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Swami Ramdevji detained at Heathrow; Keith Vaz comes to rescue

See Page - 5

Indiaborn Prem Watsa bids for BlackBerry

Gujarati film ‘The Good Road’ goes to Oscars

See Page -18

See Page - 25

R ES ER FM SOUFM TH K ER AA ILLA AND

10 Indians among 67 killed in Kenya Mall attack

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The standoff at the Westgate Mall in the Kenyan capital stretched on for the fourth day on Tuesday, with 67 people dead at the hands of AlShabaab terrorists and an unknown number of shoppers being held hostage.

Around 10 Indians were killed in the attack seven of them migrants from Gujarat - that claimed American, Canadian and Chinese casualties as well. An estimated 10 to 15 militant attackers - some of them women, according to President Uhuru Kenyatta - are in the shopping mall holding hostages.

Kenyan security forces stepped up their onslaught against the gunmen to end a siege of Westgate shopping mall frequented by wealthy Kenyans and expatriates in Nairobi.

The final onslaught comes as the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) said at least 67 people have been killed and 63 others remain unaccounted for. Those missing are believed to have been held hostage by the gunmen who on Saturday stormed into the shopping mall. According to security sources, the kidnappers are holding at least 10 hostages at the mall in the continued

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Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary in charge of Internal Security Joseph Ole Lenku said the multiagency security forces, who continued their operations overnight, have rescued a number of hostages from the mall.

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unable to give precise figures at this stage," Lenku said.

"But we can confirm Continued on page 26

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UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Keith Vazwith MP

Robin Barnett CMG

Keith Vaz MP are invited to do things like climb to the top of a shale gas drilling platform.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Poland

Robin arrived in Warsaw in July 2011 to take up his appointment as British Ambassador to Poland. His previous career has concentrated on Central and Eastern Europe and multilateral diplomacy. This is his third posting to Poland which he remembers from the times of both martial law and NATO accession. Robin’s third arrival coincided with Poland’s first ever EU Presidency.

He began his career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1980 as Desk Officer for Indonesia and the Philippines. In addition to Poland, he has been posted to Vienna, New York and Bucharest, where he was Ambassador. He has also served as Director of UK Visas and Managing Director of the Business Group in UK Trade and Investment Robin studied Law at Birmingham University. He has a son and a stepson and is a great admirer of Sir Alex Ferguson and a supporter of Manchester United.

1) Please tell me about your current position?

I am Ambassador to Poland, an important EU and NATO member state and Regional Director of the Foreign Office Central European Network, which covers nine EU member states and offers emerging market potential for UK companies close to home.

mark the end of the Cold War and that agreed the declaration at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, which did much for women’s rights.

More recently, I have been proud to be Ambassador to Romania and Poland and to contribute to developing bilateral relations with two key allies.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

They include being part of the UK teams that helped conclude the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, which helped

3) What inspires you?

Being able to help make a difference whether in political, business or human terms. Two examples. Working with a great team to improve to way we

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

Sir Richard Stagg, our current Ambassador to Afghanistan, who taught me that branching into new areas of work like immigration and trade and investment would make my career even more interesting and rewarding and make me a better diplomat too.

provide support to British business in Central Europe and thus increase exports is very motivating. Supporting a charity that helps young survivors of cancer in Romania. Both the survivors and those who support them are truly inspiring individuals.

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

There have frankly been remarkably few. But I have always envied colleagues who can speak a range of foreign languages well, even if they rarely use them. And vertigo can be an obstacle when you

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

The opportunity to engage positively with so many impressive Poles from all walks of life right across the country as I work to deliver UK objectives. If I had to choose one group, it is a special privilege to be able to meet regularly with some of Poland’s remarkable Second World War veterans, many of whom fought side by side with their British comrades to defend freedom.

7) And the worst?

The effect on my waistline of too much delicious Polish food!

It means that I have to climb on

Vince Cable blames Britons for holding toxic views on immigration

Business Minister Vince Cable at the Liberal Democrat party conference told the activists that the public opinion on immigration is ‘toxic’, which allegedly hinders politicians to make a sensible, business based case for immigration, the British South Indians have reported.

Mr Cable addressing a fringe meeting at the conference in Glasgow said that it was difficult to make an economically rational case for immigration ‘we are dealing with an absolutely toxic public opinion’.

He added that foreign workers are essential and vital for the British economy and that the international students make a valuable contribution of about £12bn a year to the UK economy. However, he has found that his pro-immigration views have met with opposition in the press, and from within government.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron had promised to cut immigration.

Since 2010, UK’s net annual immigration level has fallen from

Vince Cable

about 250,000 to about 150,000.

The government has announced that it intends to hold a pilot security bond scheme for visa applicants from six ‘high risk countries’ which include India, Nigeria and Pakistan.

Some applicants will be asked to pay a bond of up to £3,000 which will only be refunded once the visa holder has left the country. The pilot will be held in November. Though the Times of India has reported that the

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8) What are your long term goals?

Professionally, to continue to enjoy my incredibly rewarding career. There has never been a really dull moment. Personally, to visit some of the far flung places like Latin America that have eluded me so far.

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

I am an apolitical civil servant.

But If I was Prime Minister for a day, my focus would be on reinforcing the global legacy from the remarkable London 2012 Paralympic Games. Both the British and Polish teams performed outstandingly and the games were a huge success.

But they were also a reminder that there is so much more to do to help improve the lives of disabled people around the world.

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

I would choose Sir Winston Churchill. He was a participant in most of the events that shaped the twentieth century and the modern world. Equally importantly, his sense of humour would help the time pass much faster, even if I am no fan of cigar smoke!

Work hard, party harder

outgoing Indian High Commissioner Dr Jaimini Bhagwati believes that this bond will not come to force in the future.

The government has also announced an Immigration Bill which should be introduced later in 2013. It will introduce further measures. Among these is a proposal to make foreign nationals living in the UK pay an annual levy of £200 to pay for their healthcare in the UK. Students will have to pay this fee too. Mr Cable said it was very difficult to make the business case for immigration because opinion polls continuously show that the UK public considers immigration to be an important issue for voters.

Mr Cable also said that the Liberal Democrats have been arguing against the Conservatives behind closed doors and have succeeding in getting them to tone down some of their plans. He told the Liberal Democrat activists that, without Liberal Democrat intervention, the cuts would have been much deeper.

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After the Labour party conference speeches, the real party begins: Labour MPs Keith Vaz and Ed Balls show off their dance moves

Mr Balls was joined by wife Yvette Cooper at the bash

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

COMMENT

Is this the light at the end of the tunnel?

Mukesh Ambani, CEO of Reliance Industries, cautioned his fellow Indians against surrendering to “gloom and doom” apropos on the country’s slowing economy. Better times were round the corner, he said. The media, with a stack of quotes at the ready from stock brokers, hedge fund managers and money changers out to make fast buck, appeared to hold-centre, as doomsayers normally do, but the best reality checks are made by the true economic drivers, of whom Mr Ambani is an outstanding example. Early signs of an Indian turnaround were evident within the first days of this month, starting with the arrival of Raghuram Rajan as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), who hit ground running with a tranche of reforms to kickstart the economy. We live, however in a globalized world, with economic performance in one of its parts influencing outcomes in others. So it was that when the US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that there would be no quantitative easing in his country’s $85 billion monthly input, that is to say, its stimulus package, markets around the world, particularly in Asia including India, responded with newly found exuberance.

When America, with the world’s largest economy, sneezes, most nations catch cold; if America smiles, the others give way to joyous laughter.

India was no exception. The rupee recorded its second-highest gain ever and the Sensex rise was its highest in four years. Investor’s wealth measured in terms of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE’s) market capitalization, grew by Rs1.9 lakh crore to Rs65.5 lakh crore, making India a member once more of the 1 trillion market cap club. Net Foreign Institutional Investor (FII)) inflows reached Rs 3,444 crore, one of the highest recorded in recent

times. The rupee appreciated 161 paise against the US dollar to 61.78 from its previous close of 63.39.

This was heady stuff, when RBI Governor stepped in to apply the brakes. The champagne would cease to flow, heads would have to clear, as figures showed that inflations levels were still too high.

Inflation had to be reined in, prices tamed, for growth to be meaningful. Mr Rajan weighed up his options; he raised the repo rate, at which the RBI lends to banks, by 25 basic points to 7.5 per cent.

The minimum daily cash reserve ratio was cut to 95 per cent from 99 per cent. The RBI’s lending rate remained untouched; hence the interest on loans and mortgages would be where they were for the past year. Stocks, bonds and rupee fell, reflecting disappointed market sentiment. Mr Rajan, forced to take a tough call, refused to blink. Spectacular growth on a relative weak platforms can give rise to bubbles. These tend to burst and the good times become bad in a trice, before they have time to takeoff. A more telling analogy would be a giant ocean liner making a turn in turbulent waters: a precipitate movement could capsize the vessel; a controlled switch-over is a safer bet. So it is with the Indian economy. There is currently a great deal of volatility in the market. A change of gears is better done with the overall picture in sight. Mr Rajan had the US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to thank for continuing with his high stimulus package, for the buoyancy it brought to the Indian market. It was thus right and proper for the RBI Governor to opt for consolidation before moving forward to an overheating stimulus package of his own and the perils this might entail.

There is enough economic activity in India to keep the ship on course.

The majesty of English law has provided its manifold fruits for kindred legal systems in India and America elsewhere to savour and grow. Cases and judgments in British courts of law have been (and are) used as points of reference throughout much of the democratic world. But for how long, alas.

For courts in the UK are increasingly given to examining and adjudicating on such issues as the right of a Muslim woman to wear a niqaab (or fully clad burkha) in school classrooms, witness stands, airport immigration desks, police stations and come the day, as judge, advocate and juror, not to speak of the validity of Sharia law in the Queen’s realm. Midsummer night dream or nightmare? Does the writ of land no longer run in certain corners of England’s green and pleasant land?

If the Sharia is to prevail, is capital punishment and public flogging to become the accepted norm in the ghettos of Birmingham and Bradford?

Judge Peter Murphy delivered a landmark judgment on September 16 on the case of a 21 year-old Muslim woman (referred by him as D) who appeared in his court as defendant in a case of witness intimidation. Judge Murphy examined the case with exemplary fairness, sympathy and courtesy, referring to the provisions of Sharia law without prejudice, and to Islamic jurisprudence, where relevant. But a more fundamental question must surely be posed. In a globalized world people of different religious faiths and ethnicities are

given increasingly to making their homes in a variety of societies, mostly in the affluent West. Are the newcomers under no obligation to respect the laws and social standards of their hosts? After all, their migration took place in search for a more comfortable lifestyle, hence their journey to greener pastures was undertaken of their own volition, surely. The countries whence they came are largely ignorant of habeas corpus and civil liberties; where oppression of religious minorities is rife, where entrenched ways conflict with the requirements of modern education and science. The bombing of a Christian church in Pakistan at the weekend has left 83 worshippers dead and nearly 200 injured; a similar bombing in a shia locality in Baghdad claimed 65 lives, while a concurrent jihadi attack on a shopping mall in the centre of Nairobi has claimed numerous innocent lives, reinforcing a growing perception of depravity masquerading as civilization, of twined nihilism and anarchy. From beyond the Islamic world have come considerable numbers of people to Europe and North America in search of a secure and prosperous future. They have little discomfort adjusting to the values and practices of the host community and grafting these to their inherited traditions. The obdurate refusal to adjust leads inevitably to resentment, avoidable social tensions and cumbustion. Lessons still to be learned are by those who need them most.

The election in Sri Lanka’s Tamil-populated Jaffna area in the country’ north east, for which there was an impressive 70 per cent voter turnout, resulting in a comprehensive victory for the regional Tamil party. This democratic exercise is much to be welcomed; so also is construction of new housing to rehabilitate Tamil refugees made homeless by the country’s long civil war. Commercial activity in the region bodes well for the country’s future. Dark spots, however, remain. The massive army and police presence in the area bred fear and resentment. Until this is properly addressed by the Colombo government, Sri Lanka will not be restored to full political health. Across the water in India’s Tamil Nadu state, the two major political parties, the opposition DMK and the ruling AIDMK are engaged in an auction of extremism, of playing to the gallery in the hope of winning votes in state and national elections. Both parties upped the ante by opposing the presence of Sri Lankan cricketers in Chennai during the last IPL tournament, much to the shame and embarrass-

ment of the rest of India. The DMK and AIDMK have now gone further, demanding that the Government of India boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Colombo shortly. This has drawn a sharp rebuke from former Sri Lankan Supreme Court judge C.V. Wigneswaran, a Tamil candidate who is likely to become the region’s first elected chief minister.

“I am not for this business of boycotting,” he said. “We must have the courage of conviction to tell the Sri Lankan government” the wrongs it has done and how these can be redressed. “It is better you say it at the CHOGM rather than keep away.”

He accused the Tamil Nadu parties of treating the Sri Lankan Tamil issue “like a tennis ball.” Mr Wigneswaran said India owed it to Sri Lanka’s Tamil community to help revive democratic institutions. “We especially need the support of South India,” he said. To ignore an opening to talk is to miss an important step towards an enduring peace.

Sri Lanka’s masses deserve better.

3 Thinking is skilled work. It is not true that we are naturally endowed with the ability to think clearly and logically - without learning how or without practising

- Alfred Mander (1947)

“Our London” Navin Shah

GLA Member for Brent and Harrow

Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj celebration time I attend a number of diverse events of which few are memorable ones - the ones that touch your heart! Last week the event at Kadwa Patidar Hall was one of those unique ones which will remain with me for ever.

Rule of law is fundamental to a modern democracy

Rays of light in Sri Lanka’s North East

Birthday celebrations come and go but the celebration of 82nd birthday of Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj last week (19 September) was truly a big occasion. Big, not for the vast number of people from across the world who attended the celebration. Big not because of the big name community leaders and politicians attended. It was a huge and remarkable occasion simply because of the message that Swamiji conveyed to the devotees and wellwishers. Having met Swamiji on many an occasions and attended such gatherings before I pretty much knew what to expect but the last week’s experience was an exceptional one.

The first message for the politicians like me was a key one. Swamiji referred to the politicians who make a great deal about ‘transparen-

cy’. He agreed how important this was but said for him transparency was like a building - a building with windows and the windows of his building were always wide open. See what you want to! It is important that every one was as honest and open as that.

Swamiji has no pretence and is full of laughter which was on display all evening. He was due to retire on a couple of occasions (to have some rest) but given his commitment and how much he enjoyed he stayed on and ‘entertained’ all of us. He asked everyone to laugh and keep smiling because he said ‘laughter and smile are your own property’.

Swamiji talked about how people have to face / put up with setbacks in life due to the circumstances like the misfortune and poverty. But he said those with wealth should also learn to persevere and use the wealth for ‘seva’ (service to human kind).

Another interesting comment from the Swami was about ‘Roti’ (Bread/Food).

When Bollywood deals with roti, it addresses material values – roti, kapda and makan (bread, clothes and property/house) but Guruji said ‘Roti is a passage to Lord Rama’.

When one is well fed the link to spirituality becomes easier – empty stomach is no good to anyone.

Continued on page 6

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MIDLANDS VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Big Lottery lands in Thirteen Charity groups

Thirteen charity and community groups have won a share in a £250,000 Big Lottery jackpot. Sixteen organisations placed bids in the summer for a share in the bumper lottery pot and those which secured the highest number of votes were awarded a share in the bumper pay out.

The winners include a group which wants to combat heart disease in the south Asian community, another wanting to set up a choir among 3,000 carers and another which supports the homeless. The Confederation of Indian Organisations, in Belgrave, received £10,206 for its health project.

Project co-ordinator Vinod Kotecha said: "We are very excited to have been awarded this grant. It will help us in a very important health project aimed at 10,000 people from South Asia. Over the next 12 months, will raise the issues of heart disease in the community, looking at healthier life styles and diet."

Maureen O'Malley, of Leicestershire Carers Choirs project, said: "We are delighted to have been selected to receive £19,092. It will enable us to

chosen to receive a share of £250,000 in Lottery funding.

It's wonderful to be able to fund such a range of projects, from art classes and exhibitions to advice services, from renovations of community buildings to health projects. This variety speaks to the diverse communities in Leicester and reflects the issues in the area. I am heartened to see so many examples of how people-powered change is underway in your own neighbourhoods.

From left, Vinod Kotecha, project co-ordinator, Chanduehbhai Sonecha, user, and board member Don't let it stop here, hopefully Dinesh Pathak the projects which have benefited will inspire you to unleash establish a real choir for carers and teach your community spirit, which has them a new skill. It will be open to carhelped today's winners put their aspiraers of all ages. We are looking at both tions into action." men and women to join up."

The bids for the money were coDharmendra Kanani, Big Lottery ordinated by the Leicestershire, Fund England director, said: Leicester and Rutland Community "Congratulations to The Bridge: Foundation. Foundation chief executive Homelessness to Hope and Katy Green said: "We are delighted Big Leicestershire Carers Choirs, just two of Lottery has put this level of investment the 13 of outstanding projects which into our area." readers of the Leicester Mercury have

Ofsted investigates claims Muslim school orders staff to wear hijab

Inspectors will be sent into a Muslim school that orders non-Muslim female staff to wear the hijab and segregates girls from boys amid concerns about its quality of teaching. Michael Gove has ordered Ofsted to immediately investigate Al-Madinah School after reports revealed lessons are being replaced by prayers.

The school in Derby, which opened last year, was due to have its first inspection later this term but the quality of teaching and leadership will now be scrutinised as a matter of urgency.

Possible outcomes include it being given the lowest possible rating of ‘inadequate’ and placed in special measures.

The Secretary of State acted as critics warned similar practices could spread to other free schools, which are state funded but operate outside local authority control.

The revelations have been embarrassing for Mr Gove,

who introduced the schools in 2010 to raise the standard of education.

Insiders at Al-Madinah School say it has become increasingly religious since opening. Teachers claim this has led to children’s education suffering. Girls allegedly have to sit at the back of the class and give up their place at the front of queues to boys.

Stringed instruments,

singing, reading fairy tales and even using the word ‘pig’ are banned, according to staff, who say they are also obliged to wear headscarves.

Pressure groups and education experts said failure to take action Al-Madinah School would promote segety. If they’re not getting that regation – and encourage at school then they’re not getother Islamic free schools to ting it anywhere.’ follow Al-Madinah’s extreme A message posted on the model. They also warned that school’s website by interim the way female pupils were principal Stuart Wilson said: being treated could end up ‘There are a number of damaging their sense of selfrumours circulating that are worth. worrying parents. The school Margaret Morrissey, from is not going to shut down.’ pressure group Parents But a Department for Outloud, said: ‘This is going Education spokesman said: to make life extremely diffi‘These allegations are very cult for female pupils. All the worrying. The DfE will not time they are being told they hesitate to take whatever are second-class citizens. It is action is necessary to prevent promoting a segregated sociereligious intolerance or any ty. Children have to underbreaking of the rules for free stand how to live in our socischools.’

Teen charged with murder of student Azim Azam

Birmingham: A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of college student Azim Azam, who was stabbed to death on the day he was due to start studying at Bournville College.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, is from Kings Heath and will appear at Birmingham Youth Court. West Midlands Police charged the youth over the murder of 16-yearold Azim on Wednesday evening (Sept 18).

Azim was attacked after getting off a bus in Yardley Wood Road, Moseley, on Monday morning.

On Tuesday, Azim's devastated family paid tribute to him.

West Midlands Police released a statement by the family on Tuesday: “Azim was a lovely young lad who was full of life. He was a

they are clever or big by carrying knives? We have lost a loved one. Finally, we would thank all family and friends for the support and please help us- if you have any idea of what has happened please tell the police. Rest in peace Azim; may Allah grant you a

Azim Azam

bubbly character and all family and friends who knew him were aware of his friendly nature. He was looking forward to going to college to embark on a new chapter of his life. We still can’t get around the fact that someone can be so cruel and heartless enough to take a fellow human life. How can people go around thinking

place in Heaven.”

The scene where Azim collapsed has been turned into a shrine. Scores of flower bouquets have been left at the scene and more than 6,500 people have joined a Facebook tribute site.

3 year old's 'swollen tummy’ is a rare genetic disorder Birmingham: Aadam Asif, pictured, was diagnosed with the genetic Niemann-Pick, Type B, which is very rare and sadly has no cure. The life-limiting condition can lead to feeding difficulties, jaundice, liver failure, loss of motor skills and slurred speech.

Aadam Asif’s family became worried when he seemed to be suffering from a swollen tummy. His parents had visited the family GP, who they said told them there was nothing to worry about.

But when other symptoms began when Aadam started school his dad Mohammed, from Moseley, was determined to find out what was wrong.

“His tummy felt quite solid to touch,” says Mohammed.

“It was a little pot belly but we now know this was caused by an enlarged liver and spleen. Aadam was also very small in size, the smallest in his class and he didn’t have the strength that other kids had. His breathing was heavy too.”

After visiting his GP again, Aadam, who is now eight, was referred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for blood tests and Xrays. The family returned to get the results and found seven specialists in the room ready to break the news that the toddler had a genetic condition.

“When you are told that devastating news it doesn’t hit you straight away. It is such a shock. Aadam was seven years old by the time of his diagnosis and by then it was more noticeable that there was something wrong with him. There is no treatment and no cure – you just have to manage the condition and look after him.”

Sikh entrepreneur's plans for a nightclub by a temple are scrapped

Birmingham: A well-known Sikh entrepreneur in the UK has faced a backlash from the community and a Sikh councillor for making a proposal, that was later dismissed, to convert a public house building near a Sikh temple, on Soho Road, Birmingham into a stripping and dancing club, Times of India reports.

H. Singh Sidhu's request to set up a Gentlemen's Club, that provides entertainment for gambling, dancing and parlour games at Barrel Public House, was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate of Birmingham on April 12 this year.

The Inspectorate's decision said the club would represent an "inappropriate and incompatible use" of the shopping centre that principally provides a shopping function and is at the heart of the local community, with several education, social, health, community, cultural and religious and faith facilities.

“I conclude that the appeal scheme of the club involves the risk of crime and unsocial behaviour as, which cater for the diverse community in this area”, said inspector Stephen J Pratt, who was appointed by the state for communities and local government.

The club proposal, that was made last year in October, was first challenged by Birmingham city councillor Narinder Kaur Kooner. Kooner, who has been the city councillor since 2006, had written to the Planning committee of the city that the club would have a negative impact on the neighbouring residential amenity which is in closeby.

'Most of the occupants at these properties are known to be young families. There are also religious places of worship near the front of the site and also near the rear these operate 24 hours a day' she said. She is now taking up the cause of similar temples of faith facing the menace of clubs in the neighbourhood.

UK

Swami Ramdevji detained British entrepreneurs at Heathrow Airport helped to start a business without explanation

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Asian community, followers and MPs express concerns and demand justification from Home Office

World renowned Spiritual Leader Swami Ramdevji (also famously known as Baba Ramdevji) was stopped from entering Britain, his supporters have revealed.

Swami Ramdevji, reached London on Friday, 20th September 2013. But he was stopped at the Heathrow Airport and detained for more than eight hours after arriving from India by a British Airways flight for a series of events where he was to be keynote speaker. He was questioned for almost 8 hours by the Immigration Officials after allegedly a red alert was issued. Red Alerts are normally associated with people of high risk and terrorist subjects.

Ramdevji, who has 85 million strong worldwide following, was given a 24hour visa and instructed to return to Heathrow Terminal 5 on Saturday afternoon, while his supporters and organisers feared that he will be

An embrace of gratitude, victory and joy: Swami Ramdevji hugs Keith Vaz, MP, standing amongst followers and his UK tour organiser outside Terminal 5, after he was allowed to stay back in the UK on Saturday

Officer, which concluded swiftly with a positive result and a relief for Swamiji's hundreds of followers.

Emerging from the meeting Mr Vaz expressed his disappointment that Baba Ramdev had been held by immigration. He reportedly said, "It is still a matter of concern to his many supporters and thousands of people who couldn't be here today

hours at Heathrow. He was not carrying anything with him except a small bag of personal effects...Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust devotees and Executive members feared that he would be deported from the UK on his arrival back to the Airport. As news of Swami Ramdevji’s detention spread, over 500 people arrived at the airport to lend their moral sup-

Outside Heathrow terminal 5, followers and UK Tour organiser Sanjay Jagatia rejoice Ramdev’s permission to stay back in the UK

asked to leave Britain.

The organisers of his visit reportedly said they contacted Councillors, local MPs, Hindu temples throughout the UK asking for supporters to protest at the airport against the move.

Though there was no explanation given by the Immigration officials, it has been alleged by sources that the detention was either related to some 'suspicious' contents of Swamiji's suitcase including Sanskrit books and herbs with medicinal values, or his visa that did not correctly explain the purpose of this visit as business.

While the fans waited outside Terminal 5 with bated breath, the 47-yearold swami arrived at the airport with Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East and Chair of the Home Affairs Committee, for a meeting with the UK's Chief Immigration

that he should have been treated in the way he was treated when he arrived at Heathrow."

Mr Vaz added, "No Indian citizen with a valid visa entering the UK for lawful purposes should be held in this way. This is a very serious situation that occurred." He said that he would continued to pursue a fuller explanation and find out how the Red Alert was instigated in the first place.

Swami Ramdevji, has been visiting the UK for over 6 years and did not have any issues before regarding his entry nor has he ever been refused a visa. He claimed that he could have been targeted by the Indian Authorities for speaking out about corruption back home.

Sanjay Jagatia, Swamiji's UK Tour organiser in a statement told Asian Voice, "It was not clear why Swamiji was detained for over eight

port and also protest to demand that Swami Ramdevji be allowed to enter the UK in the normal way according to his original visa."

Labour Members of Parliament, Seema Malhotra MP and Jon Ashworth MP also offered their help to ensure that this issue is raised at the highest level and the reasons effectively communicated to everyone.

A Home Office spokeswoman when asked to clarify the action reportedly said: "We would not comment on individual cases."

Kanti Nagda from Sangat Community Centre has also written to the Home Secretary, demanding explanation for this treatment and also has sent a copy of the letter to Bob Blackman MP to investigate further on behalf of his constituents.

Aspiring entrepreneurs from across Britain will get financial backing from the Government under a £69m package of support that will help create tens of thousands of new businesses, David Cameron announced on Thursday 12th September.

The Prime Minister is determined to help people who want to strike out on their own, helping small businesses to get on, while creating jobs and a boost to the economy.

Over 30,000 new businesses have been created support from with Government schemes in the last two years alone.

The new funding will build on this momentum and includes: • Business mentoring and funding for people who are unemployed but want to start up a company. The New Enterprise Allowance will be extended for new starters up until the end of 2014, providing an additional 60,000 mentoring places for claimants. The scheme has already help to create more than 26,000 businesses.

• £34m for Start-Up Loans that will support around 7,600 businesses.

The scheme has already proved incredibly popular with around 35,000 people formally registering an interest in a loan and nearly 8000 start-ups helped.

The Prime Minister hosted a Downing Street reception to celebrate British enterprise on Thursday 12th that was attended by over 70 new British businesses who have benefited from the New Enterprise Allowance and Start Up Loan schemes.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I am determined to do all I can to support the British economy and that includes helping small businesses and budding

5

Arganic founder Dana Elemara with David Cameron

entrepreneurs to get on. In the last two years we have helped tens of thousands of people to turn their ideas into a viable business, and this additional support will help thousands more.

“My message is simple: if you have drive, determination and are prepared to work hard, we will back you.”

The number of people in the UK involved in setting up or running a new business has increased in recent years and the Government wants to ensure that continues.

The Start-Up Loan scheme helps people to get their business ideas off the ground with a loan of typically around £4,500 and mentoring support. The new funding will ensure there are more loans for those over 30 and specific support for ex-Service personnel. The scheme will also be rolled out in Scotland and Wales.

The New Enterprise Allowance offers expert business mentoring and financial support to people living on benefits and has been behind a wide range of new ventures since it was introduced in 2011, with the most recent statistics showing

around 2,000 new businesses being set up every month. Referrals to the scheme were due to end in September but will now continue for a further 15 months until the end of December 2014.

Speaking to entrepreneurs and new businesses at Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “I think it’s an exciting time for our economy, it’s an exciting time for our country. It’s always daunting starting a business and setting out but this is a government that wants to help you every step of the way. That’s what Start-Up Loans is about, that’s what the New Enterprise Allowance is about. But the biggest congratulations to those of you who’ve taken this big, sometimes quite frightening decision, to step outside the typical job or to step outside the typical career and say ‘I want to do this by myself, I want to make my dream a reality’ and I have massive respect for that.

You’re doing a great thing for yourself; you’re doing an even greater thing for our country.

Thank you very much indeed.”

Two men arrested after Sri Lankan plane diverted from Heathrow SriLankan Airlines flight was forced to land at Stansted after a passenger claimed he heard 'something' was in the luggage hold. A man is in hospital and another is in police custody after the passenger jet with 267 people on board was forced to make an emergency landing at Stansted airport. The SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330 from Colombo was due to land at Heathrow but was diverted to Stansted in Essex just after 7.30pm on Friday. Reports have said that the scare occurred after a passenger was overheard claiming there was "something" in the plane's luggage hold. Once the air-

craft touched down police boarded the aircraft and two British

men, aged 49 and 57, were arrested. Police are still investigating.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Ready for Sunidhi?

Spriha Srivastava

Rock on Music once again brings another absolutely amazing show of the year. This time it's none other than famous celebrity singer Sunidhi Chauhan. I attended a press conference organised by Rock On Music last week in London where Sunidhi came to talk about her show.

Conceptualised by Vijay Bhola od Rock On Music, Sunidhi's UK tour consists of gigs in Manchester, Leicester and the grand finale at the famous Royal Albert Hall where she will entertain he audiences with her famous numbers like 'Beedi', 'Sheila Ki Jawani' and 'Ishq Sufiyaana'.

In her own words - "I feel very honoured and privileged to be able to perform at the famous Royal Albert Hall," said Sunidhi.

But before going ahead with what the programme is about, let's know a little bit about the singer herself.

Sunidhi began to sing at the age of four and was discovered by a local TV anchor. She won recognition through a televised singing contest, Meri Awaz Suno, which she won, and made her entrance into playback singing with the Hindi film Shastra.

Her breakthrough was Ram Gopal Varma's film Mast, in which she sang the hit song "Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi." She has been nominated for fourteen Filmfare Awards, winning it on two occasions as well as a Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent. She has won two Star Screen Awards, two IIFA Awards and one Zee Cine Awards.

She started her

Sunidhi Chauhan

singing career as a child, giving her first performance at the age of four, in a local temple in Delhi.

She did her early studies in Greenway Modern School, Dilshad Garden in Delhi. Thereafter, she began to participate in, and sing for, competitions and local gatherings. When the famous stage and TV anchor Tabassum spotted her talent, she made her sing live in her show Tabassum Hit Parade and asked her family to shift to Mumbai. Tabassum then introduced her to Kalyanji and Anandji Bhai. Her family shifted to Mumbai in a bid to further develop the young singer's skills, and Chauhan became the lead singer in Kalyanji's 'Little Wonders' troupe.

Recognition first met her in 1996, through the music show Meri Aawaz Suno — the first such televised contest in India — which was broadcast through the Indian national television channel, Doordarshan. She

won the competition and bagged the top prize of recording an album, Aira Ghaira Nathu Khaira, with HMV. Sunidhi stepped into the world of playback singing with the 1996 Bollywood film, Shastra after Aadesh Srivastava asked her to lend her voice to the song "Larki Deewaani Dekho, Ladka Deewaana." She followed it with work in films like Gang, Veergati, Dahek, Bade Dilwala, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and Samar. By the age of nineteen, Chauhan had lent her voice to over 350 songs Now coming back to her UK tour, well, that's going to be one big and electrifying show especially because her songs are extremely popular and she truly is a rockstar when it comes to music.

And there's another reason - well, bollywood is celebrating 100 years of cinema and Sunidhi through her concert plans to pay tribute to the biggies of Bollywood music. So if you are a fan of not just Sunidhi Chauhan but also Bollywood music then this is your chance to attend and enjoy.

For those of you who still haven't purchased tickets, do so by logging on to www.sunidhilive.com Sunidhi Chauhan debut performance at the Prestigious Royal Albert Hall on the 27th September 2013!

A show not to be missed. For more details see: www.rockonmusicuk.com Twitter: RockOnMusicLtd, Facebook: Rock On Music, YouTube: RockOnMusicltd

Christie's to host first sale in India

Christie's, an art business and a fine arts auction house, has announced that its inaugural South Asian Art sale will be held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai on Thursday, 19 December, 2013 with a preview exhibition at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi from December 6-9. The sale will be held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, which has always played an important role in the cultural activities of the city.

Hugo Weihe, Christie's International Director of Asian Art, said: “After such a fantastic conclusion to our sales in New York this week, we can now turn our full attention to the preparations for Christie s inaugural South Asian Art sale in Mumbai, in exactly three months-time. Having supported the art scene in India throughout our 20 years based in Mumbai, more recently we have worked with the India Art Fair, which we will be supporting again in 2014, and partnered with the British Council for Homelands

- their travelling exhibition around India. These events, combined with the support of clients and colleagues based in India gave us the confidence to move forward with our plans to hold a sale domestically. The sale will be held in Mumbai, and will also preview in New Delhi, with both events hosted at the Taj Hotels. We are making a long term commitment to supporting the already vibrant art market in India and are much looking forward to playing a more active part.�

The first sale in India will concentrate on South Asian Art Modern and Contemporary Art, a category for which Christie s holds the record for both Modern and Contemporary works of art sold at auction: the first achieved in June 2010, when Saurashtra, 1983,

by Syed Haidar Raza sold for over $3.4 million and the second established this May 2013 when Bharti Kher s, The Skin Speaks a Language Not its own sold for over $ 1.7 million.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

The Future of India

My speech at an event about the future of India with Baba Ramdev: “An individual was falsely imprisoned yesterday. Wrongly imprisoned. That individual was abused.

That individual is a Hindu. There was no respect shown that that person was Hindu. After help from many many people working very hard - That person was also freed yesterday – that person was a 15 year old Hindu girl released from a brothel, held as a slave, in Mumbai where she had been held for years as a sex slave. In Mumbai. In India. NOT Hindustan. In India.

India is not a free country. She does not have independence until she stops enslaving her women and children. 50% of India’s children are malnourished. That is not independence. What freedom is that?

It was British educated Indians who led the Freedom movement – Nehru, Jinnah, Gandhiji and Sardar Patel. British educated. Any list of the greatest men ever to have lived since Jesus Christ would have on it the name Sardar Patel. I challenge you to tell me I am wrong.

Because largest democracy in history he put together. We are from Briton again fighting for India’s independence. Feed the children, educate them, free the girls and women.

Today in one way or other is about the future Independence of India and the role of British Indians in that future. It is no excuse to say, but I live in Britain or America.

The fight continues. India make no mistake it is British Indians who continue fighting for Indian independence. That is your destiny to be Freedom Fighters – free the girls, free the children. And then you follow in the footstepts of Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi.

The British Queen is called the Defender of the Faith because of her Royal Bloodline. We too come from a

Royal bloodline. The Bloodline of Lord Ram. He is Royal Too. We Too Are Defenders of the Faith. That is what today is about. It is no excuse to say, but I live in Britain or America.

Here we gather to make speeches for each other, whilst out there Hindu girls live as slaves in brothels and slums. Our children go malnourished in an “Independent� India. Yet again, the call to arms, to fight falls on British educated Indians to fight for an Independent India – will be worthy to carry forth the name Indian.

If we do not look after the souls of our people, be not surprised if their souls are lost to our faith as they lose their faith in us. We will only have ourselves to blame for the demise of our religion if we cannot do our duty. So let us prove our royal bloodline to be sons of Ram and daughters of Sita today.

Remember. Hindus are warriors. They are fighters. Whether it is in the Mahabharat, the Gita, or Ram, Krishna or Arjun – our stories and legends are of war. But ours is not a faith that is about war against other peoples. It is about fighting for justice. For doing right. And then we are truly the children of Ram and Sita . Let us not forget we fought for British Independence in the Second World War. Largest volunteer army assembled in the history of the world to fight for right and justice. The Victoria Crosses for bravery we all ours though.

If you want Ram Raj tell them to free Sita. She is a 15 year old abducted girl in Mumbai. Save her and you save the nation and we save our souls. Save the world. You prove the world’s largest democracy, by the people, for the people, exists.

Manifest God himself, save our faith, save the nation by acting as if we are part of that Royal bloodline. Be Defenders of our faith. Fight for Indian independence.

That is what today is about.

Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj celebration time Continued from page 3 Swamiji is a messenger of Shankaracharya and proudly talked about ‘Bharatiya Sanskriti’ (the Indian Culture) with a special reference to secular India. He paid a significant tribute to the Indian community in the UK whom he referred as ‘Ambassadors’ of Hindus and India because of their active engagement in promoting the hindu values, cultural & religious celebrations and contribution made by our communities worldwide.

Thankfully, unlike most community events, the gathering was spared of any speeches from politicians and the entire evening was focused on Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj’s birthday celebrations. The key highlights being the spirited and humorous renderings from Swamiji and special Maharastrian flavour to the occasion with Swamiji wearing traditional maharastrian costumes and looking very impressive! Last but not

least a huge thank you to Samanvaya Parivar Harrow who organised this satsang (a family occasion) and their generous donations to the local charities. I remain a dedi-

cated friend of Samnvaya Parivar and my personal thanks to Shri Lalitbhai Thakrar for his total commitment to Swamiji and everything that Samnvaya Parivar stands for.

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UK

Faith leaders demand better tax breaks for married couples

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013 Zee tv will telecast the Asian Achievers Awards on 28 September at 5:30pm. Asian Achievers Awards which is in its 13th year was held on 6th September at the famous Grosvenor House and was attended by creme de la creme of the British Asian community including Lords, MPs, businessmen, professionals, showbiz and film stars. The Chief Guest this year was Cherie Blair CBE, QC.

MF Hussain's painting to be auctioned in London MF Hussain's landmark painting 'Bhopal' will be auctioned by Bonhams in London.

The painting depicts the horror and tragedy of the 1984 gas leak that killed thousands in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and has a price estimate of ÂŁ300,000.

Bonhams will sell the painting along with pioneering artwork by Indian master artists such as Sayed Haider Raza and Francis Newton Souza, during the 8 October Indian and Islamic Art Sale at London’s New Bond Street.

The oil on canvas painting framed and

signed by Hussain strongly reflects the thoughts of Pablo Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ which was created in response to the bombing of the eponymous Spanish village bombed during the Spanish Civil War. 'Bhopal’ is similarly the result of Hussain’s horror at the long-lasting

MF Hussain

effects of the Bhopal tragedy, considered one of the world's worst industrial disasters.

Hussain’s artistic response might have been

influenced by Picasso’s, but his artwork was first and foremost inspired by his surroundings.

Another highlight of the auction is ‘Four Figures’ by Pakistani artist Sadequain. This framed oil on canvas is signed, dated, and titled, and estimated at a value of ÂŁ45,000 - ÂŁ65,000.

Faith Leaders and campaigners have claimed that the tax breaks for married couples are so low that they seem like almost an empty gesture from the government's end.

They said that the proposed allowance, worth ÂŁ150 a year, should be actually ‘in the thousands’ to tackle the ‘devastating’ trend of family breakdown. Faith leaders that include Sikhs, Muslims and Christians are pushing for a better action through letters and pressurising the government to introduce a break that has more meaningful impact.

David Cameron has announced that the measure will start in 2015, after bowing to demands from his MPs. The faith leaders have emphasised that marriage is the ‘fundamental building block’ of society and

Lord Singh

Rt Rev Nazir Ali

Sir Iqbal Sacranie

the tax break must be more generous to have a ‘meaningful’ impact on reducing the estimated ÂŁ46billion a year cost of family breakdown to the taxpayer.

Among those to have signed the letter are the Right Rev Michael NazirAli, the former Bishop of Rochester, Lord Singh, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations and Sir Iqbal Sacranie, former

general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain.

Mr Nazir-Ali reportedly said: ‘I think it should be more meaningful, it ought to be a sum significant enough for what marriage and the family represent.’ Lord Singh also added: ‘I do feel it is a token gesture in the right direction, but is rather lukewarm.’ He said he thought Mr Cameron had Deputy

Prime Minister Nick Clegg ‘breathing down his neck’ after the Lib Dems claimed the move discriminates against non-married couples.

Under the policy, only married couples and those in civil partnerships will be allowed to reduce their partner’s tax bill by £150 a year by transferring £750 of their tax-free personal allowance.

Fulham football club owner defends decision to remove Jackson statue The new owner of Fulham Football Club, Pakistani-American billionaire Shahid Khan, has defended his decision to remove the Michael Jackson statue outside the Fulham stadium, saying it is the "right thing to do by Fulham fans".

The statue will be returned to the club's former owner Shahid Khan

Mohamed Al Fayed, who was a friend of the late pop star.

It was installed behind the Hammersmith Stand

at Craven Cottage in 2011 as a tribute to Jackson, who visited the ground in 1999, but was criticised by fans.

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Firms encouraged to hire one British apprentice per non EU worker hired said it was proof Ed Miliband, the Labour have Leader of Her learnt from their M a j e s t y ' s mistakes on Opposition on immigration.

Sunday has Mr Umunna announced that told the Daily companies that Mail: ‘I think we hire workers from acknowledge that outside the EU we didn't get must also hire everything right British apprenin government in tices. All firms Chuka Umunna respect of immigration. that have more than 50 employees would be hit by ‘To start with we were this new rules to stop them too afraid of talking about brining in cheap labour it because sometimes peofrom overseas instead of ple were worried that that training jobless Brits. The involved issues of race. announcement was one of ‘But I don't think it is a number made by Mr racist to worry about how Miliband as the Labour immigration impacts on conference began in our economy and the Brighton. Large companies opportunities for our young people and what will have to train a British you've seen today is the apprentice for every workLabour Party showing that er they hire from outside we've listened, we've the EU in a plan that learned from some of our Labour hopes will create mistakes and we're deter125,000 apprenticeships mined to ensure that we've over 5 years.

Shadow Business got an economy that works Secretary Chuka Umunna for working families.’

7

Michael Jackson

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UK

Age old Kenya-India connection As I See It

Terrorism has no excuse because it is driven by hatred and intolerance. Not only has it got no moral standing but ultimately, it shall undoubtedly become futile for several reasons.

1) The human race in today's global village is much more aware of the day to day happenings and its backgrounds 2) The religious or racial bigotry of the medieval age has lost its appeal with knowledge overtaking ignorance.

3) More and more people are concerned about their immediate life and relations and the prospects for their next generation.

4) The views and the structures of the organized religions like Catholicism and others are being challenged fundamentally by their own followers.

In spite of such obvious facts, there are and perhaps will be, some misguided individuals, who live in a cloud cuckooland believing that they can change the system and society through brutality and bullying. The State has become so powerful and resourceful that jihadists or such blood thirsty mentality will be overpowered, eventually.

It may get worst before it gets better but what is not sustainable cannot survive, especially if it is detested and denounced by more and more people. Many of the British Asians have close connections with countries of East Africa, especially Kenya. Of the 1.5 Million people of Indian origin in the UK, almost a third if not more, have direct links with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

They or their parents were born there. There are many who have family or trading links and for all other Asians, as well as the community at large, what has been happening in Nairobi since Saturday is very tragic and unacceptable.

Let me look at the Asians especially the Indian connection with Kenya and other parts of East Africa. In the early sixties, with the advent of Independence to Tanganyika, Uganda and Kenya, the number of East African Asians experienced a drastic reduction. The majority of them had British passports and the migration started from 1960s onwards.

The Kenya exodus of 1969 and Uganda expulsion of 1972, compelled thousands of families to migrate to the UK. Of course, subsequently quite a number of them went to other countries, especially North America, Australia and elsewhere. Nearly 400,000 people of Indian origin were settled in East Africa in 1960,.

Kenya had the largest number, perhaps just under 200,000. Today the overall numbers have gone down (50,000 or so), but proportionately larger numbers are engaged in business, commerce, industry and professional spheres.

Nairobi is not only the Capital of Kenya, but also the hub of the international presence in the whole region. For its geographical sins, it shares a 600 mile border with Somalia, one of the tragedies of the last three decades - an almost failed state indeed.

Men, women and children of many nationalities have lost their lives or are seriously injured in the bloodbath by some misguided individuals at that Mall. Let us not forget that the majority of casualties appears to be of the Kenyan Africans themselves. We grieve for all the victims whatever their nationality, religion, creed or colour.

The Indian connection with Kenya and East Africa is well recorded for nearly 500 years and more. Socotra, a small island which lies a little South of the Port of Aden was the earliest Indian

settlement with many settlers coming from Kutch, Saurashtra and other parts of Gujarat, as well as the Malbar Coast.

The spices were the main commodity from the Far East to the European palettes. By the Eighteenth Century, Socratra lost its importance and Aiden became the main coaling station for the boats, especially after the opening of the Suez Canal. But before that, the Bhatias and others from Kutch had settled with deep roots in Muscat and Oman. Even today one Gujarati, (Kanak Sinh Khimji), is given the title of Sheikh and he is the doyenne of the Business Community in Muscat.

Nearly 400 years ago, Arab Sheikhs from Muscat acquired the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, who even now monopolize cloves production. Along with the Sultans, came the traders mainly Gujaratis. Over the next 100 years, the Bhatias were joined by Lohana, Ismaili Khojas, Bohras and subsequently by Oshwals and many more to migrate to Kenya and other adjoining countries.

In 1964, there was a revolt in

Tête-à-tête with Farah Naz

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Businesswoman Farah Naz has definitely found a niche in the market with her cosmetic brand Farah Naz providing a makeup range specifically for women with asian, middle-eastern or mediterranean skin tones. British born Pakistani Farah, is the founder of EX1cosmetics.com and has provided the £586m per year cosmetic industry in the UK with some serious competition. Farah used her background as a biochemist and her extensive knowledge of the cosmetic industry to create the multiaward winning brand which is made up of a range of foundations, powders, concealers and blush.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a mother of two gorgeous girls, and then I have an alter ego of a cosmetics entrepreneur!

Have you always wanted to enter in the cosmetic industry?

Not at all, though I do love make-up!

Zanzibar and subsequently President Julian Nyerere took control of the islands and made it part of the Republic of Tanzania. It is not a trouble free island, though it is beautiful and heavenly. Just two months ago, two British (Jewish) girls were attacked and acid was thrown on them. What is happening in Nairobi since Saturday is shocking but is not totally unexpected. The people who are suffering a lot are also aware of what can be loosely termed as 'occupational hazard'.

Some have returned from the UK to Kenya but many more came from India, especially Gujarat as well as South India. Punjabi presence was also there even before large number of Gujaratis who settled in the early Twentieth Century. Punjabis were preferred recruits for the railway construction from Mombasa to Uganda. Even in the worst of the times that famous Gurdwara near Voi on the MombasaNairobi road continued to provide langar to a huge number of people irrespective of race/religion.

In Kenya today, people of Asian origin are in academic fields as well as several professions and human service activities.

The victims of the recent tragedy received first aid treatment and shelter at Oshwal Centre and MP Shah Hospital, the Aga Khan hospital as well as many institutions developed and run

by Asians. The Indian and Asian input on wealth creation in Kenya as well as other countries of Africa and trade links with India are so immense that such a tragedy, however bloodthirsty it may be, cannot destabilize the Indians and Asians who are part and parcel of the countries they have settled in.

- CB

How did you come up with the idea for your makeup?

The concept behind the brand was really driven by the frustration at the cosmetics industry. As a British Asian woman who was born and brought up in the UK, I pretty quickly realised that much of the cosmetics market was irrelevant to me. I felt it was a little bit like being told that you have no choice but to buy designer clothes because high street manufacturers don’t make clothes in your size!

That was the situation in the cosmetics industry, although there were premium end lines available, there are no affordable high street alternatives.

The cosmetic industry is vast, did that ever put you off entering it?

Actually it gave me even more drive to go for it. Before launching the line I would spend hours in the British Library doing extensive research on the industry itself.

What I found was quite bizarre. Despite the industry being so vast, it clearly stated a severe lack of products for women with Asian and olive skin tones. More specifically, it addressed the huge need for affordable products for Asian woman. When you consider that almost 70% of women in the UK do not purchase premium makeup brands and opt for high street alternatives, I could not understand why Asian and olive skinned women had to spend more for everyday make-up solutions. It just didn't seem fair.

Have you faced any barri-

ers along the way?

There are always challenges associated with running a business of this nature. I think hard work with a bit of creativity is usually a good recipe for solving problems.

Where can we find your makeup?

We currently retail instore and online. Our flagship retailers are Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and lookfantastic.com.

You have won a number of Awards already, how does it feel?

I'm very grateful.

There was a time when it was all just an idea in my head, albeit a very finely tuned one! I could only conceptualise how I wanted the products to look and feel, but you never really know how people will react to the end result.

It’s been amazing to see how well the products have been received and how much people like them. Winning awards feels a bit like a motivating pat on the back after toiling away for a very long time!

Tell us about the makeup you offer? What is different about it from others?

First and foremost we are the only range made exclusively for women with Asian and olive skin tones available at high street price point. The collection features five foundations, five mineral powder foundations, three compressed powers, three concealers and four blushers. Our product line is quite unique, in that I used my background as a scientist to create a range where the pigments mimic the natural pigments found in Asian and olive skins. Furthermore, our products take into account the differing needs of this skin type, problems such as mild pigmentation etc. All our products are made to really high standards in Milan, Italy.

Farah Naz

Where have you seen the most interest in your product?

Although the brand was originally designed for Asian women in the UK, we have found that women have been purchasing it all over the world online – there’s been a lot of interest from the U.S. Our most popular product is our Invisiwear Liquid Foundation.

How do you keep it costeffective to ensure it appeals to younger girls?

We have tried to develop something that appeals to all ages. The packaging is vibrant enough for the young, but sleek enough for older women.

Ultimately though, if your product works well, then people will be drawn to it regardless.

Do you think the mass cosmetic industry has started evolving their makeup to be suited to the increasingly ethnic British population or do you still think there is a large gap in, for example Mac, Clinique, Laura Mercier's lines for ethnic women?

The brands you have mentioned do cater for ethnic skins, though at premium prices. We wanted to change that by providing a product with all the hallmarks and quality of a premium brand, but without the price tag. I certainly think there should be more in the way of high street products for Asian and olive skinned women. At the moment most high street brands are really aimed at Caucasian women, with a couple of add on products for everybody else.

What can we hope to see next from Farah Naz? I'm really excited as I've been developing a full line of colour cosmetics which have been designed to complement Asian and Olive skins – this might include anything from eye shadows to lipsticks.

Watch this space....

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

The Inspirational Chef Bringing the Best Of India to London The team of Indian chefs at Dorchester Collection’s iconic British hotel, The Dorchester, is headed by senior sous chef Uday Shankar.

Uday was trained by his father, moving from region to region to master the complexity of Indian cuisine, before starting formal training at the prestigious Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development where he learnt from world class chefs like Rajiv Gulshan.

Shankar’s culinary journey took him across eight different Oberoi properties in New Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Jaipur and Shimla and he was part of the opening team at The Trident and Rajvilas in Jaipur.

Uday sat down for an exclusive and relaxed one on one in The Bar at The Dorchester before showing me around the exciting network of kitchens where he makes magic happen.

His culinary pedigree is blue chip. For two generations, on both sides, his family’s only source of

livelihood came from the catering industry. Uday’s father, Mr Kutty Nair, and uncle owned a small restaurant each in Chennai.

“Conversations in the evenings would be about what went wrong in the kitchen, or how the business had been that day. I remember, at 15, stopping at Dad’s restaurant on my way home from school. The kitchen could only ever be my destination and I still wish I was as good as my father. He has, from my early teens, involved me in his work.”

Uday explained.

“Before I finished school, I worked at Dad’s restaurant as the Barman’s help. Dad did

Uday Shankar

industrial catering and involved me from 16 in

buying vegetables for the canteen – twice a week.”

Weekends and holidays were spent in the canteen kitchens working alongside the cooks. For special events Uday enjoyed working away in unfamiliar kitchens.

Catering for 3,000, Uday’s father taught him how to cut vegetables, bulk Indian cooking, (lunch was routinely for 1,200, Uday recalled) popular Indian breakfasts (for 850) snacks, and south Indian dishes.

“His Hyderabadi cuisines, his biryani, are some of my favourites. I learnt how to make a perfect samosa and balushahi from him.

My Father knows cooking, but my mother knows the family!!! My father respects that... so he has asked my mother to be in charge of tasting the salt level and approve what he cooks. She has supported me in all my trials and errors at home.”

Uday’s father is not his only inspiration. He also cites Chef Rajiv Gulshan; “my mentor and inspiration for his man-management, guest focus, and honest food.

Also Prashant Kulkarni – as a friend. I spent some of my best working days at The Dorchester with him.”

As a senior sous chef, Uday is the liaison person between another mentor, Head Chef Henry Brosi, the kitchen team and

operationally connected departments. Chef Henry is a constructive critic and totally involved in the Indian food evolution at The Dorchester.

I pushed Uday to reveal the names of the wealthy and influential that he looks after. He told me, “Celebs like Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Mamooty for whom I cooked a dish that my father cooked for him 28 years ago in New Delhi!”

“Cooking’s been my family career and my ambition is to be an ambassador for the next generation to take it forward.”

VIPs have high expectations and once they come to know and trust Uday, they ask for him whenever they visit.

Having been at The Dorchester for eight years, he and his team continue to list the dietary preferences of “special guests” in a database of important client histories.

“I deal with their representatives or the personalities themselves, if permitted by Chef Henry.”

Uday said that the guest history and attentive service of the staff at The Dorchester help the hotel design bespoke care

amenities for guests. This, plus his own team, gives clients the reassurance they seek.

Though the Indian chefs are scattered through different departments, for Indian events the team comes together.

“Be it Kerala, Punjabi, Maharashtra, Andhra, Awadhi, Hyderabadi, Bengali or Rajasthani – representatives of each cuisine take the lead. 2012 saw the number of Indian events double, including lavish weddings in the Ballroom and smaller more intimate celebrations in the Penthouse and Pavilion suite, as the hotel's reputation for authentic Indian cuisine spread amongst the country’s leading families.

Uday told me he is living his dream; he has always wanted to do the work his father did.

So what ambitions remain for him?

“My ambition is to own a culinary establishment that brings my guests and my family together and shines a light for the next generation. I can see sparks of me in my son and nephew, who are totally enchanted by food and want to enter the business at the tender ages of six and eight!

Cooking’s been my family career and my ambition is to be an ambassador for the next generation to take it forward.”

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10

YOUR VOICE

Evolution of the British Legal System (Part Two)

The independence of the judiciary (courts) from the executive (ministers) and the legislature (parliament) was compromised when a politician was appointed with both hats: The Lord Chancellor and Minister of Justice in 2012. This is the first time a non-lawyer has been appointed since mid-17th century.

This new Minister published a consultation paper in April 2013 to drastically reform the Legal Aid system. The responses will be published this autumn.

The reforms will starve claimants of legal aid on several fronts: ‘lawful residence’ or ‘strong connection test’; access to justice for prisoners; and much more widely for judicial review claims (in which much of the cost is incurred in early stages) unless and until the judge gives a go ahead.

Access to justice remains a pillar of our constitutional law. The reforms will mean only those who can afford legal fees would have access to justice. 40% of cases brought in 2011 under Legal. aid were successful (144 out of 356).

Indeed by contrast to the Minister’s Legal Aid reform consultation paper, 145 barristers who are members of the attorney-general’s panels and who argue cases on behalf of the central state have written to the Minister: ‘We consider that the LA reforms will undermine the accountability of public bodies to the detriment of society as a whole and the vulnerable in particular’.

What fails in UK Courts can succeed in Strasbourg under the European Convention on Human Rights as happened in a phone-tapping case where UK law was silent either way. (The British Constitution by Martin Loughlin).

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Nepotism

It has recently come to light that some MPs are giving priority to their relatives or friends in offering jobs. Many MPs have used their Parliamentary allowances to employ their own relatives in a variety of office jobs. Despite the expenses scandal, over 20% of MPs still employ family members. These are the same MPs who recently gave themselves a pay rise of 11% raising their salaries from 66k to 74k. And, according to a House of Commons contract, up to £100,000 of our money will be spent in refurbishing two toilets at the Palace of Westminster!

While others in the Civil Service and elsewhere have to suffer from the imposition of pay freeze or very meagre rises, the powers that be will see their standard of living go up a notch or two. This is when the same MPs have unilaterally made unfavourable changes to how Civil Service pensions are paid. The Government has already made a switch in the rate at which pension payments increase in accordance with the more favourable retail price index (RPI) to the less generous consumer price index (CPI). If claw backs is the order of the day, why not set an example by making sacrifices themselves?

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Children going hungry

On 3rd June Ed Balls pledged the Labour Party will have iron discipline’on public spending. Ed Miliband followed up in a speech 3 days later: the next Labour government will have less money to spend…we will have the discipline on how we spend every single pound which failed in the past.’

Tough words, but not followed up with tough action. Since 3rd June, Labour’ frontbench have made policy commitments that would cost the country £27.9 billion in 2015/16.This is the equivalent of £1,059 additional borrowing for every household. Nothing has changed –it is the same old Labour Party, offering only more spending, more borrowing and more debt.

It’ the kind of something for nothing economics that got us into a mess in the first place and it is hardworking people who would pay the price with higher taxes, higher mortgage rates and higher council tax bills.

Watching news, I was shocked, perturbed to learn that up to one million children may be going to school early in the morning on glass of water. The Food Bank business is booming. So many people from our community are making Food Banks their priority, favourite charity while our temples, gurdwaras, churches provide free lunches to the needy.

Britain is supposed to be the fifth richest nation in the world, although I could easily name twenty nations more prosperous than us. I could not help but wonder how our politicians, especially PM, devoted parent who lives check by jowl with his family could sleep easy in his comfortable bed knowing that hunger, deprivation, neglect of the old, infirm and disable, especially in NHS is so ripe, out of control. Is his generosity towards others with £12 billion overseas aid budget justified? Does charity begins overseas for him?

How can he even contemplate getting involved militarily in Syria, an odious act? Why does he behave like a cloned Tony Blair, the worse PM in history, when he could do so much more for the people of this country if he only stops hugging limelight on the international stage? He is nit Obama and never will be!

Let us give every primary school child glass of milk early in the morning and nutritious meal at lunch time, the cost being met from aid budget.

I would like to urge whiz-kid reader to start an online petition to curtail overseas aid. The parliament will be obliged to discuss it if 100,000 people sign it. Do we care?

Ravi Shah Via Email

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Nagindas Khajuria Via Email

Ed balls and Labour Party

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ASIAN VOICE

Hinduism and caste system

The word Caste is Portugese wordCasta-introduced by British to further divide Hindus. Correct Hindu word is Varna/ obeying the system named as Varnashram dharma.

Legendary heroes who transcended path prescribed by Varnashram dharma(aka-caste system), caused revolution..eg. from Chandragupta Maurya to freedom fighters of different casts eg. Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, Baba Ambedkar and now Narendra Modi/ Baba Ramdevji, Anna Hazare, Kejriwal etc.

Caste system was never meant to shackle person to any vocation. Ravan,Brahmin became ruler, Viswamitra- ruler became Brahmin, Sabri –jungle woman, fed Ram, a ruler, Hanuman had no caste, Bhim married jungle girl Hidimba.

Krishna liberated 1600 women of unknown caste.

Colonial divide and rule ethos split South Indians and North Indians on Ram-upper caste Vs Ravan-lower caste propaganda. Thus the term caste trivialises Hinduism. Its practice has unfortunately decayed in its present form. In India many but ineffective laws exist to deter caste abuse. But caste system cannot be exorcised from peoples’ minds.

In south India caste is hidden by discarding surname that signifies caste of person. Surname is substituted with name of town-eg.

P. (=Porbandar)Ramesh. Other method is to attach word- Son Of= makan/magan to a person’s name, eg Ramesh Makan(son of)-Mahaprasad etc. Thus caste prejudice never enters ones mind.

But is it not remarkable fact that caste ethos is lost as soon as Hindu migrates abroad. Hindus can, and successfully mingle in melting pot of casteless / classless multicultural host country; or when a Dalit Hindu dons western clothes and adopts South Indian type of nomenclature.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Hinduism & Caste System

In reference to Mr Jay Lakhani piece of 21st Septmber 2013, Caste system has no purpose and is losing grip and there is much more to be done –all human beings are equal.

If we take some teaching from Brahma Kumaris principles also –then as human beings we constantly experience change – from being a child, to a young person, to an adult, then an older person.

We have brought about our Sanskar from past life and the unborn child in a womb of a mother who is unattached is also a soul so pure regardless of any background of Hindu, Muslim or Christian born into the world. Yet, ‘I’, the one who experiences the world and expresses myself through this ever-changing body, remain the same.

We need to understand that the body is only a costume in matter but not the spirit soul. We all come into time - into the drama of material life - “Where do we

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Diwali is two months away. The New Year is knocking at the door waiting to bring in colours and light to our lives with fervour of joy and ever lasting happiness.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as every year will be publishing the ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself. This year in the English section, we are doing something special for our young readers.

-If you are between 10-25 years of age, write an article in English on 'how you celebrate your Diwali every year' or 'your most memorable Diwali' in no more than 700 words, along with a suitable photo.

Or - if you an organisation, which has a youth wing or support youth activities, tell us how your young members or youth wing celebrates Diwali in 500600 words with 2 pictures (in no less than 300dpi).

Last date of entry is Sunday 6th October 2013.

Please email your article to aveditorial@abplgroup.com with your full name, age and contact number.

- Asian Voice

Let there be...l-u-r-v

Asians watching television programmes like The X-Factor must wonder how singers with English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh accents suddenly adopt American voices when they sing. For instance, a line like “I love you baby” becomes “Ah lurv ya bay-bair”.

I don’t see American singers trying to imitate British-sounding voices when they perform. Can someone please explain this mystery to me?

Rudy Otter Via Email get our energy from?”

If we use our time, energy and money in ways that are benevolent and useful we can experience a lot of happiness and strength internally and in all relationships regardless of faith. We waste so much time and energy thinking unhelpfully of the past – or creating expectations of an ideal future.

With a better understanding of yourself as a person body and time, you can tap into your inner power and the power and energy of the One above – and use that in a worthwhile way to help bring about positive change one’s own life and in the world without distinctions to Religion, Caste and background.

Bharat Raithatha Via Email

Continued on page 13

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Sikh faith schools to inculcate tolerance and bridge generation gaps

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

To fight racism and spread the notion of tolerance, faith schools like Guru Nanak Sikh Academy or Nishkam School have taken an innovative approach.

When a reporter from an Indian newspaper walked into a Sikh school at Hayes, Middlesex, the journalist reportedly witnessed an 11th grade Catholic student, Kingsley Hargoeavies, on his knees as he sifted through some of the sacred hymns composed by Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev. Safina Qureshi, a grade six student, and her sibling Zain Qureshi both of whom come from Islamic families, were found meditating with their Sikh friend Harjinder Pal Singh inside one of the large halls of Guru Nanak Sikh Academy in Hayes in Middlesex.

These students are part of the UK's first state funded Sikh secondary school that was inaugurated in 1993 by then British home secretary

Jack Straw and went to attain the same status of an "academy" as Roman Catholic and Anglican Church schools in the state sector.

Nearly 20 years later, the UK government has now officially announced opening of 15 similar new "faith schools", including eight Sikh schools and one of their main objectives is to fight the problem of racism and intolerance for other religions.

The plan, as part of 102 new "free schools", which are to be opened from 2014 and beyond,

was approved in July this year by UK education secretary Michael Gove.

These schools also aim at providing community elders such as grandparents to share their skills in sewing, cooking and storytelling with the kids of single working parents.

British Asian MP Paul Uppal, who also opened a similar Sikh ethos school in his constituency Wolverhampton told Times of India, "In cosmopolitan countries like the UK, where you have a big number of Sikhs, Buddhists from China or Shinto Japanese, the objective is to strengthen bonds between home, community and school and providing a preparation for each pupil's entry into the wider community.

This is where faith schools

are the next big future of our society."

According to a 2011 'Race for Equality' report

by National Union for Students (NUS), a confederation of 600 students' unions, amounting to more than 95% of all higher and further education unions in the UK, showed that 1 in 6 Black students have experienced racism in their current institution.

Nishkam School in Houslow in West London is also due to open in September and has already received nearly four applications for each seat. The Nishkam School Trust, which already runs a primary school in Birmingham, claims the Hounslow School will be the UK's first 'all-round' faith school, catering to pupils from the age of four to 18.

Britain has launched its biggest university project, called FutureLearn with more than 20 colleges offering free courses. It is an online revolution that promises to take the industry by storm and help to serve the unmet demand for university courses, particularly overseas.

The Project is expected to bring UK universities in the global market of massive open online courses (Moocs). They are anticipating that each Mooc course will attract 20,000 students. It could “revolutionise conventional models of formal education�, said the Universities Minister David Willetts.

Students will be able to follow courses on mobile phones as well as computers. The British

Nottingham, Warwick, Bristol, R e a d i n g , Southampton and the Open University, which has headed the project.

Future Learn Universities include: University of Bath, David Willetts University of Library, British Museum Birmingham, University and British Council will of Bristol, Cardiff make material available to University, University of students.

East Anglia, The The launch of University of Edinburgh, FutureLEarn sees 21 UK University of Exeter, universities plus Trinity University of Glasgow, College Dublin and King’s College London, Monash University in Lancaster University, Australia, offering courses University of Leeds, that are taught and University of Leicester, assessed on the internet.

Loughborough University, The UK universities Monash University, The include Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, The Open University,

Queen’s University, Belfast, University of Reading, The University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, University of Strathclyde, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Warwick Vice Chancellor of the Open University Martin Bean said that he expects some universities to begin thinking about how to offer formal credits for Moocs.

M e a n w h i l e , FutureLearn’s chief executive Simon Nelson reportedly said that it will offer a ‘fresh approach’ with all its courses designed to work across all kinds of online platforms, so that a student could begin a course on a laptop at home and then continue on a mobile phone while commuting.

11

Change Makers

Why I am looking forward to Unity of Faiths this Sunday Ashish Aged 11

Paul Uppal, MP

Britain launches biggest online university project with free courses

Children to get free school meals from next year

All children in Britain's primary schools are eligible to get free school meals from next yearLiberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg has declared.

It is designed to boost the health and educational attainment of children, and will save families an average of ÂŁ437 per child per year at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living.

However there has been questions about the quality of food, including authenticity of halal dish-

EDUCATION

es and a counter argument from non Muslim parents who have non vegetarian diet, who are unhappy to make their children eat hahal meat.

At present, around 400,000 children in the first three years of primary education are eligible for free school meals.

Providing a hot, healthy lunch for an extra 1.5m children means that better off families will benefit, which will raise eyebrows at time when welfare has been squeezed

and child benefit cut.

But Mr Clegg said: “My ambition is that every primary school pupil should be able to sit

down to a hot, healthy lunch with their classmates every day. We will start with infant school pupils because teaching healthy habits young, and boosting attainment early, will bring the biggest benefits. Universal free school meals will help give every child the chance in life that they deserve, building a stronger economy and fairer society.�

In summer 2012, Olympic fever was gripping London, Sai School students were told about a festival taking place in Southall called Unity of Faiths. I had never heard about this festival but as my class was selected to perform in the Parade which would welcome all the different faith leaders, I put my name on the list.

On the Sunday we all got into a big Coach with our classmates, teachers and helpers arriving at the Park around lunchtime. We were escorted to the Kids Zone, a big marquee which was being run by Sai School youths. Our teachers handed out the country flags to us, as well as Value banners which we were supposed to hold up during the Parade whilst leading a group of faith leaders on to the stage. We did a quick rehearsal on how we were going to march round the big Park holding up flags and banners and then we stood outside another tent called VIP tent. I saw faith leaders getting ready to come out of the tent, some had long white robes, few with turbans, a Chinese Monk, a Hindu priest, one vicar had a really big cross hanging from his neck, an Indian lady in a white sari who came out and spoke to all of us. We

lined up, 2 Dhol players in colorful Indian clothes stood in front of us and before I knew it, we were following the beat of Dhol drums marching through crowds in the park and people stood aside to clap as we walked past.

When the march turned a corner, I looked back to see all the faith leaders were behind us enjoying the Parade. I felt really proud that I was leading a group of faith elders from different religions who were walking and smiling together.

I then understood what Unity of Faiths Festival was all about. It was giving a message that we must all walk together even though we come from different backgrounds. We then stayed for 2 hours to watch all the stage items and there was free food and drinks at the Food Tent being given out by the local Gurudwara.

I am looking forward to going back this Sunday 29th September as the Free Festival is on again at Southall Park from 1pm to 6pm This Sunday Sai School pupils are performing a dance on the Stage which has music from 5 different faiths starting with Ganesh Dance, Christian song, Fire dance, Qawalli dance and a Chinese Dance.

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12

MEDIA WATCH

The frenzied communal violence in Uttar Pradesh which led to 48 deaths and the displacement of some 45,000 inhabitants, mostly Muslim, has clearly traumatized society at large and led to much soul searching. There were deaths and injuries among Hindus as well, hence Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited the bereaved and displaced, now lodged in camps, of both the Muslim and Hindu communities offering aid and comfort. UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav did the same, but was greeted by black flags and hostile slogans in a number of areas. He promised victims financial help from the state government to rebuild their destroyed or damaged homes, but rebuilding lives will be a more difficult task.

The region beset by the violence was, without doubt, a tinderbox ready to explode, and explode it did, as rumour mills whirled, and stories, false and true, multiplied. Video images, some patently fake, fanned the flames.

A number of MLAs, among them the BJP’s Suresh Rana and Sangeet Singh Som and the BSP’s Noor Salim Rana have been arrested for incitement and disorderly conduct. (Times of India September 22) UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, are attempting to pick up the pieces but their reputations, such as they were, have suffered grievous damage.

The senior Yadav’s vaulting ambition, as Samajwadi Dal leader, to be India’s prime minister – a remote possibility at the best of times - will likely find even fewer takers hereon (Times of India, Hindu, September 1618)

Educational premises vandalized

The social malaise in West Bengal took root from the late 1960s when the Communist-led Left Front first took power in the state, then consolidated it through fair means and foul, in 34 years of unbroken rule, from 1977 to 2011. Cancerous strikes, the erosion of work culture, the breakdown of educational institutions, left a dark legacy.

Kolkata’s once famed Presidency College (now University) was sacked and vandalized by local Trinamool Congress thugs; the latest such case occurred last week when a local mob with no party affiliations broke into the Christ Church Girls’ High School, terrorized the staff and destroyed furniture, computers and the like, because, it was alleged, its Headmistress, Helen Sarkar, had abetted the sudden and unexplained death of an 11 yearold pupil, and extorted money from parents. To pacify the hooligans, the under-strength police unit arrested the headmistress and she resign under duress. She was released two days later on bail. Ms Sarkar is contesting the legality of the police action in the High Court.

Contrite Mamata

Responding to the public uproar, Chief Minister Banerjee expressed contrition to the Christian bishop, saying she was deeply appreciative of the valuable service rendered by these Christian institutions (of which there are 1,000 in villages, towns and cities across West Bengal) to society as a whole. Her govern-

ment has given the school Rs 10 lakh for repairs to damaged property. Parents and pupils queued outside the closed school gate, pleading that the school be reopened and classes resumed, and expressing their heartfelt apologies to its headmistress whose, dedication they were all quick to acknowledge.

West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan deplored the collapse of discipline in schools and colleges, saying that if parents were such poor role models, what better could be expected of their offspring. This, emphatically, was not a communal riot.

Hindu-Christian relations in these parts are a model of harmony. The Christian clergy and laity have never sought government preferment, hence are not a drain on the public purse.

(Telegraph, Times of India September 16-18, 22)

Durgapur venture spells hope

All is not at lost in West Bengal.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with senior ministers and TMC party officials in attendance, opened a spanking new state-ofthe-art airport in Durgapur. The construction of a vast industrial

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Tata-Singapore partnership Tata and Singapore Airlines are set to take to the skies with a new joint venture after two such deals a decade and a half ago had failed to materialize. The new company will see Tata as the majority shareholder with 51 per cent of the stake, with Singapore Airlines controlling the rest. The approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board has been sought and the clearance is expected within the next few weeks. Headquartered in New Delhi, the company will cater to the higher end of the aviation market. The earlier Tata tie-up with low budget carrier Air Asia is awaiting its licence to start operations (Times of India September 20)

Terror alert

A terror alert followed the discovery of 90 ready-to-use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) across India by the Indian Mujaheedin. The discovery came during the interrogation of Yasin Bhatkal, one of the organization’s masterminds. At about the same time a sleeper cell of the terrorist Khalistan Liberation Front was busted with the arrest of three suspects in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district.

Sukhjinder Singh, Narinder Pal and Surinder Singh were the men snared by police (Times of India September 16)

Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur

of research and foster ties with foreign institutions of repute (Times of India September 17)

Revisiting Agni V

India’s Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Agni V, can be extended to strike targets at a distance of 11,200km beyond its present 5,000 km range, as and when there was the operational need to do so, said Dr Avinash Chander, Director General Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) and Scientific Adviser to the Defence

has offered to match this supply with one its own. However, relationship with India’s Uzbekistan has another ambitious dimension.

With Uzbekistan having built a rail link across the Amu Darya (River Oxus), its extension to the western Afghan city of Heart, which borders Iran, is surely the next step. From here the railway will link up with the Iranian system at Mashed and thence to the port of Chabahar, in whose construction and infrastructure New Delhi is investing $100 million with a view to making it India’s commercial gate-

IITs to increase student intake

The Council of the Indian Institute’s of Technology (IIT’s) are to increase the number of students admitted to these prestigious institutions by 60 per Mamata Banerjee

Chief Controller (Missiles and Strategic Systems) Avinash Chander, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister V. K. Saraswat and Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory V.G. Sekaran celebrate with fellow scientists after the successful launch of Agni-V

Minister. The DRDO release stated: “India’s inter-continental surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni V, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with high precision, was successfully launched today [September 15] in repeat of the spectacular maiden launch last year.”

way to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia and beyond.

So when External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid made a stopover in Tashkent on his way back from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he

Two further canister tests

park is to follow in its wake. The joint venture between the private sector’s Bengal Aeropolis Projects Ltd and Singapore’s Changi Airport International has delivered the goods.. Ms Banerjee, initially opposed to the project, was eventually brought round to its visionary wisdom. The project to revive the steel-coal belt from Durgapur to Asansol has the potential to be game-changer for West Bengal. The centre in Delhi is fitting the nuts of and bolts of a plan for eastern India’s commercial-industrial corridor, stretching from Amritsar in Punjab to the environs of Kolkata in West Bengal. It signals hope where there was once despair.

(Telegraph, Times of India September 20)

cent and engage with global ranking agencies to improve their standing. A list of the top 200 Asian institutions included all 11 IITs, with three, with IIT Delhi ranked 38, IIT Bombay 39 and IIT Madras 49. The IIT Council includes all IIT directors, chairmen of their board of governors, a number of leading industrialists and the Human Resource Development minister.

The decision to increase student admissions from the current 7,500 annually to 12,000 per year is certain to bring cheer to thousands of applicants seeking to enter institutes long noted as centres of excellence. Measures are afoot to improve their finances, increase inter-IIT cooperation, enlarge the scope

The missile, 17 metres in length and 2 metres wide and weighing 60 tonnes, was powered by three-stage solid rocket motors and kept to its defined trajectory. Defence Minister A.K. Antony congratulating the scientists, said they had “made the country proud.” Two further Agni V tests will take place, with launches from canisters that can be placed on trucks to ensure the fastest possible retaliation and strengthen the credibility of India’s nuclear deterrent. The missile is expected to be inducted in 2015. (Hindu, Mint, Times of India September 16)

Uranium offers pour in

Following Kazakhstan’s promise of 2,000 tonnes of uranium to India, mineral-rich Uzbekistan

Salman Khurshid

held wide ranging talks on these issues with his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Komilov. Mr Komilov hoped for a greater Indian business presence in Uzbekistan. This dialogue began last May when Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari (a former diplomat) visited the country (Hindu September 15).

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

YOUR VOICE

Detaining Swami Ramdev It is really outrageous on the part of British Immigration authority to detain yoga guru Swami Baba Ramdev for more than 8 hours and nobody knows why his passport was stamped with red alert .

This means he is classified as a terrorist.

It seems that the Indian High Commission did not know why he was detained and the status of Swamiji’s passport. It is surprising the customs officer who was apparently Asian also did not recognise him.

The problem is that Hindus were ruled by Muslims and the British (Christians) and now by an Italian import. The sad part of it that one Italian import who controls the present UPA government can brand Swamiji as a terrorist since he has spoken in support of

Narendra Modi. Anybody who spoke in praise of Modi has been victimised, including Amitabh Bachan.

Hindus have slave mentality and do not respect our religious leaders. I do not know what would have happened if Christian or Muslim spiritual leaders were branded as a terrorist and detained in India. There would have been a mini riot.

The detention of Swamiji and attempt to deport him should be a wake up call for self respecting Hindu Indians and reclaim Bharat from foreign forces and the time has come to get rid of UPA government.

Vande Madaram.

The original AIN congress has been diminishing to be almost finished by the formation of regional and other national parties split from it; and as they all participated in the freedom movement prior to the independence day in 1947, they are all 125 years old, though Gandhi wanted it to be dispersed after independence as one party, government is not conducive to real democracy.

It seems the Congress led UPA government has not followed the Gandhian principles and is responsible for communal and economic polarisation and the agitation of farmers and tribes etc.

The Congress struggles to survive by blaming Mr Modi for Gujarat riots, detaching it from the Godhra incidence of burning a railway carriage in which many Hindus were burnt to death instantly.

That led to riots which were not creation of Modi, whom the Congress wants to stop from being the future PM of India in preference to Mr Rahul Gandhi who is inexperienced but has connection to the Nehru family, as if its a dynastic right, while there are other dynamic and more experienced leaders.

Mr Modi has ruled in Gujarat with communal peace before and after the riots by following strict Gandhian principles of non violence and has made unparalleled industrial, social and economic progress in Gujarat, and this will pave the way for him to be future PM of India winning 2014 general election.

Congratulations to all the people of Indian origins for the selection of Narendra Modi, a BJP party candidate for Prime Minister post of India in 2014 elections. It is a great selection by the BJP party leaders. Mr Advani must understand and support the party’s choice and ask his all the supporters to do the same.

He may then expect a position which will be suitable to him.

People of Indian origins in India and abroad want Narendra Modi because he is a capable to handle people and create developments to suit the modern needs of India. His personality also reflect that he is at the right age to go for this high responsibility to lead India and Indians.

We are all fed up to see extremely old people ruling India.

It is extremely important that Narendra Modi being the opposition leader must be provided with full security.

There should not be any mistake made similar to Rajeev Gandhi.

People like Turner prize winner Mr Kapoor who gave statement in the evening standard recently said that Modi should not be given visa to visit Britain must understand now, he may be the Future Prime Minster of India. British Government is wise enough not to follow the advise of such people.

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

India acquired the biggest military air craft in the world to transport ammunition- was it donated or bought?

BJP accused India that has been gold to the USA and proved to be an asset, but I believe US did not buy India, as Nehru refused to provide a military base.

US is equipping Indian defence with sophisticated technology reckoned for US protection rather that India’s ambitious

projects. It is untrue that USA also helped civilian projects.

America lately recognised India’s potential. US entered with committed relationship and wants India as a super regional power to maintain an equilibrium, a good friend and ally.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Modi paves the way for future PM

Narendra Modi as PM

R N Patel Essex

America- a good friend

Dr K R N Moorthy Handsworth

Find out the truth

Gurus exploiting

I was surprised to read Ashok Hindocha’s disapproval of the recent Panorama programme. We have been made to believe that the family’s quest is to find out the truth. So any investigation in search of the truth would be welcome.

The family should be relieved for any information that suggests that the boy their daughter chose to be her life partner is not responsible for her death; or has it reached the stage that that the only truth they want to hear is the headline above.

Both families suffered a tragedy when Anni was killed. A second, avoidable, tragedy will not undo the pain of the first.

We read in Asian Voice that a self proclaimed guru was allegedly involved in sexual activity that shocked the community. We expect AV to do more investigative work and expose such people to the fullest.

I also know that many gurus are very active in exploiting people in the name of magic healers- whether its immigration, health, or anything else, taking full advantage of one’s weaknesses. They charge so much money under pretence, we need to make the world cautious of them. Asian Voice should take a strong lead and should exploit people who engage in such heinous acts.

Jaku Khimji Via Email

Avinash Sharma Northolt

The Benefits Cap Explained: What you can do about it

The coalition government has made a number of changes to the benefits system and perhaps the most drastic change is the so-called “Benefits Cap”.

The Benefits Cap is aimed at limiting the total amount of

By Daniel Anderson benefits that some households can receive and is based on the premise that those who are in work will never be worse off than those who remain solely on benefits.

The maximum amount of benefits a household can receive that is subject to the Benefits Cap is £500 per week for lone parents or if you have a partner; and £350 per week for single persons.

Benefits which are included in the Benefits Cap are exclusively: Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income Support; Employment and Support Allowance; Child Benefit; Child Tax Credits; Housing Benefit; Carer’s Allowance; Incapacity Benefit; Maternity Allowance; Bereavement Allowance; Guardian’s Allowance and Severe disablement Allowance.

Those who are living in the London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Enfield and Haringey are already subject to the Benefits Cap. As the Benefits Cap will apply to households across the whole of the UK by the end of September 2013, it is important to discover if you will be subject to the Benefits Cap and how it could affect you. If the total amount of benefits a household was receiving exceeds the Benefit Cap then the local authority will reduce the Housing Benefit payments to align this with the Benefit cap. However, Localised support for council tax (what was previously Council Tax Benefit); Working Tax Credits; Bereavement payments; Free school meals; State Pension Credit; Statutory adoption pay; Statutory sick pay and Funeral payments are not included within this £500 or £350 per week benefits cap.

If your household is or likely to be subject to the Benefits Cap – then one option is to consider if you are exempt.

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Households will be exempt from the Benefits Cap whilst they receive either Disability Living Allowance (or Personal Independence Payment when it comes into effect); Attendance Allowance; Employment and Support Allowance at the Support Component Rate; Working Tax Credits; War Widow’s Pension or War Disablement Pension/Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Households should consider if they are getting the relevant Disability Benefits and possibly look to work more hours so as to maximise Working Tax Credits received. A very helpful online benefits cap calculator which enables one to see how a household on particular benefits will be affected can be seen at www.gov.uk/benefit-cap.

An alternative solution that a household will have is to relocate to a cheaper property where the rent is lower; a difficult task for many in light of the current drastic shortage in affordable housing. Further to exemptions, applications for Discretionary Housing Payments can be made to the local authority. There is no entitlement to Discretionary Housing Payments and upon receipt of an application the local authority has inherent discretion to decide whether to meet the household’s reduced Housing Benefit payments, by how much and for how long. The coalition government has allocated a £100 million fund for Discretionary Housing Payments to help those households that will be affected by these changes. All should be warned though that applying for Discretionary Housing Payments is likely appears to only be a short-term solution as there currently no plans for these funds to be replaced once utilised and therefore such applications should be made promptly.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ Welfare Benefits Team advises and assists on all issues in relation to the Benefits Cap from exploring whether an exemption applies to drafting Discretionary Housing Payment applications. Duncan Lewis also has a dedicated Housing Law department that assists clients with all housing issues from homelessness matters, resolving rent arrears to unlawful eviction.

Author – Daniel Anderson is a Trainee Solicitor with Duncan Lewis.

Offices across London and throughout UK l l l l l l

City of London Cardiff Hackney Lewisham Southall Manchester

l Birmingham l Harrow l Islington l Shepherd’s Bush l Tooting l Leicester

With over 500 Staff to Assist Tel: 020 7923 4020 - www.duncanlewis.com

Baba Ramdev and immigration Recent behaviour of our Immigration is deplorable but then we have noticed the home office and immigration has always been tolerant even to few Islamist mullahas, who have poisoned the minds of some Muslim youths to dangerous level to such an extent that it has become permanent problem.

So We should look at the recent terrible inconvenience caused to Baba Ramdev with different angle.

Was it the Indian Government that could

have played part? Corrupt Congress administration is desperate to win, and need another 5 years so they could wipe out their records.

Secondly for western governments corrupt government with dumb leader is more welcome because such administrations could easily be toppled.

This is the historical fact of last century.

They do not need intelligent administrators like Mr. Modi.

Ramesh Desai London

Two men charged after terror arrest Two men, aged 29 and 22, have been charged with conspiring to attend a place used for terrorist training and for the unlawful possession of ammunition.

They were arrested by police in Dover on Monday and have been charged under the 2000 Terrorism Act. The men had just arrived from Calais when they were detained by Kent police.

Mohommod Hassin Nawaz and Hamza Nawaz, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday 23 September.

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UK

Maharashtra Mandal London hosts 23rd Ganesh Utsav

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Kulwant Dhaliwal, Fauja Singh,and Gurpal Oppal

Fauja Singh, Kulwant Dhaliwal and Gurpal Oppal on behalf of Roko Cancer participated in Fight for Sight London Night on the 20th September 2013. Also present was Noel Thatcher, MBE who is a British paralympic runner and represented the United Kingdom at six Paralympic games between 1984 and 2004, collecting a total of five gold medals.

The Carrots NightWalks are Fight for Sight’s flagship fundraising events, night-time sponsored walks.

For the last two years, hundreds of NightWalkers have walked around London, raising over £200,000 for Fight for Sight, a UK charity dedicated to funding eye research to prevent sight loss and treat eye disease.

Sight is the sense that people value the most, yet it’s often taken for granted.

Roko Cancer was happy to gather walkers of all ages to help support the UK based Charity.

It was 10 days of buzzing activity at Maharashtra Mandal London during the festival of Ganesha recently, with daily prayers, aarti, Prasad and programs. Ganeshotsav is the most important annual event in MML’s calendar and is attended by about 2000 people.

A vibrant children’s showcase was held on 14th September afternoon. Muktangan (an initiative of MML) has presented instrumental music, songs and dance. Students of Kirti Kala Mandir headed by Ashwini Kalsekar have presented Kathak dance, students of Prajna, Wembley have chanted Shlokas and presented the Story of Ganesha enacting three popular episodes: Birth of Ganesha, Pruthvi Pradakshina, and the Waning of Moon.

Evening program began by reading out the goodwill messages received from the Mayor of London and hon'ble Prime Minister of Britain. President of MML Sushil

lowing which Ragasudha presented a powerful Bharata Natyam rendition depicting Shakti. The evening concluded with performance of Kuntal Indulkar's group and

Rapatwar gave welcome address outlining the key activities hosted during the last one year. Padmashri Pratap Pawar's disciples presented a beautiful Kathak rendition, fol-

Lezhim by MML. Former Mayor of London Borough of Camden Dr SN Deshmukh, Padmashri Pratap Pawar, Shri Prashant Pise IFS from the High Commission of

(From left to right) Cllr Bobby Thomas-Mayor of Brent, CB Patel- Publisher of Asian Voice, Sushil Rapatwar-President of MML , Cllr Dr Neeraj Patil (former Mayor of Lambeth) and other members during Ganesha festival

Voice of Experience translated in English Kamlesh and Shrai Madhvani on behalf of the Jyotiben Madhvani Foundation has published its 5th edition of the pocket book translating the 'Voice of Experience', in English, that holds extracts from Shri Ranchhoddasji Maharaj's teachings in memory of their parents Jyotiben and Manubhai.

Shri Ranchhoddasji was an ageless saint and Messiah with missionary zeal and vision.

Manubhai Mujjibhai, who was a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist passed away in London on 17 May 2011. Jyotiben passed away on 21st September 1982 at the age of 49.

ANAND MELA

This year's Anand Mela is set to be bigger than ever before. The event will be taking place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2013 at Kingsbury High School from 11am-6pm. There will be an abundant amount of stalls present and a fantastic line up of entertainers for both days.

Avina Shah Naturally gifted Avina has been performing since she was just three years old, has written many original songs and has since made numerous recordings as a commercial and independent artist.

Avina performs in both English and Hindi and has recorded both here and in India to equal acclaim. Having shared the stage with numerous international artists, Avina is set to be a hit with the music industry.

Below is the list of performers that will be entertaining at the Mela.

Hemina Hemina Shah is a talented singer and performing artist originally from the UK, specialising in a range of different styles of Indian music including Hindi Bollywood, Hindi pop remixes, Bhangra, Garba, Fusion etc. Inspired by many top Bollywood singers and artists, such as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, her music and voice caters for people of all ages and back-

Saturday 28th September Maya Deepak (Classical singer) Sudha (Comedian) Vinod Patel (Singer) Archana Kumar (Bollywood Dance) Shivali (Singer) Odissi Performance by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (students of Urbi Basu) Meera's Academy (Religious Dance) Hemina Shah (Singer) Shruti Kanzaria (Classical Dance) Anoopam Mission (Patriotic Dance) Honey Kalaria (Bollywood Dance)

Sunday 29th September Maya Deepak (Singer) Avina Shah (Singer) Honey Kalaria (Bollywood Dance) Manorma Joshi (Classical Dance) Kishan Amin (Singer) Mahishashur Mardini (Durga Dance) NC Art (Federation of Partidar Association - Dance) Navin Kundra (Singer)

India were honoured on the occasion. Cllr Bobby Thomas (Mayor of Brent), Cllr Dr Neeraj Patil (former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth), Shri CB Patel (Publisher of Asian Voice) have all shared their experiences of Marathi Culture in UK. Chair person Viju Kale compered the program. On Sunday, a popular Marathi Drama by a group from Midlands and classical singing by Dr Priya Bhagwath were hosted.

On 17th September, Dr VS Godbole spoke about the places in London connected to prominent Indian figures like Tilak, Sawarkar and Swami Vivekananda. Other programs included Dr Mene’s talk on her fabric collages and Neha Dhembre’s performance.

Festivities concluded with council permitted procession on 18th September. The last nirop song was sung by Aditya, Kedar and Vinod along with Shri Khurjekar, Dr Kanegaonkar, Shardul, Jailesh, Shriram Kale, Vimal and Dileep Sonawane and several other devotees.

the UK, with 18 Bollywood schools, an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and a No 1 Bollywood Workout video. Honey's Dance Academy was launched in September 1997 by Honey Kalaria and boasts an exciting range of courses ranging from fashionable Bollywood to up beat Bhangra.

Navin Kundra Navin Kundra is a British singer/songwriter, who writes, composes and performs songs in Hindi, Punjabi and English. With a strong fan based reach of over 3 million people and growing, Navin has achieved six number one singles in the Asian Charts, and won the 2013 ‘Entertainer of the Year’ Award in the Houses Of Parliament. In 2013, he became the first ambassador for the newly formed charity Wishful Smiles. As a popular youth icon, Navin also uses his position as a role model to inspire the youth and delivers a number of talks at youth conferences across the UK.

grounds.

Kishan Amin Kishan is an up and coming vocalist who has been singing for over 15 years. Training in Indian classical music since the age of 5, he performs in various different styles ranging mainstream Bollywood and Bhangra to ghazals and other classical forms of Indian music.

Honey Kalaria Honey Kalaria is an award winning actress, choreographer and one of the top 3 Asian business women in

Shivali Shivali is signed to record label Sony Music BMG and was commended for being innovative in creating a niche market of modern contemporary bhajans. Shivali began actively involved in music with her producer Arjun Coomaraswamy at the age of 15. Shivali then went onto release Urban Temple by Eros Music in 2012, just two years after the Bhajan Project. Shivali and Arjun, the dynamic duo, truly challenged themselves with this album by pushing the boundaries and experimenting with sound.

UK

MUSIC

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Fifteen Minutes with Future YouTube Star Jegz

Stumbling across the beautiful piano covers by Jegz last week has left me speechless. Jegz, whose modest Youtube page states that he plays “piano and stuff :P”, has become a rapid youtube sensation, with his music attracting thousands of listeners and views. The 17-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil teen from Newham, London, has blown away all 140,000 of his viewers in such a short space of time with his emotive, heart-felt music. There is no doubt Jegz will definitely go far.

Check out his Youtube Channel at www.youtube.com/JegzMusic and Follow him on Twitter : @JegzMusic.

So how long have you been in to music?

Well I started the YouTube covers a year ago but I've been playing piano since I was 5 years old. I was bored one day and thought let me try something different and picked up a camera and started recording. I've managed to get good views and then I met someone who was really good at the camera in 6th form so me and him got together and we started making proper YouTube videos.

Do you make the covers yourself?

Yeah, I literally made it myself, I just hear it and if I like it and like the sound of it on the piano, I just do it.

Because it is just fun at the end of the day. I'm not looking for anything else.

Are you self-taught or have you

Tanveer Mann

If you have any particular topics you would like covered on my page, please let me know.

www.punjabeeblonde.wordpress.com tanveer.mann@abplgroup.com

had lessons and exams?

I'm Grade 7 on the piano at the moment but it's only recently that I started doing Grades.

When I was younger, my brother used to teach me because he used to have piano lessons.

Around 3 years ago, I started taking grades.

What are you studying at college?

Maths, Further Maths and Physics.

I didn't take up Music because I wasn't very good at the musical theory side to it.

Do you hope to pursue Music in the future?

I'm planning on doing Maths at university and I enjoy doing Music but I don't know if I want to do it as a career. Career-wise, I'm planning to go into investment banking.

What are your hobbies?

I used to play football a lot but ever since it started taking flight on YouTube, it's just been about Music and I think maybe this is what I'm meant to do. I never knew I liked it so much, I never knew I liked playing the piano, filming and doing covers this much. It was just a random thing during Summer 2012 and I felt I might as well do something. All my friends were like this is amazing, you should carry on. And then when I started 6th form, I met my friend who said I was really

FILM

good and he said let's do a video. That got a good response. Then I did my third video, Mirrors, which got 75,000 views, I was like Oh my god! This is crazy.

How does it feel to get so many views and comments?

I just like reading the comments that people say. Like even when you messaged me, I was like Oh my god, that is so sweet. That's the only thing I like, when people tell me it made them smile or some people have even said it makes them cry!

Do you play all the instruments yourself?

No, I use a programme called Logick and what I do is, I have a mini keyboard set up to it. None of the instruments I use are live, I don't have the money to do that yet. But I record it into the programme and they sound pretty real. I play into the programme, record everything, even the violin, I

play on the keyboard. Though I'm learning the violin at the moment.

What music do you like?

I like listening to Hip Hop and RnB

Who is your musical inspiration?

In terms of pianists, there is a Korean pianist called Yiruma. When I was 13/14, one of the first songs that I learned was one of his songs.

What should we look forward to next from you?

I'm not really sure. I want to try to get a singer on the next one.

Where are you hoping your music will go next?

I want to take it to another level, I want to meet new pianists, new violinists, meet new people and take my music further and learn more things.

I'm not in it for the money or anything like that. I love filming actually, I like that equally as much as my music.

Ranbir Kapoor kicks off promotions for Besharam in London

dance at the gala event were the stars of the film Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor along with leading lady Pallavi Sharda.

The movie marks the first time that all three Kapoor family members Tanveer Mann interviewing Ranbir have acted together on Kapoor & Pallavi Sharda the big screen.

From Barfi to Badtameez Dil Taking their seats togethto new movie Besharam, it er with lead actress in the seems Bollywood star Ranbir film Pallavi Sharda and Kapoor's love of the letter 'B' Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, has become his good luck Reliance Entertainment, charm. The new movie, Mahesh Ramanathan, COO, which features Bollywood Reliance Entertainment and royalty – Ranbir's parents Himanshu Mehra, partner at Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Movie Temple, proceedings Singh – is set to be a hit when commenced with a special it releases on October 2nd. viewing of the item song feaAfter starting his promotions turing Ranbir, Rishi and in Dubai, Ranbir and his coNeetu, Chal Hand Uthake stars are now in London to Nachche. promote Besharam to their Ranbir introduced the UK fans. event by saying: ‘I am delightOn Thursday 19th ed to be here in the UK. This September, Chak 89 hosted visit is even more special this the star-studded cast along time as I finally have my parwith senior members of ents with me. Besharam is Reliance Entertainment, who very much a family entertaintogether with Movie Temple er, so it is fitting that I should produced the film. In attencome with my father and

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15

Neetu Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor & Pallavi Sharda

mother.’

Neetu Kapoor said: ‘For me, I took on this role in Besharam for two reasons.

Firstly, it was a very unique script and concept, and secondly I could act with my family. It was nice, it felt secure and I was in my comfort zone.’

Attention then turned to beautiful leading lady Pallavi Sharda. The Indo-Australian actress spoke of her association with the Bollywood industry and of how Bollywood is perceived by the Indian community in Australia. ‘When I was grow-

ing up I was fascinated by Bollywood. I used to wear a Bindi on my forehead whenever I went out. I love Bollywood; it formed a big part of my identity when I was growing up in Australia.

Australian Indians really identify with Bollywood as it acts as a way for them to connect with their roots. Indian Cinema is increasingly more cross-over nowadays in the type of films that are being made.’

She added: ‘I have had a great time working on this film. The Kapoors have been very welcoming to me during

the making of this film.’

In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice later, Ranbir said, on acting with his parents, 'it feels great.

Both my parents are an inspiration to me. My father and mother are fabulous actors and my father has been passionate about his craft for over 40 years. I have learnt so much from both of them.’

When asked about the key message behind Besharam, Ranbir Kapoor said: ‘Besharam is not about embarrassing anybody.

Besharam is an attitude. It’s about listening and following your heart.’

He also admitted that Rocket Singh is his favourite movie out of all the movies he has acted in and that the most Besharam thing he has done in his own life is 'dropping the towel in my first film (Saawariya) and got buttnaked in front of hundreds of people on a film set!'

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Diana Hayden ties knot in Las Vegas

Kamal to revive ‘Marudhunayag

Diana Hayden recently tied the knot with boyfriend Collin Dick at a private ceremony in Las Model-actress Vegas. The affair was attended by

close friends and family. Collin, who is originally from Vegas, has been working in Mumbai for an international NGO. The wedding ceremony was a three-day affair complete with a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party and families. On the wedding day, the couple had four bridesmaids and four groomsmen, a flower girl and a page boy.

Tamil actor/producer Kamal Haasan launched his dream 'Marudhunayagam' in all grandeur two decades ago. However, failed to kick off for a very long time, until there seemed to shi of hope in 1999. However, all of it fell flat once again. Kamal H now busy wrapping up 'Vishwaroopam 2' and has signed two oth ects in Tamil. Kamal is an intelligent investor, who believes in back money into cinema to make it grow. And the multi talent seems to have reposed faith in his old favourite, 'Marudhunayag planned to revive it.

Dilip Kumar still in ICU, under observation

eteran actor Dilip Kumar is recovering but continV ues to remain in the intensive

care unit at a Mumbai hospital as he is still under observation. He was admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra on Sunday after suffering a heart attack. "He (Dilip Kumar) is recovering.

He is still in ICU and is under observation... but all is well.

There is nothing to worry. He will have to be there in hospital for three more days," sources close to the actor said. He had undergone a heart surgery 14 years ago.

Goat named Shah Rukh in Hindi film

ational award winning filmmaker N Janaki Vishwanathan's

first Hindi film “Bakrapur” has an unusual protagonist in the movie- a goat named Shah Rukh but she has brushed off any reference to the Bollywood superstar. "It has nothing to do with Shah Rukh Khan. You see people have a tendency to name their pet animals after actors or someone they love.

The goat is integral to the story so we needed a name for it... something catchy," Vishwanathan said when asked if it is an attempt to poke fun at Khan. "You see, the name is just Shah Rukh which literally means face of the Emperor," she added.

I'm not interested in breaking records: Aamir Khan

ollywood actorfilmmaker Aamir B Khan, who features

in one of the most awaited films of the year, “Dhoom 3,” says he is not thinking about how many records it will break.

Reacting to reports that he has claimed that “Dhoom 3” will surpass the business of Shah Rukh Khan's “Chennai Express,” Aamir said in a statement: "I am not interested in breaking records.

I am an artist, and what gives me a high is to entertain my audience, to give them a good time, and to satisfy them emotionally."

Sidharth and Samant

Amala Paul next in Mollywood

“M

ynaa” actress Amala Paul will be sharing the screen for the first time with the most desirable actor in Mollywood Fahad Fazil in her next Malayalam film. The movie is titled “Oru Indian Pranaya Katha.”

The movie will be directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and Produced by Alex George under the banner 'Central Pictures'. The movie is said to be a love story, which will be narrated in a humorous manner. Fahad Fazil will be doing the role of a Aiyamanam Siddharthan, a local leader.

Iqbal Kuttipuram, who has scripted hit films like “Arabikkatha” and “Diamond Necklace” is the script writer for this film. Shooting has already started in Palakkad.

Giants International felicitates Aishwarya

After Amitabh Bachchan was recently felicitated for his social work, his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai was felicitated with Giants Award for her contribution to Indian Cinema. The 39-year-old actress has been in news recently for her stylish avatars at various photo shoots and appearances.

And at the Giants International 41st anniversary celebrations and award function Aishwarya did it again.

The actress was simple and stylish and managed to sweep the compliments yet again! Aishwarya has been a part of landmark films 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Devdas', 'Jodha Akbar', 'Dhoom 2', 'Guru', 'Guzarish' among others.

K

ollywood’s hottest pair comes together, this time for Lux commercial advertisement. They were paired together in 'Jabardasth' and 'Theeya Velai Seiyanum Kumaru'.

This ad is commencing in Bangkok. It will be aired from November 1 on the occasion of Diwali festival. Samantha tweeted "Super happy to announce my new brand associated with Lux, I secretly wanted to be a Lux girl. I grew up watching all my favorite actresses looking gorgeous in their Lux campaigns. Shooting the camp was extra special because it has Sidharth, I conveyed thanks to him for being there," she added.

Soha supports fashion for a cause

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan supports 'Design One', an annual fund-raising initiative of Sahachari Foundation, in its mission to fund for non-governmental organisations. She interacted with kids at Muktangan, an NGO that supports underprivileged children up to the middle school level. "It's refreshing to see children being encouraged to make decisions, and explore their own ideas to develop their own understanding," the actress said in a statement. She also applauded 'Design One's mission of funding NGO projects through initiatives like Design One expo.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

e gam’

project the film ine a ray Haasan is her projn tuning ted actor gam' and

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I have relied on glamour in my films: Ileana D'Cruz

he wowed everyone with her understated performance in her Bollywood debut "Barfi", but Ileana D'Cruz says she is more comfortable doing hardcore Scommercial roles. The 25-year-old actress's second film is Rajkumar Santoshi's

action-comedy "Phata Poster Nikhla Hero", which is a departure from her first Hindi film.

Ileana feels Bollywood and glamour go hand-in-hand and she is no Vidya Balan to pull off roles like "Barfi" on regular basis.

"I must admit that if you want to survive in Bollywood, you have to have a certain amount of glamour attached to you other wise it is difficult to survive. I can't talk about other actresses but I have relied on glamour in films in the south. It works.

"If you look glamorous, dress well, it works in the film. You can pass off in a film by just looking good. I am not Vidya (Balan). She is great and does not need glamour. I cannot even compare myself to her," Ileana said in an interview.

The actress says she decided to be part of "Phata Poster..." as she felt people had started taking her too seriously after her portrayal of Shruti in Anurag Basu's "Barfi" and feared getting typecast.

Deepika keen to work with Salman

tha come together

A

Shahid Kapoor hopeful of better days ahead

Actor Shahid Kapoor, who will be seen next in “Phata Poster Nikhla Hero” has not been able to impress the boxoffice in the recent past but is hopeful of better days ahead. Post 'Badmassh Company' in 2010, the 32-year-old's films have not done well at the box office and he thinks his time is not right. "I feel when the time is right almost every decision you make seems right. And my time is not right and all my decisions don't seem to go right,” Shahid said. te a film," he added.

ctress Deepika Padukone says she is keen to work with superstar Salman Khan but is waiting for something special to bring them together on screen. Deepika had an acting debut offer from Salman, which happened way before she was chosen by Farah Khan for 'Om Shanti Om'. However, she declined it then as she felt she was not ready to face the camera. "He offered me my first film when I was too young and I was not ready to be in front of the camera.

I will always be grateful to him. Just the fact that he offered me a film was a great thing. It is taking a long time for us to come together on screen, so I think there is something special waiting for us," Deepika said. The actress, who will be seen alongside south superstar Rajinikanth for the first time in 'Kochadaiyaan', says she admires his child like enthusiasm. "I worked for three days with him. I took back from him is his simplicity, humility and child like attitude on sets. Despite achieving so much success he is so excited, enthusiastic and energetic even today, this is something that is inspiring to see," she said. A lot of appreciation is coming Deepika's way with the success of films like “Chennai Express,” “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani,” “Race 2” but the actress feels awkward when people compliment her.

A

Katrina is a very special in my life: Ranbir

ctor Ranbir Kapoor says Katrina Kaif holds a special place in his life but he does not want to end the mystery by talking about it in media. After the photographs showing Ranbir holidaying with Katrina went viral, the actor is no more in denial mode.

"There is so much being said about my personal life. I don't want my life to become a reality show. Yes, Katrina is a very special part of my life," Ranbir said. The actor, who previously dated Deepika Padukone, said he has learnt from his experience to not talk about his personal life. "... when you are going to marry someone, of course I would love the world to know about the person I love," he said. The actor feels that there is a lot of judgment in the country about women and their relationships.

"I think you have to protect that. I will try and protect the mystery of what I have in my personal life," he said.

Ranbir has no problems with what is being said and written about him as he feels that's the part and parcel of the industry.

"You can write anything about me... I may feel bad or good about it as you (media) have created me. I am a media created star. I can't have an opinion now. If I say something there will be 20 different articles and point of views which will again bring negativity in my life. As of now I am happy in my life professionally and personally," he said.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Asian Voice readers can have a free Alpesh Patel markets newsletter daily in their inbox by going to www.investingbetter.com A relatively quiet start for this trading week as on Monday we had no major developments in the currency market. European PMI figures were mixed as manufacturing production slowed down and the services sector showed an uptick in activity. These data along with dovish comments from ECB's President Draghi that further monetary easing is considered held the Euro near the 1,3500 area. Today the German IFO report is expected and should the figures show a further slowdown in business confidence then the 1,3500 level will be breached.

On the other side of the pond, FOMC voter Dudley offered his views on the recent Fed decision not to taper.

The American policymaker linked Fed's decision with developments at Washington as the US government is facing another fiscal cliff while Democrats and Republicans are struggling to strike a deal to raise the debt ceiling. Dudley said that the Fed wanted to see how this situation would evolve prior to taking any decision regarding tapering and also hinted that they could go ahead with tapering as early as October which could interpret why the Dollar still holds its current levels.

Here in the UK the Pound is trading a bit lower around the 1.6000 level against the Dollar as this is a light week for the UK currency regarding news events and announcements. However, several key policymakers are bound to speak this week and the shared tone of optimism and renewed confidence for the British economy could provide new fuel to the Pound against its major counterparties. Specifically we are very keen to hear from MPC member Miles who is a known 'dove' but has recently noted that additional Quantitative Easing would not be required since signs of stronger growth have been noticed.

Regarding the Japanese Yen, the Asian currency is trading higher against the Dollar and most of the other major currencies while a strong rumor that another round of government stimulus could be near is circulating among major trading desks. Several sources have reported that such an announcement could come as early as next week and that the new wave of stimulus will include a 5-trillion yen program with expansionary incentives for the business sector.

Gold is falling for a third day in a row as investors are reacting to comments that even though the Fed refrained from tapering its asset purchasing program this month such a prospect might not be that far into the future after all. The yellow metal gained $80 after the announcement that there will be no tapering in September but statements from US policymakers mentioning that the decision was a close on and that the Federal Reserve could in fact start cutting back on its stimulus efforts as early as October are weighting in the commodity's price. The key level to watch here is the $1,300 as a breach below could spur a radical sell-off in Gold.

Fitch slashes India growth forecast to 4.8% for FY'14

Fitch Ratings cut India's growth forecast for the current financial year to 4.8 per cent, saying weak demand is a large drag on the economy. The new estimate compares with projections of 5.7 per cent made in June and 7 per cent in September, underlining the "severity of the growth shock," the rating agency said in its 'Global Economic Outlook' report.

Fitch said prospects of a swift economic turnaround have been further dented by a 20 per cent fall in the domestic currency since the end of May due to increased concerns over the country's large current account deficit.

The sharp cut in the

growth forecast comes when the country faces challenges such as slowing growth, exchange-rate woes and concerns about the current account deficit.

India's economy expanded at a 4.4 per cent pace in the AprilJune quarter compared with 4.8 per cent in January-March.

"Demand is weak, both externally and domestically, which is a large drag on the economy," the agency said.

Fitch also cut India's growth rate projection for FY'15 to 5.8 per cent from the June forecast of 6.5 per cent.

In September 2012, the company had projected a growth of 7.5 per cent for FY'15.

RBI surprises with rate hike; trims rupee support steps

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan surprised markets in his maiden policy review by raising interest rates to ward off rising inflation while scaling back some emergency measures put in place to support the rupee.

Rajan raised the RBI's policy repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 7.50 per cent, defying widespread forecasts that he would leave the rate on hold to bolster a sluggish economy, and as expected struck a hawkish tone.

The RBI rolled back some of the steps that had been imposed to support a currency that had fallen as much as 20 per cent to a record low in late August, reducing the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate by 75 bps to 9.50 per cent.

The RBI had lifted the

Faced with over Rs 112 billion tax liability, Vodafone India chief Analjit Singh said the company would start the pre-conciliation talks with government to settle the dispute.

"Yes the (pre-conciliation) talks will start," Singh told reporters after meeting finance minister P Chidambaram. He, however, refrained from giving a timeline for the talks to begin. While Vodafone has selected its senior official Mathew Kirk, Government has from its side selected law Secretary P K Malhotra to begin the preconciliation talks.

The British telecom major is facing a tax liabili-

MSF rate to 10.25 per cent in mid-July to tighten market liquidity and stabilise the rupee, and the MSF had been treated by the market as the effective policy rate.

Indian federal bonds, the rupee and stocks all extended losses after the decision.

"The need to anchor inflation and inflation expectations has to be set

against the fragile state of the industrial sector and urban demand," Rajan said in his policy statement.

He also said he wanted the repo rate to resume its place as the operational policy rate as the rupee support measures are unwound.

The RBI partially scaled back the minimum cash balance requirement banks must keep with the central bank on a daily basis.

Mounting price pressures: "The governor is clearly worried about inflation," said Anjali Verma, chief economist at PhillipCapital in Mumbai.

"He is saying the improved international conditions will take care of the current account deficit funding and his focus will shift to the fiscal deficit and inflation, which were taking a backseat," she said.

Headline inflation shot to a six-month high of 6.1 per cent in August, hardening the case for Rajan to keep interest rates high.

India's record-high current account deficit made it especially vulnerable to the flight of funds from emerging markets that began in May on expectations the Fed would soon begin tapering its extraordinary stimulus.Since Rajan took office, the rupee had recovered more than 9 per cent getting a further boost this week after the US Federal Reserve unexpectedly opted not to begin scaling back its stimulus programme.

Rajan said that domestic drivers of the rupee now take precedence. "The focus has turned to internal determinants of the value of the rupee, primarily the fiscal deficit and domestic inflation," he said.

ty of over Rs 112 billion, along with interest, on its 2007 acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa's stake in Hutchison Essar.

Vodafone had earlier expressed its keenness to reach an amicable settlement on the matter.

Vodafone had offered to settle the dispute through conciliation to which government agreed, but there are differences over the rules under which it would take place. The Supreme Court last year had ruled in Vodafone's favour, saying the British company was not liable to pay any tax over its 2007 acquisition of mobile phone assets in India.

Etihad Airways is expanding operations in India with more flights and widebodied jets, building on its deal with India's Jet Airways as it eyes growth in one of the fastest growing markets.

The Abu Dhabi airline, which is buying a 24% stake in the Indian operator, announced a threefold increase in seats on the prime Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and New Delhi routes from November.

Etihad also intends to codeshare on a wide range of flights operated within India by Jet Airways. "India is one of the world's fastestgrowing destinations, and a key market in the growth

strategy of Etihad Airways," President and Chief Executive James Hogan said in a statement.

"Following the recent signing of a new air services agreement between India and the UAE, we now have the opportunity to add significant capacity between the two countries."

The India-UAE agreement finalised earlier this month allows both countries' airlines to add 36,670 seats per week over three years to the current entitlement of 13,600 seats.

Etihad is fully-owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Buffett because he also takes the long view.

Blackberry shares peaked above $148 in June 2008 when the company's devices were still the top choice for bankers, politicians and lawyers. The stock, halted pending the announcement on Monday, closed below the offer price on Nasdaq, at $8.82, indicating the market's lack of faith that other bids would emerge.

BlackBerry, based in Waterloo, Ontario, once

dominated the market for secure on-your-hip email.

But it introduced consumer-friendly touch screen smart phones only after it lost the lead to Apple Inc's iPhone and devices using Google Inc's Android operating system.

BlackBerry has until November 4 to seek superior offers, which the Fairfax group has the right to match. The group is seeking financing from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and BMO Capital Markets to complete the deal and has until that November 4 deadline to conduct its due diligence.

Fairfax, both an insurance holding company and Watsa's investment vehicle, was on the losing end of bets against the market

in the mid 2000s as Watsa waited for the US mortgage industry to collapse.

Watsa, born in 1950 in Hyderabad, India, and trained as a chemical engineer, has a public profile that has at times bordered on the reclusive since he took over Fairfax in 1985.

For his first 15 years at the company, he barely spoke to a reporter, and he only started holding investor conference calls in 2001.

Fairfax has generally not been known as an activist investor, but Watsa has not shied away from a fight, launching a $6 billion lawsuit against a group of hedge funds in 2006, accusing them of conspiring to the drive the company's shares down so they could be shorted.

Raghuram Rajan

Tax:Vodafone to start pre-conciliation talks

Etihad expanding operations in India

India-born Prem Watsa bids for BlackBerry

Smartphone maker BlackBerry has agreed to go private in a $4.7 billion deal led by its biggest shareholder, allowing the email pioneer to regroup away from public scrutiny after years of falling fortunes and slumping market share.

The $9 a share tentative offer, from a consortium led by property and casualty insurer Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd owned by India-born Prem Watsa, will set a floor for any counteroffers that might emerge for Blackberry, which has been on the block since August.

As an investor, Fairfax Chief Executive Prem Watsa is often described as the Canadian Warren

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

FINANCIAL VOICE

Back to Basics

Property investment is very simple. It boils down to three questions: firstly is my money safe in this investment, secondly will it be going up or down after I invest, and lastly when and how can I get my money out, if required?

When stripped down to its core this forms the basics. The return on property can only come in two forms, one is capital growth and the other is rental income; there is no third way. The first is lumpy, meaning it will be a lump of money out in the future, and the other is a more regular monthly income.

Looking at the first question is your money safe, let’s consider the worst-case scenario: you make an investment and the price of the property drops to less than you have paid for it. You still have two saving graces, firstly the assurance the price will not go to zero. The property has an intrinsic value and so does the land it occupies. It is scarce in nature, what you use to purchase it i.e. money is not. To date the powers that be have injected £375bn into Britain's economy under quantitative easing since 2009. Where has this money exactly come from?

There seems to be no scarcity in producing it.

The second, you will not make a loss until you sell. Given enough time property has a way of bouncing back, it's rather like having a bad haircut. It will grow back in time if you just wait. It’s worth remembering a property crash generally means prices are dampened for a temporary period of time. Not that the property disappears, like some companies on the stock market or indeed some banks.

Even in the current post credit crunch environment banks are still lending 75% on the value of a property. Try and get them to lend 75% of practically any other investment; you will be hard pressed to do so.

They are not stupid, you may not but come rain or shine they generally make heavy profits. You may lose your money but they will ensure they will not lose theirs. This means property is a safe bet for banks otherwise they will not agree to be the majority stakeholder in such an investment.

The second question regarding investments is will the asset class go up in the future? The past after all is the past and doesn’t necessarily reflect the future.

This question actually may or may not have relevance depending on the reason you're purchasing property. If it’s purely for rental yield then it’s the rentability which counts the foremost, which overrides the need for capital growth. The capital value is important at the point of sale or refinance. If you never sell and simply go for income, it’s less of an issue. There are many investors who focus on HMO investments and purely aim for rental yields and nothing else. The future rise in property value is however important as this is generally how the bulk of money is made.

New home starts in London dropped from 25,000 in 2004 to around 10,000 in 2010. London is generally acknowledged to be in a housing crisis which is likely to worsen with projected population growth.

The above seems to point to a fundamental inability for supply to meet the demand.

The demand of course is dependent on the availability and the cost of credit, if this dries up the demand decreases. However the impact of this is felt less so in some locations.

Lond on for example attracts bu yers from all aroun d the world, therefore the availability of cred it in t he UK may n ot be a prin ciple req uire me nt fo r t hem. Many bank s o pe rate o ve r many co ntine nts, and some o ve rseas bu yers h ave the ir credit lines already se cured, inde pen den t of the UK cre dit mark et.

Indeed I asked a Jewish money lender why on earth he was lending money at 12% per annum when I knew he was making more on his other projects. The answer surprised me. The money he was loaning out was money based offshore; and it was earning a paltry rate of interest.

The primary aim of these funds were to keep them offshore and not to attract a good rate of return. The banks who were releasing the money here had a guarantee on the funds in another jurisdiction.

The third question is when you can get your money out. Property is not as immovable and illiquid as many tend to think. You can resell a property potentially in 28 days from the day of an auction. You can refinance it in about the same amount of time, and of course if prices have dropped you can always rent it and hold out for the values to rise again.

You may even find the net rental income you make will be higher than what your funds many have been earning in a bank.

If you' re pu rchasin g fo r capital growt h then a do wnt urn in price will of course be an issue. There are ways you can maximise the chan ces of g rowth occ urring. The first is t o purchase below marke t value, this has now be come a bit of a bu zz word ; in short t his is kn own as BMV. This alone does not however guarantee you security against future decreases in house prices. For example you can purchase below market value, but a decrease in prices the following year might mean this investment is now not below market value, but the market value is now below what you paid for it a year ago.

Many of the BMV deals currently being touted on the market are in questionable areas on the outskirts of cities with little or no future growth prospects. With the economy not having found its feet this is a questionable strategy. In a rising market buying BMV is a good thing, as it gives you an extra gain on the capital growth. However in a falling market all it serves to do is cushion the fall. But a fall it is.

The dynamics of why prices rise or fall are based on supply and demand. Strong demand and finite supply means prices will rise. Strong supply and no demand means prices will fall.

In one sense you can simply state property is almost finite in supply and is likely to be so in the future. Currently the output of new homes in the UK is running at around 100,000 per annum and the majority of these developments do nothing to ease the housing requirement in cities due to a lack of space.

The UK population is currently circa 52 million and is predicted to grow, although in general both people and houses share an upward trend, their rates of growth may differ. Between 1990-2010, population growth accelerated while the annual number of completed dwellings fell, probably reflecting changing economic circumstances, and creating housing shortages. A variety of projections to 2035 and later years, based on different assumptions for life expectancy, fertility and net migration, have been prepared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The principal projection for England shows a massive 19% increase between 2010-2035. Furthermore currently 350,000 families in London are on social or affordable waiting lists.

It is also possible to ge t all of your money ou t fro m a pro pe rty an d still own the pro pe rty. A property we pu rchase d in Shepherd's Bu sh for £650k is now being sold for £912k on ly n ine month s later. If we were to kee p it an d refin an ce it all o f o ur original mon ey wo uld come out of the d eal.

Many clients come to us and have this vague idea of rather than paying for rent they should purchase a property instead. Generally our advice is to keep the two separate. Buying for an investment in the right location is a great idea, but to mix it with the sentiments of your son or daughter may not be the best combination.

They may have their own personal preferences. The aim of an investment is to make as much money in the shortest possible time.

When someone wishes to live somewhere their own sentiments come into play. Therefore it is better to get a solid investment in a strong location and use the income and growth from there to fund your children’s rental stay instead.

It always pays to strip things down to their core skeleton. I hope you have found this article useful, we have many ways you can invest in property both direct and indirect, give us a call to discuss how we can help you.

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

55 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch Tower, London, W1H 7AA

Follow us online:

Sowandreapuk

19

SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week l The money you invest in property will grow in direct proportion with the location you invest in.

l To generate good profits by flipping properties you need to pick the right property, in the right location, at the right price.

And all these require the right knowledge.

20

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

maria@abplgroup.com

A Raw Deal for Grandparents

Maria Fernandes

hen the new rules on dependant parents W became law, not many

people realised the extent of the restrictions. It is now becoming clear to many that they will not be able to bring their parents to live with them. The rationale behind this was that the elderly would be a burden on the taxpayer.

However, this could easily have been resolved by requiring parents to have private health insurance.

As these restrictions bite in, the rules relating to visitors have also been tightened so that parents, even those who have retired cannot spend long or frequent visits without getting risking refusal.

Even for parents who have no other children living in the same country, the test is that the parent would only qualify if they can show that they are unable to carry out personal tasks such as washing or cooking and that, even with the financial help of the sponsor, this care is not available or not affordable. If a parent lives in the USA for example it may be easier to qualify than if they live in India.

The fight-back against the rigour of these rules will ultimately be through the courts and the use of human rights legislation and, in particular, the rights of British Citizens to share their lives with their families. With this in mind

I am attaching an extract from a 10 year old British citizen, Ellie, from Leicester recounting her experience, in her own words, of her love for her grandmother.

“My grandma and I have a very special relationship. My Grandma came to the UK when she was young to be with her family. She holds a very precious position in my life and she is like the third parent to me. I know she loves me. She gives me lots of wise advice and brings me down to earth. She says saving is better than spending and to never waste food because there are some people who don’t have any. In the school holidays she is always there to help if we have no one to look after me. I go to her house and have lots of fun and I even have sleepovers there. She sometimes comes on holiday with me and I can have quality time with her which I treasure. I am very lucky because she lives quite nearby and I see her at least once a week. Overall I love my grandma!”

Ellie encapsulates the importance of a grandparent. She is lucky that her grandmother is already living here. Unlike others who will not have the opportunity to enjoy such a relationship if they originate from another country.

Ratan Tata joins Carnegie Board

Leading Indian industrialist Ratan Tata has joined the board of trustees of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an influential Washington think tank. "We are extremely proud to welcome Ratan to our board of trustees," said Harvey V. Fineberg, chairman of the board in a statement announcing Tata's induction. “Ratan has an unparalleled knowledge of the global economy, as well as the business sector in one of the world's most important emerging economies.

He has enormous experience managing large organizations, and I know he will be a tremendous asset for Carnegie," Fineberg said.

Welcoming Tata to Carnegie's board, the think tank president Jessica T Mathews said: "As we continue to develop the world's first truly global think tank, including establishing a South Asia Centre in New Delhi, I can think of few better

people to help us in that mission."

Tata, who is also a member of the Indian Prime Minister's Council on Trade and Industry, was chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until his retirement at the end of 2012.

Currently chairman of Tata Trusts, he also heads two of the largest privatesector-promoted philanthropic trusts in India.

One of the oldest US think tanks, Carnegie has a global network of policy research centres in Russia, China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US.

Tata Sons to start new full-service carrier with Singapore Airlines

Salt to software conglomerate Tata group said it has entered into an agreement with Singapore Airlines to start a full-service carrier in India. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the airline, which will be based in New Delhi and operate under the full-service model, Tata Sons said in a statement.

"Tata Sons will own 51% and Singapore Airlines will own 49%," the statement added. The Tatas already have a partnership with AirAsia Bhd to start a low-cost airline in India.

Tata Sons has applied to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for approval to establish the new airline in India, the company said, adding the initial board will have two members nominated

by Tata Sons and one nominated by Singapore Airlines.

The chairman will be Prasad Menon, nominated

by Tata Sons.

"It is Tata Sons' evaluation that civil aviation in India offers sustainable growth potential. We now have the opportunity to launch a world-class, fullservice airline in India. We are delighted that we are partnering in this endeavour with the world

renowned Singapore Airlines," Menon said.

Expressing similar views, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: "We have always been a strong believer in the growth potential of India's aviation sector and are excited about the opportunity to partner Tata Sons in contributing to the future expansion of the market."

With the recent liberalisation, the time is right to

jointly bring consumers a fresh new option for fullservice air travel, he added. "We are confident the joint venture airline will help to stimulate market demand and provide economic benefits to India," Goh said.

Details of the airline's branding, management team and products and services will be announced in due course, the company said.

Govt to fast-track Tata-SIA airline Desperate to shrug off charges of inertia, UPA-II will fast-track the TataSingapore Airlines’ proposal. While top government sources say clearances will be given without any unnecessary delays, the attempt will be to make the proposed airline take off within the remaining tenure of this regime.

India's cash-strapped aviation sector is celebrating an early Diwali this year with the arrival of deep pocket players like Singapore Airlines, Etihad and AirAsia on the scene.

This sudden euphoria may see the government reviewing the current rule that an Indian airline must complete five years and have a fleet of at least 20 aircraft to start international flights.

"So far, low-cost carrier GoAir has applied for relaxation of the norm as it is over five years old but does not have 20 aircraft in its fleet. While we were favorably inclined to lower the 20-aircraft rule and retain the five-year bit, no final view has been taken so far. If the upcoming airlines also seek a review of the policy, we may have a comprehensive relook," said sources.

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, who has tied up with Tata Sons, to launch a budget airline

that could take wings this year itself, has already lambasted the existing policy. "These are bizarre rules ... that you can't fly abroad before five years and 20 aircraft (fleet) ...

That rule makes no sense.

It is a negative for the Indian airlines. I, as a one-plane airline in Malaysia, can fly to India.

India is the only country which has such a rule," he had said in Delhi in July.

While Indian carriers say this rule must continue as they "complied with them before beginning international flights," the airport managements favour a change. A senior Delhi airport official said: "Tata-Singapore Airlines JV will be based in Delhi, which is an ideal place for a hub between the East and the West, thanks to its geographical position.

If India gets a few strong airlines and Air India succeeds in its growth plans, Delhi and some other metros will become true global hubs."

For first time in the history, the Barack Obama-led United States government plans to host an investment summit with the aim to lure in foreign direct investments (FDI) to the country.

If all goes as per plan, many top notch businessmen from Gujarat and other states of India will be invited to attend the summit scheduled this October-end, said US consul general in Mumbai, Peter Haas, during his visit to Ahmedabad.

During an interactive session, Haas spoke at length about how the US government wants to boost its economy, which he said, is recovering. “It is out of doldrums. The unemployment ratio is reduced to 7.3%,” he said.

When asked if the US summit is on the same lines as Vibrant Gujarat Summit, what the state has been holding for the past decade, Peter Haas denied and said, ‘it’s dif-

ferent’.

“It is different in the sense that there will be people from all 50 American states, each of which, has somewhat different incentive policies and different tax break that they offer potential investors,” he said.

The consul general added that the US government would take a delegation of businessmen and investors from India, including Gujarat to the US summit, titled Selective Essay Investment Conference.

“This is the first time we are doing it. The US is the largest destination for FDI and I think the openness to FDI is the cornerstone of our economy and prosperity.

President Obama realises that though we are the top destination for FDIs, we can compete and attract even more because that will create additional jobs in the country as well as increase our competitiveness,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's drive to revive investment projects tangled in red tape has given the Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government an opportunity to highlight the billions of investment plans in the state that are stuck due to lack of clearances from New Delhi.

The state is approaching the Cabinet Committee on Investments for urgent intervention to expedite projects worth Rs 1,100 billion promoted by top Indian and global corporate such as Reliance Industries, Shell, Essar

group and Adani Ports, that have been waiting for green clearances from the Centre for over three years in some cases. These projects, officials said, are only part of an initial list of investments stuck in the state, with a more comprehensive list being drawn up over the next two weeks. "Our state government is equally concerned as the Centre is, about reviving investor sentiment and the economy by getting committed investments in the pipeline off the ground, " Kamal Dayani, Industries Commissioner of Gujarat said. "We will represent the

many projects in our state that are held up due to lack of clearances from central ministries to the special project monitoring group set up under the Cabinet Committee of Investments," he said.

The Rs 88 billion expansion plan for RIL's marine operations at Jamnagar, the Rs 190 billion Mumbai-Vadodara expressway and Rs 430 billion investments in the country's largest infrastructure idea - the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor - are among the projects waiting for a green signal from the environment and forest ministry at

the Centre. These are part of the initial list of 17 projects or policy conundrums for which the state is seeking a fast-track resolution, that are pending with the ministry of environment and forests. "A majority of investment plans get stuck in environmental clearances, which involves a lot of time-consuming processes," said Dayani.

Gujarat's top industry official said that these projects would be submitted to the central government in a week or so, even as the state is identifying all such stalled projects for which the Centre's intervention would be sought.

India may allow more America now seeks desi carriers to fly abroad investment from Gujarat

Gujarat seeks Centre's nod to expedite projects

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

The plummeting US Dollar Currency Specialists.

The US dollar suffered last week following two surprise announcements by the Federal Reserve.

Firstly on the night of Sunday 15th September, Lawrence Summers ruled himself out of the running for Chairmanship of the Federal Reserve which dampened demand for the US dollar.

Summers was one of the more hawkish members of the Federal Reserve and as a result was perceived to be in favour of reducing the Fed’s current monetary policy. The new favourite, Janet Yellen, is seen to be more dovish about the US economy and is thought to be favour in keeping monetary policy loose, favouring job creation instead.

The US dollar plummeted even further on Wednesday 18th September after the Federal Reserve unexpectedly held its quantitative easing programme at US$85bln worth of monthly bond purchases. The market had been expecting QE to be reduced

by US$10bln this month and the unemployment threshold for forward guidance to be altered.

However, although the Fed thought the economy was show-

ing signs of improvement, more evidence was needed of economic progress before any tapering could occur.

Bernanke made particular reference to the job market, commenting that it hadn’t improved quite enough to spur the consumer spending that accounts for 70% of the US economy. The Fed also reduced their forecasts for economic growth this year from 2.6% to 2.3%.

Economic data from the United States showed that

industrial production grew by 0.4%, its highest in six months; due to an increase in automobile production. However the New York State Manufacturing index fell to a four month low in September. Retail sales grew by 0.2% in August but failed to live up to an expected growth of 0.4%. Consumer sentiment also fell in the month of September to a five month low.

The pound received a boost following the Bank of England minutes. All nine members felt that there was no need to admin-

ister further stimulus as the UK economy was showing increasing signs of a recovery. All nine members also voted to keep interest rates on hold at 0.5%.

Retail sales data from the UK has shown a surprise fall of 0.3% in August causing the pound to erase its recent gains against its peers.

The Office of National Statistics revealed that UK construction output grew by 2.2% in July and expanded by 2% on a year on year basis. Adding to the news on Wednesday that UK unemployment fell to 7.7%, the pound continued to go from strength to strength on Friday 13th September trading to a new nine month high against the euro and the US dollar.

The fall in inflation for the UK came in line with expectations, 2.8% down to 2.7%.

Inflation within the US saw a slightly larger drop from 2.0% to 1.5% but again, impact on the markets was rather muted.

Meanwhile the euro received some good news as employment change data showed an improvement to -0.1% in the second quarter from a figure of -0.4% in the first quarter.

Weekly Currencies

As of Tuesday 24th September 2013 @ 4.30pm GBP - INR = 100.27 USD - INR = 62.72 EUR - INR = 84.61 GBP - USD = 1.60 GBP - EUR = 1.19

EUR - USD = 1.35 GBP - AED = 5.87

GBP - CAD = 1.65

GBP - NZD = 1.93

GBP - AUD = 1.70

GBP - ZAR = 15.74

GBP - HUF = 354.64

www.rationalfx.com

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.

22

WORLD

Religious ignorance continues to fuel racial discrimination

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Tanveer Mann

The recent case of a racial attack on a Sikh professor in America has brought forth the ignorance amongst many Americans regarding the religious differences between Islam and other faiths.

Dr Prabhjot Singh was beaten and punched numerous times in the face by assailants shouting “Osama” and “terrorist” on late Saturday night in Harlem, NY. Singh told police that the assailants taunted him and beat him as they pulled his long beard. He suffered a fractured jaw and many of his teeth were displaced.

Since the Wisconsin Massacre in August last year, the attack on the Sikh professor from Columbia University, NY, has become one of many recurring 'hate crimes' by anti-Muslim bigots and demonstrates that this hatred is rapidly penetrating into other faiths and destroying the diversity balance within the US. Jaspreet Singh, cofounder of the International Centre for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD), has also directly experienced identity-based discrimination and gave an exclusive interview with Asian Voice about his efforts to target the heart of the issue. ICAAD is a newly set up, non-profit organization that works to empower marginalized communities globally to

address structural discrimination in their legal systems using an interdisciplinary approach combining technology, law and art.

ICAAD’s model is designed to be global in scale. In its first 18 months, ICAAD obtained pro bono services from over 50 attorneys in more than 20 cities across 15 countries. It currently has 24 advisors across 4 countries.

Speaking about the discrimination he has personally experienced, Jaspreet said, “As a Sikh American that maintains a turban and uncut hair, I faced discrimination from an early age. When I was younger, I was bullied at school and had my turban pulled off a few times.

After 9/11, when going to law school in Tallahassee (2003-2005) which is a rural town in Florida, I

A powerful earthquake hit a remote, impoverished part of western Pakistan on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and destroying scores of mud houses in a thinly populated area, officials and residents said.

Tremors were felt as far away as the Indian capital of New Delhi, hundreds of miles to the east, where buildings shook, as well as the sprawling port city of Karachi in Pakistan.

The United States Geological Survey said a 7.8 magnitude quake had struck 145 miles southeast of Dalbandin in Pakistan's earthquake-prone province of Baluchistan, which borders Iran. Abdul Qadoos, deputy speaker of the Baluchistan assembly, said 30 people had been killed and at least 30 per cent of houses in the impoverished Awaran district had caved in. In the Baluch regional capital of Quetta, officials said some areas appeared to be badly damaged but it was hard to assess the impact quickly because the locations were so remote.

Baluch chief secretary Babar Yaqoob said earlier that 25 people had been injured and that the death toll was expected to increase.

Islamabad: Pakistan's enraged Christians came out in thousands across several cities on Monday protesting against the lethal suicide bombing on historic All Saints Church in Peshawar on Sunday which left 84 people dead and more than 140 injured.

Protesters blocked roads and burnt tires demanding punishment to the perpetrators of the twin-blasts. Hundred of people along with the families of those killed blocked traffic on the Grand Trunk Road for hours, apart from stalling vehicular movement in Peshawar. Several of victims' families also placed the bodies of their dead on roads demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

According to the last Census in 1998, Christians (Protestant and Roman Catholic) are about 1.9%, or around 2.3 million people of Pakistan's 180 million population. Most of them are economically backward and find it difficult to get employment. They are mostly manual labourers engaged in

Quake kills 30 in Pakistan

Dr Prabhjot Singh

was attacked on two occasions while out with friends, once by a person shouting "I'm going to kill you, you f****ing Iraqi."

Luckily I was able to extricate myself from those situations without much injury. I also face a fair amount of verbal harassment and couldn't tell you how many times I've been called a terrorist, Osama, or rag head. Just last year, my brother and I had a restaurant in the mid-west go silent when we walked in. That being said, the majority of people either accept, ignore, or are curious about what I am, as most people don't know anything about Sikhs.”

There is a desperate need to educate the ignorant and raise awareness about the effects of all types of discrimination. By setting up ICAAD,

founders Jaspreet and Hansdeep are targeting the root of discrimination and discrimination born out of structural norms.

The organization has been hugely successful and continues to attract many supporters through its awareness programmes. Jaspreet said, “we work with local and global artists to raise awareness about particular issues and host exhibitions at targeted locations to influence policy makers.

As part of the formal launch of the organization, we held an Exploring the Intersection of Art & Discrimination contest on Facebook and also had other established artists participate in an exhibition we held with the submission received. We also raise awareness through report filings before international treaty body com-

mittees, press releases, conferences, opinion editorials in newspapers, and social media engagement (Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin). We are also exploring partnerships with film makers to make hard-hitting documentaries to expose structural failures that contribute to discrimination.”

To explain in more detail, Jaspreet said: “Structural discrimination refers to laws, norms and behaviours within governmental and societal structures that create inequities by impeding on the social, cultural, economic or political rights of vulnerable communities. We have two projects right now combating structural discrimination that leads to the highest rate of maternal mortality in Assam, India and a 60%-80% rate of violence against women in the Pacific Islands. Our third major project is to map structural discrimination in the 193 countries that are UN member states.”

As an advocate for women's rights, Jaspreet also acknowledged the recent sex-grooming case revelations in the UK, referring to it as a “terrible widespread global problem.” He said, “there is a real need to make more transparent the systems allowing trafficking to take place and to enforce mechanisms like the UN Convention on Transnational Organized

Crime. In the UK specifically, the communities being targeted also need to make changes internally to support victims and protect potential victims instead of ostracising them, as is a common cultural reaction especially in the Indian community.

Because dating and openly talking about relationships and sex is not acceptable in many Indian households, community centres, or places of worship, yet is very common in schools, amongst peers, and in public, it makes it much easier for groomers to lure victims through social pressure and curiosity.”

Speaking about ICAAD's goals for the future, Jaspreet said: “In 10 years, we hope to have created a global ecosystem under which local communities and organizations have better resources to engage their governments and the international system and connections to the best practices of other advocates with similar problems to combat discrimination and create change for more just, free, and equal societies.”

As a dedicated advocate for the fight for equality, Jaspreet and his organization are an inspiration to many as his efforts continue to remain front line in the battle against discrimination, inspiring those around him to target the ignorance, irreverence and inhumanity of global discriminators.

Peshawar after the mass killing 84 and injuring 140 in the deadliest attack on Christians.

Explosions struck the church as hundreds of parishioners, many of them women and children, streamed out of the building.

"I heard two explosions. People started to run. Human remains were strewn all over the church," said one parishioner. The Taliban-linked militant group TTP Jundullah claimed responsibility within hours of the attack.

"They are the enemies of Islam, therefore we target them," said the group's spokesman, Ahmed Marwat. "We will continue our attacks on nonMuslims on Pakistani land."

Jaffna: The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) swept to victory in the historic Northern Provincial Council elections in Sri Lanka securing a two thirds majority on Sunday, signifying the beginning of a credible opposition in the island nation’s politics.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), however, put up a face-saving performance in the Tamil dominated province winning 36 seats in the 58-member Central Province and 34 seats in the 52-member North Western Province. The elections were held on Saturday.

The TNA won 30 out of 38 seats (28 direct and 2 bonus seats), while the UPFA got seven seats and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) won one seat. While TNA got 3,53,595 (78.48%) of the total votes, UPFA secured 82,838 (18.38%) of the votes. SLMC secured 6,761 (1.5%) votes in the election. The elections, held after 25 years, recorded 67.5% turnout.

While the TNA secured 14 seats in Jaffna district, it got three each

in Mannar and Kilinochchi districts and four seats each in Mullaitivu and Vavunia districts in preferential votes.

The ruling UPFA has secured two seats each in Jaffna and Vavunia districts and each one in all other three districts. The SLMC won one seat in Mannar district.

UK urges investigation into intimidation While welcoming Lankan provincial elections, UK’s FCO Minister Alistair Burt urged investigation into reports of intimidation. He said: “I welcome the Sri Lankan provincial elections that took place on 21 September.

“I welcome the access given to international observers and the overall conduct of polling day.

However, I note with concern the credible reports of the misuse of state resources for campaigning, incidents of intimidation, and violence in the run-up to elections. I call on the authorities to investigate these serious allegations and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Jaspreet Singh

Protests in Pak against Peshawar church attack; toll rises to 84

cleaning streets, roads and public toilets.

There were protests in parts of Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rahimyar Khan, Hyderabad and Quetta, with some of them turning violent. In Islamabad more than 800 protesters blocked the city highway for hours causing long traffic jams. They chanted slogans against the government demanding greater security for the minorities. While most protesters were Christians, members of civil society too joined in cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Earlier on Sunday a pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the 130-year-old All Saints Church in

Thumping win for Tamil party in Lanka polls

WORLD

Nairobi Westgate attack: Names of victims

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Ruhila Adatia-Sood Ruhila Adatia-Sood, a popular TV and radio personality, was in the rooftop car park of the

Westgate shopping centre where she was part of a team hosting a cooking competition for small children at the time of the attack.

She was married to Ketan Sood, who worked for USAid in Nairobi, in January 2012 in what has been described as Swahilithemed wedding. She was six months' pregnant with their first child when she died.

According to reports, Ms Adatia-Sood was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

She was "known throughout Kenya for her passion, vibrancy, and gift for making people smile", USAid administrator Rajiv Shah said in a statement.

She was a presenter on Radio Africa media group's East FM and said she hosted entertainment news on Kiss TV, E-News,

Kiss 100 and X-FM. Mbugua Mwangi and Rosemary Wahito President Uhuru Kenyatta's nephew Mbugua Mwangi and his fiancee Rosemary Wahito are among the many Kenyans killed in the attack.

Addressing the nation on Saturday, Uhuru Kenyatta said: "I ask God to give you comfort as you confront this tragedy, and I know what you feel having also lost very close family members in this deadly attack." According to the Irish Independent newspaper, Mr Mwangi's mother, Catherine Muigai Mwangi, had recently returned home from Dublin following a sixyear posting as Kenya's ambassador to Ireland.

Kenyatta's elder sister Christine Wambui Pratt had also been at Westgate at the time of the attack, but managed to escape.

Mitul Shah A sales and marketing director of Bidco, a company that primarily m a k e s cooking oil, Mitul Shah was also up in the rooftop car park at the cooking competition. "He died trying to save stranded children.

He died as a hero," Half Jadhe Half Kyuk wrote on the KenyaList.com message board. He described Mitual Shah as a "diehard Manchester United fan".

He was also chairman of Bidco's football team, which plays in the second division.

Other Kenyans: Vaya sister-in-laws, Joyti Kharmes Vaya and Maltiben Ramesh Vaya Joyti Kharmes Vaya was a 37-year-old mother of three, whose husband worked for Victoria Commercial bank, it said.

Maltiben Ramesh Vaya was aged 41, a mother of two, who worked for the Bank of Baroda.

"Both daughters-in-law succumbed to injuries related to gunshot wounds,” a message on Facebook posted by a

British-Australian architect killed with pregnant wife

A prize-winning British-Australian architect doing “wondrous things” in Kenya, Ross Langdon, and his Harvard-educated pregnant partner, Elif Yavuz, were killed in the Nairobi shopping centre siege.

The couple was based in east Africa and had reportedly travelled to Nairobi for its medical facilities. Dr Yavuz, a malaria specialist with a Harvard doctorate, was born in the Netherlands and was eight months pregnant.

Mr Langdon, 33, a dual citizen who was born in the Australian state of Tasmania, worked on projects across Africa and recently gave a TED talk in

Poland about his work. He was a founding director of the architecture firm Regional Associates, which has offices in London and Melbourne and has designed buildings across Africa. He has spent most of the past four years in Africa and has done pro bono work for a hospital in Kenya.

Dr Yavuz, a public health expert, worked for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Kenya and reportedly recently met with former US president Bill Clinton.

Tributes flowed in for the couple from colleagues on social media.

A Tasmanian sculptor, Peter Adams, said Mr Langdon was "an architect

doing wondrous things".

"Both had dedicated their lives to working for a p e a c e f u l world. Both had so much to offer," he wrote on his blog. “Besides a personal loss for myself, this is a major global loss.”

A designer, Liane Rossler, said Mr Langdon and Dr Yafuz were "very special souls".

"Such tragic news about beautiful Ross Langdon & his pregnant partner Elif Yavuz in Nairobi," she wrote on Twitter.

Mr Langdon grew up in rural Tasmania and studied in the Tasmanian city of Launceston and then lived in Sydney from 2001. He received the university medal at the University of Sydney and won the university’s Young Alumni Award in 2010 for his architecture work across Australia, Europe and Africa. Before starting Regional Associates, he co-founded Langdon Reis Architects in London, 2008.

Pattni Brotherhood community in Nairobi said.

Nehal Vekaria, a 16year-old student, has been cremated Nehal Vekaria: a 16year-old student. On Sunday, her family held her funeral where she was cremated.

Canada Annemarie Desloges A 29-year-old Canadian diplomat who served at the country's high commission in Kenya as a liaison officer with the Canada Border Services Agency.

Her husband, Robert Munk, was injured in the attack but has since been released from hospital, officials said.

Another Canadian had died, but has not been named.

Ghana Kofi Awoonor The 78-year-old Ghanaian was a renowned poet - regarded as literary royalty at home, where his poetry and novels are con-

23

his son, Ricardo Ortiz, told Peru's RPP radio..

South Korea Kang Moon-hee The 38-year-old was fatally wounded from gunshot wounds and shrapnel from a grenade, South Korean's Yonhap news agency reported. Sources told the agency she died while being treated at a hospital on Sunday.

Her husband, a British citizen, has received surgery for a gunshot wound and is reportedly currently in stable condition.

Other nationals Australia and Holland A 33-year-old Dutch woman died at Westgate.

According to AFP, quoting Dutch media reports, she had been living in Tanzania and was married to man of BritishAustralian citizenship, who was also killed in the siege.

China: China's official news agency reported that a 38-year-old Chinese woman had been killed her teenage son was injured.

France: A mother and daughter were "executed in the parking lot" of Westgate, a French official said.

South Africa: One national has died at Westgate, officials said.

UK: The Foreign Office said five Britons had died and their next of kin had been informed.

sidered essential reading at schools.

He was in Nairobi as a participant in the Storymoja Hay Festival and was due to perform on Saturday evening.

Ghana's President John Mahama said he was shocked by such a sad twist of fate: "A writer, politician and traditionalist with great wit, sense of humour and very well-spoken. He will be sorely missed..."

Awoonor's son was with him in Nairobi and was shot in the shoulder during the attack.

Peru Juan Jesus Ortiz A doctor and former deputy head of the Kenyan branch of the UN children's fund, Juan Jesus Ortiz was at the shopping centre with his 13-year-old daughter Juanita.

The 63-year-old died at the scene, his daughter was shot in the leg and hand and required surgery but is expected to survive,

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KENYA ATTACK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

People, some injured, run for cover from the Westgate shopping mall after a shootout A police officer holds a gun to provide cover for customers

People run from the Westgate Mall, an upscale shopping mall

Paramedics help a victim outside the mall An injured man is wheeled into the Aga Khan hospital

Civilians escape an area at the Westgate Shopping Centre

To advertise in our ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine 2013, Call today at 020 7749 4085 Police take cover outside the shopping center.

INDIA

Gujarati film ‘The Good Road’ goes to Oscars

The independent Gujarati film called “The Good Road” will be India's official entry for the best for-

eign film at the Oscars 2014. The film was selected over 21 films including titles like “The Lunchbox,” “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” “Ship of Theseus,” “English Vinglish,” Malayalam film “Celluloid” and Bengali movie “Shabdo.”

However, as soon the official announcement was made, the online media was flooded with posts criticising the decision.

The popular sentiment was hugely in favour of the

Ritesh Batra-directed “The Lunchbox.”

Gyan Correa, the director of “The Good

Road,” which had earlier won the National Award for the Best Feature Film (Gujarati), he said the criticism was unfair.

"Most of the people venting their discontent over the selection are the ones associated with ‘The Lunchbox'. 'The Good Road' has won the National Award, and it has been picked for the Oscars by accomplished filmmakers. I think it stands a big chance at the Oscars," he said.

Aamir Khan to be honoured

by US organisation

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has been selected for a US award for his television show “Satyamev Jayate” along with eminent American director Kathryn Bigelow and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). They will be honoured at the inaugural awards dinner by the America Abroad Media (AAM) in Washington DC on October 28.

"Their work exemplifies the power of media to inform, educate and empower citizens about the critical social and public policy issues of our time," America Abroad Media said in a statement.

America Abroad Media said Aamir's TV series, “Satyamev Jayate,” explores India's biggest social challenges and has been seen by hundreds of millions of people in his

country and across Asia.

Khan was also recently selected as one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people.

Bigelow is the director of films like “Zero Dark Thirty” and “The Hurt Locker, which have received widespread acclaim for their honest portrayal of war and counter-terrorism.

In 2010, Bigelow became the first and only woman to date to win the Academy Award for Best Director.

Founded by Peter Ackerman, the ICNC produces award-winning documentaries on the role of non-violent resistance in promoting democratic change. The ICNC - which was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 - will release a new documentary on the Arab Spring and uprising in Egypt later this year.

Washington: US President Barack Obama has nominated an IndianAmerican attorney from Chicago to a key judiciary post in Illinois. Manish S Shah (40) was announced to be nominated for the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, along with several other important judiciary nominations.

“These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honoured to ask them to continue their work as

judges on the federal bench. They will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice,” Obama said in a statement.

Shah’s parents emigrated from India and raised their two sons in West Hartford, Connecticut. An assistant US attorney in the northern district of Illinois since 2001, New York-born Shah currently serves as chief of the criminal division.

25

Modi addresses NRIs in the US, says BJP lone solution to India’s problems

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has challenged UPA leaders to submit a performance report on nineyears of rule and hoped that the 2014 general elections, like in 1977, would reflect the voice of the people of India.

“This government, which has downgraded the country, has to go. Let us affirm that this government has to go democratically. We should work for a progressive BJP government,”Modi said in his address to the Indian diaspora through a live video

conference.

“Like 1977, 2014 will be the voice of the people,” Modi said. “This election is not about any post, but to wipe the tears of the poor,”Modi said in his first address to the diaspora after being nomi-

nated as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

He urged the Indian American community, particularly his supporters, to play a meaningful role in the victory of his party in the upcoming general elections.

‘Vested interest group’ is shielding Congress Modi alleged that the Congress Party is “running away” from giving its performance report.

He charged that a strong "vested interest group" is shielding the Congress party from its “mis-governance”. "We need to fight against this vested interest

group in the 2014 elections," he said. Earlier in the day, the Overseas Friends of BJP-USA (OFBJP-USA) in a resolution urged Indian voters to elect Modi as the next prime minister of India.

The two-day national convention of the OFBJP, addressed by BJP's spokesperson Smriti Irani among others was attended by more than 100 delegates from 22 States and even a few die-hard Modi supporters from Canada as well.

The convention resolved to work towards getting 272 seats for the BJP and called it as Mission 2014.

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INDIA

10 Indians killed, toll may rise

The death toll of Indians, mainly Gujaratis, may be far higher than that reported, warned survivors and eye-witnesses of the terror attack on the upscale Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya.

“In Kenya, the death toll has been put at 69 so far. A huge number of dead bodies are lying inside the mall which have not yet been accounted for. Many of these are Indians. We estimate that the toll of Indians might reach 30 to 40”, Ravi Vekhariya, a Gujarati real estate developer who has been inside the mall twice as part of the rescue team said.

Deaths of seven Gujaratis have been confirmed in the terror strike.

This includes three men-Mitul Shah, owner of an oil exporting firm, who had also organized the cooking competition at the mall, Anuj Shah and Rajen Solanki. The final rites of Anuj and Mitul were conducted on Tuesday. Four women whose death has been confirmed in the strike include Neha Mushroo (16), NehalVekaria (17), JyotiVaya (35) and Malti Vaya (33), Mohan Mistry, Pransu Jain.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Maltiben and Jyotiben

Vekariya added that it is feared that more than 100 dead bodies are yet to be brought out of the mall.

“The mall is located in an area dominated by Asians and Indians and there is panic in the area. The community is scared but has stuck together in these difficult times,” he said. The temple run by Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan organised a blood donation camp in Nairobi on Monday.

Dr Kirtida Acharya of Gujarati-run MP Shah Hospital stated that even injured kids and toddlers are being brought to the hospital. “Out of the patients, there are more than 20 Gujaratis among injured. We suspect death of around 20 Gujaratis.

The number might rise as identification of the victims is going on,” she said.

Apart from MP Shah, Agha Khan Hospital is getting a number of victims from the mall attack. Arun Rabadia, stated that the Oswal communit hall, located next to the mall, has been converted into intermediate paramedical facility. The injured are provided primary treatment and, if required, are referring serious cases to hospitals. The victims are also being provided food, shelter and other amenities, he added.

“We have collaborated with Red Cross to extend all community help to the volunteers and security forces,” said Mulji Pindariya, chairman of

Hindu Council of Africa.

The mall under siege had been a center point for Indian community settled around it.Vasant Patel, a local resident, stated that many of the families visited it at least twice a week for amenities and social gettogethers. On the day of the attack, a cooking competition was held for the Asian community settled in Nairobi.

Chetan Shah, a volunteer at a Nairobi medical facility, stated that various control rooms have been established at community and government level so as to ascertain the real picture. “We have asked various communities to compile a list of the members who have been injured,

dead or missing. At the moment, there are mass prayers going on for solace,” he said.

Kutchis safe, relief around Bhuj People in Patel Chovisi, a cluster of 24 villages in and around Bhuj, heaved a sigh of relief after they got reports that no one from their community was harmed in the terror attack.

Large number of people from this area went to Africa in 1896 when the construction work of Uganda railway line between Mombassa and Kisumu was undertaken by the British. “We got to know that four women from Kutch were rescued safely from the mall on Sunday evening,” said

Ravji Patel of Naranpar village. They were identified as Reshma Gami (41), and her sister Neha Gami (14), both natives of Madhapar village; Manisha Hirani, 39, of Mankuva village and Sunita Vekaria from Baladia.

In New Delhi, officials named two of the Indians killed as Sridhar Natarajan, 40, from Tamil Nadu and an employee of a local pharmaceutical firm Harley's Limited.

Natarajan's wife Manjula Sridhar was injured in the attack while the mother and sister of Paramshu Mukta Jain, 38, and Poorvi Jain, 12 - were also injured.

The fourth injured is Natarajan Ramachandran, an employee of Flamingo Duty Free, Nairobi, according to official sources.

the gunshots fell silent, the trio decided to rush out of the mall.

While Karan and Praveen managed to escape safely, Jigisha was shot at from the fourth floor of the mall. She received bullet injuries in her back and on her hand, but she managed to run out. Jigisha was rushed to the hospital immediately.

“Some of our friends in Nairobi saw her live images on a local news

channel during the attack and called us up.

Our son-in-law also called up and informed us about the incident,” said Kaushik Patel, Jigisha’s father.

Kaushik said that he and his wife had migrated to Nairobi in 1970 and he spent his entire life there. He and his wife Geeta shifted to Vadodara about four years ago. Jigisha was born and brought up in Nairobi and got married to Chetan Samani, who too is settled in the same city. “We talked with Jigisha and she told us that she is recovering well. Chetan is in the business of auto parts and Jigisha runs tour and travels business in Nairobi,” Kaushik added.

The MP Shah Hospital in Kenya where most of the victims of the mall terror attack have been admitted is set up by a Gujarati, Meghji Pethraj Shah. The 94-bed hospital located in Nairobi is at present running well past its capacity after gunmen left hundreds injured in the mall.

Kirtiraben Acharya, who works at the hospital, said, “People who have been injured in the mall attack have been brought to this hospital. We have about 1215 Gujarati doctors at the hospital.” Shah started his career in Kenya, which has several Gujaratis. He started the hospital to serve the community. Today, the hospital is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in Kenya and is one of the

biggest monument by Shah. The hospital operates under the umbrella of the Social Service League which is a charitable institution. A Gujarati from Dabasana village in Jamnagar, Shah had many businesses, Ashok Shah, trustee, MP Shah Charitable Trust and Foundation, said, “He has built many hospitals in his hometown besides in Nairobi and a college in his wife’s name in Matunga called Maniben MP Shah Women’s College.

In Ahmedabad, he built a cancer hospital under the name of MP Shah Cancer Hospital, besides a town hall and 40 schools in Jamnagar. He has built eight hostels in Saurashtra and a college in

Surendranagar.”

Shah, who runs a tannery and steel businesses in Kenya also runs an old age home in his home state. Shah’s son, Vipin Shah is based in London.

Modi asks Manmohan for help Meqnwhile, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh to take adequate and effective steps to ensure safety of Indian diaspora in Kenya.

Modi said that several innocent Indians, mainly Gujaratis, have been killed or injured in the inhuman terrorist attack. With their families feeling insecure, he said, they expect prompt help from the Government of India.

points in the country has been significantly raised.

"We urge all Kenyans and people of goodwill to remain calm and vigilant.

We thank all Kenyans for their support during this difficult time," he added.

More than 30 hours after the Al-Shabaab terrorists stormed Nairobi's Westgate mall and fired at civilians, military authorities say the siege is close to an end.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesman Cyrus Oguna earlier told Xinhua that they had been able to rescue most of the people from the shopping all, noting that no more than 10

hostages were left in the building.

So far, apart from two Indians confirmed dead, two French nationals, two Canadians, three Britons, one Chinese and one Ghanaian have lost their lives in the attack.

According to a report, an Indian was shot when he failed to answer a question on Islam posed by a heavily-armed gunman.

Joshua Hakim, who was in the mall, said that the gunmen spoke in Swahili for Muslims to identify themselves and leave.

Hakim covered the Christian name on his ID with his thumb and

approached one of the attackers. He showed the plastic card. "They told me to go. Then an Indian man came forward and they said, 'What is the name of Muhammad's mother?'

When he couldn't answer they just shot him," he said.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta about the attack at Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi.

President Kenyatta updated the Prime Minister on the current situation and explained that Kenyan security forces were bring-

ing the situation under control.

The Prime Minister passed on his sincere condolences and assured President Kenyatta that our thoughts were with him and all the people of Kenya at this difficult time. The Prime Minister said we were ready to provide any assistance we could."

Hostages alive: militants The militant group says it is still holding hostages alive inside and that its fighters are "still holding their ground.'' The Twitter messages posted on Tuesday by al-Shabaab came after Kenyan gov-

ernment assurances of success in the fourth-day of the standoff.

Al-Shabaab says the hostages "are still alive, looking quite disconcerted but, nevertheless, alive.'' A security expert with contacts inside said there were at least 30 hostages when the assault began on Saturday and at least 10 were believed to be still inside the upscale mall.

Officials did not give a figure, saying only that "most'' hostages had been released. Sporadic gunfire could be heard from the building on Tuesday as government forces pressed on inside.

Barodian survives bullet injuries

A Barodian couple survived scare when their daughter was shot at by terrorists at a shopping mall in the upmarket area in Nairobi on Saturday.

Jigisha Samani, 40, had suffered bullet injuries and was now in a stable condition. Samani had gone to the mall for shopping with her son and her father-inlaw. After they were done with shopping, the proceeded to the ground floor of the mall to have coffee.

When they were sitting in the coffee shop, terrorists barged into the mall and started shooting people indiscriminately.

Hearing gunshots, Jigisha, her son Karan and fatherin-law Praveen hid behind a sofa in the coffee shop.

After over an hour when

Nehal

Neha

Gujarati’s hospital treating victims

10 Indians among 67 killed in Kenya Mall attack

Continued from page 1

that our disciplined forces are up to the task and have been extremely careful to find the balance between neutralising the attackers and getting as many people to safety as possible."

He said some of the bodies of the victims have been released to their families for burial.

"We will in due course provide the number of foreigners killed in the attack," Lenku said.

Lenku assured Kenyans that security at all entry and departure

FESTIVAL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Navratri

A time of worship, dance and song

N

avratri - literally means “nine nights” is celebrated in India, and elsewhere where Indians are settled around the world, as a time of worship, dance and song. The festival is celebrated during October or November (depending on where the dates fall on the lunar Hindu calendar). This year Navratri is celebrated from 5th October to 13th October in India.

There are several religious interpretations in Hinduism which link Navratri, but it has become much less of a religious event now. People go to garba as a part of the Indian culture. It is a time when people can come together as a community and share something of the culture. In Britain, people celebrated Navratri at more than 500 places last year. The festivities were attended, in some places, by more than 1,000 people.

At one of the largest venues, 2,000 people danced late into the night.

This year, more than 40,000 people from across the country are expected to join in the celebrations in Leicester, between September 21 and 30. Two of India’s most renowned groups, Anand Melodies and Poly Tunes, will be travelling to the city to play at two venues.

The festivities take the form of traditional folk dances called garba and dandya-raas. Garba is generally performed in concentric circles where the dances become more intricate as one moves closer to the centre. Dandya-raas is often performed later in

the night using decorative sticks which are hit against each other following the rhythm of traditional songs.

In both instances, Brightly dressed dancers glide past each other. The gold and silver jewellery which adorms them glints under the bright lights.

The air is muggy and thick with sweat, perfume, and the vague aroma of the Diwas and the incense sticks.

The huge concentric circles grow and twist together, bound by the steady beat of a tabla drum. Feet and arms move quickly as the dancers gracefully complete the circles around a central alter.

The excitement grows as the music grows faster and louder. The dancers laugh and clap through the final exhausting moments until the music stops. A cry rings throughout the venue, “Umba mata ki jai,” as the dancers and spectators give thanks and praise in honor of the patron goddess of Navratro.

The dances, especially, rass are often wild and intense; however, much like ballroom dancing or Latin dancing, each have defined steps with individuals adding their own style and flare.

As the night, comes to a close and the sound of dandya-raas sticks resound through the venue, few spectators can remain seated. Both old and young alike come together to share in dances which are centuries old.

A country celebrates Navratri takes various

forms in India. In the North, where Rama is revered with more fervour, the festival of Ram-Leela is celebrated. They rejoice Rama’s victory over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.

It is a dramatic open air representation of the core incidents of Ramayana designed to instruct the moral teachings of the epic. The incidents selected for special representation deal mainly with the war in Lanka between Rama’s forces led

by Hanuman.

Ram-Leela ends with the defeat and death of Ravana whose immense effigy, made of bamboo lattice work pasted over with paper, is set on fire and blown up with fireworks at the conclusion of the performance. This takes place on the tenth day, which is called Vijaya Dashami.

In Bengal, the Goddess

sented in female form, who is regarded, in her most comprehensive character, as the living Energy or Life-force of Nature.

Although, Durga puja lasts nine days and nine nights, the last three days are the most important and the main worship Sandhi-Puja - is offered on Mahaa Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri.

In Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with special worship to the Divine Power Shakti with traditional folk dances - the Garba. Men and women, young and old offer their devotion to the Goddess by singing melodious and devotional songs to the beats of the drum and traditional instruments accompanying it.

The celebration sometimes lasts late into the night, in an atmosphere full of gaiety. In every household, an oil-lamp is

Durga - the more martial and frightening aspect of Parvati - is worshipped on the Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri.

Durga puja began with the Shakta sect who worshipped Shakti - the divine attribute of power repre-

kept burning day and night and a daily worship is offered to the divine mother. Fasting is also a part of offering and devotion to the goddess. Dashera celebrations on the tenth day mark the end of Navratri.

27

Maataji Ni Aarti Jaya Aadya Shakti Maa, Jaya Aadya Shakti Akhand Brahmaand Neepavya, Akhand Brahmaand Neepavya, Padave Pandit Maa Om Jayo Jayo Maa Jagadambe, Dwitiya Bay Swarup Shivashakti Janu Maa Shivashakti , Janu Brahma Ganapti Gaye, Brahma Ganapti Gaye, Har Gaaye Har Maa... Om Jayo Jayo Maa...

Tritiya Tran Swarup, Tribhuvan Ma Betha, Maa Tribhuvan Ma Betha, Traya Thaki Taraveni, Traya Thaki Taraveni, Tu Taraveni Maa.... Om Jayo Jayo Maa..

Chouthe Chatura Mahalaxmi, Maa Sachara Char Vyapya, Maa Sachara Char Vyapya, Char Bhuja Cho Disha, Char Bhuja Cho Disha, Pragtya Dakshin Ma...Om Jayo Jayo Maa..

Panchame Panch Rushi, Panchami Gunapadma Maa Panchami Gunapadma, Panch Sahashtra Tya Sohiye, Panch Sahashtra Tya Sohiye, Panche Tatvo Ma...Om Jayo Jayo Maa Shashthi Tu Narayani, Mahishasur Maryo, Maa Mahishasur Maryo, Nar-nari Na Rupe, Nar-nari Na Rupe, Vyapaya Sagadhe Maa..Om Jayo Jayo Maa....

Saptami Sapt Patal, Sandhya Savitri, Maa Sandhya Savitri, Gau Ganga Gayatri, Gau Ganga Gayatri, Gauri Geeta Maa..Om Jayo Jayo Maa...

Ashthmi Ashtha Bhujao, Ayi Ananda, Maa Ayi Ananda, Sunivar Munivar Janamya, Sunivar Munivar Janamya, Dev Daityo Maa..Om Jayo Jayo Maa..

Navmi Navkul Naag, Sevey Navadurga, Maa Sevey Navadurga, Navratri Na Pujan, Shivratri Na Archan Kidha Har Brahma....Om Jayo Jayo Maa....

Dashami Dash Avtaar, Jay Vijyadashami, Maa Jay Vijyadashami, Ramey Ram Ramadya, Ramey Ram Ramadya, Ravan Rodyo Maa....Om Jayo Jayo Maa...

Ekadashi Agyarus, Kaatyayani Kaama, Maa Kaatyayani Kaama, Kaam Durga Kalika, Kaam Durga Kalika, Shyama Ne Rama...Om Jayo Jayo Maa Barase Bala Roop, Bahuchari Amba Maa, Maa Bahuchari Amba Maa, Batuk Bhairav Sohiye, Kal Bhairav Sohiye, Taara Chhe Tuja Maa.....Om Jayo Jayo Maa..

Terase Tulja Roop, Tume Taruni Mata, Maa Tume Taruni Mata, Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv, Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv, Gun Tara Gaata..Om Jayo Jayo Maa..

Choudasey Chouda Roop, Chandi Chamunda Maa Chandi Chamunda, Bhaav Bhakti Kayi Apo, Chaturai Kayi Apo, Sinh Vahini Mata...Om Jayo Jayo Maa...

Punamey Kumbh Bharyo, Shambhaljo Karuna, Maa Shambhaljo Karuna, Vashist Deve Vakhania, Markand Deve Vakhania, Gayi Subh Kavita...Om Jayo Jayo Maa..

Sauvant Sole Sattaavan, Saulashey Baavisha Maa, Maa Saulashey Baavish Maa, Sauvant Soley Pragatyaan, Sauvanta Soley Pragatyaan, Revaa Ne Tirey, Har Ganga Ne Tirey..Om Jayo Jayo Maa...

Trambaavati Nagari, Aaye Roopaavati Nagari, Maa Manchaavati Nagari, Sola Sahastra Traan Sohiye, Sola Sahastra Traan Sohiye, Kshamaa Karo Gauri, Maa Dayaa Karo Gauri,Om Jayo Jayo Maa...

Shivashakti Ni Aarti, Je Koyee Gaashey, Maa Je Bhaavey Gaashey, Bhaney Shivaananda Swaami, Bhaney Shivaananda Swaami Sukh Sampati Thaasshey, Maa Kailaashey Jaashey, Maa Ambaa Dukh Harashey, Om Jayo Jayo Maa Jagadambe

Coming Events for Navratri

l Saturday 5th – Saturday 12th October 2013 – Navratri at Sanatan Mandir in Crawley at 7.30pm.

Contact: 01293 519 130 l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Crest Girls Academy, Dollis Hill Lane, Neasden, NW2 7SN from 7.30pm – 11.30pm

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Asian Community Centre, White Hart Road, Plumstead, SE18 1DG. Contact: 07780533391.

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Bexleyheath Academy, Woolwich Road, DA6 7DA. From 8pm – midnight. Contact: 01322 271 186.

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at National Association of Patidar Samaj Building, 26B Tooting High Street, London, SW17 0RG. From 8pm till 11pm. Contact: 07814005096.

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Grand Marquee, SKLPC Centre Northolt, India Gardens, West End Road, Middlesex UB5 6RE. From 7.30pm – 11pm. Contact: 07831430812.

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Alperton Community School, Ealing Road, Wembley. From 7.30pm – 11pm.

Contact: 07984187708.

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri Ras Garba 2013 at Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford, 39-45 Oldfield Lane South, Middlesex, UB6 9LB. From 8pm-10pm. Contact: 020 8578 8088.

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at The Kapital Venue, Charter Street, Leicester, LE1 3UD. From 8pm till late.

Contact: 0116 266 2644.

Continued on page 30

28

TARVEL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Wallacepur: A Gujarat village with 100 per cent Christian population

Amazing Australia

ancy going down under? The wonderful country of Oz has so much to F offer - incredible sights, beaches, lush

mountain landscapes, adventurous camping, amazing diving and internationally renowned restaurants for worldwide cuisines. It seems a world away but with a few days stopover in Singapore to start your adventure of a lifetime, this holiday will make you feel like you’ve truly escaped.

Start off in Singapore with a visit to Raffles hotel where you can enjoy a famous Singapore Sling cocktail to whet your appetite and go back in time to imagine life in the colonial era. Major attractions include the night safari zoo where you’ll get the chance to see many nocturnal animals, Marina Bay Sands Skypark for incredible views, Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel (think the London Eye), Little India for great food and Chinatown for souvenir shopping in the markets and Sri Mariamman temple – Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. A major attraction is Sentosa island – for a great view over Singapore, take a cable

mecca, an historic landmark and major tourist attraction. For nature enthusiasts, Queensland should be on your map as you can visit Lone Pine, the first and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world, and for the adventurous, do the Bicentennial National Trail - a 5330km route through Australian bush, wilderness and mountain areas suitable for horse riders, walkers and mountain bike riders. Another highlight is Fraser Island, a giant sand island famous for its dingoes, wildlife, native birds, rainforests, creeks, lakes, beaches and beautiful scenery.

To chill out, go to Australia's Gold Coast to enjoy surfing on golden beaches, bushwalking in subtropical rainforests, or enjoying a dinner cruise aboard a luxury yacht.

Other major attractions include Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, the world's biggest monolith, in the Northern Territory. It is 9.4km if you walk around it, and about 345 metres high if you climb it. Made of sandstone, is renowned for the way it changes colour in the light and is spectacular at sunrise and sunset. And finally you can’t

car there. Located just 15 minutes from the city, Sentosa, Asia’s favourite playground, is home to a variety of themed attractions great for families, spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resorts and golf courses.

After a few days, fly onwards to begin your Australian adventure. With so much to see and do, here are a few of the major attractions to help you decide where to go. Your first stop should be Sydney in New South Wales. Bondi Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches is the place to sunbathe and people watch; and you should climb the famous Sydney harbor bridge and see the Opera house for your iconic photo memories. For amazing shopping and local produce, go to the Queen Victoria Market Melbourne in Victoria - open since 1878. It is Melbourne's shopping

leave Australia without going to Cairns to dive in the Great Barrier Reef. It is probably the most well known natural wonder of the world. It is a series of 2100 individual reefs stretching for more than 2300 kilometers and is home to over 400 species of coral, 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of mollusc, 500 species of seaweed and 200 species of birds.

To book this Australian adventure , book with Brightsun Travel who will help you put together a perfect itinerary.

Brightsun have special offers with packages to Australia starting form only £1109 pp. Brightsun Travel offers a price match promise on worldwide flights and holidays so you will get the best deals.

To book your dream holiday, call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 or visit www.brightsun.co.uk

Lots of questions are being raised about the plight of minorities in Gujarat. At a time when a colonial era All Saints Church in neighboring Pakistan was attacked and nearly 84 people belonging to minority Christian community were killed, Wallacepur, a village in Bhavnagar district is setting a perfect example of peaceful co-existence

By Mayuri Dave

Just a few days back, at least 84 people belonging to Pakistan’s minority Christian community were killed and 130 injured in the deadliest ever attack.

Fundamentalists attacked a century old heritage church in Peshawar with an intention to disturb communal harmony.

The Western Indian state Gujarat, which is sharing border with Pakistan is sharing a perfect example of communal harmony. A small village

called ‘Wallacepur’, having 100 per cent Christian population, has set a perfect example of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.

If you visit the small hamlet of Wallacepur in Bhavnagar district, it would look like any other Indian village where economy revolved around agriculture activities. But this little village is having a unique identity as all its

habitants are from Christian community.

As name of the parish suggest, it was established by an English pastor Reverend Wallace way back in 1840. He was instrumental in bringing the ancestors of the current population of the village from different parts of Gujarat. He also donated land and shelters and taught them scientific way of doing farming and related activities. The settlers subsequently adopted Christianity and now sixth generations of the

original migrants are residing in the village.

Apart from its population pattern, cleanliness and planned constructions of the houses along with the beautiful heritage church definitely impressed any outsider entering the village where around 500 Protestants are residing. Another uniqueness of the village is 100 per cent literacy unlike most of the villages

in Gujarat.

"Most of the houses were constructed by the founder of the village in a planned manner. Till today new construction is being done on his theory where space for the cattle is being kept on the rear side of the houses," say enthusiastic people of Wallacepur.

Alfred Theodore Patel, a resident here proudly says that our village had won cleanliness award twice from the district panchayat. The another peculiarity of the village,

according to Barnabas Robertbhai Parmar is girls are more educated and most of them are working as nurse, teacher and in other occupation in Bhavnagar and other cities while boys are not that educated and are in traditional agriculture business.

Septuagenarian Samuel Nelson Christian, son-in-law of village, prefers to stay most of the time in the hamlet rather than his home in Ahmedabad along with his in-laws despite the fact his wife Margaret passed away a decade ago. "The village is clean, planned and its clean air repeatedly pulled me to stay here," said Samuel Christian.

Sylvan Patel, a farmer, said that our ancestors migrated from Bhandarika village of Rajkot district and settled here. He, however, never visited his original village and neither his son Sessile who is helping his father in the farm.

When asked about their relations with the people in the adjoining village, despite having a different religion, immediately they replied, "We have excellent relations with the people in the area.

They come to wish us during Christmas and we also greet them during Diwali and other festivals."

(All photos by Chintan Vyas)

HEALTH WATCH

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

Does DNA provide the perfect anti-ageing recipe?

geing gracefully is on most of our wish lists.

A But while some of us may

look young at 50, others look old even at 30. So what makes us age? And how do we reduce the signs and the process of ageing? We take a look at how we can slow down the ageing process.

We first need to understand what makes us age. There are three factors that affect our ageing process: our genes, environment and diet. Ageing is a natural phenomenon and we all age over time. It is the free radicals in the cells that cause us to age earli-

er and faster. Free radicals are produced in our body during the various metabolic processes. But our lifestyle habits like: an unbalanced diet, untimely meals, frequent travel, stress, disturbed sleep, environmental pollution, exposure to the sun, partying and lack of exercise causes the production of excess free radicals in our cells. This causes oxidative stress that damages the cells, causing us to age.

So, to delay the process of ageing, we first need to get rid of the excess free radicals in the cells. Nutrients of various

types and in varying quantities are needed to scavenge the free radicals in the cells.

Each individual depending upon their DNA responds to nutrients differently. To supply the right type and amount of nutrients to an individual, we first need to know their DNA and its response to the nutrients.

The science of studying the inter-relationship between the nutrients and genes is called Nutrigenomics.

A DNA test can help us identify the type and quantity of nutrients suited for a person to delay

the infection. It also loosens the mucus, which can be expelled easily.

Drink plenty of warm liquids - Tea, lemon tea, ginger-lemon tea, soups, cinnamon tea, warm orange juice with lemon drops, honey + lemon juice + crushed ginger in warm water etc. These are common home remedies that are very helpful in relieving a sore throat.

Soft diet - Steamed /microwaved apple, mashed with honey acts as a throat soothener and it is easy to swallow without hurting the throat.

Steam inhalation With a steamer / hot shower.

Throat sootheners -

Cough lozenges, menthol / eucalyptus oil lozenges, honey + lemon. These help by soothing the throat and menthol also causes temporary numbness to the ailing throat. They also increase saliva secretion, thereby preventing dryness of the throat.

Local heat - Apply a heating pad to the throat region or wrap your neck with hot air dried warm cloth / towel. This will provide relief to the ailing throat.

Analgesics Antipyretics - Over the counter analgesics (NSAIDS) can be taken safely if the sufferer does not have any allergy to these medications.

These medications give immediate pain relief and also bring down the malaise and fever.

Avoid: Smoking, Cold drinks, Oily and fried food items, Spicy food, Exercising They cause harm to the infected throat by drying, irritating, dehydrating the already inflamed mucosa and should be avoided.

his/her ageing process. By supplying the essential nutrients in the optimal quantity depending on the DNA of the person we can delay his/her process of ageing at a cellular level.

This optimal quantity of nutrients can be customised in the form of nutritional supplements and can be used to meet the optimal nutrient requirement of each person. Since we are delaying the process of ageing at a cellular level through supplements we can also supply the right nutrients via customised external applications and delay the process of ageing insideout.

Since, the DNA of each person is unique, each solution is also customised to each individual. Since the nutrient requirement of each individual is different and unique, standardized nutrition solutions are not enough. Personalising the nutrients as per the DNA of each individual is the future of healthcare and anti-ageing solutions.

These premium products define personalisation and the concept of tailormade solutions in healthcare. Beyond just predicting the course of our health, we are now going a step further and designing customised solutions.

10 ways to get rid of terrible sore throat

sore throat or Pharyngitis is often a A forerunner of an impending

upper respiratory tract infection. It may follow a cold or can be followed by a cold, cough and chest infection. It is contagious and spreads by droplet infection through sneezing and coughing. More often than not, it is due to viral infection but can be caused by bacteria. Microscopic examination of the throat swab confirms the causative organism. Like any infection in the body, Pharyngitis can have local and systemic symptoms.

As this condition is so common, there have been easy to follow home remedies that can be used to cure this ailment.

Common remedies that can be practiced at home: Warm saline gargle Gargling with a pinch of salt in a glass of luke warm water 3-4 times daily helps increase the blood flow to the pharyngeal region, thereby washing away the infection and also reducing the edema associated with

Avoid going to public places lest you become the source of infection to other people. Also, avoid flying as the infection can spread to the ears and cause a middle ear infection.

Take adequate rest for the body to heal better.

Rest your voice to prevent exerting the larynx and worsening hoarseness of the voice.

Seek medical attention if there is: Throat pain lasting more than a couple of days, Very severe pain with chills, fever and body ache, Pain in the laryngeal region and voice change, Pain in the ears and blocking sensation in the ears, Neck swelling, Purulent cough, Swollen tonsils, Breathlessness with chest congestion and pain.

To Our Readers

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

29

5 Teas that make you slim!

t's widely known that just one cup of tea can Iprevent strokes, arthritis, tooth decay and even

Green tea: builds metabolism Researchers says the chemical EGCG found in

keep cancer at bay. While it's regarded as nature's tranquiliser for its soothing properties, the brew also has another great benefit - it helps shed weight. Scientists have shown that tea has high levels of compounds that battle the absorption of fat.

Here are 5 teas that can result in a slimmer you...

Star anise tea:promotes digestion Star anise, the fruit of a small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China, can be used in the treatment of digestive troubles such an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea etc. One may drink a tea made from it by steeping a whole pod in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain this and sweeten it if required. Sip on this slowly when an upset stomach occurs.

Peppermint tea: controls what you eat If you like peppermint tea then try and rotate that with a green tea drink as both speed up digestion and thus help you burn more calories.

The peppermint leaves can be used to make a light, refreshing tea, which can be drunk either hot or chilled. To prepare the tea, take a tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves and add them to boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. Strain and add honey, if needed.

green tea that speeds up the body's metabolism, is responsible for helping people lose the kilos - it can burn a whopping 70 calories a day! Green tea also raises the level of antioxidants.

It's believed the antioxidant catechins in green tea boost metabolism and helps burn fat (can burn a whopping 70 calories a day!) Steeping time for the tea: two to three minutes at 85 Degrees Celsius.

Rose tea: prevents constipation One of the oldest flavouring teas available, rose tea - made by mixing fresh roses and the bud of the tea - has a major therapeutic effect on the human body. Apart from clearing toxins and beautifying the skin, rose tea contains vitamins A, B3, C, D and E and is known to act against infections.

It also prevents constipation and helps one lose weight.

Oolong tea: guards against obesity Research reveals that oolong, a semi-fermented tea may have a stronger effect than even green tea. It promotes fat burning and is said to help reduce cholesterol and the concentration of fat in the body. About two cups per day is recommended. Steep oolong tea anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes, for a more full-bodied cup.

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UK

Coming Events for Navratri

l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Brentford Leisure Centre, Chiswick, TW8 0HJ from 8pm – 12am. Contact: 07850 902 627. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley, HA9 9PE from 7.30pm onwards. Contact: 020 8206 0879. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP. From 8pm till late. Contact: 01162616000. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Norbury Manor High School, Kensington Avenue, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 8BT. From 7.30pm till late. Contact: 07859 918 166. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Ashburton School, Shirley Road, Croyden, CR9 7AL from 7.30pm – 11.00pm.

Contact: 020 8407 8444. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Oakington Manor School, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley HA9 6NF from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. Contact: 07956922172. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JN. From 8pm – 10pm. Contact: 01772253901. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Loxford School of Science and Technology, Loxford Lane, Essex, IG1 2UT from 7pm onwards. Contact: 020 8551 8095 l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Printing House Lane, Hayes. 7.30pm – late. Contact: 07904687758. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Cabbons High School & Sixth Form Shaldon Road, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 6AN. From 7.30pm – 10.30pm. Contact: 07973287434. l Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th October 2013 – Navratri at Barnhill Community High School, Yeading Lane, Hayes UB4 9LE from 8pm – 11.45pm.

Contact: 07956458872. l Saturday 12th October – Durgashtami Havan at Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford, 39-45 Oldfield Lane South, Middlesex, UB6 9LB from 11am-4pm.

Contact: 020 8578 8088. l Saturday 12th October – Navratri for ladies & children at The Navnat Centre, Printing House Lane, Hayes UB3 1A from 2pm – 5.30pm.

Contact: 0208 349 3823.

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Indian High Commission and India League to mark Gandhi Jayanti

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

The Indian High Commission and India League is organising Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October at Tavistock Square, London, from 11am onwards. The event that is open to all will be graced by the acting Indian High Commissioner HE Virendra Paul, Asian Lords and MPs, Mayor of Camden, India League Chairman CB Patel and other dignitaries.

City broker sues over racial abuse by colleagues A top City broker claims he was subjected to years of racist abuse by his colleagues who called him a 'curry muncher' and made Nazi salutes, a tribunal has heard.

Ozman Mirza, a British broker of Pakistani origin at Tradition Securities, says white colleagues shouted abuse at him across the trading floor and called him a "filthy f****** Indian" and "curry muncher". It is also claimed that one colleague made the Nazi salute at him.

Mr Mirza, who earned £70,000 a year plus bonuses, said managers failed to stop the racial comments and instead joined in laughing at the workplace "banter".

Mr Mirza remained quiet fearing he would lose his job if he spoke out against the abuse. He was also ostracised by fellow bro-

kers who stole his clients, the hearing was told.

Mr Mirza, of Ilford, is suing Tradition Securities and Futures SA, Tradition UK ltd and the head of the Forwards desk Lee Davis for race discrimination, constructive dismissal, victimisation and breach of contract. Tradition Securities and Futures SA is also being sued for constructive dismissal, In August 2012 he made a formal complaint but his allegations was investigated by Nick McCall, head of sterling Repo Desk, one of the men who had shouted racist remarks across the floor.

He signed off work sick with stress and anxiety in August 2012 and "reluctantly" resigned in March this year.

The companies and Mr Davis deny the allegations. The tribunal continues.

l Friday 4th October – Sunday 6th October Friday 18th October 2013 – Charity Garba Marathon at Crest Girls Academy, Dollis Hill Lane, Neasden, NW2 7SN from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. l Friday 18th October 2013 – Raas Garba at Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford, 39-45 Oldfield Lane South, Middlesex, UB6 9LB. From 8pm-10pm.

Contact: 020 8578 8088. l Saturday 19th October – Ishq Sufiana – Romantic Bollywood Music & Beyond at The Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP. From 8pm onwards. Contact: 0116 261 6000 Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Editorial Executive: Tanveer Mann Tel: 020 7749 4010 - Email: tanveer.mann@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Chief Accountant: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Kalpesh Shah Tel: 07539 88 66 44 Email: kalpesh.shah@abplgroup.com Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

The fiery planet Mars is the moving force in regard to amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Your attitude to material interests is likely to undergo some deep change. On a material level the trend favours greater financial stability.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 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. Saturn's placement in your Solar 7th house often denotes a phase of restriction, sometimes frustration, in one's life.

Developments during this week are likely to make you feel rather restless, perhaps because you have allowed yourself to fall into a routine that is now becoming jaded. If so, then the hint of change will be extremely welcome. Adaptable and versatile, as you are, it is unlikely that even a major change will faze you.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

This is a good time to appreciate what you have already created in your life. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices that set the direction of your life.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

You should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This will give you a chance to meet people and pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves. Your communications are extremely high making it easy to close those lucrative deals.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

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

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 A tremendous amount of planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with. Although the very practical affairs of life continue to be highlighted, this does not mean that there will be all work and no play. Your pioneering personality always shows through.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

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You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There is likely to be a powerful incentive to do what remains to be done and tie up loose ends.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. An influence that should bring out the best in friends, colleagues and partners alike. A wind of change may be in the air; attention should turn to the wider world and benefits come from broadening of horizons and mental stimuli.

Legal or official matters are likely to occupy your attention this week. A long-standing problem or disagreement will need to be sorted out before allowing you to restructure both personal and joint financial interests more efficiently. Luck and love form a pleasing combination this week.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished.

There appears to be a more successful trend coming into effect. Amorous affairs continue to be highlighted - whether or not this leads to a lasting relationship depends much on your own personal maturity and circumstances.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. That means you can focus on matters that are important to you. Health-wise you will be feeling fit.

SPORT WORLD

IPL match-fixing case: Meiyappan, Vindu Dara Singh chargesheeted

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

In a major embarrassment to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief N Srinivasan, the Mumbai police charged his son-in-law and former Chennai Super Kings team principal Gurunath Meiyappan with betting, gambling, cheating and conspiracy in IPL 6. Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf was also named as a wanted accused and faces the same charges as actor Vindu Dara Singh.

A combative Srinivasan, who recently announced his plans to contest another term, told the media: “Why should I step aside? I have not been disqualified.”

When asked about Meiyappan, he said: “Whether he has done something right or wrong, he will have to face it. I will be asking the BCCI secretary to take legal advice if he finds it necessary.”

Reacting to the charges against him, Vindu said: “I am innocent. I have done nothing wrong. Let them say what they want to say.”

Gurunath Meiyappan

The IPL spot-fixing controversy broke out in May with the arrest of Rajasthan Royals players S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan by the Delhi police for conceding a specified number of runs per over in return for money from illegal bookmakers.

Sreesanth and Chavan were recently slapped with life bans by the BCCI. The BCCI also handed out a fiveyear ban to Royals’ Amit Singh, while another Rajasthan cricketer

Siddharth Trivedi got a oneyear suspension.

Subsequent investigation in Mumbai led to the arrest of Vindu and Meiyappan, forcing Srinivasan to step aside as BCCI president till its probe panel exonerated his son-inlaw of spot-fixing. Vindu and Meiyappan were released on bail in June.

The charge sheet accuses Meiyappan of placing bets on four matches between May 12 and 15. It has relied on call records to

show that he passed on information about several teams, pitch conditions and strategy to Vindu, who in turn passed this on to the bookies. Not only that, Meiyappan has been accused of making millions - in one occasion though he reportedly lost a 10 million by betting on matches through Vindu.

The charge sheet also indicts Rauf, charging him with placing bets on matches through Vindu, even matches which he umpired.

In the chargesheet, the police have mentioned records of 80 calls between the two and accused Rauf of being in touch with several bookies.

The charge sheet lists 22 arrested accused and 24 wanted accused, including 16 Pakistani nationals.

There are 205 witnesses.

The police have examined 12 voice samples, CCTV footage from four locations, recovered 150 cellphones and 40 sim cards with forged documents.

ered for selection. Matthew Wade has been omitted due to lack of form and has been replaced by Brad Haddin, who captured an Ashes series record of dismissals in July and August," said Inverarity in a statement.

The selectors have also brought in all-rounder Henriques for Hazlewood while left arm spinner Doherty will replace leg spinner Ahmed.

"There will be a reduced need for pace bowling on this tour so the squad has been reduced from 15 to 14 players and Josh Hazlewood has been omitted. Moises Henriques has been included as a pace bowling all-rounder and will provide the required flexibility. Xavier Doherty has been included in the squad in place of Fawad Ahmed as he is well suited to one-dayers in India," added Inverarity.

In another change, Steve Rixon will be the

head coach for the tour as Darren Lehmann has been given a break. "As with the successful tour of the UAE last year, we will have Steve Rixon acting as head coach in India. Darren has been on the road and away from home for a considerable amount of time. This is a great opportunity for Darren to refresh, work with the states and provide others with opportunities," CA executive general manager team performance Pat Howard said.

The two sides will play one T20 International Oct 10 in Rajkot, followed by seven ODIs from Oct 13 to Nov 2. Australia Squad: Michael Clarke (Captain), George Bailey (Vice-captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.

Vindu Dara Singh

Australia skipper Clarke doubtful for India tour

Australia captain Michael Clarke is doubtful for the limited overs series in India next month and has been selected in the national squad "subject to fitness" in time for the trip.

"After a long tour (to England), Michael Clarke's back condition has flared up again and he has been selected subject to fitness.

He has returned to Australia for further assessment and the National Selection Panel (NSP) hopes that it will improve in time for the Indian tour," Cricket Australia's (CA) national selector John Inverarity said.

The 32-year-old skipper has been suffering from a recurring back problem which started in India in March and also troubled him during the Australian tour to England recently.

In addition, Shaun Marsh, Matthew Wade, Josh Hazlewood and Fawad Ahmed have been omitted from the side while Brad

Michael Clarke

Haddin, Moises Henriques and Xavier Doherty have been brought in.

Out of form wicketkeeper-batsman Wade has been dropped in favour of Haddin while opening batsman Marsh is out with an injury. "Shaun Marsh sustained a hamstring injury at Cardiff on Sept 14 and could not be consid-

Indian hockey to get new foreign coach soon

Indian men's hockey team is set to get a new foreign coach within two weeks time as the national federation has shortlisted four candidates for the top job.

Hockey India (HI) secretary general Narinder Batra has confirmed that they have received six applications from across the globe to fill the foreign coach's post, which is lying vacant after Australian Michael Nobbs's sudden ouster in July this year.

"We have received six applications for the foreign coach's post. After going through all the applicants'

CVs we have short listed four individuals," Batra said, completely rubbishing reports that HI has recommended its High Performance Director, Roelant Oltmans's name for the national team coach's position on permanent basis.

"In a day or two we will send the names to Sports Authority of India for their approval. The SAI will take a final decision on this issue after consulting us. We expect the new coach to be named within two weeks time," he said.

A newspaper report claimed that HI had pro-

posed Oltmans to be appointed as the national team coach till 2016 Rio Olympics and the SAI, who are responsible for hiring coaches, is believed to have approved the national body's proposal.

The report said Oltmans's name came in the running after he guided India to the silver medal finish in last month's Asia Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia. The Dutchman was the team's interim coach during Asia Cup after Nobbs's ouster.

But the HI secretary general termed the report as "false and completely base-

less".

"The report is false and completely baseless. We haven't discussed anything with SAI on this matter. The question of proposing Oltmans' name for national team coach doesn't arise at all as he is our High Performance Director. He is responsible for the development of all teams be it junior, senior or women's," Batra said.

"Oltmans himself played a key role in shortlising the candidates. His views were also taken into consideration in pruning down the list," he added.

31

Mumbai Indians honour Sachin with Twitter hashtag

Defending champions Mumbai Indians announced its official Twitter hashtag dedicated to Sachin Tendulkar for the Champions League T20 tournament. The Mumbai based franchise, having the largest fan base of over 3.4 million across the globe, had asked its fans to suggest and vote for the best MI hashtag leading to the CLT20 championship. An Ahmedabad based fan with Twitter handle @ravikhedar suggested #ThisTimeFor10dulkar and gained maximum votes on the Mumbai Indians twitter handle 'MIpaltan' For the next one month of Champions League T20, all tweets from MIpaltan and its fans would have #ThisTimeFor10dulkar as its official hashtag, a release from the Mumbai Indians said.

Tendulkar, an iconic player for Mumbai Indians, will be last seen in coloured clothing during the Champions League T20 tournament, which began on Saturday and in the opening match Mumbai Indians lost to Rajasthan Royals.

Tendulkar had announced his retirement from the limited over game immediately after Mumbai Indians lifted the IPL trophy on May 26. The Mumbai Indians paltan (army) had previously ran successful campaign to #RetireTheJerseyNo10 in honour of Tendulkar after his retirement from ODI in December 2012.

465 runs in a 50 over match

The New South Wales domestic team made one of the highest scores ever recorded in a 50-over match, when they smashed 465 runs against Western Australia. According to reports, in the second of their pre-season matches, the Blues

finished their innings on 7-465, with left-hander Ben Rohrer belting 108 runs off just 66 balls, and getting good support from wicketkeeper Ryan Carters (91 off 70), all-rounder Moises Henriques (87 off 55) and young gun Nic Maddinson (76 off 48). It also eclipsed Australia's highest ODI total of 4-434, which was famously not enough to beat South Africa in Johannesburg as Herschelle Gibbs led the home side to a memorable one-wicket win, the report added. However, the record for the best total in a domestic one-dayer remains untouched, with Surrey's unfathomable 4-496 against Gloucester at the Oval sure to reign at the top of the charts for a long while yet, the report further said.

Durham win County Championship title

Durham won their third County Championship title in six years after completing an eight-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire with more than a day to spare. Rain washed out the third day's morning session but when play resumed after lunch at Chester-le-Street, the hosts needed just 62 more runs to win with all 10 second innings wickets in hand. They took just 16 overs to reach their target, and although they lost Keaton Jennings and Scott Borthwick along the way, Mark Stoneman's 35 not out saw Durham to victory, the opener sealing the title in style with a boundary off Paul Franks.

Durham, captained by former England batsman Paul Collingwood - one of several locally-produced players in their side - bucked the trend among county teams by opting to do without an overseas star this season. They were also without the input of long-serving coach Geoff Cook for much of the season after he suffered a heart attack. Durham's latest Championship title to set alongside their 2008 and 2009 triumphs continued a run of success all the more impressive given it is only 21 years since they played their first match as England's 18th firstclass county.

SPORT

32

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 28th September 2013

England gamble on Monty Panesar and 4 tall pacemen

It seems a risky undertaking.

Panesar’s problems, which include the breakdown of his marriage, have also led to him being arrested by police and sacked by Sussex this season.

Yet a two-month stint on loan with Essex, where he has worked with Peter Such, the England Performance Programme’s spin-bowling coach, in addition to the work of therapists, is said to have stabilised him enough for arguably the toughest tour of all.

“The help he has been receiving remains confidential, but you can rest assured that the support Monty needs on and off the field he is getting,” said Hugh Morris, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s director.

That may be true, but until Simon Kerrigan imploded on his Test debut and James Tredwell was taken apart by Australia in the oneday series, England gave every impression of wanting to take anyone but Panesar as Graeme Swann’s understudy for this tour. But Panesar is the next best spinner in the country and in the end that seemed to reduce the risk.

“There is very strong management in the side to help all aspects and he is very sure those errors are behind him,” said Geoff Miller, the national selector. “He is very prepared to let his bowling do the talking for him and I am prepared to accept that.

Monty had his problems which we have worked hard to rectify in the last six weeks

and so has he. He is a proven international bowler, he has shown what he is capable of doing on many occasions and from a selection point of view he knows what is expected of him and will work hard for us.”

Where question marks remain is over Panesar’s offfield behaviour which had lapsed following his and England’s successful tour of India a year ago, where he took 17 wickets in three Tests. Apparently, it is worst when he is not playing, which could be often should Swann stay fit. To that end, expect him to be involved in matches played by the Lions, whose squad is also announced on Monday, and who will be shadowing the Ashes squad in Australia for the first three Tests from Nov 15 until Dec 16.

England’s spin options might be slim, but at least the cupboard is better stocked with fast bowlers – or tall, aggressive ones, at least. By picking Boyd Rankin, Steve Finn, Chris Tremlett and

Stuart Broad, England possess four pacemen ranging in height from 6ft 6in to 6ft 8in.

It is nothing short of an attack of the giants, their potential menace reminiscent of the great West Indies pace batteries of the 1980s - a force to make Darren Lehmann, whose provocative claim on Monday that England play dour cricket, eat his words.

The inclusion of four big men in the 18-man squad, which also includes an unfit Tim Bresnan, but who will travel for rehabilitation purposes, looks like overkill, especially as Graham Onions, the best like-for-like replacement for James Anderson, has been omitted.

But according to Miller that seems to be the point.

“We are trying to create problems for them,” he said.

“What we want to do is give them as little opportunity as possible and we’ve got bowlers there who we feel can do that. If we have a problem with Jimmy Anderson at any stage we can

summon Graham Onions from South Africa, where he is playing.”

Apart from giving England’s pace attack a onedimensional look, the exclusion of Onions will seem harsh to many who marvel at his consistency for Durham every summer. But he needs match bowling to be effective, as his calamitous bowling in a tour match in New Zealand last February revealed, and he is unlikely to get much of that on this tour unless he is in the first-choice attack, which he is not.

Judging from the recent one-day series, Rankin was England’s best bowler and providing he can manage the greater length and frequency of spells in Test cricket, plus Australia’s unyielding heat, he looks to have moved ahead of Finn in the pecking order for a spot at the Gabba for the first Test on Nov 21.

England’s top five in the batting order takes care of itself, though there could be a War of the White Roses between Jonny Bairstow and Gary Ballance for the No 6 spot. Ballance has enjoyed a fine season for Yorkshire, though opponents reckon he likes to give himself room to play it, a risky strategy on bouncy pitches.

Australia’s bowlers enjoyed a high success rate against England’s top three this summer, which is why a third opener, Michael Carberry, has been chosen.

Why Carberry and not Nick Compton was, Miller said, a selectors’ decision.

unhappy at different times.

Things got so bad the ICC took the highly unusual step of sending their general manager of cricket, Geoff Allardice, over to England to meet the teams midway through the series in a bid to address their concerns.

One repeated complaint centred around the third umpire's use of DRS and the

way in which the replay official interpreted their remit while another problem area focused on the reliability of the Hotspot thermal imaging device in detecting thin nicks. In response to these issues, and a technology trial conducted during the third Ashes Test at Manchester's Old Trafford ground, the ICC said they'd set up a Working Group to look at ways of improving both DRS and the training of umpires.

Officials also suggested a Real-Time Snickometer - currently used by television broadcasters covering matches but not part of the DRS could be added to the list of tools at the third umpire's disposal. "The CEC (chief executives' committee) agreed a Working Group be constituted to consider how the ICC should best use technology in umpire decisionmaking in the future," the ICC statement said.

"The considerations of the

group will be wide ranging and include a review of the objectives and philosophies of using technology, the technologies, protocols and procedures as well as the role and training of television umpires.

"It was also agreed that a trial will be conducted whereby a team's referrals will be topped-up to two reviews after 80 overs of an innings.

"This trial will start from 1 October 2013 in all Test matches in which the DRS is used, with the results being monitored and considered by the Working Group."

As for adding 'Snicko' to the DRS, the statement said: "Noting that most of the contentious decisions relate to faint edges, the performance of the Real-Time Snickometer during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and the Ashes, and the potential to use this technology to assist the umpires in making these decisions was discussed.

Ashes to feature extra DRS reviews

England and Australia will be granted additional reviews during the forthcoming Ashes series as part of a change to the controversial Decision Review System, the International Cricket Council said. At a meeting of the ICC's chief executives' committee at the global governing body's Dubai headquarters, officials agreed the number of reviews will be "topped-up" to two after 80 overs of a Test innings.

Currently, teams are only permitted a maximum of two unsuccessful reviews per innings. The new playing conditions will be tried from October 1, meaning they will be in force for the Ashes which begin with the first Test in Brisbane starting on November 21.

The statement from the ICC came after England's recent 3-0 Ashes series win at home to Australia was beset by numerous rows over the use of DRS, with both sides

Wrestler Yadav bags India's maiden medal in Greco-Roman

Indian wrestler Sandeep Tulsi Yadav scripted history by winning the first ever medal in the Greco Roman category as he beat Serbian Makismovic Aleksandar to bag the bronze medal on the last day of the World Championships at Budapest. Indian wrestlers are more known for their prowess in freestyle. But Yadav made sure that India earn its first medal from Greco Roman as he beat the Serbian 4-0 in the bronze medal match.In the elimination round, Sandeep got a bye. In the second round, he defeated Spanish wrestler Navarro Sanchez Isamel 5-0 and in the third he beat Moldovan A Cosniceanu Mihali 6-2 points. Yadav, however, fell out of the race as he was thrashed 0-10 in the next round by Korean wrestler Ryu Han Su. But it was the Korean, who again revived Yadav's medal hopes, as he entered in to the final. Yadav was back in the race for bronze Medal as he qualified for the repechage. In the repechage round, Yadav first defeated Swedish wrestler Vardanyan Shrur 6-4 and qualified for the bronze medal match, where he got the better of Serbian Aleksandar 4-0. Yadav made sure that it was India's best show at the worlds with a tally of three medals, one silver and two bronze medals.

Jadeja leads ICC bowling charts

Ravindra Jadeja continued to jointly top the bowlers' list, while Virat Kohli was the highest-ranked Indian batsman at fourth in the latest ICC ODI rankings. India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was unchanged at seventh in the batsmen's list followed by Suresh Raina at 16th.

In the bowling chart, R Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar held on to their 18th and joint 20th positions respectively. Jointly heading the list with West Indian Sunil Narine, Jadeja, however, slipped a rung to fourth in the all-rounders' list. Elsewhere, Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is back in the top-10 of the rankings for ODI bowlers after he jumped six places to eighth in the latest update. Johnson picked up five wickets in the series against England and returned to the top 10 for the first time since October 2011, when he was ranked fourth.

Former BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele passes away

Former secretary of the Board for Control of Cricket in India, Jaywant Yeshwant Lele passed away at his residence in Vadodara following a massive heart attack.

He was 75 and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. "He suffered a massive heart attack when he went to bathroom before going to sleep. He was escorted to the bed but he passed away," said family sources.

Lele served as BCCI's assistant secretary and later took over as its secretary when Jagmohan Dalmiya became the president of the International Cricket Council in 1996.

He had celebrated his 75th birthday on September 13. "He had celebrated his 75th birthday with his friends. It is very unfortunate. He was like a father to me. I always used to consult him on various issues. He had guided me from the age of 12," former India stumper Nayan Mongia said.