AV 25th April 2015

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General Election 2015

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

Highest earning Global Indian Film stars

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Obama pens Modi's profile for Time magazine See Page 23

VOL 43. ISSUE 49

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

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25th April to 1st May 2015

First Asian woman to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion The Canadian government unveiled a C$350 million ($280 million) deal to supply uranium fuel to India, formally ending a lengthy dispute that began after New Delhi used Canadian technology to develop a nuclear bomb. Canadian producer Cameco Corp will supply 7.1 million pounds (3.22 million kilos) of uranium concentrate to India over the next five years. The deal is Cameco's first with India, which the firm called the second fastest growing market for nuclear fuel.

"Canada is providing uranium to India as a mark of its trust and confidence in India," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a news conference during the official visit. Canada banned exports of uranium and nuclear hardware to India in the 1970s after New Delhi used Canadian technology to develop a nuclear bomb.

The two countries started to put the dispute behind them with a cooperation deal in 2013 that let Canadian firms export controlled nuclear materials and equipment subject to safeguards applied by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "(That agreement) really allowed us to turn the page on what had been in our judgment an unnecessarily frosty relationship for far too long," Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the news conference.

Narendra Modi with Stephen Harper at Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Canada Modi has made nuclear power a key element of his clean energy strategy. India needs foreign nuclear technology and fuel to ramp up capacity by a planned 14 times from 4,560 megawatts over the next two decades.

The two prime ministers also said they wanted to boost bilateral trade, which currently sits at a modest C$6.3 billion a year, and revive stalled talks on a free trade agreement. "It (trade) is not where we want it to be but it is growing," said Harper.

Modi arrived in Canada on April 14 for the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister in 42 years.

India, Canada to expand bilateral cooperation In the joint statement released by Modi and

Harper, the two leaders stated that they have agreed to take concrete measures to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade and investment, civil nuclear cooperation, energy, education and skills development, agriculture, defence and security, science, technology, innovation and space, culture, people-to-people ties, and regional and global issues.

The two leaders also noted the historic significance of Modi's visit to Canada in advancing bilateral ties to a new level and agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. The joint statement further said that Prime Minister Modi has commended Prime Minister Harper for his leadership in renewing

the momentum of the bilateral relationship through his visits to India Continued on page 26

Digital Entrepreneur and STEM evangelist, Lopa Patel MBE, has been announced as one of the latest recipients of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, becoming the first Asian woman to receive the award.

“It is a huge honour to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion,” says Lopa Patel. “I am particularly proud to have become the first Asian woman to receive this award.

Encouraging diversity and entrepreneurship in the world of business is something about which I am extremely passionate. It is my hope that this accolade will provide me with a platform to continue advocating diversity in business, as well as greater innovation of technological skills in industry”.

Lopa Patel MBE

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion was formed in 2004 and looks to recognise individual people who have played an important role in promoting enterprise skills and supporting

Continued on page 8

Rahul accuses Modi of snatching poor man's land After coming back from his sabbatical, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being anti-poor and anti-farmer. Giving enough indications that the fight against the Land Acquisition Ordinance and the proposed Bill will be aggressive and long drawn, Rahul tore into Modi's claims accusing him of working for the Continued on page 26

Rahul Gandhi

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UK

Questions raised on whether Lord Janner is fit for trial

It has been revealed that due to the mistakes by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Lord Greville Janner avoided trial, which he should have faced for multiple child sex abuse charges twice in the past.

The CPS have admitted that it was wrong of them to not have prosecuted Lord Janner in 1991 as well as in 2007.

However, they believe it would not be deemed right to prosecute him now as the 86-year-old is suffering severe dementia.

Allegations against the former Labour MP date back to the 1960s.

However, the reasoning of Lord Janner not facing charges on the grounds of his medical state has been questioned. The clerk of the parliaments have received a letter which has Janner's signature, requesting for a leave of absence from the House of Lords. The letter was received on 9th April 2015.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Lord Greville Janner

A spokesperson from the House of Lords stated that the signature matched previous examples by Janner and that there are no reasons to believe that it may have been forged by another person. Furthermore, the letter and the parliamentary authorities’ assessment of Janner’s signature have raised further questions about whether or not he is fit to stand trial. There have been suggestions stating that if Lord Janner is aware enough to sign the letter, then he should be fit

Dilshad and Barinder Hothi

Lord Janner's "Leave of Absence from the House of Lords" Letter

enough to be attending trial.

Further revelations have been made that the police watchdog had worked in Lord Janner's office for months at the time of his allegations.

The Whitehall official who inspects the execu-

tion of the police force investigating Lord Janner had worked in his parliamentary office for five months, between 19861987. This was a time when Janner was accused of being involved in the sexual abuse of teenage boys in care homes.

the primitive political history, rights and existence of Kashmiris.

The past two generations of Kashmiris have been living in dire demeanours. While the Kashmiri Muslims have now grown up in the most marshal atmosphere on Earth, having witnessed one of the most barbarous

vengeance crusades where thousands were killed, abused, imprisoned, mutilated, raped or subjected to enforced exodus.

On the other hand, the second generation Kashmiri Pandits have also been subjected to immorality. They also grew up with the feeling of being in exclusion, while being forced to leave their homes. It goes without saying that the controversy regarding the returns of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir has recently been a part of political games between political parties.

However, the diffraction between these two communities is still very apparent and also seems unfeasible to mend.

Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits- The Unbridgeable Bond

A controversial cartoon has emerged, causing only an uproar amongst those sharing the cartoon on social media websites.

There have been no protests nor conflicts regarding the cartoon otherwise.

The cartoon depicts Kashmiri Pandits as scapegoats.

A Mufti Sayeed is also shown welcoming them to ‘come back and stay with all of us’, while a bearded Muslim figure is seen standing in front with a leering smile and a meat cleaver held in his hands behind his back. This atrocious portrayal shows a racist depiction of Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. It purposely amalgamates the cultural difference to

hypothesize the ranking of Kashmiri Muslims within communal troops of Muslim distinction. In addition, the cartoon signifies the stereotypes Kashmiri Muslims are subjected to; the kind of vilification that they have to deal with when there are discussions about the dispute over Kashmir and

Fire at Paddington fast-food joint

Fire at Paddington

Four fire engines and 21 firefighters were called to tackle a blaze on Tuesday 21st April 2015, in Paddington at Chicken Cottage, a fast-food joint which has flats located above. The police, as well as firefighters from Kensington, Paddington and Euston fire stations were called to Praed Street, where the fire

took place. It is said that part of the shop’s ducting – the restaurant’s extraction system caught fire, as well as part of a flat roof at the rear of the building.

London Fire Brigade were called after 8:30am.

They had received 15 calls regarding the fire at Paddington. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

When crisis becomes your driving force

NHS urges for more BAME blood donors

The NHS Blood and Transplant authority have appealed for donors in Wembley,as certain blood types are at a short supply in the area.

The organisation's senior marketing coordinator, Michelle Laserna, expressed, “Wembley has people from a number of ethnic backgrounds.

Some blood types are more common in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities while some rare types are only found within these communities so we hope more people will come forward and donate.”

She further added, “Donations are used to

treat blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, which are more likely to affect BAME communities.

These patients ideally need blood from a similar ethnic background. We also need to ensure blood supplies for emergency treatment of those with rare blood types, for example after road accidents or childbirth complications.”

The next blood donation event in Wembley will be held at St Joseph's Social Club on Friday 8th May 2015, between 12:50pm1:30pm and 2:30pm5:30pm.

Barinder Hothi became an entrepeneur due to a family crisis. She was made redundant from her sales job at Microsoft and a few months later, her three-year-old daughter, Amrita was suffering from pneumonia.

While her daughter recovered, Barinder Hothi and her husband, Dilshad decided to become their own bosses. She said, “We both had a natural entrepreneurial spirit and thought it was a good time to do something for ourselves.”

They both founded Knowledge Academy in 2009, and her husband left his job to become the chief executive.

Knowledge Academy offers training courses for IT professionals. The company is based in Bracknell, Berkshire. It now provides 5,000 training programmes in business, finance, law, HR and project management.

Having employed 170

staff, Knowledge Academy takes pride in having clients, such as RollsRoyce, Disney and British Gas. The sales reports in the year to March last year was £14.9 million. Profits are expected to be £25 million this year.

Hothi states, “Fortunately, we both had very well paid jobs before we started the Knowledge Academy.

We were brought up with the belief that if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t buy it.” The Hothis invested more than £750,000 of their savings in the business.

While advising entrepreneurs, she stated, “Don’t dive into business without being mindful of the ultimate outcome, and allow yourself the time and funds to be successful without pressure; stress hampers your creativity. If you have the opportunity to work with family members, it’s a great strength.”

Husband, Wife and Four Children detained in Turkey

Asif Malik, Sara Kiran and their four children

Asif Malik (31), who was feared to have taken his wife and four children to Syria to join Islamic State, has been detained in Turkey. It is also believed that Malik was a member of alMuhajiroun, a banned group which was formed by the extremist preacher, Anjem Choudary.

The family were located by Turkish authorities after an international alert was sent out. Malik was a member of the al-Muhajiroun group. He used to attend rallies, lectures and events held by the preacher and former members.

Anjem Choudary described Malik as a “champion for Sharia”, who regularly

attended al-Muhajiroun demonstrations before the group was banned for its alleged terrorist links in 2010.

Anjem Choudary is currently on bail, on suspicion of being a member of a prohibited group and for supporting terrorism.

Choudary spoke about Malik, referring to him as “a very studious man, a very good Muslim character. He further added, “He was always a champion for Sharia and is very influential in the community. Back in the day he was a member until the group was banned. He was still part of our demonstrations and lectures but I hadn’t seen him for a few months.”

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

COMMENT

Modi’s Canada visit an outstanding success

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Canadian visit wound up a satisfactory foreign tour which began in France, then to Germany before ending in a trans-Atlantic climax in Canada, to Ottawa, The Indian footprint was much in evidence in each of these vitally important countries, most notably for trade and investment. Mr Modi’s Canadian visit was significant also for the unique gesture of Prime Minister Stephen Harper who, apart from engaging in intensive and wide-ranging talks with his guest, accompanied him on his long journey to Canada’s Pacific coast. Mr Modi responded by placing Canadian citizens on the lengthening list of countries eligible for visas on arrival in India. At a joint public meeting in Toronto, Mr Harper said: “I am so proud to say that Mr Modi has been a long standing friend to Canada and we to him as during the many years as Chief Minister of Gujarat we had extended the hand of friendship long before others.”

The point was not lost on Mr Modi. who warmly acknowledged the Canadian presence at the “Vibrant Gujarat” summit in 2003 (and thereafter) when Western nations had instituted a boycott of the State on the ground of the anti-Muslim riots there. “Sikhs for Justice,” a Khalistani organization, had attempted to bring up the issue before a Canadian court, but the attempt was blocked by the Canadian government. Instead, Messrs Modi and Harper laid wreaths at a memorial to the dead 528 passengers and crew of an Air India flight that was bombed off the Irish coast by Canadian-based Khalistani terrorists.

Most significantly, Canada (the second-largest producer of uranium after Australia) affixed its signature to a deal to supply India with uranium for its nuclear power

plants for the next three years. This will ensure electricity generation for all of its currently domestic manufactured facilities. India presently has 14 operating nuclear power plants of 220MW each. Under the new Indo-Canadian pact, India will procure 3,000 metric tonnes of concentrated uranium ore from Canada, which is likely to cost India some $350 million. Welcoming the agreement, Mr Modi said: “I don’t measure this uranium deal only on the scales of trade. This deal is a sign of the trust between India and Canada.”

Beyond this were Memorandums of Understanding that are certain to be translated into ground realities in the coming months and years. These include space cooperation, education, rail, social security and health sectors and civil aviation. These form a broad spectrum of the Indian economy and will involve a continuing partnership between India and Canada going forward. Indo-Canadian trade is modest, considering the existing and unfolding opportunities available. Mr Harper was right on the button when he remarked: “Both Mr Modi and I believe it could be worth much more. Canada has what India needs and vice versa.”

The one blemish of the Modi visit was the tone of his speech to a wildly enthusiastic audience of Canadian Indian supporters. His belittling references to past Indian governments, who he ludicrously claimed, had done nothing for India’s development was demeaning. President Eisenhower once told a foreign audience that he never, as a matter of principle, discussed domestic American politics abroad; Mr Modi would do well to remember that on foreign soil he represents all of India and not simply one segment of the population.

There has long been a serious mismatch between Indian defence ministers, their mandarins and the country’s military chiefs. The requirements of a modern defence sector have eluded their little minds of politicians and officials alike. Longwinded pronouncements, frequently the purest bilge, have been accompanied by bureaucratic inertia. The fiasco surrounding the intended purchase of 126 Rafale warplanes from France has highlighted the utter incompetence of the previous defence minister and his staff. As a result negotiations for the 126 Rafales ran into the sand and remained there for almost three years.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force was fast running short of frontline operational aircraft as old models were slowly decommissioned. Instead of 44 squadrons necessary to conduct a two-front war with Pakistan and China, in line with the country’s military doctrine, India has been forced to make do with 34 squadrons. This is an utter disgrace. China’s President is bearing military gifts to Pakistan worth $45 billion, including submarines and aircraft to beef up its military machine. When you have snoring, boring chowkidars in charge of India’s defence ministry expecting chaos and confusion is perfectly understandable. It is something that has long plagued the ministry and put a spanner in the works of military planners.

Mercifully, we now have in Manohar Parrikar a Defence Minister with a sound science and engineering background as one would expect of a former alumnus of the Bombay IIT. He has started to bring a measure of discipline to an unwieldy ministry groaning hitherto under the weight of congenital incompetence. A sure sign of a new emerging order was the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi handled the Rafale deal in talks with President Francois Hollande in Paris, under which India undertook to buy 36 aircraft (two squadrons) in ‘flyaway’ condition and leave the rest for further negotiations o lapse. From now on there will be direct government-to-government deal instead of harebrained international tendering, a process whose speed would the envy of any tortoise of any age.

Wouldn’t it be wiser to concentrate India’s resources on systems on which it has a proven track record? Pick what the Army, Air Force and Navy need from a foreign supplier with a record for trustworthiness, then negotiate pricing and details of the goods required. What we have been faced with over long years were unutilized funds routinely returned to the Finance Ministry. A modernized military fit for 21st century purpose should now be an urgent priority. Valuable time has been lost.

Delay and procrastination must cease forthwith.

The Union Civil Aviation Minister of India Mr Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati is a very strange character indeed.

He relentlessly bragged about carrying matchboxes in planes. He has the arrogance to even admit in a meeting of the civil aviation committee that prior to his appointment in the present job he was frisked at the airport but now due to his privileged position nobody checks him or his pockets. He also had the audacity to even say that he “could not understand how a mere matchbox could highjack a gigantic plane or neither have I heard this before. Such an attitude makes him an uncivil person to be in power.

Recently he visited Ahmedabad to inaugurate the Gujarat Aero Conclave 2015 where he was asked by a senior journalist Bhupat Parekh about when Air India would restart the direct flights between Ahmedabad and London.

His reply was, ‘I am not supposed to fly a plane. It’s Air India who needs to decide on this issue’. At this moment he just burst himself into a long belly laugh and others around him laughed too. Air India as well as the international flights are within the remit of his Ministry. Mr Parekh persisted and again drew his attention by saying that Ministers of Gujarat and earlier the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi had recommended and supported the direct flights.

His very curt reply was, “the Air India does not get enough numbers of passengers for this direct flight.’ The minister should have remembered that during the NDA government in 2003, at the recommendation of Narendra Modi, Air India started one direct flight on the London-AhmedabadLondon route with an increase in passenger traffic up to 4 or 5 flights per week became the norm. All of a sudden when the UPA government came to power the then civil minister promptly discontinued the Air India flights and gave the slot to a private airline which in still flying between Mumbai and London. Air India has never disclosed what is their survey of passenger potential on

London-Ahmedabad route. Now three Middle East airlines fly twice a week each to Ahmedabad carrying large numbers of passengers on the route to Gujarat. So what was Air India’s loss has been a boon to airlines from the Middle East but the net result is the hardship of some 2,000 passengers per week who fly on this route and have to take a break at either Mumbai, Delhi, Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi Airports, wasting on average 4 hours each time they fly.

The real hardship and agony is for those elderly passengers, women with children, pregnant women and those with any disability like the use of wheelchairs users.

International flights are not just for holidays. More and more business people and professionals, not only Gujaratis but other Indians as well as foreigners travel to Gujarat which is a leading state in industry and commerce. Prime Minister Modi is working enormously hard to encourage investment and trade opportunities between India and other countries. He has just completed a three-country visit inviting investment and trade from Germany, France and Canada. Besides the commercial stakes Mr Modi is very keen to involve Gujarati and India diaspora abroad with the resurgent India.

Whilst Mr Modi is so focused his Civil Aviation Minister is behaving in a cavalier fashion. Air India has benefitted with Birmingham-Amritsar direct flight which began once a week and now it is a daily flight with 75 or 80 % passenger load. What stops Air India from starting with one London-Ahmedabad flight and then seeing say in a few months what the response is. At least they should disclose what their research is on the passenger airflow. Readers of Asian Voice and the National Congress of Gujarati Organisations have been campaigning for a direct flight.

Prime Minister Modi must now take the bull by the horn and take some prompt decisions. In the meantime the minister should stop behaving in such an uncivilised manner.

Defence Ministry: Confusion worse confounded

Modi must take the bull by the horn

3 No government can now rely on the ignorance of its population to sustain it. We are richer as citizens thanks to the expansion of modern media - UK Government White Paper, December 2000

Grant Shapps

Conservative Party Chairman

Together, we can secure that better future Last week the Conservative Party published our election manifesto. At heart, it is a plan for a better, brighter and more secure future for everyone living in this country – including our British Indian community.

Last week the Conservative Party published our election manifesto. At heart, it is a plan for a better, brighter and more secure future for everyone living in this country – including our British Indian community.

To do that we need a strong economy, creating jobs and funding good public services.

Five years ago our economy was in a bad way, and we’ve come a long way since then. Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of millions of people, Britain had the fastest growing major economy in Europe last year. There are now almost a hundred thousand more people of Indian backgrounds in work than there were in 2010 – each one better able to look after their families.

This strong economy has helped us protect public services.

We’ve increased the NHS budget by £7.3 billion pounds over five years. And over the next five years, we will give the NHS the extra £8 billion it needs, so you and your family can always rely on it when you need it.

We want all our young people to get the best education and start in life. We’ve protected school budgets and given teachers more control. On average, British Indian children get some of the best results of any in the country – testament to their hours of hard work. More than half now take the GCSE subjects most valued by employers and universities – and there’s been a 17 per cent rise in British Asians going on

to university. We will continue this over the next five years, letting communities open more free schools, like the Hindu-ethos schools we are now seeing.

This isn’t just about what happens in Britain.

Conservatives know Britain has to be open and outward looking.

We’ve strengthened the links between Britain and India – the world’s oldest and largest democracies. The Prime Minister has visited India three times to drum up trade, helping create jobs and livelihoods in both countries.

We are the only Party that has committed to strengthening the UKIndia relationship in our manifesto, by pushing for an EU-India trade deal and support India’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council.

We will continue to recognise, celebrate and pay tribute to the links between Britain and India. Last month the Prime Minister unveiled a statue of Gandhi in Parliament Square – giving a permanent home for him in our country.

And in the next Parliament, we will help the Manchester Museum establish a new India Gallery.

May’s election is the most important in a generation. We’ve made real progress over the past five years in turning our country around.

But there is so much more we want to do. We want a country living within its means, a job for everyone who wants one, lower taxes that reward work, the best start in life for every child, a better and more patient-centred NHS, and security in retirement.

Together, we can secure that better future. Whilst other parties just risk giving up on the progress we have made, the Conservatives offer strong leadership and a clear plan for a better future.

4

MIDLANDS VOICE

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan comes to Leicester

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

13-Year-Old Charged with Murder

A 13-year-old schoolboy, Petri Kurti stamped a woman to death before stealing her jewellery. He became one of the youngest people in Britain to be given a life sentence for murder yesterday.

Kurti kicked Glynis Bensley (47), in the face so hard, leaving a shoeprint on her cheek before she bled to death on the pavement in the West Midlands.

Kurti and his accomplice, Zohed Majid, who was 20 at the time, attacked the charity worker after she left the Seven Stars pub in Smethwick

late in September 2014.

Kurti was found guilty of murder and ordered to serve a minimum of 12years in jail — a life sentence for a youth. On the other hand, Zohen Majid was found guilty of robbery and manslaughter, however, he was cleared of murder. He was sentenced to ten years in a young offender institution for the manslaughter with seven years to run simultaneously for the robbery.

The Leicester City Clinical Group (CCG) is considering setting up a GP service for people living in care homes, according to a recent report.

The group which plans and pays for local health services, is looking at the idea with NHS England.

CCG officials are also considering if housebound patients could be included in the new scheme too.

Dr Nitin Joshi, a city GP and the CCG's lead for older people, told Leicester Mercury: "The medical needs of care home residents are often the most complex of any group of patients in the community.

"This new service would provide everything they currently receive from a general practice along with a number of key tailored extras. There would be access to nurses with a specialist interest in older people, geriatrician

advice and assessment, dietetics and dedicated pharmacy."

The new service is being designed so the same GP practice would attend to all residents in a care home. Patients would have the choice of staying with their current GP or registering with a doctor provided by the new service.

According to the health managers it will improve communication between the home and the GP. Benefits would include a seven- day-a-week service with easier access to advice and assessment and better preventative health care advice, better monitoring for patients with long term health conditions and improved continuity of care.

It is also hoped that the scheme will help cut the number of hospital admissions.

A survey is now being held, asking people of what they think of this idea and open until May 8.

Dr Joshi further added: "It is really important that we receive people's views about the proposed new service.

"We are already consulting with GPs, care home staff and residents and we would also like to hear from other people, especially those who may use this new service, their relatives and carers, so we can ensure any new service meets the needs of these particular patients."

Two teachers, Mohammed Waqar (23) and Mohammed Siddique (60), are to stand trial as they have been accused of beating a 10-year-old boy for wrongly reciting the Koran at the Jamia Mosque, Sparkbrook.

The teachers were arrested in June 2014 by the West Midlands Police.

It is claimed that the boy was repeatedly slapped during religious lessons between 1st May13th June 2014. Further claims suggest that the victim was assaulted when he made mistakes with his studies, which also included failing to read the Koran properly.

It is also alleged that the boy suffered from a black eye on one occasion.

The teachers will be standing trail on 10th August 2015 at Birmingham Crown Court, having been charged with cruelty to a person under 16, contrary to section 1 (1) of the

Zohed Majid

New GP service for care homes and housebound patients

Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, daughter Anjali and wife Maria with Abhishek Bachchan

On Sunday 19th April 2015, Bollywood Superstar Abhishek Bachchan visited Leicester to support Keith Vaz’s election campaign, as Mr Vaz was officially nominated by the local party as the Labour candidate for Leicester East.

Mr Bachchan participated in a public Q&A with Mr Vaz and over 350 residents of Leicester, at the Peepul Centre. He was asked questions on his life and career, as well as his Captaincy of the Bollywood Stars football team, before being presented with a personalised Leicester City Football Shirt.

Mr Vaz and Mr Bachchan then went on a tour of Belgrave Road and Uppingham Road, and were met by thousands of adoring fans.

An adoring and buoyant crowd were delighted to see one of their idols.

Speaking at the event, Abhishek Bachchan said: “I am here for Keith. He works so hard for Leicester and I am delighted to be here to help him today.

Keith is a close family friend. He possesses so many values I hold close to my heart for our politicians; he is warm, generous and kind. I know that he is a true

leader for the Indian community in the United Kingdom, who does great work for people of Indian origin.”

Keith Vaz said: “It

derful, and people adored him. He is a close friend, and for him to take time to come to Leicester is truly special.

The thousands who

Dr Nitin Joshi

10-year-old boy beaten for wrongly reciting the Koran

was an honour to have one of Bollywood’s megastars with us in Leicester today. Our city was bouncing with the joy and excitement of thousands of adoring fans who came out to see Abhishek.

Abhishek was won-

came out to Belgrave Road and Uppingham Road were awestruck.

My only request to Abhishek is that he does not stand to be the Member of Parliament for Leicester East, as I would not have a chance!”

Jamia Mosque, Sparkbrook

Children and Young Persons Act 1933. On 1st April, Waqar and Siddique had pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

The maximum sentence for the offence of cruelty to a person under 16 is ten years imprisonment.

Film on Sikh Guru shuts down cinema

Hundreds of people were evacuated from Cineworld Cinema, Wolverhampton on Sunday 19th April 2015, at 5:30pm, as 50 protestors turned up, protesting against the screening of the film, Nanak Shah Fakir.

The police were called and the cinema was cleared and closed after the protestors made their way to the auditorium where the film was being screened. The protestors

were Sikh campaigners.

They sat on the floor, shouting and refusing to move until the cinema agreed to stop the screening of the film. The film has been banned in many parts of India and many cinemas in the UK refused to show the film, fearing that it may offend religious sentiments. The protest derived from the portrayal of the Sikh Guru and other religious figures in human form. This is

considered as a sacrilegious infringement of religious belief by many Sikhs.

Bosses at Cineworld apologised to customers and also offered full refunds to those affected.

Cineworld revealed that following the incident, they have no plans of screening this movie in the future.

Advertising posters of the film have also been taken off from the cinema's walls.

5

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

WITH DAVID CAMERON AND THE CONSERVATIVES: Income tax will be cut for 30 million people so hard work is rewarded The GHȴFLW ZLOO EH FOHDUHG so our economy is strong for the future 2 million more jobs will be created so people can get on in life Help to Buy and Right to Buy will be extended so more families can get a home of their own The State Pension will continue to be increased so people have security in retirement Vote Conservative on 7th May for a brighter, more secure future Promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party both of 4 Matthew Parker Street, London SW1H 9HQ.

6

GE 2015

Every vote counts

Jasvir Singh, Chair City Sikhs

In less than a month's time, Britain shall be going to the polls and deciding who should have the keys to Number 10. This election is likely to be the most closely fought in decades, and nobody quite knows what the outcome will be. Only one thing is for certain, and that is the ethnic minority vote has never been more powerful.

According to the 2011 Census, there are more than 3 million people of Asian heritage in the UK, and people of South Asian backgrounds can be found in constituencies throughout the country. In at least a quarter of all constituencies, the number of ethnic minority people who are able to vote is larger than the size of the incumbent candidate's majority. It is no surprise then that all of the political parties are working hard to make sure that they hear the concerns of ethnic minorities in the run up to May 7th.

A few days ago, the City Sikhs Network, the City Hindus Network and Asian Voice were proud to partner on an event which helped foster greater political engagement from the South Asian community in Britain. The event, called Hustings in the City, featured high ranking politicians from across the 5 main political parties. The panel included the Rt Hon Sajid Javid, the current Culture Secretary, for the Conservatives and Sadiq Khan, the Shadow Justice Minister, for Labour. The questions put to the panellists by our audience members reflected the passion and

Jasvir Singh

strength felt by many about issues that affect their daily lives.

Politics is not an aloof institution. It is not something that involves people living in ivory towers looking down on the masses whilst making sweeping decisions, even though it can sometimes feel that way. It is a democratic institution that everybody can be a part of, and political engagement comes in many different forms. It can be signing a petition for a new playground. It can be leading a campaign against the closure of a local hospital. It can even involve seeking to become an elected representative for your local community, be it as a Councillor or as an MP. However, the simplest way to engage with the political system is by voting. If you are still undecided as to who to vote for, take your time to read through the manifestos from each of the parties and the leaflets from your local candidates carefully as the literature may help you to make your mind up.

When it comes to the day of the General Election, all you need to do is put a cross next to the party that you believe most represents your political views. Your five minutes at the polling station could help decide the path that Britain takes for the next five years.

On May 7th, remember to vote. Every vote counts.

Chamali Fernando sues Huppert over wristband controversy Chamali Fernando, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Cambridge, has been receiving many criticism on her suggestions of people suffering from mental illnesses wearing wristbands to indicate the nature of their condition.

This remark was made at a hustings, hosted by Keep Our NHS Public, a campaign organisation associated with the People's Assembly Against Austerity.

Reports suggests that her intended meaning behind the suggestions was so that professionals, such as lawyers would be able to treat clients differently based on their wristband colour. Fernando has been receiving many death

Cameron's Gurdwara visit causes unrest

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

threats and violent threats have been left on her voicemail. She was also abhorred by the Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA) over her remarks. Chamali Fernando is to sue Dr Julian Huppert, from the Liberal Democrats for the comments he made around the wristband controversy.

Dr Huppert had said, “professionals like lawyers would be able to treat clients differently based on their wristband colour.”

A recording and transcript of the hustings incorrectly described Fernando as mentioning the wristbands in connection with early diagnosis. However, the transcription of her wristband comments is

David Cameron, along with his wife, Samantha visited a Gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent. They went to join thousands of others in celebrating Vaisakhi, in attempt to garner support from ethnic minority groups. The day also marked Mrs Cameron's 44th birthday.

On the occasion, David Cameron stated, “I wanted to make sure Downing Street was part of this too, and I'm proud to be the first Prime Minister to host a Vaisakhi reception at Number 10. And I'll tell you what – if I'm back there as Prime Minister, I'll keep bringing the community, the colour and the celebrations there, again and again. And I'm sure my children will carry on stealing the jalebi too!"

Cameron wore a tradi-

David Cameron taking a "selfie" with a worshipper at the Gurdwara

the temple while prayers were continuing.

It is said that the Sikh community will play a major role in 7th May general elections. There are about 420,000 Sikhs living in the UK. In the past, ethnic minorities have mostly been voting for the Labour party.

However, some may suggest that the ethnic votes, predominantly Sikh votes may steer towards the Conservatives in the 2015 elections.

tional orange patka while during his visit to the Gurdwara, while his wife wore a blue headscarf.

However, David Cameron's visit was not well received by many, as the Sikh priest had his reservations. Cameron's visit was marked as a disturbance. The Sikh priest disapproved of political speeches being made at

Lib Dem Launches BAME Manifesto

Nick Clegg launched the Liberal DemocratsBAME Manifesto, pledging to bring abundance to all.

Some of the measure set out by the Liberal Democrats BAME Manifesto included encouraging businesses to ensure at least one place on their board is filled by a BAME candidate; moving to ‘name blank’ recruitment wherever possible in the public sector so people are judged purely on ability; ensuring every shortlist for Public appointments should include a BAME candidate; target the work of the Apprenticeship Advisory Group to increase the number of apprentices from BAME backgrounds as well as boosting police recruitment from BAME groups, and conducting a full review of the causes of the over-representation of BAME individuals in the criminal justice system to tackle discrimination.

Nick Clegg addressed, “Today, because of what you chose and what we, the Liberal Democrats, did, we have a stronger

Chamali Fernando

accurate. A spokesperson for Chamali Fernando’s campaign expressed that this could give the misconstrued belief that she was advocating marking out the mentally ill from the earliest possible stage and inscribing sufferers of mental illness. Huppert stated that he does not "recall the exact

Nick Clegg Launches BAME Manifesto

economy and a fairer society. We brought stability.

We turned round the economy. We stopped the Conservatives from putting people like them above people like you.

And we made Britain fairer.”

Clegg goes on to speak about the upcoming elections and predicts that there may be a hung parliament, similar to the 2010 scenario. “This time round, it is obvious once again that neither Labour nor the Conservatives will win a majority. The era of single-party government is over. I’m not denying that either David Cameron or Ed Miliband will be Prime Minister. One of them will. But you know and they know that neither of words" and that Fernando had not mentioned that such a bracelet or wristband would, in her overture, be compulsory. The transcript of the hustings by Cambridge News reveals that Fernando did not state that mentally ill people “ought” or “should” wear wristbands.

According to reports, Huppert has privately apologised to Fernando, however, he has refused to give a public apology, stating that they were “fair comments”.

A letter from Chamali Fernando's solicitors read, “Given [his] refusal to make a public apology, our client [Fernando] has no option but to instruct our firm to pursue legal proceedings against [Huppert].”

them will win outright.

Neither of them will have a majority in Parliament.

Furthermore, “So what really matters is who they will have by their side. Someone is going to hold the balance of power on the 8th of May and it won’t be David Cameron or Ed Miliband. But it could be Nigel Farage. It could be Alex Salmond.

Or it could be me and the Liberal Democrats.”

Nick Clegg goes on to speak about how he aims to make society an equal place for everyone, with plenty of opportunities for all. “At its heart is one word that is absolutely central to what Liberal Democrats believe: opportunity. No matter who you are, where you were born, what sexuality

or religion you are or what colour your skin is, you should have the same opportunity to get on in life. We want to tear down the barriers that stop you from reaching your potential. We want to smash the glass ceilings that keep you from achieving what you want to achieve. Your talent and your hard work, not the circumstances of your birth, should decide what you can be.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats also stated, “As our manifesto dedicated to black, Asian and ethnic minorities sets out, the Liberal Democrats will ensure that our commitment to equality runs through every policy area.”

Resham Kotecha is a Conservative party Candidate for Dulwich & West Norwood and is the youngest ethnic candidate for the party. She works as an Economic Advisor to an MP and is also the COO of Women2Win, which is a Conservative party organisation to get more women into Parliament. She is also a School Governor at a Special Educational Needs School.

Kotecha is a second generation immigrant from a family who embody aspiration and hard work.

She is passionate about opportunities for young people and proud to have worked on a new law to remove employer's NI contributions for under 21s, helping reduce youth unemployment.

Resham Kotecha pictured, states, “My priorities are to provide good school places for every child, to improve access to

healthcare and to ensure that residents are financially secure by fighting for the best interests of local small businesses and by hosting jobs fairs. I am pleased that by next year, we will have 4 new schools in the constituency.”

Kotecha further added, “I am running a campaign to fight for a better deal for commuters – I want train companies to make compensation fairer for people who have been consistently hit by delays and signal failures."s

Youngest Ethnic Candidate for the Tories

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Keith Vaz denies endorsing Ukip candidate

Keith Vaz

Mark Reckless

Rt Hon Keith Vaz, a prominent Labour representative has distanced himself from Ukip candidate, Mark Reckless, after it appeared that Vaz had endorsed Reckless' campaign.

It is said that Mark Reckless needs to convert Labour supporters in order to win next month's re-elections.

Keith Vaz appears on an election leaflet for Reckless and is quoted saying, “Mark is one of my closest friends in parliament. You are lucky to have him.” Endorsing a

rival party candidate is considered as a breach of Labour party rules.

Vaz states that he had made the comments during a visit to Rochester & Strood, where Mark reckless s standing as chairman of the home affairs select committee.

However, Vaz did not give permission for them to quote him. He reveals, “He [Mark Reckless] is a friend but I was not asked if they [the comments] could be used on a leaflet. If asked I would have said no.”

GE 2015

It came at a price…The Right to Vote!

Lakshmi Kaul: Community Activist & Chair of Public Relations – Hindu Forum of Britain

We live in eruptive times.

These are the times of no patience that warrant instant results. Close on the heels of the General Election 2015, we see a heightened (even manic) political activism. Whilst a number of you may find the election fervour exciting and are totally switched on about the minute by minute developments in the world of politics and campaigning; for a number of others, it is just a blur.

Last week I read Lord Popat’s article titled “This election is about you” and he highlighted the struggle of immigrants from East Africa in the 1970s. I felt a strange weight upon me, reading the words: “Imagine living for fifty years and never having the right to say who should be in Government.” I also happened to witness the “I am an Immigrant” cam-

University of Birmingham to host Election Debates The University of Birmingham will be welcoming the BBC, The Guardian and Sky News onto their campus for a series of events and debates, aimed to help students, staff and local residents get the information

they need for the upcoming elections. The event started on 21st April 2015.

On 24th April, The Big Asian Election Debate hosted by the BBC Asian Network will be taking place. The debate will be

broadcasted two days later across 14 BBC local radio stations, as well as the News Channel. It will be hosted by BBC Asian Network presenter, Nihal.

This event is taking place to help the British Asian

paign go up at tube stations. I have been attending hustings and have read through the many manifestos spelt out by various communities.

While it is heartening to see so much activism and awareness on ‘our rights’ and ‘our demands’, it saddens me to then hear from members of public: “I don’t believe in politics” or “There is no point in voting because everyone is just the same”.

As a resident, tax payer and a responsible member of the British Indian society, I feel it is my personal and moral responsibility to vote.

Not because I am always in the minority, seeking representation.

Or because I am an immigrant and I wish to prove my contribution. As a woman, a mother and a community worker, I take it upon myself as a special duty to ensure there is adequate discussion on the importance of the Right of Vote.

I would like to reach

out to fellow ladies reading this article, all of you need to realise that today the vote that we so callously dismiss has cost many of our predecessors their lives. Some of you will recall that it was not until the Equal Franchise Act was passed in 1928 that women won the same voting rights as men. It was, until that time, a privilege left to very few members of the male fraternity to be able to vote and to voice opinion.

While we may want magic solutions to economic crisis, increasing population, environmental degradation and

community decide which party they should vote for.

There will be Shahrar Ali (Green Party), Zuffar Haq (Liberal Democrats), Shabana Mahmood (Labour), Priti Patel (Conservative) and Tariq Mahmood (UKIP) at the event. The Guardian's “You

Talk, They Listen”, will be taking place on 27th April.

This event will be focussing on immigration as it is one of the important issues for voters for the general elections.

This event will be hosted by presenter, Rick Edwards.

The final event will be by Sky News, on 28th April.

Lakshmi Kaul

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employment figures, as a mother I would like to remind you that it takes 9 months for us to nurture and give birth to a life and many years followed on from there to shape them into responsible adults. What we sow today, we will reap tomorrow. However, if we choose NOT to sow, we shall not be in a position to reap at all!

Let’s keep it simple and sow today. The Right of Vote gives us not just the power but places upon us the responsibility to be good citizens. Let us not be part of the statistic that says we DID NOT shoulder our responsibility in the democratic process. Today men and women both share the responsibility to uphold this democratic process and ensure the vote isn’t wasted.

I read this graffiti somewhere and it has stuck with me: “It’s a man’s world….unless women vote”.

Twitter: @KaulLakshmi “Stand Up Be Counted” General Election tour will visit the University campus.

They will be available throughout the day. They will also have events including live broadcasts as well as an interactive stand for students and the public to engage with politics.

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UK

Chicken Tikka Masala rejected at St George's Day celebration

Tania Rahman (27), was “shocked and upset” as the Salisbury City Council rejected her proposal of serving Chicken Tikka Masala at the St George's Day celebration. They stated that it was “not English enough” and that visitors at the event should eat “English themed food only”.

Chicken Tikka Masala has long been considered one of Britain’s favourite dishes, becoming as popular, if not more, than the Sunday roasts or fish and chips.

However, the refusal of having the dish at the St George's Day celebration has bewildered Tania Rahman, as well as many others.

After reading the refusal email, Rahman was

stunned. She said, “I was hugely disappointed. I consider myself to be English – I was born in this country. It is the utter ignorance of it all that makes me most upset.

Salisbury itself is so diverse. The most popular restaurants there are Indian.”

The Salisbury council has apologised to Miss Rahman and invited her to set up stall at the event.

However, a spokesman

said they had initially felt that chicken tikka masala would clash with the “olde worlde traditional English” theme, which features Morris dancers and dragons. “The council never intended to be racist. The theme of the St George’s Day event in 2015 was olde worlde traditional English with Morris Dancers and dragon fighting. Ms Rahman has raised some very interesting points about modern England and the Council will wish to reflect upon these issues when setting the theme for the St George’s Day in 2016 and onwards.”

Man banned from Tube for rubbing himself on women

Muhammed Tahir (53), had been banned from travelling on the London Underground as he rubbed himself against a young commuter on the tube.

The 53-year-old dry cleaner had followered the young commuter on to a Central Line train, after having spotted her on the platform.

He then veered towards the victim, who was in her 20s, and slid his hand across her thigh as she stood with other passengers, pretending that it was by mistake.

As the victim tried to move away, he would move even closer and began to rub his potbelly

and crotch on her bottom.

During his vulgar actions, Tahir was not aware of undercover police officers, who were watching his every move.

The Old Bailey were told about how the undercover police officers first saw Tahir when he got off his train at Mile End at around 8am on 24 July 2014.

Continued from page 1 entrepreneurs. Each year, up to 10 people become recipients of the award, individuals who have been recognised by their peers as those who have voluntarily passed on their skills and experience to future generations, and actively involved themselves in the education and development of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

As the first female Asian recipient of the award, today marks a key moment for the recognition of Asian women as entrepreneurs.

Asian

women have long had a strong presence in the running and creation of SMEs, but received little wider recognition for their contribution to entrepreneurship in the UK. The award comes after a long career spent as a passionate advocate for diversity and entrepreneurship in business and the creative industries, for which she received an MBE in 2009.

Lopa Patel also founded the equality and diversity think tank, Diversity UK, an organisation of which she currently sits as CEO. She is also a nonExecutive Director of

Muhammed Tahir, 53

The distressed woman had managed to attract the attention of one of the officers, which led to the arrest of Tahir.

Detectives also later detected that Tahir was charged with two similar offences in 2003, only to be cleared after the prosecution file failed to arrive in court in time.

Judge Rebecca Poulet QC, ordered order to tackle his problems under the supervision of probation officers.

Tahir was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years with 12 months supervision as well as 150 hours of unpaid work.

First Asian woman to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion

Labour Councillor's son returns to UK after detainment in Turkey

Waheed Ahmed (21), the son of Rochdale Labour Councillor, Shakil Ahmed, was arrested for attempting to go to Syria via Turkey.

He has now returned to the UK. Shakil Ahmed had believed his son was in Birmingham on a work placement, when he found out that he was detained in Turkey. He was “shocked, worried and extremely upset”

when he found out that his son had been arrested on the Turkey-Syria border.

Shakil Ahmed had stated, “My son is a good Muslim and his loyalties belong to Britain, so I don’t understand what he’s doing there. If I thought for a second that he was in danger or being radicalised, I would have reported him to the authorities."

EMBG (Ethnic Minority Business Group) and a Trustee of educational charity Raha International. She is a Technology Ambassador for STEMNET, helping to encourage girls to take up science careers, a sector in which just 13% of the workforce are women (‘Women in scientific careers’ Parliamentary Report, 2014).

Lopa Patel’s receipt of this award comes after a considerable career spent dedicated to the promotion of skills and enterprise throughout the UK and has enabled her to build a reputation as an inspirational figure in her field. She has promoted entrepreneurship, mentored new ventures and directed the activities of business networks and support programs.

She is also the first Asian woman to be elected as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is also a Fellow of the RSA, the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Kapil’s

KHICHADI

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com

Hindus & Sikhs Unite

The last few weeks have been remarkable and we are witnessing the emergence of a new forward looking consensus between two great Dharmic communities of modern times. In his recent visit to the UK Dr Subramanian Swamy, one of the most high profile Indian politicians and a champion for anti-corruption opened the doors for even better cooperation between these two great communities. Dr Swamy became the very first Indian politician to set foot in a Gurdwara in the UK since the sad events of 1984 that took place under the then Congress government in India.

On Saturday 18th April 2015 a very special gathering took place at Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib ji in West

Bromwich where the leading lights of the Sikh community came together to discuss the General Election and the issues affecting both these communities. High profile speakers included: Sarpanch Harjeet Singhji, Shri Satish Sharma (NCHT), Dr Praveen Kumar (VHP) and Shri Jasdev Rai (BSCF).

Many organisations attended including: Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara - Southall, Sri Hargobind Sahib Gurudwara - Tividale, Sri Gurur Amardas Gurdwara - Leicester, NCHTUK, Sri Krishna Mandir Wolverhampton, Sri Omkarananda Mission - Wolverhampton, Mata Mandir - Dudley, Slough Sri Krishna Temple and British Sikh Consultative Forum.

STANDING COALITION OF SIKHS, HINDUS AND JAINS UK

We find the inclusion of the term "caste" as a protected category in the 2010 Equalities Act, and subsequently in the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, to be totally unacceptable and demand that its inclusion be repealed in its entirety within the first two years of the next Parliamentary Term.

The legislation, by way of the Lord Harries Caste Amendment, was introduced on the basis of poor research and the associated report was dismissed as unreliable in Parliament. The report authors have also confirmed that its primary purpose was not to instigate any legislation, and in fact goes onto to repeat that given the variance of evidence, that a more substantial piece of research is required before any views can be formed.

When has an Act of Parliament, except in national security issues, been passed without knowing what the Act is about (definition) and The ramifications of the resolution are very clear. Every major political party that wants Hindu and Sikh votes will have to give their confirmation that the disgraceful and treacherous legislation on Caste is repealed in its entirety during the next Parliamentary term.

The clear evidence so far is that both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have refused to accept this and will therefore ignore the wishes of the Sikh and Hindu communities.

In contrast the Conservative Party has confirmed that if they have a clear majority after the elections, they will repeal the entire caste legislation. This is bound to impact the way our communities vote since protecting our Dharma from denigration and disrespect must always come first.

whether the need exists?

Furthermore there has been no impact assessment of this legislation on business, the communities concerned and the very fabric of British society.

We find this an extraordinary state of affairs, a glaring abuse of Parliamentary privilege and a breach of trust that citizens rightly place in the legislative process. It has brought Parliament into disrepute. We require that each party leader and their political party give the following undertakings: a. The legislation on caste in its entirety be repealed within the first two years of the next Parliamentary Term. b. Genuine independent research should be conducted on a longitudinal basis. c. Full detailed impact assessments should be carried out: business sector, concerned communities, society in general and the service sector.

Sahajanand Swami Charitable Trust.

What is interesting to note is that the very first item on the BHM is to demand that the caste legislation is repealed in its entirety.

Dharma Rakshak Award: On a lighter note, but one that is dear to me, I was conferred the ‘Dharma

British Hindu Manifesto: In another dramatic development it seems the Hindu Manifesto first published in Asian Voice in Kapil’s Khichadi has become the foundation for the unveiling of the full Dr Subramanian Swamy with Kapil Dudakia (AV) blown British Hindu Manifesto Rakshak’ award by Dr S Swamy during (BHM). The BHM was led by the his recent visit to the UK. I am most Hindu Forum of Britain in partnership grateful to the NCHT and the BBHS with the National Council of Hindu for having confidence to grant me this Temples. Other major leading organisaaward. I understand it is for my work tions also joined in to lend their supin the media. I accept the award in the port including Hindu Lawyers spirit it has been given and I hope that Association, City Hindu Network, I may continue to live up to these high Birmingham Hindu Council, Hindu standards in my column.

Council of the North and the

UK

First time parents encourage surrogacy in the UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Mansi Gandhi (35) and Pritesh Gandhi (36) became first time parents through surrogacy. They now encourage others to think about surrogacy in the UK, rather than going abroad.

After suffering several miscarriages, the couple decided to opt for surrogacy and look at the options of going to foreign countries, such as India, Ukraine and the USA, as well as looking for options in the UK. However, they were aghast at the oversea prices.

After many deliberations and discussion with their family, Pritesh Gandhi's sister, Hiral

Pritesh and Mansi Gandhi, with son Krish

Shah agreed to become their surrogate.

She became pregnant in the

Motorist jailed for crashing into pedestrian Shafi Mohammed (33), was sentenced to two years and nine months imprisonment for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He had crashed his Range Rover into two pedestrians. He was earlier found guilty for having no insurance, failing to stop and failing to report a collision. Mohammed was also disqualified from driving for three years. A 28-yearold woman and a man who appeared in his 30's suffered serious injuries, as

well as a passenger travelling in Mohammed's Range Rover. Mohammed fled from the scene. He was later traced and arrested at his home address. Sergeant Sarah Smallwood of Collision Investigation Unit said, “He has shown no remorse, and his disregard for them and other road users that night has affected the victims deeply.

“Today’s sentence will hopefully assist in bringing closure to them after this ordeal.”

Arbaaz Khan to Inaugurate Indian property Show in London

Baby Krish Gandhi

first attempt of IVF treatment. The couple had their son on 27th March 2015. Pritesh Gandhi expressed, "We felt the whole process so far has been very smooth and easy and we want other couples who have been contemplating overseas surrogacy to try and look around first if they can find a suitable surrogate in the UK who may be their family member, friends or well-wisher. It will make their life a lot easier and will work out financially cheaper as well. The UK surrogacy laws are designed keeping in mind having a UK surrogate then the whole process

becomes a lot easier."

Mr and Mrs Gandhi will also apply for a parental order, which will grant them a new birth certificate with parental responsibility transferred to them.

Pritesh Gandhi further stated, “There would be quite a few couples who perhaps give up on hopes of having a child because they are petrified about the whole overseas surrogacy process.

"I sincerely hope that this story brings joy and happiness to someone else's face as well. Salute to my sister, Hiral who has helped us to have a baby in our arms!"

The famous Bollywood actor, producer and director, Arbaaz Khan will be visiting London to inaugurate the Indian Property Show on 25th April 2015.

His fans will be able to meet him from noon to 1pm.

Arbaaz Khan is the b r a n d ambassador of the Indian Property Show.

He said, “I feel much honoured and delighted on my association with the Indian Property Show as their Brand Ambassador.I hope to contribute in their effort of helping people realise their long cherished dream of owning a home in India. Its unique style, innovative approach and excellent marketing efforts has surpassed expectations and I am sure, together we will make it bigger and better and create newer platforms of growth. I am proud to be associated with an event of this caliber and hope to achieve newer heights for the brand.”

The Indian Property show is a two-day event, taking place on 25th and 26th April, from 11 am to 8pm at Olympia London, West Hall, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX.

Sunil Jaiswal, President at Sumansa Exhibitions, organizer of the show stated, “Indian Property Show has successfully orchestrated 26 shows in world’s top cities within just a few years of

its inception, fulfilling dreams of thousands of NRIs of owning a home in India by providing a perfect platform for information exchange while helping them make an informed decision. As with every show, we would ensure a bigger and better showcase alongside super exciting deals.”

The Indian Property Show is a free to attend two-day event. There will be over 40 leading real estate developers and brokers, allowing property investors to meet and network with developers and property experts. Visitors will also be entitled to get free advice on any of their property related matters from new property purchase; concerns related to existing property, tenancy laws etc.

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UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Audit of Women's Progress

How and why we behave differently

Minister laughs off direct flights

Aam Aadmi Party Infighting

It was exhilarating to read the Comment page (21st March) on Indian women's progress, especially about the outstanding achievements of women in the field of aerospace industry. It was well researched and assimilated work.

Even in UK, only few percent of females follow courses in such fields. In the decade following independence, people's attitude towards women revolutionised.

Most girls from my community, including myself attained degree courses with the encouragement and support from fathers, brothers and even male members of extended family. Some followed careers in medicine, accountancy and education. Communities realised the importance of treating daughters and sons equally. Now Indian women hold high positions in many sectors.

Last week three young women with great initiative,art and expertise made to final of the Master Chef India.

Apparently the social changes did not extend across the country.Indian Women are ingrained to have tolerance and family values from the childhood, so that they can withstand hardships and keep the family together before and after marriage.

However, they will stand up with all might against any wrong.

Queen of Jhansi fought the British empire. Indira Gandhi was one of the two earliest female Prime Ministers in the world, She took unprecedented step of military take over of East Pakistan and declared it an independent country to overcome the consequences of the dispute between East and West Pakistan. It was Indian women who came out in the streets in their thousands against horrific rape of Nirbhaya.

India stands 94th in the rape statistic but every attempt must be made to stop such crimes. The mindset of some men need educated. Alcohol and drugs must be restricted. It was heart warming when Shree C B called an young Asian woman candidate for GE on the stage and introduced her as Nari Shakti at the end of the event, held in the memory of Mahatma Gandh at K.P.hall. A small gesture but a huge support.

I admire Bhupendra Gandhi’s, Kapilji’s and C.B.Patel’s euphoria/eulogy about Hinduism. Ground realities against Hinduism as religion are realistic. Hindu leaders must envisage methods to entrench Hinduism now and its survival in future. Living in and praising the past is unpragmatic. Hindus’ meek ways are not reciprocated by non-Hindu faiths, thus making Hinduism crippled/ disabled puppet. Sadly, tragic absence of collective unity of thought and thundering voice makes precious Hindu teachings and values irrelevant. Sound and fury of two major religions threatens Hinduism. In some countries Hinduism is not recognised at all, even as a religion. It is used to differentiate Indians from India and Red Indians from South America. US based Pew Research Centre ignores Hinduism by describing it as “unaffiliated” religion!

It also mentions that:Muslims have demographic advantage via marrying young and polygamy.By 2030, UK will be a Muslim-majority nation. With Islamic assertively aggressive attitude and vote bank politics, fate of minority and their religions is easy to predict.By 2050, India will have more Muslims than Indonesia. Hindus will meet same fate as in Pakistan and Bangladesh! Flitting from temple to temple and baba to amma is not sign of Hinduism’s strength and guarantee of survival.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju laughs off direct flights between Ahmedabad and London, as reported (Gujarat Samachar, April 11) was the most miserable depressive reading of a Minister out of touch with reality and totally out of line with his boss, Prime Minister Modi.

I am reminded of what happens when the rulers run the country for themselves and get completely out of touch with the common man. Mary Antoinette the French Queen was told by her minister about the starvation of her people, as they had no wheat. She replied, Let them eat cake!" The minister should be ashamed of his attitude, along with Queen Antoinette, embarrassing himself and Modi, as he is unfit for the job he is not doing. Prime Minister Modi is beating his drum around the world, Make in India, our doors are open for you, and here is this man telling us that Gujarat has to remain un accessible to the international traveller. This policy of indirect flights to Gujarati from UK is hurting to its visitors, holidaymakers and of course businessmen, exporters and trade; all that Modi is about!! India is aspiring to grow and tap into the growing lucrative market of international trade. With direct flights between London and Ahmedabad, not only does the airline help themselves, but at the same time promote growth in the economy by connecting Gujarat to the rest of the world.

New Delhi should be seriously considering if they have the right man working for 'Team India'.

I refer to editorial comment in the 4th April issue of your esteemed weekly. For the first time I do not share your opinion.

In 2013, when AAP was constituted, it promised to eradicate corruption and institute a new political system of governance where the common man could contribute in government. People felt relieved; finally a party had surfaced which encouraged open debate. Yogendra Yadav and his associates have raised pertinent questions about the accounts and internal democracy within AAP. When four donations (totalling 2 crores) from overseas were received by the Party through an Indian Registered Company – a name plate outside the door in a residential building, Kejriwal was asked by the reporters. His reply was that let the authorities can check and if they want “arrest me”. He has a tendency to operate without seeking consensus of his colleagues. The only one who works on his calling is Manish Sisodia – his close friend. Most of the 67 MLAs have been won over through patronage.

The meeting which removed Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan was stage-managed and no opportunity was given to the supporters of the Yogendra Group to speak and some were even denied entry to the meeting room.

Kejriwal has to understand that he is a symbol of the aspirations of the people who are demanding change. He therefore has to function in a democratic and tolerant way.

Ila Kapadia Via Email

Tactical voting is the way forward It seems that the Conservatives are losing momentum and the possibility of Labour forming a government is becoming increasingly likely. It is therefore important that the Indian/Hindu voters do not put all their eggs (sorry oranges!) in one basket. In constituencies where Labour seats are safe we should vote for them and take the opportunity to inform them about our opposition to the Caste bill and other anti-Indian policies.

Tactical voting is the way forward.

In the interest of Hinduism

Hinduism is the world oldest religion and has about 950 million followers worldwide, making it the third largest religion. Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism have their roots from Hinduism but are separate religion on their own right.

Scores of Hindus have converted to Christianity and Islam on their own accord for personal reasons.

Hinduism, though great and rich in text is complex and difficult to understand by common people. There are numerous beliefs and countless God and Goddesses and new ones are being invented from time to time.Caste system and social injustices strongly prevailed in Hinduism at one stage causing colossal social disharmony and unrighteousness.

Well intended Sampradais (sects) are therefore emerging guided by Swamis in accordance with their interpretation and understanding of various Hindu scriptures to the seekers. It is heartening that Hinduism is evolving through different Sampradais in the right direction.

There are glorious temples outside India dedicated to Hindu Gods. Would it not be prudent to incorporate the word 'Hindu' in naming the temple for better understanding and promote Hinduism e.g Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, Jalaram Hindu Temple, Hanuman Hindu Temple and so on?! It will certainly create a big impact on the native and generate a sense of belonging amongst Hindus.

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Yours in disbelief.

Sharad Parikh President NCGO UK

Minorities against BJP India

It has been reported in Indian media that Christians and Muslims are taking every opportunity to criticise BJP government for trivial things which has nothing to do with development.

Now the managing director of Kirloskar group has made a statement saying that foreign companies are not keen to invest in India since Indian Christians are scared of the present government. Western companies have invested large amount of money in ruthless Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia where non-Muslims are beheaded and non-Muslim religious books and places of worship are banned.| There is a deliberate attempt by renegade Hindus mainly by some Bengalis to discredit Modi government in the British press. We have to be very careful about those Christians, who with the help of Muslims try to block conversion bill and vice versa. . As a Hindu I am also worried by the activities of American funded Christian charities. The government should introduce bill to curb the activities of foreign Christian Missionaries and stop issuing visas for overseas missionaries.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

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Land of Milk and Honey

In olden days, India was regarded as a land of milk and honey where it was believed that the streets were paved with gold. This attracted invaders from other Asian countries who came to our lands to plunder our temples of gold. This was followed by the Portuguese and the British.

Now the tables have turned and people from Asian and African countries come here to escape strife and poverty in their countries. In the process many lose their lives.

A couple of weeks ago, at least 400 migrants who were trying to reach Europe from Libya were killed after their boat capsized. The boat, was carrying about 550 people. Before that, more than 500 migrants had already died crossing the Mediterranean. Then last Sunday, a fishing boat trying to smuggle up to 700 migrants to Europe capsized near Lampedusa in Italy. So what could be done to prevent such incidents occuring again? Instead of giving grant aid to those countries which in fact carry a chip on their shoulders and harbor terrorists, the prosperous countries like Britain and America should consider ways to alleviate poverty in African countries so that these people do not need to migrate to the shores of wealthier places.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Dr Kartar Lalvani OBE

The Vitamin King Making People Healthier Dr Lalvani, FounderChairman of Vitabiotics, rarely stops still for too long. He’s often travelling as Vitabiotics vitamins and health drinks are now sold in more than 106 countries across the globe. A rapidly growing number of products in the 44-year-old Vitabiotics range are prominently displayed in pharmacies up and down the land.

Dr Lalvani’s father owned pharmacists in Karachi, and now that Kartar’s son Tej is helping to run the company, three generations of pioneering Lalvanis have been pivotally involved in the international pharmaceutical industry.

One of the nice things about Dr Lalvani is that he remembers working in the Indian High Commission for a short while in his early years, alongside my own father. He reminded me 10 days ago that our family relationships go back a long way.

But Dr Lalvani’s work in building his company from scratch after studying pharmaceutical science in London, Germany and India is the real success story.

In April 2013, Vitabiotics became the first British company to receive the Queen's Award for Innovation in Vitamin Research. In the same year Vitabiotics became the UK's Number One vitamin supplement company and

Boots named the firm “Overall Supplier of the Year” in all categories.

In 2014 Dr Kartar Lalvani was awarded a Professorship from France's leading centre of dermatological excellence, CERT, University of Franche Comté (part of one of Europe's oldest 900 year old medical institutes at St Jacques, Besançon).

The prize was given for Dr Lalvani’s ground- breaking Perfectil skin research.

When the BBC visited his laboratory, he told it that vitamins are needed because people are living longer. He said that he already produces a range for the over 70s but felt that since the population is getting older he may soon be selling vitamins for the over 80s and the

over 90s.

I am not the only one finding that Vitabiotics boosts energy levels, for the brand is now the largest vitamin company in Great Britain.

Aside from growing a multimillion pound business, Dr Lalvani spends a great deal of time and money in helping projects and causes that sit close to his heart.

One of these is the film ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ that has just opened across 40 countries to widespread acclaim.

The film tells the story of Guru Nanak who travelled the world to spread the message of equality, peace and 'Ek Onkar' (there's only One God) that has influenced over 100 million followers worldwide. Nanak’s message gave birth to Sikhism.

The movie is narrated

by Nanak’s disciple-companion, Bhai Mardana, a Muslim Fakir. The producer, Harinder Sikka, said that Dr Lalvani went to Mumbai specially to see the film. He immediately decided to endorse it and put his weight and backing into its promotion and marketing.

Eminent Sindhis and Sikhs including Lord Indarjit Singh were pres-

The immigration health surcharge legislation came into affect in the UK on 6th April 2015.

Nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) visiting the UK for longer than six months are required to pay the health surcharge when they make their immigration application.

This also applies to nonEEA nationals already in the UK who apply to extend their stay.

It is proposed that the government is gearing up to regain about £1.7 bil-

lion over the span of ten years, in order to help pay for the NHS treatment cost given to temporary migrants.

Furthermore, it has been claimed that the cost of NHS by overseas visitors and migrants is over £2 billion a year. £950 million is being spent on temporary, nonEEA workers and students.

The immigration health surcharge will cost £200 per year, while it would cost £150 for students. This will be

payable upfront and for a total period of time for which the migrants are given permission to stay in the UK. The Health Minister, Lord Howe states, “We want international visitors to feel welcome to use the NHS, provided they pay for it- just as families in the UK do through their taxes, so we are making sure that overseas visitors and migrants pay for NHS healthcare and helping NHS staff to understand the charging system.”

Dr Kartar Lalvani

ent at the London preview, arranged by Dr Lalvani.

Lord Singh told us he thought the film was good and accurate and there was nothing he could find wrong with it.

AR Rahman was the score mentor, it was well received at Cannes and has been endorsed by India’s top Gurudwara committee.

Guru Nanak is portrayed by computer graphics, facing away from the camera at all times in a ray of light.

At the preview, Dr Lalvani gave us an exclusive interview. He said of the film, “This is a very practical message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The message is of unity. The interfaith that we find all over the world is basically from the Sikh religion. The Sikh religion is a symbol of interfaith. The Guru Granth Sahib [The revered book containing

the holy teachings of the Sikhs] is the foundation of interfaith.

It is how people of different religions and different faiths can sit together.

The film is the first of its kind. The message goes far, very far.”

“Vitabiotics takes care of people. My faith has influenced me in developing my science philosophy.” Dr Kartar Lalvani, OBE The Vitabiotics founder said that his faith pervaded his company’s psyche, which is all about a “sense of healthy living.

Look after yourself, look after your health.

Vitabiotics takes care of people. My faith has influenced me in developing my science philosophy.”

He also mentioned

that he is influenced by Guru Nanak and Guru Nanak’s philosophy that all races are one, as exemplified in the Sikh holy book.

“37 Saint- authors have written in the Granth Sahib,” he commented.

Dr Lalvani is a passionate advocate.

“I want this film to be a great success. As much as it possibly can be. We like keeping people of all faiths together. It’s the first time that this has happened. I can’t remember any initiative like this film; putting all faiths together. Different people, different religions, we all follow one God. It’s a real road map. I’m very happy it has been such a big success.”

Dr Kartar Lalvani, OBE, finished with a message for Asian Voice readers.

“Love all religions.

People are the same. God is one.”

The Immigration Health Surcharge Legislation

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MEDIA WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Germany has been significant on every count. Trade and investment were at the top of his agenda in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and with the captains of German industry who were present in strength at the Hannover Messe 2015, which was jointly inaugurated by the two leaders. India, the partner country, showcased its products and capabilities in the manufacturing sector.

Indian States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan et al had their separate pavilions.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

and the possibility of Marine Le Pen and the Front National achieving power. She has promised to withdraw France from the EU. India must take on board these possible game changing realities and their impact for the continent.

IMF growth for high India

The International Monetary Fund’s growth forecast for India 2015-16 is 7.5 per cent, up from the 7.2 per cent of the previous financial year. The World Bank dittoed the IMF prediction but added that with the increased volumes of investment, growth could be even 8 per cent in 2017.

As things stand, the current projection for India will exceed that of China’s, which is placed at 6.8 per cent (Hindu, Times of India April 15)

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and other dignitaries at the Opening Ceremony of the Hannover Messe, in Hannover, Germany

Germany has a vital stake in the India growth story and is clearly interested in taking this forward.

The likes of Bosch, Siemens, Daimler, Volkswagen and BMW are betting big on emerging economies such as India.

Daimler, for instance, is earmarking substantial investments in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, while Volkswagen is gearing up for expansion in India with a host of brands, including Skoda, Audi, and Scala. Addressing the Hannover Congress Centre, Prime Minister Modi said: “When the shutters come down at [Hannover Messe], I hope many new doors would have opened,” a sentiment fervently endorsed by the 350 Indian company heads present.

Promised assistance

Narendra Modi promised to set up a special team to assist German companies investing in India – a mechanism already in place for Japan. India and Germany are also to explore the possibilities of closer defence and security cooperation, according to a joint statement issued by the Indian and German leaders.

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit India soon. Chancellor Merkel will be visiting India in October for the biennial inter-governmental consultations.

November 26, 2008 attack, Rehman Lakhvi, has been released from detention, Prime Minister Modi appealed to the international community to stand together in combating ter-

Terrorism

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, where terrorist mastermind behind the Mumbai

Yet again, India has topped the world chart in remittances from the Indian diaspora, which for 2013-14 reached $70.38 billion, up marginally from $69.18 of the previous year. China was second with $64.14 billion and at a distance Philippines, Mexico and Nigeria. (Times of India April 14)

Rehabilitating Hindu, Sikh refugees

Rehman Lakhvi

rorism through the long pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN this year. “ How can we put pressure on the countries where governments provide shelter to terrorists….We need to isolate such countries and governments,” Mr Modi said.

(Business Line, Hindu, Telegraph April 14,15)

Diminished EU

Push to revive India-EU FTA

Prime Minister expressed the hope that Germany would be the facilitator in reviving the stalled India-EU free trade negotiations, saying at a joint press conference, “I have requested Chancellor Merkel that India and the European Union should resume the negotiations quickly and conclude a balanced and mutually acceptable agreement at the earliest.” (Mint April 15)

Indian remittances top world chart

Marine Le Pen

Two caveats on the Modi visit to France and Germany deserve consideration. First, President Hollande is the most unpopular French President in living memory and earlier annals.. Second, there appears to be a deepening resentment of Germany’s economic power in swathes of austerity-driven Europe. From these facts follow the third proposition: that an increasingly divided European Union faces an uncertain future come the next French general election in 2016

The Indian government is mulling over a plan to rehabilitate Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

A consultative meeting of senior ministers took place on the issue recently at the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

There are about 100,000 Hindu and Sikh refugees who have left Pakistan and Bangladesh to escape religious persecution by the majority Muslim communities. A government taskforce has been set up to expedite applications for Indian citizenship, while long-term visas are to be given to those waiting for their applications to be processed (Times of India April 13)

ISI, Qaida hand in Burdwan blast

India’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has mounting evidence of a Pakistan Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate-al Qaeda operation in the Burdwan bomb blast several months ago, which revealed a complex network of jihadi terror groups straddling West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh. near the town of Burdwan, some 40 kilometres from the State capital, Kolkata. The Bangladesh authorities have documentary proof of a link between an ISI-al Qaeda operation working through the Jamaat-ulMujahideen Bangladesh ((JMB). The NIA is awaiting the arrival of these incriminating documents from Dhaka. (Times of India April 13)

Fake currency gang busted

Delhi Police have arrested a fake currency gang, recovering dud

notes with a face value of Rs 82,70,000 crore, a massive haul.

Among the men held was one Shahjahan Sheikh (35) who was sought in a number cases involving the circulation of high quality counterfeit Indian currency brought in from Bangladesh.

“Shahjahan was running an extensive network of peddlers.

His trade had spread as far as Gujarat and Maharashtra…..He was arrested after a long drawn out operation in a remote village of Malda, West Bengal, which is stone’s throw from the Bangladesh border,” said DCP (Special Cell) Sanjiv Yadav.

Shahjahan told police that counterfeiting was a cottage industry in his village. (Hindu March 29)

Missile shield for INS Vikramaditya

India’s most powerful battleship, the aircraft carrier, the 45,000 tonne INS Vikramaditya, is to be fitted with an Israeli Barack-1 anti-missile system, which will be transferred from INS Godavri, a warship that is ready for decommissioning. The Barack-1 system is designed to intercept and destroy incoming missiles up to a radius of 9 kilometres. This will be done in July during a minor refit of the aircraft carrier. INS Vikramaditya will get the nextgeneration long range surface-toair interception missile with a 70 km radius (to be test-fired in September), which has been jointly produced by India and Israel, and will be installed during the carrier’s major refit two years from now.

INS Vikramaditya will hold 45 Russian-built MIG 29K warplanes (Times of India April 17)

TCS surprise estimates

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest software provider’s fourth quarter results, ending March 31, has exceeded market expectations with a net profit of R$s 5,906 crore against the previous year’s quarter of Rs 5,297 crore. The latest quarter results come with a special onetime bonus to employees of Rs2,628 crore. Subtracted from the present profit, the final figure for the quarter is Rs 3,858.2 crore.

Upbeat CEO

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, TCS CEO and Managing Director N. Chandrasekaran said that, while the company was confronted

with headwind such as difficult conditions in the energy sector (due to lower oil prices) and volatility in the telecoms sector, both the client addition and new deals remained strong (Telegraph, Hindu April 17) .

Reliance in record profit

Riding on superior refinery margins, Reliance Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) regained its cplace as India’s most profitable company, having reported a surge in profits in the final quarter 2014-15 ending March 31,with a net profit of Rs 6,381 crore (over $1 billion) This effectively means that RIL profits have grown 21 per cent over the last quarter, and 8 per cent over the same quarter of the previous year.. More importantly, RIL results represent a major recovery from the third quarter 2014-15, when oil prices took a nosedive (Business Line, Times of India April

Agni III test-fired

India’s intermediate-range 3,000 kilometre missile was test-fired last week from Odisha as part of a routine exercise to maintenan readiness in the eventuality of war. Agni III is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of 1,500 tonnes (Telegraph 17)

Janata parties unite in UP, Bihar

Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Dal leader Mulayam Singh Yadav played host to Janata Dal parties in Bihar in a successful bid to present a united front against the BJP, which is a minority party in the two states but is the curling party at the Centre in Delhi. The new front will contest the state elections under the banner of Samajwadi Janata Dal and will be a single group in Parliament (April 16)

Return of the prodigal son

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Party Vice President, has returned to India after a 56-day sojourn abroad. Whatever semblance of credibility he once had has disappeared for good. India needs a strong Congress in the interests of Indian democracy but Rahul Gandhi, incompetent and irresolute has no further role, it would seem, in national politics.

Walk into the sunset, buddy.

Narendra Modi with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper See commnet page 3

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015 Redbridge, Harrow and in Leicester , with the most recent to be opened in Croydon.

The Hindu Manifesto and The Election

You may think there is no need for a Hindu manifesto, after all a more integrated, and integral group of individuals in Britain you will not find than British Hindus – from the self-promoting Rich List members to the silent bread-winning community service providing cleaners at Heathrow airport.

But there is a Hindu manifesto. And I like it…a lot. So what do the two major parties have to say on it? Well I started looking at the Labour Party, and then stopped. I stopped when I saw the campaign page of Shabana Mahmood MP (www.shabanamahmood.org) banging on about Kashmir and all evil things that India does! Not of course a word about that haven of civil liberties, the promoter of democratic civil rights that is Pakistan.

What is it with Labour – making up for losing the 80% block vote of the British

Pakistani community they had before Blair went into Iraq.

When will British Indians voting Labour stop bowing down to those who slap them in the face over and over and over again?

So here’s my take on the key points of the Hindu Manifesto:

• Strengthening Britain’s relationship with

India. David Cameron is the only British Prime Minister to visit India three times and since 2010, our diplomatic presence in India has grown to become our biggest anywhere overseas.

• Backing free schools. The Conservatives have already allowed local communities to set up free schools – independent state schools in the state sector – including Hindu ethos Krishna Avanti free schools in

Judge suggests veil should be allowed in Court

Britain's most senior judge has suggested that Muslim women should be allowed to appear in court wearing the full-face veil.

The President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger expressed that it was essential that the courts and judges “show, and be seen to show” respect towards different customs. This includes having an understanding of the “different cultural and social habits” of those appearing as witnesses, defendants or jurors in cases. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, said there was a need for clear guidance on the issue following controversy over the trial at of a Muslim woman accused of witness intimidation in 2013.

In 2013, Rebekah Dawson was told that she would be have to remove her full-face veil if she gave evidence.

She declined, hence, was jailed for six months after she

whether our trial procedures really are the best way of getting at the truth.”

He goes on to add, “Would you feel that you had given of your best if you had been forced to give evidence in unfamiliar surroundings, with lots of strangers watching, in an intimidating court, with lawyers in funny clothes asking quesRebekah Dawson tions, often aggressively and trying to catch you out, and changed her plea to guilty. with no ability to tell the While addressing the story as you remember Criminal Justice Alliance, it?”

Lord Neuberger said that Lord Neuberger specijusges and courts often In fied that this does not his address to the mean a command for a Criminal Justice Alliance, dominant reconstruction Lord Neuberger said of the court proceedings. judges and lawyers often He says judges, lawyers failed to notice how “artiand court staff ought to do ficial and intimidating” as much as possible in courts could be for ordiorder to help people feel nary people. He states, “I more at ease in court. sometimes wonder

• Kashmir. The long standing position of the UK is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to mediate in finding one. I contrast that to the view of Labour MPs – time and time and time again, which in turn damages UK-India relations.

• Celebrating the contribution Hinduism makes to Britain. At the launch of the Hindu Encyclopedia in 2014, David Cameron praised the contribution of Hindus from all walks of life in the UK and the importance of the values we share, including those of hard work and education for a brighter future, looking after your family and selfless service in the

13

community. Will Labour MP Shabana Mahmood do the same?

Protecting Britain against terrorism.

We face a very serious terrorist threat from ISIL in Syria and Iraq, and other groups in Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Under the last Government the budgets for security and counter-terrorism have been protected and increased; counter-terrorism laws strengthened, made it easier to stop people travelling abroad to fight and to control the return of those who do. As the Conservatives dare to put it, and I fear Labour never would, ‘We are tackling extremism that rejects British values of democracy, rule of law and equality – and lies behind the threat we face. We are determined to keep Britain safe, and protect our peaceful, democratic and tolerant way of life for our children and grandchildren.’

UK

14

Beyond Bollywood comes to the West End

After sell out performances in Mumbai, Beyond Bollywood makes its way to the West End. The UK premiere will be held at London Palladium on Friday 8th May 2015.

Beyond Bollywood is an exuberant, colourful journey which will take you on a cultural tour of India. The musical is about Shaily Shergill, who leaves her home in Munich to travel to India, to fulfil her dying mother's wish.

The colourful musical has been written, choreographed and directed by Bollywood choreographer and pop artist, Rajeev Goswami. The songs have been penned by Bollywood lyricist, Irfan Siddiqui and the music has been composed by the dynamic duo, SalimSulaiman.

The musical is gearing up to take over the West End, enthral its audience, as well as take them Beyond Bollywood.

Media Sales Representative

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Support St Luke’s and turn the Anand Mela purple

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

St Luke’s Hospice is proud to be working with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as the sponsored charity for the Anand Mela on the 6th and 7th June 2015. St Luke’s will receive all of the money collected through entry tickets to the Mela, so we are asking all of our supporters to visit the St Luke’s stall at the Mela and to wear something purple at the event to show their support for St Luke’s Hospice.St Luke's rely on the generosity of our communities for over 70% of our funding.

St Luke’s Hospice provides care to enable people an incurable illness to access the care they need to live well, to know that their family and carers are supported, and to die with dignity in the place of their choice. Bhavesh Varsani talks about how St Luke’s cared for his mum.

The Varsani Family

“Mum was diagnosed with cancer and the family was supported by St Luke’s for approximately a year, at home and in the In-Patient Unit. Mum loved the doctors and nurses. From the first day she came in they knew what mum liked and how to make her comfortable.

She felt like she was being cared for by her own family and not just doctors and nurses. She interact-

ed with them well and although she didn’t speak much English, she was still able to explain what she wanted and the staff understood. They always left her with a smile on her face.”

Bhavesh Varsani went on to speak about his mother and the amicable atmosphere at the hospice. “I think mum loved the fact that the staff were so polite and the hospice

populations outside of the sub-continent, and there have been campaigns for full-time visa services for over a decade. The reason for this is simple. India and the United Kingdom share many special bonds, cultural, economic and historical, but the most important bond we share, is people.

The British Indian community is one of the most outstanding contributors to British society, and the centuries-long exchange between British and Indian culture has strengthened us all. For the 1.5 million people of Indian origin across the UK, travelling to their ancestral home is something which should be as accessible and easy as possible.

There have been many forthright complains by people regarding visa or passport applications in

countries for countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America or Mexico. However, India is the only country which has provided such a localised, efficient service, through its partners VFS. On the other hand, the contrast with the British government’s recent approach could not be more obvious.

These bold steps have been taken at a time when the British government is centralising global visa services, to the detriment of many thousands of applicants in Mumbai, Dhaka and South America.

The majority of visa applications submitted in Mumbai will now be decided upon in New Delhi, 850 miles away, the same distance as the entire length of the United Kingdom. However, most

more than 8000 couples since starting the bureau in 1972, and has been a successful business woman in UK, even though English was not her first language.

During her lifetime

she has received many awards from the presidents of India, to societies and organisation within the UK, and has appeared on may radio and TV stations in regards to her work. She has on two occasions attended Buckingham Palace for the Queens Garden Party.

She lost her husband and business partner in April 2001 and continued her work with the assistance of her son, Parag Bhargava.

Her work was providing a major social service

was so homely. She didn’t feel like she was stuck in a hospital. For us, this was really reassuring that we had made the correct decision for mum to be treated at the Hospice rather than at home. When she needed someone, whether it was for another dose of pain killers or just some ice-cream, she would get attended to more or less straight away.”

Mrs. Varsani was given full support by the hospice, even during her trying hours.

Bhavesh Varsani said, “Mum was supported by Hospice at Home over the year before she was admitted to the Hospice... Without such support we would not have been able to be as strong in making mum so happy in her final days and fulfilling all of her wishes, including her final wish to die at home.”

To find out more visit www.stlukeshospice.org/mela

India proving to be efficient for Passport and Visa Applications

It is not farfetched to refer to India as a world leader, in regards to matters relating to immigration and caring for its citizens abroad.

Earlier in 2015, the High Commission of India announced in the UK that he would be launching 14 consular service centres across country. This decision is a valiant stride towards improving an infamously arduous process for many people of Indian-origin. With 14 visa application centres opened across the UK, and operated by a first-class organisation such as VFS, people now have superb access to the full range of consular services, including Visa services, OCI and India Passport Services.

The cities of the United Kingdom, such as Leicester, Birmingham and London, constitute some of the largest Indian

British Indians will not need to leave their city when making applications to go to India.

On one side, we have the UK which continues to be impolitic in cutting costs, on the other side, we have India continuing to emerge into a true cultural power in the world.

In both countries, there are widespread calls for closer relations. The proof of such efforts was symbolised by the historical unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Parliament Square last month, attended by Prime Minister David Cameron, and the Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

We should welcome such a progressive and forward thinking policy.

For other countries around the globe, it may be time to sit and take lessons from the Indian government.

Pioneer of the first and largest Asian marriage bureau in UK passes away Suman Bhargava 2nd April 1939 - 15th April 2015 Mrs. Suman Bhargava, pioneer and person behind the Suman Marriage Bureau, the first and largest Asian marriage bureau in UK has sadly passed away on Wednesday 15th April 2015 at 4.36pm. She had been ill since December 2008, but was strong enough to survive more than 6 years whereas doctors had given her five years at best.

She was responsible for bringing together

to the 1st generation of Asians settled in UK since the 70's, and has progressed to further generations who are now using the services. Men and women whose parents were married through the bureau are now utilising the services which are being now provided by her son for the last few years.

It has always been a family business, which is now in its 43rd year.

Suman Marriage Bureau is the legacy that Mrs. Suman Bhargava leaves behind.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

'We all come into the world with different talents and ideas and they deserve to be expressed' because that’s how I’ve perceived it.

Love is a topic that is constantly discussed whether you are a woman in your 20s or 60s. It becomes more convoluted when British-Asian identity enters into it.

For me, it seems that a lot of young women - and men - do not get the opportunity to investigate because such relationships and friendships are not encouraged. What’s understood comes from films and generalities. All humans are different with the baggage that they carry: what we’ve been taught by family, the effect of nationality on our individuality etc. We want to work it out and that takes discussion; articulating conflict honestly. There is an important part with Hari’s mother who is a strong figure. She lays down the law. Salwar kameez must be worn and they must speak Punjabi at home. Hari is like ‘oh my god, I’ve got like 200 rules to learn already’. So what she ends up doing is wearing traditional garments, but also her reboks. She accepts her mother’s rules but also plays around with them. There’s a line ‘problems, contradictions, I’ve got them all. If you’ve got them then flaunt them!’ Rules are being enforced but the protagonist learns through questioning them.

Sunetra Senior

Though our conversation took place over the phone, it might as well have been over an iced coffee in Ravinder’s home county of rural Warwickshire. Friendly and flowing – at times facetious – her sharing of ideas reflected her style as an artist: “A writer never sets out to produce a social commentary” she said at one point, “themes just emerge organically.” Indeed, whether Ravinder is touching upon feminist ideas, such as in in her early work and the first narrative of its kind, Asian teen romance ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1992), or the complexity of multicultural identity in short story ‘India’, theory always dissolves into the sensitive. This is epitomised in the electricity of her upcoming novel ‘The Fire- Magician’, the first of an exciting Quest Trilogy coming out next year. Much like a journey through Ravinder’s imaginings then, I felt lighter, and enlightened, as we covered all the bases: Angela Carter subverts traditional sexism in her fairy-tales. Do your stories do the same from within Indian culture?

Well, more accurately, my work is a denial of sexism because I don’t believe in it. My main protagonists are always female and they face a whole series of challenges. In terms of culture, it’s also an instinctive challenge to the norm. My first book ‘Wicked Old Woman’ was set in the British-Asian community and covered the experience of migration and the idea of communities carrying over traditions and therefore also the ideas associated with women’s roles; how they may be changing and so on. As an Asian woman, there was an inevitable reflection of the society I grew up in.

And how do these ideas emerge in your novels?

My novel ‘Beauty and the Beast’, originally published by Mantra publishing, features the heroine ‘Hari-Jan’ and explores the idea of romantic love as a complex emotional state. We don’t just fall in love and live happily ever after.

Again, the writer and the character come together. I am going against the grain

'As with all writers, you do bits and bobs to continue.'

Do you seek to promote female autonomy?

Men and women are inherently equal.

Any inequalities, whether they are within the Indian, British, African or Chinese communities, are man-made; for example via economic structure. There haven’t been jobs for women because of the way society was structured. Now you can see women as the weaker sex or comprehend the larger circumstances. Because of those they’ve not been able to work in the same way – and here I need to make mention of my parents who supported me a lot. We all come into the world with different talents and ideas and they deserve to be expressed, as long as they don’t harm anybody. Now this is not to say that the housework women have traditionally been involved in is not an equally valuable contribution. It’s a compensatory adaptation.

How did you get into creative writing?

I was born in India, and came over when I was seven. I’m from a typical migrant Sikh family, and I had my own quirks. I spent a lot of time around Stratfordupon-Avon; my introduction to drama came in the form of the Merchant of Venice at the Stratford Royal. I would also spend a lot of time in the library and books were highly respected in the family…so what that meant was… I never learnt to cook! I do have a literature degree, but writing is something I pursued on the side. You need certain wildness to deliver an individual vision.

And what was that journey for you?

As with all writers, you do bits and bobs to continue; it’s not about a set career. I wanted to write, but before that, I wanted to work and learn about life. I did some teaching, and some office work at some

point. Finally there came a time when I felt, if I’m serious about this I have to jump in at the deep end. It was around that time that I started the Asian Women Writers’ workshop. I wanted to find and encourage others, and it was quite amazing how the numbers starting pouring in.

It was a bit like sending a message out in a bottle! I’ve made some life-long friends.

We had our first meetings at the iconic Hungerford House which was a building given up to women’s groups in the eighties, and our alumni include Meera Syal.

Yes, tell me more about the Asian Women Writers’ Collective…

When I had joined a writer’s group, I found that instead of having my work critiqued as a writer, I was being scrutinised from a post-colonial gaze and that was extremely dissatisfying. Naturally there will be Asian writers because that’s how life happens. I created a group for Asian women in particular because it was the eighties, and I was exploring my feminism. To have solely Asian women, meant we could concentrate and untangle what was important to them without distraction, helping them grow as individuals. The fewer variables there are, the more you can focus on the main thing. In this case- the craft!

Tell us a bit about the book you are currently working on?

It’s a quest novel where the main character is forced to abandon what is known, and travel into the unknown, and through that process not only travels geographically but spiritually. The story travels from India to New York and ends up in Japan within the walls of a castle – this actually exists, I got the inspiration from a programme - and this fortress has never been conquered because there are so many traps inside it.

Your novels have been called ‘pioneering (…) one of the first to be published by a British-Asian writer in the post-war period’. What has been a highlight for you? Ultimately, I feel privileged to be able to do the work I love; it is difficult to survive as a writer.

Do you have a personal motto? I don’t have one, but I always need a cup of coffee. God help anyone in the house who uses up the last grain!

Sneak Peak: upcoming release The Fire-Magician “Amrit, charismatic, often driven by reckless impulse runs the corner shop inherited from her father, the FireMagician, who it’s believed died ten years previously. Accompanied bythe aloof holy man; Susanna, the friendbefore-birth; Corinthian, the SnakeCharmer’s son; haunted by strange dreams of love and heartbreak, Amrit travels perilously across deserts and continents, relentlessly pursued by her enemies, only to find at the end her most terrifying test awaits her..."

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UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Election 2015: the real battle has begun

Within the next fortnight the election results will be out. One of the main political parties is likely to lead the next government with some alliance partners. It is quite difficult to say whether David Cameron or Ed Miliband will be in the driving seat. Such an unpredictability has not happened in the recent past.

With almost two thirds of the voters likely to have made up their minds, the battle lines are drawn for the labour and conservative parties.

For the SNP in Scotland the scenario is much more favourable. Out of 59 seats, up until the last election, labour had the bulk of the seats in their pocket. In 2010 the Conservatives only had one MP from Scotland with Labour nearly having 50. This time around in

the aftermath of the Scottish referendum the SNP is miles ahead of the labour party. Instead of 10 odd seats in the past it may have a total of between 40-53 seats in Scotland. Such a big dent in the Labour seats will have direct impact at Westminster. Labour is trying to win more marginal seats from Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in England. It may gain some advantage but the gap caused by the Scottish results will be a real challenge. This will be an opportunity for the SNP and its leader Nicola Sturgeon, a feisty woman who is a very capable and talented. Though publicly denying any future role of the SNP in the government of the UK not a re-run of the referendum which as she has said, surely there is too much to grab for Ms Sturgeon.

This point has been well exploited by David Cameron and the Conservative Party. At any cost, naturally, Cameron would like to maintain the reigns of power to entice dissatisfied Conservative voters - this is a very readily available emotional tool. Will the voters buy it?

The polls in various media depend upon their very own preference. Tory supporting media gives 2, 3 or even 4 points lead to the Conservative Party whereas The Guardian and electronic media puts Labour ahead.

Last Sunday, the Sunday Times ran a front page story, “Palace tells politicians to back off”.In such a rare intervention Her Majesty has conveyed a message through her own sources to both the main parties to refrain from mud slinging or character assassination. Perhaps Michael Falon’s back-stabbing allegation has made some impact. Her Majesty advises the main players to come to earlier decision on government formation.

The Economist of 18th April page 28 in its main Bagehot article clearly says, “The Conservatives have spent too much time mocking Ed Miliband. It may hurt them.” It is very sad that the Prime Minister and his party have so far failed to capitalise on some tangible achievements of the coalition government. The Conservative party’s election campaign strategists have, it appears, misguided them to continue attacking Ed Miliband willy nilly all the time.

On the opinion page in The Times on Tuesday April 21st the banner headline is “How Westminster turned into the

As I See It

wild west. The parties will regret holding guns at each others heads when they need to look responsible after the election.” The headline conveys the reality of the situation.

Economy: No doubt there are several important improvements in the economic scenario of the UK. To a certain extent the credit should go to the Coalition government. The Conservatives had their own appropriate design for the improvement and the Liberal Democrats helped to create a more acceptable capitalist approach with traditional concern for fairness and as an important voice of the under privileged. No doubt there is a huge decrease in the number of unemployed. It is a welcome sign, but just a sign, the destination is still very far off.

Unskilled or under paid jobs are jobs indeed, but unemployed have to accept them out of the compulsion and under prevailing circumstances. On this subject there is a very thought provoking piece in The Economist of 18th April headlined, “Politicians often try to manipulate the economy to win votes, but seldom succeed”.

There is so much justifiable concern about the deficit, again let me refer to the front page of The Financial Times of last Thursday (16th April) “IMF dismisses prospect of Britain balancing the books this decade. Forecast of weakest in tax revenues is a blow for political parties in the run up to the election.”

In the last ten days or so the Prime Minister and his party has almost opened the floodgates with several spending promises. In a major article in the Sunday Telegraph Liam Halligan has clearly stated with a banner headline “Cameron will regret his spending promises”. On Monday 20th April The Times reported, “Tories to stake £250 million on Lloyds shares bonanza”. The Sunday Times has hit the nail on the head on 19th April with a big article on page 18 by Camilla Cavendish. Let me quote the headline in full, “Cameron won’t talk up his successes; just offers us a bribe a day”. It’s a real pity that David Cameron has been unable to explain some substantial gains of his government. “Bribe a day” is both improper and suicidal.

Much has been made out about the dire housing situation in the country.

The ‘right to buy’ has been termed as, “the conservative party returns to a proven poll winner”. But then Dominic Lawson writes on the edit page of The Sunday Times in no uncertain words, “any good Tory can surely see that this right to buy is wrong”. No wonder that the comment in The Daily Telegraph on 18th April was headed, “Time for Mr Cameron to dust off his soap box”. Need I say more?

Scotland and the European Union are becoming very important topics particularly for the Tory party in their election campaign. It is almost inevitable that Nicola Sturgeons SNP will gain lots more seats for Westminster than the Tory, Lib Dems and Labour combined but to create a monster out of that petite lady is slightly counterproductive. She will , if the SNP is part of a Labour led coalition negotiate better terms or at least exert enormous influence in government but that is democracy. Power sharing means actual sharing of the power and responsibilities. Scottish people have, in spite of their dissatisfaction have gained enormously as British citizens and members of the UK. It is better to talk and negotiate then castigate willy nilly carelessly.

On Europe Ben Wrights writes a very

interesting piece on the business page of The DailyTelegraph of Tuesday 21st April with a clearly stated headline, “Brussels is hostile but we should stay in an EU safe city.” In spite of the big bureaucracy of Brussels, in a way the EU common market developing into the EU has kept any wars away from mainland Europe for the last 70 years. This is not a small achievement considering that in the previous 70 odd years EU countries lost millions of men and had to deal with trillions of pounds worth of destruction during the Crimean War (1870), First World War (1914-18) and the Second World War (1939-45).

The younger generation from the EU

nations have never had it so good. The internal migrations, the cross country tourism, the unprecedented economic boom and overall “the peace in the living memory” have been the result of the EU integration. It was a very dangerous and short term gain for the Conservative party to succumb to the demands of such euro sceptics and demand a referendum on the EU. Reforming the EU to a very large extent is not within the capability of any one country.

The further process of integration can be revisited or even slowed down but Britain or one or two other countries are unable to dictate or demand a basic restructuring of the EU treaties. One of the indirect creations of the Tory party’s EU stand has gained some advantage for UKIP. Similarly, the immigration scare-mongering of some Tory politicians have also aided UKIP, all be to a very small extent. The Dutch Electronic Group, Royal Philips, has warned that the company may reconsider investing in the UK were the country to leave the EU in a referendum. Philips is not the only one with such a clear cut view.

Elections are ultimately decided on the day. All opinion polls prior to the actual vote casting are not really important. The British electorate are well experienced as they have exercised their franchise very judiciously.

Publicity or propaganda will influence to a certain extent. As far as we are concerned, dear readers, you and we have most important responsibility is to ensure that without fail we vote on the 7th May for the candidate and/or party of our choice. Do not forget to vote on 7th May!

Lets not mix politics and religion

British democracy has succeeded so brilliantly over such a long time because the voters keep their personal faith out of political consideration when evaluating the merits of a particular political outfit or a candidate. Recently there is so much campaign going on through the social media which is incorrect and painful.

Claiming that because the Labour party is anti-Hindu people should not vote for

it. This is not only a false statement but completely irresponsible. Caste or religion cannot be, and should not, be of any consideration when one decides who to vote for. Otherwise Great Britain will go to the level of those countries where the religion or sect is sacrosanct.

Those who claim that the Labour party is anti-Hindu has not only failed to look at the history of the followers of the Hindu faith in Great Britain or the stand taken by the Labour party or for that matter the Conservatives, Lib Dems or any other reputable political party. If such irrational statements are made, it must be denounced and if the perpetrators are found must be exposed. I, who happen to be proud of my Hindu faith, could never believe for a moment that the Labour party is antiHindu.

I recollect an episode going back to 1985 when Keith Vaz was selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Labour’s Leicester East constituency which had, and even now, has a very large number of Hindu voters. A Gujarati publication from London (of course not Gujarat Samachar) was misguided and mischievous to publish a petition for Leicester East residents to approach the then Labour Leader Neil Kinnock that because Keith Vaz is not a Hindu and not a Gujarati should be deselected and a Gujarati Hindu candidate chosen instead for that constituency. We at Gujarat Samachar and New Life (the predecessor of Asian Voice) took a strong exception to such undemocratic, dangerous and self destructive mentality and denounced that publicly and severely.

Thank goodness Keith Vaz was able to win that seat for the Labour party and has successfully managed to retain it

since then for both Hindu and non Hindus, Asians and non Asians. The Rt. Hon Keith Vaz has rendered yeoman services for over 28 years without fear or favour. On so many issues and not necessarily for his own constituency, Mr Vaz provided help and assistance wherever needed. His continued reelection as the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee and the high acclaim its processes have acquired speaks volume for the intelligence, integrity, service and dedication of Mr Vaz. Hindus and other faith followers as well as those who have no faith are far more mature to see through the nefarious activism of some misguided elements to accuse the Labour party as anti-Hindu. This must be stopped and the voters will surely do that on 7th May. Vote for the party or candidate of your choice but please do not consider caste, religion or colour as being of any significance in the democratic way of life.

- CB

UK

Sunday Times presents Political Richlist 2015

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

17

Lakshmi Mittal

Lord Swraj Paul

Lord Rumi Verjee

Prior to the publication of the Sunday Times Richlist on 26th April, the newspaper has published a brief Political Richlist, that discusses about the millionaires who made the biggest donations to political parties over the last five years. It has also revealed our wealthiest MPs and the richest members of the House of Lords.

The Rich List team research has showed that in Britain, out of 76 of the 1,000 richest people in The Sunday Times Rich List — each is

donating more than £250,000 during the course of the Parliament — that accounts for 41% of all individual and corporate donations.

In total, 197 people who have featured in Rich Lists between 2011 and 2015 contributed £82.4m, just under half of the £174.7m donated in private and corporate cash. 25 gave more than £1m. Seven donors gave more than £2m.

The Tories come out on top in the political giving stakes. In the past five years, they are the

Wealthiest Peers 1 million+ club donors

main recipients of political giving for 151 of the 197 Rich List donors — more than three-quarters of the total.

Labour follows up of course with trade union donations. The unions have contributed more than £52.6m to political parties since 2010, the vast majority of it —

courtesy: The Sunday Times

£51.7m — to Labour.

Labour has two supporters in the £1m-plus club, out of which one is an Asian. The steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, gave £1m in 2010, ahead of the last general election.

In the million-pound club, the Liberal Democrats have Asian

origin, Lord Rumi Verjee also has made a considerable contribution.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing, but seven of the 10 biggest donors across parties, have been ennobled, knighted or received a CBE since January 2010 — four working peers including Lord Verjee, plus two honoured for services to the arts and philanthropy and transport and the

courtesy: The Sunday Times

voluntary sector.

The list of wealthiest members of the Lords includes Lord Paul and family with a fortune of £2.2bn, ranked second.

Out of the seven richest Mps, there is no mention of any Asian names so far.

The full list of 197 political donors from the 2011-2015 Rich Lists will appear in Sunday Times on 26th April

Hostile towards Immigrants? Don't forget the 'kingmakers' this election

Rupanjana Dutta

A new legislation in affect from 6th April states that migrants from outside the European Union, coming to live in the UK for more than 6 months will be required to pay a 'health surcharge' when they make their application. It will also be paid by non European Union nationals who will apply to extend their stay- making the situation further hostile towards immigrants. The health surcharge will be £200 per year and £150 per year for students, payable upfront and for the total period of time for which migrants are given permission to stay in the UK.This can perhaps be considered as the final nail in the coffin for a staggering Indo-British relation, especially after the Rafale deal with France, has already turned the situation sour.

For decades immigrants such as Indians, have been an integral part of the British working class. Britain has thrived on multiculturalism, yet today it has been regarded as an elitist concept. A generation ago 'integration' was an issue.

But it's hardly a problem in this day and era- especially amongst the British Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Jews. In fact cultural differences amongst the ethnic minorities hardly stand as a

launched his book 'My Political Indian. It perhaps makes one threat to 'Britishness'.

Race'. Speaking to the Indian question, if the BME communiKavya Kaushik in the New Journalists' Association he was ty continues to be looked upon Statesman wrote that the immiasked what discouraged him to as slaves- unfit for an equal stagration debates that have congo back politics after 2010. He tus, just on the basis of racetinued longer than needed has said, “My family and I have had despite years of tax paying, crebeen spiraling into a toxic enough.” His experience as a ating jobs, serving the Queenswamp propelled by cross party second generation British consensus to “control Indian tells us of the first immigration”.

Very hand the 'racism' we still rightly said. The curface. As Parmjit and his rent anti immigrant family strove to put their debate has stooped to lives back together after the a new low, targeting 2010 general election second generations of defeat, there was a knock immigrants- classifyon the door one Sunday ing these British born morning in Gloucester. A ethnic minorities as frightened-looking lady the 'hidden migrants' . stood there shaking, disNick Clegg in his tressed. She had a dog on interview with Evan the end of the lead that was Davis spoke about his European heritage, Parmjit Dhanda with IJA President Aditi Khanna at India pulling her body away his Dutch mother and Club, speaking about his new book 'My Political Race' towards one of the cars outside the house. A decapitatcross community ed pig’s head had been left in especially treating this country upbringing- and got immediatethe middle of the drive. After as their own. ly asked if his 'multi-cultural nine years’ service people didn’t According Kaushal, casual upbringing' put him 'out of even realise Parmjit was actualracism is on the rise, particulartouch' with the 'British' people. ly a Sikh and not a Muslim. But ly within politics. On the Clegg's furious reaction mirprejudice doesn’t make these doorstep a BME canvasser is rored the rage many second distinctions. increasingly likely to hear "I generation of immigrants conThe Ugandan exile made don't want your people here", stantly feel- especially after Britain home for many immiand worse. These experiences their whole life being born and grants. But it was almost two lead to racial sensitivity and bred as British first. generations ago. The discuspassing comments questioning The Britishness of the BME sions of identity, culture, and multiculturalism vs Britishness community is constantly being language are still quite raw for can be interpreted as a personal a questioned- something that is many British migrant communiattack when coupled with modunacceptable, after their generties. Fueled by the rising anti ern attitudes to race in Britain. ations of contributions to the immigrant sentiment, commuEx Gloucestershire MP British society, especially after nities are continuously feeling Parmjit Dhanda recently the richest man in the UK is an

unwanted.

Even if we overlook UKIP's hostile agenda towards migrants, certain Tory plans are scary enough- like their isuggestion of 'migrant bond'. On the other hand Labour’s anti-immigration stance appears odd too.

The Guardian reports, “...Could you hand Labour’s 'controls on immigration' mug to a guest?

There’s nothing like jollying up a Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning by making your neighbours feel like the pakoras were a little unwelcome.”

We actually cannot forget where our coffee and tea come from. We also cannot forget in whose hands our future rests, in this forthcoming general election. Reports predict that the ethnic minorities are to determine the fate of UK's governing party.

Therefore the hypocrisy of a colonising nation like Britain, towards its immigrants is unacceptable. This is what happens when you don’t understand or even acknowledge history- and live in a perpetual self-glorification. This country have streets named after slave owners, have profited from a vile crime over centuries, and feel no shame.

Yet Britain's political parties fear the arrival of immigrants, that the country has drawn with the wealth they actually stole from them.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, The value of British companies is sky-rocketing.

You think house prices are moving up? You should see share prices. Why are British companies worth so much? Not bad if you are an entrepreneur.

The FTSE 100 (the 100 largest UK companies) has impressed market participants these past couple of weeks after having run a rally of more than 300 points. At the beginning of the month the FTSE was trading near the 6,750 points’ support floor but the move that followed was nothing less than impressive and today the index has broken above its recent highs and is trading at 7,050+ points.

As usually in these cases, the question that comes in mind is whether the FTSE can sustain its gains and build on them to go even higher or whether a reversal is what to expect. I am torn at this point and making a call is not that simple this time. The reason for that is that I see both an opportunity for the index to go even further but a risk as well that could weigh down on its outlook.

On the upside, with low inflation I believe that there’s an interesting opportunity for the FTSE to go against market’s expectations and continue higher.

This might sound as contradictive but I always believe that when the market thinks that there’s no room for more upside it’s exactly that time that money markets overshoot expectations and continue rallying.

On the other hand though we must not disregard the risk posed on the UK stock market from the upcoming elections. As we move closer to them I think that investors will try to protect themselves from any surprises while the race remains tight since markets don’t like uncertainty. So you see there’s no clear answer for me and at times like that I think having a scenario for each case is the best approach.

So if the FTSE builds a steady foothold above the 7,000 points area then my target to the upside lies in the 7,200 points level. To the downside, a clear retreat below the 7,000 points’ pivot could lead the FTSE back down to the 6,900 points’ area of support. As the trigger for either scenarios I regard the Inflation report on Tuesday and the Retail Sales figures from the US during the same day.

A word of advice though, now is not the time to build long-term positions, be picky and be quick about it.

Nadella is the highest paid CEO in US

Jaitley assures foreign investors of a modern tax regime

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured foreign investors that the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working on a more modern tax regime as part of ongoing reforms to increase investment and reduce regulations to realise double-digit growth.

"In order to realise double-digit growth we need to undertake a number of reforms to increase investment and reduce burdensome regulations.

Key among them are taxes," Jaitley said in a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

Spelling out a tax vision for India at the leading think tank on international economic issues, Jaitley said he believed that with the reforms underway in India, "we are well on our

Arun Jaitley

way to having one of the more modern tax systems in the world."

Noting that India, "one of the bright spots in the economy", is attracting the attention of investors and policy-makers around the world because of its rising growth prospects, he acknowledged investors' concerns about tax related issues. Outlining various reforms undertaken by the Modi government, Jaitley said, "Fundamentally we have restored faith in government and its ability to push the Indian economy toward the path of sus-

tained double-digit growth."

Spelling out his vision of a modern 21st century tax system for India, Jaitley said the Indian Parliament will pass a bill in the coming three weeks to implement Goods and Services Tax (GST), a consumption-based valueadded tax.

It would, he said, create a broad tax base, strengthen revenues going forward, increase the taxGDP ratio, promote transparency, reduce corruption and go toward creating an Indian common market because it will replace a number of statelevied taxes.

India's direct tax system needs to catch up with the modern GST system, said Jaitley noting, "Currently we have in some ways the worst of both worlds: high marginal corporate taxes (35 per

India's exports shrink 21% in March

India's exports fell 21% in March - the steepest monthly decline in almost six years - as the value of oil shipments crashed almost 60% due to a collapse in global prices. But trade deficit widened marginally this March even as imports contracted 13.4%.

The latest data estimated merchandise exports at $23.9 billion in March compared to $30.3 billion a year ago. Similarly, imports fell to $35.7 billion in March 2015, as against $41.3 billion a year ago. As a result, trade deficit widened marginally to $11.8 billion this March,

compared to $11.1 billion in the corresponding period a year ago. The poor performance in recent months meant that exports during the 2014-15 were estimated 1.2% lower at $310 billion, compared to the annual target of $340 billion. The data has got experts worried. “While we expect stable commodity prices to curtail the current account deficit in 2015-16 under 1% of GDP the weak momentum for exports remains a concern as it may cast a pall upon the economic recovery, particularly given the lessthan-robust outlook for

domestic demand,” said Aditi Nayar, senior economist at ratings agency ICRA. In June 2009, at the height of the global economic crisis, exports had declined over 28%, according to commerce department data. “Double-digit decline in exports for three consecutive months is a cause of worry,” added Ficci secretary general A Didar Singh. Gold imports almost doubled to nearly $5 billion, while silver shipments nearly trebled from $191 million in March 2014 to $561 million this March.

India's annual wholesale prices declined at their fastest pace in at least nine years in March on cooling oil and manufacturing costs. The wholesale price index (WPI) declined 2.33 per cent year-on-year last month, their fifth straight fall, compared with a 1.95 per cent fall forecast by economists and a provisional 2.06 per cent decline in February.

The reading for January wholesale price inflation was revised to show the index fell by 0.95 per cent year-on-year, a deeper fall than the 0.39 per cent initially reported.

With retail inflation staying well below the 6 per cent upper end of the Reserve Bank of India's target range and the WPI providing more evidence of subdued price pressures, analysts expect the

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates by another 25 basis points (bps) by June.

Economists at Barclays Research wrote in a note after the release of the WPI data that the "continued benign trends

and give commercial banks more time to cut lending rates. It is due to review the rate again on June 2.

Although the International Monetary Fund expects India to become the fastest growing major economy in the world this year, the latest WPI data points to increasing economic slack.

Non-food manufactured product prices, a proxy for domestic demand and pricing power, fell 0.4 per cent year-on-year in March compared with a 0.1 per cent gain a month earlier.

"There is plenty of evidence of spare capacity in the economy, which should keep a lid on core price pressures," said Shilan Shah, India economist at Capital Economics.

India’s wholesale price hits new low

With a pay package of $84.3 million (Rs 5.25 billion) a year, technology giant Microsoft's Indianorigin chief Satya Nadella has emerged as the toppaid CEO in the US, as per a new list. The Equilar 100 CEO Pay Study, an analysis of CEO salaries at the 100 largest public US companies as measured by revenue, was last year topped by Oracle's Larry Ellison, who has been now pushed by Nadella to the second position.

Another Indian-origin CEO, Indra Nooyi of PepsiCo, is ranked 19th with $19.08 million.

Legendary investor

Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway is ranked last at 100th position with a total compensation of $464,011 million. Ellison ($67.3 million) is followed by Steven Mollenkopf of Qualcomm at the third place on the list with $60.7 million.

Others in the top-ten include Robert Iger (Walt Disney), Larry Merlo (CVS Health), K Rupert Murdoch (Twenty-First Century Fox), W James McNerney, Jr (Boeing), James Gorman (Morgan Stanley), David Cote (Honeywell International) and Kenneth Chenault (American Express).

in inflation and inflation expectations could provide room for further easing".

The central bank has cut interest rates twice this year at unscheduled meetings, but kept the repo rate on hold at 7.50 per cent, as it waits to assess inflation pressures

cent) but low effective collection (22 per cent)."

"We create the perception of a high tax country and yet do not collect commensurate taxes," he said. "We need to change this to promote investment and growth. At the same time we need to create incentives for savings."

A long standing demand of the US financial services industry, for allowing foreign investments in alternative investment fund (AIF) structured has been introduced in this year's Budget, he said.

To simplify procedures for domestic companies to attract foreign investments, the budget does away with the distinction between foreign portfolio investments (FPI) and foreign direct investments (FDI), and replace the separate 'carve-outs', Jaitley said.

India issues fresh tax notice to Vodafone

Tax authorities in India have issued a fresh notice to Vodafone Group seeking re-assessment of tax returns for assessment year 2009-2010, sources said. The government in January said it would not appeal a regional court ruling in favour of Vodafone in a long-running dispute under which the taxmen had accused a unit of the British telecoms firm of under-pricing shares in a rights issue. Vodafone has 30 days to respond to the fresh notice, a news channel report said. However, India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: "Barring a case that is pending under that law (Income Tax Act) or another case that has arisen now, I think we've put most issues to rest, as far as retrospective legislation is concerned." Modi's government has sought to move towards a taxfriendly regime to boost much-needed foreign investment and reduce the tax battles that during the last government embroiled multinationals including Vodafone Group, Royal Dutch Shell, IBM Corp and Microsoft Corp.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

19

The Planning Game We are about to exchange on a deal we sourced last week in Colindale. This deal has been agreed with a completion period of one full year. The real money in this deal is to agree a JV with the developer who owns the neighbouring site. Together this will give us a site where 90 - 100 flats can be built jointly.

We have been thinking and discussing what is the best way to approach the other party.

The strategy when approaching the other party is important, it is always better not to approach from a platform of desperation. In Suresh Vagjiani order not to show desperation, the easiest way is not to be desperate.

Sow & Reap The idea being to prepare fully our own scheme and then approach the other party, this way we are ready for rejection already A Property Investment and have a backup plan which is a practical one for us to implement Company on a standalone basis; this way means we are coming from a position of strength and not weakness.

To f u r t h e r a d d a n i n c e n t i v e t o w o r k w i t h u s i s t o s a y w e w i l l b e a p p r o a c h i n g t h e h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n i n o r d e r t o d o a j o i n t v e n t u re w i t h a v i e w o f r e n t i n g all the flats back to them.

We haven’t done this as yet, but are pretty sure they would be more than happy to work with us, as the word is they are desperate for property. The property which is being made for social housing is declining rapidly.

Housing associations are getting more and more savvy in working with developers and investors, because they have to in order to satisfy an almost insatiable demand.

The percentage of social housing to private has been declining drastically, pre 2010 developers were building 74 social housing homes for every 100 private, this has now dropped to 44 for every 100. A drop of over 40%. If they had kept on track at pre 2010 levels there would be 18,000 extra social houses which would still not have been enough.

her neighbours by covering her £5 million townhouse in Kensington in red and white stripes over a planning issue.

The three storey house was painted in the manner of a circus big top in what is suspected to have been a deliberate snub to residents who objected to the owner’s plans to demolish the building and replace it with a luxury home.

With this level of dema nd there is n o doubt there w ill be no issu e in getting s om e for m of gra nt i n order to g et s oci al ho usi ng.

The reason why we would go down this route is first it will mean we will possibly put less money in the deal, the main point would be to plant a seed in our neighbours mind. As no developer would want to see a site with social housing next door.

The social housing route may be something to embrace rather than shun, if it was part private and part social it may be a bigger issue as there would be difficulty in selling the private given a large portion has been given to social housing.

This would undermine any plans our neighbour has of building private properties and selling them at premium prices. It would severely restrict his ability to firstly sell the properties and secondly get the right price with a social housing block next door. This will be no idle threat from our part as it is probably better to go for the full social housing than have part and part.

The property is in a cobbled street called South End, which forms part of Kensington Square conservation area.

The developer Ms Lisle-Mainwaring's house is the subject of a pending application to knock down and rebuild the property - adding a three-storey basement excavation with a swimming pool. The next-door neighbours understandably were worried about their foundation, given the recent issues basement dig outs have been causing.

Some years ago we had purchased a property in Ealing, a detached house which was used as a drug rehabilitation centre, but was sold with vacant possession to us. We purchased the site with a view of converting it into several flats. We went for a pre application with the council who were very positive and we discussed subjects like where the sun would shine and where the bicycle racks should go. We left the meeting feeling positive about the response.

A pre-application is followed up in writing to confirm what was discussed. This was not forthcoming from the council. After several times of chasing it finally came through; in the letter the council had done a hundred and eighty degree U turn. They felt a drug rehabilitation centre was required in the area and needed for community use.

This will be the deck of ca rds w e prep are before we g o for neg otiation w ith t h e o t h e r p a r t y. T h i s d o e s n o t m e a n w e w i l l p l a y e v e r y c a r d j u s t t h a t w e w i l l have them t o hand should we need to play them.

There is also another way to reduce the value of your neighbour’s house and that is to paint the front of your house with red and white strips which is exactly what a property developer did! She angered

The Real Deal

Hyde Park, London, W2 Purchase Price: £650,000

Th is b esides b eing totall y different t o wh at wa s dis cus sed, w as a ridiculous ass ert ion. Firs tly the propert y had been disposed of for a reason, it wasn’t needed.

Secondl y the proper ty no l onger met t he requirements f or a r e h a b i l i t a t i o n c e n t re a n d t h i rd l y t h i s w a s a r e s i d e n t i a l ro a d , n o o n e o n t h i s r o a d w o u l d w a n t a r e h a b i l i t a t i o n c e n t re h e re .

l A bright one bedroom apartment in the heart of Hyde Park Estate with tremendous views of London skyline l Long lease l Very good condition l Excellent buy and hold opportunity l Properties are being sold for around £1,200 to £1,500 per sq. ft. in this location and we are getting this property for around £1,000 per sq. ft. l We believe the value of the property will be around £775k l Massive capital growth potential in the future l Close to the beautiful open spaces of Hyde Park and shopping amenities Call us now to reserve!!

At this point we were tempted to retaliate and blow up the property. It was after all our property. Therefore we could get a demolition license and destroy the whole property, so then there would be no centre there. This would then be an eyesore for everyone and pressure would mount on the council to do something with the site.

Planning can be a minefield and its important to have a planning officer on board when engaging with the council preferably one who has dealt with the council previously.

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Tips of the Week l Focus on higher performing traditional Georgian and Victorian properties as opposed to new builds to maximise return on investment as they are more in demand and limited in supply. l Normally short term strategies are not considered property investment, that’s property speculation. Investment is always long term and that is where you can really make good money.

20

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Current Highest Earning Global Indian Film Stars

Reshma Trilochun

As stated last week, cricket and Bollywood are considered as religion by many South Asians. Last week, we presented to you the current highest earning global Indian sportspersons. This week, we bring you the highest earners of Bollywood.

1. Salman Khan - $39.4 million

4. Akshay Kumar - $27.7 million

2. Shah Rukh Khan - $32.6 million

One of the most iconic superstars, Shah Rukh Khan's popularity is outreached.

He was born on 2 n d November 1965 in N e w Delhi.

H e started off as a television actor and now is known as “ K i n g Khan”, the “Badshah” of Bollywood.

Some of his immensely successful films include, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Chennai Express (2014).

Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Bhatia on 9th September 1967. This martial arts enthusiast was initially referred to as a casanova. He has had his shares of hits and flops.

Although he has been versatile in his choice of films, he has gained a lot of appreciation for his comedy films. Khiladi (1992), Heyy Babyy (2007), Singh is Kinng (2008) and Rowdy Rathore (2012) are some of his successful films.

5. Ranbir Kapoor $15.1 million

3. Amitabh Bachchan $31.7 million

6. Hrithik Roshan - $13.7 million

There was a worldwide frenzy when Hrithik Roshan debuted in 2000 with Kaho Naa... Pyaar hai.

He was born on 10th January 1974 with an extra thumb on his right hand, which he considers as his good luck factor. He won everyone's heart and became an overnight rage.

He has had his share of flops, but nothing deterred him to back down. His popularity grew and his success followed with

blockbuster movies. Some of his successful films include, Dhoom 2 (2006), Jodha Akbar (2008) and the recent Bang Bang (2014).

Born on 14th March 1965, Aamir Khan is referred to as a perfectionist. His family have been part of the film industry. He did a small role as a child in his Uncle, Nasir Hussain's film, Yaadon Ki Baraat.

His first feature role was in the experiment film, Holi (1984), but Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) was his official launch as a Bollywood actor. That film also starred Juhi Chawla and post the release, they became household names

and a sensational film pair.

Some of his memorable films include, Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (2001), Rang De Basanti (2006), 3 Idiots (2009) and P.K. (2014).

Deepika Padukone was born on 5th January 1986 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

She is the daughter of the internationally reputed badminton player, Prakash Padukone.

She was a state level badminton player, however, acting was her true calling. She became a successful supermodel and then forayed successfully into Bollywood. She has also been famous for her relationships, such as with Ranbir Kapoor and currently Ranvir Singh, which she neither denies or accepts.

Some of her famous films include, Om Shanti Om (2007), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela (2013).

Saif Ali Khan is a “Nawab” in true sense.

Born on 16th August to parents, actress Sharmila Tagore and Nawab and cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (also known as Tiger Pataudi).

Saif Ali Khan was previously married to actress Amrita Singh and has two children. He married Kareena Kapoor in 2012 after being in a relationship with her for five years.

Some of his remark-

able roles are from, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Omkara (2006) and Hum Tum (2004).

7. Aamir Khan - $12.9 million

8. Deepika Padukone - $10.8 million

9. Saif Ali Khan - $10.1 million

Born as Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan (27th December 1965).

He is the son of renown filmwriter, Salim Khan.

Salman Khan debuted with the debacle, Biwi Ho To Aisi in 1988, but it was not until Maine Pyar

Kiya (1989) that he swept the nation, received appreciation and became the “Prem” of one and all. Some of his hits include, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun..! (1994), Dabangg (2010) and Kick (2014).

Formerly known as the “angry young man” of Bollywood for his portrayal of the brooding man in his films, Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most respected and immensely admired superstars of Bollywood. In his initial days as an actor, he was planning to quit movies after delivering 13 consecutive flops.

However, the success of Zanjeer (1973) changed the game, and there's been no looking back for him.

Some of his successful films include, Namak Halaal (1982), Sholay (1975) and Amar Akbar Anthony (1977).

Ranbir Kapoor comes from the famous Kapoor lineage in Bollywood.

With his Great G r a n d f a t h e r, Grandfather, Great Uncles, Uncles, Aunties, parents and cousins being great film icons, it was but an obvious choice that Ranbir Kapoor would follow suit.

Born on 28th September 1982, Ranbir debuted in Bollywood in 2007 with Saawariya. It didn't too well at the box office but he received immense recognition for his talent.

Some of his popular films include, Wake Up Sid (2009), Barfi (2012) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013).

10. Priyanka Chopra - $8.8 million

Former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra was born on 18th July 1982. Apart from being a Bollywood actress, she is an international singer and is currently in the process of filming her maiden TV series in America.

Her notable roles have been in films, such as Fashion (2008), Barfi (2012) and Mary Kom (2014).

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Inflation at record low Currency Specialists.

British consumer price inflation held steady at a record-low zero percent in March, boosting households' disposable income before the upcoming May election. The Office for National Statistics said consumer prices rose 0.2 percent between February and March, however compared with a year earlier prices were unchanged, in line with economists' forecasts.

This leaves inflation well below the BoE's 2 percent target and the headline measure calculated to one decimal point is expected to dip below zero.

The figures are likely to be welcomed by most Britons in the runup to May 7's closely-fought national election, after years of prices outstripping meagre growth in wages. The opposition Labour Party has focused heavily on what it calls a 'cost of living crisis', saying that average households are worse off than when Prime Minister David Cameron came to power in May 2010. The Conservatives point to rapid economic growth and record employment levels.

The sharp fall in inflation has been driven by the slump in oil prices which took place last year, as well as falls in food prices. But an underlying measure of inflation Core CPI, which strips out increases in energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, fell to its lowest level

in nearly nine years at 1.0 percent in March compared with 1.2 percent in February. The prospect of falling prices is unlikely to draw a policy response from the Bank of England, however. BoE Governor Mark Carney told legislators last month that cutting rates purely in response to falling oil prices would be "extremely foolish", and most economists polled by Reuters expect the next BoE move to be a rate rise early next year.

Cameron got a boost when the head of the International Monetary Fund said his government's plan was working, although the Fund has also questioned the country's budget forecasts. "When we look at the comparative growth rates delivered by various countries in Europe, it's obvious that what's happening in the UK has actually worked," Christine Lagarde said on Thursday at meetings of global policymakers in Washington.

The Euro fell broadly after the European Central Bank kept borrowing rates unchanged as expected and kept a dovish policy bias despite a recent pick-up in economic activity. At Wednesday's meeting, the ECB left its main refinancing rate, which determines the cost of credit in the economy, at 0.05 percent. It also kept the rate on bank overnight deposits at -0.20 percent, which means banks

pay to park funds with it. ECB President Mario Draghi said the bank intends to fully deliver the previously announced stimulus measures as risks to growth remain and inflation is subdued.

This comes on the back of reports that quantitative easing has begun to create a bubble pushing up bond prices. Draghi said that despite interest on many government bonds turning negative, there has not been a sign of increased borrowing which is a sign of a bubble.

Concerns over the health of the Euro-zone continued to weigh on the Euro on Thursday as fears of a Greek debt default sent the country's borrowing costs surging and prompted one prominent UK bookmaker to stop taking bets on the possibility of Greece leaving the Euro. The jitters in the market were triggered initially by a report in the Financial Times that the Greek government recently made an "informal approach" to the International Monetary Fund to have bailout repayments delayed.

Perhaps the most dramatic sign that Greece's crisis is coming to a head was the FT report that the IMF persuaded Athens not to make a formal request to delay repayments to the Washington D.C.-based institution next month. Greece is due to pay the IMF around 1 billion euros ($1.06

billion) in two installments. For investors, the report, which cited unnamed officials on both sides, was unsettling as it signalled that the Greek government is still a long way from convincing its European creditors about an economic reform plan that is needed to unlock the remaining funds in the country's bailout. Since 2010, Greece has relied on a 240 billioneuro bailout from its euro partners and the IMF. Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in March after being depressed by harsh winter weather, signalling consumers are intent on not overextending themselves. Purchases increased 0.9 percent, the first gain in four months after a 0.5 percent drop in February; however fell short of the 1.1 percent consensus. The figures show Americans remain focused on using the savings at the gas pump to shore up finances even as employment and confidence firm, and interest rates remain low. A boost in wage growth may be what’s needed to drive households to loosen their purse strings and sustain a pickup in growth after a first-quarter slowdown caused mainly by unusually harsh winter weather. Even though the March increase was smaller than projected, it was the biggest advance in a year.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 22th April 2015 @ 6pm

GBP - INR = 94.03

USD - INR = 62.89 EUR - INR = 67.62 GBP - USD = 1.50 GBP - EUR = 1.39

EUR - USD = 1.08 GBP - AED = 5.49

GBP - CAD = 1.84

GBP - NZD = 1.95

GBP - AUD = 1.94

GBP - ZAR = 18.14

GBP - HUF = 415.17

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

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22

BUSINESS

Now Moody's, Economist project higher growth for India

A week after it revised its outlook on India to positive from stable, global ratings major Moody's pegged the country's growth at 7.5 per cent for 2015, while the Economist Intelligence Unit said a 7.1 per cent expansion will be sustained over the next four years.

"India's economy is on a cyclical upswing.

Forward looking indicators suggest domestic demand is gathering momentum," said Faraz Syed, associate economist, Moody's Analytics.

According to the ratings agency, low inflation rate has enabled the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates by 50 basis points in early 2015 which has helped in easing pressure on the private sector.

"Lower rates as well as the government's infrastructure and disinvestment programmes should provide a boost to domestic-oriented industries," said Syed.

The RBI had cut its repurchase rate by 25 basis points on January 15 and on March 4. However, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, who conducted the first bi-monthly review of the monetary policy for the current fiscal year on April 7, decided to retain the policy rates. The RBI made it clear that it will

Taj Group hotels to restructure operations

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), which runs the Taj Group of hotels, is restructuring its operations to reign in high debt, while continuing to expand its presence in India and abroad. With a digital-first approach, the company has adopted a geographical approach to expand the Taj brand. It also plans to focus on joint ventures and take the buyout route for growth.

Managing director and CEO Rakesh Sarna said the company was still two years away from posting a full-year net profit, as it initiates cost cutting and operational measures to boost performance. Last month, the company started an organisation-wide restructuring to reduce Rs 40 billion debt. The former Hyatt executive (he was group president of Americas) took over as Indian Hotels’ MD in August 2014, replacing Raymond Bickson who had been at the top for 11 years. “We need to improve cash flows, plug losses in our US properties, exit Belmond (formerly Orient Express Hotels) and settle pending issues like the Sea Rock property in Mumbai,” Sarna said.

cut interest rates further only if it sees more robust containment of prices and commercial banks lowering the cost of housing, auto and corporate loans.

"Since most banks didn't reduce their lending rates until recently, the full impact of the rate cuts will probably be felt in the second half of 2015. Thus, consumer spending likely will get a bigger boost later this year," Syed said.

Rajan has projected a 7.8 per cent growth for the current fiscal year, subject to a normal monsoon.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) latest global forecast has pegged India's growth annual growth to clock 7.1 per cent over the next four years. It said that the Indian economy is strengthening, off the back of lower oil prices, which has eased structural problems with high inflation.

"In its first full budget, for fiscal year 2015-16 (AprilMarch), the government pledged more money for much-needed roads and railways and cut some red tape for entrepreneurs," EIU's global forecast said.

"It (government) relaxed slightly some fiscal deficit targets and increased spending on welfare. All of these moves are positive, but are no more than incremental improvements," the forecast added.

Meanwhile, Moody's analysis further suggested that the country's first quarter GDP (gross domestic product) growth will be around 7.3 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

The growth projections come soon after Moody's had revised India's sovereign ratings outlook to positive from stable. Another ratings agency Fitch had reaffirmed its stable outlook on India. The think-tank of rich nations, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), also endorsed high growth prospects for India. Similarly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also projected the country's growth at 7.8 per cent in 2015-16 and at 8.2 per cent in 2016-17.

On April 14, the World Bank had forecast India's growth accelerating to 8 per cent in the next fiscal.

The ratings agency further noted the government's disinvestment plans as being a signifi-

cant instrument in raising funds for infrastructure creation. "Funds raised from disinvestments will be spent on developing India's ailing infrastructure. If revenues fall short, we expect the government to cut expenditure to meet its 3.9 per cent deficit target for 2015-2016," Syed said. "Lower government spending is a downside risk to our forecast over the coming year," Syed added.

For 2015-16 fiscal beginning April, the government has budgeted to collect Rs 695 billion through public sector disinvestment.

Recently, approximately 5 per cent of the Rural Electrification Corp. was sold in early April. The share issue stood oversubscribed by 553 per cent.

Moody's said that the India's current account deficit (CAD) is expected to remain steady in 2015 thanks to lower oil and gold prices. India's CAD came down to $8.2 billion - or 1.6 per cent of the gross domestic product in the third quarter ended December 2014.

With the steep fall in oil prices the subsidy burden has been projected to come down from a high of Rs.1,390 billion for 201314 to around Rs 800 billion in 2014-15.

Govt to press ahead with Rs 400 bn tax demand on FIIs: Jaitley

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government would press ahead with Rs 400 billion tax demand on foreign institutional investors (FIIs) as they lost a case against levy of tax on capital gains they made.“FIIs went to a tribunal, which is called Authority for Advance Rulings (against levy of 20% Minimum Alternate Tax on capital gains). The tribunal has decided against them. I can change the face of India's irrigation with that Rs 400 billion,” he said.

The BJP government, Jaitley said, has abolished MAT from April 1, 2015, but the demands pertain to tax related to earlier period and they wanted it to be waived. “To which I responded and said `we are reasonable, so for the

future I have waived it.

But, the tax demand after winning the case, if I waive off, we will be like a tax haven ....how would be I answerable to Parliament that after the case I just waived Rs 400 billion.”

On multi-billion dollar tax demands on Cairn Energy of UK and Cairn India, Jaitley said the tax assessment orders were passed in January 2014 and demands were followup related notices. “Since

they are entitled to challenge (notices) in court, we will see what the courts decide.”

Talking about the initiatives taken by the new government, Jaitley said in the last one year no retrospective tax law has been brought and “not a single new notice has been issued. My only problem is with regards to legacy issues that I inherited from the previous government.”

Jaitley also expressed hope that the bill for introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be passed in the coming session of Parliament. He sounded confident that the new indirect tax regime would be put in place from April 1, 2016. Jaitley said the GST will be the “single biggest” tax reform since independence.

Airline Vistara plans to expand its fleet size and start flying to overseas destinations within two years, its CEO said, ahead of an expected change in rules that could allow new carriers to operate abroad. The airline, a joint venture of Singapore Airlines and Tata Group, made its debut in January, pitching itself as a full-service premium alter-

native for passengers willing to pay more than for the budget carriers that handle two-thirds of the country's travellers today. Vistara is looking to procure an undecided number of new narrow body and wide body aircraft to increase domestic flights and begin flying to the Gulf and eventually to Europe and the United States, Phee Teik Yeoh said.

"There are lots of opportunities. Suddenly when the 5/20 rule goes away it's a new ball game," he said.

Under the existing "5/20" rule, Indian airlines must be up and running for five years or possess 20 planes before they can start flying overseas routes, a restriction the civil aviation ministry has said it is committed to scrap.

Arun Jaitley

Vistara plans to fly overseas routes

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Tata Motors makes Jaguar history in UK

Tata Motors has made automotive history in Britain with the launch of Jaguar's newest model XE, an entry-level luxury saloon car, at its factory in the West Midlands region of England. The factory at Solihull has traditionally been the home of sister brand Land Rover but the first Jaguar XE saloon rolled off the all-new production facilities at the plant recently.

The 500-million pounds "factory within a factory" consists of a new body shop and trim and final facilities. The Tata Group's investment in the unit represents the largest single investment in the Solihull plant in its 70-year history.

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover's UK managing director, hopes that in its first full year the XE would double Jaguar's present annual UK sales of 18,000.

"People who buy cars in this market stay very loyal. We are the new arrival in the playground and aiming to punch the three biggest kids on the nose," he said.

"The XE will bring the average age of the Jaguar driver down significantly. We are accessing young professionals who have historically defaulted to the German brands because they have had nowhere else to go," he added. The XE, dubbed the 'Baby Jag' for its compact size, is not the only Jaguar that will be made at the new

Solihull unit. The FPace, unveiled earlier this year, will also be built at the new unit from next year.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was acquired by Tata Motors back in 2008 and has since seen a drastic turnaround in its profits. In 2010, the Solihull plant, which started operations building aircraft engines during World War II, was in danger of closure. Since then, 1-billion pound investment into the iconic brands from Tata Motors has led it to treble production to 240,000 vehicles and double the workforce in the suburb of Birmingham to 9,000.

The XE and F-Pace could take annual output up by a further 50 per cent to 360,000, with manpower set to peak at 10,500.

JLR purchasing director Ian Harnett said: "Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK's success stories, not simply because it has seen an upsurge in demand thanks to sustained investment, but because it has been able to support a burgeoning, hightech, highly skilled supply base here in the UK. With each successive new or upgraded model, we are seeing the positive impact felt amongst the entire automotive sector which is great news for everyone committed to ensuring the UK remains truly competitive on a global stage."

Slowing growth in top trade partner China and plunging prices for iron ore and coal are adding impetus to Australian efforts to secure a free trade deal with India by the end of the year. Officials are meeting in Canberra, a source familiar with the talks said, the second round of official discussions since Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi agreed in November to accelerate long-running but slowmoving negotiations.

"Obviously things have slowed down on the iron ore and coal front, particularly from China, but we're confident there's going to be a strong phase of demand and growth coming out of India for coal

and iron ore and also the arrangement to sell them uranium," said the source.

An agreement with India would cap an unprecedented two years for Australian trade negotiators, who have reached landmark free trade deals with China, Japan and South Korea.

Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was in India to advance a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that has been in discussion since Australia lifted a longstanding ban on selling uranium to energy-starved India more than two years ago.

Trade between Australia and India stands at around $15 billion a year, or just a tenth of that between Australia and China.

Australia chases India for free trade deal

In Brief

Researchers say that old age begins at 74

London: A new research suggests that old age now starts at 74. Attaining the age of 65 was earlier considered as end of middle age and the beginning of old age. Academics from the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Vienna, Austria, argue that old age should be measured not by age, but how long people have left to live.

Depression doubles risk of dementia

London: A new study has suggested that people who suffer from both depression and type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia. Researchers led

by Dimitry Davydow of the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, found that people with type 2 diabetes were 20 per cent more likely to develop the condition, while those with depression 83 per cent. For those with both the conditions the risk rose by 117 per cent and appeared to be even higher for the under 65s.

Divorcees suffer more heart attacks

London: Divorce can leave a woman with a broken heart even if she remarries, a new research finds.

Such women are likely to have a heart arrack after one divorce and after two or more the likelihood doubles. Even women who remarry are likely to have an increased risk of the condition until they had been divorced twice or more. The researchers look at 15,827 men and women aged 45-80. The subjects were interviewed every two years between 1992 and 2010. While men generally had a higher heart attack risk, women who had divorced were at higher risk than men.

Another Hindu temple vandalised in US

Texas: A Hindu temple in the US state of Texas has been vandalised with offensive images spray-painted on its walls, the third such incident in the country this year. The number ‘666’ and an upside down cross was spray-painted on the door of the temple in Old Lake Highlands, north Texas. Krishna Singh, who is on the temple’s board, said they discovered the graffiti last Monday. “That was a big shock, really. The whole thing has been very disturbing to the community,” Singh said. Dallas police sent out detectives with the gang unit who are still searching for suspects. Now devotees will build a fence around the entire property to keep vandals out. Neighbours are upset too and both Hindus and non-Hindus have offered to help the temple clean the damage. “The sentiment of the neighbourhood is that we all find it appalling,” said Ted Hoffman, who lives across the street.

Washington: Chennai born Raja Rajeswari, who came to America when she was 16, has become the first person of Indian descent to be named as a criminal court judge in New York City. Rajeswari, 43, an assistant district attorney at the Richmond county district attorney's office, who was nominated to the bench by Mayor Bill de Blasio, formally assumed her new office. “It's like a dream. It's way beyond what I imagined,” she was quoted as saying. “For someone like me, an immigrant who comes from India, I'm beyond grateful,” she said.

Man faces action for branding Muslims as 'disgrace' for praying London: A Liverpool FC faces action for allegedly branding two Muslim men as “a disgrace” for praying during the half-time break of a match. Stephen Dodd was at the centre of a Twitter storm over a picture of solicitors Asif Bodi and Abubakar Bhula worshipping during the half-time break as the Reds took on Blackburn Rovers on March 8. The picture appeared to be sent from his account, with the caption: "Muslims praying at half time at the match yesterday #DISGRACE.”

Adultery website Ashley Madison plans share issue

London: Ashley Madison, the website for people seeking extramarital affairs, plans to raise money from the public. The online dating company aims to raise £135m from the initial public offering and will use the proceeds to fund international expansion.

Avid Life Media, the website’s parent company that also owns CougarLife.com, botched its first attempt at an IPO in 2010 due to lack of investor appetite. But Christoph Kraemer, who runs Ashley Madison’s European operations, said that he hopes for a London listing due to Europe’s more relaxed approach toward infidelity.

Obama pens Modi's profile for Time magazine

Washington: US President Barack Obama has penned the profile of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Time magazine’s most recent issue on the world’s 100 most influential people.

Modi was quick to respond with a thank you on Twitter.

Obama’s three paragraph sketch praises Modi in the language of a liberal-left president. He opens by noting Modi’s rise from the son of a tea-seller to the head of the world’s largest democracy and how this “reflects the dynamism and potential of India’s rise.”

Obama then picks out the bits of Modi’s agenda that an Afro-American Democratic Party leader would most appreciate: helping the poor, empowering women and “confronting climate change.”

There is a mention of yoga and Digital India but nothing of Make in India or the Indian prime minister’s hard face towards Pakistan.

The issue of religious minorities is touched upon in the last paragraph. Obama notes how, when the two had been at the Martin Luther King Jr memorial, “Narendra and I” reflected on King and Mahatma Gandhi and “how the diversity of backgrounds and faiths in

Pak chief of ISIS killed while planting bomb

Peshawar: The Pakistan chief of ISIS Hafiz Muhammad Saeed was killed when a roadside bomb he was planting went off in the country's restive northwest tribal region, according to a media report.

Saeed and two of his accomplices were killed when the bomb they were planting exploded in Toor Dara area of Tirah Valley in the Khyber tribal region, Express Tribune reported. The security forces claimed one of the men killed in bombing was the Pakistan ISIS chief, the report said.

However, there was no confirmation from the ISIS militant group.

Asian actor puts an end to 'English' Midsomer

London: Midsomer Murders is to feature its first regular Asian character, signalling a demographic shift for the drama since the days its creator hailed as “the last bastion of Englishness.”

Manjinder Kaur will play a pathologist, Dr Kam Karimore, who will appear throughout the series. She will join Neil Dudgeon and Gwilym Lee as DCI John Barnaby and DS Charlie Nelson.

Narendra Modi and Barack Obama

our countries is a strength we have to protect.” Modi, the US president writes, “recognizes” that a billion “Indians living and succeeding together can be an inspiring model for the world.”

Obama’s gentle reminders to Modi that as a prime minister he needs to sustain the pluralism and secularity of India has been a subtext of the recent revival of Indo-US relations. This was notably lacking in Obama’s state-

ments when Manmohan Singh was in power, though the US president lost patience with Singh’s inability to fulfil any of his policy promises.

A member of Obama’s National Security Council, in the run up to the Republic Day summit, explained that while Indians “find it hard to believe” but “Obama genuinely sees India as the obvious candidate to be a future partner of the US.” The same liberal-left

23

themes that colour Obama’s policies make him look naturally to democratic India.

The Time magazine sketch underlines that while India has focused on Modi’s putting aside the US visa ban, the other story is how Obama has concluded that Modi is not the narrow-minded rightwinger and religious nationalist that many US academicians had claimed he was. Just in case, however, the US president makes it a point to remind Modi what it means to head a democratic leader.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, China's leader Xi JinPing, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are the other world leaders who make the Time 100 cut. Others of Indian origin in the Time100 list include ICICI's Chanda Kochar, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and psychiatrist and mental health champion Vikram Patel.

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INDIA

SC extends Jaya’s bail till May 12 New Delhi: The Supreme Court has extended the bail granted to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and four other accused till the Karnataka High Court disposes off their appeals against conviction in a disproportionate assets case.

This means that the High Court will have to wait till a newly-formed three-judge bench of the Supreme Court first gives a final decision on the question whether the entire appeal proceedings held in the past three months was vitiated due to the presence of Special Public Prosecutor Bhavani Singh. The three judge bench was formed by the Supreme Court earlier after a bench of Justices

Jayalalithaa Madan B. Lokur and R. Banumathi delivered a split verdict on DMK leader K. Anbazhagan's plea to remove Singh.

Justice Lokur held Singh had no authority to appear as prosecutor and the appeal proceedings were vitiated. Justice Lokur held that the appeals have to be heard afresh.

But Justice Banumathi had differed, holding that the appeal proceedings were in the

right as Singh did have authority.

Now, it is up to the three-judge bench to decide on whether it should agree with Justice Lokur or Justice Banumathi. The hearing on this reference is scheduled to start on April 21, 2015. Hearing the plea by accused persons for extension of bail, a bench led by Chief Justice H.L. Dattu agreed to the Karnataka High Court's plea for more time to dispose the appeals. The bench gave time till May 12, 2015.

So, if the three-judge bench agrees with Justice Banumathi that Singh had authority, the judgment on the appeal, which is already reserved, can be given soon, possibly by

May 12.

On the other hand, if the three judge bench agrees with Justice Lokur, the entire appeals would have to be re-heard, and this would take another three to four months. In such a case, the CJI has given the high court liberty to approach the Supreme Court again for more time.

Friday's hearing comes after the apex court's extension of bail of Jayalalithaa and the other three accused in the case Sasikala, Ilavarasi and Sudhakaran - till April 18, 2015.

It had paved the way for a speedy hearing of their appeals against conviction in the disproportionate assets case.

some unidentified Andhra Pradesh police STF personnel whose names and addresses are “not known”.

Though the complaint was received on April 12, the Chandragiri police registered a case two days after obtaining legal opinion and “instructions from superior officers.”

In her complaint, Muniammal said some STF personnel picked up her husband Sashi Kumar, Moorthy, Mahendran, Perumal, Beeman, Palani and Munuswamy from a bus near the Tamil NaduAndhra Pradesh border between 6 and 6.30 p.m.

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was on a visit to China, said a special desk would be set up for the benefit of Chinese investors who wish to invest in the state.

Naidu, who spoke at a round-table conference with industrialists in Chengdu of Sichuan Province, said substantial land bank and attractive incentives are being offered for investors.Beside incentives, Andhra Pradesh is known is for industrial peace, skill development and also a good labour policy, a statement from Chief Minister Office (CMO) quoted Naidu as saying.

The Chief Minister mentioned that he has brought in transparent administration leading to rapid clearances. Observing that a great opportunity to build a world class capital named 'Amaravathi' is available to

the state government, he said Singapore and Japan are already involved in the process and that China can also join the efforts.

Stating that India grew at 7.4 per cent and is moving towards double-digit growth, he emphasised on creating a win-win situation for both the countries.

In his welcome address, Ambassador of India to the People's Republic of China Ashok K Kantha stressed on chief minister's objective to foster closer political relationship between India and China and introduced the AP government's agenda for the development of the state.

In the meeting, he picked out to four key reasons that makes AP as an investment destination, which included amicable Indo-Sino relations, opportunities India has to offer, special advantages that the state holds.

Andhra policemen booked for murder

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh police registered a case of kidnap and murder against unidentified personnel of the Special Task Force who were involved in the gunning down of 20 woodcutters of Tamil Nadu in the Seshachalam forests near Tirupati on April 7.

Based on a complaint lodged by S Muniyammal (29) of Vetagiripalayam in Tiruvannamalai district whose husband, Sashi Kumar, was among those shot dead, the Chandragiri police registered a case under Section 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and 302 (murder) of the IPC. The case has been booked against

Andhra CM invites Chinese industrialists

Akali Dal wrests Dhuri Harappan-era skeletons seat from Congress found in Haryana

Sangrur: Akali Dal wrests Dhuri seat from Congress.

SAD candidate Gobind Singh Longowal, a former minister and three-time MLA, drubbed CongressSanjha Morcha joint candidate Simar Partap Singh, a political greenhorn and grand son of former governor and chief minister Surjit Singh Barnala.

The by-poll was necessitated after sitting Congress MLA Arvind Khanna, a close confidante of former chief minister Amarinder Singh, resigned from the seat in January this year. In the past around eight years of SAD-BJP combine rule, the SAD had won three and Congress one bypolls.

Earlier, the SAD had romped home in by-polls to Moga and Talwandi Sabo seats while Congress

retained Patiala seat.

While the victory of Longowal is a shot in arm for ruling Akalis, who were facing a strong antiincumbency, its a setback for a divided Congress in the state. Longowal was elected to Punjab assembly in 1985, 1997 and 2002. He had remained a minister in 2002 in Parkash Singh Badal government.

Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal had intensively campaigned for Longowal whereas Congress campaigning was marred by infighting.

The defeat of Singh, who contested his maiden poll, is a severe set back for the Barnala family in Punjab.

With this victory, the tally of SAD in the 117member Punjab assembly has reached 59, one more than the figure required for an absolute majority.

Hisar (Haryana): Four human skeletons, believed to be 5,000 years old, have been found by archaeologists from the site of Harappan civilisation at Rakhi Garhi village near here. Archaeologists of Haryana Archaeology Department in collaboration with Seoul National University, South Korea and Deccan College, Pune recently found four human skeletons at the site.

Prof. Nilesh Yadav, codirector of the project, said this was the first time that skeletons have been recovered during the excavation in the village, which is 60 km from here in Hisar district. The excavation in the village started in 2012.

These skeletons are of two men, one woman and a child. The height of the skeletons of the men is five feet and six inches and both were aged about 50

years while the height of the skeleton of the woman is five feet and four inches and was aged around 30 years. The child's age was believed to be around 10 years. These skeletons will be sent to laboratory for DNA test, Yadav said.

Besides pottery with grains of food, bangles, toys, mini wheels and sling balls of different sizes have also been recovered from the site. Archaeologists also recovered a seal which has some tiger-like figure inscribed on it. They believe that it was used in trade or for some other purposes. Tools which could have been used for fishing and hunting purposes have also been recovered. The excavation work was spread over an area of 50 acres and the archaeologists are still working on three mounds numbering 4, 6 and 7.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

South Brief

No truck with AIADMK in TN: BJP

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan said his party won't align with AIADMK in the forthcoming assembly polls. This is the first time since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that a BJP functionary has made such a categorical statement about its political equations with the ruling AIADMK. “BJP is an alternative force in the state. The National Democratic Alliance will have a CM candidate and will emerge successful,” Tamilisai said in Salem. BJP's decision, despite its good equations with AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa, seems to be driven by the fact that the former chief minister is still battling corruption charges, and comes in the backdrop of recent developments in the wealth case against her.

CBI begins probe into Ravi's death

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a preliminary inquiry to probe the mysterious death of IAS officer D K Ravi, who was found dead on March 16 at his residence in Bengaluru. CBI sources said the probe would cover all angles, including “suicide” and “conspiracy,” behind Ravi's death. A special crimes division team, accompanied by CFSL experts, will visit Ravi's house and also meet CID officials in Bengaluru for collecting all the documents of the case.

The agency received the notification from the department of personnel and training after which the PE has been registered. The Karnataka government had earlier sent a request for a CBI probe into the case.

7 Tamil Nadu fishermen injured in midsea attack

Nagapattinam: Seven fishermen from Nagapattinam have been injured in a mid-sea attack allegedly by sea pirates suspected to be from Sri Lanka. Two of them sustained severe head injuries and have been admitted to a government hospital in Nagapattinam, they said.

The fishermen from Nambiyar were fishing a few knots South East off Kodiakarai when they were attacked by assailants who came in a fast craft, police said quoting a complaint lodged by the victims. Five persons who were onboard the boat which appeared to be from Sri Lanka jumped onto the boat of the fishermen and attacked them with wooden logs. They then snatched all valuables, including the fish catch, nets and GPS equipment, and fled from the scene, police said.

North Brief

Firing inside Punjab jail, 2 inmates injured

Bathinda (Punjab): Two inmates at the Central Jail in Punjab's Bathinda were injured in firing inside the prison complex in what is suspected to be a gang war.

One of them, Gurjit Singh Mahalkalan, is a notorious criminal. Both were rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds. According to the police, Kulbir Singh Naruana, an undertrial in an arms case, is believed to be involved in the firing. Last month, Naruana was seen posing with four other inmates - one of them even talking on a cellphone - in a photograph posted on Facebook. The picture was later pulled out of the social networking site.

Haryana, Israel sign MoU to raise productivity of dairy sector

New Delhi: The Haryana government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel to set up a centre of excellence aimed at raising the productivity of dairy sector in the country.

According to reports, the MoU was signed between Haryana and Israel's international development agency Mashav in the national capital on April 15. Israel Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission Yahel Vilan and Haryana Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Om Parkash Dhankhar were also present at the event. The proposed centre of excellence will reportedly be established in the existing state cattle breeding project at Hisar. The main aim of the centre would be to incorporate Israel's cost-effective and innovative dairy technologies in the existing production system to attain global standard in milk production.

Haryana to honour Good Samaritans

Panchkula: Haryana government is working to create a system under which people engaged in lending a helping hand to those in need would be honoured and rewarded, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said.

Addressing the gathering at the Panchkula Marathon 2015 organised by the Haryana police here, Khattar said that good Samaritans would be honoured as well as rewarded. The Chief Minister, who also participated in the marathon, described the youth as the future of the nation. "The country has high hopes from the young generation and they have to play a bigger role in nation-building," he said.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Six parties unite to form Janata Parivar

Leaders from six different parties come together and announce the Janata Parivar merger under Mulayam Singh Yadav’s leadership

Six parties of the erstwhile Janata Parivar has decided to merge and form a new party to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of crucial elections in Bihar scheduled later this year. The decision was announced in Delhi by Janata Dal-United president Sharad Yadav after a meeting of six parties that included Janata DalSecular, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Indian National Lok Dal and Samajwadi Janata Party.

Samajwadi party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav was elected chairman of the new party that is likely to be named either the Samajwadi Janata Dal or the Samajwadi Janata Party. A six-member committee including H D Deve Gowda, Lalu Yadav, Sharad Yadav and Ramgopal Yadav will decide on issues like name and flag of the party.

Mulayam Singh told the media that the principal aim is to take on the BJP which has "promised much before the Lok Sabha elections but delivered very little." The group is likely to inherit the SP flag and its electoral sym-

bol of the “bicycle”, even though some constituents favour retrieving the original Janata symbol – the wheel. Some leaders also want the SP’s red and green flag to have a stripe of white - to symbolise the new party’s pluralistic and socialist philosophy.

The future of the combine rests on the politically-significant state of Bihar, where a JD(U)-RJD combine is strongly placed to take on the BJP in the state, having polled more votes than the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections last year, but concerns over rebels and dissatisfied leaders remain.

The project was given shape at a meeting of the SP, Janata Dal (Secular), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United), Indian National Lok Dal and Samajwadi Janata Party (Chandra Shekhar) at Yadav’s residence last December.

The parties were still reeling from the drubbing in the Lok Sabha where the JD(U) and RJD together won a mere six of Bihar’s 40 seats, while the SP picked up a paltry five of UP’s 80 seats, as the

BJP made massive gains.

But the project gathered steam after a JD(U)RJD combine was able to turn the electoral tables on the BJP in by-elections last years, winning six of the 10 seats on offer, as experts pointed out the combine could pull together votes from the backward castes.

The Janata Parivar – an umbrella term to the describe various political parties that emerged from the now-defunct Janata Dal – has appeared together in several demonstrations against a controversial land bill in the past few months though doubts remain whether RJD’s Lalu Prasad and JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar would be able to sink their long-standing differences.

Political analysts are sceptical about the future about the third front because earlier efforts to form a government have always been short-lived, starting with 1977 when the Janata Party took on the Congress, which had been ruling since independence, but was in power for barely two years.

AAP expels Bhushan, Yadav, 2 others for ‘anti-party’ activities

The churning in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reached a climax, with the party expelling senior leaders Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha. The party’s disciplinary committee, which was once headed by Bhushan, had sent the four leaders showcause notices for allegedly indulging in antiparty activities.

An AAP statement said the committee, comprising Pankaj Gupta, Ashish Khetan and Dinesh Waghela, met and considered the responses of Yadav, Bhushan and Kumar. Jha has not sent a reply so far.

The decision to sack them from the party was taken by the national disciplinary committee which said as it was not satisfied with the response it got to the show-cause notices.

“The committee carefully considered responses furnished by Yadav, Bhushan and Kumar and found

Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan

them unsatisfactory… (they) indulged in gross indiscipline and anti-party activities… Jha failed to furnish his response… The committee, therefore, has decided to expel all four members from the party,” the AAP statement said.

Bhushan was charged with working for party’s defeat in the Delhi assembly polls. He was also charged with supporting AWAM, a break away group of the party.

In their response to the notice, the rebels accused party chief Arvind Kejriwal of “gross viola-

tion” of its constitution and attacked two members of its disciplinary panel for allegedly doing a “planted” story and accepting donations from dubious firms.

Responding to showcause notices issued by AAP’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), Bhushan and Yadav questioned its locus standi for seeking their reply, saying the panel was formed after the “illegal” and “unconstitutional” meeting of the party’s National Council on March 28.

INDIA

TIMES NOW ICICI Bank ‘NRI of the Year’ Awards

25

From Left: Gaurav Atreja, Bharat Kumar Jayantilal, Dr. Asha Seth, Ms. Chanda Kochhar, Anju Jaswal, Manjit Singh Nijjar, Kehkashan Maushum Basu, Shah Rukh Khan, Vallamkonda Nagamani Teja, Dr. Rahavan Seetharaman, Arun Agarwal,Representator for Dr. RaviPillai,Representator for Sarthak Sinha, Naveen Chandra and Atul Temurnikar On 10th April 2015 in Mumbai, one of India's leading channels, TIMES NOW, along with India's largest private sector bank, ICICI bank celebrated the success and achievements of Indians across the world, with the announcement of 2nd TIMES NOW ICICI Bank ‘NRI of the Year’ awards, powered by Global Indian International School (GIIS).

Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan attended the ceremony, along with many other dignitaries.

Shah Rukh Khan was also felicitated with India's Global Icon Award.

TIMES NOW ICICI Bank NRI of the Year awards was awarded to 16 individuals under seven different categoriesE n t r e p r e n e u r, Professional, Academics, Art & Culture, Philanthropy, Special Jury Award, and India’s Global Icon Award. The achievers are contestants from 4 regions - North America, UK, Middle-East & Asia Pacific.

The MD and CEO of ICICI Bank expressed, “ICICI Bank is happy to present the second edition of ‘TIMES NOW ICICI Bank NRI of the Year’ awards. The overwhelming response that we received last year has inspired us to reach out to more NRIs across the globe and make this event Categories

Shah Rukh Khan receives the India's Global Icon Award at the 2nd TIMES NOW ICICI Bank 'NRI of the Year' Awards

even bigger. We have been serving the NRI community for more than a decade.

These awards give us the opportunity to honour members of the NRI community and felicitate them for their outstanding achievements.”

The Head of

International business at Times Network said, ““The NRI of the Year awards is the most distinctive awards for Indians globally and we have received an overwhelming 30,000 registrations online and the multiple Jury rounds ensure the winners are high quality.

Among the winners this year are Senators, winners of the Pravasiya Bharati Award, CEOs of global banks, and some very rich and accomplished Indians; with the youngest winner being 14 years while the oldest is 83 years. We hope to build this further into more markets and reaching out to more accomplished Indian Diaspora.”

With their grit and perseverance, Non Resident Indians have achieved tremendous success in various fields in the countries they have chosen to adopt as their homes.

Many NRIs are accomplished politicians, scientists, sportsmen, businessmen, professionals and academicians in various countries and TIMES NOW ICICI Bank ‘NRI of the Year’ awards recognize the success of these achievers. The event was attended by a distinguished audience of Government Officials, Bollywood Stars, the winners of Femina Miss India 2015, CEO’s & Business owners.

List of Winners 2015

India’s Global Icon Special Jury Award Academics Kehkashan Maushum Basu Sarthak Sinha Professional Dr. Rahavan Seetharaman Subhash Chandra Basu Gaurav Atreja Philanthropy Dr. Asha Seth Manjit Singh Nijjar Art & Culture Entrepreneur Arun Agarwal Dr. Ravi Pillai

Name of the Winner

Shah Rukh Khan Satya Nadella Vallamkonda Nagamani Teja Middle East North America Anju Jaswal Middle East North America United Kingdom Bharat Kumar Jayantilal North America United Kingdom Tripti Mukherjee Harindarpal Singh Banga North America Middle East

Country

India North America Asia Pacific Asia Pacific

Middle East North America Asia Pacific

26

INDIA - WORLD

China, Pakistan sign 50 deals

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Happy 1st Birthday

Eleanor Anushka Breen DOB: 24 April 2014

ty as the corridor would pass through restive Baluchistan province where a separatist insurgency has been raging for years.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry said the agreements include deals on security and defence issues. “We also believe that bilateral cooperation in security and economic fields should advance in parallel and reinforce each other,” Chinese foreign

ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

“The Chinese side is willing to deepen defence cooperation and enhance coordination and collaboration with the Pakistani side on regional hot-spot issues,” he added.

'Nishan-e-Pakistan' awarded to Xi Meanwhile, Pakistan on Tuesday conferred its top civilian award 'Nishan-e-Pakistan' to Xi for his outstanding contribution in promotion of relationship between the two countries. The awardgiving ceremony was organised at the President House where president Mamnoon Hussain conferred the award on Xi. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, federal ministers, members of National Assembly and Senate, services chiefs and Chinese delegation.

debt-ridden farmers. We increased the MSP of wheat from Rs 540 to Rs 1,400. The UPA government waived Rs 700 billion of loans taken by farmers."

Questioning the BJP government on taking the Ordinance route on land acquisition, Rahul asked, "We fought for your rights.

It took us 2 years to make this Land Bill of 2013, the BJP supported and applauded the Bill then.

Then what changed?

Instead of passing it through Parliament, why did BJP bring in an Ordinance?"

Picking out the loopholes in the new Land Bill, Rahul said farmers won't get jobs in exchange of their land. "BJP has finished the provisions of consent clause, social assessment and return of unused land. The government will snatch your land, and you won't even get jobs. We don't want our farmers to become labourers and servants. You should understand one thing, the land is yours, you treat it as your 'Maa',

the price of it will increase more than gold in coming years."

'Suit-boot ki sarkar' Continuing his Ramlila Maidan offensive into parliament, Rahul dubbed Modi regime as a “suitboot” government, a reference to PM's monogrammed suit.

Participating in a debate on agrarian crisis in Lok Sabha, Rahul alleged the BJP government has frozen minimum support price for crops and squeezed the agricultural credit flow. He also accused it of not helping farmers hit by unseasonal rains and of diluting the land acquisition law to weaken farmers.

The 20-minute intervention was part of the script to launch Rahul as a serious politician yet again and he, for a man who has made only five speeches in his 11- year-long parliamentary innings, seemed ready to play the part assigned to him. He began and carried through amid catcalls from ruling benches about his two-month

sabbatical. Rahul appeared to have anticipated the jibes at his sabbatical earlier and he, smiling, urged the treasury benches to let him. His speech was crafty, with Rahul seeking to stay on the message on Modi as “pro-corporate” and “antifarmer.” In the process, Rahul did appear to go over the top, accusing the Modi government of seeking to finish off agriculture so that the entire farm land could be passed on to industrialists.

In painting the farmers' dismal state, he referred to “achche din government,” a jibe at Modi campaign's catchline; and sarcastically called the Centre a regime of powerful people -“suit boot government.”

Moreover, he repeatedly addressed the BJP benches by referring to Modi as “your PM,” drawing strong response from rivals that he was “India's PM.” Raising the rhetoric, Rahul wondered how a man with sound “political calculations” was ignoring and antagonizing 67% people engaged in farming.

London: Labour Party leader Ed Miliband's senior adviser pays no tax on his reported £300,000 earnings in Britain, reports said. David Axelrod, a former adviser to Barack Obama, admitted that he is not resident for tax purposes in the UK. Labour confirmed it pays Axelrod in dollars through his consultancy and that he "lives in the US, works in the US and pays taxes in the US”.

Harper. He also attended a ceremonial reception before being accorded a guard of honour.

Addressing the press, Modi later said that the agreement between the two countries on the procurement of uranium from Canada for India's civilian nuclear power plants launches a new era of bilateral cooperation.

other groups set the tone for the evening.

The nearly 10,000strong audience interrupted Modi repeatedly during his hour-long speech with shouts of "Modi, Modi..." as Modi spoke about the changes sweeping India.

Speaking in Hindi in the presence of Harper and his cabinet colleagues, Modi repeatedly stressed, "Sarkar naahi badli, jan manas badla hai dus mahine main (It is not that the government has changed, but it's people's thinking that has changed during the last 10 months)".

In the new atmosphere, Modi said, people were responding with enthusi-

asm to new ideas whether it was his Clean India Mission, or bank accounts for the poor or gas subsidy.

Modi said celebrities joined the Clean India Mission on their own, poor people deposited Rs 140 billion in their newly opened accounts and rich people are giving up their gas subsidy so that the poor can be helped. "Modi has done nothing...it is the common man in India who has changed," the prime minister said. There were rounds of cheers every time he took a dig at the previous regime. But Modi drew the biggest applause when he said his mission is "Skill India while theirs was Scam India".

Islamabad: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday announced investments worth $46 billion in Pakistan in projects that would give his country direct access to the Arabian Sea and beyond. He signed over 50 agreements related to infrastructure and energy along with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shortly after arriving on a two-day visit along with a powerful delegation.

These investments are aimed at building a network of roads, railway lines and pipelines covering some 3,000 km to link Chinese Xinjiang province with strategic warm-water deep-sea port in Pakistan's southern coastal city of Gwadar as part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor. The port jointly built by Pakistan and China with a cost of about $248 million was opened

in March 2007.

Sharif said the corridor would transform his country into a regional hub and pivot for commerce and investment. “It will also enable China to create a shorter and cheaper route for trade and investment in south, central and west Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This corridor will become a symbol for peace and prosperity,” Sharif said. He assured Chinese investors foolproof securi-

Continued from page 1 welfare of big industrialists and the rich.

Assuring a massive gathering of farmers at Ramlila Maidan that he would stand by their side, Rahul said, “Modi took huge amounts of loans from industrialists for elections. How will he repay the debt? By giving them your land... Modi told industrialists how easily he snatched farmers' land in Gujarat and said if they made him the PM, he would do the same in the entire country.”

Vowing to fight for farmers and for their cause, Rahul listed the schemes and various initiatives taken by the previous Congress led-UPA government. "Congress will fight your battle and we will win. I will always stand along with you," Rahul assured farmers.

Enumerating the various measures taken by the UPA, Rahul said, "When UPA was in power, it helped farmers in every possible way. UPA introduced schemes to save

Continued from page 1 in 2009 and 2012. This momentum was maintained by the Governor General of Canada's state visit to India in 2014.

The two leaders welcomed the continuing diversification, growth and deepening of bilateral relations in recent years, rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, tolerance, human rights and rule of law, and based on expanding economic engagement and longstanding people-to-people ties. They also agreed to hold regular discussions.

Earlier, Modi met Canadian Governor General David Johnston, before holding talks with

Xi Jinping and Nawaz Sharif

Rahul accuses Modi of snatching poor man's land

MODI, HARPER CEMENT TIES WITH URANIUM DEAL

10,000 throng Modi's 'rockstar' show Modi's public interaction with the Indian diaspora at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto had all the trappings of a rockstar concert as Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh, Shiamak Davar troupe and

How quickly time has flown. Today is your first, and many more are to come. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, dear Eleanor. You bring unlimited joy into our life!

With lots of love, Rupu mashi and Vivek mesho

In Brief

Morrisons to offer halal pick and mix sweets

London: Morrisons will offer gelatine-free sweets to Muslim customers. The selection of 36 sweets includes liquorice sticks, cola bottles, jelly beans, gummy bears and sugared lips - all guaranteed to be free of non-halal animal products or alcohol-based colourings and flavourings. The move is being tested at stores in Blackburn, Bolton, Preston, Bradford, West Bromwich, Birmingham, Leamington Spa and three in London.

Miliband's US adviser pays no tax in Britain

Pakistan SC orders govt to get temple restored

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to get a temple restored and reconstructed after it was ‘dismantled’ in 1997 and later occupied by a cleric. Lawmaker Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, patron of the Pakistan Hindu Council, had asked the court to intervene into the frequent desecration of temples, including occupation of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj’s Samadhi in Teri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district by a cleric. The court after hearing the arguments ordered the provincial government to restore and preserve the Karak temple.

Afghan suicide blast kills 33, injures over 100

Jalalabad (Afghanistan): A suicide bomb blast in Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad killed 33 people and injured more than 100 outside a bank where government workers collect salaries, the city's police chief said. Taliban insurgents denied responsibility, although they have claimed earlier killings in a wave of attacks coinciding with the sharp draw down of foreign troops. "It was an evil act. We strongly condemn it," the Islamist militants' spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said. For the first time since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement was ousted from power in 2001, Afghan forces are fighting with little support from NATO troops. NATO, which at its peak had 130,000 soldiers in Afghanistan, has only a few thousand left, involved mainly in training and special operations.''

Indian-American leads Hillary Clinton's advisers

Washington: Making her second presidential run, Hillary Clinton has set up a three person team of senior policy advisers headed by Indian-American Maya Harris, a former senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. The team will help develop an agenda for her presidential campaign that would be unfolded in a series of policy rollouts expected to begin late next month after her early phase of road trips to meet voters, Politico reported. Two others on the policy team are Ann O'Leary, a former legislative director to Clinton when she was in the Senate; and Jake Sullivan, a top aide to Clinton while she was Secretary of State and a former national security adviser to Vice President Joe Biden. Besides the policy team, Clinton is also likely to keep getting informal advice from another Indian-American Neera Tanden, the current president of CAP and a longtime adviser.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

EU under fire as another boat sinks with migrants

Luxembourg: EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini told member states on Monday they had “no more excuses” not to act on the Mediterranean migrant crisis as reports came through of another boat sinking with 300 people on board. More than 700 people were feared dead after a fishing boat crammed with migrants capsized off Libya on Sunday, with survivors suggesting nearly 1,000 could have been on board.

As EU foreign and interiors met to discuss their response, the International Organization for Migration said it had received a distress call from another boat in the Mediterranean carrying more than 300 people, with at least 20 reported dead. “The caller said there are over 300 people on his boat and it is already sinking (and) he has already reported fatalities, 20 at least,” the IOM's Federico Soda wrote in an email. Soda said the IOM had given the Italian coast guard the coordinates for that and two other distressed vessels, but they were still tied up with the earlier shipwreck.

Arriving for the ministerial talks in Luxembourg, Mogherini said the 28nation bloc “has no more excuses, the member states have no more excuses. We need immediate action from the EU and the member states,” she added.

Italian and Maltese navy boats continued to scour waters off Libya for the victims of Sunday's disaster - the latest in a string of shipwrecks, which have claimed well over 1,000 lives since the start of 2015. But the outlook appeared grim, with only 28 people rescued so far.

One survivor told Italian authorities that there were as many as 950 people on board and that some of them had been locked below deck by the smugglers. The mass drowning caused an outcry across Europe, where newspapers called it the “EU's darkest day.”

“European leaders knew the number of victims at sea from African migration would smash records from the spring,” Belgium daily Le Soir wrote. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, which is the top destination in Europe for migrants, said she was “appalled” by the disaster, calling it “not worthy of Europe. A continent which feels committed to humanity must look

for answers even when there are no easy answers,” her spokes man quoted her.

Refugee and rights bodies demanded European governments beef up maritime rescue operations and address the underlying causes of the flood of asylum-seekers and migrants washing up on Europe's shores.

Malta's PM Joseph Muscat urged the EU to address the chaos in wartorn Libya, which people smugglers have made the main launching pad for overloaded rickety boats.

A m n e s t y International's 'blueprint for action': Meanwhile, on the eve of an emergency summit in Brussels, Amnesty International is publishing a Blueprint for Action calling on European governments to take immediate and effective steps to end an ongoing catastrophe that has left thousands of refugees and migrants dead.

The briefing, Europe’s sinking shame: The failure to save refugees and migrants at sea, documents testimonies of shipwreck survivors and details the challenges and limitations of current search-and-rescue operations in the central Mediterranean. It sets out ways in which this can be remedied and calls for the immediate launch of a humanitarian operation to save lives at sea, with adequate ships, aircraft, and other resources, patrolling where lives are at risk.

John Dalhuisen, Amnesty’s Director for Europe and Central Asia, said: “European leaders gathering in Brussels have an historic opportunity to end a spiralling humanitarian tragedy of Titanic proportions. Europe’s negligence in failing to save thousands of migrants and refugees who run into peril in the Mediterranean has been akin to firefighters refusing to save people jumping from a towering inferno.

Governments’ responsibility must clearly be not only to put out the fire but to catch those who have stepped off the ledge.”

The briefing shows the decision to end the Italian Navy’s humanitarian operation, Mare Nostrum, at the end of 2014, has contributed to a dramatic increase in migrant and refugee deaths at sea. If figures from the latest incidents are confirmed, as many as 1,700 people will have perished this year.

HEALTH - WORLD

27

‘Bombshell Bandit’ jailed for 66 months

Washington: Sandeep Kaur (24), a woman of Indian-origin was convicted of robbing four banks in three American states. She has been sentenced to 66 months in Prison.

Sandeep Kaur was nicknamed as “Bombshell Bandit”. She is from Union City, California and was sentenced in the Federal District Court in St. George in Utah.

As well as serving 66 months in Prison, Sandeep Kaur was ordered to payback $40,000, which she had stolen in the four robberies.

Kaur had pleaded guilty in January 2015 to four felony charges of bank robberies which took place during the summer of 2014.

The term “Bombshell Bandit” was given by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Sandeep

kaur was a well-dressed woman who would approach bank tellers and then threaten to explode a bomb if they refused to hand over money from their registers.

Kaur's crime began in California and terminated after robbing the US Bank in the city of St. George, which led police officers on a high-speed pursuit to

Chronic or frequent headaches are among the commonest problems plaguing people. The reasons can be many. Some are related to overwork, stress and anxiety, others to physiological triggers such as skipping or erratic meals, too much caffeine, sudden change in sleep patterns or incorrect posture.

In some cases, headaches are caused by eye strain, viral cold or sinus infection, so these should be ruled out if you develop a sudden headache.

There are a number of things that you can do to help avoid it.

1. The best way to prevent headache is to learn what triggers it and then try to avoid those things.

Take a note of all such activities, which tend to increase your headache.

2. Take a break from activities that provoke headaches, such as using the computer for a long time.

3. Try to focus on far away objects intermittently for approximately 30 seconds.

4. If you wear spectacles, it is best to get your spectacles checked. If you don’t wear specs, get your vision checked at least once.

5. A simple head massage often helps. Apply simple ‘pain balms’ over

maximum areas of pain and massage it gently if pain is bothersome.

6. Use pillow in such a manner that your neck muscles are supported at the back while lying down or sitting in bed.

7. Take painkillers for headache only if required.

Paracetamol tablet has least side effects; aspirin in limited quantity (not more than 2-3 tab daily) may be safe but needs to be taken after a meal.

Taking aspirin frequently may give you acidity and abdominal upset.

8. If neck muscles are stiff, gentle exercises of neck (looking left, right, up and down for a few second intermittently) may help. Avoid any neck movement, which causes undue pain.

9. Intervals between meals should not be long, so take healthy snacks (fruits, almonds) in between meals to avoid low blood sugar which can give headache.

10. If still headache persists, get your blood pressure and sinuses checked.

‘Bombshell Bandit’, Sandeep Kaur (24)

10 easy ways to avoid frequent headaches

Nevada, where she was arrested after an hour-long halt.

Kaur's attorney, Jay Winward asked the court for a sentence of 48 months. He told the court that Kaur was young, welleducated, capable of paying restitution, and had no prior criminal history. He stated that Kaur was raised in a traditional Indian family and grew up feeling “trapped” and bullied, and how she had run from an arranged marriage, to her boyfriend, whom she subsequently married. However, the relationship turned abusive.

Winward also added that even though Kaur threatened violence during the robberies, she was not a violent person and did not have a firearm or explosives during the robberies.

However, prosecuting attorney Paul Kohler said that during the robberies, the bank tellers were unaware that Kaur did not have a weapon, hence, they were afraid for their lives. The tellers were “trapped”, as were the families driving on the I-15 motorway during the police chase, and the police officers who responded.

Before pronouncing the sentence, US district judge Ted Stewart called the case “complex”, indicating both the violence of Kaur’s crimes, as well as her intelligence and opportunities.

Ted Stewart stated, “However, the circumstances of Kaur’s life explained, but did not justify the crimes... and did not warrant a lesser sentence. The public must be protected.”

Understanding the signs of a heart attack can save a life. Heart attacks are silent killers and anyone can be a victim. Lack of exercise, poor diet and an erratic lifestyle can increase the risk of a heart attack.

Following are some signs and symptoms of a possible heart attack: When you start feeling heaviness in your chest, unbearable upper stomach pain, left arm pain, jaw and neck pain and shortness of breath, you must rush to the nearest hospital and get your ECG done. There are several cases where individuals have brushed it aside but it is important to get imme-

diate medical assistance.

The other warning signs include the feeling of nausea, breaking into a cold sweat and light-headedness. You may also experience intense pressure on the chest or feeling like your chest is closing in on you.

In men, the most common warning sign of a heart attack is chest pain; while women are more likely to experience breathlessness, nausea, and back and jaw pain.

In case you experience any of these symptoms or it you are a witness, call for immediate medical care or rush the concerned person to the nearest hospital.

Signs of heart attack you must know

Neeta’s Herbal Clinic for Hair & Skin Care

Coventry Now Open

A traumatic experience when one is balding or suffering from hair loss If you have been one to watch in despair as your luscious locks disappeard down the plug-hole everyday, then there is hope to save your crowing glory!

While lustrous, healthy hair is a source of pride for men and women alike, many are forced to battle with hair problems.

There are many reasons why a person can start losing their hair.

Research has shown that stress plays a vital factor in determining hair condition. Poor hair care, environment, lifestyle and diet too has its effect on hair growth.

It is very important to ascertain what kind of hair you have and then look after it accordingly.

Hair loss falls into two categories, where it is distributed over the whole scalp and where hair loss is limited to localised areas. Hair loss is often more than a beauty problem. In some cases of alopecia, the condition is caused by bacteria or other infection or may even indicate a severe systemic disease. In the case of Hair loss, the hair follicles loose the capacity to initiate new growth.

Neeta’s Herbal offers a safe and natural solution to combat hair and skin problems.

For Free Consultation:- Please call Coventry North London West London 317 Foleshill Road, North Finchley Hounslow Coventry, CV1 4JS. 0208 446 7020 0208 577 6821 Tel: 02476 681 649 www.neetasherbaluk.com

28

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Trisha with Kamal again?

Amy Jackson is most desirable woman

A

A

fter “Manmadhan Ambu,” it seems Kamal Haasan and Trisha would come together once again, this time for a stylish action thriller set in the backdrop of the picturesque Mauritius. The movie, which will be Kamal's next after “Uttama Villain,” “Papanasam” and “Vishwaroopam 2,” will be directed by one of his associates and produced by Rajkamal Films International, it is learnt.

Shooting is expected to get a kickstart in May. "It is a James Bond type of thriller. While Kamal will play a suave detective, Trisha will play a stylish girl. Kamal himself has penned the script," sources said.

leading English daily recently conducted a survey among all age groups of women and men to gauge who the most desirable Man in Kollywood and there are no prizes for guessing that Thala Ajith was crowned Numero Uno. The same daily surveyed various groups to ascertain the most desirable woman among 25 and ‘I’ girl Amy Jackson has come out on top with the most number of votes. The other celebrities ranked in descending numerical order are Shruthi Haasan, Samantha, Tamannaah, Dipika Pallikal, Anushka, Nayanthara, Pradhayani, Andrea Jeremiah, Hansika, Trisha, Kajal Agarwal, Amyra Dastur, Catherine Tresa, Sahithya Jagannathan, Priya Anand, Vedhicka, Rochelle Maria Rao, Raai Lakshmi, Parvathi Menon, Tapsee Pannu, Janani Iyer, Alisha Abdullah, Sri Divya and Sanchitha Shetty.

Nandita's tough time with tea

Simbu to romance Lakshmi Menon for 'Lady Director'

A

few days back there was news that the director of ‘Vanakkam Chennai’, Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi has managed to rope in Simbu as the hero for her second film which would also have Anirudh scoring the music. The latest about this untitled project is that Lakshmi Menon has been zeroed in to play the love interest of Simbu.

Lakshmi Menon till date

has been typecast as a rural belle in most of her previous films and it will be an interesting makeover for the young actress to do an urban role.

'Jai Ho Democracy'

“Jai Ho Democracy,” is a Bollywood comedy film. The movie has been written and directed by Ranjit Kapoor, who was also the dialogue writer of “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro” and has been produced

by Bikramjeet Bhullar of Indian Production House. It is a dark satire on Indian politics and takes a dig at the existing social and political morass India is staring at currently. It stars an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Om Puri, Annu Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, Adil Hussain and Seema Biswas.

The film's trailer was released on 18 March, 2015. and is scheduled to release on 24 April 2015. It is about the murky world of India's political class, where ministers and leaders procrastinate over everything, even on something as grave as border security. The film also takes a satirical look at the media's desperation to stay ahead in the TRP game, sensationalizing even the most trivial situation without any qualms.

N

andita, the “Attakathi” and “Idharkuthaney Aasaipattai Balakumara” girl, doesn't like the very smell of tea. So she had a tough time while shooting for “Anjala,” which is set in the backdrop of a

tea shop. "There were some scenes which required me to drink tea.

But it was really difficult for me and I suffered a lot. Following this, they gave me Bournvita and shot the scenes," she says. The film directed by

Aishwarya, Sonam to dazzle at Cannes 2015

C

osmetic brand L'Oreal confirmed the presence of its two brand ambassadors at Cannes on its Twitter handle, posting: "Retweet if you are excited to see @sonamkapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walk the Red Carpet at #Cannes2015 [sic]". The representatives of the two actresses also confirmed that they will be heading to Cannes during the film jamboree, which is scheduled to be held from May 13-24.

Thangam Saravanan has Vemal in the lead role.

This apart, Nandita is busy with Radha Mohan's “Uppu Karuvadu,” a film with Mirchi Shiva and Vijay's 'Puli' directed by Chimbudevan.

Anushka’s 'NH10' to be screened at the Beijing festival

A

nushka Sharma's maiden production, “NH10,” after winning over the Indian audiences is now ready to bowl over international viewers. It has been selected for the 5th edition of the Beijing Film Festival. The screening would be held on April 19 and Anushka will be making her presence felt at the event. Though, it is not yet confirmed if the director, Navdeep Singh, will accompany her. “NH10” also stars Neil Bhooplam, Darshan Kumar and Deepthi Naval. Another Indian film, “Fig Fruit and the Wasps,” by debutant M.S. Prakash Babu, has also been selected for the official screening.

29

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Salman Khan's latest protege Q

S

erbian model Natasha Stankovic, Salman Khan's latest protege, is all set to make a splash in Bollywood, says a report.

The actor apparently has a fondness for foreign women and this time he has turned mentor for former Bigg Boss 8 contestant, the report

added. Natasha, whose film credits include an item number in Prakash Jha's “Satyagraha” and a cameo in “Action Jackson,” will be seen as the leading lady in the thriller “7 Hours To Go.” "Yes, I am aware that Salman has given a boost to the career of many actresses in Bollywood and I am lucky to not remain just an item girl.

Thanks to him I have bagged a meaningful role," the report quoted Natasha. The actress, who will have a key role in the film, revealed that when she was leaving the Bigg Boss house, Salman told her that she needed to work on her Hindi. "He even told me whom I should train with to correct my accent," she said.

Katrina doesn't like to seek undue publicity

B

ollywood actor Katrina Kaif who is known to keep a low profile, says that she will never go out of her way to get undue attention.

“The nature of our profession is such that we attract attention all the time. But I feel that you don’t need to go out of your way for it. There is no need to actually plan or devise a way of get-

Kangana wants to work with Ranbir

“Q

ueen” actress Kangana Ranaut recently stated that she would like to work with Ranbir Kapoor. Reports quoted the actress saying that she admired Ranbir's work and he was among the first ones to support her blockbuster film “Queen.” The actress also said that it would be an honour for her to work with Ranbir, but she would want a good role.

ting unnecessary attention,” says Katrina.

The actor, who was last seen in

“Bang Bang” (2014), however, adds that she does not mind being under the scanner, if it benefits the film. “When you are out there promoting your film, you are not only promoting yourself, but your producer, director as well as a team, whose career depends on it. So, you must attract attention for this as you need to get people to come and watch your film,” says the actor.

Katrina was in the Capital recently to shoot for her upcoming Abhishek Kapoor directorial, and says that she loves filming in Delhi. “I have shot quite a few times in Delhi. I shot for 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' (2011) and 'Bang Bang.' I have spent close to a month here every time and it is always fun,” says Katrina, adding, “I love shooting here because it is so peaceful. We did not have the time to go around the city much this time. Besides shooting in four to five locations outside, most of the sequences have been indoors.”

Katrina invited by Ranbir for family dinner!

A

n excitement wave struck birdies in tinsel town when they spotted B-Town's hottest pair Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif caught with entire Kapoor family. Katrina apparently enjoyed a family dinner with her beau's parivar - which included Ranbir's mom Neetu Kapoor, uncle Randhir Kapoor and his grandmother Krishna Kapoor among others. Well, whatever happened to the no-marriage-yet statements by Ranbir and Katrina; these pics indeed hint something...

T

Neha Dhupia says big no to 'Bigg Boss'!

uite a few actresses came to Bollywood after a successful stint in the popular reality show, Bigg Boss, and therefore it came as a big surprise when Neha Dhupia flatly refused to join the show.

The beauty with brains actress, who has made a mark in both commercial and offbeat films spoke in detail about the number game in Bollywood and also Bigg Boss.

Says Neha, "The number game is present in all the fields, it's not just restricted to the Hindi film industry. One can easily witness this phenomena in the corporate sector where there is cut throat competition. But yes, since cinema is a popular media and actors are household names, it is more evident here.

One really has to work hard to stay at the top and perseverance pays. Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir are prime examples."

Reacting to a question about her return to the television Neha said, "I had earlier worked in a TV serial 'Rajdhani' and I will surely work in television if there is a good enough offer.

But I will never participate/appear in a show like Bigg Boss."

I am a geek at heart: Sonakshi Sinha

here is something that gets Bollywood a c t r e s s Sonakshi Sinha excited.

It is nothing but the universe and its secret that gets her thrilled. Sonakshi got onto a microblogging site and wrote, "29%land, 71%water. SO mch v dont knw abt our own planet, what lies in the deep seas, maybe an entire other world! @elonmusk r u listening?" She further wrote, "Always thought mermaids were a fairy tale right?

Watch this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dWE4g33 dwdI ... and have ur mind blown!" She then explained about her love for the universe writing, "in case ur wondering abt the randomness of the last 2 twts, knw this - am a geek at heart who gets v excited abt the secrets of the universe "

Dada Saheb Phalke Pride award for Vivek Oberoi

B

ollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has been named for the prestigious 'Dada Saheb Phalke Pride Award 2015'. Vivek has been awarded this honour for his excellence, dedication and versatility in the field of entertainment.

Vivek shot to fame with debut film 'Company' in 2002, and since then there has been no looking back for the actor.

He was even awarded the Red and White Bravery Award in 2006 for helping re-build a village hit by the Tsunami.

Vivek extended his support to Project Devi, Cancer Patients Aid Association and Banyan, which works towards rehabilitating mentally challenged homeless women.

UK Britain to host Global Lohana Convention for the first time

30

Britain to witness the first ever historical convention from 24- 27 April, for the leading Lohana Community members outside India, in Leicester.

Hosted by the Lohana Community of United Kingdom in association with Shree Lohana Mahaparishad, this Global Convention aims to pave way and make platforms of Lohanas stronger with the wonderful co-operation of community leaders from India and abroad.

Yogesh Lakhani, President of Lohana Mahajan Parishad, is visiting UK with Secretary Rajiv Rawani, Joint Secretary Shashikant Kanani, Auditor Silpan Karia, Committee Member Yamesh Thakrar, Jai Lakhani and Jai Soneta.

Speaking about the conference, Yogeshbhai told Asian Voice, “According to our constitution, this global conference is supposed to take place once in every five years. However after a gap of 24 years, we have organised this first ever Global conference in Britain. We have a legacy of 105 years and in 2013, under my Presidentship, we have had a very successful conference in Ahmedabad.

“I must give credit to Lohana Community UK President Hemubhai Chandrana (ConvenerGlobal Lohana Convention), and Chetan Amlani, Vice President, Leicester Lohana Mahajan for making arrangements for this conference possible in Britain.

“I must also acknowledge the contributions of Jayanti Chandrana, Chairman, Leicester Lohana Mahajan for offering us the Ram Mandir hall free of cost.”

The aims of this con-

Yogesh Lakhani

ference includes helping the needy through education loan, scholarship, medical assistance for thalassemia patients, kidney transplantations, financial and coordination helps for NRI Medical tourism etc.

This Global conference is attended by people from different sectors including youth, women, senior citizens, and 15 people will be felicitated through these awards, including 21 years old Vishal Unadkat.

Chief Guest will be Lord Dolar Popat and Guest of Honor will be Pradip Dhamecha, HKS Retail's Thakrar brothers, Durlabhai Lakhani from Paul vegetables, Madhvani group, Bhanubhai Chandrana and Pravinbhai Kotak, who is the MD and Chairman of the Iskcon group of builders, India and will become the President of Shri Mahajan Parishad in July 2015.

On 27th April, delegates will make their way to Dhamecha Lohana Centre, Wembley, for a 'Meet and Greet' event organised by the Lohana Community of North London, followed by lunch.

Lcnl is also hosting a special International Lohana Networking Event on Monday 27th April 2015 from 12.00 noon to 4.00pm at our DLC Centre in South Harrow.

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Bangladeshis in Britain Conference 2015 Brick Lane Circle's third annual conference on the story of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi people, at home and in the diaspora will take place on Saturday 25th April 2015, 11am-6pm at Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU. There will be many dignitary guest speakers present throughout the day, such as Dr Muhammad Ahmedullah, Dr Ashraf Hoque, Dr Momotaj Islam, Dr Shamim Miah and Dr Shamea Y. Mia. Dr Muhammad Ahmedullah has PhD in Epistemology and Political Theory. He has worked for many years in inner city regeneration programmes in the UK. He is also the secretary pf Brick Lane Circle.

Dr Ashfaq Hoque is a research associate at the Department of Anthropology (UCL) He is also a member of the

core research team of the UCL Democratic Cultures of South Asia project.

Dr Momotaj Islam is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, working in the NHS for over 20 years. She completed her Clinical Doctorate in 2000 and doctorate research was on psychopathy.

Dr Shamim Miah is a senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield. He is the author of Muslims, Schooling and the Question of SelfSegregation.

Dr Shamea Y. Mia completed her PhD in January 2015 at Goldsmith University.

Her thesis was entitled: Navigating Histories- An Exploration of Second Generation High Achieving British Bangladeshi Muslim Young Women Living in North-East London. Free Entry. All Welcome.

Coming Events

lExhibition of Buddhist Paintings from Nepal, by SS Lama Handicrafts. 25Th -26th April 2015, 11am- 7pm. M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery, The Bhavan, Home of Indian Arts, 4A Castletown Road, West Kensington, London W14 9HE. l Samarpan Meditation- 8 evenings of DVD presentation.

Shree Hindu Temple & Comm. Centre. 34 St. Barnabas Road, Leicester Le5 4BD. Monday 27th April- 4th May 2015, 7:30pm- 9:30pm, Free admission l Dementia and Mind Wellbeing Conference Saturday 25th April 2015, The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy, Mitcham Road, Croydon, CR9 3AS 9:30am- 2pm. Light vegetarian lunch served.

To book a free seat, please contact Aruna: 07831 656838 l Marafiki Watu- Gujarati Folk ,Sunday 31st May 2015.

Doors open 4pm. Show time 5pm.

For more details, call Mira: 07737302451

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

You are in a brilliant period for increasing your earning power and you'll be busy taking charge of your finances. Achieving a sense of security becomes a priority. Although there is a lot of sorting out to be done in your relationship sector, it will not phase you as so many issues have already be dealt with.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come. Mentally you will be in top form, perhaps feeling quite passionate about expressing your ideas and views. Indeed, a goal you have been striving towards will at last be reached.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

There is an element of disruption or stress which may be hard to avoid, but it appears that there is a strong sense of purpose in the background. A certain amount of sheer hard graft will be necessary for a short while, but the final result will be extremely pleasing. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time.

This is a good time to cut back on extravagant spending and consolidate your finances. Your social calendar is likely to keep you very busy and you will have lots of opportunities to promote yourself. For some of you this is also a good time to meet like-minded people which could lead to romantic liaisons.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 You know you’ve got no choice but to streamline and reassess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation.

Jupiter in your sign makes you feel invincible, base your decisions on facts.

You are endowed with a level of determination that others sometimes find formidable. Once you set your mind on a goal you stay the course no matter what obstacles you encounter. Some of you will be in a reflective mood and taking stock of your lives. This is a good time to take up yoga and meditation or even take time out for a while.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 It is a favourable time for dealing with financial interests with a longterm basis and all jointly held resources. There may be a certain amount of unfinished business to be dealt with. Therefore you will need to adopt a fairly flexible policy in order to accommodate the odd twists and turns of everyday life.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Mars and Saturn placement in your chart sets a rather challenging theme. Although this gives increased potential for tension and conflict with other people, it also means that you are able to confront issues and sort any problems out. If this involves a close relationship, you can now resolve your differences.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 At work sometimes a little upheaval and chaos is exactly what you need to set things right again. There’s no need to be complacent: the time is now. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector, bringing erratic highs and lows. The key for you as always is to remain calm and collected.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 You have everything to gain by following creative inclinations. If you have new ideas, now is the time to put them into practice. Whatever your present interests you are likely to find that new doors open and the way ahead offers increased scope for expressing your real self. A great time to meet and interact with people.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

The Sun continues to put a spotlight on your solar fourth house. This is a time to recharge yourself, get in touch with your innermost feelings, connect with your roots, and spend more time with your loved ones. Use this opportunity to find ways to improve your family relations and your home environment.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

It’s all about communications, as they take centre stage this week. Regarding love there will be a struggle between devotion and freedom. You need to feel completely consumed by the passion of your lover, and yet you need personal space to explore your own thing.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

Kohli needs to learn from Dhoni: Waugh

Australia's World Cup winning captain Steve Waugh feels Indian star Virat Kohli should learn from Mahendra Singh Dhoni to keep his emotions in check and mature as a captain.

Kohli took over the reigns of Test captaincy from Dhoni, who announced his retirement from the longest format post the third Test against Australia in December.

The Kohli-led India were just able to draw the fourth and final match but lost the series 0-2. Waugh opines that the young leader has a lot to learn.

"Kohli has to mature. He had a few issues this World Cup. He gets a bit too animated, bit too emotional, bit too personal on some issues. As a captain you have got to develop a thick skin and Dhoni has that, nothing gets through him.

So he would be a good role model for Kohli. He has to be his own man but also take a bit of what Dhoni

Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni things," Waugh said. has.

Even Australia have "Dhoni has never been been led by the young bothered about what peoSteven Smith in recent ple say. The external times with Michale things don't influence him.

Clarke's injury making him He just keeps it simple, unavailable for most of the goes about his job in the Australian summer. Clarke best that he can do on the joined the team in the field. I like Kohli's passion.

World Cup only to quit You can't be there starting ODIs after helping every fight when he is a Australia clinch their captain. He has to pull it record fifth 50-over World back. He doesn't have to Cup trophy. Waugh does lose that passion but just not shy away from comhave to be a little more paring Kohli and Smith as smart in the way he does

players and leaders.

"They are different personalities, poles apart, one who has his emotions in check, while the other shows his emotions all the time. Both are great players, Kohli probably has the best technique and may be Smith has best temperament. Both are exceptional talents and they are going to score lot of runs and be leaders for a long time. But there are many things to work on for sure," said Waugh.

Regarding ICC's decision to cut down the number of teams to 10 from 14 next edition, Waugh said: "I like 12 teams. I was impressed with teams like Afghanistan and Ireland. I think the only way they are going to get better is by experience. So I think ICC needs to have shorter games. I thought six weeks was too long. I am disappointed that there will be just two associate teams next year."

In another tragic on-field incident after Phillip Hughes' death last November, a promising Bengal batsman Ankit Keshri on Monday passed away owing to an injury sustained during a Cricket Association of Bengal's senior one-day knock-out match on April 17.

Keshri was in hospital for the past three days and was showing signs of recovery till Sunday evening when he was given oral food. However, in the early hours of Monday morning, Keshri suffered a massive cardiac arrest and was put on ventilator before he was declared dead. The 20-year-old, a talented right-hander, had captained the Bengal U-19 team in Cooch Behar Trophy and was in the 30-

had taken a break. The incident happened at the Salt Lake ground during a one day match between local giants East Bengal and Bhowanipore Club.

"Fielding at sweeper cover, Keshri rushed to take the high catch as leftarm pacer Sourav Mondal too ran on his follow through. It was as freak an accident as possible," Bengal A coach Jaideep Mukherjee, who was present at the ground, said.

After colliding with Mondal, blood spurted out of his mouth as he fell unconscious.

Former Bengal spinner Shivsagar Singh and batsman Anustup Majumdar rushed to attend him. Shivsagar, in fact, tried the mouth to mouth resuscitation by giving him CPR (Cardiac

Pulmonary Resuscitation) after which he started breathing again. He was then taken to the Nightingale nursing home.

Another cricketer hospitalised: A day after the death of Ankit Keshri, another young cricketer, Rahul Ghosh, was on Tuesday hospitalised after sustaining a head injury during a local league match. Ghosh had to be rushed to a hospital after he sustained injury while fielding during the second division league match between his team Kolkata Police and Vijay Sports.

Ghosh, who was fielding in the covers, was injured when the ball hit him. "He has an injury in the left side of the head," Sabyasachi Sen, the attending doctor said.

Young cricketer succumbs to on-field injury

Ankit Keshri member India U-19 probables list for the 2014 Colts World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He was also playing for Bengal A (U-23 side) in CK Nayudu national Championship.

In what can be considered a cruel twist of fate, Keshri was not a part of the playing XI and was the 12th man of the side in the fateful match. He came to replace Railways Ranji allrounder Arnab Nandi, who

Piyush Gudka to Run his 50th Marathon

Piyush Gudka will be running his 50th marathon on 26th April 2015. He moved to London from Mombasa, Kenya in 1972 and took part in his first marathon in 1994. Piyush Gudka was enamoured by the concept of keeping fit and healthy while also raising funds for good causes.

Gudka has participated in marathons all over the world. He has taught and inspired so many along the way.He has inspired, motivated and trained nearly 200 people to run marathons over the last two decades. In total they have raised over half a million pounds in charity while conquering their own personal barriers and limiting beliefs.

Piyush's 50 marathons has taken him to 6 continents, 16 countries and covered most famous and major marathons. In addition, he has run two ultra

Piyush Gudka marathons - the famous Comrades Marathon in South Africa (89km) and the Laugavegur Ultra Trail Run in Iceland (55km), one of the tough-

Gudka dressed as Mahatma Gandhi at the London Marathon (2011)

est trail runs in the world.

Piyush Gudka ran his own health and fitness charity (Fit 4 Nothing)

for 6 years which inseminated improvement of mind and body through exercise. He has now merged the operations with another worthy charity, 'One Cause', whose motto is “Education is the answer to poverty” with a holistic approach to the education according to each individual’s ability and potential.

In 2011, Gudka ran as Mahatma Gandhi at the London Marathon.

When asked about where he draws his inspirations from, Piyush Gudka replies with a quote by Mahatma Gandhi. “I claim to be no more than an average man with less than average abilities. I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith.”

SPORT WORLD

Saina Nehwal regains World No.1 ranking

31

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal regained the number one position in international rankings after China's Li Xuerui dropped a couple of rungs to third in the latest list. Saina, the first Indian woman shuttler to be world number one after her India Open Grand Prix Gold triumph earlier this month, had dropped to the second place following her semifinal finish in the Malaysia Open Super Series.

She skipped last week's Singapore Open Super Series but gained in the rankings after Xuerui also pulled out from the tournament, leading to loss of two positions in the women's singles chart.

Elsewhere, P V Sindhu dropped out of the top 10 and was placed 12th this week after slipping three spots. In the men's rankings, K Srikanth retained the fourth spot, while P Kashyap rose a rung to 14th owing to his semifinal finish in the Singapore Open. H S Prannoy, who ended a quarter-finalist in Singapore, slid one spot to be 15th in the rankings.

IPL Results from April 14 to 20 Match 01.

Date

14 April

Teams

02.

15 April

03.

16 April

KXIP v/s DD at Pune DD won by 5 wickets Brief Scores: DD 169/5(19.5) KXIP 165/7(20)

04.

17 April

05.

18 April

06.

18 April

07.

19 April

08.

19 April

09.

20 April

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

MI v/s RR at Ahmedabad RR won by 7 wickets Brief Scores: RR 165/3(19.1) MI 164/5(20)

SRH v/s RR at Visakhapatnam RR won by 6 wickets Brief Scores: RR 131/4(20) SRH 127/5(20) MI v/s CSK at Mumbai CSK won by 6 wickets Brief Scores: CSK 189/4(16.4) MI 183/7(20)

DD v/s SRH at Visakhapatnam DD won by 4 runs Brief Scores: DD 167/4(20) SRH 163/8(20) KXIP v/s KKR at Pune KKR won by 4 wickets Brief Scores: KKR 159/6(17.5) KXIP 155/9(20) CSK v/s RR at Ahmedabad RR won by 8 wickets Brief Scores: RR 157/2(18.2) CSK 156/4(20) MI v/s RCB at Bangalore MI won by 18 runs Brief Scores: MI 209/7(20) RCB 191/7(20)

DD v/s KKR at Delhi KKR won by 6 wickets Brief Scores: KKR 147/4(18.1) DD 146/8(20)

IPL 2015 point table

IPL RR CSK KKR DD SRH KXIP MI RCB

M 5 4 4 5 4 4 5 3

W 5 3 3 2 1 1 1 1

L 0 1 1 3 3 3 4 2

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NRR 0.545 0.846 0.563 -0.098 -0.318 -0.444 -0.626 -0.648

Pts 10 6 6 4 2 2 2 2

32

SPORT

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th April 2015

KKR bowlers hand DD ninth successive loss

Kolkata Knight Riders' bowlers set up their third win in four games, restricting Delhi Daredevils to 146 for 8. Gautam Gambhir then made his third half-century in four innings to consign the hosts to their ninth successive defeat at Feroz Shah Kotla.

Neither captain was sure at the toss about how the pitch, dry and grassy, would behave. Both wanted to chase; Gambhir won the toss. The ball seemed to come on decently, especially at the start, although Duminy felt the pitch deteriorated as the game progressed.

The Daredevils batsmen fell to poor strokes, and many of them came just when a partnership was starting to build.

Opener Shreyas Iyer played some superb shots off the back foot but having motored to 31 off 24, was bowled after missing a slog at Piyush Chawla.

That ended a third-wicket partnership of 36 with Manoj Tiwary.

Tiwary and Yuvraj

Singh added 37 for the fourth wicket, the highest partnership of the game for Daredevils, but on 32, the Bengal batsman dragged a wide one from Morne Morkel straight to midwicket in the 14th over.

Daredevils dealt themselves another blow in the next over when Yuvraj strolled out after missing a sweep off Chawla and was stumped for 21 off 19.

Angelo Mathews helped

Daredevils take 43 off the last five overs, including 20 off Sunil Narine in the 19th. The offspinner had bowled a couple of tight overs before but was repeatedly slogged over midwicket at the death by Mathews and Kedar Jadhav. Umesh Yadav did not let Daredevils go past 150, giving away just three in the final over.

Gambhir and Robin Uthappa were in control of

the chase when Domnic Joseph removed the latter and Manish Pandey in fifth over, both batsmen trying to force boundaries but failing to clear the fielders.

Suryakumar Yadav clubbed a few boundaries to add 48 with Gambhir, but it was the Knight Riders captain who piloted the chase. Putting away loose deliveries off his pads and finding gaps through the off side,

Gambhir put Knight Riders on course. He is a difficult batsman to stop when he is able to dab singles behind point at will, which is what he did tonight.

Gambhir's fourth-wicket stand of 65 with Yusuf Pathan sealed it for Knight Riders. Yusuf did not look too comfortable at the start, but he lashed out at short balls, and stayed unbeaten on 40 off 26.

India remain No.2 in ODI rankings

Team India has retained its second position in the ODI rankings list after finishing as semifinalists in the recently-concluded ICC Cricket World Cup. With 116 points, India is placed just six points behind world champions Australia, who have garnered 122 rating points to their credit. India is followed by South Africa (112), Sri Lanka (108), New Zealand (107, England (101), Pakistan (95). Pakistan, however, is in danger of losing their seventh place ranking if they lose 0-3 to Bangladesh in the upcoming thee-match ODI series. But they have a chance to reduce England’s six point advantage by one if they win the series 3-0, while a 2-1 victory would see Azhar Ali’s team remain on 95 points.

Meanwhile, three Indian batsmen - Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni figure in the top-10 table for ODI batsmen.