, gently fork rice to mix everything. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

www.sainsburys.co.uk

16

Easy to make recipes at home this Diwali www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice |22nd october 2016

Light Appetisers

Steamed Methi Muthia

INGRedIeNtS:

INGRedIeNtS:

l onion-5 Large [4 Cups sliced] l Green Chillies-3 l Minced Ginger-1/2 tsp l Lemon Juice-2 tbsp l Chopped Coriander Leaves-4 tbsp l Chopped Curry Leaves-2 tbsp l Red Chilli Powder-2 tsp l Coriander Seeds Powder1/2 tsp [optional] l turmeric Powder-1/2 tsp l Cumin Powder-1 tsp {Make your own cumin/jeera powder} l Salt-to taste l Chickpeas Flour/Besan-1 1/2 Cups l Rice Flour-3 tbsp l Cooking Soda-1/4 tsp l Water-As Needed l oil-to deep Fry + 3 tbsp Method: Peel, rinse and slice onion. Finely chop green chillies, coriander leaves, curry leaves, mince ginger. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wok. take sliced onion, green chillies, coriander & curry leaves, ginger, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander seeds powder and salt in a wide bowl. Mix everything well and add chickpeas besan, rice flour. Mix everything to combine the flour with onion pieces, sprinkle water and mix well to bring everything together. Add lemon juice mix and add 3 tbsp of hot oil and mix again. drop around a small amount of mixture in oil with hand or using a spoon, make 6-7 pakoda in a batch. Make pakora of the size you prefer small, medium or big and cook in medium flame until all sides are golden brown. drain the pakoda in kitchen paper and cook remaining pakoda in batches. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

Gajar Ka Halwa INGRedIeNtS:

l l l l l l

Carrots - 2 cups (app. 4 carrots) Milk - 2 cups Sugar - 1 cup Ghee - 2 tblsp Nuts & Raisins - 1/4 cup (Almonds &/ Cashews) Cardamon - 2 (crushed or use 1/4 tsp cardomom powder)

For making the muthia dough: l 2 cups besan/chickpea flour l 1 tbsp water or yoghurt add more if required l ¼ tsp baking soda l 2.5 cups chopped methi leaves l 1 tsp salt or as required l 2 tbsp semolina l 1 tsp turmeric/haldi l 1 tsp cumin/jeera powder l ½ tsp red chilli powder/cayenne pepper l 2 tbsp lemon juice For tempering the steamed muthia: l 2 tbsp oil l 1 tsp white sesame seeds l 1 tsp mustard seeds l a pinch of asafoetida l 1 sprig of curry leaves

For garnishing the steamed muthia: l few chopped coriander leaves l some freshly grated coconut

Method: Mix all the ingredients except water/yoghurt then keep aside for 15-20mins and add water to make a smooth dough.

Making steamed muthia: From half of the dough, make sausage shaped long rolls and place them in a greased container. Steam the rolls for 17-20 minutes, once warmed and cooled, slice the rolls. temper the ingredients mentioned in the tempering list and add the sliced muthia and fry for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

Traditional Dessert

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

We have teamed up with Sainsbury's to offer you delicious and easy recipes using a wide assortment of ingredients to help you make the ultimate diwali feast.

Onion Pakoda

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 22nd october 2016

Traditional curry

Aloo Paneer Kofta

Vegetables Mixed Dal Recipe

INGRedIeNtS: (measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml) l 200 gms paneer/cottage cheese, grated l 3 medium sized aloos/potatoes, which have been boiled & peeled and then grated l 1½ tbsp almond flour or 1 tbsp milk powder l ½ tsp black pepper powder or crushed black pepper l ¼ or ½ tsp red chili powder/lal mirch powder l ¼ or ½ tsp garam masala powder l 1 or 1.5 tbsp chopped coriander leaves/dhania patta l 1.5 or 2 tbsp corn flour

INGRedIeNtS:

l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l

2 to 3 tbsp mixed chopped dry fruits - almonds, cashews, pista chois and raisins vegetable oil for frying rock salt or regular salt as required

Method: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the dry fruits. Check the seasoning and add more salt or spice powders if required. take a medium sized ball from the mixture and flatten it slightly. Place the dry fruits in the centre and bring the edges toward the centre and cover the dry fruits completely. Seal the kofta well, make sure they do not break while frying, make all the koftas this way. heat oil for shallow frying or deep frying in a kadai or pan. Add the stuffed koftas and fry till golden brown from all over and drain the kofta on paper tissues before serving. All ingredients are available at Sainsbury’s stores.

Seasoned Kuska Biriyani INGRedIeNtS:

Method: Wash, peel and grate the carrots or grind them.

Grating leaves some texture to the carrot at the end. heat the ghee in a small pan and fry the nuts and raisins. heat the milk in a heavy bottomed pan and add the carrot. Cover and cook on medium flame, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom. After 15-20 minutes, after all the milk is absorbed by the carrot, add sugar and stir continuously. After 8 minutes as the oil starts getting separated from the halwa, add cardamom powder, fried nuts and raisins and 1 tablespoon of ghee.

Mix for another minute and switch off. to make cardamom powder, grind it with a little sugar to get a fine powder. All ingredients available in Sainsbury’s stores.

l l l l l l l l l l l

2 Cups - Basmati Rice 1 tbsp - Ginger-Garlic Paste 2 Medium - onion 2 Medium - tomato 1 - Green Chilies 1 tsp - Red Chili Powder 1/4 tsp - turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp - Garam Masala (optional) 3 1/4 Cups - Water or as required to taste - Salt 1 tbsp - Chopped Coriander Leaves For tempering l 3 tbsp - oil l 2 - Bay Leaf/tej Patta l 1- Black Cardamom/Badi elachi l 1 - Star Anise/Chakri Phool

17

to Roast and Grind l 1 tsp - Cumin Seeds/Jeera l 1 tsp - Fennel Seeds/Saunf l 4 - Cloves l 2 inch - Cinnamon l 2 - Green Cardamom l A Pinch - Grated Nutmeg to Grind l 1/4 Cup - Coriander Leaves l 1/4 Cup - Mint Leaves l 2 - Green Chilies

l l

1 Cup - Mixed dals 2 Cups - Mixed Chopped Vegetables 1 Medium - onion 1 Medium - tomato 3 - Green Chillies 1 tsp - Red Chili Powder 1 tsp - Coriander Powder 1/2 tsp - turmeric Powder 2 tsp - Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp - oil or Ghee A Pinch Asafoetida/hing 1 tsp - Cumin Seeds 1 tbsp - Lemon Juice

l l l

1/2 tsp - Garam Masala to taste - Salt 1 tbsp - Chopped Coriander Leaves

Method: Soak the dals for 15 mins. You can use equal portions of toor dal, chana dal, whole masoor dal, green moong dal, yellow moong dal, lobia and rajma (if using lobia, rajma or chana, soak for a min of 2 hrs). As the dal’s soak, prepare vegetables of your choice. Finely chop all the vegetables, slice onion, chop tomato, green chillies, coriander leaves. Wash the soaked dal’s and add in a pressure cooker along with all chopped vegetables (except onion, tomato, green chillies, coriander leaves), pressure cook for 4 whistles. heat oil or ghee in a pan or wok, add hing, cumin seeds and allow to splutter. Add onion, green chilli, ginger-garlic paste and fry until onion becomes light brown. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and mix well, then add tomato mix and cook until tomato gets mashed. Add mashed dal with 2 to 3 cups of water, salt and bring it to boil, now keep the flame in medium and simmer for 5 mins. Add lemon juice, coriander leaves mix well and off the flame. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

Method: Wash and soak rice until we needed it or for 15 to 20 mins. Peel and finely chop onion, tomato, green chillies. Grind pudina (mint) leaves, coriander leaves, green chilli and keep aside. dry roast all the ingredients except nutmeg listed under 'to Roast and Grind' for a minute, allow to cool and grind with nutmeg into powder. heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker, add all the ingredients listed under 'For tempering' and allow cumin seeds to splutter. Add onion, green chillies and fry until onion becomes soft, add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, fresh spice mix and mix well and cook for a min in low flame. Add the tomato, mint-coriander paste, mix well and cook on a slow flame until tomato gets mashed. once tomato gets mashed add 2 tbsp of water mix again and cook for 2 minutes in slow flame, now add the soaked, drained rice and mix gently, fry it for 2 mins with gentle stirring. Add 3 1/4 cups or 3 1/2 cup water, salt to taste, coriander leaves mix and close cooker, cook for 1 whistle after that keep flame to low and cook for 5 mins, off the flame and allow to cool pressure cooker before you open, gently fork rice to mix everything. All the ingredients are available in Sainsbury’s stores.

www.sainsburys.co.uk

18

FINANCIAL VOICE

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Mayor Sadiq Khan: "London is open for Indian investment" AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Wednesday 12 October, met with the leading Indian businesses at the City Hall, to explore opportunities to attract further investment and to reassure leaders them that London is open for business. It was chaired

by Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise, who opened the discussion with positive comments.

The Mayor met 17 leading Indian foreign investment companies already working with London to discuss further expanding their links with the capital following the European Union referendum result.

Companies attending the meeting included Air India, HCL Technologies, Hiranandani, ICICI Bank, Infosys, Lalit London, Tata, Usha Martin Group, Asian Business Association, Wipro, CII to name a few.

At the roundtable the businesses put forward their concerns about Brexit, many had opened offices in Britain thinking it will be the gateway to Europe, who are now concerned about

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayor Rajesh Agrawal with Indian business representatives at 'London's Livingroom' in City Hall

their future ahead, postBrexit.

Khan reassured bosses that Indian businesses, who employ nearly 50,000 people in the capital, remain welcome post-Brexit and that London is open to investment, trade and talent from around the globe.

The Mayor is keen to further strengthen ties as Indian companies are the second biggest foreign investors in London.

According to data from the Mayor’s promotional company, London & Partners, in the last 10 years, London has attracted more foreign direct investment from India than Japan and China

Brexit bites Tesco and Unilever Brexit blues hit the stores last week as supermarket giant Tesco faced off against Unilever, the UK's largest food manufacturer, in a battle over wholesale prices over some of its products.

News came on Tuesday that products including Marmite, PG Tips tea and Pot Noodles were among dozens of brands unavailable on the supermarket’s online site Unilever had wanted a 10% price rise to compensate for the drop in the pound’s value. Retailers and their suppliers have regular negotiations over price, but those discussions have rarely lead to a public argument and product delisting. The question has always remained, who should swallow an increase in costs due to a weaker pound? This is the question retailers have been consistently asking post-Brexit, as

import prices start to rise.

The week ended with Marmite supplies reshelved as Unilever backed down amid a strong consumer and political backlash. Unilever announced its was in agreement with Tesco following a day of negotiations. Though neither company would say how much Tesco agreed to pay for Unilever products or how much of it would be passed to the customer.

While this saga might over, experts at the British Retail Consortium said virtually every brand had plans to increase prices by at least 10% over the coming weeks as part of the rise in the price of imports.

MFS to present services at The Finance Professional Show Bridging loan facilitating giant Market Financial Solutions Limited is all set to showcase their distinctive portfolio of lending services at "the UK's foremost financial services exhibition", The Finance Professional Show, in Olympia, London, on November 9, this year.

Company CEO Paresh Raja and his team will put their show presence to utmost use and create

brand awareness, connect with financial intermediaries, cement existing relationships and explore new ways to assist in complex 'bridging' process.

MFS also looks forward to increase its Lending Fund next year, with the aim to more than double the book value, and find innovative ways to improve and streamline the Alternative Lending process further.

and only the US invests more in our capital. India is also a crucial trading partner for London and a significant market for the capital’s businesses, with the value of London exports to India amounting to £1.29bn in 2014.

Before the event Sadiq Khan said: “London is open for investment and business from around the globe and the city already has an excellent trading relationship with India.

“I am looking forward to meeting with leading Indian businesses to reassure them that our great city remains open to the best global talent, and I’m keen

Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Mayor Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayor Rajesh Agrawal during the roundtable

to discuss how we can strengthen and support further investment in London.”

Shuchita Sonalika, Head and Director of the Confederation of Indian Industry (UK), said: “Nearly 40 per cent of the fastest-growing Indian companies investing in the UK are based in London, highlighting that London has been the destination of choice for Indian FDI. Their diverse operations range from IT, financial services, media and entertainment, tourism and others.

“We hope that London will continue to be an attractive place to do busi-

ness and their interests will be fortified post-Brexit. This interaction of Indian companies with Mayor Sadiq Khan is testament to that effort and CII looks forward to working with the Mayor’s team to deepen business links between India and London.”

Kevin McCole, Chief Operating Officer of the UK Business India Council, said: “Indian business contributes hugely to London, and London businesses contribute hugely to India.

So, at this time of uncertainty due to Brexit, the UK India Business Council is delighted that the Mayor

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and his Deputy have taken the time to hear the views of Indian businesses in London, and, quite rightly, to remind them that London is open for business.”

To further strengthen business links between Indian companies were encouraged to apply for the 2017 edition of India Emerging 20 (IE20), a business programme led by London & Partners to discover some the country’s most innovative high growth companies with global aspirations.

Applications for the second cohort programme will open on 13th October, offering 20 Indian companies the opportunity to come to London to meet and learn from senior business leaders, venture capital investors and decisionmakers from major global companies.

India is a crucial trading partner for London and a significant market for the capital’s businesses, with the value of London exports to India amounting to £1.29bn in 2014.

India calls BRICS nations to trade more in their currencies Hosting the 8th edition of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Summit in Goa, last weekend, India called for a greater intra-BRICS trade in each others' currency for protection from fluctuations that cause losses. Speaking at the launche of the first BRICS Trade Fair, Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari said, "We (BRICS countries) need to increase our trade in each others' currency to further pluralise trading currencies and lessen the use of a single

Hamid Ansari

dominant currency."

He added, "Transition to trade in national currencies will reduce the risk volatility and protect us from adverse fluctuations, which often cause huge economic and

trade losses." The VP said that the BRICS would also need to push services trade liberalisation, including through measures for easier movement of people for commercial activity. "The proposal for a BRICS Visa on a long-term basis for genuine travellers is one such effort aimed at stimulating greater economic activity by enhanced mobility of our entrepreneurs."

The BRICS nations account for around 43 per cent of the world's population, 15 per cent of global

trade, and 20 per cent of the world's investment flows.

Even so, intra-BRICS trade in 2014 was a petty $297 billion, less than five per cent of the $ 6.5 trillion worth trade that the five countries had with the remaining of the globe that year. Ansari said that other than creating a business-friendly environment for investors and entrepreneurs, BRICS nations should support value-added trade to transform from raw material providers into key players in the global economy.

India seeks early conclusion of BIMSTEC free trade pact India sought for an early closure of the proposed BIMSTEC free trade agreement, calling for a greater understanding of "complementaries" among the seven nation grouping. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation involves Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. All the member countries agreed on a framework agreement in 2004, to have an FTA that will improve the flow of

goods and services in the area. Indian Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "A lot has been said about how we have not still signed an FTA. Yes, that is a concern and we shall work actively to get a consensus to have an FTA signed amongst the BIMSTEC countries." She said it was a "shame to move around in this region which is otherwise very well connected, is so arduous."

Sitharaman also favoured boosting sea and port connectivity to make the move-

ment of goods "far more efficient, cost effective and also timely."

Analysts say that the FTA is of importance to India, as unlike SAARC, neighbouring Pakistan is not a member of the BIMSTEC. They believe the implementation of an agreement to improve trade, could make things easier for India. The seven member states together, cover 14 sectors of priority, with each leading in one or more area voluntarily.

While India leads in count-

er-terrorism and transnational crime, and telecommunication and transport, other key sectors include trade and investment, technology, energy, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, cultural cooperation, public health, etcss.

With the last BIMSTEC summit held in 2014, this year's meet was one of the highest-level meeting of the group in the last two years.

A retreat session was conducted before the outreach dinner with the BRICS leaders on October 16.

BOB to raise upto £24.6 million via bonds Public sector lender Bank of Baroda has revealed its intention to raise up to £24.6 million on private placement basis to meet Basel III requirements. It said in a BSE filing, "The bank has initiated the

process of raising funds through issuance of Basel III Complaint AT-I (Additional Tier-I Capital) Bonds- Perpetual Debt Instrument of £12.3 million with Green Show option of £12.3 million

(total size not to exceed £24.6 million) on private placement basis."

Another state-owned lender Canara Bank had earlier informed stock exchanges that it will raise up to £30.8 million in one

or more tranches by issuing Basel-III compliant bonds.

All Indian banks are expected to fully comply with Basel III standards by March 2019 to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes.

REALESTATEVOICE

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

We just managed to close a deal last week, in a purpose built block called Donnington Court. The property is a three bedroom flat on the first floor of an ex council building.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

It was purchased at £560k, which works out to be £630 per sq. ft.

This is a bargain given it’s in Camden. This is an area which I have seen rising over the last twenty years.

The area of Camden is rising fast, attracting billions of pounds of investment.

This is due, in part, to the Israeli billionaire, Teddy Saggi, who has invested billions in purchasing Camden market stalls and

MAY GOOD TRIUMPH OVER EVIL Even if you run your investment property like a well-oiled machine, the odds are that you will run into a tenant from hell.

They are the ones who don’t pay rent, make your property smell like a rubbish tip, or damage your furniture and perfect paint work; or perhaps all of the above! A bad tenant can potentially cost you £1000s. This is why seasoned property investors stay away from tenants completely, and leave it to the professionals.

When you bought your

first investment property gleefully, all you thought about was the monthly rentals that you will be collecting and the fun you will have doing up the place up as if it were your own home, thinking how much the new tenants would appreciate it. Little did you know that around the corner was a nightmare tenant, waiting to test you. How you handle this test will determine how far you travel in property investment.

From an investment standpoint, once you

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

Abbey Road, London NW8 Purchase Price: £380,000

Asian Voice |22nd October 2016

19

then after floating his company on the AIM market. Not that he needed the money, but as a vehicle for future investment should he need it.

Our investor who done the deal, fair play to him, exchanged on the deal within two days from cold start.

He didn’t see the investment, he bought blind on faith. Extra blind, given a recent deal he’d done with us hadn’t gone quite to plan to say the least. However, he understands that this is the nature with all investments.

Once the deal had completed, he did drive past the area and then

accept a bad tenant, it is almost certain that you are going to take a loss. When tenancy contracts are breached, you have to go through a proper process to evict them. During this time, you can expect the unhappy tenant to erect their horns and treat your apartment like a war zone.

Using force is not an option.

You can typically group bad tenants into four categories.

1) Elusive. They are the ones that never pay. You also have a hard time getting hold of them.

Every time you reach them on the phone, they have an excuse and hang up

l

called me and told me it was a real dump. I reminded him he shouldn’t even be using his eyes to look at the area. What he should be looking at is the comparables, which are properties which have been sold in the area and the generous yield of eight percent which he can get from this property on a

room let basis. The major demand for this property will come from overseas students who attend many of the universities scattered around this location.

immediately.

always be tenants who break things.

They don’t own the apartment, and they don’t care for it. Some of these types punch holes in your feature walls.

2) Demanding. These tenants call you all the time asking for repairs, upgrades, maintenance etc. They are actually the best of the lot, you just have to manage their extra high expectations.

3) Inconsiderate. These tenants drive everyone crazy with loud music, late parties and loud arguments. It seems that the world revolves around them and their problems are the only problems in the world. Many of these types aren’t event aware that they are being inconsiderate.

4) Destructive. There will

Overlooking the famous "Abbey Road crossing" l Purchase price is £1,138 per sq. ft. l Property has sold in the block recently for £1,340 per sq. ft. l The apartment offers one bedroom with an ensuite bathroom l Day time porterage l Resale value is expected to be around £445,000 Call us now to find out more!

This is not the first time an investor has given this response in regards to an investment.

Once a tenant clearly breaches the tenancy agreement you can pursue damages from the tenant, that is if you have done all your paperwork correctly. For example, if you haven’t done an inventory then you won’t be able to claim costs against the sofa they break. At the end of the day, after tallying up your

This is an investment, not a marriage. Therefore, how the property looks to you is not important, the main objective for the investment is for it to make money, preferably on day one. Conversely getting married should not be based on a secondary income coming into the household!

losses, you will be just grateful that you have rid yourself of the Trojan virus in your investment.

Evil tenants have no respect or accountability, so unless you have gone to great lengths to deliberately attract bad tenants from hell, you need to contact our lettings team!

Diwali Special Offer!

50% off your first year’s Full Management fees, if you sign up to our lettings service before 30th November 2016.

Call us now on 0207 993 6559.

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

Commons vote very likely to ratify Brexit Downing Street has said it is "very likely" MPs will be able to vote on the final Brexit agreement reached between the UK and the European Union, the BBC has reported.

A government lawyer made the comment in the High Court and No 10 has reportedly confirmed it was the "government's view that is being represented".

The deal reached is expected to deal with migration controls and whether the EU remains in the single market.

UK voters opted in favour of leaving the EU by 51.9% to 48.1% in a referendum in June.

Chancellor Philip Hammond

Moreover Euroskeptic MPs have wanrned that Chancellor Philip Hammond must back Theresa May over Brexit or quit the Cabinet. He has been accused by Cabinet colleagues of trying to 'undermine Brexit' by pushing for delays to cabinet measures designed to control immigration.

Sonali Bank fined £3.3m Sonali Bank (UK), which has three branches in the UK and is 51% controlled by the Bangladesh government, has been banned from accepting deposits from any new customers for 24 weeks by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

FCA said the bank had failed to put anti-money laundering controls in place.

The bank has been fined £3.3m and the City regulator also came down heavily on its top anti-money laundering official, Steven Smith, banning him from

any similar job in banking and fining him £17,900.

Sonali Bank has branches in London, Birmingham and Bradford which are aimed at serving the expatriate Bangladeshi community.

An FCA probe found that the bank’s failure to operate proper controls against potential money laundering had taken place despite previous warnings from the regulator as long ago as 2010.

But its main business, remitting cash to people in Bangladesh, is unaffected.

VW’s £1bn compensation bill Car maker Volkswagen faces a huge compensation bill for the 1.2 million British car owners affected by the diesel emissions scandal. The Department for Transport has insisted drivers affected should be given payouts for the “inconvenience, uncertainty and worry.”

In the US, drivers caught up in the scandal have been compensated $1000 each and offered to buy back the cars. If all British VW owners were the be compensated like those in the US it would be close to $1.2 billion or £984 million.

Chris Grayling, the

Abhishek Sachdev

RBS have appeared in the press recently - again for the wrong reasons!

Firstly, we had an update from the FCA regarding the report investigating the treatment of SMEs placed into RBS’s

Transport Sectary is said to be considering bringing the carmaker to account.

The Department of Transport announced at the begin gin of the year they have appointed barristers to investigate the scandal, raising the prospect of a criminal prosecution.

Britain, it is said will also be part of the Europewide court action.

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Rosneft takes over Essar in India’s largest FDI deal AsianVoiceNews

Russia's state-controlled oil giant Rosneft and partners took over India's second biggest private oil firm Essar Oil, in an all-cash deal valued at $13 billion. The deal has an enterprise value of close to $12.9 billion to $10.9 billino being for a 20 million tons a year refinery in Gujarat and over 2700 petrol pumps and, another $2 billion for Vadinar port in Gujarat. Rosneft bought a 49 per cent stake in the Indian company's refinery, port, and petrol pumps, while Netherlands-based Trafigura Group Pte, and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners split another 49 per cent equity equally.

VTB Bank chief executive officer Andrei Kostin,and Essar Group vice chairman Ravi Ruia exchange agreements

The remaining 2 per cent will be held by minority shareholders.

Prashant Ruia, Director, Essar Group, said, "We would be utilising significant portion of the deal proceeds in debt

know of that when the deal closes in first quarter of 2017." Ruia said Rosneft will continue using the brand name for retail operations. "We have signed a branding agreement under which retail outlets will continue to use Essar brand because it is a very strong brand. We are not exiting oil and gas business.

We continue to own and operate the Stanlow refinery in UK which is a 12 million tons refinery and has 12-13 per cent market share.” Russia's VTB Bank PJSC will lend Essar $3.9 billion to restrucutre its debt, while Rosneft will pay around $3.5 billion from its own pocket.

“India-UK must collaborate to ensure positive effects of Brexit are enhanced” “India-UK economic relations are strong and vibrant, but there still remains considerable potential that needs to be tapped,” said HE Dinesh Patnaik, Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK. “India is keen to work with UK to ensure that the positive effects of Brexit are enhanced and negative effects are minimised. The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Theresa May to India, following the highly successful visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, will give a fillip to economic and commercial relations between both countries,” he added.

He was speaking at a session on “Going Global: Doing Business in India” organised by the CII in collaboration with the Brexit & Global Expansion Summit and UKIBC on 17 October in Greenwich, where business leaders and industry experts discussed specific areas of opportunity between the two countries.

The session assumed special significance in light of the announcement of Prime Minister Theresa May’s upcoming visit to India in

HE Dinesh Patnaik, Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK (3rd from left) makes remarks at the CII-Brexit & Global Expansion Summit session on Doing Business in India on 17 October in Greenwich.

Seated (L-R): Kevin McCole, Chief Operating Officer, UKIBC; David Landsman, Executive Director, Tata Ltd, HE Dinesh Patnaik, Philip Bouverat, Director, JCB, Anand Shah, Vice President – Albright Stonebridge Group (India and South Asia Practice) and David Golding, Head of European and Global Engagement, Innovate UK

November, accompanied by a business delegation from the UK. At the discussion, Parul Anand, Director – Tax, Deloitte made a presentation on the Goods & Services Tax (GST) and how implementation of GST can transform business activity across the country. A business panel comprising of David Landsman, Executive Director, Tata Limited; Philip Bouverat, Director, JCB; Anand Shah, Vice President – Albright Stonebridge Group (India and South Asia Practice) and David Golding, Head of European and Global Engagement, Innovate UK discussed specific opportunities for India-UK cooper-

ation smart cities development and urban regeneration, transport systems, food processing, healthcare management, automotive manufacturing as well as Fintech as a major emerging area. They encouraged companies to go to India on trade missions not just to ensure their presence and participation, but to forge concrete partnerships for business growth.

“The UK is the thirdlargest investor in India and the first among G20 countries. India has also emerged as the third-largest FDI investor in the UK and in fact, the second-largest in London. Given such strong business linkages, India and

review to ensure that the cost to RBS does not cripple it.

This week, Buzzfeed News & BBC Newsnight dropped a bombshell for RBS. It revealed how the bank systematically destroyed businesses during the recession as a result of a deliberate plan to add billions to its balance sheet.

Leaked documents revealed the scale of the profits made by ‘GRG’, showing it made almost £1.2bn in net profit for 2011. Other documents show a senior executive who wrote to his colleagues urg-

ing them to engage in “Project ‘dash for cash’”.

RBS has repeatedly denied claims that it destroyed healthy businesses for profit. It even paid city law firm Clifford Chance to conduct an ‘independent’ investigation into these allegations. Clifford Chance found “no evidence” of any wrong-doing and given the release of internal emails, confidential memos, minutes of meetings; Clifford Chance may be feeling rather sheepish now.

The FCA’s delay in publishing its report has delayed many SMEs the chance to claim compensation. There is also another legal issue, ‘Limitation”, the

RBS GRG and ‘dash for cash’ leaks

Global Restructuring Group (‘GRG’) unit. GRG actually described itself as ‘business support’, somewhat misleading, given the unit actually managed the bank’s distressed and impaired customers.

GRG has been accused many times of artificially forcing companies into financial distress and then stripping them of assets, typically property. The Tomlinson report published on the 25 November 2013 raised serious concerns as to the conduct of GRG and how they have treated SMEs. This led the FCA to

reduction. Group debt will reduce by about 50 per cent." He said the equity value of the deal is "on or about Essar Oil's delisting price of $ 5.8 billion", adding, "We will get to

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

announce an independent review shortly after. This has formed the basis of the consequential losses for a number of our clients, including for example Opal Properties who have a £750m claim against RBS. Over 2 years later, we are still waiting, with the latest release being the announcement of another delay, as they do not want to rush the final stages of the process! Given that Vedanta Hedging instigated the IRHP swap mis-selling Review, we are aware that HM Treasury will have intervened into this new

the UK are clearly very important partners in the global economic landscape.

The India-UK TECH Summit which will be held from 7 - 9 November in Delhi will offer a concrete platform for business collaboration and networking for UK companies looking at India as a market,” said Shuchita Sonalika, Director – UK, CII. Kevin McCole, Chief Operating Officer, UKIBC said, With the UK moving towards Brexit, the significance of the UKIndia economic relationship is, quite rightly, in sharp focus. The investment opportunities in India have long been recognised. And, on the face of it, UK-India trade is performing well growing at 170% between 2004 and 2014. But as India’s overall trade grew by 800% in the same period, there is clearly tremendous potential. One step towards realising this potential is for UK businesses to see India as an export market. There is business to be won there as the UK has what India needs - from consumer goods through to the worldleading technology, knowhow and finance.” time allowed for a claim to be accepted by the courts.

The 3-year date of knowledge limit could be argued to have started on the 25 November 2013, so SMEs must urgently protect their position.

Vedanta Hedging has worked with many experienced and credible law firms from around the UK that specialise in these types of disputes. If your firm has been mis-treated by a Bank’s support unit, please contact us to discuss.

Tel: 020 7183 2277 www.vedantahedging.com

INDIA Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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Modi calls Pakistan ‘Mothership’ of Terrorism

Continued from page 1

responsible for carrying out terrorist acts. Terrorist funding, their weapon supply, training and political support must be systematically cut off.”

While all the nations agreed on a common ground against the rising menace, obvious contradictions among the leaders seemed to have left a bad taste in the host country’s mouth. Sources say New Delhi remains miffed at China for blocking India’s attempts to include the names of Jaish-eMohammed, and Lashkare-Toiba in the declaration, and more so with Russia for not showing enough interest to argue India’s case. The Goa declaration failed to state any Pakistan-based terrorist groups and did not mention “cross-border terrorism”, a code word for Pakistan-sponsored attacks. India takes a halfhearted satisfaction in calling upon all countries to “expedite” the C o m p r e h e n s i v e Convention on International Terrorism “without further delay”.

The Goa declaration read, “To address the threat of chemical and biological terrorism, we support and emphasise the need for launching multi-

lateral negotiations on an international convention for the supression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, including at the conference on the disarmament. In this context, we welcome India’s offer to host a conference in 2018 aimed at strenghtening international resolve in facing the challenge of the WMD-terrorism nexus.”

Chinese premier Xi Jinping gave a 10-minute speech where he directly addressed the ongoing war of words between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. In a veiled inclination towards Pakistan, he talked about the need to find a “political solution” to “regional hotspots”. “We need to confront global challenges together. We, BRICS countries, share a common future. We are not only a community of convergence interest, but take concerted actions and make progress together. It is imperative that we step up coordination and communication on major international issues and regional hotspots and act in concert to find political solution to hotspot issues and take on such global challenges like natural disasters, climate change, infectious diseases and terrorism,” Xi said.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held bilater-

al meets with the BRICS nations, and signed several MoUs – clinching major defence deals with Russia.

India and Russia signed 16 agreements across different sectors, including procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigate in India.

Another agreement signed promises to set up a joint venture to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T helicopters. Both the countries also signed a memorandum of understanding for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion.

The Indian PM additionally met with Chinese President Xi, and together, the two countries recognised terrorism as a “key issue”, said an Indian official. Beijing however, did not give any assurance on supporting New Delhi’s bid on a UN ban against Pakistan-based militant leader Masood Azhar.

BIMSTEC shines through While the BRICS summit more or less failed India, BIMSTEC outcome document managed to strike a chord with the Indian authorities. Demanding action against states that provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, the document also stated

there should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. The line came in reference to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif calling Hizbul militant Burhan Wani, a martyr.

The BIMSTEC Leaders’ Retreat 2016 Outcome Document read, “We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against States who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues.

“We recognise the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations,” said the document.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

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Baroda girl licensed to fly at 16

Varija Shah

Baroda-based 16 year old Varija Shah flew a Cessna aircraft, hovering over the city for a full 20 minutes.

Not even licensed to drive on the road, the teenager has probably become the youngest person in the state to hold a student pilot license and fly a plane.

"I flew Cessna 152 for the first time and it was an awesome experience once we were in air. I could see the entire city below. The instructor gave me all directions about speed and also gave me control of the plane at the high altitude," Varija said. Fascinated with flying planes since she

was in Class VII, she said, "My dad always dreamt of becoming a pilot and that's how I got fascinated with flying. My parents were supportive of my decision, so I joined Gujarat Flying Club last year. It was a oneyear course that included ground training, theory classes and flying plane on simulator." Her aim is to be an Indian Air Force pilot.

Chief flight instructor at the Club, Group Captain (retd) said, "Varija is a smart and bright student.

She will now have to fly regularly to get expertise in flying planes."

Asian Voice takes a look at the special personalised services one can expect from a top London casino

We recently interviewed Joshi Haque, originally from Bangladesh, about his Customer Relations manager role at the prestigious Sportsman casino in central London. Now Joshi is back, by popular demand, to tell us even more about the special services on offer at the casino and to give us some examples of the exceptional hospitality that they have on offer.

"First of all thank you for showing such an interest in the work that I do, and the special services we provide at The Sportsman casino. We have had several calls, emails and requests for more information since the article was printed, so I thought it might be of interest if I shared with you my top five Customer Relations moments from 2016.

I've had such a fun year already and met such interesting personalities, several of whom have grown to become people I now consider to be true friends, but here is a list of the what I believe to be the most interesting and memorable moments of 2016 to date: The biggest highlight this year has to be taking Clients out to the Monaco Grand Prix and coordinating the perfect holiday around the event. We had so much fun and all got on so well that we’ve even organised a few Monaco reunion parties since we got back. Flying customers out to the Dubai Gold Cup was pretty memorable too, as were all the

Joshi Haque

big UK sporting events such as Wimbledon, Ascot and all the local football derbies I’m no stranger to leaping out of bed in the middle of the night to coordinate a last minute hotel room booking for a customer, but earlier this year I got asked to collect them a bottle of Scottish whisky on route, which was quite an exciting challenge as I had to beat the clock to arrive before they did I will never forget the amazing response I got from Clients when I recently welcomed our baby girl into the world. All the cards, messages and gifts were pretty overwhelming, and it is such a good example of the intimate environment you can find at our casino, it really does have a special family feel to it. People often comment on this in our restaurant too, as Zaman himself regularly comes out to chat with our guests, to get to know them better and hear about their experience with us I recently got a call from a potential new Client saying he’d heard amazing things about the

casino and the services we provide. It was extra special because they had heard about me specifically and the relationships I have built with some of my Indian Clients, who said that the casino felt like an extension of their friendly and familiar pastimes back home. It was nice to hear first-hand about the reputation that we have at The Sportsman for offering the most personalized service in town and that other casinos are nowhere near as attentive A stand out occurrence for me, which actually happens quite a lot, is when we coordinate a full evening of London entertainment for our Clients, but they end up deciding to stay

and spend the whole evening with us. They usually start off with food in our award winning Zaman restaurant followed by gaming of their choice on the casino floor, and when they then decline a West End show or a trip to a nightclub in favour of what we have on offer, it’s pretty rewarding and gives me great job satisfaction As we often say at The Sportsman, the perfect evening is never a matter of luck, so we go above and beyond to make sure everyone has an exceptional experience, which is tailor made to complement specific needs and cultures. From having your own private table to selecting your preferred croupier or

refreshments, there really is no request too big for our special guests.

And for those visiting us from abroad, I make it my priority to ensure the whole London experience is seamless, enjoyable and stress free.

Thank you again for showing an interest in the services we provide at The Sportsman, and I hope very much that you come and visit us soon. I’d be delighted to personally give you a private guided tour of our lovely casino” If you're interested in speaking with Joshi or another memb e r o f T h e S p o r t s ma n t e a m, please call 0 0203 051 7 7962 or visit www.thesportsmancasino.com

22

WORLD

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Plot thickens in Gordhan-Zuma tussle

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

Pravin Gordhan and Jacob Zuma

PRETORIA: Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s Finance Minister and guardian of the public purse, is in trouble. He is being hit with dubious charges of criminal misconduct. Gordhan has received a summons to appear in court on charges of fraud.

The fraud charges relate to alleged severance payments made to two senior executives at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), when he was in charge of South Africa’s tax collection service 10 years ago.

There are allegations that he granted – irregularly – an early retirement package to a senior official working under him in his previous role as head of the SARS. Gordhan has denied the allegations saying they have no basis and are politically motivated. In a press conference prosecutor Shaun Abrahams said Gordhan was being probed

for his role in setting up a surveillance unit at the tax department around the same time. The Indian-origin finance minister had earlier described that allegation as political mischief and has accused the special police unit conducting the probe, known as the Hawks, of trying to intimidate him.

Abrahams has denied any political interference in the matter. Few South Africans appear to believe that, least of all those in the financial sector. The summons requires the finance minister to appear in court on November 2, 2016, following his budget policy statement later this month.

Gordhan will probably become the first government minister in South Africa to be tried while in office, unless President Zuma shows him the door before that.

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Movers & Shakers

Singapore's new Diwali-themed train SINGAPORE: Singapore's popular Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) launched its first ever Diwali-themed train last week, in light of the Diwali spirit. Releasing an official statement, the Land Transport Authority said, "It is an effort to celebrate the Festival of Lights in a whole new illuminating way this year. We have launched our first Deepavali themed train and now people can experience part of the stunning decorations at Little India right inside the MRT."

Khaw Boon Wan, the train will run on the North East Line till mid-November.

Inspired from India culture, the interior of the automobile flaunts elements like intricately designed Indian jewellery, and the lotus and peacockfor good luck. Not just the train, even stations fashion Diwali decorations. The Little India area is adorned with massive Diwalithemed lights all up on the roads, lotuses, and peacocks and ornate columns of diyas.

Launched by the Minister for Transport,

Deutsche Bank’s Ravi Raju joins UBS: Deutsche Bank’s Asia Pacific wealth management head Ravi Raju has left the German bank to join Swiss bank UBS. Germany’s largest lender said its head of wealth management in North Asia Lok Yim would succeed him with immediate effect.

Amit Mahajan joins Crestline Investors: Crestline Investors Inc., a Texas-based alternative asset manager, has announced the creation of a private equity credit and fund restructuring team.

Amit Mahajan, formerly managing director at Macquarie Asset Management, will co-lead the team along with David Philipp, who joined Crestline in 2013. Both Mahajan and Philipp will report to Douglas Bratton, Managing Partner & CIO of Crestline.

Duchess Kate’s first solo trip In her first solo overseas trip, the Duchess of Cambridge flew to Holland on a one day visit to The Hauge and Rotterdam. She had lunch with the King WillemAlexander at the Villa Eikenhorst, a 1980s mansion where the monarch lives with Queen Maxima and their three daughters, six miles from The Hague.

Her visit was an attempt to use the Royal Family's soft power in a charm offensive to support the UK's efforts to help win trade deals with EU nations once Britain leaves the European Union.

Post lunch the Duchess visited the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague for the exhibition 'At Home in Holland: Vermeer and his Contemporaries from the British Royal Collection’. A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: "The reason for the visit is that the

Asian Voice Newsweekly Bumper & Trustworthy News Various informative/inspiring columns. Subscribers also receive several Theme based Special issues, Diwali Magazines & Annual Calendar dlivered at home

Royal Collection loaned the works and, as a result, an invitation was extended to the Duchess, a former history of art student, to come over to the Mauritshuis. This is the centrepiece of the visit.

Everything else has been organised around it."

At the Mauritshuis, Kate showed a keen interest in the gallery's most famous painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring by the 17th-century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. For the occasion, Kate wore pearl earrings borrowed from The Queen.

The £140m boulder of jade Miners in northern Burma have discovered a boulder of jade estimated to be over £140m. Weighing 175 tonnes, measuring 14ft high by 19ft long, the stone was found last week at a mine in Hpakant.

More than 300,000 is estimated to be mining for jade in Burma in an industry worth £20 billion.

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WORLD Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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Trump courts "Hindus", err, "India" for votes AsianVoiceNews

EDISON: Neck deep in muck, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has had a stormy election season.

Brewing up controversies for himself, the billionaire businessman successfully managed to stay in the headlines, at the cost of a rather pervasive reputation.

During the ongoing last weeks of the fierce contest, Trump decided to make an unusual stop, meeting with the Hindu Republican Coalition in New Jersey.

Talking to the media during the event, he said, "I have great respect for Hindus. I have so many friends that are Hindu. They are great people, amazing entrepreneurs." The candidate quickly corrected his faux pas when asked why just Hindus. "I'll be honest, I have great respect for India.

I actually have (real estate) jobs going up in India. (It's) tremendously successful. It is an amazing country."

Speaking at the 'Humanity United Against Terror' rally, Trump said, "I'm a big fan of Hindu and a big fan of India – big, big fan. Let me start by stating right up front that if I'm elected president, the Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House. That, I can guarantee you. India is

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Donald Trump

the world's largest democracy. And is a natural ally of the US." He added, "I look forward to working with Prime Minister Modi, a pro-growth leader. India's economy is growing seven per cent a year and we're not growing at all. We'll grow again, very fast, adding 25 million new jobs over the next decade."

Talking on the theme of terrorism, the leader was vague yet open about his views. "We have to have extreme vetting before we let people in." When asked about his plan to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, he said, "Something is going on that's not a positive force.

We are going to be looking very much at certain areas of the world. We have to be very careful with radical Islamic terror. We can be politically correct and say it doesn't matter but it does matter."

Focus on family, rest will fall in place: McGregor-Smith LONDON: Mitie boss Ruby McGregor-Smith has defended her decision to quit the outsourcer saying the timing to step down as CEO is unrelated to a recent profits warning, which sent its shares plunging almost 30% and wiped £240m from Mitie's value. She also set the record straight on the personal reason given to quit Mitie.

It's not the reason some newspapers gave last week: that she wanted to spend time with her children. The Tory peer insists that she was misquoted. “What I said was, when I was talking to the children last summer, certainly they were looking forward to having a bit more time with me. But that wasn't the reason. The driving factor was the time (spent at Mitie)”. On balancing career and family life, she says working parents should put family first, the rest will fall

Ruby McGregor-Smith

in place – the career will come back. “Focus on the family. Get that right and the rest comes.

If you do it the other way round where you’re only thinking about your career, if the family stuff goes wrong, it will impact your career anyway. Put yourself and your health and the health of your family first. The career will come back,” she was quoted as saying to the Daily Telegraph.

When she started off in the 1990s, she often faced discrimination but she refuses to dwell on it, saying: “I don’t expect any sympathy, and nor should anyone else. My big message is ignore it. Don’t look at it; don’t talk about it and just focus on what you’re good at. If you do that, people recognise that. It’s not about shouting things out; it’s about working with the people who are right for your career.” At 43, she became the first Asian woman to take the helm of an FTSE 250 company with an enviable £2.5 million salary. She has spent the last 10 years as chief executive of Mitie, where the outsourcing firm’s turnover rose by over £1 billion on her watch.

Ruby’s daughter, 20, is at university, while her son, 17, is in the middle of his Alevel studies as a weekly boarder. The desire to “hang

23

out” with them more did play a part in her decision.

“You cannot do these roles for ever. It’s a tough job. I always felt a decade would be enough. Life isn’t all about your job. I’m an individual, a mum of two, I’ve got other things I’d like to do that don’t involve work. Getting that balance right over the years has been quite interesting.” Born Ruby Ahmad in Lucknow, India, her parents moved to Stanmore, north London, when she was just two. She graduated from Kingston University with a degree in economics, she went on to train as an accountant – where she met her husband, Graham - and started at Serco in 1991. She has been the CEO of Mitie since 2007.

She doesn’t reveal her children’s names, for the sake of their privacy. “Once they’re at university, and then working, you see less of them. It’s a good time to spend time with (my son) while he’s still here. It’s a great age for them and for me to do things with them.”

Navinder to be extradited to US over ‘flash crash’ LONDON: A British trader accused of spoofing the US financial markets has lost a court battle against extradition to the US. Thirtyseven-year-old Navinder Sarao from Hounslow will be flown to the US within the next month to face market manipulation charges.

He has been charged with 22 offences that come with a maximum sentence of 380 years. Sarao – who did not attend the High Court ruling on October 14 – is accused of placing false orders (over a five-year period) using an automatic system to create an impres-

sion of demand, pushing prices up. US authorities claim he earned up to £33m, through his activities. The charges cover the day of the Flash Crash in 2010, when the S&P derivatives market destabilised, triggering a brief $1 trillion plunge in the stock mar-

kets, before prices abruptly recovered.

A flash crash is a very rapid, deep, and volatile fall in security prices occurring within an extremely short time period. The ruling on Friday has exhausted his legal avenues to fight extradition.

24

INDIA

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All Eyes On India's Triple Talaq Row

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

The historical exercise on family laws after seven decades in India

Dr Hari Desai When the whole world is striving for gender equality, unfortunately in India, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is opposing equality of Muslim women before law.

Even when countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq have amended the legal provisions to divorce women and got away with Triple Talaq, the influential organisations of Muslims in India like AIMPLB want to continue with such inhuman tradition.

The Muslim organisations in India suspect the Union Government’s intention to implement the Uniform Civil Code nationwide which according to them is against the plural society of India.

The Indian Government headed by PM Narendra Modi has the mandate to bring in

Supreme Court, Dr BS Chauhan.

Some of the Muslim organisations are furious with PM Modi and his Law Commission since an appeal has been released with the Questionnaire on Uniform Civile Code (UCC) “to consider the opinions of all stake-holders and the general public for ensuring that the norms of no one class, group or community dominate the tone or tenor of family law reforms.” The Questionnaire has 16 questions regarding the comprehensive exercise of the revision and reform of family laws, as

Committee and AIMPLB then opposed it tooth and nail. The case of Shayara Bano of Kolkata is before the Supreme Court to challenge the very provision of instantaneous Triple Talaq (Talaq-e-Bidat) and two other evils associated with it – polygamy and nikah halala (a debased practice that forces divorced women willing to go back to their husbands to consummate a second marriage before returning to the original fold). Her petition wants the Supreme Court to declare all three discriminatory practices as illegal and unconstitutional as they violate the rights guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 14, 15, 21 and 25. Shayara Bano’s husband has opposed her plea on the ground that being Muslims, they were governed by the Muslim Personal Law, and Triple Talaq, polygamy and nikah halala are sanctified provisions under Muslim Personal Law. The Indian Muslim Personal Law dis-

equality too. The Indian Government does not want to compromise the diversity and the plurality which is the core social fabric of India. In the days to come, the family law reforms in all the religious Personal Laws would be initiated despite hue and cry from certain quarters since PM Modi derives inspiration from Sardar Patel, the Iron Man of India. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Since the Total Fertility Rate of a Muslim woman is higher than any other religious group woman, India is going to be the largest Muslim populated country in the world with 18% (310 million) Muslim population by 2050, according to the Pew Research Center study, bypassing Indonesia and Pakistan. Of course, India would continue to be a Hindu majority country with 77% Hindu population. As per the Indian Census 2011, India has 172.2 million (17.22 %) Muslim population, being

The Narendra Modi government officially opposes Triple Talaq in Supreme Court, raises concern over polygamy

Uniform Civil Code, to work for gender equality and to rule out the domination of certain religious and other organisations working against the Soul of Indian Constitution.

Despite opposition from certain groups, the Indian Government headed by Modi has shown the guts to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court against the inhuman tradition of Triple Talaq and gender discrimination against Muslim women (in the case of Shayara Bano). Earlier governments could never take such a stand. It should be considered as the Master Stroke since most of the opponents of Modi are also appreciating his contention.

In the past Congress PM Rajiv Gandhi tried to take a stand in support of such victimised Muslim women like Shah Bano in 1985 but had to take a U-turn due to the nationwide opposition from the Muslim community, including half a million strong rally of Muslims organised by Haji Mastan, a smuggler-turned-politician of Mumbai. PM Modi is not scared of such opposition since he does not get involved in “appeasement politics”. He, as an assertive leader, knows his job very

well and has absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, unlike the first BJP PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government (1999-2004).

The crux of the problem is not just implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is a “mandate given to the State” by those who framed the Constitution of India and made it applicable w.e.f.

26th January 1950, according to the newly appointed Member of Law Commission of India and a

Shayara Bano at her home in Kashipur

senior lawyer Abhay Bhardwaj. He cites the Constitutional provision 51(A)(e), incorporated by late PM Indira Gandhi vide the 42nd amendment during the Emergency in the Fundamental Duties, for dignity of women i.e. “(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brother-

hood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;” to be read with the Article 44: “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.” Bhardwaj states that the non-codified laws like Muslim Personal Law ceased to be implemented the day the Constitution became effective. He feels

Back in 1986, the Shah Bano case was instrumental in getting the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act passed in the Parliament

proud that the PM has given him the opportunity to be the part of history making by appointing him a Member of the prestigious Law Commission headed by the retired Judge of the

Article 44 of the Indian Constitution provides that “the State shall (and not will) endeavour to provide for its citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.”

The first PM Jawaharlal Nehru was for UCC. Even the Indian State of Goa which was under Portuguese rule till 1961 is having Uniform Civil Code for all for the last 500 years.

Even in 1995, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, who later became the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Indian Parliament, declared intention for implementation of UCC in Maharashtra. The Congress leader from Goa Ramakant Khalap, who was also the Union Law Minister of India, has been campaigning for countrywide implementation of Uniform Civil Code.

Khalap, along with the media baron from Mumbai Tariq Ansari of Mid-day Group, favoured UCC in India when the National Seminar on Uniform Civil Code was organised by Naarad Niketan-CERP at Ahmedabad in 2006, whereas Syed Shahbuddin, former diplomat and MP of Babri Masjid Action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

criminates against women.

The Supreme Court in various judgments has directed the Union Government to implement the Uniform Civil Code in the entire country. Unlike earlier Congress-led governments, PM Modi has shown the guts to initiate not only debate on UCC but also is keen on making it countrywide after he gets the report from the Law Commission.

Modi does not mind bringing in reforms even in the Personal Laws of Hindus and Christians where the provisions discriminate against women. The said Questionnaire has questions pertaining to not only Muslim women and Triple Talaq but also about the Hindu women’s right and Christian women’s right to

majority religious group in two Indian States i.e.

Jammu and Kashmir and Lakshadweep. Out of the total population of 1.21 billion, Hindus are 966.2 million (79.80%), having majority religious group in 28 Indian States. Indian Muslim population in 2016 is estimated to be equal to that of the total population of Pakistan these days.

AIMPLB leadership says Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to implement the Uniform Civil Code would lead to another Partition.

(The writer is the Founder Director & Professor, Sardar Patel Research Institute-CERLIP, running M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes. E-mail : haridesai@gmail.com)

HERITAGE - HISTORY Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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25

Raja Ram Mohan Roy: From Village Pathshala to Bristol AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

The Father of the Indian Renaissance preferred English to Sanskrit and Persian

Dr Hari Desai Raja Ram Mohan Roy (22 May 1772 - 27 September 1833), the Father of the Indian Renaissance, having contributed to various fields by establishing Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reformist sect, and making Lord William Bentinck, the Governor General of India, ban the inhuman Sati tradition in 1829, continues to be remembered as a controversial figure.

Though he was a Sanskrit scholar, he opposed the government funding for Sanskrit education. A great scholar of theology and various languages, Roy was the Ambassador of the

Sati is an obsolete Hindu funeral custom where a widow immolates herself on her husband's pyre

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Mughal Emperor Akbar II (1806-1837) pleading for his case before the British G o v e r n m e n t .

Simultaneously, he was a known sympathiser of the English cause over the Old Order. He had put in his ideas to reform Hindu religion and popularised the word “Hinduism”.

Raja can be considered as a torchbearer of freedom of press too.

Roy was born of Vaishnavite Rarhi Brahmin father Ramakant Roy and Shivaite mother Tarini Devi in Radhanagar of Hooghly District of Bengal Presidency.

Normally a Vaishnavite did not marry a Shivaite in those days. Both his father and mother were orthodox Hindus following rituals like idol worship whereas he was against that. He studied Bengali, Persian and Sanskrit at home and in a village Pathshala. He was sent to Patna and Banaras for higher studies of Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit.

Ram Mohan is mostly remembered for ban on Sati tradition. Sati was not a practice in the early Vedic period, notes Dr Tina Doshi in her “Indian Women Encyclopaedia”, adding even the widow marriages were not uncommon during the

Lord Macaulay

Vedic period. She says the inhuman Sati practice cropped up during the Parasharsmriti period, much after the Manusmriti. The Rishis (Sages) who codified Smrities even allowed remarriages of widows. In the 10 years between 1815 and 1824, nearly 6,632 cases of Sati were reported in three Presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and

Mughal Emperor Akbar II

Madras. Of these, 5,997 (90.4%) took place in Bengal, states Anand A Yang in “Women and Social Reforms in Modern India” edited by Sumit Sarkar and Tanika Sarkar.

Roy, the founder of Atmiya Sabha, tried to initiate social and religious reforms in the society. He campaigned for women's

Lord William Bentinck

r i g h t s , including the right for widows to remarry, and the right for women to hold property. He actively opposed Sati system and the practice of polygamy, despite his three marriages. Roy also supported education, particularly education for women.

Bentinck signed Lord Macaulay’s draft into law, which supported the replacement of Persian by English as the official language, the use of English as the medium of instruction in all schools.

Macaulay was of the opinion that there was no point in perfecting the vernaculars, since there was nothing intelligent, but falsehood, in them.

Roy believed that English-language education was superior to the traditional Indian education system, and he opposed the use of government funds to support schools teaching Sanskrit.

But Ram Mohan himself established a Vedanta College with his own funding in 1825, which facilitated learning of Sanskrit.

Raja had learnt even Hebrew and Greek to refer the original texts of Christianity. At one stage Ram Mohan was believed to have converted to Christianity but he had a different intention.

Through Brahmo Samaj, he wanted to expose the religious hypocrisies and check the growing influence of Christianity on the Hindu Society. Raja did attack the Christian Missionaries for their conversion activity.

Raja launched “Sambad Kaumudi”, a Bengali weekly, on December 4, 1821, followed by “Mirat-UlAkhbar”, a Persian weekly, in 1822.

Indian Journalism is fortunate to have Roy as its founder.

He laid down the princi-

The evil practice of Sati

ples on which the journalism of later days made progress. For him, journalism was not a profession, but an instrument through which he was able to propagate his ideas regarding reform in the social, religious and educational spheres.

Ram Mohan was

awarded the title Raja by the Mughal Emperor when Roy was going to England as his Ambassador to present his case before Her Majesty’s Court. Raja left for England on his dual mission on November 19, 1830, one was to present the grievances of Akbar II

and another was to plead before the British Government to make the Sati ban a permanent legal entity. He delivered some public lectures in England and became talk of the town. Unfortunately, he fell sick while being in Vilayat and died of meningitis in Stapleton near Bristol. He was buried at the Arnos Vale Cemetery nearby.

Holding social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Keshav Chandra Sen responsible for the decline of Indian education system, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Human Resource Development Minister of India in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government (1999-2004), blames Roy for doing great harm to Sanskrit. In spite of the limitations and differences of opinion, none can deny the extraordinary contribution of Raja Ram Mohan Roy to social and religious reforms which are paying dividends even today.

Next Column: Sardar Patel: Battling Against Odds (The writer is a Sociopolitical Historian. E-mail : haridesai@gmail.com)

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Panneerselvam given CM's portfolios In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor V Vidyasagar Rao handed over all the portfolios of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, to finance minister O Panneerselvam.

As the AIADMK leader stays in the hospital, there have been several discussions regarding a stand-in leadership in her absence.

"Under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, Governor allocated the subects hitherto dealth with by chief minister J Jayalalithaa to O Panneerselvam, minister of finance, personnel and administrative reforms.

Panneerselvam will also preside over state cabinet meetings. This arrangement has been made as per the advice of

Jayalalithaa and O Panneerselvam

the chief minister and will continue until Jayalalithaa resumes her duties," said an official statement from Raj Bhavan. The duties include the public department, IAS, IPS, IFS, general administration, police, and home. The CM was admitted in Apollo Hospitals on September 22 with fever and dehydration, and a recent medical bulletin said she has

TNCC fasts over Cauvery issue TIRUCHI: The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee has begun a fast protesting the Centre's "reluctanct" to form a Cauvery management board.

Led by its president S Thirunavukkarasar, the party slammed the Union government's U-turn on the formation of the board.

Thirunavukkarasar said the Congress always fought for the State's rights and that it will not go on the backfoot to raise the issues concerning Tamil Nadu. Stating that despite not being the ruling party for the past 50 years in Tamil Nadu, the party and cadre base remained intact, due to the sacrifices made by Kamaraj and Sathyamoorthy.

Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "NRI Prime

Minister", he said Modi had "insulted" the people of Tamil Nadu by not giving an appointment to AIADMK MPs. He added that the PM had failed to honour many of his electoral promises, and that the support to the BJP was shrinking day by day. Former Union Minister P Chidambaram and former TNCC (I) chief Krishnaswamy also participated in the fast.

Kejri to contest Gujarat polls next year AHMEDABAD: The Aam Aadmi Party is all set to contest next year's Gujarat state assembly polls said Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal while addressing a huge rally in Surat on Sunday. "The Aam Aadmi will take on the Congress and the ruling BJP in Gujarat in the Assembly polls," Kejri said.

Accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party of ruining the democracy in the region, he said, "The Patidars who were demanding reservation here were shot at and killed? Why were they killed and at whose behest were they shot? They were our citizens, not terrorists. The stories that I have heard from the families of those who were killed made me cry. The politicians who ordered the firing on Patidar youth have to be punished and the people of Gujarat will punish them."

In his 30 minute speech, Kejriwal targetted BJP president Amit Shah. "The next Assembly polls in Gujarat will see a revolution. Amit Shah is

been advised a longer stay at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Opposition is adamant in its demand for an alternative arrangement to run the state, saying the government lacked direction with the CM admitted for heath reasons. DMK president M Karunanidhi expressed his doubts over the Raj Bhavan statement. He said, "Jayalalithaa has been in

the hospital for the past 19 days and was advised a longer stay there. Several leaders, including the Governor, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress-president Rahul Gandhi, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu and others, were not allowed to see or wish Jayalalithaa in person.

However, it is amazing that the statement issued by the the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday said the reallocation of the portfolios had been done based on the advice of Jayalalithaa."

Launching a social media campaign to counter rumours about the veteran's health, the AIADMK started the hashtag #MyCMIsFine. The party is also using social app Whatsapp to send messages to over 1.5 Crore followers.

UDF exit over appointment row THIR UVANANTHAP URAM: The Congress-led UDF staged a walkout in the State Assembly in demand that the the Chief Ministers' office be included in the Vigilance probe. A few days following the resignation of Industries Minister E P Jayarajan over alleged nepotismin appointing PSUs, the House saw heated up exchanges between members of ruling and opposition benches when a notice for an adjournment motion seeking a debate over the issue was moved by the Opposition.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan denied the Opposition's charge that he was aware of the postings and said the appointments were made in accordance with rules and procedures by the departments concerned. He said that Jayarajan had expressed his desire to resign to uphold the values and ethics in politics and the party had to accept it. Jayarajan spoke in the House, saying he was being "hunted by a mafia that controls PSUs from outside." He added that a section of media also joined the cam-

E P Jayarajan

paign to oust him from the ministry as he did not yield to the pressure of "outside forces, that were controlling the PSUs." Countering the statements, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said it was difficult to believe that the postings in key positions in PSUs were done without the knowledge of the Chief Minister. He said the resignation was a mere attempt to get out of the situation and save the government's image by making him a scapegoat. The entire row began after PK Sudheer, Jayarajan's nephew and son of CPI(M) Kannur MP PK Sreemathi, was appointed as the Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

Sidhu in talks with Congress and AAP Arvind Kejriwal

on one side and the aam aadmi, who is poor, struggles for survival on the other side.

But when the aam aadmi stands up, the likes of Shah will lose power. The entire Gujarat knows who is running the State. Every instruction comes from Delhi. Earlier, Anandiben refused to follow Amit Shah's instructions and she was shown the doore. Vijay Rupani has been installed as CM and he obeys every instruction and command of Shah."

In a bid to cash in on Patidar votes, the Delhi CM was all praises for 23 year old Hardik Patel, poster boy of the Patidar agitation.

JALANDHAR: Former Hockey captain and Navjot Singh Sidhu's partner, Pargat Singh said their Awaaz-ePunjab front is in talks with Congress and AAP, but the negotiations are only with the national leadership and not the state units. "Our front will be the clincher to tilt the scales in these elections. Whichever party we go with will win. Both the parties are engaging with us, though we are not even a political party yet. We have authorised Sidhu to take the final decision in the interest of Punjab," Singh said.

Sidhu, along with Singh and the Bains brothers, floated a new front after his fall off with the Bharatiya Janta Party. "We want to contest seats in upcoming polls. We may be only four people but a system has been created under

Navjot Singh Sidhu

the front where many people are there to contest seats. If nothing materialises, we will form a party and contest on our own symbol," Singh said.

Both, Congress and the AAP want to merge with 'Awaaz', but they only want an alliance with sharing of 15-20 out of the 117 seats to contest, as per sources. Singh said, "Everyday two statements come from Congress criticising us and two praising us. Nothing is final right now. AAP will do something if it sees a benefit."

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Fans commit suicide for Amma

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is known to have a rather strong fanbase that often makes the headlines for going overboard. In yet another incident of crossing the line for their beloved Amma, two loyal AIADMK workers committed suicide as they worried about their Puratchi Thalavi's ill health. Sargunam doused himself in kerosene after demanding Apollo hospital authorities and the government to reveal the CM's real health, later succumbing to the injuries. 60 year old Saravanan, meanwhile, consumed poison.

Puducherry police crack bomb hurling case

PUDUCHERRY: Four men have been arrested in connection to the bomb hurling incident at the house of a former minister's niece.

Puducherry police arrested Kumar alias Sanikumar of Vanarapet, an ex-life convict, and his associates S Christopher, K Sridhar alias Srikanth, and P Sundar, also recpvering four country bombs from them. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Ranjan said the incident revealed the failed attempt made by the accused to threaten and extort money from former councillor Sathyaraj. Sanikumar reportedly planned to hurl a country bomb at the councillor's house, but it ended up at Puducherry minister P Rajavelu's niece Premalakshmi's house. The bomb exploded, causing damge to windows and a car. Ranjan said all four were involved in two different cases of explosions, one in Puducherry and one in Kottakuppam.

Sabarimala to face drinking water crisis

PATHANAMTHITTA: Even as the Travancore Devaswom Board and other government agencies are trying to pull through an uninterrupted drinking water supply during the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, there is a strong possibility of a serious water problem during the MandalamMakaravilakku season that starts on November 16. The issue arose after the government banned PET bottles of water based on a High Court order. Experts said a blanket ban without another alternative provision is most likely to invite acute water scarcity. TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said the board has taken steps to purify 50,000 litres of water an hour and will open 150 kiosks at Sabarimala.

Crop fires catch rage in Punj-Haryana

NEW DELHI: In the face of a ban and warnings issued by the Delhi High Court, crop fires have spread across Punjab and northern Haryana as per data released by NASA satellites. An image from NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System website showed "fire spots" dotting the regions. Each spot showed thermal and fire anomalies detected by NASA's satellites. The high court had warned chief secretaries of four states that they would be held responsible if corp burning persisted this year. The fires may impact the Capital's air quality for the next weeks. Crop fires refer to the burning of paddy stubbles to clear the fields for winter sowing.

A Diwali sans crackers

GURGAON: The Haryana State Pollution Control Board has appealed its residents to not burst crackers, in a bid to reduce air pollution in the region. Officials said sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter such as PM10 are released in the air when crackers are burst.

Ranbir Rathi, senior officer, HSPCB, said, "At present, the pollution level has not increased much, however, if the pollutants are trapped in the atmosphere for a longer period, smog will occur. Last year, the PM2.5 was more than 300 g/m3. Toxic smoke mixed with fog causes smog and it persisted last October and November." A pollution officer said, "We are not against tradition; we are encouraging people to celebrate Diwali as the festival of lights. It is not a festival of crackers. Diwali should be celebrated with rangoli, lamps and lights."

AsianVoiceNews

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FITNESS

HERBS Constitute your good with culinary herbs like Thyme and Oregano. They have natural anti-viral properties that stimulate the body's defenses against colds, flu, bronchities, and sinusities. They can also be consumed to boost

This is the best time to add a little spice to your diet. Tone up your metabolism with spices like ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg- they rid the body of excessive humidity. Also, fill your basket with vegetables like squash, sweet potato, and pumpkin. They help nourish the spleen.

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judgmental leads to better inter-personal relationship, better comprehension of happenings all around, our consciousness expands, and we move to an altogether different elevated level. Prioritisation, better use of time, understanding the energy of love and search for purpose of life are the positive outcomes of meditating at a physical level. They orient us towards progress by putting things in right perspective.

Albert Einstein said that love was an untapped energy whose potential mankind had not yet understood. Heartfulness meditation is all about meditating on the heart which helps to move from thinking to feeling. With

feeling, the human being begins to understand that reality is much beyond a narrow definition based on man’s limited levels of comprehension.

Consciousness at the human level is a narrow spectrum. It is sandwiched between the sub-conscious level involving individual earthly experiences or subjectivity and super-conscious level that has objectivity at the ultimate level.

When man is able to travel the entire spectrum of consciousness through meditation, his comprehension becomes very vast, thus helping him understand his worldly existence in the right perspective. The Source, God, Nature or whatever man would like to call it, is within oneself and understanding of oneself invariably leads to a deep and heartful understanding of the overall scheme of things. This can be possible only through personal experience. No amount of words could ever describe the feeling or joy of experience. {The writer is Minister (Coordination), High Commission of India, London}

Joy of meditation lies in its experience

I

would like to describe my experience of the connection between one’s inner-self and the Universe. Such an experience leads to complete surrender, and surrender takes away the ego out of one’s self; it leads to merger of individual with the Universe/Source.

I have been in All India Services for three decades and always in active postings. The nature of work adds tremendous pressure on the body as well as the mind. Furthermore, there is always the danger of being an organisational man. I often felt a disconnect between my inner self and the demands of this job, to such an extent that I felt I was living in a false world. Under such circumstances, there is always the risk of being judgmental and non-trusting, resulting in a hyperactive mind. I found the practice of Heartfulness providing tremendous calming effects during the most trying times.

Using the tools of

To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

Heartfulness, one learns to relax one's body, dive deep within oneself during the meditation, thus understanding oneself and the world around one much better.

Tools such as the Heartfulness Cleaning help in ‘letting-go’ at a much deeper level.

In Heartfulness, we meditate on the heart, as the heart is the seat of an innate wellbeing and of all emotions.

One of the unique aspects of Heartfulness meditation is the support of transmission that is defined as a Universal energy that is used to transform man.

When this transmission is directed to heart, it enters the heart and slowly during the time of meditation reaches every cell of the body, charging us completely inside out. As we meditate and dive deeper in our beings, the core of our illusions begin to chip away. Barriers that we perceived to exist between us and others slowly begin to fade. The acceptance that we have of ourselves now begins to reflect for the people surrounding us.

When one sees oneself in others, the judgmental urge goes away. Not being

Dark chocolates good for your heart

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tions. Stock up on clementines, lemons, oranges grapefruit, and kiwis.

Fresh whole fruits are always better than juices which hold fewer nutrients and may contain added sugar.

A S Rajan

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly | Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

LIFESTYLE

With the Fall upon us, it is time we made a few minor, but considerable changes in our diet. As the temperature is set to get colder, it is vital to consume warming produce including herbs and spices.

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iving you all the more reasons to hog on the ever-so indulgent dark chocolate, a study reveals that several compounds found in Cocoa may be good for your heart.

Findings reveal that the consumption of flavanolrich cocoa products was associated with improvements in specific circulation biomarkers of cardiometabolic health.

Simin Liu, Professor at Brown University in Rhode Islands, said, "We found that cocoa flavanol intake may reduce dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides), insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, which are all major subclinical risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases."

The most obvious effects were seen among trial volunteers who consumed somewhere between 200

and 600 mg of flavanols a day. They had significant declines in blood glucose and insulin resistance called HOMA-IR. Also seen was an increase in HDL, or what is called "good" cholesterol.

Other participants who consumed higher doses saw some of the insulin resistance benefits and a drop in triglycerides, but not a significant increase in HDL. The team conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of 19 randomised controlled trials of cocoa consumption and included 1139 volunteers in these trials.

However small to modest, the results show statistically significant improvements among those who ate flavanolrich cocoa product versus those who did not.

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28

Woman faces threats for criticising 'Pulimurugan' AsianVoiceNews

Shruti releases powerful new video

Asian Voice

22nd October 2016

F

andom gone wrong?

A woman from Thrissur, Kerala, faced severe lashing after her Facebook post denouncing Mohan Lal's latest, went viral on the internet. Within a week, her status updated received well over 4500 comments.

Nisha Menon Chembakassery reviewing Lal Ettan's movie wrote, "Shikar + Naran + spices... 5 gm each.

Jeeps=10, Dialogues praising Murukan = sky is the limit.

Goondas= 100."

Fans of the veteran actor did not take well the post and within minutes, began posting demeaning and abusive comments, even issuing threats against her and her family.

Following the unexpected reaction, Nisha made her post unavailable for the public for some time, later changing her decision saying others' comments should not affect her decision.

"All my posts were public posts and after the abusive comments began

A

constant target of online trolls, Shruti Haasan is no stranger to criticism and internet hatred. Releasing a new video narrative defining the word B*tch, Shruti asks girls to not be afraid of the word. The video titled 'Be The B*tch' is written and narrated by the actress as part of the video series 'Unblushed' published on YouTube channel Blush.

"B*tch is the verbal eye roll you make to classify any woman who is not your cup of tea because she refuses to pour it. If you think b*tch offends me, honey I've got news for you. The b*tch is a teacher who stands against a system. The b*tch is multitasker and that's why she has no time for your excuses. The b*tch is a multi-million dollar business that was based on doubt and sheer determination. The b*tch is pure ambition with hormones," the actress says.

Responding to the video, celebrities tweeted their appreciation for Haasand. "What a bitch!!!

Nice one," tweeted Arjun Rampal. Trisha said, "@shrutihaasan Tis is fab !!More powa 2 ya gal."

to be directed at my family, I restricted the visibility of the post.

Later I changed the settings to 'public' again, why should I be affected by the comments?" she said.

Nisha said she is not a fan

Ajith, and Nayan, among What's cooking Chiranjeevi most 'dangerous' between Shriya and and Bala to celebrities online face-off at Bravo?

BO, after 16 years

S

ecurity firm McAfee published its annual list of names to highlight the potential online risks surrounding celebrity interest. While Nikki Galrani topped this year's list of most searched Kollywood celebrities, replacing Amala Pail, actors Thala Ajith and Nayanthara managed to make their debut.

McAfee said, the listed celebrities are used as a bait to lure online users to click on vicious links, which lets cyber-criminals break into their devices and steal pass-

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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words and other personal details. The list is mostly dominated by female actors, including Madonna Sebastian, and Parvathy, who stand at third and fourt positions respectively. Ajith managed to make it to the fifth spot.

31st October

A Sikh family fights for survival during the 1984 violence inflicted on the community.

P

erfectly colour co-ordinated, and twinning in black, actress Shriya Saran, and West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo were recently spotted catching up over lunch at a suburban eatery in film capital Mumbai.

While the 'Champion' singer

stuck to a simple black t-shirt with blue jeans, the 'Drishyam' actress sported a black ruffled top with shorts.

Sources said while Shriya had no problem posing solo for the paps, when asked to be clicked in a same frame with Bravo, she was reluctant.

ollywood is bracing itself for a clash of the titans-situation at the box office as the grapevine is rife with rumours of veteran actors Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna getting ready to fight it out at Sankranti. Chiranjeevi's 150th film 'Khaidi No 150', and Bala's 100th film 'Gautamiputra Satakarani'both are slated as Sankranti release.

While the latter's movie will release on January 12, the makers of 'Khaidi', are yet to announce a date. They have however, confirmed to a January release. The last time the two ace actors clashes was during the 2001 Sankranti, when Balayya's 'Narasimha Naidu', and Chira's 'Mrugaraju' released on the same day. Bala clearly won that battle, which just adds to the anticipation.

'Khaidi No 15-' is a Telugu remake of Tamil superhit 'Kaththi', Balayya's film is based on the life of a warrior of the Satavahana empire, Gautamiputra.

of any actor, but of good films and t h e s e attacks won't stop her from speaking her mind.

29

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Special 'Mirzya' screening for fans

T

he newest hunk in the industry, Harshvardhan Kapoor made quite the hearts race with his natural good looks. The 'Mirzya' star held a one of its kind event recently, where he hosted a special screening of the movie for his female fans. While the film could not fare well at the box office, Kapoor managed to make his own female cult.

The 25 year old looked oh-so-dreamy in a stylish black jacket, and denim jeans.

Sources said he was at his charming best, and not only interacted with his special guests, but also posed for a selfie with them. Talking about his debut, he said when you take an unconventional route, success takes time.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Dippy as" never seen before" in 'Padmavati'

Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

Snubbed by B-Town, Irrfan finds love from Holly

O

ne of the handful of Bollywood actors to have made an impact in the West, Irrfan Khan has done films like 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Life of Pi', 'Jurassic Park', 'The Amazing Spiderman', and his latest with Tom Hanks, 'Inferno'. While the Indian film industry does not let the smallest of news on Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra pass by unnoticed, Khan has not received that much love during his career.

While Hollywood remains unimpressed by Ron Howard's 'Inferno', they had received Khan with much love. "Even so, there's just time for Irrfan Khan (Jurassic World) to have some fun (nice to see someone enjoying themselves, at least) with his shady Provost character who sweeps in to explain away great gaps of plot, the plodding unpicking of which we then have to sit through, again, reminding us just how ridiculously dull the past two hours have indeed been," said The Wrap, in a review of the movie.

IGN wrote, "The increasing prominence of quality international actors like Sidse Babett Knudsen and the ever-twinkling Irrfan Khan (Life of Pi, Jurassic World) makes for a much smoother ride."

Maybe it's about time India took a cue from the US and gave artists their due credit?

A

ctress Deepika Padukone who roped in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming 'Padmavati', has already done a look test for the movie. She will reportedly start shooting for the first sequence of the movie next week, sans co-actors Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor.

"Deepika has already done a look test for the film and Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor will be doing the same in a couple of days, separately. Both have been growing their beards and hair to play their respective charactersShahid as the Rajput King Rana Ratan Singh of Chittor and Ranveer as the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji," a source said. The cameras will roll for a song shoot featuring the actress where she will perform Rajasthani folk dance 'Ghoomar'.

Set for Bhansali's ambitious project, has been constructed at Mehboob Studio, and looks similar to that of Padmavati's Water Palace in Rajasthani's Chittorgarh Fort.

The story for 'Padmavati' is a dramtised tale of the capture of the Chittor Fort in Rajasthan in 1303, when the second Sultan of the Khilji dynasty lead an invasion to capture the queen- wife of Mewar's ruler.

Neil Nitin Mukesh affianced Shilpa Shetty bids farewell after one month courtship to father

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randson of legendary singer Mukesh, and son of veteran singer Nitin Mukesh, Neil is next on the list of stars set to tie the knot. Engaged to Mumbaibased Rukmini Sahay, the 'Johnny Gaddaar' actor said she is the "perfect balance" a man would want in his wife.

"I think she is just perfect. She is the perfect balance that any man would want in his woman. She is simple, beautiful, loving and all the awesome adjectives I can think of. She fits them all," he said. Their ceremony took place on the day of Dussehra, at a Juhu hotel in Mumbai.

Neil said he is "completely in love" with his 27 year old fiancee. "Our chemistry is outstanding. She understands that I am little bit of a prankster. I have a habit of joking around and sometimes people don't understand my jokes. They might get

A

offended sometimes, but she instantly understood the kind of person I am and laughed at every point.

She completely understands me in that sense. I love her for that."

The 34 year old actor's family is ecstatic was the

soon-to-be-bride has already won their hearts "with her simplicity and upbringing." Finding a soulmate for Neil was something he had left to his parents to decide.

Their's happens to be an arranged marriage.

ctress and Yoga enthusiast, Shilpa Shetty bid adieu to father Surendra Shetty, who died last week in Mumbai after a massive cardiac arrest. The patriarch was a major influence on his daughter's life and was often seen with their mother at social events.

Shilpa posted a photo of him, with a moving message on her Instagram, saying, "OUR HERO: Loving and kind in all his ways, Upright and just to the end of his days; Sincere and true, in his heart and mind, Beautiful memories, he left behind.

A link in our family chain is broken, He has gone from our home, But not from our hearts. We love u Daddy, you have been the best father, husband, friend and soul. May you Rest in Peace. Shri Surendra Dejoo Shetty 22 Dec 1941-11 Oct 2016.

With gratitude Sunanda, Shamita, Shilpa, Raj,

Viaan-Raj The Shetty and Kundra Family."

Businessman Surendra Shetty died in his sleep and was declared brought dead at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital.

Several

Bollywood celebs paid their last respect at the cremation, including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, Arpita Khan, Raveena Tandon.

30

UK

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Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

Pakistani gang found guilty of raping and degrading three teenagers Eight members of a Pakistani sex gang in Rotherham have been fond guilty of rape after one of their victims came forward, 13 years after she was abused. The girl and her family told the police, the local MP and former Home Secretary David Blunkett about the attacks a decade earlier but withdrew amid threats to the family. It was only after the victim and two others come forward did the police proceed with investigating.

After a month-long trial at Sheffield Crown Court which included 18 hours of deliberations, all eight men were found

guilty of 19 charges of rape, indecent assault and false imprisonment.

Ringleader Sageer Hussain, 30, was convicted of four rapes and one indecent assault. Mohammed Whied, 32, one count of aiding and abetting rape, Ishtiaq Khaliq, 33, of one rape and three indecent assaults, Waleed Ali, 34, of one rape and one indecent assault. Asif Ali, 30, of one rape, Masoued Malik, 32, of one rape, one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment.

Basharat Hussian, 40, of one count of indecent assault and Naeem Rafiq, 33, on one count of con-

Paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of the ‘Community Organisations at the heart of the Society’ and ‘Destination India’ magazines with their newspaper.

Woolfe quits ‘death spiral’ UKIP

UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe, who had been running to be the next leader, has quit the party saying that UKIP has become ungovernable and is in “a death spiral”.

Woolfe said he had reconsidered his ambitions to lead the party after a scuffle with a party colleague Mike Hookem outside a meeting in Strasbourg. The subsequent seizures following the fight had left Woolfe hospitalised for three nights. Woolfe had also accused Hookem of inflicting a “blow” to his face in the public altercation at the meeting.

Hookem has acknowledged a “scuffle” but said he “categorically did not” throw a punch at his colleague.

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planning for your future and become excited about an idea that promises much greener pastures for you. You are very positive and optimistic but you should not get carried away by your enthusiasm. Keep both your feet firmly on the ground to realise your goals.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 A great deal will depend

on how you organise your priorities this week. This does not mean that you will have to compromise your ideals but you may be obliged to realise that sometimes a more flexible approach is needed. Your best line of action this week is to stick doggedly to familiar routines and avoid all distractions where possible.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 It is certainly going to be

Top row left to right: Mohammed Whied, Waleed Ali, Asif Ali; middle row left to right: Sageer Hussain, Ishtiaq Khaliq; bottom row left to right: Basharat Hussain, Masoued Malik, Naeem Rafiq

spiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment.

The court heard how the girls were assaulted between 1999 and 2003 before making the complaint in 2003. Michelle Colborne QC, prosecuting, told the court how the victim’s family withdrew the allegations when the gang threaten to burn down their home and gang-rape mother. The court was also told how the police lost the victim’s clothes without carrying out any forensic analysis. QC Colborne said

Sageer Hussain befriended the girls who were then exploited by him, his older brothers and his friends.

The girls were also groomed with cigarettes, alcohol and cannabis.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Tate from the South Yorkshire Police said the trail marked the end of a three-year investigation into “the calculated and organised sexual exploitation of young girls ion Rotherham.”

The men were remanded in custody pending sentencing on November 4.

a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one. Facets of your life that have been a source of restriction and dissatisfaction will begin to loosen their hold.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 You will have plenty of energy and drive to improve your status and at the same time achieve financial prosperity - you must make good use of the energy that is flowing, by channelling it positively! Creativity, romance and leisure all receive a tonic.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Things get a little easier now and you can relax. It's been a hectic time as you've tried to accomplish a great deal. It is a good time to consolidate your gains. You need to to settle down and remember patience brings happiness.

Relationships need to be re-assessed, though a positive outcome is indicated.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

You’re likely to receive insights into where everything is going and these may shape your life for months to come. Virgoans can look forward to advancing both personal and professional ambitions from now onwards. There are opportunities to expand your sphere of operations and you and a partner could really go places.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

At home, be at your diplomatic best and try not to tread on anyone's toes. Passions will run from hot to cold, and relationships may suffer. Even the most strong-willed Librans will be more open to compromise to keep the peace. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets. All things considered, your health should be robust.

Coming Events

BAPS Diwali and Annakut BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir invites you for their Diwali and Annakut celebration this year.

Diwali - Date: Sunday, 30 October Timings: Chopda Pujan - 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm Annakut - Date Monday, 31 October Timings: Annakut Darshan – 12 noon to 9.00 pm Annakut Arti – 12 noon and every half hour 9.00 pm

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 During this period you are

Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

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SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 There are subtle transformations taking shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid founda SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Sun's transit of your 12th Solar House indicates that experience will put you in a deeply reflective mood. This is a favourable time for getting away from usual routines and seeking a retreat for a few days. All the better if you are interested in such things as meditation, yoga and therapies that help you to get in closer touch with your inner self.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Guard against being too impatient and restless. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 You will feel confident as the week begins. The cosmic energies are decidedly invigorating at the moment. If you are taking a holiday, so much the better. It’s an exciting, expansive time, when you should find it easier to be who you are and do what you want.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

The pattern of significant relationships in your life will continue to favour you. It seems that a great deal of mutual benefit will accrue because of various interactions. This is an excellent time for dealing with longterm money matters. You also stand to benefit through a bonus, rebate or perhaps a lucky windfall.

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Sushil Kumar to pursue the American dream?

AsianVoiceNews

If reports are to be held true, fans of Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar will soon be able to see him fighting it out in a WWE ring. It is suggested that the Indian grappler is currently under negotiating terms with the WWE Network, and even met with it's head of talent development Canyon Ceman in New Delhi.

Sushil's agent Raman Raheja, who handles his commercial interests, confirmed that the wrestler is "very much interested in growing a Pro Wrestling career now." Raheja, head of Super Sports, the company that manages Kumar said, "Yes, we have had discussions with the WWE. In fact, their head of Talent and Development was here to meet. Things are going in a positive direction that is the reason we have shown our interest. We are also looking at various other aspects before everything is finalised."

The move is anticipated

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Sushil Kumar

to be a possible reaction to the Wrestling Federation of India choosing Narsingh Yadav to represent India at this year's Rio Olympics. A source close to Sushil said, "We are also talking to various organisations including the WWE to open a franchise in Delhi to groom young Indian Pro Wrestling talent. The Chhatarsal stadium has long been the home of wrestlers in the country,

UK Asian Football Championship to raise Asian profiles The UK Asian Football Championship this year aims to raise the profile of Asians in football, and encourage debate around barriers to participation.

The competition sees teams from across the country, all representing different parts of Britain's South Asian communities.

As ambitious as the goal is, organisers of the event find it particularly difficult to encourage those watching, to attend more matches.

Jasvir Singh Sandhu said it wasn't easy being a football fan in the 1980s.

He would visit Filbert Street "back in the day", to watch his local team. "The atmosphere, especially if you were Asian, was very intimidating, not very welcoming at all. These days I would say the situation has considerablty changed and for the better." The 18th edition of the Championship this year, saw several people from Indian, Pakistani, or

Bangladeshi backgrounds.

"I would encourage members of the Asian community to take their children to football. If you don't then how do you expect them to break into the sport? I hope to take her to other matches as well. I don't want this to be a oneoff."

Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association president Dilawer Singh said he hoped the event would help raise the profile of the issue. "Whilst we have yet to witness a breakthrough of Asian talent reaching the professional game, I remain hopeful events such as the championship will retain this rather emotive issues on the radar," he said. The UK Asian Football Championship is organised by the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association (Semsa) in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Rangers Football Club and Celtic Football Club.

Delhi Dynamos eye Zlatan Ibrahimovic Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos have expressed their interest in roping in Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to India.

"Given his fan following in India, I think Zlatan would want to come and end his career here," said Dynamos manager Gianluca Zambrotta, who played

alongside the footballer at Juventus.

Zlatan has signed a one-year contract with the Red Devils on a free transfer following his exit from the Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. He has previously played for Malmo, Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona AC Milan, and Inter Milan.

and Sushil is looking at ways to monetise it. If grapplers cannot make it to the Olympics, then they should have an alternative career."

Once the deal is cracked, Kumar will become the second Indian wrestler after the Great Khali. On hearing the news, Khali - real name Dalip Singh Rana, warned Kumar saying it would be difficult for him in WWE.

The 44 year old said that while he would be thrilled to see an Indian in the ring, success for anyone in WWE is a tough task. "It will be good if Sushil goes to WWE. It is my thought nothing personal about it but I think it will be late for Sushil to join WWE. One has to join at an early age and the chances of success increase. WWE is very difficult so I still feel it is a bit late for Sushil to join WWE. I would personally like to see someone in WWE after me."

"There is not much awareness about fitness in India unlike other countries. We don't get too many medals at Olympics, one of the reasons is we don't have that culture of fitness in India," Khali said.

Meanwhile, he is skipping the Pro Wrestling League this year, saying it isn't possible for him to take part after the way WFI officials treated him during the Narsingh controversy.

Hameed makes Test case with performance Highly rated 19 year old Haseeb Hameed was a surprise inclusion in Alastair Cook's 17-man squad for England's tour of Bangladesh last week.

Making his case at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong, Hameed staked his claim through his long stay in the middle, as he battedfor over four hours in two stints.

Making 57 off 125 balls, the teen fought through phases against both pace and spin. He showed self-discipline showcasing his character, though the morning session, before playing more expansively later during the afternoon. Born to

Haseeb Hameed

SPORT

Indian boy wins Chinese Taipei Open Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

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In a major comeback following a series of injuries, 23year old Sourabh Verma claimed the men's singles title at the Chinese Taipei Open after he defeated Malaysia's Daren Liew in Taipei City. Verma grabbed the first two games, 12-10 12-10 and, won the third when Liew backed out due to a shoulder injury with the scoreline at 3-3.

"It is a great victory for me and a much needed one.

I had reached the finals at Belgium and Poland but could not win. So I was determined not to make the same mistakes here and I am happy I could win today," Verma said. He added, "My opponent was playing well but in the third game, he felt some shoulder pain and retired. He was in fact leading in the first two games and was very comfortable. I started well but made too many mistakes. But I managed to pull off the opening game. In the second game also, I gave away too many easy points but I am happy I could control it in the end." Sourabh began off well in the opening game, leading 5-3 at one point, however, Liew changed the quo with a five-point burst to lead 8-5. The second game was tougher for him as his Malaysian opponent once again reigned with a 5-1 lead, and held on to 10-6. The third game saw an initial battle of 3-3 with Liew retiring at the point due to a problematic shoulder.

"This year I didn't get to play too many tournaments. But after reaching the finals at Belgium and Poland, I was gaining in confidence. If I could have played more events then probably I could have won the titles. I was in top 30 in 2015 March but suddenly my ranking dropped to 190 and that is the biggest hindrance, if I could have played I could have done better.

I'm concentrating on the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Golds now. I am playing Bitburger Open next. I have to get into the top 40 as soon as possible to get entry into superseries event."

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik engaged

Indian parents originally from Bharuch, Gujarat, Hameed made it to the team after his rather impressive performance in the County Championship this season.

Yuvraj to tie the knot this year Ace Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh who got engaged to Bollywood actress Hazel Keech this year, will reportedly enter holy matrimony on November 30, this year.

Sources confirmed that the wedding would be a private affair and receptions are planned in the first week on December. "The schedule date of reception would be worked out between December 5 and 7. The wedding is happening on November 30," a source said.

Yuvi was engaged to Keech at a private ceremony in Bali last November.

While the ceremony was held low-key, their marriage is set to be a big fat Indian wedding. "Yuvraj has known Hazel for the

Yuvraj Singh and Hazel Keech

last three years, but started dating only three months before the engagement.

Last year only, they announced that they would get married in 2016 winter," the source added.

The cricketer is expected to play the Ranji Trophy games before the big day.

"He will continue to represent his state team Punjab to earn his place back in the national team. He is very much in the reckoning," the source said.

One of the three athletes to do us proud this year, Rio Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik got engaged to wrestler boyfriend Satyawart Kadian at her residence in Rohtak.

"It was a private function. Only the families of the to-be bride and groom attended the event and it went very well," Satyawart's father, Arjuna awarfee Satyavan Pehelwan said.

The wrestler, 22, two years younger to Sakshi, won his first bronze medal at the 2010 Youth Olympics. The two fell in love during wrestling tournaments. Sakshi had earler spoken about him in the media, saying, "He is very supportive and considers my dreams as his own."

The wedding dates are yet to be decided. Satyavan said, "They both are wrestlers so they have to chalk out dates out of their schedule of endless tournaments. So, we cannot say right now about the wedding."

Sakshi rose to fame and glory earlier this year when she claimed bronze in 58 kg category in women's freestyle wrestling event in the Rio Olympics. It was her win that put an end at the shameful medal drought faced by India despite its massive contingent. On arriving back home, she was received with a rousing reception.

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Asian Voice | 22nd October 2016

England tour of India

In a Cricket announcement, the England team is set to visit India to play a fivematch Test series, for the first time in more than 30 years, as part of their 2016 tour. Starting on November 9, with Rajkot as the first venue, the visiting team will also play three one-day, and three Twenty20 matches.

Eoin Morgan will return as Captain for the India assignment, despite missing the series victory against Bangladesh. Morgan and opening batsman Alex Hales had pulled out of the Bangladesh tour due to security fears, and the team saw a 2-1 victory under the leadership of Jos Buttler.

England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss said the Morgan and Hales' decision allowed other players to stake a claim for their spots, however, assistant coach Paul Farbrace revealed both will retain their positions. He said, "There are a lot of good friends in this team which makes it easier for Morgs and Hales to come back in the side, and they will come back in Januar. Morgs will be captain in India." Before the Bangla series, Farbrace

TM

said he was "massively disappointed" with the pair opting out. "Of course you might be disappointed that people are not available, whether that's through injury or loss of form, or whatever it might be, you're always disappointed. But Morgs has very much been the driver behind this team moving forward."

"For the Test players to play seven Test matches on the bounce is going to be really physically and mentally tough for them," Farbrace said. The team will endure a major loss, as paceman Mark Wood will miss the tour to undergo an ankle surgery. The England and Wales Cricket Board said the 26 year old bowler will require a third operation on his left ankle within a year after it was discovered

Britain's golden girl bids farewell This is a story of a star, who aimed for the stars, became a star and quit as a star.

Jessica Ennis-Hill, the golden girl who captured the imagination of the nation has decided to call it a day, much to the chagrin of her followers.

The women who inspired a new generation of athletes received a torrent of tributes fro fellow Olympians as she said farewell to the sport she loves, aged just 30. Jessica started her sporting journey at the tender age of 13 Ennis-Hill took to the sport immediately and joined the City of Sheffield and Dearne Athletic Club, aged 11. At the age of 14, she won her first award for the best performance by an athlete at the National Schools Championships, where she won the high jump competition.

The London 2012 Olympics which made her a national heroine where she won gold with a British and Commonwealth record score of 6,955 points. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, she won a silver.

She married Andy Hill in Derbyshire in May 2013 and in January 2014,

that he had fractured a bone during a County Championship match against Surrey last month.

England's national physiotherapy lead Ben Langley said, "There's no reason to think that when he's had this bone fragment removed, he won't be able to get back to bowling as well as he has in the second half of the summer. His foot and ankle swelled up hugely during the game, which was obviously worrying, and then we were perplexed when nothing significant showed up on the first scan.

It was only when we got him in for a second scan that we discovered he'd been playing on despite having fractured a bone."

Wood had previously been ruled out of England's ongoing tour of Bangladesh.

on a high,” she said.

Over her athletic career spanning 13 years she has got gold, silver and bronze 14 times at various Pentathlon, Heptathlon, 100 m hurdles and High jump competitions.

Jessica Ennis Hill

Ennis-Hill said she was unable to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games as she was pregnant with her first child. She gave birth to her son Reggie in July 2014.

Announcing her retirement via Instagram she posted “Amazing memories… from my first world title in Berlin 2009 to Rio 2016.” The two-time world champion had originally to stay in sports until the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships in London next year, but said she had already had "the pinnacle" of her career, and that nothing would “ever top that”. “I felt that I had achieved all I wanted to achieve and more in the sport, and this was the time to move onto something new and leave

What's Next?

Her immediate goal is to "sit back and relax and reflect on what I've achieved" and "spend as much time with my son as possible", Ennis-Hill says she wants to stay involved in athletics. I could never walk away from athletics and sport because I love it so much and it's been a huge part of my life," she said.

"I need to think about what I really want to do, something that I enjoy and that I'm passionate about moving forward. I think I'll definitely stay involved in sport in some way. I'm passionate about getting people active, getting people running and living a healthy lifestyle.”

Already conferred a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) as part of the 2013 New Year Honours for services to athletics, there are now calls for her to be made a Dame.

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