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cent people- teaching them a lesson. The two soldiers have been identified as Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh, junior commissioned officer with the

Kills two soldiers in India, mutilates bodies; Indian diaspora outraged

In a pattern very similar to those of militants and terrorists harboured by the country itself, Pakistan yet again hit a newer low. Two Indian soldiers were killed and their bodies mutilated

by Pakistani forces in a brutal and revolting attack,

during an unprompted target attack on frontier posts in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday morning. The Indian diaspora in the UK has been left shocked by this news, some demanding UN intervention to stop Pakistan from killing inno-

army's 22 Sikh Regiment, and head constable of the BSF's 200 Battalion, Prem Sagar. Mortal remains of Singh was consigned to flames with full military honours at Punjab’s Tarn Taran district on Tuesday.

Indian army's northern command said that Pakistanis fired mortar Continued on page 26

Priyanka-Deepika turn heads at Met Gala

Snap election gets new Asian entries Prem Sagar and Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh

Rupanjana Dutta

The upcoming Snap Election on 8 June is significant to UK's political stability. Called initially to establish the Conservative party supremacy in Westminster, this election promises to give opportunity to more and more Asian candidates to contest. With 36 days to go, the parties are desperate to win the ethnic minority votes, as in 2015, when the Tories won the electionbecause of the overwhelming support from the Indian community.

According to the Integration and Minority's Report by the Ethnic Minority Forum currently there is a huge disparity between the white population and ethnic population as far as appointments to the 'highest echelons of this society' are concerned.

Continued on page 17

Priyanka Chopra

Deepika Padukon

Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone attended the Met Gala event, where celebrities bring out their weird fashion experiments and go to extremes to stand out of the crowd.

PeeCee flaunted a trench coat gown by Ralph Lauren, while Twiterrati equated it to

Riz Ahmed

'Swacch Bharat Abhiyan'.

Deepika looked like a bride, sporting a simple white satin Tommy Hilfiger gown, with more attention to detail on her ornate hair accessories and shimmery make-up.

Attendees also included Mindy Kaling, Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari and Riz Ahmed.

2

ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice 6th May 2017

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to

Kaushik Amlani

Kaushik Amlani is co-founder of the Ethical Hubs Organisation to address the global food security by applying ethical solutions in “Quarantine Agriculture” and installing further geared and planned infrastructures of Ethical Building Blocks that work for and in conjunction with the rural poor.

Ethical Hubs has secured vast swathes of prime virgin lands for development in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Born in Jinja, Uganda his family have experienced two social and economic challenges and upheavals first, Jawaharlal Nehru’s socialist philosophy of fair land and natural resources distribution in India obliterated the families’ vast interests in iron and coal mining north of Calcutta. This forced confiscation by the than Indian Government of families assets forced his maternal grandparents to seek fresh pastures in Uganda, East Africa. Fate again dealt another upheaval through Idi Amin’s expulsion of the entire Asian community from Uganda in 1972. The family became evacuees again within two decades and were uprooted to the United Kingdom after 36 years, in 2008, he returned back to Africa to contribute in poverty alleviation.

Beginning careers in actuarial and banking sectors until 1983 than to pursue various businesses in United Kingdom and The Netherlands which exposed him to the Dutch cutting-edge techniques in agricultural marketing sector has since owned and operated vast acreages of coffee & horticulture production spread over Central America until 1994. His current ventures include applying ethical solutions for development of the indigenous people includes management of land, commercial farming and seed development through to future plans to install community based rural banking.

1) What is your current position?

CEO and co-founder of the Ethical Hubs Organisation.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

I take great pride in being a member of the East African Asian community, a minority group in UK yet we excel in education and business, collectively contribute some 7% GDP in The United Kingdom with similar accomplishments in the United States of America and Canada 3) What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from rea-

son and hope. The term “Slavery” is abolished in namesake yet it exists in today’s world in the form of economic “Wage Slaves”. These peoples are bonded to and are totally reliant upon an inequitable global economic system. Public and world governments’ support is imperative for the improvement in mankind and the inequities that the rural poor in particular are subject to. My quest is to try to understand and improve these inequalities has led me to live amongst the poorest of the poor as their equal and physically and mentally experience their daily

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meet current and future business needs along the value food chain.

toils. This journey has inspired me to embark upon a mission to address the global food security on an equal playing field.

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

I view obstacles as merely interruptions usually caused by another’s greed whilst there will always be solutions, nevertheless most obstacles in my option are transitory at any given point time are to be expected as a matter of course. My biggest obstacle has been to afford equal status to women within our programme. Gender inequalities in the rural environment exist and persist because of a range of interlinked social, economic and political factors. However, there is a specific cause that outweighs all others: the invisible but powerful role of social institutions that disempower one sex above the other. These include traditions, customs and social norms that govern the intricate workings of rural societies, and which act as a constraint on women’s activities and restrict their ability to compete on an even footing with men.

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

My father Kantilal Lalji Amlani has been my biggest influence was truly a humanist and a modest individual. It is in that context that I am able to recognise and feel another person’s predicament that motivates me to somewhat take a constructive path in life in following by his example.

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

Keeping up to the latest research and development in cultivation techniques, we monitor the many flaws in the current global food chain and find cost effective custom solutions for

advancing a range of totally organically cultivated crops whilst developments in seaweed for salt, stevia derived sugars and high protein energy products form moringa began a decade ago. I also enjoy meeting other inspired and like-minded people from across the world from economists, agricultural experts and scientists.

Interacting in governments’ to tribal chieftains and similarly integrations with the rural populaces.

7) And the worst?

Physically living continuously in a tent for long spells whilst exposed to all weather elements deprived of access to the most basic of amenities that we take for granted.

8) What are your long-term goals?

Ethical Hubs administration needs to undergo a comprehensive transition from almost manual land cultivation to include the full mechanisation of its farm systems and procedures and the strengthening of our human capacity to better

Couple who moved to Britain and scammed £150k in benefits are jailed six months apart so their kids don’t have go into care A wealthy Pakistani couple who fraudulently claimed £40,000 a year in benefits after claiming asylum in Britain were jailed six months apart so their children didn’t have to be taken into care. Syed Zaidi, 41, and his wife Rizwana Kamal, 40, claimed asylum seekers’ benefit, child tax and working tax credits and child benefits for their three children – on top of free accommodation – worth £150,000, despite having more than £250,000 in the bank.

The university graduates claimed they were being persecuted in their native

Pakistan and urged the Home Office to give them shelter, claiming £150,000 worth of handouts. They splashed out on two cars and moved into a Victorian terraced house in Denton, near Manchester, but were caught after a tip-off to the Home Office.

It is thought they won the right to stay in the UK during their four-year scam between 2012 and 2016. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester Judge Bernard Lever jailed the couple for ten months each after they admitted benefit fraud.

Syed Zaidi

But in an unusual move he delayed locking up Kamal until this week, after her husband was released having served half his sentence. It means their children will not be taken into care at further expense to the taxpayer.

Prosecutor John Wilcox told the court that £258,530 was left unaccounted for in the pair’s seven bank

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Rizwana Kamal

accounts.

The couple – believed to have entered the UK on Kamal’s student visa – were denied legal aid because of their huge savings, and represe nted themselves in court.

Kamal begged Judge Lever to spare her jail, but he said he had to send a “powerful message” to the couple and other fraudsters.

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

I perceive the management culture installed by Mrs Thatcher’s government to run the National Health was installed with good intentions to manage, than globally a first class healthcare system has since become a non-functioning entity that is now a taint twotier expense leakage that needs urgent adjustment that in-turn effects every single citizen.

I would further consider a system of reward by issuing “fasttrack” NHS cards to those making or have made some positive tax contributions, those on low incomes and for the very sick and needy also qualify. Those healthy but choose to live their entire lives on free-state benefits to only have access to a standard service on a priority waiting register at every 1 in 6 hospital facility. A drastic measure that would reduce the NHS work load by as much as 40%.

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

Genghis Khan for his military accomplishments was a master tactician whilst his attributes to extremes in brutality and a genocidal ruler, however he was the one person credited with bringing the Silk Road under one unified political environment that brought communication and trade thus expanding the horizons to all cultures.

Ram-raided shop owner 'felt demoralised' The manager of a Post Office in Chatteris, in which thieves tried, but failed, to steal an ATM from in the early hours of last Wednesday morning, says he "felt like crying" when he saw the damage to his shop.

Satish Karia owns the business on the High Street, and was at a Post Office conference when he heard the news.

"Seeing the damage was so devastating and hurtful.

Kind of demoralising.

Something like this happened to us in 2012 and we went through hell then. And subsequently to find out the

damage was substantial - I felt like crying and giving up," he said.

Mr Karia said he was overwhelmed by the support of the local community.

"Everyone is so wonderful. They have been so sympathetic and understanding.

There has been so much offer of help that has come through. We were so taken aback."

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Why is Theresa May going for snap poll?

Prime Minister Theresa May has surprised UK voters as well as the world by ordering a snap poll on 8th June. The House of Commons overwhelmingly supported her decision - 522 in favour and 9 against.

She said that Britain needed clarity, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum. Till the last minute she was denying the possibility of a snap poll, then suddenly why she wanted to go for a vote?

During the course of her rule, she realised how difficult it was to govern without a personal mandate. She owes her position to Conservative lawmakers who chose her to succeed David Cameron after the Brexit referendum. Since then she has chosen a course that appeals to the right wing of her party and the anti-immigrant section of the UK public opinion, bu t which is deeply unpopular with business and with much of the country. She desperately needed a mandate of her own from voters to bolster her authority. May's Conservatives has only 17-seat majority in the 650-seat House of Commons. That leaves her vulnerable to revolts from even a small number of lawmakers. A bigger majority would protect her from such revolts and give her greater freedom to negotiate the Brexit bill.

An opinion poll gives Conservatives a 21-point lead over Labour. This means a landslide victory for Conservatives in the polls. Labour is divided between the hard-left leadership team of Jeremy Corbyn and a coterie of liberal lawyers and financiers under former PM Tony Blair. May said that she wanted to silence and neutralise those who are trying to stop or reverse the Brexit process . But such opposition from

Scottish nationalists, the House of Lords and financiers was predictable in July when May took over. May could not call an election before she had settled her own party's internal debate on Brexit. It became clear that she won't be able tie up a deal on the UK's trade relationship with EU before 2020, when the next general election would have to be held anyway. Winning a new five year term would reduce the pressure on her in 2019, when the negotiations on the separation agreement has to be finalised. That would firm up her position in the negotiations.

If the negotiations fail, UK might end up losing the Northern and Southern islands. There is no common border between Ireland and UK. In case Ireland decides to join the European Union, it could hurt Britain beyond repair. Irish exports to the UK account for up to 1.2 million pounds worth of goods.

In case of a possible separation (given the EU's steady persuasion) UK will have to face several trade problems. Same is the case with Scotland which is reportedly contemplating another referendum. In the negotiations for separation from EU, UK has to be very careful since Germany wanted to retain its hegemony. It currently stands second to China in surplus trade; maintaining more exports than imports.

In the next four weeks of election campaign, Brexit negotiations will become clearer. Unlike during the campaign for Brexit vote, the British politicians should not play with innuendoes and people's emotions. They should take up genuine issues for campaign. Playing with people's emotions will only vitiate the harmonious atmosphere.

Indian economy set to surpass Germany by 2022 According to an analysis of growth projections of countries by the International Monetary Fund, India is set to surpass Germany as the world's fourth-largest economy by 2022, knocking out the UK out of the fifth rank, in the bid. The recently released report said that India is still recuperating from the lasting consequences of the November demonetisation move. While the Modi government's GST plan guarantee happy results and will mend the broken economy in the long run, the country's banking system and its public finances raise several red flags. Both the factors are vital since global credit rating agencies currently rate Indian debt instruments just above the 'junk' status. IMF also cited that according to government data, bad loans, restructured debt, and advances

to companies that cannot service their debt have risen to 16.6 per cent of total loans. India's fastgrowing population is expected to boost economic activity, and help India outpace developed nations.

On the bright side, India has become the hub for mobile phones, electronic goods, cars, and houses. The projected growth of the Indian economy is set to grow at an annual average rate of 8 per ce nt in the next 15 years as stated by think-tank Niti Aayog while the IMF has capped it at 7.2 per cent per year. In contrast, the financial institution projects UK's growth at 2 per cent in 2017, and 1.8 per cent in 2018. While the road to become the fourth-largest economy by 2022 is not smooth, India in no time, will topple its colonial master.

Pakistan ignoring Vienna Convention in Jadhav case Complicating the existing boiling relations between South Asian neighbours India and Pakistan, the latter even chose to ignore pleas and direct warnings from New Delhi. While the Indian government has been trying to lower former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence to at least life imprisonment, Pakistan on the other hand, seems to be enjoying the political upper hand, taking pride on having symbolically brought India to its knees.

For a country internationally known to harbour terrorists and terrorism, Pakistan obviously fails to understand the importance of civil lives. India, meanwhile, has always managed the same approach for its citizens, be it a group or an individual, it has done its best to deliver justice.

India has requested for consular access to Jadhav on 16 different occasions. However, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit effectively ruled out the possibility in a recent interview, saying Islamabad will go by domestic laws in deciding on India's plea, instead of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. He stated that while Pakistan agrees on the Vienna Convention, it cannot be given preference over domestic laws. Not only is the decision a violation of human rights, it portrays Pakistan's intense hatred towards India.

The mere fact that they are keen on executing an Indian national without convincing proof, wards it incapable of making any kind of justice. However, as trying as Basit's attitude may be, it did not come

as a shock as in the past, he has never backed down from showcasing his love for Kashmiri separatists and promoting their anti-national activities.

Not only does the decision affect India, it also affects the Pakistani government, mostly Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The pushing of the Pakistan army in the sentencing of Jadhav, is a sure-shot sign that it is yet again asserting itself after the retirement of Raheel Sharif. New Delhi may lodge a mercy petition to the Pakistani President within 90 days after the Pak army chief makes a decision.

There aren't definite benefits; with the lack of consular access how will Jadhav arrange for a competent lawyer to represent him? The only option remaining is to propose an exchange, bringing in Jadhav for a former ISI official believed to be in Indian custody.

In Pakistan's most inhuman act, two BSF soldiers' bodies were found beheaded and mutilated along the Line of Control. Under the cover of heavy rocket and mortar fire, early on Monday morning, Pakistan's Border Action Team sneaked 250 metres across the LoC into the Poonch sector in Jammu and Kashmir and beheaded of Naib Subedar Paramjeet Singh of 22 Sikh Infantry and Head Constable Prem Sagar of 200th Battalion of BSF. As preposterous the act, this isn't the first time the BAT mutilated Indian soldiers. The incident is beyond despicable and will soon be addressed with a befitting reply.

3

You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness - Jonathan Safran Foer (2005)

A Poor Humble BoyGets My Vote Dear Barry Gardiner, This is difficult to write. You have served the constituency of Brent North, as its Member of Parliament since Tony Blair was PM. And you have served with dedication and distinction. You have been well qualified with your background from Cambridge University, St Andrews and Harvard. And by the end of the next Parliament as you will touch 65, you are indeed well experienced.

You have been a great friend to the British Indian community. So much so that you are respectfully known as Barry Bhai (brother).

But bhai, in this election, at this time, I am sorry British Indians in your constituency, no one in your constituency, can afford to sleep walk to Labour. And Labour cannot have the lock on the British Indian vote.

Your challenger to represent Brent North in Parliament is Ameet Jogia. He was born and raised in neighbouring Harrow, where he has served as a local Councillor since 2014. When you entered Government in 1997 led by Blair, Ameet was still a school child.

He doesn’t come from a privileged background quite the opposite. His family was homeless when he was a young child and so he knows only too well what it's like to be vulnerable and poor. He grew up on a Council Estate and has always valued being given a hand-up.

I guess it is that background that helps him understand the concerns of the community around healthcare, education and housing. It is that background that leads him to believe that public services can only be funded through a strong and growing economy – yes taxing companies to be sure – but profitable growing strong companies.

I, like many, no all, readers of this paper respect you Barry. But I cannot respect a party, the Labour Party, whose elected MPs attack the land of my forefathers, India. Labour MPs. I have to stand for Ameet, who as a young MP will be part of the Government, not part of a protest movement which Labour has become. I have to stand by Ameet who will by being in Parliament as MP for Brent North strengthen the hand of the PM in negotiations with Europe, not strengthen the hand of Jeremy Corbyn.

I have to stand by Ameet who will argue against anti-Indian rhetoric from Labour MPs, not stand alongside them on the same benches, paralysed by Party loyalty from shutting them down.

Barry, you can serve the community and the country well, indeed, may I suggest from the Lords my friend? But the fight ahead in the next Parliament, belongs to the vitality and energy of one this nation’s best and most determined – Ameet Jogia.

And Barry, perhaps the worst of all, you support and defend Jeremy Corbyn by serving in his Shadow Cabinet. Whilst virtually everyone in your Parliamentary Party has left Jeremy Corbyn’s reckless protest movement, you stand loyal. We too care for the poor, the destitute, the poorly educated and those in need of care. But if Jeremy is the answer, I fear what is the question? The British people deserve better at this critical moment in our nation's history.

Barry, people of Brent North, British Indians, Britons, now is not the time for a protest vote for Labour, a wasted vote. Now is the time to say we will elevate a formerly homeless council estate boy to the most privileged of places, Parliament, and he speaks for all, not just privilege alone. He is us.

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Soldier who killed his ex-girlfriend to serve minimum of 22 years A soldier has been jailed for life for breaking into his ex-girlfriend's flat and cutting her throat from ear to ear.

Alice Ruggles, 24, was found fatally injured at her home in Rawling Road, Gateshead, in October.

Lance Corporal Trimaan "Harry" Dhillon, 26, denied murder at Newcastle Crown Court, saying she had fallen on a carving knife during an argument.

Sentencing him to a minimum of 22 years, judge Paul Sloan QC said the murder was an act of "utter barbarism".

The court heard the Edinburgh-based signaller with 2 Scots became obsessed with graduate Miss Ruggles - originally from Leicestershire - and stalked her when he realised she was moving on after their intense relationship ended.

Dhillon claimed she died as a result of an accident when she leapt at

Lance Corporal Trimaan Harry Dhillon

him with a carving knife.

He told the jury they had been struggling, that he had tried to disarm her and she cut herself when he blocked a lunge, and the knife stuck in her neck when she fell to the floor.

The court was told Miss Ruggles, who had complained to police about Dhillon's behaviour, was found on her bathroom floor on 12 October and had bled to death.

Dhillon had climbed into Miss Ruggles' flat through an open window and set about murdering her, probably kneeling on

Alice Ruggles

her back and holding her head up to slash her throat at least six times, cutting through to the spine.

She suffered 24 injuries, including defensive wounds, while 6ft 1in Dhillon suffered none.

The jury was played a frantic 999 call by Miss Ruggle's friend Maxine McGill in which she described finding the 24year-old "covered in blood" and named Dhillon as the killer, calling him an "absolute psychopath".

Miss Ruggles and Dhillon developed an intense relationship over the internet while he was serving in Afghanistan

and she was working for Sky in Newcastle.

The jury were told Dhillon soon set about alienating her from her friends, knocked her selfconfidence and demanded her constant attention.

His previous partner suffered similarly and her ordeal only ended after she took out a restraining order.

The court heard when the relationship ended Dhillon stalked her ground-floor flat at night, knocking on her bedroom window and "terrifying" her.

He was told to stay away from her by police, but the Indian-born soldier ignored the warning.

Sentencing, Dhillon Judge Sloan told him: "Not a shred of remorse have you shown from first to last - indeed you were concentrating so hard on getting your story right when giving evidence you forgot even to shed a crocodile tear."

Indian restaurant fined over 'Curry smells' An Indian restaurant has been fined by a court after neighbours complained of strong 'curry smells' coming from the place.

Middlesbrough Council fined owners of the Khushi Indian Buffet Restaurant, Shabana and Mohammed Khushi, after aromas of their biryanis and bhajis kept wafting in the neighbourhood.

Local authority said the restaurant lacked a “sufficient filtration system” prompting complains from several locals. District Judge Kristina Harrison, from Teesside Magistrates' Court, heard from a council prosecutor that some resi-

dents had complained about the smell of spicy food from the restaurant's kitchen that got in through their windows and was overpowering. It was said that the smells were so strong, they had to wash their clothes.

Both Shabana and Mohammed were fined £258 each, and ordered to pay £500 costs each and a £30 victim surcharge.

Defence solicitor Neil Douglas said that because the business had moved into a building that formerly served as a pub, no variation of planning permission was needed and therefore, the owners were never

Shabana and Mohammed Khushi were both fined (Picture: Gazette)

appraised of the type of filters they needed. Joint directors in the restaurant, eventhough the pair have already upgraded their filtration system, they face another £3500 and £4500 bills to complete the work.

Speaking after the verdict, Shabana said, “We are relieved that it's all over,

Birmingham restaurant donates £12k to cancer charity

Dhiren Katwa

Ellora, an award-winning Indian restaurant in Knowle, West Midlands has donated £12,610 to Macmillan Cancer Support, the national cancer charity.

Ellora restaurant's staff, pictured, handed over a cheque for the amount to Sam Greatrex, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for South Birmingham and Solihull.

Ellora’s manager Mash Hakim said: “It makes us enormously proud and gives us great satisfaction in giving back to the local community whose loyalty and sincerity continues to motivate us.”

Mr Hakim also thanked the four representatives from Barclays Bank's Citizenship Team who gave their support during Ellora’s Bollywood-themed fundraiser which was held in September last year.

The family-friendly

but we feel let down by the council. We've tried to be a good neighbour but we feel we've been targeted by a small minority of people.

Others have said they can't smell anything until they're inside the restaurant.” Mohammed said, “It has been very stressful. We have had this hanging over us, and we will also have the fine hanging over us and when you start a business, you're trying everything you can to be a success.”

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Leicester City Centre becomes spectacle of colour as thousands of Sikhs join in parade

Leicester city centre became a spectacle of colour as thousands of Sikhs took part in the annual Vaisakhi parade.

The procession started at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple, in Holy Bones, shortly before noon last Sunday.

During the event, volunteers lined the streets to hand out food and drink to crowds gathered to witness the procession.

The Vaisakhi festival

bears a great significance for Sikhs due to the fact that on the Vaisakhi Day in the year 1699, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, laid down the foundation of the Khalsa Panth – the "Order of the Pure Ones".

The parade included floats and performers. And a team of barefoot sweepers cleared the streets with brooms ahead of the flag and sword bearers, also walking barefoot.

Shop owner believes new shop blessed after finding tomato resembling Hindu god Ganesh A sandwich shop owner believes his new shop has been blessed with good luck after finding a tomato resembling the Hindu god Ganesh.

Rajesh Pattni, who opened Mumbai Sandwich in Belgrave, in December last year, was preparing ingredients for the lunchtime rush on Thursday when he came across the bizarre bignosed fruit.

He said: "I'd never seen anything like it before. I put it out for my customers to see and our family's priest, who's visiting from India, came in. He said, 'It looks like Ganesh' and he blessed it "Then he drew the eyes and everything on it and he told me it would bring us luck and that it was a very good thing for our busi-

ness.

"Ganesh is the first god we pray to when we do things. It's lucky this tomato has come into our business."

Rajesh, who runs the sandwich shop with family members, said the weird tomato seemed to have had a supernatural affect as soon as the priest blessed it.

Pakistani asylum seeker jailed for attacking wife he married to get a visa fundraiser, which was organised to mark Ellora’s 47th anniversary, was attended by many, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson and Mrs Jenny Robinson, who shared their personal story of how they lost their 36year-old daughter, Emma Walker, to cervical cancer in February 2010.

The evening featured a five-course meal, Bollywood dances, a raffle draw and auction, a henna artist, a cake-cutting ceremony, speeches, a sitar player and more. In addi-

tion, to mark the Ellora’s 47thanniversary, a special souvenir was unveiled which featured goodwill messages from Her Majesty The Queen, actor Nitin Ganatra, MPs Julian Knight and Jess Phillips, popular comedian Shazia Mirza and Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer.

Among well-wishers who sent a goodwill message was world-class celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay OBE. He said: “We are a nation of curry lovers and to impress upon your customers is a skill in itself."

A man has been jailed for beating his wife with a hammer after she forgot to cook his dinner. Mohsin Akram, 21, shouted ‘you’ve had your chance to be a good wife’ when he attacked her while drunk at their home in Cardiff.

A court heard that the Pakistani asylum seeker had met his victim on Facebook and they got married so that he would get a visa.

It was also said that he would not allow his 20year-old wife to leave their home and did not let her have a mobile phone or internet access.

He has now been jailed for 15 months for pleading

guilty to ABH and was told that he could stay in the UK when he is released.

Mrs Hussain was subjected to a 10-minute attack in the early hours of December 24 when he returned drunk from a night out.

She was so scared that she left her four-month-old baby inside the house when she managed to flea, pretending she was going to get credit for the electric metre.

Once she was outside she begged three girls for help on the street. In the time she was gone, Akram filed a missing persons’ report.

One of the girls who

Mohsin Akram

found her said: ‘Even though it was night-time, we were stood underneath an outdoor light and could clearly see she had cuts and a bruise on the side of her hand.’

As well as the prison sentence he was given a restraining order stopping him from approaching Mrs Hussain.

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Lord Bagri breathes his last

MPs to fight PM on overseas students' removal from immigration figures

British Asian community mourns the loss Lord Raj Bagri who died on Wednesday 26 April 2017, at the age of 86, was the Indian born doyen of London's metal trading community.

He was the longest serving Chairman in the history of London Metal Exchange (LME), from 19932002, and the first non-Briton to hold the post. Determined to sustain the LME's dominant position in global non-ferrous metal trading, he drove demutualiasation to become a shareholder-owned business. He also led the introduction of electronic trading launching LMEselect in February 2001, based on the belief that the exchange could not move ahead without tecnology and vice versa.

Raj Kumar Bagri was born in Kolkata (then Calcutta) into a middle-class family on August 24, 1930.

His father died when he was three, and his mother sent him to work at 15 as a clerk at Metal distributors, part of the industrial empire of the Binani family.

He eventually convinced his bosses to send him to Malaysia to pitch to a major tin producer in Penang. He later moved to London, with his wife Usha after persuading his bosses to allow him to set up a trading firm, Metal Distributors (UK).

Unable to become a member of the LME due to Indian foreign exchange controls at the time, Bagri continued to run Metal Distributors (UK) but also set up Metdist, which finally joined the LME a decade later after he worked assiduously to persuade the LME to open its door to foreign membership. He joined the LME board in 1983, to become the vice chairman in 1990 and served as President from 2003 to 2006.

In 1994 he acquired, Bagri acquired 150 year Crown Estate lease on Hanover Lodge, a mansion in

Lord Raj Bagri

Regent's Park designed by John Nash and extended by Edward Lutyens. It is believed he paid £6mn for the lease and £25 million for renovations over 15 years, but finally sold to Russian oligarch Andrey Goncharenko, for £120mn.

Lord Bagri was widely admired by the British Indian community for his acumen, generosity and underestated style. He created the Bagri Foundation, a UK registered charity, in 1990, providing philanthropic assistance through education, relief work, the advancement of health and the preservation of Asia’s cultural heritage. The foundation was recently estimated as £270mn, but he insisted that the money itself had never been regarded as the main motivation. He was the Governor of SOAS, Chairman of the trustees of Rajiv Gandhi (UK) Foundation and a member of the advisory committee of the Prince's Trust.

In 1995, he was presented with a CBE and was made a life peer in 1997 under New Year's Honours List, John Major's last as the Prime Minister. He described himself as non-political, though he took the Conservative

7-year-old wins Yoga Championship

Ishwar, 7 has won the national under 11 United Kingdom National Yoga Championship in London for the second consecutive year. He will be representing Great Britain in the World Championship to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal in June this year.

whip, but in 2010 he became one of a number of peers who retired from the Lords following the introduction of a law requiring members of both houses to be registered in the UK for tax purposes- rather than holding a “nondom” status, as he did.

Lord Karan Bilimoria told the Hindustan Times, “From the time I started my business as a young entrepreneur, he was an inspiration to me as an Indian who had become such a hugely successful businessman, shattering all the glass ceilings and reaching the very top as the first member of the ethnic minority communities to head the London Metal Exchange – amongst his many achievements. I had the privilege of working alongside him in the House of Lords when I joined 10 years ago.

There is no taking away the sadness at this time, however his inspiration will live on forever and his legacy will be continued by his very impressive son, Apurv Bagri who is a chip off the old block. Lord Bagri was always a thorough gentleman, mild in manner and always kind and generous.”

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, who knew Lord Bagri personally said: “He was a humble man, a totally selfmade person, but always strove to cherish and maintain values. Many individuals and institutions have benefited from his support and advice.

“Bagri’s handling of the copper scandal in 1996 as LME chairman was exemplary.

In 1996 the metal industry was shaken up by a $2.6bn of losses by Sumitomo Corporation of Japan caused by its chief copper trader Yasuo Hamanaka, who was eventually convicted of fraud and confidence in LME was temporarily shaken.

Lord Bagri worked tirelessly to repair the reputational damage and it eventually led to tight controls of the metal market.

Lord Bagri is survived by wife Usha, son Apurv and daughter Amita.

Apurv took over the running Metdistnow majority owned by a Chinese bank and daughter Amita is the wife of Indian industrialist C K Birla. Lord Bagri rarely took his eyes off the metal markets and Apurv reportedly revealed that after a period of unconsciousness, during his final illness, he one day woke up to ask: “What's the price of Copper?”

5

Prime Minister Theresa May is currently under mounting pressure especially since Conservative and Labour MPs vowed to fight her refusal to take foreign students out of official immigration figures. They vouch that her move is damaging the reputation of several British high-end universities. May cut critics some slack when she allowed the new Office for Students to publish separate figures on overseas students. A move that saw her overrule senior ministers including Chancellor Philip Hammond, and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who wanted students removed from official immigration statistics.

MPs opposing her said, “There is widespread support for treating international students as temporary rather than permanent migrants: from the public, Parliament, and parts of the Government.”

With the current government's aim to reduce net migration to less than 100,000 a year, it is seen that removing foreign students would make

target much easier to achieve. However, May believed changing the system would be seen as “fiddling the figures” and wants to drive down the number of overseas students. Her critics argue that treating the students as long-term migrants stops them from coming to Britain, giving university competitors in US and Germany, a lead.

It is a rough path ahead for the PM who just might have to compromise, making way for the Higher Education and Research Bill before the Parliament is dissolved for the Snap Elections. She is expected to bend as otherwise, the House of Lords, which voted for an amendment saying foreign students should not be treated as migrants, could most likely block the bill.

Labour party's higher education spokesman Gordon Marsden said they would campaign for students removal from the statistics during the election. He also criticised May for stamping on any dissent.

BRITISH PUNJABIS MAGAZINE 2017

Reshaping UK's economy, socio-political culture and way of life With a community of more than 700,000 – the Punjabi diaspora in the UK has played a significant role in its success and has shaped her culture, economy and many sons and daughters of Punjab have emerged victorious in business, media, academics, arts and sports.

With their immense entrepreneurial skills and ability to weather the storm through sheer hard work – British Punjabis are at the forefront of today’s UK.

For more information Please contact: Smita Sarkar on 020 7749 4010 or Email: smita.sarkar@abplgroup.com

In a fitting tribute to these exceptional high achievers, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will publish BRITISH PUNJABIS, a glossy coffee-table magazine highlighting the community's challenges, achievements and aspirations.

In this edition of BRITISH PUNJABIS, we will focus on some untold stories, profile some inspiring

second and third generation leaders and women; while promulgating the extraordinary achievements of senior Punjabis, for the younger generation to get inspired.

6

UK

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

WestMinster Attack: Suspect trapped The terror suspect connected to the recent Westminster terror attack has been detained after being found with a “rucksack full of knives” near the Parliament square after the police and MI5 tracked him on an intricate web of CCTV cameras. Witnesses reported that the bearded man, wearing a tracksuit and trainers, was crossing Whitehall among general tourists and political staff members when a police car pulled up and authorities confronted him.

Involved in the death of five people, the suspect was being tailed ever since he got off the Underground at St James's Park, and headed towards Westminster.

Security officers say the police were tipped off by the man's family. As covert teams trailed him on ground, control rooms in New Scotland Yard and the MI5's Thames House saw live feed, before they issued an order for them to swoop in. The suspect was soon surrounded by a large number of armed police who pinned him to the ground a handful of yards away from Downing Street.

The unnamed suspect is 27 years old and reportedly known to authorities.

He is believed to have been under round-the-clock surveillance and tracked by two teams, with armed officers on standby, along with a monitoring of his phone and other means of communication.

A spokesperson of Scotland Yard said, “A man has been arrested in Whitehall this afternoon, at approximately 14:22, following a stop and search as part of an ongoing operation. The man, aged in his late twenties, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism. Knives have been recovered from him.”

He added, “He is being detained under the Terrorism Act and is in custody in a south London police station. Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat.” Another government spokesman informed Prime Minister Theresa May wasn't in Downing Street at the time of the incident. May, meanwhile, paid tribute to security services. “I think it shows our police and intelligence and security services are on alert, as they always are, looking to keep us safe and secure. We owe

them a huge debt of gratitude. They are often unseen, unheard, yet the job they do, day in and day out, is really important and we should thank them for it.”

The arrest comes a little over a month after Westminster was put on a heightened state of alert following a terror attack.

Security has been visibly Khalid boosted after Masood rammed his car through four people on Westminster Bridge before he fatally stabbed Pc Keith Palmer just inside the grounds of Parliament on March 22.

Scotland Yard has recently stepped up surveillance to track down two more terror plots in the near future, inspired by the Al Qaeda and ISIS. The new terror attacks are not a part of the recent attacks and are being linked to a few cases.

A Yemeni-born Briton, 21 year-old Mohamed Amoudi was recently held over involvement in an 'active terror plot' along with six others. A 21-year old woman was shot during a raid in Willesden, is being suspected to be Amoudi's relative. A 28-year old man registered at the raided address was also arrested as a supporter of a cleric who was recently banned

from entering the UK for inspiring Britons to join the jihadists in Syria.

Two extremists who were acquitted over a beheading plot during Remembrance Day have been placed under stringent anti-terrorism controls and armed police escort have been deployed to escort and protect the Queen's Household Cavalry during ceremonial events.

Unprecedented security measures have been introduced across London.

The last Westminister

terror incident has highlighted the rise in knifecrimes and raised an alarm to clean up the streets of London witnessing a surge in knife crime. This has been the highest in the past five years – with serious knife related offences rising for the second year in a row. Yvette Cooper, Labour Chairwoman of the Commons home affairs select committee, denounced the government's inability to tackle the issue, as knife crime rose by 14 percent and gun crime by 13 percent this year.

Crimes involving sharp objects and knives in England and Wales have increased to more than 32,000 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The NHS has also reported a rise in cases by 13 percent to over 4,000 over last year.

The steady rise in the crimes is being attributed to laws restricting the police's stop-and-search tactics, that was introduced when Theresa May was Home Secretary. The government did not seem to have a set agenda in place, with the Metropolitan Police launching investigations into three separate fatal stabbings in the capital within a week. The Met police have said that the restrictions have emboldened people to carry knives.

Some analysts think that the police have become more tactful in finding intelligence-led stop and search operations and these were exactly what was expected from Theresa May's restrictions.

However, criminologists have not been able to identify a single reason behind the rise and the authorities have to approach these occurrences seriously to maintain law and order.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Burka-clad woman shot during terror raid on house

An “active terror plot” was reportedly foiled when police authorities shot a 2year old woman in the arm and stomach before she was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher. In a dramatic video footage, elite Met officers are seen smashing their way into the terraced house in Willesden, north London, at 7pm on Thursday, forcing open the door and running up to the first floor flat belonging to a Somalian family. They threw in CS canisters before “at least six” shots rang across the area, also shattering an upstairs window.

Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu said the raid meant an “active” teror plot was foiled. Among those arrested were a 16 year old boy and a 20 year old woman, a man, 20, and a couple, both 28, who were held last night as they arrived at the Willesden house. Also, a woman, 43, was arrested for an address in Kent. All of the are currently held on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of terrorist acts. The shot woman is however, too ill to be arrested.

A witness who saw the aftermath of the raid, said, “They brought down a lady in a black burka. We saw she had been shot- the paramedics and ambulances that were there, they

stripped off her clothing to get access to the wounded areas.” Another said, “Doctors were trying to help her. She was shouting 'Do not touch me, do not touch my body'. The woman had bandages on her left arm and her stomach.” Ruth Haile, 40, who has been living in the area for almost a decade said, “She was injured, she had a wound on her right side and doctors were trying to help her. There was a bandage on the wound. She was lying in the street and there were about five or six people around her, some of them were carrying guns.

You could see through the front door, and there was blood everywhere.”

The raid followed the arrest of a 27 year old man with a “bag full of knives” in Whitehall. However, Scotland Yard said they are not linked. Basu said, “Due to these arrests that have been, in both cases I believe that we have contained the threats that they pose.” He reassured the public that officers were working around the clock to identify would-be terrorists. “There are constant acts of immense bravery by officers, armed and unarmed, those that the public see, where our officers run towards danger.

But a huge amount of unseen work that the public will never see behind the scenes.”

Leading heart surgeon guilty of molesting women Celebrated heart surgeon Mohamed Amrani, 53, pictured, has been found guilty of molesting vulnerable women by groping and assaulting them at London hospitals. On trial at the Old Bailey over accusations made from five different women between 2001 and 2014, the consultant from Harrow, west London, has denied all the claims made against him.

A jury deliberated for 20 hours before it found him guilty of indecently assaulting a woman twice, by groping her breasts through her clothes between 2003 and 2004

and sexually assaulting another in 2014. The court also heard how a victim who complained to the hospital about an indecent assault, was allegedly asked to “just ignore him, he does it to everyone.” The NHS Trust has been accused of trying to cover up the accusations and it was suggested that Amrani felt women would be too scared to report such assaults due to his medical reputation.

One of the victims' husband called it a “pretty devastating event” in her life, telling the court how she came home and was

“very very upset.” He added, “My wife told me she had been groped and I understood that to be touching over her clothing in a sexual manner.”

Amrani has been acquitted of four counts of indecent assault, two by penetration, and one sexual. The jury is still deliberating on a charge of rape and will resume on Friday, next week. Known for several life-saving operations around the world, Amrani hit the news in 2007, when he performed UK's first double heart valve replacement using keyhole surgery.

UK Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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7

Report discusses inequalities in Brexit negotiator steals the the heart of establishments limelight in Brussels Britain enjoys a rich diversity of race and culture with a high tolerance level for all faiths and none. Over the last few decades we have learnt to become much more inclusive rather than exclusively secular. The race landscape has changed and yet last year we saw at the EU Referendum how political movements and thoughtless rhetoric can arouse emotions of division and hate again.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s remit is very wide to look after all of the six strands of equality or inequality: Race, Gender, Disability, Age, Sexual Orientation and Faith.

Whereas it’s budget is minimal.

Under the Commission for Racial Equality we had regional race councils but there isn’t an equivalent structure under the EHRC. Indeed all six strands of equality need six separate divisions to enable them to look after their own inequalities,

though for a jointed approach all six to remain under the one umbrella of EHRC. The Integration and Minority Report 2017 by The Ethnic Minority Forum discusses immigration, multi-culture and radicalisation, and British values for a more open debate.

The reports also cites a case study on the inequities at the heart of our Establishment, the House of Lords, exemplified by a sub-case study on how some Lords mischievously attempt to social engineer caste legislation onto some well-integrated minorities.

These systemic weaknesses can lead to institutional discrimination against the minorities; these overdue reforms – please also see the forum's proposals in the report – are a responsibility of the Government.

Diversity in thought, in values, in customs does not lead to segregation so long as we subscribe to a shared sense of belonging to the

country we live in, where we can ‘share’ our different values, our different thoughts, our wonderful different cultures – we just have to look at the immense variety of different foods we share in Britain now. Nonetheless the problems of radicalisation plague us where a tiny proportion of people advocate directly opposing values to our own or the different ones we want to share and it is those opposing values of the radical Islamism and the radical extreme right we must reject, as facilitated by the Government’s prevent strategy and any other means.

This report is a discussion document among the relevant interested parties. To read the full report see http://www.emfoundation.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2017/04 /1978-IntegrationMinorities-Report2017.pdf

Top Muslim officer at Met resigns Britain's most senior Muslim police officer Mak Chishty who leads the Met Police community outreach programme is stepping down sparking complaints by colleagues that he should have been promoted.

The news of his resignation prompted a senior anti-terrorism official to say that Chistie should have been promoted to deputy assistant commissioner a long time ago.

Police insiders who have worked with Chisty, 49, said that he was 'seriously unestimated'. Chisty a vocal opponent of the extremist ideology from the community led the vigil for the victims of the Westminster attack in March.

An intelligence source who has worked with Chisty on anti-extremism operation reportedly told The Sunday Times, “The Met has lost the main interlocutor with the

Shanker Singham, 48 a lawyer from Surrey is one of the most influential and talked-about figures in forging Britain's postBrexit trade policy. He has been holding regular meetings with Brexit Secretary David Davis and international trade secretary Liam Fox discussing his visions of a hard Brexit, with UK firmly outside the EU's single market, perusing free trade around the globe.

He analyses that for more than 40 years, the UK has outsourced its trade capabilities to Brussels. So at a critical stage where the government is gearing up to negotiate Brexit – finding qualified trade negotiators has been a struggle.

Shanker's vision is to unilaterally slash tariffs to get in cheaper exports, setting up a giant free-trade zone and becoming a positive example of trade liberalisation at the World Trade Organisation.

His arguments are in favour of a comprehensive free trade agreement between the EU, and a set of interim agreements to avoid a dangerous position for UK's businesses. He

New figures show London rough sleeping rises again New figures reveal that 2,751 people were found sleeping rough in London in the first three months of 2017 – an increase of seven per cent on the same period last year. Over the same period outreach teams recorded 1,370 people sleeping rough for the first time, a rise of 15%.

Rough sleeping in England has risen by 16%

in the last year and has more than doubled in the last five. Crisis Chief Executive Jon Sparkes said: “Rough sleeping ruins lives, leaving people vulnerable to violence and abuse, and taking a dreadful toll on their mental and physical health. Our recent research has shown how rough sleepers are 17 times more likely to be victims of vio-

lence. This is no way for anyone to live...

“The recent success of the Homelessness Reduction Act shows what can be achieved when the political will exists to tackle the root causes of homelessness. Whoever wins the general election must make ending rough sleeping a top priority once they are elected.”

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Chisty was born in Birmingham, served in Warwickshire police before the Met six years ago.

Asylum seeker attacks wife to teach her a lesson Mariam Hussain, 20 demanded the deportation of her husband Mohsin Akram, 21, for attacking her with two hammers when he lost his temper and tried to teach her a lesson for forgetting to cook him dinner.

Mohsin pleaded guilty at the Cardiff crown court and was given jail for 15 months. Mariam met Mohsin on Facebook in August 2013 and feel pressured to marry him after 18

said Britain must not sign a deal that leaves it 'locked-in' to EU regulations and standards, squeezing UK to the corner while holding business talks with other countries.

Cutting tariffs would lower prices for consumers, but will adversely affect manufacturing and farming – something Theresa May may not be willing to risk at the moment.

He had represented companies on several negotiations and has acted as trade advisor for important negotiations in the US and during Mitt Romney's two failed presidential campaigns.

months to seek asylum in the UK. He claimed that his life was at risk in Pakistan because his brother accidentally burnt a copy of the Koran in Lahore. The abuse in the marriage started early on in the new relationship. Mariam was held prisoner in her own home and was banned from having a mobile or using the internet. On the day of the assault, he came to the Cardiff apartment drunk, expecting to eat dinner. He

assaulted Mariam saying that he was going to teach her a lesson on how to be a good wife.

Mariam has filed for a divorce and called on the Home Office to review his asylum status, stating that he should be deported. He went out of the country despite being an asylum seeker, while she was pregnant and blew all the savings she kept aside for the baby for partying in Pakistan.

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Councillors, leading community and business figures get locked up for St Luke’s 13 prominent members of the community were put behind bars on Friday 28 April as part of St Luke’s Jail and Bail event and raised over £12,000.

Leading figures in the Harrow and Brent community were read their rights, handed overalls and sent to a prison cell at Pinner Police Station on Friday 28 April. Sergeant Sarah Fox did not release the hospice ‘detainees’ until they raised their £1000 bail fee! Over £12,000was raised from the event. The Mayor of Harrow and Mayor of Brent presented the participants with certificates after the event.

Among the people who were locked up include the Operations Manager for Harrow Town Centre Business Development,

Louise Baxter; Deputy Mayor of Brent, Cllr Bhagwanji Chohan; Branch Director of Santander Harrow, Harminder Dhillon; Local Supporter, Parvin Faridian; President of Navnat Vanik Association UK, Dhiru Galani; Store Manager of Marks & Spencer Harrow, Lee Graham; Lead Member for Community WellbeingBrent Council, Cllr Krupesh Hirani; St Luke’s Trustee, John McDonald; Senior Finance Assistant of Panavision, Bina Padia; Owner of PES Limited, Hasi Patel; Local Business Manager of Santander Harrow, Vikram Rajpara; Leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Sachin Shah and Trustee of Mahavir Foundation, Radha Vora.

Louise Baxter, Operations Manager at Harrow Town Centre BID, said “It was a lot of fun being at Jail and Bail. My ‘offence’ that I was being arrested for was stealing an iguana! I managed to make my £1000 bail to be let out.

All fun aside, it is important to raise awareness and money for a really important cause that supports the local community. I would encourage other people to take part in events and support St Luke’s Hospice.”

Breast surgeon jailed for illegal operations Ian Peterson, 59, pictured, abused his position as one of Britain's most prolific cancer surgeons, by operating unnecessarily on nearly 1,000 victims – maipulating them for personal gains. He was found gulity of 17 charges of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding involving nine women and one man, leaving them traumatised and scarred.One of his victims

was as young as 16.

The nearly 1,000 women in the West Midlands have been subjected to invasive examinations, inappropriate operations and unnecessary brest operations at two Spire clinica and at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust. Most of his victims are from the Midlands.

The health service has

paid out nearly £18 million to many of his patients, with Kashmir Uppal, a clinical negligence solicitor saying that Ian's insurance company, the Medical

The Borough Commander, Simon Ovens said, ‘I look after Pinner Police station and we are really pleased and proud to be supporting St Luke’s Hospice in any way that we can. It is a fantastic institution that looks after people and their families at the most difficult times in their lives. This was a chance for people to help raise some money for the hospice and get locked up in a proper old Victorian police station without having done anything wrong!’

Defence Union withdrew 'discretionary' cover when he became the subject of a criminal trail.

Concerns about his activities were raised in 2003, but despite internal complaints and enquiries from colleagues and patients, it was not until 2011 that he was suspended by the General Medical Council. He now faces a maximum life sentence.

Chief Superintendent Mark Payne told The Times “he was a controlling bully, who played God with people's lives so he could live a luxurious lifestyle.” Ian's former patients gave testimony during the trail, detailing the psychological damage caused by painful and unnecessary operations.

He has denied all charges.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

NHS Awards for Medical practitioners in Birmingham

Dhiren Katwa A team of nurses, a medical records clerk and a health advisor were among those honoured at a glittering awards ceremony. Held at Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham last Tuesday, the annual Values in Practice (VIP) Awards brought together finalists, nominees and their guests.

A total 79 nominations received were listed across six categories: Ethical, Commitment, Accessible, Responsive, Quality and Caring.

Guests were welcomed

by Tom Storrow, Chairman of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and a speech was given by the Trust's CEO, Tracy Taylor, such an incredibly humble and modest pair.

Guest speaker Nadia Khan won rapturous applause as she shared her moving story. Aged seven, Nadia contracted encephalitis, completely losing the ability to speak and control her movements. Speech and language therapy sessions improved her communica-

tion, while intensive physio helped her progress from a wheelchair to walking, first with a frame and then, by the end of Year 7, unaided.

Nadia's book, My Journey, is available from Amazon.

Also honoured on the night was Firuza Egbujor, a speech and language thera-

py assistant. She supported Priyen over two years with his speech therapy needs, a matter that had worried his parents. Priyen, now aged six, is able to speak clearly and with confidence, thanks to Firuza.

Hindu community hosts first ever hustings in Walsall The West Midlands Mayoral Election is this Thursday, 4 May. In an attempt to mobilise the local Hindu community, the Walsall Hindu Forum organised a hustings for all six mayoral candidates on Sunday, 30 April.

The President of the Forum, Ashvin Patel, as well as a 20 year old medical student, chaired the hustings which was in the style of BBC’s Question Time. Five of the candidates were available for the debate: Andy Street (Cons), Sion Simon (Lab), Pete Durnell (UKIP), James Burn (Green) and Graham Stevenson (Communist). Questions such as: “How will you represent the Hindu community”, “How will you deal with Brexit” and “How will you ensure community cohesion via community centers” were asked of each

Mayoral candidates at the hustings

of the candidates.

The Mayoral position is a new one – the elected Mayor will have a £8bn budget to cover Housing, Transport and Jobs & Skills. The Forum’s hustings was a unique programme designed to encourage the Hindu community in Walsall and beyond to get engaged with this election and

beyond.

Ashvin Patel said: “It is astonishing that we are the least engaged community despite being one of the most successful and integrated. I hope that the hustings will go some way in inspiring people to get involved in local politics – such as joining a party and standing for Council elections next year.”

UK Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

An Indian Hero; Padma Shri Har Mander Singh This is the story of an Indian hero; a Political Officer who was stationed at a particularly place at a particular time in Indian history.

Due to his speedy and specific actions, he was able to rescue and bring to safety in India the leader of the Tibetan people; the Dalai Lama.

The Action

The Place

In 1959, the remote and primitive north east part of India (abutting Tibet, Bhutan and China) was known as the North East Frontier Agency. This area was split into six divisions.

The westernmost division was called Kameng, and its headquarters was Bomdila.

The area had been neglected so as in all its sensitive border zones, India placed a crack force of officers in charge of various regions. These officers were drawn from the army, the police and the forest service. They had a lot to contend with.

Kameng, where Har Mander Singh was in charge, had little running

water and no electricity at that time. In Bomdila, he had rudimentary water pipes made of bamboo constructed to bring cold water to houses, which had to be heated up for bathing.

His territory consisted mainly of tribal people, chiefly honest, simple Buddhists; the Monpas.

This alpine mountainous region can rise to heights of around 15,000 feet and higher; it is fraught with hazards such as landslides and earthquakes. This is the youngest part of the Himalayas and is still shifting, even today.

Shri Har Mander Singh

In March 1959 the Chinese overran Tibet and launched an attack on its capital, Lhasa, where the young Dalai Lama lived.

He was the one the Tibetan people referred to as their precious jewel; their god-king. As the People’s Liberation Army of China began to shell the palace where the Dalai Lama stayed, his cabinet and advisers told him that he needed to leave immediately if he was to survive.

The Tibetan leadership asked India to grant asylum to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his family and his cabinet. The request came to the then Indian Prime Minister, Nehru, who passed an instruction to the north east. His instruction, he knew, had to reach Har Mander Singh.

At that time wireless communication was not only dismal, given the dra-

9

matic terrain, it also had to The route to the border pass through various stagwould take seven days noring posts before it could mally but time was short get to Bomdila. so Singh figured out that a The most important of relay of ponies would these staging posts was probably work best. Ponies Shillong. But by the time could only travel a certain Singh received any distance, so they would be instructions, it was days changed every 12 kilomelate and often incomplete. tres. Singh, himself did not sleep for three days as he Once Singh had been tried to make the journey informed that a “Dignitary” was likely to in as short a time as possienter his territory, Har ble.

Mander Singh con“God placed me tacted his assisin this particular tants across place at this Kameng to God placed me time,” he told move forwards us, “So I simply in this in preparation. did my best to particular He also fulfil my duty. I deployed the was not scared place at this main uniand handling time formed personkings was not a nel existing at new thing for that time there; me.” the Assam Rifles.

There were not too many The Meeting of them but he asked them to move towards the borHar Mander Singh met der in order to protect the with the Dalai Lama’s Dalai Lama should he mother and youngest arrive in Kameng. brother first as they Then Singh worked out formed an advance party. which route the Dalai He assured them of India’s Lama was most likely to protection from now on. take if he was to enter The place was Lumla, not India. He could either too far from the Indocome through Bhutan, or a Tibetan border. Then the point further east, or the Dalai Lama arrived with border near Lumla. Singh his tutors and cabinet used local intelligence and members. The Dalai Lama acted entirely on his own was weak from chronic initiative. The last route dysentery and the trauma turned out to be the right of the escape. Nonetheless, one.

Singh recalls, “His Singh asked the heads Holiness was very tired but of each village along the he was in very good shape way to the Indian border and he was very happy that to place someone in charge he has entered safe in of organising accommodaIndian territory.” tion for the Dalai Lama For his noble work, and his party, to see to first Singh was awarded a aid and injury, food, and Padma Shri the following religious ceremony. year, 1960.

Pay attention n.

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10

READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

HoL’s holier than thou attitude It is time for Honourable members of HOL to get acquainted with reality of politics in Indian subcontinent. India is the only country in the region which is secular, vibrant democracy where ethnic minorities are flourishing, in sharp contrast to neighbouring States. In 1947, just after partition, Pakistan, East and West (Bangladesh) had some 24% and 30% ethnic population, today it is just 2% and 10% respectively.

While overwhelming victory for BJP in UP may rightly raise concern in some quarters, the fact is BJP candidates received support across religious divide, even from 20% Muslim population who were fed up with vote bank politics and taken for granted by Congress, RJD and BSP, inundated with false promises at election time but ignored, exploited and marginalized in reality.

Popular PM Modi, who is changing economic demography of India, should strive hard to make BJP, with 30 million members, the largest political organization in free world, a true all-inclusive political outfit, attracting Christians, Muslim and economically deprived members and giving them party tickets they richly deserve, but in short supply at present, to make BJP a true multi-cultural, multi-faith organization that could make India a truly great nation we could all be proud of, with rising prosperity benefiting every citizen, irrespective of religious, cultural or political divide.

This is the type of politics HOL should be discussing, encouraging rather than negative comments which may have adverse effects than intended.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Hindu specific manifesto

In his article last week Lord Popat writes that there is a call from some people for a Hindu specific manifesto. I have asked many people and no one seems to know of any such thing. Can Lord Popat tell us who this group is and what Hindu demand are they making? Some time ago Lord Popat said that Hindus had been criticised in the government report on integration. This was found not to be true.

In the letters section Baroness Shrella Flather agrees with me that there should be reform of the House of Lords. She suggests an age limit. Shrella is in her 80's and if she voluntarily stepped down she would create history! Future students of politics would learn that she was the first Peer to retire voluntarily on grounds of age!

On other pages of the paper last week, we find that our Lords have indulged in another India bashing session! At least Lord Gadhia stood up for India. But where were other Lords of Indian origin? Where was Lord Parekh, Lord Desai, Lord Dholakia and others? Some of these Lords are treated as celebrities in India and are always on television there. Why do they never speak for a country which respects them so much? There silence only means that they are in agreement with whoever fancies a bit of India bashing.

Nitin Mehta Croydon

Passing of Vinod Khanna

The death of Bollywood film actor Vinod Khanna on April 27 is a loss to the entire Hindi film industry. Even though he was not my favourite actor, I liked his acting in many of his films. Like Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, he too was an excellent actor who could perform all kinds of roles.

May his movies be remembered not only among the older generations, but among the younger generations too. May his soul rest in peace and may there be many more Vinod Khannas in the days to come. Vinod Khanna’s most iconic performance was as Jabbar Singh in ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’. That was the role that got him the attention of the film world and ultimately paved his way to stardom.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai, India

Don’t blame the whole Indian nation

Jubel D’Cruz should note that cow worship predates Lord Krishna by centuries. Cows were regarded as status symbols and measure of affluence under the name “Gotra”.

During a 2005 case in the Gujarat High Court, it was mentioned that while a slaughtered cow yielded revenue just once, products from a living cow yields millions of rupees via milk, dung and urine throughout its 20 year lifespan.

Cow dung yields organic manure with 18 soil nutrients; urine is exported to western pharmaceutical companies; methane gas is useful as domestic and vehicular fuel.

Hindus worship all animals and birds and fish by indulging in vegetarian/vegan diet.

As to rapes/molestation/killings of women, please note that the top five countries in rape index are all in the West, where top personalities and even Divine spiritual leaders are caught and convicted. But the whole world never blames the whole nation.

So please do not blame whole Indian nation, who is handicapped by internal traitors too.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Gujarat Samachar, a unique Gujarati newspaper

Usually I read Asian Voice but I picked up Gujarat Samachar of the 8th April by chance. Besides India, UK, USA and the World news what I read left me surprised, like a cherry on the Cake! The issue contained: 1. Shri C B's Jivan Panth I enjoyed reading the exhaustive analysis of BREXIT with pros and cons!

2. Akshaya Patra Charity for Deaf and Dumb Children and Matru Vandana melted my heart through my eyes.

3. Shri Tushar Joshri Joshi's story, 'Aa jivan Aakhare Sha Mate Chhe' taught 'Do something good' as you are luckier than many others!

4. Editor of 'Patidar' and Author of ‘Ukalto upkhand', Bharat, Samaj Sudharak Shri Dahyabhai Nagarik's Patriotism Ne Vandan!

5. Also I've perused Aneri History of Bihar! Place of Lord Ram's In-Laws and Birth Place of Sitaji, where Nalinda University was established centuries ago first time in the World! Also where from Great Indian Kings like Ashok and Chandra Gupta ruled and patriots like Chanakya devised against Alexander The Great! It's also the root from where Buddhism and Jainism flourished worldwide!

GS is unique and good value for money as well, YES?!

Upendra Kapadia By email

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Through the looking glass, pause and ponder by Chanakya I read with interest the article on the British vote to leave the EU and make some observations. Chanakyaji advises that this is an ugly divorce and his sentiments seem to suggest that it is the British government who are making it messy. From the comments I hear from the EU, they want to make it hard or certainly not making it easy for Britain to go, smoothly.

The UK is not trading unchartered waters. It had traded with the world for centuries, it has only been in the last few decades of mainly the EU squeezing the world out of the UK; do remember that. This is the reason why the people of the UK have revolted! The French may have other ideas too. Who else thereafter? It is noted that the UK's trade with the EU is 40%plus and this could be rather damaging. Well it could be but this is a two way street. Will the EU countries want to jeopardise their economy? I do not think so.

Everyone wants growth. What are we growing? It seems it is our pockets and bellies but not our minds and souls. We are not at peace. Chanakyaji finds it sensible to know the devil we know. Really? So the EU is the devil also. Sitting in my ivory castle, I am able to see the Wembley Stadium arch and feel the anticipation and hopes. Sri Alpesh Patel is no doubt flying off somewhere again, matchmaking. So why worry. As someone a few years ago said....Yes We Can. As the Rg Veda advises, there is change, always; and this may not be a bad thing.

Yogi Pandya Wembley

100 Days of President Donald Trump

There is no doubt that twitting President Donald Trump has not only kept the Americans but rest of the world on their toes since taking office. No one knew what was coming next. It all depended on his whims and spontaneous responses to the fast moving world events happening around him. He issued executive orders like hot cakes, on repealing and replacing Obama Care and travel ban on 6 Muslim counties, but they were blocked not once but twice by the Judiciary, Congress and Senate. Then he moved on to other controversial issues relating to Syria, North Korea, China and Iran. In the first 100 days he had to sack his National Security adviser General Mike Flint and removed Stephen Bannon for the National Security team.

He antagonised the media by blaming that for spreading ‘fake news’ against him.

He did not even attend the Whitehouse Journalists dinner which no other President had failed to attend. He changed his mind on NAFTA, now he is not talking about cancelling it but renegotiating it. Earlier he had said NATO was obsolete, now she says it is not, but insists that the European countries have pay their fair share for running of NATO. He is also talking about cancelling the TPP trade agreement, he says it is unfavourable to United States. He wants to withdraw from the Paris agreement on Environment, which will be a retrograde step. He is definitely anti-globalisation and pro isolationist. He is involved in nepotism by appointing his daughter and son-in-law to White House posts. He has made the US resemble a tin-pot kleptocracy.

Donald Trump has been flip flopping on key issues and his approval rating is the lowest at 40 per cent. He made a lot of promises but have not delivered on none of them. He is a transactional President, he deals on quid pro quo (a favour for a favour) basis. He is not a visionary, more of a pragmatist.

Baldev Sharma Harrow

Scrape and save The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has stated that he will slap VATon private school fees. He says that the amount thus raised will pay for free school meals to all primary school children. However, this will add another 25% or so on the already sky high private school fees. This Robin Hood style policy of robbing the so called rich to give to the poor will cause distress to people who sacrifice little luxuries and comforts of life to provide better education for their children.

Many of us Asians, particularly the Gujaratis, do not have much faith in the state education system and hence we scrape and save and send our children to private schools where standards are higher and the pass rates surpass that of state schools.

Also, we know that even today, overt and covert discrimination exists in this country where the colour of ones skin determines the better job prospects for candidates. We cannot change the colour of our skin or the way we look, therefore, to get better propects in the employment market and to get a better standard of living, our children need to be better qualified than the rest.

The impostion of VAT on private school fees will mean that many parents will have to give up the ghost and transfer their children to state schools. This is one reason why I will not vote for Labour in the next General election which is scheduled on 8 June.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

False perception of GP surgeries

I was extremely surprised reading in national newspapers about MPs’ fiddlesticks report on early closing culture in GP surgeries during core opening hours of 8am to 7pm. My experiences with my own GP as well as talking to many friends who are GPs paint entirely different picture of their commitment to serve their patients. Most fulltime GPs’ working day stretches to ten/twelve hours and weekly input of no less than seventy hours which could not be matched in any other profession. Moreover their workload is more stressful, as they literally deal with life and death situations on daily basis, with ever rising workload due to ageing population and life longevity. No wonder suicide rate is one of the highest in their profession compared to national average and many GPs are driven to drinks and early retirement.

Yes, many surgeries do not see patients in the afternoon. But these are not long, luxurious lunch hours as portrayed. But many GPs use these breaks to catch-up on paper-work, telephone consultations and for home visits, especially to care, nursing home patients. I would lay the blame for crisis in NHS at the foot of politicians, who live in their “Ivory Towers” cut-off from realities, playing “Robin Hood” to third world while ignoring crisis in our NHS, education and housing we come across every day while helping our people. It is time for our fiduciary politicians to adopt slogan, “Charity Begins at Home!”

Kumudini Valambia By email

EDUCATION

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Readers’ Voice

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

11

Reform 'high stakes' primary tests, MPs urge

North Korea versus USA

After World War II, "there have long been two faces of U.S. foreign policy" according to Jeffrey D. Sachs, author of "Common Wealth - Economics for A Crowded Planet".

Great acts of U.S. cooperative leadership include the establishment of UN, the IMF and World Bank, an open global trading system, the Marshall Plan, the eradication of small-pox etc., nuclear arms control, the internet, and the elimination of ozonedepleting chemicals.

Notorious act of U.S. unilateralism include CIA-led overthrows of several governments (Iran, Guyana, Guatemala, South Vietnam, Chile), countless assassinations of foreign officials, and several disastrous unilateral acts of war (in Central America, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Syria). Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein were both once on CIA payroll. U.S. versus Soviet Union stand off occurred in October 1962 in response to the failed CIA-led invasion of Cuba the year before. Soviet Union backed off partly after U. S. agreed to remove its tactical weapons in Turkey. Also Khrushchev praised the following speech by Kennedy in June 1963.

"So, let us not be blind to our differences-but also let us direct attention to our common interests. If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for diversity. We all inhibit this planet. We all breath the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal. Our problems are man-made; therefore they can be solved by man. And a man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings".

Kennedy's assassination in November 1963 is still an unresolved mystery.

Government’s priorities

Nagindas Khajuria By email

Referring to Mr Jubel’s letter dated 29th April 2017 not some, but all the Hindu people worship the cow; and not simply it because it is Lord Krishna’s favourite animal, but due to its nature it is considered as good as a mother since Vedic times. Each religion has certain prohibitions for certain animals. The writer failed to verify that the Indian government is keen to act on crimes such as women being molested, raped, unduly divorced and killed.

The majority NDA government is fulfilling its promises declared in its election manifestos in a democratic country, and ‘Hindutva’ being the indigenous ideology of most people of India, is nurtured along with multicultural ideologies of society. ‘Secular’ word is not in the preamble of the Indian constitution since its inception, because Mahatma Gandhi wanted ‘Ramrajya’ after independence and wanted Congress to be dispersed as soon as independence was sought. But it was newly and unduly introduced by Mrs Indira Gandhi in 1976, emergency having most of the parliament members in jail, and as such it is illegal.

Indians are living in multi religious, multicultural and multi plural society, therefore, it’s absurd for the government and the judiciary to remain secular in their roles.

As a matter of fact the word ‘secular’ and its meaning in Indian constitution is ‘dead’ now in Indian democracy people believe..

RN Patel Essex

Children's education in England is being skewed by the use of high-stakes tests taken by 11-year-olds as a school league table measure, say MPs. Annual test results should be replaced in the tables by a three-year rolling average to "lower the stakes", says the Commons Education Select Committee.

The current system has led to a narrow curriculum and "unnecessary stress" on pupils and teachers, argues the report.

Last year, new tougher tests for 11-year-olds saw passes drop sharply.

Ministers maintain that parents have a right to expect testing in schools to show whether their children are gaining the right skills in maths and literacy.

But the committee says the close link between the tests at 11 and school accountability can "lead to a narrowing of the curriculum and 'teaching to the test', as well as affecting teacher and pupil wellbeing".

It wants the current system scrapped, with three-year rolling averages for schools published instead of the results of individual year groups.

The report says poor implementation of the new

system last year, with "guidance delayed and test papers leaked online", caused significant disruption in schools.

The MPs want ministers to reconsider the new writing assessment which emphasises "technical aspects like grammar and spelling, over creativity and composition".

They also want spelling, punctuation and grammar tests for 11-yearolds to become non-statutory.

University fee increases pushed through Almost all universities in England will be able to introduce annual increases to tuition fees until 2020, in a deal pushing legislation through Parliament before the general election. The higher education legislation had been intended to make higher fees dependent on improved teaching.

But this will now not be implemented until 2020-21 - and until then universities can make inflation-linked increases without any link to quality. Fees will

increase to ÂŁ9,250 this year. Student loans to pay for the higher fees are already going to be subject to a sharp increase in interest rates - rising from 4.6% to 6.1% from the autumn.

The Higher Education and Research Bill had faced a large number of amendments in the House of Lords, but a series of compromises has seen the legislation passed by Parliament before shutting down for the election.

The legislation had

been intended to allow universities to increase fees as long as they could show they were offering high quality teaching. A framework for measuring teaching quality is to be introduced, but the link with fees will not come into force for another three years.

Until that time, any university that is part of the plans to measure teaching quality - which is almost all universities - will be able to put up fees each year in line with inflation.

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MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made air travel accessible to common man by launching India's first 'Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik' (UDAN) scheme. This scheme was aimed at giving a boost to regional connectivity to low-cost flights. Under the scheme, airfare for one-hour journey of approximately 500 km on a fixed wing aircraft or for a 30-minute journey on a helicopter would be fixed at Rs 2,500.

Five airlines will operate on 128 routes connecting 70 airports. The five operators are Air India's subsidiary airlines Airline Allied Services, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha - which would be operating the 19-78 seater aircraft. Airports across 20 states and union territories would be connected through these flights.

The places include Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The airports that would be connected under UDAN include Bhatinda, Shimla, Bilaspur, Neyveli, Cooch Behar, Nanded and Kadapa. Fifty per cent of the seats on each flight would have a limit of Rs 2,500 per seat/hour. Airline Allied Services would operate on 15 routes, SpiceJet on 11 routes, Turbo Megha Airways on 18 routes, Air Deccan on 34 routes and Air Odisha Aviation on 50 routes.

An important lesson for Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party got a severe drubbing in the Delhi municipal elections. People who reposed faith in Arvind Kajriwal twice were unhappy with his governance and rejected him outrightly. The AAP has blamed the Electronic Voting Machines for its debacle. The AAP leadership needs a reality check rather than blaming EVMs for its debacle.

Arvind Kajriwal

Why is the middle class feel let down by a party it supported so overwhelmingly two years ago?

When people voted Kejriwal in 2015 it was on the hope that he would genuinely provide an alternative political culture to the 'corrupt' mainstream national parties and their powerful backers.

Instead of providing a clean governance, AAP was indulging in confronting the Modi government and Modi in particular, and with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor. It only breeds negativism. The good works being done by Kejriwal was overshadowed by the noise created over Kejriwal's repeated run-ins with L-G, the Centre and former colleagues Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan. The same media which had once glorified him was now looking to pull him down. It is now high time for

Kejriwal to change his ways and start implementing welfare schemes for the Aam Aadmi. It seems that the BJP was able to gauge the voter mood correctly. It is time for AAP to set its house in order rather than to spread its wings in Punjab and Goa.

Vinod Khanna is no more

A large number of Bollywood personalities attended the last rites of veteran actor-turned- BJP MP Vinod Khanna at the Worli Hindu Crematorium last week.

His son, Sakshi lit the funeral pyre after his body was brought from his Malabar Hill residence.

each. Roy's lawyer told the three judge bench that the former is concerned about the issue and would do the needful. Earlier, the apex court has ordered the auction of his Amby Valley property and the official liquidators had submitted the valuation of the property.

Earlier on April 21, the court had quashed a non-bailable warrant issued against Roy as he appeared before the court.

During the next hearing on May 18, argument on framing of charges will begin.

Yogi govt scraps 15 public holidays

The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh Yogi has done well by scrapping 15 public holidays. But some religious groups have opposed the steps, especially, the scrapping of Milad unNabi, the Prophet’s birthday.

While Akhilesh Yadav government had increased public holidays mindlessly, Adityanath seems to be trying to turn things around. “There should be no holidays in schools on birth anniversaries of great personalities,” the chief minister said and added that, “Instead, a two-hour programme should be held in schools to tell the students about those personalities.”

Ban on red beacons

Vinod Khanna

Vinod Khanna, 70, passed away after battling bladder cancer.

Among the prominent people present at the funeral rites were Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and son Ranvir Kapoor, Kabir Bedi, Danny Denzongpa, Arjun Rampal, Jackie Shroff, Jeetendra, Dia Mirza, Puneet Issar, writer-poet Gulzar, directors Ramesh Sippy, Ramesh Taurani, Subhash Ghai, NCP leader Praful Patel, and BJP MP Kirit Somaiya among many more.

SC asks Subrata Roy to pay or go to jail

Subrata Roy

The Supreme Court has given one more chance to Sahara chief Subrata Roy to pay money to (SEBI) and avoid going to jail.

The court has given time till June 19 to pay up. The Sahara group has submitted three cheques of £150, £50 and £300 million

The Modi government has done well by banning the use of red beacons from all government vehicles from May 1. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use red beacons. Introduced by the British, the lal batti has come a symbol of power and the VIP culture. But Modi's decision has not gone down well with some of the netas as they have lost the special treatment. For these VIPs, it is the laal batti, the bungalow, servants and staff that matter, and they often get so immersed in the powers that be, that they forget the main reason why they are occupying the chair – to serve people.

Modi government's move to remove red beacons from VIP vehicles is a welcome one. But, there are other status symbols that must also be removed such as the VIP convoys and deployment of unnecessary security on trumped up assumptions.

Row over Kulbhushan Jadhav

India and Pakistan are involved in a row over the secret trial and subsequent sentencing of death of former Indian navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav by an Islamabad military court.

Pakistan alleged that Jadhav was involved in both espionage and sabotage, which the Indian government has refuted. Concerned about Jadhav's well-being, India has asked Pakistan for a medical certificate on his health. India has also sought consular access to Jadhav which Pakistan has so far denied. Ruling out consular access to Jadhav, Pakistan's high commissioner to India Abdul Basit said that his country would follow domestic laws and not the Vienna Convention in deciding India's plea for a meeting with

Jadhav. This is a bad precedent and Vienna Convention is for every country to honour and you cannot apply domestic laws when citizens of other countries are involved.

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj warned Pakistan that execution of Jadhav would amount to "pre-meditated murder" and the neighbouring country should "consider its consequences" on bilateral relations.

Govt adopts tough line on violence in J&K

The Modi government's consultations with J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier last week underlined an understanding that any political initiative in the face of the current violence is not likely to yield any fruit. The view in the government is that factors driving the current round of violence are developments in Pakistan where the Panama papers inquiry has given the Pakistan army the upper hand which has, in turn, seen separatists in J&K step up the ante even as the Islamic State drives up extremism globally.

The infiltration of heavily armed jihadis is not seen to be possible without the say-so of Pakistan army and the events are being read in conjunction with the death sentence handed out to Kulbushan Jadhav.

The developments are also read as an attempt to push the Modi government at a time when it is riding a high on electoral successes. The brinkmanship can be tricky even though the toll in the Kupwara incident may be seen to be below the “threshold“ of an Indian retaliation. But it does remind the Modi government of its claim that the surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir had signalled an end to strategic restraint.

China continues its provocation game

Days before provoking India by announcing Chinese names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh, China had tweaked the name of Taiwan, which it claims as its inalienable part. The state-run China Central Television addressed Taiwan, a self-governed island, as `Zhongguo Taipei' instead of `Zhonghua Taipei.'

Zhongguo and Zhonghua both mean China, but Zhonghua refers to a general concept of a Chinese nation, while Zhongguo refers to the People's Republic of China.

China has also passed a revised mapping law to bolster understanding of its territorial claims and to create hefty new penalties to “intimidate” foreigners who carry out surveying work without permission, lawmakers said.

Foreigners who break the law could be fined up to $145,000.

Stock prices skyrocket

India's stock market indices, BSE

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Sensex and Nifty, hit record highs last week. Economic fundamentals have contributed to this development. But the proximate cause is the wave of global liquidity unleashed by central banks of advanced markets, which has helped equity indices across the globe to surge. For India, one of the consequences of this surge in foreign portfolio investment over the last three months has been a sharp appreciation in the value of the rupee.

This makes RBI's job harder.

Therefore, while the stock market highs are indeed welcome, focus must remain on challenges in the real economy.

Kia Motors gearing up to enter Indian

India has become a major hub for automobiles and Korea’s second largest carmaker Kia Motors has finally announced its

Kia Motors

plans to enter the Indian car market. Kia will build a brand new manufacturing facility for its India operations in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh at a cost of £705 million.

Construction of the new factory will begin in the third quarter of 2017 with a production rollout slated for 2019. The plant will have an installed initial annual capacity of 300,000 units. The company has said it would locally manufacture Kia cars for India, and two compact models will lead that for starters. It is a welcome step and would generate employment for local people.

BCCI gets a snub from ICC

After having snubbed by the 0ICC on its revenue sharing model, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could be left with no option but to pass a resolution in its upcoming special general meeting to re-negotiate with the ICC and reclaim the $100 million offered by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar before the revenue model was put to vote. BCCI had rejected the offer of Manohar, who had offered extra $100m, swelling its share to $393 million in the proposed revenue model. At the ICC meeting, BCCI's tough posturing meant nothing as the ICC full members went ahead and voted 9-1 for the revenue model which has earmarked only $293 million for India.

If BCCI would want to renegotiate with ICC, it would need votes of seven full members of the world body. But the fact is that other cricket boards are happy with their allotted shares, and may not be willing to renegotiate with BCCI.

UK Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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Malhotra Group to fund vital medical research A leading North East business has donated £33,000 to fund vital medical research in the region.

Newcastle-based leisure and hospitality giant, Malhotra Group plc, has awarded the sum to the Mitochondria Research Group at Newcastle University in a bid to help identify the cause and treatment of osteoporosis – thinning of the bones.

The condition affects millions of people worldwide and the donation from the family-owned company will be used to fund research to identify the mechanisms which cause it. The research will be carried out by orthopaedic surgeon, Daniel Hipps, who is taking a three-year break from his surgical work at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital to conduct a PhD in the subject. And its results could have far reaching implications, not only for patients, but also for the NHS. Malhotra Group is one of the region’s largest providers of residential care with 12 homes throughout the North East, operated by its Prestwick Care subsidiary. And Group chairman, Meenu

L-R: Professor David Deehan, Meenu Malhotra, Professor Sir Doug Turnbull and Dr Daniel Hipps.

Malhotra, said the donation was inspired by seeing the suffering the condition can cause. “It causes bones to become weaker and, very often, to fracture,” he said, “which leaves patients in a great deal of pain and can be life-threatening. If new treatments can be developed as part of this research, then it may reduce the time older patients spend in hospital and help them remain independent for far longer.”

The Malhotra Group’s donation follows an earlier, personal, pledge of £100k made in 2013 by Meenu Malhotra to the former Newcastle Healthcare Charity to fund research into muscle injury in the elderly and trauma patients.

Mr Malhotra said: “I firmly believe this region is second to none in terms of its patient care and in the use of pioneering technologies and we should all be very proud of our hospitals and their achievements.

This region has been very good to our family and this is our way of giving something back.”

The Mitochondrial Research Group is led by Sir Doug Turnbull, Professor of Neurology at Newcastle University, who said: “This is a very generous donation from the Malhotra Group to fund important medical research. Without their support this exciting new work to understand the cause of osteoporosis would not be possible.”

Slice of Assam history on England-Wales border The Chepstow Museum near the Wales-England border is holding a unique exhibition that features a garment lined inside with the ancient “Vrindavani Vastra” fabric identified with the 16th century Assamese saint, Sankardeva.

Assam is over 8000 km away from here, but its sights, sounds and history have been attracting many at an exhibition titled “Hidden in the Lining: Krishna in the Garden of Assam” in the Chepstow Museum near the WalesEngland border, particularly the garment lined inside with the ancient “Vrindavani Vastra” fabric.

Experts believe that the garment was likely produced in colonial Calcutta.

Assam is close to Calcutta and in the 18th century Chinese products were traded there for local use

The Charlie Gard case and Mitochondrial Depletion Syndrome

Baby Charlie Gard was born with an inherited rare disease - mitochondrial depletion syndrome -which left him with irreversible brain damage and unable to move.

His parents wished to Petia Georgieva take him to US for a trial treatment and raised £1.2m towards doing so.

However, on 11 April 2017, the High Court Judge, Mr Justice Francis held that the best interests of the child prevail and should be taken into account. With this in mind, he held that Charlie needs to be left to die peacefully, and that he should not be put through more pain and suffering.

What is Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome?

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) refers to a group of disorders that cause affected tissues to suffer from a significant drop in mitochondrial DNA. The DNA is found in the mitochondria of cells – an organelle found in most cells in which respiration and energy production occur.

This means that sufferers do not get energy to their muscles, kidneys and brain, as was the case for Charlie Gard.

MDS is typically fatal in infancy and early childhood.

There is currently no cure but some treatments have shown a reduction in symptoms.

The Law Despite the High Court Judge ruling against Charlie’s parents’ wishes, they will be appealing the Judge’s decision.

The doctors will not be withdrawing the life support treatment immediately as his parents have 21 days to lodge an appeal. If their appeal is successful, the life treatment will not be turned off until a decision from the Court of Appeal has been passed down.

How to get tested for Mitochondrial Depletion Syndrome As the syndrome is an inherited dis-

ease, parents can be tested for any such syndrome prior to the child being born.

It is important to contact a medical genetics department at a local or regional medical centre to coordinate testing.

Of particular importance is to have a genetic counsellor involved as they will be able to effectively communicate the nature of the diagnosis and complex medical information in a way that is easily understood.

If the physician thinks from clinical symptoms that you may have the disease, they may begin with a number of tests, each of which is sensitive enough to provide a diagnosis. This includes use of genetic sequence testing of the TYMP gene which typically detects 100% of the genetic changes that can cause the disease.

Alternatively, a blood test can also be used to look at reduced levels of thymidine phosphorylase enzyme activity or elevated blood concentrations of thymidine and deoxyuridine. Both of these biochemical tests look at levels of the protein or its target to assess if the body is appropriately functioning. If either of these levels are out of the normal range, the tests are unique and sensitive enough to establish a diagnosis of the disease.

If you have asked a medical practitioner to conduct such tests and they declined, and as a result you discovered that you (both parents) in fact carry the faulty genes and the baby inherits the same, there is a potential claim for damages against the medical practitioner or the hospital. For more information on how to make a claim if your doctor has refused to conduct a test, please do not hesitate to contact Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors.

Petia Georgieva, the author, is a Trainee Solicitor at Duncan Lewis, who is currently doing her second seat in Personal Injury. Petia speaks fluent Bulgarian and French at intermediate level. Petia is currently handling all aspects of Personal Injury matters such as road traffic accidents, employers’ liability claims and public liability claims.

Chepstow Museum curator Anne Rainsbury with the unique garment with inner lining of Vrindavani Vastra fabric.(HT photo/ Prasun Sonwalkar)

and onward transport to Europe.

The garment has been carefully preserved in the museum over the decades, using temperature control and soft folds. For long, the history of how the garment reached Monmouthshire in Wales remained unknown.

The exhibition until September includes

Assam-related items from the British Museum and an animated film about Lord Krishna and a documentary on Assam. A group from London is scheduled to present a Bihu event at the museum on May 13, when the significance of the garment and its inner lining will also be highlighted.

Shop owner fined thousands after selling illegal tobacco

A shop owner was fined thousands of pounds after staff were caught trying to hide 51 packets of illegal tobacco by standing on them.

Officers at Brent and

Indian High Commissioner Mr. Y .K Sinha pays tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London The 883rd Birth Anniversary of Basaveshwara was celebrated in London. The High commissioner of India Mr. Y.K. Sinha paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue at Albert embankment in London.

Addressing the gathering of Indian community he said, we must celebrate values and teachings of Basaveshwara and there is no place for any kind of discrimination in modern world.

13

Harrow Trading Standards became suspicious when workers attempted to conceal the counterfeit stash and 51 packets of tobacco that did not carry the required English labels were uncovered.

Owner Lulian Duta, who had been cautioned previously for possessing illegal tobacco, said he didn’t know how the dodgy goods kept getting back into his shop.

Mortgages.....Mortgages......

Major Estates Finacial Services

• Residential Mortgages • Buy to Let Mortgages • Re-Mortgages • Life Insurance

Tributes were also paid to Buddha and Ambedkar on the Birth Anniversary of

Basaveshwara .

The event was organized by the Former Mayor of the London bor-

ough of Lambeth, Dr Neeraj Patil on behalf of the Lambeth Basaveshwara Foundation.

For further enquiries please call Dinesh Shonchhatra

Major Estate 77 High Street, Wealdstone Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 5DQ

020 8424 8686/ 07956 810 647

14 COMMUNITY/CULTURE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Identity and Integration

Hindu Perspective Dr G L Bhan In recent times, world has experienced a movement of populations across countries and continents on a scale as never before.

Indeed, nowadays in many countries the population reflects a marked diversity.

This ‘globalisation’ has led to some benefits to countries and peoples but, when it comes to social integration, all doesn’t seem to go well.

It has been observed that not all immigrants integrate well with the host community. The extent to which they integrate varies considerably, the problem of poor integration being much more significant in some countries and with some immigrant communities.

The failure to integrate, in turn, can lead to social discord.

Sociologists have cited several factors responsible for this failure educational and economic status, discrimination, family values, adverse upbringing, etc.

In addition to these, a strong sense of cultural and/or religious identity also plays a significant role. Some immigrants, continuing to harbour total loyalty to the place from where they emigrated or loyalty to a notional state based on religious identity that transcends geo-political borders, refuse to identify themselves as citizens of the country where they are now domiciled, nor profess loyalty to it.

This refusal to integrate into the broader society, and issues of loyalty to the country in which the immigrant has chosen to live, are amongst the factors that can contribute to social discord. Hindus in society: Hindus have always recognised the role of the family in bringing up children to become law-abiding, responsible citizens, ensuring the children receive good education and acquire skills ad then, through hard work and enterprise, they achieve economic self-sufficiency. As citizens, aware of their social responsibilities, they contribute handsomely to the generation of wealth for the country, and to social welfare.

Hindus – a model of Co-Existence Historically Hindus have practiced religious pluralism.

In Bhârat (India), despite being subjected repeatedly to invasions from outside, that led to subjugation, persecution and colonization, at no time did the Hindu 2 civilization indulge in religion-based wars, nor have the Hindus invaded other countries in order to take someone else’s land. On the contrary, this civilisation has given sanctuary to people fleeing religious persecution elsewhere Syrian Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Buddhists from Tibet, Hindus from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, and Yezidis.

Looking globally, wherever Hindus have settled outside India, they have shown themselves as role-model on integrating into various, increasingly heterogeneous, societies, through - *Their loyalty to the state *Living peacefully and within the bounds of law *Regarding as crucial the role of family within the society *Contributing to the economy and welfare of the country *Promoting amity between people of different faiths *The fundamental creed of non-violence, and respect for women Hindus, when they settle in places away from the land of their birth, do not suffer from any conflict of loyalty.

Like other Hindus settled in Britain, I regard myself as a British Hindu - Hindu, because of my spiritual faith, and the values I received from my culture, and British because, having domiciled here, I regard it as my country and give it my whole-hearted loyalty. What is it that makes a Hindu a model citizen who has no problems integrating within a multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and multireligious society? In my opinion the answer is the Hindu concepts, enunciated thousands of years ago by our r’shis (seers), that all human beings on this planet are members of one global family – vasudhaiva kutumbhukam The ancient Hindu scriptures have repeatedly extolled and promoted the concepts of

Universalism Inclusivism Collectivism - Goodwill and amity towards all, and - Interdependence In the shânti-pâth (prayer for peace): We remind ourselves of the interdependence of human beings On each other, on all living beings, flora as well as fauna, indeed on natural forces, on matter, space and ether - a concept that is now endorsed by scientists. We think of the one Supreme Being, which is common to all. In our daily prayers – we begin with sarvai-, sum-, sam, âno-, etc. which means we pray for the welfare of all, none excluded. Thus we are reminded to promote goodwill and amity towards everyone, not just within the Hindu fold.

Why have attempts to bring about social cohesion and integration not met with success, and what does Hindu ethos have to contribute to the national debate on achieving integration and social cohesion? Along the path to social cohesion, to overcome hurdles posed by: 1. Materialism and hedonism 2. Religious fanaticism and intolerance 3. Intolerance based on racial and ethnic identity 4. Intolerance based on the dogmatic secularism that rejects faith, our thinking needs to undergo a radical change.

It is now accepted that socio-economic factors, and factors of inequality, discrimination and injustice are part causative of social discord. Much progress has been made in addressing these issues, and work continues in this regard. However, the issue of religion remains a difficult and thorny one.

Religion, Identity and Integration – Core Issues

Certain issues of faith and faith-based identity can negatively impact on the integration of an immigrant within a new society; these need to be tackled head-on: 1. Religion, as commonly understood and practiced, includes an ethnic, historical, national, civilisational and cultural identity which may, and often does, lead to conflict between people belonging to different faiths. 4 • Faith should be a personal

beklief and practice that does not seek to invade someone else’s ‘space’.

2. Dogmatism of religion needs to give way to spirituality, making it possible for the state to be guided, when appropriate, but not to be dictated, by religions. • Faith and the State should function independent of each other in matters of governance and politics.

3. The concept of Exclusivism - ‘Mine is the only way’ / ‘my way is superior and, hence, it must prevail over all others’ – must be abandoned.

We must be intolerant of Religion-based Intolerance. . ‘Tolerance’ needs now to progress to a healthy dialogue based on open-mind, introspection, a genuine acceptance of the ‘other’, and an amicable co-existence. • There should be no place for doctrines and dogmas that preach exclusivism and bigotry.

4. Freedom of Thought and Expression must be regarded as sacrosanct. Whilst religions and cultures must not be maligned, laws that forbid ‘Incitement to religious / racial hatred’ must be applied judiciously, making sure that healthy constructive criticism of cultures and faiths is not suppressed.

5. Within cultures and faiths, we need to give up thoughts and practices that are no longer appropriate / relevant to changing times. It is essential for ‘people of faith’ to debate their relevance and to accept changes that are needed. Staying in a ‘denial mode’ is not a healthy option.

6. We must happily share with each other ideas and practices that are beneficial to the ‘common good’.

Our ancient r’shis stated:...krunvanto vishwam âryam (ennoble the world with goodness). They also advised: ...â no bhadrâh.. ( let noble thoughts come to us from all sides ) ...yad bhadram tanna â suva..( may we acquire what is good / noble). I believe these Hindu tenets will help develop a mindset that promotes integration and social cohesion.

(Dr Bhan is the Ex President of VHP UK and Ex Co-Chair of Interfaith Network. This article is based on a talk given at a seminar in August 2016 in London. Full article can be accessed on website www.hssuk.org.uk).

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Impressive documentary on India in BFI

Smita Sarkar

India in a day – an impressive piece of documentary film-making work; to take around 365 hours of material to craft an 86 minute film by Scott Free Productions, Phantom Films, and Google, using crowdsourcing to obtain around 16,000 clips from people across India to document a single day was recently showcased at the BFI Southbank.

Directed by Richie Mehta from London, the film had an international crew with Executive Producers Ridley Scott, Anurag Kashyap and Carlo Dusi and top notch Indian Directors Zoya Akhtar and R. Balki as Creative Consultants.

“We were put together as a team. It was a whole new world for me because I was working in London,” quoted Richie. “I was awed by how beautifully shot and sophisticatedly filmed the footage that came in

was, that is a technical aspect. What surprised me was how much humour there was coming from the not 'economically wealthy class.'”

“I was surprised by the high quality of a lot of the footage, showing the ubiquity of smartphone cameras that can record hi-def footage, said Simon a viewer. There are many people's stories covered in the film and it's like a living postcard from India.

It's easy to be swept away

in the images and find yourself wanting to go there, to experience the rich variety of culture,” he said.

The film deliberately did not follow the traditional documentary structure of research and a voice-over that gives crucial information to help frame what you're seeing.

“The overall feeling is of being given an honest glimpse into a fascinating country, full of people who are seem proud of their country and to be Indian.

A view into a country that feels that it's arriving on the central global stage,” said Anita another audience.

“It's also heartening to see that for all the differ-

ences, that there are lots of similarities. Birthdays are celebrated with lots of cake and balloons.

Families affected with trauma, like the man who's brother was suffering with brain cancer, stick together and support each other. There were many stories to be touched by and I was left with the feeling that I'd had a taster of India that had left me wanting more,” summarised Shirley from the audience.

Nature and realism painting exhibition at Nehru House The High Commission of India's Culture Department will be holding a holding an exhibition of a talented, multiaward winning Indian artist, Richa Vora on Monday 15th May between 6.15pm – 8.30pm at the Nehru Centre.

Titled 'The Only Window Opens Inward', her artwork will focus on natural beauty and rawness, deep sensitivity and realism. The multi-award winning artist will be showcasing her work in the United Kingdom for the first time. Richa Vohra quoted "some of

the works on display are part of my introspection about myself, some are reflections of my life, my home town, the trees, jungles, lakes, mountains, all wrapped together in the incredible life of sunlight there...I think I was not good with words, these paintings tell my story.”

“I believe every frame is interesting when its well arranged and well depicted by artistic view. I try to capture essence from what I see in the world around my daily routine and that encourages me to represent it by my view on canvas,” quoted Richa

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

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Crystal Travel's 30th Anniversary

SP

TLIGHT

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Ricky Kothari: T-Sticks

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Sunetra Senior

The 30th Anniversary of Crystal Travels at the Riding House Street office

Smita Sarkar

Crystal Travel celebrated its 30th Anniversary with their staff on the 7th April in their offices in Riding House Street in Central London last week.

John Kalia, the Director of Crystal Travels, P S Kang the MD/ Founder and Sukhi Kang, the Director of Finance were present at the celebrations.

John told the Asian Voice that "it feels so good celebrating the 30 years of this company. Our group has many brands - the main is Crystal Travel, the others are Sam and Taprobane Travel. We have 50 staff located in three offices in London."

The company has grown successfully in the Travel industry in the past decades, achieving good success with airlines part-

ners, hotels, holiday packages, travel services that includes worldwide cheap flights, affordable holiday packages, hotel reservations and car rentals. adding Cruising to their portfolio recently. The other specialisations include John said that going ahead in the next five years Crystal Travels will be concentrating on luxury travel, quality holiday programming and Cruising that has been received well in the UK. The company is a part of the Moorsand Group and has grown from strength to strength with an annual turnover of over £145 million. Apart from its three offices in London, the company also has call centres in Delhi and Colombo and are one of the key players as a consolidator of all major airlines.

Sad demise of Ratilalbhai Vallabhdas Palan Shri Ratilalbhai Vallabhdas Palan (Porbandar) - the father of Nitinbhai Palan – Head of BAPS Interfaith Department and originally from Jinja (Uganda) sadly passed away on Thursday 27 April 2017 at the age of 96.

Ratilalbhai joined satsang in 1960 through Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj and served him with various seva in Gondal and Jinja. This seva continued through his

dedicated devotion and attachment for Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. He was committed and dedicated in his satsang niyams.

We pray to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj to grant his soul with eternal peace in Akshardham; and also offer prayers for the family to bear this loss with courage and strength.

P r a r t h a n a Sabha: Date: Tuesday 2 May 2017 Time: 8.00pm Address: The Swaminarayan School Gym, 260 Brentfield Road, N e a s d e n , London, NW10 8HE Note: Everyone can meet family members from 7.30pm onwards.

Antim Darshan: Date: Saturday 6 May 2017 Time: 9.15am Address: The Swaminarayan School

Gym, 260 Brentfield R o a d , Neasden, London, NW10 8HE F u n e r a l Details: Date: Saturday 6 May 2017 Time: 11.00am Address: Golders Green Crematorium, 56-58 Hoop Lane, London, NW11 7HL Contact Details: Nitinbhai Palan (son): 07715 110 239 Kamuben Palan (daughter-in-law): 07956 377 852

Ricky is the imagination behind a slick, new nimble product that allows one to “experience Great Britain's favourite hot drink in the most innovative way.” The T-Stick is a slender, perforated tube, made from recycled aluminium, and chocked full of loose tea. This allows the on-the-go consumer to brew up the perfect cuppa without the frustration and the mess. “Tea is loved by so many people,” the cofounder and conversationalist said, “and yet the same streamlining applied to coffee, whereby there is a granule alternative to filter preparation, was not an option. I drew from personal experience when working in the very fast-paced world of management consultancy. It was so unfortunate to have to constantly pass up a great cuppa because of all the hassle with dripping teabags and never being able to find a clean teaspoon! T-Sticks are not only more pragmatic and portable, but enhance the brew’s flavour. From our Zen Green and Lemon tea to The Earl’s Favourite tea, we preserve the colourful traditional aroma whilst putting you firmly in control. This is the other, defining edge to T-Sticks: they double up as stirrers. To this end, we’re not so much competing with the existing tea market as complementing and growing a multidimensional drink! As well as the convenience many customers have commented on our dexterous TStick being incredibly therapeutic.” *** Thus Ricky successfully blends contemporary work culture with the natural and salubrious power of tea. “And it really was an organic journey,” he added. “T-Sticks came into being as part of a healthconscious, self-caring drive. Although I enjoyed my former highpower job, I found myself becoming disruptively unfit over time. I wanted to focus more on my body, harmonising the connection with my mind. Well-being is a life-style that will remain close to my heart.

Right now, for example, we are seriously looking into increasing our herbal and organic range, even including vitamin supplements.” The company’s remedial ethic also speaks through their many notable clients, including prestigious London country estate The Grove, and on an international scale, the luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton. “It was also rewarding to win not one but two World Food Innovation Awards.” Simultaneously a gym instructor – teaching spin class to students, who are, of course, treated to all the latest trial T-Sticks flavours - Ricky shows that those with good products need only the pure conviction to launch to great success.

Will you extend the line to other products that need not be such hassle?

Yes, I’m glad you asked! We are looking to expand the T-Sticks brand to different everyday products that currently need problem-solving. We do have C-Sticks too, for example, which adapt coffee in the same dexterous format. The launch of the new all encompassing brand of the next generation of infusion sticks, STICKSOLOGY, is planned for a launch later this year.

What have some of your favourite T-shaped responses been?

The response from the Asian market!

It’s been so welcoming as a big platform which reaches many customers.

This bodes very well for T-Sticks, which we’ll be launching in the UK nationwide over the next few months. The general response has also proven promising: we’ve had hospitality customers saying how people self-serving has cut down lengthy queues; cafes saying how relaxing it’s been for people who aren’t even necessarily on the go. Some of our customers also include the Lamborghini and Ferrari showrooms, who’ve applauded the sleekness of T-Sticks.

Another happy recipient has been the Google offices. Basically the feedback is confirming a quality product.

Have you always been business-minded?

My family, in particular my father is medically-minded so I’ve inherited the entrepreneurial and resilience streak from my mother. A lot of the journey has also come about situationally. My co-

founder and long-term friend is BritishChinese so his mum would always make me good Chinese tea, while my mother introduced him to Indian aromas. There’s then been a diverse foundation for the T-Stick. Another great boost was receiving a Virgin start-up loan.

How did you get the start-up to build the momentum it has today?

I worked with my co-founder to create a brand that would be desirable and The Grove - home to England Football Team - was a good first client. At the TSticks launch in 2015, the product was also commended by David Cameron which was great. The praise continued

'we’re not so much competing with the existing tea market as complementing and growing a multidimensional drink!' from the consequent trade shows.

Having good partners such as Google Office was stabilising, and launching with online platforms such as AliBaba.com boosted our outreach. We also supply to offices who we know to have a receptive demographic, such as the trendier spaces shooting up in London. Our product is both traditional

and appeals to the younger millennial.

Do you think aiming high has been pivotal in your success?

Yes. It’s important not to be scattergun.

We picked clients and partners carefully and with pride. We all want success quickly, but it’s important to be deliberate.

What are your biggest social accolades?

Getting the whole proposition, from product conception to branding, right!

On this front, I also cherish the memory of being able to sit down with Sir Richard Branson and talk through the business venture with him. Finally, TSticks are proud to be associated with Junior Chamber International (JCI) . We are big believers in sharing and encouraging others with self-development. We want to help young people who want to help themselves.

Being at the top of the market means being ahead of competitors and being highly adaptable doesn’t it?

Yes, and because we are a small yet agile company, we can do this very well.

Do you have a comment on how impending Brexit has affected you and how you see it changing life for SMES? Initially, because the pound had dropped so much, we lost a sizeable sum overnight – not unlike many others.

The mood was very sombre. I remember presenting to the Polish Business Network, and obviously a lighter atmosphere would have helped morale and bonding over the product. However, on the flipside, we are getting more enquiries from abroad so we will be doing more exporting in that respect.

Foreign buyers are interested because of the cheaper pound. There is a lot of uncertainty though, and we will just have to stay strong and ride it out.

What does CSR mean for TSticks?

It’s two-fold: we want to encourage people within the team to be open and themselves. This might include celebrating an individual’s success by taking them out for dinner. Externally – we want to push eco-friendly ingredients and fair-trade products. At the moment, we are also partnering with an organisation which trains homeless people to become baristas. We would supply the product at cost, and the candidates would earn their living.

Finally, what’s a good piece of advice in terms of branding and packaging?

Do your research! Undertake focus groups and understand your 'hero' customers which we are till learning about.

W

www.t-sticks.co.uk/

BAISAKHI CELEBRATIONS 2017

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UK

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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Organised by the Indian High Commission, Ministry of Culture in collaboration with community organisations

Smita Sarkar The High Commission of India, London along with the Gurudwaras and Punjabi community organisations in and around London, organised a day long Baisakhi Celebration on Sunday 30th April 2017 at the SKLP Sports and Community Centre- India Gardens, West End Road, Northolt.

The event was a huge hit as it recorded footfalls of over 20,000 people who gathered to celebrate Baisakhi – the Punjabi New Year, and the 350th year of Guru Gobind Singhji’s Birth Anniversary globally, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Shri Patna Sahib earlier this year.

The event is the first major public event targeted at the Punjabi and Sikh population to spread the message of peace, social coherence and valour embodied by the revered 10th Guru of Sikhs. The High Commissioner of Indian to UK, HE Y K Sinha had donned a bright orange turban on the occasion, and gave a short welcoming speech to the thousands gathered in the spacious venue on the 30th.

“Wish you all a very happy Baisakhi and a very happy new year. We are organising this event with the help of so many gurudwaras, volunteers and most appropriately the sponsors.

The most important aspect

Bhangra performance being cheered by the crowd

HE Y K Sinha addressing the crowds

of the event is all of you for being present here. Thank you for coming. God has been kind, the weather is good and I hope all of you

cess. High Commissioner also stated that such an event should be conducted every year to celebrate the spirit of Baisakhi together

Dr Rami Ranger CBE, Dinesh K Patnaik - Deputy High Commissioner, Steve Pound MP

are enjoying yourself and we hope we can do this every year,” he said.

He also thanked all Gurudwaras and community organisations that partnered in making this day-long event a great suc-

with everyone.

The event was organised with financial assistance of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, with the participation of 14 Gurudwaras from all over London,

Dhol performance by children

People posing for pictures before the Bhangra performance

pitched in with volunteers and a rich array of Langar items for all visitors. The Langar alone served more than 15,000 people throughout the day.

In true celebration of essence of social harmony during Baisakhi, close to sixty stalls put up catered to India in all its diversity.

The predominant theme, of course, remained of the richness and warmth of Punjabi culture traditions.

The cultural programmes, performed at two different stages at the venue, saw some of the best names in the UK and India performing.

These included Punjabi Spiritual Music, Bhangra and Giddha performances, and some eminent names like Jasbir Jassi, Channi Singh OBE, Angrez Ali and Gatha (Punjabi martial arts) competition saw participation from more than 120 experts.

Kabbadi performance by small children aged 5-7 years, turban tying, classes for Bhangra and Giddha, face painting, Henna painting, Dhol performance by small children, and many free contests and attractions for children were also arranged.

Dr Aseem Vohra, Second Secretary IFS (Public Diplomacy) told the Asian Voice that “Baisakhi was celebrated

together for the first time in London. 14 Gurudwaras came together for the first time to serve langar and the event went without a single (bad) incident – which is an important aspect about how meticulously everything was planned out.”

The Royal Army, Navy, Air Force and the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association (MSPA), Sikh Scouts, as well as many charity organisations participated in this event for the first time. There were Adequate arrangements were made to ensure health and safety of all attending.

The Ministry organised free shuttle service from South Ruislip Metro station to the venue to facili-

tate travel for those using public transport.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar were the Media Partners for the event.

This is one of the many events that the High Commissioner is putting together this year. “This is the year of India-UK Year of culture so we have a huge number of events lined up throughout the year. As you know HM The Queen inaugurated the year of culture with a glittering event at the Buckingham Palace,” said HE Y K Singh. There will be several programmes lined up in London for celebrating India's 70th year of independence.

Pooja Raval at the Asian Voice stall - we were the media partners at the event

Martial arts performance by the young members of the community

Crowd gathered around the stalls to participate in various activities

UK Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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Snap election gets new Asian entries

AsianVoiceNews

Continued from page 1

This includes the number of Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals who are political representatives. The latest data shows that currently 13% of the UK population is from an ethnic minority background. In comparison only 6% of MPs are from an ethnic minority background and an estimated 6.4% of Peers are thought to be from an ethnic minority background. Many look at these figures positively, pointing out that in 2001, for example, it is estimated that the figure was 2.6%.

The current figure of 6.4% is therefore seen as signifying a considerable improvement in minority representation.

Some 3,971 candidates stood in the 2015 General Elections - 162 lower than the all-time high of 4,133 in 2010. This time round, the final list of candidates will be confirmed after May 11 the deadline for submitting an application. To stand as a candidate in the General Election, you have to submit an application to your local returning officer with a £500 deposit.

Reseachers believe this election will not disrupt the early stages of the Brexit negotiation, which will be more around modalities such as what will be discussed, when and by who.

These discussions are expected to be able to continue in the run up to the election. The European Council has said bigger political decisions will have been on the agenda for much later as they require the new German government to be in place following elections there in September.

Polls, as far as one can rely on them, have recently suggested that the question is not whether May will win, but by what margin. A BBC“poll of polls” put the conservative party between 11 and 25 points ahead of the closest opposition, the Labour party. The Labour party has seen a significant decline in polls since the last general election, as it struggles with infighting over its leader Jeremy Corbyn, and its unclear position on Brexit. With his alleged 'anti-Modi' stands, the Indian community that has a huge number of Narendra Modi (Indian PM) fans, has slowly shifted to supporting Conservative party, with former PM David Cameron wooing them over. However with Theresa May's strict antiimmigration policies, it is possible for the party to lose some of the diaspora support.

In fact Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat Leader criticised the Labour party claiming their record and reputation amongst ethnic

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

minority communities is in tatters. With Labour’s vote share among ethnic minorities collapsing and the Conservatives lurching increasingly to the right, the Liberal Democrats have a huge opportunity to win swathes of ethnic minority votes, which also saw a significant boost when they were the only party to campaign against the invasion of Iraq. Speaking during an

serious challenge to Bob Blackman. It was in 2008, against all odds, Navin Shah defeated Bob Blackman who was then the Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow.

Speaking about his selection he said: “I am deeply honoured to go forward as Labour’s candidate for Harrow East for the forthcoming General Election. As a long serving

Robinson, aged 78, for the Labour Party, but with a small majority of only 4,500 votes. It is the second seat where the Conservatives have chosen a young Gujarati candidate - the other being Brent North where Councillor Ameet Jogia has been chosen to unseat the incumbent Barry Gardiner.

Resham was born in London, to Gujarati par-

great to see so many Labour councillors here today, including the leader of the Labour Group and Council.

“Tanmanjeet has shown himself to be an exemplary councillor in Gravesham and he will bring that same dedication and drive to representing his home town of Slough in Parliament. I know that he is part of the Labour team and will collaborate and work with everyone else for a Labour victory."

Old MPs return as candidates

Virendra Sharma with Labour party candidate for Sloough Tan Dhesi with the local Indian community

event at Westminster Synagogue he said: "Labour have been taking Britain’s ethnic minority communities for granted for far too long.

“Even before Brexit, it was an open secret that Labour weren’t engaging with certain communities because they felt ethnic minorities would vote for them regardless. Even their own MP Chuka Umunna has admitted that.

“But now that Labour have waived the white flag on Brexit and given Theresa May a blank cheque to choose the hardest and most divisive form of Brexit – I want to openly say to Labour voters – join us.”

New Asian candidates join the MP race

The Labour Party has announced selection of Navin Shah, current London Assembly Member for Harrow and Brent, as the candidate for the seat of Harrow East for 2017 General Election. This is a popular move as Navin is a well recognised and well respected activist who is a longstanding resident of Harrow with a proven track-record.

During 40 years as a Harrow resident Navin has actively worked with voluntary sector including community and anti-racist groups. For 23 years he has served as an elected member in various capacities.

From 1994 to 2014 he was a Councillor in Harrow East, including serving as Leader of Harrow Council and since 2008 he has been a London Assembly Member representing Brent and Harrow. Navin’s wife Cllr Rekha Shah is the current Mayor of Harrow and his daughter Cllr Aneka ShahLevy is a Harrow East councillor.

This is a strong move by the Labour Party and a

resident of some 40 years in Harrow I see this as an opportunity to represent Harrow’s diverse community in Parliament and fight their corner as I have done throughout my community and political work”.

“During the course of the election campaign I will be putting forward my vision and plan to serve Harrow’s residents and businesses. On some of the key issues - I’m passionate about our National Health Service which is under threat from Conservatives; Social Care and Mental Health need greater attention and resources; We need a serious programme of house building as pledged by Labour to address the housing crisis and I’m opposed to the conservative cuts to education funding. On Brexit negotiations, I will be firmly opposed to Theresa May having a blank cheque.

Have no doubt, I will stand up for the best interest of Harrow and UK.” “I pledge to continue to work proactively with Harrow Council and the Mayor of London for better and enhanced services for people of Harrow and London. Throughout my career I have fought, alongside our community and faith groups, to meet the needs of our diverse communities. I’m proud of my record in the areas of equality, justice and fighting against all forms of discrimination. I look forward to having further engagement with all our communities and leaders for an ongoing dialogue to best understand and serve Harrow’s communities.”

The Conservative Party Resham has selected Kotecha, aged 28, as their Parliamentary Candidate to fight the marginal seat of Coventry North West at next month's General Election. The seat is currently held by Geoffrey

ents who came to the UK to study from East Africa.

One of twin sisters, she read Economics at Cambridge University before starting work as a strategy consultant advising both public and private sector organisations.

She previously stood as a Parliamentary Candidate during the 2015 General Election in Dulwich and West Norwood. She is Deputy Chair of the Northwood Conservatives and Head of Engagement for Women2Win, an organisation co-founded by Prime Minister Theresa May, to encourage more Conservative women to enter Parliament.

Resham has spoken and written regularly in the media about the importance of getting more Asians, young people, and women involved in politics.

She is President of the under 35’s board of the Young Women’s India Association, the oldest Asian charity in UK. Former Conservative MP Paul Uppal, who had lost his seat in the 2015 election, is back to politics, standing from Wolverhampton South West, whereas Samir Jassal is representing Feltham & Heston, which has been a territory for MP Seema Malhotra for the past few years. Samir has formerly been a candidate from East Ham constituency in 2015 general election, which he lost to Labour candidate Stephen Timms.

MP Virendra Sharma, the Ealing Southall candidate, on Sunday visited Slough in support of Tan Dhesi the Labour candidate for Parliament. Sharma said: "I am pleased to be able to stand here today and fully commend Tan Dhesi to you as your Labour candidate and when he is elected on June 8th he will make a fine addition to Parliament. It is

Hounslow MP Seema Malhotra last week announced that she will stand again in the election to represent her constituency of Feltham and Heston.

Responding to the announcement of a snap General Election on 8th June, Seema Malhotra said: "This is a Prime Minister once again focussed on her own interests not on the interests of the country.

“At a time when we have growing inequality in education, a Budget that gives to the most wealthy, an NHS in need desperate need of funding and youth services being cut, the Prime Minister should be focussed on healing divisions not widening them.

"For our shared prosperity, community cohesion, our NHS, a better education for our kids, I will stand again to be MP for Feltham & Heston” Labour's Parliamentary group will lose former home secretary Alan Johnson, leading Leave campaigner Gisela Stuart and former health secretary Andy Burnham, who is tipped to become Mayor of Greater Manchester in May's local elections. says he will not stand again in June. There are at least 17 other MPs known not to be standing, but none of them are Asians.

Tories Zac Golsmith and Esther McVey both lost their seats are selected to return in 2017. 73-year-

17

old former business secretary Vince Cable has confirmed he will stand again after losing his Twickenham seat to the Tories in 2015. Former Lib Dem deputy leader Simon Hughes and energy secretary Ed Davey will follow suit.

MPs not standing this election

There are a number of well-known politicians stepping down in this election - including former Chancellor and thenfavourite to become the next Prime Minister, George Osborne.

Other Tory big-hitters to be leaving are former Conservative Party chairman Sir Eric Pickles, longstanding chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, Andrew Tyrie and Tory-turned-UKIPturned-independent MP Douglas Carswell.

How candidates selected by parties?

While most candidates standing for election will be drawn from political parties, they can also stand as independents. In our first past the post system, the person with the most votes in a constituency is elected as its MP. The Conservatives' 330 MPs will be re-selected.

This will happen in all but four cases, where four Tory MPs have decided to step down.

In these four constituencies, as well as in target seats, local party members will get to choose from a central office-chosen shortlist of three candidates.

Labour will also automatically re-select its 229 MPs - although 12 Labour MPs are standing down, including former home secretary Alan Johnson.

All 54 of the SNP's existing MPs are expected to stand again, riding on the success of their 2015 campaign.

Here is a list of the 22 British Asian MPs in the Parliament since 2015:

Conservative Party Rehman Chisti (Gillingham and Rainham), Nusrat Ghani (Wealden), Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove), Ranil Jayawardena (North East Hampshire), Priti Patel (Witham), Alok Sharma (Reading West), Rishi Sunak (Richmond – Yorkshire), Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) Labour Party Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow), Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton), Imran Hussain (Bradford East), Sadiq Khan (Tooting), Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham Perry Barr), Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham Ladywood), Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston), Lisa Nandy (Wigan), Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East), Naseem Shah (Bradford West), Virendra Sharma (Ealing Southall), Keith Vaz (Leicester East), Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) Scottish National Party (SNP) Tasmina Sheikh (Ochil and South Perthshire)

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Urjit Patel takes a dig at US

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India’s economy to surpass Japan, Germany by 2030

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel has cautioned the major world economies against protectionism. He said that using trade instruments for protectionism may take a nation on a trajectory different from that of growth. Patel was speaking at the third Kotak Family Distinguished Lecture at the Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

Patel's response came at a time when countries like United States and Australia have tightened their visa policies to ensure their home-grown giants don't outsource instead hire local talents.

However, Urjit Patel has a question for such countries.

He said: "Where would Apple be, where would Cisco be, where would IBM be if they were not sourcing the best products and talent from across the world.

And if policies come in the way of that, then the big wealth creators in a country that advocates protectionism are ultimately affected." "I don't think that we have heard the last word on US policy talk about this.”

According to a recent survey conducted by a US government agency, India is all set to become the third-largest economy by 2030, surpassing Japan, Germany, Britain, and France.

Statistics from the United States Department for Agriculture Economic Research Service assumes that the Indian economy will expand annually at an average 7.4 per cent to

$6.84 trillion by 2030.

M e a n w h i l e , International Monetary Fund's managing director Christine Lagarde has forecast that India will surpass Germany by 2030. India's fast growing young population is perceived to boost economic activity and help

the nation outpace ageing developed nations. Rising aspirations in the world's second most populous country is driving demand for mobile phones, electronic goods, cars, and houses.

Indian think-tank Niti Aayog has tapped the Indian economy to grow by an annual average rate of 8 per cent in the next 15 years.

Vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya said, “The

future looks extremely bright... There is a very good case that we should over the next 15-16 years grow at 8 per cent.”

After 15-16 years, India’s gross domestic product or the size of the economy will touch £4,690 billion from £1,370 billion in 2015-16,

he said while reeling out the numbers in terms of the local currency. The US will continue to be the global leader with an annual economic output, measured in terms of gross domestic product, of $24.8 trillion in 2030. But it is estimated to grow by an average annual 2.1% from $16.97 trillion in 2016, as per the USDA data.

China will close in the gap with the US by growing its GDP by 5.4% to $19.2 trillion by 2030, from $9.4 trillion in 2016. Last month, management consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) portrayed India to emerge as a super-power ranked only after the United States and China. By 2040, India’s GDP in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) will grow to $30 trillion from $8.7 trillion in 2016, while US will grow from $18.6 trillion to $28.3 trillion, PwC said in a report titled “The World in 2050”.

China will continue to lead the chart with its GDP rising from $21.3 trillion to $47.4 trillion by 2040.

However, India’s GDP measured in terms of dollar will grow to $28 trillion to emerge as third biggest by 2050, only after China ($49.9 trillion) and the US ($34.1 trillion), PwC said.

AsianVoiceNews

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Vitabiotics CEO joins BBC show

Tej Lalwani

The CEO of vitamin supplements company Vitabiotics, Tej Lalwani has been signed up by the BBC as a 'Dragon' on its business show 'Dragons' Den'. Hosted by Evan Davis, the show features entrepreneurs who can pitch their business ideas to five multi-millionaires.

Lalwani has replaced Steve Parish, who quit the show following a shortstint owing to his commitments with the Crystal Palace Football Club. “On reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I couldn't give 'Dragons' Den' the time and commitment the show needs and that the entrepreneurs deserve, therefore I have decided to give up my

Dragons' seat to someone else,” Parish said.

Lalwani who will take his place for the 15th series, will share it along with returning Dragons Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, and new Dragon Jenny Campbell.

“I'm very excited to be joining the 'Dragons' Den' line-up. I'm a shrewd investor and I'm looking forward to finding hard working, passionate people to share my business experience and knowledge with,” Lalwani said. His company Vitabiotics has seen to have expanded under his leadership and currently sells products in over 100 countries worldwide.

REALESTATEVOICE

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HARVESTING THE BEST OF THE CROP AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Last week we managed to exchange on a property, in Hatherley Grove, W2, with a longish four month completion. The seller tried to stick in a cheeky clause whereby they could complete early at their discretion, as opposed to the agreed completion time period. This is often typical of deals, either party tries to push in clauses which favour them, in the hope the other party’s desperation to do the deal will be the overriding factor. Not so in this case, we held our stance and in the end the seller folded and kept to the original agreed terms.

The reasons for the delay in completion, is twofold, one is to submit planning for a mansard and the other is to sell the property on without having to complete once the planning has been submitted. This looks plausible.

The property is 700 sq. ft. and has the potential to add another 300 sq. ft. at least, this is expected to increase the value to £1.1m from a purchase price of £700k.

AGONY AGENT Each week, we answer a reader’s rental property question, from first-time landlords to experienced owners. Agony Agent, is here to help!

Q: I am about to complete on my first BTL property purchase. What would you recommend we do to get the apartment ready to let?

A: I would recommend you start with the following: Make sure that you have obtained permission to let from your mortgage company, and/or the freeholder if it is a leasehold.

Make sure you have any necessary planning permissions. This may be needed if you are converting the property to an HMO (house of multiple occupancy), so it is something you should check out if you are going to have more than two tenants who are not members of the same family, in the property.

If there are any gas appliances at the property you will need to comply with the Gas Regulations.

The appliances will have to be checked by an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register, who will give you a certificate.

The check must be done before the tenants go in,

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

19

This deal was presented to a number of investors.

One party viewed the property twice, and then tried to impose their terms on the deal, which included a last minute switching of solicitor and reducing our fees.

This wasn’t really going to happen; I could have sold this deal on three times over, and so it was swiftly placed with another party on the same day who purchased it without seeing it. I’m quietly hopeful this deal will yield a plentiful harvest with the right manoeuvring.

We have just put another property under offer in the prime part of Notting Hill, the deal had 6 offers on it within a week. This demonstrates, regardless of the market conditions, there is always money seeking good stock, and this one is a real gem. It’s opposite one of the most expensive roads in Central London, Kensington Palace Gardens, where the

and annually thereafter, and the tenants must be given a copy of the certificate.

You will need to comply with all the various safety regulations, for example, all furniture provided must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations. This means that all soft furnishings, e.g. sofas, headboards, cushions and cloth covers on seats, mattresses, etc must be fire retardant and carry the relevant label.

Under the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, any electrical equipment provided must be safe. If the items are not new, it is a good idea to have them tested by a qualified electrician.

Make sure that plugs have no bare or damaged wires

average price of a property is £36m. However, our humble flat is only £550k, it comes with a 999 year lease and is in a very quiet road given the busy location. It is a probate deal, and hence requires a light refurbishment.

choose the best proprieties. When the market is rising high any kind of property will sell, as everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. This is the herd mentality, which many species including humans tend to move in.

Our clients who agreed this deal have a retail business, and have a commercial property portfolio, however, they now wish to venture into residential property. Now is a good time to come in, when you can afford to

A property which we will be launching this week, is a two bedroom apartment with a long lease and a service charge of merely £600 per annum. This is exceptionally cheap given this charge includes buildings insurance. The

on leads.

You must fit smoke alarms on all floors where there is living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms with a solid fuel burner. These need to be tested on the first day of the tenancy. Although it is not a general legal requirement at present (unless your property is an HMO), you should get the electrical wiring regularly checked, as you will be held responsible if it is found to be defective.

Also note that landlords need to give tenants an Energy Performance Certificate before they move in.

Make sure you have adequate insurance cover, as general household insurance will not be sufficient. There are

specialist policies available for landlords.

Keep records of all work done, all receipts e.g. for items bought and any repair and other work done, and any certificates and guarantees. It is a good idea to have an independent inventory done to list all furniture, electrical equipment, and general items in the

location is off Church Street, NW8, an area which has been seen to be the poor part of Central London, but which is now set for massive capital growth. It’s an ex-council property and requires work, I would estimate about £15k. The property is priced at £400,000; you would be hard pressed to find anything in this location for this price, let alone a two bedroom flat. This deal is looking for a buyer, so do get in touch if you are interested.

property, with a note of their general condition; and check this over every time the property is vacated and then re-let.

If this sounds like too much of a headache for you then contact me today to see how I can assist you.

Richard Bond Lettings Manager Sow & Reap

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FINANCIAL VOICE Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, As an expert on the markets, my first book about Trading Online published by the Financial Times back in 1997, it is very easy to forget the basics sometimes. Not for myself, but when explaining it to others. As two cousins asked me this week alone – how do I trade online?

So some rules for the beginners, and not so beginners too: 1. Trading is just about buying low and selling high.

You are trading one price against another. But don’t let that simplicity fool you. Whilst that is the essence of capitalism and the foundations of our taxation system – it is very easy to lose money. So why do it and how?

2. You need an online broker who will buy and sell for you. Like an estate agent. Sadly, many are not to be trusted. Brokers I mean, not estate agents. Actually, them too.

3. Because price can move quickly, you should only every trade with very small sums you can afford to lose.

4. But you need to know when to buy and what. I prefer trading foreign exchange because I can get the prices for free and software for free too and it is open 24 hours a day. Indeed $5 trillion are traded daily.

5. But you still need to have a view whether something will go up or down. This is where I prefer following trends.

There are many ways to guage the market, an a Masters Degree in Economics and Politics from Oxford University is not needed, but I have one(!). Following trends is the easiest and the most popular with hedge funds such as mine.

6. Private investors instead get too confused by complexity from the Financial Times and the Economist. We trend followers do not read those papers. We will look for ways to see the prices on our free software online and then follow those trends. Most will devise their own approaches and rules.

7. But do not accidentally fall into the trap of gambling. That is easy to do. Do not trade around news, thinking you will outsmart the market. Follow the trend. Read my lips. Follow the trend.

8. Gamblers also have no idea what to do if the trade goes against them. You never add to a losing trade. You know when to get out. Never assume you will be right more often than you will be wrong either. You will just need to make more, ride trends, when right and get out quick when wrong about those trends.

9. And once again, keep it tiny, small trading sizes.

Stop being greedy or in a rush. Learn, enjoy learning something new, something lucrative.

10. Watch my free videos on www.alpeshpatel.com too! Enjoy.

Amid protests, GM shuts down its Halol car plant Subsidiary of US-based car major General Motors Company, General Motors India has shut down its manufacturing plant at Halol in Gujarat, and will manufacture vehicles from its Talegaon plant in Maharashtra.

Unhappy over the compensation they received, a section of workers plan to stage dharna at the Halol facility next week.

The shutdown was announced to take place in mid-2016, but the period was extended to ensure a smooth transition. “We are mindful of the impact on our employees at Halol. We have committed to support them through this necessary transition with generous separation payments or the option of continuity of employment at Talegaon,” said GM India president and managing director, Kaher Kazem. He said that a range of additional support measures were put up in place for both the employees who opted for the significantly enhanced separation payments and those who will move to,

including tax and financial advice and pre-transfer visits, to Talegaon. “Since we first announced in 2015, that we would cease manufacturing at Halol, we have worked with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition,” Kazem said. The General Motors Workers Union, however, did not seem impressed with the compensation offered by the company. GMEU treasurer Dilip Chaudhary said, “We will be staging dharna at the plant from Monday and our agitation will now be against the government that failed to protect our interest.” He added, “We had demanded a higher compensation as many of the workers won't get good employment opportunities here. The management gave us transfer letters on Friday but there was no clarity about salary hike if the workers shift to the Talegaon plant. The shut down will affect nearly 2,000 workers. But we didn't disrupt the work and instead made 60 cars on the last day.”

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HC rejects RBI plea, okays DoCoMo- Tata pact AsianVoiceNews

Delhi high court approved a $1.18-billion settlement pact, allowing Japanese major NTT DoCoMo to sell its 26.5 per cent stake in the telecom joint venture back to Tata Sons. While the shareholders' agreement between the two parties, in 2009, and settlement terms struck between them were opposed by the Reserve Bank of India on the grounds that those contravened the country's laws.

The Delhi high court however, rejected the central bank's objection, stating that “there is no provision in law which permits the RBI to intervene in a

petition seeking enforcement of an (international) arbitral award to which the RBI is not a party.” It added that the RBI had failed to prove that it has the power to overrule a foreign court's arbitral award. The 41-page order by Justice S Murlidhar can have confidence-building implications for foreign players investing in India, demonstrating the country's business-friendly environment.

Tejas Karia, partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, said, “The decision sends a strong message that Indian courts do recognise ability of

International Arbitral Tribunal to pass award on contractual terms and the same will be enforced in India.” Tata Sons welcomed the decision saying, “The court allowed both the enforcement of the award and implementation of the consent terms between the two entities. Tata Sons and NTT DoCoMo are taking further steps in terms of the order.” DoCoMo, in 2016, had won the $1.18-billion arbitral award from a London court and sought its implementation in India. It had moved the international court after it was denied an exit price of

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$1.18 billion from the Indian telecom joint venture. As per the shareholder agreement, the Japanese telco would get a minimum 50 per cent of its $2.36 billion investment it had made in the joint venture on its exit. However, the payout was blocked by the RBI, citing rules that prevent a guaranteed payment to a foreign investor with regard to selling its shares in an Indian company.

The court, in its order said that the arbitral award “is enforceable in India” and “it shall operate a deemed decree of this court.”

Panel rejects stay on Cairn Energy arbitration In a major setback to India, an international arbitration panel has rejected its demand for a stay on an arbitration initiated by British oil explorer Cairn Energy plc, against a £1.02 billion retrospective tax notice. Comprising of three judges of international repute, the panel also turned down an application for bifurcation of the issue of whether tax is covered under India-UK bilateral investment protection treaty.

The Income Tax department had charged Cairn Energy of making capital gains on transfer of India assets to a newly created firm, in January 2014.

Instead of applying long-

term capital gains tax, it levied a short-term capital gains tax and slapped a draft tax demand of £1.02 billion. It also debarred Cairn Energy from disposing of its 9.8 per cent remaining stake in Cairn India, which the British firm had sold to Vedanta

Group in 2011. The tax department, in April 2014, slapped a £ 2.04 billion demand on Cairn India, the UK firm's erstwhile subsidiary for failing to deduct tax on the capital gains.

Sources said India sought a stay on proceedings in Cairn Energy's arbi-

tration for potentially five years, stating that it is “unfair” that they have to defend two cases at once.

However, it was the Indian government's decision to join both the arbitration which is why, they could not back down.

The three-member arbitration panel headed by Geneva-based arbitrator Laurent Levy, rejected the application for 'stay' on March 27, 2017. It rejected the bifurcation application on April 19, 2017, sources said, who added that India can, however, continue its fight and argue that tax matters are not covered under bilateral investment treaties under the main arbitration.

Remitly expands into UK offering ‘Low-Cost’ money transfers to India

Roger Aitken

Remitly, the largest independent digital remittance company in the United States that enables its customers in North America to send over US$2 billion a year globally, expanded its operations this April into the UK after gaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

Their aim is to offer better rates, lower fees and greater transparency, to transform the $588bn global remittance industry and put “billions of pounds” in fees back into its customers’ pockets. The move by the Seattle-based firm follows regulatory

clearance to operate in state of Massachusetts granted in late 2016. Its service was available across all 50 US states. Expanding into the UK, is described by its co-founder as an “integral step” in the company’s ambitious global expansion plans. Remitly has its office in London’s Victoria.

Initially they will serve people in Britain sending money through payment corridors to two countries India and the Philippines and are planning to expand to other countries soon.

Matt Oppenheimer, Remitly’s CEO, said: “Europe is the second largest remittance market in the world. Remitly will

give a modern and convenient remittance experience for customers that will allow them to send money across borders quickly and at less cost through its mobile app and website.

An easy-to-use mobile app enables customers to track the status on where their payments are and send messages to the recipient. It helps reduce costs and makes sending money faster, eliminating the forms, codes, agents, extra time and fees typical of the traditional, century-old money transfer process.

Specifically, two options are being offered to customers in the UK

availing themselves of the service, either an Express or Economy option. The operator’s Express service delivers money directly to a recipient abroad within minutes via its direct integrations with banking and cash pickup partners around the world. Using a credit or debit card, customers can send money for a flat fee of £3 or less.

Remitly’s Economy service allows customers to send money abroad at less cost depending on the recipient country, and with competitive foreign exchange rates as the scheme enables nearlyinstant payments between participating banks.

US says 'greatly value' Indian investments Amid fears of possible tightening of the US visa regime, the US administration said it greatly values investments

by Indian companies and wants strong Indo-US economic ties. US State department acting spokesman Mark Toner, at his daily press brief said, “We want to see US-India business-to-

business ties remain strong.” The statement came in answer to questions regarding controversy following recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump which indicate a possible tightening of the H-1B visas.

He said, “We greatly value Indian companies'

continued investment in the US economy, which also, of course supports thousands of US jobs. With respect to any new requirements on visas, I'd have to check and see if that's been updated. It's important to remember that this is always a part of how our consular bureau works and

our consular officers work overseas, and our embassies and missions work overseas, and that is we're always reviewing the processes that are in place to issue these visas and finding ways to strengthen them, because we want to ensure the security of the American people.”

CURRENCY VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Sterling surges 2% against the Dollar Currency Specialists.

Sterling surged over 2% percent against the Dollar and hit it’s highest levels since midDecember on 18th April, after British Prime Minister Theresa May surprised markets by calling an early parliamentary election for the 8th June.

Running contrary to the norm on shock election announcements, the Pound's steep gains point to hope among investors that the June poll may stabilise domestic UK politics as the country faces its biggest challenges in half a century.

The Pound strengthened as polls indicated that British Prime Minister Theresa May is on course to win in a landslide victory in the June 8 election. This confirms the view that she will get a stronger mandate for two years of Brexit talks. A stronger mandate for May in parliament could likely give her the authority she needs over her own party in order to negotiate Brexit.

The UK’s GDP increased by 0.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016, driven by continued strong consumer spending and consumer focused industries as well as strong exports. Consumer spending rose as consumers benefitted from high employment while exports of goods and ser-

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

vices were lifted by the weakened pound.

UK manufacturing lost some momentum in March, as export orders grew more slowly and demand for consumer goods weakened against a backdrop of rising inflation pressures.

Data showed UK inflation remained steady in March, putting no further pressure on the Bank of England to move towards raising interest rates.

Consumer prices increased by 2.3 percent annually last month, according to the Office for National Statistics. Inflation is now above the BoE's 2 percent target but it has indicated that it is in no hurry to raise rates, despite the fact that it expects consumer price growth will rise to as high as 2.8 percent in around a year's time before falling back.

British retail sales posted their biggest quarterly fall in seven years in the first three months of 2017, as rising prices since last year's Brexit vote put more pressure on consumers.

The Euro strengthened after Emmanuel Macron took a significant step towards the French presidency by winning the first round of voting and qualifying for a May 7 runoff against

National Front leader Marine Le Pen. Mr Macron won 23.8% of votes in the first round, while Ms Le Pen took 21.5%. Several political rivals are now expected to unite behind Mr Macron in the run-off vote, in a bid to keep Ms Le Pen's Front National (FN) from power.

France's outgoing president, Francois Hollande urged people to back Emmanuel Macron in a vote to choose his successor next month and reject far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whose place in the runoff represented a "risk" for France.

Hollande, threw his weight behind macron, saying Le Pen's policies were divisive and stigmatised sections of the population. Opinion polls indicate that he will take at least 61 percent of the vote against Le Pen after two defeated rivals pledged to back him to stop her eurosceptic, antiimmigrant platform.

Analysts widely expect Centrist Macron to win the battle against far-right anti-EU candidate Marine Le Pen in the second round of France’s presidential election. After a race full of surprises, investors had feared Le Pen and euroskeptic Jean Luc Melenchon would qualify for the final round in May, stoking fears

of a so-called Frexit and the beginning of the end of the eurozone.

In early April, Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen said she plans to raise U.S. interest rates gradually so they sustain full employment and near-2-percent inflation without letting the economy overheat. The Fed raised rates in March for only the third time since the Great Recession, and most Fed officials expect the central bank to raise rates at least two more times this year.

President Trump commented that the US dollar 'is getting too strong' and he would prefer the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates low. Mr. Trump also confirmed that his administration won't label China a currency manipulator, as he is hoping to get them on board in his approach against North Korea.

Trump’s economic team unveiled a plan that included a cut to the corporate tax rate from 35 per cent to 15 per cent and an incentive for multinational groups to repatriate trillions of dollars held overseas. This was viewed by markets as disappointing and unlikely to go forward in Congress, causing the dollar to retreat.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 2nd May 2017 @ 1pm

GBP - INR = 82.92

USD - INR = 64.23 EUR - INR = 70.08 GBP - USD = 1.29 GBP - EUR = 1.18

EUR - USD = 1.09 GBP - AED = 4.74

GBP - CAD = 1.77

GBP - NZD = 1.87

GBP - AUD = 1.72 GBP - ZAR = 17.2

GBP - HUF = 369.2

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WORLD

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ANC could lose 2019 polls: Pravin Gordhan Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

JOHANNESBURG: Former South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has stated that if the current state of affairs in the country continue, the African National Congress will lose its autonomy in the 2019 elections. After months of locking horns with President Jacob Zuma, Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas were axed in the controversial Cabinet reshuffle. He was let off on allegations that he held a secret meeting abroad to undermine South Africa and its economy.

“Many of us are extremely worried that if we continue as we are in the ANC, we are likely to lose the 2019 elections. If we, like any business organisation or

Pravin Gordhan

political organisation, fail to muster the right leadership, stick by the right kind of values and do the right thing... then of course we will, as an organisation, fail,” he said.

Gordhan also seemingly supported deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed Zuma.

“Ramaphosa has been extremely brave. He has spo-

ken truth to power at difficult times. He has demonstrated that he is a leader of great mettle that would serve South Africa well into the future,” he said. He also promoted a judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of “state capture” by the controversial Gupta family and Zuma's benefactors. When asked if the President was a good leader, Gordhan said SA had a culture of “collective leadership.”

A controversial figure, Zuma has remained wrapped in several scandals most of them corruptionrelated. He is due to step down as head of the ANC in December and as President ahead of the general elections to be held in 2019.

Indian American comedian roasts Trump at media dinner WASHINGTON: The White House Correspondents' Dinner hosted by The Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj, was held over the weekend. While the traditional get-together is known to be warm where the President and journalists engage in banter, this year's WHCD became the first ever to be missed by the commander-in-chief in 36 years.

Donald Trump's absence, however, did not stop the Indian-origin comedian from making digs at Trump. “Ok, we've got to address the elephant that's not in the room. I think he's in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke,” Minhaj, who was the main performer of the evening said about his absence. The event came shortly after Trump

Hasan Minhaj

addressed supporters in Pennsylvania, characteristically attacking the press, calling them “fake news” and speaking against immigration, and open borders.

The dinner, meanwhile, spoke about everything the President has stood against.

“No one wanted to do this, so, of course, it lands in the hands of an immigrant,” Minhaj said. “Only in America can a first-generation Indian-American Muslim kid get on this stage and make fun of the President. It's a sign to the rest of the world, it's this amazing tradition, that even the president is not beyond the reach of the First Amendment.” He even hit the media, making dibs at the past events. “A lot of people don't trust you right now, and can you blame them?” he asked journalists.

“Remember Election Night?

That was your Steve HarveyMiss Universe moment. The look on your faces at 11 pm on Election Night, it was like walking into a Panera Bread and finding out your sixthgrade teacher has a part-

time job there.”

The first Muslim and South Asian American to headline the dinner, Minhaj also took down CNN for overusing the 'breaking news' tag. “Everything isn't breaking news. You can't go to Defcon One just because Sanjay Gupta found a new moisturiser... Every time I watch CNN, it feels like you're assigning me homework. Is Trump a Russian spy? I don't know, you tell me... I'm watching the news.

It feels like I'm watching CNN watch the news. Just take an hour, figure out what you want to say, then go on the air.”

The dinner also saw Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, journalists who broke the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon speak.

Defiant N Korea test- Hafiz Saeed's house fires ballistic missile arrest extended SEOUL: North Korea testfired a ballistic missile over the weekend, a little after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to “catastrophic consequences”. US and South Korean officials said the test, conducted from an area north of the North Korean capital, seemed to have failed.

A South Korean official said the test came as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula where it began exercises with the South Korean navy on Saturday, 12 hours after the failed launch. Speaking in a UN Security Council meeting on North Korea, Tillerson said all options were on the table if Pyongyang persisted with its nuclear and missile development. When President Donald Trump was asked about his message to Kim

Kim Jong-un

Jong Un, he refused to elaborate, just telling reporters, “You'll soon find out”.

Speaking at the UN meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem. “The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side,” Wang said.

The Korean peninsula has been high on tension for the past few weeks as fears that the North may conduct a long-range missile test, around the time of its state founder's birth looms over.

ISLAMABAD: Duration of Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed's house arrest has been extended by 90 days by the Pakistan government. An official of Punjab government's Home Department said that the decision was taken under the anti-terrorism act and the notification for it will be issued soon. “The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain, and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days under preventive detention,” he said.

He added that a consultative meeting on the militant leader's detention was already held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, in which an extension on his house arrest was decided.

Saeed and the four leaders were put under house arrest in Lahore on January 30, for their alleged involve-

Hafiz Saeed

ment in activities prejudicial to peace and security.

Reports suggested that the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after Donald Trump took over the US administration, and had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

The front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Jamaat-ud- Dawah and its sister organisation Falahe-Insaniat Foundation were put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs.

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US court confirms death penalty for Indian-origin techie

NEW YORK: The Pennsylvania’s high court has confirmed the death sentence of an Indian techie for the murders of a 10-month old baby and her grandmother following a botched kidnapping plot to pay for his gambling. Raghunandan Yandamuri was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to death in 2015 for the killings of Saanvi Venna and her 61-year-old grandmother Satayrathi Venna.

Yandamuri knew the baby’s parents. Though Yandamuri has been sentenced to death, there is a moratorium on executions in Pennsylvania.

Indian killed in crossfire outside US motel

NEW YORK: A 56-year-old Indian man has been killed after getting caught in a crossfire outside a motel in the US state of Tennessee, becoming the fifth from the community to be killed in the country since February. Khandu Patel, father of two, worked as a housekeeper at America's Best Value Inn and Suites in Whitehaven. The incident occurred while Patel was walking around the property. He was hit by the bullets fired by someone. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but he died later. In February, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed when a US Navy veteran opened fire at him. Harnish Patel, a 43-year-old Indian-origin store owner, was found dead of gunshot wounds in the front yard of his home in Lancaster, South Carolina, in early March. On March 23, Sasikala Narra (38) and her son Anish Narra (6) were found dead inside their apartment in New Jersey.

Canada's Indian-origin defence minister urged to quit

OTTAWA: Canada's opposition on Monday called for Indian-origin defense minister Harjit Sajjan to resign or be sacked for overstating his military record in Afghanistan during a speech in India. Sajjan, a decorated former military intelligence officer, erroneously claimed last month to have been the "architect" of Canada's largest military operation since the 1950s, known as Operation Medusa.

The 2006 offensive delivered a blow to the Taliban, loosening its grip on Kandahar province, but at a cost - a dozen Canadian and 14 British soldiers died. “It's come to light that the minister of defense has misled Canadians once again and it's a big one," said Rona Ambrose, leader of the opposition Tories, recalling that Sajjan made a similar claim while campaigning in 2015.

Taliban blast aimed at Pak Shias kills 14

PARACHINAR (PAKISTAN): At least 14 people, including two women and four children, were killed when a passenger van hit a land mine in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan. The vehicle was on its way from Godar area to Sadda town when it ran over the landmine planted along the road in Kurram Agency. A splinter group of the outlawed Tehrike-Taliban Pakistan, Jamaatul Ahrar, has claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesman for the Jamaat-ur-Ahrar said the blast was intended to target the country's Shia minority and workers in the area carrying out a census. “Our target was the Shia community and census team in the area,” a spokesman for the outfit said.

Pak hangs four found guilty by military courts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hanged four “hardcore” Taliban militants convicted of terrorism-related offences by the controversial military courts.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said that they were hanged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Ghafoor further stated that they were involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, including killing of innocent civilians, attacking armed forces of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies. Military courts were restored last month for another two years after their initial two-year term expired in January.

WORLD Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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3 Indians indicted in US genital mutilation case In Brief AsianVoiceNews

NEW YORK: A grand jury in the US indicted an India-born doctor and his wife, along with another Indian-origin female doctor in a first-of-its kind federal prosecution involving female genital mutilation.

Fakhruddin Attar, 53, and his wife Farida Attar, 50, were charged with conspiring to perform female genital mutilations on minor girls in the former's medical clinic in Livonia.

They were arrested on April 21.

They were also charged with helping Jumana Nagarwala, 44, to perform FGM on two minor girls.

The indictment handed in

by US District Court said Jumana cut the genitals of two Minnesota girls with aid from another doctor who allowed the surgery in his Livonia clinic, and, helped coordinate the girls' trip to Michigan. It also alleges that the three people tried to obstruct investigation

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Speaking with federal a g e n t s Fakhruddin said he has k n o w n Nagarwala and she occasionally saw patients at his clinic even though she Fakhruddin Attar and Jumana Nagarwala was not employed by telling other people to make there. He said she only saw false statement to authorities patients at BMC when the clinand are accused of lying to ic was closed and that his wife investigators. Charges on used to be present in the examNagarwala state that she used ining room while Nagarwala to perform the medical procetreated the minor girls. An dure on minor girls at Burhani investigation revealed that sevMedical Clinic in Michigan, eral minor girls informed owned and operated by forensic personnel that Fakhruddin. The Attars have Nagarwala had performed been accused of arranging and procedures on their genitals, assisting in female mutilation with one revealing that Farida operations performed by had been present when Nagarwala, and allowing their Nagarwala did the FGM proclinic to be used.

cedures.

The complaint against the three doctors stated that some of the minor victims travelled interstate to have the procedure performed, and alleged that it was performed on girls approximately between the age of six to eight years old. It further said that federal agents reviewed her telephone records and further investigation revealed that parents of two minors girls had travelled to Michigan. The minors were later interviewed by a forensic expert and one of them said she was told she was coming to Detroit for a “special” girls trip, but later learnt they had to go to the doctor because “our tummies hurt”.

FGM has been a crime under federal law since 1996 and is punishable by up to five years in prison. However, it is not a crime in 26 US states including Michigan.

NY-based beer brand sells beer called Bengali A popular New York-based beer brand, Sixpoint brewery now sells pints called Bengali. Launched in 2004 as a tribute to the Royal Bengali Tiger, the beer's name was later changed to just Bengali in 2014. One of the many beers at their place, the orange and white colours of the beer reminded its creators of the native Bengali cat.

A report revealed that the beer is rated highly as an IPA (India Pale Ale), making Sixpoint a good brand. Even with its bitter taste, Bengali is said to have packed a punch and has almost no sedimentation. Beer connoisseur Henry Lawson described the beer on his Instagram, saying, “The Bengali tiger beer smells like a small Parisian stall selling

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fresh fruit and flowers in the middle of a pine forest. It tastes grassier than the contents of that jar on my brother's bedside table with some caramel, fruit and resin blended in for added complexity. These fresh and balanced flavours are displayed through the carbonation, bitterness, and mouthfeel of any good IPA. It's a majestic creature!”

23

PIO recommended for `IP czar' post

WASHINGTON: PIO Vishal Amin's name has been sent by President Trump to the Senate for confirmation as US's new “IP czar” to coordinate the country's law enforcement strategy around copyright, patents and trademarks. If confirmed, Amin, who is senior counsel on House Judiciary Committee, would succeed Daniel Marti. The Recording Industry Association of America welcomed his nomination.

Saudi to fund 560 mosques in Bangladesh

DHAKA: Bangladesh has approved a project to build hundreds of mosques with almost $1 billion from Saudi Arabia, an official said, worrying minorities who fear they could be used to spread fundamentalist Islam. The government plans to construct 560 mosques - one in every town in Bangladesh - as the secular administration woos Islamist groups before elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought the funds from Saudi Arabia, which will provide the lion's share of the $1.07 billion cost, during a visit to the oil-rich state last year, said Bangladesh planning minister Mustofa Kamal.

Impeachment motion against Nepal’s 1st woman CJ

KATHMANDU: An impeachment motion against Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice Sushila Karki was registered in the Parliament by two major ruling parties, accusing her of “interfering” in the jurisdiction of the executive and issuing “prejudiced” verdicts. A total of 249 lawmakers from the ruling NC and CPN (Maoist Centre) have signed the motion which has accused Justice Karki of “interfering in the jurisdiction of executive and failing to issue verdicts without being prejudiced”.

24

INDIA

AIADMK merger stuck on CM’s post Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

CHENNAI: Within hours of TTV Dinakaran's arrest, banners of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was seen being removed from the party headquarters last week.

Sasikala's nephew and the party deputy general secretary, Dinakaran was arrested last week in connection with a bribery case. His aunt currently serves a prison term in Bangalore in a disproportionate assets case.

The removal of banners and photographs of 'Chinnamma' were one of the conditions demanded by O Panneerselvam faction to

VK Sasikala

move ahead with a merger with the Sasikala faction of AIADMK. Presidium chairman of the OPS side, E Mashusudanan demanded the removal of the banners, which drew positive response from OPS himself. However, the merger remains stuck as both

Kerala beauty wins Mrs India contest NEW DELHI: The only representative from Kerala, Lakshmi Atul, was given the titles of Mrs India, and Mrs Intelligent, at the Mrs IndiaQueen of Substance 2017 held earlier last month. Vice President of Aries Group of Companies, a multi-national consortium of 45 companies spread across 45 countries, Lakshmi had a message for all “fellow” women.

“I feel extremely honoured and elated to have been conferred with this honour.

Being from Kerala, a state known for its literacy rate and gender equality, being conferred as Mrs Intelligent has brought me double the joy and jubilation. I just want to let all my fellow women know that marriage is actually the beginning of your journey to all your dreams. It is all about believing in yourself and staying positive,” she said. The pageant aims to create and empower role models who will further, serve as ambassadors of charity, and promote the advancement of women. Held annually, the

Mrs India- Queen of Substance celebrates married Indian woman.

With a slew of successful projects in her kitty, Lakshmi also serves as head of the Oscar Awards Consultancy, and film festival divisions.

She worked as the research head for a documentary called 'Dams- the lethal water bombs' which went on to receive over 23 international recognitions. Lakshmi has a daring spirit and a gritty determination to achieve her goals and dreams. She is dogged in her efforts and never backs down from a challenge. She is a beacon for women around the world who have an insatiable desire to chase their dreams.

AAP's Punjab in-charge Sanjay Singh quits post NEW DELHI: Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh resigned as the party's Punjab incharge, over its drubbing in the state Assembly polls in February. Singh announced the news on micro-blogging website Twitter, saying, “I have submitted my resignation as the party in-charge of Punjab to AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Durgesh (Pathak) has also submitted his resignation as co-incharge.”

The resignation came a day after AAP's Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey quit over the party's defeat in the recently held Delhi municipal polls.

It, however, remains unclear whether both the resignations have been accepted by Kejriwal or not. The sad outcome of the polls also saw a demand from AAP workers in Punjab to fix responsibility for the party's defeat.

Meanwhile, amid speculations of the churning of its Punjab unit, state convenor Gurpreet Singh Waraich

(Ghuggi) underlined the need for the outfit's high command not to lose contact with its local volunteers and leadership at this point. Waraich said the threat of rival parties poaching on AAP MLAs was real. “The way the party has created distance from local volunteers and leadership, chances of people contemplating to part ways can increase.

It is a juncture for course correction, and we cannot afford to have this sort of carelessness. I would definitely raise this matter at the forthcoming meeting of the political affairs committee of the party.”

Meanwhile, speculations were rife that at least two AAP leaders were in contact with the Congress. However, they denied any such move at this point, adding that they were hopeful that the party leadership would do introspection and make necessary changes.

"Since the party is in low spirits, there are all sorts of rumours doing the rounds, said an AAP leader.

the sides are yet to settle who will become Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister- current CM Edappadi K Palaniswami or OPS. A senior EPS group leader said the OPS faction was delaying merger talks for over a week, even after their main demand, to denounce the Sasikala family, was fulfilled last week.

Sasikala faction remained silent on Dinakaran's arrest on the charge that he allegedly tried to bribe Election Commission officials to use the party symbol in a by-poll for the RK Nagar seat, that fell vacant since former chief min-

ister J Jayalalithaa's death.

AIADMK leadership remains clueless on how to keep Sasikala and her family out when party organs, such as the mouthpiece Namadhu MGR, Jaya TV, and several assets of the party, remain with her loyalists. Meanwhile OPS camp leader KP Munusamy welcomed the removal of her posters. He said, “Removal of Sasikala's posters from the AIADMK headquarters is a happy and welcoming step by the EPS camp. It it goes in the same way, we will talk for merger. We are all brothers from same family.”

TN govt stand on suicides shock farmers CHENNAI: In a shocking and almost cruel move, the Tamil Nadu government told the Supreme Court that not a single farmer committed suicide due to the ongoing drought in the state, but in face, died of “natural causes”.

The SC was hearing a petition on drought and farmer suicides in the state, which alleged that there were 82 farmer suicides in the state.

The state government said it had given Rs 300,000 each to the families.

Hurt by the government's statement, farmer associations said it was cruel of them to say there have been no suicides. They said the government had acknowledged 18 farmer suicides between November and end of January, and over a hundred deaths due to shock over crop loss. It had then directed the collectors to probe and provide relief. Member of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, B Dhandapani said, “The government telling

the Supreme Court that no farmer committed suicide is a joke. Haven't they paid Rs 300,000 relief to families of those who died here? We condemn this.”

Philomena Mary, whose husband Antony Samy reportedly died of shock after his crop dried up in parched Nagapattinam, said she had three daughters to look after and she doesn't know what to do now. “The government gave up Rs 300,000, but it's not enough. We took loans and pledged our gold. I've to educate my children. My daughters have to be married.

It would be nice if the government could help us.”

With a 60 per cent deficit in rainfall, Tamil Nadu is facing its worst drought in 140 years. All 32 districts have been declared drought-hit.

Protesting farmers have been demanding a £4 billion drought relief package, farm loan waiver and setting up of the Cauvery Management Board by the centre.

SYL canal: SC asks states to respect verdict NEW DELHI: India's top court said it was not averse to talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana, to resolve the longstanding Satluj-Yamuna Link canal issue. However, it said, the dignity of the court and the verdict should be “considered and respected.”

The court's remark came soon after a bench consisting of Justices PC Ghose and Amitava Roy was informed by Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar that the PM met Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar regarding the issue, on April 20. The SG said another round of meeting was also held on the contentious issue between Modi and the two CMs on the sidelines of a Niti Aayog meet.

“We have no issues if the matter is settled but there is a decree of this court and it should be taken into account during the talks,” the bench said. It added that the “digni-

ty of this court and dignity of decree needs to be respected.

We don't wish to say anything further on the talks.” Justice Ghose, who is to superannuate on May 27, given the SC would be on summer vacation, expressed regret for not being able to deliver the judgment due to a lack of time.

“When we started to hear the matter, we were eager to deliver the verdict and settle the issue but due to deferment and adjournment, it could not be done,” he said.

Senior advocate RS Suri, appearing for Punjab, talked about the meeting with the PM and said certain facts had come up which need to be ascertained. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, for Haryana, said there was no fruitful result and the possibility of any amicable settlement also looked very remote. “The matter has been pending before the bench since November last. There are already two decrees of the court and we are anxiously waiting for these to be executed by the plaintiff,” he said.

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Court refuses to cancel bail of Jagan Mohan

HYDERABAD: A court in Hyderabad rejected an appeal made by the Central Bureau of Investigation seeking to cancel the bail granted the YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. Investigators claimed that Reddy was trying to influence witnesses and tamper with evidence. Reddy is accused of putting pressure on various individuals and firms to invest millions in his businesses as a “quid pro quo” for favours bestowed on them during the tenure of his father YS Rajasekhar Reddy, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister. He was arrested in March 2012, and released after 16 months in prison.

Dinakaran brought back to Delhi

NEW DELHI: Ousted AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran has been brought back to Delhi for further questioning in connection with the Election Commission bribery case. The Delhi Police questioned several men suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the case. The Crime Branch also grilled some others who allegedly had knowledge about the money transaction. Earlier, a Delhi Court sent alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekhar to judicial custody till May 12 and Hawala operator Naresh Jain in connection with a bribery case to police remand till April 30.

Dinakaran's house was searched and an informal interrogation was done with his wife, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police said.

Kerala declared drought-hit state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has declared the state as drought-hit, given the sharp decrease in rainfall during the South West monsoon. It said the Centre would be approached for necessary assistance to meet the emergency situation. Kerala Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan made the announcement in the Assembly. “According to IMD figures, there has been a sharp decrease in rainfall to the tune of 34 per cent during the South-West monsoon. There has also been a sharp decline in rainfall during North-East monsoon,” he said. “So, the government has declared the state as total drought-hit.

24 policemen found stealing electricity in Haryana

GURGAON: Twenty four Haryana police officials were found stealing power, during a surprise raid conducted by a vigilance team from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, at the Police Lines in Gurgaon. A state government spokesperson said, “17 were found using a direct supply from the mainline without meters, while meters of seven others were found tempered with.” The tempered power supply meters have been sent for a laboratory test.” The officials will assess the amount of fine on the basis of actual power load. The accused police officials will be served a notice to pay the fine. FIRs will be registered against the accused officials besides a legal action, if they failed to pay the fine.”

Sidhu to pay Rs 2400,000 to distressed farmers

AMRITSAR: Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has announced a compensation of Rs 2400,000, from his own pocket to some farmers who suffered heavy losses after their crop was damaged by devastating fire. Sidhu made the announcement, after he visited the Othian village where wheat crop spread over 300 acres was destroyed in a devastating fire. Sidhu announced that the farmers will be compensated at a rate of Rs 8,000 per acre. “I understand this is not enough, and this is the reason I have come here today. To further compensate the farmers as I feel their pain, I will give the same amount out of my own pocket.

It adds up to Rs 2400,000 and I will pay from my personal funds. I do not want to put burden on the state exchequer,” he said.

HERITAGE - HISTORY Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

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25

Devarshi Narada : The Father of Communication Many aspects of life and teachings of the great Indian sage require scrutiny

Dr. Hari Desai Unlike the image of a mischief-monger sage, the research on Devarshi Narada presents him as one of the most trustworthy trouble-shooter and a back-

biter as also a divine sagethe embodiment of righteousness and pathfinder for moksha, liberation. He is mentioned in the Vedas, B r a h m a s u t r a s , Upanishads, Mahabharata and Puranas. Even Dr. B. L. Raina in his book “Legends and Teachings of the Greatest Hindu Divine Sage : Narada” quotes Lord Krishna saying in Bhagavad Gita : “I am Narada among the Divine Sages.”( 10:26 ) This statement places Narada in the category of the Greatest Divine sages, as Sri Krishna is the embodiment of the Supreme Being. Of course, Dr. Raina does advise that many aspects of Narada’s life and teachings require scrutiny. For instance, was there one Naradaa alone or several? The Naradaa of the Upanishads cannot be the

Devarshi with Pandavas Dr.B.L.Raina’s researchbased book on Narada

same as the Narada of the Puranas.

Narada Muni or Devarshi Narada has been a popular mythological character of Indian mythology.

He remained in limelight among Gods and demons for being a communicator who was loved and respected by everyone alike.

Narada is the most potent and omnipresent commu-

nicator in almost all Indian scriptures, says Prof. B. K. Kuthiala, the Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication located at Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh. “If one accepts the ancient Indian scriptures as the narration of reality, Narada emerges as a key figure giving shape to the events of the future. Even if one is not able to believe in the reality of the ancient Indian civilization, the existence of ancient literature is an indisputable factor. Even if this literature is fiction, it is a wonderful collection of innovation and functional creativity where Narada is a major player.”

Prof.Kuthiala has an important observation to add : “ All Europeans who studied one or a few scriptures in isolation could not comprehend the real character of Narada and those of us who followed Europeans’ interpretations also projected him as a person who creates tensions and differences between different kings and kingdoms. But later scholars, who studied Narada in totality, find him not only a great communicator but also a person totally committed to the welfare of entire humanity.”

Narada’s profound devotion to Lord Krishna appears to have been the motive for his deep interest in music. He invented the Veena, lute, to sing the glories of Krishna. He was initiated into music by his father Brahma during the period he was taught Vedanga. He is described as

Narada with Lord Shiva Devarshi Narada

pioneer in the field of population and the family planning movement. He served as the first Director of Family Planning of India apart from his service to UN and WHO. Dr. Raina has calculated the dates of

and BrihanNaradaiya Purana around the sixteenth or seventeenth century and Vishnu Purana as 100-300 AD. The Narada Dharmashastra or Narada Smriti are also about the same period(100-300AD).”

Devarshi with Pandavas

God, Narada would always anticipate what God was planning. He had access to any Deva(God) or Danava(Demon). Narada played the part of a divine messenger to perfection.

He was always on move with his Veena and kept abreast with everything going on with the human, Devas and Danava or Rakshasas. His teaching was always addressed to all group of people. The main teachings of Narada are “ to be good and to do good” .

Narada was considered a Bal Brahmachari( a confirmed bachelor forever).There various legendary tales about his wish to marry. Narada began planning how he could get Lord Vishnu’s glory. He went to Vishnu and prayed for a face resembling Hari to look most handsome for the Princess Swayamvar so that she would pick only

Books on Narada

an outstanding dancer and singer. Apart from that he is expected to have received the knowledge of Ayurveda, the science of life, from his father Brahma and Dhanvantari, the Vedic God of medicine, who was pleased with his dance and song performance.

Dr. Raina, who is considered to be an authority on studies of Narada, served in the Army Medical Corps(1940-’56) and was

Devarshi Narada. He writes : “The earliest reference to Narada is in Rigveda(c 2000- 1500 BC), the two Upnishads(Chandogya Upanishada, c 900 BC to 500 BC and Naradaparivrajaka Upanishad) later than Chandogya Upanishad and Mahabharata (c 500 BC).The period of Narada Pancaratram is generally placed around the sixteenth century, Narada Purana

A great thinker, Devarshi Narada, roamed the world over in different past. His legends are many and varied and they have been preserved by sages and scholars and promoted by bards. Modifications, alterations and additions were made to them. Narada was very conscious of the nature of human beings, their beliefs and faiths and their levels of development.

Regarded as the ‘mind’ of

him. Vishnu granted his wish.

Unfortunately, Narada did not know that Vishnu’s other name, Hari, also meant a monkey.

When Narada went to the assembly of all the kings and princes, he walked in believing that he was the most handsome of all the princes and was sure that the princess would certainly choose him. To his utter shock, she came to Narada and laughed at him. She

gave the garland to Vishnu ! When Narada looked in the mirror or water, he saw he had the face of a monkey. He was so furious that he cursed Vishnu.

Heard K. S. Sudarshan, the late chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh( RSS), talking about Devarshi Narada, considering him as the first ever journalist and communicator who would gather unbiased information from Trilok of the universe, some 17 years back in Gujarat when this writer had invited him for a public function. He pleaded to follow Narada as an ideal who was acceptable to both Devas and Danavas. The very next year i.e. in May 2002, Vishwa Samvad Kendra(VSK), run by the followers of RSS ideology, organized the Narada Jayanti celebration at Ahmedabad, inviting the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest, calling for the photoframe of Narada from this writer’s home. After that it became a national event.

Now almost every VSK organizes a yearly event as Patrakar Diwas(Journalist Day) and gives away Narada awards to journalists in recognition of their positive journalism.

Dispassionate selection and narration of events, an image of full trustworthiness and commitment to overall societal welfare are the three traits that any journalist today would aspire to acquire. Narada can be an ideal role model.

It would be appropriate to dismantle the distorted image built around Narada of being perpetuator of quarrels and dissent and give adequate place to him according to his deeds and intentions.

Next Column : Early Arrival of Islam in Southern India ( The writer is a Socio-political Historian. E-mail : haridesai@gmail.com )

26

INDIA

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Completes 45 Years Dear Friends, by the time you receive this week's copy of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, it will have already completed 45 years, and entered its 46th year.

The entire credit for our these successful and glorious past years goes to our readers, our clients, customers, and friends- all who have been our biggest cheerleaders.

On May 5, 1972, former Indian High Commissioner Appa Saheb Pant launched the first edition of Gujarat Samachar.

Kusumben Shah, Pranlal Sheth, Balwantsinh Kapoor, Nalinkant Pandya and Yudhvir began the publica-

tion as a tabloid. As years passed, CB Patel took over the responsibility of the paper on April 9, 1976. All those who know CB well, must also know that he had no experience in the fields of journalism, printing, and publishing. It however, did not deter his will and he made several attempts to learn all those things.

We keep all readers of both- Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, on a high pedestal and constantly strive to keep them happy.

Along with the two newsweeklies, we have also published several magazines on different subjects and occasions, along with

calendars. Not just publishing, we are also involved in several community services and participate on any given opportunity. We hold programmes to honour the community's elderly (Vadil Sanman), children who dutifully take care of their

parents (Shravan Sanman), and exceptional students (Saraswati Sanman). There are other programmes like the Asian Achievers' Awards, Asian Voice Political and Public Life Award, and Asian Voice Charity Award.

Friends, if it weren't for you, we would not have been able to touch new milestones every year. Also, the presence of proficient and capable employees in both offices- London and Ahmedabad, has just strengthened our spirit.

You motivate us to be better and excel at what we do.

-ABPL Team

Egyptian's UAE shift delayed by holidays, need for permit Egyptian Eman Ahmed's shift from Mumbai's Saifee Hospital to the UAE took a temporary setback given both the countries are observing holidays. The necessary permit from UAE has reportedly been delayed due to the weekend holidays on Friday and Saturday, in the Middle East.

Scheduled to leave Mumbai on Sunday, Eman has been having a tough time, first coping with her excessive weight and then its treatment.

Aviation experts said several clearances were required for air ambulances to fly outside India, and the process itself could take a couple of days. Sources from the Mumbai hospital said the team from UAE's VPS Hospital hadn't got back to the hospital administrators in the last two days.

Eman Ahmed

“We have no confirmation about when Eman is supposed to leave. We had asked the VPS team to give us adequate time so that a medical team can carry out the discharge process properly,” a doctor said.

Lead doctor, and head of Eman's medical group, Dr Muffazal Lakdawala said he had asked the VPS team to share its assessment report with the

Saifee Hospital team, “but that hasn't happened either.” Once tagged the 'Heaviest woman in the world' Eman Ahmed was brought to Mumbai where a professional team lead

by Lakdawala began her treatment on a pro bono basis. However, following an ugly spat between her sister Shaimaa Semil and doctors at Saifee, UAEbased VPS offered to take

over her case and continue her treatment in Dubai.

Dr Shamseer Vayalil, Indian-origin founder of VPS, released a statement saying, “Our teams of doctors has gone through Eman's medical reports, which include her CT scan, X-ray and blood reports. We have also got a short summary of her medical condition from Saifee Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. On Sunday, she will be shifted to our Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.”

During the six-hourlong transfer to the UAE, Eman will be accompanied by a team of doctors, paramedics and nurses on the air ambulance. “There will be four or five doctors, including an intensivist, two flight paramedics, and three trained nurses,” Vayalil said.

Pakistan's barbaric act shocks the world Continued from page 1 shells, rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy machine guns at Indian posts in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district along the Line of Control.

The shelling made as a cover fire to members of Pakistan's Border Action Team- allegedly a mixed group of Pakistani army regulars and militants.

They attacked a 10-man Indian patrol comprising soldiers from 22 Sikh Regiment and the BSF. An army statement said, “Pak army carried out unprovoked rocket and mortar firing on two forward posts... Simultaneously a BAT action was launched on a patrol operating between the two posts. In an unsoldierly act by the Pak army, the bodies of two of our soldiers in the patrol were mutilated.” The senior-most member of the squad, Singh was leading the patrol.

Sources said that

Pakistan's 647 Mujahid Battalion, deployed on the forward defence line, was responsible for the firing that began at 8.25 am. At least four rocket-propelled grenades and bursts of automatic weapons were fired towards the Kripan-1 outpost manned by the BSF. Indian soldiers retaliated with automatic weapons at 8.40 pm, with the firing lasting almost an hour. “It was a pre-planned operation of the Pakistani army. They had pushed BAT members into India and set up ambushes to carry out the attack.”

The Pakistani Army has, however, denied the act, saying theirs is a “highly professional force and will never disrespect a soldier. A statement from their inter-services public relations wing said, “Pakistan Army did not commit any ceasefire violation on LoC as alleged by India. Indian blame of mutilating its soldiers' bod-

ies is also false.”

The barbaric act has been condemned by the Indian government and full confidence and faith is reposed in the Indian armed forces, which has vowed to respond appropriately. In a hotline conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen AK Bhatt conveyed India's view on the incident. He expressed concern about the incident in which “Pak troops targeted (an) Indian patrol on Indian side of the LoC” and “mutilated bodies of two soldiers.” Bhatt had, in an Indian Army statement, said such a “dastardly and inhuman act is beyond any norms of civility and merits unequivocal condemnation and response.”

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said, “This is a reprehensible and an inhuman act. Such attacks don't happen even during a war, let

alone peace... The sacrifice of these soldiers will not go in vain.” This isn't the first time Pakistani army resorted to the mutilation of Indian soldiers.

On October 28, 2016, 30 year old sepoy Mandeep Singh was killed and his body hacked in the Macchil sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district by militants who were provided cover firing by the Pakistani army. In 2013, Lance Naik Hemraj was killed and his body mutilated by a BAT, which also beheaded Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh. In 2008, a soldier of the 2/8 Gorkha Rifles lost his way and was captured by a BAT team in Kel sector. His body was found beheaded after a few days.

An angry Hindu Kashmiri told Asian Voice, “We Kashmiri Hindus have no voice. We have lost our homes to encroachers. And this barbaric act by the Pakistanis just adds salt to our old wounds."

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'The Black Prince' wins Special Jury award at Worldfest film festival Historical drama based on the true story of the last Maharaja of Punjab, Maharaja Duleep Singh, 'The Black Prince' received the Special Jury Remi Award at the 50th annual WorldFest International Film Festival held in Houston.

Produced by Brillstein Entertainment, and written and directed by Hollywood filmmaker Kavi Raz, the film narrates the story of Duleep Singh, who was exiled by the British to a privileged life in England, when he was only 15.

Acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj who marks his acting debut in the film, made for a very convincing Maharaja, and found support from a stellar cast including Jason Flemyng as Dr Login, Amanda Root as Queen Victoria, and veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi as Maharani Jindan, the king's mother.

Accepting the award, Raz said, “This powerful chapter of Indian history has been poorly documented but it is a chapter that needs to be re-examined.

When I received the opportunity to be part of this wonderful journey and to share this amazing but tragic story with the world, I made a promise that I will share the epic nature of the life of the boy king of the mighty Kingdom of Punjab, but I would also share something of myself as well- my heart and my soul- what moves and inspires me.”

The world's largest independent film festival, WorldFest Houston conlcuded on Monday with the participation of 74 countries. 'The Black Prince' will release in cinemas on July 21, in English, Punjabi, and Hindi.

Yes, we made mistakes, says Arvind Kejriwal Arvind Kejriwal has been listening, hard, to all the criticism about his alleged high-handedness, and has acknowledged that the need of the hour for him is "action and not excuses".

In his tweet, the Delhi chief minister didn't once blame faulty voting machines, conspiracies, or other parties for his Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) humiliating losses in a string of elections.

"The reality is obvious.

Yes, we made mistakes, but we will introspect and course correct...We owe that to voters and volunteers. We owe that to ourselves. Need is action and not excuses," the AAP chief wrote in the tweet he posted.

After the losses in the Delhi civic polls, and the Punjab and Goa Assembly polls, political pundits and many of his party members have put the blame squarely on Kejriwal himself. He's been accused of taking the electorate for granted, of shooting his mouth off when unnecessary, of losing focus and of contributing to a cult of personality that did no one any favours.

In his tweet, Kejriwal, acknowledging this is no time for excuses, said AAP needs to go back to first principles.

"Time to go back to drawing board. To not

Arvind Kejariwal

evolve would be silly", the Delhi chief minister said.

Two days ago, after the results of the Delhi civic polls vote were announced, Kejriwal and a few party members close to him blamed electronic voting machines (EVMs) for AAP's disastrous electoral performances. In fact, they had started blaming EVMs for "a possible loss" even before last Sunday's Delhi civic polls .

"We can't blame EVMs. They aren't the main issue.

The main issue is mistrust," said Kumar Vishwas, an AAP member, whom Kejriwal has described as "being family". Vishwas said AAP "needs to introspect" as "the connect with voters was missing." Another party member also didn't hold back. The party's MP from Punjab Bhagwant Mann said it was wrong to blame the machines for AAP's defeat.

"Instead of finding faults with EVMs, it is time to start finding faults in the party," Mann said.

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health & lifestyle

www.asian-voice.com

| Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Simple eye test can detect glaucoma decades before symptoms start showing

Consuming Less Salt May Not Help Lower Your Blood Pressure, Experts When experts at the Boston University School of Medicine, US carried out fresh trials examining the relationship between salt consumption and blood pressure levels, the outcome was astonishing.

Contrary to popular belief, it was found that less sodium consumption did not lead to reduced blood pressure in the long term.

More that 2,600 men and women were examined and monitored for close to 16 years to conclude the above mentioned findings.

The participants had normal blood pressure at the start of the study.

The team, therefore, explored the possibility of current recommendations for sodium intake to be misguided with respect to blood

pressure levels.

"We saw no evidence that a diet lower in sodium had any long-term beneficial effects on blood pressure," said Lynn Moore, Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine in the US. The findings were presented at the Experimental Biology 2017 meeting, Chicago and questioned the sodium limits recommended by the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day from an average adult American. When the researchers arrived at the end of their study, it was found that those participants who had been adhering to the official guidelines had higher blood pressure levels as compared to their counterparts who ate consumed more sodium. The researchers also found that people in the study who had higher intakes of potassium, calci-

um and magnesium exhibited lower blood pressure over the long term.

It was concluded that a certain subset of people may tend to develop sensitivity toward salt. In such people, low sodium intake may promise benefit in lowering pressure. Experts therefore pressed for further research to develop easier methods to screen salt sensitivity and to determine appropriate guidelines for sodium and potassium intake in the salt-sensitive group of people.

Can blood group predict your risk of getting a heart attack?

When experts from Netherlands studied close to 13 lakh participants, the result of their analysis was astounding. The team was able draw a pattern between the blood group of participants and their susceptibility to coronary events.

It was found that people other than O as their blood group were more

Laughter is the Best Medicine

susceptible to suffering a heart attack. The participants were sourced from 11 cohorts described in none research studies.

Researchers found that the odds ratio (OR) for all coronary events was significantly higher in carriers of a non-O blood group.

"We demonstrate that having a non-O blood group is associated with a 9

“I’d like to discuss something with you,” my husband told our nine-year-old son.

He was about to launch into The Talk.

“What is it?” asked Michael.

“We’re going to talk about girls.”

“What about girls?”

“Well, we’re going to talk about how girls get pregnant.”

“But, Dad,” said Michael, “I’m a boy!” ***

After a rough day spent corralling my rowdy kids, I’d had enough.

“I think I’m going to sell them,” I hissed to my sister.

“You’re crazy,” she said.

“For thinking of selling them?”

“For thinking someone would buy them.” *** Just before the final exam in my college finance class, a less-than-stellar student approached me.

“Can you tell me what grade I would need to get on the exam to pass the course?” he asked.

I gave him the bad news. “The exam is worth 100 points. You would need 113 points to earn a D.” “OK,” he said. “And how many points would I need to get a C?” *** Scene: Horseback-riding stable.

Mom: Those horses are awfully big for my daughter.

Me: Our horses are very sweet …

Mom: Don’t you have something smaller? What about that one over there? It’s the perfect size for her!

Me: Um … that’s a goat.

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Glaucoma is described as one of the biggest causes of blindness in the world. The irreversible blindness happens as a result of the degeneration and loss of apoptosis - retina cells located at the back of the eye.

In most cases, spotting glaucoma is a tricky affair and is often detected at a stage when the patient has already lost most of his/her ability to see. Early detection is therefore paramount to treat the ailment and prevent patients from losing sight completely. "Most patients have lost a third of vision by the time they are diagnosed," Francesca Cordeiro, professor at UCL, reported by PTI.

"Treatment is much more successful when it is begun in early stages of the disease, when sight loss is minimal. Our developments mean we could diagnose patients 10 years earlier than was previously possible," said Philip Bloom, Western Eye Hospital in the UK. The study was published in the journal Brain.

The study was published in the journal Brain and stated that the examination uses equipment used during routine hospital eye examinations.

Researchers hope that eventually it may be possible for opticians to conduct the tests, enabling even earlier detection of the disease.

Neeta’s Clinic Herbal

percent increased risk of coronary events and a 9 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular events, especially heart attack," Tessa Kole, University Medical Centre Groningen, Netherlands; reported by PTI. "Blood group should be considered in risk assessment for cardiovascular prevention, together with

cholesterol, age, sex and systolic blood pressure," Kole said.

The OR for combined cardiovascular events was significantly higher in nonO blood group carriers.

The analysis of fatal coronary events did not show a significant difference between people with O and non-O blood groups, researchers said.

for Hair & Skin Care

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AsianVoiceNews

Jyothika's questions to directors

Asian Voice

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cademy Awardwinning composer AR Rahman has turned director for the world's first cinematic Virtual Reality immersive narrative- 'Le Musk'. The first poster of the movie features the film's lead actor Nora Arnezeder, seen to be engulfed in the aroma around her. Shot in Rome, the film tells the tale of an orphaned childJuliet, a full time heiress and part-time musician who grows up to be a diva on a mission. Her only constant companion remains the lingering

'Baahubali' mania grips Hyderabad

G

iving a fantastic speech in Tamil, during the audio launch event of 'Magalir Mattum', actress Jyothika urged directors to respect female characters more.

“Please give some dignity for women characters. Give them characters of the women like your mother, sister, and girlfriend that are the women in your life.

I think cinema has a big impact on youth. Give intelligent roles to women.

Don't make them a laughing stock with double meaning dialogues, cheap

introduction scenes. Don't make the heroine shamelessly roam behind the hero to get his love,” she said.

The actress, who ruled the south film industry before she voluntarily quit after her marriage with actor Suriya, also added, “One heroine is enough for a hero in a film. Why we keep on increasing the number of heroines? It's just a message to the directors. Please make good films. Let's be socially responsible for the women in our country. This really has a big impact.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Rahman unveils poster of his directorial debut ‘Le Musk’

6th May 2017

Last week, the country got caught in a 'Baahubali' storm as fans of SS Rajamouli's magnum opus raced from one theatre to another in hopes of finding some precious tickets. A video clip that went viral on social media showed film enthusiasts waiting in a serpentine queue, roughly three-km long, outside Prasad's Imax theatre on Necklace Road in Hyderabad to pre-book their seats for 'Baahubali: The Conclusion'.

The film made a whopping £50 million before its release with industry insiders hinting at tickets going for Rs 600 or more.

“In fact black marketeers are charging anywhere between Rs 1,000 and Rs 4,000 per ticket. That's how insane the demand is,” a source said.

Rajamouli equates Rajinikanth to the God!

S

Kamal Haasan's another amazing talent

I

t is no secret that multi-talented Kamal Haasan is proficient in several languages, including his mother tongue Tamil. He can fluently speak in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, along with English and its different accents and dialects. Now it is learnt that the 'Ulaganayagan' actor has signed up on another language.

Muskan scent. Juliet's life however, takes a dramatic turn when she receives an anonymous message that brings back her mysterious past. Feelies - a London based company, headed by Grace Boyle, has developed the scents at intermittent points coupled with AV to lure the sense of smell.

Written, directed and scored by Rahman, the movie stars Nora Anezeder, Guy Burnet, Munirih Jahanpour, and Mariam Zohrabyan in the lead. It is set to release on May 10.

Prominent sign language expert and anchor Vijayalakshmi in a recent

interview, revealed that Kamal is proficient enough in sign language to communicate with deaf and dumb people. “Once I went to meet Kamal Haasan to invite him for a function with my students. He started talking with the students in sign language and eliminated my work of interpreting his words to them. He also knows American sign language,” Vijayalakshmi said.

uperstar Rajinikanth in the recent past has watched quite a few films and appreciated them. If he likes a film, the Superstar will pour in the praise with utmost generosity and be it a small budget film with newcomers or a mega budget multi-lingual film with huge star value and prerelease expectation.

Rajinikanth recently watched and praised 'Maanagaram' and '8 Thottakkal'. Now he has watched director S.S.Rajamouli's epic sequel 'Baahubali 2:The Conclusion' and has praised it to the skies.

Calling 'Baahubali 2' as Indian Cinema's pride, the Thaliavar has also hailed Rajamouli as "God's own child" and named the film as his masterpiece.

It is not wonder that this has overwhelmed Rajamouli beyond words.

Addressing Rajinikanth as "Thalaivaa", Rajamouli has said that the Superstar's wish is like the God himself has blessed the 'Baahubali' team.

Rahman's surprise birthday gift to Sachin Tendulkar

C Mantostaan

A dark satire on the 1947 India-Pakistan partition.

ricket legend Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 44th birthday last week and the entire internet generously showered its blessings. AR Rahman, who has composed the music for the cricketer's upcoming biopic 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' chose to surprise him by releasing the first song he composed for his movie.

In a Twitter message,

the music director said the song is his tribute to “one of the greatest son of the soil”.

Sachin retweeted the message and said Rahman himself was also the son of India due to the blessings of the Almighty, and thanked him for his amazing music.

Watching the two legends wrapped up in great camaraderie fills us with such warm feels.

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www.asian-voice.com

'Rang Rangeela Gujjubhai' in the UK

AsianVoiceNews

I

f you love your funnybones to be tickled you need a dose of Siddharth Randeria's 'Rang Rangeela Gujjubhai'. Written and directed by Randeria himself, the play is a full family entertainment that closely follows misunderstandings between a husband and his wife.

Priyakant Upadhyay, played by the writer himself, strives to make a better lifestyle for himself and his family, prompting a series of incidents in the bid that leave the audience's stomach hurting.

Along with a stellar performance

by Randeria, the production also makes sure to grasp the typical Gujarati essence of a simple family. 'Rang Rangeela Gujjubhai' is without an ounce of doubt, one of the best in the famous 'Gujjubhai' series.

With over 20,000 live performances and association with over 80 theatre productions, the actor-directorwriter is a well-recognised artist across the the-

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atre community. His 'Gujjubhai' series has found raging success all

over the globe, and been religiously loved by Indian communities abroad.

Randeria's last drama 'Lage Raho Gujjubhai' completed 750 shows in a span of 3 years, setting a record in Gujarati theatre, while his 'Gujjubhai Ghode Chadiya' completed 450 shows. He has even received several national and international awards, and is currently the only actor-director in Gujarati theatre to have given over 20 consecutive hit plays.

Brought to you by international promoter Safdar Hussain ‘Rang Rangeela Gujjubhai’ all set to come in Wembley on May 26, Harrow on May 2 7 , Rickmansworth on May 28, and Leicester on May 29. For further details, contact Videorama Kenton Road Tel 020 8907 0116 and Anand Pan Centre, East London, Tel 020 8471 6387. Media partner is Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. or see advert on page No 23.

Veteran Actor Vinod Khanna no more

F

ormer Bollywood heartthrob, Vinod Khanna passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. The 'Qurbaani' actor was admitted to the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital on March 31, with complications due to severe dehydration. A statement released by the hospital said Khanna was suffering from bladder cancer. A BJP member of the Lok Sabha from Gurdaspur, Punjab, he was in his fourth term as MP. Fêted as one of the most handsome actors of the Hindi film industry,

Khanna made his acting debut in 1968 with 'Man Ka Meet' and moved on to be a celebrated artist.

He has several blockbusters to his credit, including 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', 'Reshma Aur Shera', 'Insaaf', and 'Dayavan'. He surprised his

fans in 1982, a time when his career was at its peak, by taking a break that lasted five years, to join Osho Rajneesh at his ashram in Pune. He soon returned and successfully delivered films like 'Satyameva Jayate'.

Contemporary Shatrughan Sinha called his death a personal loss.

“Vinod Khanna was a greatly admired personality. It's a personal and emotional loss for me as we have been very close and journeyed together in films as well as in politics.”

Malaika says 'Arbaaz will always be family'

Recently divorced Malaika has steadily maintained a dignified silence about her relationship with former husband Arbaaz and the famous Khan family. In a recent interview, the model clarified that there are no ill feelings between the two ex-spouses. Opening about her separation, she said Arbaaz “will always be family. We have a great rapport whether it's our love for food or travel. He's like my biggest hangout buddy.”

The two were married and together for almost 20

years, before they unexpectedly parted ways. The couple have always stated their son is their topmost priority and they would love to keep things as normal as they can for him.

The actor-producer also opened up about her best friend Kareena Kapoor Khan, and what brings them so close to each other.

“I guess we bond more because we are like sisters, we have the same issueswhether it's between the sisters, mother and daughter, mother and son, or husband and wife.”

Priyanka starts ‘Baywatch’ promotions in Mumbai

Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

D

wayne Johnson's Priyanka Choprastarrer 'Baywatch' trailer is out and we are psyched! The new clip has a lot more of PeeCee as the evil Victoria Leeds and it is devilishly good. Currently in India for the promotions of her Hollywood debut, the 'Quantico' actress spoke about her experiences in the wild West. “The kind of films that came to me were very interesting because of 'Quantico'. You can't just arrive there and say I want to work in movies. People need to come to you with

films.” She said making a mark wasn't easy as she had to constantly fight stereotypes. “There has been a stereotype not only in India but also in the West about the lack of understanding of Hindi films. When I walk down on the sets, I want them there to understand that I know my job quite well, which the Hindi film industry has taught me over the years,” she said.

“You can't be be so entitled, just because you're a star here, you should not delude yourself into believing that you'll be treated like

a star in every country. So I never expect that. I am okay walking into the room and saying, 'Hi, I am Priyanka Chopra, I am an Indian actor' and introduce myself to everyone in the room. It doesn't make you small. I think the American press has been wonderfully accepting of me. I haven’t seen them being like this to a lot of Indian actors.”

'Baywatch' stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Kelly Rohrbach, and Alexandra Daddario in the lead and is set for a May 10 release.

keting plans of the producers or distributors of the film. Whenever they share that plan with me, and since it's my own film, I will be happy to do whatever they feel is good for it.”

Speaking about her experiences of the shoot, Kat said, “There have been parts of the journey where

everyone who is a part of it has wondered how and what is going to come. But there has always been an underlying sense that this is going to come together and become something special. Obviously, the results are not in our hands, and we can't predict it, but I feel we went through this for a reason.

Maybe there is no other way.”

An internet newbie, Kat recently shared a picture perfect moment from her 'happy place'. Dressed in a breezy, white beach dress, she can be seen posing for the camera. The actress captioned the picture saying, “New beginnings … coming from my happy place #helloinstagram.”

Katrina not sure of promoting 'Jagga Jasoos' with Ranbir!

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stranged couple Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif will soon begin promotions of their upcoming movie 'Jagga Jasoos' which has been facing an unending delay in release. It has almost been a year since the two parted ways and until now, they made sure to never cross paths at any events and remained tight lipped about their movie.

However, with the constant hold-up and fans losing out interest in the film, Katrina finally decided to break her silence.

“At least a hundred stories about 'Jagga Jasoos' must have come out, but probably 90 per cent of them aren't true. As of now, I don't know the mar-

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UK

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Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

Shorter school week should be considered

17 people discovered living in 3 bed house during crackdown on dodgy landlords More than 17 people were discovered to be living in a three-bedroom house during a crackdown on dodgy landlords.

Harrow Council’s enforcement officers made the “grim discovery” in Edgware last month, after discovering it was being let without a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licence.

Officers found 17 people living in the three-bedroom home, who were all sharing one toilet and bathroom.

However, it is believed that up to 40 people could have been living in the property before the raid.

The homeowner lives abroad and the property is managed by a letting agent who the council have had previous issues with after finding they were letting other overcrowded properties.

The agent could face

now prosecution following the raid, particularly as housing officers could barely see the floor as it was covered with mattresses.

Cllr Graham Henson, cabinet member for environment, crime and community safety said: “It’s troubling to see yet another case of overcrowding in Harrow.

“It’s not safe, it’s not sanitary and it exploits people who deserve somewhere decent to live, just like everyone else. Our licensing scheme is there to ensure incidents like this don’t happen.

“While the majority of landlords and agents operate properly and safety, there are a few who think they can flout the rules.

“We are not afraid to take action – if we suspect foul play or wrongdoing we will carry out raids and will seek to prosecute.”

Coming Events

l Institute of Jainology invites you to the launch of the Jain Manifesto for General Elections 2017, on May 10, 7.30 pm onwards, at Oshwal EKTA Centre, 366A Stag Lane, London NW9 9AA. l The Bhavan presents, Hindustani Vocal Concert by Pandit Santanu Bandopadhyay, with Pt Rajkumar Misra on Tabla on May 6, 6.30 pm, at 4a Castletown Road, West Kensington W14 9HE. l Bhinna Abhinna: Musical Evening with Dr Ramya Mohan, at The Bhavan, on May 7, 6 pm onwards. at 4a Castletown Road, West Kensington W14 9HE. l INS Tarkash to call on London from May 7 to 10.

Open to visitors on the first day, 12.45 pm to 6.00 pm, at West India Dock, Canary Wharf, London E14 9SG. l Attend Sree Sree Thakur Anukul Chandra's Satsang, on May 7, 6.30 pm onwards, at 112 Whitley Street, Reading RG2 0GD.

He said dropping teacher hours could be necessary if a school did not have the staff to run classes safely.

Alternatively, a head may make this decision to prevent schools from axing support staff for children with particular needs.

The motion also gave the NAHT executive the right to encourage its members to take other steps, such as running deficit budgets in schools or refusing to file budgets to local authorities.

The NAHT will discuss further steps in its campaign to oppose school funding cuts at an executive conference in June.

The National Audit Office has found schools are facing budget cuts of £3bn by 2020 because funding was not keeping pace with increased pupil numbers and the rising costs of national insurance and pension contributions.

Ming Jiang

Yang Liu

A gambler who murdered a friend to claim his identity and clear huge debts has been jailed and faces deportation. Ming Jiang was being hounded by creditors when he killed fellow Chinese national Yang Liu, 36. He then dumped Mr Liu's dismembered body in a suitcase near a lay-by in the Peak District.

Jiang, 43, was found guilty earlier at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court. He was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 33 years. As a foreign national, he faces automatic deportation from the

UK. The trial heard Jiang used Mr Liu's bank and credit cards to withdraw thousands of pounds in the two weeks after the killing in October 2016.

Records from casinos in Manchester showed he had bought £178,000worth of gambling chips and had accumulated losses of £273,000. He also reclaimed watches worth £16,000 from pawnbrokers and tried to sell Mr Liu's £220,000 apartment at Salford Quays.

Jiang murdered Mr Liu before cutting his head and limbs off and putting his torso in a suitcase, the prosecution said.

London Marathon runners raise 'record' hundred of thousands for children's hospice charity A group of London Marathon runners raised more than £180,000 for a children’s hospice charity.

A total of 82 Shooting Star Chase runners took to the streets for the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, April 23.

The team was comprised of four bereaved parents, 28 runners with a family connection to the charity, 18 corporate partners and several other local supporters.

Ali Najefi, from Kingsbury, completed the marathon in five hours and 27 minutes in support of

Sneh Joshi

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 With Mercury and Venus in

your solar first house, your disposition is more intellectual than usual and selfexpression comes easily. It is an especially fruitful time for any endeavour that requires communications. Your demeanour is more youthful and easy going so others will find it easy to talk with you.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Your mind is focused on

private matters and past issues while Mercury and Venus transit the twelfth house of your solar chart. This is a time when you are least likely to express yourself freely. You're examining the past for answers. This is a good time for quiet contemplation, and meditation.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Mercury and Venus contin-

ue to journey through your solar eleventh house. This is a time when various networking activities are much appreciated and offer you learning experiences. Your ideas are progressive and you are also interested in spending time with people who are like-minded.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Head teachers could bring in a four-and-a-half day week in schools around England as they grapple with £3bn in budget pressures.

Heads at the National Association of Head Teachers conference said ministers had not been listening to their plight.

They backed a motion giving their leaders licence to explore all available options - including a shorter school week - to protect education.

The government insists school funding has never been higher.

It says funding will rise to £41bn in the next year.

Head teacher Graham Frost said at the conference in Telford that the line from the government was like "a recorded message" that came back every time the issue was raised.

"We are not advocating a four-and-a-half day week, we are just so despairing," said Mr Frost.

Gambler jailed for murdering friend

Mercury and Venus transit your solar tenth house. This is an excellent period for developing career and professional plans or astrategies. Venus is charming and friendly and her presence in your career sector brings you lots of romantic opportunities, or simply more chances to socialize and network.

Good time to seek promotions to improve your status.

his son Adnan has genetic life-limiting condition Mucolipidosis type 2 and receives support from the charity’s Hampton-based hospice.

He said: “The marathon was painful but good, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I did it for my son Adnan – who gave me a big lift when we saw him waving to us on the course.

“He goes to day care and we stay over at the hospice for a break and they’ve been so good to us. I ran with Adnan’s uncle and another friend, and we’re

– it’s nice to be able to give something back.”

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Venus and Mercury continue to grace your solar ninth house. During this cycle, your ideals in love are set high. You could also enjoy a trip, or a new adventure of sorts. In fact, you are attracted to anything that is non-routine. It's a good period for personal charm and attractiveness in general.

Venus and Mercury continue to move through your solar eighth house. You are attracted to the deeper elements of relationships and social interactions now. Mysteries fascinate you and you question other people’s motives for their actions. It's also a strong cycle for discovering your own hidden talents.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Beautiful energy is with you for self-expression and spirit as Venus, your ruling planet and Mercury transit your opposite sign. Others are likely to find you inspiring and they see you in a good light. There can be renewed interest in, and commitment to, broadening your horizons and learning about different ideologies.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Ali Najefi with his son Adnan

all proud to do this for Shooting Star Chase today

Venus and Mercury graces your solar sixth house now.

Establishing a happy and harmonious work environment through friendly relations with co-workers comes into focus now. You're most successful doing tasks that involve cooperation and team harmony. Romantic and social activities may revolve around your working environment.

020 8518 5500

Venus and Mercury continue to trek through your solar 5th house of romance. Meaningful and harmonious relationships--both social and romantic--define you during this cycle. If single, you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship. In general, you are adaptable when it comes to your affections.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Venus and Mercury transit your solar fourth house now. During this cycle, you are especially fond of spending more time at home around the family.

You are more receptive and tend to be sentimental or nostalgic now. Loyalty and sensitivity in your relationships are more important to you than typically.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Venus and Mercury are transiting your solar third house now, indicating a more light-hearted and intellectual approach to love and pleasure. You enjoy talking about what interests you, and you see value in the exchange of ideas. Sometimes this transit brings benefit through siblings, communications, or short trips.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Make hay while Mercury and Venus transit your Solar 2nd house. There is a lot of energy to make the most of money-making opportunities and this is a very resourceful time for you. However, beware of conflicts over ownership and other legal issues. Also avoid being extravagant and trying to prove yourself to others using your material possessions.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

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Britain's Twenty20 tournament gets approval AsianVoiceNews

England and Wales Cricket Board members approved the proposal to start a new eight-team Twenty20 tournament from the year 2020. The proposals were approved by 38 of the 41 board members, with 15 first-class counties in support of the competition.

Essex and Middlesex were the only two counties to vote against the proposals, while Kent abstained from voting.

"I passionately believe that the game has chosen the right path," ECB chairman Colin Graves said.

The ECB needed 31 members to vote in favour of the tournament which will be played alongside the existing T20 Blast. It is not yet known which cities will have sides and where the matches will be played.

"Each of our members will benefit and, critically,

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

so will the whole game," Graves added. "We can now move on with building an exciting new competition for a new audience to complement our existing competitions. Our clear ambition is that this new competition will sit alongside the IPL and Big Bash League as one of the world's major cricket tournaments."

The new tournament will run alongside the

Wood recalled to England's Champions Trophy squad Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has been named in England's 15man squad for the ODI series against South Africa and the Champions Trophy tournament in June having recovered from ankle surgery. Wood, who has 11 oneday international caps but missed the winter tour of India, is joined by fellow paceman Liam Plunkett who is yet to play for Yorkshire this season because of a calf injury.

A separate 14-man squad was named for two ODIs against Ireland next month with three players Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes - not included because of their Indian Premier League commitments. All three are in the Champions trophy squad.

Middlesex pace bowler Steven Finn made the squad for the Ireland games but is not included for the Champions Trophy which takes place in England and Wales in June.

Yorkshire allrounder David Willey is in both squads having missed the West Indies series in March with a shoulder injury. "We have made encouraging progress over the past 18 months in white ball cricket and the squads selected reflects consistency and gives options across all disciplines," National selector James Whitaker said in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement.

"It is pleasing that Mark Wood and David

Willey have returned to full fitness. "They add variety and quality to our bowling strengths and David's ability as an attacking batsman is also an important element for us." England face Ireland in Bristol on May 5 and at Lord's on May 7.

They then play South Africa on May 24, 27 and 29.

England's first match in the eight-team Champions Trophy is against Bangladesh at the Oval on June 1.

Champions Trophy Squad: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

existing T20 Blast. The ECB has said the competition will give cricket the chance to be part of "mainstream conversation" and believes the tournament can make the sport "relevant to a whole new audience".

However, Essex are concerned it will "exclude" certain areas of the country, while Middlesex feel they will not benefit financially from Lord's being a

India move up to 3rd place in ICC rankings India gained five points to move up to 3rd place with South Africa maintaining its pole position in the latest ICC ODI team rankings.

Australia remained in the second position while India, which will defend the ICC Champions Trophy title in the UK in June, has swapped places with ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 finalist New Zealand.

Both the sides have gained points following the update but India's fivepoint gain against New Zealand's increase of three means India are now ranked third with 117 points and New Zealand a notch below at fourth with 115 points in their kitty.

The West Indies are in a spot of bother as per the latest rankings list. The eighth-ranked Pakistan has opened up a nine-point advantage over ninthranked the West Indies, which can prove decisive since England plus the next seven highest-ranked sides as on 30 September 2017 will qualify automatically for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Both Pakistan and ninth-ranked West Indies have dropped points following the update Pakistan slipping from 90 points to 88 points and the West Indies sliding from 83 points to 79 points.

IPL, 2017 - Points Table Teams Mumbai Indians Kolkata Knight Riders Sunrisers Hyderabad Rising Pune Supergiant Kings XI Punjab Gujarat Lions Royal Challengers Bangalore Delhi Daredevils

likely base for one of the teams. But Graves said they would make sure it benefited all counties and it marked "an exciting new era" for cricket in England and Wales.

"The ECB executive and T20 development team will now continue to work with the game as we build the new competition, ensure it is positioned distinctively from our existing competitions and realise its full potential," he added. "All decisions including the creation and base of each team - will be made within the game, guided by our shared strategy and built on best practice, research and insight.

The benefits it will bring can deliver a sustainable future for all 18 first-class counties and an exciting future for the game in England and Wales."

Mat 10 10 10 10 9 10 11 8

Won 8 7 6 6 4 3 2 2

Lost 2 3 3 4 5 7 8 6

However, Pakistan's preupdate seven-point gap has extended to nine points.

As such, the table now reflects all matches from May 1 2014, with matches played from 1 May 2016 carrying 100 per cent weightage. Seventh-ranked Bangladesh and sixthranked Sri Lanka have also conceded points.

Bangladesh has surrendered one point and is now on 91 points, but its gap over eighth-ranked Pakistan has increased from two points to three. Sri Lanka, which was sitting pretty on 98 points prior to the annual update, has slid to 93 points to now lead Bangladesh by only two points. However, Sri Lanka leads the West Indies by 14 points.

Meanwhile, South Africa has gained four points to remain on top with 123 points, while second-ranked Australia stay put on 118 points. England, which will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, has retained its fifth ranking but has moved up one point to 109.

There is no change to 10th-ranked Afghanistan's tally of 52 points, but 11thranked Zimbabwe has dropped two points and is now on 46 points. Ireland has gained one point and is on 43 points.

Tied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NR 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

Pts 16 14 13 12 8 6 5 4

NRR +0.427 +0.849 +0.794 -0.179 +0.228 -0.323 -1.441 -0.156

SPORT

31

Girl forced to quit chess over 'seductive' dress Asian Voice | 6th May 2017

A 12-year-old girl was forced to withdraw from a chess tournament in Malaysia after her dress was considered "seductive", her coach has claimed. Malaysian chess player Kaushal Khandar alleged that his student had been "extremely embarrassed" and "disturbed" by the actions of the National Scholastic Chess Championship 2017 director and chief arbiter.

He claimed that the tournament director had made a remark on the girl's knee-length dress to the chief arbiter, who had stopped her competition in the middle of Round 2 and informed the student that her dress was improper and violated the dress code of the tournament, the report said.

It was later informed (by chief arbiter) to my student and her mother, that the tournament director deemed my student's dress to be "seductive" and a "temptation", Kaushal said in a statement on his Facebook page.

"This situation led to the inevitable decision of withdrawing from the tournament," he said. The director told the girl and her mother that they needed to go to the mall and buy her a pair of trousers but by that time it was already 10 pm, and the matches the next day restarted at 9 am. As they were not able to get a replacement outfit in time, the girl, who was a regional champion in Kuala Lumpur, had to pull out of the competition. When contacted, the tournament director said an investigation is underway. However, he declined to comment further, the report said.

My daughter was shocked after her game was interrupted by the chief arbiter," Chin Wai Lings, girl's mother, said. Chin said the dress code for the tournament is based on the World Chess Federation (FIDE) Laws of Chess requiring participants to have a "dignified appearance", but no illustrative dress code guidelines were given out to participants before the tournament.

Pakistan call off tour of Bangladesh

Pakistan has called off their scheduled cricket tour of Bangladesh this year, the country's board chairman Shaharyar Khan said. Bangladesh last toured Pakistan in 2007-08.

Pakistan has since travelled to Bangladesh in 2011 and 2015 and were scheduled to play two tests, three ODIs and a Twenty20 International in July and August in the South Asian country.

Khan said Bangladesh had failed to reciprocate Pakistan's visits with the Bangladesh Cricket Board turning down an invitation to play two T20 internationals in Pakistan. "We had spoken about the possibility of hosting them (Bangladesh in Pakistan) this year," the PCB chairman said.

"Pakistan have now toured Bangladesh twice without them reciprocating, and we feel we cannot tour Bangladesh for the third straight time. "Therefore, we have decided to postpone the tour, and will explore another window in the next year or so." After gunmen fired at the bus carrying Sri Lanka's cricket team in 2009, all cricket playing countries refused to travel to Pakistan to play cricket. Since then, Pakistan has been forced to play most of its "home" games in the United Arab Emirates.

Yasir spins Pakistan to test victory over Windies

Yasir Shah proved Pakistan's match-winner as they ended a six-test losing streak to beat West Indies by seven wickets in the first test in Jamaica last week. Leg-spinner Yasir picked up six for 63 as West Indies were dismissed for just 152 in their second innings after resuming on 93 for four on the final day at Sabina Park in Kingston.

Pakistan, needing only 32 to win in their second innings, made heavy weather of the formalities, losing three quick wickets before captain Misbah-ul-Haq clinched victory in style with consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo. Misbah was rewarded for his bold decision to bowl first after winning the toss.

Though West Indies made what appeared a respectable 286 in their first innings, it did not prove enough once Pakistan compiled 407 and a familiar second innings collapse left them pondering another home defeat.

The Caribbean team have also now gone seven tests at home without a win.

Sport

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Mumbai make it to playoffs

Mumbai Indians become the first IPL team to enter the playoff stage thanks to an unbeaten 56 by captain Rohit Sharma to guide his team through to a five-wicket win in a tense chase against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing 163, MI seemed on course even as they lost Parthiv Patel for a first ball duck as Jos Buttler (33) and Nitish Rana (27) added 61 in 44 balls for the second wicket. However, playing a captain’s hand, Rohit added 35 in just 20 balls for the sixth wicket with Hardik Pandya (14 not out) to take Mumbai to their eighth win in 10 games, ensuring them 16 points, enough to take them to the playoffs.

Ben Stokes douses Gujarat fire: A battling century from Ben Stokes helped Rising Pune Supergiant overcome a disastrous start and snatch a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Lions at the MCA stadium in Pune. England all-rounder Stokes, who had missed Pune's previous two matches, overcame a severe bout of cramps in the dying stages to hit an unbeaten 103 and help his team overhaul a tricky target after Gujarat were dismissed for 161.

Warner blitz sinks Kolkata: Sunrisers Hyderabad avenged their 17-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders by restricting the table-toppers to 161for seven. A 48-run win for Sunrisers kept their home record intact. Chasing 10 plus an over and the highest score posted against them, the Knight Riders succumbed to the pressure.

Sunil Narine (1) and Gautam Gambhir (11) perished going for the big shots with just 12 on the board.

They never really recovered from those blows despite a 28-ball 53 by Robin Uthappa.

Sandy storm hits Delhi: King XI Punjab crafty medium pacer Sandeep Sharma, ran through the Delhi Daredevils innings and dismissed them for a measly 67 in 17.1overs at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. The hosts rounded up the match in grand style. It was all over within 7.5 overs. Opener

Martin Guptill made 50 off 27 balls and remained unbeaten with Hasim Amla (16) that enabled the Kings XI to register their biggest win in this IPL - by a 10wicket margin. Incidentally, this was Delhi's lowest score ever in the tournament.

Their previous lowest came against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013 when they had managed 80.

Bangalore suffer another collapse: There was no end to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s woes. They have been a pale reflection of the team that thrashed opposition at will last season and reached the final.

This season, their famed batting lineup has failed miserably. None in the top order have delivered and no one in the middle order has pitched in either. That was the theme once again in Pune when they could only muster 96/9 in the allotted overs and suffered a demoralising 61 run defeat.

Jasprit Bumrah seals the deal in Super Over: Jasprit Bumrah emerged the unlikely hero as Mumbai Indians emerged triumphant over Gujarat Lions in IPL 10's first Super Over, scoring 11 runs to Gujarat's six. Mumbai appeared to be coasting to victory in a chase of 154 but Gujarat put in a brilliant performance in the field, effecting four direct hits, to tie the game and take it into the Super Over. Pollard struck a four and six for MI but McCullum and Finch came a cropper for Gujarat in the Super Over. Needing 11 off the last over, MI started off the right note when Krunal Pandya, who'd earlier taken three wickets, smashed a six off the first ball from Irfan Pathan, making his IPL 10 debut, but managed to only equal the Lions' score after

Ravindra Jadeja came up with direct hits to leave first Jasprit Bumrah and then Pandya short of their crease.

Dhawan & Warner punch out Punjab: Kings XI Punjab's Glenn Maxwell must have gone through a dilemma when he won the toss and opted to field first in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His decision backfired as Hyderabad openers David Warner (51) and Shikhar Dhawan (77) toyed with Kings bowlers and shared a magnificent 107-run opening stand to drive home the advantage at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. If that wasn't enough, Kane Williamson then scored a 27 ball 54 to guide Hyderabad to a mammoth 207-3 in the 20 stipulated overs. In reply, Kings XI could manage only 181-9, falling short by 26 runs. For the hosts, Shaun Marsh top scored with 84. He took a particular liking to his Australia teammate Moises Henriques, blasting three fours and a six in one over, but couldn't take his team over the line.

Kolkata do a Delhi double: In a show that justified their position at the bottom of the points table, Delhi Daredevils suffered a humiliating seven-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.

The visitors were found wanting in all departments of the game and lacked proper game plan and intent. The team failed to build up on a solid foundation laid by Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer to finish at 160-6 after being put in to bat by Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir.

Robin Uthappa (59; 33b, 5x4, 4x6) could have departed for only nine but Amit Mishra and Sanju

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Samson allowed a skier to drop in between them at square leg after the wicketkeeper-batsman mistimed a flick off Rabada.

Bangalore Tyed and Finched: There seems to be no end for Royal Challengers Bangalore's struggles in IPL-10. On Thursday, in a must-win contest against Gujarat Lions, a fired-up Aaron Finch's astounding 34-ball 72 piled more misery on Bangalore, handing the beleaguered side a devastating seven-wicket defeat at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. Coming into the contest with a string of poor performances, the Aussie returned to form and virtually knocked out Bangalore from playoff contention.

Bangalore have now suffered six defeats after nine outings to drop to seventh in the table with five points.

Gambhir's boys rout Pune: Gautam Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders chased 183 runs to beat hosts Rising Pune Supergiant by 7 wickets.

The way Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir played, it never appeared they were playing away. The wicketkeeper batsman scored a 47-ball 87 runs while Gambhir made 62 in 46 balls. The duo shared a partnership of 158 runs in 85 balls. It was a perfect gift for the Kolkata skipper, who was leading the side in his 100th Indian Premier League match. While chasing 183, Gambhir came in with off-spinner-turnedopener Sunil Narine. Him coming up to open the innings wasn't surprising any more, but Narine's 11ball 16 didn't hurt Kolkata either. On the other hand, Pune, who were defending a decent target, looked out of options in absence of Ben Stokes, who was nursing a sore shoulder. Other than a poor show by the bowlers, it was a lack-luster fielding that pushed the hosts down further.

Uthappa was dropped

by Jaydev Unadkat at deep midwicket in Imran Tahir's first over and Pune's seventh.Uthappa was at 12 then, and withn minutes, he reached his 50 in 26 balls.

Gambhir too was dropped at 32 by off-spinner Washington Sundar.

Britain's Anthony Joshua took down Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium

This was one of the most hyped clashes in recent memory but it delivered – and then some. Anthony Joshua looked like he had won it, then he looked like he had lost it, but somehow he battled back to stop Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of a thriller in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

The defending IBF champion added the WBA belt to his glittering CV but this was about more than belts. This was proving who the king of the heavyweight division is and it was the young lion that prevailed. Not without the almightiest of scares though. Joshua floored Klitschko in the fifth and looked like he was one punch away from an early victory.

But he hit the canvas in the following round and looked out on his feet when he beat the referee’s count. It took him two full rounds to recover before he found his rhythm again and then he ended it in the 11th.

Klitschko, who had been down twice already in the round, was being peppered with huge shots in the corner before referee David Fields called it off. Joshua spoke before the fight about how he used to travel to Wembley to scour the markets for fake clothes to impress his mates. That was before he found boxing and the riches it would bring to him.

Joshua reached the

pinnacle of the amateur game by winning the London 2012 Olympics at super-heavyweight and now he is top of the sport as a professional. Joshua won the world title shot when he flattened the hopeless Charles Martin in his 16th fight to claim the IBF belt just over a year ago.

For this night it was the boxing Mecca though as eyes from 140 different countries looked on as for once the old saying of “and the millions watching around the world� was not just hyperbole.

The British boxing fans backing their man, added to the hunger for some to witness a significant heavyweight world title fight, made for a fever pitch atmosphere inside the ground. Both men knew they were taking home ÂŁ15m each no matter what, but only one could take the IBF and WBA belts home as well as the title of the best heavyweight on the planet.

Fury will argue that is still him, but until he returns to action then the winner of this will hold on to the crown. The former heavyweight champion must have been watching somewhere with envy as he knows his talent deserves to be on a stage like this but his personal problems have led him astray.

When Joshua was rocking he must have been feeling pretty smug.

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Anthony Joshua wins bout against Wladimir Klitschko

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