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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

18 jawans killed as terrorists strike at army camp in Uri While the Indian Army was able to effectively take down the militants, the attack kicked off a series of events; evidence of India’s waning tolerance towards Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, while Home Minister Rajnath Singh held an emergency meeting to discuss further steps. Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar visited Kashmir soon after, to assess the military operations and review the security situation in the area.

Parrikar gave strict instructions to the Army to take firm action against those responsible for the attack.

Final farewell to bravehearts

In what is being called the deadliest attack on the Indian Army in the last 26 years, infiltrators this time hit a tad too close to home prompting India to take up a more severe stand against neighbouring Pakistan. At a time when the war against terror has become a unified international outcry, India finds itself being tested time and again.

The National Investigation Agency is all set to take over the investigation into the Uri attack,

where 18 Army personnel were killed on an Army camp by four Jaish-eMohammed terrorists. The Pathankot-style strike on the Indian Army camp along the Line of Control took place at the crack of dawn when four attackers burst in spraying bullets and hurling hand grenades.

Director general of military operations, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, later called a briefing in New Delhi, saying all four attackers were foreign terrorists and

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owned items with Pakistani markings on them.

“Initial reports indicate that the slain terrorists belong to Jaish-eMohammed. Four AK 47 rifles and four under-barrel grenade launchers were recovered,” he said. A serious security breach, the attack happened during the usual change of guard.

The incident provoked an aggressive response from India as this is the second time a military

establishment was attacked this year alone. Several security establishment officials said a political decision needs to be taken quickly, to send a clear message to the neighbour saying “enough is enough”.

“How long will we keep on absorbing terror strikes, from 26/11 to Pathankot, without effectively retaliating?

Our defensive approach only serves to embolden the Pakistan Army-ISI combine further,” said a senior official.

Sources said options hammered out during the two rounds of deliberations Home Minister Rajnath Singh held with Army officers, intelligence chiefs and senior bureaucrats included surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on camps where terrorists are trained by the Pakistan Army and jihadi outfits, and also artillery attacks on such camps. The PM, Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Manohar Parrikar and others felt the response should be effective enough to reassure people at home Continued on page 26

16th Asian Achievers Awards raises a record £180,000 for charity

Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Naren Patel KT- winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award and G P Hinduja

Story on page 16-18 >>

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice 24th September 2016

www.asian-voice.com

to

Doja Purkit

Doja Purkit is a leading expert in the field of Altenative Medicine practitioners, Ayurvedic medicine, is a consultant at the dedicated London Hale Clinic. The clinic had opened by HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES in 1987, since it has been world renowned clinic for alternative and complementary medicine.

He was qualified and trained in India, Hong Kong and England. He has been practicing Alternative medicine, Ayurvedic medicine. Marma Ttreatment, Mind body care medicine, Acupuncture, Biochemic, Homoeopathy and preventive rejuvenation health care with 26years of experience in the field in health and wellbeing. He founded Prana naturals and Anaya organics which produces pure natural and handmade heath, beauty and wellbeing products using the science of Ayurveda and herbal medicine.

Doja believes that health is belongs to you and your birthright to be good health. This means knowledge, wisdom and sense of realization of oneself that vital for wellbeing.

The secrets of healthy life is peace of mind. Good circulation and Detox.

1) What is your current position?

Doja Purkit ,M.D, B,Sc, D.Ac. M.B.R.C.P..is Head Consultant of Department in Ayuverdic Medicine and Alternative Medicine in the world renowned Hale Clinic in London. Senior consultant in Prana Vital life clinic, Health Rejuvenation Retreat and Anaya Organics. Regularly teaching health and wellbeing and participating to Charity Health care work all over the world.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

One day a man came to my clinic and he said to me “I have been given 4 weeks by doctors to live”, “Do you have any treatment for me”. I treated him with Marma Massage and advice to keep an animal in the house. This knowledge helped him to live for 20 years.

3) What inspires you?

Humans & Nature inspire me.

The ingredient of life inspiration

is interest of the human race. As a viewpoint if you want chicken curry then you will need the chicken. In the same way humans inspire me. Lack of interest is one of the signs of aging. Nature supply Oxygen & food.

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and treating people from all work of life.

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

I love freedom which helps me give the best treatment and cure for my client. When interference comes to my work, it is very difficult to work freely. In some cases you have to try to help the person to enjoy a normal happy and healthy life but interference stops happiness and healthiness.

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

The biggest influence in my career is my Father, Mother, Wife (Huma) and my two sons (Basil & Arhaan). My Father taught me the best part of life which is education my Mother told me to travel and learn from the Environment. Once you are educated you never feel alone.

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

The current role allows me to work freely without any interference. I am able to practice freely, if you come to me for treatment before the 19 century then you have to be a King or a Queen.

Now I am sitting in my clinic

7) And the worst?

There are no such thing as the word WORST in my Dictionary.

The problem is the part of the day to day life. When I see the worst time I refer to it as the rainy time but I always look for an umbrella to protect me. Best protection is silence of my sense organ.

8) What are your long term goals?

My long tem goal is to educate society and teach them simple basic forms of healthcare so that means everyone can take responsibility to look after the people wellbeing. Teach them to

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live life with peace and happiness. Help the children to learn about healthy eating and never compromise healthiness.

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

If I was the Prime Minister I will change the education system to also incorporate healthiness, make them to take responsibility of their own health and to show the world the worth of health. Educate society to look after children and elders. If the public are unable to do that then I will make a law and make sure they follow it.

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

I love science. It will be my happiness the spend the time with Newton. The Man has given the world many theories. One day seating in a apple tree and discovered the greatest laws of science. So much to talk and discovered many ideas of life and science. It will be amazing.

C MMENTS

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Asian Voice |24th September 2016

3

Jaw-jaw is better than war-war A vast majority of Indians demand revenge on Pakistan for the terrorist attack on an army camp in Uri area of Baramulla district on Sunday morning where 18 Indian soldiers were killed.

Amarinder Singh of the Opposition Congress party has said: “We have really given a long rope to Pakistan and now is the time for decisive action. The time for restraint is long past.”

According to a recent Pew opinion poll, 60% of Indians support military action as a means of dealing with terror. Perhaps in view of increasing terrorist activity promoted and aided by the Pakistani military and some fundamentalist groups has ignited the Indian sentiments towards aggression.

As a well-armed and adequately resourced regional superpower, India can prevail on Pakistan to a very large extent. Indian Army has defeated Pakistan in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars. It is also true that though Pakistan, especially its military leaders, proclaims to use nuclear arms either to defend itself or attack India, it is easier said than done.

The nuclear weaponry is ultimately the last resort and its value lies only in its deterrent effect against nuclear attack.

Nevertheless, the Indian strategy to expose the Pakistani hypocrisy, intolerance, support within the country and abroad on terrorism has created a situation where today Pakistan is seen almost as a failing state if not a failed one already.

The saddest part over the last seven decades is – the Pakistan government under the tutelage of the military has failed its people. The USA, the world's only superpower, has been dilly-dallying vis a vis how to handle Pakistan (see the comment below).

Yet the sounds emanating from Washington since Sunday are slightly, if not adequately, different.

If the USA can sanction a $38 billion military aid for Israel over the next 10 years, the same USA one way or another will realise (if it has not realised so far) that it has no choice but to support India – between India and Pakistan.

Defence, intelligence and diplomatic services of India have been establishing closer links with not only Israel but also Russia, Germany, France, Japan and the neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strongman reputation is being tested by the latest incursion in Jammu & Kashmir. But the policy of “tit for tat” is not the best option.

Pakistan is failing to understand that the State of J&K of the Indian Union is an integral part of India and it cannot be snatched away, now or in future.

International community is being briefed on the nefarious activities of terrorist groups based in Pakistan. The violent activities of these terror outfits are not unknown to the government of Pakistan, yet it provides succour to them in the false belief that what Pakistan has failed to win in four previous wars can be achieved by proxy war.

PM Modi knows the policy of “an eye for an eye” is not the best option, rather it's better to isolate Pakistan, depriving it of support from its few international friends, so that it will be more amenable to resolve things peacefully.

Pakistan and the world should know that the princely state of Jammu-Kashmir was acceded to India legally under the watchful eyes of Lord Mountbatten – the last viceroy of British India – in 1948. In fact, it was Pakistan which had illegally occupied the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (the socalled Azad Kashmir) which is crying for democracy and rule of law.

India alive to the perils of cloud cuckoo land President Obama has issued a wake-up call to India on the perils of investing in hype and ignoring realities on the ground. His Administration has questioned the evidence the Pakistani jihadi, Hafiz Saeed, was the mastermind behind the Pakistani terrorist assault on Mumbai on 26/11/2008. Saeed was also responsible for the kidnapping of American reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi and his subsequent execution.

The Administration has firmly ruled out any economic measures against Pakistan for its role in exporting jihadi terrorism into India.

Indo-Pakistani relations had disappeared from US State Department briefings since the Kargil war and the jihadi attack on India’s Parliament in December 2011, but the subject is back with a vengeance in Washington. During the past week and more, the State Department spokesman John Kirby had much to say on India and Pakistan.

There was no mincing of words about the Obama Administration’s desire that India and Pakistan should start talking on ways and means to ‘de-escalate tensions’ and work towards ‘cordial and productive relations.’

Kirby’s deputy Mark Toner then took over the briefing, escalating the tone with preposterous utterances. He quashed a reporter’s question on

Hafiz Saeed’s responsibility for the Mumbai terror attack with flat answer that he did not believe this to be the case.. When asked whether the US shouldn’t take Pakistan to task at least for the six American citizens killed in Mumnai by the jihadi terrorists that day. Toner’s stone-walled reply was that the US was in constant communication with Islamabad on terrorism and terrorist related issues.

Imagine, if you will, what would have transpired if gunmen from neigbouring Mexico had crossed over the US border, got to New York and murdered 300 US citizens in cold blood, then done so again, this time resulting in 167 American fatalities. It doesn’t bear thinking about. Planes, missiles, warships and much else would be readied for use3.

Clearly less exalted moral standards apply to the lesser breeds without the law. If any responsible India fell for Obama’s guff about the Indo-US relationship being the defining relationship of the 21st century the moment had surely come to take an anti-hallucinatory drug.

Take Obama with a generous dose of salts in the remaining days of his incumbency in the White House, if you haven’t done so already. The Nobel Peace laureate was never meant to be taken seriously. He has been a chat show host for most his time in office, a master of the glib one-liner.

Tamil Nadu youth wins Paralympic gold medal Tamil Nadu vegetable seller’s son, Thangavelu Mariyappan, won the Paralympic gold medal in the men’s high jump. The 21 year-old champion who has been raised by a single mother selling vegetables as a daily wage labourer. Thangavalu, an above the knee amputee jumped 1.89m in the Paralympics in Rio. There was a further reason to cheer as Noida youth Varun Bhati, who was struck down by polio as a child came third with the bronze medal in the event.

Speaking to reporters, Thangavelu Mariyappan said: ‘It felt surreal when I stood on the podium.

All the sacrifices made by my mother have paid off.

My first agenda now is to construct a big house for

our family.’ It will certainly go well with his big heart. In the moment of glory, he was humble enough to remember to whom his success was largely due. He is certain to gain due acknowledgement from the Tamil Nadu government and a battery of sponsors, who should guarantee his security and future well-being - which should ensure better times for the family – and deservedly so.

The world around us has more than its fair share of tragedies and sorrow. That is what the world has grown accustomed. When one reads of a case where adversity is conquered with such dignity and resolve, the moment is one to savour and celebrate.

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value - Albert Einstein

Lord Jitesh Gadhia

Give something back to society Come September – as Autumn begins – it’s an all too familiar pattern. Back to work, schools resume, start of the university year, the political conference season underway and, yes, a string of Awards Ceremonies to celebrate Asian success in all walks of life.

These annual fixtures of the British Asian calendar started almost two decades ago, originally motivated by a desire to shine a spotlight on outstanding individuals who had overcome the odds to succeed in their respective fields, often against adversity. It provided the ultimate comfort blanket for an immigrant community craving recognition and acceptance.

Whilst being an early recipient of such awards, I was admittedly one of those who silently hoped that, sooner or later, these events might go out of fashion and become less relevant to a well integrated and more uniformly high achieving community.

To my surprise the opposite has happened.

We have actually witnessed a remarkable renaissance – as demonstrated by the 16th Asian Achievers Awards held last week – at a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

This revival has been based on professionalising all the aspects of the operation.

It starts with empowering a positively inscrutable judging panel with full discretion to decide the awardees, underpinning the legitimacy of the event. It increasingly involves a slick almost filmset like – production, with celebrity presenters and video-graphics designed to entertain, educate and inspire. And it invariably involves a charitable appeal that raises substantial sums for worthy causes. At last week’s Asian Achievers Award, an impressive £180,000 was pledged to Indian Ocean Disaster Relief, established

following the devastating tsunami in 2004.

As a self-confessed cynic of self-congratulation, I have come to accept that we shouldn’t underestimate the human desire for recognition and role models - or indeed our community’s generosity to deserving charities.

Each successive year of Award Ceremonies has discovered new pockets of hitherto unrecognised talent. And in the years ahead, I am convinced that we will see a new wave of Asian achievement, beyond the traditional areas of business, media and the professions, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare.

It is therefore no coincidence that the award for the 2016 Businessman of the Year went to Nik Kotecha of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and the Lifetime Achievement Award to my fellow peer and crossbencher, Lord Naren Patel, one of the foremost members of the British medical fraternity and a former President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Indian companies play a very significant role in providing affordable generic medicines to the UK healthcare system and Asian doctors account for over 15% of the medical profession.

Impressive as this revival is, I would urge the Awards organisers to push the envelope yet further and take these events to new heights. For example, it would be worth encouraging recipients to sign a voluntary public pledge to give something back to society, mentoring others in their field, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.

It would create a virtuous circle of inspiration and reinvestment in human capital to improve the life chances of those most in need. In this way, Awards ceremonies will truly become the “the gift that keeps on giving”.

Asian Voice is published by ASIAN BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS LTD Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Website: www.abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

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Asian Voice |24th September 2016

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Can Labour under Corbyn win 2020 general elections?

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour party, is trying hard to reconcile the different factions within his party, as he knows that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And if he wants Labour to win the next general election and fulful his desire of becoming the prime minister of Britain, he has to unite the party.

Corbyn’s supporters believe that if only the party would present a united front behind him it has a reasonable chance of winning a general election, despite having lost most of Scotland to the SNP. In a recent YouGov poll only 19 per cent of the public said Corbyn would make a better prime minister than Theresa May. For the new Tory prime minster, however, she hopes Corbyn will stay leader as long as possible because parties with deeply unpopular leaders like him don’t win elections.

But despite his unpopularity, Corbyn has beaten the populists at their own game, at least on one level.

Under his stewardship, Labour’s membership has ballooned to 515,000, which is more than all Britain’s other parties put together.

One volunteer,

Mumtaz Khan, says that the Labour party in his north London ward, Fortis Green, has grown enormously due to Corbyn’s leadership. “We used to have 150 members, now it’s more than 500. The meetings were six people around a coffee table. Now it’s 50 people and we can’t find a space big enough.”

In the two months of campaigning, support for Corbyn has been more vocal, visible and visceral.

“The turnout at rallies has been even bigger than last year,” says Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA rail union.

However, the ongoing structural impasse between Labour MPs and members is almost unprecendented in British politics. “You can’t have a political party that is alienated from the party members to such a degree,” says Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Tory foreign secretary.

About 13,000 new members who joined after January have been stopped from voting in the leadership contest unless they become registered supporters at a cost of 25 pounds.

The relations between Corbynistas and antiCorbynistas have become so fractious that most local

Jeremy Corbyn

party meetings have been halted until after the leadership election.

Polls suggest Labour could win as few as 153 seats in the next election, worse than in its previous lurch leftwards in the 1980s.

“The purity of perpetual protest offers only the road to electoral annihilation,” warns Dan Jarvis, a centrist MP. Lord Kinnock says Labour was facing the “greatest crisis” in its history. The former Labour leader has predicted the party will not win another general election in his lifetime.

As a leader, Corbyn’s lack of management skills became quickly apparent.

In early December when MPs debated bombing jihadis in Syria, Corbyn, a former chair of the Stop

Lord Kinnock

the War Coalition, offered his party a free vote but then failed to stop his allies abusing dissenting MPs online. Also, Corbyn’s shadow cabinet reshuffle in January lasted just three days, his performance at PM’s questions were indifferent, he seemed slow to get tough on anti-Semitic comments by some members.

If Corbyn does remain leader, Labour faces more imminent problems. The party still lacks a full shadow cabinet, with several figures filling multiple positions. “It is like fog. It will all clear up once the leadership is decided,” says Manuel Cortes of the TSSA union.

Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, says, “With Labour it does not matter who is the leader, Labour

Tom Watson

cannot win a general election for the foreseeable future, perhaps forever, by themselves, because of the rise of Ukip and the SNP, they have no option but to work with us.”

One Labour MP says the fight will not end with Corbyn’s re-election. “This is an engagement within a battle within a war.” Some are already discussing when to launch the next leadership challenge.

Corbyn himself used to be a fan of annual contests.

“The only way to do this is to have a charismatic candidate who can bring in new members from outside the bubble,” says one former shadow cabinet member.

Meanwhile, Labour Tom deputy leader Watson is trying to push through a deal that would allow party MPs to pick who is in the shadow cabi-

Paddy Ashdown

net.

Watson will raise the proposal at the ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday (September 20) in a bid to get it on the agenda at next week's party conference.

However, Corbyn wants discussion of the proposals delayed until next year as part of a wider reform of “party democracy”.

Watson has put forward two proposals: one that would see MPs chose the shadow cabinet and the other that would split the decision evenly between MPs, Corbyn and the party members.

If the NEC agrees the party will vote on it at its annual conference in Liverpool which begins after the leadership decision is announced on Saturday.

Shailesh Vara appointed as the new Co-Chairman of Conservative Friends of India Shailesh Vara MP has been chosen as the new Co-Chairman of Conservative Friends of India, to join Ranjit Singh Baxi, in running the organisation. Mr Vara's appointment follows the recent ministerial reshuffle, when Alok Sharma MP, who had been the CF India Co-Chairman, was made Minister for Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Mr Sharma will be working with Boris Johnson to build vital links with India following Brexit.

Mr Vara brings a wealth of experience to the role, which he has held previously.

He is a former Justice Minister and Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions as well as having served as a Government Whip. In 2014 Mr Vara was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian Government in recognition of his work in promoting closer ties between the UK and India. It is the highest award that the Indian Government can confer on people of Indian origin who now live abroad.

Mr Baxi in a statement said: “I am very pleased to welcome Shailesh Vara back to the position of CF India Co-Chairman. We have an exciting programme of events and activity planned for the coming year and we can do nothing but accelerate with the sound advice and ideas of one of the most

Ranjit Singh Baxi and Shailesh Vara MP

senior Indian-origin politicians in the UK. Shailesh is someone who will give time and effort to whatever task is in hand and we are looking forward to working with him.”

At his re-appointment, Mr Vara said:"I am delighted to be Co-Chairman of CF India again. The relationship between the Conservative Party and the Indian diaspora continues to grow closer by the day and I look forward to furthering that aim.

There is much work to be done, both in terms of deepening the Conservative Party's relationship with the British Indian diaspora and strengthening our very close links with India. CF India is one of the Party's strongest affiliated groups and I look forward to working with the very able and committed Ranjit Baxi Are you looking for a reliable partner in USA to make the group even PBV stronger." for your exports from UK/Europe to USA? Patrick McLoughlin, Conservative Party • Look no further. We are an Int’l Freight Forwarders Chairman said: “I am and Licensed Customs brokers located in Chicago, il, pleased that Shailesh Vara USA has been appointed Co• We are reliable, dependable and honest Chairman of CF India. He • Specialize in imports/exports of air, ocean and truck is a very able and versatile b/w Canada/USA & Mexico/USA politician who has held a variety of Government roles • Visit our website at www.pbvshippingusa.com in the past and will bring to • Email us at info@pbvshippingusa.com CF India a wealth of experiContact Poonam Parekh @ 630-929-2227 ence.”

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SEWA Day – Celebrating Community Service

FU URT THER R Winners and dignitaries at the celebration

SEWA Day, now in it’s 7th year, is a much anticipated fixture in the community diary. This year SEWA Day will be on 16 October 2017 across the UK. Last week the Trustees of SEWA Day celebrated inspiring projects at the SEWA Pioneers Awards held in central London.

Schools and community groups from across the UK were acknowledged for the unique projects they organised last year.

Manoj Ladwa, a founder of SEWA Day and Trustee in welcoming guests, said “Charities often ask for money.

Money is of course important. But on one day every year SEWA Day, we ask for something much more precious. We ask for your time. Your time to bring a little joy to someone in hardship or pain, to lend a helping hand to a local environmental project, to go out and campaign for a cause you believe in such as organ donation, or support a local food bank.” Manoj unveiled the new theme of SEWA Day as ‘Everyday is SEWA Day’ encouraging people to make SEWA a part of their daily routine and consciousness.

With over 100,000 volunteers over the past 6 years doing projects such as planting 20,000 trees, collecting over 200 tonnes of food for local food banks to painting local nursing homes the impact of SEWA Day has been felt in communities around the globe.

In the UK alone, last year there were over 150 projects that people organised and participated in.

The chair of this year’s judging panel, Seema Malhotra MP, said “I could not feel but moved and inspired going through the many acts of SEWA in the community. I congratulate SEWA Day and its brilliant leadership. You are truly making a real difference. I very much look forward to supporting SEWA Day this year, and in the years to come.” The other judges were Shucita Sonalika, director of the Confederation of Indian Industry, and Bharat Vadukul Chairman of SEWA International.

In explaining the spiritual underpinnings of SEWA, Gauri das of ISKCON recalled his younger days when he was initiated as a sadhu, and how SEWA was a form of love and devotion. In presenting one of the community awards, CB Patel publisher of Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar in complimenting the trustees of SEWA Day, said “ SEWA Day in itself was a service to the community” and he urged community organisations to join in observing SEWA Day on 16 October.

The exhilarating event was hosted by Councillor Reena Ranger, the chair of Women Empowered, an organisation which has participated in SEWA Day every year.

The winners included, Barham Primary School, NHSF Manchester, Veda London, Driffield School, Westlodge Primary, NHSF Exeter, NHSF Hertfordshire, and Young Lohana Society. National Hindu Students Forum and Young Lohana Society have been so inspired by SEWA Day, that in adopting the ‘Everyday is Sewa Day’ theme they have announced that this year they will be participating in a SEWA Week of community service activities.

Awards were presented by leading lights from the community including, Sanjay Kara, the youngest trustees of BAPS, Yujur Shah President, National Hindu Students Forum, Prinal Nathwani, Chair, City Hindus Network, Usha Sahni of Avanti School Trust, Anand Vyas, Trustee of SEWA Day, and Srinivas Gotru, Director of the Nehru Centre.

SEWA Day is run by a dynamic team of young volunteers led by Kartik Dave, Harshini Patel, Krishan Ladva, Surbhi Joshi, Maya Patel, and Avnee Vyas.

There are many innovative projects that community groups can organise or participate. You can visit www.sewaday.org to find out more and learn about inspiring projects your community group may wish to initiate or participate it. Alternatively email the SEWA Day team info@sewaday.org

Parliamentary watchdog to probe Vaz over scandal The parliamentary standards commissioner will open an investigation into the alleged breach of MPs’ Code of Conduct by senior Labour lawmaker Keith Vaz, who was allegedly linked to male prostitutes with references to drugs as revealed by tabloids recently.

Scotland Yard is currently assessing whether any criminal offences had been committed during

Vaz's encounter with the male escorts at his London flat in August.

The Sunday Mirror’s expose also included references to drugs.

The standards commissioner said Vaz was among MPs who are currently the subject of its investigations, but added that the move had been suspended pending the outcome of the assessment by Scotland Yard.

The commissioner is specifically looking at the alleged breach by Vaz of two paragraphs in the Code of Conduct of the House of Commons applicable to MPs.

LSE hits rock bottom in teaching survey London School of Economics has been rated the lowest-ranked university on teaching quality after students marked down teaching at top universities in Britain following a Sunday Times analysis in this regard.

Research conducted for the 2017 edition of the Good University Guide has revealed top Russell Group

universities occupying five of the bottom 10 places in a ranking based on student satisfaction with teaching quality.

The elite LSE finished 128th on this measure out of 128 institutions, while Edinburgh University finished next to bottom. King’s College London, University College London and Imperial College London

too featured in the bottom 10. The ranking is based on responses to the 2016 National Student Survey by final-year students. The Sunday Times isolates the outcomes for questions purely related to the quality of teaching, assessment and feedback and academic support to produce this measure of university performance.

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Asian Voice |24th September 2016

Cllr Ameet Jogia Harrow

Lord Patel – An Unsung Hero One of highlight’s of this year’s Asian Achiever’s Awards for me was when Lord Narendra Patel was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to the medical profession.

Lord Patel who has been a crossbench member of the House of Lords since 1999, is often referred to as the “Unsung Hero”, a Peer who has maintained a relatively low profile and is renowned for his modesty in underplaying his tremendous contribution to the medical field. This Award was therefore a long time coming and marked an occasion in which Lord Patel could no longer hide his sheer talent from the Asian community.

Lord Patel who was born in the same town as my father, Lindi, the small Tanzanian port off the Indian Ocean, first came to the UK in the late 1950s and studied Medicine at Queen’s College, University of St Andrews. After graduating in 1964 and becoming a consultant obstetrician ten years later, Lord Patel has dedicated over 30 years of service at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.

What makes Lord Patel’s achievements so special is that he was years ahead of his time, holding a string of prominent appointments along the way.

Perhaps the greatest honour for Lord Patel in his career was when he was made President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1995.

In Parliament, Lord Patel continues to lead and champion his passion for gynaecology, serving as the VicePresident of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity Services since 2002, as well as being Chairman of the Stem Cell Steering Committee since 2003.

Lord Patel has also been a member of the Science and Technology committee since his elevation.

In 2010, Lord Patel was appointed to the Order of the Thistle by Queen Elizabeth II. This is the highest chivalric honour in Scotland and Lord Patel became the first Asian to receive this honour in its 300 year history.

Today, Lord Patel is one of our most respected British Indian Parliamentarians. Lord Patel is an unsung hero in our community and I am so pleased that his contribution to the medical services has been recognised.

Having received his award from Lord Popat and Mr G.P Hinduja, Lord Patel’s achievements will help inspire British Asians to come forward and contribute to the life sciences and society at large.

The AAA continue to play a fundamental role in empowering members of our community to be the very best they can be.

Credit goes to CB Patel and his fantastic team for organising yet another successful evening and for truly raising the bar in acknowledging the talent amongst the British Asian community.

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Charity award-winners come together from across the world for special training

The winners of the inaugural Asian Voice Charity Awards powered by Charity Clarity earlier this year congregated with other members from the charity sector for an indepth training session organised by Charity Clarity earlier this month.

The two-day training session was hosted by leading fund managers Sarasin & Partners, who

from diverse backgrounds supporting disadvantaged women in South Asia. The Govindbhai Foundation is a registered charity that hosts annual events raising money to support disadvantaged children in the UK and India.

There were two USbased charities also which attendees, namely Polio Children, a UK and US registered charity helping

people engage with each other about applying ethics in the workplace.

Sarasin & Partners provided the group with an understanding of the fundamental principles of charity investment, as well as their responsibilities as a trustee or charity managers. One of the most popular sessions covered the dynamics of charity trusteeship, especially

won Investment Management Firm of the Year at the Awards.

Overlooking the historic St Paul’s Cathedral, the training connected award-winning and other with social enterprises and leading figures in the sector.

From the attendee organisations, Magic Bus is a non-profit organisation working with 300,000 children and 8,000 volunteer mentors every week from marginalised communities in India. My Life Films is a charity that uses filmmaking to improve the lives of people with dementia.

They strive to make films that tell the life-stories of those suffering, celebrating memories and shifting focus away from the illness. Asian Circle is part of the charity The Circle founded by Annie Lennox OBE. The charity is a network of British women

children afflicted with polio become productive citizens of society just like any able-bodied child; and Shanti Life, a UK and US based microfinance charity that provides financial capital, skills and training to people in India enabling them to build sustainable businesses.

The diversity of the attendees was impressive, with AgriLedger’s Founder also attending.

The company is a distributed cryptoledger (blockchain) mobile app which acts as an incorruptible source of truth for co-operatives of small farmers. Two of the senior members of GoodWorks, including an economic lecturer from London Metropolitan University were also in attendance.

GoodWorks is a charity that uses creative techniques based on Catholic Social Teaching to help

trustee legal duties as well and the relationship between management and trustees.

Charity Clarity’s team explained how social impact measurement works and how it could be a valuable tool to clearly quantify the impact of an organisation. It helps charities to accurately plan, effectively implement strategies, and gives assurance to donors that their money is being used correctly. Other speakers presented interactive sessions on the importance of liablity insurance for charities, how to develop social enterprise trading arms, social media, advanced email marketing tools and how to get pro-bono legal aid.

NuSound radio was present interviewing charities and will be broadcasting highlights and interviews over the coming weeks, so watch out the space.

Are you a charity trustee or work at a charity? Want to understand more about governance, trustee responsibilities and how to increase donations and impact? You can email contact@charityclarity.org.uk to attend the next training session in December.

London Mayor declines first class upgrade London Mayor Sadiq Khan who kicked off his six-day tour of North America, turned down an upgrade to first class on his British Airways flight to Montreal as revealed by the flight captain. It was known that Khan was offered to be moved from his premium economy seat but had politely turned it

down.

It was later known that he didn't feel he could leave behind the rest of his team and make the most of the luxury. The news soon caught the better side of Twitter as many prompted tweets asking why he didn't opt to sit on the floor, like Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Gordon Ramsey Pharmacology student dies 48 changes life hours after struck with meningitis Paawan Purba, 20, died in a hospital in less than 48 hours of being diagnosed with Men W. With a rise in the number of deaths caused by the virus in England, Paawan had reportedly missed the Men ACWY vaccine which provides protection from four different types of Meningitis.

Calling upon health and education bosses to do more to raise awareness about the disease at universities, the pharmacology student's family wants the government to get all students vaccinated. "The sadness is beyond belief. I keep looking at the door thinking my beautiful, bubbly daughter will come home and we will all be together again,” said her father Baldev Purba.

A GP said the deceased's high temperature, loss of appetite and aches and pains in her neck were likely to be caused by a virus and recommended paracetamol and advised her to drink fluids.

Paawan Purba

Her mother Jasmeelsher said, "She was interested in pharmaceutical research.

She talked about her dreams of helping cures for the most dangerous diseases. We are now raising money in her memory so we can help find a cure for meningitis."

The family has found backing in local MP Seema Malhotra, who raised the issue in the Parliament. She called for a debate in the Autumn to discuss increasing awareness and the number of people being vaccinated against meningitis.

A former beauty and fashion journalist who found her calling as a chef is going to open her debut restaurant in London. Ravinder Bhogal, 37, applied on Gordon Ramsey’s The F Word to find “Britain's new Fanny Cradock” only on the insistence of her friends who thought she could win, and win she did.

Now years after her win Ravinder is about to launch her first restaurant in London posh Marylebone.

The restaurant Jikoni meaning “kitchen” is Swahili is a nod to her ancestry. East African by birth: her grandparents were from Punjab who went to Kenya by boat. Ravinder grew up in Nairobi until the age of seven before moving to Kent. The team in the restaurant Jikoni is predominantly female.

Paid subscribers of Asian Voice will get a copy of the Asian Achievers Awards souvenir with their paper this week.

www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

What transforms around the corner to around the world?

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Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Soldier Chetananand Chuttoo The ABPL Group’s Asian Achievers Awards gala is different to all other high profile Asian awards events. At the Grosvenor House September each year, the great and the good, the rich and the famous, meet everyday individuals with ambition.

It’s the only awards event that, in ABPL style, is not a back slapping exercise consisting exclusively of well known faces on stage. There are of course acclaimed faces on stage and in the audience, but sprinkled among the tables are lesser known folk with stories to tell.

Among the audience last Friday was Chetananand Chuttoo, also known as Veda or Chetan.

An Indian of Mauritian descent, he has created something pretty within the British armed forces in honour of his late daughter.

Background Born in Mauritius in 1974, Chetan Chuttoo’s father was a Hindu teacher and Vedic Pandit. Brought up in a Vedic culture, he

moved to the UK in 2000.

His spell at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy was cut short due to family issues, but he rejoined in 2007 as a reservist.

Chetan is currently a Sapper with 135 Geo Unit, Royal Engineers. He joined it in 2015 after spending eight years with the Royal Signals - 41 PLK Squadron.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t join Sandhurst again as I was over the age limit but it didn’t stop me from pursuing my dream as my great grand parents served for the British Empire in WW1 and WW2.

“Dharma integrates with the values of the British Army; Courage, Discipline, Respect for oth-

Stephen Lawrence suspect, a cannabis dealer A man suspected of killing Stephen Lawrence ran a £4 million cannabis ring across Britain. Neil Acourt, who now goes by the name Neil Stuart admitted to running the ring. It emerged at Kingston crown court that Neil Acourt, 40, his father-inlaw, Jack Vose along with five others ran the drug ring between 2014 and 2016.

Lee Briks, Paul Beavers, Daniel Thompson and James Botton also pleaded guilty to conspira-

Victim: Stephen Lawrence

cy to supply cannabis resin or hashish. All pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs. They will be sentenced in November.

Acourt, his brother

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Neil Acourt

Jamie Acourt and Luke Knight were charged with the murder of 18-year-old Stephen but were never convicted. A new appeal into the Stephen Lawrence murder was broadcast on BBC’s Crimewatch programme last week.

ers, Integrity, Loyalty and self commitment. My utmost goal was to make people more aware of equality, diversity and community cohesion.”

Chetan, along with others set up the Armed Forces Hindu Network, approved by the MOD. Challenges Chetan reveals, “Being a veggie was a bit of a challenge. Always I was told, ‘Sorry we didn't know or sorry that's all we have got.’ I even went through tough training and surprisingly they didn't know that I was a vegetarian though I filled out the dietary requirements. It was bad admin and I ended up in hospital. Nobody came to apologise to me for that recklessness. But then I changed my dietary requirements slightly. I felt I can do it for myself.”

Tragedy and the One Voice Project Chetan had a daughter, Lavna Mansha Devi, who attended Coombe Girls’ School, New Malden. In November 2015, aged 14, she tragically lost her life in a lorry accident while walking to school.

Hearbroken, Chetan created The One Voice Initiative to promote tolerance, understanding and co-operation within the MoD and society.

Supported by every faith group within the MoD, the

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and over 100 civilian project released a music singers to record the final single in Dec. 2015. There movement of a five-part is also a video film to go symphony composed by with it.

RAF Police Officer, Flt Lt The initiative received Harriet Tadikonda for the the support of the RAF’s One Voice Initiative.

Principal Director of Future of the Project Music, Wg. Cdr. Duncan Sponsored and supported Stubbs and of his Royal

by RAF Recruitment Marines and Army and Selection, the counterparts. It is documentary supported by Dame Judy Losing my only will be taken to schools.

A D e n c h , daughter has been One Voice J o a n n a tough going and it Education Lumley and will definitely take a Jim Carter. very long time to get Initiative will see over 14 “My late over that. schools come daughter figtogether to perured in the film. form in a massed conShe was always with cert promoting integration. me throughout the project.

The One Voice Initiative is She was very keen to join also working with the the RAF in the future. She Armed Forces Hindu sociwas determined to make a ety and several famous folk difference to peoples’ on the One Voice Rakhi beliefs and to society.

Initiative; the sharing of When I lost her, her school friendship bands between praises for her never people of different faiths. stopped,” he reminisces.

The project has also been Working on change invited into the prison Chetan is helping to make service to inspire some of the Armed forces more those most in need in it. aware of faith, belief and Jumping Hurdles culture. “I have given my Chetan says that there have support to LGBT as I host been fences to cross. “I the UK London Pride for went through many hurLGBT as the only army rep dles in my life; a divorce, in Vauxhall London.” then losing my daughter In August 15, Hindu, last year. I got over my Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, relationship break down.

Christian, Buddhist, But losing my only daughHumanist, LGBT; diverse ter has been tough going personnel across the three and it will definitely take a services came together very long time to get over with the musicians of the that.”

Band of the RAF Regiment

Gandhi's bowl, fork and spoons for sale at auction The metal bowl, wooden fork and two wooden spoons used

by Mahatma Gandhi when he was imprisoned by the British are to go under the hammer.

The utensils were used daily by Gandhi when incarcerated at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, India, between 1942 and 1944.

The item has superb provenance and originally comes from the collection of Gandhi's close friend Sumati Morarjee.

When Gandhi was released in May 1944, he went immediately to

Morarjee's house in Mumbai, taking the bowl and utensils with him.

They are being sold in an online auction run by Bristol-based Paul Fraser Collectibles. There is a starting bid of £22,900 and no reserve in place.

Daniel Wade, of the

auction house, said: "The wonder of these items isn't just that Gandhi held them and used them, it's that he did so during one of the most important periods of his life and in the history of India.

"Victory is close for Gandhi when he uses these, because after his release in 1944, India wins independence just three years later.

“Gandhi had so few possessions that historically important artefacts such as this rarely come up for sale."

The online auction runs until September 29.

Man jailed for life over Rochdale imam's murder An alleged British ISIS supporter has been jailed for life for stalking and murdering an imam who was bludgeoned in the face with what is believed to have been a hammer.

Mohammed Syeedy, 21, was consumed by hatred for Jalal Uddin, 71, because he practised a form of Islamic healing in Rochdale's Bangladeshi community which the terror group consider “black magic”.

Syeedy acted as getaway driver for another man, Mohammed Kadir, who bludgeoned Uddin to death in a children's play area on February 18, Manchester Crown Court has heard.

Jalal Uddin

High Court judge Sir David Maddison handed Syeedy a life sentence, with a minimum term of 24 years.

The judge said Mr Uddin was a “gentle, wellrespected man” who was

Mohammed Syeedy

attacked and “brutally” killed because he practised Ruqya faith healing.

He told Syeedy: “You and your co-offender saw the practice as a form of black magic that could not be tolerated within Islam.”

Twenty-four-yearold Kadir fled the UK three days after the murder.

Meanwhile, another popular imam and Ajmal broadcaster Masroor declared that Uddin was guilty of practices that were “totally forbidden in Islam”.

Sufis claimed that Masroor's criticism of Uddin provided “a theological justification” for the murder.

The broadcaster claimed that Uddin's “grave sin” was a form of faith healing whose use is widespread among traditional south Asian Muslims.

Sadhana Press shares her story

www.asian-voice.com

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

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“The outcome could have been worse if I had ignored the symptom”

Public Health England is running a nationwide ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign to help people recognise the symptoms of three of the biggest causes of death in England lung cancer, other lung diseases and heart disease.

Whilst on holiday, Sadhana started feeling breathless to the point she couldn’t walk straight. Sadhana explained, “In the past I have felt breathless Sadhana Press going up the stairs or getting in and out of the car but I made a lot of excuses, I put it down to being overweight and getting older.

However, when I was on holiday I knew something was wrong, I was struggling to walk on flat surfaces.”

As soon as she returned from holiday Sadhana went to see her GP. “My GP referred me to the hospital for an x-ray and echocardiogram. The results showed I had heart disease. I was very worried, frightened and upset. I thought I was healthy so the diagnosis came as a shock to me.”

Sadhana was referred to a specialist where she underwent a series of treatments that were successful.

Sadhana is very pleased with the result but acknowledges that the situation could have been worse, “I’m so pleased that the treatment was successful. I felt unsure going to the GP when I felt breathless but the outcome could have been worse if I had ignored the symptom.”

“My goal is to be more active so that I can be as independent as possible. I want to be able to play more with my grandchildren and have a better life, I know it will take time but it will come.

I am so pleased that Public Health England is running this campaign and highlighting that getting out of breath doing everyday things such as vacuuming or walking up a short flight of stairs could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease.”

D r J y o t i S o o d , G P a t N e w bu r y P a rk , Re db r i dg e s ai d : “Symptoms like a persistent cough or getting out of breath easily could be signs of lung cancer, lung disease and heart disease that can be easy to ignore. Anyone who has either of these symptoms should see their GP, don’t worry about wasting our time, we want to see you. The sooner these three big diseases are spotted and patients start treatment, the greater the chances to save lives and help people manage these conditions.”

Other symptoms of heart disease or lung disease (including lung cancer) include: I A cough that has got worse or changes I Frequent chest infections I Coughing up blood

I Chest or shoulder pain I Wheezing

I Feeling more tired than usual for some time I Losing weight for no obvious reason

Facts I It is estimated that there are around 80,000 undiagnosed cases of

lung cancer and 600,000 undiagnosed cases of coronary heart disease.

I

These diseases are all leading causes of death in England. Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer, accounting for around 28,400 deaths each year, while COPD is the cause of a further 24,000 deaths.

I

Coronary heart disease (the main type of heart disease) is the single biggest cause of death, accounting for over 56,000 deaths in England each year. Earlier diagnosis of these diseases has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as COPD.

Two years on Sadhana is I Coronary heart disease (CHD) is more common in South Asian feeling much better “Now I don’t get as people, as is the risk of dying early from CHD breathless as I used to, I I The main lifestyle risk factor for both lung cancer and some other can walk on flat ground diseases is smoking. There is a higher prevalence of smoking with no issues and I amongst Bangladeshi and Pakistani men compared with the have been told by my Dr Jyoti Sood general population.

GP, the more walking I do the better it will get. I have started going for walks on For further information search online Be Clear on Cancer a daily basis and I go to the gym 3 times a week.”

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READERS’ VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Interfaith marriages I was shocked to read about the opposition to a Hindu marrying a Sikh in a Gurdwara. My brother got married in a Gurdwara in India neither of them were Sikhs. My brother wanted to do that because he liked the Sikh ceremony the best.

It is very hard for me to believe that the Sikhs would object to such a marriage, after all, where did the Sikhs come from? They were the first sons of Hindu families.

This is certainly not in the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev. He would never have wanted this kind of separation. His intention was always to bring people of different faiths together even including the Muslims and now a Sikh temple will not allow a marriage between a Hindu and a Sikh in a Gurdwara.

What next, I suppose it will be about which "caste" a Sikh belongs to etc!

Baroness Shreela Flather By email

Junior Doctors’ Dispute

The idea of a seven days healthcare delivery system in the place of a five days system is only to extend urgent and emergency care services to seven days per week; not to extend the total healthcare delivery system to seven days per week. It was this policy that was behind the new contract for junior doctors initially proposed in 2012.

NHS England employs some 1.4 million staff. Only if they all work together in harmony, the system would work. Junior doctors in England who make up 53,000 out of the 150,000 doctors in NHS England are only a tiny part of the entire machinery. They can remain “junior doctors” between 5-15 years after they qualify. Only 58% of them voted to go on the proposed 5-day strikes in October, November and December.

The other 97,000 doctors include 40,000 GPs, 42,000 consultants and 15,000 doctors doing research or further studies. Then there are 410,000 nurses; 25,000 midwives; 20,000 ambulance staff; 150,000 other medically professionally qualified staff; 42,000 managers and about 603,000 admin staff (cleaners, porters, security, record keeping, etc.). 31,000 junior doctors should not have a monopoly of ideas as to what is safe and what is not safe when other 1,369,000 employees are also involved and the latter are not complaining.

Nagin Khajuria By email

Online petition against Air China

The warning that Air China gave its Citizens travelling to London was disgraceful. Not only as it made a false statement about Indians but it also has created a myth about Indians. I question where they got their facts on crime and Indians. It has insulted Indans to the core. Indians are one of the hardest working, succesful, wealthiest and law abidding groups in the UK. We are found in every field be it Business, Finance, Medicine, I.T., Science and Education to name but a few. We also have a low crime rate and are often the biggest victims of crime. Harrow, Pinner, Stanmore, Wembley,where there are large populations are hardly 'no go areas'. There are many expensive properties in these areas.

The Air China magazine has ruined the image of Indians. It's absolutely disgraceful - as if we are all gangsters. It's an insult to our hardwork and values. We need to do online petiition as a community and make sure that we all speak out against any such rubbish should it appear again in the future. Racial attacks are on the rise It's really a shame that the magazine didnt tell Chinese visitors to avoid racist areas or to be vigilant.

Mr Verma By email

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Grammar schools

Probiotics, wonder drugs or waste of money?

Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the controversial issue of having more grammar schools, when we have not yet come out the Brexit mess. This is a delicate matter and need a broad based consultation and reform before embarking on it.

Previous research has cast doubt on the role of grammar schools in boosting social mobility.

A Sutton Trust report last year said grammar schools were monopolised by affluent pupils, and just 2.7 per cent of entrants to grammar schools were eligible for free school meals.

In December, Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw claimed that grammar schools were “stuffed full” of middle-class children and had failed to improve social mobility. More common across the UK is the "comprehensive" system, in which pupils of all abilities and aptitudes are taught together.

Labour oppose the creation of more grammar schools saying that instead of improving equality, they make it worse.

The Conservatives Party support for grammar schools was lukewarm under previous Prime Minister David Cameron, but its manifesto states it will allow all good schools to expand "whether they are maintained schools, academies, free schools or grammar schools".

The Liberal Democrats would maintain the status quo, not opening any more or closing any existing ones.

What we need a level playing field for all students from any background and not only for the privileged few. Let it be not an ideological driven idea of one political party.

Baldev Sharma Harrow

Although probiotics have been with us for a long time, not many people know about it, as they are expensive and only prescribed by GPs as last resort or on recommendation

by Consultants. So often we are compelled to take strong antibiotics, especially when common flu turns into life threatening chest infection.

Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the gut, good as well as bad. As a result many patients suffer stomach pain, indigestion and diarrhoea not curable by normal, traditional medication. Each probiotic sachet may contains up to five million live bacteria and one may have to take up to three sachets daily for some two to three months, to be effective.

Even then it may not work in every case, as we are all individual persons with different needs.

Even though it is available without prescriptions, even pharmacists do not normally recommended it, as it may easily cost £300 monthly for the best quality, as they come in so many varieties and quality. But when patients fail to recover even after months of traditional treatment, they may be desperate to try any remedy. Internet is wonderful invention where we can search and learn on any subject, any illness. But be sure to consult your GP before taking any medication, as many such medicines have pros and cons, adverse, harmful effect.

Kumudini Valambia By email

Popularity of London Mayor

When Labour’s Sadiq Khan was elected Mayor of London, following into the footsteps of ever popular, larger than life Boris Johnson, few thought he could take London by storm. But after just few months, he proved more than a match for Boris.

He oozes confidence, has gained support from ethnic minorities, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs by his broad approach, visiting Jewish synagogue on holocaust day, Hare Krishna and Swaminarayan temples. His recent visits to Kingsbury Swaminarayan temple with eye catching photographs in local papers and AV speaks volume. He is indeed a bright spot in otherwise troubled Labour Party. His endorsement of Owen Smith for Labour leadership contest would go down well among Labour MPs and moderate element in the party.

Many genuine Labour supporters see him as future Labour leader who could galvanize the party and make it electable, although it is too early to speculate. His main task would be to seek second term and give hard pressed Londoners affordable homes which are in short supply. It would not be an easy task, as land is in short supply and there is considerable opposition to building homes on virgin green land.

Moreover big land owners that include supermarkets, private landlords and building firms buy land as long term investment rather than for immediate usage. Let us wish lustre Sadiq a roaring success and long lease as Mayer of this bustling city of London he richly deserves.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Interfaith marriages

Sikh Federation of U.K, and the entire Sikh community of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, are rightly anguished at arrest of 55 Sikhs at a Gurudwara. They are demanding apology from Warwickshire police for disproportionate response to a call for help.

Sikh community is reputed for its volatile disposition. The group wearing masks carrying swords and kirpans forced their way into the Gurudwara. No negotiation orientated friendliness and peaceful nature of the protest was reported by the caller.

Under such circumstances even a single unruly person might have caused violence that might have resulted in a lethal confrontation. Their decision was backed by swords and machette attacks in the past.

If not forearmed, Warwickshire police team would have earned wrath and ridicule of entire police force.

It seems that unsavory episode was caused by Gurudwara’s unclear stand on whether inter faith marriages should be solemnized in Gurudwara. Firm decision by the committee would deter any protest. If inter faith marriage is not allowed or permissible at Gurudwara, couple may marry at different venue. Marriage between Sikh and Hindu must be allowed at Gurudwara to promote goodwill among Indo-origin faiths.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

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Bangalore was India’s pride, Bangaluru, as the city is now called, is India’s shame. The orgy of violence witnessed last week, of blazing buses and buildings will be etched in the public memory for decades, a benchmark of horror never to be repeated, one must fervently hope and pray. How rampaging mobs of hooligans could hold an entire city as they roamed at will, looting and pillaging is a mystery that will need answers sooner rather than later. The State government was paralyzed and so, too, it would appear, were the police who moved around like rabbits caught in the headlights. The cost to companies is a staggering: Rs 25,000 crore, the loss of credibility as a place to do business may have taken a heavy knock.

PM Modi with Afghan President Asharaf Ghani.

See page 3

Bangaluru ablaze after rioting

The cause of the mayhem was the Cauvery water dispute between the riparian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court of India ruled that Karnataka, with the headwaters, should increase its release of water to 15,000 cusecs per month until the end of September for sowing. A Tamil Nadu thug attacked a Kannadiga on the streets of Chennai, the moment captured on camera flashed across Karnataka leading to the retaliation described above.

There have also been acts of violence in Tamil Nadu. Conflicts and wars over water may become the norm across continents unless preventive measures are taken quickly.

The curfew that was declared in Bangaluru came a day late – shutting the stable door after the horse had bolted. The city has been limping back to normal, its reputation severely tarnished, its citizenry dazed (Times of India, Hindu, Telegraph, Business Line, Mint, September 12-14)

Mamata Banerjee’s olive branch to Tata

The dust hasn’t quite settled in Singur, where Tata Motors had planned to manufacture its iconic Nano car. The deal was conducted under the auspices of the previous Left Front, Communist-led government, which acquired the land from local farmers. Ms Banerjee then in opposition started a mass protest movement that led Tata to close the project and move it to Gujarat, where the car is now manufactured. The Supreme Court of India ruled recently that the land in Singur had been acquired illegally by the State government, hence the entire project was null and void in law. However, West Bengal needs industrial investment urgently, so letting bygones be bygones, Chief Minister Banerjee has offered a 1,000 acre site in West Midnapur site as an an automotive hub for a fresh project.

India, Russia reject China’s FTA

India and Russia shot down a Chinese proposal for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the BRICS group of Brazil , Russia, India, ,China and South Africa. Brazil and South Africa supported the position taken by India and Russia who fear a flood of cheap Chinese goods into their markets..Both countries have an adverse balance in their trade with China, hence are acvutely sensitive to Chinese dumping practices (Hindu September 11)

India, Russia talks on submarine deal

An Indian naval team left for Russia for talks on India’s lease of an advanced nuclear submarine from Russia. India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister with special responsibility for relations with India, Dmitry Rogozin, chaired the 22nd session of the Russia-India Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, setting the agenda for Modi-Putin summit later in the year.

India has already leased a nuclear submarine from Russia, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Chakra.

is based on the experience gained building INS Submarine. (Hindu September 14)

Japan keen to seal Indian naval deal

Japan has started negotiations with India for the sale of its highly prized Shinmaywa US 2 search and rescue aircraft, not for economic gain but for their mutual national interests, said a source in Tokyo. The deal will include the sale 12 of these amphibious planes. The agreement when officially confirmed, will add strategic value to the overall IndoJapanese relationship at a critical time of Chinese sabre rattling in regional waters. The aircraft are expected to be deployed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within easy reach of the South and the Bay of Bengal. (Times of India September 11)

Good monsoon, rise in tractor sales

After two lean years, has come the year of the fat kine. The good monsoon has given rise to increased sales of tractors, giving a boost to rural infrastructure development. Tractor manufacturers have revised their present sales projection to rise by 15-17 per cent from the earlier figure of 10 per cent. ‘With monsoon, it is not just the quantum of rainfall, but the timing and the spread – which also matters, said market leader Mahendra & Mahendra President and CEO Farm Equipment Rajesh Jejurikar (Mint September 15)

Planned nuclear fleet

Tata Motors, M&M match global peers in R&D

According to reliable reports, Russia has offered another Akula SSN submarine for a ten-year lease.

However, India has expressed interest in a newer class of submarine entering service with the Russian Navy. India’s project to build a fleet of 30 nuclear submarines domestically,

Tata Motors and Mahendra &Mahendra are matching their global peers in investments in Research and Development, spending 5 per cent of their revenues in this niche area, where the average investment of most firms vary from 1 to 2 per cent of revenues. R&D expenditure of

CM’s offer

The West Bengal Chief Minister at a public meeting said that the land she was offering was from a government land bank, and she gave the Tata a month to take up the offer. Over to you, Tata (Telegraph, Times of India, Hindu September 15)

PM Modi greeting Nepal PM Prachanda and wife. See page 3

External Affairs Minister with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin

most Indian companies have gone up in some cases equaling in percentage of turnover the sums spent by their global peers because Indian consumers are now more demanding than in the past…Clearly competition is pushing the envelope in a quest for increased market share, forcing local players to respond, said Wilfred Aulbur, Managing Partner, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants (Business Line September 13)

India’s start-up ecosystem lauded

LinkedIn aims to digitally map the global economy, hence LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner, whose firm bought by Microsoft for $$26.2 billion, with a full promise to keep its autonomy, during an interview in which India came up, said: ‘Yes, this market is exciting for us, you can’t help but be excited in terms of the growth in the overall Indian economy, the growth and the momentum and the acceleration of the spirit of entrepreneurship here, the start-up ecosystem here is amazing.’

(Mint September 14)

UP melodrama

The dynastic politics of Uttar Pradesh sports a Yadav brand.

Father Mulayam Singh enthroned son Akhilesh as Chief Minister, while keeping a tight leash on his Samajwadi Dal party.

Father and son have now fallen out over Mulayam Singh’s elevation of his brother Shivpal as a minister. Not being a docile son, Akhilesh has taken the bit between his teeth and taken on his father and uncle by standing his ground. Mulayam has brokered a compromise as we go to press. (Hindu, Times of India et al September 16, 17)

Son’s good sense

Lalu Prasad’s 26 year-old son, Tejashwi, who is a minister, has come out with a laudatory statement that Bihar’s past, when gangsters and criminals of every stripe ruled the roost should be consigned to the past. His own motto was development.

Development was key to Bihar’s future progress, he said. More power to your elbow, young man (Telegraph September 16)

India’s salary growth GDP growth mismatch

According Kom Ferry business group report average Indian salaries in real terms grew 0.2 per cent, while GDP growth was 63.8 per cent since global recession in 2008. During the same period Chinese incomes in real terms grew by 10.6 per cent, Indonesia’s by 9.3 per cent and Mexico’s by 8.9 per cent among emerging markets. Income disparities in India remain high (Mint, Hindu September 16)

Congress ousted in Arunachal Pradesh

The Congress party has been ousted from power in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, with the Chief Minister and 42 members of the Legislative Assembly switching sides to a regional ally of the ruling BJP at the centre (Times of India September 17)

Agartala airport test

An Indian Air Force frontline Sukhoi-30MKI landed and took from Agartala airport in Tripura in a test of readiness of all civilian airports across the North East to accommodate military aircraft (Hindu September 16)

Rebellious gangster cocks a snook

Mohammed Shabuddin, a self confessed gangster, was released on bail by a Bihar court. He celebrated the occasion by taking out a procession and cocking a snook at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose government has lodged an with the Supreme Court of India against the bail. Trouble is that Shahabuddin was (and is) a member of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rastriya Janata Dal, partnering the Janata Dal in a coalition government. Nitish Kumar is under fire for his prohibition legislation which borders on the absurd.

Thangavelu Mariyappan, Gold medal winner at Paralympics, Rio on the podium with Bronze medal winner, Varun Bhati.

See page 3.

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Fatality claims: who can seek compensationa guide to the relevant law

UN and Pakistan – Don’t Yawn – This is Serious This week as the UN General Assembly convenes, the British PM speaks of stronger borders in Europe and Donald Trump talks of stronger borders to prevent Syrians entering, we recall Uri and the terrorist attack on the world’s largest democracy, India, from Pakistan.

I thought I would look on Twitter, on the accounts of Pakistanis with followings of tens of thousands, of Pakistani media commentators and politicians to see how they see India and their perspective. Well, I was horrified. You would think that someone with a large following, a media commentator or politician from Pakistan would not think of India any worse than say Trump thinks of Mexico. Remember I am not talking about the average village idiot here. I am talking about educated Pakistanis.

To summarise their views – check for yourself – “Indians are dogs. Indian soldiers are cowards. India is an artificial country which was only ever the home of slaves of Islam, and ruled by Brahmin Hindus. One day Pakistan will include all of India, war is coming. Should we nuke India?”

Do not right this off as a few voices.

Dozens, hundreds of them – they have tens of thousands of followers. ISIS uses the same language. Taliban use the same language.

There is no point arguing with these small minded individuals. Remember they are in the media, and have tens of thousands of followers. I cannot find an Indian equivalent. I tell you now, to every liberal minded person like me, Pakistan is a global threat to world peace. I have seen how their intelligentsia think. Their ‘leaders’ are holding back a bunch of barbarians – and the barbarians, like the Taliban, want blood.

The country must be divided into smaller pieces – Balochistan must be Independent. America must occupy every strata of that country as it had to Afghanistan and Iraq. India must help America do this. The Chinese, as with their

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love affair with North Korea, are not our allies in this battle.

Expect more and more terrorism from Pakistan. Jinah wanted an Independent Pakistan not because of what he feared from Hindus who led the non-violent Independence movement, but because he knew his own followers would provoke violence unless segregated from others.

Had my grandmother’s uncle not been busy bringing Hyderabad into the Union in 1947, leaving Kashmir to Nehru, there would not have been a divided Kashmir either. I’ve yet to meet an Indian who believes that Sardar Patel, should not have been India’s first Prime Minister, instead of its first Deputy Prime Minister. Sardar should have refused the Mahatma’s request to give the Premiership to Nehru.

I wrote a few years ago after visiting the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistani Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Kashmir and also the Wagha border with Pakistan in Amritsar.

Let me tell you about the difference between India and Bharat.

In Bharat there is no line of control. In Bharat we look at the Himalayas of Kashmir and know for 5,000 years without dispute, they are a part of Bharat.

Governments, invaders and imperialists come and go but Hindustan is eternal. As Kennedy said 'ich bin ein Berliner' (I am a Berliner) so we say 'I am a Kashmiri’.

Before all of you this land was mine. By lineage this is my land. I claim it by birthright. This is my land. To those squatting upon the land of my Fathers, I claim it. By precedence this is my land. I claim it.

Shame on you to desecrate the consecrated. My Gods live on this land. For the ashes of my Fathers and the temples of my Gods I claim it. All of us everywhere in the world who have suffered at the end of an invading sword or imperial pen, we are all Hindustani Kashmiris.

That is how we think in Bharat, in Hindustan. I don’t care to know how they think in India. I know that is how Narendrabhai Modi thinks too.

T here is nothing more devastating in l ife t h an r e c e i vi n g n e w s t hat your f ami ly m em b e r o r a c l os e r e l at i ve have been a vi ct i m o f a n a c ci de n t w h i ch r e sul te d i n a f a t al i t y . E n g l i s h l aw pe rm its Alla Kingswood a wa r d s of c o m pensation arisi ng out of fatality claims.

W h e r e d ea t h s o c c u r r e d a f t e r 0 1 January 1983 t wo k inds of claims can be brought: under the Law Refor m (Miscellaneous P rovisions) Act 1 934 a n d th e F a ta l A c c i d e n ts A c t 1 97 6.

A personal injury claim under the 1934 Act is brought by personal representatives on behalf of the deceased’s estate, that is to say the estate inherits the deceased’s right to sue in respect of the death.

T h e h e a ds o f c l a i m u n d e r t h e 1 9 3 4 Ac t a r e : G Pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA): the deceased must have suffered some pain and suffering between the date of the accident and the date of death. If the death was almost instantaneous, damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity can still be recovered but the award is likely to be minimal.

G P as t f i nan ci al l os s es an d e xp ens e s: loss of income (from the time of the accident until the date of death), medical expenses, the cost of equipment, the cost of care including gratuitous care or damage to belongings.

G F u n e r a l e x p e n s e s : they can be claimed provided they are reasonable and incurred by the estate. Double recovery is not permissible.

Under the 1976 Act the claim is brought by the living dependants for loss of support and only one action can be pursued on behalf of all the dependants. The claims under this act can be brought for the following:

G Ber eav ement: this award is made for a simple recognition of grief. Not every dependant is entitled to bring a claim for bereavement, but only spouses of the deceased, the parents of a legitimate unmarried minor (under the age of 18) child or a mother of an illegitimate unmarried minor child that are able to benefit from the award. If there is more than one category of the bereaved, the award is shared.

L o s s e s o f i nc o m e , p e n s i o n o r s e r v i ce depen de ncy : Section 1(3) of the 1976 Act provides a whole list of eligible dependants including a spouse or a civil partner, a parent, a child, grandparent, a brother or a sister.

It is not sufficient to just satisfy the dependency test; the claimant must also prove financial dependency on the deceased. Funeral expenses may be claimed if incurred by the dependants. If, however, the funeral expenses were incurred by the estate, they are claimed as part of the claim under the 1934 Act. F a t a l a c ci de n t claims are dealt with in the same manner as any other personal injury claim. In respects of the limitation period for bringing such a claim, whether the claim is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate or by the dependants, the limitation period is three years from the date of death or the date of the personal representative’s or dependant’s knowledge that the death occurred as a result the Defendant’s negligence.

Applications can be made to Court to disapply the limitation period.

A b o ut t h e a ut h o r : Alla Kingswood Alla is a Solicitor in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors and manages a wide range of personal injury claims, in particular she represents Claimants who have been victims of catastrophic, life-changing injuries such as brain injuries, serious orthopaedic injuries, amputations or spinal injuries.

Maharashtra Mandal London celebrates 26th Ganeshotsav Daily puja and arti, wonderful music, singing, dance, dhol tasha and lively visarjan procession involving established artistes, children and women have all marked the 26th Ganeshotsav celebrations at Maharashtra Mandal

London this year.

The recent grand 10day Ganesh festival attracted close to 3000 attendees and has hosted celebrated artistes of India and UK and gave platform to several others.

Deputy Mayor of

London Rajesh Agrawal, Shri Udayraj artiste Gadnis, Ashish Sharma from the High Commission of India, Mrs Lakshmi Vyas, President of Hindu Forum of Europe etc. attended the occasion, besides many other key

The Bhavan’s Open Day New Academic Year 2016/17 Sat 10 September 10.30am - 4.30pm

Maharashtra Mandal President Sushil Rapatwar and Deputy Mayor of London Shri Rajesh Agrawal at the Ganeshotsav

2 2 Co u r s e s i n I n d i a n M u s i c , Da n ce , Yoga, Languages Taster Cou rses| Street Food Meet the Teachers | Cou rse Registration 020 7 3 81 3 0 8 6/46 0 8 w w w.bhavan.net T h e B h a v a n , 4 a C a s t l e t o w n Ro a d , Wes t Kensington, London, W1 4 9 HE

Step inside and disc cover tth he beauty of IIn ndian arts

dignitaries.

Stage performances included the dance ballet titled ‘Ekta ki Aawaz’ by Shivangi Gokhale, Yesha Lakhani, Silpa Paruchuri, Pritidipa Barua, Priya Iyer and Shilpa Chaudhary, (members of Indian Women in London and Inspiring Indian Women) has nicely depicted unity in

diversity.

Aditi Patil and Rujuta Singh’s dance on Deva Shri Ganesha, presentations by Hardik Vaidya and Nachiket Chandak’s groups were interesting.

Bal Darbaar, a wonderful showcase by about 30 young children aged 4-10 years included Shloka recitation, songs, dances

and Vedic Yoga.

The programs were compered by Nandini Shiralkar Mrs. and Vaishali Mantri. Dhol Tasha rendition by MML Dhol Beats during the procession got everyone dancing and swinging.

Maharashtra Mandal London has been hosting Ganeshotsav celebrations for the past 25 years, and is the first community organisation in the UK to celebrate the full festival with daily puja and arti and a wide range of cultural programs. MML is a charity organisation established in 1932 when Gandhiji visited London with his delegation. Ever since it has been supporting many charitable causes especially in Maharashtra and has been a platform for social interaction in Britain. It also has a Senior Citizen’s Club which meets on a regular basis.

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TLIGHT

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Seema Anand: Sociological Sorcery Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Sunetra Senior

Seema deals in the realm of what she dubs ‘soft power’ and the many female narratives which speak through traditional mythology. A London-based mythologist, expert storyteller and lecturer on the Kama Sutra, the Doctor specialises in the cure for a unique sort of human ailment: social distortion. “Stories determine our roles within the community,” she told us. “If we talk of how a woman’s identity only exists according to her husband we come to believe it’s true. Do you know how many folk stories exist about the ‘good wife’? For instance the one about the husband who gets drunk and beats his wife but she's so 'good' she puts ointment on the husband’s hand where it hurts from hitting her! Because he's her husband and her God! What role does this story establish for women? Stories truly are all powerful - they define us, they shape our actions and behaviours."

Indeed, Seema acts on this herself by standing a strong role model, extending her narrative activism to the highest echelons of the corporate world: “because storytelling is such a powerful ‘performance orientated’ leadership tool, it is indispensable in the business world. Today, multinationals are facing a whole new challenge of producing ‘global leaders’ who can understand and acknowledge a multitude of perspectives and incorporate them into a single vision going forwards – managers have the task of bringing together incredibly diverse people into a cohesive team and the only effective way is through stories.” *** Seema has instructed world leaders, consulted on film scripts, and contributed her visionary insights to the revival of the oral literature of India, in association with the UNESCO project for endangered traditions. Ultimately, the charismatic speaker doesn’t just seek to progress society and enforce a regulative standard, but pushes for people to be better and richer versions of themselves, having been freed from the corrosion of judgement: “building up a clean and healthy self-narrative is essential because that’s how you present yourself to the world” she aptly added. “How we view the outside and our internal landscapes is one in the same. That’s why my activism always comes back to the stories we tell. Let's not tell stories of the voiceless weakness of women but rather of their intrepid resourcefulness. If we tell stories of independent and strong women, they will eventually get into the atmosphere and become part of our identities.” (Seema also holds the Guinness Book World Record for the largest Rangoli so it seems the universe agrees!)

What grips you most about the magical and labyrinthine world of mythology?

Exactly that! The enchantment and the diversity and the wisdom hidden therein.

Does talking openly about sex have a progressive relationship with women’s rights?

When you silence someone, you automatically disenfranchise them.

It's not that 'talking about sex' is important - it's that one should be able to discuss it if one wants. It shouldn't be taboo. But for women the subject of sex is still a doubleedged sword. On the one hand its a taboo subject - 'good girls' don't talk about sex and yet women are judged and regulated through 'sex'! It is the biggest tool of control over women.

If the subject was taken out from under its cloak of darkness and everyone was permitted to discuss it rationally, without the attending innuendos and stupidity, do you know how much of the fog and silent suffering would be lifted?

In a TED talk, you mentioned that ‘sexual energy is the highest power in the world’: is there a strong relationship with spiritualism?

It's too large a subject to discuss in a couple of lines but basically they say the greatest miracle in the universe is the creation of life and the sexual act is what leads to this miracle so it is seen as the most powerful energy in the world. The spiritualists theorised that if this energy could be harnessed properly, imagine what else it could achieve.

But 'Sexual energy' is NOT a 3 minute toss around or a drunken romp. It is a disciplined meditation.

How did you come to specialise in erotology; what got you invested in the early stages?

So - at the beginning the woman was supreme because she could create life. That's what made her the goddess. And then at some point that same ability to create life is what becomes the cause of her enslavement - suddenly she no longer creates life because she can, she does it because she is told to do so; she is told when and with whom. And if you look at the narrative the only thing that gets removed is the woman’s right to her own body, her right to her sexuality. I was writing a paper on this and had expected to finish in 4 months but 8 years on, and I’ve barely scratched the surface!

What is at the core of Tantric philosophy to you? What’s it telling us about the art of pleasure?

That because everything was created by the divine there is no distinc-

tion pure and impure or good and bad knowledge - everything needs to be learnt in our journey towards achieving God.

While we are on the subjects of myths, what’s an interesting mythology about sex?

Oh god - you want me to pick one? I could do a whole book! Here’s one: 'Short sighted women are more sexually motivated'. The reasoning was that if a woman could see desirable men at any distance then they would be more prone to committing adultery; short sighted and they’d stay morally safe!

You are a storyteller too; what theme do your stories usually have?

I love all stories by my favourite are the dark stories - the darker the better. And I love really, really old stories, such as the medieval Sanskrit literature.

Do you think there are many gender parallels between western and eastern mythologies?

Definitely. Mythologies represent human nature and describe human behaviours and gender conflict and power has been the basis for all civilisations!

Finally, what’s been a recent discovery that really spoke to you?

Ancient storytellers using the agency of repetition because the repeatrhythm stimulates the alpha waves in the brain - you can energise or hypnotise a person. Isn't that cool? I had always thought repetition was purely for metrical symmetry.

Bookworm

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At War on the Gothic Line

by Christian Jennings Publishing on 30th September 2016.

Even after 70 years, war front reports and writings are fascinating. The author, Christian Jennings has devoted ample space to the Marathas, Sikhs, Gurkhas, and other Indian soldiers in a very interesting volume.

There is a vivid description of Indian soldiers on the road to Florence.

The author describes, "the fighting skills and valour of the Maratha soldiers and especially the sensitivities of the soldiers of the Maratha Light Infantry. The Maratha Light Infantry was formed in 1768; it had fought for and against the British in India (and overseas).

This unit was one of the oldest and most prestigious of the Indian Army. Thirty battalions of the Maratha Light Infantry were formed in World War Two. Services to the Crown and to the Empire and especially to their longdead Emperor Shivaji were their guiding principles.

They charged into battle with the cry ‘Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai’ (Cry Victory to Emperor Shivaji). They and the Gurkhas, in particular, terrified the Germans. They came out of the dark, they said, you couldn't see them, and they were completely unafraid."

In the shadow of the tower The author of the best-selling DSI Barton crime series has a new leading lady DCI Layla Khan. Set in Blackpool, In the Shadow of the Tower tells the story about a serial killer on a killing spree, targeting teenage prostitutes. The book shows a side of Blackpool not seen from the city’s famous lights.

DCI Khan with secrets of her own has little time or help to catch the killer who's MO is nothing like she has seen before. Not to mention having to deal with a potentially racist DI unwilling to follow her leadership, and a superior officer who needs quick results. But what will happen if she doesn't?

Born in Derby in 1961, David Menon has lived all over the UK before settling in Paris. He retired from a

distinguished career in the Airline Industry to write full time. His stand alone books along with the DSI Jeff Barton detective series set in Manchester and the Stephanie Marshall private investigator series set in Sydney have experienced extraordinary success with Amazon bestsellers and reviews.

A piece of Bengal in London A group of young London based Bengali entrepreneurs have organised an exclusive shopping event called ‘Bilet-e Utshob’ (Celebration abroad) on the 1st of October in the leafy suburbs of Wimbledon. Passionate about bringing Kolkata to London, this group of young entrepreneurs are aiming to create a ‘Kolkata high street’ in the heart of London and will include exclusive designers, big and small brands from Bengal and other parts of India, who will be exhibiting their ranges at this event.

Ishita, brand owner of Utsav Collections, who is flying in from Kolkata to London just for the event said, “It is going to be quite a project to bring our full ‘Durga Puja’ range all the way from Kolkata to London! But we are quite excited to co-host this event and explore how the

British Bengali responds to our ranges.”

Despite being a very traditional and popular ethnic wear, saree designs have actually drawn a lot of inspiration from the international fashion market and Kolkata seems to be the hub of buzzing creative designers who have successfully taken their saree brands abroad. Some of these Kolkata based international brands, are actually designing, manufacturing and selling over a million sarees worldwide.

They are highly visible on all leading online channels, in social media, in stores, concessions and in international exhibitions.

One such brand ‘Utsav Collections’ has recently gained huge popularity in the international market. It is a fairly young brand, just over 7 years old, started by two young girls Poulami & Ishita.

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How hearing aids improved my confidence and my career Paul Rodriguez couldn’t believe how much he had missed out on. u s i n e s s m a n Pa u l Rodriguez has felt his confidence soar thanks to Amplifon, the experts dedicated to helping people hear better since 1950. He sought help after finding he was missing key conversations in the office, and has been astounded by the difference in both his hearing and his general health.

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“When I first put them in and walked outside, I was stunned,” he says. “I couldn’t believe how much I’d missed out on.”

It was when he realised he was becoming the butt of people’s jokes at work because of his hearing issues that Paul decided t o do something about it.

“Work is a busy place and there’s all sorts going on, especially in meetings where everyone is talking at once,” he says. “Before I went to Amplifon I was missing out on so much at work and that’s what made me realise I had hearing loss. People were talking to me and I wasn’t picking it up. It also made me the butt of other people’s jokes.

They’d deliberately start talking behind my back knowing that I couldn’t hear them and then get louder, and once they started laughing I’d realise I was the subject of some silly prank.

“Restaurants were another place where I struggled. I used to go out and feel irritated with all the background noise.”

After struggling with offthe-shelf hearing aids, Paul tried Amplifon following a recommendation from a friend. He found the experience far from what he had expected.

At Amplifon a hearing test takes around an hour and 20 mins. Your local audiologist will ask about your health, hearing and lifestyle and use a range of audiometric and everyday speech tests to

Paul Rodriguez

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“I’d envisaged a white building with someone in a white jacket, kind of like a dental surgery, but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived,” he says. “When they offered me a free trial for three weeks I thought it was a great idea. It’s one thing trying them out at the branch, but it’s far more realistic to see how they work in a car, in your home or in a working environment.”

As well as improving his hearing, Amplifon’s help has meant his confidence has soared, boosting his social life. The fact the hearing aids are practically invisible has helped Paul too.

“When I’m out for a meal I can filter the background noise out and concentrate on the person sitting opposite me. It’s meant I can enjoy going out for meals again. The offthe-shelf hearing aids I’d used in the past were uncomfortable and I

was conscious people could see them.

“When I go out to new environments now and introduce myself to people they aren’t aware I’m wearing hearing aids, which is fantastic.”

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AAA 2016

AAA 2016 Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

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16TH ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS RAISES A RECORD £180,000 FOR CHARITY Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

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Glittering array of winners and celebrities joins the celebrations at the Grosvenor House Hotel

Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Naren Patel KT- winner of the Lifetime achievement award and G P Hinduja

It was a gloomy and rainy Friday, the 16th of September. But nobody could wet the spirit of the 800+ guests who gathered at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane London, to celebrate the glamorous 16th Asian Achievers Awards. Celebrities and guests walked down the red carpet, as ushers in fancy attires waited to welcome everybody in.

The success of the night was underlined by the incredible £180,000 raised for charity partner Indian Ocean Disaster Relief, which was founded in early 2005 following the devastating tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. In its 16 year, the Asian Achievers Awards has helped raise millions of pounds for various charities that it has supported.

Winners of the awards included, Selva Pankaj, CEO Regent Group, a London-based education skills and training development group ; Manjit Gill, CEO Binti, who runs a social enterprise that works tirelessly for women's causes in India and Africa; Paralympian, Ryan Raghoo, a long jumper who suffers from cerebral palsy; and Lord Naren Patel KT who was honoured with the Lifetime

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Lord Naren Patel KT FMedSci FRSE

The Lord Patel KT FMedSci FRSE (born 11 May 1938) is a British obstetrician, a cross bench peer cross and the Chancellor of the University of Dundee.

Lord Patel became a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1969, and a Fellow in 1988. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1999. He served as chairman of the Academy of Medical

Achievement Award.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges, and nominated by the readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samamchar.

The panel included prominent names like Nishma Robb, Head of Commercial Marketing, Google UK, San Guanapala, Audit Partner, EY, Gov ind Shah i, Business Head at IndiaCast- IndiaCast Media, Shaliesh Vara MP, Co-Chair of Conservative Friends of India, Vana

Royal Colleges of Scotland 1994–95 and of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges of the UK 1996–98. He was President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 1995 to 1998, having been Honorary Secretary from 1987 to 1992 and Vice-President from 1992–95.

Lord Patel received a knighthood in 1997 and was made a life peer on 1 March 1999 as Baron Patel, of Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross.

Koutsomitis, Co-Founder of DatePlay and Apprentice Runner-up, Ronnie Irani, Former England cricketer and Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc and Director of International Development CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, A BPL Group says: “I would like to send wholehearted congratulations to all the winners of the Asian Achievers Awards, now in our 16th year. As in years gone by, the

winners are exemplary individuals who not only have excelled in their chosen professions, but are incredible role models who work for social justice, equality and those less fortunate.

“It makes me very proud to give these people a platform to be recognised for their hard work and remarkable contributions to society and the community. I am also very overwhelmed with the generosity of our guests who helped to raise £180,000 for our charity partner and I want to thank everyone who donated and bid at the auction.”

The evening was once again hosted

by Eastenders star Nitin Ganatra,who was joined by glamorous Editor of Cosmopolitan UK, Farrah Storr. Over 650 guests, including business tycoons, entrepreneurs, members of parliament and the uniformed services, attended the 16th Asian Achievers Awards. Celebrity guests included cricketing legend and former England captain Mike Gatting, Pakistani film star Armeena Khan, former X-Factor contestant Monica Michael and MOBO Awards Founder, Kanya King MBE. Other guests included busi-

nessmen GP Hinduja, Dr Kartar Lalvani, Rami Ranger CBE, Bhanu Choudhrie and Parliamentarians Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Raj Loomba, Seema Malhotra MP, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, to name a few.

Speakers included George, COO, ABPL Group, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, ABPL Group, Sanjay Bandari, Partner, EY, Tony Matharu, on behalf of the charity IODR, Rovin, Head of Marketing and Sales, ABPL Group.

Thanking host CB Patel and acknowledging the presence the VIPs (like former England cricket captain Mike Gatting and former Indian wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer) for turning up at the event and showing support for the cause, Indian Ocean Disaster Relief Chairman and founder Tony Matharu said: “There are a lot of disaster-hit people who need help. I ask for help - whatever you can do. All the money raised today will be used to rehabilitate the disaster-affected children and other beneficiaries. A lot of these vulnerable children are trafficked and go astray if we don't look after them. We want to prevent that.

It's difficult to imagine with our mind's

ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2016 FULL WINNERS LIST

Nishma Robb, Head of Commercial Marketing, Google UK, Jo Sidhu QC- winner of the Professional of the Year award and Siraj Singh, Director of Marketing, Edwardian group of hotels

eye the scale of disaster and the aftermath - whether it's the earthquake in Kashmir or the tsunami is Sri Lanka.

What we aim to do with the money raised is to build a rehabilitation centre and school for educating these children. We need to give them a second chance in life.”

Entertainment was provided by Tumbellina (duo hoop act), Epika Dance group,, Kishan Amin, Jayden and a fashion show was put together by Sulochana Monga from Soltee. The charity auction was presented by former Rugby player Peter Scrivener, CEO, KLAS International.

Leading ethnic media outlets Sunrise Radio and Colors TV were media partners. The Asian Achievers Awards were launched in 2000 by London-based newsweeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, which are now in their 45th year and have a significant readership within the UK's Asian community.

Major General Richard Stanford MBE, Zlekha AhmedMajor General Richard Stanford MBE, Zlakha Ahmed-winner winner of Achievement the Achievement in Community Services of the in Community Services category and Dipti Mistry, Mistry, Trustee, Trustee, Bharat Bharat Welfare Welfare Trust Trust

Photo courtesy: Silver Fox, Raj D Bakrania & Team- PrMediapix, Kaushik Bhatia and Vineet Johri

Lord Raj Loomba, Selva Pankaj- Winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award with wife, and Sanjiv Chadha, Regional Head, State Bank of India, UK

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Mr.Nik Kotecha, CEO Morningside Pharmaceuticals

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Mr.Selva Pankaj, CEO Regent Group

Lt General James Bashill CBE of British Army, PC Karamjit Rekhi MBE- Winner of the Uniformed and Civil Service Award and Kanya King MBE

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Mr.Ryan Raghoo, Paralympian UNIFORMED AND CIVIL SERVICES PC Karmi Rekhi (Ms.), Met Police

Suresh Vagjiani, Managing Director, Sow & Reap Ltd, The Singh Twins- winners of Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture category and Tony Lit, Managing Director, Sunrise Radio with Comperes Farrah Storr and Nitin Ganatra

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lord Naren Patel KT, Media

Gordon Greenidge, Former West Indian cricketer, Ryan Raghoo- Winner of the Sports Personality of the Year category, Paresh Davda, CEO, Rational FX

MEDIA, ARTS AND CULTURE The Singh Twins, Award winning painters

WOMAN OF THE YEAR Ms. Manjit Gill, CEO & Founder Binti, a Womens' Charity

Seema Malhotra MP, Dr Nikesh Kotecha - Winner of Business Person of the Year, Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY

ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICE Ms.Zlakha Ahmed, CEO & Founder Apna Haq, a Women's Charity

Nitin Ganatra, Vivek Chadha- winner of the Editor's Choice Award and Farrrah Storr

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of ABPL Group addressing the guests

L George, COO, ABPL Group giving the welcome speech

Michelle Matherson, Manjit K Gill- Winner of the Woman of the Year award and Pragnesh Modhwadia, Managing Director, Axiom Stone Solictors

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Jo Sidhu QC, Barrister

Editor’s Award for Young Entrepreneur Vivek Chadha, Director of Nine Hospitality Limited, residential developer and commercial investor in UK real estate

The panel of judges- Ronnie Irani, Govind Shahi, Nishma Robb, San Gunapala and Nikhil Rathi

Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY addressing the audience

Rovin George, Head of Sales & Marketing, ABPL Group giving the vote of thanks

A moving speech by Tony Matharu from charity of the year IODR

Auctioneer Peter Scrivener

16

AAA 2016

AAA 2016 Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

17

16TH ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS RAISES A RECORD £180,000 FOR CHARITY Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Glittering array of winners and celebrities joins the celebrations at the Grosvenor House Hotel

Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Naren Patel KT- winner of the Lifetime achievement award and G P Hinduja

It was a gloomy and rainy Friday, the 16th of September. But nobody could wet the spirit of the 800+ guests who gathered at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane London, to celebrate the glamorous 16th Asian Achievers Awards. Celebrities and guests walked down the red carpet, as ushers in fancy attires waited to welcome everybody in.

The success of the night was underlined by the incredible £180,000 raised for charity partner Indian Ocean Disaster Relief, which was founded in early 2005 following the devastating tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. In its 16 year, the Asian Achievers Awards has helped raise millions of pounds for various charities that it has supported.

Winners of the awards included, Selva Pankaj, CEO Regent Group, a London-based education skills and training development group ; Manjit Gill, CEO Binti, who runs a social enterprise that works tirelessly for women's causes in India and Africa; Paralympian, Ryan Raghoo, a long jumper who suffers from cerebral palsy; and Lord Naren Patel KT who was honoured with the Lifetime

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Lord Naren Patel KT FMedSci FRSE

The Lord Patel KT FMedSci FRSE (born 11 May 1938) is a British obstetrician, a cross bench peer cross and the Chancellor of the University of Dundee.

Lord Patel became a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1969, and a Fellow in 1988. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1999. He served as chairman of the Academy of Medical

Achievement Award.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges, and nominated by the readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samamchar.

The panel included prominent names like Nishma Robb, Head of Commercial Marketing, Google UK, San Guanapala, Audit Partner, EY, Gov ind Shah i, Business Head at IndiaCast- IndiaCast Media, Shaliesh Vara MP, Co-Chair of Conservative Friends of India, Vana

Royal Colleges of Scotland 1994–95 and of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges of the UK 1996–98. He was President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 1995 to 1998, having been Honorary Secretary from 1987 to 1992 and Vice-President from 1992–95.

Lord Patel received a knighthood in 1997 and was made a life peer on 1 March 1999 as Baron Patel, of Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross.

Koutsomitis, Co-Founder of DatePlay and Apprentice Runner-up, Ronnie Irani, Former England cricketer and Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc and Director of International Development CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, A BPL Group says: “I would like to send wholehearted congratulations to all the winners of the Asian Achievers Awards, now in our 16th year. As in years gone by, the

winners are exemplary individuals who not only have excelled in their chosen professions, but are incredible role models who work for social justice, equality and those less fortunate.

“It makes me very proud to give these people a platform to be recognised for their hard work and remarkable contributions to society and the community. I am also very overwhelmed with the generosity of our guests who helped to raise £180,000 for our charity partner and I want to thank everyone who donated and bid at the auction.”

The evening was once again hosted

by Eastenders star Nitin Ganatra,who was joined by glamorous Editor of Cosmopolitan UK, Farrah Storr. Over 650 guests, including business tycoons, entrepreneurs, members of parliament and the uniformed services, attended the 16th Asian Achievers Awards. Celebrity guests included cricketing legend and former England captain Mike Gatting, Pakistani film star Armeena Khan, former X-Factor contestant Monica Michael and MOBO Awards Founder, Kanya King MBE. Other guests included busi-

nessmen GP Hinduja, Dr Kartar Lalvani, Rami Ranger CBE, Bhanu Choudhrie and Parliamentarians Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Raj Loomba, Seema Malhotra MP, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, to name a few.

Speakers included George, COO, ABPL Group, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, ABPL Group, Sanjay Bandari, Partner, EY, Tony Matharu, on behalf of the charity IODR, Rovin, Head of Marketing and Sales, ABPL Group.

Thanking host CB Patel and acknowledging the presence the VIPs (like former England cricket captain Mike Gatting and former Indian wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer) for turning up at the event and showing support for the cause, Indian Ocean Disaster Relief Chairman and founder Tony Matharu said: “There are a lot of disaster-hit people who need help. I ask for help - whatever you can do. All the money raised today will be used to rehabilitate the disaster-affected children and other beneficiaries. A lot of these vulnerable children are trafficked and go astray if we don't look after them. We want to prevent that.

It's difficult to imagine with our mind's

ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2016 FULL WINNERS LIST

Nishma Robb, Head of Commercial Marketing, Google UK, Jo Sidhu QC- winner of the Professional of the Year award and Siraj Singh, Director of Marketing, Edwardian group of hotels

eye the scale of disaster and the aftermath - whether it's the earthquake in Kashmir or the tsunami is Sri Lanka.

What we aim to do with the money raised is to build a rehabilitation centre and school for educating these children. We need to give them a second chance in life.”

Entertainment was provided by Tumbellina (duo hoop act), Epika Dance group,, Kishan Amin, Jayden and a fashion show was put together by Sulochana Monga from Soltee. The charity auction was presented by former Rugby player Peter Scrivener, CEO, KLAS International.

Leading ethnic media outlets Sunrise Radio and Colors TV were media partners. The Asian Achievers Awards were launched in 2000 by London-based newsweeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, which are now in their 45th year and have a significant readership within the UK's Asian community.

Major General Richard Stanford MBE, Zlekha AhmedMajor General Richard Stanford MBE, Zlakha Ahmed-winner winner of Achievement the Achievement in Community Services of the in Community Services category and Dipti Mistry, Mistry, Trustee, Trustee, Bharat Bharat Welfare Welfare Trust Trust

Photo courtesy: Silver Fox, Raj D Bakrania & Team- PrMediapix, Kaushik Bhatia and Vineet Johri

Lord Raj Loomba, Selva Pankaj- Winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award with wife, and Sanjiv Chadha, Regional Head, State Bank of India, UK

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Mr.Nik Kotecha, CEO Morningside Pharmaceuticals

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Mr.Selva Pankaj, CEO Regent Group

Lt General James Bashill CBE of British Army, PC Karamjit Rekhi MBE- Winner of the Uniformed and Civil Service Award and Kanya King MBE

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Mr.Ryan Raghoo, Paralympian UNIFORMED AND CIVIL SERVICES PC Karmi Rekhi (Ms.), Met Police

Suresh Vagjiani, Managing Director, Sow & Reap Ltd, The Singh Twins- winners of Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture category and Tony Lit, Managing Director, Sunrise Radio with Comperes Farrah Storr and Nitin Ganatra

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lord Naren Patel KT, Media

Gordon Greenidge, Former West Indian cricketer, Ryan Raghoo- Winner of the Sports Personality of the Year category, Paresh Davda, CEO, Rational FX

MEDIA, ARTS AND CULTURE The Singh Twins, Award winning painters

WOMAN OF THE YEAR Ms. Manjit Gill, CEO & Founder Binti, a Womens' Charity

Seema Malhotra MP, Dr Nikesh Kotecha - Winner of Business Person of the Year, Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY

ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICE Ms.Zlakha Ahmed, CEO & Founder Apna Haq, a Women's Charity

Nitin Ganatra, Vivek Chadha- winner of the Editor's Choice Award and Farrrah Storr

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of ABPL Group addressing the guests

L George, COO, ABPL Group giving the welcome speech

Michelle Matherson, Manjit K Gill- Winner of the Woman of the Year award and Pragnesh Modhwadia, Managing Director, Axiom Stone Solictors

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Jo Sidhu QC, Barrister

Editor’s Award for Young Entrepreneur Vivek Chadha, Director of Nine Hospitality Limited, residential developer and commercial investor in UK real estate

The panel of judges- Ronnie Irani, Govind Shahi, Nishma Robb, San Gunapala and Nikhil Rathi

Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY addressing the audience

Rovin George, Head of Sales & Marketing, ABPL Group giving the vote of thanks

A moving speech by Tony Matharu from charity of the year IODR

Auctioneer Peter Scrivener

18

AAA 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Fashion show by Soltee

Dance performance by Epika Dance Group

The Great Hall right before the awards begin

Representatives of the British Armed Forces

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Master of Ceremony at the awards

Former X Factor finalist Monica Michael at the Red carpet

BBC Radio presenter Anushka Arora on the red carpet

Performance by Tumbellina

Stilt girls clad in butterfly dress strike a pose at the entrance of the awards

Solomon Akhtar, Former BBC Apprentice Contestant at the Red carpet

Performance by Kishan Amin

A performance by Jayden

REALESTATEVOICE

www.asian-voice.com

THE WINDOW IS REAL! AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

In recent articles I have been writing about the window of opportunity which has opened up in the London property market.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

This has received further verification from a recent Knight Frank property report which confirms the issues which are being perceived as a consequence of Brexit. Although, let us be clear that we have not actually exited yet, neither is there formal ratification of us exiting. Merely that we have had a referendum and the people have voted to exit.

Therefore, the consequences of Brexit exists actually in people’s minds and nowhere else, as nothing has happened -YET. What has happened on the demand side of the equation is very interesting, rather than the numbers of buyers decreasing they have increased. Properties under offer have increased, in the eight weeks since the vote, by a massive 19%. This has been fueled by an

Asian Voice |24th September 2016

increase in viewings on properties, by 49.1%, and web viewings by 20.8%.

The shift in demand has been prompted in part by those sitting on foreign currency, as they get a further discount of about 10%.

This will serve to compensate the recent round of stamp duty hikes.

Overall, the reduction in prices in the prime London market has been 1.8% over the last year. This represents an average, which ranges from a decline in Chelsea of 8.9%, to the City Fringe which has a gain of 4.9%.

What’s worthy of note, is overall the drop of 1.8% is significant, in that this is the highest fall since October 2009.

Those who purchased property in 2009 purchased at the perfect time, they benefited the most from the jump in growth in the following years.

KNOW YOUR TENANT

Your property is probably one of the most expensive things you own, so you don’t want just anyone moving in.

Referencing is the best way to protect yourself against bad tenants.

First and foremost, ensuring that the tenant is who they say they are is very important. A tenant giving false details is obviously indicative of potential bad intentions. It is also important to establish identity in order to ensure that the contract is enforceable.

include both employer and landlord references (although these may not be available if you are renting to a social housing tenant, or if the tenant has not previously rented).

The reference should include details of any bankruptcies and CCJs and previous credit history, which will indicate whether they have failed to pay bills in the past.

We offer a comprehensive referencing service which covers all of these important areas, and it is free to landlords who use our services. Our Tenant Referencing Report provides a clear indication of whether or not your potential tenant has met our criteria, allowing you to let your property with confidence.

Your reference check should include a confirmation of their employment status and current salary, which in turn enables you to identify whether they are able to

If your tenant fails the credit check, it can be prudent to consider why, and how serious this actually is. For example, if they have a CCJ or were declared bankrupt, they

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

A good reference should

afford the monthly rent.

Castlehaven Road, London NW1 Purchase Price: £550,000

19

The London property index went up from 116 to 165.

This is an uplift of 42%. If we assume a deposit was required of one third of the purchase price, say on a London property at £100,000, then it would now be worth £226,763.

Property has proven itself as a strong asset class; London property has become a recognised safe deposit box and there is a growing sense of confidence amongst buyers nationally and internationally in entering the market, at a time during which it is seemingly in a flux.

Buyers have reacted very quickly to this opportunity, the increase in viewings, of nearly 50% since Brexit, is a sign in the market that buyers have now grown in confidence in

will automatically fail the credit check. If the reason for this was that they were made redundant during the recession, but they’ve now held a full time job for two years and are easily able to cover the cost of their rent with their income, and have good references, perhaps it is worth considering allowing them as tenants, but with a guarantor. Additional information which you may request from tenants is three months’ bank statements, showing monthly incomings and outgoing, which can help you to make your decision.

A guarantor is a person who you, as the landlord, can ask to pay the rent if the tenant fails to do so. If you are using our

l

Excellent location l Three bedrooms and over 20ft reception room l Current rental yield is 6%, potential to achieve 7.5% l Potential to turn into HMO (subject to planning) l Resale value expected to be around £660,000 Contact us now to find out more!

exploiting the situation. I doubt this confidence has been there in previous downturns. The question is will you be one of them?

referencing service, and a tenant fails, but you would accept them with a suitable guarantor, we will reference check the guarantor on your behalf.

Often a tenant with a poor credit history will offer to pay a number of months’ rent in advance, or pay a larger deposit. Although this is clearly a sign of good will, it may be better to ask them to pay the LAST month’s rent in advance instead, and have this written into the contract.

Unless otherwise stated in the contract, you cannot take money from the deposit to pay rental arrears.

If you do not feel comfortable with a tenant, their reference, or the

option of a guarantor, you should not accept them as a tenant. It is better to reject a tenant, and restart the process than leave yourself open to a potential bad tenant.

Richard Bond

Lettings Manager Sow & Reap

20

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I was recently in Singapore - a financial centre made famous by the trader Nick Leeson. I had just given a speech to a room full of entrepreneurs and was struck by how many are women. Far more than I would have found in the UK. A room with about a thousand entrepreneurs and about forty percent were women.

So what about in trading – how come women do not rule the world? After all, they make great traders – the research proves it.

There can be little doubt about male dominance when only one out of a hundred of the UK’s largest companies are headed by a woman. Even in the US, it’s a similar proportion of women who head Fortune 500 companies.

How ironic. Research shows 46 per cent of all US businesses are owned by women, and employment at women-owned businesses is growing at 18 per cent, compared with 8 per cent for all companies, according to business magazine Forbes. Actually, US women have an average net worth of £1.96 billion compared with the men, at £1.45 billion.

And when it comes to investment, research also shows women make better investors than men. Luckily for men, there is much they can learn from women.

What is it women do in stock picking, research, trading, that produces better results and how can men use the web to close the gender gap?

Women’s portfolio’s earned 1.4% annually more than men’s did in a study of over 35,000 investors by the University of California at Davis. Indeed single women earned 2.3% annually more than single men.

Poor male performance is due to over-trading according to the study. Men trade their accounts 45% more often than women. And single men shuffle their holdings 67% more than single women. Perhaps the adage about men’s fear of commitment is true after all.

A National Association of Investors Corporation ten-year study found all-female investment clubs outpaced all-male investment clubs by producing 23.8% average compounded lifetime annual returns compared to 19.2% for male clubs.

So what lessons are there for men? After all, as a sex, we men are always ready and willing to learn from women, aren’t we? Do not male drivers at the first opportunity admit they are lost and ask passers-by for help?

First, save transaction costs by not churning your portfolio. Second, men should spend more time researching before investing. Fear of making a mistake was 50% to 60% higher among women than among males according to the US National Center for Women & Retirement Research. Consequently, women spend 40% more time than men researching and are also less likely to trade on a ‘hot tip’. Third men need to reign in their overconfidence. 52% of men express confidence in their ability to invest wisely, compared to just 38% of women according to the American Savings Economic Council. Men are overconfident in their abilities to pick market beating stocks.

This in turn often makes women better traders – more risk averse, awaiting clearer market signals for good trading opportunities and more diversified.

So what do women need? A little more confidence to start investing, but not so much as to make them bad investors, appears to be the difficult resolution.

www.asian-voice.com

Rcom, Aircel to merge; to take on Reliance Jio AsianVoiceNews

In one of the biggest consolidation deal in the telecom industry, Reliance Communications Ltd has agreed to merge its mobile phone services business with rival Aircel. The combination will soon create a telecom operator ranked fourth by its customer base and revenues, and three by revenues in 12 important circles.

M a x i s Communications Berhad of Malaysia, which owns Aircel, and Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, will both own 50 per cent each in the merged entity with an equal representation on the board and com-

mittees. The merged company will be one of India's largest private sector companies, with an asset base of over £6.50 billion and net worth of £3.50 billion.

It will enjoy substantial benefits of scale driving significant revenue growth, and capex and opex synergies with a net present value of £2 billion.

The merger is seen as Anil Ambani's latest move to rebuff elder brother's aggressive Reliance Jio entry into the market.

Rcom shares rose by 2.72 per cent to Rs 51.05 on the BSE following the decision.

After the unification, its overall debt will reduce by

£2 billion or over 40 per cent, and Aircel's debt will reduce by £400 million.

However, RCom will continue to own and operate its high growth businesses in the domestic and global space, data centres, optic fibre and related telecom infrastructure, besides owning valuable real estate.

Anil Ambani, Chairman of Reliance ADAG said, "Together with our partners MCB, we are delighted to have taken the lead in consolidation of the Indian telecom sector, first, with RCOM's acquisition of the wireless business of SSTL, and now, with the

Cairn India shareholders agree merger with Vedanta Limited Cairn India has said that its shareholders had approved a merger with the country's biggest producer of aluminium and copper, Vedanta Limited. Owner of the London-listed conglomerate and parent company Vedanta Resources, Anil Agarwal announced a plan to merge the two units in June last year in a move aimed at streamlining debt.

Vedanta Resources paid more than $8 billion to UKbased energy giant Cairn in 2011 for a majority stake in Cairn India. Chairman of

Anil Agarwal

the latter company, Navin Agarwal released a statement saying, "I am pleased that the shareholders of Cairn India have approved the merger of Cairn India with Vedanta Limited. We

are confident that the financial strength and diversified portfolio of Tier-I assets of the merged company, with strong growth potential, will provide de-risked earnings and stable cash flows and drive long-term value." The deal has been approved by Indian courts, and is expected to be cleared by the end of the financial year. Anil Agarwal said the move was a "significant step" towards simplifying Vedanta Resources' structure and creating "long term sustainable value".

Mallya still in full control of UB Group Beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya still holds "full control" over his company even after relocating to the UK, his UB group’s holding firm United Breweries Holdings (UBHL) has said while disclosing remuneration totalling £160,000.

United Breweries, in which co-promoter Heineken has been hiking stake, disclosed total remuneration of about £286,000 to Mallya. However, this payment to Mallya had to be withheld pursuant to the orders of the income-tax

Vijay Mallya

department. In its latest annual report, released to shareholders ahead of their annual general meeting on September 29, the group holding firm UBHL said it has been without a manag-

ing director since April 17, 2014. The company said, "In the interregnum, the Chairman of the Board, Vijay Mallya is acting as the Principal Officer of the company and reviewed the performance of the Company at the Board Meetings held during the year. Even after his relocating to London, he has full control over the affairs of the company through appropriate delegation of duties to various operating executives who report to him on a regular basis."

GP’s lose £5m due to Barclays Bank

Abhishek Sachdev

In 2007, Dr Isobel Bleehen and her two partners obtained a loan for £5.2m to expand the Pinn Medical Centre in Pinner (NW London). The centre now serves a population of nearly 20,000 patients, has an on-site pharmacy and dentistry, and importantly, remains an accredited training practice for med-

ical students and future GP's.

So what went wrong?

Barclays insisted they needed to hedge their Interest Rate risk as a requirement for the loan. They advised Dr Bleehen and her partners to enter into an Interest Rate Derivative Product. These products (swaps), lock the cost of the borrowing and protect against higher rates for a set period of time. However, they come with a potentially devastating sting in their tail. The lower interest rates go, the higher the cost to exit them before maturity.

Given we have seen interest rates collapse after the financial crisis of 2008 and more recently Brexit, the break costs have risen to eye-watering amounts.

The product was sold as a no-cost insurance product by the bank. “If we knew the consequences, we wouldn’t have touched a product like that,” said Bleehen. The duration of the swap was set at 27 years and despite the partners wanting some degree of flexibility in the future, Barclays still advised them to purchase a 27-year swap.

Barclays were forced to

admit mis-selling the swap through the compensation scheme set up by the FCA. Barclays said the doctors “were not provided with sufficient information to understand the features, benefits and risks”. It added that the surgery had been “provided with advice to enter into the deal [swap] in circumstances where no such advice should have been given”.

Amazingly, the bank concluded the doctors would have still taken out the product and declined to give them redress. The total cost of the claim, including

interests and the cost to break the swap, amounts to just under £5 million. This is particularly disappointing for us at Vedanta Hedging, since the FCA sought (and paid for!) our advice in setting up this IRHP Review.

A 27-year swap is hugely restrictive and doesn’t allow for any flexibility such as allowing any of the GPs to retire, or new GPs to join the partnership. Barclay's advice has cost the practice millions, which could have been used to invest into the business going forward.

This is an example of a

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combination of our business with Aircel in 50:50 joint venture with MCB." He added, "We expect this combination to create substantial long term value for shareholders of both, RCOM and MCB, given the benefits of the wide-ranging spectrum portfolio and significant revenue and cost synergies."

MCB released a statement saying, "The magnitude of this investment, and the further equity commitment in support of this deal, are underpinned

by MCB's belief in the long term growth potential of both India and the Indian telecom sector."

3 Indian bank chiefs among ‘Most Powerful Women’

India's top female bankers, SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya, ICICI head Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank CEO Shikha Sharma, are among 50 women listed by Fortune.

While Bhattacharya came in second on Fortune's '50 Most Powerful Women International', Kochhar came in fifth and Sharma claimed the 19th slot.

The list was topped by Banco Santander's BotA-n.

"Bhattacharya's profile has risen during her three year tenure atop India's largest bank," Fortune said.

Bhattacharya continued her high-profile battle with the bank's bad loans.

"Though her term leading the bank is set to expire in October, most expect the government will extend her time so she can see the efforts through," the company said. Chanda Kochhar is regarded even by rival bankers as a "visionary", according to Fortune.

About Sharma, it said, "First quarter profit this year was hurt by a spike in bad loans, but Ms Sharma deserves accolades for publicising a watch list." derivative instrument being used to reduce risk, but due to poor advice and lack of understanding, significantly adding risk.

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The uniqueness of Lord Loomba leads debate on the increase in human rights abuses in conflict and the effect on widows Britain’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Believed to the first British diplomat of a senior rank, Britain’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia performed the holiest rite for Muslims the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca after he converted to Islam.

Pictures surfaced on Twitter last week as ambassador Simon Collis, 60 along with his wife Huda Mujarkech dressed is the traditional white Ihram robes standing outside the British consulate in Mecca.

Ambassador Collis responding to twitter messages said “May Allah bless you. Briefly, I converted to Islam after 30 years of living in Muslim societies and just before I married Huda.” Mr Collis is it said converted to Islam discreetly in 2011, shortly before his marriage.

Conversion is a religious requirement for those wishing to marry a Muslim woman.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the news saying it was a private matter.

Ambassador Collis is one of the most prominent fig-

ures in British society to convert to Islam. He will continue to use his English name but considers himself “a British ambassador who just happens to be Muslim.” He is one of the most experienced Arabists of the Foreign Office. In the past, he served as the Britain’s ambassador to Qatar, Syria and Iraq.

In London, the East London Mosque congratulated on “his journey to Islam. We hope that he is able to share his experiences from the has with his non-Muslim colleagues at the British embassy.”

Other Twitter users congratulated the ambassador, including two members of the Saudi royal family.

This year some 1.86 million people will perform the Haj, including some 20,000 Britons.

15th September, 2016: Lord Loomba, speaking in the House of Lords during the debate he led on the increase in the rate of human rights abuses in conflict zones and the effect on widows, focussing on some of the countries affected said: " Given that many of the countries where there is conflict are also countries that do not value a woman once she becomes a widow, their problems become even more acute, with the loss of property rights, sexual abuse and banishment from their community, which can lead to poverty and destitution."

Continuing his point Lord Loomba stressed: "As male

deaths may often be related to fighting and conflict situations, many widows are young—and may even be children themselves if they have been forced into marriage at an early age." The outcome of this led: ".to a life that is unfulfilled, as they start out from an even more disadvantaged position than other women and girls in their communities." Lord Loomba also described that for many older widows they face other forms of discrimination, even inadvertently: "At the other end of the age demographic, it is recognised that many older women suffer terribly on being widowed.

Age

International has also noted that older women are often ignored in data compilation, and figures that show the true numbers of older women suffering from conflict are not readily available." Citing research commissioned by the Loomba Foundation, and now published in the World Widows Report 2015, Lord Loomba, taking Afghanistan as one example, said: "[the] report estimates that just over onefifth of the female population of marital age there is widowed," and, "shows just how many women are suffering not only from conflict but from bereavement and the additional problems that

come with the responsibilities of childbearing and putting a roof over their family’s heads in the most difficult circumstances." He also noted: "As the report points out, remarriage is often unlikely, making social deprivation and poverty longterm," for many widows.

Finishing off Lord Loomba asked the Minister, Baroness Goldie: " what steps the Government are taking to eliminate or at least reduce the effect of human rights abuses and to help widows in fragile states, " as he emphasised the importance of getting help to the most vulnerable in need more quickly.

Hindu couple launches Islamic airline Business is in the air and a business opportunity knows no religious boundary.

An ethnic Indian Hindu couple have launched Malaysia’s first Islamic airline offering Shariah compliant services. It is the country’s first Islamic airline, offering flights that adhere to Islamic rules, including prayers before take-off, no on-flight serving of alcohol or meals with pork and a strict dress code for female flight attendants.

Interestingly, the people who started Rayani Air are

Hindus – Ravi Alagendrran and his wife Karthiyani Govindan, who used parts of their first names for the airline’s name. They assured that passengers of all faiths would be welcome on the flights, although they are mainly eyeing the Muslim market. “This is not a matter of segregation. We have a target market and anyone wishing to travel in a modest and alcohol-free environment will feel right at home,” Ravi told Malay Mail. The Shariah-compliant industry has a huge

potential for growth, he added. Department of Civil Aviation senior assistant director Jaafar Zamhari said: “Muslim crew members will be obliged to cover their heads and nonMuslim members of the crew are required to dress decently in accordance with Shariah requirements.

“The airline will not allow any pork or alcoholic beverages on board and Islamic prayers will be conducted before every flight for the safety of the passengers,” he said. The airline would fly

five times a week between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. The airliner operated its maiden flight on Sunday (September 18). The idea for Rayani Air grew out of complaints by Muslims who believed that two major air disasters for the national Malaysia Airlines - Flight 370 that went missing in March 2014 and Flight 17 downed a few months later over Ukraine - were caused

by Allah’s wrath. According to them, it was a message from God for breaking Islamic rules on flights.

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WORLD

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Afghan-origin man held for NY attack In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

NEW YORK: US authorities have apprehended American citizen of Afghan origin, Ahmad Khan Rahami, in a manhunt issued in connection with the serial bombing in New York and New Jersey.

Rahami was reportedly injured in a shoot out in Linden, along with two police officers.

The manhunt for Rahami began after more pipe bombs were found in New Jersey in addition to the ones found in Manhattan, and the one that

exploded at the marine corps race. His lead was received through a cellphone timer left with one of the pressure cooker bombs. The homemade bomb exploded in Chelsea region of Manhattan, New York, and while there were no fatalities, over 29 people were injured. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called the incident an "act of terrorism" at a news conference, also specifying that there was no evidence yet of "international terrorism".

The explosion took place not only during the UN General Assembly session, but also on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11. Mayor Bill de Blasio initially said there was no evidence of a terror connection, but presidential election politics gave the incident a bigger spin.

Republican nominee Donald Trump told his supporters at a Colorado airport that "a bomb went off in New York and nobody knows what's going on." He added, "We'll

find out. It's a terrible thing that's going on in our world, in our country and we are going to get tough and smart and vigilant." Democrat Hillary Clinton also called the incident a "bombing". "I think it is important to know the facts about any incident like this... It is always wiser to wait until you have information before making conclusions, because we are just in the beginning stages of trying to determine what happened."

It'll be an insult if blacks don't vote: Obama WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama said he would take it as a "personal insult" if the African-American community does not turn out for the November presidential elections. Encouraging black voters to support Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton, Obama said his name may not be on the ballot, but issues of importance to the black community were there, including justice, good schools and ending mass incarceration.

Delivering his final keynote address to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Obama said, "I will consider it a personal insult, an insult to my legacy, if this community lets down its guard and fails to activate itself in this election. You want to give me a good sendoff, go vote."

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton made a dashing first public appearance after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The former secretary of state used her experience to make a brand new call for

Barack Obama

better provision of healthcare and family leave. "Being on the trail does not encourage reflection. It's important to sit with your thoughts every now and again and this helped me to reflect on what this campaign is all about," she spoke to young students at the University of North Carolina. "For millions of moms and dads, if they get sick there is no backup, they are on their own. That's the story for too many people in America." Clinton called back on her campaign messages on the economy and social justice. "I have been involved in politics for many

years. It's not an easy business. Sometimes it can be rough. People accuse me of all kinds of things, but nobody ever accused me of quitting and I will never ever give up."

As the health of Clinton and Donald Trump became a campaign issue, both of them moved to show their medical fitness for the White House as Clinton released a letter from her doctor declaring her fit for the presidency and Trump taped a TV-segment about his well-being.

Clinton, 68, is healthy and fit to serve as president and is currently recovering

from non-contagious, bacterial pneumonia, her physician, Dr. Lisa Bardack, said in a letter about the Democratic nominee’s medical condition.

Trump, 70, knows he could stand to lose a few pounds but otherwise is in great health, campaign adviser Sarah Huckabee Sanders told MSNBC after the Republican nominee taped an episode of the “Dr. Oz Show” in New York.

Bardack, in her letter about Clinton, wrote: “She is recovering well with antibiotics and rest. She continues to remain healthy and fit to serve as President of the United States.”

The announcements came as Clinton spent a third day resting at her home in Chappaqua, New York, after falling ill on a Sept. 11 memorial in New York City. Video footage taken by a bystander showed Clinton becoming dizzy as she attempted to get into a waiting vehicle. Her campaign said later in the day that the former secretary of state had been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Sikhs fight misconceptions Indian-origin scientist with photo show in US claims Lemelson-MIT Prize NEW YORK: Several SikhAmericans have been featured in a photo exhibition set to open in New York, to challenge public misconceptions of practitioners of the religion. 'The Sikh Project' has been created by British Sikh photographer Naroop, along with fellow photographer Amit. "when people look at a gentleman with a beard and a turban, they think he's a terrorist.

Sikhs get labelled and categorised in groups and individuals that they're not. It's time to break that barrier down and remove all the stereotypes associated with it."

The exhibition features 38 portraits of SikhAmerican men and woman, and include the faces of Waris Singh Ahluwalia, a New York actor whose work includes 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', and Vishavjit Singh, a cartoonist who adapted Sikh Captain America persona on the streets of the city to bring awareness about social identity. Sapreet Kaur, executive director of the Sikh Coalition, which will present the free exhibition, said, "We wanted to bring about an exhibition that could capture the beauty of the Sikh faith.”

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CAMBRIDGE: A scientist of Indian-origin recently bagged the prestigious Lemelson-MIT prize worth $ 500,000 for his groundbreaking invention.

Ramesh Raskar, 46, founder of the Camera Culture research group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology won the award money for his radical imaging solutions including Femto-photography.

A media release confirmed the news saying, "Raskar is the winner of the 2-16 USD 500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for his groundbreaking inventions, commitment to youth mentorship, and dedication to improving our world with practical yet innovative solutions." The Nasik-born has more than 75 patents to his name, and has also written over 120 reviewed publications. The media release said he combines the best of the academic and entrepreneurial worlds to achieve milestones in improving the lives and health of people in industrial and developing societies. Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program said, "Raskar is a multi-faceted leader as an inventor, educator,

Ramesh Raskar

change maker and exemplar connector. In addition to creating his own remarkable inventions, he is working to connect communities and inventors all over the world to create positive change."

Accepting the prize money, Raskar said he plans to use a portion of the money to launch a new effort using peer-to-peer invention platforms that offer new approaches for helping young people in multiple countries to co-invent in a collaboratibe way. "Everyone has the power to solve problems and through peer-to-peer co-invention and purposeful collaboration, we can solve problems that will impact billions of lives."

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Humanities medal for PIO doctor in US

WASHINGTON: Physician-author of IndianAmerican origin Abraham Verghese has been selected for the 2015 National Humanities Medal.

He would be conferred the honour by US President Barack Obama. Releasing a statement, the White House said, "His range of proficiency embodies the diversity of the humanities, from his efforts to emphasise empathy in medicine, to his imaginative renderings of the human drama."

Suicide attack on mosque kills 25

ISLAMABAD: At least 25 people were killed and more than 30 injured at a mosque, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives during the Friday prayers. The blast occurred at the place of worship in Payee Khan village of Anbar Tehsil, when about 200 worshippers were gathered to offer their weekly prayers. A senior tribal administration official said, "It was a suicide blast. The Friday prayer was in progress at the mosque when the attackers shouted Allahu Akbar and struck." Naveed Akbar, assistant political agent of Mohmang Agency, said, "A portion of the mosque collapsed in the blast and fell on worshippers. We are still retrieving bodies and the injured." There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

IS & Taliban claim killing 3 Pak soldiers

PESHAWAR: Three Pakistani soldiers were killed in an ambush claimed by both, the Islamic State and a Pakistani Taliban faction. A security official said, "They were travelling in an unmarked van near the congested Daudzai area when unknown armed men opened fire at them." The Pakistani army often uses unmarked vehicles for transportation of soldiers in volatile areas around Peshawar.

Islamic State-affiliated news agency Amaq said the terrorist outfit was behind the act, while Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, an offshoot of Pakistani Taliban group also claimed responsibility for the ambush.

Hindu Marriage Bill to be tabled in Pak House

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is expected to table the much-debated Hindu Marriage Bill at the next session of the Parliament, which will be held in the last week of September.

Human Rights Minister Kamran Michael said the legislation is expected to address key issues relating to the registration of marriages, divorce, and forced conversions. "It will be a historic day... and the credit goes to (both the) opposition and ruling parties which are on the same page on the draft," Michael said. A large number of Hindu community members, especially women, do not have basic documentation to prove their marital status. They are also deprived of legal rights, such as inheritance, remarriage, separation, adoption of children and annulment of marriage. If made legal, the bill is expected to also end the practice of abducting married Hindu women.

No Indian in Man Booker shortlist

LONDON: The Man Booker prize shortlist unveiled on Tuesday showed no traces of an Indian author. The six authors on the list include first time author Ottessa Moshfegh, a Boston-born 35 year old who was selected for 'Eileen', Scottish writer Graeme Macrae Burnet for 'His Bloody Project', South African-born British writer Deborah Levy for 'Hot Milk', David Szala for 'All That Man Is', Madeleine Thien's 'Do Not Say We Have Nothing', and Paul Beatty's 'The Sellout'.

Animal sacrifices turn Dhaka streets into rivers of blood

DHAKA: Massive-scaled animal sacrifices made to mark the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, mixed with heavy rains, turned the streets of Dhaka bloody last week. Residents of the Bangladeshi capital used parking lots, garages, and alleys to kill the animals and the blood flowed into the flooded streets, turning them into rivers of blood. The traditional festival of Bakri Eid is celebrated by slaughtering livestock, usually a goat or sheep, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith.

INDIA - WORLD Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

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Series of events mark Modi's birthday

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India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced that the 14th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in Bengaluru from January 7 to 9, 2017. Launching a new logo and a portal for the three day event, Swaraj said format of the function has been changed, and the event will now be "resultoriented" instead of a cultural function. She said participants can register themselves through the portal, and that the fee has been reduced this year. "Till a few years ago, the number of participants was in hundreds. Last year it was around 2,500, and this year we are expecting around 3,000 people and the actual number may go up," she said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said his state was keen on hosting the event and is already making preparations to make it a "huge success".

The main function of the event will be on January 9 that would see a participative session with the diaspora. There would also be a Youth PBD on January 7.

Sushma said that Modi's fervent engagement with the Indian diaspora has had an impact and the number of participants in this year's event has gone up.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi came back to his home state Gujarat on his 66th birthday, to seek blessings from mother Hiraba. His third visit to the region in a span of one month, Modi's birthday was marked with a series of events, including laying foundation of a £400 million irrigation scheme, and facilitating three world records.

Addressing a crowd in Samajik Adhikarita Shibir at Jamalpur, Navsari, Modi donated Rs 6700,000 received on his birthday for skill development of the differently abled.

"Divyangs do not need anyone's sympathy, they only want to be treated equally, they want to lead a life of pride," said Modi. Three Guinness world records were also made; one included 1,000 divyangs on wheelchairs forming a 'Happy Birthday PM', the administration distributing 1,000 hearing aids to the needy, and the lighting of 989 earthen lamps.

Modi also distributed 11,330 assistive kits to the differently-abled during the event, and expressed happiness over being the first Prime Minister to

14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Bengaluru

Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Union Ministers and other dignitaries, on his arrival at Samajik Adhikarita Shivir, in Navsari

attend such a camp.

NaMo also warned that the entire world was watching India with high expectations and the country can no longer afford to hold a casual attitude any more. "Number of times we see things happening in front of us but our response remains very casual. India cannot afford such an attitude.

Days of 'hota hai chalta hai dekhlenge' are over, as the world is watching us with great expectations," Modi said.

He also announced his government's decision to develop a uniform sign language and the setting up of special laboratories to propagate the common sign language. "Our government realised that there

Modi with his Mother Hiraba

Sushma Swaraj offers help for parents of surrogate baby Just five days after offering to help a stranded British couple, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the UK government for an update on a passport for their infant daughter. Chris and Michele Newman are in Mumbai with a medical visa that expires on October 7, meanwhile their surrogate child in India, Lily's travel documents might not be ready by that time.

The plight of the family was highlighted by the

Sushma Swaraj Indian media, also catching Swaraj's eye. Moved by their situation, the minis-

Doctor Tina Doshi is honoured for exemplary work in the education sector, by Sri Morari Bapu, and Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.

ter sent out a tweet saying, "We will help (you) with extension for your visa. Pl give your details." The couple had applied for a British passport for their child on June 3, but processing delays with the international checks at the UK Passport Office has left them in a soup. The Newmans have even put up a petition on website Change.org, saying, "We are proud new parents to our amazing daughter Lily, who was born in Mumbai through surrogacy in May 2016.

We travelled to Mumbai for Lily's birth and to bring her home to Epsom in Surrey.

However, we have been left stranded because of delays due to UK Passport Office checks and may have to leave our three-and-a-half month old daughter with a complete stranger, as we are forced to leave by the Indian Government."

The ever pro-active Swaraj sent out a latest tweet that read, "When will Britain give Lily a passport? We are prepared to extend parents' visa till then." She had earlier advised the British couple to acquire a British passport for their child as "Orphanage is not an option for baby Lily."

are many different sign languages in the country. As a result, one divyang sometimes fails to understand the language of other. So, we have set up a lab to develop a common syllabus in line with international standards so that our divyangs do not face difficulty anywhere in the world." Modi said.

Modi was also presented with a 67-foot 67 kilogram garland by BJP workers. Modi assured his government's commitment to empower the tribals while dedicating several irrigation project that will provide drinking water to nearly 2100,000 tribals of 960 villages in tribal-dominated Dahod, Mahisagar, Narmada and Chhotaudepur districts.

Pitru - Matru Tarpan

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A Bhajan Tarpan – as part of the Pitru- Matru Tarpan ritual that provides an opportunity to repay debt to our ancestors – has been organised by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar on September 28, 2016. The programme will take place at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London.

Renowned singer Mayaben Deepak will render prayers and bhajans on the solemn occasion. Wellknown scholar Dr M N Nandakumar, who is also Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, will explain the significance of Shraddha and Tarpan.

All the subscribers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are welcome to grace the occasion. Entry is on first come, first served basis. There is no charge. But as the space is limited, you are requested to book your name at the earliest.

You may, if you wish, bring in your late parents’ and loved ones' A4 size framed photographs which will be displayed along with others. However, such interested people should reach the venue one hour in advance before the commencement of the programme. (Please inform us early.)

A complimentary vegetarian buffet dinner will be served on the occasion.

RSVP – anand.pillai@abplgroup.com or kokila.patel@abplgroup.com or kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com or Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. The cut-off date is September 25, 2016. Time: 6pm Place: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 4A Castletown Rd, London W14 9HE

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INDIA

SC asks Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing tussle between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu from 21 to 27 September daily. The apex court also directed the Centre to constitute a Cauvery Management Board within four weeks.

The SC order comes just a day after the Cauvery Supervisory Committee, headed by Ministry of Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar had ordered Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu from 21 September to 30 September.

Reacting to the SC ruling, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said: Earlier on Tuesday, the Karnataka government had decided to challenge the Cauvery Supervisory Committee's order in the SC. Despite the day-long discussions on Monday, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had failed to reach an agreement on the quantum of water to be released.

"They have not agreed.

The two states are free to challenge this order in the Supreme Court when it takes up the matter or they can agree with the order before the court," Shekhar was quoted as saying.

Now, Amma marriage halls in Tamil Nadu CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has announced the construction of Amma marriage halls at 11 places in the state, all at an estimated cost of £8.3 million.

Releasing a statement, Jayalalithaa reminded the difficulties faced by the economically weaker sections in conducting domestic functions at high-cost halls. "I have ordered Amma marriage halls for the benefit of poor. The halls will have facilities, including air-conditioned rooms for bride and groom, guest rooms, dining hall and kitchen, she said. She added that the Tamil Nadu housing board and cooperative societies have been ordered to execute the scheme.

The halls are scheduled to be built in Tondiarpet, Velachery, Ayapakkam, Periyar Nagar, Korattur in Chennai, Anna Nagar in

J Jayalalithaa

Madurai, Ambasamudram in Tirunerveli, Salem in Salem, Kodungaiyur in Tiruvallur, and Udumalaipet in Tirupur.

Amma also announced the construction of 50,000 houses through the TN slum clearance board at the cost of £180 million. The government would offer a subsidy of £94.5 million to the beneficiaries to construct 45,000 houses; Rs 210,000 to each unit. Each LIG flat will come up at 645 sq ft and will have a hall, two bedrooms and a kitchen. It will cost less than Rs 2000,000, while MIG flat of 807 sq ft and will cost Rs 3000,000.

The supervisory committee, in its previous meeting on 12 September, had failed to arrive at any decision for want of adequate information which was to be made available by the river basin states.

It had asked them to provide the information by 15 September.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had submitted to the committee data about withdrawal of water, its utilisation, variation in rainfall and its impact on the actual run-off over a period of 29 years in their respective Cauvery basin areas, according to a source.

Besides Shekhar, chief secretaries of Tamil Nadu,

Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry and Central Water Commission chairman are members of the committee, formed to implement final award of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

The Supreme Court had on 5 September had asked Tamil Nadu to approach the committee over the issue. On that day, the apex court had asked Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water per day for a period of 10 days to Tamil Nadu to ameliorate the plight of farmers. Meanwhile, Karnataka, which is the upper riparian state, had approached the Supreme Court on 11 September seeking modification of its order.

Tamil Nadu to digitise case documents CHENNAI: In a massive modernisation drive, no court in Tamil Nadu will accept handwritten police documents such as first information report, inquest, arrest card, seizure mahazar, and chargesheet. With the move, the state aims to become the first region in the country to use only system-generated documents for all police cases in all courts till the chargesheet stage.

"An administrative sanction for the new regimen has been okayed by the Madras high court Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul," an official said. As part of the ambitious Common Integrated Police Record Updating System, a criminal case is divided into seven phases, each requiring a form. While Form 1 concerns FIR, Form 7 is about an appeal which is the last stage. In between,

there are separate forms for different stages of a case. This standardised format will usher in uniformity in documenting criminal proceedings across the country. Now, officials and complainants alike can check the status of the cases concerning them from anywhere.

"Except such sensitive cases as rape and terroristrelated offences, one could check the status of all cases," officials said. Tamil Nadu has been among several other states such as Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha that have fully computerised FIRs since April 16, this year. "From now on all police stations, including special wings, will file only system-generated documents for trial. The only exception is directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption," sources said.

Punjab officials skip function Shoe hurled at minister to install Ranjit Singh bust inside Punjab assembly CHANDIGARH: The bust of great Sikh warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh was unveiled at the Allard Square of St Tropez in France, last week. The event, organised by Sikh de France, an organisation representing the community in the country, installed the bust at St Tropez, birthplace of French warrior General Jean Franquis Allard who served in the Maharaja's army. The ceremony was attended by French officials, India's former chief of Army, General JJ Singh, Indian ambassador to France, Mohan Kumar, Ludhiana resident Harjinder Singh Kukreja among others.

However, there wasn't anyone present from the Punjab government.

Navjot Singh Randhawa, Director Tourism and Culture said, "French Sikhs approached us to get the bust made and we gave it. If you present someone with a bouquet of flowers, it is not important to deliver them personally. We were pre-occupied,

hence none could attend the ceremony."

Made from bronze, the bust is nearly three feet tall and weighs 110 kg.

While several sources said it cost Rs 75,000 to the Punjab government, some organisers alleged it wasn't pure bronze and rather, mixed with brass which makes it much cheaper.

When asked why a better quality statue wasn't sent, Randhawa said, "It was a gift from our side and not an obligation from the Punjab government. The price of the gift is not important but the feelings behind it that should matter. Still CM Parkash Singh Badal took personal interest in the project and handed over the bust to French delegation in a well organised ceremony."

CHANDIGARH: There was complete pandemonium at the Punjab State Assembly on the concluding day of the monsoon session. With the House seeing an uproar, a shoe was hurled at Punjab cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia, and protesting Congress MLAs threw papers at the Speaker.

With both, the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, present while the chaos began, the House saw heated exchanges between the ruling Akali-BJP benches and the Congress members. The latter raised slogans against the government inside the Assembly and demanded time to be allotted for discussion.

Senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar was seen saying something to the Speaker, who stated he was "insulting the Chair" and asked him to take his seat.

Even with the Speaker suspending the Question Hour, the Zero Hour, and

Bikram Singh Majithia

calling attention notices, Congress members including the Youth Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and other MLAs continued to protest near the Well of the House and flung papers, including some CAG reports towards Speaker Atwal. The watch and ward staff covered the Speaker, but Warring and some other MLAs kept throwing papers and other documents even as bills continued to be passed in the House. In the melee, a shoe was hurled from the opposition side towards the ruling benches and fell just short of where Bikram Majithia was sitting.

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5 drown while trying to save girl

WARANGAL: Five students, including two girls drowned in a lake in Warangal district, Telangana, last week. The police said six students of the Vaagdevi Engineering College went to Dharmasagar lake for an outing. One of the girls, Ramya Pratyusha accidentally fell in the water while trying to take a selfie. The other students jumped in to save the girl, and while she managed to get back to the shore, the others drowned. All aged around 18, the victims are identified as Sravya Reddy, Polineni Vinuthna, Karne Shivasai, P Shivasaikrishna and Srindhi.

Man kills woman for rejecting his proposal

COIMBATORE: A 23 year old woman was murdered at her house in Tamil Nadu, after she allegedly turned a man down. S Dhanya was alone at home when 27 year old accused Zahir allegedly entered through the rear door of the house and attacked her with a sickle after she refused his advances. Zahir later attempted suicide by consuming poison after killing her.

Police said the accused, a mill worker, was a family friend and had known Dhanya for over a year. "We've registered a case of murder. We have not arrested him yet as he's in the ICU," an official said.

SC reduces death sentence of Kerala girl's rapist

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court reduced the sentence of a 2011 rape convict. Govindachamy was held guilty of pushing 23 year old Soumya off a train in Kerala, jumping after her, hitting her with a stone and then raping her in the wounded state, by a fast track court which sentenced him to death. The SC, however, said that while there was evidence of rape, there wasn't enough of murder. The victim was returning home in February 2011, when she was attacked in the woman's compartment. She was found unconscious near the tracks and died five days later in the hospital. The top court said there was no evidence she was thrown off the train and did not jump off. Upset with the verdict, Soumya's mother said, "He did this to my daughter. And he will not even be hanged... My heart is broken. All this while I thought we will get justice. Nothing."

Chandigarh airport not Punjab property: Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Raising fresh issues between neighbouring states, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar sent an angry letter to his Punjab counterpart for trying to project the newly constructed international Mohali airport as its achievement. Khattar said it was a joint venture and both states invested equally. In his letter issued to CM Parkash Singh Badal, Khattar said, "I am deeply anguished by the advertisements that appeared in various newspapers terming the Chandigarh international airport as Mohali airport. The fact is that the final nomenclature of this airport has not yet been decided by the government of India.

Airport is managed by Chandigarh International Airport Limited where AAI have 51 per cent equity partnership and state governments of Haryana and Punjab hold an equity @ 24.5 each."

Sidhu formally resigns from BJP

CHANDIGARH: After announcing the formation of a new political party, cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu formally resigned from the BJP this week. His wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu, a lawmaker in the Punjab assembly, is also expected to follow her husband's footsteps soon. "If the BJP doesn't quit alliance with Akali Dal then I surely cannot continue with the BJP," she said. Also hitting at critics who accused her of anti-party activities, Navjot said, "I am an individual, I have only picked up issues of my zone, (but I'm) not being allowed to do (so). This isn't democracy, this is dictatorship. If I raise social issues, how is it anti-party activity?" Sidhu's new party Awaaz-e-Punjab is expected to contest the Punjab state elections next year.

www.asian-voice.com

Chhatrapati Shivaji for Hindavi Swaraj AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

SPECIAL Asian Voice | 24th September 2016 a self-made man. He established his army of Mavalas (Maratha Warriors). His intelligence wing was equally power-

On the occasion of Indian National Hero’s 342nd Coronation

Dr Hari Desai

very next month his mother Jijabai died. Considering it as a bad omen, he had a second Coronation on 24th September 1674. In spite of this, the Chhatrapati (Monarch) could rule over his Empire for a brief period of only 6 years since he died in 1680 vomiting blood.

His death too was a

Chhatrapati Shivaji (19 February 1630- 3 April 1680), the most beloved Maratha King is a Hero of the countrymen in India even today. Occasional controversies do erupt regarding him but he continues to be a National Hero. Some political, cultural and social groups try to brand Shivaji as a Hindu King but that would not be his real introduction, as he was above any caste, creed or religion and a foresighted personality in real sense. Precisely that was the reason why mystery as one of his eight Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar wives, Soirabai, is said to Tilak – the firebrand Editor have given poison to him. of “Kesari” and “Marhatta” Since most Muslim rulers in and the first Leader of those days were running the Chhatrapati Shivaji Indian Independence administration in Persian, Movement – thought of celShivaji introduced Marathi tives Pantaji Gopinath and eller Francois Bernier also ebrating the birth-date of and Sanskrit as the media Krishnaji Bhaskar respecspeak highly of his religious the Founder of Maratha in his court. His Eighttively. policy.

Empire, 19th February, as Member Council of Both Afzal and Shivaji One of Shivaji’s Shiv Jayanti on a grand Ministers (Ashtapradhan) embraced and the tall Generals, Netaji Palkar, not scale since 1895-96 to crewas unique and was Khan was to kill the only defected to Mughals ate a national spirit among Maratha warrior, but was but also converted to Islam. the colonised people at that unaware that Shiva had Ten years after his service in time. also come prepared.

Aurangzeb’s Army as Sometimes the history Chhatrapati killed Afzal General in Kabul, he wantis being coloured when with his hidden Vaghnakh ed to return and adopt Shivaji Maharaj is branded Hinduism again. Shivaji (Tiger Claws). It was tit for as a mere Hindu King who was generous to accept him tat. The Maratha King was fought for Hindu Swaraj. back into Hindu fold and he The layman hardly differengot his daughter married to tiates between Hindu Netaji’s son. According to Swaraj and Hindavi Swaraj, Hindu traditions, the family though there is a vast differwhere one gets the daughence. To brand Shivaji as a ter married is considered Hindu King is like undersocially superior. mining his national During Chhatrapati’s and inclusive charconflict with Adilshahi acter. Of course he of Bijapur, his meetfollowed Hindu ing with Bijapur’s religion, but he was General Afzal Khan not a fundamentalLokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Pratapgad is someist like his counterpart times described as Hindu i.e.

Mughal Emperor instructed to serve the subvs. Muslim conflict. But Aurangzeb. At one time he jects without any discrimithat is not so. History is full fought for Mughal Emperor nation. of such conflicts where the Aurangzeb who gave him Shivaji was a devout rulers or their Generals may the title of Raja (King), but Hindu but he respected all be of different religions but throughout his life Shivaji religions within the region, the fight is for the interests fought for Hindavi Swaraj, allowed his subjects freeof the warring states. Afzal the rule of natives irrespecdom of religion and Khan had plans to kill Shiva tive of any particular reliopposed forced converand was all set to fulfil his gion, caste or creed. He presions. He condemned slavulterior motive. Shivaji was ferred to use the phrase ery, respected women of also not naïve. Both were to Hindavi Swaraj and not even those who were defeatmeet alone at a particular Hindu Swaraj. His father, ed in war. Mughal historian place and their bodyguards Shahaji Bhonsle, served Kafi Khan and French travwere to be left at a distance.

Deccan Sultanate It was on 10th as a General. His November 1659 mother Jijabai, a that they met. pious lady, was Shivaji had both mainly responsiHindu as well as ble for Shiva’s Muslim bodyupbringing. guards, including While he Gaikwad, Siddi carved out his Ibrahim, Jiwaji Maratha Empire Mahale (Sakpal), by his military with him and tactics, especially Afzal Khan had guerrilla warfare Sayed Banda, methods, most of Shankaraji his enemy states Mohite, Pilaji were Muslim, but Mohite and others his Muslim subwith him. Both jects were treated Shivaji and Afzal with tolerance for Khan were to their religion. He meet on a diplowas formally matic mission. crowned at A portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji attacking Bijapur’s Hence they had Raigad Fort in General Afzal Khan (Source:shivajimaharaj.in) their representaMay 1674 and the

ful. His chief of the artillery was Siddi Ibrahim, his trustworthy Muslim whom he preferred to take with him as his bodyguard when he went to meet Afzal Khan. Several other noteworthy Muslims were in his Army and Navy like Siddi Sanbal, Noor Khan, Daulat Khan and Siddi Misri. Shivaji’s Admiral Kanhoji Angre is also

25

referred to as the Father of Indian Navy who had many Muslims in the Navy.

Hence calling Shivaji a Hindu King is like undermining him since he was a national level ruler who never discriminated among his subjects. Even when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb wanted to have peace with this Maratha King, he had deputed his Chief of the Army, Mirza Raja Jai Singh, to negotiate with him. Jai Singh’s father was the Chief of the Army of Mughal Emperor Akbar who was sent to first negotiate with Maharana Pratap of Mewar and then to fight the Haldighati war with Maharana. Man Singh and Jai Singh were the Kings of Jaipur i.e. Amber.

It was never seen as a Muslim Emperor fighting a Hindu King since among the most trustworthy Generals of Pratap were Muslims also.

Unfortunately the historians have given it a religious branding.

See the "Book Worm" -Page 14 (The writer is a sociopolitical historian. He was the Editor with the Indian Express Group in Mumbai and Founder Director of Sardar Patel Research Institute-CERLIP running M. Phil. and Ph.D. programmes.)

Next Column : “ Mewar :The Pride of India”

INDIA

26

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Indian community lost a true friend

India plans fitting reply to Pak

Lance Naik G Shankar

Sepoy Ganesh Shankar

Lance Naik RK Yadav

Sepoy G Dalai

Naik SK Vidarthi

Havildar Ashok Kumar Singh

Havildar NS Rawat

Sepoy Biswajit Ghorai

Subedar Karnail Singh

Havildar Ravi Paul

Sepoy Rakesh Singh

Sepoy TS Somnath

Sepoy Javra Munda

Sepoy Naiman Kujur

Sepoy Harinder Yadav

Sepoy UikeJanrao

Sepoy Rakesh KR Singh

Sepoy K Vikas Janadhan

Continued from page 1 as well as to make it clear to Pakistan that it cannot get away with murder any more, said an official source, indicating that the “effective response won’t be long in coming”.

A group of officers are likely to examine the pros and cons of each possible course of action before the PM and members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decide on how exactly to hit back at Pakistan.

capacity to respond to such blatant acts of aggression.

We reserve the right to respond to any act of the adversary at a time and place of our choosing.”

Modi later met President Pranab Mukherjee to apprise him of the Uri attack and the situation unfolding in its aftermath.

Minister of State for External Affairs Vijay Kumar Singh said India would give a “befitting reply” to the attack, and called upon the armed

The PM has also authorised the Army to deliver an effective response to the terror attack. Sources from the top-level meeting held

by Modi with members of the Cabinet Committee on Security, military and intelligence brass and senior bureaucrats, said the PM asked for all options to be put on the table for the government to take the final call. Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, director general of military operations, said, “We have the desired

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forces to scale up their security. The general tone of India calls to remain unyielding. “Our relationship with Pakistan will not be the same again. Our patience is running out.

There is a limit to patience.

The government will consider strategic and diplomatic options and take a decision,” said Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Modi Sarkar has made it clear that it may not be deterred by considerations such as the impact of any action across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said, “Of the total 110 terrorists

Jagdishbhai Rambhai Patel (of Bandhani Samaj) who served the community as manager/advisory officer of Brent Indian Association since 1994 has passed away. With his immense knowledge of immigration and housing Jagdishbhai Rambhai Patel & welfare, he served thousands of fellow Indians.

While serving his clients, he became friend who was always there for them.

Although being a kidney patient and going for dialysis three times a week, Jagdishbhai discharged his duties of serving the community with a smile on his face. He even extended his services to non-Indians who sought his advises on immigration issues. He served one and all irrespective of colour, caste or creed. Whatever be one's problems, his guidance was well appreciated.

Many times I would see him working longer hours and would ask him “have you not got a home to go to?”

He would answer lovingly BIA is my home. The Light of BIA has gone leaving a fragrance of Love behind. He will truly be missed by all of us. What an inspiration! A true Selfless Service.

A special prayer meeting has been arranged at Sattavis Centre Forty Lane Wembley Middx HA9 9PE on Thursday 22nd September 2016 from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm Anita Ruparelia, Chairperson Brent Indian Association eliminated in J&K, 31 were killed attempting to cross the LoC. It actually indicates a desperate attempt from across the LoC to infiltrate more terrorists into Kashmir with a view to create disturbance and foment unrest.”

The Centre has also decided to diplomatically isolate Pakistan at every international forum or group. Sources said, if required, India will also be ready to present all action-

able evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the attack to any international body.

While Pakistan continues to deny its involvement in the attack, India found support from the international community.

France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said, “We call on States to fight against terror groups operating on their territory or from their territory against others.

France remains at India’s side in the combat against terrorism.”

India resets Nepal ties with aid package

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Modi with Nepal PM Prachanda

After holding talks with Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda, PM Narendra Modi said "India stands ready and prepared to strengthen its development partnership with Nepal."

Both the leaders met at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, where the two countries signed three agreements for upgrading Terai highways and an additional line of credit for new projects such as Phase 2 of Terai roads, power transmission lines, substations

and a polytechnic.

"Trade, connectivity in all its dimensions, development projects and mutual investments are key pillars of our partnership with Nepal. India's initiatives for open sky, cross-border power trade, transit routes, cross-border connectivity will directly benefit Nepal and help strengthen our economic partnership," Modi said in a statement.

In his statement, Prachanda said, "Promulgation of the con-

stitution last year by the popularly elected constituent assembly of the people of Nepal was a historic achievement. You are aware that my government has made serious efforts to bring everyone on board as we enter the phase of implementation of the Nepali constitution." He said resolving the Madhesi crisis would be his top priority, despite failing to register an amendment motion in the parliament prior to his visit.

AsianVoiceNews

HEALTH&WELLNESS

AsianVoiceNewsweekly| Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Steps to be taken for a healthy life FOOD

FITNESS

S

ome common questions which we search for an answer in our day to day life.

Do we really need to wash our hands after going to the bathroom?

Apparently the answer is yes, since hand washing is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting ourselves or others sick. To make it worth, scrub for at least 20 seconds, before reaching for a towel.

Do you really need to use hand sanitizer?

If there's no soap, hand sanitizer is your next best bet, that too with an alcohol content of more than 60 per cent, so that gems can be killed quickly.

Do you really need to put that sheet of paper over the toilet seat?

According to a public health expert, though toilet seats are not a vehicle for the transmission of any infectious agents, it's better to use a paper towel to cover up your contact with the faucet handles and bathroom doorknob.

Do you really need to get an annual physical check-up?

"If you have no ongoing

health conditions and are feeling well, you don't need an annual physical checkup," says Dr Christine Laine, editor-in-chief of the Annals of Internal Medicine and senior vice president of the American College of Physicians. But you should still have a primary care doctor who can walk you through the pros and cons of screening tests and perform them whenever you are ready.

Do you really need to stretch after exercising?

Yes, if you don't have time to relax after the exer-

reduced water flow, poor taste and slough off of the contaminants back into you water.

Do you really need to eat food by the use-by date?

Yes – or freeze it. A sellby date, however, is a different story. Depending on the produce, it can be kept for days or weeks before you need to eat or freeze it.

If a perishable product is frozen, it is safe indefinitely as long as it is frozen, but the quality may deteriorate after a time.

Do you really need to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them?

Yes. “Properly washing fruits and vegetables prior to eating them will ensure that you’ve minimized your risk for contracting a foodborne illness or ingesting unwanted surface residue from pesticides.

Do you really need to wash your face before bed?

It's a good practice to clear the face of the day's grime, oil and product residue. While there's not a direct correlation between how many hours your skin goes unwashed and how clogged your pores are, bad skin habits can take their toll over time. Plus, any active products you put on your skin at night benefit from being put onto a bare face.

Beauty and health benefits of cucumber

C

ucumber belongs to the same botanical family as melons and squashes. It is very low in calories and rich in fiber, so makes a perfect diet food.

According to World Health Food “Cucumbers are a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, betacarotene and manganese.”

It also has a high amount of vitamin K. Cucumber peels are rich in dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation.

Cucumber has lot of beauty benefits for eyes, hair and skin and is also a popular ingredient in many skincare products.

Cucumber in our diet Cucumbers are 95% water, is a natural coolant and helps in keeping the body hydrated. Because of the high water content, they help in cleansing the system of toxins. So it is good to include them in our diet in the form of salads, cucumber buttermilk, cucumber raita etc.

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...

Cucumber is a natural toner, has cooling properties and helps to improve a dull greasy complexion

- It is used as an astringent to cleanse the skin. Grate or puree cucumber in a blender, sieve and extract the juice. Apply the juice all over your face and neck, leave it for 30 minutes and rinse well with cold water. It also helps in cleansing the pores.

Cucumber is a great ingredient for lightening the skin - It is a natural bleach. Mix 3 parts of cucumber juice with one part of lemon juice and apply this mixture all over the face and neck leaving the eyes and lips. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water. Use this face pack regularly for best results.

Cucumber yogurt hydrating mask for dry skin - Cucumber juice mixed with equal quantity of nat-

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LIFESTYLE

cise. If you have to rush to the shower, always better to stretch after the exercise. Stretching helps reset the body and decrease injury. In other words: miss the 10-minute post-workout stretch session, and risk being too sore or hurt to attend the next class.

Do you really need to wipe down the yoga mat?

Yes. Yoga mats are porous and can make a good home for all kinds of germs. The premise is that if everyone is doing it, then it will decrease the spread of germs. If the mat is your own, you can get away with an occasional rub down with vinegar and water solution.

Do you really need to filter your water?

It depends on the type of water you get. If it a treated water and you use quality pipes in your homes, you don't need a water filter. People with private well water, for instance, should have it tested annually to make sure it's free of contaminants. If you use a filter, change it regularly to avoid buildup that can cause

ural yogurt heals sunburn and also hydrates dry skin. It prevents blackheads and dryness.

Cucumber juice mixed with equal quantity of raw milk helps in soothing sun burnt skin.

Cucumber for glowing skin – Make a face pack with cucumber juice, few drops of lemon juice, pure sandalwood powder and fuller’s earth powder. Apply it on your face and neck.

Rinse it off after 15 minutes for a youthful and glowing complexion. This pack helps oily skin and also lightens freckles.

If you suffer from oily skin, rubbing cucumber slices on the face helps remove extra oil from the skin.

Cucumber anti tan mask – Mix 2 tbsp of powdered oats with 2 tsp of plain yogurt and 2 tsp of cucumber juice. Apply it on your face and rinse it off after 15 minutes. It not only

27

helps remove tan but also improves the texture of the skin.

A pack made of equal quantity of cucumber juice, lemon juice and mint juice can help to reduce pimple marks or scars. Application of fresh cucumber juice can reduce freckles.

Cucumber anti wrinkle mask– Mix together 2 tbsp of cucumber juice, little egg white and a tsp of lemon juice, apply all over your face and rinse it off after 1520 minutes to keep wrinkles at bay.

Cucumber for eyes: If you are suffering from puffy eyes, place cucumber slice on closed eyes and relax for 15 minutes. It helps reduce water retention and puffiness of eyes. Applying cucumber juice helps to get rid of dark circles around the eyes.

Cucumber for hair: The high silicon and sulphur content in cucumber juice promotes hair growth.

Apply cucumber juice to your scalp, leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with a good shampoo or shikkai.

When you make your own beauty packs at home, you can be sure that you have used only natural ingredients and they are cost effective.

Men with low risk prostate cancer can avoid early surgery

N

ew research suggests that prostate cancer patients with low risk or low PSA scores need not go for immediate treatment or surgery. The study says that surgery did not reduce the likelihood they would die from prostate cancer or other causes. But the findings indicate that surgery did reduce mortality in two groups of men – those with relatively high PSA levels (greater than 10 ng/mL) and potentially those with higher-risk, more aggressive tumours.

Gerald Andriole, the coauthor of the study, says that data suggest that men with high PSA levels and those with more aggressive tumours likely benefit from early surgery, and these men should undergo treatment because their tumours are more likely to be lethal if left alone.

During a study involving 731 men, surgery reduced prostate cancer deaths among men with PSA levels greater than 10 ng/mL, an indicator of larger, more aggressive tumours. Of these men, 5.6 per cent in the surgery group died, compared with 12.8 per cent of those in the observation group.

Fewer deaths from prostate cancer also occurred among men treated with surgery who had high-risk prostate cancer, classified as a PSA level above 20 ng/mL and a score of 8-10, a measure of tumour aggressiveness. In this subgroup, 9.1 per cent of men who had surgery died, compared with 17.5 per cent for observation.

Throughout the study, deaths from prostate cancer occurred infrequently.

Among men treated with surgery, 21 (5.8 per cent) died of prostate cancer or

treatment, compared with 31 (8.4 per cent) in the observation group - a finding that is not statistically significant.

The study’s findings support the results of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial, which to date has shown that most cancers detected by repeated PSA screening are low risk and that annual prostate cancer screening does not reduce mortality.

Andriole is leading that study and is chairman of the PLCO’s prostate cancer committee.

“The findings of these two studies should be reassuring to men with low-risk prostate cancer,” says Andriole. “PSA screening commonly results in the discovery of cancers that are generally not a threat to life. This ‘over diagnosis’ of non-lethal cancers is concerning in and of itself and becomes especially problematic if men with such low-risk cancers are ‘over treated’ since they are unlikely to benefit from the treatment and may experience side effects like incontinence and impotence.”

The results of both the PLCO study and the current study, called Prostate cancer Intervention Versus Observation Trial (PIVOT), were among those considered by the US Preventative Services Task Force, which recently gave PSA screening a Grade D recommendation and generally discouraged its use.

Instead of treatment early on, Andriole says many men with low-risk prostate cancer detected by PSA screening initially can be managed with “active surveillance.” This involves periodic PSA tests and biopsies to monitor tumour growth.

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28

Siddharth and Bobby Simha reunite for a biggie AsianVoiceNews

Japanese award for A R Rahman

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

T

Nayanthara reunites with Murugadoss

he much honoured A R Rahman was awarded Japan's Fukuoka prize for 2016.

Rahman has been conferred with the award for his outstanding contribution towards creating, preserving and showcasing South Asian traditional fusion music. It is an award established by the city of Fukuoka and the Yokatopia Foundation to honour the outstanding work of individuals or organizations in preserving or creating Asian culture. There are three prize categories: Grand Prize, Academic Prize, and Arts and Culture Prize. Last year, noted Indian Historian Ramchandra Guha was conferred with Fukuoka Prize in academic category. Rahman was the 1995 recipient of the Mauritius National Award and the Malaysian Award for his contributions to music.

Dhanush's Hollywood film to begin in 2017

S

iddharth and Bobby Simha who rocked the screens together in ‘Jigarthanda’ are reuniting for a new film ‘Kammara Sambhavam’ which has Dileep in the lead role, reportedly playing a 90-year- old man.

‘Kammara Sambhavam’ is written by Murali Gopi who also plays a pivotal character, produced by

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Gokulam Gopalan and directed by Rathish Ambat.

Judging by the popularity of Dileep in Tamil Nadu and the presence of Siddharth and Bobby Simha this project is a hot one here and is most likely to have a Tamil version.

The teaming is looking to sign a top South Indian actress to play the lead heroine.

Banjo

T

he Lady Superstar Nayanthara seems to be on a signing spree as we keep hearing about her new projects almost every other week. Apart from her upcoming ‘Kashmora’, ‘Dora’ she has signed Minjur Gopi’s untitled film, the AtharvaaAjay Gnanamuthu venture and ‘Suriya 35’ among others.

The mother of them all is definitely going to be her reunion with A R Murugadoss in

the as yet untitled Mahesh Babu bilingual that is already in its first leg of shooting. The film has Rakul Preeth Singh as the heroine, but it has been learnt from reliable sources that Nayanthara has a very powerful role and is on the verge of giving her nod. It has been 11 years since Nayan acted opposite Suriya in ARM’s blockbuster ‘Ghajini’ and their reunion is sure going to rock.

A drama film directed by Ravi Jadhav, featuring Riteish Deshmukh and Nargis Fakhri in the lead.

K

ollywood actor Dhanush will be making his debut in the International arena through the Hollywood flick, 'The Extraordinary Journey of The Fakir'. The film was announced last year, but got delayed due to unknown reasons. Now it has been confirmed that Dhanush will start shooting for the film from January 2017. Iranian filmmaker

Marjane Satrapi will be helming this project that will have the presence of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman.

Back home Dhanush's upcoming release will be 'Thodari' and his 'Kodi' is expected to hit the screens for Diwali 2016. He has also started his maiden directorial venture 'Power Pandi' with Rajkiran in the lead.

Parched

Directed by Leela Yadav, the story of the film revolves around four women, their lives and its struggles.

Mohanlal's 'Oppam' to be remade in other languages

M

ohanlal's "Oppam" has won critical acclaim as well as commercial success at the box office. As a result, makers of movies in other Indian industries are now ready to recreate the Malayalam film in other languages. The Malayalam superstar's earlier film, "Drishyam," was remade in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Rumours are doing the rounds that many parties have come forward to acquire the rights of the film. In fact, Kamal Haasan is likely to star in the Tamil version of the flick.

Kamal Haasan had also starred in "Papanasam," the

Tamil remake of "Drishyam."

Meanwhile, "Oppam" has turned out to be a big money spinner. The Malayalam movie has minted £1.26 million in seven days, thereby beating the first-week record of Nivin Pauly's "Premam," which had raked in £1.04 million. The movie, which won the hearts of the audience with its good content backed by brilliant performance by the key artistes, has given some much-needed success to director Priyadarshan. "Oppam" is a thriller produced by Antony Perumbavoor.

It stars Mohanlal, Anusree, Samuthirakani, Vimala Raman and others.

29

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

A vision in red: PeeCee rocks the Emmy in crimson

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

P

riyanka Chopra stunned her audience at the Emmy Awards held on Sunday, in a royal red flowing chiffon Jason Wu gown.

The one shoulder gown with an empire and natural waist featured a small train, giving just the right amount of drama, and edge to the actress who could not stop spinning around in it.

Not only the gown, PeeCee's perfectly red lipstick also complimented her look as she kept to the minimumaccessory-wise.

The 'Quantico' actress who later in the evening, presented an award with handsome hunk Tom Hiddleston, has been dropping hints all week to keep fans guessing ahead of the event about

she she was presenting with. Reports suggest, both the actors got a lot closer than was expected at the Emmy after party.

Everybody saw their little twirl at the ceremony, as they made their way to the microphone, however, only a handful of eyewitnesses saw they openly flirt with each other at the after-party, taking selfies and mingling with guests.

"Tom had his arm around her and held her close. Afterwards, Tom and Priyanka talked closely and were holding hands at one point for a few moments. Priyanka fixed Tom’s bow-tie and then the two kissed on both cheeks," a source said. Both of them even reportedly exchanged numbers, and left within a minute of each other.

'Armaan Malik Live' in Wembley

Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

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Zara-Azhar', 'Sab Tera-Baaghi', and 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon'. At the age of 21 years, he has over 15 smashes to his name, and has also won several prestigious awards like the Filmfare, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

ne of Bollywood's current hot singer Armaan Malik is all set to make his debut UK concert on September 24th at The SSE Arena. After a solid show in the United States, where he sang to packed houses, Malik will soon become the youngest Bollywood singer yet to perform solo in Wembley. Trained in Hindustani classical music, Malik is the voice behind several recent superhit songs including 'Bol Do Na

Sonam pledges to look after 10 kids

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ollywood actress Sonam Kapoor recently turned brand ambassador for the Cuddles Foundation, the only organisation in India that helps meet the nutritional needs of thousands of children afflicted with cancer every year. Sonam vouched to not only support the foundation but also dedicate a significant amount of her time to visiting hospitals and meeting the kids associated with them. The 'Neerja' actress recently paid a visit to the children's cancer ward at the

D

Tata Memorial Hospital, where she spent a couple of hours with the children there. Sonam read to them from a book called 'Gubloo And His Magic Rings,' that intends at generating awareness among kids about the importance of eating right in a fun manner. The pretty actress has also vowed to look after the nutritional requirements of 10 children suffering from cancer. Sonam is also working with a team of 24 nutritionists to provide the children with everything they need to get through this challenging time.

Deepika gets a pat from Hema

eepika Padukone expressed her love for legendary actress Hema Malini. The original Dream Girl of Bollywood, in her recent interview, said that she truly loves and appreciates Deepika’s work and is impressed with her B-town journey. Hema even said that Deepika is the current Dream Girl of Bollywood.

Now that, for sure, is the biggest compliment Deepika could ever get. The ‘Piku’ star was quick to respond to the ‘Sholay’ actress and tweeted saying, “I love you too, Hemaji.” Now only if these two Dream Girls could come together

to share screen in the near future, it would be nothing short of a visual treat for their fans.

Meanwhile, Deepika stunned her fans with her Paper Magazine photo shoot. Although the actress

showed off a much bolder, gothic and chic side of her personality, she did admit that she was a rather ‘shy' person in reality and preferred keeping her personal life private. Deepika revealed that the only reason she is on social networking platforms is because she loves one-on-one interactions with her fans. Deepika said she preferred Instagram because “I think pictures really speak a thousand words and personally I'm someone who is very shy.”

Katrina to be honoured with Smita Patil Award

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r i y a d a r s h n i Academy has decided to honour Katrina Kaif with the Smita Patil Memorial Award.

Niranjan Hiranandani, chairman of the academy, says, "The academy has been giving this award ever since it was established, and this year, the jury has unanimously nominated Katrina for the Smita Patil Memorial Award for her work in films." Katrina is not only one of the most successful and popular Bollywood actors but is also considered as one of India's most attractive celebrities. Nanik Rupani, founder chairman adds, "This award goes to her as a recognition to an outstanding individual who has shown excellence in her field."

Priyadarshni Academy says that it is in sync with the belief that progress for human kind is not possible without commendable efforts of individuals in all spheres of activities and they have to be given due acknowledgement.

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Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Strictly head over heels

UK to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 seventh house, your part-

Jupiter entering your solar

nership sector is now joined by the Sun. You may enjoy benefits through marriage, business partnerships, negotiations, and/or contractual agreements. Financial benefits could possibly come through partnerships. The need for freedom in your social relationships is stronger than ever.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Jupiter's entry to

your work and health sector is now joined by the Sun. You are likely to see benefits in these areas, as well as daily routines. Benefits may come through work itself, co-workers, or employees during this cycle. You might be especially interested in the healing arts during this cycle, such as massage or aromatherapy.

A former professional from the hit BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing has said the show has wrecked many relationships. Many contestants end up having illadvised flings with their ballroom partners because they ‘cant handle the physical closeness’.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph dancer Flavia Cacace, 36 told the paper “They fall in love with this dream, this fantasy. Our job is to make them feel the centre of attention. It's very

addictive and it goes to some people's heads.”

Flavia knows the Strictly curse, first hand.

She infuriated former flame and dance partner Vincent Simone by getting into a relationship with her 2007 celebrity partner Matt Di Angelo of Eastenders fame.

She split from Di Angelo and married her dance partner from the 2010 series, Jimi Mistry, of East is East and Eastenders fame.

Coming Events

• A special tribute sabha has been organised to celebrate the life and legacy of his Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, on Friday, 23rd September at the Archbishop Lanfranc Academy.

Mahaprasad: 7 pm to 8 pm Tribute Sabha: 8 pm to 10 pm *** • A special peace walk has been organised on Sunday, 2nd October, in dedication to the philosophy of nonviolence of Mahatma Gandhi. Organised by Gita Foundation and National Association of Patidar Samaj in association with other communities, the walk will be conducted from Tavistock Square Gardens to Parliament Square, central London. The event will commence at 11:30 am.

Annual garlanding of the Gandhi Statue: 11 am *** • The Gada community has organised a Diwali party on 25th September, Sunday. People are invited to the revelry at the Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley Park, London HA9 9PE. Time: 3 pm onwards Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Deputy Editor: Anand Pillai Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Email: anand.pillai@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Advertising Managers: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Senior Business Development Manager: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Head - New Projects & Business Development: Cecil Soans - Email: cecil.soans@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Advertising Sales Executive: Rintu Alex - Email: Rintu.alex@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4003 - Mobile: 07816 213 610 Business Development Manager: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Journalist & Marketing Coordinator: Aaditya Kaza - Email: aaditya.kaza@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4009 - Mobile: 07702 669 453 Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com Leicester Distributors: Shabde Magazine, Shobhan Mehta Mob: 07846480220 (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar,

Like every year, this year as well, the Indian High Commission and India League will be celebrating the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at the Tavistock Square, London on Sunday 2 October 2016 at 11am. The event, that is open to public, is usually attended by the Mayor of Camden, local Councillors, Asian MPs and Peers, community leaders and organisational heads. The High Commissioner and the Chairman of the India League will address the gathered audience along with the Mayor of Camden.

This will be followed by a Peace Walk to the Gandhi statue at the Westminster

square and flower tributes will be presented there.

Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation for India, was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar and was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. His birthday is considered world wide as the International day of Non Violence.

The statue at the Tavistock Square in London was the first Gandhi statue in the UK. Besides these many other community organisations will be organising independent events to mark Mahatma's birthday.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Jupiter's entry in your creative fifth house is now joined by the Sun. Your willingness to enjoy yourself and explore your creativity now brings new opportunities. New love and romance may come into your life or an existing romance is enhanced with good humour and warmth. Pregnancy or childbirth may occur during this transit.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Jupiter's entry to your home and family sector is now now joined by the Sun. You are likely to find much joy and pleasure in your family connections and experiences during this transit.

Opportunities to buy or sell real estate for financial gain may present themselves. Home improvements and renovations are also favored.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Jupiter is now in your creative third house where Sun has just joined it.

Communication opportunities present themselves.

During this trend, neighbors or relatives could be especially helpful in your life. You express your ideas with more enthusiasm and positivity,and they are received well.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Jupiter's entry to your money, values, and possessions sector is now joined by the Sun. You are likely to see and enjoy benefits from the monies that you accumulate. You are likely to feel more confident and enthusiastic about your earning ability.

Money problems from the past may clear up during this period if you use it appropriately.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Jupiter's entry in your sign and now the Sun joining it is particularly beneficial and significant for you. This transit heightens your optimism and confidence. You are greeting life with a fresh and positive attitude. You are not fazed by anything now and furthering yourself comes easily during this transit.

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SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Jupiter transits your 12th house and now the Sun's movement there benefits activities that take place "behind the scenes". This is a cycle in which you become more compassionate, sensitive and get in deeper touch with these traits. Jupiter in the twelfth house is said to offer us spiritual protection and retreats may be particularly helpful to you now.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Jupiter entering your solar eleventh house and now Sun transiting there as well, brings benefits and fresh energy to networking activities, long-term goals and organizations in your life.

Achieving your goals tends to come more easily. Income from your business or career is likely to increase. You can rely on your friends for their help and support.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Jupiter entering your solar tenth house and now Sun's transit there as well, will bring increased public recognition and professional success. This can be a time of career advancement, and success in business. Your worldly or public status may change for the better. Integrity, directness, and honesty will get you everywhere now.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Jupiter's entry in your solar ninth house and now as Sun is also there makes you feel liberated. You may have opportunities to travel, study, expand your horizons, and meet people who are of diverse backgrounds. Business dealings, particularly long-distance ones and those involving publicity and promotion, are likely to be profitable now.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Jupiter is transiting your eighth house and this is now joined by the Sun - this phase highlights your joint finances, loans, taxes, sexuality, and psychological matters. This is a time of increased accumulation of wealth if you manage your resources correctly. In some cases, a significant tax refund, inheritance, etc. may arise.

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Indian Javelin thrower Devendra wins gold at Rio Paralympics AsianVoiceNews

India's Devendra Jhajharia bettered his own world record to win gold in the men's javelin throw F46 event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Devendra won gold in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with a record throw of 62.15 metres, becoming only the second gold medallist at the Paralympics for India, and improved upon it with an attempt of 63.97 metres at the Olympic Stadium. The 36-year-old is currently ranked third in the world.

Devendra competed in the event alongside fellow Indians Rinku Hooda and Sundar Singh Gurjar.

Rinku finished fifth with a personal best of 54.39 metres in six attempts, while Sundar Singh Gurjar didn't start the event.

Devendra took India's tally at this edition of the Paralympics to four medals - two golds, one silver and a bronze.

The Rajasthan born athlete, with an amputated left hand, was awarded the Arjuna award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2012, becoming the first Paralympian to receive the honour. He was electrocuted while climbing a tree when he was eight years old

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Devendra Jhajharia

and his left hand had to be amputated. But that didn't deter him from pursuing his dreams. The track and field star won gold at the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Lyon in 2013.

He last participated in the Paralympics 12 years ago. The F46 event did not feature in the 2008 and the 2012 editions.

Devendra, who belongs to Churu district in Rajasthan, has been stationed in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for the past two years. “Away from the busy

life, I was practising at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Gandhinagar for the last two years. I felt that the green surrounding there helped me recover so quickly after exhausting sessions,” Devendra, who holds a special post of paraathletics coach at SAI Gandhinagar, said.

“SAI Gandhinagar holds a special place in my heart and I feel it has played a big role in my Rio success,” the 2004 Athens Paralympics medallist said.

Explaining about his designation as coach at SAI, Devendra made it clear

India claim 3 golds at Junior Shooting World Cup Subhankar Pramanik, Sambhaji Patil and a team gold meant that India bags three gold medals on the opening day of the International Shooting Sport Federations (ISSF) Junior World Cup at Gabala, Azerbaijan on Sunday. Bengal's Pramanik marked his best ever performance at the international level to shoot a 205.5 over 20 shots to edge out Filip Nepejchal of the Czech Republic, who managed a score of 205.2 to settle for the silver in the 50metre Rifle Prone event.

The bronze medal went to Dragomir Iordache of

Subhankar Pramanik

Romania. Prmanik earlier scored 613.8 in the qualifying phase to be sixth for the eight-man finals.

Subhankar, along with teammates Fateh Singh Dhillon and Ajaey Nithish,

also helped India to a Team Silver in the event.

Sambhaji then bagged India's second gold of the day when he won the 25 metres Standard Pistol event when he shot 562 to easily beat Australians Sergei Evglevski and James Ashmore to silver and bronze respectively.

Sambhaji also added the team gold in the event along with compatriots Gurmeet and Rituraj Singh to take India atop the medal tally with three gold medals in the day to add to the silver won in the team Rifle Prone and two bronze medals.

England to challenge IPL A new Twenty20 tournament to rival Australia's Big Bash and India's IPL is set to be introduced into English domestic cricket in 2018 to ramp up interest in the sport. The new eightteam tournament, which hopes to attract leading players from around the world, will run in addition to the existing Twenty20 Blast competition involving all 18 first-class counties and is designed to draw in a new generation of cricket fans. One of the biggest hurdles to the new tournament getting off the drawing board was cleared when

it received backing from a majority of counties.

Unlike other similar tournaments elsewhere in the world such as the Indian Premier League, it is envisaged the new event will see proceeds ploughed back into the 18 first class counties and not into the hands of privately operated franchises. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves, who once labelled the Blast “mediocre,” said: “We've all been looking at how we can use domestic T20 for an even bigger purpose, especially getting more young

people to play.” Graves added: “This format (T20) was invented here and is successful worldwide.

“It can excite new fans, attract the best players and fuel the future of the game on and off the pitch,” added Graves, following a reported 16-3 vote in favour by the counties and MCC, the owners of London's Lord's Cricket Ground.

Former England coach David Lloyd said even counties not directly involved would welcome the new tournament, tweeting they will get “a shed full of money.”

that it is a special post created for him, and three others, as he is a paralympian and it does not require him to train others right now.

“Till the time I am playing, I have to focus only on my training and not on coaching others. Only after I decide to retire, I will pass on my knowledge to others,” he explained.

Devendra's personal coach Sunil Tanwar also talked about their pleasant experience of Gandhinagar.

“It is an ideal location for athletes as it is neither too hot nor too cold unlike Sonepat which is too cold in winters. Also, Devendra was provided with every help possible by SAI regional director RK Naidu. He got food according to his choice and requirements. We were given enough space on the campus to practise without any hindrance,” Tanwar said.

Tanwar revealed that Devendra had stuck a deal with him that if he won a medal in Rio, he will take a break from practice. “He will not pick up the javelin for two months now. After that, we will start preparing for the World Championship, to be held in mid-2017,” Tanwar said.

SPORT Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

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Under-fire Rashid misses title game

Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid missed the squad bus to Lord's to play an important match. Just before the bus left Headingley for Lord's, Rashid issued a statement blaming fatigue and the illness of a family member for his absence from arguably the club's biggest game since their hat-trick of titles in the 1980s. Now his future at the club will be in doubt after he defended his reasons for missing the title decider against Middlesex.

Sindhu opts out of Japan, Korea Opens

PV Sindhu, the Olympic silver medallist has pulled out of next week's Japan open super Series. Sindhu was expected to face Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin in the quarter finals in Tokyo. Sindhu will also miss the Korea Open Super Series, scheduled to be held from September 27. The 21-year-old will be back in action at the Denmark Open Super Series Premier, which begins at Odense on October 18. Disclosing this here her coach Pullela Gopichand confirmed that Sindhu will not be travelling to Tokyo. “She will be back for the Denmark Open. She will also compete in the French Open next month. We had to make some changes in her schedule,” Gopichand said.

14-year-old Aryan Chopra secures GM title

Fourteen-year-old Aryan Chopra confirmed his Grandmaster title when he breached the Elo 2500 mark in live ratings with consecutive victories in the opening three rounds of the Dato Arthur Tan International Open chess championship in Malaysia. The Delhi lad attained his third and final GM norm in Abu Dhabi last month, but had to earn four more Elo points to complete the formalities for securing the title. Aryan is currently the youngest of all active Grandmasters. At 14 years, nine months and three days, he is 19th youngest ever in the all-time list. So far 26 players have attained their GM titles before turning 15.

Shashank Manohar to skip 500th test celebrations ICC chairman and former BCCI president Shashank Manohar will not be able to attend India's 500th Test celebrations in Kanpur this week. It is reliably learnt that Manohar has 'politely declined' the BCCI invitation to him to be a part of the historic occasion. "He has politely told the BCCI that he'll not be able to make it to Kanpur due to his hectic travel schedule and professional commitments (he is a lawyer). He has sent the Board his best wishes for the landmark event," a source said and categorically denied that Manohar's decision was linked to the recent spate of criticism directed at him by top Board officials. The ICC will thus be represented by its CEO Dave Richardson at the function.

It is learnt Manohar

Shashank Manohar

returned to Nagpur from Singapore, where he did some preparatory work for the International Cricket Council Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meeting, which will be held in Cape Town from October 9 to 13.

He will again be flying to the USA on September 26.

Women captains invited too BCCI has invited not just past and present captains of the men's team, but

the women's team also, during celebrations to mark India's landmark 500th Test, in Kanpur. The Board has invited the International Cricket Council (ICC) bigwigs too for its function, which will begin with a celebratory dinner on Wednesday.

"Women's cricket is now very much a part of Indian cricket, and comes under the BCCI. It's our duty to have the women cricketers witness this landmark event," BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said.

Amongst the past captains of the women's team are: Shanta Rangaswamy, Diana Eduljee, Shubhangi Kulkarni and Anjum Chopra. Current captain Mithali Raj and her deputy Harmanpreet Kaur too have been invited to be present on the occasion.

Simmons sacked as Windies coach West Indies sacked their head coach Phil Simmons, five months after the team clinched the World Twenty20 title, citing "differences in culture and strategic approach".

Simmons, 53, had endured a rocky time in the position and was suspended in September last year after criticising the board's selection policy for the West Indies' tour to Sri Lanka.

"In recent times, based on the public pronouncements of the coach and the approach internally, we have identified differences in culture and strategic approach," the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said in a statement. "The WICB would therefore like to thank the coach for his contribution and wishes him the best in his future endeavours." Former test

batsman Simmons was appointed as West Indies coach in March last year before being suspended six months later after complaining about interference with squad selection.

He returned to guide West Indies to their second World Twenty20 title in April when they beat England by four wickets in a sensational final in Kolkata, India.

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Asian Voice | 24th September 2016

Haseeb Hameed ready for tough England job

Lancashire batsman Haseeb Hameed is all ready for the hostile reception he is expected to receive as England's youngest opening batsman. The 19-year-old has been selected in England squad for the tour to Bangladesh and if selected to play will become the fifth-youngest player to be capped by his country behind only Brian Close, Jack Crawford, Denis Compton and Ben Hollioake.

Hameed achieved success in county cricket this season as he became the youngest player in Lancashire's history to score a thousand firstclass runs, beating Michael Atherton's record by 321 days, and has chalked up 1,154 at an average of 52 with four centuries - two in the same match against Roses rivals Yorkshire.

Haseeb Hameed

He knows he will become a target for international bowlers purely because of his inexperience, having only made his county debut 13 months ago, but is ready for that and insists he will not change his somewhat oldschool style.

"I did want to put my

marker down on county cricket as I got a taste of it last year playing in Division Two," he said.

"But I was very keen to make sure I put a value on my wicket and make it difficult for them to get me out and I wasn't a pushover for opposition bowlers. That has been

particularly pleasing for me to go out and execute that.

"I am sure Test bowlers might target me, but the same principles apply. I have to control what I can and give myself the best chance to go out there and succeed and that means preparing well. The work will get harder and I am more than happy to put that in. I just have to make sure I stick to my guns and not change anything because I am moving up a level and it is something I relish and I enjoy the challenges I face."

Hameed's style, which is best described as patient with the youngster prepared to leave many balls and concentrate on building an innings, has led to people likening him to former England batsman Geoff Boycott. The lanky, Bolton-born teenager understands the compar-

India go down 0-5 to Spain in Davis Cup The Indian Davis Cup camp – the players, the coaches and the staff recognised they were facing an uphill task. After all they were facing five-time Davis Cup winners – Spain and to make matters worse, the Spanish armada had arrived with some serious muscle. The team selection surprised quite a few, given it was a playoff against a team which was hurt by the absence of its top players. Moreover, it was a team that was far inferior than most of its players anyway and it was immediately following the US Open.

But then the objective was far too big – to get back to the World Group – to take things lightly. And as Sunday night waltzed around, the job was complete and it was done so in convincing fashion.

Rather, the job was done on Saturday night itself but Sunday gave a chance to pack it and bury it.

Spain had taken an unbeaten 3-0 lead after

Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez with Leander Paes and Saketh Myeni after winning the match

Rafa Nadal and Marc Lopez, the Olympics gold medallist, had beaten Leander Paes and Saketh Myneni in a marathon contest lasting over three hours.

On Sunday, Ramkumar Ramanthan’s 2-6, 2-6 loss to David Ferrer closed things out at the RK Khanna Stadium.

Before him, Sumit Nagal – making his Davis Cup debut – fought hard but couldn’t get the job done against Marc Lopez to lose 3-6, 6-1, 3-6.

And yet as the scoreline read 5-0 and the Spanish team beamed, there were thoughts of chances gone begging. And a lingering question of ‘what if?’. Paes and Myneni had chances in the second set and the fourth set but both went begging. But then you wonder – as Paes did in the post match press conference – “What if we had won the second set? Things might have been really interesting” – and you have to agree.

In Sumit’s match, even with the tie done, India were fighting to avoid a clean sweep. Sumit led 3-0 in the third and then fitness issues arose and it all came crashing down with six games in a row for Lopez.

However, the one person who had a pretty flawless weekend didn’t even get the attention he deserves. Ferrer bossed Myneni on Friday and then Ramkumar on Sunday. He only dropped eight games in the two matches and got the job done in two hours and 39 minutes.

At the end, as India go back into the locker room, there shouldn’t be head held low because the opponent wasn’t an easy one.

There should be contemplation over how to get the job done when an opportunity comes in and one of satisfaction that allowed youngsters in 21-year-old Ramkumar to play a World No 13 Ferrer and for 19year-old Sumit to get some top-level experience.

Kabaddi World Cup all set to begin on Oct 7 Ever since the inception of the Kabaddi World Cup in 2004, India has gone on to win all the seven editions of the event. Now, India has the opportunity to better its own record and go for another title when the eighth edition of the Kabaddi World Cup gets under way in Ahmedabad on October 7.

Twelve teams will participate in the event which will be held at Ahmedabad's brand new stadium, The Arena. India has been placed in Group A

alongside Bangladesh, South Korea, Australia, England and Argentina, while Group B consists of Iran, Thailand, Japan, USA, Poland and Kenya.

The semifinals of the tournament will be held on October 21 with the summit clash slated for the next day. Union sports minister Vijay Goel announced the schedule and also unveiled the logo of the tournament - the Asiatic Lion, during an event held in the Capital.

Goel used the occasion

to congratulate the Indian paralympians who have put up a stellar show and won four medals. “This announcement could not have come on a better day.

We are winning a number of medals at the Paralympic Games. When the Rio Games were going on, I used to be a bit scared coming on to the stage. Our Olympians did well and gave their best at the Rio Olympics, but luck wasn't on our side. Sending a contingent of 119 athletes is itself an achievement. But

in the Paralympics we did very well. It's a matter of pride that we have won four medals. We will felicitate our paralympians once they return,” Goel said.

International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) president Janardan Singh Gehlot, meanwhile, said their aim now was to take the sport to the Olympics. “We already took kabaddi to Asiad, but now we want to take it to the Olympics. We want people to play kabaddi all across the world,” he said.

isons but insists there is a reason why he bats as he does.

"It's funny because Boycott was one of my dad's role models growing up so maybe it has something to do with that," he added. "But if you look at me I'm not as physically developed as other guys so I rely a lot on timing and patience and spending time at the crease.

"Growing up in the north - with wet and slow wickets - I've had to wait for the ball and play late so I'm sure that has helped me develop that sort of technique. But I feel if I'm strong in my basics I can expand my game in the future and I'll continue to play my way."

Hameed displays a maturity beyond his years both on and off the pitch and credits it to his dad, Ismail, who settled in Bolton after arriving from

Umerj village in Bharuch district of Gujarat, India.

"I've got a really supportive family who helped me through moments like this as they realise at the age of 19 you can get caught up in all the chat and lose your focus," he said.

"They've kept me grounded and even from a young age my dad has taught me to stay level and not get too big-headed with all the praise that comes my way. If you get too far ahead of yourself cricket is the sort of game where you get found out very quickly. My dad has been the one who has taught me everything I know and even to this day we work together; it is as much about the mental side as the cricketing side.

He has been massive for me and hopefully we can continue that partnership.”

England squads for Bangladesh tour

Test squad: Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Zafar Ansari (Surrey), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire, wkt), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Gareth Batty (Surrey), Stuart Broa (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire, wkt) Ben Duckett (Northamptonshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Haseeb Hameed (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire, Mark Wood (Durham) One-Day squad: Jos Buttler (Lancashire, capt, wkt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Ben D u c k e t t (Northamptonshire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), James Vince

(Hampshire), David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham) Itinerary Sep 30: England team arrive Oct 4: One-day game vs Bangladesh Cricket Board XI, Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah Oct 7:: 1ST ODI D/N, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Oct 9: 2ND ODI D/N, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Oct 12: 3RD ODI D/N, Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong Oct 14-15: Two-day warm-up match, M. A. Aziz Stadium, Chittagong Oct 16-17: Two-day warm-up match, M. A. Aziz Stadium, Chittagong Oct 20-24: 1ST TEST, Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong Oct 28-Nov 01: 2ND TEST, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Nov 2: England depart Bangladesh