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Indian bags silver in men’s high jump event

From this w e e k onwards Asian Voice is starting a page called Eighteen Plus for our young audience. See how our correspondent Tanveer Mann engages the young crowd every week with fresh and innovative ideas and articles.

For report see page 27

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 8th September to 14th September 2012

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Naroda Patiya massacre:

Former Gujarat minister Kodnani gets 28 years jail

Maya Kodnani (left) and Babu Bajrangi

killed in Naroda. As many as 94 bodies were found, of which 84 were identified. Three people are still missing. Former Gujarat minister Kodnani and Bajrangi were convicted under sections 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy) and 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, amongst others. Special public prosecutor had sought capital punishment for the convicts, during the hearing for quantum of punishment.

Kodnani was sentenced to 28 years in jail on Friday for murder during one of the country's worst religious riots, when up to 2,500 people, most of them Muslim, Continued on page 26

Panicked students: UK government The UK immigration has finally reached an exasperating point. In efforts to reduce the number of immigrants by tens and thousands, the Coalition government is toying with many lives, including that of hundreds of Indians.

While the government plans to deport foreign students at London Metropolitan University (LMU) with no valid visa or standard of English, revoking the license means foreign pupils doing an undergraduate degree or PhD may not get a chance to finish their degree or course if they are not sheltered by other universities within 60 days. But that may include paying another hefty fees, which may be impossible by many students. Some of the foreign students who have valid visas, have spent thousands of pounds to come to Britain, including selling lands and properties.

They are now stranded in Britain, fearing if they step out of the country, they may not be allowed to come back in again.

Continued on page 13

LMU students protesting outside 10 Downing Street

Cameron reshuffles for the best – or not?

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Hema Malini, a renowned Bollywood actress, a classical dancer and former Rajya Sabha member (upper chamber of the Indian Parliament) is attending the Asian Achievers Awards 2012 as a Special Guest, to support our charity of the year- Sarvam.

Sarvam, which is a part of Sri Aurobindo Society, works towards education of children, welfare of women, regardless of their faith and community.

PM David Cameron embarked upon a reshuffle of the Cabinet Office, on Tuesday, in efforts to give his deteriorating government a fresh face. The momentous and substantial reshuffle of David Cameron's government has proven to be an instant of great power for the Prime Minister. He has showed his resilience and commitment to the future of Britain, by promoting and demoting various leaders, some of which are surprising, to different positions. With Baroness Warsi's exit, absence of an Asian woman in the Cabinet hereafter, has 'terribly' disappointed the community.

Continued on page 6

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A special SIT court has awarded life term to BJP leader and former minister Maya Kodnani and Babu Bajrangi in the Naroda Patia massacre case. Maya Kodnani has been convicted under three sections of IPC and sentenced to 28 years in prison. The court has ordered that Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi will remain in jail for the rest of his life.

Seven of the 32 convicted have been sentenced to 21 years in jail.

Last week, the court had convicted 32 people, including Kodnani and Bajrangi and acquitted 29 in the biggest postGodhra killings.

On February 28, 2002, 97 persons were

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VOL 41. ISSUE 19

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Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

one to one

changed this and our Parliamentary party is more diverse now.

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

Keith Vaz MP with

Jane Ellison, Member of Parliament for Battersea Jane was elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Battersea in South West London in May 2010. Born in Bradford in 1964 Jane went to school there and read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford.

In Parliament she serves on the Backbench Business Committee, which allocates time to backbenchers for debates. Jane is co-Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Retail and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Before entering Parliament Jane worked for the John Lewis Partnership for 23 years. She lives in Balham, in her constituency, with partner John and is a national trustee of music charity Sing for Pleasure.

Jane sings in the Parliament Choir, is a season ticket holder at Tottenham Hotspur FC, and enjoys watching cricket with John.

1. What inspired you to stand for Parliament?

I have always taken an interest in the world around me and knew I wanted to play some part in shaping it. Standing for Parliament was the way I felt I could do that.

2. What are your proudest achievements in politics?

In September this year the Bolingbroke free school will open in Battersea in a converted Victorian hospital built

by public subscription in the 19th Century. I am proud to have helped to keep that building serving the people of Battersea in a new role.

Nationally I am campaigning hard against female genital mutilation (FGM) and would be proud of anything I can do to help end this human rights abuse.

3. Please tell us about your current position I was elected as MP for Battersea in 2010 and in Parliament I serve on the

6. What is the best thing about your current role?

Being able to speak up for those who have no voice or cannot make themselves heard, especially women and girls who feel they are being oppressed. I also get to meet a huge array of really interesting and inspiring people as a result of being an MP. 7. And the worst?

Backbench Business Committee, a really interesting committee which allocates time for debates to backbenchers. I am Chairman of the All Party Group on FGM which I helped set up.

4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your

career?

Probably being a short, Northern woman! When I first started going for Parliamentary selections in the 1990s this was not what your classic Conservative MP looked like – thankfully people like David Cameron have

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to host second ‘Anand Mela’ After the grand success of ‘Anand Mela’ organised to commemorate 40 years of community service through our publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, we are organising a special Mela to celebrate the most important events on our Hindu calendars viz. Navratri and Diwali.

Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity Shakti. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped.

The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Diwali or Deepavali is popularly known as the “festival of lights.” It is a festival principally to celebrate the triumph of goodness over darkness/evil.

This forthcoming mela like the one in June promises to display the diverse colours of South Asian Culture especially Gujarat by bringing people Audience enjoying the mela

My father. From an early age I have been influenced by his ‘can do’ approach to life, his hard work and general decency and always wanted to do something to make him proud of me.

with entertainment, Outing with families and meet the near and dear one.

The event will attract over 5000 visitors over 2 days period as it will provide from traditionDancers entertaining the audience al dances to together in a festival atmosthe modern dances and classical phere where everyone can enjoy music to trendy music. food, music, dance and shopFor exhibitors its a great ping for Diwali gifts for your opportunity to engage with loved ones. tightly focused and carefully tarThe mela will include stalls geted audiences, the mela is from food & drink, education committed to deliver business and entertainment, Health & contacts that create value for Medical, Travel & Tourism, every stall participants.

Property & Investment, Normally visitors are proactive Banking & Finance, Fashion & rather than passive recipients of Wedding and many more. sales and marketing messages.

Visitors will have the opportuniThis Mela can help you reach a ty to fun and shopping along large proportion of the market in a short space of time across a broad section of consumers.

The event will be held from 10am to 8pm in at Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD on 29th & 30th September 2012 which has good access, free ample parking facilities for the potential visitor’s. The event will be covered in the press before and after the event.

When you are campaigning to change something it is frustrating that it can take so long! On a human level, I occasionally get threatening emails which is unsettling although I am shocked at how quickly I have come to see them as just a routine part of the job.

8. What are your longterm goals?

I want to look back on my time in politics, how-

ever long it is, and be able to point to something I did that changed lives for the better, even in just a small way. How I do that is something I am open-minded about as there are a number of ways to influence things.

9. If you were Secretary General of the United Nations, what one thing would you change?

I would make eradicating FGM across the world a higher priority and take a much tougher line with countries that are not actively trying to end it.

10.

If you were marooned on a desert island which historical figures would you like to spend time with and why?

I’ve always admired Franklin Roosevelt and would love to spend time with him and his wife Eleanor, hearing about their time in the White House throughout the Great Depression and the Second World War. Billie Holliday is a musical heroine of mine and I’d love to tell her that although she experienced great sadness in her life she will be appreciated forever as an artist of rare talent. As I am on a desert island I think I’d ask Florence Nightingale along too as I suspect she’d be both fascinating and practical!

Beware of gold thief Due to growing incidents of snatching jewellery and burglaries in British shops, police in the east Midlands has advised women of Indian origin to use a scarf or clothing to cover their ornaments while in the streets.

The town with a large minority of Indian-origin has seen a spate of daring burglaries of jewellery shops owned by Indianorigin businessmen, particularly in the 'Golden Mile' on Belgrave Road, popularly known as 'Little India'.

The road is called 'Golden Mile' due to the large number of

jewellery shops there, with trade arrangements with jewellers in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The police has now issued guidance to the Asian community on how to protect themselves from muggers and thieves seeking profit from the rising gold prices, reports said.

Sikh siblings die in car crash involving youth footballer A brother and sister killed in a car crash involving a Manchester City youth footballer have been named on Tuesday as Kulwant Singh, 32 and Ravel-Kaur Singh, 37. The siblings were killed when a Mercedes driven by Courtney Meppen-Walter, 18, crashed into Mr Singh’s Nissan Micra in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester on Saturday night.

Mr Singh’s two teenage sons

suffered serious head injuries in the crash.

Meppen-Walter was arrested by police along with a 19-yearold man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Both men have since been bailed.

Several reports have suggested that Meppen-Walter and the second man were racing with each other when the crash occurred around 10.15 pm.

Margaret Thatcher's suits auctioned in London Seven suits belonging to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, including the one worn on the day she was confirmed as Conservative party leader, fetched £73,000 at a London sale on Monday. An

online bidder in South Korea snapped up the six remaining garments for £48,125.

The suits are thought to be the first of Thatcher's clothes to be sold at a public auction.

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

COMMENT

Power without responsibility Any involvement in the trade or trade off of coal can not only darken your hands but sometimes even your face too. The largest “scandal of corruption and favoritism” in the independent India happened about coal is not surprising because the greed of the politicians, the industrialists and even top civil servants are not confined within India alone. The lure of money is widespread in other countries too. But in India, the corruption is permeating in every strata of the society and hurting the common man. Sonia Gandhi, the UPA chairperson and Congress president, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too claim to be concerned ‘aam admi,’ for even the minor matters let alone their rights and shrines in the Indian constitution.

The Indian parliament is in limbo for the last 10 days because the BJP and other opposition parties are boycotting the house demanding the cancellation of the coal mines allocation as well as the resignation of Manmohan Singh because he was handling the coal department when the allocation was made without inviting any tenders.

It is surprising that the Harvard-educated lawyer and Indian’s finance minister P Chidambaram has the

audacity to say, “Why there should a hue and cry about the coal scam. Since the coal has not been dug out the mother earth, where is the talk of India losing billions of rupees in the deal.” What is disgusting is that an internationally reputed politician making such a silly statement. Mr Chidambaram announced on Monday that the government has also agreed to some sort of discussion in parliament on the subject. Why wait for so many wasteful days to initiate the steps. Sonia Gandhi, has talked to Sushma Swraj, the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, opening the door for discussion. This should have been done earlier. Sushma has set some conditions before a dialogue can take place.

They demanded the resignation of Mr Singh as well as the cancellation of the allocation of coal fields. Now the parties have already hardened their stance. This is another illustration that the ruling party has not played a fair game to bring sense in the situation. It shows that the ruling party has not taken the issue seriously.

This is a wake up call and warning sign for UPA and other political parties. The people expect a clean and responsive administration from the government.

Keep on talking Once again the Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, met the President of Pakistan, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, at the NAM (Non-Aligned Meet) summit in Tehran. The movement also raises doubt about its correct nomenclature. But at least the leaders of these two countries were not having normal working relations have met. And that itself is a welcome sign.

As usual India presented the issues and evidences related to Mumbai massacre as well as incitement before and after the inter-communal tensions and violence in Assam. As is the usual pattern of Pakistani politicians, Zardari asks for more evidences and continued the process of denials in various vicarious activities within the Indian border, inspired and abated by Pakistan government or at least condoned by Pakistani administration more or less on permanent basis. There are enough evidences, also recorded even by international media and Pakistan-based foreign diplomats. Those alias that perpetuate such violence in India, are roaming free in Pakistan, so this continuous denial and disowning of the responsibilities, is totally wrong and cannot be acceptable. One wonders why India is engaging in such bilateral meetings, talks or discussions? Some say it is a tie and some says it is weakness of Indian govt.

Perhaps that is not untrue also as Pakistan is washing its hands off the culpable liabilities or responsibilities. Pakistan in a way is leaving ample proof of increasingly failing state. If you stroke fire in neighboring house and expect yourself to sleep peacefully and safely in your house, it does not work. In last 66 years or so, Pakistani people especially the poor people are paying enormously, and are suffering at the consequence of omission and commissions of Pakistani administrations.

India is a democratic and secular nation and is also developing within the restraints and constraints of a huge and diverse country. Some people think such dialogues are useless but then again somehow some advantage is being derived.

At least India can expose the weakness of Pakistan government's logic or its confusion or its willingness to remain suppressed by armed forces and also by religious fanatics.

We must draw a clear line between the Pakistani governments of last 66 years and Pakistani people. It is very strange that except religion, there is nothing to divide between the Indians and Pakistanis. Also they have lived relatively in a harmonious state in spite of various accesses of fundamentalist rulers.

But though it has become dialogue of the deaf, there is nothing totally wasted also. India should keep on talk-

ing; India should try to engage with Pakistan government. There is nothing to lose. If we can't stop those blood thirsty, extremist activities, at least we can name them and shame them. Eventually the common man with their own common sense will see wood behind the tree.

Naroda Patiya massacre

Last week a very important judgment was delivered in the largest judicial case resulting from the riots of 2002, Naroda-Patiya massacre. One clear line is developing that the Gujarat riots in Feb 2002 was a direct consequence of the burning of 59 Hindus pilgrims specially women and children. That reaction cannot though be accepted as a violent response to the cause of the problem. After all the Indian judicial system has come out with honor and dignity in this particular case by sending for long imprisonment a sitting member of Gujarat assembly and also another person for the rest of his life. There are also some important lessons. There were groups of people mainly based in Mumbai and other places in India who were demanding that judiciary cannot work independently in Gujarat and the cases should be shifted out of the state.

During the long procedure of the case there were scores of accused and hundreds of witnesses. The hearing has happened peacefully within the framework of law in India. It appears that the judgment is fair and without bias. But there are people in Gujarat and in Mumbai who are out to malign the CM Narendra Modi and his government in the state and also BJP. Modi has not denied or criticised the judgment, even he has said that though he has not been formally charged with particular responsibility of riots, if he is found guilty and charged, he is willing to accept any judgment from any recognized court of India. Still it is very sad but not surprising that his detractors are more than usually hyperactive to keep Modi's name in the frame. May be the state election in the next few months or parliament election in 2014 are the reasons behind the harping.

In a recent poll conducted by the NDTV Modi got 42% voting as the popular choice of PM, a way ahead of Rahul Gandhi (with 29%), must also be one of the reasons behind the harping against Modi. But such dialogue of death is part of process of enlightenment. As far as India is concerned, it has remained firm in its commitment to constitution, to the democratic and secular values. Within the context of Gujarat and Modi, we can also say that CM is capable to look after his duties, whatever he is doing, he is doing very well. People of Gujarat and India are not swayed by repeat of wild allegations without any foundation.

Cameron crafts his Cabinet If we are bothered by situation in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria or what is happening in India and Pakistan and are concerned about the course of events and destiny of this various lands, at home in Great Britain, there are certain serious matters as well. Inspite of the successful conclusion of Olympics and the Paralympics, what we see or hear is very disturbing. The Sunday Times has in an article wrote that the Cameron government is not a serious government. Even the Telegraph, a friendly national daily of Conservative party, is also worried about the direction and the momentum of the government. The Prime Minister Cameron has been announcing the good intentions for the country and some of his ministers are speaking about his new initiatives and new ventures. But the lack of appropriate policy, and several deviations in consistency has not inspired the country in the last 2 and half years.

The PM is expected to announce new cabinet on Tuesday. And it is widely speculated that Baroness Sayeeda Warsi may be moved about. Her interview in the Telegraph of Saturday was very revealing; she has more or less implied that for the Conservative support from women of ethnic minorities and such peer group, she should be retained in her present position of chairman of the Conservative Party. Perhaps one can understand her because she has also said in the interview that, “I am not cut out to be secretary of the state.”

Interestingly she claimed that she is very close to PM Cameron. Among the big problems the government is facing at present is economy, education and immigration. There was a big demonstration by around 40 students in front of 10 Downing Street who were affected by the cancellation of license of Metropolitan University by the authorities. It has affected the future of some 2,000 foreign students.

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Thought for the Week If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thought your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two impostors just the same - Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Political Sketchbook www.PoliticalAnimal.me

Alpesh Patel’s Politics and Self-Promotion "The life that I have, Is all that I have, And the life that I have, Is yours.

The love that I have, Of the life that I have, Is yours and yours and yours.

A sleep I shall have, A rest I shall have. Yet death will be but a pause.

For the peace of my years, In the long green grass, Will be yours and yours and yours."

Leo Marks wrote this poem for a British heroine, Violette Szabo, in World War 2 who won the George Cross for her acts of bravery. A film called ‘Carve Her Name with Pride’ was made promoting her courage. The British and Americans are good at war movies to commemorate and promote values of courage and pride and valour and honour. The words of the poem are for the love of country.

Patriotism. So it is with some fury I write this column.

The Commonwealth Memorial Gates outside Buckingham Palace carve with pride the names of all Commonwealth soldiers who won George and Victoria Crosses (the highest honour for valour in war). They were carved with pride thanks to Baroness Shreela Flather - a British Indian woman.

I am furious because a reader of this paper, Dr Kusoom Vadgama, has attacked the Memorial and the Baroness. She has called it an act of ‘gold medal’ self-promotion by the Baroness. Her claims in this paper have included that the Baroness’s name appears ‘quite prominently’ and the names of Indian heroes ‘are nowhere to be seen easily.’

Well I can tell you I’ve read the names of each of those Indian heroes – prominently carved with pride thanks to the Baroness. And nowhere have I seen the Baroness’s name.

But what really infuriates me, is when Dr Vagdama writes, ‘…at a time when, not Germany, but Britain was India’s enemy…’ My grandfather and great grandfather were in the British Army in the Second World War, fighting the Nazis. So tell me Dr Vagdama as you libel not just an 79 year old Baroness, but every single Indian in the British Army who fought alongside the British, against the Nazis, do you think my family were fighting for the enemy, and that the enemy was Britain in the Second World War? I know the Baroness. Whilst the British made films to honour their war heroes, you, Dr Vagdama, denigrate yours.

And I tell you this Dr Vagdama; I’d be proud to carve with pride the Baroness’s name on that Memorial. And I’m a Member of Council of those Gates, because those War Heroes need commemorating, because someone, a British Indian, did it, because my family were in the Army and because maybe some of those values will trickle down to me, me, me if I am in some way associated with it – how’s that for self-promotion? And every British Indian should undertake acts of such self-promotion – in so doing they will raise others and themselves – not throw cowardly stones from the side-lines at those who do great things.

So Dr Vagdama, as the sun shines in our British Indian Summer, should you find yourself strolling past the monumental Buckingham Palace, promoting the best of British during the paralymics, pay another visit to the Memorial Gates and know the sun shines a little brighter because of those war heroes, and because someone, not you, carved their names with pride.

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LEICESTER/MIDLAND VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Resigned Leicester Councillor will “pay back allowances�

Councillor Iqbal Desai announced that he will return ÂŁ3,500 in allowances to his party group, after he only attended one meeting in four months.

Labour city Councillors called on Desai to pay back the money he received while he was absent from his position. He was asked to resign from the party last month after he was called in by officers to discuss his absence from work.

Whilst away, Desai was collecting more than ÂŁ900 a month in allowances.

Former council and Labour group leader Ross Wilmott has encouraged Mr Desai to "do the honourable thing".

Iqbal Desai

He said: "As members of the Labour Party and councilors, there's an obligation for us to do the right thing. If he hasn't got a legitimate reason, I believe the honourable thing for him to do is repay the money, or at least part of it."

The only Liberal

Democrat councillor, Nigel Porter, supported Wilmott’s opinion.

He said: "Speaking as someone from outside the party, I think I would have to agree and suggest that Mr Desai does the right thing. I can understand why people would be peeved at the situation.

"If you're getting paid public money and not doing your job, I think maybe you should think about paying it back or donating it to charity."

It was found that Mr Desai had received ÂŁ3,678 during the four months he was absent, which included the standard allowance paid to all councilors.

The money included the standard allowances paid to all councilors

–travel/subsistence within the city.

He was due to meet Labour group officers today to discuss his situation.

Coun Desai said: "If the Labour group puts in a request for me to pay the money back, I will gladly do that.

"I was asked to resign after I was away for four months. The reason I was away is personal.

"I didn't claim any expenses in that time and the meeting is to clear the air between myself and the Labour group."

Group chairman Patrick Kitterick said any discussion about the repayment of money would have to wait until after the meeting.

Midlands bouncer pretended to be brother to avoid criminal conviction A Bouncer from Washwood Heath, Birmingham managed to escape a heavy criminal record after he posed as his brother in court.

Yet seven years later, his deception surfaced after police stopped his car for a random check, and noticed his finger print records did not match up to his name.

Judge Roderick Henderson, who said he had “got away� with the deception for many years, jailed Sakander Rafiq for 12 months.

Rafiq, 32, had admitted the charge against him of perverting the course of justice.

Judge Henderson added: “The court system relies on making the right people accountable for what they have done but what you did was a sustained attack on the integrity of the court process. “In this case it has the aggravating feature in relation to your work in the security industry.�

The Judge said he understood that it had

not been part of Rafiq’s motivation at the time but if he had been convicted under his real name, he may not have been given a license.

He also said that it could have serious consequences for the defendant’s brother.

Rafiq was seen by police driving a BMW on Cotterills Lane in the city, and was stopped because his windows were tinted to such an extent that the driver could not be seen.

Because of alcohol

Thousands join together to celebrate Eid in Cannon Hill Park Thousands joined together over the weekend to mark the end of Ramadan, by taking part in a huge celebratory party at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham.

The Eid celebrations attracted many Muslims and non-Muslims from all over the country, two weeks after fasting ended for Muslims.

The Mela, which is now in its 12th year in Birmingham, was host to a number of well-known acts, including performances from comic Shazia Mirza, plus songs from Haroon Jamil, R&B from Any Mubasher, hip-hop from Deen Janjua and Asif Khan, and lively drumming from the Dhol Unit.

The event’s steering committee chairman Coun Majid Mahmood said: “This event is getting better and bigger. It gives the opportunity for people to get together. If you look around you don’t see just one section of the community, but all kinds of folk who are here and celebrating.�

Enjoying the entertainment were Muhammad Shakeel, 35, and Nighat Yasmin, 29, with their children, from Perry Bar. Nighat said: “Ramadan is tiring when you’ve got kids. You half-expect them to play on their own. The Mela is fun for the children and it’s a good family day out.�

consumption while driving, Rafiq was taken to a police station and his fingerprints were checked.

The computer “threw up a different name.�

An investigation then revealed that Rafiq had been arrested in 2005, for an offence of threatening behavior and convicted and sentenced under his brother’s name.

Mohammed Naser, defending Rafiq, said he had panicked at the time and that his brother had not been affected.

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Textile factory will be converted to housing New Plans to convert a former textile machinery factory into flats for the elderly are being drawn up.

The factory, which is based on St Saviours Road, North Evington, was once the home to Wildt Mellor Bromley –the largest manufacturers of knitting machines in the world in its time.

Today, there are a few small textile businesses that use the ground floor.

The plans suggest adding a forth floor extension and creating 56 flats.

The project, which is expected to cost around ÂŁ2 million, would also involve the businesses moving out and the factory units on site being demolished in order to make space for car parking.

The building is up for sale and the owner wants to sell the building to someone who would continue this project.

Director Pradeep Sudera said: "The owner isn't going to develop it himself but wants to sell it with the planning permission for flats for the elderly.

"The plans are for an

extra floor on top of the three-storey building and then the rest of it will be demolished for parking spaces."

An application for developing the site was made in 2007 and those plans were given outline planning permission in 2008.

At the time, Leicester City Council planning officers said that while the building was not marked as being in a residential area, the redevelopment of the site outweighed the moving of the textile businesses.

Neighbours said they had no problem with the development.

Sanea Musse said: "People need more homes around here so it would be a good thing.

"I don't think I'd have any problem with it being used for flats."

Adan Safi said: "It's a good idea. The building has been mostly empty since I moved here three years ago and I'd like to see something more done with it."

Businesses based in the building will have to move out if the development goes ahead.

Fines for dumping waste without required permit On 31 August 2012, MJ City Skip Hire Limited and Kuldip Singh Kainth were found guilty at L e i c e s t e r Magistrates’ Court of waste operation on land at Scraptoft Farm even though they did not hold an environmental permit.

They were charged by the Environment Agency under Regulation 12 and 38 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulation 2010.

MJ City Skip Hire Limited, based in Syston Street, Leicester was fined ÂŁ20,000, ordered to pay ÂŁ2,803.65 in costs, as well as a ÂŁ15 victim surcharge totaling ÂŁ22,818.65.

Kuldip Singh Kainth was fined ÂŁ4,000, ordered to pay ÂŁ1,869.10 in costs, along with a ÂŁ15 victim surcharge totalling ÂŁ5884.10.

Kiran Cassini, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, told the Court that on 1 September 2011, Environment Agency offi-

cers visited Scraptoft Farm, after receiving a report from Market Harborough District Council that illegal waste operations had been taking place. When they entered the site, the officers immediately noticed a large pile of construction and demolition waste next to an old barn. The waste was heavily contaminated with glass, polystyrene, wood, metal, plastic and other items.

Mr Kainth, the owner of the farm, then told the officers that he wanted to form a roadway and that waste had been imported onto the farm by MJ City Skip Hire Limited within the last two weeks.

Officers made it clear to the site manager that it was illegal to import waste onto site when there was no permit or exemption in place and that activities must stop.

On 20 September 2011, Environment Agency officers returned to the farm.

They

observed two further areas where contaminated waste had been deposited. The total amount of waste estimated to have been deposited at Scraptoft Farm was 2,000 tonnes.

A representative of MJ City Skip Hire responded to the Court by ensuring that all the contaminated waste had since been removed to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency and that the company had now put measures in place to ensure that this incident was never repeated.

During the trial, the Court stated that the offences were serious, the amount of waste substantial and that the actions of both parties were for financial motives.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Physically challenged Asian plays his role in London Paralympics Record crowds gathered to witness the arrival and the lighting of the London 2012 paralympic torch into Central London.

Arun Patel founder of an Ilford based charity called Polio Children carried the torch at Regents Park.This attracted the attention of both national and international media and was also posted on the ITV news website covering prime time events of the day. But the most satisfying aspect of the event was the unbounded enthusiasm of everyone in the public "They all wanted to be part of the proceedings by touching the torch, having a photo taken or simply clapping and applauding us .... something that would live with me for a very long time,”said a happy Arun Patel.

Arun Patel on a wheel chair, carrying the Torch at The City of Westminister

UKBA flaw allows migrants work 'illegally'

British mothers flying to US doctors to choose sex of baby

A flawed implementation of the new student visa regime meant tens of thousands of migrants were able to abuse it in the first year alone to work illegally in the UK. The report attacked the border agency for abandoning existing immigration checks on foreign students before the new monitoring system was fully in place. As a result, in 2009, between 40,000 and 50,000 migrants came to the UK as “students” but worked illegally instead. The figures were based on estimates by the National Audit Office and represented some 16 per cent of the 313,000 foreign students who were granted visas to study in that year.

Dozens of British women each year are heading to America to defy the UK ban on choosing the sex of their baby.

Since gender selection is illegal in Britain, couples wanting to balance their family are flying to New York and even as far Los Angeles, where doctors are prepared to help them have a boy or a girl. The medics at fertility clinics check the women’s fertilised eggs and then implant an embryo into them after checking that the child will have the required gender.

5

Southbank converts into 'South India' to celebrate its culture India Now, a UK based organisation that celebrates the diverse culture and states of India, organising a South India Mela taking place on London’s South Bank this September.

Acclaimed British historian and BBC broadcaster Michael Wood will inaugurate the two-day cultural festival. Wood shares a strong association with South India, having written several books chronicling his journeys through the southern states of India.

The Indian subcontinent is one of the world’s largest habitats for tigers.

However, with only 3000 of the species left in the wild, India Now is launching a campaign to raise awareness about tiger con-

servation and highlight the gravity of the growing scarcity of tigers in the world.

This campaign will form the basis for the mela on 14th and 15th September 2012. In addition, the Mela will also celebrate the culture of South India, and bring to life the colourful states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu with a series of riverfront stalls displaying a selection of handicrafts, offering the opportunity to sample Ayurvedic health and beauty treatments, and serving authentic and delicious cuisines.

Alongside a wide display of exhibitions and art forms, the public will also be rewarded with perform-

ances of stunning traditional South Indian dances such as Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam.

This dynamic festival will also serve an authentic feast of South Indian cuisine bringing together flavours from all the four South Indian states.

Visitors can expect to try South Indian palate pleasers such as Rassam, Idly, Masala Dosa, Mysore Bonda and many more.

Phillip Davis, founder of Tiger Awareness will be present at the event where he will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the charity, a voluntary non-profit organisation, and its endeavours to save one of the world’s most beautiful animals.

British Gujarati marketing expert publishes 50-page book within hours As Amazon launched its Kindle ebook reader in India at the end of August, a Gujarati UKbased marketing expert was amongst the first to release his new book to this massive audience.

“India’s booming middle class and its techsavvy and young population has an insatiable appetite for gadgets. That

is why I published 21½ Step Marketing Transformation on the Kindle in India the day it launched. The potential for ebooks in India is phenomenal in the medium to long term,” says Hitul Thobhani.

“I think Amazon’s decision to launch Kindle formally in India is a smart move.”

With its 1.2 billion

population and booming middle class, India is already the world’s second largest ebook market – ahead of the UK, Germany and Japan.

However, only 25 million Indians have so far purchased an ebook, which is only 2% of the population.

This suggests demand for ebooks could grow massively.

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Diwali Festival of light

By Spriha Srivastava

Special Edition November 2012

Dear Readers,

Why bother with politics?

How many times have we looked at India’s problems such as corruption, poverty etc on TV, newspaper or internet and then decided to divert our mind to something else because either we don’t want to face reality or we don’t know what to do? I am sure this has happened innumerable times to each one of us. And some of us may feel very strongly that a change is needed but we clearly don’t know how to go about it.

Gone are the days when mass meetings had to be organised in order to inform people of the problems, of the course of actions. But even in those days, a movement as big as the freedom movement took place.

Today, we have technology on our side and many of us are still lagging behind in being informed. Sadly for us today, liking a facebook page that says “Say no to violence is Assam” is our way of doing our bit. Is that all we can do? Can we shut ourselves to everything that’s happening just because we have a peaceful and comfortable life? I am sure we can’t and most of you will agree with me on that.

Shantanu Bhagwat

elections in India under the banner of Freedom. FTI’s proposed vision is an India where everyone is guaranteed equal opportunity and equal dignity, and has the freedom to pursue his/her own happiness under an accountable and participative government.

AT the IIM-Europe talk organised at the Indian YMCA, Shantanu presented a number of facts to the audience and argued that in the Indian context politics is behind every problem that we face today. He

Audience at the IIM-Europe talk

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM)’s Europe chapter recently organised a talk titled “Why bother with politics?” The talk was delivered by Shantanu Bhagwat. An engineer by training, Shantanu Bhagwat is a one-time diplomat turned venture investor and advisor to start-ups. He was a part of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS, 1991 batch).

Over the last few years, Shantanu has been very actively involved in political activism, and prior to that, was a Partner in a venture capital firm in London for many years.

Eight years back Shantanu started writing his blog http://Satyameva-Jayate.org wherein he started voicing his opinions on the Indian political system and its evils. Shantanu is also a member of Freedom Team of India, a forum for policy, strategy, leadership development to promote the freedom of Indian citizens. FTI members are committed to contesting

started his talk with a number of news clippings on the big issues that surround India at present. For instance, the recent debate on SC/ST quota bill that opens reservations in promotions, government looking to ban public forums such as twitter among others and so on. These are only some of the headlines in the past few weeks but many of us remain unaware of such things because as Shantanu pointed out, even the media doesn’t provide enough coverage to these issues.

Shantanu then went on to point out other problems such as lack of educational facilities in India. He quoted that more than 40% of girls drop out of schools after the age of 10 due to lack of toilet facilities. He further stated that the total backlog of cases that remain suspended at high court level in India is 4.18 million and this is just high court cases that we are talking about. Amount of illegal money in tax havens

abroad is another startling fact.

As per CBI estimate, it is US$500 billion; however Baba Ramdev suggests it is US$7 trillion in all.

Many of you may think what is the purpose of presenting these facts to you? Some of you may know this already and for many of you this might be an eye-opener. But it’s still not late to do something.

According to Shantanu, there are three I’s through which an Indian citizen can play his part in active politics Get Interested, Get Informed and then Get Involved.

As Shantanu says, “at a very basic level, we ought to be aware of these things as they directly impact our future, our lives at a very fundamental level - and they shape the future of India - a country that can (potentially) influence and dominate the 21st century just like the USA did in the 20th century. For that though, a number of things will need to fall in place. The first step must therefore be about getting "aware" or getting "interested + informed”.

The first step thus is to be aware, to know, to read and to understand what is happening.

But then a lot of us are aware already, we read meaningful news everyday, so what next?

“We could start by becoming "responsible citizens," says Shantanu. “That goes beyond just voting. It means being aware of our rights and facing up to the system when something is not working the way it should. This could span the range from letters to the editor to writing about incidents and experience on your own blog all the way to filing a RTI - or even a Public Interest Litigation.”

He further goes on to say, “for most people though, I would suggest a start by making sure you vote, making sure you enjoy your basic rights as a citizen, and then being ready to monitor - and to complain, where need be. But while doing this, bear in mind that fundamental and lasting change will only come via direct political involvement when one is ready to help build and offer a credible alternative to the existing political leadership. Because at the heart of very single challenge we face in India is an ineffective, incompetent and corrupt leadership.

Unless that changes, nothing will really change. And therefore my exhortation to young talented professionals is always the same: Think hard about a political career; think hard about how a profession so noble became a word of insult (in the Indian context) and think hard about preparing yourself to offer an alternative.”

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

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

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

If you are between 10-25 years of age, write an article in English on 'how you celebrate your Diwali every year' or 'your most memorable Diwali' in no more than 700 words and email to aveditorial@abplgroup.com with your full name, age and contact number.

Last day of entry is Sunday 7th October 2012.

- Asian Voice

Pharmacist let off by Tribunal A pharmacist who made crude remarks to three of his female colleagues has escaped with a warning after a panel heard he came from a 'restrictive Muslim background' and was unaware of the offence his conduct had caused.

Khalil Jamil, pictured, asked one of the women about her favourite love-making position and quizzed another about the mating habits of her horses - but a professional panel ruled his behaviour was not sexually motivated.

The General Pharmaceutical Council panel found Jamil acted inappropriately by making the comments and standing too close to his assistants.

However, they accepted that his background in a strict Muslim community meant he was unfamiliar to working in such an open environment with women and his basic social skills meant he lacked understanding

of appropriate conduct.

As the remarks were not sexually motivated the panel cleared Jamil of misconduct and gave him an official warning. It also took into consideration the fact that Jamil had remedied his actions by attending a 'dignity at work' course.

Cameron reshuffles for the best – or not?

Continued from page 1 Some major changes in the cabinet include Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley's move to become Leader of the House. Occupying the position since 2005, his removal from the post is one of the most significant moves in the Prime Minister’s reshuffle. Jeremy Hunt, who previously was the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, will replace him. Justine Greening, who was Secretary of State for Transport, replaces Andrew Mitchell as Secretary of State for International Development, whilst he becomes Chief Whip. Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, becomes Environment Secretary whilst his role has been assumed by Theresa Viliers.

This reshuffle comes at a time where there was much speculation on leading figures and their inadequacy to turn around the current climate with their designated positions. Cameron has shown his toughness in this reshuffle, despite pleas from certain members such as Baroness Warsi. The Minister without Portfolio (Conservative Party Chairman) has been demoted to Foreign Office Minister despite her rather emotional request to remain in her job at the weekend.

She appealed to David Cameron

to allow her to continue her responsibilities as Chairman, so that she could win seats in the North. The first Muslim woman ever to be in the cabinet said, “"I am a woman, I am not white, I am from an urban area, I am from the North, I am working class – I kind of fit the bill. All the groups that we're aiming for are groups that I' m familiar with."

Her political ‘calling’ has ended abruptly after only two years, with her demotion. This has now left no Asian and or Indian woman in the Cabinet, which has raised eyebrows in some communities, who are questioning Cameron’s commitment to creating a socially cohesive and multicultural Britain.

In much of the style in which she is known, Warsi took control of her own exit from the Office, by announcing on Twitter: “It's been a privilege and an honour to serve my party as co-chairman, signing off as @ToryChairman, signing on as @sayeedawarsi.”

This reshuffle has definitely shown Britain that the Prime Minister means business. The coalition required a facelift that would focus more on complex party management to ensure political stability for the next two years. It is a shame, however, that he has failed to include any Indian members in his Cabinet.

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Youngsters to perform before thousand people on the gala night

Dull, it isn't!

Khaye to bhi dookh, nah khaye to bhi dookh* Very few people would envy the job of PM David Cameron at the moment.

This shuffle is intended to give him more success and less pain. He would prefer to have some more 'elbow room', so to speak. The picture is emerging, as I write this column, on the final shape of the cabinet reshuffle.

David Cameron, born with a silver spoon, was always focused for his present position and he has prepared very meticulously, including Eton and Oxford and the selection of Sam as his future wife. The couple have stood the test of time, through ups and downs, and their recent holiday was inevitably disturbed with some discussion about his intention to invigorate the government.

Such huge objectives are never 100% fool proof. You gain something, and sometimes you lose more or less, but you always lose something. David Cameron is not a robot. He would be very concerned about saying goodbye or side tracking some of his closest friends and colleagues. But that is perhaps the price you have to pay for being Prime Minister.

The price is more when you have a coalition government. You cannot avoid feeling that you are between a rock and a hard place, which in this case are the expectations and demands of the Liberal democrat partners and the backbenchers of Cameron’s own party. Some of them are die-hard right-wingers, some are absolutely anti-EU, and several of them despise the coalition partnership. There is also an element of selfinterest. Some conservative MPS, feel threatened by Lib Dems sharing power.

Every PM has his, or her, own inbuilt problems. Margaret Thatcher was, no doubt, a successful PM who was able to reignite the enterprise, selfconfidence and re generation of Britain.

Since becoming PM in 1979, she also went through horrendous problems prior to the Falklands war. But after all she was still able to turn around, the socalled “sick man of Europe”.

Margaret Thatcher met her most serious problem, of the poll-tax debacle, which eventually resulted in her tearful departure from 10 Downing Street.

Whatever David Cameron will achieve out of this reshuffle, only time will tell.

He will be judged on how he handles the aspirations of the new generation of his own MPs, how he looks after the interest of his coalition partners and how he handles the reaction and responses of those who are dispatched to the “have been” shelves.

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If one looks at the comments from responsible media and knowledgeable commentators, David Cameron, naturally, is in a very big fix indeed, but he has to be his own man, and he can learn a lesson or two (bearing the poll tax time bomb) from Margaret Thatcher perhaps one of the best PMs UK has ever had.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the cochairperson of the party and the first ever Asian and Muslim woman in the echelons of power, has reportedly been moved aside. This must be a very sad decision for David Cameron, her strong admirer and supporter. Nevertheless it will be a bigger shock for Baroness Warsi herself. Even last Saturday in her interview with the Daily telegraph she was pleading to be retained in her present position and in a very indirect way was emitting signals that her departure would give wrong indications to the women, ethnic workers and especially to the Muslim community.

She would naturally try to sell that package. It is not surprising. Perhaps she would remember, that she was not very popular among the voters of her own community. She was unable to win a constituency with a sizeable Pakistani and Muslim vote-bank either.

Her alleged involvement in some nepotism practices (some that can be termed as corrupt) also made her very controversial to say the least.

She raised many eyebrows not only amongst Hindus and Sikhs and Indians, in general, but even amongst the wider community, who have suffered so much in the recent years from the terrorism in this country, when she described blood thirsty terrorists in Jamu and Kashmir as “freedom fighters”.

“As you sow, so shall you reap”, is perhaps a very hard term to use. But the Baroness and some other cabinet ministers, who are now on the “upper shelf”, ought to know that…

In the first coalition government, the conservative MPs and peers of Indian origin were not given due prominence, according to many responses we had received.

Diversity itself is both a pleasure and sometimes, for the decision maker, a pain too. For the sake of this country and the future generations, lets wish the new government well.

Asian Voice 'hunts and finds' talents for the 12th Asian Achievers Awards British Asian youngsters not only excel in education, but they are also talented when it comes to music, dance or any other forms of art. However, it is seldom that they pursue a career in that field, let alone performing professionally in front of thousand people. Many times their absence in these fields are a matter of 'missed' opportunities, sometimes due to peer or Hiten Khetia, CB Patel, Sangeeta Bahadur, Aekta Mahajan & Jay Kumar parental pressure to choose a career in the a successful Bollywood Night specialist, mainstream. Though British Asian proMr Hiten Khetia, CEO and President, fessionals in the field of art and culture CineArte International, Ms Aekta has increased in numbers over the Mahajan, Senior Manager at the cabinet years, but it is still a long way from havoffice, Vice Chair of City Hindus ing people choose music or dance or Network and CB Patel, Publisher/ beat boxing as their main profession.

Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Samachar. in its 41st year organised a talent hunt Out of the many contestants and a in association with City Hindus tiring half day, the judges have short Network to give our youngsters a scope listed 3 finalists viz Meera Tailor, Alisha to showcase their 'real' talents at the Pati Alam and Nisha Halai who will be 12th Asian Achievers Awards. On 1st performing as a group at the Asian September London SAM college at Achievers Awards on 14 September at Holloway Road was bustling with activthe Grosvenor House Hotel before 1000 ities, as youngsters came for audition guests, especially dignitaries like Hema with their family and friends.

Malini, the British MPs and Lords, top Judges included Ms Sangeeta notch entrepreneurs, and the crème de Bahadur, Minister (Culture), Indian la crème of the community.

High Commission and Director, Nehru This talent hunt is first of the kind Centre, Mr Jay Kumar, a well known organised by a newspaper in the UK Bollywood dance choreographer, enterespecially an ethnic one. tainer, song writer, music producer and

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Congratulation Our best wishes to Roshni Rajnikant Rabheru (16 years), who has achieved 12 "O" Levels, 5 A Stars and 7 A Grades in her GCSE.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

9

YOUR VOICE

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Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Hard work

Amazing Games-Makers

LMU and immigration

Responsibility of media

As a young Asian who has been educated here in the UK from primary school to university, I understand the pressures of students to get good grades. These pressures stem mainly from home and the perception that good grades are the only things that will help you do well in life. I agree that as important as good grades are, they are not the only way to succeed in life. I like many other students did not do very well in school, or to the level that was expected. As hard as I tried and others try, achieving the grades expected was not possible. However, I am now an airline pilot for one of Europe's biggest airlines, having achieved this through working extremely hard, because of my dream and desire. Young people should always also be taught, without grades, hard work, determination, ambition, and backing of parents can get you to where you want to be.

I had a chance to enjoy the Paralympics during the weekend. I went to 2 different venues: Greenwich and the Olympics Park. It was great experience, however I would like to emphasis on the fabulous Games Makers.

On my way to and from the venue as well as during the games, all the gamesmakers were very much friendly and helpful. Even during the exit, which is at the end of the event (when everyone headed home tired and exhausted after a sunny long day), I noticed that each and every games-maker had a great smile on their face. They were wishing people “have a safe journey home”, “thank you for coming”, “did you have fun today?”, “have a good evening”, etc. It felt so much wonderful and appreciated that it brought smile on my face and all the tiredness went away. I am sure rest of the visitors felt the same.

At one point, it felt like they are getting paid to greet us and we have gone there for free; the reality is that they are volunteers & not getting paid. They don’t get to see the games while they stand there all day long! I appreciate these amazing Games-Makers and salute to their hard work and dedication.

The U.K Boarder Agency’s suspension of London Metropolitan University ‘s power to recruit new students from outside the EU is a good move even though the future of the institution is under threat. The British government has taken a wise decision to deregister more than 2700 students from non EU after a very thoughtful consideration.

The university in order to get income from the overseas students was slack in monitoring of those given visas to study at the university. The university was charging more than £10,500 for one year’s study. The students who were admitted did not have enough knowledge of English and their qualifications were doubtful. One third of the non EU students overstayed and did not have visas to stay in this country. A large number of students from non-EU countries never bothered to attend the lectures and the university failed to check their attendance and their where about.

This is going on for years in some polytechnics (now new universities) from 1980’s when I was a part time student at a polytechnic in London.

The labour government allowed mushroom growth of universities in the UK and at present all the polytechnics have been promoted to university status and in addition recently several colleges of technology also have been promoted as universities.

London Metropolitan university has two recruitment centres in Delhi and Chennai. There are more than 500 students from India who are studying in Metropolitan university and at present their status is not clear.

The government should find a better way of running and regulating the British universities and it is wrong to punish overseas students for the faults of administrators and regulators.

Our religious leaders or who claim that they know the Hinduism and are writing stories about our great leaders, must think carefully what they are writing or telling people on Tv or other media. Press or tv bosses are equally responsible for publishing or broadcasting the distorted and damaging material which bring disrepute to our great leaders and Hinduism. The story of Bhima and the Python written by Rajen Vakil in Asian Voice Ist September 2012 has one of the following paragraph which should not have been written or published.

“One day Bhima went for a walk in the jungle. On the way he shot many deer, killed elephants and uprooted trees.

He was so happy that he started jumping in joy and making terrible sounds which shook the whole forest and the mountains nearby. Hearing his sounds,even the most powerful of elephants and lions started scampering in fear,Snakes that were hiding in caves started running away in different directions. This pleased Bhima and he started going into the caves and terrifying the snakes.”

Great Bhima, how can he do such foolishness to kill animals for nothing?

Killing one deer on hunting for eating was okay at that time but such behaviour reflects the signs of madness. In present world Bhima would have been severely punished by the Law. But I am sure he did not do any such nonsense things. So my request to all writers and publishers please be sensible to portray the images of our greatly admired religious leaders.

Moheet J Joshi BSc (Hons) First Officer

Prince Harry and his naked pics Nudity by Prince Harry must be seen with Nelson’s eye considering globally prevalent legitimate or illegitimate practice of nudism. Streaking, adult magazines, posing as art model, strip poker, strip show in cabaret, naturism, nude camps, beaches for swimming in nude, skinny dipping are well known all over the world.

Prince Harry’s naked pictures issue has been magnified due to aristocratic status, immense wealth and as heir in waiting to the throne. As any person goes higher in fame one becomes like gold fish in bowl, with no place to hide and every move under public scrutiny. Salacious clients are satisfied, whereas puritans are shocked.

The shock is emphasised because we associate wealth and fame with virtues eg. mature dignity, culture, religious discipline and discretion. We fail to see many famous people succumbing to drug/drink addiction, gender bending sex practices, repeated admission in rehabilitation centres and ultimately suicide.

Fault lies with partiality in grooming Prince William better than grooming Prince Harry. Why Prince Harry is not groomed to be as perfect as his elder brother? Also why blame young prince when he is exposed to patently licentious social environment with peers who may not meet aristocratic moral standards?

Why do press attribute vile, vulgar and obscene motive, where none might have existed?

Press interaction with royalty in such imbroglio is paradoxical too. On one hand they profess all out loyalty to monarchy which is a symbol of British national dignity. On the other hand they are eager to encroach on their privacy despite caution from the palace!

Press converts trivia into scandal, history, ghost that cannot be exorcised.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Devang Bhatt, Harrow, London

Parking fine appeals: Go online By making parking fine appeals online only, Harrow Council (HC) is punishing the old, the disabled, especially those with learning difficulty, as well as generally less able bodied people who could not master the fast life, be part of technological revolution that our younger generation and Council Officials take it for granted. HC has discontinued telephone and postal based services but surprise, surprise, only to appeal against parking fines, but not when it comes to paying the fines, to fill their coffers!

There are millions of people, especially OAPs who do not use computers. So making computers available free in libraries have no meaning, unless HC is willing to employ staffs to help us. Then it would be uneconomical and self defeating exercise! Even then there are many people with limited mobility who will find it difficult to visit libraries. They would rather pay the fines than go through the hassle. That is exactly what HC wants, to maximise their revenue in such a harsh economic climate, with grants from the Central Government all but dried up!

OAPs are holy cows for HC to milk dry!

I would like to urge our two Harrow MPs, opposition Councillors and every voluntary organization engaged in helping the aged and disable people to protest at such an arbitrary manner of withdrawing our right to appeal by post that most of us would prefer. It should be a basic right no one should be allowed to temper with.

Bhupendra Gandhi Via Email

Arun vaidyanathan Via Email

It is in giving that we receive This popular mantra from Saint Francis of Assisi adequately lends support to Sir J K Chande’s plea that business leaders should emulate the idea of collective good by giving to worthy causes (AV 1 September 2012).

If money is at all to be given towards charitable initiatives then it should be given freely and selflessly. Some large businesses are often perceived by the common man as promoting their own interests rather than the public good.

But I applaud charity organisations who ensure that the money is well spent towards the causes they are supporting, like my own organisation of Shree Prajapati Association UK which grantfunded two large community projects in Kutch which were devastated by the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. We made sure, by a monitoring and evaluation process, that the whole of the money donated by the well-meaning public went towards the projects.

I do sincerely think that there are a vast number of individuals, not just businesses, who want to give and give even

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Brand ‘Gujarat’ – which is equated with Guangdong of China, he invited Chinese business community and public enterprises to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit- 2013.

He highlights Gujarat’s special investment regions as areas where Chinese companies could invest. He called on China to invest in infrastructure and power projects in the state, wooing potential investors with a sales pitch that showcased Gujarat as a state with levels of “governance, transparency and stability” that they could not find elsewhere in India. He declared that “the two great countries will make Asia the centrestage of the global economy.”

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A new theory says that any physical activity for 15 minutes every day is a good insurance against a plethora of health problems, be it related to the heart, the brain or even cancer.

A study published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, said that just a quarter-hour of physical exertion a day could reduce a person's risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by three years compared to inactive people.

Incidentally, another theory published in a different British journal said daily TV-viewing for six hours could take

away five years from your life.

Adding and subtracting years from your life has never before been quantified in such medical terms, say doctors.

The 15-minute short-cut to good health, in fact, changes the most fundamental rule that was approved by the World Health Organizationthat 150 minutes of activity a week is needed to stay healthy. )(.#(/

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E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

Dear Mr Sahdev, Asian Voice is aware what we publish cannot be misleading or untrue.

Mr Vakil is well researched and he will by no means publish what is not already there in ‘Mahabharata’ or tamper with the instances mentioned in the original epic.

However, we are forwarding your email to Mr Vakil and hope to send you a reply in the future, with proper reference from Mahabharata, regarding the above mentioned subject.

AV more. But they are often held back by a nagging feeling as if wanting self-assurance: Will my money be spent wisely, economically and where it is needed most?

While we were in Bhuj we heard disturbing stories from the earthquake victims that some of the money and clothes sent urgently and desperately by the worried communities in the UK had been swallowed up at the port of call.

One answer to this dilemma is for the charitable organisations themselves to state clearly on their websites and in publicity material how precisely the donated money will be spent and accounted for, and most importantly, the extent of remuneration that the charity’s executives and staff will draw out for themselves.

Uttambhai D Mistry Bolton Continued on page 11

Visit our website: www.abplgroup.com

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded ."

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In a rare gesture, China’s top leadership hosted his delegation at Great Hall of People and had a free and frank discussion and exchange of ideas on a range of subjects including trade, industry, socioeconomic development, investment, and prevailing global economic scenario. Modi emphasized about the shared heritage of India and China, and common vision for improved quality of lives of their people.

In his meeting with the Mr Wang Gang, Vice Chairman of the China People’s Political

1 Year 2 Years

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

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YOUR VOICE/UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

A Giant Step for Mankind

Official records

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, is no more. He delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten. Moments after setting foot on the lunar surface, he famously uttered the quote ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’

However, it is a pity that since 1969, the legacy he left has not been fully utilized.

Not much has been done since his historic achievement even after 43 years.

One would have thought that progress would have been made to enable mankind to habitat the moon. The way we are belching out poisonous gases into the atmosphere, it is becoming more important that we find alternative place to escape to when disaster strikes and the earth is no more. The signs of disaster are already manifesting themselves in the form of the floods, earthquakes, mudslides, tsunamis and hurricanes. Man has emitted, and continues to emit, all those green house gases in the atmosphere and causing global warming. This in turn, is causing natural disasters like the tsunamis, earthquakes, heavy rain, snow, or to the other extreme – draughts.

So what could be done to prevent such disasters from happening again? It is time for governments to do more to protect the environment. This could be achieved by reducing global warming and conserving an ecological balance by avoiding the depletion of natural resources like trees and forests – by creating sustainability. Otherwise the world as we know today will be no more and if alternative place to preserve mankind is not discovered, there will be nothing left for the posterity.

Let us collect 100,000 UK signatures and/or 1 million EU signatures from 7 EU countries.

Last week I registered with a new GP practice. One of the questions I had to answer after being in this country for 45 years and having become a naturalised citizen for 40 years was about my ethnic origin. Let us ask UK Parliament and the European Parliament to propose a law and make it illegal for public authorities to ask for ethnic origin in all the 27 EU countries. After all, we are contributing on equal footing with the white majority in the welfare of all these countries and making them richer; and we are equally as loyal. It is discriminatory and degrading. It reminds ethnic minorities to remember their ethnic origin in everyday life and every day activity.

Public authorities should ask 3 questions: UK national; EU national; or foreign national.

The above practice falls foul of the racial discrimination clause in Human Rights Act. The United Kingdom first signed and ratified the European Convention on Human Rights [ECHR] in 1950. Since coming into force on 2 October 2000, the Human Rights Act has made the rights under ECHR (Convention Rights) enforceable in our own courts. Our children are born here.

Our grand children are born here. They can be proud of their ethnic origin, follow their customs and religion etc. but they should not be categorised in official records as such as all human beings are individuals in many respects.

PM Cameron and Mrs Thatcher

Krishna and vedas I am disappointed that Ramesh Jhalla sought to misquote the vedas to justify Krishna’s pranks (AV 18 Aug, page 10).

There is no mention of Krishna in the Vedas. Krishna’s popular image is a myth.

It is not history. Krishna in the non-physical sense means the one who attracts all to himself. How can he use a mythological story to justify polygamy? Religion is not a part of social change. There are constant values in religion.

Karl Marx decided to impose his interpretation of social and political changes to prove an ideology which is almost non existent today. Hinduism has an eternal message to deliver. It revolves around the upliftment of life. The neglect of the vedas has caused the decline and fall our society. All nornal human problems and their solutions are aptly described in the vedas. Countless sects and their bogus ideas have done enormous harm to Hindus. No man can have only a particle of divinity. To be fair there

Silver Sunday

Nagin Khajuria Via Email

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Mrs Thatcher’s downfall started from the poll tax. All her prominent ministers left her at the end as she was not in a position to carry on as the Prime Minister. She left No 10 with tears in her eyes. I believe something or probably the same is going to happen to PM Mr Cameron who destroyed NHS. British people will never forgive him for doing so.

J B Patel Birmingham is no plural of God in sanskrit. There are 400 living Gods in India today. They have not done anything to reduce the crippling burden of suffering of the people of that country. God does not need to take birth in any shape or form. Ramesh Jhalla is usually clear headed, but I think in this particular matter he is confused.

R K Bhatt London

This autumn several London councils are launching a new campaign called 'Silver Sunday', which aims to promote independence and healthy living for older people. Residents and community organisations are being encouraged to put on events especially for older members of the community, such as tea parties, fundraisers for age charities, talks and lectures, museum visits, art or dance classes, knitting circles and book groups.

Many elderly members of the community suffer from loneliness and so Silver Sunday is placing emphasis on social events that will encourage older people to get out and about together. Silver Sunday

also aims to improve relationships between the young and old. Schools will be encouraging their pupils to make a card for their grandparents or an elderly neighbour.

I hope this will be a fantastic campaign in London so that in years to come it is celebrated as a national event. In a civilised society it is important that noone should feel left behind.

More details can be found at: http://silversunday.org.uk/ Syed Kamall Conservative MEP for London

Come fall in love with the Swiss Mountains Switzerland is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, culture and views, but it would not be anything without the magnificent mountaintops that make up the eternal beauty that Switzerland has to offer. With an expansive area of up to 41,285 sq. km, Switzerland’s icy mountain peaks will have you feeling like you are on top of the world.

Travel in style while you immerse yourself into a world of mountains and valleys, alpine lakes and meadows and fascinating scenes. Dabble in the snow whilst you feel the glaring sun surround you and experience gushing waterfalls that are Mother Nature at its best. The Swiss have truly perfected the meaning of a jaw-dropping mountain-excursion experience with their extensive list of adventurous excursions planned especially with you in mind.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe- This year, Jungfrau Railways celebrate 100 years providing exclusive transportation to tourists from all over the world.

Europe’s highest altitude mountain railway is today still hailed as an international masterpiece of railway technology and every year attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The cogwheel railway takes passengers from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe- at 3,454m Europe’s highest altitude railway station in a world of rock, ice and snow. To celebrate its centenary Jungfrau Railways offer a 2 for1 6-day Centenary Pass for travel in the region in September and October – including the Jungfraujoch. Up to 2 children under 16 years travel free.

Mount Titlis - Visit the glacier paradise at 3,020m with an excursion to the highest point in Central Switzerland: Mount Titlis. Experience a ride in the Rotair, the first revolving aerial cable car in the world, and enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view. Take the IceFlyer across the crevices of the glacier to indulge in some fun sledging and

snow adventure. Alternatively you might just want to enjoy the stunning view across Central Switzerland.

Mount Pilatus - Dragon MountainEnjoy the Pilatus experience, one of the highlights of Central Switzerland at 2,132 m. In the summer months enjoy a leisurely cruise across Lake Lucerne before boarding the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. At the top enjoy absolutely stunning views across the curiously shaped Lake Lucerne. On the way down take a set of aerial and panorama gondola cableways to get back down to the valley. On the way you can stop for some hiking, or try the longest summer toboggan run.

Gornergrat - The highest cogwheel train in Switzerland will take you from Zermatt to an altitude of 3,089m.

During the ride to the summit you will experience excellent vantage points for some 29 four-thousand-meter peaks including the mighty Matterhorn and the impressive glaciers of the Monte Rosa massif.

Schilthorn - Piz Gloria- There is no better place to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps than from the summit of 2,970m high Schilthorn. Imagine being able to see more than 200 mountain peaks! Taking a set of gondolas from the green valley floor, past gushing waterfalls to the very top is indeed a unique experience. At the top a revolving restaurant, sun terrace and souvenir shop let you relax and enjoy the 360-degree view to your heart's content.

Rochers de Naye - In less than an hour from Montreux, after a climb by rack railway from the palm trees below to the edelweiss-covered peaks above, you will find yourself at Rochers de Naye, where you will enjoy the most spectacular view across Lake Geneva and its surrounding Alps. On a clear day, you can also see the distant Eiger, and Mont Blanc Massif, along with Geneva’s famous water fountain.

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MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Scrutator’s Two contrasting events sum up the Indian paradox. The country’s human capital is a continuing source of national pride and joy. A few weeks ago, Professor Asoke Sen FRS was awarded a coveted international prize for his work in theoretical physics; more recently, India’s teenagers won the Under 19 cricket World Cup by beating Australia in Australia, the third such triumph for the country. Team captain Unmukt Chand scored a scintillating unbeaten century to guide his side to a memorable victory. His performance, encapsulating a rare blend of character and skill, sent cricket greats, Ian Chappell and Wasim Akram, into rhapsodies. Cricket’s next great star, they said, had proclaimed his arrival and was ready for the of challenges game’s higher levels.

All this was besmirched by riotous behaviour in India’s Parliament, where Opposition BJP MPs brought proceedings to a halt for the third sucUnmukt Chand cessive day and then derailed its entire monsoon session. They demanded the prior resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh because of an adverse CAG report on government distribution of coal blocks on his watch. Parliamentary propriety demands that such issues be first debated in the legislative chamber, following which a motion of no-confidence can be tabled if so desired.

The Telegraph editorial (August 29) was excoriating: “The BJP has demonstrated over the last few days that it has no respect for democracy and parliamentary processes….. it has crossed the boundaries of decency. In any civilized society, even a condemned man is allowed to speak in his own defence.” The BJP denied Dr Singh this elementary courtesy.

BJP isolation No other opposition group has been prepared to go along with the BJP. Arun Shourie, a former BJP cabinet minister in the Vajpayee government, criticized such disruptive tactics as futile and counter-productive. He explained: “There has to be a question of ministerial responsibility. After all, the Prime Minister is the minister incharge [of coal]. And, as he rightly says, he must be given the opportunity to explain the facts as he sees them” (The Hindu August 28). (There is a sea change in the situation - see you next week)

Indo-US relationship The Indo-US relationship is rich in texture and varied in scope. It operates at many levels, which include government and civil society in all its manifestations.

In education, culture and science Indo-US interactions have been most productive. Think of the vast numbers of Indian students who have studied at American universities and been enriched by the experience.

Government exchanges At the government level the exchanges are better now than ever before. The Cold War trapdoor, breached by the Indo-US nuclear energy deal, has opened new vistas of trust and cooperation for mutual benefit. Without being formal allies, the estranged democracies are estranged no longer. However,

the journey has not been trouble-free.. The Truman administration expected India to become a camp follower of the US after Independence and fall obediently into line with American wishes, on Kashmir especially. India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru provoked hostile comment in the State Department for his “inflexible attitude on Kashmir” following his talks in Washington in 1949 with Secretary of State Dean Acheson. An American official suggested in a minute that “a strong Muslim bloc under the leadership of Pakistan and friendly to the US might afford a desirable balance of power in South Asia.”

Co-opting Pakistan Which is what transpired in the fullness of time.. Pakistan became the linchpin of US-sponsored Cold War alliances such as SEATO and CENTO, covering an arc stretching from South East Asia to the Middle East.

For all America’s travails in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the latter’s sponsorship of transnation terrorism, Pakistan remains a non-NATO US ally.

Massive infusions of US military aid to Islamabad continue without let or hindrance. The Pakistan military launched three “Crush India” wars in 1965, 1971 and 1999 respectively, with Islamabad receiving outright support from Washington and Beijing in the second of these conflicts. Lingering suspicions endure in India. It cannot be otherwise.

Nuclear blackmail India’s National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, addressing a national conference in Delhi on global nuclear disarmament (Press Trust of India August 21), said: “On at least three occasions before 1998 other powers used the explicit or implicit threat of nuclear weapons to try and change India’s behavior.” India’s “hardheaded leadership, which we were fortunate to have” faced down these challenges. “Since we became a declared nuclear weapons state in 1998, we have faced no such threats,” Mr Menon said.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna elaborated: “Nuclear weapons today are an integral part of our national security and will remain so pending non-discriminatory global nuclear disarmament.”

The conference was attended by 1500 students from 30 institutions of higher education.

Indo-Russian ties healthy

Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra

ing President Putin to India later this year for the annual IndiaRussia Summit, the build-up for which is already under way,” he said.

Ambassador Malhotra also touched briefly on the measures he had taken to facilitate greater people-to-people contact as the “bedrock of our unique relationship.” Among the measures listed were the easier visa regimes now in place to encourage tourism and visits of businessmen. Cultural exchanges were more frequent and broad-based, he said.

India’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Ajai Malhotra, was in ebullient mood when speaking to Russia India Biggest defence Report (RIR), a Moscow-based deal on anvil publication devoted exclusively to Indo-Russian relations. In a India’s quest for a futuristic tour d’horizon, Mr Malhotra, stealth fifth-generation fighter described his first year in Russia will entail a massive $35 billion as exhausting and exhilarating. over 20 years. India and Russia He had travelled to every corner are set to sign the full and final of what, with its seven time design phase, a 50-50 cost-sharzones, is the world’s largest sovereign state.

He was keen that India exploit trade and investment opportunities from the centre in Moscow to every outlying Russian province.

Mr Malhotra was encouraged by the 53 per cent growth in the India-Russia trade turnover in the Fifth-generation Russian fighter plane to be acquired by India past half-year over a similar period in ing contract for the aircraft. The 2011. With Russia now a meminitial contract was signed in ber of the World Trade 2010.

The Indian Air Force is Organization (WTO), Indoexpected to acquire between Russian trade was expected to 200-250 of these lethal warsurge from the modest volumes planes. Air Chief Marshal of earlier years, he said.

N.A.K.Browne was in Moscow recently to review the progress Strategic partnership and performance of the T-50, which will be tweaked to meet Asked about the “privileged India’s requirements. Full inducstrategic partnership” between tion into the IAF should comthe two countries, Mr Malhotra mence by 2020-22. replied: “Russia is our foremost With a cruising speed of partner in such sensitive and Mach 1.7, the T50 fighter will strategically important sectors have a deadly mix of ultraas defence, space, nuclear enermanoevrability, supersonic gy and science and technology speed, long-range strike and and in oil and gas. Our special high-endurance air defence and privileged partnership with capabilities. The IAF has also Russia is steadily forging signed up to an upgrade of its ahead….. we will continuously Russian-built Sukhoi 30MKI strive to further enhance it.” fleet (Times of India August 19).

India-Russia working groups in science and technology were Rule of Law institutionalized and centres of excellence in Moscow and Delhi The Rule of Law prevailed in had been established. Inter-minbringing to justice those responisterial contacts at the highest sible for the Godhra massacre of level were ongoing. “We now Hindu pilgrims, and the revenge look forward to warmly welcom-

attacks on innocent Muslims including women and children in the Naroda-Patiya area of Ahmedabad, the largest city in the state of Gujarat. Fifty people perished in Godhra, 97 in Naroda-Patiya. Those found guilty in the former case have been caught, tried and sentenced. These riots occurred in early 2002.

A special court and a Special Investigating Team (SIT), set up on the orders of India’s Supreme Court, tracked down 112 individuals for trial by Special Judge Jyostna Yagnik, who found 32 of the first 61 in the dock guilty as charged, and while acquitting the other 29 for lack of conclusive evidence, she withheld a formal declaration of their innocence.

Among the guilty was Mayaben Kodnani, a former Health minister in the Narendra Modi government and a senior BJP leader, who received a 28yeart jail sentence; another high profile conviction involved former Bajrang Dal convener Babu Bajrangi, who will remain in jail for the rest of his life. Closure can now be applied to this appalling tragedy. The wheels of Indian justice grind slow; they grind exceeding well. (The Hindu, Times of India August 30, September 1).

Kasab sentence confirmed Meanwhile, Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist to be captured alive from the Pakistani team responsible for the 26/11 assault on Mumbai, has had his death sentence confirmed by India’s Supreme Court. In their 398page judgment, Justices Aftab Alam and C.K. Prasad said: “This case has the element of conspiracy as no other case. The appellant was part of a conspiracy hatched across the border to wage war against the government of India, and lethal arms and explosives were collected with the intention of waging war against the government of India.”

Ajmal Kasab, Pakistan terrorist sentenced to death

Mumbai was deliberately targeted as India’s financial centre.

Kasab showed not the slightest remorse, maintaining that he was proud to be a “Pakistani warrior.” There were thus no mitigating circumstances to warrant a lesser sentence (The Hindu, Times of India August 30).

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

Amit Bhatia, 34 Amit Bhatia is founder and senior partner at Swordfish Investments LLP and founder of the Mittal Champions Trust. He is also coowner and vice-chairman of QPR Football Club.

Amit incubated Swordfish Investments, a private equity fund and Swordfish Capital Management an investment management company. He owns and manages both these Mayfair based companies. Additionally, he is involved in a number of private businesses spanning the education, media, telecom and real estate sectors.

Amit is an alumnus of Cornell University, Ivy League School, Ithaca, New York, where he studied Economics and Investment Management. Prior to starting Swordfish Investments, Amit also worked with Mergers & Acquisitions at Morgan Stanley in New York and Credit Suisse First Boston in London, England. Born in 1979 to Arun and Renu Bhatia, Amit is married to Ms. Vanisha Mittal, daughter of steel magnate and Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal.

Where were you born?

I was born in London.

Where did you go to school, and were you sporty growing up?

I was educated at St Columba’s school in New

Delhi where I was very sporty indeed. I participated in almost every sport the school had to offer. I then won a cricket scholarship to Dulwich College in London.

Indian athletes to cheer for. After internal discussions on how we could help change the scenario, the Mittal Champions Trust was born. It was our commitment to enable Indian sporting talent to shine on the world stage.

Who else from your inlaws’ side is involved and how much interest do they take?

My father-in-law Lakshmi Mittal and brother-in-law Aditya Mittal. They are very involved in giving the trust its vision, guidance, direction and support.

Amit Bhatia

How did you come to set up the Mittal Champions Trust?

My family had gone to see the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, where to our disappointment we could not find enough

How does the MCT work?

MCT works on providing every talented athlete with the facilities to win on the world stage.

We do this by getting the athletes coaches, trainers, equipment, mental trainers, physiotherapists or anything else they need.

The aim is to give each of our athletes the best possible platform to prepare them for the Olympic stage.

What results did you notice early on?

There have been lots of results. We won 20

medals at the Asian games and 18 at the commonwealth games.

Furthermore, our athlete Abhinav Bindra won India its first ever individual gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle at Beijing. Also our wrestler, Yogeshwar Dutt, won bronze at London 2012.

All 16 athletes we sent to the games to represent India made me very proud The biggest factor is that we have managed to raise the bar for Indian athletes and now everyone is aiming not just to participate at the games but win medals.

How many athletes does the MCT cater for?

We have 33 athletes as of now.

How long is it going to run for?

Our next big target is Rio 2012 after which we will reassess.

How much of your time does it take up?

As much as is needed

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really! I am very involved in the process. While I am not on the ground physically it still takes a significant amount of time to develop an athlete and the decisions that go along with his or her career needs, significant research and thought.

Who runs MCT in India?

Our trust is very ably led by our trust administrator Manisha Malhotra How do you feel about the performance of your athletes at London 2012?

All 16 athletes we sent to the games to represent India made me very proud. We won a bronze in wrestling and those that didn’t win gained valuable experience and will be better prepared and motivated for 2016.

How would you like Asian voice readers to support your athletes?

Our athletes just need people behind them rooting for them. If Asian voice can create awareness for their quest that moral support will be much appreciated by us, the trust, the athletes, their families and our nation as a whole.

Panicked students: UK immigration 'playing with our lives' Continued from page 1 Some of the London Met students have also staged demonstrations last week outside the Prime Minister’s residence and at the campus in protest against the UK Border Agency’s decision.

A group of about 40 students sat in silence in front of the gates No 10 Downing St on Wednesday to protest the decision, some taping their mouths and others carrying signs reading: "International Students Not Welcome Here".

Rt Hon Keith Vaz, British MP of Indian origin has expressed great concern over the future of the Indian students who were enrolled in LMU. "Such a process should have been better handled.

It has left thousands of foreign students in limbo and may damage the reputation of our country as the best place for them," he said. Adding that this is the worst possible time, at the start of the new academic year, to revoke the licence of a university.

"It's like closing the

Rt Hon Keith Vaz

Syed Rumman

educational door to some who have in good faith paid a fortune to get here.

I feel very sorry for these students. If there are any more universities in the same position, could UKBA please tell them now," said Mr Vaz who has been actively following up on the issue ever since the university's 'highly trusted' status was suspended last month.

An estimated 150 Indian students out of a total of 600 could be in danger of immediate deportation, though the actual numbers of Indian students are yet to be confirmed.

Legal experts believe LMU, the first British university is to be stripped of its right to sponsor foreign student visas, is bound to challenge UKBA's order in court.

Its chancellor Malcolm Gillies confirmed the university has sought legal advice on the matter.

Students' reaction Tunde, a 28-year-old Nigerian, is studying a masters in Information Technology and has already shelled out £17,000 in fees. He told a local newspaper, "I have to go back to my country with nothing to show for

this," he said.

"My dad is dead and my mother is old. How can I go home and tell her what's happened?

How can I say all our money has been wasted?"

"No-one has said anything about refunding fees. They've left us in the dark.

"So many people are out of the country and it is completely unfair to expect them to sort out going to another university while they're still in their home country.

"The government is just kicking us around like a football.

"This is not just my education. This is my life, my future."

"I can find the university in 60 days. But I can't find the money again. For the past six months we have been living in fear of this happening. Even if I go to another university, what's to say it won't happen again?

"My message to other people back home is do not come here. Go to the US or Canada instead."

Another student, Adnan Pavel, 22, has one semester left for his electronic and communications engineering degree but will be unable to complete his degree if he loses his visa.

He cancelled a trip to visit his parents in Bangladesh for fear he will not be allowed back.

He told a daily: “If the university’s licence was revoked while I was out of the UK I might not be able to come back.

“I am an only son and my parents were waiting for me. But after I read the story and saw how critical the situation was I couldn’t fly.

“I paid £580 for a flight with Emirates but I lost all the money because I cancelled at the 11th hour.”

He added: “Students Continued on page 26

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Why being number 1 counts

Mo Luthra, branding consultant www.moluthra.com On the 25th of August saw the passing of an American hero and legend in Neil Armstrong. He lived every childhood boys dream, went to space, walked on the moon and is continually remembered through those immortal words ‘this is one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind’.

What he did in 1969 paves a great lesson for us in business over 40 years later, the importance of being number one, or as we should say, being the first within a marketplace. The first mover has many advantages as Apple will testify to with their massive successes, like the ipod and the ipad. By being number one you are naturally seen

as the innovator, you have a head start over your competition, and most importantly you will be remembered.

Today though in the UK markets and industries are firmly established, to be number one is only the destination achieved by the ‘big boys’, companies which have research and development departments that can reshape the way we live, work and shop. On top of that they have the financial muscle to let the world know that ‘they are number one’ through clever advertising and marketing campaigns.

So are small and medium businesses destined to be left behind following in the footsteps of these

giants? Not necessarily, actually the most profitable markets are often the smallest and most niche ones, those that service the desires of a small community who might be passionate about

a particular type of interest or need. Being number one in a small pond is invariably more profitable, easier to connect with potential customers and have the ability to ingrain yourself in consumers mind in a cost effective manner. In short it’s a destination that can be reached where we can be the first to step on the promised land.

The society we live in today is prime for businesses to exploit niche markets. Never before have we had the proliferation of choice. The internet has allowed individuals and communities to connect not based on geography but in relation to our deepest wants and needs. Take for example a company like Shaadi.com, it was the first mover not in the online dating world but within the very profitable niche of Asian dating.

By catering specifically to the needs of a particular group, Shaadi.com quickly captured the position of being number one.

Building a brand to cater for the ever growing niches that are emerging daily is the way UK business owners can leave their mark on this world if not on the moon.

f ashionista

by Debasree Ghosh

Be a Fashionista, Be You! If you have any questions or a story or a new style to share with us, please write to Shree at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Fall Trends Cheatsheet Deciding what to scoop and what to skip for the upcoming season can be tricky - stores will soon be flooded with fall wares, and navigating all those chunky knits, wild prints, and soft layers to find what you will actually love is something of an art form.

Now, what if someone handed you a cheat sheet of the most amazing fall trends you can - and definitely should - wear? We're doing exactly that, just for you (you lucky duck!), with this guide to the best of what's ahead, plus the handy tips you'll need to master each look. These trends are gorgeous, timeless, and supremely wearable, but still forwardthinking enough to keep you on top of the heap, sartorially speaking - what more could a girl want?

Roomy coats, such as the gorgeous ones seen on the runway at Chloé, are a welcome outerwear update. The generous, more masculine cut looks fresh with everything from trousers to a cocktail dress, but isn't so fashionforward that you'll be tired of it come spring.

The midi skirt isn't going away anytime soon,

luckily. This work-friendly staple gets an update for fall with graphic prints and a subtly sexy front slit. Reiss has some very desirable ones.

Printed pants are one trend we're thrilled to see carry over from summer.

When cooler weather hits, pair a slightly cropped pair with sleek heels and a blouse in a contrasting print, and you're set for an anything-but-ordinar y work day. H&M has affordable ones and go to Phillip Lim for investment pieces.

My personal favourite… the Brocade trend. This trend tends to be very luxe so it is perfect for more formal occasions.

However, if styled correctly it can be casual as well.

If you don’t want go the whole eastern regalia way, still head to Zara for a pair of slim Baroque trousers to stay on trend and super classy.

Scarlet is the colour of the season…particularly the deep dark opulence of the garnet red. Between outerwear, accessories, and cocktail dresses, designers splashed the runway with deep reds for a moody punch of colour that can easily be mixed with Spring’s transitional warm shades. It’s the front-runner in the return of traditional fall hues.

Pair it with gorgeous emerald for extra points.

The classic fall-winter staple, glamorous metallic hues return. While we don’t all need floor-length red carpet gowns, it doesn’t mean we can’t participate in Fall’s dripping metallic trend, featuring glitzy and slinky column styles. Seen at Rachel Zoe, Prabal Gurung, and Badgley Mischka, the glittering numbers that graced the runways can be translated easily into Fall party wear. Prepare to see a deluge of shine on the High Street.

Paralympic Torch Lit at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London The Paralympic Torch was welcomed at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the London Borough of Brent on the morning of Wednesday 29 August as part of a joyous community celebration.

Despite the relay running two hours behind schedule, hundreds of local residents and worshippers had gathered from as early as 6am to witness this proud moment for the borough.

The Paralympic Flame arrived in a lantern to the Mandir at around 8.25am where it was greeted by young girls and two traditional Indian drummers. They accompanied the carrier to the main steps of the Mandir as the crowd cheered and waved on.

As the flame arrived at the top, sadhus from the Mandir chanted the Shanti Paath (an ancient Hindu peace prayer) in the presence of a sacred image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Antony Eames then lit his torch from the flame and held it aloft to a rapturous round of cheers and applause. Antony was nominated for his courage and determination in overcoming the many challenges that he faced after being diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome (Sudden Death Syndrome).

Antony Eames was accompanied by four other torchbearers – Barrie Guy, Usman Aurakzai, Simon Schofield, and Rohit Ali. Before Antony and his fellow relay runners jogged off with the newly-lit Paralympic Torch, the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Michael Adeyeye, and representatives from the Mandir and local community gave it a final auspicious sending off

at the Mandir’s ceremonial gate.

Also present at the ceremony were members from the Asian People’s Disability Alliance and the Ashiana Charitable Trust (who support children and young people with learning disabilities), as well as local councillors Muhammed Butt, Paul Lorber and Krupa Sheth, neighbourhood leaders Karin Jaeger and Roger Macklen, Rev. Canon Ronald Herbert from the nearby St Michael’s Vicarage, and Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North.

Mr Gardiner observed, “It was a very special moment. We have been waiting since 6.30am and the thrill and excitement is just fantastic. I don’t think there has ever been a setting like this for an Olympic or Paralympic flame.”

Sharing the MP’s enthusiasm was 15year-old Nishta Parekh who was part of the welcoming group. She said: “The atmosphere was just incredible! I’m really happy to have taken part in 1this. The Olympics were a fantastic success for our country and I’m sure

these Games will be too.”

Natasha from nearby Wembley also remarked that it was “amazing” to see so many diverse people at the Mandir and lauded “the wonderful community spirit” it has created.

Girish Patel, a volunteer at the Mandir as well as a Paralympic Gamesmaker and himself a one-time British Olympian, added: “The theme of the Paralympic Torch relay is ‘Light the Way’, so we really wanted this to be a celebration where the whole community can get together and kindle the hope and aspirations so many of these inspirational athletes hold. We wish all the Paralympians the very best of luck and look forward to another amazing Olympic Games.”

From Brent, the Torch made its way through the capital to the Olympic Park in east London where it was used to light the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

UK

Asian voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

15

www.punjabeeblonde.wordpress.com Tanny_mann@hotmail.com

MusIC

Tanveer Mann

HeALTH

Non-movers in the top charts and, no doubt, you have heard at one wedding or another over the last month, the following artists will definitely have you moving and shaking to the beat.

Milky – Bups Saggu Bari Barsi – Punjabi Mc Punjabi Hurr – Bups Saggu Saa Charju – PBN Jee Jee Kareh – Cloud 9 Brick – Garry Sandhu Katal Kare – Dj Sanj Pyar – Dj H Vang Nachdi – D-Sarb Patandra – Banger Ik gal – Garry Sandhu Jago – Dj Raj Jatt Warga Yaar – KS Makhan Roki Ma - Lord Munmeet

Keeping Active Keeps you Calm

Look out for top chart hits for September in the next issue of Asian Voice..

Upcoming

EvEnts

Did you know..?

The average person falls asleep in 7

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Best Newcomer Nominee and the Star of both Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and his own BBC3 pilot, highlyacclaimed comedian Imran Yusuf gets ready for his second solo show “BRING THE THUNDER” on tour, starting from September 2012 until 2013. Visit http://www.glee.co.uk/performers/imran-yusuf.htmfor more information.

UK leading Urban-Bhangra music artists RDB & Nindy Kaur are set to take the stage in a series of exclusive concerts in Pakistan, from 27thAugust 2012 onwards. The month-long tour, organised by PMR Events and Music Station, will take in several big cities across Pakistan from 27thAugust to 30thSeptember 2012. For more information, visit: minutes www.thekingsareback.com

Word of the Week: Fastidious - adj.

Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

sOCIAL

MEDIA Facebook has taken over the world, if not our lives. In fact, there is a high chance that you have just checked your notifications before reading this. Social media has facilitated communication so much that sometimes there is a lack of it. When everything is out there for your friends to see, your latest purchase, your location, where you were yesterday, what you listened to etc. people stop picking up the phone to each other to converse by 'traditional' means. Lost behind a computer or a phone, you can get sucked into a world that just involves you and hours can pass before you realise that time has moved on. At the same time, without realising, you could be giving out too much information that could backfire on you in the future.

The following are a list of things to look out for whilst your on Facebook: 1) Ensure you know the 'Friend' that you are accepting – a friend request is called that for a reason. Only accept friend

requests from people that you know personally, know of through a friend or have met. This is key to ensuring your Facebook is kept safe 2) Keep private details private – Avoid posting personal details such as your address and your phone number on your profile. If someone needs to contact

you, they will ask you.

3) Squash the urge to display your latest valuable purchases – the latest car or handbag is your newest purchase but if its uploaded for everyone to see, it is an open invitation for people to steal it. Brag in person, you're guaranteed a better reaction!

4) Hide your location – Do not post the exact address of where you will be, whether it be a restaurant, club or hotel. If you are giving out too much information, you could be getting some nasty, unexpected visitors.

Stress is a common feeling amongst young people, despite asian parents' thinking that their children only have minor responsibilities compared to their endless lists. In fact, the pressure can get so much for young people in their early 20s that they often do not know how to cope, which affects their ambition and self-esteem.

This is why it is extremely important to remain calm through whatever life throws at you. Whether it be university deadlines, career paths, managing your finances or balancing work with a social life.

Studies show that there are extreme benefits of keeping active such as maintaining good health and general well-being. Yet more importantly, exercising regularly and taking breaks throughout the day, actually relieves any tensions you may have.Your muscles are relaxed after a good workout, and you are much more likely to do well in whatever you proceed to do because you are less stressed.

According to Erica Nemmers, a triathlete, exercise is “the natural remedy that brings the body in homeostasis, in a hectic world that constantly threatens to throw us out of that balance.”

Exercise releases endorphins, also known as the body's “feel good” hormones, so if you can attempt to incorporate about 20 minutes of exercise into your day to day routine, you are guaranteed to feel a lot calmer and have a fresher outlook on life.

BOOK ReVIeW Secret Daughter This moving and emphatic story follows the lives of two completely different couples living on opposites ends of the world. Kavita and Jasu are a poor but loving couple living in a rural town of Dhanau, India. When Kavita falls pregnant, her worst nightmare comes true. It is a girl. In a society that favors boys over girls, Kavita is forced to give up her daughter to an orphanage or risk her husband taking matters in to his own hands.

Meanwhile, the story shifts to Somer and Krishnan, who are an extremely well-off couple that met at university in America. Unfortunately for them, they can’t have a baby and decide to adopt.

So begins the journey that connects the lives of these two very different couples separated by thousand of miles, but brought together by the 'secret' daughter that binds them.

Gowda tackles a number of important issues in this book and does so in an extremely clear yet evocative way that creates the perfect balance. She highlights issues such as the challenge to be a wife and a mother, the struggle of maintaining a high-profile career whilst meeting the needs of the family and the issue of infertility and the effects this has on a marriage.

A truly heartfelt account of the

relationship between a mother and daughter and a husband and wife, this novel is sure to have you appreciating your own mother by the end of it.

Gowda defeats all possible cliches by ending the novel in a realistic but satisfying way.

Ha Ha.....

He He.... :P What did the talking hat say to the scarf?

“You can hang around.

I’ll just go on ahead.”

How come oysters never donate to charity?

Because they are shellfish.

Person #1: Where is the English Channel?

Person #2: I’m not sure.

We don’t get it on our TV.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Vivek & Sonia Aggarwal to romance in 'Palakkad Madhavan'

Comedian Vivek and Sonia Aggarwal, who is trying hard in her second innings in cinema, will be coming together for a film, “Palakkad Madhavan.” Vivek himself announced this at a recent audio launch in the presence of K Bhagyaraj, who is known for his performance as Palakkad Madhavan in a yesteryear blockbuster, “Andha 7 Naatkal.” The veteran director has expressed his desire to be a part of this film! 'Palakkad Madhavan' will be helmed by Chandra Mohan of 'Soundarya' fame. The makers of Soundarya will be producing this film as well.

Surya to challenge Kamal?

It’s now official that Surya's “Matraan” will be released on 12th October. There are also reports that Kamal Hasan is also considering that day for the release of his “Viswaroopam!”

As both “Matraan” and “Vishwaroopam” are big budget movies both need a large number of quality theatres for release. So, if these two movies are released simultaneously, it will create a shortage of quality theaters. Commenting on this scenario, one distributor said, “Both of the movies are made in Tamil and Telugu. Both are big budget ones. So, for sure the producers will never take the risk of competition. In the case of ‘Vishwaroopam,’ even the audio is not yet released. So, only ‘Matraan’ will hit the screens while ‘Vishwaroopam’ will be released on some later date.”

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Samantha dubs for herself Samantha, who is back from health ailment, is now focusing on work.

Besides shooting for a Telugu film, the actress is dubbing for herself in “Neethanae En Ponvasantham.” Directed

by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the film is being made simultaneously in three languages- Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. While Jiiva is the hero of the Tamil version, Nani replaces him in Telugu and Aditya Roy Kapoor is the lead actor in the Hindi version. But there is no change as far as the heroine is concerned, as Samantha is doing it in all the three languages. "The actress is dubbing for herself.

She is putting her best efforts to get the act right," say sources. Samantha's last venture in both Tamil and Telugu was 'Naan Ee', which turned out to be one of the super hits of the year.

Hot Garam masala Vidya Balan has turned the brand ambassador of a South sari brand for a phenomenal amount of Rs 50 million. The first thing actress Vidya Balan brings to your mind is 'saris.' Following the success of “The Dirty Picture,” Vidya Balan was the sole reason why the trend of saris came back to Bollywood. She made wearing saris trendy and cool. The sari brand is based in South India and wanted to largely target the youth as well over the traditional Indian woman. So they wanted an ambassador who could have an edge for youngsters and also a strong youth appeal. And they found both the qualities in Vidya Balan.

India calling, Pakistani hottie Mehreen Syed Pakistani supermodel Mehreen Syed will make her Bollywood debut in director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's next film. She will join the bevy of ramp beauties to board the Bollywood bandwagon. Sanjay says, “Mehreen and I have been in touch since the past seven years but have not been able to work together. We were to do film ‘Lahore’ together and she had even signed the film but just before the schedule, she had a bad accident on the ramp in London. Now that I am starting my next film, I spoke to her and she has been roped in.” The filmmaker adds, “In the past few years she has been getting a lot of Bollywood offers but she was clear that she wanted to do a certain kind of cinema. My film is a black comedy and a very different take on the current political scenario in the sub-continent.”

After taking a sabbatical from film direction, Ramesh Sippy is all set to return to his favourite field. Says Sippy, "I am aware I haven't directed a film for many years. I've made films out of very powerful scripts in the past. Then I directed Zamana Deewana in 1995 which was not that strong in content. Then I decided if I found no script worth shooting, I won't direct another film." Fortunately for Sippy and for his fans, the right script has showed up. And Sippy saab is all set to explore a genre that he has never attempted before.

From garnering overwhelming TRPs to getting prominence on social networking websites, the impact of Aamir Khan's maiden TV show " Satyamev Jayate" has been colossal. The talk show, which started with the issue of female foeticide, traversed over various burning social issues informing, educating, sensitising and touching audiences' hearts.

In 13 weeks of the show, the star evoked a range of emotions as he dealt with the sensitive topics, and each episode witnessed moist eyes among those in the TV audiences and many more at homes and offices across the country as people tuned in to watch the programme.

FRI - SAT 8:30pm

Aamir Khan graces cover of Time magazine

Presents

Amitabh Bachchan returns to host Sony's KBC

By Jai kumar

Vidya Balan gets `50mn for endorsing sari brand

Ramesh Sippy returns to direction after 17 years

Aamir Khan becomes the third Bollywood star to grace the cover page of Time magazine after Aishwarya Rai Bachachn and Parveen Babi.

He is featured on the cover with the caption Khan's Quest. The blurb says - He's breaking the Bollywood mould by tackling India's social evils.

Can one actor change a nation? Parveen Babi make the Time cover in July 1976 and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was featured in 2003.

Sachin Tendulkar was the last Indian to make the cover of famous Time Magazine. Other Indians featured on Times magazine include, Mahatma Gandhi who made the cover three times, Sania Mirza, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narendra Modi.

17

With India’s first ever 5 crorepati last year, Sony TV Asia, one of the world’s leading South Asian entertainment channels is proud to bring its popular Western format shows, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) along with Bollywood’s megastar Amitabh Bachchan back to the small screen.

Amitabh Bachchan’s star power eclipsed every other marquee property on all GEC’s in 2011. With his charismatic charm and with the unrivalled following of series 5, which was also the biggest quiz show in Indian television history, KBC is set to dominate the television landscape once again with its Friday to Sunday schedule.

Based on the most popular global television show in history ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’, KBC follows the same concept of giving individuals the chance to win a life changing cash prize. As the contestants move up the money tree, the questions increase in difficulty with a total of 13 questions leading to the 5 crore Rupees jackpot. Following on from its previous season the contestants will be allowed to set their own safe haven anywhere in the money tree, however the questions will be timed at 45 seconds until the contestant reaches that level adding to the immense suspense already synonymous with the show.

This season has already broken records months before the show has launched. The registration lines had 425,000 registrations in comparison to 179,000 last year. Amitabh Bachchan was also surprised with this figure and further added on his personal twitter account, “This is fantastic news!

Just 15 minutes into registration and KBC gets 150,000 registrations through SMSs. Last season it was 70,000.”

The central theme to KBC this year is the power of knowledge- Sirf Gyaan Hi Aapko Aapka Haq Dilata Hai. Due to the success of last year’s Home Viewer Game, KBC will give its UK viewers the chance to enter its daily competition. The first few episodes of KBC will be free to view for UK/Sky customers (Channel 782) to give them a teaser of what to expect over the next few months. With film celebrities, Jodi specials and much more this is one season not to be missed.

Tony Lit, Vice President Head of UK & Europe, said “It’s great to see such a successful property and more importantly a tremendous show back on the small screen. Our promise is to consistently offer our viewers with high quality and the best format shows in Asian television, and with KBC and Amitabh Bachchan, which are both globally known, I can confidently say that this will keep our viewers fully entertained."

Kaun Banega Crorepati: From September 7, 2012, FridaySat 8:30 pm, Sony TV Asia. To subscribe Call: 08448 55 22 22

Nargis Fakhri wants to become the desi Oprah Despite a dream debut with big and highly coveted Bollywood personalities like Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali in the successful “Rockstar,” Nargis Fakhri hasn't gained much - be either in terms of film offers or praise for her acting.

Not many producers have been forthcoming to offer roles to Nargis Though a friend of the actress insists that Nargis has two film offers, media has reported that the already has one-film-wonder another option in the pipeline ready. If sources are to be believed, Nargis wants to venture into television. And she doesn't have any plans to be the stereotypical sariclad bahu of the small screen.

Nargis wants to take the high road and host a talk show.

Her intentions are noble, and she wants to help others through her imaginary talk show. When asked if it is true, she simply told "I want to help people, be of some service, you know. Maybe become like Oprah (Winfrey) someday."

Though some may think that television is her backup plan, Imtiaz Ali still swears by her talent.

However, sources from the industry feel that other filmmakers have failed to warm up to the US based model. And the reasons they say, could be varied.

In association with TM

Call 08448 55 22 22* Ch 782 *

Call 0800 052 25 25 Ch 805 SONY TV Asia is available on satellite/Sky as part of *National Call rates may apply.

and on Virgin Media as part of

@SonyTVNetwork Follow us on #IndianIdolUK

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

MCHI-CREDAI to host India Reality Expo in London Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you about to go onto BBC World News to talk about corruption in India – the Coal-Gate scandal – and how it impacts business. Last Friday, I was on CNBC talking about the same issue. Will it impact investment into India?

The problem is, we can’t tell. We can’t tell who isn’t investing but would have done. We can only guess it is trillions of dollars and it could have helped half the world’s poor who live within India’s borders.

From the richest country in the world 2000 years ago, I was criticized by a reader of this paper for being critical of India in asking for British or any other outside expert advice. Humility is to ask for help. Humility is to say we need help. Humility is to say ‘I don’t know what to do’ please help reverse this slide. Humility is not to keep on banging on about success of centuries ago from your comfortable British sofa and be delusional.

India lives in its villages and brothels and squalor. Have you visited them? And there is a direct connection between that and the trillion dollars hidden in Swiss Bank accounts illegally. Humility is Anna Hazare. So to the reader who claimed I was not humble in asking for British assistance to boost India’s anti-corruption and power problems – I am afraid YOU are exactly the problem India has. A delusional middle-class.

I can tell you that the forecasts from Goldman Sachs about India and the resurgence of the Empire and BRIC domination are overdone. Her growth has sputtered and halved from the vaulted target she sought to have of 10% per annum.

India’s political culture is definitely not global business minded. What in India’s history was global? Its history has never been to set sail and discover new lands – for better or for worse – the consequences are that discovery, and creation of wealth from it remain limited.

For sure, India has the great thinkers and mathematicians – but the exploiters of intellectual property – that make a nation rich – the inventors – where are they? If only the copyright on the number zero could bring royalties – but it doesn’t and couldn’t.

So yes, India will continue to moderately grow and get wealthier but as I look at my invitation from Edmund de Rothschild to discuss their investment objectives – I know India is not where old European money – and despite Greece there is trillions of it – puts its money.

Until an entrepreneurial economic and political culture encouraging enterprise without obstacle or corruption lasts three generations, India will remain a small to mid-size economy – from whom the foreign investors will make the best returns as they have the best expertise on return on capital.

So I will tell the BBC, that actually investment into India will not change. And that’s the problem. We continue to invest, as does my company, building wind farms and providing health technologies, but it could have been so much more money – but we can’t risk too much of investors’ money.

Indian banks urged to act decisively

India’s banks must toughen their traditionally lenient approach towards troubled companies if they are to head off a looming crisis over bad corporate assets brought on by a wider economic slowdown, one of the country’s leading financiers has said.

Uday Kotak, the billionaire founder and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, said that lenders needed to act decisively as stalled projects and falling revenues meant large corporates in the infrastructure, power, mining and telecoms sectors would struggle to repay debts this year.

“Banks should not be in denial mood. Face reality, and address it,” said Mr Kotak, who heads India’s third-largest private sector

bank by market capitalisation. “There are credit bullets coming . . . Some of [the companies’ loans] will have to go into restructuring in the next six months.”

All of India’s main public sector banks, including State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank, have been hit with sharp rises in both nonperforming assets and restructured loans over the last quarter, prompting calls from regulators for remedial action.

Mr Kotak was also critical of the traditional reluctance of many Indian banks to classify bad loans as non-performing, or using restructuring agreements to make terms more lenient or payment schedules longer, effectively disguising bad debts.

Indian real estate offers rewarding investment opportunities for the vast Indian Diaspora in UK. Post the exhilarating success of hosting the Olympic Games, London is all set to witness another successful event, as MCHI-CREDAI hosts the 6th India Reality Expo 2012 on September 15th and 16th. The event offers the NRI community in the UK with real estate investment options across Mumbai City, suburbs and its peripheral areas including sister cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai, Dombivli, Kalyan, Mira, Virar among others - as also realty options from the neighbouring city of Pune and Goa. The exhibition is scheduled to be held at The Cumberland, Great Cumberland Place, London, next to Marble Arch Station, behind Oxford Street, and will remain open from 10 am to 7 pm on 15 & 16 September. By taking

BT sells 14% stake in Tech Mahindra

Global telecom giant BT sold 14.1% stake in Tech Mahindra to institutional investors for about `13.95 billion and said it would consider further share sale in the Indian IT firm in future. UK-based BT Group (British Telecommunications) is a co-promoter of Tech Mahindra, with the other being Indian business conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra Group.

BT group has pared its stake in the Indian IT firm from 23.16% to 9.1%. In 2010, BT Group had sold 5.5% stake in Tech Mahindra to Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M).

The shares were sold through a series of open market transactions on the BSE and NSE and the deal was managed by global investment bankers JP Morgan and Credit Suisse.

BT sold a total of 17.9 million shares to various institutional investors for total gross cash proceeds of `13.95 billion (£158.6 million) at an average price of `778 per share. A Tech Mahindra spokesperson declined to comment. BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in more than 170 countries.

Investment banking sources said that BT managed to sell more than expected number of shares as it had initially targeted to dispose of just 5-10% stake as of now and consider a further stake sale at a later stage. Sources have said that BT has been looking at part-sale of its stake in Tech Mahindra for quite some time.

advantage of the deprecating value of the Indian Rupee vis-a-vis global currencies, Non Resident Indians have been buying properties in India. Media reports suggest that NRI are investing more in residential properties with majority of enquiries for Mumbai, its peripheral region Pune & Goa. What makes MCHICREDAI’s 6th India Reality Expo a win-win experience for NRI home seekers? For one, MCHICREDAI has perpetuated an ethical code of conduct

for members, who are major developers/builders across the MMR. This encourages and supports the developers/builders to increase their efficiency, disseminate data, statistics and other related information and educates them on the best practices as also encourage research in construction and real estate development. So, an NRI who buys a home from MCHI-CREDAI’s expo can be rest assured that his/ her investment is safe and secure.

As MCHI-CREDAI

CEO Zubin Mehta points out, at just about any exhibition, you will find some known and some new/ unknown developers inviting potential buyers to invest in projects which may be in locations unknown, or new developing areas about which the NRI home seeker may not know about. But at an exhibition organised by an industry body like MCHICREDAI, you do not have to worry - it is a safe and secure investment, given the inherent advantage of buying from an exhibition organised by MCHICREDAI. Mehta said MCHICREDAI ensures complete transparency and assurance to the customers throughout the entire transaction and guarantee them the amenities and specifications as promised during the deal. “In the unlikely event of any dispute, the consumer can approach MCHI-CREDAI to assist them in resolving the same,” says Zubin Mehta.

Quality for Community Mayank S. Rawal, FCQI CQP

Retention and Archiving The amount of data that is being produced in this day and age is ever increasing, and with data being stored in diverse formats which sometimes may be unreliable long term, there is more reason to archive whether that data is on paper or electronic format.

In the context of your community organization during the planning, preparation and execution of your community event, you will no doubt produce various documents at each stage of the process, and depending on the nature and content of these documents, it may become necessary to securely store them for future reference.

Your community organization should determine what document should be retained and for what period of time either on a mandatory or optional basis. The purpose for retention would be for reasons such as future event reference, legal requirements, historical legacy, research, financial, audit, governing body requirements.

The type of document and its level of importance to your community organization will determine the actual length of time for which the document is to be retained e.g. 5, 10, 15 years. Documents could include constitutional papers, bank statements, member’s details, expense

claims, invoices, receipts, warranties, meeting minutes, purchase orders, correspondence, emails, event details, ticket samples, photographs / video etc.

In the case where electronic copies are being archived, these should be validated as a true copy against the corresponding master / original copy, and the file/format of those copies should be correctly determined for purposes of space saving and media storage capacity. Superseded / Obsolete documents should only be archived if specifically required by any interested party.

The location where archived information is to be stored should preferably be away from the community building, in a secure environment and have an appropriate fire protection system, to prevent any damage, deterioration, and maintain legibility.

As different documents will have varying retention periods, it is therefore important that they are not all placed in the same storage container/box, or external hard drive folders, in order for easy retrieval and accessibility, but the accessibility to archived information should be restricted to selected committee members only bearing in mind the nature of certain confidential data.

Additionally due to the sensitivity and future need of the document, permanent retention may be required in which case the document and their storage containers/electronic hard drive folder should be adequately identified.

At a pre-defined period, ideally annually, a list should be generated identifying those documents coming to the end of their retention period, and the list be continuously monitored to establish whether the retention period is to be extended or if the record should be destroyed, however prior to the permanent destruction of any record, written authorization should be obtained from a senior committee member.

In order to ensure traceability of the documents being archived, and subsequently destroyed, a register which contains details of storage container/box number/hard drive, list of contents, document description, archive date, retention period, destruction date, should be generated and maintained, with the same information recorded on the actual storage container or hard drive.

The cost of safeguarding your community organization’s documents may prove to be much lower than the cost re-producing them, so store them well.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

19

Deals take time to unfold and bear fruit

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Last week we exchanged on a property in Kensington, it was a freehold building consisting of 6700 Sq Ft which is a rare find in this location.

The property was a mix of residential and commercial, but was used as a commercial building.

I had been working on closing this deal for well over six months.

Negotiations began in Nov 2011. Someone whispered in my ear there was a deal to be done on a freehold building Grade two listed, I was told it was being sold by the Arts Foundation.

The charity informed me they have an agent in charge of the sale and I would need to go strictly through them. So I reverted back to the agent and arranged to have a meeting with them. I told them we were interested in acquiring the building, they had asked if I had seen the building and I said I had (in fact I had not, but my college had). If I had said I hadn't seen it they would not have taken my offer seriously as no one in their right mind would purchase a property without seeing it.

After providing confirmation we had the full cash funds to complete the deal we were allowed to submit an offer. A few days after we had submitted the offer we were told all offers needed to be considered by the art charity trustees. Once the offer had been given they then came back and said the charity will now not be accepting bids for the property until they had secured their future office building first which would be in several months time. This was the reason they were selling the head quarter building, they were relocating.

And so the deal had been delayed. In the interim I made it my business to know and to get close to the agent in charge of this property, and so I met him several times outside the office and made small talk with him. Although under the bribery Act 2010, bribing is illegal, making friends with the agent and showing him a good time is not. For someone for whom diplomacy and small talk does not come easy you can understand my frustration when some months later he announced he was leaving the firm he was working for and following his dreams to become a rugby player in the USA! I very diplomatic, wished him well and asked him to introduce me to his colleague who was now handling the property.

I had to start my re lat io nship build ing again from scrat ch; this is an import ant part o f t he process as ofte n o ut of sig ht means out of min d.

And it’s important to develop a common ground, the agents especially on building like this where there are often many vultures circling the property.

The property was a 6700 Sq Ft freehold building which rather oddly included a 200 Sq Ft leasehold portion which connected to the rear of the ground floor, though when you look at the room which has the leasehold attached it appears seamless. How this had risen we had no idea, it came to light after we had exchanged on the property. To the rear of the property there are mews properties, originally mews properties were designed so you could bring your horse into the property on the ground floor and the accommodation would be on the upper floors. At some point the owners of the house did not require the accommodation for the horses at the rear of the building and so this was cut and sold off.

The Real Deal Cash producing property at the gateway to Europe - £350,000 Four bedroom garden flat in a secure estate in Kings Cross Probate sale - Requires modernisation of approx £30k Net Income will be in the region of £13-15k pa £2bn is currently being spent on regeneration of Kings Cross, which is expected to drive the prices up Deposit needed - £87.5k plus approx £30k of refurbishment cost

Later on John Millais whom the house is named after decided to build a studio to display art work, at this point this portion was incorporated back into the building as a leasehold interest. This 200 Sq Ft portion does not look like it is separate, on the contrary it looks and feels like part of the building. The studio was designed to allow plenty of natural daylight into the room but not direct sunlight so as not to damage any artworks in the studio.

The hou se has bee n lived in by many famous people f rom J ohn Millais to Sir Francis Bacon an d has been g raced by many famo us people in cludin g the Qu een mother, who used to come to t ak e her port rait by John Millais. The build ing is g rade two listed with a plaque o utside showin g all the famous peo ple who have lived there.

No doubt this famous history prompted the Arts Fund to purchase this building several decades ago. Fortunately for us it no longer serves their needs and they had to dispose of it. The art funds aim is to purchase paintings to put them on show for the public.

So after having again built my relationship with the new agent it was time for a new round of bids, for which again they required fresh proof of funds in order to even be in the race. I made sure I was on the phone with him right up until the deadline and a few minutes after, to ensure we were in the front of the race.

The art foundation were moving to a new office building and therefore their favored option was a sale and lease back, this would allow them to have the funds necessary to secure and refurbish the new building they were moving into. A sale and leaseback means they would sell the building but carry on occupying the building. This would mean they would have the benefit of the cash up front and the opportunity to occupy the building for a further 18 months.

It was not our preferred option as a deposit of 10% and allowing them to occupy the building to completion suited us better as there is less cash tied up in the deal. In order to make this sweeter for them we pushed our exchange funds up to 20% and allowed them to keep the 20% deposit which normally stays with the solicitor.

Now a 5% rental yield may be exciting to a pension company who is flush with funds and is more concerned about security but this option didn’t really rock our boat as our money could be working a hell of a lot harder for us than yielding us 5%. So with guidance of the agents we submitted two offers one very high at £5.4m with a delayed completion and the other at £4.78m with a sale and leaseback.

Again the art fund came back and despite having a ‘best and final’ bid decided to have another best and final and asked for only sale and lease back offers!

As they were a charity, they were very hesitant in making a decision and needed board approval for every little variation.

Again we submitted offers and again I was on the phone to the agent until the very last minute, and we secured the building at £5.4m on a sale and leaseback basis. This blew everyone else out of the water.

Call us on 0207 096 1354 now to secure it, we are confident it will go quickly!

To be continued.........

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0207 313 4595 Westbourne House, 14-16 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RH

Tips of the Week l Most expenses, such as repairs, agency fees, etc., can be off-set against tax therefore reducing your liability. Check the HMRC website, there is an amazing amount of helpful information on there. l Capital values may be affected but regular income in terms of rent can be expected in good as well as bad times.

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financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Leadership and Human Resource Management

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

The crackdown on Universities The revocation of the sponsor licence of the London Metropolitan University sent shockwaves to the academic community which until now has been immune whilst private colleges have been targeted and closed down in droves over the last 18 months. The immediate suspicion of the public is that these colleges have been harbouring students intent on breaking the rules. The truth, however, is that the criteria for obtaining and maintaining a licence are stringent. The responsibility for immigration control has moved, in one big sweep, from the Government to the licence holder. They have continuing responsibilities for making checks on immigration status and have a duty to report a number of activities within prescribed time limits. There are regular visits by officers and where there is a shortfall in any area, not necessarily only passport checks, they can suspend and following revoke licences.

It is not clear why the licence of the LMU was revoked. However it is likely to be the result of failure in a number of areas which were not remedied despite

warning. Universities, who stand to earn millions of pounds on overseas students need to employ staff to manage this process properly. My experience from a student angle is that Universities generally err on the side of caution and where there is doubt they throw out a student. On many occasions, they misinterpret the regulations or overreact. And by the sounds of it they were wise to do so after what has happened to LMU. Students can expect to have a harder time as a result of what has happened. What is grossly unfair is that when students commit minor infractions and are not allowed to continue their studies, their fees in are withheld. Often they have paid around £12000 to £13000 and none of it is refunded.

Initially I assumed that it was a few rogue operators abusing their positions. However it has been clear that all kinds of institutions have been doing the same thing.

These stories repeated abroad will without doubt put a brake on student numbers resulting in a loss of billions of funds not to mention the

prevention of a long terms relationship with the subject or the country.

The headlines this week have referred to “deportation” of students.

Whilst it undoubtedly sounds very serious and punitive the reality is that the UKBA will “curtail” ie cut down the leave or permission of those who have over 6 months left on their visas to 60 days. If they find a college by then they will need to make a fresh application. If they do not find a college or switch into a different status, they will have to leave the country or risk being classified as overstayers.

All students whose leave is curtailed will be given a right of appeal and many are likely to exercise it.

They are still a long way away from deportation.

Students will have to take risks by coming to the UK to study. The question is will they want to.

Maria Fernandes has been in practice exclusively in immigration for the past 25 years. Fernandes Vaz is based at 87 Wembley Hill Road Wembley in Wembley and can be contacted by telephone on 02087330123, by email on info@fernandesvaz.com.

India’s GDP grows marginally at 5.5% in Quarter1

Delay GAAR by 3 years, recommends Shome panel

The Indian economy grew marginally stronger thanexpected in the April-June quarter on the back of robust farm sector growth but economists said the Reserve Bank of India is unlikely to ease monetary policy soon as its attention is focused on taming price pressures. Data released by the Central Statistics Office showed the economy grew 5.5% in Q1 of 2012-13, compared to 5.3% in the January-March quarter. It rose 8% in the April-June quarter of 2011-12.

The farm sector posted a robust performance, rising 2.9% in April-June quarter compared to 3.7% expansion in the previousyear ago period. The manufacturing sector continued to pose a concern as it remained flat at 0.2% compared to 7.3% in the year earlier period. The Indian economy, Asia’s thirdlargest, has slowed in the past few quarters due to a series of factors which include high interest rates, stalled policies and economic reforms, sluggish industrial growth, slowing global economy and gloomy business confidence.

Several economists and research units have downgraded their growth estimates for 2012-13

In what could be a huge relief to both corporates and financial markets, the Review Committee on General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) headed by Parthasarathi Shome has recommended a delay in implementation by three years. Sources in the government said that the panel wants GAAR to kick in from 2015-16.

Another major recommendation of the panel is with respect to continuation of Mauritius benefits.

The original draft of GAAR denied corporates the tax benefits, but the Shome panel is believed to have suggested that the benefits still be given. The third recommendation which may greatly dilute the original GAAR is that all pre-GAAR investments will not come under the ambit of the rule.

The recommendations if implemented will provide corporates time to prepare for the introduction of GAAR. The markets are likely to view this development as another positive signal from the finance ministry. The finance minister P Chidambaram had recently promised corporates and investors a tax friendly administration.

The committee had been set up by the government to

examine all issues related to the controversial GAAR. Introduction of GAAR, proposed in the 2012-13 Budget to check tax evasion, had triggered strong opposition by foreign investors following which its implementation was postponed till April next year.

The finance ministry came out with draft guidelines on GAAR in June and had invited comments of stake holders. Later the Prime Minister set up an expert committee under Shome, a taxation expert, to hold fresh consultations on the controversial tax issue.

The consultation process was "very intensive" and the panel had already met some policy makers and interacted with several international and domestic tax-advisory firms, and a few concerned industrialists, Shome had said earlier last month.

"After the draft of the recommendations is submitted, we will start the consultation process... I hope that by September 30, I will submit the official report," Shome had said.

The Causes of Blindness It is written that one of the causes of the Mahabharat war was when Draupadi taunted Duryodhan as he stumbled into a pool of water. She remarked ‘the son of a blind man is bound to be blind’.

Although she may have revelled in her small verbal victory, she too was guilty of being just as blind – for she could not foresee the implications her cruel joke would have.

While the ability to look into the future is fascinating, we sometimes fail to see even obvious things in our lives. What causes such blindness? Last year, when Hosni Mubarak did not stand down as President, everyone wondered if did he not see the scale of the protests? The same is being asked of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria.

The intoxication of power (‘aka’ – arrogance) can lead to a man becoming blind to reality.

Apathy can cause blindness. ‘Failed to look properly’ was the most frequently reported contributory factor in road accidents and was reported in 38 per cent of all accidents reported to the

police in 2009.

Populist hype can lead to blindness. At least that is what many of those who were accomplice to the atrocities of the holocaust claim, that they were so swept up in the delirium surrounding Hitler that they lost all sense of perspective (although some claimed that they were blinded by fear – another notable cause).

And let us not forget Love causes blindness.

While there are many ‘causes of blindness’ in life, most of us (but not all) will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Of course, in order to do that we must have the inclination to look back at our actions (and the actions of others before us) and to learn from these. This does not just apply to seeking improvement; it is also to avoid repeating mistakes.

Not long ago Kenneth Clarke said that the middle classes had not yet fully grasped the extent of the cuts being made. He seemed to suggest that people were somehow blind to the rising unemployment, the contracting

No rash action in Vodafone case: P Chidambaram India’ finance minister P Chidambaram on Monday said there would be no “rash” action in Vodafone tax case and the matter would be decided after considering all aspects including recommendations the Shome Committee on indirect transfer of assets.

“They (IT assessing officers) and are not going to act rashly. These are not small amounts on which you can take a rash decision,” he told reporters.

The Income Tax Department on October 22, 2010 passed an order determining a tax liability (including interest) of Rs 112.18 billion on Vodafone on acquisition of Hutchinson’s stake in Hutch-Essar through a deal in Cayman Islands in 2007.

The Supreme Court, however, quashed the order in January this year.

After the apex court’s ruling, the Income Tax Act was amended with retrospective effect to bring into tax net such deals.

“There is section 119.

There is a Supreme Court judgment. There is opinion of the Attorney General. All this have to be studied by the assessing officer and his supervising officers... They will study all that. In the meanwhile, we will get the Shome committee’s report also,” Mr. Chidambaram added.

Section 119 of the Finance Act, 2012 seeks to validate the October 2010 order of the Income Tax Department.

The Department had also passed an order imposing a penalty of Rs 79 billion in April, 2011.

However, the penalty demand was not enforced in view of a Supreme Court’s direction dated April 15, 2011.

The government had earlier formed an InterMinisterial Group (IMG) to look into the arbitration notice sent by the telecom major under the IndiaNetherlands bilateral investment protection agreement (BIPA).

On taxing non-resident transfers where the underlying asset is in India, the Finance Minister said the scope of the terms of reference of the Shome Committee has been expanded to include all non-resident tax payers instead of only FIIs. “Dr Shome has promised to look into it. So let us see what he has to say after comparing provisions with similar provisions in other jurisdictions,” he said.

The Shome committee was set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July to address concerns of foreign and domestic investors on General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR).

By Amit Patel

economy and the protests around the country.

Although I wonder, isn’t this what the government want people to be blind to?

After all, we are constantly being told that we must be so steadfast in our determination to reduce this ‘calamitous’ deficit that we cannot focus on anything else. In other words we should adopt a ‘selective’ blindness - a bit like a cricket coach telling a young batsmen, ‘keep your eye on the ball’.

The Government say Labour is blind to the deficit. Labour says that the government is blind to the struggling economy and hardships being felt by people. Does this mean that both eyes are blind?

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Personal Development and Human Resource Management. He has delivered speeches on People Management and Development throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. To contact Amit, email him at amitpatelmail @gmail.com

Barclays appoints Antony Jenkins as new CEO

Barclays PLC last week named the head of its retail and business banking operations as its new chief executive, as shares in the group dropped following news of an investigation into an overseas investment deal. The bank announced that Antony Jenkins, 51, would fill the post vacated by the resignation of Bob Diamond in the wake of a scandal over attempts to manipulate a key interest rate index.

Jenkins takes over just as the bank has been hit by more bad news. Barclays disclosed that Britain's Serious Fraud Office was looking into the bank's payments to Qatar Holdings LLC when Barclays raised more than 5 billion pounds ($8 billion) of emergency capital at the height of the global financial crisis, funds which saved Barclays from needing a government bailout.

Gary Greenwood, an analyst at Shore Capital, said the investigation "further highlights Barclays' somewhat murky past under the previous leadership and the need for the new management team.

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

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Foreign Exchange Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

Italy and Spain are showing little willingness to request aid The European Central Bank hints to proceed with Bond buying program; September to be a busy month for important data!

All Eyes will be on the markets with a number of key events which are likely to have effect on the market. The European Central Bank (ECB) is to unveil details of the bond purchase program on Thursday 6th September, as Italy and Spain are showing little willingness to request aid from Europe’s bailout fund.

The markets are expecting a lot from the ECB they will announce the details of a bond purchase program along with a more flexible collateral framework and a 25BP cut in the refi rate. Meanwhile Mario Draghi, president of the ECB might not be too worried about disappointing investors this week.

Spain will consider the prospects of applying for a new program aka bailout, aside from the recently approved 100 billion banking sector rescue package.

Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy meets German Chancellor Merkel on Thursday 6th September and the Spanish

date. ECB President is expected on September 6 to provide more clarity about a new sovereign bond purchase program, which may include a cap on yields and/or target on spreads to help indebted euro zone members.

The European Union’s outlook was cut to negative by Moody’s Investors Service, reflecting the risks to Mr Mario Draghi, president of the ECB Germany, France, the U.K. and the Netherlands that account for about 45 percabinet meets on Friday 7th cent of the group’s budget revSeptember for further talks. enue. The ratings company lowThis week will have signifiered the outlook on the EU’s cant effects alongside the AAA long-term bond rating from European Central Bank’s meetstable. It also changed to negaings with five of the G10 central banks making policy decisions; tive from stable its outlook on the provisional AAA rating for RBA (Tuesday), the BoC the EU’s medium-term note pro(Wednesday) and the BoE on gram.

Thursday.

In the United Kingdom, The European Central Bank manufacturers are suffering the President Mario Draghi said yestoughest trading conditions in terday that purchases of soveralmost three years, according to eign bonds with a maturity of up an industry survey that puncto 3-years could not be considtures hopes of an Olympic boost ered as state aid and would not to the economy. With the current breach the central bank man-

0 8 0 8

$ 0 4 5

economy continuing to face a negative outlook, the data released this week will be highly important. The economist forecast negative results in manufacturing PMI (Monday) and services PMI (Wednesday).

Meanwhile the market sentiment is still poor and everyone is still very concerned about the situation in Europe - But at the same time we have seen the Euro gain ground against both the US Dollar and the Pound!

Are we going to see GBPEUR break below 1.25? and finally is EURUSD on its way back up to the 1.28 level even though most investment Banks are predicting it to drop to 1.19 within the next three months??? There are few things that in normal circumstances would strengthen the Dollar but are having a reverse effect at the moment and causing risk appetite.

Great levels to start hedging or at least have a strategy with safety nets in place to buy USD would be 1.58 against the Pound and 1.26 against the Euro‌ I don't see a lot of movement for GBPEUR unless we see no action from the ECB!

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 4th Sept 2012 @ 6pm GBP - INR = 88.40 USD - INR = 55.66 EUR - INR = 69.94 GBP - USD = 1.58 GBP - EUR = 1.26 EUR - USD = 1.25 GBP - AED = 5.83 GBP - CAD = 1.56 GBP - NZD = 2.00 GBP - AUD = 1.55 GBP - ZAR = 13.36 GBP - HUF = 359.46

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

PX XJ S F U S B OT G FS

G FFT

B OE OP IJ EEFO D PT U T

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PakiSTan-BangLadeSh-Sri Lanka

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Blasphemy case: Pakistani imam held for framing Christian girl

Islamabad: In a new twist to the blasphemy case involving a minor Christian girl, an imam in the Pakistani capital was arrested and remanded to 14-day judicial custody on Sunday for allegedly planting pages of the Quran in her bag and using it to implicate her under the controversial law.

Khalid Chishti, the prayer leader of Jamia Aminia mosque in Islamabad, was arrested on Saturday night after a man testified that he had seen the cleric stuffing pages of the Quran in the bag of the girl named Rimsha Masih.

The bag originally contained only some other papers.

The witness, Hafiz Muhammad Zubair, recorded a statement against the cleric before a magistrate. Police subsequently arrested Chishti on the basis of this statement.

Chishti was produced before a judicial magistrate, who sent him to Adiala Jail in

Rawalpindi for 14 days. Police officials said they expected Chishti to be charged under the controversial blasphemy law.

Earlier, Zubair told the media: “When the bag was brought to the mosque, there was nothing in it. When he (Chishti) was given the bag, he went into the mosque and pulled out two or three pages and added them to the bag. “I told him what he was doing was wrong. He told me it is evidence against the Christians and a way to get them removed (from the area),” Zubair said. The incident had occurred while

Christians demand separate province in Pak Islamabad: Pakistan's embattled Christian minority have launched a campaign for a separate province to protect them from persecution after a wave of brutal attacks and arrests for blasphemy. In 2009, at least seven Christians were burned to death in an attack in Punjab province after reports of the desecration of the Koran. A 14-year-old girl is being held in prison after being accused of burning a copy of the Koran and last week the body of an 11-year-old Christian boy was found in Punjab bearing torture marks.

The demand for a separate province, although unlikely to succeed, is a further blow to the ideal of Pakistan's founding father, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, of a secular country that would be home to India's Muslims but where all would be free to worship their own religion.

The move is the brainchild of Younus Masih Bhatti, president of the Pakistan United

Christian Welfare Association, who wants a government commission on new provinces to consider the plight of Christians. "So, keeping in view the two million Christians in the country and a sense of insecurity among them, there is a requirement for a separate province for them so that they can enjoy equal rights like the majority," he said.

On Thursday, human rights campaigners renewed calls for Rimsha Masih, the girl accused of blasphemy, to be released after a bail hearing was adjourned until Saturday leaving her imprisoned in a high-security jail alongside murderers and terrorists. Her parents say Rimsha is only 11 and was born with Down's syndrome.

However, a medical report which said Rimsha's mental age was below her physical age of 14 and that she should be treated as a minor was challenged in court.

Zubair and some other men were in ‘aitekaf’ (seclusion) in the mosque during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan. Zubair said a neighbour of Rimsha named Malik Ammad, the complainant in the case, handed over the bag with the pages of the Quran to the police.

Bill to seek more seats for minorities: A bill to increase the representation of nonMuslims in the national and provincial assemblies of Pakistan is expected to be tabled in parliament soon.

The bill seeks to increase the number of reserved seats for minority communities in the 342-member national assembly and the four provincial assemblies, minister of state for interfaith harmony Akram Masih Gill told the media on Sunday.

Editor of Pakistani English newspaper beaten up for watching TV: An editor of one

of Pakistan's leading English dailies was beaten up by four men outside his home in the port city of Karachi for watching TV and listening to music.

The men who attacked the journalist are members of a proselytising group. Four men kicked open the gate of his house in the in Gulshan-eIqbal area and began to abuse him. When Abedin went to the gate to talk to the men, he was surrounded and grabbed. One of the men objected to Abedin watching TV and listening to qawwalis. When he asked them who they were and why objected to whatever a person did in the privacy of his home, one of the men reportedly said: "We do have a problem with these things but we will solve your problem." As they kicked and slapped Abedin, the men warned they would not let him go unless he repented and said he would not watch TV or listen to music.

US imposes sanctions on 26/11 mastermind, 7 other LeT leaders

Tampa (Florida): The United States slapped sanctions on Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's top eight commanders, including 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Sajid Mir and its founder Hafiz Saeed's son.

Announcing the sanctions , the US said LeT, despite being designated as a foreign terrorist organization in January 2002, continues to "operate in Pakistan" and throughout the region and engage in terrorist activities worldwide.

"LeT has conducted numerous terrorist acts against Pakistani, Indian, Afghan and US interests and is responsible for the November 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed more than 160 people, including six Americans, and the July 2006 Mumbai train bombings that killed more than 180 peo-

ple," the department of treasury said.

Besides Mir, other LeT leaders slapped with sanctions are Abdullah Mujahid, Ahmed Yaqub, Hafiz Khalid Walid, Qari Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh, Amir Hamza, Abdullah Muntazir, and Talha Saeed, the son of LeT leader Saeed. The sanctions forbid US individuals and companies from undertaking any transactions with the eight and freezes any assets they may have in the US.

Sri Lanka’s universities in great turmoil Colombo: A Buddhist monk said the government was destroying state-provided education because it was “easier to control uneducated fools”. Maduluwawe Sobitha is an influential figure among Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhala population. He is also a loud critic of the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The monk’s new National Movement Against Social Injustice is, with other groups and unions, backing a university lecturers’ strike for more state spending on education. Almost 5,000 academics stopped work on July 4th. Like them, he is angry that the government spends a mere 1.9% of GDP on schools and universities.

On August 23rd the higher education minister, S.B. Dissanayake, responded by closing down indefinitely the country’s state universities

and institutes. He accused lecturers of dragging students into their campaign. Yet students, among them young Buddhist monks, still protest, demanding that the universities be reopened. On August 29th police in Colombo fired water cannon and tear gas at hundreds of students marching in support of academics.

Members of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) retaliated by flinging whatever they could lay their hands on, including rocks and spent tear-gas canisters, at police.

This kind of volatility rattles Mr Rajapaksa’s regime.

Universities are hotbeds of political activity, particularly by anti-government Marxist groups such as the People’s Liberation Front. The IUSF is affiliated with this party. That might be one reason why, in 2011, the higher education

ministry ordered all universities to hire security from a firm run by the defence ministry, which happens to be headed by one of the president’s brothers. New university entrants also had to complete a course in “leadership training”- run by the army.

Arjuna Aluwihare, a former vice-chancellor and past chairman of the University Grants Commission, sees all this as a sign of the regime’s insecurity in the face of those who disagree with it. Some factions in the government think opponents are spoiling to instigate an Arab spring-style revolution. Mr Dissanayake openly accuses university lecturers of being part of a plot to bring about regime change.

That seems a far cry from the academics’ aims. They first asked for a 20% salary hike to stem a brain drain. But as talks between Mr

Dissanayake and the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) crumbled, their wish list only grew. It now includes a demand for spending on education to be raised to 6% of GDP. They also want universities to be freed from government meddling.

Schoolteachers are protesting, too, against a rapid decline in the quality of primary and secondary education. But toppling the government, Nirmal Ranjith, the FUTA president, laughs, “is not our business”.

Now Mr Rajapaksa has assigned another brother, Basil, to sort out the mess. He claims to be optimistic that the dispute can be resolved. But back at his temple, Maduluwawe Sobitha pledges support for the campaigners. It is in the country’s best interest, he insists while adjusting his robes, to have fewer fools around.

In Focus 42 killed in heavy fighting in Pakistan Islamabad: Fighting between soldiers and militants and a bomb attack on a train has killed at least 42 people in Pakistan. Most of the deaths occurred when suspected Taliban rebels attacked an army post in the Sarang Baba Zairat area of the Badar region of South Waziristan, in Pakistan’s restive north-western tribal region. “We killed 18 militants but also lost nine soldiers in the fight,” a security official said on condition of anonymity. He said most of the militants were killed in the army counter-offensive in the mountainous region. Separately, three people were killed while 27 others injured when a train hit a bomb planted on railway tracks in Tul town in Jacobabad district in the southern province of Sindh.

Christian boy tortured and killed in Pakistan Islamabad: The tortured body of an 11year- old Christian boy has been found in a town in Punjab, Pakistan, days after a young Christian girl was arrested on blasphemy charges. Detectives in Faisalabad, around 60 miles from Lahore, said they were investigating whether accusations of blasphemy had also been made against the boy.

Human rights campaigners condemned the killing of Samuel Yaqoob whose burned and tortured body body was discovered on Eid, the celebration which marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. His lips and nose had been sliced off, his stomach removed and there was evidence that his legs had been mutilated too.

Suicide attack kills 25 at Afghan funeral Jalalabad (Afghanistan): A suicide bomber targeting an Afghan government official at a funeral on Tuesday killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens more in the east of the country near the Pakistan border, officials said. Police and the interior ministry put the death toll at 20, but a spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government said as many as 25 people had been killed in the remote Dur Baba district. The target was the district governor, who was wounded, and officials said there were fears that the toll could rise further. Provincial government spokesman Ahmad Zia Abdulzai said the bomber was on foot and killed 25 people, including a son of the district governor.

Judge, 2 others shot dead in Pakistan's Quetta Islamabad: Unidentified gunmen shot dead a Shiite judge, his bodyguard and driver in a sectarian attack in Quetta city of southwest Pakistan. Zulfiqar Naqvi, a sessions judge, was attacked as he came out of his home in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, police officials said. They described the incident as a sectarian attack as the slain judge was a Shia. The judge was heading to work when the gunmen, waiting outside his home at Saryab Road, fired indiscriminately. The attackers, who were riding a motorcycle, fled after the shooting. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. Banned extremist groups like the Lashkar-e-Jhanvi are usually blamed for such attacks.

China to provide `1.5 bn to Lanka to construct auditorium Colombo: China has pledged about 1.56 billion rupees in grant to construct a state-ofthe-art auditorium complex at Sri Lanka's Military Academy. Visiting Chinese defence minister General Liang Guanglie pledged Yuan 75 million towards the project in the central district of Diyatalawa. The Chinese defence minister's official visit led to closer cooperation. Chinese military cooperation with South Asian states is intended for "maintaining regional security and stability and not targeted at any third party". The visit came as China had pledged to provide Sri Lanka with USD 100 million assistance for Army welfare projects initiated by the Sri Lankan ministry of defence. China will also grant USD 1.5 million dollars towards the modernisation of the Defence Services College for children of troops.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

‘Dr Death’ Jayant Patel faces another trial in Oz

Melbourne: India-born American surgeon Jayant Patel who was recently freed from jail after an Australian high court quashed his convictions of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm to his patients, will face another trial. Patel, 62, was charged and convicted two years ago on three counts of manslaughter and one count of grievous bodily harm to his patients at the Bundaberg Hospital in Queensland. Last week, an Australian high court quashed his convictions of manslaughter of three patients.

No Indians or Asians job ad sparks outrage

Melbourne: An advertisement banning Indians or Asians from applying for a job at Australia's supermarket chain Coles, has landed a contractor in a soup and has triggered an outrage with people calling for a boycott of the store. The online ad on Gumtree website, was seeking cleaners for a supermarket at Eastlands Shopping Centre. "Store requires no Indians or Asians please. Must speak English," the ad read. This sparked an outrage on social media sites.

India takes middle path on Syrian uprising

Tehran: The Syrian conflict sharpened divisions and saw the NAM summit's first walkout with the Syrian delegation rising in protest against the Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi's characterization of the crisis there as an uprising against an "oppressive regime".

In his first address to the NAM summit, Morsi openly expressed solidarity with the Syrian opposition. "Our solidarity with the struggle of the Syrian people against an oppressive regime that has lost its legitimacy is an ethical duty as it is a political and strategic necessity," Morsi said. "The bloodshed in Syria is hanging over all of us. It is our responsibility... to actively intervene to stop the killings," he added. This being any Egyptian leader's first visit to Tehran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Morsi's forthright comments set the tone for discussions on Syria, and an embarrassment to host nation, Iran.

Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem was quoted by Syrian TV as saying the delegation withdrew "in rejection of the incitement in the speech to continue the shedding of Syrian blood", and returned after Morsi's

address was over.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took the middle line by expressing support for "popular aspirations", while cautioning against "external intervention". In his statement, Singh said, "India supports popular aspirations for a democratic and pluralistic order. Nevertheless, such transformations cannot be prompted by external intervention, which exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens." While thus far, India has stressed on non-intervention by external forces, this was a clear articulation by the PM that India also supported "Syrians' aspirations". However, in private conversations, officials said the external involvement was the reason why this issue could not be resolved.

Syria, they said, has

become a battleground for other countries' wars.

India's position, officials said, is the two sides should be made to walk away from violence before a resolution could be sought.

Singh asked NAM to take a clear stand on Syria, a demand that was drowned in the clear divisions between Iran and the Arab states. "The deteriorating situation in Syria is a matter of particular concern. Our movement should take a stand on the issue in keeping with universally accepted principles. We should urge all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizens," the PM said. UN secretary general Ban ki Moon, who attracted no small criticism in the West for attending the NAM summit, added his voice. In his meetings with the Iranian leadership, he urged "those who provide arms to either side" to realize that "militarization is not the answer".

"I urge all parties in the strongest possible terms to stop the violence now," he said, and urged the Syrian government "to listen to people's voices".

Sunita completes her 5th spacewalk Houston: IndianAmerican astronaut Sunita Williams, who holds the record of the longest space flight (195 days) for a woman, has completed her fifth spacewalk lasting a record eight hours and 17 minutes.

Williams and Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide set out from the International Space Station (ISS) at 5.46 pm on Thursday (India time) and returned at 2.03 am on Friday, NASA announced.

Williams and Hoshide, who ventured outside the ISS to perform maintenance tasks, have however failed to bolt a new powerswitching unit into place outside their home in orbit.

During the spacewalk, 46-year-old Williams and Japanese flight engineer Hoshide were “unable to install a new Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) on the International Space Station's s-zero truss”, NASA said.

After removing and stowing the failed unit, they had difficulties driving the bolts to secure the replacement switching unit in the s-zero truss, the agency said, adding they used a long-duration tiedown tether to secure the replacement MBSU to the space station for a future spacewalk.

The spacewalk was

supposed to last six and half hours but stretched past eight hours. Prior to this task, Williams was able to successfully connect one of two power cables in preparation for the future arrival of a Russian laboratory module. The third objective, replacing a camera on the Canadarm2 robotic arm was also not completed.

Williams, along with Hoshide and Yuri Malenchenko of Russia, left for the ISS aboard a Russian spacecraft Soyuz TMA-05M on July 15 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thursday's spacewalk was the fifth for Williams and the first for Hoshide.

Hoshide is the third Japanese astronaut in history to conduct a spacewalk. The duo arrived at the station July 16 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

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INDIA

24

Anna mulls meeting to draw up anti-graft strategy

Two IAF helicopters crash midair in Gujarat, 9 killed

Anna Hazare plans to convene a meeting of likeminded people by this month-end to put together a team and draw up a road-map for anti-graft crusade, former Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde said on Monday.

Mr. Hegde, part of erstwhile Team Anna which was disbanded by the social activist recently, said Mr. Hazare told him about the plan when he met him. “He (Hazare) is going to call a meeting of all like-minded people by the end of this month and he will work out a strategy based on views expressed there (the meeting),” Mr. Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge, said. “It will draw up a road-map for the future,” he added.

“I think he will include more people (compared to erstwhile Team Anna),” he said.

Asked if members of the erstwhile team would be part of the new one, Mr. Hegde said: “Must be, why would he (Hazare) exclude (them). That’s what he told me,” and added: “the new team may have different outlook.”

On whether the new team’s movement would be apolitical, he said, “That will be decided (at the meeting). That’s an issue that’s already there with people having different opinions about that.”

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Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Nine Indian Air Force personnel were killed last week when two Mi-17 helicopters collided midair and crashed during a practice for a bombing mission at Sarmat range in Jamnagar. Two others on board the two helicopters were injured in the crash.

The Mi-17 helicopters are multi-role helicopters.

They are used for transportation of troops and also for bombing mission. The villagers, who witnessed the accident, said the two choppers collided soon after take off and crashed near the village.

An IAF spokesperson in New Delhi said that a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the reasons behind the crash.

The Air Force Station

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Jamnagar is a base for Dragon Squadron of Jaguars and First Supersonics of MiG 29s.

Hence, it is not known if the M1-17 helicopters were from Jamnagar or some other station within the jurisdiction of the South Western Air Command.

The Air Force Station Jamnagar is an important base of the Indian Air Force and regularly carries out exercises with other wings of the Indian armed forces and also air forces of the other nations. In 2009 and 2011, it had carried out successful air exercises with Royal Air Force of Oman. Five years ago, an MiG-29 of Jamnagar Air Force station crashed into the Gulf of Kutch.

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All past articles on the Mahabharata can be accessed from http://epaper.asianvoice.com or from http://www.3stepbreath.com/mahabharata.html

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time I would be free of the curse. I remember everything very well; he told me that when a person established in truth answers all my questions I would be free of the curse. Further he gave me a boon that whichever living being I caught would lose its strength and never escapes me. That is why even though you are so powerful you could do nothing to me.”

Bhima answered, “O great king I have no anger with you nor am I angry on myself. Man strives to get happiness. Sometimes he

is successful and sometimes not. In the end destiny is everything. So if pain comes or happiness goes away man should strive to be free of reacting. I have no fear of dying at your hands but I do fear for my brothers.

When they do not see me they will look for me everywhere. They will give up their efforts to win their kingdom back from that evil Duryodhana. Yes I fear for my mother who will die in sorrow. She is waiting for the day we conquer our enemies and win our kingdom back.” In this way Bhima recounted his agony, but the snake did not loosen its grip even a little.

At about the same time that Bhima was caught by the snake Yudhishthira felt a pang of uneasiness. He went out of the ashram they were living in and saw a jackal crying in agony.

He knew something untoward had happened to Bhima and he went in the jungle to look for him.

To be continued…

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has defeated you. When I was falling from the skies to the earth as a python I requested and pleaded with the sage Agatsya to free me from his curse. He told me that in very little

The python told Bhima, “You must have heard of the king Nahusha, he was one of your forefathers. He was the son of Ayu. That is who I was. I had done and practiced a great deal of tapas and austerities which had made me very powerful. All of a sudden my ego became very powerful. One day I asked the great rishis to lift my palanquin. One of them, the powerful Agatsya, cursed me and that is how I became a python. O young warrior strength, riches and keenness cannot stop the wheels of destiny. If only intelligence and strength be the cause of gaining wealth, then the intelligent and the brave should face no obstacles.

But I have seen even the intelligent and brave falter and suffer in pain and misery. The cowards and the fools sometimes gain immeasurable wealth.

Thus I insulted a rishi and am now in this state.”

“Just see how I am suffering, you are my own lineage, I should not be killing you, but today I feel like eating you. This is my destiny. O great Kaurava do not feel that someone

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INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

SC confirms death for Kasab

Eighteen months after the Mumbai High Court handed out the death sentence to 24-year-old Lashkar-eTaiba terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab for the November 26, 2008 attacks in Mumbai, the Supreme Court last week confirmed the sentence. Kasab is the only survivor among the 10 terrorists who carried out the bloody 26/11 attacks in Mumbai that left 166 dead and hundreds other traumatised. The Mumbai High Court had upheld the death penalty to Kasab on February 11, 2011 for the terror attacks.

Baba Ramdev to begin fresh stir against Congress

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev announced a fresh agitation targeting Congress from October two that will last till next Lok Sabha elections with immediate attention on upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a press conference, Ramdev said he would continue his work despite Congress targeting him and his fight would be for a change in power and system. He said the immediate priority is the upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Bhakti utsav at Anupam Mission Centre In the last fortnight, their was a series of festive celebrations at Brahmajyoti, centre of Anupam Mission at Denham city in England.

Festivals like Hindola, Raksha-Bandhan, Janmashthami and many other festivals were celebrated with lots of colors and vibrancy. The best of all was event of Nutan Mandir and Community centre Vedokta Shilanyash moment.

On this occasion, in honour of Guruvarya Pujya sahebji, big number of devotees, saints and many others had come together at holy centre of Brahmajyoti.

Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan mandir, the occasion of Shilanyash had already been initiated on Shri Gokul Ashtami day.

On this day, special kirtan were also held.

Santbhagvant Sahebji had given his blessings, saying like Narsingh Mehta had sung in Pad, ‘Lord always loves his Vaishnav more than anything else’, But a Vaishnav can only obtain Lord’s love with his devotion and trust towards God and service to humanity.

Many celebrations were rganized with support of the cultural, spiritual and community centre associated with Nutan mandir. Like on 11th August, large number of people attended the Charity musical evening, that showcased the performance of well-known

Samuh Khatmahurat Puja being done by Satsangi’s. Large number of devotees had participated in the puja.

On the occasion of Independence day, Attorney General Dominic Grieve (MP) being welcomed by Pujya Jashbhai Saheb

Pradhan Shri Pujya Himmat Swami (UK), Pujya Ashwinbhai (INDIA) and Pujya Arvindbhai (America) are deeply involved in Puja

singer Mayadipak and her co-artists.

Pujya Sahebji gave his blessings, saying ‘ The temple is being made in UK but its joy is being shared and celebrated all around the world. This makes the temple very special. Its inauguration will also be very special. And for joy and prosperity, Shri Akshar Purshottam message will reach the world from here.

On 18th august, Shilanyas’s rituals were

Coalgate impasse: Govt rejects BJP demand forforcancellation of blocks a decision.

The Manmohan Singh demanding Prime Government on Monday rejected BJP’s demand for immediate cancellation of 142 coal block allocations but appealed to the Opposition to allow Parliament to function and participate in a debate on the issue.

“The demand for cancellation of all 142 coal blocks allocated after 2004 is not founded on sound logic.... It (cancellation) cannot be done through dictat or arbitrary orders,” Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters.

“There is a procedure for it and that procedure is underway,” he said. He was reacting to the BJP’s demand for immediate cancellation of 142 coal blocks and an independent probe before any discussion can take place on the issue in Parliament.

Mr. Chidambaram also termed as “outrageous” the BJP’s demand for resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The BJP’s demand for an inquiry is “a little belated” because CBI has already commenced probe, he said.

Explaining the government’s position behind not accepting the demand for cancellation of coal blocks, he said an InterMinisterial Group is going into the issue and a date of September 15 has been set

25

“The process is underway,” he said, adding the government has “done all that needs to be done” without going into merits of CAG report.

He said the Prime Minister’s Office has indicated that the government should have a final set of recommendations from IMG as early as possible.

“Therefore, it is my fervent request to the Opposition to start the debate in Parliament. All of us are ready to begin the debate. It is only through a face-to-face debate that clarity will emerge,” the Finance Minister said.

On the demand for independent probe into coal block allocations, Mr. Chidambaram said the CBI was already inquiring into it. “If there are any irregularities or any illegalities, then the CBI will go into it. It is the criminal aspect of it,” he said.

With regard to the BJP stance, he said the Prime Minister has made an “unprecedented offer” that he is willing to debate and discuss the issue in Parliament.

“People expect us to debate and we owe it to the people,” he said.

BJP keeps up protest, parliament disrupted again Meanwhile, BJP continued its protests

Minister's resignation resulting in both houses of parliament getting adjourned for the last 10 days. The BJP kept up its chant demanding the resignation of the prime minister over coal block allocations, and the presiding officers of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha adjourned the houses.

SP, Left, TDP hold protest outside Parliament Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav along with Left and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders on Friday staged a sit in at the portico of Parliament House against the logjam in Parliament over coal block allocations.

The MPs shouted slogans against disruption of the Parliament and demanded that the CAG report on coal block allocations be probed by a former Supreme Court judge.

"We want that Parliament should run, and there should be a discussion. Coalgate scam should be investigated and the accused should be punished," Mulayam Yadav had earlier said.

"Congress and BJP are working hand in glove.

Both the parties are not willing to run Parliament .We want that there should be a discussion and accused should be punished.

performed at holy Centre of Brahmajyot. Anupam Mission senior saint Pujya Shantibhai’s Pradhan Acharya and Dr. Manoj Soni and with the support of saints, the rituals were completed in vedic and scientific way. Mahapuja was attented by more than 400 couples.

Many people had come for darshan of Mahapuja.

Every person attending the Puja got the privilege of doing ‘Holy stone and

holy kumbh Padhramni.’

On the same day, in the evening, the cultural program of ‘Santpriti’ was performed by youth from all around the world. The program generated the essence of being with the saints and the devotion towards God, how it makes our life better.

The highlight of this mandir is that it is not only a mandir in making but this mandir is also giving shape to cultural, spiritual and community centre with it.

The mandir will play a important role in lives of families and communities.

It will work towards development of Indian culture and virtues in youth and children. It will help them in leading a value-based life.

Celebration of Independence day: On 15th august Attorney General and Assembly member Dominic Greev, Lord Dollar Popat, Indian High Commissioner Consular Minister Sumant Kumar Goyal, Publisher-editor CB

Patel, and Gujarat’s Dr. Ambedkar Open university Vice-chancellor Dr. Manoj Soni, chief guest were present. Pujya Ashwinbhai, Pujya Shantibhai, and Sahebji had salute the Indian flag. Oxford Centre for Hindu studies Saunak Rushi, Anupam Mission International committee Chairman Satish Chatwani had also had graced this occasion. The national anthem echoed all over.

Kathamangal: On 19th august, the next day of Shilanyash Puja, first time in England a historical parayan ‘Shri Akshar Purshottam upasana kathamangal’was initiated

by Dr Manoj Soni. It lasted for nine hours when the performance was presented in musical and interesting form.

Pragtyotsav: On 17th august and 20th august, Pragtyotsav of Anupam Mission Pujya Himmat swamiji, senior saint Pujya Ashwinbhai and Pujya Shantibhai’s was celebrated.

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26

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Modi talks secularism, new black money law In Focus Gujarat’s tech-savvy CM Narendra Modi went a step further on social media, being the first Indian politician to host a live Google+ Hang Out. In a face-to-face programme, “Strong & Glorious India long cherished by Swami Vivekananda!” hosted

by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan, Modi responded to pre-screened questions.

On a question on defining secularism, posed by a certain Trivedi from London, Modi said: “Everyone has their own definition, I also have one, mine is India first.

If everyone has this in their heart, it is a great thing for this country,” he said.

“But politicians try to serve their interest in the name of secularism. In India, it (secularism) has lost its meaning due to vote bank politics.”

Talking about black money, CM said: “I’m going to bring in a new law on

black money. Nobody will be able to contest an election in Gujarat unless he gives a declaration that he has no investments and money stacked away abroad.”

In response to a question posed by Mani Bhushan from Bangalore, on why India's youth hesitate to join politics, Modi responded saying that unfortunately India has not been able to incorporate youth in main stream politics.

He urged youth to join politics. Modi further said that the country needs to focus on primary education and infrastructure. “If you ask parents what their main priority is, they answer education.”

Asked about ways to stop brain drain, Modi disagreed with the notion of brain drain. “Have all the intelligent people left? We want Indian knowledge to spread across the world. There is a lot of resource in our country, we need not worry.”

More than 5,000 questions were posed on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Modi's own site, reaffirming his popularity in the world of social media.

Among other world leaders who have hosted a Google Hang out in the past are US President Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Raj Thackeray faces flak for comments against Biharis Raj Thackeray's comments threatening to brand Biharis as "infiltrators" have fuelled a controversy with leaders from various political parties slamming the MNS chief over the issue. Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh said the Thackeray family itself belonged to Bihar and had settled in Dhar in Western Madhya Pradesh from where they migrated to Mumbai. "If you look at the history of Mumbai, then it is a city of fishermen. Rest all have settled there from outside," Singh

said. Thacekray had threatened to force Biharis out of Maharashtra if authorities in Bihar take legal action against Mumbai policemen who picked up a teenager from there without informing their counterparts in that state.

Thackeray, whose party has often launched violent campaigns against Hindispeaking people in Maharashtra, was reacting to reports that Bihar chief secretary Navin Kumar has written to Mumbai police commissioner voicing displeasure

over the arrest of the youth for vandalising the martyr's memorial during Azad Maidan protest on August 11.

Shivanand Tiwari, a senior leader of the ruling JD-U in Bihar, hit out at Congress over the issue suggesting that the ruling party at the Centre and in Maharashtra is propping up Thackeray and drew parallels with the rise of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab during the terror days there.

"This (the conduct of Raj Thackeray) is a challenge to the Constitutional authority.

Thackeray says in Azad Maidan of Mumbai that the police commissioner should be transferred and it is done soon after. Does the Congress-led government in Maharashtra giving an impression that Thackeray bigger than the government there?

"I will request the Congress at the Centre as well as the Congress-led government in the state to learn from their experiences in Punjab, where they propped up Bhindranwale," Shivanand Tewari said.

Naroda Patiya massacre: Former Gujarat minister Kodnani gets 28 years jail Continued from page 1 were hunted down and hacked, beaten or burnt to death in 2002.

Maya Kodnani, a lawmaker for Gujarat's ruling BJP and 32 others were jailed for their role in the so-called Naroda Patiya massacre, the single bloodiest episode of the three-day riots. When the sentences were announced, a wail erupted from a crowd of women relatives of the convicted gathered outside the courthouse in Ahmedabad.

Most relatives of the victims stayed away, a sign that 10

years on, memories of the bloodletting by Hindu mobs still cast a pall of fear over the state's Muslim community.

Kodnani, Gujarat's minister for women and child development from 2007 to 2009, was the highest-profile figure to be convicted in connection with the riots. Witnesses told investigators that 57-year-old Kodnani, a gynaecologist, played a leading role in the massacre of 95 people - 30 men, 32 women and 33 children - in Naroda Patiya.

Kodnani handed out swords to the rioters, exhorted them to attack Muslims

and at one point fired a pistol, according to witnesses.

Bajrangi, a Hindu nationalist firebrand, was accused of disemboweling a pregnant woman with a sword. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.

Judge Jyotsna Yagnik who handed out the sentence observed that the police helped Kodnani, describing her as “kingpin” of the violence. The judge’s observation came after Kodnani claimed she was a victim of politics. In 2007, Kodnani was elevated as minister of state for women’s develop-

ment and child welfare despite allegations of her involvement in the massacre.

After a 37-month trial, the court observed Kodnani was “tremendously favoured by the then investigating agencies (before the Supreme Court-appointed SIT took over). All care, at the cost of the duty of the investigating officer and even the interest of the victims, was taken to see to it that Kodnani’s involvement does not come on the books. This, in fact, comes in the way to believe that Kodnani was ever a victim of any politics.”

Panicked students: UK immigration 'playing with our lives' Continued from page 13 are panicked, they do not know what to do.

Some of my friends studying for PhDs just need to complete their dissertations — which other universities will take them if they just need to complete one semester?”

Syed Rumman, 26, from Bangladesh, is a sabbatical officer at the students’ union.

He told the Evening Standard: “I am also on the university’s governing body — if I am forced to leave the students would lose out on representation. The students are all panicking. They have come all the way from their home countries and have left their families, and this news is causing a lot of stress for them.

“This would be a threat to higher education across the whole of the UK. People think a British education is the best in the world but they won’t come here if this happens. The Government is playing with students’ lives.

Lots of students sold land or

property to come and study here and want to go back home to do good work.

“It is not their fault if there is something wrong with the system.” He added that many people from Bangladesh will choose to study in Australia and Canada instead, causing a “catastrophe” for the British economy.

Task force and other criticism A task force has been set up to help students affected by the decision. Some 2,000 overseas non-EU students will now have to find an alternative institution to sponsor them or they will be told that they will be removed from the UK. The government says it wants to assess how many students will be successfully reallocated to alternative institutions before the UKBA sends out notices giving them 60 days to leave. At this stage, the Home Office is unable to say when those notices will be issued.

The UKBA says London

Metropolitan University had “failed to address serious and systemic failings” identified six months ago.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said London Metropolitan University had failed in three particular areas: * More than a quarter of the 101 students sampled were studying at the university when they had no leave to remain in this country * Some 20 of 50 checked files found “no proper evidence” that the students’ mandatory English levels had been reached * And some 142 of 250 (57%) sampled records had attendance monitoring issues, which meant it was impossible for the university to know whether students were turning up for classes or not.

Professor Malcolm Gillies, the London Metropolitan University’s vice chancellor, described the claims made against the institution as “not particularly cogent” and said it would be

disputing them.

The National Union of Students (NUS) has contacted Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May to “express anger at the way that decisions have been made in recent weeks and to reiterate the potentially catastrophic effects on higher education as a £12.5bn per year export industry for the UK”.

NUS president Liam Burns added that the decision could have been limited to future students rather than covering existing ones.

Mr Amit Kapadia, the executive director of the HSMP Forum told Asian Voice, “Such measures only show that the basic British values of fair play and justice are being threatened by mindless actions of the government and the sparkling reputation earned at the recent Olympics and on-going Paralympics is now being smeared by the unfair and the horrible injustice suffered by these students”.

Former Union minister Kashiram Rana passes away Former Union Textile Minister in NDA government, Kashiram Rana, 76, passed away last week following heart attack. He was in Ahmedabad Circuit House when he suffered the pain and was rushed to Jivraj Mehta Hospital where he passed away during treatment. Rana was cremated in Surat. Rana was a senior BJP leader in Gujarat and was among the four pioneers of Gujarat BJP who made the party stronger in state along with Keshubhai Patel, Shankersinh Vaghela and Narendra Modi. Later the four leaders developed differences and Rana was sidelined since Modi took charge in Gujarat. Rana became Member of Parliament from Surat for the first time in 1989 and held the seat for six consecutive terms till 2009. Rana recently joined Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) as founder member and was made vice president of the party. Rana was busy in campaigning for the party and was in charge of party's affairs in south Gujarat.

Kiran Bedi willing to work with 'less corrupt' Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi indicated her priorities by stating that the need of the hour is to get the more corrupt out, work with the less corrupt and then think of a third force, which could be Arvind Kejriwal's 'anti-corruption movement'. Kiran Bedi was trying her best to justify why she was distancing herself from Kejriwal. While she 'respected' Kejriwal's decision, she said that she was not a part of the political outfit. "It's exactly like Anna. Anna is not a part of the political outfit," she added. Bedi said the country desperately needs the Jan Lokpal Bill and the Right to Reject. According to reports, Kiran Bedi may be willing to work with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her reasoning was "We have to get the more corrupt out, work with the less corrupt to get what we want. " And may be, she said, 'create place for a third force, which could be Arvind Kejriwal's 'anti-corruption movement'.

Asaram Bapu survives chopper crash Spiritual leader Asaram Bapu had a narrow escape when the helicopter he was travelling in, crashed at Godhra in Gujarat. The helicopter landed on its nose at the Science College Ground when Asaram was going there for a discourse. Asaram Bapu was to address a ‘Poonam Darshan Satsang’ at Godhra. He was travelling from Morbi to Godhra in a hired helicopter that was to land at the ground near the tent that was erected for his discourse. hile the chopper neared the ground and approached the helipad very smoothly, it seemingly dived on its nose while landing. The tail and rotors of the helicopter broke due to the impact, but all those flying in it including Asaram Bapu were safe. Central media in-charge of Sant Shri Asaramji Bapu Ashram, Dr Sunil Vankhede, said that those travelling in the chopper included Asaram Bapu, helicopter pilot captain Ravinder Singh and three of his followers.

Jalandhar girl's suicide: Woman police officer suspended A woman police officer was placed under suspension and a probe was ordered by the Punjab government following a teenage college student's suicide in Jalandhar. It was a suicide of a young girl Shivali, an undergraduate student at the S.D. College in Jalandhar, she committed suicide by jumping before a train near Domoria bridge in Jalandhar city after she was stopped and questioned by a police team when she was going in a car with her boyfriend. The police team, led by woman inspector Balwinder Kaur, forced the boy and girl out of the car and questioned them. The boy was made to do squats on the road as the police team got down to moral policing. The girl had objected to their harassment and also to their photographs being taken by the local media persons. When the police and the media persons did not stop - despite her pleas, Shivali went to the nearby railway tracks and lay under an oncoming train. She died on the spot.

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

27

Paralympics: Britain enlighten the world with the opening

It was a seismic beginning for an opening ceremony that seemed smaller than its Olympic counterpart one month ago. It seemed lower key, perhaps, with less fanfare and more poignancy than brash spectacle.

No one quite knew what to expect from the opening of the Paralympics, the night when disability would flood onto screens. It was clear a vast new audience would be watching; those usually ambivalent to disabled sport energised by a successful Olympics and the buzz of a home Games. What we got was beauty, a thrust of anger, and a spotlight on athletes too often in the shade.

If Danny Boyle's show was merely the "warm up" for the sportspeople, then the Paralympics brought that sentiment to life. Barely 20 minutes into proceedings, the "As" of the list of nations started the long (long) walk out. The pacing may have suffered as a result, but there was a feeling that didn't matter; the world was watching thousands of

disabled people in a show that said disability was both something to be proud of and a state that made us no different than anyone else.

"There is no such thing as a standard or run of the mill human being," Hawking declared. No matter what, we share the ability to be creative and "there should be no boundary to human endeavour".

Those words rang out in a ceremony that took a tone of thoughtfulness, threading emotional and complex ideas through bright and mystical sights. Performers were sus-

pended above the stadium, speckled with coloured umbrellas, prosthetic legs and Doc Martins. Aerial ballet danced disability through the sky; the shine of silver costumes glistening in the night. Handel's Eternal Source of Light Divine sang as six Paralympians flew across the crowd.

But there were also moments of anger and political statement. Disabled musicians cried "Spasticus Autisticus!" as Ian Drury's song of protest refused not to be heard.

Placards of "Equality" and "Rights" were waved – inform-

ing the ignorant that while the universal declaration of human rights declares each of us free and equal in dignity and rights, some remain more equal than others.

It was a message the ceremony couldn't have avoided.

The theme of the night was enlightenment – not simply in the age of science and art, but also in regard to disability and perceptions of it. "O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here!" the Tempest's Miranda, eyes of the show, told us. "How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in't." As an enormous version of Marc Quinn's Alison Lapper fourth plinth sculpture sat naked, unapologetic in the centre of the stadium, I felt the hope no one at home could disagree.

Co-artistic director Jenny Sealey had said: "I want people to see a great show and come out saying: 'Bloody hell, I never knew there were so many disabled people.' This is our chance not to be hidden any more."

Ellie Simmonds beats Victoria Arlen to win 400m freestyle gold Britain’s Ellie Simmonds served notice again that while she may be small of stature, she remains a colossal force in the pool. After a dramatic and controversial day in which the very participation of Victoria Arlen, her main rival, had been in doubt just four hours before the race, the teenager broke the world record by more than five seconds to eclipse her American adversary. An ecstatic Aquatic Centre rose in salute.

The noise generated within this amphitheatre, as Simmonds closed in on this tenacious and brilliantly measured victory, was sufficient to drown out a jumbo jet at take-off. It might even have rivalled the fervid scenes that greeted Mo Farah’s winning moment in the 5,000 metres.

For the 17- year-old has become a poster girl for Britain’s Paralympic team and, under maximum pres-

sure and in defiance of unbearable lactic creep in the final 100m, she brought home her most thrilling success.

As she glanced back at the giant monitor displaying her record time, the tears came. At first Simmonds, who claimed she felt “embarrassed” that the world had seen the emotion at her double gold in Beijing, looked almost too exhausted to cry.

But four years on, the outpouring was understandable.

Perhaps in light of Britain’s failure to win a gold in the Olympic pool, or per-

haps just because of Simmonds’ wonderful effervescence, the 15,000 spectators here willed her towards this glory with a palpable force.

Quite how Simmonds repaid this faith by demolishing a world record, and by screening out the political row over Arlen’s involvement, was attributable simply to her apparently superhuman feats. Standing just four feet tall in her bare feet on the blocks, she appears acutely vulnerable, and yet from the moment she dives into the water she is capable of totemic feats. Simmonds trailed Arlen for the majority of this race, but kept within striking distance to make her powerful finishing ability tell in the dramatic denouement.

The swimming strokes were diametrically opposed: Arlen’s wonderfully long and liquid, and Simmonds’ frenetic but still metronomic, with a higher head position

to allow herself the lungfuls of air she needs for her more abbreviated action.

The gap was seldom more than a body length and, by the time the two had hit the final turn, Simmonds had edged 0.08 secs ahead. From there, driven on by the deafening partisan clamour, she was never likely to relinquish her advantage and as she touched home in her prodigious time the sound was akin to a thunderclap.

Simmonds, remarkably, had held firm on a day to exhaust a swimmer of lesser energies. Only at 2pm did she even know that she would be facing Arlen, whose appearance had to be ratified by the International Paralympic Committee. For their morning heats, both contenders had been oblivious as to the make-up of the evening’s final and yet, to their immense credit, they each dipped under the previous Paralympic record.

Richard Whitehead brakes his own record

With a silent prayer to a dead friend and a joyous hug for his pregnant fiancée, Whitehead, 36, raced to victory on artificial, carbon fibre legs in the 200m T42 final, breaking his world record in the process.

Whitehead, who was born with both legs missing from above the knee, is also world record holder for the marathon, but he was denied entry to his best event by Paralympics rules - and so switched to sprint distances instead.

His achievement was all the more remarkable for that, and for a slow start that saw him several metres down on his rivals as he entered the bend.

He powered past them to win in the straight. As he crossed the line, he looked up

to the heavens to say a thankyou to the man who had inspired him to win gold - his best friend and mentor, Simon Mellows, who lost a limb and subsequently died from cancer seven years ago almost to the day.

After a jubilant lap of honour, he then ignored officials trying to usher him off the track to hug his pregnant fiancée, Val Davies, whom he will marry next year.

He then embraced his parents, Geraldine and John, and Mellows’s widow, Nicola, who was also at trackside watching with her children.

“Simon inspired me to succeed. He was pulling me around that bend; he was watching on. That is why I looked up at the sky at the

end. I wanted to tell him it’s over, that I have done it and it was for him” said Whitehead.

“It is so emotional. My mum and dad had never seen me on this kind of stage before … with 50 metres to go, I was fighting back the tears.”

Whitehead took up running in 2004, urged on by Mellows, with whom he played cricket in a disabled

team in Nottinghamshire.

The pair were known as the “little and large” of the team, Mellows being 6ft 6in, while Whitehead stands just 3ft 6in without his artificial limbs.

With Mellows dying of rare sarcoma cancer, Whitehead decided in 2004 to run the New York marathon in aid of two cancer charities. But at this stage, he did not have the limbs on which to run and would train in the dark so nobody would see him running on his knees using “sport cups”.

“Simon had just been diagnosed with secondary sarcoma and to see the fight he went through with a young family, it told me all about embracing life. He was just an amazing guy,” said Whitehead.

Indian bags silver in men’s high jump event

India’s Girish Hosanagara Nagarajegowda bagged a silver in the Men's High Jump F42 event at the ongoing Paralympic Games in London. Iliesa Delana of Fiji won the gold in the event, while the bronze medal was bagged by Lukasz Mamczarz of Poland.

Girish has impairment in his left leg. The spirited 24-year-old cleared a height of 1.74 m in the high jump event using the scissors technique. Over 80,000 people were present at the event to see Girish bag the silver.

Medal Table Country Gold Silver bronze Total China 48 33 38 119 Great Britain 20 28 22 70 Russia 18 21 14 53 Australia 16 13 19 48 Ukraine 16 12 15 43 United States 12 12 17 41 Germany 9 11 10 30 Brazil 8 4 3 15 Iran 6 3 1 10 France 5 9 8 22 Poland 5 5 3 13 Nigeria 5 5 1 11 Cuba 5 3 2 10 Ireland 5 2 1 8 South Korea 4 4 4 12 New Zealand 4 3 4 11 Spain 3 10 7 20 Canada 3 7 4 14 Holland 3 4 10 17 Italy 3 4 2 9 Belarus 3 1 2 6 Finland 3 1 1 5 South Africa 2 5 6 13 Tunisia 2 4 2 8 Japan 2 3 2 7 Egypt 2 2 6 10 Sweden 2 2 3 7 Serbia 2 2 0 4 Azerbaijan 2 1 2 5 Belgium 2 1 1 4 Norway 2 1 0 3 Hungary 2 0 1 3 Morocco 2 0 1 3 Mexico 1 4 3 8 Turkey 1 4 3 8 Austria 1 2 4 7 Hong Kong 1 1 1 3 Slovakia 1 1 1 3 Denmark 1 0 4 5 Greece 1 0 3 4 Kenya 1 0 1 2 Switzerland 1 0 1 2 Thailand 1 0 1 2 Fiji 1 0 0 1 Iceland 1 0 0 1 Jamaica 1 0 0 1 Latvia 1 0 0 1 Macedonia 1 0 0 1 Romania 1 0 0 1 UAE 1 0 0 1 Czech Republic 0 5 2 7 Algeria 0 1 6 7 Argentina 0 1 3 4 Croatia 0 1 2 3 Chinese Taipei 0 1 2 3 India 0 1 0 1 Malaysia 0 1 0 1 Namibia 0 1 0 1 Portugal 0 1 0 1 Slovenia 0 1 0 1 Uzbekistan 0 1 0 1 Israel 0 0 3 3 Venezuela 0 0 2 2 Bulgaria 0 0 1 1 Indonesia 0 0 1 1 Singapore 0 0 1 1

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travel & WoMeN

asian voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Purvi’s travel bag

By Purvi Apurva Shah

women achievers Deepika Chikhalia - a name synonymous with Sita of ‘Ramayan’

By AV Correspondent

visit to Amritsar can be awe-inspiring. The A carefully maintained tradi-

tions and culture of a rich heritage is juxtaposed beautifully against the vibrancy of the modern day Amritsar. Amritsar is regarded as a holy and sacred city by most Indians, especially the followers of Sikhism.

Located in Punjab, the city was a gateway for travellers coming in from Central Asia during ancient times. Perhaps, it is this influx of visitors from times immemorial that has made the people of Amritsar so hospitable.

Indeed one of the enduring memories of your visit to Amritsar will be the w a r m t h shown by the people of the city.

The word Amritsar means “Holy pool of Nectar.” This refers to the pure water that surrounds the stunning Golden Temple, the holy Sikh shrine and Amritsar’s major tourist and religious attraction.

What to See and Do in Amritsar: The Golden Temple tends to overs h a d o w Amristar’s other attractions. Founded by Guru Ramdas, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, the temple is a huge complex.

Some of the important areas of the temple include the Central Sikh Museum, Amrit Sarovar and the Akal Takht. The golden visage to the temple was the contribu-

tion of King Ranjit Singh.

He ensured that the complex was plated in gold, while the interiors were decorated with wonderful frescoes and gemstones. A trip to Amritsar is inconceivable without a visit to the Golden Temple.

Visitors to the city also often pay tribute at the Jallianwalla Bagh, the scene of one of the most horrific episodes in India’s freedom struggle. The 5.6acre garden is located close to the Golden

Temple. A national monument built inside the garden premises pays tribute to the innocent people who were massacred by the British during a peaceful protest.

The summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is yet another historic monu-

ment in Amritsar that attracts huge crowds. The palace is simply majestic with the sprawling 84 acres of estate around it housing beautiful gardens.

The palace gardens are also a delight for those with an interest in botany as they have several rare plants.

You cannot visit Amritsar and not go to the Wagah border. The village was divided into two during the partition and today, the demarcating line is the border crossing between India and Pakistan. The retreat ceremony that takes place every evening is certainly worth seeing.

Amritsar is also known for its fabulous cuisine.

Eating in the various food joints is one of the most enjoyable experiences that the city has to offer. The city is also a good place to base yourself as you visit the beautiful and lush Punjab countryside. As one of the more prosperous states in the country, the Punjab countryside has a hustle and bustle that is simply charming. The green fields heavy with crops is one of the enduring images of the state.

Amritsar has a domestic airport with regular flights to major cities across the country.

The Amritsar railway station is also a busy place with plenty of trains halting here. The city is well connected by road to New Delhi.

Deepika Chikhalia is an actress who rose to fame playing Sita in Ramanand Sagar's hit television series “Ramayan.” Despite several remakes of Ramayan, Sita is still synonymous with Deepika. Though she is no more active in the TV, her image of Sita is etched permanently in the minds of the people.

With no formal training in acting, Deepika made it on her own to stardom.

With little or no award function to give recognition to her work, Deepika retained her stardom and it was evident through the fact that she continued to pull crowds wherever she went. From her television image out of the screen too people fell to her feet

whenever she was out to woo crowds. So when she contested the elections despite not having any film to her credit, her image of the loyal Sita convinced the crowds to vote for her in thousands. In fact Deepika continued to hold one of the largest victory margins against her closest rival. After her fiveyear term as MP ended, she was not offered the ticket again. Now she is settled down in Mumbai.

Though not a big name in Bollywood, she earned her fame in the small screen through Ramayan and through her presence in “Vikram Aur Betaal.” Deepika is no longer visible in the acting arena and has made no attempts of comeback like her contemporaries.

She met with limited

success in films in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was her success in the television career that made her jump into politics. She followed up her television career with a move into politics, riding her fame as a religious icon to an election victory as a Member of Parliament from Sayajigunj constituency in Vadodara in 1991 as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate. With no background in the industry, Deepika claimed success through the religious iconic character for which she was chosen after screening of several actresses before her.

Deepika grew up in Bandra, a suburb of Mumbai. She is married to Hemant Topiwala, owner of Shingar Bindi and Tips and Toes cosmetics. They have two daughters, Nidhi & Juhi.

Ahmedabad woman held hostage in Karachi home for 13 years

It has been more than 12 years since young Shirley Ann Hodges left her home in Ahmedabad with her beau.

She went to Pakistan with her husband, but there her dream love has allegedly turned into a nightmare.

Shirley, now Shabnam, has claimed that she has become a hostage in her own house in Karachi and her family is pining, hoping that she will be released by her 'captor'.

Her brother, Noel Hodges, a businessman in Ahmedabad, said, "In 1997, Gul met my sister. He used to often come to Ahmedabad from Pakistan to sell blankets and mats and operate from a shop called Karachi in Maninagar. The two fell in love and got married in 1998, much against our wishes."

What Shirley or her family members did not know then was Gul was already married and had

A very simple and instant dish. Kela ki sabji is a delicious sweet and sour sabji used during meals.

Recipe will serve 3.

Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick approx. 3 cups of sliced banana, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeere), 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (hing), 1 green chili minced, adjust to taste, Pinch of turmeric (haldi)m 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste, 1/2 teaspoon mango powder (amchoor), Approx. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (hara dhania), 2 tablespoon water Method: Heat the oil in a sauce pan on medium high. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed cracks right away oil is ready. Add cumin seeds after seeds crack add asafetida, green

six daughters from the first marriage.

Shirley also gave birth to her first daughter, Chandni, at a nursing home in Maninagar a year later. In 2000, she left with her daughter for Pakistan.

"But as soon as she landed in Pakistan, Gul allegedly snatched away her passport and locked her up on the fifth floor of his multistoreyed apartment in Karachi. She also give birth to another daughter there, Sanjana, who is now eight years old. My brother-in-law (Gul) has never returned to Ahmedabad since then," said Noel.

And, it is in this room that Shirley and her two daughters were forced to spend most of the last 12 years. Her family members in Ahmedabad almost lost touch with Shirley. The only means by which they could get some news of

her was when Gul's four brothers visited Ahmedabad for business.

"The brothers used to show us photographs of Shirley and her two daughters. Recently, a family friend in Pakistan helped the Hodges in the case.

"We call him uncle. He gifted a laptop to Shirley which had video-conferencing software installed.

Just three months back, we started talking to her and realized her predicament.

She is being held captive in her own home by her husband. Shirley also told us that Gul has two passports - Indian and Pakistani," said Noel. Abdul Hai of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan confirmed that he had been approached for help by woman's family members from Ahmedabad and the commission is now looking at her case.

Kela chaos

chili and turmeric, stir for a few seconds. Add sliced bananas, ginger, mango powder and water stir gently and cook only for a minute, don’t overcook otherwise banana will become mushy and watery. Turn off the heat and add salt and cilantro mix gently and serve.

Health benefits: Banana is known to render a soothing effect. It has a compound called as tryptophan which on getting converted to serotonin improves mood. It is one of the ideal foods to be eaten immediately after a

strenuous workout too.

The simple sugars present in them quickly provide energy and normalize the blood sugar levels.

Bananas can be eaten whole, as a part of a salad, as a healthy beverage or as an ingredient of a vegetable. It is a fruit made by god for one and all and for every age group.

HeaLtH WAtch

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012 Long work hours keeping you from a fitness regime?

While nothing can substitute the recommended hour of daily exercise needed to stay slim, fitting fitness activities in your daily routine isn't as tough as you'd imagine. Take the stairs, instead of the lift; use your chair as support for leg lifts; and lift water bottles as weights to tone your arm muscles.

That much, you already know. But what of common household objects that can yield results to rival barbells and resistance machines?

Build your muscles Books: The next time you're reading a book, put it to another use. Balance it on your stomach to increase the load on your abs while performing stomach crunches. To turn the heat on your lower abs, lie flat on your back with your arms extended above you, holding a heavy book. Use only your stomach muscles to propel the movement as you lift your shoulders straight off the ground, keeping the rest of your body flat.

Here's another exercise: Sit on a chair with your legs together and extended in front of you, with your feet eight inches above the ground. Balance the book on your shins as you slowly lift your legs up, while

If you are suffering from fatigue, you feel depressed or too stressed, and you are looking for more energy, water could be just the ticket. Also, if you are interested in losing weight and/or controlling your appetite, if you suffer from dry skin, indigestion, backaches, or headaches,

A towel and sock enough to stay fit

keeping them extended.

Lower the legs and repeat.

Fill a satchel with books.

Lift it bending only your elbows, and voila, you have for yourself a formidable » dumbbell.

De-stress your nerves Tennis balls: Who doesn't want a genie to massage their feet after a particularly trying day? Believe it or not, a tennis ball is a won-

drinking more water might be the solution, at least partly. Water makes up between 70 and 80 percent of our bodies--the blood and brain are 90 percent water! Your cells need it to do everything they're assigned by God, and your kidneys use it to filter out harmful elements. It also

Lemon juice for good health!

Lemon juice has more benefits that you'd ever imagine. Lemons have five per cent of citric acid, which gives it its unique taste.

Rich in vitamin C, it also has vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, proteins and carbohydrates.

Here are some benefits.

• Suffer from indigestion? Mix a few drops of lemon juice with warm water and sip on it. This is useful for treating nausea, heartburn, diarrhoea, bloating and burping.

• Since lemon is a natural antiseptic, it is great to cure skin problems. It

clears your skin and also acts as an anti-ageing agent by eliminating wrinkles and blackheads.

• Have a toothache?

Apply fresh lemon juice where it hurts. If you have bleeding gums, applying lemon juice can curb the bleeding and stop bad breath.

• A sore throat can be cured by gargling with lemon juice and water regularly.

• Nimbu paani is high in potassium, which controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea and reduces stress. It also cures respiratory disorders like breathing problems and asthma.

derful substitute. While sitting, slide a tennis ball under your foot. Keep rolling it back and forth, as it massages your heel.

Start with less pressure and progress to rolling the ball under your foot while standing. If it hurts, it means your nerve endings are not relaxed. Switch to the other foot after five minutes. Load four tennis helps to lubricate our joints, metabolize fat, keep the brain thinking, and a host of other life-sustaining processes.

Water is a great way to help control one's physical body--as more water consumption typically results in less food consumption.

In addition, drinking adequate amounts of water will significantly reduce the daily calories so readily consumed when drinking juice, soft drinks, and milk.

There are several ideas about how much water we need to consume to maintain good health. One rule of thumb is eight ounces a day for every 25 pounds of body weight. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet, but it is a fact that for most people more water will greatly benefit their health.

Your body recycles water in a way only God could have devised, but you will naturally lose water through breathing, sweating, and elimination.

To avoid losing excess water, stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which slow the absorption of water.

balls into an old legging, or a much-washed sock. Tie the end and roll this makeshift massager on your back (as you would a towel after a shower) for a soothing back rub. A tennis ball can also help tone your muscles. Hold one between your knees while sitting on the edge of a chair. Squeeze your legs together to work out your inner thighs.

Bathing towels It might seem like an exaggeration, but a welldevised strength training routine featuring the humble towel can have you sweating bullets in no time. With nothing but a towel, you can break into a slew of effective exercises like resistance repetitions, where you use your own strength to build and tone arm, chest, shoulder, thigh and leg muscles. If you have been meaning to buy a resistance band, but haven't got around to doing it, pick up your towel and start with a simple squat. Stretch the towel like a bar over your head and push your weight down. This helps strengthen your arms along with your thighs.

Arm extensions and a single leg squat with the towel held under the other foot are other instances of strength training with a bathroom necessity.

PoPcorn is good for you

It comes in a bucket and served at your local multiplex. But we bet you didn’t know that popcorn is a wholegrain and a 30gm serving—12 handfuls— means one less daily portion of millet or buckwheat. A fibre content that kicks like Bruce Lee keeps you full for longer, balancing blood and seeing off bad cholesterol.

The Centre for Human Nutrition in Nebraska found that popcornmunchers had a 250 per cent higher intake of wholegrains and 22 per cent more fibre than nacho scoffers. Add that to a dose of heart-healthy B vitamins to fire up energy levels and steel nerves so you never lose your cool.

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Good to go with your gut Intuition is the signal your unconcsious mind sends you, telling you to do something or not. Hone it, say experts.

Has it ever happened that your phone beeped, and you knew it was your client. Some call it a hunch, others, a fleeting flash of intuition. The word intuition is derived from the Latin in + tuiri (to look at), and in psychological terms, it's nothing more than connecting, within a context, a range of information that the unconscious mind is absorbing every minute.

"Our unconscious mind observes and stores every ounce of data," says neurolinguistic programming expert Malti Bhojwani.

"And when needed, it picks up relevant information and presents it to us. For instance, you know it is your client's text, because you had sent him/her one earlier, and your unconscious mind calculated the time it would take for him/her to read it, based on information it had about his/her work schedule."

Intuition is like a signal that tells you to do something or not, pulling you in a certain direction so that you end up being at the right place at the right time. It may tell you that your orientation feels right or wrong. Most often, it comes to you unexpectedly. The ability to use your intuition is like using a muscle, says Mumbaibased Bhojwani. And like any other muscle in the human body, the more you use it, the stronger it grows.

Bhojwani, who has discussed the phenomenon in her recent book, Don't Think of a Blue Ball, tells you how to recognise a hunch, and strengthen it using simple techniques.

Keep a journal: Reviewing hunches helps validate them. Carry a notebook and jot down every thought. From time to time, see how many of these come true, and you might end up recognising your strengths. This will also help you weed out prejudice — you knew your friend would not get

back to you with a job contact, but she did. Your hunch was wrong, but then so was your prejudice.

When you are likely to meet a group of people later, jot down your impressions of them. Mr A is a single child; Ms B went to boarding school, etc. When you get the chance, ask them about your guesses and see whether you were right.

Then break down the reasons — perhaps Ms B's independence and easy confidence is something you've seen in your cousin, who went to boarding school. This practice will help you recognise the information, and make connections.

Everything is connected: Another exercise Bhojwani suggests is to see how everything is connected. While this doesn't work your intuition directly, it helps calm you down in a crisis, which indirectly means your brain works better since it is relaxed, and allows you to notice your hunches.

At the end of the day, acknowledge one positive occurrence. It could be something as small as getting to unexpectedly eat your favourite dessert.

Trace the chain of events that led to this — your colleague was supposed to go to a client meeting, but he fell ill (and you were irritated you had to fill in).

The client insisted on meeting at the restaurant that happens to serve your favourite dessert. That's how you ate two banoffies on company account!

When you make a habit of going through this routine, you won't be thrown off guard by momentary disruptions and begin believing that in the end, it will be alright.

To Our Readers We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

CB Live is the only Gujarati live programme in UK on Television This week in CB Live meet Bharat Ghelani, Editor of Chitralekha magazine and drama writer and film producer Sanjay Chhel. Also will be joining them is world tourist Priti Sengupta, who will be interviewed by Kamal Rao, News Editor, Gujarat Samachar.

If you do not have a SKY, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

need to push ahead ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 withThe personal interests and

to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come. Mentally you will be in top form, perhaps feeling quite passionate about expressing your ideas and views. It is certainly a good time to get involved in lively debate.

7pm to 8pm Every Thursday

CB LIVE Every Thursday on MATV (SKY 793) 7pm to 8pm For more information email: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk or call Alka Shah on 07944 151 893

Coming Events l Gujarati classes held at Canons High School in Edgware between 10.00 am – 12.00 noon. The school also offers optional classes such as Tabla, Harmonium and Dance. Students are enrolled from age of 4 years in Reception class to GCSE in Gujarati. Registration to take place on 9th September 2012 from 10.00 am – 12.00 noon.

For further information, please contact: Vijyabahen Bhanderi on 0208 958 8564. l Wanza Samaj UK and Shivam presents Gujarati comedy play- bacho Ne Baatlima Utaaro Saturday 8 September, 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Show: 8pm, Winston Churchill Theatre Hall, HA4 7QL. Contact: Sunita: 07946 458 610 l Shree Bavis Gam Patidar Samaj (UK) presents A Family Friendly Summer Funday -Barbeque on Sunday 16th September 2012, From 2.00 PM till late. Best Western The Watermill Hotel, Hamel Hempstead , HP1 2RJ. Kiritbhai: 07828 213 772 l Mr Jagmohan Singh on 11th July 2012 at New Delhi. The condolence meeting will be held at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel - London on 23rd September 2012 from 4 PM - 6 PM by his wife Sharanjit Kaur and son Manu Jagmohan Singh and everyone from the NRI Institute and the Global Punjabi Society l AMC presents an evening of Ghazal, Thumri, Bhajan and Indian classical by Swati Natekar, 29 September, 7pm. Museum of Asian Music, 1 Bradford Road, London W3 7SP. Contact 0208 742 9911

Bhaja Govindam Discourses – Chinmaya Mission UK On this grand journey of life, it is the birthright of all human beings to achieve fulfilment and success.

However, along the way many of us get bogged down under the weight of innumerable pressures and that enduring fulfilment and success that we seek seems to elude us.

What is the solution? Adi Sankaracharya thunders forth in his famous text “Bhaja Govindam” that we must stop and think about life in its totality. He beckons us to hear the clarion Call of the Infinite and discover how we can master all dimensions of our lives with the right knowledge and attitude.

Whether you are seeking: n Joyous and fulfilling relationships n Success in your professional life n Discovering your innate potential n Managing your wealth and prosperity n Mastering your mind; or n Clarity in the direction and goal of your life You will find powerful and logical answers to all these important questions and many more provided in these 31 concise verses of Bhaja Govindam.

Swami Swaroopananda from Chinmaya Mission UK will be speaking over 7 evening discourses on Bhaja Govindam, delivered in a way that makes this knowledge relevant and accessible for people of all backgrounds, ages and walks of life.

Come along and experience how the profound wisdom of Bhaja Govindam can transform your life forever!

Talks take place from 9 – 15 September 2012 at the Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley Park, Middx HA9 9PE from 7.30-9.00pm. Talks are in English, free and open to all.

For more information or call 0208 203 6288 or just come along.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email: accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamleshamin123@yahoo.co.in Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Either you or your partner have been going through a phase of inner doubts and uncertainties, and perhaps the main source of tension has simply been the need for breathing space in your relationship and a need to look at things more objectively. Wait before going full steam ahead with grand actions and gestures.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 It is essential that you adopt a very open attitude now for this is a time of lucky opportunity and a chance to greatly enrich your working life and at home. New windows on the world are about to open and this is bound to have a maturing effect on you from now into the future. There is a rather secretive aura surrounding new romance, which could turn into something very special.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 There are subtle transformations taking shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation, so that you feel secure.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Fortune smiles on the romantically inclined with Venus transiting your sign. Not only are you likely to experience a highly satisfying phase in respect of romance but you may even find yourself having more than one admirer. For Leos, dissatisfied with their current status, now is the time to do something positive about it.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 There will be increased scope for varying your activities, widening your network of contacts and getting out and about. It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies, claryfying your and other people's ideas and getting involved in discussion.

Exercise caution when it comes to making financial decisions as being hasty will cost you !

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 There is an element of disruption or stress which may be hard to avoid, but it appears that there is a strong sense of purpose in the background. A certain amount of sheer hard graft will be necessary for a short while, but the final result will be extremely pleasing. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Activities and interests that involve co-operation and teamwork are very much in the spotlight. You will be able to further your special aims and objectives by communicating and working closely with others. You are likely to experience some tension in close relationships - it may be a time to take careful stock of things, especially your own attitudes.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You will have the distinct feeling that everything is moving ahead at a very satisfying pace. Indeed, you will be in a forward-looking mood, more inclined to reflect on the future and its potentials. There is a great deal to suggest that the power of destiny is very much in your own hand and that any major decision you make will have a profound effect on your future.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Love is liable to blow hot and cold rather unpredictably. If so, then it might be a good idea to check your own behaviour and motives for it could be that you are already taking too much for granted. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Travel and social life combine to bring a lively time ahead of you.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Social commitments are liable to increase considerably. At times this could lead to a conflict of loyalties and perhaps a degree of resentment that others are taking advantage of you. Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

The pace of everyday life will gather momentum and there may be times when you find it hard to keep your act together. Any obstacles that have stood in the way of your heart's desires should melt into the background soon. Your self-confidence will be extremely high and this will be helped by various encouraging events.

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

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Action at a Glance Alastair Cook is England’s new cricket captain

Alastair Cook, England's oneday captain, was appointed as the new skipper of the test team following the resignation of Andrew Strauss from the post.

Strauss last week announced his retirement from professional cricket. Strauss insisted his retirement had nothing to do with the ongoing England exile of star batsman Kevin Pietersen. England dropped Pietersen, who hasn't played international cricket in any format since making 149 in the drawn second Test at Headingley, after he admitted sending "provocative" texts to South African players. Some of these were alleged to have been critical of Strauss, who succeeded South Africa-born and raised Pietersen as England captain in 2009. Strauss said he'd spoken to England coach Andy Flower about retiring "before the Kevin Pietersen situation reared its head". His last Test was a 51-run defeat by South Africa at Lord's, his Middlesex home ground where he made his Test debut in 2004, earlier this month that saw England surrender their number one Test ranking to the Proteas.

No Indian in 'ICC Test Team of the Year'

In a reflection of the slump that India went through last year, no cricketer from the financial powerhouse of the game managed to find a place in the 'ICC Test Team of the Year', which was dominated by South African and English players. India were whitewashed by England and Australia in back-to-back away series last year, a freefall from the number one position that the side held before that. The list announced last week, along with the nominees for the ICC annual awards scheduled on September 15 here, featured five South Africans (including the 12th man) and three Englishmen. The ICC Test Team of the Year (in batting order): Alastair Cook (Eng), Hashim Amla (SA), Kumar Sangakkara (SL), Jacques Kallis (SA), Michael Clarke (Aus, captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI), Matt Prior (Eng - wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad (Eng), Saeed Ajmal (Pak), Vernon Philander (SA), Dale Steyn (SA), 12th Man - AB de Villiers (SA).

Vijay, Yogeshwar conferred Khel Ratna; 25 get Arjuna awards

Olympic medallists Vijay Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt were jointly conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award – India’s highest sporting honour - while an unprecedented 25 sportspersons were honoured with the Arjuna awards in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. A loud applause greeted the two Olympic heroes as they received their Khel Ratna Awards from President Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of a host of Ministers, dignitaries and sports celebrities. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who is preparing to stage a comeback after recovering from a rare germ cell cancer, also received a thunderous applause as he received the Arjuna award with hordes of cameramen capturing his moment of glory.

Asian Voice - Saturday 8th September 2012

Ian Bell steers England to six wicket win against South Africa England’s second win over South Africa in three days strengthened their position at the top of the one-day rankings to the point where they cannot be overtaken again in this series.

Like London buses and meetings with Kevin Pietersen, just when you have given up on them the wins have come along in a rush and Alastair Cook’s side now lead the NatWest Series 2-1 with one to play. As in the previous win at the Kia Oval on Friday, England were chasing a modest total, this time 220, which they overhauled by one man acting as anchor, in this case Ian Bell, with others playing frenetic cameos around him.

Bell made 88 off 137 balls, but so measured was it that it did not feel like any great accomplishment.

Instead, it was more like an old pro getting the job done, or most of it given that Eoin Morgan and Craig Kieswetter were left to finish it off. That was something Kieswetter did with a flourish when he lofted Dale Steyn for a mighty six into the Lord’s pavilion for the winning runs.

Bell, lest we forget it, is the direct replacement for Pietersen since the latter announced his one-day retirement, an opportunity the Warwickshire man has grasped with relish. In his 10

innings as opener since June he has scored 539 runs at an average of 59.8, all at a decent lick. Viewed in the cold light of that achievement is there really much more Andy Flower needs to talk to Pietersen about in this format?

The measured nature of Bell’s effort, which was all about preserving wickets on a pitch not conducive to big shots, was not the only thought-out innings after Alastair Cook again went early when Steyn had him plumb lbw. Jonathan Trott played a brave, at times onehanded knock, after Steyn struck him a nasty blow to his right hand in the seventh over.

Needing several bouts of treatment, Trott nevertheless carried on, aware that the best way to avoid being a burden was to rotate the strike.

If this period lacked highoctane spills and thrills, it

had plenty of character and nous, the pair’s 141-run partnership in 31 overs breaking the back of what could have been a tricky chase.

England are by no means playing to potential, with Cook and Ravi Bopara unable to buy runs at present and the team’s shoddy catching and fielding is allowing opponents to prosper more than they should.

Cook is succumbing to tall man’s problems with the bat.

His head is falling over so it remains outside the line of the ball as it comes down at him. A few years ago he was prone to the pitched-up ball angled across him, which he used to edge because he allowed his bat to get away from his body. Now, in an attempt to keep everything more compact and cover his off stump, his weight has gone across which makes him vulnerable to his head toppling over and subsequently to the ball that swings into his pads, a speciality of Steyn’s.

Bopara, who batted with great authority against Australia in July, looks relatively clueless at present, though not with the ball, which he once again used to great effect after England won the toss and bowled.

Caught behind for six after dangling his bat at Ryan McLaren, he has made 50 runs in nine knocks since suf-

fering domestic problems last month, a lack of runs that would tempt the patience of even the most philosophical selectors.

If Bopara’s batting looks frail, so too does England’s catching.

On Sunday, Hashim Amla, a man who has given them enough anguish of late to last a career, was again dropped, this time for four by James Tredwell off Steven Finn, the first of two he shelled off the fast bowler.

By the time Amla was out, bowled by Bopara for 45, statisticians had worked out that England’s fumblings across Tests and one-day internationals this summer, had allowed him to prosper to the tune of 559 runs.

Before Bopara swung that one past his whirling bat, he probably felt he had already had Amla plumb lbw. TV replays showed Richard Illingworth had been over generous to Amla but England had used their one review on a spurious lbw appeal by Finn.

Judging which not out to review is an aspect of captaincy in which Cook definitely trails his predecessor, and one in which he must quickly address by learning whose judgment to trust, which often means not the bowler or an excitable wicketkeeper.

Kohli, Dhoni help India to 5-wicket win over NZ

India defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the second Test in Bangalore to win the two-Test series 2-0, with Man-of-the-Match Virat Kohli the architect of victory on day four with an unbeaten 51 to follow his first-innings century. Chasing 261, India were tottering at 166 for 5 at one stage but Kohli and MS Dhoni compiled an unbeaten partnership of 96, the highest successful run-chase in the fourth innings by any team at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore the fifth highest successful run-chase in fourth innings by India.

Earlier on day four, India bowled out New Zealand for 248 in the morning after the last-wicket pair of Jeetan Patel and Trent Boult added some vital runs. Resuming at 232 for 9, Patel reeled off a couple of boundaries before a short ball from Zaheer Khan went past the outside edge of his bat and was given out by umpire Ian Gould.

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir then gave India a rousing start with a string of boundaries in a 77run opening stand. Gambhir

hit some cracking cover drives as India raced to 50 in eight overs, out of which his contribution was 30 off 33 balls.

Sehwag took the charge later as he cracked three boundaries in a Doug Bracewell over, the pick of which was a stunning straight drive. Patel was brought into the attack in the 12th over and Sehwag welcomed him by thumping a six and a boundary, but a

reckless swing across the line had Sehwag bowled for 38. Gambhir fell soon after for 34, poking at a delivery from Trent Boult and edging straight to Ross Taylor at first slip.

S a c h i n Tendulkar and Cheteshwar Pujara steadied the innings, with the youngster particularly impress with his shot off the back foot. A brief rain delay stopped play with India 148 for 2, and once the action resumed New Zealand forced their way back into the match with three quick wickets.

The first to go was Tendulkar who was castled by Tim Southee when he played across the line to a ball which swung in after pitching and ripped out the stumps. This made it the third time in three innings that the veteran had been bowled in the series.

Pujara went next, caught at

short leg off Patel for 48.

Suresh Raina then played a wretched shot to get out, charging down the pitch to Patel while trying to heave him over midwicket. Instead, he was deceived completely and the ball clattered his middle stump.

Raina made 0 off 10 balls.

At that point, New Zealand had swung the momentum their way but Taylor made a tactical error at a crucial juncture as he removed Southee from the attack when he was bowling in great rhythm. Boult, who replaced Southee, was wayward and leaked runs.

Kohli and Dhoni had a couple of anxious moments before they knuckled down and crafted a match-winning partnership. Dhoni smashed a six off Patel over long leg while Kohli unleashed a flurry of exquisite flicks and cover drives. He notched up his half-century by a resplendent straight drive off Southee before Dhoni sealed the match for India by walloping a six off Patel in the next over. Kohli and Dhoni remained unbeaten on 51 and 48 respectively.