AV 23rd July 2016 by Asian Business Publications Ltd

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Vol 45 | Issue 12

From Indore to London: The Meteoric Rise of Rajesh Agrawal

A CABINET FOR BUSINESS P16

EXCLUSIVE

23rd July to 29th July 2016

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Priti Patel and Sajid Javid make it to ‘Team May’

India-UK hold talks on FTA for postBrexit deal P20

Thrashing of dalits in Una sparks protests in Gujarat P25 MAY'S MAIDEN MEETING: Theresa May holds her first Cabinet meeting after assuming charge at No. 10 Rupanjana Dutta & Anand Pillai The newly appointed British Prime Minister Theresa May has chaired her first new Cabinet meeting. She reportedly told her ministers that she did not want the UK

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to be “defined by Brexit”, but to “build the education, skills, and social mobility to allow everyone to prosper from the opportunities of leaving the EU”. Chancellor Philip Hammond updated the Cabinet on the post-referendum econo-

my. Only a handful of the 27 members of Mrs May’s top team are in the same jobs as under David Cameron. Others are in the Cabinet for the first time. Continued on page 7

Kashmir violence Pak sponsored, says Rajnath Singh P26

ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice |23rd July 2016

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Dr David Unwin FRCGP

Dr David Unwin FRCGP is part of the Norwood Surgery in Southport where he has worked since 1986. Because of his interests in both communication and diabetes he was made Royal College of General Practice National Champion for Collaborative Care and Support Planning in Obesity & Diabetes in 2015. This March he was the proud National winner of the NHS Innovator Of The Year Award for research into lifestyle changes & working with patients’ personal health goals as an alternative to drug therapy in type 2 diabetes –so that his GP practice spends approximately £40,000 per year less than expected on drugs for diabetes and insulin. He is particularly interested in investigating a lower carb diet as a possible alternative to medication in type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle modifications to improve health. As part of this he has also published research into improving liver function and blood pressure by reducing dietary carbohydrate, especially sugar intake. 1) What is your current position? Senior partner of a six doctor GP practice. Trustee of our wonderful local hospice Queenscourt also trustee of The Three Owls Bird Sanctuary that manages five small nature reserves. 2) What are your proudest achievements? Personal: Three thriving off-

spring, a happy wife and three grandchildren who love their ‘Papa’ Professional: I hope the community I have cared for over thirty years now have benefitted from a GP practice that is caring and well run. I was made a fellow of the RCGP after personally training over 20 young GPs 3) What inspires you? Patients’ resilience and humour.

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defensive medicine ‘just in case’ This isn’t always in the best interests of patients – for example giving out too many antibiotics.

Recently an old lady said to me “ten years ago Dr Unwin you put ‘old-age’ down as the cause of death for my husband, he was 84. I am 92 now, what ever will you put on mine?’ I answered ‘genuine antique!!’ we had such a laugh over that.

8) What are your long term goals? I’m 57 so my goal is to stay healthy and have a long term!

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career? Mrs Thatcher’s administration started not trusting professionals and so ushered in an age of filling in reports and ‘proving’ we were value for money by measuring things. Some of the best aspects of medicine like kindness, support and being a good listener cannot be measured. 5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? My wife Jen is a clinical health psychologist specialising in the role of hope and how it improves outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. I have come to understand that hopes and personal health goals can be vital in motivating people to change behaviour to lose weight or get fit. 6) What is the best aspect about your current role? Continuity of care is the most precious aspect of general prac-

Harrow community comes together to help flood-hit Sri Lanka

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tice. Patients really appreciate the fact that I remember their case details and personal background –so they ‘don’t have to start from the beginning’ every time. Trust between doctor and patient is a mutual thing that develops over time to the advantage of both. 7) And the worst? The world has become risk averse and there is a culture of blame in the NHS which means many work in an atmosphere of fear and so start to practice

9) If you were Prime Minister, what is one aspect would you change? I was delighted at the ‘sugar tax’ on soft drinks. For me this is just a start as I am convinced that ‘snack foods’ are contributing to the epidemic of obesity which is doing terrible harm to the nation and creating suffering I see on a daily basis. Sweets, crisps, biscuits & chocolate bars are not proper food. 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why? A young Charles Darwin, he and I share a passion and joy in observing the natural world. A guilty pleasure is that I’m fascinated by beetles and moths.

Asian community bond at Casino Royale hospice fundraiser

Dignitaries at the civic centre event

Members of many faiths and cultures came together to raise money for a country devastated by flooding. Sri Lanka was hit by terrible flooding in May – around half a million people were affected and more than 100 lost their lives. Kairul Kareema Marika, a native Sri Lankan now standing as a Harrow councillor, helped organised a fundraiser at Harrow Civic Centre. “I was really proud. In fact I will in tears. It was a very successful day and it was great to see the community coming together to raise these vital funds,” said Cllr Marika.

Money raised from ticket sales combined with donations collected at Kingsbury Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple meant that £2,000 would be going to help those in the worst-hit areas of the country. The fund will be managed by the Sri Lankan Federation Board, of which Cllr Marika is a member. For the first time in history, the Sri Lankan flag was hoisted in the council chambers and the national anthem sung at the event in June. A speech by Sri Lankan ambassador Sugeeshwara Guranatna was listened to

by representatives of the community including Cllr deputy mayor Margaret Devine, Harrow Council leader Sachin Shah, and Brent Council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt. The event was not only a chance to offer support to those families hit by the flooding but also to build on the strong interfaith relationships within the borough. During the day, a cultural pageant saw children and groups from Harrow’s diverse community perform a range of dances, including Puja – Sri Lanka’s national dance.

Members of the Kutch Madhapar Karyalaya in their evening finery

Members of the Asian community raised a phenomenal sum for a Harrow hospice at a casino-themed fundraiser. The Kutch Madhapar Karyalaya (KMK) held the evening of dinner and dancing in aid of St Luke’s Hospice and raised £20,000 in the process. Many KMK members have relatives who have benefitted from St Luke’s services, including Preesha Lachani, whose father was cared for by the hospice.

Ms Lachani said, “We all know that our time in the world is limited and that death is inevitable, yet when it happens to someone you know it is always a surprise. The hospice provided support to my dad and my family through this challenging time. It provided my dad a calm and tranquil place to spend some of his last days. “We are eternally grateful for all the support, advice and care the hospice provided for my

dad and his family.” Jemini Shah, of St Luke’s Hospice, thanked the KMK for their fantastic support. “It was a wonderful and we are extremely overwhelmed by the amount they have raised for the hospice, and the time they have put in to organise the event for us.” She said the money raised could enable their doctors and nurses to visit 320 homes, providing hospice care to many patients.

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Brexit boost for free trade deals The UK’s decision to leave the European Union presents a potential upside for both India and the UK in numerous ways, especially in the area of free trade agreement between the two countries. Britain being the biggest trading partner in EU for India, a trade pact with the country seems like a favourable option in a post-Brexit scenario. India and the EU have so far been unable to reach a free trade agreement, with negotiations having become mired in the financial politics of the 28 countries of the EU. Now unencumbered by the rest of the EU, the UK will benefit by boosting trade ties with India and other similarly placed countries. India’s economy grew at more than 7 per cent last year, and is forecast to grow at 8 per cent this year faster than any larger economy in the world. FTA with the UK is expected to be beneficial to India especially in the backdrop of recent trade formations among countries which exclude India, such as, the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the US and the EU, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact among 12 countries, including the US, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Peru. Brexit is likely to compel London to seek a more robust trade relationship with New Delhi, an effort for which was seen recently. Within 3 days of taking power British Prime Minister Theresa May has sent one of her senior colleagues, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to India. Sajid first went to Mumbai, met the Tata bosses and discussed the future of the beleaguered Tata Talbot Steelworks operation in the UK, the sale of which the Indian steel giant has now put on hold for the time being. He then went to New Delhi where he met Nirmala Sitharaman, India's Minister of state for commerce and Industry (Independent Charge). Sajid said his discussion with Sitharaman “was very positive and constructive. India and the UK already have a very strong trade and investment relations and we are looking at how we can go further and look forward to working with her”. Similar initiatives of Free Trade Agreements have already begun with Australia, USA and other select countries. In terms of trade – India's main exports to the UK are textiles, machinery, petroleum products, software and IT enabled services, leather, gems and jewellery, among others. Imports from the UK are equipment, ores and metal scraps, precious and semiprecious stones, silver, metals, aircraft parts, spirits, engineering goods and instruments. In terms of services – excluding travel, transport and banking, as per UK's Office for National Statistics, India-UK bilateral trade in services in 2014 amounted to about £2.5 billion. India's exports in 2013 amounted

to £1.5 billion and imports in 2014 amounted to £975 million. In terms of investment – UK is the third largest inward investor in India, after Mauritius and Singapore with a cumulative equity investment of $22.56 billion (April 2000 to September 2015). UK ranks first among the G20 countries and accounts for around 9% of all FDI into India (April 2000 to September 2015) Now, free trade does not mean it is completely “free”. The free trade within EU is entirely without any duty (on imports and exports). Equally there is free access to people within EU borders which was the bugbear during the Brexit debate – a large number of EU nationals especially from newer member states making a beeline to the UK. The FTA with India, Australia and USA cannot replicate what was and what is happening in EU countries. At the same time one should remember that India and the UK have several mutually beneficial trade sectors of complementary advantage, which needs to be tapped. In the financial year 2016, India's exports to the EU were $35.35 billion, while India's exports to Britain were $9.35 billion. The UK is the largest G20 investor in India, while India invests more in the UK than the rest of the European Union combined. India is also the third largest source of FDI for the UK. Several Indian MNCs are biggest employers in the UK. India's rising middle classes, incremental progress in GDP, its democracy, demand and demography have enormous attractions, especially for the UK. Similarly, the Indian corporations are keen to invest abroad and have by and large both financial and other capabilities. Within a span of a generation Indian multi-national companies have brought a sea change in investments abroad, particularly in the UK. Old hands of the “free trade” deliberations of almost 100 years ago will be naturally very cautious. And so they should be. But India has to also remember that with whatever attraction and attachment it has with the UK, the EU takes a lion's share of India's exports in some very important industries and businesses (like apparel, diamond, software, etc.). But sources from Delhi say Britain will benefit to have FTA with India to secure best possible deal with Brussels prior to it invoking Article 50 of the EU. A bilateral agreement between India and UK will solve a lot of business problems. The deal will be the best solution for the future. This assumes significance as the UK is India's largest business partner, with more than 30% of exports going to the UK. A free trade agreement between India and the EU has been held up for nine years over contentious issues. A bilateral trade agreement could be easier and faster to make. Though there are challenges ahead, the odds are in favour of the UK retaining and even accelerating economic progress even after the shock of 23rd June, 2016.

Rule of law prevails The Supreme Court of India, in a brutally forthright judgment, overturned the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh’s decision to dismiss the previous Congress State government led by former chief minister Nabam Tuki and replaced it with a regime composed of Congress dissidents, led by the present Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul, backed by the opposition BJP. A fivejudge constitution bench of Justices J.S.Khehar, Dipak Misra, Madan Lokur, P.C. Ghose and N.V.Ramana issued a unanimous verdict that the Governor’s decision was illegal and ordered the deposed government to be reinstated forthwith. The judgment was passed on the basis of Article 356 of the Constitution. Two months ago, the Supreme Court struck down .Governor’s Rule in Uttarkhand, clearing the way for the Harish Rawat-led Congress government to return and resume its proper authority. The Supreme Court has reduced the discretionary powers of State governors; they have been instructed to shut their eyes and ears to intrigues and political horse trading and abide strictly by the rules, under which a chief minister is required to prove his party’s majority in the legislative assembly Arunachal Chief Minister Pul, flanked by BJP President Amit Shah, appeared to strike a note of defiance, saying that he would file a review petition. ‘We will file a review petition on this ruling after going into all aspects of it.’ The BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma, defiantly claimed that the crisis in Arunachal Pradesh had nothing to do with his party, but was an

internal Congress matter, for which the BJP had been made a scapegoat. There were taped conversations before the court that proved otherwise. Kapil Sibal, a former Congress minister at the Centre, and a Supreme Court lawyer, demanded the Arunachal Governor be asked to resign. Refusal to do so should be followed by his dismissal for his role in the affair. The uproar has not been confined to the Congress party. The Bharatiya Janata Dal (BJD) whip in the Lok Sabha, Tathgata Satpathy, said: ‘We shall certainly be raising the issue, not as an anti-BJP or pro-Congress measure, but to highlight the fact that the Centre has been trying strong-arm democratically elected governments out of power and that this should stop.’ BSP leader Mayawati said the Centre should ‘take lessons from the [Supreme] court verdict.’ Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, said the issue would be taken up in Parliament. Clearly, this subject will not die quietly. The Modi government has case to answer. The Supreme Court has overwhelmingly upheld the rule of law. The country’s executive authority can do no less. Democratic governance must transcend individual or party loyalties. A new vote of confidence is to be held shortly. The present BJP-backed Pul regime may well retain power. The issue is the Constitutional impropriety of the dismissal of its Congress predecessor. Rules ogf governance must be obeyed.

There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands. - Plato

You are Next, After the Muslims Your enemy in Europe and US is not Islam, it is the people who want you to believe it is Islam....people who hark back to the crusades, and massacres in the Middle East and Asia of centuries ago. People because of their fixation want to take away your liberties, people who by 'talking tough' think they are big. No we are not about to have Sharia law, yes liberal democracy will survive, no Turkey will not be in the EU, yes you will have freedom of speech, religion, no you are not about to be converted, yes there are some crazy terrorists in the name of Islam, and yes we will wipe those out sooner or later, relentlessly. Protect your way of life - your liberal democratic ways of liberty- or leave - whether you are Muslim or Hindu or Jewish or Christian. Go. -Non-Muslims make up the majority of terrorists in the United States -Non-Muslims make up the majority of terrorists in Europe -If you are scared of Muslims then you should also be scared of household furniture and toddlers Want the statistics to back it up? See HuffingtonPost.com and search Omar Alnatour and the FBI studies he quotes. I write to you having just returned from Laos

and Cambodia, commonly known as Greater India, and finished in London my BBC Newspaper Review. With a global audience of 300m it is an important vehicle to give a perspective on global events. Of course with Nice and US elections in the news – the issue of Muslims came up. "If you do not fight for what you want, then you should not weep for what you lose" Krishna. Hindu Vishnu Temple in Angkor which I visited with nearly half a kilometer of carved stone images almost a millennium old depict the great wars from the Hindu religious texts of the Ramayan, Mahabharat and Gita with images of Shiv Vishnu Hanuman Ram Sita Lakshman Krishna Arjun...when God's earthly incarnation fought evil. But these temples too have images of hands held to prayer in the traditional Hindu manner carved out as the Buddhists altered them as they took over the temples into the Buddhist pose. When you consider Ashoka converted to Buddhism you soon wonder how many more Hindus there may have been in the world had it not been for Buddhism. But that is not my purpose of writing – not to incite religious hatred – no the opposite.

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Strictly Curry Dancing at the Tiffin Cup 2016 Sea Bass with Lime and Ginger by Saffron restaurant from Northampton won the Grand final of the Tiffin Cup 2016 held in the House of Commons on Tuesday 12th July 2016. Iconic celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott joined other famous faces on the judging panel. Harriott danced with joy as he announced the winner of Tiffin Cup 2016 curry competition. Saffron were awarded 1st prize by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, with Mehfil of Southall winning 2nd place and Hoole Indian of Chester picking up 3rd place. The prestigious Tiffin Cup competition is held each year to find the best South Asian restaurant in the country. The Tiffin Cup winner is chosen from a list of restaurants that have been nominated by local MPs. The Best in Region

awards this year were as follows: - Best in London: Mehfil nominated by Virendra Sharma MP (Ealing Southall) - Best in East Anglia: Bombay Nite nominated by Dr Therese Coffey MP (Suffolk Coastal) - Best in South East: Koh-iNoor nominated by Dr Philip Lee MP (Bracknell) - Best in Wales: Spice Tree Tiffin Cup 2016 Winners Saffron with head judge Ainsely Harriott, nominated by Chris Evans Speaker of the House of Commons the Rt Hon John Bercow MP and MP for Leicester East the Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP MP (Islwyn) - Best in West Midlands: competition was extremely of Chester) Kings Repose nominated by close this year and becoming - Best in Yorkshire and Gavin Williamson MP (South Humber: Cutlers Spice nomione of the finalists of the Staffordshire) Tiffin Cup is a tremendous nated by Louise Haigh MP - Best in North East: Haveli achievement. (Sheffield Heeley) nominated by Guy Opperman Congratulations to - Best in North East: Goa MP (Hexham) Saffron who produced a stunExemplary nominated by - Best in East Midlands: ning dish to wow our Judges! Julie Elliott MP (Sunderland Saffron nominated by David This is a great tribute not just Central) Mackintosh (Northampton to the nominated restaurants - Best in South West: Raj Poot South) but the fantastic culinary nominated by Ben Howlett - Best in North West: Hoole diversity in constituencies all MP (Bath) Indian nominated by around the UK. Well done to Keith Vaz MP, the Chair Christian Matheson MP (City all of the restaurants!” of the Tiffin Club said: “The

Building site manager Patel jailed after worker fell through ceiling A building site manager has been jailed for 30 months last Friday after a father-of-two working on the site plunged through a ceiling onto hard concrete and died. Faruk Patel was in charge of safety on the site in Leicester where Tasadaq UrRehman was installing windows when he fell on January 24 last year. He suffered severe head injuries and died a few days later in hospital. Patel (40) admitted

breaching health and safety rules on the site but denied his negligence amounted to manslaughter.

However, a jury at Birmingham Crown Court this morning found him guilty of manslaughter after less than two hours of deliberations. The judge, the Mr Justice Honourable Saunders, sentenced Patel at 2pm this afternoon. He said: "The defendant paid no regard to health and safety whatsoever. It is clear to me the defendant had no idea of the responsibility he had for

maintaining safety on the site. There was a high risk of a fall onto the concrete floor. The risk of death or serious injury was high." He told Mr Ur-Rehman's family, who were in court, that the sentence he passed down was "not intended, nor could it, reflect the loss of Mr Ur-Rehman's life." Patel will spend the first 15 months of his sentence in prison before being released on licence.

eBay scammer duped customers into buying potentially dangerous vehicles A conman car dealer duped unwitting customers into buying potentially dangerous vehicles with forged service histories in an eBay scam. Sanjay Raja, 49, who was jailed for 12 months, even kept a supply of bogus rubber stamps from non-existent garages to falsify entries for maintenance and repairs – to add credence to his lies. Six of the vehicles sold, with the mileage clocks

turned back, became faulty or broke down on the day, or shortly after, being purchased. Raja posed as a private seller and not a trader. When purchasers complained or asked for a refund, he became irate and rebuffed them with threats of legal action or violence, telling one couple he would "rip your heads off," Leicester Crown Court was told.

Raja admitted five counts of fraudulently making false representations to the purchasers of four Ford Mondeos and a Ford Fiesta as well as using a false instrument, a forged service book for the same Ford Fiesta. He pleaded guilty to having articles for use in fraud namely rubber stamps bearing the names of four non-existent car repair centres, in August 2014. Raja admitted to going on

to commit a sixth false-representation car fraud in December 2015, whilst on bail for the earlier matters.

Children celebrate ‘Kidz Ultimate Challenge Sports Day’ More than 960 children aged between 3 and 14 brought the spirit of sportsmanship alive during the Kidz Ultimate Challenge (KUC) Sports Day competitions on 2 July in Birmingham and 16 July in London. The KUC is a year-long, multifaceted child development programme, one of the highlights of which is the grand sports day that was held at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Birmingham and Allianz Park, London – home of the European Rugby Union champions Saracens.

The event was organised by the BAPS Children’s Forum with the aim of encouraging sporting awareness and enthusing the children ahead of the Olympic Games in Brazil. The team of organisers had been gearing up for the event for several months, which saw the children compete in various events, including track races, the long jump and high jump, an obstacle course, and netball and football penalty shootouts. Kiran Patel, one of the lead volunteers for the event, explained, “We wanted the

In Brief

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Asian Voice |23rd July 2016

children to take an active interest in sport in a fun way. It’s really rewarding to see how encouraged they are to keep fit and healthy as well as work in teams for a common goal.” Over 200 prizes were awarded to individuals and teams across the country. Gold-medal winner Vihaan Bankley, aged 14, said, “I didn’t think I could win, but I remembered the motivation and positive words that the mentors and volunteers had given me. I’m delighted to win.”

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Drunk university student broke paramedic's nose in attack

A high-flying university student who broke a paramedic’s nose in a drunken rage has received a suspended jail sentence. Parinkumar Maisuria, 21, attacked Tony White as the medic tended to his unconscious friend on Broad Street. It was the second time in three months Mr White had been attacked in the line of duty, prompting him to consider quitting the ambulance service. Birmingham Crown Court heard Maisuria had initially been helpful when medics came to the aid of his friend in the early hours of January 9. But the Finance and Investment student soon became abusive and aggressive towards medical staff. Straight-A student Maisuria, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. However hearing how he was on course to graduate with first class honours, a judge spared him prison, handing down an 18 month jail term, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay £1,638 compensation to Mr White.

Families slam sentence given to driver for causing death of friends

Arayeb Saqib, left, jailed for killing Hamzaa Jacob Iqbal, Hamza Gujjar, and Munib Afzal Karim

The heartbroken families of three young men killed in a sportscar horror smash have slammed the “two years per life” sentence handed to the teenage driver. Arayeb Saqib was “high on cannabis” when he sped away from police in the Audi S5 he was illegally driving at speeds of ‘up to 120mph’ before crashing in Whalley Range in the early hours of April 27. His passengers Hamzaa Iqbal, 24, and Mohammad Hamza Gujjar, 21, were killed instantly. Their friend Munib Karim, 20, died the following day. A fourth passenger Suhaib Aziz, 19, “miraculously” survived the collision, but suffered serious injuries in the high-speed collision on Wilbraham Road.

Couple forced to flee home after terrifying petrol bomb attack

A Rochdale couple were forced to flee their bed in the early hours of the morning after a terrifying petrol bomb attack on their sports car which spread to the their home. Asif Ali and Charlotte Yates, who live on Kenyon Fold, Bamford were awoken by a neighbour who saw their black BMW 1 series ablaze on their drive at around 12.45am this morning. The fire, which also damaged a white Mercedes convertible, spread along fence panels to the outside of the house.

UK Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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Fight within Labour continues While the Conservative party sorted itself with a new PM and cabinet for the country, the challenges within Labour continue. While the contest has just stared with the final outcome no where in sight, the latest is this. On Friday the £3 membership loophole was blocked by Jeremy Corbyn which prompted criticism from members and the trade union Unite. The procedures committee of Labour’s governing body ruled that only people signed up to an affiliated organisation before 12th January would be allowed to vote. Labour supporters who are not already members of the party for at least six months or of affiliated organisations can vote in the leadership contest, if they pay £25. This move provoked claims that people have been left disenfranchised by the costly fee. A Unite spokesperson said the trade union is seeking legal guidance to clarify how the ruling will affect members who joined six months back. Unite members carried out a motion backing a mandatory reelection for sitting MPs which has created further tension in the Labour party. Speaking on the issue a Unite spokesperson said “ This

vote today simply reflects the immense frustration that our members feel. They looks at the conduct of some within the party, the challenge to the elected leader, and they feel angered. They want Labour fighting the Tories, not among themselves.” On Monday as the registration for the new members opened and somewhat predictably the party website crashed. The Labour party struggled to meet demand as many people took to social media to complain about their inaccessibility to the site. A statement by the party said the page ‘initially experienced high levels of traffic’ as it went live. Deadline for the registering closes on Wednesday. This comes after Owen Smith followed Angela Eagle to join the leadership contest. Mr Smith pledged to have a bolder vision for Britain. Owen Smith over the weekend called on Eagle to withdraw from the leadership race if she received fewer nominations as the contest starts. While most of Corbyn’s opponents agree that their best chance is to put forward a single candidate, unfortunately they have not been able to decide who should run. Sources with Labour say

that there is an informal agreement between Ms Eagle and Mr Smith that the challenger with the least support among MPs will pull out of the race to avoid a three-way contest. Finally, in the midst of the leadership challenge, a political ally of Mr Corbyn conceded that is was “difficult” to see how the Labour leader could emerge victorious from the crisis. Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West said “There are strains, running the party machine is very difficult. We’re down to a skeleton staff.” He said that he would continue to serve as long as he was needed. This seems strange as Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity among the grassroots party members is growing despite his MPs openly revolting. According to a YouGov poll conducted among party members, Mr Corbyn can beat contenders Ms Eagle and Mr Smith by a comfortable 20+ point margin. At the time of going to press, Angela Eagle announced she was stepping down, leaving Owen Smith to face Jeremy Corbyn in the leadership contest. Unconfirmed reports suggest, Mr Smith received 90 nominations from fellow MPs and MEPs, compared to the 72 for Ms Eagle.

Apprentice Runner-Up announces DatePlay Crowdfunding Campaign ahead of app launch If you watched the BBC One show ‘The Apprentice’ last year, you would have watched runner-up Vana Koutsomitis, pictured, showcase her dating app idea - DatePlay - to Lord Sugar in the final. Six months down the line, Vana is now in the last funding stages ahead of the app launch later this year. She has chosen to pursue crowdfunding, so she is inviting anyone and everyone to get a piece of the pie. People can invest as little as £10 to get a stake in her company here www.seedrs.com/dateplay. After the final aired, Vana was advised by a few people that DatePlay would be too difficult to execute. However, she was too passionate about the concept of DatePlay to give up on her dream. Vana has also had many viewers get in contact urging her to launch the app as well as strong public support - this has only further confirmed her gut feeling that DatePlay is a unique and great idea. Undeterred by coming in second place on the show, Vana joined forced with cofounder Joris Magenti to set about building the business, securing seed financing to fund startup costs as well as investing their own savings. Over the past six months, Vana and Joris have

secured office space at Wayra startup accelerator, recruited a team of experts to design and build the app, and continued her efforts to recruit new users for DatePlay. DatePlay is a unique dating product. Using interactive games, the app analyses users' personalities, collects behavioral insights and suggests matches that users are more likely to be compatible with. Vana has chosen to go public with the last stage of her fundraising, by using the crowdfunding platform Seedrs - to inspire other female founders to dream big. Even though she was runner-up on The Apprentice, Vana wants to send a message to women that they should not give up on their dreams. Vana is excited to make DatePlay the next big thing in online dating and wants to encourage more women to get into tech. Vana has been overwhelmed with the support from the fans and they have inspired her to follow her dream of developing DatePlay. It is thanks to the support of the fans and the 20,000 people who have already pre-registered for

DatePlay, that Vana has been able to pursue the idea and been able to secure the initial investment. Now, Vana has made the decision to give her fans the opportunity to invest and have their own part in the DatePlay success story! Members of the public are able to invest in DatePlay shares through Seedrs, one of the UK’s leading crowdfunding platforms. Each share in DatePlay will cost just £10 and will enable investors to share in the financial gains as the business grows. The crowdfunding campaign goes live from the 19th July. DatePlay will then launch in the autumn. It is the first app to combine two of today’s biggest mobile trends: dating and gaming. The app uses easy and fun to play games in order to learn more about the user and increase the quality of matches. It’s a completely new concept that has the potential to redefine the online dating market! Vana is a truly inspirational entrepreneur and we are really interested to see how her latest venture takes off. If you are interested in investing in DatePlay visit www.seedrs.com/DatePlay.

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Asian Voice |23rd July 2016

Tired doctor falls asleep at the wheel, dies in car crash After working three long shifts an enervated trainee doctor died in a car crash, despite fighting to stay awake by singing to his wife on his hands-free mobile phone, an inquest in Bury St Edmunds has heard. Ronak Patel, a trainee anaesthetist, was so worn out that he hit a lorry just before 9am on August 3 last year. He is thought to have fallen asleep at the wheel on the A1088, near his home in Ixworth, Suffolk. His 33-year-old wife, Helen, told police that they had been singing to each other over the phone to help him stay awake before the line was

Dr Ronak Patel

cut off. Ronak was driving home from the Norfolk and Norwich University. His home is 40 miles away from the hospital where Ronak had worked since

February last year. She tried calling him 14 times but in vain. She then decided to get in her car to find him. She was met by police, who told her that there had been an accident. Accident investigator PC Mark Webb said: “The most plausible explanation for the collision was that Dr Patel fell asleep.” The inquest heard Ronak suffered a broken neck and other injuries following collision with the heavy goods vehicle. Yvonne Blake, Suffolk assistant coroner, concluded he died as a result

of his car being involved in a collision with a heavy goods vehicle. A spokesman for the hospital said: “He was a highly regarded and capable doctor and was extremely popular within the department.” His mother, Mina Patel, said: “He was an inspiration to everyone he met.” Ronak grew up in Gosport, Hampshire, where his parents run a newsagent's. He attended Brune Park School on Military Road in Gosport and studied medicine at the University of Leicester before working at a hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Lieutenant General Bilimoria: His Life & Times Aaditya Kaza A new book to be released soon talks about the life and times of an outstanding military officer, Lieutenant General Bilimoria, Father of Lord Karan Bilimoria, who is the owner of Cobra beer and member of the House of Lords. Written by Major General Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM, the book is set in 20th century India, talks about the period of seismic changes to the British Empire. After the two world wars India had grown weary of being a colony and was seeking independence. Called the jewel in the crown of the empire the country’s richness attracted people from all parts looking to settle.

While many came with not the best of intensions, one group of people came fleeing persecution from Persia due to their religious beliefs and came to India by sea. These were the Zoroastrians who came to

be known as the ‘Parsis’. The Bilimoria family like many other settled in Gujarat and as part of the community contributed towards the development of the state. With a family tree stretching back over two hundred years, members of the family served in every field possible. Officers of the armed forces, lawyers, doctors, engineers, judges, businessmen, philanthropists and industrialists among them reflects the prominence of the Parsi community in Indian society. The story of General Faridoon Bilimoria,

Colonel in Chief go the Gurkha Rifles, is the of a man, his family, community and the army. The book is a story of a solider who through his personal life turned challenges into opportunities, who practiced the army motto of ‘Country First’ and Self Last’. He lived life to the full, keeping the values of the Gorkha soldiers with whom he served. The book contains some excellent visuals. The attachment to the values and traditions of the Parsis os beautifully illustrated. The story of General Bilimoria and the family is linked with India’s past, present and future. The book will be launched on 25th July at the Nehru Centre, London.

Driving test changes to help improve road safety Millions of newly qualified drivers will be better prepared for life on the road under changes to the driving test that will better reflect real life driving. The proposals announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads,

and ensure safer drivers and journeys. The changes are: increase the ‘independent driving’ part of the test from 10 to 20 minutes l ask candidates to follow directions on a sat nav as an alternative to following road signs l replace current manoeuvres such as l

TELESALES STAFF NEEDED

ABPL is promptly looking for skilled telesales staff who can effectively market well-known weekly publications Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, on the phone.

THOSE INTERESTED

• Should be well-versed in Gujarati and English • Should be experienced enough to proficiently do their job • Candidates can work at their own time from their homes and earn attractive salary. Those interested, send CVs to L. George at george@abplgroup.com

‘reverse around a corner’ with more real life scenarios for example, driving into and reversing out of a parking bay l ask one of the two vehicle safety questions while the candidate is driving, for example, asking candidates to use the rear heated screen DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “Great Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world. But there is scope to do more to keep road users safe - particularly newly qualified drivers.

“Making sure the test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy to help every driver through a lifetime of safe driving” These changes are designed to help reduce the number of collisions on higher risk roads most fatal collisions are on this type of road, and using sat navs will open up routes to include these. More than half of car drivers are now using sat navs, and the government wants new drivers to be trained to use these safely.

Pandav Vidhya Shala project of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (uk) was born September 2016 with few volunteers from professional backgrounds whom give up their weekends to keep our languages and culture alive. Classes are run on Saturdays at The Bushey Academy from

9.30 to 12.30 we teach from age 3 years and upwards achieving GCSE accreditation with qualified teachers. They recently have launched Hindi classes, Tabla and Dhol..with demand for Bharatnatyam and Singing

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GP sets up clinic to prescribe sexchange hormones to 12-year-olds A British GP has set up a private gender clinic to prescribe sex-change hormones to children as young as 12. Dr Helen Webberley treats a ‘handful’ of under16s at the private clinic in Wales. She believes that children should not have to wait until they are 16 for treatment. Under NHS rules, children must have attained the age of 16 before being given sexchange drugs. Well, if it is happening on a mass scale, then it’s a mater of worry as it is nothing but interfering with nature. Actor Rupert Everett, who wanted to be a girl, has expressed concerns about parents who seek medical treatment for children who question their

Dr Helen Webberley

gender. After 15 the actor never wanted to be a woman again. He told the Sunday Times magazine, “It’s nice to be allowed to express yourself, but the hormone thing, very young, is a big step. I think a lot of children have an ambivalence when they are very young to what sex they are or what they feel about everyone. And there should be a way of embracing it.”

Migrant influx could raise terror risk, fear most Europeans A survey for the Pew Research Centre, an American think tank, suggests most Europeans fear migrants will bring terrorism. The attitudes appear to be hardening towards refugees in general, and Muslims in particular, after the arrival of over a million migrants last year, says the Pew report. The strongest

fears were recorded in Hungary with 76% of those surveyed believing that the arrival of refugees raised the chances of terrorism. Similarly, according to the Global Attitudes Survey, the fear factor in Poland was 71%, the UK 52%, the Netherlands and Germany 61%, Italy 60%, Sweden 57%, Greece 55%, France 46% and Spain 40%.

Harrow childminder finalist in a national award Harrow childminder and PACEY member, Darshna Morzaria of Little Darling Childcare, has been selected in the final of the prestigious Nursery World Awards for 2016. The Nursery World Awards are the most significant event in the childcare calendar, which is reflected by the fact the big night is typically attended by over 500 guests, with a mixture of all early years professionals. Darshna, pictured, is a finalist in the “Working with Parents Award” for the innovative way in which she keeps parents informed of how their child is doing whilst at the nursery. She told Asian Voice, “I am so thrilled to be a finalist is such a distinguished national award. This is a reflection of all the effort and care that my staff put in as well as the positive

support I receive from all the parents”. The gala dinner and awards presentation will take place on Saturday 24th September at The Brewery in London. Nursery World is the leading publication for the childcare and early years education sector and is committed to supporting good practice in the provision of high quality integrated services for children, parents and the community.

classes soaring. Their event was very successful and it

was great to see the second generation parents wanting to keep language and cutlure alive and prefer the new interactive teaching methods the organisation has adopted. Please register your interest pandavvidhya@outlook.com Website: www.pvsschool.org

Pandav Vidhya Shala launches language and performing arts classes

UK Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

PM MAY FORMS HER NEW CABINET

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Continued from page 1

Two Asian MPs have made to the top Cabinet viz. Priti Patel ( I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development Secretary) and Sajid Javid (Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government), while Alok Sharma MP has been appointed as the Under seecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for Asia & the Pacific. Shailesh Vara who was a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and at the Ministry of Justice before, will now be returning to the backbenches. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon has also been appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport. Although May praised her predecessor in her maiden speech, seldom anyone could guess what her next move would be. Knives were out for Cameron’s allies. In a major Cabinet shake-up, the new PM took everyone at Westminster aback by

ruthlessly axing the Cabinet careers of seven Cameron loyalists, starting with leadership rival and Justice Secretary Michael Gove. Nicky Morgan, who signed Gove’s nomination

Farewell to Camerons

On his final day as PM with wife Samantha and children Nancy, 12, Elwen, 10, and Florence, 5, by his side, Cameron said: “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve our country as PM over these last six years, and to serve as leader of my party over 11 years. And as we leave for the last time, my only wish is continued success for this great country that I love so very much.” He said Samantha, 45, is “the love of my life” and she had “kept me vaguely sane”. ‘I was the Future Once’ Life came full circle for Cameron when he ruefully told MPs: “I was the future once.” These were the same words Cameron fired at Tony Blair in 2005: “I want to talk about the future. You were the future once.” Sweet Note to May Even though visibly upset by their abrupt move from No. 10, Cameron’s three children showed grace by writing a sweet note to the incoming PM. On a post it note, Nancy, Elwen and Florence wrote the word ‘Welcome’ and signed their names underneath. Cameron and Larry the cat Showing MPs a photo of him cradling No. 10’s chief mouser (Larry the cat), Cameron said: “I want to put a rumour to rest – that somehow I don’t love Larry. I have photographic evidence to prove otherwise. Sadly, I can’t take him with me. He belongs to the house.” Last Supper @ No 10 David Cameron and his family are believed to have had spicy Indian food for their last meal at No. 10 Downing Street. This included Hyderabadi Saffron Chicken, Kashmiri Rogan Josh, Nasheeli Gost, KT Mixed Grill (Lamb and Chicken), Chicken Zalfrazi, Saag Alloo, Saag Paneer, Palak Gost, Vegetarian Samosas, Naan bread and rice, as well as other dishes. Indian restaurant Kennington Tandoori tweeted on 12 July that it was about to deliver the soon-to-be former Prime Minister's “last supper”.

papers as would-be Tory leader, was booted out as Education Secretary and Gove’s fellow Brexit-supporter John Whittingdale was axed as Culture Secretary. Another heavyweight at the receiving end was the mighty former Chancellor George Osborne. Other key Cameron appointees like Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Letwin, Chief Whip Mark Harper and Treasury Chief Secretary Greg Hands were also shown the door. Northern Ireland boss Theresa Villiers and Lords Leader Lady Stowell too were sacked. Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb put in his papers after being hit by a sex-text scandal. May named Philip Hammond as Chancellor and promoted Energy Minister Amber Rudd to Home Secretary. While May delivered a spirited message of hope outside 10 Downing Street, she took everyone by surprise by appointing the gaffe-prone Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary. The former London Mayor and chief Brexit campaigner is accused of stabbing Cameron in the back for political gains. He has insulted many a world leader at some point and taken the electorate for a ride over Brexit. His appointment sparked jokes online about his abilities to successfully negotiate with other countries. He will represent the UK on the world stage despite having once smeared US President Barack Obama for having part-Kenyan heritage and referred to black people as “piccaninnies” with “watermelon smiles”. Johnson has also described Hillary Clinton as a “sadistic nurse in a mental hospital.”

Johnson said: “I am very humbled to be offered this chance. We have a massive opportunity to make a great success of our new relationship with Europe and the world. I am very excited to be asked to play a part in that.” Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham said: “Just when we need to build bridges with Europe, we get a Foreign Secretary who has spent the last three months burning them. PM May’s first

of jobs in the developing world. “We will continue to tackle the great challenges of our time – poverty, disease and the causes of mass migration, while helping to create millions of jobs in countries across the developing world – our trading partners of the future,” she said. She has pledged to “invest UK aid firmly in national interest, while keeping the promises made to the world’s poorest people”. In her previous role, Patel allegedly wanted to abolish the DfiD department, she is heading at the moment. Sajid Javid was appointed the new Communities Secretary in May’s Cabinet. He took over from Greg Clark in the role overseeing local government. In his new job as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid is responsible for setting rules on everything from council spending to planning laws. He has already reached India to talk with Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the possibility of inking a separate UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). A l o k Sharma, MP for Reading

Boris in Brussels

In his first meeting in Brussels after assuming charge as Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson said he had a productive meeting with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini after coming with mollifying promises that Britain's exit from the EU would not be the end of the British relationship with Europe. “The message I will be taking is that we have to give effect to the will of the people and leave the European Union. But that in no sense means we are leaving Europe. We are not going to be in any way abandoning our leading role in European participation and co-operation of all kinds. When you look at the horrific events in Nice and Turkey, where we have to work very closely together, you see the importance of that.” The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, said Johnson cut a 'humble' figure at the meeting but had failed to apologise for comparing the EU with Hitler. “Boris Johnson, I would say, came to this council with some humility,” Ayrault said. mistake.” May’s move is all the more surprising as days ago, she had mocked Johnson for his negotiating skills, noting “the last time he did a deal with the Germans he came back with three nearly new water cannon”.

Asian MPs and Peers

Indian-origin Cabinet minister Priti Patel was appointed as International Development Secretary in May’s Cabinet. Patel has vowed to work for deepening international partnerships and creating millions

West, has been appointed Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for Asia & the Pacific. Sharma said: “I am honoured to have been appointed by the PM as Minister for Asia & the Pacific, hugely important parts of the world that are crucial for the UK’s prosperity and security. Britain is a truly great country and I will work tirelessly to ensure we continue to thrive and prosper on the world stage.” Sharma continued: “I

look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and my counterparts across Asia & the Pacific, with a particular focus on strengthening commercial ties, increasing investment opportunities in both directions and promoting human rights in the region.” Shailesh Vara, Member of Parliament for North West Cambridgeshire, will be returning to the backbenches following the announcement by the PM of her new government. Vara said: “It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have served as a Minister in Government. First in the Whips Office, and then at the Ministry of Justice and for the past year jointly at the Department for Work and Pensions. “Our Country has huge challenges ahead and I am confident that in Theresa May we have the right person to lead us. I look forward to continuing to support her as we work towards a One Nation agenda.”

Challenges Ahead

The new Cabinet is formed. But the acid test begins now. The competence of May’s leadership and her team will be scrutinised every step of the way. The challenges that lie ahead for the May government are – how to go about Brexit negotiations; how to fix the economy; how to unite the Conservative Party which is plagued by infighting; how to keep the UK United with Scotland seeking another referendum; and Foreign Affairs as well. New Brexit Secretary David Davis has hinted that Britain should probably formally quit the EU around December 2018.

‘One Nation’ dream

Within moments of taking over No. 10, May pledged to build a country that works for everyone, not just a privileged few. The 59-year-old former home secretary said her ‘One Nation’ administration would focus on ‘social justice’. She made it very clear that “Brexit means Brexit”. She faced calls from the Scottish Nationalist Party for a second Scottish referendum but the new PM said the union was “a precious bond” for “the Conservative and Unionist Party”. May also paid tribute to Cameron saying that she followed “in the footsteps of a great modern prime minister”.

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Kirit Patel – Day Lewis Pharmacy Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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A Colossus Departs

Not many have strode the UK's pharmacy sector with the majesty that Kirit Patel has. His passing away has left the industry and UK's Asian community in a state of deep shock. Such was his stature that it is hard to comprehend that a man in his prime and seemingly invincible is no more with us – a reality which those who have known him will find hard to come to terms with for days to come. His foot prints, larger than life, will forever lay firmly embed-

ures, ending up with mediocre grades. I could not get into medicine and decided to become a pharmacist. Six months after I qualified as a pharmacist in 1974, my father died of a heart attack. He was just 54 and I was only 24. In 1975 we bought two pharmacies in Kent and a year later my brother and his family, and my mother, emigrated from Kenya and quickly built up a small chain. I called it Day Lewis Pharmacy, named after poet laureate Sir

said, “Success to me is when people value my relationship with them. Creating wealth and not giving back is not my style. For me success is creating wider empowerment, wider engagement and paying back to society. I derive happiness from my family, my children playing key roles in my business, staff being treated as extended family members and they treating our family as their extended family.” His greatest inspira-

can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” A recent message received by Asian Voice from the Patel family reads, '' 'Rest in peace' would not apply to Kirit. His commemoration will be a day of colourful celebration of his life with drinks, food and music, in the way he wanted.' We raise a glass to the departed soul. Long may the celebrations continue.

Kirit Patel

Kirit Patel – Fond Memories

JC Patel

Sam Patel

Rupa Patel

Jay Patel

ded in the sands of Kirit's brother (extreme left) and siblings tion he said was the business guru Napoleon Cecil Day Lewis and the time – a monument for Hill. “Napoleon Hill father of the actor Daniel posterity. taught me not to think Day Lewis,” reminisced Earlier this year Asian negatively. I took a leaf Kirit. Voice had the privilege to from his book, ‘Think and Kirit's climb to the have a long conversation grow rich,’ which is all pinnacle of success was with him for his profile in about thinking positively paved with a mixture of the Asian Giants magaand acting positively.” triumph and failure. He zine. Gushing with youthWhen asked about his recalled, “In 1988 I nearly ful exuberance and regrets and how he would went bust. I had 32 shops unabashed passion, he like to be remembered, he in 1986 and by 1988 interrecalled vividly his early said, “As far as regrets in est rates went up to 14% days at university, his love life go, I don’t have any and I nearly went bust. I for the good things in life, except that my father is had to sell all but 8 shops.” his personal beliefs, his not alive to see my success. Where lesser mortals early days as an entreprePeople should say that I would have buckled Kirit neur and his meteoric rise made a difference to their rose each time like the to become a giant in the lives.Someone who gave mythical phoenix. The pharmacy sector. back to society.” world was his oyster. Born in a Gujarati His philosophy in life Like most successful business family, his father was to live one's dream. leaders Kirit was a firm left India for Kenya and “Follow your heart more believer in empowering set up a shop there. Kirit than your head. Dreams his staff. He said, “The himself was born in Kenya are in your heart. If you whole focus is on people – and was sent to England wish for something, take treating people with in 1967 to become a docthe first step. If you fall, respect, caring and tor. take another step,” he empowering them. So the “ The 1960s was an era said. key to a successful organiof hippies, rock & roll and While summing up sation is its people. People long hair. I didn’t concenKirit's life the famous sayin our pharmacies behave trate on academics. I fell ing comes to mind – “I differently when comin love with Simon and shall not pass this way but pared to others.” Garfunkel and other once; any good that I can When asked what sucmusic from the Sixties and do or any kindness that I cess mean to him, Kirit indulged in worldly pleas-

Eye specialist guilty of boy’s manslaughter An optometrist who failed to spot an eye condition in an eight-year-old boy who later died has been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence. Honey Rose from East Ham, had been on trial at Ipswich Crown Court in connection with the death of Vincent Barker, known as Vinnie. The prosecution argued that if Rose, 35, had noticed abnormalities then the death of the youngster, from Ipswich, could have been avoided. It took jurors just three hours and 12 minutes to reach a unanimous verdict this morning. During the trial, which began last week, Rose told the court she had not seen

Honey Rose

photographic images of Vinnie’s eyes and would have referred him to a hospital if she had. But Jonathan Rees QC,

prosecuting, alleged she failed to notice “obvious abnormalities” in both Vinnie’s eyes during a routine eye test and he died five months later. He claimed at the time of his examination by Rose in February 2012 they would have been “obvious to any competent optometrist” who examined them. Vinnie died of hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, in July 2012 after falling ill at school. Mr Rees claimed if Vinnie had been urgently referred his medical condition would have been successfully treated. A date has not yet been set for Rose’s sentencing.

Kirit and Jayanti are my extended family members. We have been neighbours all our lives both in Kisumu, Kenya and Bletchingley, UK. At a very early age Kirit was sent to a boarding school in Taunton, UK and qualified as a pharmacist from Portsmouth university. He was full of love and laughter and we were always awaiting his arrival home from university on the weekends. His dress sense at the time resembled the Beatles and he fully enjoyed the social side of his student life. So much so that we did not believe that he had qualified so we asked him to produce his certificate! Though he had innocent mischief written all over him he was very focused and wanted to be a successful businessman. He bought his first two pharmacies in Sevenoaks, Kent and the rest is well recorded in the pharmacy world of UK. He worked hard in Sevenoaks and changed his attire and his hairstyle and evolved into a handsome bachelor. He was noticed by many parents who asked us to introduce their daughters to him. Kirit was not used to meeting Indian girls so we used to advise him on not what to ask. However, we knew he would ask unusual questions and eagerly awaited the outcome of his introductions! He wanted to meet presentable, well dressed, bubbly girls and on one occasion he was introduced to a girl whose mother insisted she wear a full length dress on a hot summer day. Kirit was least amused! Finally my

cousin introduced him to Nalini. At first sight Kirit’s eyes opened wide and he said, ‘She is the one for me!’ Nalini was very young and Kirit flamboyant and we were all anxious but Nalini turned out a Star. One thing Kirit missed greatly was his father who had died early before he started his journey. He mentioned on very many occasions the loss. However his mother gave him encouragement. Both his parents would have been extremely happy to see their son receiving an MBE from the Queen and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bath for his outstanding business success and contribution to Pharmacy. Kirit was a genuine human being and helped anyone who asked, either financially or by mentoring and advice. He gave generously to all charities and both brothers run free of charge an old peoples home in his father’s birthplace. Kirit focussd on raising and educating his children Jay, Rupa and Sammy to very high levels. He also spent a lot of time talking proudly to me about their non-academic achievements and he excitedly awaited the arrival of his second, third and fourth grandchildren. Kirit will be missed by all his family and many, many friends, colleagues and associates. He is a star amongst us and will never be forgotten. Dadu C Patel

Mother's terror at having car stolen with her two children in the back seat on foot until it A mother Tuesday told disappeared how of the “scariest round a bend. moment of her life” when A neighbour a thief sped off with her who witnessed car with her two young the theft called children still strapped in the police. the back seat. K a v i p r i y a The two Paladhanushan, 36, was terrified children were picking up her 11-yearreunited with old son from his tutor in their mother Ilford at 4.30pm last when they were Sunday when the carjacker struck. She had left Reunited: Dan and Kavipriya Paladhanushan dumped on the and their children Nigel Howard roadside after her grey Audi Q7 momenthe car stopped on Fairford Road to let in tarily parked while she got out and a second suspect. Police were able to track walked a few feet to see him safely cross the £50,000 Audi to a car park in the road. Her eight-year-old daughter Barking 45 minutes later, using the Find and five-year-old son were still inside, My iPhone app on Mrs Paladhanushan’s waiting to go to a friend’s barbecue. mobile left inside the car. The mother-of-three chased the car

UK Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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tions about the history of the Maharajas, poetry of Rabindranath Tagore. This ignited her curiosity for cultures, travel and Singh, Special Assignments Editor exploration. In her teens and adulthood, Smita confronted the differences between a traditional, community-centric Indian culture and that of modern day London. At the age of 20, howin her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native ever, she had to decide Porbandar. After Idi whether or not to marry. Aminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expulsion of In the midst of this Indians from Uganda in angst, she had a vivid, 1972, Smitaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famiintuitive awakening. ly made a home in London. She knew that in order Smita and her parents to be a good partner or joined them a few years mother â&#x20AC;&#x153;I first had to later. discover who â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was,â&#x20AC;? In Porbandar, Smita she says. was close to her paternal She had to find a grandmother and materway of doing this withnal grandfather. out breaking her parHer grandmother entsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hearts. instilled in her A few Indian cultural years later in and spiritual her twenties, values. The though on G i t a , the outside Upanishads and she was doing Vedas were read well, deep, daily, grounding buried emoher in the power tions from her of the inner s, childhood Smita ach Joshi began to surelf. face. She found Smita Joshi Her grandfait difficult to conoften go straight from ther, a renowned lawyer in nect and have a rapport school and sit in his officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gujarat, encouraged her with people, yet she craved antechamber; lined floor to English schooling. She meaningful relationships. ceiling with black, red and would catch snippets of Her journey of self-discovgold leather-bound law discussions with his clients, ery took her on a quest books. She would keep him either at home or at his across continents. She engaged in endless quesoffice, where she would went to the foothills of the

Smita Joshi, Connecting to the Inner Self Smita Joshi is the author of the Karma and Diamonds trilogy, a journey of selfdiscovery across continents and lifetimes. A British Indian, Smita Joshi was born in Mahatma Gandhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hometown Porbandar, Gujarat, before moving to London at ten. She was a corporate business executive selling multi-million dollar contracts to global, blue chip companies and was one of the first to bring Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Information Technology services into European companies. As a freelance You Tube TV presenter, she gets over 225,000 views, and has interviewed leading politicians, entrepreneurs and gurus. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a life coach and yoga teacher. Smitaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father was born in Kampala, Uganda. He left at 18 to study in India, where he met her mother, a then Law undergraduate in Ahmedabad. After they married, her parents lived

Wembley house seized over alleged conspiracy to assassinate Saudi Crown Prince A ÂŁ650,000 house in Wembley owned by political dissident and critic of the regime in Saudi Arabia has been seized to settle an unpaid tax bill. Muhammad alMassari has until August 18 to move out of the property after the High Court ruled that the National Crime Agency (NCA) could sell the house to obtain unpaid tax and national insurance contributions. According to the NCA, Al Massari received cash payments between 2003

and 2004 from Abdurahman Muhammad Almoudi, as part of an alleged conspiracy, backed

by the late Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi, to assassinate the then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. The NCA argued that the payments were the pro-

ceeds of crime and represented income upon which it could raise tax assessments, interest and penalties. I n September last year, the NCA obtained a judgment debt of ÂŁ595,841.24 which was subs e q u e n t l y secured against the house, allowing the NCA to issue a claim for possession and sale. Mr Al Massari, who has been living in the UK since 1994 had 21 days to appeal and now must move out.

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says Smita. Himalayas, New Mexico, After a successful Hawaii and Kauai; the career in international story which she writes business and years of about in her Karma & searching for lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers Diamonds series. in ashrams as well as withSmita felt she has an in, she found her soul partinnate intelligence, ner, finished writing her referred to as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Inner three books and found a Diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rishis publisher. have called this Atman, the In her thirties, over a part localised aspect of number of months, Brahman, or univerSmita found herself sal consciousness. in agonising pain. Smita learnt Doctors told her to tap into this â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gita, this pain was t h r o u g h meditation Upanishads and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and dismissed her and other Vedas were read requests for self-awaredaily, grounding further rigorness practices. At difher in the power ous medical examinations. ficult times, of the inner Eventually, she such as when went privately for she suddenly a laparoscopy and lost her job or disdiscovered an horrific covered that she had advanced disease that doca life-threatening disease, tors refused to treat. her inner being showed up Meanwhile, the pain was and guided her way. As she getting more frequent and learned to listen to her still unbearable. Her disease inner voice and to trust its was life threatening, howunerring wisdom to get her ever, Smita made up her through unexpected traumind to live. Not knowing mas and pain, life began to where else to seek help, she flow with grace. She used turned within and sought this intuitive capacity in all the help of her inner self. areas of her life, including Within months, a series of her corporate work, to prosynchronicities landed her duce exceptional business with the one doctor in results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Connecting to our London who had the inner intelligence and expertise to treat her. In allowing it to steer us four laser surgeries, each through life is the secret to four hours long, he manliving a fulfilling life. My aged to not only save her, journey is an illustration of but gave her a new lease of this and one that I felt life. worth sharing with othersâ&#x20AC;?,

READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Mindless act of religious fanatics In a matter of just little over six months, France has been sadly struck with another terror attack in Nice, killing 84 innocent people consisting of children, women and elders at a Bastilee Day Celebration. This is a cowardly act of war justified in the name of religion. Comparatively, Western European countries are accredited for human rights, freedom of speech, secularism, equality, justice and fairness. They are striving to make the world a better and safer place to live. They are not obsessed with their religion and yet they are decent human beings; kind, compassionate, rational, honest and good hearted. These dynamic, progressive and innovative people have made enormous contribution to the mankind by invention and advancement in technology, science, medicine and many other areas. With their inherent skill of management, organisational ability, entrepreneurship, ideal welfare and right political system, some Europeans countries including UK and France have become paradise for the worn-torn and poorer countries. Many ethnic groups from different part of the world have escaped misery, hardships and persecutions and have settled in western countries and made themselves comfortable. Regrettably, some aren't grateful and wedge a war to destroy the religion culture, system and laws of the land of the country of their adoption. Western European countries have dangerous enemies to deal with. I wonder if they can ever find a solution! Niranjan Vasant By email

The top job

After a long rein of the first lady prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, Britain now has another lady PM. We wish Theresa May every success in her new high profile job. After the Brexit saga, the people of the country are going through a period of uncertainty and turmoil. We hope the new prime minister will steer us clear from the troubled waters. If we transpose the initials in the names of the two ladies, the MT of Margaret Thatcher becomes the TM of Theresa May. Besides, Margaret Thatcher, the world has seen other lady prime ministers/ presidents in the form of Indira Gandhi of India and Angela Merkel of Germany. Soon Hilary Clinton may join the club. Other similarity in the inititals of great women is with Mother Theresa. At the time of writing, Mrs May is in the process of choosing her cabinet ministers. We are sure that she will choose the right people in accordance with the horses for courses criteria. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Caste discrimination

On 11 June 2016 our Lords in the House of Lords found more time to breast beat about the introduction of Caste legislation. Outraged Lords Harries, Cashman, Baroness Thornton, Lord Desai and Baroness Flather expressed their collective outrage. Why they demanded had Caste discrimination not become a law yet. The working classes suffer discrimination in almost every aspect of their lives. The wealth gap between the classes is also immense. The country is more divided on class lines then ever before. House of Lords in its present form is an affront to our democracy. The solution is a wholesale reform of House of Lords and purge of people who do not represent anyone. And money or political connections should not be a criteria of appointing people to the Lords. Nitin Mehta By email

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Bloodbath in France

Magnificent Mrs May

Bloodbath in Bangladesh and now it is in France. The French were celebrating their annual Bastille Day on 14 July 2016 – the day of liberty, equality and fraternity but instead of celebration and jubilation they are mourning the death of 84 completely innocent people and over 200 injured some of them are in critical condition. Since the end of World War II France has given help, shelter and succour to millions of people of almost all religions and social background coming from many countries. This situation is the same for all European countries. All immigrant groups in EU whether they are theist, atheists or agnostic have been living in harmony with the host community and country. In Europe people have freedom of speech and religion. There is no cause of conflict between the host country and its immigrants. However, in this respect Muslims are the only exception. Lured by social security, political stability and economic prosperity they do everything possible to migrate to the West. Thousands of them have lost their lives by drowning in water and in other ways yet there is virtually no diminution of migrant flow. Once settled they demand institution of their religious law the Sariah in the host country which does not happen with other immigrant communities. It is a problem specific to Muslims because in Islam there is no room for introspection. They don’t analyse why the Sariah and Muslim social system cannot make them happy in their own country and they have been fighting among themselves. They never think of what they do to minorities in Muslim countries. Until these problems are resolved it is unlikely there will be peace in the world. Jatindra Saha By email

Within hours of the Buckingham Palace ceremony on 13th July, our Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May, swung into action and announced the key ministerial positions. She has not wasted a single moment to show that she meant it when she said “Brexit means Brexit”. Nobody is left in doubt about her firm commitment to Brexit by the creation of two new ministries. The Brexit Ministry for conscious uncoupling from the EU and the International Trade Ministry for development of unfettered closer trade relations with the wider world including the EU nations. The Prime Minister has taken a leaf out of Chanakya’s Rajniti Shastra by choosing individuals whose body and soul are wedded to the cause of their assigned jobs and by visiting Mrs Sturgeon in Edinburgh on 15th July to preserve the unity of our United Kingdom. Mrs May has shown her calm and calculated temperament and deep wisdom by the formation of her first Cabinet full of Gems. What a magnificent start of her tenure as our PM! Narsibhai Patel New Malden

Letter Writers meet change of venue?

In Asian Voice of 16-7-2016, Dinesh Sheth mentioned his disappointment at cancellation of letter writers’ meeting. He initiated the whole event and made it cause celebre’, doubling his disappointment. I also check my emails before breakfast and dinner. Thus I would also have been in the same boat by missing evening checkup, because cancellation email was received after 11 a.m. Such eventuality was diverted for me as I had another engagement, thus no need for evening checkup. I assume that editor might have contacted many writers on mobile phone. I assume that others might have turned up at the venue, but have been silent about inconvenience/disappointment. However, this event was victims of Brexit decision that had global effect. It is possible that editor had very short time to rearrange the event.I suggest that next meeting may be held at Karma Yoga House to avoid last minute changes at the venue. The event may be held on weekend with plenty of sunshine hours before and after event. This will motivate many elderlies, ladies and disabled /wheelchair persons to attend. Ramesh Jhalla By email

Golden Era for British Sport

Since the 2012 Olympic Games held in London, British Sport has enjoyed unprecedented success, mainly due to lottery money pouring in sport. Sunday, 12th July was indeed proud day to be a Brit, Andy Murray winning Wimbledon with Heather Watson Mix Double titles, as well as three more titles in “Wheel Chair” tennis. Lustre Murray could go down in history as the greatest British tennis player, even eclipsing achievements of great Fred Perry who was the last British player to win Wimbledon way back in 1936. Louis Hamilton also won at Silverstone. He is on the way to winning the third title in a row. Even our cricket and rugby teams are in winning mood. The only damper is our hotchpotch English football team who lost to minnows Iceland, with population less than any London borough, although Welsh team wormed our hearts with unbelievable performance, beating Belgium, the highest ranked European nation in world ranking, standing at Number Two, after Argentina. Among ethnic minorities, Blacks are far ahead, dominating football and athletics while British Indians are at the bottom, rare failure for our all-conquering younger generation who dominate British Universities and job market at the upper end. What could be the reason? Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Modi’s African Odyssey

I distinctly remember Indira Gandhi’s visit to Tanzania just before country gained independence. Her advice to local Indians was to be loyal, integrate with local Africans and apply for the citizenship. Her advice was ignored, as with Africanization in full swing, most Indians did not feel that they have future in independent Tanzania and were unwilling to give up their precious British passports. Most Indians, especially professionals with young school age children soon left the country to come to Britain in late sixties, their parents followed as soon as they settled down. It was the best decision, as jobs were plenty, even for ladies with limited education, as the country was thriving on small scale industries. There is no surprise in PM Modiji’s four nation African odysseys being great success. Modi conquers hearts and minds wherever he goes, with charm, generosity and excellent, well delivered speeches. Can any visiting politician fill even half Wembley stadium? South Africa is a natural home for visiting Indian politicians, as late Nelson Mandela famously said “You gave us Gandhi and we returned Mahatma!” With China on the charm offensive, India has to counter China’s growing influence and in Modi they have a worthy opponent! Kumudini Valambia By email

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Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Social media harms moral development Parents are concerned about the effects of social media on their children's character. A majority of parents in the UK believe social media harms their children's moral development, a survey has suggested. Just over half (55%) of 1,700 people with children aged 11 to 17 strongly agreed that social media hinders or undermines moral development. The poll was part of a project by the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at Birmingham University. Blaire Researcher Morgan said some of the findings were surprising. "Not least of these is the low level of agreement that social media can enhance or support a young person's character or moral development. Whilst parents acknowledged that positive character strengths, including moral virtues such as love, courage and kindness, are promoted through social networking sites, they were reluctant to agree that these sites could have a positive impact on their child's character." The new poll highlights parents' concerns about the trend. Of those questioned, 93% were themselves regular social media users but: - only 15% thought sites such as Facebook had a

positive influence on a young person's character - 40% said they were concerned or extremely concerned about social media having a potentially damaging impact on children The survey, which also questioned parents about their own use of social media, asked which negative traits or vices they saw online at least once a month. l 60% said they had seen anger and hostility l 51% had seen arrogance l 43% cited ignorance l 41% mentioned bad judgement l 36% said hatred l 30% said vanity They were also asked to name character strengths they believed were lacking on social media: l 24% said there was too little forgiveness and selfcontrol l 21% said too little honesty l 20% said fairness l 18% said humility.

But almost three-quarters (72%) said they saw content containing a positive message at least once a day. And asked to identify character strengths they saw at least once a month on social media, the respondents replied: l humour (52%) l appreciation of beauty (51%) l creativity (44%) l love (39%) l courage (39%) Ms Morgan said: "The Jubilee Centre's parents and media project seeks to explore the relationship between social media and virtues in more depth, and hopefully offer a more constructive outlook on how social media might impact on a person's character and moral values. “Social media is not going away, so by learning more about this relationship we should be able to maximise the benefits of social media use and avoid the pitfalls."

COUNCIL NEWS

Rogue landlord jailed for illegally evicting tenants A Wembley landlord who waged a war of intimidation against tenants living in his property has been sentenced to four months imprisonment and ordered to pay costs and compensation of £20,000. Rehan Sheikh of Manor Drive was found guilty at Willesden Magistrates Court of illegally evicting the tenants from his property at 90 Wembley Park Drive. Brent Council prosecuted him for the unlawful eviction of six occupiers, as well as for his failure to have a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licence and for the poor conditions in the house which Brent enforcement officers found during an unannounced visit in January 2016.

Sheikh, who is the landlord of eight properties in Brent, was convicted of all offences and sentenced to four months imprisonment and ordered to pay costs of £9,000 and compensation totalling £11,000 to the evicted tenants. The court heard that although Sheikh was receiving almost £3,000 each month in rent, the property was in a state of terrible disrepair, with holes in ceilings, walls and floor and filthy carpets. The front of the property was also being used to dump rubbish. When the tenants started to complain about the condition of the premises, Sheikh fraudulently told the Court that the tenants

were squatters and unknown to him, and issued a claim to evict them. Without telling the tenants about his plans, he obtained a possession order from the Court and used it to evict the tenants in February 2016, assaulting one of them in the process - a crime for which he was convicted in May 2016. He gave all the tenants - including one with two young children - just two hours to move out, even refusing requests to wait until children had returned from school. Mr Sheikh, who pleaded guilty to all charges, has since appealed the custodial sentence and been granted bail pending the appeal hearing.

Council supports Day of Memory for abuse victim Wandsworth Council supported a Day of Memory last week in support of victims of honour-based killings. And it has launched a programme of information and support to help prevent young people becoming a victim of a forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other abuse. The Day of Memory, organised by the charity Karma Nirvana, was held on July 14 as that would have been the 30th birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, a 17-year-old girl who was

suffocated by her parents with a plastic bag after she refused an arranged marriage. The event honours Shafilea’s memory, raises awareness of the issue and encourages victims of honour-related abuse to tell their stories. Last year it resulted in 58 phone calls

from victims to the charity’s helpline in just one day. The council is backing the campaign and is working with Karma Nirvana to highlight the event to the borough’s schools and remind them of the potential dangers to pupils of forced marriage. The system for recording and monitoring cases of forced marriage and honour-based violence has also been improved – all cases are referred to a multi-agency team led by the council and tailored help is delivered to victims.

Outdoor learning 'boosts development' Pressures on teaching time and resources often means the benefits of outdoor learning are overlooked, a report says. Outdoor learning can have a positive impact on children's development but it needs to be formally adopted, a report suggests. Childhoods were dramatically changing, with fewer opportunities to spend time outd o o r s , researchers observed. The loss of exposure to the natural environment would have negative long-term consequences, they warned. Establishing an "outdoor learning hub" would help teachers, and help

shape policies and strategy, they suggested. The report highlighted previous studies that showed that busier family lives, combined with an increased sense of fear in society, children were having fewer opportunities to explore their surrounding natural environment.

This was hampering children's social skills as well as risking stifling their long-term physical, emotional development and

wellbeing. Therefore, it was important that schools did not overlook the opportunities that outdoor learning provided to bridge this gap. "At the moment, if outdoor learning is part of a school's curriculum in England, it is largely because the teachers recognise the value of it," said report coauthor, Sue Waite, a reader in outdoor learning at P l y m o u t h University, UK. "With so much focus on academic attainment, there can be pressure on teachers to stay in the classroom which means children are missing out on so many experiences that will benefit them through their lives."

Greening 'open minded' about new grammar schools New Education Secretary Justine Greening has said she is prepared to be "open minded" about allowing new grammar schools in England. Ms Greening told the BBC the issue was "an important debate", but she would not "make some big sweeping policy pronouncement" at this stage. Grammar schools are state secondaries that select their pupils by means of an examination

at age 11. There are currently about 163 in England - out of some 3,000 state secondaries - and a further 69 in Northern Ireland. But under a law created by Labour's Tony Blair in 1998, no new grammar schools are allowed to open in England. Ms Greening told the Andrew Marr Show the education system had changed "dramatically" from being a "binary"

choice between grammar and secondary modern schools. She said: "The setting in which schools find themselves has actually changed quite dramatically, it's gone from really being a binary world in many respects to being an education world where there are many different schools now that have many different offers. So I think we need to be prepared to be open-minded."

MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Burhan Wani, a 20 year-old member of the Hizbul Mujahideen was something of a Flash Harry poster boy, given to dressing in military fatigues, riding fast motor bikes and posting incendiary tweets on Facebook and other social media outlets. He followed in the footsteps of another flamboyant terrorist, the Lashkar-i-Taiba’s Abdullah Uni, who was shot dead by security forces in September 2013. Wani met a similar fate recently.

to extend the scope of the mission and discussed the opportunities for expanding economic cooperation with the Vladivostok Administration, to identify areas of participation in the development of Vladivostok,’ Vladivostok is now a free port and its trade and investment potential is huge. It is also a beautiful city, more impressive than the reports he had previously received, said Mr Saran (Novosti, Moscow June 30)

Akash missiles boosted

Jihadi mob violence in Kashmir

Both men had attained rock star status among Muslim Kashmiri youth in the Valley, who hankered after the same status in their search for martyrdom. Thirty-six jihadi mobsters have died in renewed violence in the area at the time of writing and more are likely to follow them to the grave. Meanwhile, emboldened jihadi secessionist leaders warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘to read the writing on the wall.’ That he surely did on returning home from his successful African tour. But the writing on the Prime Minister’s wall carries a message too. (Hindu, Times of India July 11, 12,13)

India’s message

The Indian state, it says, is no banana republic that can be knocked over at will. Ambitious over-reach has often spelt disaster. Second, that after Nice bombing by a Tunisian jihadi on France’s Bastille Day is another reminder of what another Islamist polity, whether it be in Europe or the Kashmir Valley would mean for civilization, Remember the ethnic cleansing and homicides against the Kashmiri Hindu Pandits not so long ago.

Terror module in Hyderabad busted

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) arrested two key figures of Islamic State in Hyderabad, taking the total number of men held to seven. Syed Ullah Hussain, 42, and Mohammed Ataullah Rahman, 32, According to NIA, the module was preparing to carry out blasts at religious sites to provoke riots. All the seven accused were remanded to judicial custody by the metropolitan sessions judge (Times of India July13)

Progressive Party (PPP) took Sharif to task for issuing a ‘certificate of friendship to Mr Modi.’ (Hindu July 12)

Call for military coup in cities

While Pakistan has appealed to the UN Security Council to intervene in Kashmir, posters across 13 Pakistani cities including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, have urged the country’s Army chief General Raheel Sharif and the Army to take power from what is described as the corrupt regime of Prime Ministewr Nawaz Sharif (TTimes of India July 13)

Hyderabad based company Premier Explosives Ltd delivered the 1,000 th missile booster grain to Bharat Dynamics Ltd last week. Booster grains manufactured by Premier Explosives are being used as solid fuel for India’s medium range surface-to-air Akash system presently in service with the Army and AIR Force and scheduled, shortly, for induction into the Navy (Business Line July 11)

HAL trainer aircraft airborne

It was a triumph for local designers, said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, as he watched HTT-40, the basic trainer touch the skies. The plane was piloted

Ola ‘s Lucknow e-rickshaw

A break from jihadist activity is always welcome. India’s most popular mobile app for transportation has been the recent launch of the e-rickshaw in Lucknow, the capital city of the country’s most populated province of Uttar Pradesh. The metropolis is the second Indian city to have this facility after Delhi. A company statement said that it was ‘addressing last mile connectivity by enabling reliable mobility in one of India’s fastest growing metros…The company plans to onboard more than 300 E Rickshaws over the next three months.’ (Hindu July 12)

Sensex soars to 11-month high

Indian stocks rose to their highest levels in 11 months last week amid a global rally buoyed by strong US jobs figures and expectations of global banks taking corrective steps to control the Brexit fallout. The landslide victory for Japanese Premier at the polls also kept investor sentiment upbeat on future market trends (Mint July 12)

Pakistan pantomime

India-East Russia ties set for new ground

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, back at his desk in Islamabad after a heart operation in London, was in righteous mode about India’s firm handling of the jihadi violence in Kashmir. Not to be outdone, the youthful Bilawal Bhutto, the icon of the family inheritance, the People’s

Indian Ambassador to Russia, Pankaj Saran, said that a large Indian delegation would be visiting Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled for early September. Mr Saran was in Vladivostok in connection with the presence of Indian warships in the area. ‘However, we decided

HAL trainer aircraft

near Bangalore by Group Captain C. Subramanian and Group Captain K. Venugopal The design team’s average age is 30. Minister Parrikar congratulated the team and its Project Manager Prashant Singh Bhandoria for on-time delivery of a product, 25 per cent cheaper than would have been the case with a foreign import.(Hindu 18)

sold for same quarter last year. The sales for the Jupiter model this April-June quarter was 134,636 as compared to the 99,479 it sold in the same quarter last year (Business Line July11)

Cipla unit in South Africa

Mumbai-based pharmaceutical major Cipla has announced plans to set up a biosimilars facility in South Africa entailing an investment of $1.3 billion. This will be the first such manufacturing facility in the country. The unit is to be set up by Cipla’s subsidiary Cipla BioTech. The plant will be located in a Special Economic Zone in Durban, which will manufacture biosimilar drugs made from living organisms and used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases (Hindu July 9)

Indo-British post Brexit trade talks

British Business Secretary Sajid Javid arrived in Delhi for talks with India’s Commerce Minister Nirmala Sithraman on a possible Free Trade Agreement between the countries following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The UK is keen to deepen its commercial and investment ties with India, whose economy at present is the fast-growing among large countries. Although these ties are strong already, with each side a major investor in the other, the potential for explosive growth is self-evident when the UK is released from the fetters of EU regulation. Minister Javid also called on Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry in Mumbai to discuss matters relating to the sale of its UK steel plant in Port Talbert. As a result of these discussions the sale has now been put on hold (Hindu July 9)

Nuclear power plant goes critical

TVS Motor surge

TVS Motor Company is betting big in the scooter market with its Jupiter model reaching a million sales figure in record time. TVS sold 183,745 scooters in the recent April-June quarter, significantly higher than the 156,949 it

Nuclear power plant

The second reactor at Kudankulam nuclear power proj-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tete-a-tete with the South African President Jacob Zuma, at Union Buildings, in Pretoria, South Africa. see comment page 3

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

ect attained criticality on Sunday, July 10. The event was greeted with thunderous applause by the local engineers and members of the Russian specialist group, who exchanged hugs. Once the reactor starts generating 400 MW of power within 45 days of the date of criticality, it will be connected to the grid. Power generation will be raised to 4500 MW and 1000MWe in stages. Two further reactors are to be built in the project that is based on the most advanced Russian technology (Hindu July 11)

Plan to connect 125,000 villages

The central government in Delhi, in tandem with State governments, plans to connect 125,000 villages across India with 80,000 mini-buses, such as Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Ashok Leyland etc. The move could be a windfall for mini-bus manufacturers as well as rural communities, who would benefit from an integration of numerous local markets and the larger economic mainstream, apart from opening up employment opportunities and better educational prospects (Mint July 13)

Hasina in contact with Mamata

In a startling episode, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a telephone call to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to apprise her of an extortionist racket run by a Trinamool Congress party councillor in Kolkata’s Salt Lake suburb, sprawling upmarket and mainly residential. The victim, one Arunabha Mukherjee, a close friend of Hasina from their college days, was faced with a hefty demand from local thugs for making improvements to his own house. He was asked to call the Chief Minister and give her the details, which he duly did. The local councilor in question, Anindya Chatterjee was promptly arrested by the police and is now behind bars (Telegraph July 13) Law and order has been an endemic problem in West Bengal. Having been re-elected with a landslide majority for her party’s proven achievements in rural development, Ms Banerjee has awoken to the reality that without proper security, he attempts to woo industry and foreign investors wii fail.

Prime Minister Modi and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi, Kenya. see comment page 3

UK Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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Kalichaat: Shedding light on the Indian farmer community Cases of farmers committing suicide aren't new in India and people have constantly tried to bring their predicament to light. Sudhanshu Sharma brought us their story with his directorial debut 'Kalichaat' that premiered in London last week in association with Asset India. The film is a sharp depiction of the plight of the farmers in India, and the perverted system that eventually pushes them into doing the inevitable. The film's story talks about Sitaram, a farmer in central India, who thrives on lesser than limited means. With a failed monsoon and his land yielding nothing but weed, Sitaram's desperation leads him to dig a well in his land. He hits a rock and reaching beyond it is out of his capacity. However, he reaches out to a bank and finds himself in a dizzying maze of unending tryst authorities, loan sharks, and religious gurus. 'Kalichaat' was conceived out of a book by the same name, written by Dr Sunil Chaturvedi, an active social worker and a profound writer. He is also

a founder of NGO Vibhavari, an organisation that helped inspire Sudhanshu make the movie. "Making of 'Kalichaat' was more out of an urge to get this common issue addressed more emphatically than for any professional gain. It was about doing my bit in my capacity for farmers of my land," Sudhanshu said. "My association with Vibhavari made me notice and realise these problems from close corners. The complex governmental procedures for largely illiterate farmer community, along with corruption at root levels and no proper mechanism to advise farmers on the matters is what makes these issues even worse." Screenplay and dialogues are written by Dr Sonal, founding member of the NGO. Vibhavari, an established non-profit organisation working on water crisis and farmers and landless workers' rights for the last two decades, helped influence Sudhanshu's venture. Dr Sonal's experience directly dealing with the people of rural India gave 'Kalichaat' clarity and

authenticity in highlighting the woes of Indian farmers. "During discussions, we found the story to be a great narrative to bring forth the issue in an interesting manner," said Sudhanshu. When asked if he had plans on producing more such non commercial movies, he said, "My production 'Picasso in Pixels' and the young team forming it is extremely excited about their first production of this proportion and the praise it is gathering. This puts enough steam in us to go further and make more such socially-valuable pieces of work. For us it is important to keep entertainment values associated with any such project, be it good music, sound

actors, and necessary technology to make the work entertaining while being socially beneficial." He added, "For us, there is no definite line separating non commercial movies from commercial ones. We believe a wellmade movie, even if for a social cause, carries enough opportunities to get commercial success. Talking about his next move, he said, "Even before we began work on 'Kalichaat', Team PIP has been working on a dream project of mine. It is a movie on Badminton, and will be made with known actors and a budget far exceeding this one. It is tentatively named 'LoveAll', and we all have worked really hard on it. It has all the elements of cinemar for larger audience, while with a strong social message about the condition of sports in this nation of 1 billion plus. However, the financial demands of this project are much bigger requiring outside investments from interested parties. Some have already chipped in after the brief on the project, still, there is scope for a collaboration."

Man admits killing Usha Patel in her Cricklewood home A man has admitted the murder of a mother-of-one at her home in Cricklewood after he met her on a dating website. Miles Donnelly pleaded guilty to the murder of Usha Patel, 44, whose body was found in her flat in Melrose Avenue on October 8 last year. She has been stabbed, beaten across the face and strangled. The 35-year-old from Paddington, who also used the name Miles Ryan, also admitted hitting a woman over the head with a stool when she turned down his sexual advances the day after he murdered Ms Patel. Donnelly dramatically changed his plea Monday on the first day of his two-week long trial at the Old Bailey. The court heard he first came into online contact with Ms Patel in April last year and the pair went on to met in person before continuing to keep in touch. Donnelly murdered Ms

Miles Donnelly pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial

Patel after she invited him over to her home on October 7 at 8pm. Her body was found by a relative the following morning. Detectives investigating the murder found Donnelly’s set of house keys inside the flat and forensic evidence including samples from a wine glass was also matched to him. After he killed Ms Patel he hid at the home of a 43year-old woman who lived on the same street as him. He stayed there for 36 hours before attacking her when she turned him

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Usha Patel was killed in the London home she shared with her five-year-old son

down. He gave himself up on October 11 and he was arrest for the murder of Ms

Patel. He has never revealed why he killed Ms Patel, who had a five-yearold autistic son. Detective Inspector James Stevenson, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Donnelly declined to answer any questions put to him during his police interviews and has never offered any information as to why he assaulted and killed Usha Patel that night. Usha’s family are completely devastated.” Donnelly is due to be sentenced on Thursday.

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Beckton Bollywood producer accused of £4.5m fraud A Bollywood filmmaker has been accused of evading £4.5million in tax by claiming for movies that did not exist. Sandeep Arora – who is known in Bollywood as Karan Arora – lived in Beckton while he ran a central London production company from 2007 to 2011. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and City of London Police, who put Arora on a wanted list of 10 people, said he filed for film tax and VAT claims for films titled Billy the Beagle, London Dreams, Kuan Bola, Aagosh, Trapped and Dream Girl – but they either did not exist or he had no involvement in them. It is believed the 42year-old – who police said purports to be a producer making movies in India and Fiiji – is in India. He is “highly likely” to commit more crimes unless he is caught, the police appeal added. The drive to find Arora is part of an appeal to locate 10 suspected fraudsters accused of owing

more than £20m. Donal Toon, director of the NCA’s Economic Crime Command, said the 10 had caused “distress and loss” to people and businesses across the country. “Law enforcement cannot tackle this problem alone,” he said. “It is important that anyone able to provide information on the ten fraudsters we are highlighting today takes the opportunity to pass that information to law enforcement to help bring them to justice.” Anyone with information about Arora’s whereabouts is asked to call the Customs Confidential Hotline on 0800 595 0000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Court heard murder accused 'found child on floor' A man accused of murdering a 13-month-old boy has told a court he returned home from a takeaway to find the boy lying on the floor. Hardeep Hunjan and partner Ronnie TaylerMorrison deny killing Noah Serra-Morrison. Mr Hunjan, 27, told a Luton Crown Court jury he did not harm Noah, and had gone out after putting him to bed on the night of the toddler's death. The couple, from Luton, previously said Noah fell out of his cot.

The court heard his injuries were likely to have been caused by being swung against a wall or floor by his limbs. Mr Hunjan said he told Miss TaylerMorrison they should call an ambulance but she refused because she thought if social services found out she had been drinking they would take the baby away. The pair have also pleaded not guilty to causing or allowing the death of a child and not guilty to cruelty by wilful neglect. The trial continues. Fresh Vegetables, Fruits, Pink Onions, Spicy Masala

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Ravinder Bhogal: Jikoni

In Brief

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Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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When Squirrels Attack

A three year old boy ended up hospitalised after being attacked by a group of squirrels in a wood. Finely Renouf was walking along with his mother Sophie, 22, in Tehidy country park near Redruth, Cornwall. Finely reached out to feed one squirrel when several other trust out and let on him. Ms Renouf said “There was literally one squirrel there and my son, as you would, fed him as usual. Next thing six of them came running out of the hedge and then all of a sudden I remember him screaming. I looked and there was blood pouring out of his hand.” Ms Renouf stepped to intervene and had to fight off one of the animals trying to scramble up her leg. Finely was taken to the minor injuries unit of a nearby hospital before being transferred immediately to Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. Medics at Royal Cornwall spent three hours threading him for puncture wounds and bandaging his fingers. Ms Renouf said she now wants to warn other people, “I don't want other children to go down there and get bitten.” Cornwall council said it may put up signs about feeding animals if it becomes a regular problem.

Sunetra Senior

Ravinder is the winner of the World Gourmand Best Debut Cookbook Award – for her delectable recipe collection Cook in Boots – and stands an incredibly talented chef. To date, she has had her expertise published in such periodicals as GRAZIA, The Sunday Times, ES Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar where she ran a colourful blog for their UK site. She has also graced our personal screens, as all beloved cuisinieres do, appearing on Channel 4’s magazine show Food: what’s in your basket?, BBC 2’s Great British Curry Trail and as host on her own 22 part series, Ravinder’s Kitchen, which aired on BBC Worldwide across Asia and the Middle East. Now, all the charisma of her creamy career culminates in the opening of her own restaurant, Jikoni, in the “true neighbourhood area” of Blandford Street in the lively London district of Marylebone: “I’ll actually be working alongside establishments where I’ve completed residencies in the past”, the gushing young cook told us, “such as the Michelin starred Trisha and Carousel: it really is a dream! The local multicultural life also reflects my own life and the spirit of my dishes. An East African Indian by birth, I was brought up in Britain and consider myself a London girl. I like to draw from my diverse heritage and the city within the kitchen, as well as my wide experience of travel”. *** Ravinder’s cosmopolitan dishes include Shepherd’s Pie with a tangy twist and the American ‘Sloppy Joe’ with a distinctly Indian character, but what has emerged the fan favourite through the course of her many pop ups are her uniquely English Scotch Eggs. This includes a Prawn Toast quail scotch egg with Banana Ketchup and Pickled Cumber, and a Goan inspired pork scotch egg served with Tomato and Ginger chutney and a spiky Carrot Achaar. As modern as her preparations are, Ravinder’s subtle spinning of the spices at once carries a traditional maternal feeling; another part of her signature style: “my mother has taught me so much,” she continued. “For example her toovar dahl still astounds me. My cooking is very attentive and caring so it is both soothing and nourishing. I am aware of the role food plays as a mood booster; eating can be a very emotional experience. ” As Ravinder prepares to open her birth-right of a restaurant this September then, we are able to see in the most palatable way possible, the key to really unlocking your talents: more than just having an understanding, you must be ready to actively explore them, sampling all the opportunities available to you on your path forwards. The Jikoni food draws from your vibrant background. Could you tell us a bit more about this? My grandfather moved from Punjab to Kenya in the 1940s. The Indian part of my heritage is also enriched by Persia in terms of culinary inheritance. I love travel and this has been a huge part of my landscape. My father was an aeronautical engineer who travelled a lot and exposed us to interesting global ingredients from an early age. Personally, I have also travelled a lot, and always steep myself in the local food and culinary traditions where ever I am.

I once to spoke to a chef who said What has been the most exciting she believed the eating experience part of preparing to open for is very much inclusive of the Jikoni? restaurant service and atmosphere: All of it! Even the parts that are chalhow does your current location lenging. It is a privilege to be opening complement your food? a business which I have dreamt of Marylebone is a true central for years, with incredible supLondon village. It really is a port from the best people lovely little neighbourhood in the business. and community which vegetables really hope to can easily take we Will a lot of your become a part of. I recipes from Cook centre stage in think running any kind in Boots be appearof business, especiala recipe rather ing on your menu? ly a restaurant, is so Some, but Cook in much about serving than playing Boots wasright at the your community – second fiddle mine will be my neighbeginning of my career, and although I am bours, my customers, my to meat extremely proud of it and staff and my suppliers. the recipes in it – I have since developed as a cook and feel I have Were you always interested in so much more to share. cooking?

I have cooked since before I could reach a kitchen counter. My first forays into the kitchen were reluctant, but once I was given a little encouragement, I quickly fell in love with the kitchen and all it offered very quickly.

What’s a good tip for preparing a light, calorie- careful dish that’s also yummy and hits the spot? I love vegetables - I think vegetables can easily take centre stage in a recipe rather than playing second fiddle to meat. I adore all sorts of roasted vegetables with a big ball of buffalo mozzarella for example and a good amount of extra virgin olive oil. Pulses and legumes too are a great source of protein. Madhur Jaffrey famously called Dhal LSD – life saving dhal – I would have to agree with her. It is light, simple, delicious and healthy. Plus, there are so many versions of it – you could never possibly get bored.

Finally, what’s a good tip for other culinary entrepreneurs who are starting out? Really work out what your brand is and why you are the only person who could do what you are doing. Also, get stacks of experience in other kitchens. Mentors are incredibly important too – I have been lucky enough to have some wonderful ones - including other chefs such as Tony Fleming - who have been the best teachers. W

www.jikonilondon.com

A Pub dinner for the Queen

Established in 1360 the Sheep Heid Inn, in Duddingston, near Edinburgh, has been associated with the royal family since the 1500s. The last time a reigning monarch dropped by was in 1580, so pub regulars were naturally stunned when the Queen and her entourage stepped in after spending the day at Musselburgh racecourse last Friday. Her party is said to have ordered a martini and half a bottle of white wine, along with two portions of lamb and a fillet of sea bass, thought it isn't known which of these was consumed be Her Majesty. Staff members in the pub despite having sworn secrecy confirmed the visit. It is very rare for the Queen to dine in public. It is believed that Bellamy’s in Mayfair is the only restaurant in London where the has eaten.

Fewer men applying to University

The number of males applying to university has fallen for the first time since the rise of tuition fees to £9000. Applications for course starting in the autumn showed a slowing overall demand compared to previous years. Figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (Ucas) shows the total number of people seeking university places went up by 1,850 applicants to 674,890. The slight rise is contributed to the continued demand from women. Male applicants fell by 750 to 285,490 for the first time in five years. Figures analysed by Ucas revealed that the biggest drop in male applicants were the 20-24 age bracket. Applications form 18 year olds, the largest age group, rose among boys as well as girls. The continued gender gap will heighten concerns about inequalities in university admissions which is reflected in every stage of the UK education system where girls outperform boys consistently. The figures also show a rise of candidates from other European countries wanting to study in the UK, which was up 6%. There was, as the figures show, a 2% fall in the applications for international students form outside the EU, dropping by 1,230 to 69,300 applicants.

New passports can’t cope with the sun

Designed to speed up the process at border control, the new biometric passports has a deadly foe, the sun. The passports which contains a chip to help facial recognition cameras identify you generally works fine. However at Stansted airport the sun’s glare in the passenger hall has resulted in the cameras failing to recognise traveller’s faces, causing them to be sent to the back of the queue and causing long delays. The passenger hall which faces west means the cameras points directly into the setting sun. Stansted is used by over 23 million passengers a year and has 30 automated e-gates equipped with facial recognition cameras. A spokesperson for the Home Office said “Border Force is working with Stansted airport to resolve the issue, which has no impact on border security or the experience for the vast majority of passengers.”

Prince Harry's HIV Test

In an event live streamed on Facebook, Prince Harry had a HIV test in public. Following the work of his late mother, Princess Diana, who helped change attitudes towards Aids patients, Prince Harry encouraged everyone from all backgrounds to check their status. The event last week was not the first time the prince had undergone the check, however it was the first time in public. He has campaigned hard to highlight the need to fight against HIV/Aids after being asked by the singer Sir Elton John to highlight the stigma that surrounds HIV/Aids. The prince through his Sentebale charity which helps HIV affected children in Lesotho. Later this week Prince Harry will give a speech at the World Aids conference in South Africa.

Have your say in who wins this year's Asian Achievers Awards AAA - 2016 Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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he Asian community is now an integral part of British life and plays an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future. According to reports, ethnic minorities will make up around 20% of the UK’s population by 2051 and will generate wealth from a diverse range of sources. Also known as The People’s Choice Awards, the Asian Achievers Awards (AAA) is a star-studded event where the crème de la crème of society attend to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution and hard work of the British Asians in today's society. The awards held annually is organised by Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL). This year will mark the 16th edition of the awards and it will be held at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in September. Each year the awards illustrate and celebrate a certain aspect of society, and this year there will be emphasis on the Professional of the Year category. There are ten categories for the Asian Achievers Awards. In the penultimate week of the nomination process we will talk about two categories: Business Person

Iqbal Ahmed OBE (centre), with Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY Assurance Services (left) and Sir Vince Cable, Chair of the Panel of Judges, AAA (right)

of the Year and Lifetime Achievement. The Business person of the Year is awarded to a business person who is a success story in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues. Last year Iqbal Ahmed OBE of Seamark Plc, a worldwide export company, bagged the award. Shortlisted candidates included Zameer Choudrey who is the MD of the Bestway Group, Surinder Arora who is the founder and the chief

PRESENTS

executive of the Arora hotel group, one of the fastest growing independent hotel companies in the UK, and Jasminder Singh who is the founder of the Edwardian group set up in 1977. Today the Edwardian group has 14 hotels across the capital. The Lifetime Achievement is awarded to honour those individuals, who during their lifetimes,

Lord Rumi Verjee CBE (centre), with Coroline Lee, COO, Shanti Hospitality (left) and Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP (right)

have made immense contribution to their community and country. This remarkable individual must be seen as a role model for the younger generation. Last year, Lord Rumi Verjee CBE bagged the award. Lord Verjee launched the Dominos Pizza in the UK which employs over 20,000 people. In 2006 he established The Rumi Foundation, a charity which supports humanitarian work through education, innovation and knowledge building.

ASIAN ACHIEVERS

AWARDS

The people’s choice awards

There are many British Asians in the UK who deserve the recognition for their contribution to their respective fields. If you know someone who has contributed to the community, has broken the glass ceiling and deserves recognition, then nominate them online at www.asianachieversawards.com or register their details on the nomination form of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar this week. Deadline for nominations is 31 July, 2016.

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

NOMINATION FORM

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below. Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 31st July, 2016 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

Please tick the appropriate category Uniformed and Civil Services For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services. Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded to an entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

Achievement in Community Service In recognition for an individuals service to community. Woman of the Year The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field. Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports.

Professional of the Year Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

Business Person of the Year Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues.

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture.

Lifetime Achievement Award To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

Application Form Full Name of the Person you are Nominating: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ His/Her Contact Details (Tel & email): ___________________________________________________Occupation of the Nominee:____________________________________________ Plea s e a tta ch the Nominee s' s CV w hic h include s the f ollow ing informa tion (Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words) (1) Personal background ( 2) Most important career achievements till date. (3 ) Nominee's contribution to the community and nation. (4 ) Future Plans, ambitions and visions.

( 5) Any notable obstacles in the Nominee's career that has helped him/her to reach where they are today.

Summary- (Please include a summary in not more than 150 words why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet) Your name and contact details: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your current Occupation/Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact ____________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________________

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Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

EXCLUSIVE

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The Meteoric Rise of Rajesh Agrawal

rom Richard Branson to Rajesh Agrawal, the UK is home to some of the most interesting rags-to-riches stories. The former’s is wellknown, but few know about Rajesh Agrawal’s meteoric rise from being the CEO of foreign exchange giant Rational FX and Xendpay, an international money transfer service company, to becoming London's Deputy Mayor for Business. This is no mean achievement for someone who was almost a nonentity in India, who grew up in humble surroundings in a small town called Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and who had never flown in a plane until he decided to fly down to London 15 years ago looking for greener pastures. With no substantial capital in hand except his parents’ blessings and values, he made his way. With that asset he pulled himself up by his bootstraps to ultimately head globally successful businesses Rational FX and Xendpay. He came to London in 2001, set up Rational FX in 2005, growing a two-member unit initially working from a small office in Brighton into a multi-million pound business based in London, with branches in Birmingham, France and Spain. A true Londoner, besides integrity, hard work and determination, he attributes much of his success to the openness of Britain – especially the opportunities available here. The 39-year-old self-made millionaire was the business advisor to Sadiq Khan during the latter’s mayoral campaign. Mayor Sadiq Khan appointed him as his deputy on June 29, 2016. With a smile on his face, this down-to-earth son of India in a rendezvous with L George and Anand Pillai unravels his journey from Indore to London to City Hall, in between, throwing light on the current political developments and challenges ahead. This is the first ever interview given by Rajesh Agrawal after taking over the new assignment. What does your new job profile include? As the Deputy Mayor for Business, my job is to promote London as a destination for doing business – that is bringing in investments and promoting London businesses and their interests; promoting London as a city for tourism. London is the number one city in the world for tourism. We have had more tourists than any other city last year. Hopefully we will break that record this year as well. Tourism also comprises tourism for business and leisure. The inflow of international students is also extremely important. With 25 universities London gets more international students than any other city in the world. We have to make sure that the flow of students is maintained. The job also revolves around helping the Mayor overcome the challenges faced by the City of London. The challenges, of course, have changed following the EU referendum. And as a result, it has slightly changed my job profile also. There is little bit of firefighting along the way. We have to make sure there is no loss of jobs and we do not lose any business because of Brexit. There are general concerns among the business community, and we have to make sure those concerns are addressed. I engage with them, speak to them, listen to them and reassure

them that we are on their side. A lot of businesses are looking to City Hall for leadership. How do you think the new Prime Minister Theresa May's leadership impacts the business growth? Theresa May has just taken over. I think she has joined at a very critical time. What I expect from the PM is that the new government must ensure the jobs are protected, the economy is looked after and in the event of any negotiations with the EU, the government must ensure that London has a strong voice, a seat on the table. That’s because London produces one-quarter of the UK’s GDP and one-third of the UK taxes are actually collected from London. Some of the challenges for the new government are – how it negotiates with the EU, how Britain shapes up after Brexit and Britain’s relations with the rest of the world. Following Brexit the pound has taken a beating. What’s your assessment? Will it slide further? Nobody will deny that these are uncertain times. One thing that markets don’t like is uncertainty. But with the announcement of the new prime minister, the pound has bounced back a little bit. But at the end of the day if you look at the currency market, you have to look at the opportunity. A weaker pound is also an opportunity. This is an opportunity to

give a big boost to our tourism industry. It’s an opportunity for international students because studying in Britain becomes slightly cheaper. I tell international investors that London is still open for business and everything is at 10% discount. Do you think there will be more investments from India to London now? I hope so. The ties beween the UK and India, and India and London have been very strong. The founding fathers of India like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, B R Ambedkar studied in London. So historically the connection between India and London is very strong. Also, on the business side it’s very strong. India is now the second largest foreign investor in the UK. And it’s very important we carry forward the relationship. Though it’s too early to say whether property prices have come down, certainly with depreciating sterling it has made it more attractive for the foreign investors. You were the business advisor to Sadiq Khan during the mayoral campaign. What kind of advice did you give him? Sadiq is naturally so probusines and that made my job much easier. He listens a lot, which is a great quality to have in a politician. He is very engaging. It’s fantastic working with

your money? I believe that what you do for yourself dies with you. But what you do for others remain for ever. As economist John Keynes rightly said, “In the long run we are all dead,” so it’s important we do things for community and others. And that’s how the world survives. The world survives on relationships – people to people relations, country to country relations and relation with nature. So relationships are very very important. Just do things for others.

ROLE MODEL: Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business

him. The advice were mainly about business policies, what we need to do with the business engagments and the like. I was very lucky. While running the campaign, we had a fantastic product called Sadiq Khan. And now as deputy mayor I have a great product called London. So the job is much easier in that way. Sadiq Khan has said that he won’t be able to protect Londoners from the economic fallout of Brexit unless more powers are given to London. What’s your take on that? These are uncertain times, difficult times. London is the economic engine of this country. So it’s very important that we protect London. One-third of tax revenue comes from London. Lot of exciting industries and new employers are in London. And a lot of them are under threat post-Brexit. Our acesss to single market in the EU is in jeopardy. Access to passporting rights too is in peril. Sadiq has already called on Theresa May to say very clearly now that she will guarantee that EU citizens who were living here before the referendum can remain. About 20% of London’s workforce is from Europe. A lot of start-ups have come from there. A lot of Asian community people are there in the hospitality industry. There’s very large overseas and European population in London and it’s very important we protect them and in order to protect them we need more autonomy. London is a global city. Whether we remain part of the EU, London will remain a

European city. That’s why we need more autonomy and more say in how things are done. The Mayor has also said London should have equal voice in the EU negotiations. Could you please throw some light on that? Certainly we want a seat on the table. I have been talking to businesses, business leaders and industry associations in the past two weeks. I haven’t come across any business leader who disagrees with the fact that London should have more autonomy. In any kind of negotiations, we must protect London a little bit more than what it has been, so that we are more in control of our destiny. Generally in a democracy it is a good idea to give power to people and it is imperative that we have those powers to renegotiate with the EU. What’s your take on declaring London as an independent city-state? Like I said earlier whether we are part of EU or not, London is a European city and will continue to be so. What we are asking is more powers to protect London, its economy and jobs. Onethird of London’s population was born outside of UK. It’s a hugely cosmopolitan city. About 230 languages are spoken here. So it is very important London is treated, handled and managed as a global city. What motivates you and what’s your philosophy in life? I have often been asked as a successful entrepreneur – why are you involved in charities, politics and things like that? Why don’t you just sit back and enjoy

What’s your mantra for being a successful entrepreneur? Determination is very important because you will face lot of failures along the way. And accepting failure is very important. Also, not getting deterred by failure is vital for progress. And for that you have to be innovative and believe in perseverance. Same things apply for running a successful city and country as well. With the Bastille Day attack in France, terror has raised its ugly head yet again. How safe is the city of London? What happened in France was awful. I condemn it. These terror attacks are brutal and inhumane. London being a global city, safety is very important. For that matter, any globlal city, you have to be wellprepared. Sadiq Khan is constantly reviewing the security. London police force is fantastic. We all have to work together in such circumstances. Police are doing a good job. What advice would you give to people of British Asian community who look up to you as a role model? Well, it’s not an advice. My comment would be – Britain is a great country and London is a great city. This is our home and we have integrated so well. The social mobility of the Asian community is fantastic. I am proud of that – how people from our community came to the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, and made a mark for themselves. It shows any community by sheer hard work, determination and honesty can come up. And this country provides a conducive environment to grow. Just keep yourself at it and be more active. The Asian community is not only active in charity work but also in education, City, and little bit in politics, athough I would like to see more.

SPECIAL Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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FALLING THROUGH THE H

CRACKS

aving said that, it is important to note that not all hair loss is related to stress. It is crucial that you identify the actual source of the problem. But all conditions of hair fall cannot be termed as 'hair loss'. When one loses hair regularly it is often termed as 'hair shredding', because within a certain period of time, it grows all back. However, if hair sheds faster than it replaces

While most British Asians are genetically gifted with naturally good and bouncy hair, in recent years, that particular image has been proven to be a myth. Several issues are causing severe hair fall in people from this community- a major being stress and anxiety. Anxiety can lead to conditions that cause hair loss, and in turn make living with hair loss far more stressful.

or stops growing altogether- leading to bald patchesit is officially termed as 'hair loss'. It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day.

TYPES OF HAIR LOSS

Thinning hair all over the head If you are shedding more hair than usual, there could be a problem with the hair cycle. Each hair follicle, the

part of the skin that produces the hair, goes through a cycle with three phases: growth (90% of the time), resting (5-9%), loss (remaining) Possible reasons: A deficiency in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12 or iron. Patchy hair or total baldness Random bald spots is an auto-immune problem where the immune system

NATURAL FOOD TO HELP REDUCE HAIR LOSS SPINACH: Spinach is iron

health of red blood cells that supply skin and scalp with hair-healthening oxygen.

attacks the hair follicle, causing inflammation and stopping the hair growth cycle. Possible reasons: Genetic link, and 20 per cent of those affected have a family history. It’s also associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis. Pattern hair loss Male or female pattern hair loss is the most common type. Half of all men are affected by the age of 50. In men, the hair starts to diminish in volume on the

crown and temples and recedes around the temples, leaving hair on the back and sides of the head. In women, the hair thins on the top and crown and usually starts with a widening through the parting. Pattern baldness is caused by the hair follicles shrinking (miniaturisation) until they finally stop functioning altogether. Possible reasons: Partly related to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While there may be a family link, some experience pattern hair loss with no family history of it.

Many women develop pattern hair loss with the menopause, due to the drop in the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Pattern baldness is also linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Disclaimer: Don’t treat this article as an advice for hair loss. Please consult your doctor for the purpose. References: https://www.aad.org, www.dailymail.co.uk/health and http://www.eatthis.com

BARLEY: Vitamin E is a

rich and it contains sebum, which acts as a natural conditioner for hair. The leafy green also provides omega-3 acids, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. All help keep hair lustrous, shiny and, most importantly, out of the drain. Spinach is only one of the 8 Superfoods You Should Eat Every Day! GREEK YOGURT: Greek

yogurt is rich in vitamin B5 (known as pantothenic acid), which helps with blood flow to your scalp and hair growth. Check out our picks for the Best Greek Yogurts for Weight Loss! CINNAMON: It smells like

the holiday season and improves circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. OATMEAL: Oats are rich in

iron, fiber, zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which stimulate hair growth, making it thick and healthy. GUAVA: V Although we

powerful antioxidant that can actually absorb damaging UV light and protect skin cells. It also repairs sun damage on the scalp, which can cause hair to thin. I NUTS

AND

SEEDS:

with a B vitamin called biotin, which helps hair grow and strengthens brittle fingernails.

Walnuts and other nuts contain oils that add to the amount of elastin in your hair. Elastin keeps hair supple and stops it from breaking. Walnuts are just one of the 6 Best Nuts for Weight loss! SWEET POTATOES: Beta

LENTILS: Full of protein,

iron, zinc and biotin, lentils also have plenty of folic acid. The body needs folic acid to restore the

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often think of oranges as the best source of vitamin C, one guava packs four to five times as much. EGGS: Eggs are packed

£448

carotene protects against dry, dull hair and stimulates the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum.

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First cohort of CommonwealthFirst Export Champions to go on first trade mission to India in November 2016 AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

The first cohort of CommonwealthFirst Export Champions was announced at a breakfast on 7th July hosted at Marlborough House by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in conjunction with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s annual CEOs delegation to London. The breakfast was addressed by the Rt Hon Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Dr Naushad Forbes, President, CII, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII and Deodat Maharaj, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The Export champions have been selected based on their level of impact, innovation, ambition and ability to succeed across Commonwealth markets following an online application process. One hundred Export Champions will be selected over the next three years. The companies will be going on their first trade mission to India in

Rt Hon Hugo Swire addresses the CII-CWEIC meeting. Seated L-R: Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, Oliver Everett, CEO, CWEIC, Rt Hon Hugo Swire, Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and Dr Naushad Forbes, President, CII

November 2016 to coincide with the India-UK Technology Summit. The trade mission will be supported by the CII for business engagements in India. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII said “We look forward to hosting a delegation of the CommonwealthFirst Export Champions in India later in the year. There is a huge opportunity for great

UK SMEs in India and we look forward to helping make business happen.” The companies range from sole traders to fastgrowing members of the London Stock Exchange and from start-ups to Royal Warrant holders – picked from all regions of the UK and various business sectors including technology, manufacturing, fashion and food. The

Shopping for better insurance It is always tempting to stay with the status quo, its was always tempting to do nothing when the notice that your insurance premium is going to automatically renewed. It is more than likely that the premium would increase and you would be none the wiser. However, when that insurance policy comes up for renewal one must always shop around for a better deal. Here is five ways on how. 1: According to moneysupermarket.com, people with home insurance throw out almost £37 million a year in auto-renewal. People with car insurance overpay an average of £113 annually. Stand alone mobile phone insurance often catches people out because it carries on for years unless you cancel it. One person found he had

been paying insurance on his mobile phone, a Nokia 3100 he took in 2004, over a period of 11 years he has paid a total of £683.55. 2: Introduced in 2011, insurance auto-renewal made sure people did not drive illegally and because many mortgages are invalid without cover. Kevin Pratt from moneysupermarket.com says, “Since then it’s become an egregious way for companies to levy a tax on customer loyalty.” In December 2015 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it would launch a voluntary requirement for insurers to include last year’s premium with the new one of renewal letters. This will be introduced next year. 3: Many companies make it a hassle for customers to move elsewhere.

Some insurers charge up to £50 of you if you switch to another insurer after receiving the auto-renewal premium even during the “cooling-off period”. 4: The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) gets a “significant” number of enquires from people who have has products automatically renewed. Matthew Allinson from the FOS says, “We have made it clear in our discussions with insurers that we do not consider ever-increasing premiums for loyal customers to be acceptable.” 5: How to fight back? When a premium comes for renewal, check if you could get a better deal on price-comparison websites. It may also serve you well to tell the insurer you are leaving, you might get a better deal by negotiating.

cohort represents the full range of ingenuity and quality that the UK has to offer the world. The cohort includes names such as Fever-Tree, pioneers of the premium mixer category, and Partridges of Sloane Square, a luxury delicatessen and H.M The Queen’s grocer, alongside innovative business-model challengers such as

Rolatube Expeditionary Systems, which creates innovative fibreglass composite structures for communications and sensor systems that can be used under extreme circumstances such as humanitarian disasters, Extreme Low Energy, a specialist supplier of low-energy, sustainable ICT infrastructure and what3words with an ingenious new way to communicate location using just three words. By showcasing the success of the Commonwealth Export Champions, the programme will highlight the trade and investment opportunities for UK businesses across the Commonwealth – a free association of 53 countries, representing one third of the world’s population and fast growing markets including India, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria and South Africa. Oliver Everett, Chief Executive, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council said “We are delighted to welcome our first cohort of Export

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Champions. The quality of applications has been extremely high and it has been exciting and encouraging to see the scope of interest from UK SMEs in potential business opportunities across the Commonwealth.” Hugo Swire said “the Commonwealth has always been an important market for the UK so I welcome this initiative which will help to build even stronger trade links between the UK and the family of Commonwealth nations. Britain is – and always will be – open for business and we want the strongest possible economic links with our close friends in the Commonwealth and other important partners around the world.” Nick Landon, Managing Director, Royal Mail Parcels said “Royal Mail is proud to support the CommonwealthFirst initiative and encouraged to see the large number of applications to become Commonwealth Export Champions. Ambition and innovation amongst UK SMEs is alive and well.”

Kouni chief exec and tourism industry Zubin Karkaria, the chief executive of Kouni, began his career in Mumbai with a small travel company where his role was to escort Indian businesses to trade fairs so that they could find tools for printing and packaging their products. This unenviable job earned him Rs 2,500 ($37) per month. Twenty five years later his life has changed dramatically. His simple yet bold idea of processing visa applications on behalf of embassies has made him the head of Kuoni, the multinational travel conglomerate, after joining a tour company in 1991 which was absorbed by Kuoni later. Shuttling weekly between Dubai and Zurich, Karkaria describes his life as a rat race. Like other traditional tour operators, the group faced stiff competition from

online hotel and holiday comparison sites. In November 2015, a restructuring exercise by the company led to the loss of 350 jobs which means Kouni is much smaller than its competitors. Since becoming the chief executive, Karkaria has been tasked to accelerate cost cutting and to focus on the profitable aspects of the business, i.e. visa processing. He was the natural choice to tackle this as 15 years earlier started the Visa Facilitation Service (VFS), which set out to tackle queues outside embassies worldwide by becoming the outsourcer for visa applications. From the company’s point of view the advantage is synergy as visa applications for different countries are processed in one place. From the embassies view an employee of VFS who used

to work for say UKBA, there is less security risk and hassle because members of the public do not have to enter the embassies and consulates. Under Karkaria, Kuoni will continue to scale back, what it calls global travel services unit, which sells package tours and transport to travel agencies. The operation has suffered due to the recession in Japan where it generates most of its business. The group headquarters, currently in Zurich, will close. Its three subsidiaries including VFS, will operate from their own centres in Dubai, Zurich and London. Karkaria is also a Zoroastrian priest. Zoroastrianism emphasises on good thoughts, words and deeds is known to be disciplined as well as religious.

Tatas turned down offer for Port Talbot plant, claims Liberty Tata has backed away from a £100mn-plus offer for its loss-making UK steel business from British buyer Liberty. Sources said that rather than a token offer for the UK steel-making business, based around the Port Talbot plant, buyer Liberty was offering "significantly more than £100mn" to acquire the assets. However, the company turned down the offer in favour of a potential joint venture with German company ThyssenKrupp. Industry sources said Liberty House was on the

verge of buying the business, with final terms being hammered out in meetings with Tata that went on until the company announced it was in talks with its German rival about a tie-up for its strip steel operations, with Tata's speciality steel units in South Yorkshire and Hartlepool being sold separately. It is also said that Tata was running a multipronged process, claiming the company was ready to sell its entire UK business to ThyssenKrupp, making it Europe's second-largest

steel business with a special focus on supplying the British and German car industries. A Tata

spokesman said, "Bids were considered in detail on the basis of commercial value and prospects for the

future sustainability of the UK business. As bids were confidential, we cannot comment on specific aspects." Even the government was taken aback by Tata's shocking announcement, springing to their feet and offering to take a 25pc equity stake with potential buyers and offering loan guarantees as it faced criticism. News of the potential deal with ThyssenKrupp, which would see Tata retain ownership of some of its UK operations, came

just four months after Tata’s main board announced it was selling its UK steel operations, putting in jeopardy the jobs of 11,000 staff. The Government was caught out by the shock announcement, and scrambled to respond, eventually offering to take a 25pc equity stake with potential buyers and offering loan guarantees as it faced a heavy criticism. Industry sources say the terms on offer led to Tata seriously considering retaining the business because of the support.

REAL ESTATEVOICE Asian Voice |23rd July 2016

The early bird gets the worm; the early worm... gets eaten

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap London Property Investment

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

This week we have managed to secure a property in the heart of a prime shopping district in Central London. We have got this at a price of £900k. For over 1,000 sq. ft. of space, with the lease extension the price come too £1,119 per sq. ft. Another property in the block was sold for £1,760 per sq. ft. in May of this year. The post Brexit environment doesn’t allow a 36% discount off the price. The property is a three bedroom flat which is accessed from a passage way from a bustling street. It’s a ground floor flat with its own garden space as well as communal gardens. What’s great about this arrangement is that there will be a strong demand from the short let market. The yields for renting out will be low, however this can be compensated by enhancing rents on short term lets, especially if you get the seasons right. The occupants were there when I went to see the property on Friday, packing and getting ready for the inevitable move.

I always like to dig into the story as to why the property is being sold. In this scenario the occupants had taken a bridging loan for two reasons, one was to extend the lease and the other was to refurbish the property; or maybe that’s what the broker told them to say just to get the mortgage through. They had done neither. The property looked stale and it was being sold with a shortish lease, they had fallen into arrears with the lender and the property was on the verge of being repossessed, hence they required a speedy sale to keep the lender at bay. This is a distressed sale and speed is paramount. I ensured I spoke to the negotiator at the viewing and found out who was leading the sale, it helped that they knew our lawyers and they knew of us having transacted previously. The more common factors you can establish with the agent the stronger the chance of executing the deal. I discovered later there was another party at a similar level, on the table, but we managed to swing the contract in our favour. The deal was confirmed on Saturday and the memorandum should be going out shortly. This is the speed with which the London market moves. At this point I hadn't done any comparables, but I knew whatever they may be £1,000 per sq. ft. in this location is cheap. The comparables were done later and confirmed my assessment. This is a good time to renew the lease as well, as the price of the lease is worked out on the marriage value. The 1993 Leasehold Reform Act gives you the right to extend your lease for an additional 90 years (i.e. the current term + 90 years) at a peppercorn ground rent, i.e. no ground rent payable for the remaining term of the lease. The main qualifying criteria is that you must have owned the property for more than two years, and you must have a ‘long lease’ i.e. one originally granted for 21 years or more.

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The first stage in the lease extension process is for you to serve a Section 42 Notice on the landlord, which is basically an opening offer for the extension of the lease. On a property we purchased for a client in Durham Terrace, my lawyer put in a cheeky offer of £15k for extending the lease for a further 90 years. The freeholder, who was the Council, has two months to counter offer. Two months went by and they forgot to respond. We promptly wrote back and stated ‘this offer now stands please give us a revised lease on this property’. They made some feeble attempts to back track and cover themselves, but it was weak and so we got away with a cheap lease extension. Just goes to show you don't know until you try. Ordinarily you must wait for two years before you have a right to extend the lease of your property, however the current owner can pass this right on to you as the new purchaser which negates the needs for you to wait. This is what we will be hoping for in this transaction. We may even try the same trick again, given the council is the freeholder too. I suspect we won’t get away with this twice. However this is a good environment not only purchase a property but also to negotiate a lease extension. The sterling falling by 11% coupled with the current softening of the market as illustrated above is yet another reason why overseas investors are keen to enter the market. In April the rating agency Moodys, estimated that foreign nationals accounted for 49% of the sale of homes worth £1m and above. The property mentioned above would be purchased at a massive discount of 47% if purchased by an investor with US Dollars. This is an unheard of discount especially as this property is in a prime location and you are buying at just under £1m. It’s a great time to be buying but not a good time for selling, We are also in the unfortunate position of being in the seller’s seat for a high value asset. The question is do you hold on, or cut your losses and make the money back up given the kind of deals the market is offering? After a hard think the latter makes more sense to pursue. We are not used to losses, and psychologically it’s difficult to stomach, however it’s best to crystallise and move forward. The chances of making up the funds are stronger given the market condition, than holding this asset in vain hope. On the purchasing side we have a deal on the table which is seeking an investor, call the office now to get more details, especially if you have an overseas relative wanting to purchase!

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Tip of the Week

l Don't just walk into your bank and ask for a mortgage, you will get a product but not necessarily the most suitable one. If you are looking for advice consider using a specialist mortgage broker. Remember interest rates are not the only point to consider, arrangement fees and exit fees are also important.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I ran a poll in one of my webinars on www.alpeshpatel.com/mega and found that 75% of the people felt that Brexit was not as bad as they expected. Looking at stocks I can see why. In the past two week the market is roaring ahead. Arm holdings is of course up 50%. But look at SuperGroup, Pendragon, Ocado, Grafton…the list goes on from the UK’s 350 largest listed companies. In f act in the past fortnight 300 of them are up! Yes I am surprised too how quickly things have turned. The view is that the Government can afford to borrow at cheap rates, end austerity and spend on infrastructure, create jobs. It is crazy but this is not 2008. I am actually excited. As always some parts of the economy will suffer. But Japan’s investment into the UK is massive. Absolutely massive in terms of what the world is saying about the UK. It’s almost as if the Remainers making a legal challenge to Brexit may be the ones causing financial harm to the economy. What of the Pound? Well look you’re Indian – the Rupee is still cheap and the Gold is up – you’re happy too. If I take a longer term view over the past 6 months – half the UK’s 350 largest companies are up! Half! And who is suffering? Well T esco and Sports Direct and TalkTalk – they all had problems anyway. And Morrisons! So what now? I actually think the UK is a cheap great investment right now. Barclays is at 1995 levels – great I have a time machine. Each time it has reached these levels in the past 20 years – it has always gone up 100% within 3 years, sometimes within 18 months. Not bad! Yes I bought Barclays on June 24th as it fell. One g uy on Facebook, Amit Garg, called me a ‘fool’ for buying Barclays. He promptly left Facebook two days later…presumably shame faced! It’s a battlefield in social media. A lot of angry people on social media about Brexit. Most have calmed down. But in terms of stocks, at least the market is making its way back up in most stocks slowly. We are expecting lower interest rates and that fuels such growth as pe ople will have lower mortgages too. So should have Brexited earlier? Don’t even say it!

India's exports rise after falling for 18 months

Exports rose for the first time in 18 months on the back of an uptick in shipments of chemicals, plastics, engineering products and electronics. Latest data released by the commerce department revealed that exports went up to 1.3 per cent to $22.5 billion in June, the first increase since December 2014, as a recovery in commodity prices resulted into a rise in non-oil shipments from the country. Among the major items in the export basket, textiles and gems and jewellery were among those still witnessing a decline.

There was also a contraction in trade deficit to a little over $8 billion in June from nearly $11 billion a year ago due to a 7 per cent fall in imports. The import decline was led by a 38.5 per cent fall in gold shipments along with a lower value of crude oil and coal consignments. While the global trade expansion slowed down with the fall in metal and petroleum prices, Indian exports decreased at a faster pace in 2015, but trend of an improvement has been visible for the past few months.

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India- UK hold talks on FTA for post-Brexit deal AsianVoiceNews

Former UK Business secretary Sajid Javid held talks on the possibility of a separate UK-India Free Trade Agreement deal with Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this month. Both leaders, in the meeting, discussed all topics of mutual interest and expressed hopes to take proactive steps to deepen their ties and engagement in near future. Sitharaman called an FTA with Britain post Brexit, a "fresh exercise". A commerce ministry statement read, "Sitharaman said we have invited chief negotiator from UK's side to engage with our chief negotiator to take forward the entire process." Talks for a Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement or BTIA began in 2007, but have remained largely inconclusive. Talking about the possibility of a

Sajid Javid meeting Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi

separate FTA, Sitharaman said, "Naturally, once the process of informal discussions starts then we get into discussions in detail. They will all fall into a formal framework. Whether it is a preferential or a free trade agreement will be a mutually discussed. With the EU of course, it shall continue but it will be recalibrated not that the UK is out of EU, so we shall be doing both." The meet and the statements, however, came before Theresa May took

Banks move SC against Vijay Mallya A group of banks led by the State Bank of India moved the Supreme Court with a fresh appeal seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Kingfisher's Vijay Mallya. A bench comprising Justice Kurian Joseph and RF Nariman agreed to hear the fresh interim application, after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi called for urgent hearing. Rohatgi claimed Mallya had provided with wrong details of his assets in a sealed cover to the court, further saying a lot of information has also been concealed, including a cash transaction to the tune of £250 million, which amounted to contempt of court. In a rejoinder affidavit to Mallya's reply, the banks had said that disclosure of overseas assets by him and his family was significant for the recovery of the dues. Rohatgi had earlier said that Mallya has also not agreed to deposit a "substantial amount" as part of the £940 million loan due on him to establish his

Vijay Mallya

bonafide. Mallya had said the banks had no right over information regarding his overseas movable and immovable assets as he was an NRI since 1988. The former business tycoon also claimed that as an NRI, he was not obliged to disclose his overseas assets, and added that his three children and wife, all US citizens, also need not disclose their assets. A statement released by him read, "Overseas assets were not considered while granting loans." The court on April 7 had directed Mallya to disclose by April 21 the total assets owned by him and his family in India and abroad, while seeking an indication from him when he would appear before it.

BP's cost for Deepwater Horizon oil disaster The final bill of BP, covering all the costs related to the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster of 2010 now stands at $61.6 billion. This is the first time BP is giving clarity towards the final cost. In a statement BP said that the figure was the first “reliable estimate of all of it’s remaining material liabilities in connection with the incident”. The announcement

comes as the company attempts to estimate the cost of the disaster, which occurred after a blowout at BP’s Macondo rig in the Gulf of Mexico created an uncontrollable oil spill. The company’s last estimate in it’s first quarter results was $56.4 billion. Among the costs is around 85,000 claims from businesses and individuals who allege the oil spill has caused financial losses.

office and the UK saw a change in the cabinet. Javid did leave on a good note, as his talks with Sitharaman were dubbed largely constructive. The now Communities Secretary, Javid said the bilateral meeting was "very positive and constructive. India and UK already have a very strong trade and investment relations and we are looking at how we can go further and look forward to working with her." Sitharaman, on her side said, "My talks

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with him and his visit have been on informally but pro-actively engaging on trade related matters postBrexit and on that, I got the impression that the UK minister is very keen that we start the informal process and we are quite happy to engage with the UK post Brexit. Trade with UK is substantial. Indian investments in UK are one of the biggest. A lot of jobs created in the UK are by Indian investors. Similarly on services, we have great potential. I have agreed to have our chief negotiator and invited his chief negotiator to speak to each other, so that we informally know from where we are going to start." The commerce secretary Rita Teaotia said that the exit does affect India's interests on those tariff lines where concessions were being considered in the proposed India-EU FTA on account of Britain.

Pestering nuisance calls A leading charity has warned of nuisance calls by loan companies adding to the country’s debt problems and said that such calls should be banned. According to a study by StepChange, UK’s leading debt charity, more than half of adults receive calls offering high-cost credit or expensive debt management services. One in eight are called everyday. The charity says nuisance calls have caused 1.5million people to take out worthless products. People struggling to cope with debt are being pestered by over five calls per week from payday lenders. Following the study, StepChange is appealing to the Financial

Conduct Authority to ban unsolicited calls which offer credit. The charity is also asking the Treasury to give extra powers to the Financial Conduct Authority to ban calls promoting fee-charging debt management services. The study found that over 30 million people received at least one call offering credit or debt management services over the past year. Over 17 million people got a call at least once a week, with a further 6 million getting calls once a day or more. Currently the Financial Conduct Authority is conducting a review of nuisance calls across the consumer credit industry.

India's retail inflation hits 22-month high Retail inflation in India stood firm on the back of sticky food prices while industrial output growth showed some faint signs of revival in May complicating the policy choice for the Reserve Bank of India which has raised concerns about inflationary pressures in the economy. Data released by the Central Statistics Office showed inflation measured by the consumer price index rose an annual 5.8 per cent similar to the levels seen in May, as prices of vegetables and pulses remained robust. The June data was a 22-month high for retail inflation as food prices exerted pressure. Food inflation rose an annual 7.8 per cent in June, compared to 7.5 per cent in May. Prices of pulses rose an annual 26.6 per cent in

May while vegetables rose 14.7 per cent year on year. Aditi Nayar, senior economist at ICRA said, "The next print for CPI inflation is expected to remain elevated, before a combination of a favourable base effect, progress of monsoon and sowing as well as lower temperatures help to dampen food inflation." Other data showed industrial output growth in May rise an annual 1.2 per cent from the previous month's downwardly revised 1.3 per cent decline. The data also revealed that pressure points still exist in the sector. During April to May, the sector contracted 0.1 per cent as compared to an expansion of 2.8 per cent in the year period. The April revision was sharper than the provisional contraction of 0.8 per cent.

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

No immediate emergency Budget Currency Specialists.

On Tuesday 28th June UK financial markets remain volatile in the wake of the Brexit vote, with sterling plunging to a 31-year low against the dollar after Standard & Poor and Fitch downgraded the UK’s credit rating yesterday. S&P downgraded the UK's rating by two notches, from AAA to AA, with a negative outlook and Fitch also downgraded the UK, from AA+ to AA with a negative outlook. Property shares were badly hit, prompting a trading halt. On Tuesday Day 1 of the EU Economic Summit took place in Brussels. European Union lawmaker’s stated that the UK should exercise article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty as soon as possible. Furthermore, Nigel Farage took the opportunity to speak to its members, saying that he had achieved his ultimate goal and that the referendum’s result was a reaction to Europe’s intention to impose a political union by “stealth” and “deception” and that policy makers are in denial about their failures. In addition, Angela Merkel, in what seems her toughest comment yet, warned the U.K. to have no illusions about life outside the European Union while meeting David Cameroon for his final EU summit following last week’s result. At the same time Jeremy Corbyn loses no confidence vote by 172 to 40 as Labour MPs try to remove him as party leader after his ‘weak’ remain

Foreign Exchange

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campaign. On Thursday last week no key data was released. However, Bank of England officials met with Britain’s biggest lenders to discuss the impact on the financial system of the country’s vote to leave the EU. Officials calmed fears and assured bosses of the liquidity in the market and also pressed banks to keep lending to investors and businesses in an effort to avoid the repeat of the ‘Credit Crunch’ that hit in 2008. The main headline of Friday was Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney saying the BoE could ease monetary stimulus over the summer following the shock result of a Brexit. The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted 52.1, up from a revised reading of 50.4 in May, its highest level since January. Whilst the figure was positive it should be noted that the data collection window for this month’s survey was between the 13th and 27th June. Almost all of the responses included in the final index readings were received prior to the end of 23rd June (the day of the UK’s EU referendum). In Europe German Chancellor Angela Merkel and fellow European leaders kicked off a series of crisis talks, she urged Britain to get on with it. “An extended waiting game” was bad for both sides, she said. Europe’s leaders must decide how to

treat Britain in the divorce talks and what steps to take to reinforce confidence in a bloc set to shrink with the departure of its second-biggest economy. She said, though, it may take some time for the government to invoke Article 50 that triggers the countdown to an EU exit. During the meeting Donald Tusk and Angela Merkel both reiterated the fact that; ‘Access to the single market requires acceptance of all four freedoms’, a reference to EU principles on the free movement of capital, services, goods and Labour. This toughened stance means that the UK cannot have an ‘a la carte access to the single market’ by picking and choosing which parts of the EU it has access to. Furthermore it is widely expected that the ECB will again expand the current monetary policy in a bid to push inflation to their target level of 2%. Although current expansionary monetary policy measures have proven to have been positive for inflation; it is yet to have the desired effect which has also been exacerbated by the vote for Britain to leave the EU last week. The ECB is unlikely to follow the BoE with an immediate response to the prospect of further monetary policy easing, preferring to wait for more tangible evidence that the expected negative impact is materializing. In the US Final gross domestic product quarter on quarter was

released at 1.1% on Tuesday, which is slightly better than forecast at 1.0%. However, undermining the dollar, US money markets are pricing out any chance of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates in the coming months, most likely due to potential impact and systemic ramifications of a Brexit on global financial markets - as mentioned by Fed Chair Janet Yellen at the previous FOMC meeting. Also Oil prices jumped more than 2 percent on Wednesday after the U.S. government reported a larger-than-expected weekly drawdown in crude inventories, adding fuel to an existing rally on fading concerns over Britain's exit from the European Union. On Friday the weekly unemployment claims figure from the US was printed marginally better than forecast at 286k against a forecast of 287k. Although the figure is commonly associated as a key indicator to economic health, many investors are more concerned or focused on the forward guidance surrounding a potential rate hike, if any. Given the recent Brexit vote, the Fed will be keeping a close eye on the systemic ramifications on global financial markets and how this impacts the US economy and job market. The indexes for both new orders and production rose in June, and both have been expanding for the past six months.

We e k ly Currencies

As of Tuesday 19th July 2016 @ 12.30pm

GBP - INR = 88.76

USD - INR = 67.43

EUR - INR = 74.46 GBP - USD = 1.31 GBP - EUR = 1.19

EUR - USD = 1.10 GBP - AED = 4.83

GBP - CAD = 1.71

GBP - NZD = 1.87

GBP - AUD = 1.75

GBP - ZAR = 18.81

GBP - HUF = 374.82

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

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WORLD

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18,000 detained following coup bid in Turkey AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

ISTANBUL: The Turkish government's crackdown following a military coup soon turned into a dramatic purge after a failed overnight coup tried to "save democracy" from President Recep Tayyip Erdogen. At least 232 people were killed and 1,400 wounded in fighting against rebel troops. Bridges over the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul were blocked by troops last Friday, and fighter jets and helicopters were seen hovering over Ankara, after which, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced an attempt to overthrow the government. The whole stint soon backfired as Erdogan, who was on holiday in a resort town called on his supporters to take to the streets and protest. "They will pay a heavy price for this. This uprising is a gift from God to us because this will be a reason to cleanse our army. They have pointed the people's guns against the people. The president, whom 52 per cent of the people

brought to power, is in charge. This government brought to power by the people is in charge." The evening bloodied with soldiers raiding TV stations, explosions marking Istanbul and Ankara, protesters shot at, parliament and presidential buildings fired up, a military helicopter shot down and the Turkish military chief taken hostage. With no support from the public or the military, the coup soon fell and by early hours of Saturday, soldiers began to surrender and troops abandoned their tanks. While who is responsible for the coup remains unclear, the government was quick to blame Fethullah Gulen, a reclusive US-based Muslim cleric who in turn, denies the claims and has condemned the coup. The consequences of the act were seem in the wrecking numbers of officials being either detained or dismissed. Almost 18,000 in total, including 6,000 members of the military, 9,000 police officers,

3,000 judges, 30 governors and one-third of all generals and admirals were detained. Also facing the heat was Erdogan's own military attaché. Speaking to his supporters, the Turkish Prez said the country was a "democratic state run by the rule of law". He said he was ready to reinstate the death penalty if the Turkish people demanded it and parliament approved it. "Today is there no capital punishment in America? In Russia? In China? In countries around the world? Only in European Union countries is there no capital punishment," he said. Turkey had abolished the

Bastille Day bloodbath: truck terrorist kills 84 in Nice NICE: A terrorist gunman killed 84 people and injured 303, last week, as he drove a monster truck through a crowd gathered to watch the Bastille Day fireworks in the Nice. The killer described by ISIL as a "soldier of Islam" was identified as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a Tunisian with a French passport. The attack is said to be the third worst attack following the Île-deFrance attacks in January 2015 and the Paris attacks in November last year. Driving a 19-tonne cargo truck at high speed right after the fireworks were over, Bouhlel swerved left and right to get pedestrians. "By the moment he was shot dead by the police, he had fired several times," said president of the region Christian Estrosi. The vehicle was pecked with bullet holes and lay damaged with burst tyres. President François Hollande called for military and police reservists to relieve forces worn out by an eight-month state of emergency that began after the Islamic State killed 130 people in Paris. The state of emergence has been extended by three months. Following investigation after the attack, Bouhlel's mobile phone records showed he used dating websites and was quite addicted to drugs and alcohol. It also links him to seven suspects who lie currently in custody for alleged links to the terrorist. The phone also

revealed a text message demanding weapons mere minutes before the seafront massacre ensued. The suspects include two Albanians alleged to have supplied a pistol to the killer, and others whose numbers appeared on the phone. Officials said hundreds were hurt as the driver kept knocking them down "like skittles". Wrecking through hundreds of metres along the front facing the Baie des Anges, slamming into people listening to the orchestra, or just strolling above the beach, Bouhlel made sure to paint a bloodbath before he was taken down. Member of parliament Eric Ciotti called the place a "scene of horror" adding the truck "mowed down several hundred people". Hollande issued a statement saying "France is filled with sadness by this new tragedy." He noted the increased number of children among the dead and said France would continue its military operations in Syria and Iraq. "Tragic paradox that

the subject of Nice attack was the people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity," European Council President Donald Tusk said on Twitter. Extending his support, Imam Qari Asim MBE, Senior Imam at Leeds Makkah Mosque, said, "We pray for the victims and their families following the attack in Nice, the same as we did for those in Orlando, Dallas, Medina, Baghdad, Istanbul, Dhaka and all the other places around the world terrorists have struck in recent weeks. Yet again we condemn the barbaric acts of an individual determined to spread hate and prejudice across the world. The senseless murder of innocence is always deplorable yet this attack is just another, in a long line of examples, that demonstrates the savagery and brutality of a twisted ideology. This a time when people of all faiths and none must come together, we must not let terrorists and extremists win in creating the divisions they viciously seek to sow."

penalty on 2004 to become a member of the EU. Western countries raised alarm with US Secretary of State John Kerry urging Turkey to show restraint and preserve the rule of law. At a joint news conference with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Kerry said that America stands "squarely on the side of the elected leadership in Turkey," but that "we urge the government of Turkey to uphold the highest standards of respect for the nation's democratic institutions and the rule of law". Nandini Devere, a UK based lawyer’s parents were in Turkey, the day the coup

broke out. They reached earlier on the day, and after dinner took a walk and went to sleep when the chaos broke out. "When I called up my parents hearing about the coup, my parents were fast asleep and did not know much about the situation. They were staying very close to the centre. However, next morning everything was back to normal and my parents told me that they did not feel anything was odd. In fact they were encouraged to go and see the Blue mosque and other areas of interests- everything was back on business as usual." Vivek Chowdhury from the UK was visiting Turkey at the same time for work. He said, "I was in my hotel when the coup broke out. Obviously the hotels were being careful about the security of guests. But everything was very peaceful when I walked out in the morning. Must say people are very resilient. The city was back to business as usual." On the night when the

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coup broke out in Turkey, around midnight many Turkish people gathered outside the BBC building near Oxford circus demanding to know what is happening in their country, as all mode of communication with the country shut down. However, they all urged that a military coup was not the answer to their problem. Nadiya, with her friends told Rupanjana Dutta from Asian Voice, who was present there, "Yes we are not happy with the President. We are gathered here to hear what he has to say to the media. But the opposition must not use coup as a tool to oppose the government. It’s too dangerous for the safety of the commoners. My family is alright, I have spoken to them. But they could have been easily hurt and such kind on unrest often leads to uncontrollable violence. It’s perhaps only a matter of time." As the crowd dispersed they blew their car horns very loudly, while police vans cordoned off the area.

Germany admits to the Namibia massacre BERLIN: In a landmark admission of historical guilt, Germany is to recognise the massacre of 110,000 of the Herero and Nama people of Namibia by German troops between 1904 -1908. A spokesperson for the German government said the country would formally apologise to Namibia. The extermination of up to 100,000 Herero and around 10,000 Nama people by the German colonial troops is widely considered as the first genocide of the 20th century and a precursor to the Holocaust. The colonial troops literally drove tens of thousands of people into the desert to die of starvation and dehydration while others were sent to concentration camps where they died of disease and abuse. Many of the victims of the atrocity were beheaded and their skulls sent to Germany for scientific experiments. The German foreign ministry guidelines started referring the killings as a “genocide” a year back, it was only last week that the government confirmed in a written answer to a parliamentary question that it would now

be official policy. The government, however, made it clear it would not pay any repatriations to Namibia, but would, however, contribute towards development aid. The genocide in Namibia began as an operation to suppress a revolt against German colonial rule by the Herero and Nama. However, systematic killings continued long after the uprising had been put down. During the second half of the 19th century, European powers of UK, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Spain, who divided the African continent amongst themselves with nothing more than a pencil and a map. Among its various

overseas colonies like Congo, South West Africa,Tanzania, Kenya. In Namibia, its people were basically tribes who warred with each other. The colonial powers used the tension between the tribes to support one over the other which further created more disputes. In the course of human history the above phenomenon is nothing new. The massacre of 2 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman troops, the conflict in Algeria in the 1960s and 1970s, the Maji-Maji Rebellion during the first world war in present day Tanzania and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919.

Binging on sweet and fatty foods Research has shown high fat, high sugar diets create a vicious circle which encourages people to snack even more. The research by a team at the Macquarie University in Australia found eating a lot of fat

sugary food inhibits the capacity of the hippocampus, the part of the brain linked to memory. Researchers found people who habitually ate fatty, sugary food performed worse in learning and memory activities and were

less likely to report a reduction of cravings for snacks after a full meal. The study suggests that if the brain fails to suppress memories of food, it is harder for the person to resist treats, which might prompt a cycle of overeating.

WORLD Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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Modi's Africa visit adds new dimension to ties AsianVoiceNews

History and geography determines the relationship between India and East Africa and India and South Africa. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya were timely and the results encouraging for all sides. The political content was clearly visible, especially in South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi first cut his political teeth and gave notice of the remarkable leader he was to be for South Africa as well as for India. The watchword on all sides was renewal: on how to make their separate and collective relationships fit for 21st century purpose. Reflexive anti-colonialism, a thing of the past, was no longer a crucifix of salvation. That being so, the principal talking points involved trade and investment and greater all round economic cooperation, more so in increased scientific and technical traffic and educational exchanges, plus security interaction in the face of global terrorism, from whose depredations Kenya, in particular, has suffered grievous losses of life and property in recent years. The time was ripe for serious stocktaking. Immense transformational changes are changing the face of India, which today is a significant economic power with a rapidly expanding industrial base and special strengths in the services sector, most notably in Information Technology. Indian advances in pharmaceuticals are already well known; India sourced generic drugs are available at affordable prices domestically, while also carving a niche in advanced markets in Europe and North America. African countries have special concerns in this

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area. Buying drugs from Western multinational companies has been, and is hugely expensive experience for the ordinary citizen across the continent. Sourcing these from India makes them affordable and truly life-saving. During Modi’s presence in South Africa, Mumbai-based pharmaceutical major Cipla is in the process of setting up a billion dollar manufacturing unit in Durban designed to provide generic drugs as well as those for cancer and HIV and other serious diseases [See page 12]. President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed justifiable concern that Western multinational companies would pressure into raising the prices of generic drugs; he was assured by his guest that he need have no fears on that score, that Indian products would be available at the same affordable rates that they are now. In South Africa Modi asked President Jacob Zuma to invest in India’s defence industry, since his country had sophisticated technologies and products to offer. Finally, the great bridge between the host countries and India was the large Indian diaspora, long settled in the region as a whole, whose presence in commerce is both visible and profitable, who view their place of residence over many generations as their motherland to whom they owe their primary loyalty. A vast public meeting in Nairobi of the Indian population heard Modi and President Kenyatta drive this point home in their respective speeches. To all his hosts, Prime Minister Modi made generous lines of credit available for whatever they needed to buy in India or elsewhere in the best interests of their respective countries.

Hollande spends £99,000 a year on haircuts Well, it appears French President François Hollande will never have a bad hair day, at least during his term in office, as he employs a hairdresser for £99,000 a year. The satirical newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné has published the contract of Olivier Benhamou, the presidential hairdresser who was hired for Hollande's five-year term in 2012. The news is hair-raising because Hollande came to power on a platform focusing on left-wing ideology with promises to lead a simple lifestyle as opposed to his Conservative predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, and his model wife, Carla Bruni, who were infamous for their extravagant lifestyle.

French President François Hollande

Sarkozy was mocked for spending more than $8,500 a month on a personal make-up artist, but the contract of Hollande's barber showed he earns almost as much as a French government minister. Trying to justify the hairdresser's pay, presidential officials reportedly said that he works long hours and is beside Hollande to fix his hair “as many times as necessary”.

Prime Minister Modi's calculated four-nation visit to the African continent came soon after the successful India Forum Summit hosted by New Delhi last October. Scaling Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, Modi's reaching out to the countries gave a whole new dimension to India's stand with the continent in terms of food, energy security, defence, and maritime cooperation. His first prime ministerial visits to Mozambique and Tanzania saw agreements signed for import of pulses, a move that benefited both, India's food security and African farmers. India's Ambassador to South Africa and Kenya, Rajiv Bhatia said, "The long-term agreement with Mozambique on import of pulses is an excellent win-win situation. The people of Mozambique don't consume dal that much, so in India, they have found a readymade market." Modi and Tanzanian President John Magufuli agreed to deepen their partnership in agriculture and food security. The announcement was seen as a change from the previous model. "As against earlier when farmers from Punjab and Andhra Pradesh used to go to African countries, India now gives the opportunity and security to African farmers by offering minimum support price to sell to India," said Malancha Chakrabarty, associate fellow in the Observer Research Foundation. "At the same time we are ensuring that the quality suits Indian preferences." While every foreign trip made by the Indian leader is of undisputed

J K Chande

A prominent Tanzanian businessman, philanthropist, and freemason, J K Chande (Andy) is the chairman of the Board of Governors of Shaaban Robert Secondary School, and President of the Dar es Salaam Secondary Education Society. He is a recipient of the Hind Ratna Award, and has also received the 'Service Above Self' award from Rotary International in recognition of his years of work for the organisation. Born Jayantilal Keshavji Chande, was appointed as chairman of the Rotary Foundation of the UK. He

Narendra Modi in an interaction with the Indian community, in Mozambique

Modi shares a moment with people at Phoenix Settlement, in South Africa

importance, his visit to Africa remained long anticipated and could not have come sooner. In his two years in office, Modi has visited a whopping 47 countries in five continents, all except Africa, until now. African leaders are if anything, happy with Modi following India's

was also made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2003.

"look east policies" and prioritising their relations. They however, aren't naïve enough to miss out on India's underlying strategy to claim strategic power as compared to China. Energy security is yet another area, with Mozambique being the third biggest supplier of natural gas after Qatar and Australia and Tanzania emerging as gas giants. African countries have often opted for friendly relations with India with no looming security issues in terms of gas imports, like the case with the TAPI gas pipeline. Also pinning maritime cooperation, NaMo made it a common theme with all the four countries he visited. Strategic affairs expert C Uday Bhaskar, Director, Society for Policy Studies, said, "I am very gratified that India is extending maritime cooperation with Africa. This is a logical extension of Modi's island tours on Security And Growth for All in the Region. We should see this as a logical security enabler in the region."

Pak social media star murdered by her brother ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's most famous and controversial social media queen, Qandeel Baloch, real name Fauzia Azeem, was strangled to death in a case of "honor" killing, in Multan. The city's chief police officer said that Baloch was killed by her brother in her family home after he protested at the "kind of pictures she had been posting online." Muhammad Waseem who fled right after the incident came to light, was caught over the weekend and un-repenting about his actions. In a press conference arranged by the police, he said he gave a "tablet" to Baloch to subdue her and then strangled her in their family home over the weekend. "I have no regrets," he said. Baloch, 25, was from Kot Addu, Punjab province,

Qandeel Baloch

and got her shot to fame with sassy and political videos she posted on Facebook. Her antics were usually flirty as she pouted and cooed, and "confessed" about her celebrity crushes. In a country like Pakistan where the women live on the lines drawn by males. Baloch had nearly 750,000 followers on Facebook and while her videos often went

viral, she was also the subject of debate. Many of her posts even encouraged her viewers to question the traditional ways of their society. She even referred to herself as a "modern day feminist". Co-founder of feminist magazine Tanqeed, Madiha Tahir called Baloch a "gutsy feminist provocateur" who had exposed "the hypocrisy

of the male-dominated establishment, especially the clergy (Mufti Abdul Qavi), through her social media videos." Tahir said, "She wasn't rich. She was a working class woman who dared to be exactly herself." She said Baloch's death was not due to a matter of honour but due to the "pervasive misogyny" of Pakistani society. Her provocative stints included declaring to perform a live strip tease online if Pakistan won a cricket match against India. In recent reports surfacing after her death, it was also known that the 25 year old feared for her life. Hassan Choudary, digital editor at Express Tribune Life & Style, said he had spoken with her on the phone recently, and she was sobbing and "feared for her life".

INDIA

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Nearly 6,000 converted to Islam in Kerala In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

T HIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As per an intelligence report given to the state police chief, two "recognised" religious conversion centres in Kozhikode and Malappuram converted as many as 5,793 people to Islam between 2011 and 2015. However, top government officials fear the conversions happening in unrecognised centres in the state could be higher. The report states that almost half of those who converted to Islam are women and the majority of these women (76 per cent) are below the age of 35. Of those converted, 4,719 were Hindus and the remaining 1,074 were mostly Christian. The conversions took place at Tharbiyathul Islam Sabha in Kozhikode and Monunsthil Islam Sabha at Ponnani, two traditional religious institu-

Eeza (Bexon Vincent) and Fathima (Nimisha)

tions in the state 'authorised' to convert people from other religions to Islam. "Inquiries are required to know whether this will affect the communal harmony, internal security of the state and nation. A detailed SSB inquiry in Kasaragod, Kannur, A l p p u z h a , Thiruvananthapuram, and

Palakkad is to unearth the details," the report said. The record was prepared in connection with the conversion of Nimishaa alias Fathima, currently missing along with 20 others from the state and suspected to have joined Islamic State. Community kitchens' in tribal hamlets: Meanwile,

Kerala minister for welfare of scheduled tribes A K Balan said that the 'community kitchen' scheme would be extended to all tribal areas in the state to mitigate the malnutrition issue among the tribals. At present 59 community kitchens are there in the 186 tribal hamlets in Attappady, one of the largest tribal settlements in the state," he said. Stating that the government's focus was on development of eco-tribal habitats, the minister said they have no plans to relocate over 26,000 primitive tribes living inside forests as part of rehabilitation. The 'community kitchen' scheme was first started in the tribal areas of Palakkad district in 2013 to provide one full meal each day to children below six years, adolescents, pregnant women, and those above 60 years of age.

Can't stop fair criticism, Karnataka minister SC warns Jayalalithaa quits over cop's suicide CHENNAI: In a democracy, criticism of a government cannot be suppressed, the Supreme Court warned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa as it put a hold on cases filed by her against a political rival. Asking her to respond within a month, the judges said, "In a democracy, fair criticism against a government cannot be treated as a defamatory statement against the Chief Minister." Jayalalithaa has issued 14 cases of defamation against former actor Vijayakanth and his wife Premalatha and colleagues, for discrediting her governance with a series of remarks, including a comment saying the floods that nearly destroyed Chennai in December 2015, was artificial-

J Jayalalithaa

ly caused. Jaya has a massive following in the region, a glimpse of which was seen in the protests and destruction of public property when she was jailed on corruption charges for nine months in 2012. She does not interact with the media, and is seen rarely in public, drawing large audiences on the chosen occasions when she appears on the balcony of her residence in Chennai.

Kejriwal tenders apology at Golden Temple AMRITSAR: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal washed utensils at the Golden Temple and tendered an apology for showing disrespect to Sikhs, 'Golden Temple' and their holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib by his party. Amidst heavy security, Kejriwal arrived at the Temple early in the morning with his senior party leaders to tender the apology and perform sewa (voluntary service). Kejriwal first went to Langar (community kitchen) of the temple and washed utensils for about half an hour following which he took Parikarma (circum ambulations) and sat there with his colleagues for about half an hour before going to sanctum sanctorum of the holy shrine for paying obeisance. The move by Kejriwal was to seek forgiveness for AAP's political gaffe after the party's 'Youth manifesto' carried a picture of the Golden Temple, along with AAP election symbol of 'broom'. Like an ordinary man,

Arvind Kejriwal

Kejriwal stood in queue to pay obeisance at sanctum sanctorum and listened to kirtan but remained centre of attraction for all those present at the temple. After paying obeisance, he said "We had committed a few mistakes inadvertently while releasing party's youth manifesto and to seek apology for the same we have performed sewa and paid obeisance at the Golden Temple and now we feel very blessed and peaceful." Soon after Kejriwal left for Delhi. The controversy erupted after a section of Sikh religious leaders and political bodies seriously objected at AAP's leader Ashish Khetan comparing party's youth manifesto with holy scriptures.

BENGALURU: After being accused of aiding the suicide of a senior police officer, KJ George has quit the Congress government in Karnataka. George, 58, had been resisting demands for his resignation, claiming there was no direct evidence of his role in the death of MK Ganapathi who was found hanging in uniform last week. The deceased had accused George of harassing him, in a television interview. Ganapathi, mere hours before his death, had told a TV channel that the minister and two other senior police officers were persecuting him with fake charges of corruption and involvement in extra judicial killings. While his wife has backed his version, his brother said he was in poor mental health. George had the support of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, a local court ordered the police to include George in its chargesheet. The opposition has ever since pressurising the CM and George, accusing

Pet dogs kill man in Tamil Nadu

VELLORE: A 56 year old man was bitten and mauled to death by his own pet dogs, in Kattupakkam village, Vellore. Kirubakaran, who worked in the office of the additional director general of police, went to feed the dogs when the incident occurred. "He was rearing a Rottweiler female dog. Three days ago, he brought a male Rottweiler for breeding purpose, it attacked him when he went to feed him," a family member said. While the injured was rushed to a hospital almost immediately, he succumbed to the injuries. "There were multiple bites, particularly on the upper body," said sub-inspector of police, Munusamy. The Banavaram police have registered a case.

Revised TN budget

CHENNAI: Revised Tamil Nadu budget for 2016-17 will be presented in the Assembly on July 21. In the interim budget presented before the Assembly elections, the revenue deficit was put at £915.4 million and the fiscal deficit at £3.67 billion. Although the Opposition will most likely raise the issue of huge deficit, the State government will staunchly argue that the region's finances are still under control, claiming that it has adhered to the norms under fiscal indicators, including that of outstanding loans for the past five years. The session will be a bumpy with the ruling AIADMK facing a strong opposition from the DMK.

6 year old dies after being thrashed by his senior

KJ George

them of attempting a cover up by refusing to hand the investigation to the CBI. Parties also said he cannot remain in office if a fair inquiry is to take place. Siddaramaiah's government has been facing flak on multiple occasions with the police force in recent times. Just recently another Deputy Superintendent of Police killed himself after he was accused of involvement in a kidnapping case. Anupama Shenoy, a woman officer resigned a couple of weeks ago amid reports of political interference in her work.

Men below 50 unfit to teach girls: Haryana minister CHANDIGARH: In a bid to provide a safer environment to girls, the Haryana government is going to adopt a policy of disallowing male teachers below the age of 50 years, to teach the female students. State Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, who is mostly known for his controversial statements, said male teachers in their forties or younger should not opt for jobs at girls' schools. The initiative is part of the state government's new Teachers Transfer Policy2016. "The educational institutions of boys and girls were the same in the past and were separated following the recommendations of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. He has written in his book Satyarth

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Prakash, that schools of boys and girls should be different and it was followed across the country," Sharma said. The decision is also based on the "natural Hindu philosophy of life" where a girl after a certain age needs special precautions, along with the fear that they may be attracted towards their teachers. Just last month Sharma invoked a massive row when his education department, on his orders, issued a directive to school teachers asking them not to wear jeans to work. It was later withdrawn after widespread criticism. The government's new age bar policy for male teachers has also drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Congress.

HYDERABAD: A six-year-old boy died in Hyderabad after he was allegedly beaten up by another minor at his school, said police officials. Mohammed Ibrahim, a first standard student, suffered serious injuries in his private parts after he was allegedly kicked by a sevenyear-old. After he reached home, his parents took Ibrahim to a local hospital when he complained of severe pain. He succumbed to his injuries after undergoing two surgeries.

Punjab Cong seeks ‘loyalty bond’ from ticket seekers

CHANDIGARH: The Congress, which is hoping to win the Punjab Assembly polls next year, has introduced a "loyalty bond" that all the ticket hopefuls will have to sign for their candidature to be accepted. An aspirant has to give an undertaking and pledge that if he/she is not elected as the official Congress candidate for any constituency, he/she will not contest as an independent candidate, and will fully support the one elected as the nominee. Former CM Amarinder Singh said the party would take strict action against rebels.

AAP complaint against Badal

HOSHIARPUR: Aam Aadmi Party media incharge of Chabbewal Kulwant Singh has filed a criminal complaint against Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, seeking action against him under Section 295-A for hurting religious sentiments. The complaint said bicycles being distributed by the state government to schoolgirls had Badal's photo pasted on the front carrier while Sikh general Mai Bhago's name was printed on the chain cover. It added that feet of the girls riding the cycle touch Mai Bhago's name continuously. It has hurt not only his sentiments but also religious sentiments of the entire Sikh community.

Govt buys £130,000 SUV for ‘austere’ Khattar

CHANDIGARH: Haryana government has bought a Toyota Land Cruiser worth £130,000 for Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The most expensive car to ever be bought for a Haryana CM, officials said the car's bullet-proofing may cost an additional Rs 3500,000-4000,000. Khattar currently uses a Mercedes Benz, bought for his predecessor Bhupinder Singh Hooda, in 2007. The new buy surprised the CM's associates who said he used to travel in buses, trains, and even twowheelers.

INDIA Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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Thrashing of dalits in Una sparks 154 Indians evacuated from S Sudan protests in Gujarat AsianVoiceNews

Five more people belonging to the Dalit community tried to commit suicide in two separate incidents in Gujarat as protests against the thrashing of four Dalit boys allegedly skinning a dead cow in a village on July 11, in Una town continued in Saurashtra region. The incident comes within 24 hours of seven youngsters attempting suicide, three consuming poisonous substance in Bantva, Junagadh. Identified as Dilip Parmar, Rasik Vinjhuda, and Dinesh Vegda, authorities said they were immediately rushed to the Civil hospital. Two other youth tried to kill themselves in Gondal, where five had attempted suicide on Monday. Dalit protesters set three state transport buses on fire, including two in Dhoraji, and one in Dhrol near Jamnagar. A telephone exchange was also vandalised in Rajkot. Making matters worse was a 2,000strong mob that marched and attacked two state transport buses in Amreli, Saurashtra. More than a dozen people including seven policemen were injured in incidents of stone pelting by the community people. The state government has seemingly not been affected by the protests and has only initiated an inquiry by the CID into the incident of the beating of the four Dalit boys. The government said it was committed to the protection of Dalits, in a

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Vasram Sarvaiya

Ashok Sarvaiya

Dilip Jesing Parmar

Dinesh Raja Vegda

drab statement the government said it has already suspended four police officials and arrested nine persons in the case. Protesters resorted to stone throwing

Indian techie to be buried in US as wife in coma

Body of an Indian man who died in an accident in the United States earlier this month, will in all likelihood be buried as his wife is in a coma and incapable of giving consent for his cremation. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that the Indian Consul General in New York, Riva Ganguly proposed the body of deceased Chandan Gavai who died along with his parents, be buried till his wife Manisha Surwade comes out of her coma. An IT professional, Gavai, 38, and parents Kamalnayan Gavai, 74, and Archana Gavai, 60, were killed when a pickup truck crashed into their car while they were returning after

Balubhai Sarvaiya

watching the 4th of July fireworks at Yaphank, Suffolk County. Both the vehicles burst into flames immediately, and the truck driver died on the spot. Swaraj tweeted, "Burial of Chandan as his wife Manisha is in coma and she alone can give consent for his cremation." US laws dictate the spouse's consent is necessary for the cremation of a body. Swaraj said death certificates would be issued for all the three who died and the family would be helped in getting insurance money. She added that all members of the family, including Manisha, who are in the US, are agreeable to the Consul General's proposal.

Ramesh Sarvaiya

Rasikbhai Rathod Batva

and sit-ins. They also blocked traffic on the main highway to Rajkot and Jamnagar. State Transport authority cancelled buses

on several routes in Rajkot, Porbandar, and Junagadh districts. The dalits were thrashed by Shiv Sainiks near Una while they were skinning a dead cow alleging that they killed the cow. The agitating dalits dumped dead cows in government offices to demand justice for the victims. The police had deployed tight security in the wake of their threat of self-immolation since July 16 but they reached Dr Ambedkar's statue and drank poisonous substance. In Jam Kandorna village too two persons consumed poisonous substance. The condition of all seven is said to be stable.

HUMOUR CORNER A company owner is visiting a big factory for a photo op, and decides to get the opinions of his employees. He walks up to one of the line workers and says, "My friend, I hear alcoholism is a big problem in Russia. Tell me, do you think you could still do your job if you drank a bottle of vodka in the morning?" The worker thinks and says, "Well... I suppose so." The boss frowns because that wasn't the answer he was expecting, but presses on, "Do you think you could still do your job if you'd had two bottles of vodka in the morning?" The worker nods and says he probably could. The man, now becoming exasperated, asks, "What if you'd had three bottles?" The worker replies, "I'm here, aren't I?" *** The Smith family was very proud that their ancestors had come over on the Mayflower, so they hired best-selling author Frank McCourt to look up and write a book about their family history. However, they were devastated to discover that great uncle Fess had died in the electric chair for committing a murder. They didn't want that in the book, but they didn't want to leave him out either. McCourt said, "Leave it to me." When the book came out, the section about Uncle Fess read: "He was a man who occupied a great seat. He was attached to his position very firmly. His death came as a great shock." *** A woman visited a psychic of some local repute. In a dark and hazy room, peering into a crystal ball, the mystic delivered grave news: "There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just be blunt prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year." Visibly shaken, she stared at the mystic's lined face, then at the single flickering candle, then down at her hands. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself. She simply had to know. She met the fortune teller's gaze, steadied her voice, and asked: "Will I be acquitted?"

The first Indian Air Force flight C-17 carrying 156 people, who were evacuated from war-torn South Sudan's capital city Juba, arrived in India last week. The evacuees also included two Nepali citizens, besides nine women and three children. The passengers from Kerala and some from Tamil Nadu disembarked after a brief halt. Minister of state for external affairs V K Singh, who is leading the government's 'Operation Sankat Mochan' to evacuate Indians from the African country, told reporters at the airport that 156 persons have been evacuated, of whom two are from Nepal. There are over 550 Indians at Juba and another 150 in areas where the oil wells are located. "When we landed, 156 came out with us. There were 30-40 people who had already booked their tickets when the commercial flights started and 300 people did not want to be evacuated due to their business concerns and other activities. There are 9 women and three children among those evacuated," Singh said. On those who turned down the government's plea to be evacuated, Singh said, "we tried to convince them. I suppose business comes first, life

comes later (for them).." "After fighting broke out in Juba and its outskirts, our aim was to evacuate our people who were in danger. As per our information, there were 550 plus people in Juba itself with another 150 indians in areas where the oil wells are there..," he added. The evacuation exercise faced a hurdle when several Indians, after registering with the external affairs ministry for leaving South Sudan, refused to return, despite an appeal by External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Twitter asking them to move out. Singh said he had met Vice-President of Sudan who spoke of the situation out there. The C-17 aircraft was brought via Uganda and the minister also met the Ugandan Prime minister Ruhakana Rugunda who on his part assured of all help. South Sudan is witnessing heavy fighting between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city. Kerala state power minister, Kadakkampally S u r e n d r a n , Thiruvananthapuram district collector, Biju Prabhakar, were among those who received the travel weary passengers when they arrived here.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One believes the rains are a blessing from the Lord, the other believes it is from Allah!â&#x20AC;?

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Kashmir violence Pak sponsored, says Rajnath Singh AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh launched fresh attack at neighbouring country Pakistan as he questioned its interference in the ongoing Kashmir violence. "Kehne ko naam Pakistan hai par hakatein saari naapaak hai (They call themselves Pakistan, but their actions are unholy)," said Singh. He added, "A terrorist was killed in India, and Pakistan is observing 'Black Day' there. Pak is interfering in the internal issue of India." Stating that the government will be tough on militants, Singh said he had asked forces not to use fatal weapons and exercise maximum restraint while dealing with the brewing trouble in the Valley. "I want to inform everyone that I called the government in Jammu and Kashmir, asking everyone to exercise as much restraint as possible. We have asked forces not to use fatal weapons," he said. The Home Minister said there were 15 serious cases registered against killed terrorist and Hizbul Mujaheedin commander Burhan Wani, which lead to the violence in the region. As many as 1,948 civilians were injured and 1,744 of them discharged after treatment, 1,671 security force personnel were

injured and one jawan died. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains concerned over the situation. "When Prime Minister Modi was on foreign tour, I didn't call him, but he did. He inquired about the Kashmir situation. And, after arriving back in India, the first meeting he held was a review meeting on the J&K situation." Meanwhile, curfew entered its 12th day in 10 affected districts of Kashmir. Internet is largely inaccessible, mobile services shut, cable TV blocked, and newspapers failed to hit the stands for the fourth day. Add to this the trou-

bles of petrol pumps and ATMs running high and dry, and mounds of garbage yet to be cleared by municipalities. A defaced elected government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti remains flustered. A hotch-potch of events, a recent Intelligence Bureau report revealed that every year almost £10 million is being channelled from Pakistan to Kashmir through hawala channel to create nuisance in the region. The funds directly go to the separatists who distribute it among young men to take part in protest rallies against security forces. The report further said Pak's

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ISI recently held a meeting with Hizbul supreme commander Syed Salahuddin and Jamaat-ud-dawa chief Hafiz Saeed for illicit fund transfers and to appoint four new 'commanders' to fan trouble in the valley. In fact, a video of Saeed's speech in Urdu surfaced on social media. The terrorist hails the dead terrorist and says that "after Burhan's martydom and the martydom of many others, I expect the jihad in Kashmir will rise with strength. The scene will change completely." Also to be closely scrutinised is the centre's dealing with the protests. Former J&K CM and Leader of Opposition,

Ghulam Nabi Azad said the BJP's failure to learn from his and Omar Abdullah's experiences of dealing with street protests in Kashmir had taken the state back to the turbulent 90s. "One cannot look at the pictures that are being circulated on WhatsApp. There was one where a DIG was crushing the face of a young kid with his boots. Nobody is supporting militancy but shouldn't there be a distinction between militants and common man? How can the bullet that is being used for a militant be used on a six-year old, an old man and woman. Common men need the healing touch, militants need the gun," he said. He also slammed Pak saying, "Indian Muslims are capable of deciding their own fate, fighting for their rights in their own country. We do not need the support of Pakistan. Many years ago, we chose our country as they did theirs." Azad attempted to trace the origins of the discord to the “mismatch” of the BJP-PDP alliance, a statement that was immediately rejected by Leader of the House Arun Jaitley who said that mathematically that was the only possible government in the state. Unrest in Kashmir, including the present one,

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stem from the fact that Pakistan never reconciled to its inclusion in India and having realised it could not win a conventional war, it took this route. “Thousands attacking a police post armed with stones changed the very paradigm of terror at a time when there was a global appetite against terror,” he said. CPM’s Sitaram Yechury said the government’s blow-hot, blow-cold policy towards Pakistan has to stop but it also needs to feel the pain of Kashmiris. “Sometimes it is a 56-inch chest, sometimes there is an unscheduled stopover for biryani,” he said, referring to the Prime Minister’s sudden decision to have tea with Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif last year. Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut said: “Chai pe charcha will not happen with Pakistan any more but it will happen with the people of Kashmir. But there cannot be Pakistani and IS flags in the Valley. If this august House mourns the likes of Burhan Wani, we send a very wrong message… we have to also laud the efforts of our jawans in the Valley and the intense pressure that they work under. Nobody in our country fires at women deliberately or hurts children.”

Pakistan humiliated over terror as it seeks support on Kashmir Pakistan's attempt to push international pressure on India regarding the impending Kashmir issue failed miserably as a range of lawmakers, analysts, and diplomats called it a terrorist entity and should be denied foreign aid. They also said that its leaders deserved to be sanctioned and stopped from travelling to the United States for consistently cheating the world community on terrorism. Lawmakers and experts testified before a congressional panel, calling for designating Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism and for cutting off all aid to Islamabad. Analyst Bill Roggio of Long War Journal went far enough to recommend cutting off educational aid, because money is "fungible" and was what was given as education or humanitarian aid freed other moneys for Pakistan's general fattened on US aid. One of the harshest

indictment on the country in congressional hearing history as lawmakers holding the hearing and those testifying before it, splashed dirt on the country. "They are making chumps out of us. They see us being so stupid. It seems like paying the mafia," said congressman Matt Salmon, who held the hearing. Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad said, "If I may use an undiplomatic term, we have been patsies. Chumps... patsies... idiots." He explained how Pak manipulated America by reaching out to US officials and lawmakers with a charm offensive each time it had its back to the wall. He reminded the panel of how Musharraf had maintained terrorism was fine as long as it was directed against India. India's permanent representative at the UN, Syed Akbaruddin rained on the neighbouring

country, calling it "a country that covets the territory of others, a country that uses terrorism as state policy towards that misguided end, a country that extols the virtues of terrorists and that provides sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists." He added that, "Pakistan is the same country whose track record has failed to convince the international community to gain membership of the UN human rights council in this very session of the UNGA." Akbaruddin said the "international community has long seen through such designs" and such "cynical attempts finds no resonance in this forum or elsewhere in the United Nations." He also asserted that "as a diverse, pluralistic and tolerant society, India's commitment to the rule of law, democracy and human rights is enshrined in its founding principles."

Indian woman gang raped Five Indian men allegedly gang-raped a Dalit woman for the second time in two years to "punish" her for refusing to drop charges against them for the initial crime. The lower caste student and her family changed cities to escape the five men, who first assaulted her in Bhiwani, 2013.

However, the men who remain at large, tracked her down and attacker her as she left her university campus in nearby Rohtak. "I got scared seeing them. They forcefully pushed me inside the car.They were the same men, who had raped me earlier," said the victim in her police statement.

Passersby found her lying unconscious with her clothes torn, and took her to the hospital. The family said this was an attempt to intimidate her after they refused to accept an out-ofcourt settlement and ignored "constant threats" against pursuing legal proceedings.

Herbal teas can help you to beat stress AsianVoiceNews

LIFESTYLE

Stress has become a part of our lifestyle. It has different meanings for everyone. And everyone cannot afford to workout or have time to meditate. So try herbal teas which can give you relaxation though its medicinal or therapeutic effects are still inconclusive. Taking chamomile tea is one such step. But it is not advisable to completely rely on herbal teas, but it's definitely a temporary solution for minor cases. Herbal teas do help in eliminating dehydration, relaxation, which eventually becomes a good habit. Herbal teas do have potential benefits of antioxidants that are overall good for health. To be precise, it doesn't have medicinal qualities that can cure the problem, but it will help the person to relax.

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...

should be taken at night, and also advisable not to drive after drinking Valerian Root tea. Peppermint: Apart from solving digestion problems, it also acts as a mild sedative. It's a caffeine free tea. It can be consumed in any temperature - hot or cold. Peppermint tea will give extra benefits if consumed at night before sleep. Chamomile: A passable solution recommended by doctors. It helps people to overcome insomnia, hyperactivity or stress. Chamomile ranks third in demand after Green tea followed by peppermint tea. Lavender: Made of delicate flowers - Lavender tea helps to overcome indigestion, anxiety, irritability, tension, headaches and nervous breakdown. Lavender is also used as aromatherapy for relaxation.

Ginseng: Even though the tea tastes bitter, it helps in insomnia, nervous exhaustion and stress. It can also reduce cancer cells and help prevent obesity. Ginseng is available in three flavours American, Siberian and Asian. Skullcap: This plant is also used as tea, which helps to overcome premenstrual syndrome, nervous exhaustion, muscle spasms and headache. Skullcap also helps in curing paralysis through stroke. Lemon Balm: People suffering from insomnia must consume Lemon Balm tea. This medical potion can also help in fever caused by cold or flu. Lemon Balm tea is also known as Melissa. It also helps people with mental disorders. Lemon Verbena: Made of plant with incredible properties that can help

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alleviate insomnia, indigestion and nausea. It also helps in breaking down of cellulites and lessening acne. Linden flower: The fragrant of this flower tea soothes one from nervous tension, anxiety, headaches and indigestion. Linden tea also helps to reduce irritable components in mouth or throat during sickness. Hops: This natural plant carries estrogens, which is an elixir for woman suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Avoid drinking Hops tea during the day at work as it is meant to attain good sleep. Herbal teas do not have medicinal qualities and should not be taken alone. It doesn't have the ability to cope up with future stresses. Although, if the stress is under control with small efforts of staying fit, eating healthy and drinking herbal tea everyday—there is no way one can fall sick.

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or one, they do not contain caffeine. On the downside, there are some herbal teas that tend to be lower on antioxidant content than green, white, black and oolong tea. The composition of the tea is dependant on which plant (and which part of the plantroot/stem/flower) is being used to make the drink. For instance, Chamomile tea (flowers are used in this case) is rich in antioxidants that are useful in stunting the growth of cancer cells and inducing restful sleep. Herbal teas that are available in India. Kava: This herbal tea is often consumed after meal in parts of Kashmir. It is capable of reducing anxiety symptoms without getting addicted to it. Although, one must have Kava tea in limit, as it can cause liver damage. Hibiscus: Scientific studies have proved that it can reduce blood pressure. It is recommended to have three cups everyday. Hibiscus flowers are also used for making Karkade, a popular drink in Egypt. Passionflower: It is also known as Kava-lite and claims to have given benefits similar to Kava tea. It is also used in Hawaiian punch and some soft drinks for its flavours. Valerian Root: This tea is best for soothing anxiety symptoms and overcome insomnia. Make sure the first consumption

AsianVoiceNewsweekly | Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

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Butter may not increase heart attack risk

new study has claimed that moderate consumption of butter may not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke - and it might actually be slightly protective against diabetes. Researchers found that butter consumption was only weakly associated with total mortality, not associated with cardiovascular disease, and slightly inversely associated with diabetes. Based on a systematic review and search of multiple online academic and medical databases, researchers identified nine eligible research studies including 15 country-specific cohorts representing 636,151 unique individuals with a total of 6.5 million person-years of follow-up. Over the total followup period, the combined group of studies included 28,271 deaths, 9,783 cases of cardiovascular disease, and 23,954 cases of newonset type 2 diabetes. Researchers combined the nine studies into a metaanalysis of relative risk. Butter consumption was standardised across all nine studies to 14 grammes per day, which corresponds to roughly one tablespoon, researchers said. Overall, the average butter consumption across the nine studies ranged

from roughly one-third of a serving per day to 3.2 servings per day, they said. The study found mostly small or insignificant associations of each daily serving of butter with total mortality, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. "Even though people who eat more butter generally have worse diets and lifestyles, it seemed to be pretty neutral overall," said Laura Pimpin from the UK health forum. "This suggests that butter may be a "middleof-the-road" food: a more healthful choice than sugar or starch, such as the white bread or potato on which butter is commonly spread and which have been linked to higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease," said Pimpin. According to her, butter is a worse choice than many margarines and cooking oils - those rich in healthy fats such as soybean, canola, flaxseed, and extra virgin olive oils which would likely lower risk compared with either butter or refined grains, starches, and sugars. "Overall, our results suggest that butter should neither be demonised nor considered "back" as a route to good health," added Dariush Mozaffarian from Tufts University.

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Samantha walks out of 'Vada Chennai'

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has exited from Dhanush's 'Vada Chennai' citing lack of dates. A source close to her said, "Initially, when Samantha signed the project, she was told the project will be shot in two parts and she had set aside dates accordingly. However, when she learn the film will be shot in three parts, she had no other option than to exit." The makers of the film are now in talks with Amala Paul Vijay as Sam's replacement. Other rumours regarding the exit say she walked out of the project as she plans to marry Naga Chaitanya this year. The couple have been together for quite some time and the grapevine is their families are now involved. When asked, the source said, "She will be the best person to comment about her personal life."

Amy Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nightmare

Rajini's 'Kabali' set for release on July 22

The wait is finally over! Rajinikanth's 'Kabali' will hit the screens on July 22. Directed by P Ranjith, the film will be released in Telugu and Hindi across the world. Reportedly based on the story of a rea life don, the movie has been predominantly shot in Malaysia, and will be dubbed and released in Malay on July 20. Distribution rights to the movie have been acquired by Fox Star Studios, who will release pan-India, including 1,000 screens in north India alone. "It is a privilege to be associated with superstar Rajinikanth's film 'Kabali'. There is immense excitement for the film all over the country and we are working towards a pan-India release, excluding the southern markets. Fans will not be disappointed as we will release the film wide," said Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh.

Uk-born actress Amy Jackson's personal project turned into a series of misshaps after the 'Hossana' girl left for Ibiza from London. A report said Amy, who is working on a travel blog, found her bag stolen during a shoot and along with it went her passport, wallet, cellphone, travel kit, and money. She went to Embassy of Spain, where officials allowed to access her e-mail accounts from which she got the scanned copies of her passport. "I then got in touch with the UK Embassy. They provided me with emergency travel documents to go to Barcelona and get in touch with the British consulate," she said. The actress said getting a passport made all over again is usually a long procedure.

Kamal Haasan fractures his leg AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Ace actor Kamal Haasan has been hospitalised with a fracture, after he slipped and fell in his Chennai office. The 'Nayakan' star has reportedly been admitted to Apollo Hospital to undergo surgery. He will next be seen in trilingual comedy 'Sabash Naidu', also directed by him after TK Rajeev Kumar moved away from the project. The movie will be simultaneously shot in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Major part of the film is being shot in the United States and the crew will reportedly leave soon and come to India to shoot the remaining portions. But before that Haasan's passion project 'Vishwaroopam II' will hit the screens. The sequel to the the spy thriller film will hopefully release during Diwali, this year. Meanwhile, the release date of 'Sabash Naidu' has been locked. The film co-starring Kamal's daughter Shruti Haasan and Ramya Krishnan will release on December 1 this year.

Bollywood actor to enter Kollywood

Ace director Mani Ratnam has yet again surprised everyone with his unexpected casting, after he chose Bollywood actor Vipin Sharma. With an important supporting role in 'Katru Veliyidai', Sharma will make his Tamil debut. The actor is famous for his roles in Amir Khan's 'Taare Zameen Par' and Dhanush's 'Raanjhana'. Other cast members include Karthi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shraddha Srinath, RJ Balaji, Delhi Ganesh and Karunakaran.

Kangana invited for Pak cultural event

'Queen' Kangana Ranaut has been invited for a cultural event in Pakistan, and is reportedly working on the dates to be able to attend it. The 'Tanu Weds Manu' star was called for an event named 'School of Tomorrow International Education & Cultural Festival and will be held between November 4-6 in Lahore. A source close to the actress said, "Kangana is keen to attend this conference and her manager is figuring the dates."

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Salman's 'Sultan' breaks record in Pakistan AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Salman Khan's 'Sultan' has broken record of the highest opening at the Pakistan box office by earning Rs 116 million in the first three days of its release. A spokesperson for Geo film, distributor of the movie in Pakistan, said, "It has broken all previous records for highest opening collection which is beyond our expectations." Released on Eid in true bhai style, 'Sultan' didn't need more than two days to break the record that was set by Pakistani film 'Jawani Phir Nahi Aani', released last year by Humayun Saeed. The spokesperson said, "We are expecting 'Sultan' to touch the Rs 150 million mark in its opening weekend. Tickets for the first five days have

Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

already been sold out in advance at most cineplexes and single screen theatres." Nadeem Mandviwalla, owner of Atrium cinemas, said the Salman Khanstarrer made the most of the long holidays. "'Sultan' got the advantage of long holidays. Basically Eid holidays have run from Wednesday to Sunday because of the weekend." The success of the Bollywood project stole collections of other Eid releases including Pakistan's 'Sawal 700 Crore Ka', and Hollywood's 'Tarzan' and 'Finding Dory'. Mandviwalla said that 'Sultan' had been released on 75 screens as exhibitors were running special shows going into late night to fulfil the demand for tickets.

Kareena denies to have SRK wants sex determination test to make film on Sania

A leading daily has speculated that Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan secretly underwent a sex determination test while they were in London, and are going to be blessed with a baby boy. The news soon caught fire, and spread through all sources in the blink of an eye. However, there is no truth to it as confirmed by the Bollywood royals' spokesperson. A very miffed Kareena dismissed the

report calling it baseless. A statement issued by the actress said, "The report is completely baseless and the couple strongly denies any such incident. There was no such discussion with any doctor in London and the report is purely a figment of someone's imagination. Kareena and Saif are both mature adults and are above all this. We would like to request everyone not to unnecessary sensationalise a private issue."

Shah Rukh Khan has always openly endorsed his peers and was no different when talking about ace Tennis star Sania Mirza at her book launch. "Whenever there is a movie made on Sania, I think it will be inspiring and it will be fantastic. And I don't know... Ask her if she will let me play her love interest. But, I will produce it for sure," he said jokingly. Speaking at the launch of her autobiography 'Ace Against Odds', he said, "Some way down the line when sportswomen and sportsmen films are made we feel extremely patriotic also from whichever part of the world they are made. When it's an Indian sportsperson you will feel for the country. We have a country somehow perhaps apart from a few sports, we have never made a mark intentionally." Speaking about the book, he said, "I think the book like this will obviously inspire a lot of us. Nothing can come in the way and there can be no obstacles when you have determination. I genuinely believe this. I have always followed her career and she has brought so much freshness and so much beauty to all the sports lovers like me." Gleaming with happiness, Sania spoke about herself and her career as an athlete. "For me as an athlete the toughest time was during 2010 when I had third surgery and I thought I was going to have to stop playing tennis. That for me was the toughest part because I was being forced to stop doing something that I loved doing."

Sonakshi injured while shooting for 'Akira'

We are excited about Sonakshi Sinha and her upcoming action packed drama 'Akira'. While the recently released poster and trailer brought us to the edge of our seats, we can't help but wonder how the actress performed all the risky stunts. Sona answered our questions by re-sharing

an old picture of herself flaunting a bruise, letting us know that perfection always comes at a price. However, it seems like the heroine was not the only one to suffer an injury on the sets. Director Anurag Kashyap, who plays the antagonist in the movie, reportedly met with a minor injury during the shoot and

just like the 'Dabangg' actress, he continued with the day instead of nursing his wound. Commending his dedication, Sonakshi tweeted, "Today the villain became a hero on the sets of #Akira! @anuragkashyap72 takes a fall, injures himself and gets right back up to shoot! Hero."

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Asian Voice |23rd July 2016

Lohana community celebrates completion of 40 years

Amritlal Radia, Prabhudas Modi, Dinesh Sonchhatra, Kokila Patel, Vinod Thakrar, C B Patel, Dipak Jatania

An extravagant programme was organised commemorating the completion of 40 years of the Lohana Community North London at Dhamecha Hall, South Harrow, on Sunday, 17 July. Reena Popat and Urmilaben Thakrar hosted the evening that saw the participation of more than 750 members of the community. Following a ganesh vandana the institute's president Sri Vinodbhai Thakrar addressed those present saying, "This is the first time we are celebrating our organisation's ruby anniversary outside India. The foundation for Lohana Community North London was laid in 1976 and today, it stands stronger than ever. Our community comprises of over 2000 members, and we are proud of

South Harrow Dhamecha Lohana community centre and Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust. We have always found the needed support from Lord Dolar Popat." The function was attended by Lord Dolar Popat, Lady Sandhyaben Popat, Khodidasbhai of one of the community's most generous families, Sri Shantibhai, Sri Pradipbhai and family, Shardaben Maghvani, Harrow Mayor Councillor Rekhaben Shah, London Assembly Member Naveenbhai Shah, Harrow Chief Superintendent Simon Owen, Swaminarayan BAPS trustee Vinubhai Bhatecha, and Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice Editor-Publisher CB Patel. Taking the stage, Lord Popat said, "I am thankful to the foundation for inviting me to this event. As a

Acid victim 'relives attack every day' A man left badly scarred when acid was thrown in his face has said he relives the attack 15 or 20 times every day. Samir Hussain said covering his face with his hands saved his sight but he was left unable to fully close one eye.The 28-yearold, who is backing calls for controls on the sale of corrosive substances, said he

felt the acid "eating away" at his face. He now wears a facial mask and said customers at the Kent shopping centre where he works often ask what happened. Mr Hussain, is backing calls for controls on the sale of corrosive substances such as sulphuric acid, battery acid, and powerful drain cleaners.

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part of the Lohana community, I feel proud to celebrate the completion of 40 years of our community. Back in 1976, we belonged to the working class immigrants. Evolving over the years, we reached the middle class status, and today, our youth sit at the topmost positions in the country's biggest companies." Members of the society were honoured during the programme.

Building chairperson and ruby programme consultant Sri Amritlal Radia, Sri Vinodbhai Thakrar, Mansukhbhai Raichura, and the community's first female president Kokiben Vasaani were honoured by Sri Yatinbhai Davda. Former president of the community Sri Janubhai Kotecha was honoured by Sri Dineshbhai Thakrar for his service to the institution.

Bhavan’s 31st Summer School of Indian Music & Dance The Bhavan, London’s home of Indian Arts & Culture is hosting its 31st Annual Summer School of Indian Music & Dance. With over 900 students of Classical Indian Music, Dance, Yoga, Languages, and over 100 Arts & Culture events per year in its beautiful theatre The Bhavan is London’s largest institute for Indian Arts. From the 16 July to 7 August Indian culture enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to learn classical Indian arts from expert Gurus visiting from India and local to London. Featured subjects include Tabla drums, Bharatnatyam Dance, Sitar, Mridangam (South Indian Drum), Kathak Dance, Hindustani &

Karnatic Vocal and Karnatic Violin. The syllabus is designed for intermediate and advanced students. The teachers visiting from India include renowned singer Sudha Ragunathan teaching Karnatic Vocals and Srekala Bharath teaching Bharatanatyam Dance. In addition concerts will showcase the art forms of the teachers and senior students.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 The

Sun, Venus and Mercury are transiting your solar fifth house. This is the time of year when you are ready to perform and express yourself creatively. It's a good time for recreation, romance, connecting with children, and enjoying "performing arts". Make sure you do not get over-sensitive if things do not go according to plan. The Sun, Venus and TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Mercury continue to put a spotlight on your solar fourth house. This is a time to recharge yourself, get in touch with your innermost feelings, connect with your roots, and spend more time with your loved ones. Use this opportunity to find ways to improve your family relations and your home environment.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment. Socially you are very popular and your communications strengthen your connections. You will be busy with errands, paperwork, phone calls, and light socializing. Siblings, neighbours, close relatives, friends, and co-workers may play a more important role than usual in your life during this period.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Your energy and attention will be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting thing done. Close personal relationships may come under some stress and strain. LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

The Sun, Venus and Mercury transit your first house and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behavior, and self-expression. This marks the peak of your physical solar cycle, and you are in the position to make an impression on others, and to assert your personal influence. Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage of your charisma to achieve your goals.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 The Sun, Venus and Mercury travel through your twelfth house now, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. This also heralds a time for research and unfinished behind-the-scene activities. Matters which have dragged on for a while should now be re-assessed and put to rest. Some of you will be looking to spiritual enlightenment and take up yoga and meditation. LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Venus, Sun and Mercury transit through your solar eleventh house. This is a good time for networking with friends and work colleagues creating ripples for business or just having a great social life. If there are any issues with anyone, this is a great time to iron out the differences. Personal freedom is especially important to you right now.

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SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 More than any other time of the year, your focus is drawn to your career and standing in the society. This is the time when you are more interested in, and focused on, accomplishing something important. Contact with authority figures is more likely during this period. Recognition will come your way whether you ask for it or not, and the responsibility that goes with it. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Venus, Sun and Mercury grace your solar ninth house. During this cycle you might become inspired by someone who might awaken a new perspective or way of thinking in you. You could also enjoy a trip, or a new adventure of sorts. In fact, you are attracted to anything that is non-routine and beyond your comfort zone.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The Sun, Venus and Mercury highlight your solar eighth house. Your attention turns inward on a deeper level to personal transformations. There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes. This transit should be positively dealt with to achieve any benefits

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Venus, the planet of love and romance with Mercury and Sun throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. It is certainly going to be a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 The Sun, Venus and Mercury puts a spotlight on your solar sixth house. This is a busy period that finds you tending to many different aspects of your daily routine and health matters. You are in a very fortunate position to be able to improve your health and diet and also tackle any problems at work, which have been a source of irritation for some time.

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England cricket celebrates AsianVoiceNews

On Tuesday 12th July the Bunbury English Schools Cricket Association celebrated its 30th birthday at a glittering black tie event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The evening was the brainchild of Dr David English who has been the drive and inspiration behind the English Schools Cricket Association. The Dinner was organised by the Chairman of the Bunbury Committee, Mr Naynesh Desai, a Solicitor and Senior Partner of DDO Solicitors and a close friend of David English. The Bunbury English Schools Cricket Association has been at the forefront of developing and promoting cricket at a junior level, developing the most promising schoolboys in the country. The success of the Bunburys can be judged by the fact that more than 700 participants have gone on to play first class cricket. 70 of them indeed have been capped by England, including the majority of the current England Test Team. Amongst illustrious names who have come through the Bunbury Festivals are Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff and from the current team Joe Root, Mooen Ali, Steve Finn, Johnny Bairstow and Alastair Cook. The Dinner held to celebrate 30 years of the Bunburys was also a fundraising event to raise monies for the English Schools Festival which takes place annually. The current year’s Festival is

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Naynesh Desai with current England team with other Cricketing legends

taking place at Radley College in Oxfordshire from which will hopefully come future stars of the

Naynesh Desai welcoming the guests

England Team. The evening, hosted by renowned cricket commentator Mark Nicholas, also saw in attendance the likes of legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar from India, Wasim Akram from Pakistan as well as former England cricketers Allan Lamb, Mike Gatting, Devon Malcolm, Gladstone Small and Mark Ramprakash. The evening was graced by the presence of the current England Test Team and their Coaches Trevor Bayliss and

Mr Eoin Morgan, England Captain Mr Alistar Cook, Mr Mark Nicolas, Mr Joe Root, Mr Jhoney Bairstow

Paul Farbrace. After a sumptuous 3 course dinner, members of the England Cricket Team, including Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow, Alastair Cook and Eoin Morgan took part in a Question and Answer Session hosted by Mark Nicholas. This was followed by a charity fundraising auction which was undertaken by Lord Jeffrey Archer who has been a great supporter of the Association. Chairman, Naynesh Desai, said he was extremely grateful to all the people who had supported the evening and to the England Cricket Team and their Coaches for taking time out from their busy schedules to support this event. The current England side plays its own unique brand of thrilling, exciting and swashbuckling cricket. Indeed many of the current team say they play now just like they had when they were Bunburys.

Sreejesh to lead India hockey at Rio

Hockey India named senior goalkeeper P R Sreejesh as the captain of the national team for the Rio Olympics, removing longtime skipper Sardar Singh. Sreejesh, one of the finest custodians in world hockey at the moment, was rewarded after the team, under his leadership, ended up with a silver medal at the six-nation Champions Trophy hockey tournament in London. Sreejesh had a good tournament both as a player and captain as India had their best performance in the 38-year-history of the tournament. The team played a brilliant final where they held eventual champions Australia to a goalless draw in the regulation time before losing in a controversial shoot-out. Playmaker SV Sunil, who is also a key component in the team, has been named vice-captain. Things fell in place for Sreejesh at the right time and went awry for Sardar, who has been going through a torrid time both on and off the field.

P R Sreejesh

His performance has dipped on the field as he is no longer as sharp a midfielder as he used to be. Off it, allegations of rape after promising marriage levelled by a British national has also dented his reputation. Sardar has been the captain of the national team for a number of years having led the team in London 2012. While Sardar was rested for the Champions Trophy where India produced their bestever show, the team did have a slump when it played the next tournament in Valencia, where they could win only one match against minnows Ireland,

losing two games and managing to draw a couple. The Team: Goalkeeper: PR Sreejesh (Captain) D e f e n d e r s : Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, VR Raghunath Midfielders: Sardar Singh, Devinder Walmiki, Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, SK Uthappa Forwards: SV Sunil (Vice-captain), Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah Standbys: Pradeep Mor and Vikas Dahiya (goalkeeper)

Sushila is the new women's skipper A change in captaincy also took place in the Riobound women's hockey team with gritty defender Sushila Chanu replacing Ritu Rani who was dropped on grounds of poor form and attitude. Goalkeeper Deepika Kumari will be Chanu's deputy. Chief coach Neil

Hawgood refused to comment on the decision to drop Ritu Rani. “Sushila is not new. She captained the team on the Australian tour and earlier the junior World Cup team. That was the most successful team in a long time for India. We have got experience and I think people underestimate our captain. She is someone who leads by example, does everything. Sushila has been very strong in recovering from the ACL injury,” he said. Hawgood said making the quarterfinals would be the immediate target for the team. Squad: Savita (GK), Navjot Kaur (midfielder), Deep Grace Ekka (defender), Monika (midfielder), Anuradha Devi (forward), Poonam Rani (forward), Vandana Kataria (forward), Deepika (defender), Namita Toppo (defender), Renuka Yadav (midfielder), Sunita Lakra (defender), Sushila Chanu (defender), Rani Rampal (forward), Preeti Dubey (forward), Lilima Minz (midfielder), Nikki Pradhan (forward).

SPORT Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Pak boxer Waseem wins WBC silver flyweight title

Mohammad Waseem achieved a major breakthrough in his pro career when he became the first Pakistani boxer to clinch the World Boxing Council (WBC) silver flyweight title as he beat the experienced Jether Rodrigo Oliva of the Philippines at the Millennium Seoul Hilton, Seoul. The 28-year-old Quetta-born pugilist kept his nerves right from the first round till the final 12th round, which helped him emerge as the winner on the basis of points. The mercurial former Asian Games bronze medallist demonstrated fine skills during the marathon fight. He remained meticulous both in attack and defence. In the fourth, sixth and 12th rounds, he unsettled his rival Oliva, who has never tasted a knock-out defeat in his entire career.

Yasir Shah sets new Asian record at Lord’s

Pakistani bowler Yasir Shah, during his 10-wicket haul in the first Test against England, set a new Asian record at the historic Lord’s venue. Apart from the Asian record, he became the second ever leg-spinner to take 10 wickets in a match at the venue. Here’s a look at the numbers which went for a toss! In 132 years of Test cricket at Lord’s, only two leg-spinners have claimed a ten-wicket haul. First was Doug Wright’s 10/175 vs SA in 1947, second is Shah against England in 2016. Yasir Shah’s 10 wickets are the most by an Asian bowler at Lord’s in a single Test match.

BCCI's overseas IPL plan hits roadblock

For the first time in a long time, the all-powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) saw itself sidelined by other member boards of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the recent annual conference of the game's governing body in Edinburgh early this month. The BCCI, with president Anurag Thakur at the helm, proposed the idea of an annual overseas Indian Premier League in September. The idea, BCCI suggested, was to take its most lucrative domestic tournament abroad to cater to the vast Indian diaspora and in the process, enhance its financial muscle. But four cricket boards - Cricket Australia, West Indies Cricket Board, England Cricket Board and Cricket South Africa - categorically opposed the BCCI's idea. While BCCI had been busy looking at ways to push the overseas IPL, the ICC - led by chairman Shashank Manohar - has been in talks with Star TV to again make the World T20 a once in-two-years affair. This could be the first time in close to two decades that a BCCI proposal in the international circuit has been turned down. Sources close to the developments are trying to figure out if the snub could be a sign of things to come. "If true, it's a telling sign of the reduced clout the current set of administrators (in the board) wield, unlike their predecessors. It's also a personal embarrassment for the men running the BCCI right now," a source said. Thakur and Manohar, incidentally, have not been on the same page for close to six months now. Manohar, it is learnt, refused to entertain the discussion on Overseas IPL at the ICC meeting, saying it wasn't on the agenda. The ICC chairman wasn't available for comment. Meanwhile, the BCCI was scheduled to call a meeting of (only) franchise owners and CEOs earlier this week, which was put off without any explanations. Franchises were left wondering if the BCCI indeed had the time to plan an overseas IPL, given the packed international calendar, BCCI's own domestic schedule including a revamped Duleep Trophy under lights - and the hectic Test calendar under the ICC's Future Tours Program.

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Asian Voice | 23rd July 2016

Vijender clinches WBO Asia Pacific title

Indian boxing star Vijender Singh scaled a new high in his ever-soaring professional career as he clinched the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title with a dominating win over former WBC European champion Kerry Hope in New Delhi. The 30-year-old Indian took all 10 rounds to systematically dismantle the 34-year-old Welsh-born Australian and record his seventh straight win in the circuit, a year after turning professional. It was also the longest that Vijender spent inside the ring to clinch a win since turning pro besides being his first points win after six knockouts. The sixfooter from Haryana scored 98-92, 98-92, 100-90 to be the unanimous winner. Vijender,was hardly pushed despite playing all 10

rounds, and was cheered deliriously by a packed partisan crowd. The Indian had the who's who of sports, politics and entertainment industry cheering him from the ringside and he put up a dominating performance to send the crowd into hysteria with his lethal right jabs and uppercuts. “It's not about myself, it's about my nation, my country,” Vijender said after being crowned winner. From Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to celebrated woman boxer M C Mary Kom, who choked a bit while acknowledging a loud applause from the crowd, star wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, cricketers Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina to actor Randeep Hooda, celebrities adorned the front rows by

India's Anirban Lahiri finished one of his most disappointing weeks at a Major with an eight-over-par 79 to conclude his campaign at the British Open. Lahiri, who was tied 22nd and was looking at a possible top 10 finish at the midway stage, had a rough weekend, as he shot 76-79 for the final two rounds. It saw the reigning Asian Tour number one finish at 12-over 296, his highest score in the world's oldest Major. He was tied 68th, a drop of 25 places from his third round. The 29-yearold Lahiri did not make a single birdie in his final round and had just one in the third round. Lahiri now heads back to the United States to prepare for the PGA Championship in Baltusrol, the year's final Major. He will be carrying happy memories from his top five finish from last year, the best finish ever by an Indian golfer in a Major.

Vijender Singh

the ringside and Vijender did not disappoint any of them with yet another clinical performance in what was to be a 10-round contest. Vijender seemed to be looking for a knockout blow

from the very beginning even though Kerry was the more attacking of the two. But the Australian's inability to connect cleanly proved to be his undoing against a rival, who waited patiently to throw his accurate blows.

Pakistan win first test Mohammad Amir completed his return to Test cricket by taking the final wicket of first test match as Pakistan beat England by 75 runs on the fourth day of their series opener at Lord's on Sunday. England, set 283 for victory, were bowled out for 207 in the last session of the day. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took four for 69 for a match haul of 10 for 141 in his first Test outside of Asia and the United Arab Emirates. Left-arm quick Amir, at the scene of his 2010 spot-fixing crime, ended the match when he bowled last man Jake Ball. This match also saw England paceman Chris Woakes take Test best match figures of 11for 102. Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq had earlier become the oldest Test centurymaker for 82 years when the 42-year-old, in his first Test at Lord's, made 114 in his side's first innings of 339. Victory saw Pakistan go 1-0 up in the four-match

series ahead of the second Test at Old Trafford starting on Friday. Pakistan celebrated their victory with an unusual celebration when the squad performed a series of press-ups. Misbah-ul-Haq's side went on an army boot camp before the tour to improve their poor fitness, and batsman Younis Khan led the squad in performing a routine of press ups followed by a salute in front of the ground's famous pavilion. Misbah, 42, had celebrated in similar fashion on the opening day after reaching a hundred that helped set up his team's 75run win. At tea England were

155 for six needing a further 128 runs to reach their victory target of 283. Jonny Bairstow (28 not out) and all-rounder Chris Woakes (five not out) -who had already taken 11 wickets in this match -were still at the crease but with just the tail to come. The most England had ever made before to win in the fourth innings of a Lord's Test was 282 for three against New Zealand in 2004. If England achieve their target in this match, it would be the second-highest such chase in a Lord's Test behind the West Indies' 344 for one back in 1984. Earlier, Pakistan's

Lahiri ends on disappointing note

Rahat Ali removed England's top three batsmen in a breathless prelunch session that saw the hosts score 90 runs in 22 overs. Stokes, Anderson and Rashid return for second Test: Having conceded the first Test to Pakistan, England will be boosted in their quest for series parity at Old Trafford, as James Anderson, the fast-bowling spearhead, all-rounder Ben Stokes and leg spinner Adil Rashid have been added to the ranks for the second Test, which begins on July 22. Anderson and Stokes had missed the bus for the first game by a whisker due to fitness issues but performed at full tilt for their county sides Lancashire and Durham respectively. Rashid's inclusion perhaps stems from Yasir Shah's success in the first game, and could tempt the England think-tank to pick him ahead of Moeen Ali, on a traditionally dry surface in Manchester.

Dhoni duped of over £2 mn by Spartan Sports

India’s limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been duped by one of the many brands he endorses Spartan Sports - of over £2 million. It has been reliably learnt that a three-year bat and sponsorship deal worth £1.3 million has gone sour with Australia-based Spartan Sports, a sporting gear and equipment company, regularly defaulting on payments. With the royalty clause on Dhoni’s bat deal included, the owed amount goes well over £2 million. Sources in legal firm advising Rhiti Sports, Dhoni’s management company, said that Kunal Sharma-owned Spartan has paid only four instalments since the deal was struck in December 2013, the latest payment being made in March 2016. When asked why the deal has gone awry, Rhiti Sports boss Arun Pandey did not elaborate before saying that, “everything is not smooth and hopefully the matter will be resolved soon”.

Pune NGO supports Rio-bound Manika Batra

Young table tennis star Manika Batra has found support for her 2016 Rio Olympics campaign with Pune-based sports NGO Lakshya, along with confectionery brand Falero, announcing support for the paddler. The 19year-old Batra, with a world ranking of 115, qualified for the women’s singles event by winning the South Asia group of the qualification tournament in April, 2016, and is considered to be one of the brightest prospects in Indian table tennis. With the addition of Batra and men’s table tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh, the sports NGO will have six players at the Rio Olympics, the others being wrestler Ravindra Khatri, badminton doubles stars Sumeeth Reddy and Manu Atri and tennis player Prarthana Thombare, who will be partnering Sania Mirza in women’s doubles in tennis. “Timely support can be a game changer for athletes. We are thrilled to support Manika and others and join them on their journey to achieve their goals,” said Vishal Chordia, president of Lakshya.

India beat South Korea 4-1 in Davis Cup Not used to playing singles any more, India’s Rohan Bopanna found rhythm in nick of time to edge past Hong Chung before YongKyu Lim prevented a Korean whitewash with a gritty win over Ramkumar Ramanathan in the Davis Cup Asia\Oceania Group I tie on Sunday in Chandigarh. Asked to take court in place of Saketh Myneni, who is still recovering from his gruelling match on Friday, Bopanna laboured

to a 3-6 6-4 6-4 win against Chung, who is ranked as low as 655 in the ATP rankings. Bopanna last played a singles match in the Davis Cup in 2012 when he won the dead fifth rubber against Uzbekistan’s Sarvar Ikramov. Playing the dead fifth rubber, 217ranked Ramkumar lost the close contest 3-6 6-4 67(2) in little over two hours to Lim, who is placed 409 rungs below the Indian. Despite losing the tie 1-

4 , the Koreans have to be credited for making life tough for the Indians. They were playing on an

alien surface but fought their hearts out in the tie. All Indian players performed a popular

Bollywood number ‘Bayee Wah’, immediately after Lim closed the tie, much to the surprise and delight of the fans. India will now make its third attempt to qualify for the elite 16-nation World Group. They await the results of the World Group matches to know the rival in the play-offs to be held in September. India last played in World Group in 2011 when it lost the first round against Serbia. After that, they have lost play-

offs twice – against Serbia (in 2014, Bangalore) and Czech Republic (in 2015, New Delhi). Army man Lim, who lost to Myneni, recovered remarkably from the spasm he suffered on Friday, and played clean tennis to beat Ramkumar. Lim broke Ramkumar in the fourth game and served out the opening set in the ninth game in which he also saved a break chance after the Indian had saved three set points.