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'Allergic' taxi driver fined after refusing to pick up blind passenger and guide dog A taxi driver refused to take a blind passenger with her guide dog to hospital because he said he was severely allergic to dogs. Ashish Madhubhai Mistry (41) pleaded guilty in Leicester Magistrates' Court to failing to accept a booking by a disabled passenger accompanied by an assistance dog on August 11, 2015. He was fined £350 with £215 costs and £35 victim surcharge, which he agreed to pay at £150 per month. Andrew Burton for Leicester City Council said that the Swift Fox Cabs taxi company was called by a support worker at the Dawn Centre, Conduit Street, Leicester city centre, to take two passengers, one with a guide dog, to Leicester Royal Infirmary. When Mistry arrived he refused to carry them because one had a dog with
her. Mr Burton said: "He said he had a phobia and was allergic to dogs, then drove away leaving the two ladies on the pavement. The law allows refusal (to carry a passenger) on medical grounds but evidence of this and a medical exemption certificate is needed to prove it." Mr Burton said Mistry had agreed he did not have a certificate, claiming he was in the process of applying for
one, but then admitted he did not know he needed one. Dav Mahet, for Mistry, told the court how he had driven taxis for six years and, in 2013, had developed a severe allergy. "At first the cause was unknown to him - he thought it was down to some types of milk - but in May 2015 he was taken to hospital where it was discovered it was because of pets. He had taken his son to a pet shop when
the reactions took place." He said when he accepted the fare from the Dawn Centre no mention had been made that there was a guide dog involved. Mr Mahet said Mistry had now applied to the council for the necessary paperwork to show how his allergy and phobia prevented him from coming into contact with dogs, whether assistant or not. Tracey Whitehead, director of Swift Fox Cabs, said: "Any driver who has an allergy to dogs must prove this to LCC in order to obtain this exemption certificate. I am sure Mr Mistry regrets his actions and is very sorry for this mistake. However Mr Mistry failed to follow proper procedures and did not do this. Therefore he has paid the price and has quite rightly been punished by the courts.”
Bhajans to mark 40th Death Anniversary of Hirji Bapa
By Dhiren Katwa
Fans of Gujarati folk song and dance will gather in Leicester this month for a major round-the-clock event to celebrate the life of, and 40 years since the death of the revered Hindu saint Hirji Bapa. Born in Gujarat in 1889, Hirji Ghela Gokani, passed away in 1976. The father-ofsix earned his “saint” title and ardent followers across mainly East Africa, India and the UK for his unique ways in which he promoted, mainly through bhajans, the foundations of Hinduism, or Sanatan Dharma. His legacy continues to shine brightly, thanks to his family and followers. Many of his closest friends such as Masribhai Pankhania,
Damjibhai Devji Pattni, Rancchodbhai “Ekalmal” Makwana – to name just a handful – are no longer with us, but they too will be remembered on the night. Those with vivid memories of irreplaceable times with Hirjibapa, who are still among us include nonageMaganbhai narian Bhimjiyani, known affectionately as Ram Bapa and the iconic Pragjibhai Ladva, whose portfolio and archive of traditional bhajans is an invaluable library in itself. Leading the memorial programme on the night will be Madhavbhai Soni, the backbone of the celebration, and members of Leicester’s Bajrang Bhajan Mandal. Departed members of the Mandal, including Rambhaben Arya,
Hirji Bapa in 1974 when he visited our home in Sparkhill, Birmingham during his UK tour.
Tribhovanbhai Parmar, Bhagwanjibhai Chauhan, Natubhai Nensi, will also be remembered on the night. As a staunch fan of bhajans myself - an inheritance of my grandfather Ravjibhai Bhoja Katwa, who passed away in 1977 - it gives me
particular pleasure to see passionate younger Hindus actively participating in such events and flying the flag for bhajans, the seeds of which were sown by our ancestors. Talented and naturally-gifted singers and musicians, those under 40, include Kabir Ladva, Vikesh Champaneri, Kishan Wadhia, Hiten Jethwa, Madhav Gohil, Kalpesh Ghedia, Ravi Vegad, Pratik Soni, Amritaben, Meeta Dipesh Soni, Dr Trupti Patel, Gautam Aryato name just a handful. The free event, at Shree Hindu Mandir and Community Centre on Barnabas Road (LE5 4BD) will begin at 3pm on Saturday 26th March and finish around 6am the following day (27th March). All welcome.
Restaurant raises £7K for cancer charity A popular Indian restaurant, B26 Food of India, in Birmingham has raised £3,550 for a cancer charity. The award-winning restaurant organised the fundraiser to mark its 10th anniversary. To help boost even further the coffers of Macmillan Cancer Support, the sum raised has been matched by a local branch of Barclays Bank PLC, bringing the grand total to an amazing £7,100.
B26 Food of India’s Manager Mr Mit Balli said: “I am genuinely thrilled at the generosity of our wellwishers, our customers. It was a memorable evening and it gives us pleasure in giving back to the local community whose loyalty and sincerity continues to motivate us.” The family-friendly event last Sunday was graced by the Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr John Clancy.
L to R: Restaurant Manager Mr Mit Balli, Lord Mayor, Cllr John Clancy and head chef cutting the 10th anniversary cake
In Brief
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Asian Voice |5th March 2016
B26 Food of India staff team
Clad in a three-piece suit, Cllr Clancy described how finding out that one is affected by cancer can be “a very frightening and a very lonely time” and paid tribute to Brummies for being a community known for supporting each other during what can be a difficult period. Opened in 2006, B26 Food of India is one of the new breed of Indian restaurants that aims to dispense with trying to evoke an atmosphere of the Indian subcontinent in favour of a
more modern feel. VIP guests included the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Ray Hassall, Labour councillors Habib Rahman, Majid Mahmood and Nawaz Ali. The evening, split into two seatings of around 100 guests each time, featured a five-course meal, Bollywood dances, a raffle draw, a henna artist, speeches and more. The flag of India as a backdrop added to the decor. (Photo courtesy: Joe Watkins Photography)
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Man jailed for sex assault on girl
A man with serious mental health problems who sexually assaulted a vulnerable young girl, was jailed for six years last week. Hafiz Mahmood (28) abused the six-year-old youngster over two weeks, Manchester Crown Court was told. The court was told that Mahmood had been diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and had behavioural problems, including difficulties in communicating and coherent thinking. He is said to have a particularly low IQ. Mahmood pleaded guilty to four offences against the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He was sentenced to six years for the most serious offence of assault by penetration, three years concurrent on each of two offences of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and 12 months concurrent for sexual activity with a child under 13. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Man loses life sentence appeal
A man who forced women to become his sex slaves during a decade-long campaign of torture and abuse has lost an appeal against his life sentence. Iqbal Ali (34) of Oldham, singled out four vulnerable women for a series of degrading and horrific crimes involving sexual violence. They were tortured physically and psychologically and forced to satisfy his sexual demands. Last June he was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of 25 offences, including multiple rapes and assaults. His case was back in court last week when his lawyers appealed the life term, arguing the sentence was not necessary for public protection. The appeal was rejected. With his life sentence upheld, Ali will serve a minimum of 16.5 years.
The Earles: Bridging the gaps
Vows to promote love and peace were renewed by a gathering of people, young and old, and from all major faith and religious groups at a historic celebration in Birmingham last Saturday. The afternoon event, themed ‘Renewing our families and nations’, was organised by David and Patricia Earle, pictured, a modest couple who for many years have been promoting, selflessly and tirelessly, equality unity, peace, harmony among all. The Interfaith Peace Blessing featured inspirational speeches, presentations, entertainment, awards and refreshments. Guests were sprinkled with holy water and each was given blessed nectar. The same ‘water ceremony’ was performed simultaneously in many parts of the world, an idea of the Universal Peace Federation, a global network of individuals dedicated to achieving world peace, of which the Earles are active members. Speakers included Ugandan-born Sheikh Arif Abdul Hussain, one of the most eloquent, authoritative and powerful speakers I’ve ever met, West Midlands’ Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Cllr Yvonne Mosquito and life coach and teacher Kathleen Roche-Nagi. The event was held at the Unitarian New Meeting House in Five Ways. David and Patricia’s hearts are like oceans, their generosity immeasurable and if there is one couple who can make mountains move and facilitate the connection of all people, everywhere and anywhere, it has to be the Earles whom I feel humbled to be acquainted to for over 15 years.