UK Asian Voice | 29th October 2016
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Loomba Foundation recognises support from the Hinduja Foundation for educating 500 children of poor widows for five years in five states in India Over 300 people gathered together to celebrate the Loomba Foundation’s work at its annual charity gala dinner on the 13th October at the Dorchester Hotel; the evening, which also celebrated Diwali, and the 147th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of NonViolence, highlighted the continuing work of the Foundation, its successes this year, which most notably included publication of the World Widows Report, and its support for the coming year. The Master of Ceremonies welcomed guests and introduced the President of the Foundation, Cherie Blair CBE QC, whose passion and drive behind the Foundation and plans for the future to empower widows in all 30 Indian states, spoke of the generosity of the many supporters of the Foundation. Everyone was touched by the video introduced by Mrs Blair showing the world leaders who have been moved to support the Loomba Foundation’s work after learning about widows and their plight, including the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Hilary Clinton, Laura
Lord Loomba CBE, Acting High Commissioner Mr Dinesh Patnaik, Mr Tim Farron, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Party, Mr Gopichand P. Hinduja,Co-Chair of Hinduja Foundation and Guest of Honour Mr GP Hinduja receiving a Memento from the Loomba Foundation in appreciation for educating 500 children of poor widows in India
Bush, Yoko Ono, Kajol Devgn and Sir Richard Branson, to name but a few. Mrs. Cherie Blair, commenting on how the video touched everyone’s heart said: “Tonight, we have amongst us a unique philanthropist and leader of the Indian community in the UK, who, together with his three brothers and through the Loomba Foundation, has educated 500 children of poor widows for 5 years in five states in India,” as she welcomed the Guest of Honour Mr. G.P. Hinduja, CoChairman of the Hinduja Foundation. On behalf of the Loomba Foundation,
Mrs Blair was honoured to present Mr. Hinduja a memento recognising the generous support of the Hinduja Foundation. Mr. G.P. Hinduja, echoing Mrs Blair’s sentiments about the powerful messages shown in the video spoke of how his own mother was a widow and how this had affected his philanthropy. Speaking from the heart, Mr. Hinduja, representing the Hinduja Foundation, talked about his own experiences and the way his foundation’s philanthropy is based on his father’s beliefs, who was: “keenly aware of the debt he owed to society: the need to tran-
scend commercial activities and extend help to those less fortunate.” Powerfully reiterating the significance of the work of The Loomba Foundation and the importance of the evening, to raise awareness of the plight of widows, Mr Hinduja said: “From my own family’s personal experience I understand the importance of helping widows and their children, who suffer in silence on losing their loved one.” Praising highly the work of the Loomba Foundation, Mr Hinduja added he has spoken to the Head of the Hinduja Foundation in India, “who confirmed his full satisfac-
tion with the work of the Loomba Foundation,” and further said that Hinduja Foundation will always be supportive to its causes. Mr Hinduja also kindly offered a dinner with the famous cricketer Mr. M.S. Dhoni to raise funds for the Foundation, which was auctioned. Many of the guests donated £1,000 each and the dinner raised over £15,000. The proceeds from the evening, raised through silent and live auctions and pledges, will be used to empower widows in India through the Foundation’s sewing machine projects. Lord Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman of the Loomba Foundation in his vote of thanks said “I am hugely grateful to Mr.
G.P. Hinduja and his three brothers, who have supported the education of 500 children of poor widows for five years in five states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Naidu, Utter Pradesh and Uttrakhand, through the Loomba Foundation. These students were selected from the poorest of poor families, who would not have otherwise received an education. They received over this period a scholarship, which has supported the costs of their school uniform, books, lunches and healthcare”. Lord Loomba added that he was indebted to Mr Hinduja and his family for their generous support on the night and over the years.
The Sportsman Casino & Zaman Restaurant – a package of entertainment you don't want to miss Rupanjana Dutta It is often said that if you are bored of London, you are bored of life. And to a certain extent the various forms of entertainment in this city make it more exciting than others. One such key place is The Sportsman Casino, right on Oxford Street, below the Thistle Hotel. I have been to the same Casino for a Diwali party 4 years ago, and had a sumptuous dinner at the Zaman restaurant a couple of times, but when I walked into the casino this time, the excitement had reached a new level. The ambience was totally electric, as happy people gambled on different tables – three card poker, punto-bunco, American roulette, blackjack and so much more. Greeted with a big smile, the dealers looked friendly and for a beginner like me, I even had a live demonstration of how to play. The Casino allows betting from £2 onwards, and anything from £10 and above have a separate section, that can prove to be an exciting spot for corporate hire. From champagne to soft drinks all are available for self help as well as waiters who come around asking in case you want to order anything else. The Casino opens from 12 noon, and has an open door policy for anyone above 18 years of age and has fantastic reward facilities. During a quick tour of the newly refurbished casino, Joshi Haque, Customer Relations Manager, told Asian Voice, “Sportsman Casino treats its loyal, regular and high end customers with equal importance. It is never about how much you spend with us. It's also about returning customers. “We offer instant memberships to
high end players and also to regular customers depending on the points they have earned through their frequent visits and games. “Membership treats include all kinds of perks – such as bespoke services to hospitality to free tickets for some of the most sought after games like cricket, football or rugby matches. “Our casino has many visitors from India, especially Delhi and some from Mumbai. Of course being close to Edgware Road, many Arabs too visit us. It is interesting to know how the customer requirements work – they are always different and we love to make the experience unique for everybody.” The Sportsman Casino has a homely atmosphere. The welcoming and friendly staff with the longest serving years at the Casino, make it a warm and cosy place to go back to – much less intimidating and judgemental than
other West End Casinos. From greeting you at the door to a certain level of personal attention – they make sure you are comfortable playing whatever you would love to. Not only that, you are free to use the dining space right next to the gaming tables, and enjoy any particular dish the head chef Zaman and his team of 16 other chefs have to offer in their restaurant, served exclusively for you at the Casino. The restaurant Zaman, named after head chef Mahmud Zaman, is situated at the lower ground floor. Very well illuminated with a hint of orange, Zaman's cuisine extends from Chinese to Thai to Italian to English to Indian – more of a global food joint. The taste of food is authentic, quite classy, and the quantity is generous for a West End restaurant. On one side of the restaurant, there are slot machines, and it's truly awesome to see how many people actually play on those, while sipping on to their favourite drink. There is a bar at the restaurant as well. The two sides of the restaurant are
separated with a glass wall, or a transparent divider with Zaman's hologram. The staff, including the Manager, have a keen eye for detail, are courteous and they offer every dining member equal attention and hospiltality. The restaurant also has undergone a sea change since my last visit and 'upped its look' into this chic, fine dining, highend place, with affordable prices, and a menu for everyone. Speaking to Asian Voice, head chef Zaman said, “I have been in Britain for the last 24 years, and have experience in the field for over 30 years. I have worked in various hotels. Having started as a kitchen porter, climbing the ladder to become a chef, including at Hilton, and soon followed by joining this establishment and becoming the head chef, finally having this restaurant named after me. “I have personally designed the halal menu that includes many mouth-watering delights, but we have quite a few items for strict vegeterians too. My kitchen staff here are mostly Bangladeshi and I am doing whatever possible to help the Asian curry industry, in this period of austerity. In fact one of the most popular dish in this restaurant is Biriyani – and every day at least 25-30 plates are sold. “Last year I won the 'Chef of the Year' award at the Asian Curry Awards and this year I won the Lifetime Achievement category.” The award is a huge triumph for Zaman, celebrating his artistic style and love for experimental cooking. It is also a recognition of Zaman's commitment to offering the very best dining experience that is both accessible and affordable to customers.