FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE
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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side
9 - 15 FEBRUARY 2019 - VOL 47 ISSUE 39
DRUGS STOCKPILING RAISES CONCERNS EXCLUSIVE
Priyanka Mehta
Britain's Pharma industry has been raising concerns around stockpiling drugs, high risks of creation of an artificial demand for medicines, possibly inflated tariffs as the Brexit showdown looms closer. Reports of patients stocking weeks worth of Epilepsy medications, Insulin injections and cancer drugs have surged in recent times. South Asians are known to be up to 6 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the general population and insulin helps in regulation of the blood sugar levels. But in a no-deal Brexit scenario, one of the major concerns is the fact no insulin is currently manufactured in the UK, meaning it has to be imported. While some attribute it to fear-mongering, consumers are worried about a potential no-deal Brexit after the consequent showdown in Parliament where Prime Minister Theresa May's deal doesn't seem to have any cross-party consensus. But how does a no-deal or a Hard Brexit impact the Pharma industry? “Within the EU, the health regulations are the same. So, at the moment if you have a drug manufactured or released in France, it is okay for them to be imported and used in the UK,” said Dr Bharat Shah co-founder and director of Sigma Pharmaceuticals Plc.
inside: UK home secretary orders extradition of Vijay Mallya SEE PAGE 26
CBI can question Kolkata police chief, can’t arrest him: SC SEE PAGE 23
NDA woos middle class, unorganised workers and farmers in budget Finance minister Piyush Goyal dished out doles to large sections of the population with an eye on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. It had a £600 million per annum direct income transfer for small and marginal farmers–those with holdings below 2 hectares or about 5 acres. The tax liability on those with
incomes up to Rs 5,00,000 was cut to zero. And there was plenty more for other segments. Prominent among these was the promise of a Rs 3,000 per month pension for those working in the unorganised sector when they reach 60 in return for a monthly contribution of Rs 55 to 100. Continued on page 23
"It is not a choice, it is who we are" SEE PAGE 14
Continued on page 16
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WITH KEITH VAZ, MP
Wasim Khan MBE
In 1990, Wasim was the first Bristish born Pakistani to become a pro cricketer in England. He played in the double winning side at Warwickshire in 1995. In 2005 he was recruited as CEO by Lord Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England, to set up and run Chance to Shine, a £50m state school cricket programme. In 9 years, £55m had been raised, 2.5 million children had participated, of which 1 million were girls, and 9,000 state schools had been engaged. In 2006, Wasim's autobiography 'Brim Full of Passion' received the coveted prize of Wisden Book of the Year. In 2014, he completed an Executive MBA at Warwick Business School at the age of 43. In 2015, he became CEO of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, turning the Club that had made signifant financial losses in the previous 4 years, into a profitable business in each of his first 3 years of his tenure. He is currently the only BAME individual in a CEO position across any professional sports club in the UK. In December 2018, Wasim was headhunted and will become the CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board from February 2019 and will be moving to Lahore.
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Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in? Having played cricket in Australia for 4 years, I have always had a love for that country. However, home will always remain as Birmingham. Born and bred in Birmingham, it is diverse and virbant.
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What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest moment is completing an MBA whilst in full time employment and with a young family. I left school with little qualificantions and I never attended University, so this was my proudest moment.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? My mother. My father passed away when I was 15 so my mother supported me all the way.
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What is the best aspect about your current role? Being involved and getting paid for your passion in life.
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Challenges excite me: Growing up being told that I would never become a pro cricketer, then being told that Chance to Shine would never work because of its large scale, pushed me on in life. Furthermore, Leicestershire CCC was described as a "basket case" when I took over and I helped turn it around. I will now embark on the "toughest job in world cricket" when I take up the CEO position in Pakistan. What has been biggest obstacle in your career? Needing people in influential positions to back my corner and fight my case to get me opportunities. I then proved my worth and value!
Tata Steel at Port Talbot
the operational life of one of two blast furnaces at the plant. This project had been announced in June 2018, alongside the announce-
Floating Crowd of almost 500 attended the Republic Day celebration by the Inspiring Indian Women on Sunday 27th January 2019 at Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow. The magnificent show had a huge response among the public. The entire place was abuzz with passionate parents visiting the event comprising of activity tables, retail stalls and more than 140 spirited performers. The occasion was attended by Her Worshipful Mayor of Harrow Kareema Marrika. The High Commission of India was represented by Kiran Khatri,(Second Secretary, Political and Economic wing ) and Tarun Kumar (Attache Hindi and Culture). Special guests
Rashid A Khan
Not having the resources to play with to really take the Club to another level.
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To keep enjoying what I do. I don't set any targets, I focus on loving what I do and doing my best and believe my destiny will sort itself out. I have always had this philosphy and it hasn’t failed me as yet!
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If you were Prime Minister in Pakistan, what one aspect would you change? Corruption
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If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why. Muhammed Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. He died shortly after partition, I would love to have known what his true vision would have been for the future of Pakistan and how he was planning to implelment it.
Faiza Shaheen and Ash Sarkar
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Chingford and Woodford Green, but it was actually Faiza Shaheen in the tweet. B o t h w o m e n responded to the initial mistake on Twitter whereby Ms Shaheen accused Ms Dorries of thinking all "brown women" look the same. The tweet has now been deleted from Nadine Dorries' account, but she had shared a video from another account.
ment of definitive agreements being signed by Germany's Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel to form a joint venture of their European steel businesses.
included Purnima Raval, Satya Minhas, Lakshmi Kaul CII UK, Sonoo Malkani, Bharti Sethia, Kirti Soni, Chirag Tyagi, Sulochana Sethi, Simi Arora, Guniraj Vyas and Sudarshan Vyas, among a others.
And the worst?
Nadine Dorries apologies for mixing "two brown" women Nadine Dorries, has apologised for mixing up two British Asian women who both work in politics. The MP for Mid Bedfordshire tweeted a video with Ash Sarkar in it - she's a political journalist at Novara Media. Ms Sarkar "may be" the prospective candidate for
Tata Steel Ltd. relaunched a blast furnace at a cost of “tens of millions of pounds” marking a new start at one of the U.K.'s largest steelworks at Port Talbot in Wales. The life extension project of Blast Furnace 5, described by the Indian steel giant as the "biggest single investment" in its European operations in over five years, is seen as a critical part of its long-term to strengthen its operations in the UK. The furnace restart, was attended by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and is expected to extend
7
What are your long term goals?
What inspires you?
4
5
Tata Steel relaunches blast furnace at Wales
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9 - 15 February 2019
Rahul Gandhi, unfit to be PM Politicising religion may yield immediate, inebriating dividends but it is a recipe for a long-term calamity, neither healthy for politics nor religion. For each it is the poisoned chalice. The Supreme Court of India commented, apropos of a case, that it was increasingly difficult for judges to pronounce justice in a fair and fearless manner because of frequent insinuations of advocates in cases with political overtones. judges displayed a bias one way or another. In a 75-page judgement, Justices Arun Mishra and Vineet Saran said:: ‘Whenever any political matter comes to court and is decided, either way political insinuations are attributed by unscrupulous persons/advocates. Such acts are nothing but an act of denigrating the judiciary itself and destroys the faith of the common man when he reposes in the judicial system..’ Noting the tendency of some advocates to make a beeline to the media from courtrooms, ‘hunger for cheap publicity is increasing,’ said the bench, terming it an anathema to the standards of a noble profession. Noble profession, it may be, but ignoble are many of its practitioners. The Justices again: ‘Statutory rules prohibit advocates from advertising and catering to press/media,’ adding that it had become common practice to report ‘distorted versions of court proceedings.’ The obvious solution should surely be heavy fines for contempt of court. Media bosses would then feel the pinch, and so would the erring advocates. Such parasites, masquerading as honest citizens, would be
exposed for what they are - creatures from darkness living off the fat of the land. Respect for the letter and the spirit of the law is the essence of the rule of law, and hence by extension, democracy itself. Lawyers and media reporters are not the only ones who have a case to answer. Politicians do so too. They often taint social courtesy for cynical ends. Congress President Rahul Gandhi made a courtesy call on Goa Chief Minister, and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. As Mr Parrikar for long has had health problems, it seemed a gracious gesture. Alas, the Congress leader, true to type, sought to make political capital from the visit; he claimed that Mr Parrikar had alleged that Prime Minister Modi did not consult him on the Rafale aircraft deal with France. L’affaire Rafale was in the spotlight again. Mr Parrikar was aggrieved at Mr Gandhi’s cynical ploy. He wrote him a letter expressing his displeasure, which reads thus: ‘In the five minutes with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale to me; nor did we discuss anything related to it.’ Reading this correspondence, many a foreign ambassador in New Delhi might do well to caution his country’s prime minister or president on the perils of talking to Mr Gandhi privately. A courtesy call to someone in ill health for political mileage reflects poorly on the caller. Rahul Gandhi-watchers with doubts about his fitness for high office are likely to move from scepticism to unshakeable belief: Mr Gandhi is not fit for purpose. He should not, therefore, be India’s next prime minister.
India’s myriad international challenges The turbulence in international relations is intensifying by the day, and hence undermines global order. Developments in one continent reverberate in another. Regime change, like American football is national sport. Senator Albert J. Beveridge in 1900 orated: ‘The Philippines are ours forever...And just beyond the Philippines are China’s illimitable markets. We will not retreat from either. We will not repudiate our duty in the archipelago. We will not abandon our opportunity in the Orient. ...We will not renounce our part in the mission of our race trustees under God, of the civilization of the world.’ His elderly incarnation Senator John McCain was of similar bent of mind, as are today’s US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Trump administration’s National Security Adviser, John Bolton -Jove’s thunderbolt wreaking vengeance on unbelievers in America’s Manifest Destiny. As the Gallic saying goes, (in translation) the more things change the more they remain the same. Confronted by this maelstrom, India is faced with the daunting challenge of constructing a policy fit for purpose. The first step in the architectonic frame is to safeguard its territorial integrity against jihadi terrorism aided and abetted from across its western border; the second is to withstand the rise of China and its consequential diplomatic and military outreach into India’s neighbourhood and beyond; the third is to maintain relationships with countries that are shaped by geography and history. M .K. Narayannan, a former intelligence adviser to the Manmohan Singh government wrote recently in the Hindu newspaper, that Indo-Russian ties required a reset button. Whatever for? Because, he argued, Sino-Russian relations had a strategic content. However, it is the height of folly to perceive diplomacy as a zero sum game. Beijing and Moscow are admittedly conjoined by American hostility, but the degree is markedly different in its
intensity to each of these powers. President Trump has had two summits with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and may well be on the road to a third, judging by the jubilation of Chinese diplomats at the progress achieved in the trade talks with the United States. There is none of the hysterical opposition to a Trump-Xi summit that characterises talk of a Trump-Putin meeting. China has maintained contacts with both sides in the Venezuelan imbroglio. A deal could well follow with US candidate for President Juan Gaido, a move that would aid Beijing’s standing in Washington. Russia and China have their distinct national interests. It would do well to recall that India was a major issue in the breakdown of Sino-Soviet relations in the 1960s, and the same differences are very much in evidence still. That said, Russian and Chinese foreign policies, freed from their former ideological and political constraints are far more fluid. The Russian envoy to India, Nicolay Kudashev, in an interview with an an Indian newspaper, referred to India’s multibillion dollar acquisition of Russia’s prized S-400 missile defence system, saying: ‘This would be a valuable contribution to the security of Indian air space, and this is also proof of the special ties between India and Russia.’ The two sides have developed a bilateral banking system for the gradual transfer of payments in national currencies. Turning to a question on Indo-US ties, the Russian envoy explained that a country of India’s size, power and influence was bound to develop normal relationships, and that India’s ties with the US would not be at the cost of Russia. ‘Our relationship with India is a privileged strategic partnership. We share with India unique confidence. Our relationship with Pakistan is miniscule. Our ties with Pakistan are similar to yours. – we need a government which ... fights terror,, drugs and crime.’ Geopolitics is integral to Indio-Russian ties. Russia is the heart of Eurasia,. India is its fulcrum.
UK-India in shared future
Former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, on a visit to India spoke of a shared future between the two countries in a public address followed by a discussion in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. India would benefit from Brexit if this were to take place. Leaving the European Union would open the door for new trade and investments partnerships with Britain. India was high on the list of prospective partners. Indo-British arrangements towards this goal would be mutual benefit, playing to the strengths of both sides. He described Brixit as a mistake. That said, he noted that, the UK and the EU have a joint interest in a negotiated partnership.’ The threat to globalisation, the
rise of great nations, Islamic terrorism and climate change were challenges that would absorb the best energies of countries great and small. Globalisation, he emphasised, had lifted millions of out of poverty. An aid to such measured optimism would surely be an equally measured approach by India on subjects pertaining to Kashmir. The warning that a discussion by Conservative and Labour Friends of Pakistan in Parliament would interference in India’s internal affairs or posed a threat to Indian security is utterly absurd. The meeting of a caucus in a democracy is normal practice and involves neither government nor legislature. Time to grow up.
It's no longer about the big beating the small; it's about the fast beating the slow -Larry Carter, CEO of Cisco Systems
Alpesh Patel
Operation Uri The Israeli Way I write to you after seeing the film ‘Uri’, a movie about the terrorists from Pakistan who attacked Indian soldiers early on in the Modi Premiership, to test his resolve. Uri is about the subsequent surgical strike and references to the way Israel responds to terrorist threats. It reminded me of this story and a different movie. “Why do you pray Jew? You will die here” shouted the Nazi guard. “I pray because I am grateful” replies the prisoner. “What could you have to be grateful about? You will die in this concentration camp,” shouts the guard. “I pray to thank God, that he did not make me like you”. There are a few films where you hold your breath. ‘Operation Finale’ is one of them. It was the Holocaust Memorial Day recently. Starring Ben Kingsley, it tells the story of how Israel’s Mossad brought Adolph Eichmann to the Jewish country to stand trial for crimes against humanity and as architect of the “Final Solution” to exterminate the Jews. I especially respect Israel for using its agents, regardless of international boundaries to bring justice for crimes against people of their religion, and their ethnicity. Whether it is the assassins at the Munich Olympics or former Nazis. Why is this especially important? I was born a mere 26 years after the Holocaust. It happened in Europe- a country merely three hours by flight from where I live. Six million Jews including children died. Proximity of time and geography and scale of the murders is what makes it more important. There is a formula to these things. Perhaps there should not be. Recency? x Scale x Proximity. This formula is what make us realise that evil is near, festering, lurking, and waiting to return. It is why we remember - partly because we know evil returns when we fail to remember. India’s adoption of the Israeli way of dealing with terrorists brings fear into the hearts of their enemies. For too long the Indian Army has waited, the Indian people have waited, indeed the peace-loving world has waited. Such acts of terror will happen again. We can hope India will follow again, the Israeli way of taking care of business. These films are a way of remembrance too. Editor: CB Patel Asian Voice is published by Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Website: www.abplgroup.com INDIA OFFICE Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380 015. Tel: +91 79 2646 5960 Email: gs_ahd@abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications
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Thousands stranded as turkmenistan Airlines banned for safety reasons Flights from Birmingham and London's Heathrow to Amritsar have been suspended on safety grounds according to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). As a result thousands of passengers were stranded. These flights are routed via Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and also fly through Frankfurt and Paris. The CAA acted after the European Aviation Safety Agency suspended permission for it to fly in the EU. Set up in 1992 this route to Amritsar is mostly used by the British Punjabis of the UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the European Aviation Safety Agency had suspended the airline's flights to and from the EU "pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards". "This means that Turkmenistan Airlines flights between the UK (London Heathrow and Birmingham) and Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), do not have permission to travel to and from the UK," the FCO said. Affected passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines to seek advice, the FCO said. Passengers can seek for a refund for unused tickets by contacting the airline
Preet Kaur Gill, MP
directly. If you've paid by credit card for your flight, and paid more than £100, you may be able to claim compensation from your credit card firm under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you've paid by debit card, and paid more than £100, you could try to contact your bank and ask about "chargeback". However, to get this form of compensation, your bank would need to claw back your money from the airline directly.
“The news that Turkmenistan Airline flights have been suspended until it meets international air safety standards, will come as a shock to the Sikh community in the region who rely on the airline to fly from Birmingham to Amritsar” “In the meantime, I would call on Air India to increase their flights, and for other airlines to consider taking on additional routes, to help stranded British nationals return home,” tweeted 0for Edgbaston.
Kings Barber Club uses Facebook Ads Manager to open chain of outlets In 2009 Adam Choudhry had launched Kings Barbers Club in Birmingham, just weeks before he was due to start university for a degree in Economics. Within 9 years his business has expanded into UK's largest chain of independently owned barber shops, and 14 outlets spread across Midlands- and much to the credit is owed to Facebook. While social media like Facebook has received criticism over the years various reasons- including 'affecting mental health', Choudhury was able to use it for enhancing business and spreading the word across the 'community.'
Adam Choudhry
Choudhry had first set up his shop in a building that was owned by his father but the location was away from the main
high street. He tried out hitting the high streets, handing out thousands of leaflets- tried every other way to attract customers. But his business only took off when Facebook launched its Ads Manager tool. Business increased almost overnight and within six months Choudhry was on the hunt for premises for a second outlet. And by the time he left university, with a degree in hand, he’d built a chain of five outlets. Speaking to Evening Standard, Adam said, “I launched the business and started university just as social media was really beginning to take off.
Suddenly, everyone was getting a smartphone for the first time and I noticed that everything social at college was being organised on people’s Facebook pages. “Initially, we used a Facebook page for the business just to get the message out there. It was a way to build a presence and a reputation for ourselves.” Though Facebook continues to be at the centre of Choudhry's business marketing activity, Kings Barbers Club has now developed its own software to integrate an online booking service with its presence on the social media site.
India's 'Frontier Raas' comes to Southall India's family run business of desinger clothes and accessories, 'Frontier Raas' opened its first store in Southall. The store Owned by Mr. Anil Kumar Batra the store was first started by his father in the frontier of Pakistan, and was initially based out of Phagwara, Punjab after the partition. Their collection in the UK includes everything from unstitched suits to ready-towear bridal collection, men's sherwani's to artificial jewellery to accessories. Additionally, they also offer custom-made-outfits tailored just according to the likes of the consumer which they can deliver within a period of 6 weeks. Their range starting from as affordable as £30 and going as high as £4000. 'Frontier Raas' is a family business and I started exporting to the UK, USA and Canada from 1982. This is the first store outside of India and we are delighted to touch base with our customers living in the UK.
Tushar Batra, Director of 'Frontier Raas'
A lot of our customers know us from Punjab and Delhi who have relocated to London who now have
the opportunity to buy straightaway from our store instead of having to fly back to India” said Mr. Anil Kumar
Batra. The company already has four stores back in India and Tushar Batra, the director of the company talks about the ethnic market outside of India. “It's a big Asian market in London and it is not just about the Indians but Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, SriLankans, they all love wearing ethic Indian outfit for different occasions. Talking about the range of collection Simi Sarna one of the store managers in Southall said- “We have got Gujarati Saris, silks saris for Bengalis, gowns, Lehengas, bridal wear, men's wear and accessories, you name it and we have it for you at Frontier Raas.”
in brief B'HAM RESTAURANTEUR FACES JAIL TERM
A Birmingham restaurant owner has been jailed for overseeing hygiene breaches at a curry house, with blocked sink, rat infestation and 'mouldy and sporouting food items'. Mohammed Muneer Mohammed Muneer continued running his business apparently inspite of a ban imposed on him when he was given a suspended prison sentence. And a judge at Warwick Crown Court has warned Muneer that an immediate jail term is ‘the likely outcome’ after he pleaded guilty to contravening a prohibition order. The Birmingham Mail reported that the charge detailed that between the end of January 2018 and the end of September 2018, he took part in the management of a food business, Ali’s Curry House in Bath Street, Leamington. That was in breach of an order, under Food Hygiene Regulations that banned the 64 year old Muneer from management of a food business for two years. However the court was told that Muneer allegedly still works in the restaurant as an employee and the restaurant has been taken over by a Mr Khan. The prosecution by Warwick District Council was the culmination of a series of breaches of food hygiene regulations by Muneer. He had been given a caution in 2014, and the following year he was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay more than £4,000 costs after a rat infestation was found at the restaurant. Muneer has been given a 23-week prison sentence suspended for two years – and made subject to the prohibition order. At the request of defendant's lawyer, Judge Sylvia de Bertodano adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared on Muneer.
COMPUTER PROGRAMS THAT PREDICT CRIME CAN LEAD TO DISCRIMINATION
The use of computer programs to predict crime hotspots and people who are likely to re-offend risks locking discrimination into the criminal justice system, a Hannah Couchman report by the human rights group Liberty has warned. At least a dozen police forces are currently using or considering the use of predictive analytics. But the report has indicated that these programs encourage racial profiling and discrimination, and threaten privacy and freedom of expression. According to Hannah Couchman a policy and campaigns officer at Liberty, one of the key risks with this system is that it adds a technological veneer to biased policing practices. The campaign officer also observed how people think computer programs are neutral but, according to her they are just entrenching the pre-existing biases that the police have always shown. Using Freedom of Information data, the report finds that at least 14 forces in the UK are using algorithm programs known as “black boxes” for policing, have previously done so or conducted research and trials into them.
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Golden Jubilee Pakistan Foreign Minister addresses 'Azad Kenya Exodus and Settlement in Britain
Dear Readers, We are virtually overwhelmed with the amount of responses we have received in the past couple of days in connection to our upcoming special issue on Kenyan Asians. We have received different kinds of wonderful stories that are just bursting to be heard, queries showing interest, and even suggestions encouraging our endeavour. We can't begin to thank all those who have only reciprocated with contagious optimism and sent positivity our way. For the past few weeks we have been rather vocal about our keenness to issue a magazine celebrating the mass exodus of Kenyan Asians in 1963. To be published in March, the magazine is our way of honouring the golden jubilee of the forced-migration of Asians who had made Kenya their home. The individuals and families who were obligated to leave Kenya, today comprise one of the most leading communities in the country. Not only are they active members of the society, they are also huge contributors to the British economy. As proud promoters of the Asian community, we want to grab onto this opportunity to celebrate such individuals and families. Our special on Kenyan Asians will feature relevant information about their migration from undivided India to East Africa, particularly to Kenya. We will also record their contributions to the Kenyan economy and society. We welcome all British Asians who were part of the exodus, or know family members/friends who were part of the exodus to reach out to us and tell us everything about their journey to Kenya, their stay in the country, how they settled there and began new lives. We are keen on details of their businesses and jobs and the process of winding up everything to move to another land. We would especially also like to report how they were able to settle here in the UK, going through the entire process of securing jobs, joining businesses, finding residence, education for their children and any related information which is now contented as world history. We expect a revenue-based support from those keen on bigger space in the magazine, for promotion-basis, or publish their profile. Deadline for the information is February 15, but we would welcome them sooner.
Deadline to submit material: March 30th Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com
Kashmir' conference in UK Parliament The Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed a gathering in House of Commons to express "solidarity" with the people of Kashmir to 'end gross human rights violation in the occupied region'. The Indian media was not allowed entry, though it was projected as an 'open' event. On Tuesday hundreds of people supporting 'Azad Kashmir' cause stood outside the 10 Downing Street, in a rally aiming to highlight the alleged 'human rights atrocities and abuses by Indian government' across Kashmir. This event was held in observance of Pakistan’s support of and unity with the people of Indian-administered Kashmir, the nationalists' efforts to separate from India, and to pay homage to Kashmiris who have died in the conflict. At Monday's International Conference on Kashmir a resolution to express solidarity was presented by Lord Qurban Hussain and the event was chaired by Rehman Chishti, a Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-born Conservative Party MP. The event was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan. The conference was reportedly attended by Azad Kashmir President Masood Khan, Pakistani-origin British MPs and peers, including Khalid
Mahmood and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. British Sikh Labour Party MP, Tan Dhesi, was among the few Indian-origin parliamentarians seen entering the room. Asian Voice had later approached him for a comment, but he was not available to speak to us. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Shah Mahmood Qureshi India has "strongly" Centre with placards hightaken up the issue with the lighting alleged human UK and hopes "they do rights abuses in Kashmir. understand our objections The rally was organised by to proposed conference (in Balsall Heath based camBritish Parliament premises paign group the Jammu and take appropriate Kashmir Liberation Council action". But in response, the (JKLC). UK government said The Kashmiri Pandits Qureshi was not an official and Hindus in the UK who guest as he was on a private recently observed the visit to Britain. 'Exodus day' on 17th Kashmiri Pandits strike January, strongly opposed back the Tuesday rally calling it “dangerous and threatening Hindu organisations such as the measures to the rehabilIndo Europe Kashmir itations of Kashmiri Hindus Forum, Hindu Council of back to their homeland.” UK, Kashmiri Pandit Speaking to Asian Voice Cultural Society UK and exclusively, Krishna Bhan on Global Kashmiri Pandit behalf of 'Indo Europe Diaspora urged British Kashmir Forum, Hindu Indians to write to their Council of UK, Kashmiri locals MPs to protest against Pandit Cultural Society UK the Kashmir Solidarity Rally and Global Kashmiri Pandit on 5th February. Diaspora' said, “We are planIn July last year, more ning a counter rally in than 200 campaigners had March. What human rights called Kashmiri indepenviolations are the Pakistanis dence in Birmingham City
talking about? It was the Kashmiri Pandits who lost everything in Kashmir and had to leave their homes. “The Government of India and the authorities in the State of Jammu and Kashmir have taken actions fully in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution which has the protection of human rights firmly enshrined. “Jammu and Kashmir has been a target of Pakistan sponsored terrorism for several decades and terrorists have been responsible for serious human rights violations of Kashmiri Hindus that has been witnessed by the world. “Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and shall remain an integral part of India. We don’t subscribe to this fake Kashmir solidarity rally.”
First child given pioneering CAR-T cancer therapy An 11 year old is now the first NHS patient to receive a CAR-T to fight cancer. Yuvan Thakkar, who suffers from a form of leukaemia, has received the personalised treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, after conventional cancer treatments failed. CAR-T therapy involves removing immune cells and modifying them in a laboratory so they can recognise cancer cells. Also called Kymriah, it costs £282,000 per patient, however, the NHS has negotiated an undisclosed lower price with the manufacturer, Novartis. Funds for the method will come from the Cancer Drugs Fund, set up to fast-track access to the most promising treatments. Watford-based Yuvan was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2014, and had received chemotherapy and then underwent a bone marrow transplant but relapsed after both treatments. His parents Sapna and Vinay said, “When Yuvan was diag-
Yuvan Thakkar
nosed, it was the most heartbreaking news we had ever received. We tried to stay hopeful, as they say leukaemia in children was 90 per cent cure rate, but sadly his illness relapsed.” Yuvan said, “I really hope I get better soon so I can visit Lego House in Denmark. I love Lego and am building a big model Bugatti while I'm in hospital.” Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia affects about 600 people a year, most of them children. While many are
cured by conventional treatments, about 100 per cent relapse. In November, it was announced that GOSH, along with Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, would treat children with this rare form of leukaemia. CAR-T is personalised form of cancer treatment in which the patient has blood removed and the white blood cells are separated out, with the rest of
the blood being returned to the patient. The T-cells, a special type of immune cell, are then sent to a laboratory in the United States, where a harmless virus is used to insert genes into them. The genes cause the T-cells to add a hook on to their surface, known as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). These engineered cells which are programmed to recognise and destroy the patient's cancer cells, are multiplied in huge numbers and then infused back into the patient. Dr Sara Ghorashian, consultant in paediatric haematology at GOSH and Yuvan's doctor, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer patients like Yuvan another chance to be cured. While it will be a while before the outcome of this powerful new therapy is known, the treatment has shown very promising results in clinical trials and we are hopeful that it will help.”
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The making of an entrepreneur Sachin Nandha and the world of private equity
Preeti Bali “Knowledge, experience and the support network are the three ingredients you need in order to succeed," says CEO of PillboxCapital3 Fund Sachin Nandha. These are the very seeds, that nurtured the 38-year-old from Wirral into the entrepreneur he is today. Set up in 2005, PillboxCapital is a small private equity firm with businesses in law, medical properties, dental, pharmacy and technology, with approximately £15 million worth of assets under their management. Its co-founders are Manish Patel, the group CFO and Parthiv Patel the group Chairman. “I knew after completing my post graduate studies in Philosophy at The University of Nottingham, I didn’t want to be an academic, I wanted to go into business”, says Sachin. Sachin had the ability to understand the way in which markets shift. “Not only could I calculate, but I could predict the key leavers that would be moving and what the outcome of those leavers would be. I ended up doing a lot of research, learning and networking, to really develop my knowledge set and support network," he told the Asian Voice.
Sachin Nandha in the centre with Parthiv Patel (Group Chairman) to his left and Manish Patel (Group CFO) to his right
Sachin has built businesses in hospitality and healthcare, advising numerous private equity firms on capital growth and strategy. His business ventures began at the age of 27, where he sold his advisory services during the financial crisis to businesses and helped them navigate through turbulent times with their acquisition strategy. In 2018, Sachin was recognised as being within the top 100 most influential global Indians.
What is Private Equity and what does PillboxCapital do? Private Equity, is a medium to long term investment asset finance, provided in return for an equity stake in potentially high-growth unquoted companies – “It is an asset class like no other, it has outperformed everything, including property
and stocks and shares over the last 10 years returning over 11% per annum growth," says Sachin. What private equity does is it brings together investors and talented entrepreneurs and management teams, connecting capital with opportunity. “We seek opportunities in the market where we can give capital to these management teams or entrepreneurs and actively support them to scale their business up rapidly. We invest in businesses for five to seven years, scale quickly and then we exit through a sale of the business," Sachin explains. Their business model Sachin explains is “We want to take money that is being held in people’s saving accounts, where it is not being made use of, and deploy it into the real econ-
omy – where there are entrepreneurs and management teams with good businesses, but they just need the money and our expertise to grow." “We seed our own businesses, with our own money and risk. The ones that show potential, are the ones in which we will deploy capital of up to 50 million pounds." The company are due to launch ‘PillboxCapital3’ fund this year, which would leverage their experience and networks to build a private equity fund which can take advantage of the global Indian growth story.
Brexit and financial markets Trade wars, rising US central Bank interest rates and Brexit, the fourth quarter of 2018 was a tough time for the financial markets. So how does PillboxCapital reduce risk in such uncertain and volatile markets? It is through seeing the world with a ‘VUCA’ vision which stands for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. At PillboxCapital, Sachin and his partners don’t just invest in the stock market and hope it goes up, they invest in real businesses. “We decide who will manage the business, and ultimately control the direction in which the business will grow," says Sachin.
Head of State Bank of India UK operations honoured by City Corporation The outgoing Regional Head of the State Bank of India’s UK operations, Sanjiv Chadha, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting UK-India relations. Mr Chadha took up his position at the helm of the 98-year-old London office of the State Bank of India in 2014. The bank announced the launch of its UK subsidiary in April of last year. He is succeeded in his role by Sharad Chandak, who was also present at the ceremony. Mr Chadha was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by the Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin and Sheriff Vincent Keaveny. His
Sanjiv Chadha with Sheriff Vincent Keaveny
Freedom ceremony at Guildhall on Monday began with him reading aloud the Declaration of a Freeman and ended with him being greeted by Murray Craig, Clerk to the Chamberlain's Court, as a ‘Citizen of London’ and the presentation of his framed parchment certificate. He is the latest distin-
guished Indian national to have received the Freedom. Previous recipients include Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the Republic of India in 1947. Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin said, “The Freedom of the City of London is a very special and ancient
tradition, bestowed to recognise an individual’s remarkable contribution to London or public life, or an outstanding achievement. “My colleagues and I are delighted to nominate Sanjiv Chadha for the Freedom of the City of London. He’s been an excellent voice leading the Indian banking community and overseeing significant investment into the City. “The State Bank of India is one of the oldest and most respected foreign banks in the Square Mile. Mr Chadha has been instrumental in expanding the bank’s presence across the UK, and in boosting wider bilateral ties in financial services.”
Where Brexit is concerned, the Partrners see it as an opportunity. Their global reach runs across the Indian diaspora, whether they be in the US, Middle East, East Africa, India or Singapore. “Our role in all of this is how do we take advantage of the distress which is currently being felt in the British healthcare sector and help our businesses capture more market share throughout this period. We are preparing for Brexit in the sense that we are getting ready to deploy some serious capital and money into the health sector which we think is actually going to grow over the next decade regardless of BREXIT as the government turns on the NHS ‘funding tap’," explains Sachin.
Pillbox and the Global Indian story For Sachin and his partners, their Indian heritage is of upmost importance, “We are all very proud of our Indian heritage and the three of us believe that the culture we come from coupled with the education we’ve had and the experience of being British, perfectly sets us up for having the best of all worlds." The Indian story is visibly a bright and growing one into the next few decades. “We want to use the British law which is
respected all over the world and then we want to be able to connect with wealth from all over the world, and connect them to real entrepreneurs and management teams – people with great ideas and businesses, if we can back these people they’ll be able to build more value for society”, explains Sachin. As India grows, the ambition of Pillbox is to become the number one private equity firm over the next 10 years, connecting global investors to the global Indian growth story. Sachin’s most memorable achievement is where he is today, to have jointly with his partners created and built their own private equity firm. “Before the age of 40 to have built a private equity fund is definitely the most memorable and something which I am immensely proud of."
For more information about their funds visit www.pillboxcapital3.com or call 01162740707
MarketOrders Co-Founder named as one of the UK’s Top 100 Women in Tech MarketOrders Co-Founder, Sukhi Jutla, has recently named as one of the UK’s top 100 Women in Tech. Only two days after receiving its certificate as a Top 100 European Digital Pioneer by The Financial Times and Google, Sukhi Jutla couldn’t be prouder: “I’m honoured to be named as a Top 100 Woman in Tech in the UK. The UK is one of the best places to launch your tech career and I hope this award continues to inspire more women into tech careers and show you can make a huge and lasting impact”. Author of three books and World’s First #1 Bestselling ‘Blockchain’ Author, Sukhi and her team launched MarketOrders in 2016, with the ambition of evolving the gold and diamond jewellery industry using technology. Since September 2018, WeAreTechWomen has been searching the UK for the best female tech talent in the country. They received over 500 nominations from across the UK and Northern Ireland and 28,000 votes of support from across the globe. The calibre of entries for these awards was exceptional and all of the judges stated
Sukhi Jutla
how difficult it was to arrive at the shortlist due to the amazing achievements of the nominees. Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder of WeAreTechWomen said, “At WeAreTechWomen we have made it our personal mission to shine a spotlight on women working in tech. Our strategic aim is to highlight 500 female future leaders in technology by 2022. The response to this year’s awards has been fantastic and calibre of entries has been outstanding! I am so proud to see so many women in tech recognised for their achievements and look forward to celebrating our winners and their achievements.”
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As I See It
APPG launches report Opposition VS Modi: highlighting the impact of Sau Sunaar ki Ek Lohaar ki hate crime on communities CB Patel
PM Narendra Modi
On the sidelines of the Republic Day celebrations in Guildhall, London, a lot of us from the press were discussing on general topics, but mainly on Indian politics. Someone asked me my take on the ongoing political scenario of the country, and the possible outcome. There are still 7-10 weeks left for the Lok Sabha polls. Back in 1968, then British prime minister Harold Wilson had said, “A week is a long time in politics.” As at now NDA will get 340 seats compared to 333 in 2014. However, to my understanding of the Indian Opposition's rigidity and flair for the usual, the political scenario of India is as below... Economy- The foundation stone for a healthy, democratic nation is its economy. The world today is going through political crisis. UK and Europe has the mammoth called Brexit to deal, the middle east has extremism /terrorism, China has the US of A, and the States has Donald Trump. Each country today has its devil to face, due to which, its economy suffers, some more than others . Meanwhile India, despite its size, internal contradictions and nationalinternational issues, is now the largest economy with the highest GDP growth rate. I understand, a country's GDP is not the only measure of its rate of success. Be it the IMF, the World Bank, or most recently the people in Davos, the positive economic transformation in the past four and a half years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been recognised, accepted. After a tedious back-and-forth of decisions, the GST has been finally implemented and is by and large operating with speedy internal goods transfer. The Centre's drive for digitisation has promoted clarity and transparency. For those waiting their turns to yell DEMONETISATION; Yes, demonetisation has left a lot of scars and I believe perhaps it could have been handled a little better. But there are several spinoffs from the episode. Facts reveal the number of tax payers and payments to the exchequers are now rising phenomenally. There is now a substantial increase in ease of doing business. FDI is growing with each year, and the recent Budget promotes various concessions and tax reliefs. Unemployment- 6.1 per cent unemployment rate is a rather serious matter. It is perhaps the highest in 44 years. While it is a crucial problem, the source for the issue needs to be addressed. Automation technology plays an important part in generating unemployment in agriculture, commerce and industry. However, I believe the current government is doing its most to recover losses.
Rahul Gandhi
Border Security- Since Modi took power in June 2014, India's international borders appear to be more secure. India has maintained vigilant presence on borders in both, the west and the east, and the problematic neighbours are fully aware of India's preparedness and government strength. At the same time, India now has strong er relations with international powers like the USA, EU, Japan, Australia, and some countries in the middle east. And in the South East Asia especially with Vietnam. Strategic alliance is a necessity and kudos to Mr Modi for making substantial progress. Relation with Indian Diaspora- Over 30 million people of Indian-origin live abroad and the PM Modi and his government who did become the butt of trolls, made major efforts to cultivate and strengthen bonds with all overseas brethren. Promises before the Polls- Unlimited promises are always made during elections and love. Back in the 2013-14 polls, Modi gave a rosy picture of how India under him would appear. Some promises were fulfilled, some were not. However, it appears 900 million voters in India are intelligent and can now see the difference in their lives. The touted Mahagathbandhan is only a disaster waiting to be happened and in my personal opinion, their government is least likely to bear fruits. Social Harmony- In the last five years, India has witnessed lot less communal violence. People are now more focused on development, education, growth. Contradictions in Opposition- India has seen coalition governments since 1977. To gain power if political parties resort to alliance, it has historically, reflected poorly on governance. All such governments in 1977, 89, 93, and the 2004, gave India the worst corruption scandals involving major leaders without any shame. Public Opinion- In a democracy, towards the end of a term, the ruling government usually gets less than 50 per cent in public polls. However, Modi has received 72 per cent in recent opinion surveys and I believe that is testament to the man's work. People have not only attested to their satisfaction with the NDA government with the opinion polls results, they have also declared that they do not want the illtempered ruling of Mahagathbandhan. But most importantly, they do not want the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has launched a report on Tuesday 5 February, as we went to press, highlighting the impacts of hate crimes on 'extremism, cohesion and communities'. The APPG report summarises hundreds of submissions that were received by organisations working in the area of hate crime work or with an interest in this area. With rising levels of hate crimes across various protected characteristics, and within a shifting and unstable political landscape, the findings paint a picture of real risk that can impact on communities and on social cohesion in our country. The report also reviews the impact of hate crimes on feelings of marginalisation which they exacerbate when the victim feels that they have not got access to justice. This can lead to a rise in extremism and vulnerabilities to it. The Key findings included: ● Women describing daily misogynistic abuse being hurled at them by men,
including sexually explicit language, ● Learning disabled and autistic individuals being targeted for abuse and financial and sexual exploitation through 'mate crimes', ● Victims changing their routes to work, suffering mental and emotional difficulties and higher levels of anxiety and nervousness, ● Victims developing coping mechanisms as though they were acclimatising themselves for future incidents which they believed would take place in the current social and political uncertainty in the country, ● Lower levels of confidence and self-worth within people with disabilities, given the frequency of abuse and hate incidents that they suffer. Groups working with disabled people mentioned that abuse centred on the self-worth of victims, and that hate was a 'normalised' set of experiences for many, ● Victims of online hate built up behavioural avoidance mechanisms with some even coming off social media altogether, thereby limiting their life chances,
● How 'fake news' produced by politically inclined websites in the US, UK and Europe, attempted to create social divisions through amplified online activities. Many of these sites stoked up a 'them and us' approach that was disseminated widely across the internet through web-sites and social media platforms. The Chair of the AllParty Parliamentary Group on Hate Crime, Paula Sherriff MP said, "The APPG on Hate Crime enquiry on 'How can we build community cohesion when hate crime is on the rise?'has identified several key recommendations on how things can be improved. These recommendations apply to government, police forces, crown prosecution services as well as hate crime reporting agencies. Our recommendations include allowing police and prosecutors to recognise the intersectional nature of many hate crimes as well as rectifying the inequalities that exist in terms of sentencing.".
NHS reveals double-whammy alcohol crisis Alcohol addiction treatment experts are urging Government to “listen to the numbers” and to admit that today’s double-whammy NHS crisis due to alcohol cannot go ignored for yet another year. The call comes as NHS on Tuesday revealed that alcohol related hospital admissions rose by 100,000 people in 2017/18 to a crippling 1.2million people, representing 7.2% of all hospital admissions for that year. At the same time, the report also shows a 6% year on year rise in the number of alcohol-specific deaths; from 5,507 in 2016 to 5,843 in 2017. This is also a staggering 16% over the last 10 years. A survey, commissioned by the BBC to investigate attitudes to alcohol among British Sikhs recently found that - although drinking alcohol is forbidden in Sikhism but 27% of British Sikhs report having someone in their family with an alcohol problem. But it's a problem which is rarely talked about openly in the community. Eytan Alexander, CEO of addiction treatment specialists UKAT said,“Alcohol in England is without a doubt at crisis point and worse still, we start another
year with no dedicated strategy from Government for tackling alcoholism in this country. Why is it that alcohol misuse is always shoehorned into the overall drugs policy? It needs to be recognised as a standalone problem, because that’s exactly what it is- a problem. “The numbers speak for themselves, and it’s time to admit that change is needed in order to help the NHS and to help those most vulnerable in society.” The report comes as UKAT reveals that throughout 2018, over half (55%) of all patients treated were for alcohol addiction, the highest amount they’ve ever treated. UKAT treated 1,025 patients for alcohol addiction in 2018, compared to just 579 in 2015; a 77% rise in just 3 years. The NHS details how 83% of hospital admissions were aged over 45 and that just under two thirds were male. Regionally, Salford once again had the highest rate at 3,430 per 100,000 population, and Wokingham had the lowest rate at just 1,410. Worryingly, the vast majority (78%) of alcohol related deaths occur between the ages of 40-69 and once again, death rates were highest in the most
deprived areas and lowest in the least deprived areas. Responding to the statistcs a BMA spokesperson, said, “While the Government has announced the expansion of alcohol care teams as part of the NHS Long-Term Plan, these figures highlight the enormous scale of the problem and prompt concerns that what the Government has proposed is not anywhere near what is actually required. “We need to see a strong and comprehensive new alcohol strategy that prioritises prevention and factors in the wider societal influences that may impact a person’s alcohol consumption. The BMA will continue to push for the Government to commit to a comprehensive and effective range of population-wide measures such as a minimum unit pricing for alcohol, mandatory labeling and limits on alcohol advertising, as the current approach is failing to protect the health of the public.”
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Lord Bilimoria and Baroness Flather to host Commonwealth Day at Memorial Gates On the 6th of November 2002 Her Majesty The Queen officially inaugurated the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, in London. These gates have been erected as a lasting memorial to honour the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars. They also celebrate the contribution that these men and women and their decedents, members of the commonwealth family, continue to make to the rich diversity of British society. Since Her Majesty opened the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in 2002, there has been a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill to commemorate the actions of all those from the Empire who fought for the British in the two World Wars. Recently this has been organised on Commonwealth Day and this year on the 11thof March, Britons will be paying their respects in the time honoured way. Every year the Memorial Gates Council invites significant individuals to attend including the Defence Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Staff. This year Lord Karan Bilimoia, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council and life President, Baroness Flather have been inviting particular
Lord Bilimoria with Gurkha brigade representatives
community representatives to lay wreath, and pay respect to the fallen. Ministers associated with the Armed Forces, all three Service Chiefs and the Senior Civil Servants are specially invited in order to represent their people and to show the appropriate commitment to the commemorative activities.
The invite only event will start at 10:15am and go on till 12:30pm. The focus of the commemoration will be on Commonwealth citizens who volunteered to serve in Royal Air Force and the Royal Flying Corps and fight for our freedom. The Band of the Grenadier Guards will provide a music for this year's ceremony.
What’s your Kenya connection? Dear Readers, Of some 2.0 Million Indian Origin residents in UK, based on the latest census information, around 20 % have East African connection, of which nearly half of them are related with Kenya. They or their parents or grandparents or spouses were either born in Kenya or have a strong family relationship with Indian Origin Kenyans. It is well known that in education, professions, entrepreneurship, job creation and senior positions in the Financial, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare industry majority of them are from Kenya background. Your grandchildren or great grand children would love if you reminisce with them on your Kenya roots. It is said that if one knows one’s history, they can create a better history. Indian Origin people everywhere are known as peace loving, hard working and progressive citizens. This is because of their val-
ues, their traditions and other cultural heritage; they perform positively in all the occupations they are engaged in. If you are Kenya connected, please have a look at
the map for a moment. Chances are, that you may have connection with Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kericho or any other cities and towns illustrated. 90% of you have some or other linkage with these places. Share with us your life story, what was the life there and how you created a new life here. You are most welcome to send in your entries before 20th March, 2019. Email your article to: aveditorial@abplgroup.com
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Serious Violence Strategy Earlier this week, we saw the Home Secretary announce that the Government will be consulting on a public health approach to tackling violent crime. Whilst this is welcome, it is something that our community in Brent and Harrow and my colleagues at City Hall have long been calling for. It has been incredibly disappointing to see the Government continue to fall behind the curve when it comes to protecting Londoners and ensuring that our police are adequately resourced. On the other hand, the Mayor of London has been proactive in clamping down on violent crime. He has set up a Violence Reduction Unit, put in place a dedicated anti-knife crime strategy and has invested in youth and early intervention projects in Brent through his Young Londoners Fund. Going forward, the Government needs to act swiftly on its pledge to introduce a public health approach. It took until April last year for the then Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, to finally publish a Serious Violence Strategy, which ended up pledging very little in the way of the level of funding needed. Time is not on our side. We simply cannot afford any further delays. Navin Shah AM London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow
In a nutshell... I always look forward to reading Mr. Rudy Otter's letters. Briefly speaking, his comments are succinct with a sprinkle of humour. As a member of "Brevity is the soul of wit" brigade, I applaud his "Less is more" approach to communication skills. Keep it up Mr. Rudy Otter. D. R. Radia London
Short, Sharp and Succinct I have noticed recently that the letters in this column are getting longer and over the set limit of 250 words. These letters occupy most part of this column. This is at the expense of other letter writers who try to contain their letters within the allocated space. Too long letters are unwieldy and put me off from reading. May I suggest that the editorial board should set a realistic limit for the length of the letters and that any letter which overshoots that limit should be either truncated or not published at all. Too long letters put me off from reading or from digesting the gist of the message in them. Also, the letters should focus on issues which concern us here in our country of residence, rather than placing too much emphasis on matters relating to our mother land. I have noticed that some of your contributors send long winded letters on issues concerning India. This may be ok in some respects like the previous campaign for direct flights to Ahmedabad or the hike in visa fees for India or even the restriction on the value of gold ornaments that one can take with him or her to India. Long winded letters become boring and make me skimthrough them instead of digesting the contents. There is a tool called “word count” on most computers and I would urge the compulsive long letter writers to make use of that. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
Republic day of many firsts The Republic Day of India was a celebration of many firsts. Women power was the main attraction this year’s Republic Day parade at the Rajpath, New Delhi. Women officers led the contingents of the Navy, the Army Services Corps and the Corps of Signals. First time, a woman Lieutenant, Bhavana Kasturi, led an all-male Army Service Corps (ASC) contingent during the parade. Kasturi became the first lady officer to do so. Major Khushboo Kanwar, 30, and who is also a mum, led the contingent of the Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force in the country. The theme of the parade was the 150th birthday of India’s independence leader Gandhi. India with all its problems, aspirations and dreams is slowly changing into a new leaf. We loved your lead article (AV p1, 1-8 Feb) talking about the celebrations across the UK and worldwide. The diaspora as PM Modi calls ita living bridge, is making India proud everywhere. Amina Dey London
Night Eviction: Could it be Justified! We all know that hospital beds are at premium, especially during life-draining winter months when flu epidemic, resulting in chest infection and pneumonia makes bed shortages worse. NHS has been cutting bed capacity for years, some due to closure, merger and down-grading hospitals, from General to Community hospitals. No wonder now we have one of the lowest bed ratios per capita in Europe, even lower than many other countries well below us in economic league. It is indeed a shame on supposedly fifth biggest economy in the world, although on the verge of being overtaken by India and France. So often, late at night when most patients are asleep, “Nursing Station”may receive an urgent call from extremely busy A & E department that an emergency admission needs bed without delay; the onus falls on Ward sister to find the bed. The Sister in charge rushes to her Ward and wakes up bleary-eyed, so often an elderly patient who may be deemed to be able to go home, helps patient to dress and within half an hour patient is bundled and sent home, either by ambulance or taxi, so often on bitterly cold and damp night, inadequately dressed and without setting-up home help. This is indeed extremely undesirable practice, as so often these patients live on their own, unable to look after themselves without home help. In some cases, they may not have keys or no family members at home. So the patient has to be brought back if fortunate, otherwise dumped outside to shiver. No one blames NHS staffs, as they are put in an unenviable situation, caught between “Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.”The blame lays fairly and squarely with cross-party placebo, bleeding heart politicians, who are out of touch with reality, habituated living in their “Ivory Tower”with moatbridge raised! They talk so much but act so little! Politicians have also brain-washed public in believing that NHS treatment should be free at point of delivery, for everyone, including “Health Tourists!”But in reality nothing is free; we pay a fortune for dental treatment! Manipulative, fiddle-faddle fiduciary Politicians have repeatedly ignored pleas from GPs to charge token fee of £10 for GP appointment, £20 for missing appointment and £50 for A & E visit, issuing “Entitle NHS Treatment Card” to eligible people, thus weeding out time wasters and hypochondriac, as well as muster plausible courage to transfer funds from “Overseas Aid to Home Front!”Could we ever get luminary, patriot, intelligentsia politicians of calibre of Sir Winston Churchill, Lady Thatcher, Clement Atlee and Aneurin Bevan who gave us NHS! Kumudini Valambia Via Email
Benefit vs non-benefit It is really sad to see genuine people are suffering because of UK government's faulty benefit culture system. I am a former Gurkha and a senior citizens and a first Gulf war veteran still working and paying my bills, courtesy of the UK government. Pre July 1997 retirement pension are still paid according to the Indian pay code. And the terrorists like Abu Hamza and others are getting all the facilities provided by the UK government and enjoying their holidays, housing benefit and other benefits, paid by hard working tax payers. I find it astonishing that UK government is spending billions of pounds for obesity and to help people quit smoking. I wonder why NHS is always on the red line and putting trillions of pounds of debt on the citizens' head? Brexit is also creating a very toxic environment for its own people. I feel because of Britain's bad "karma" nothing is working out and it is becoming difficult for Prime Minister Theresa May and her government to have a stich in time. Yam Gurung (rtd) Via Email What do you think? We want to know your views on any issue. Write to: Asian Voice, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW or e-mail: aveditorial@abplgroup.com
We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit. Please keep contributing as always. If you are new, then write to Rupanjana at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com - AV
Is Britain the worse governed nation in EU? Not long ago, Britain ruled over quarter of the world land-mark and one third of world population living under British rule, stretching from Hong Kong in the East to West Indies, British Guyana in the West and Falkland Islands in extreme South. India was jewel in the crown, losing India brought British Empire to early demise, end of British dream and ambition to be a major military power, to rule the waves in perpetual. How mighty have fallen! It seems now Britain can hardly govern itself, let alone other countries. Then it is same all over the world. Italy boasted Roman Empire; Turkey had Ottoman Empire that ruled most of Eastern Europe, stretching to Middle East, established by warrior king Suleiman. Then there was Greek, Macedonia, (Alexander the Great), Byzantium, Moghul, Japanese, Chinese and a few more countries who ruled part of ancient world, at one time or another. But most of these countries have lost their power, ambition, even the ability to govern themselves wisely and efficiently and that unfortunately include Britain. Reminiscing recent past history since end of WW2, Britain hardly had politicians we could be proud of, with the exception of tiny few. Tony Blair could have gone down in history as one of the best PM if he had not been manipulated by US President Bush and led this country into disastrous, unjustified war with Iraq. Same mistake was committed by David Cameron who, along with France invaded Libya, dethroned Colonial Mohamed Al Ghaddafi and turned stable country into permanent civil war among its different tribes, a rich nation now reduced to banana republic. When Mrs May took over the reign, we hoped she would follow into the foot-steps of illuminating Iron Lady Thatcher, wielding her hand bag as a weapon to keep unelected, power hungry EU bureaucrats like EU President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chief Negotiator Michael Barnier at bay. Instead PM May was isolated, humiliated by tiny nations like Malta. While EU calls Gibraltar British Crown colony, we hesitate calling Canary Islands as Spanish colony! This will shut up Spain once and for ever! British politicians and media have continuously spread gloom and doom if Britain leaves EU without agreement, while truth is that with £90 billion trade deficit in favour of EU and German cars clogging our roads, EU and especially Ireland will be at more disadvantage than Britain that is if our politicians show selfbelief, confidence and courage. How come Netherland, with similar climate, is leading exporter of soft fruits and vegetables, grown under green houses, using latest technology? Britain can become self-sufficient in food if it follows Netherland. Bhupendra M. Gandhi Via Email
Valentine's Day Valentine’s Day is here at last and everyone is busy thinking about what to buy for their loved ones. Though the festival commemorates the martyrdom of a Christian saint called St. Valentine, the festival as it is celebrated today, has very little religious significance. In present times, Valentine’s Day has assumed a secular and global flavour and is celebrated by people of all castes and communities. It is supposed to be an occasion to display love, affection and care for our families, friends and romantic partners. But today, it does not seem that way anymore, for families and friends are mostly wiped off the list, leaving just the partner in it. It is actually a day to be happy and to spend it with the people you love and care. Jubel D’Cruz, Via Email
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India League Women's ideas are observes Gandhiji's winners to break mould death anniversary of venture capitalists
(L-R) Commodore Sameer Saxena, Brigadier VMB Krishnan, Air Commodore Anil Sabharwal, India League Chairman CB Patel, Her Excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam, Lord Suri, and Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells
India League observed ideals are as relevant today globe where we don't know Mahatma Gandhi's death as they were in his days.” the kind of value systems are anniversary on 30th January Camden Councillor driving our society and peo2019 at Russell Square in the Jenny Headlam-Wells in her ple, the thinking of honorary presence of the speech saidMahatma Gandhi, his phiHigh commissioner of India “It was on this unfortulosophy of non-violence and in the UK, Her nate day that one of the Excellency, Ruchi great leaders of the world Ghanashyam, Lord Mahatma Gandhi was Ranbir Singh Suri, MP assassinated. I am very Virendra Sharma, proud to join you all today Mayor of Camden to remember the 71st death Councillor Jenny anniversary of a remarkHeadlam-Wells among able man who symbolises other representatives peace and humanity for us of the Indian diaspora. all” Mahatma Gandhi, “The message that who is also known as Gandhiji has given not just India's 'father of the to the Indians living in nation' was assassinatIndia but to the whole ed on this day in 1948 world, it was irrespective by Nathuram Godse. of caste, creed, gender and Gandhi is well known religion about the values for his freedom strugand morals one should folgle not just in India but low,” said Virendra Sharma also for his agitations MP for Ealing Southall. in South Africa. Girls from Bharatiya Chairman of India Vidya Bhavan Centre in League, C B Patel, in the UK later performed a Her Excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam pays floral beautiful his speech saidrendition of “We thought of tributes to Gandhi's statue. PC: Raj Bakrania Mahatma's favourite bhajan building Gandhiji's stat'Raghupati Raghav' while ue towards the end of 1966, two Japanese friends of the his very unique struggle at a time when India was Nipponzan Myohoji sect of method called 'Satyagraha'neither that strong nor that Buddhism presented a It is the struggle to enforce famous on a global front. musical folk performance. the force of truth. Those We're grateful to the Camden Borough Council leadership for gifting this beautiful location for this Chartered Accountant and Tax Specialist statue in perpetuity for no advising on: payment” Floral tributes were ✔ Income Tax self assessment obligations, offered to Bapu followed by including preparation and submission of the observance of two-minutes of silence. Coming fortax returns by 31 January deadline ward, Her Excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam said how the ✔ Corporation tax computations and returns, world and India lost Gandhi including tax minimisation strategies and only in the physical esssence and how his ideas tax-efficient extraction of profits from continue to live with us. company “The ideas of Gandhi and the ideals that he ✔ Inheritance tax advice, including planning espoused, the struggles that to manage liability and drafting of Wills he fought, the flame of inspiration and freedom and Powers of Attorney that he lit, that was not ✔ Capital gains and Property tax matters extinguished. It lives on today. At a time when we are facing troubles around the
Amit Hindocha LLM ACA
Contact: 07403 739 576
A recent research published has shown that only 5 per cent of companies that make contact with venture capital firms have all-female founding teams, The Times has reported. The research was commissioned by the stateowned British Business Bank, which invests government money into venture capital firms and has pledged £2.5 billion into start-ups over coming decade. Reshma Sohoni co-founder of Seedcamp in 2017- an European seed fund, loves working with people. She told The Times that, founders are 13 times more likely to be funded if they are recommended to a venture capital firm by someone within the network. She believes it not an issue for women alone, but for ethnic minorities and people from different socio-economic groups as well. Venture capitalism means investors focus on a company’s founding team more as there is often very little to see from the results. Therefore more credibility the founders have, better is the deal. She told The Times, “If you’re not part of the networks of school, university, the first four or five jobs people have had before they get into venture capital, then it’s tough to break in. That’s where a lot of those ‘warm introductions’ come from.”Reshma.jpg
Reshma Sohoni
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA, LONDON Applications are invited for the following posts in the High Commission of India, London: I. Clerk /Stenographer – Typist: Number of Vacancy – 01 a)
Graduates with knowledge of computer applications and fluency in English are eligible. Candidates having previous experience would be preferred. II. Social Secretary: Number of Vacancy – 01
a) Graduates with knowledge of computer applications and fluency in English are eligible. Candidates with good typing skill on Computer and good knowledge of computer applications like Web based services, Photoshop, Social Media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Website, Youtube, Flicker etc will be preferred. b) Knowledge of any other foreign or Indian language would be an added advantage. The sphere of work expected to be performed would, inter-alia, include scheduling of appointment, making logistical arrangements for various programmes, maintaining databases and any other work related to the official requirements of the High Commission. Applicants having previous experience in similar position would be preferred. III. Chauffeur : Number of Vacancies – 01 a) b) c) d) e)
Good Command of English Language Possess at least O/A Level of Qualifications or equivalent Possess a valid British Driving Licence with driving experience of at least 05 years in UK Clean driving licence Familiarity with local addresses and surroundings Benefits for Chauffeur-
● ● ●
Competitive Salary, Paid Leave, Overtime Allowance Travel and Daily Allowance Yearly Bonus as per terms & conditions
2. It is mandatory for the applicants to have long term valid UK Work Permit/VISA if they are not UK nationals. Resume/CV supported with copies of educational qualifications, passport copy and visa status may be sent by post/courier/email / by hand by 18th February, 2019 to: The Head of Chancery High Commission of India India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA Email: adm1.london@mea.gov.in 3. Those resumes which are not supported by required Passport/Visa Status/Educational Qualification will be summarily rejected. Selection of candidates will be based on performance in written test of English Language, General Aptitude and Computer Skill Test followed by Interview for Clerk/StenoTypist and for the post of Chauffeur, Interview followed by driving test.
12 MEDIA WATCH
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SCRUTATOR’S Government moves Supreme Court of India for return 67.7 acres of ‘superfluous’ land around the disputed Babri mosque site at Ayodhya. The govern said this could be done after mapping out the ‘exact extent of land’ necessary for the eventual entitlement of the party to the Ayodhya land under dispute to gain access to the 0.3 acre where the Babri Masjid once stood before its demolition on December 6, 1992. A total of 67.7 acres of land, including 0.313 acre of disputed area was acquired by the Centre in 1993, ‘to maintain communal harmony and the spirit of brotherhood amongst the people of India.’ The Centre in an application argued that it was ‘duty-bound’ to reverse the superfluous land surrounding the disputed land 0.313 acre to the owners. At first sight, this appears to be turning into a labyrinthine affair, similar in its own way to the tortuous Brixit negotiations – a saga that threatens to take a heavy toll of the peoples’ patience, and hence likely to be greeted as the endgame with a sigh of relief. Northeast up in arms against citizenship bill Regional parties of India’s northeast, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are up in arms against the Centre’s proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The Bill seeks to fast-track the process by which non- Muslim refugees who fled persecution in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh and entered India until 2014 to be granted Indian citizenship. This entitlement covers, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains etc. Opposition ‘We oppose the Bill together. We believe that the Bill, if implemented, will threaten and endanger the lives and identity of the indigenous people of Assam, and other parts of the northeast parts of India ,’ said Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who heads the Mizo National Front. ‘We held this convention to unanimously oppose the Centre’s push for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill’. ‘We also decided to approach President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi together and appeal for opposing the Bill,’ said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Participating leaders promised further meetings to chalk out their course of action. Elsewhere, a Chakma NGO said India should offer permanent refuge for the Buddhist Chakma hill people of the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh, who had fled their original homeland in face of Islamic militancy (Hindu January 30). TMC, BJP clash after Shah rally Tension ran high after a rally in the Contai-Chanipur district of West Bengal following a rally and
Fall from grace of notable banker
Sam Pitroda
BJP President Amit Shah
inflammatory address by BJP President Amit Shah. Rival supporters of the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) clashed; buses were burnt, shops ransacked. Deaths and injuries occurred before the situation was brought under control by police. Accusations and counteraccusations by party leaders were part of the mayhem, a sorry reflection of the divisive politics that are now a feature of public life across much of the country (Statesman January 30). Burdwan bomb blast accused held National Investigation (NIA) sleuths tracked down two absconding members of a jihadi group responsible for the bomb blasts at Burdwan a couple of years ago. The rest had had been captured shortly after the event. The absconders, Sajjad Ali (20) and Kadar Kazi (32), were arrested in the Arambagh district following a tip-off (Statesman, Hindu January 30). Life sentences for Bodo terror blasts The chief of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland along with 14 others received heavy prison sentences, with party chief given one for life for the Assam bomb blasts on October 30, 2008, in which 88 people were killed. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took charge of the case following the failure of the local police bring the bombers to justice. (Hindu, Statesman January 29, 31). NRIs contribute to India’s economy IT techie Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, in an Interview with a reporter of The Times of India (January 30), said: ‘Congress recognizes the
contribution of the NRIs (NonResident Indians) to India and their host countries. They contributed to Indian independence, and to the Green and White revolutions, to telecom and Information Technology and a lot more. We have 30 million people of Indian origin outside India and it is important to listen to them. We began our outreach in the US and went to Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, UK, where Rahul Gandhi had a phenomenal reception.’ The Green and White revolutions, to which Pitroda referred, were in wheat and milk. From deficit in each, India was transformed into a surplus producer in each. In milk the world’s largest producer, and one of the largest in wheat. Piroda spoke of the pioneering research of scientist M .S. Swaminathan in new varieties of wheat, and that of dairy scientist Verghese Kurien in milk. Boosting exports The Board of Trade plans to seek the views of stakeholders in a bid to frame a new trade policy fit for purpose in the present global marketplace. The new policy is due for release in mid-February. Trade and industry bodies are to occupy a key place in these discussions (Statesman January 30). HCL Tech profit surge Software services company HCL Technologies posted third quarter, ending December 2018, a consolidated net profit rise of 19 per cent to Rs 2,611 crore. In dollar terms, the net profit rose by 7 per cent to $364 million. (Statesman January 30). New age technologies India is poised to leverage to various services on digital platforms, said Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu. ‘Our ministry is working on the promoting services in a big way for which we set aside Rs 5000 crore for champion sectors of the services sector in which IT and related services will play a key role.’ (Statesman January 30). TCS campus offers 50 per cent rise Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest software firm, has offered 28,000 US recruits across 70 campuses 50 per cent higher
ICIC MD, CEO Chanda Kochher
Chanda Kochhar, once a giant in Indian banking has taken a hit which put an end to what had been an illustrious career as Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank. Ten months ago its Board had expressed full confidence that ‘there was no question of nepotism, favouritism or quid pro quo.’ The Board now decided to terminate her services with immediate effect. It asked her to repay Rs 10 crore in bonuses paid since last April and said it would revoke her stock options valued at around Rs 346 crore. The decision follows the report of by former Supreme Court judge , B.N. Srikrishna, which found her guilty of violating the bank’s code of conduct in disbursing loans to the Videocon group. Kochhar had gone on leave in June 2018 pending the report and put in her papers in October. Hurt, disappointed Chanda Kochhar said she was ‘utterly disappointed, hurt and shocked.’ She denied any wrongdoing...I continue to have faith and belief in my conduct as a professional and I am certain truth will ultimately prevail.’ She said decisions on loans were made collectively as per the design and structure of the bank (Times of India, Business Line January 31). salaries than was previously the standard starter. The recruiting numbers were the highest in two years when the numbers were 20,000. The steep rise in salary reflects the company’s robust market performance, with a pipeline of orders worth $15 billion in the US alone in nine months of the current financial year ending March 31, 2019. TCS is also making huge strides in hiring centres across Latin America and the Asia Pacific region including China, Japan and Australia. Axis Bank rebound, Bank of Baroda surge Private sector Axis Bank posted a robust 131 per cent rise in profits in the third quarter of the current fiscal ended December 31, 2018. The profit rose to Rs 1,681 crore. Meanwhile the Bank of Baroda profits soared to Rs 471 crore in the same third quarter of the current fiscal (Business Line January 30).
leadership. Learning consultants have been put into this. Our projections for the division are very high,’ said Lula Mohanty, General Manager, IBM, Global Business Services, Asia Pacific. In November 2018, IBM launched IBM Talent & Transformation, a new Artificial Intelligence-fuelled talent business to support the growing demand for peoplecentric organizations and close the widening skills gap. This new business will offer IBM Artificial Intelligence Skills Academy to help technical business professionals in areas such as marketing and human development, legal, finance operations to apply Artificial Intelligence effectively in their organizations. This is a trillion dollar industry (Business Line January 30).
IBM help in reskilling Rapid technology changes are driving companies to raise skill levels of their workforce. IBM’s Talent division is pulling in some of the best available talent in its various departments in a new division that are designed to help companies deal with staffing challenges brought about by robotics and Artificial Intelligence. ‘This new unit will have its own revenue measurements. All of us have pumped in new
Former British PM David Cameron addressing an audience in Chennai. See page 3
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The great march of democracy Preeti Bali India – the largest democracy in the world, it’s election commission makes it possible for 834 million Indians to vote. The country is currently preparing itself for the seventeenth Lok Sabha elections, this year also marks the beginning of the Election Commission of India, seventieth year. Former chief commissioner of India, S.Y. Quraishi's latest book ‘The great march of democracy: seven decades of India’s election’, is a collection of essays from various contributors and S.Y. Quraishi covering a range of subjects. To the evolution of the Election commission, celebrating seven decades of India’s vibrant democracy, corruption and the influence of money and criminalization in politics. The book launch took place at the LSE South Asian Centre on the 1stFebruary. “The diversity of opinions makes this book very interesting”, he told the audience of students, journalists and academics. Joining the event were two of its contributors Taylor Sherman (Associate Professor in International History, LSE) and Karamjit Singh CBE (former member of the Electoral Commission, UK).
S.Y. Quraishi
Questions arose from the audience on the transparency of the votes casted in India, using electronic voting machines (EVMs) after, a cybersecurity expert made claims on the transparency of EVMs. At a press conference in London, organised by the Indian Journalists' Association in the UK, Syed who spoke via Skype with his face well covered, told a room full of journalists, that the EVMs used in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections which saw the BJP won 282 seats, were hacked and the entire election was rigged. He even went onto say that he was an employee at Election Commission of India, though the ECI has denied the allegations and have further added that Syed was never a employee. In response to the allegations made by Syed, Mr Quraishi said, “The hue and cry around EVMs has become a regular feature. The bizarre claims can be
independtly verified. Hope the concerned agencies would be doing their job. The fact is that ‘live’ demonstration of EVM hacking never happened. But the controversy revived yet again”. The former election commissioner said going back to ballot papers would be a retrograde step and that elaborate efforts are undertaken to ensure EVMs are protected from Cyberattacks. “These are stand alone machines not connected to any network Design and manufacture, its overseen by different experts – 5 professors of different IITS”, he said on the issue of security. Accessibility to all those voting is an important part of election process and to ensure voters are fully aware of who they are voting for and why. To address this issue, the ECI introduced the ‘Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP). In chapter IV of the book, titled ‘participation revolution with voter education’ explains extensively the challenges which the ECI have faced and the steps to undertake the issue. If you would like a copy of the book, visit:https://penguin.co.in/book/unc ategorized/the-great-march-ofdemocracy/
MPs demand a ‘Jain’ tick box in UK 2021 census MP from the Jain All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) continue to demand that the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which will run the UK 2021 census, offer the Jain community a separate tick box for the Jain religion to ensure that its members are correctly counted. “The 2011 Census captured approximately 20,000 UK Jains, from a community of circa 65,000.”; said Gareth Thomas MP, Chair of the Jain APPG. In the last census, in 2011, the Jain community had to run campaigns advising Jains to tick the ‘other’ box and write the word Jain. As Mr Nemu Chandaria, Chairman of the Institute of Jainology which represents the UK Jain communities said, “People of Indian origin continue to see the word ‘Hindu’ as culturally and geographically identifying them as 'Indian'. This was certainly the case before the colonial period, and hence not having a ‘Jain’ box will continue to propagate this confusion and misrepresent the Jain community.” The Jain faith is recognised as a major religion by the UK and the United
Gareth Thomas MP
Nations, and the recent commemorations of the 100th anniversary of World War I saw Jains at both the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and at the National Service at Westminster Abbey with the Royal Family. The 2017 survey of the UK Jain communities by the Institute of Jainology counted 65,464 Jains in the UK, significantly higher than the 20,000 reported in the 2011 census. The ONS had initially reported concerns about space on the census, however it is estimated that 75% of the UK population will complete the census online and the paper version will
be increased from 4 pages to 5 pages. With the release of the Census White Paper in December 2018, MPs from the APPG have met with the Cabinet Office to argue the case. As Gareth Thomas MP continues, “Collecting inaccurate and incomplete data will also mean that UK Jain organisations cannot plan for community needs. This includes places of worship, birth and marriage rites etc.”. The ONS confirms in the White Paper that "Information on religion is used by a range of data users including central government, local authorities an religious organisations to plan and deliver service." In response the APPG noted that the lack of a ‘Jain’ box will mean that the Jain community will continue to be concerned about that lack of provision, in areas where there are a significant number of Jains; from the NHS, for crematoria, religious education, housing, and by the lack of cultural programs by broadcasters like the BBC.
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"It is not a choice, it is who we are" Priyanka Mehta Anjeli Patel is a British South-Asian transgender woman who transitioned to a daughter when she was 20. Dealing with anxiety that stemmed from perceptions of society towards transgenders to, being a role model today who campaigns for inclusive toilets, she shares her journey through it all. “It was a real struggle. I ended up leaving University at one point of time to gather my own thoughts and figuring out how to have that conversation with my parents.” Patel explains how every transgender may not have transitioned medically and biologically. But she did. Why? Because from a very initial stage she felt “feminine”. At a time when ‘Rapid-onset gender dysmorphia’, (ROGD) is peddled as an explanation for the existence and identity of the transgender community, Patel fervently emphasises, “It is not a choice for us. I don’t think it is a choice for anyone. It is who we are.”
Rapid-Onset Gender Dysmorphia ROGD has different observations. But some concerned parents view it as a social trend where their children have suddenly started appearing confused about their gender. Some even argue that this is part of peer pressure and an online trend where some kids want to transition only to stand out or rather fit in. Another common belief shared among some parents is about their children suffering from mental health issues and are hence, “acting out”. But born and brought up in Leicester, Anjeli discusses how“1 out of 4 people suffer through mental health issues. Do they all have body dysmorphia or some mental disorder? No. Mental health issues can sometime be a symptom of someone who is a
Anjeli Patel
part of the LGBT group dropping from third to fourth in the European because of the anxiety that LGBTI rights rankings. It stems from worrying about also said how legally recoghow people will respond to nising trans people's gender you.” is critical to be able to live Formerly associated freely, authentically and with the E&Y, she had sucopenly. cessfully campaigned for exclusive toilets and helped Blessing marriages and in fostering a stronger child-births LGBT+ network. She now works for Deloitte’s profesOften referred to as the sional services but regard“Hijra” community in India, less of her career and an their projection on TV is extremely supportive famistereotyped around begging ly, Anjeli continues to deal and clapping. While one with anxiety in phases, may think that the Asian “worried” even today about diaspora in the UK would how people will perceive be more progressive and her. And she believes that acceptable of gender identithe media are as much to ties, it seems otherwise. blame about the percep“It is not about geogrations towards the LGBT phy, we are talking about community as the sociculture and it [Indian etyculture] tran“A lot of the scends if There were a lot of comedy shows you’re born on Indian TV feelings that I went here. For channels have example, through initially. Guilt. men dressing back in India Shame. Denial. up as a woman you will be seen as part of their as someone who comic act. That is can bless marriages and extremely offensive because child birth. to a common person who Similarly, I’ve been doesn’t understand gender approached before and identity, the next time they someone even offered me are talking about trans money to come and bless a issues that [comedy act] child’s birth. And I found becomes a template of their that really silly that living conversation,” she says. here in the British society According to Amnesty and land we still go along International, transphobia with these beliefs,” she said. and prejudice in the press But at the same time have both added to Britain Anjeli thinks that the UK
“
”
has a come a long way in terms of accommodating and assimilating the various gender identities and respecting them. Charities like 'Mind' provide counselling to those having anxiety issues. There is an emerging younger generation to which gender is not binary and being a trans, she says, is a 'non-factor'. There is an organisation like Stonewall that works both with institutions and individuals to empower workplace equality and representation. “Don’t compromise on yourself or on your individuality and be kind to yourself. Look up the resources that are available out thereStonewall index- find an organisation that works for you and don’t have the attitude that ‘I really hope they offer me the job’. However, question if the organisation is to your liking, observe the people who interview you, or you meet through different phases, research their network and see if the organisation fits you as much as you should be a good fit for them,” Patel concludes. As part of the government’s LGBT Action Plan, this LGBT History month, organisations supporting LGBT people in education, healthcare and the community, will receive a share of £2.6million in funds.
Rabiah Hussain to receive £10,000 from the Royal Court Theatre Rabiah Hussain is one of the three writers who has received a fellowship worth £10,000 by the Royal Court Theatre and Kudos. Other winners included Lettie Precious and Ross Willis. This is the first year that the fellowships, which support three writers already establishing a career in order to focus purely on their writing for six months, have been in place. “I feel lucky that I received not just money for the next six months but also time and space to be able to write and learn more about the theatre and TV Industry,” Rabiah said. Growing up in Newham, East London, Rabiah is passionate about discussions surrounding race, gender among other political subjects. Her debut play, 'Spun' that premiered at the Arcola Theatre in July 2018, explored the similar concepts through the friendship of Sahar and Aisha. But how was the application different for the SouthAsian writer and poet this time? “What was interesting this time was that there were questions about the kind of barriers we face in the creative industry. “I have been trying to get my foot in the door for quite a long time now, coming from a working class background and neither did I know anyone in the creative industry nor did I know how to navigate it,” she revealed. Rabiah's short plays and monologues have been part of programmes with Theatre Absolute, The Bunker Theatre and RADA. She was a storyteller for Battersea Arts Centre’s 'London Migrant Stories' festival and contributed to their film project 'What Keeps You Awake at Night'. In 2018, Rabiah was also part
Rabiah Hussain
of the BBC Drama Room programme and completed her writing programmes with Tamasha theatre, Hachette Publishing, Kali Theatre among others. There continues to remain reservations about establishing a career in the creative industry among Asian households even today. The usual belief is that it may not lead to a stable career and neither generate a good income. However, Rabiah says, “I have been lucky in receiving complete parental and family support. And while I was writing, I was also working various jobs. But my parents were always aware of my love for writing and now that they know it is paying off, and they are very proud of me.” With the current fellowship, Rabiah is now looking to work on her next play which would delve into the intersectionality of racism and classism through multiple stories. She is looking to focus more on relationships and how we communicate and connect with each other. “It will focus on class in particular because I don't think we talk about it as much as racism has been on the forefront of issues. Now, whether that is to do with white working class people or especially with people of colour coming from the working class background,” she said.
Diversity through Arts' workshops held at Neasden temple The Women’s Forum of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK collaborated with Kinetika, an internationally renowned arts organisation, to deliver a multifaceted project called ‘Diversity Through Arts’. The project took place over a span of two months and the initial workshops were held on 17, 18 and 19 December 2018 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London (popularly known as the 'Neasden Temple'). The project was grant-funded by Arts Council England in an effort to celebrate and spread awareness about diversity and equality’s vital role in arts and culture. The ‘Diversity Through Arts’ project involved creating silk scrolls that depict stories about the
achievements of women in the community. The silk scrolls are made using handmade silk from India and the process is extremely intricate and extensive. The work-
shops were split into multiple sessions; the first session introduced painting on silk and generated ideas on potential themes, while the second set of sessions involved
designing the silk scrolls. The last set of workshop took place in January which included creating and producing the silk scrolls and took place at Kinetika’s studio in Purfleet, Essex. The silk scrolls were created under the guidance of Ali Pretty, Artistic Designer of Kinetika, and Lisa Meehan, Lead Artist. Ali has collaborated with, and led teams of artists to deliver large-scale events to diverse audiences all over the world, including WOMAD, FIFA
World Cup, and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Her artistic direction and her hand-painted silk designs are renowned for their quality, both in their individual style as well as their ability to engage and leave lasting legacies in communities and individuals alike. During the course of the project, the participants created 10 silk scrolls, each with a different theme. The themes include unity, selfless service, sacrifice, knowledge, humility, devotion and liberation, truth and righteousness, strength, strength, pride, and faith. The scrolls will be displayed at the tenth annual International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations at the Neasden Temple on Sunday 10 March 2019.
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A
lesser mentioned aspect of Darwinian evolutionary theory are the benign concepts of diversification and adaption for the collective advancement of the species. Shiv is the personification of a new generation of young entrepreneurs who don’t just use their talents to compete, but also to actively improve the World: “as well as striving for success in business, I feel it’s our duty to help improve people’s lives and that journey has been very rewarding so far.” Having co-founded Lifestyle Property Group, a property investment & development enterprise, with his business partner and fiancé, Jaina, the young entrepreneur practices the philosophy of “win/win” in both business and personal life. “Obviously, working with a talented partner means we strengthen our relationship while growing the business,” the young trailblazer stated, “and we only work with people that share our values, to ensure that everyone involved gets what they want out of the deal.” The business itself operates through a democratic digital tool, which allows the staff to tailor their professional roles: “for example, work is distributed according to the personality profile of an individShiv & Jaina ual. Everybody wins because they are doing a job they love and therefore, doing it well. I have found that areas across the UK, from South what one person finds borWales to Manchester and ing, another will find other parts of the North, The idea of exciting – it’s a thriving and found that Leeds had working five environment.” the greatest potential for Shiv & Jaina also days a week with overall returns, with want to contribute to clients able to invest just two days off from as little as £40,000. underrepresented charities, commenting: The city itself is beautiful just never sat “soon Jaina and I will fly and is expected to boom well with me out to India to search for over the next decade. causes that really need Living in the Capital, people funding – so we can find get used to thinking in those that aligns with our mission.” This sense of social equilibrium informs Shiv’s greater view of the housing crisis: “the term “crisis” can be a bit dramatized – people tend to fear change. But it’s just something different. For example, older generations assume having a big house is the key to a good home, but younger workers prefer co-living and might be perfectly happy with a flat. People spend more time on the go and less at home and tend to prefer the accessibility of cohabitation.” Similarly, switching to a more digital mode of working has “initially been a shock for people,” but it’s ultimately progression. This advancement has allowed collaboration on an unprecedented scale. Perhaps as life is better facilitated, we are now starting overblown price ranges, but it’s possito recover some of the community spirble to get a good two-bedroom house it we had lost along the way. for £100,000. We are also very well connected in Leeds: Leeds *** from estate agents and has the Indeed, the ethos of solicitors to contractors Lifestyle Property Group and letting agents, we greatest realises itself through the have built great business potential for concrete results. Shiv relationships, which add emphasised: “we love to a lot of value for our overall purchase housing in areas clients.” returns where the council is doing Here, Shiv elaborated regenerative work, where we on the emotional origin of his can offer affordable, quality houssocially imitable enterprise: “I do ing to go alongside.” Another ambition have a degree in Economics, but the is to one day: “create inter-generational real impetus for Lifestyle Property blocks for community living. This Group and specifically, the portfoliowould encourage older generations builder business has been my family. In
9 - 15 February 2019
MAN ARRESTED IN EAST LONDON ACCUSED OF JOINING AL QAIDA IN SYRIA
An Alternative Approach to Property Investing who have a lot of experience and wisdom to mix with younger people who might need advice and guidance. It’s a symbiotic relationship.” Lifestyle Property Group assists London professionals get onto the property investment ladder by helping them explore smarter options in the less developed, but more profitable parts of the country, namely: Leeds: “we did a lot of research into various
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Shiv Haria Sunetra Senior
UK
TLIGHT
Shiv Haria
2014, after both my parents suffered heart attacks, I was shocked that there were only limited options to help vulnerable people with income while they were recovering. Together with my partner, we educated ourselves on investing in property to create an additional income stream. After realising that this system actually worked, Jaina left her job and we continued to invest full time, helping friends and family along the way. It grew organically from there, really. I’ve always said: a onesided win is hollow and bad for everyone in the long run – it’s always best to work with others and trust the Universe to repay the favours.” Thus, Shiv doesn’t just present a sturdy business model, but also one for owning modern life. “I always knew that I wanted to work in a way that naturally fitted with my personal life,” he concluded, “and we’re now able to enjoy this and a wonderful degree of financial freedom too. The idea of working five days a week with just two days off just never sat well with me, while the separation seemed silly: I always thought people would be happier with that situation reversed.”
Tell us more about your accomplishments? Last year we were recognised in the Property Entrepreneur Awards as part of a prestigious program which measured one’s results compared to their business strategy. Honestly though, we are still young and are just getting started! What does the company enable you to do? Set a great example. Jaina and I have created a life by design. Every morning I’m so grateful that I can choose my challenges and do worthwhile work, while building a business that helps others. I really wish more people had the courage to follow their own path because it has been incredibly fruitful for us. How do you think the housing landscape will change after Brexit? A quote from Jim Rohn, one of my favourite motivational speakers, comes to mind, “They next 100 years will be much the same as the last 100 years: Opportunity mixed with adversity.” I try to stay out of the political football and focus on how we can immediately better people’s lives. What’s one piece of knowledge about being a property investor that people simply don’t know? That Property Investors are really big on Personal Development in all areas of life, from health, to mindset, wealth and even relationships. Finally, what do you consider when buying properties? Does it stand the test of time? Investments only work if they are viable in the long-term. Facebook: shiv.haria1 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shivharia-b5ab9416
25 year old Mohammed Yamin from East London was arrested on Wednesday and subsequently charged with three offences that included engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, membership of a proscribed organisation and possession of a gun for a purpose connected with terrorism. The Evening Standard reported that the Metropolitan Police said the charges relate to offences allegedly were carried out between April 25 2013 and June 1 2014, which included engaging in conduct in preparation for giving effect to his intention, viz. the purchase of equipment and clothing; obtaining information about the routes to Syria from the UK, the purchase of a one-way flight ticket to facilitate the journey to Syria and his subsequent travel to Syria. The Scotland Yard said that Yamin appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday and was remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance, at the Old Bailey, on February 15.
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DRUGS STOCKPILING RAISES CONCERNS Continued from page 1
Sigma Pharmaceuticals import quite a bulk of their medicines from manufacturers in India, China and even Vietnam. “It will make a difference in a few cases, like Aurobindo Pharma, who have release their stock in Malta, Torrent which releases everything in Dr Bharat Shah Germany, and perhaps Sun Pharma which unload their stock in Ireland among others,” Mr Shah continued. Over 37 million packs of drugs come from the EU Britain is pushing to remain under the EU regulation for medicines after Brexit. And the UK hopes to be regulated by the European Medicines Agencies (EMA), even as the body moves from London's Canary Wharf to its post-Brexit home in Amsterdam. More than 37 million packs come from the EU to the UK while about 45 million packs of medicines are supplied the other way around. “If there is a hard-Brexit then that means Aurobindo's medicines can't be sourced in the UK. Our regulators have said that we will approve Maltese approved goods but the Maltese government then has to accept UK as an importer,” Mr Shah said. Assuming a Brexit deal is brokered, the UK will remain a part of the EMA during the implementation period, until December 2020. In the UK, the availability of medicines after Brexit depends on the state of regulation and where the latter will fall under the MHRA. The UK government says that market access
would remain unchanged until the end of 2020, giving the MHRA the time it needs to develop systems to regulate new medicines and healthcare products and to enable the UK to participate in clinical trials. But after that, the outcome is in the hands of the British government and the EU. Adequate stock covering 3 months of supply The UK government has proposed a new economic partnership to “protect the uniquely integrated supply chains and ‘just-in-time’ processes”. This approach would maintain a frictionless border and allow products to undergo one set of assessments and authorisations to gain access to both markets. “As I understand, we have accepted that the previous protocol that was registered with Europe. So products made for the UK in Europe will still be okay to use in the UK even if we get out of the EU” said Dr Vijay Patel OBE, CEO of Waymade Healthcare Plc. “But for exporting medicines, some of our licences will have to be re-worked as it were and register with the EU,” he explained. At the moment the UK follows the European Pharmacopoeia which is the health standard of European drugs. Every European country has to meet that and it is higher than the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). “I think we will come back as 40 years ago when the BP standards will come into effect.” said Mr Patel. The Government will make sure that the compliance is there and will allow the import in that case. They might have to pay a higher
duty, I don't know, but if the MHRA standards are met then there should be no problem getting those drugs inside the country. They might have to waive a higher tariff and if there is a question of a higher cost then the government will have to reimburse to the ultimate consumers” said a community pharmacist Umesh Patel MBE. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that a legislation amendment will be taking place in relation to prescription-only medicines which will allow the DHSC to write a Serious Shortages Protocol (SSP) for medicines that experience a shortage following Brexit. “Certain medicines have been recognised by the DHSC which will not be suitable for an SSP, for example, medicines used to treat epilepsy. In such health conditions, medicines must be prescribed by a particular brand – switching between different brands of the same medicine can, in some cases, have an adverse effect on the patient, potentially causing harm. “Although there is clarity needed for certain aspects of the SSP, the NPA welcomes the changes as it will enable community pharmacies to continue in their role of ensuring patients interests are kept a priority,” said Leyla Hannbeck, Director of Pharmacy, at National Pharmacy Association.
In a letter to pharmaceutical companies, the government had asked the manufacturers “to ensure they have a minimum of six weeks additional supply in the UK, over and above their business as usual operational buffer stocks, by 29th March 2019”. We can't stockpile Insulin “We've been forced into stock-piling some products by the Department of Health. These are the products which we import from Europe- mainly Insulin, cancer drugs. But we can't stockpile Insulin because it is a temperature controlled product and our fridges can only take so much of a quantity. As a business we always have a six-eight week stock. But we aren't ourselves stock-piling.” said the co-founder for Sigma Pharmaceuticals. In the meantime manufacturers like Waymade have already geared up their production.”“So that if there were a calamity with Brexit, and there was a shortage, we have made sure that we have adequate stock to cover us for three months at least” said Mr. Vijay Patel. But community pharmacists such as Umesh Patel have expressed concerns about the creation of a market with an artificial demand for drugs as a consequence of hoarding and shortage. “For example, if I buy a packet of aspirin for 5 pence and I hold it in a warehouse and store like half a million packs and if there is a shortage in the market. So, the price goes up. It works just like stock markets. The price shoots up to £1 and I'm making a profit of 95 pence” he explained. He further added, “I'm sure the government has contingency plans. And the government should do regulatory checks to ensure that these wholesalers are not stock-piling and the MHRA has every right to do so.”
Bengal Heritage Foundation to further economic ties between UK and Bengal in business summit UK's Bengal Heritage Foundation is participating in the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit on 7-8 February in Kolkata as a guest of British Council to speak about tourism, hospitality and creative industry. This comes as a follow up action from the meetings that the Bengal government held in London last year. West Bengal's Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Atri Bhattacharya, IAS, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director, East and North East India, British Council visited the UK for 10 days in August-September 2018, on the back of a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in India between the Government of West Bengal and British Council on 6 July 2018, to build robust links with the UK’s festivals and cultural tourism sector, with several reciprocal projects in the pipeline that included discussions with London’s Totally Thames Festival for a river festival in Kolkata in 2019. To speak about the dialogue between UK and Bengal regarding the promotion and strengthening of Bengal tourism and collaboration- especially in festival and diaspora engagements, Sourav Niyogi, President of the Bengal Heritage Foundation, will be participating in the summit at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata. The diaspora which is called the 'living
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Sourav Niyogi, President, Bengal Heritage Foundation
bridge', promises to help further economic ties and prosperity- an important part of this dialogue. Speaking to Asian Voice exclusively, Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director, East and North East India, British Council said, “There are a number of things already happening to strengthen tourism, hospitality and creative sectors. Festival plays an important part in the entire eco-system that sustains it. We will create skills enhancing programme such as English for the tourism sector- a conversation we can help with, as the high-end tourists depend on it. We will also work towards having a river festival, which will be along the lines of the Totally Thames festival, to be hosted immediately after Durga puja this year.” Among the various topics already in the pipeline of discus-
sion includes a festival management program- a pillar of the British Council art strategy, to facilitate conversation and mediate consultancy between Edinburgh festivals and Kolkata, in order to replicate a perfect model, such as in the Bishnupur festivaland bring together diverse events to boost creative economy and tourism. In Kolkata earlier, Atri Bhattacharya had already hosted a roundtable in 2018, for Christopher Rodriguez, CBE, Chairman, British Council, to discuss a project involving twining of Hooghly and Thames as rivers and the port of London and Kolkatabecause there are significant simi-
larities between these rivers and ports and the cultures that have grown around them. Sourav Niyogi, President of BHF, who is leaving for Kolkata on February 6th said, “Tourism creates a massive opportunity for both revenue generation and job generation. 1 in 10 jobs globally are in tourism sector which is one of the fastest growing sectors. Bengal has started to leverage the potential for tourism and if harnessed properly it will generate both revenue and job growth. “In today’s world the diaspora provides an important connect. The success of this generation of Bengalis globally mean we are able
to influence opinions a lot more. Bengal Heritage Foundation and London Sharad Utsav have worked together with British Council to create a platform for Bengal Tourism in the UK. The growth numbers of international tourists to Bengal is a reflection of the work the Tourism Department has done in last few years. It is a journey and Bengal Tourism is in early stages. Continuing on this journey will unlock the true potential of Bengal given its geographical and cultural attractions.” School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, has also taken a delegation to Kolkata to participate in the BGBS.
Kamalika Bose, Debanjan Chakrabarti, Adrian Evans, Baroness Usha Prashar, Pretty Ali, Atri Bhattacharya, Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Radhika Singh at Bengal's Durga Exhibition in Southbank, London, last year
“Justice delayed is justice denied” Rupanjana Dutta Nisha Mohite has recently received her Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from the Home Office. An usual journey of many immigrants’ life, Mohite is an exception to the rule. A victim to Home Office's arbitrary use of article 322 (5), she was unlawfully booked under a terrorism-related clause that is meant for “criminality, a threat to national security, war crimes or travel bans”. But after struggling for 3 years, under huge debt of money and gratitude, Mohite has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. “It was not easy,” she told Asian Voice. After completing her Masters in Pharmaceutical Analysis from Strathclyde University, a niche field of study in 2008, Mohite immediately found a job in her area of expertise. She worked in the quality assurance department for a big pharma company that manufactured anti-cancer drugs, but discovered in 2013, that her accountant, who had returned to Pakistan, had made mistakes in filing her tax in 2012. Part-employed and part-self employed, she
Nisha Mohite
owed around £4000 to the HM Revenue & Customs, which she immediately paid off without being charged any fines by the tax authorities. However, in 2016 when she applied for her ILR, inspite of paying £2500 for a one day premium service, her visa decision remained pending, especially after the tax discrepancy of 2012 was pointed out at the Home Office interview. Nisha had already cleared the differ-
ence, without any fines or sanctions, yet the Home Office used the same reason to not only reject her application but also served her with a section 322(5). Without any right to appeal, Mohite soon asked for an administrative review. But the Home Office’s letter explaining the failure of her administrative review reportedly said, “We do not find it credible that a fully qualified accountant would fail to declare the correct earnings to HMRC.” The letter then went on to say that Mohite’s application had not been refused because they suspected her of being dishonest, instead had served her with a 322(5) for “undesirable conduct”. Nobody knew what the undesirable conduct was, though it clearly needed the case worker from the Home Office to spell out exact reasons for booking someone
under a law for terrorists. When she gathered her case worker’s notes on request, it was clear she had satisfied the authority with her genuine income and proof, yet the end result was a refusal. She told Asian Voice how the coming days were a challenge, “I don’t know why I wasn’t given a chance to challenge the decision. I lost the right to work, though there were plenty of jobs available to me. In fact my old company struggled for a year to find my replacement! And I knew I had to go for a judicial review. "I spent all my saved money for a house mortgage to pay for my living. I sold my gold, expensive television, Sony speakers, furniture. A very kind friend offered the spare bedroom in their house without charge. I used my interest free credit cards to stay afloat, which have almost maxed out now. My partner who I met during this period, has also helped me. Money raised through the ‘gofund' page paid for legal costs. It was very difficult to live without a job and money in a country like the UK.” She added, “While waiting for the review, I could not visit my family- my par-
ents, my grandparents in India. In February 2018 my grandfather died. And I could not see him for one final time, pay my respects, take part in his last rites. What worse could happen to anyone than this?”
“I don’t know why wasn’t given a chance to challenge the decision!" However, in November 2018, she was told by the Home Office that they recognised the application was refused in error, offered legal costs, but delayed giving a clear decision on her ILR on the grounds of a few interdepartmental scrutiny for another few months. But an angry Mohite wrote back in January with the help of campaigner Aditi, asking for explanations and the Home Office re-instated her right to work immedi-
ately and soon granted the ILR status. “I have received my passport back and waiting for the biometric card to arrive. Though I badly want to see my family, I can’t go immediately. I have lost two and a half years of work. I have just started working, I have so much debt to repay. It will take 6 more months for me to visit my parents in India,” Mohite added. But there are many who are still waiting for justice, and Mohite is happy to help them. The Guardian reported that from the 300 people found to have had the paragraph wrongly used against them, the review suggested that up to 87 highly skilled migrants had already been wrongly forced to leave the UK. They were mostly people who had lived in the UK for a decade or more and had British-born children. Many were given just 14 days to leave and were no longer eligible for a visa to visit the UK or any other country. The review also found that another 400 people may have been wrongly affected. However, the total number is likely to be substantially higher with hundreds of cases still to be heard.
Vaishnav Sangh of UK
~~A dream come true~~
Shrinathdham Haveli & Community Centre Harrow, London, UK To celebrate the announcement the of the acquisition of the long awaited London Haveli, the Trustees of VSUK arranged a three day programme in the presence of Vaishnavacharya Shree Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshri (Kadi, Ahemdabad) The purpose of presentation on Friday 1st February at Jaspar Centre was to acode Donor’s supporters, well wishers, Trustees of Temples, other vaishnav groups and community leaders. It was an opportunity for all to see the centre and a formal pictorial presentation was conducted by Rajanbhai Pitamber and Pramodbhai Thakkar on the three months journey from inception of negotiations to exchange of contracts on 18th January. Subhashbhai Lakhani (chair)) welcomed all those present during the three days event, and explained the financial aspects of the project, and appealed for support from the members, to ensure it becomes Our Haveli. Amongst guest speakers were
Founder Patron & Spiritual Head Vaishnavacharya P.P.Goswami 108 Shree Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshri (Kadi, Ahmedabad)
Raj Pankhania and Anup Pankhania who were emotional, recalling that Jaspar Centre was a family social project for the benefit of the Asian elderly community, whilst the family emotions were high they were reassured by Je Je shree and the
Babla of Sterling Finance Ltd who ensured swift loan finance and also Ajay Pau from Gandecha Paw Solicitors who ensured timely due diligence. Gorande Bhatt ( MBE) & Secretary General of Shree Vallabnidhi
Je shree and the Trustees for his support in the future. CB Patel from Gujarat Samachar / Asian Voice congratulated Je Je shree and the Trustees for acquiring a well needed Hindu Community centre which will incorporate Shree-
Dignatories, visitors from abroad, VIP's & Temple leaders along with Trustees of VSUK and Raj Pankhania's family
Trustees of VSUK that all the present activities at the centre will not only continue but will be enhanced by the Trustees Amongst other Guest speakers were Sanjay Rughani and Manish
UK, spoke about the changes at the court and was pleased that Shreenathji was coming to Jaspar Centre where she had served as a magistrate for many years. Councillor Ajay Maru assured Je
nathjii Haveli in Harrow which is ideally located for the Hindu Community who live in surrounding area. Je Je shree blessed all the donors and guests and thanked the sup-
porters and sent a message that the long awaited Shrinathdham Haveli in london for the benefit of all Vaishnavs and Hindu community and re emphasised that all the various Mandals should unite and become an integral part of this historical moment. The two days event On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd February the recital by Je Je shree on ShreeNathji Charitra was very well attended by over 700 devotees and followers of Je Je shree, members of VSUK, guests, VIP dignitaries, Trustees of various Temples, Local Councillors, Religious leaders, Trustees and members of various vaishnav groups, professionals and press who were bless by Je Je Shree. This was a start to the preparations for having Shrinathji coming to Harrow by end of June 2019. Subhash Lakhani - 07748 324092 Minaben Popat - 07958 436586 On behalf of the Board of Trustees Vaishnav Sangh of UK
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Sigma Pharmaceuticals import quite a bulk of their medicines from manufacturers in India, China and even Vietnam. “It will make a difference in a few cases, like Aurobindo Pharma, who have release their stock in Malta, Torrent which releases everything in Dr Bharat Shah Germany, and perhaps Sun Pharma which unload their stock in Ireland among others,” Mr Shah continued. Over 37 million packs of drugs come from the EU Britain is pushing to remain under the EU regulation for medicines after Brexit. And the UK hopes to be regulated by the European Medicines Agencies (EMA), even as the body moves from London's Canary Wharf to its post-Brexit home in Amsterdam. More than 37 million packs come from the EU to the UK while about 45 million packs of medicines are supplied the other way around. “If there is a hard-Brexit then that means Aurobindo's medicines can't be sourced in the UK. Our regulators have said that we will approve Maltese approved goods but the Maltese government then has to accept UK as an importer,” Mr Shah said. Assuming a Brexit deal is brokered, the UK will remain a part of the EMA during the implementation period, until December 2020. In the UK, the availability of medicines after Brexit depends on the state of regulation and where the latter will fall under the MHRA. The UK government says that market access
would remain unchanged until the end of 2020, giving the MHRA the time it needs to develop systems to regulate new medicines and healthcare products and to enable the UK to participate in clinical trials. But after that, the outcome is in the hands of the British government and the EU. Adequate stock covering 3 months of supply The UK government has proposed a new economic partnership to “protect the uniquely integrated supply chains and ‘just-in-time’ processes”. This approach would maintain a frictionless border and allow products to undergo one set of assessments and authorisations to gain access to both markets. “As I understand, we have accepted that the previous protocol that was registered with Europe. So products made for the UK in Europe will still be okay to use in the UK even if we get out of the EU” said Dr Vijay Patel OBE, CEO of Waymade Healthcare Plc. “But for exporting medicines, some of our licences will have to be re-worked as it were and register with the EU,” he explained. At the moment the UK follows the European Pharmacopoeia which is the health standard of European drugs. Every European country has to meet that and it is higher than the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). “I think we will come back as 40 years ago when the BP standards will come into effect.” said Mr Patel. The Government will make sure that the compliance is there and will allow the import in that case. They might have to pay a higher
duty, I don't know, but if the MHRA standards are met then there should be no problem getting those drugs inside the country. They might have to waive a higher tariff and if there is a question of a higher cost then the government will have to reimburse to the ultimate consumers” said a community pharmacist Umesh Patel MBE. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that a legislation amendment will be taking place in relation to prescription-only medicines which will allow the DHSC to write a Serious Shortages Protocol (SSP) for medicines that experience a shortage following Brexit. “Certain medicines have been recognised by the DHSC which will not be suitable for an SSP, for example, medicines used to treat epilepsy. In such health conditions, medicines must be prescribed by a particular brand – switching between different brands of the same medicine can, in some cases, have an adverse effect on the patient, potentially causing harm. “Although there is clarity needed for certain aspects of the SSP, the NPA welcomes the changes as it will enable community pharmacies to continue in their role of ensuring patients interests are kept a priority,” said Leyla Hannbeck, Director of Pharmacy, at National Pharmacy Association.
In a letter to pharmaceutical companies, the government had asked the manufacturers “to ensure they have a minimum of six weeks additional supply in the UK, over and above their business as usual operational buffer stocks, by 29th March 2019”. We can't stockpile Insulin “We've been forced into stock-piling some products by the Department of Health. These are the products which we import from Europe- mainly Insulin, cancer drugs. But we can't stockpile Insulin because it is a temperature controlled product and our fridges can only take so much of a quantity. As a business we always have a six-eight week stock. But we aren't ourselves stock-piling.” said the co-founder for Sigma Pharmaceuticals. In the meantime manufacturers like Waymade have already geared up their production.”“So that if there were a calamity with Brexit, and there was a shortage, we have made sure that we have adequate stock to cover us for three months at least” said Mr. Vijay Patel. But community pharmacists such as Umesh Patel have expressed concerns about the creation of a market with an artificial demand for drugs as a consequence of hoarding and shortage. “For example, if I buy a packet of aspirin for 5 pence and I hold it in a warehouse and store like half a million packs and if there is a shortage in the market. So, the price goes up. It works just like stock markets. The price shoots up to £1 and I'm making a profit of 95 pence” he explained. He further added, “I'm sure the government has contingency plans. And the government should do regulatory checks to ensure that these wholesalers are not stock-piling and the MHRA has every right to do so.”
Bengal Heritage Foundation to further economic ties between UK and Bengal in business summit UK's Bengal Heritage Foundation is participating in the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit on 7-8 February in Kolkata as a guest of British Council to speak about tourism, hospitality and creative industry. This comes as a follow up action from the meetings that the Bengal government held in London last year. West Bengal's Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Atri Bhattacharya, IAS, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director, East and North East India, British Council visited the UK for 10 days in August-September 2018, on the back of a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in India between the Government of West Bengal and British Council on 6 July 2018, to build robust links with the UK’s festivals and cultural tourism sector, with several reciprocal projects in the pipeline that included discussions with London’s Totally Thames Festival for a river festival in Kolkata in 2019. To speak about the dialogue between UK and Bengal regarding the promotion and strengthening of Bengal tourism and collaboration- especially in festival and diaspora engagements, Sourav Niyogi, President of the Bengal Heritage Foundation, will be participating in the summit at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata. The diaspora which is called the 'living
17
Sourav Niyogi, President, Bengal Heritage Foundation
bridge', promises to help further economic ties and prosperity- an important part of this dialogue. Speaking to Asian Voice exclusively, Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director, East and North East India, British Council said, “There are a number of things already happening to strengthen tourism, hospitality and creative sectors. Festival plays an important part in the entire eco-system that sustains it. We will create skills enhancing programme such as English for the tourism sector- a conversation we can help with, as the high-end tourists depend on it. We will also work towards having a river festival, which will be along the lines of the Totally Thames festival, to be hosted immediately after Durga puja this year.” Among the various topics already in the pipeline of discus-
sion includes a festival management program- a pillar of the British Council art strategy, to facilitate conversation and mediate consultancy between Edinburgh festivals and Kolkata, in order to replicate a perfect model, such as in the Bishnupur festivaland bring together diverse events to boost creative economy and tourism. In Kolkata earlier, Atri Bhattacharya had already hosted a roundtable in 2018, for Christopher Rodriguez, CBE, Chairman, British Council, to discuss a project involving twining of Hooghly and Thames as rivers and the port of London and Kolkatabecause there are significant simi-
larities between these rivers and ports and the cultures that have grown around them. Sourav Niyogi, President of BHF, who is leaving for Kolkata on February 6th said, “Tourism creates a massive opportunity for both revenue generation and job generation. 1 in 10 jobs globally are in tourism sector which is one of the fastest growing sectors. Bengal has started to leverage the potential for tourism and if harnessed properly it will generate both revenue and job growth. “In today’s world the diaspora provides an important connect. The success of this generation of Bengalis globally mean we are able
to influence opinions a lot more. Bengal Heritage Foundation and London Sharad Utsav have worked together with British Council to create a platform for Bengal Tourism in the UK. The growth numbers of international tourists to Bengal is a reflection of the work the Tourism Department has done in last few years. It is a journey and Bengal Tourism is in early stages. Continuing on this journey will unlock the true potential of Bengal given its geographical and cultural attractions.” School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, has also taken a delegation to Kolkata to participate in the BGBS.
Kamalika Bose, Debanjan Chakrabarti, Adrian Evans, Baroness Usha Prashar, Pretty Ali, Atri Bhattacharya, Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Radhika Singh at Bengal's Durga Exhibition in Southbank, London, last year
“Justice delayed is justice denied” Rupanjana Dutta Nisha Mohite has recently received her Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from the Home Office. An usual journey of many immigrants’ life, Mohite is an exception to the rule. A victim to Home Office's arbitrary use of article 322 (5), she was unlawfully booked under a terrorism-related clause that is meant for “criminality, a threat to national security, war crimes or travel bans”. But after struggling for 3 years, under huge debt of money and gratitude, Mohite has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. “It was not easy,” she told Asian Voice. After completing her Masters in Pharmaceutical Analysis from Strathclyde University, a niche field of study in 2008, Mohite immediately found a job in her area of expertise. She worked in the quality assurance department for a big pharma company that manufactured anti-cancer drugs, but discovered in 2013, that her accountant, who had returned to Pakistan, had made mistakes in filing her tax in 2012. Part-employed and part-self employed, she
Nisha Mohite
owed around £4000 to the HM Revenue & Customs, which she immediately paid off without being charged any fines by the tax authorities. However, in 2016 when she applied for her ILR, inspite of paying £2500 for a one day premium service, her visa decision remained pending, especially after the tax discrepancy of 2012 was pointed out at the Home Office interview. Nisha had already cleared the differ-
ence, without any fines or sanctions, yet the Home Office used the same reason to not only reject her application but also served her with a section 322(5). Without any right to appeal, Mohite soon asked for an administrative review. But the Home Office’s letter explaining the failure of her administrative review reportedly said, “We do not find it credible that a fully qualified accountant would fail to declare the correct earnings to HMRC.” The letter then went on to say that Mohite’s application had not been refused because they suspected her of being dishonest, instead had served her with a 322(5) for “undesirable conduct”. Nobody knew what the undesirable conduct was, though it clearly needed the case worker from the Home Office to spell out exact reasons for booking someone
under a law for terrorists. When she gathered her case worker’s notes on request, it was clear she had satisfied the authority with her genuine income and proof, yet the end result was a refusal. She told Asian Voice how the coming days were a challenge, “I don’t know why I wasn’t given a chance to challenge the decision. I lost the right to work, though there were plenty of jobs available to me. In fact my old company struggled for a year to find my replacement! And I knew I had to go for a judicial review. "I spent all my saved money for a house mortgage to pay for my living. I sold my gold, expensive television, Sony speakers, furniture. A very kind friend offered the spare bedroom in their house without charge. I used my interest free credit cards to stay afloat, which have almost maxed out now. My partner who I met during this period, has also helped me. Money raised through the ‘gofund' page paid for legal costs. It was very difficult to live without a job and money in a country like the UK.” She added, “While waiting for the review, I could not visit my family- my par-
ents, my grandparents in India. In February 2018 my grandfather died. And I could not see him for one final time, pay my respects, take part in his last rites. What worse could happen to anyone than this?”
“I don’t know why wasn’t given a chance to challenge the decision!" However, in November 2018, she was told by the Home Office that they recognised the application was refused in error, offered legal costs, but delayed giving a clear decision on her ILR on the grounds of a few interdepartmental scrutiny for another few months. But an angry Mohite wrote back in January with the help of campaigner Aditi, asking for explanations and the Home Office re-instated her right to work immedi-
ately and soon granted the ILR status. “I have received my passport back and waiting for the biometric card to arrive. Though I badly want to see my family, I can’t go immediately. I have lost two and a half years of work. I have just started working, I have so much debt to repay. It will take 6 more months for me to visit my parents in India,” Mohite added. But there are many who are still waiting for justice, and Mohite is happy to help them. The Guardian reported that from the 300 people found to have had the paragraph wrongly used against them, the review suggested that up to 87 highly skilled migrants had already been wrongly forced to leave the UK. They were mostly people who had lived in the UK for a decade or more and had British-born children. Many were given just 14 days to leave and were no longer eligible for a visa to visit the UK or any other country. The review also found that another 400 people may have been wrongly affected. However, the total number is likely to be substantially higher with hundreds of cases still to be heard.
Vaishnav Sangh of UK
~~A dream come true~~
Shrinathdham Haveli & Community Centre Harrow, London, UK To celebrate the announcement the of the acquisition of the long awaited London Haveli, the Trustees of VSUK arranged a three day programme in the presence of Vaishnavacharya Shree Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshri (Kadi, Ahemdabad) The purpose of presentation on Friday 1st February at Jaspar Centre was to acode Donor’s supporters, well wishers, Trustees of Temples, other vaishnav groups and community leaders. It was an opportunity for all to see the centre and a formal pictorial presentation was conducted by Rajanbhai Pitamber and Pramodbhai Thakkar on the three months journey from inception of negotiations to exchange of contracts on 18th January. Subhashbhai Lakhani (chair)) welcomed all those present during the three days event, and explained the financial aspects of the project, and appealed for support from the members, to ensure it becomes Our Haveli. Amongst guest speakers were
Founder Patron & Spiritual Head Vaishnavacharya P.P.Goswami 108 Shree Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshri (Kadi, Ahmedabad)
Raj Pankhania and Anup Pankhania who were emotional, recalling that Jaspar Centre was a family social project for the benefit of the Asian elderly community, whilst the family emotions were high they were reassured by Je Je shree and the
Babla of Sterling Finance Ltd who ensured swift loan finance and also Ajay Pau from Gandecha Paw Solicitors who ensured timely due diligence. Gorande Bhatt ( MBE) & Secretary General of Shree Vallabnidhi
Je shree and the Trustees for his support in the future. CB Patel from Gujarat Samachar / Asian Voice congratulated Je Je shree and the Trustees for acquiring a well needed Hindu Community centre which will incorporate Shree-
Dignatories, visitors from abroad, VIP's & Temple leaders along with Trustees of VSUK and Raj Pankhania's family
Trustees of VSUK that all the present activities at the centre will not only continue but will be enhanced by the Trustees Amongst other Guest speakers were Sanjay Rughani and Manish
UK, spoke about the changes at the court and was pleased that Shreenathji was coming to Jaspar Centre where she had served as a magistrate for many years. Councillor Ajay Maru assured Je
nathjii Haveli in Harrow which is ideally located for the Hindu Community who live in surrounding area. Je Je shree blessed all the donors and guests and thanked the sup-
porters and sent a message that the long awaited Shrinathdham Haveli in london for the benefit of all Vaishnavs and Hindu community and re emphasised that all the various Mandals should unite and become an integral part of this historical moment. The two days event On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd February the recital by Je Je shree on ShreeNathji Charitra was very well attended by over 700 devotees and followers of Je Je shree, members of VSUK, guests, VIP dignitaries, Trustees of various Temples, Local Councillors, Religious leaders, Trustees and members of various vaishnav groups, professionals and press who were bless by Je Je Shree. This was a start to the preparations for having Shrinathji coming to Harrow by end of June 2019. Subhash Lakhani - 07748 324092 Minaben Popat - 07958 436586 On behalf of the Board of Trustees Vaishnav Sangh of UK
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Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, The Financial Problems of Your Children Our schools are in crisis. No, not because of lack of funding. Your children are brewing problems for the future – no, not childhood obesity. But lack of basic practical skills for life. I’ve said it before, we must teach digital skills, online banking, writing emails, networking, how pensions work, basic principles of loans, taxation, investment, savings. Our schools on the whole have Shakespeare on the menu and that is important because our legislators very much in touch with the needs of inner city problems that a touch of Hamlet can solve. But actually, you need schools with more remote learning, taught by the best teachers in the world, on demand videos and if the children do not pay attention, the ex-Military Sargent will be able to sort that out. This way you ensure consistency of quality of education far more than at present. Of course you need teachers but for the things remote video learning cannot do. Why does a State school student in Glasgow not have access to a great teacher from Eton via video courses? The government can pay for the one of costs of creating the courses. Who decided that Egyptian history is more important than understanding how to use a search engine or the internet. Will there be controversy on what is taught? Sure, but an independent board of the likes of Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Professors from University and Captains of Industry can thrash out the subject areas. We would have a more productive work-force, cut costs, improve creativity because children could learn in a modern way and do what they find more interesting because there would be more choice without the expense of more teachers. And in case you think I am an anti-education barbarian – I am a Visiting Fellow in Business, Oxford University and have degrees in Law and in Politics, Philosophy, Economics. I know education is important. But it is still as it was 200 years ago – with the odd sprinkling of computers. Don’t believe me? Bill Gates teaches his children through the free Khan Academy. I teach people through my free webinars, not in person in a classroom. www.trading-champions.com
UK businesses shying away from taking risks: Deloitte
How to fund a business The vast majority of business in the UK are funded by entrepreneurs themselves or family and friends. It’s not unusual to hear of small business owners who have mortgaged their own house to turn their dream into reality. But this approach can hamper growth. The government’s Patient Capital Review found that even some of the UK’s highest potential, most innovative start-ups can struggle to scale-up because of a lack of long-term finance. From governmentbacked programmes to private investment networks, there are lots of initiatives aimed at helping new businesses find the capital they need to get off the ground. Government grants depend on the size, industry and age of a business. For businesses
based in England that have a plan to create or safeguard jobs and are looking for less than £1 million, finance could be secured through the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) scheme. Through the Governmentbacked Start Up Loans scheme, businesses could secure a loan of between £500 and £25,000. The Start Up Loans scheme works with organisations such as The Prince’s Trust which grants in special circumstances to 18-30-year-olds starting a business. The Prince’s Trust also provides access to training courses, mentors, coaches and expert advice as part of the package to take the business from idea to launch. For businesses that export goods or services, government support may be
available through UK Export Finance (UKEF). The UKEF underwrites loans from banks to businesses exporting goods, making it less risky for the bank, therefore encouraging them to lend. Small businesses may seek funding from venture capitalists (VCs) who invest their money in innovative businesses at an early stage in return for a share of equity. The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association provides information to help businesses gain access to this kind of investment. Crowdfunding follows in the footsteps of equity finance by allowing many people to invest smaller-sized amounts in return for equity or other nonfinancial rewards and it is worth looking into these alternative routes.
A solid business plan is key to sizing up how much money a business will need to trade and develop in the first few years. Thinking about expenses and how to control costs from the beginning will reduce the amount needed. A mobileonly business account with Starling Bank, which has no monthly fees, can help small businesses and sole traders keep on top of the figures with real-time notifications every time money leaves or enters the account, the ability to categorise different transactions and the option to export figures to share with an accountant. Find out more about Starling Bank at www.starlingbank.com.
Retail giant Marks & Spencer under fire over vegetarian biryani wrap Britain's retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has been accused of “lazy product development” by some leading Indian food experts in the UK after a new vegetarian biryani wrap hit the market as part of its Plant Kitchen range. M&S was accused of using popular terminology to suit its marketing without proper research, with Indian food experts taking to social media to point out that biryani comes in a bowl and not in a wrap. Mallika Basu, UK-based author of 'Masala: Indian Cooking for Modern Living' said, “I started the row last year with the ridiculous
Bengali Turmeric Kit by M&S so it's good to see more food writers and chefs getting involved in this debate.” The row was triggered when another Indian-origin chef in the UK, Maunika Gowardhan, took to Twitter to slam the new wrap. “There is a giant postcolonial hangover hovering
over the Western view of Indian food anyway, but it's simply not good enough to be commercialising our flavours and historically significant dishes without proper research and due diligence. Hopefully, this will send a loud and strong warning to other retailers and businesses. The Indian community is not going to take lazy product development lightly.” Gowardhan, author of 'Indian Kitchen', tweeted, “Thanks but I like my biryani with rice in a bowl not a wrap. Seriously M&S!?” She questioned, “No problem with a twist! Call it
an Indian Spiced burrito but please don't make assumptions that using Indian terms loosely doesn't imply the dish does require certain ingredients to feature in them. Let's just call hot water tea then shall we.” Other chefs however, jumped to the defence of the retailer saying it was responding to demands for vegetarian options with the Sweet Potato Biryani wrap. Marks & Spencer said, “M&S is famous for its food innovation and our developers use a fusion of different flavours and ingredients to create an exciting range of products to appeal to customers' tastes.”
Nissan chooses Japan over UK to build new X-Trail car According to a survey by accountancy firm Deloitte, major UK businesses' appetite to take on financial risk has fallen to its lowest level in nearly a decade due to fears of “the hardest of Brexits” and rising US protectionism. The world's fifth-largest economy is less than eight weeks away from leaving its biggest trading partner, the European Union, and British politicians have so far refused to back a transition deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May. Deloitte's chief economist Ian Stewart said, “Corporates are positioned for the hardest of Brexits, with risk appetite at recessionary levels and an intense focus on cost control.” Another report from a survey conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and
Wales (ICAEW) also showed falling sentiment and pointed to first-quarter economic growth of just 0.1 per cent, the joint-weakest since 2012. Businesses are not just afraid of short-term disruption: 78 per cent of the 110 companies surveyed by Deloitte said they expected Brexit to damage the economy over the long term. Less than 10 per cent of chief financial officers surveyed in the Deloitte survey said now was a good time to take greater risk on to their balance sheets, the lowest in over nine years. The survey polled chief financial officers from major UK-listed companies with a combined market value of £390 billion, as well as UK subsidiaries of large foreign firms, between January 8 and January 24. The ICAEW polled 1,000 accountants between October 22 and January 18.
In a heartbreaking U-turn, Nissan has confirmed that the new X-Trail originally planned for its Sunderland plant will in fact be made in Japan. In a letter issued to its workers, it said continued Brexit uncertainty is not helping firms to “plan for the future”. Back in 2016, Nissan said it would build the new model in the UK after “assurances” from the government. Unions described the news as “disappointing” and said they were “seriously concerned”. UK government said the decision was a “blow to the sector” but that no jobs would go as a result. Nissan has made cars at Sunderland since 1986 and employs almost 7,000 people. Talking about its decision, Nissan said that since 2016 “the environment for the car industry in Europe has changed
dramatically,” including “changing emissions regulations”. Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott said the move was “devastating news for our city and the region.” She added, “The uncertainty around Brexit is always a factor now in any decisions made in manufacturing.” Labour leader Jeremy Corbynn said, “The Conservatives' botched negotiations and threat of a
no-deal Brexit is causing uncertainty and damaging Britain's economy.” UK's car industry has been suffering a major rough patch from quite some months. Job losses have been announced at Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, and the cancellation of Nissan's X-Trail investment at its Sunderland plant is just one of the latest disappointments.
The industry is nervous about border taxes and customs delays disrupting its just-in-time model of manufacturing. Nissan has been clear the decision to cancel its Sunderland X-Trail investment is a commercial decision. But it chose to say “continued uncertainty” around the UK's future relationship with the EU “is not helping” it plan for the future. Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg said Nissan had “all sorts of problems that are nothing to do with Brexit” including “very considerable corporate governance problems” arising from ex-chairman Carlos Ghosn's arrest. Production of the Qashqaithe best-selling crossover vehicle in Europe, makes up the majority of the current work at Sunderland.
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9 - 15 February 2019
LAMENT AT LEISURE Such an environment is known as the sellers’ markets.
There is an extremely good window of opportunity at the moment for those who are astute enough to exploit it. On the surface when you look at the property portals you may not see what’s going on.
Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap London Property Investment
AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP!
Currently, we are not in a sellers’ market. There of course are sellers in the market who can afford to wait till their desired prices are achieved. However, there are also those who must sell. And it is this segment which is of interest to those who wish to find a bargain at the moment.
One indication is the emails one receives headlined property price reduction. This is designed to catch a buyer’s attention. The property has been sitting stagnant at the same price without gathering any interest or no one has bitten. This means the seller is what is called a motivated seller, i.e. they want to, or in many instances must, sell. I mean who else would wish to sell in this environment.
The current issue is in the psychology of the buyer. They mostly are sitting on the fence, like everyone else. The term sheeple comes to mind. When this period is over, and the prices which have been achieved for property are etched in stone at the Land Registry for all to see, they will lament. If only they bought back then when the prices were so low. Lamenting on the past and procrastinating in the present.
There are only two parts to the market, any market. Buyers and sellers. That’s it. When prices are rising sellers have the upper hand, creating an environment which is conducive to doing trades, which means selling post exchange and prior to completion; giving you high returns over very little time and with very little money in the deal.
This is the actual barrier to investing, it’s in people’s minds and nowhere else. A prime example of deals which can be done is of a property in Finchley/Hampstead. When agents are trying to sell a property they call it Hampstead, when it’s actually in Finchley.
Asking prices are inflated, pregnant with the anticipation of future price rises, and they are achieved.
Q: My tenant wants to repaint at their own cost. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t allow this? Whatever the label, the location is superb. Minutes from the station, you can rent this within days. The property is a 1,350 sq. ft., period conversion, share of freehold apartment. It was on the market for just short of £1m. The deal can now be done for close to £700K. This equates to only £518 a sq. ft. This is exceptionally cheap and rare to find even in this market. The expected rental is 4.5%. This is very good for London. Gone are the days when you can expect anything close to 5% anywhere in London, let alone a prime spot. The rental yield is actually testimony to this property being a deal. We are on the cusp of doing this deal and it needs to be placed. It’s looking for an investor. If the above resonates with you, please do get in touch.
IS IT IRRATIONAL TO BE TOO RATIONAL? “Rational” means that which can be observed by one of our senses and “irrational” is perception that does not rest on any of our five senses. Words shape our thinking. How we phrase a question shapes our decisions. Think about how we use the words “rational” versus “irrational”. “Rational” thinking is prized over “irrational” thinking.
We know that our senses are imperfect. A dog hears a greater range of sound than we do. A bear smells more powerfully.
suitability of a spouse for one’s entire life?
In the same way it is true that when one is faced with business decisions, we do not have 100% of the information.
One way to exert control is to limit the way we think about life.
Important decisions depend on both rational and irrational thinking. Marriage is a great life decision. How can we gather sufficient information to know the
The “irrational” makes us fearful because it is harder to assess or control. But this fear is, itself,
BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY
That being said, I would recommend adding a few conditions when providing them permission to do so. For example, that the works are done by a professional or to a professional standard, and you inspect the work once this has been done (not an unreasonable request). Another example is approval of colour as you do not want them to choose the cheapest paint in the world or picking lime greens and deep purples! Find out what look they want to achieve, you may even give them input or ideas that they never thought of before. Now, if this sounds a little too hands on for your liking, simply give them the permission to do this on the agreement that the wall/room is returned to a neutral or original colour at the end of their tenancy, also at their cost.
Our minds seek control.
Limiting our experience to only that which is “rational” gives us a false feeling of control. But this sits on top of a fear of the “irrational”.
A: Wow, sounds like you have a great tenant there! If I’m being honest, unless you have just had the place redone from top to bottom, then I do not see any reason why you shouldn’t allow this.
irrational. Our lives improve and our decisions become more refined when we integrate the “rational” and “irrational”.
Having your tenants paint or personalise the property is really the best thing ever. Most tenants that want to make your house their home lead to long term tenancies.
We are more effective when we can calculate and intuit simultaneously.
If you need any other lettings guidance, please do get in touch.
Abraham Goldberg
Richard Bond
● Two bedroom, first floor flat in a private block ● Approx. 200 yards from a Crossrail station ● Journey time to Canary Wharf and Bond Street will be 11 mins
and 25 mins respectively on Crossrail ● Excellent yield of 5.1% per annum ● Huge potential of capital and rental growth due to Crossrail
London, SE2 Purchase Price: £248,000 Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing
● Long lease & low service charges ● £88K cash required to close this deal, subject to mortgage criteria ● Very good long term buy and hold opportunity
Call us now for more information!
0207 993 0103 info@sowandreap.co.uk www.sowandreap.co.uk 27 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8HU SowandReapProperties
Sowandreapuk
Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities
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ICICI asks Chanda Kochhar to repay entire bonus she got since 2009
Ten months after the board of ICICI Bank declared it reposed “full faith and confidence” in Chanda Kochhar, MD and CEO of the bank at the time, and “there was no question of... nepotism, favouritism or quid pro quo”, it has decided to terminate her services with retrospective effect. The bank has asked her to repay over £1 million of bonus since April 2009, and said it would revoke her stock options, the current market value of which is around £34.6 million. The move came after a report by former SC judge BN Srikrishna was released, which found Kochhar guilty of violating the bank's code of conduct in disbursing loans to Videocon group. She had gone on “leave” on June 18 last year pending completion of the inquiry. However, on October 4, she put in her papers.
Chanda Kochhar
In a statement, ICICI Bank said the inquiry report concluded Kochhar was “in violation of the bank's code of conduct, its framework for dealing with conflict of interest and fiduciary duties, and in terms of applicable Indian laws, rules and regulations.” This was
because of her failure to effectively deal with conflict of interest and due disclosure or recusal requirements. The report, which has not been made public, comes on the heels of the CBI filing a first information report against Venugopal Dhoot, Videocon Industries, Chanda and Deepak Kochhar on charges that loans were disbursed in return for favours. Sources said the report did not indict the bank's board, which had appointed Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas to examine allegations first made by whistleblower Arvind Gupta in 2016. In a letter to all authorities, Gupta had alleged that there was an “illicit banking and commercial relationship between Videocon Group of Venugopal Dhoot and ICICI Bank's MD & CEO Chanda Kochhar's family-owned
NuPower Renewable Group steered by her husband Deepak Kochhar for amassing wrongful personal gains.” The law firm initially cleared Kochhar in 2016, but withdrew its report in October 2018 after being informed by the bank of the fresh allegations against its CEO. Kochhar had received bonuses of over £1 million since April 2009, the beginning of the financial year in which she took charge as chief executive. While the board will have to initiate proceedings to recover the bonuses, the options allotted to her under the employee stock option plan can be revoked as these are within the control of the bank. In over 10 years, she has received close to Rs 94,00,000 options. The options entitle the holder to buy shares at a fixed price.
India to get details of Mallya's Swiss bank accounts soon The Government of India is all set to get details of money which embattled businessman Vijay Mallya kept in multiple Swiss bank accounts. After Switzerland's apex court approved India's requests, officials in both countries have initiated the process. It is to be noted, Mallya brought the topic of corruption charges shadowing CBI to make his case, however, the Swiss court rejected his appeals. The CBI sought details of his bank accounts and the Public Prosecutor of the Canton of Geneva agreed to the federal agency's request. Along with bank accounts of Mallya, the court also approved sharing details of five companies
Vijay Mallya
linked to him to provide wider legal assistance to India. Mallya challenged the decision in the SC. The Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne
gave three judgment on November 26 and November 29, upholding the lower court's order. He had told the top court that Rakesh Asthana, who was Special Director of CBI at the time and was investigating his case, was himself embroiled in corruption charges. He argued there were serious flaws in the “proceedings in India”. Mallya also invoked Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) which protects the rights of a free trial. The judges, however, noted the plea of violation of ECHR protection wasn't applicable in this case. The court noted Mallya's extradition case was pending and added state of
residence has to consider the regularity of criminal proceedings. The court said, “Switzerland is bound by respect for the ECHR and the UN Covenant II and liable to engage its own responsibility, there is no reason to doubt that this question will, if necessary, be examined in accordance with the requirements of treaty law.” The businessman reportedly has four bank accounts in Swiss banks. He has one in Edmond de Rothschild (Switzerland) SA and three accounts in Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique (CBH). In CBH, the accounts are in names of Drayton Resources, Black Forest Holdings, and Harrison Finance.
SBI poised to take 15% stake in Jet
RCom files for insolvency
Debt-laden Jet Airways may be set to receive some monetary help to stay afloat. The State Bank of India (SBI) is set to swap part of its loans into a stake of at least 15 per cent in Jet Airways as lenders to the carrier plan similar conversions of some debt into equity to help keep the carrier alive. In a new rescue deal into the works for India's biggest full-service airline, founder chairman Naresh Goyal's stake will fall below 20 per cent from 51 per cent currently. Foreign partner Etihad Airways with its 24 per cent stake, is expected to infuse additional funds to take its holding to more than 40 per cent. The carrier has piled on $1.1 billion in debt and fallen behind on paying loans and salaries. No final decision has been taken, the people said. Jet Airways has called an extraordinary general meeting on February 21 in Mumbai to seek shareholders' approval to increase its authorised share capital by issuing equity and preferred shares.
Anil Ambani's debt-laden telecom venture Reliance Communications (RCom) has decided to file for insolvency after unable to sell its spectrum assets to elder brother Mukesh's Reliance Jio, and a crushing debt of £4.6 billion not going anywhere. The insolvency filing came weeks after Swedish network giant Ericsson petitioned the Supreme Court to arrest Anil over recurring delays in payment of RCom's dues worth £55 million, and accused the businessman of engaging in “gross and wilful contempt” of the apex court. RCom released a statement saying, “The board decided that the company will seek fasttrack resolution through NCLT, Mumbai. The board believes this course of action will be in the best interests of all stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive debt resolution in a final, transparent and time-bound manner within the prescribed 270 days.” The company's board had met to review progress of its debt
Anil Ambani
resolution plan since the invocation of strategic debt restructuring on June 2, 2017. The statement added, “The board noted that, despite the passage of over 18 months, lenders have received zero proceeds from the proposed asset monetisation plans, and the overall debt resolution process is yet to make any headway.” RCom said 100 per cent approval of all 40 lenders had been “impossible to achieve” on any matter despite 45 meetings in over 12 months. Other factors prompted it to opt for insolvency were, as the company described it, “recurring legal
challenges by department of telecom for spectrum monetisation” and the continuing litigation by other parties. The statement also said, “Resolution through NCLT is in the best interests of all stakeholders, ensuring finality, certainty and transparency through a time-bound courtapproved process.” RCom had been unable to get its spectrum trading deal with Jio pass through DoT norms, after Jio sought protection from any liability after the deal. Jio had petitioned DoT to insulate it from any dues arising towards RCom for the period prior to the clearance of the deal. However, DoT refused to co-operate. A senior official at the telecom department said, “There is no question of giving any kind of immunity to the new buyer. It is public money, and we will take it from whoever owns it in case the corporate guarantee that RCom is providing us does not prove to be sufficient.”
in brief SC SUMMONS SAHARA CHIEF FOR FAILING TO CLEAR DUES
Subrata Roy
The Supreme Court has summoned Sahara group chief Subrata Roy to appear before it on February 28 for failing to deposit £2.57 billion in the SEBI-Sahara fund for returning investors' money. The apex court had give six months to Sahara to arrange the money but it failed to clear the dues. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi noted that the group has deposited only £1.5 billion so far. The bench declined to give any further chance to Roy and other directors to comply with its previous orders. It said it had decided to proceed with the matter so that the law takes its own course and directed Roy and other directors to appear before it personally on next date of hearing. Roy, who has spent almost two years in jail, has been on parole since May 6, 2017. Besides Roy, two other directors - Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary were arrested for failure of the group's two companies - Sahara India Real Estate Corporation and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd - to comply with the court's August 31, 2012 order to return over £2.4 billion to their investors.
GOVT AIMS TO RAISE £9 BN FROM 2019-20 DISINVESTMENTS
The government of India has set a target of raising £9 billion from disinvestment in state-run companies in 2019-2020, slightly higher than the target of £8 billion set in the current financial year, which ends in March. “We have pursued the public enterprises asset management agenda to make these enterprises accountable to the people. As many as 57 CPSEs are now listed with total market capitalisation of over £130 billion,” finance minister Suresh Goyal said in his budget speech. “The government received over £10 billion from disinvestment proceeds during 201718. We are confident of crossing the target of £8 billion this year,” he said. Officials said 36 transactions are expected to be completed in the current financial year. The government also expects to complete the strategic sale of Air India, one of the big ticket disinvestments, which can fetch a substantial amount. As on January 29, the government has raised £3.55 billion as disinvestment proceeds against the budget estimate of £8 billion during the current financial year.
RBI TO DISTRIBUTE £2.8 BN INTERIM DIVIDEND TO GOVT
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is understood to have made record profits from selling dollars in the foreign exchange market when the rupee came under pressure. These profits are likely to be distributed to the government in the form of an interim dividend, which will be considered in the next board meeting of the central bank. Economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said that the government expects an interim dividend of £2.8 billion from the RBI. This is in addition to the £4 billion already received from the central bank during FY19, Garg said. The £2.8 billion interim dividend will be transferred by the RBI before end March 2019. The interim dividend will help the government ease fiscal pressure as the money will come within the current financial year. The RBI, which follows a July-June financial year, paid about 63% higher dividend than the previous year (2016-17).
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Lanka president opposes Aasia Bibi allowed to travel anywhere inside Pak or abroad moves to form national govt ISLAMABAD: Christian woman Aasia Bibi, who was acquitted by Pakistan's Supreme Court in a blasphemy case, has the right to travel anywhere inside the country or abroad, the Foreign Office said. A three-member bench Aasia Bibi headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice had already shifted to Mazhar Alam Miankhel Canada. threw out a petition seeking She has been in to review the apex court's protective custody and the decision to acquit 47-yeargovernment has refused to old Bibi. disclose her whereabouts. Foreign Office In the review petition spokesperson Mohammad filed by Qari Muhammad Faisal said that Bibi can Salaam, it has been argued travel inside Pakistan or that the Supreme Court’s make a foreign visit as she acquittal of Bibi did not has been cleared from all meet the standards of charges from the highest jurisprudence as well as court of the law. Bibi is Islamic provisions and the finally a free woman after all "normal principle of justice the legal impediments in her with reference to way came to an end last application in blasphemy week. "Based on merit, this laws." review petition is The petitioner argued dismissed," Chief Justice that Bibi’s acquittal is a Khosa told a hearing at the matter concerning the apex court, which Muslim clergy and religious overturned Asia Bibi's death scholars should also be sentence for blasphemy last called to present their point year. of view to which the chief Bibi may leave Pakistan justice retorted, "The verdict shortly as there are threats was given on the basis of to her life. Her two daughter
testimonies; does Islam say that one should be punished even if they are found not guilty?" "Prove to us what [you believe] is wrong with the verdict," he said. Acquitting her of all charges in October last year, then chief justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar, had said,"Tolerance is the basic principle of Islam." "If our religion of Islam comes down heavily upon commission of blasphemy, then Islam is also very tough against those who level false allegations of a crime," the judgment said. The Supreme Court, while overturning the death sentence handed to Bibi by The Lahore High Court, had said that the prosecution has "failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt." Hours before the Supreme Court announced its decision, Shafeeq Ameeni, acting head of the hardline Tehreek-e Labaik movement, which led the protests last year, issued a new warning to the court not to rule in favour of the "blasphemer."
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena said he was opposed to the efforts being made by the UNP to form a national government. "How ethical is it to establish a national government by enlisting the support of a single MP? I am opposed to this proposal. The people don’t want more ministers and the only reason why some want to establish a national government is to increase the number of ministers." The President added that when the people voted for a unity government in 2015, they had done so in the hope that the country would gain from such an arrangement. A lot was accomplished by the administration, however, the leaders of the unity government did not fulfil the expectations of the people. "The debt crisis is worse now. The problems faced by the people are worse. We were not able to usher in economic development. The people are not well disposed towards the tardy progress on the development front. We must change our education system to suit the 21st century and modernise the economy based on new
President Maithripala Sirisena at the 71st Independence Day celebrations on February 4
concepts. Asia will lead the world, in this century, and we must be a part of that process." The President also said that Sri Lanka had not been able to evolve a political solution acceptable to all stakeholders though one decade had elapsed since the conclusion of the war. He added that a number of governments had remained focused on finding a solution to the ethnic conflict without paying much heed to the economy. Neither of the issues had been resolved, he added. The President added that the people of the North had been able to live with a
great degree of freedom in the last four years. "These people were not able to enjoy freedom during most of the post independence period. We must understand the importance of reconciliation. We must not forget that ambers still lie beneath the ashes." The President also added that international drug traffickers had turned Sri Lanka into one of their main transit hubs. The economic model Sri Lanka had adopted was not sustainable. "While absolute poverty is at 6.7%, most people earn less than Rs. 1,000 a day and this is why comparative poverty is over 50%," he said.
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Sanghrajka family shows resilience in the face of adversity How the Sanghrajkas matched shoulders with Kenyan security personnel during a 24-hour long rescue mission – 12,000 rounds of bullets shot during terrorist attack in hotel
Jyotsna Shah January 15 was an unfortunate day; One that will forever be etched in the memories of Kenyan citizens. Five terrorists broke into Vinaybhai Sanghrajka and family's 14 Riverside Park and Dusit hotel Office Complex at 3.00 pm, causing major damage to the building and claiming 21 innocent lives. Not only were the men terrorising the people inside the building, one suicide bomber even blew himself up outside a cafe in the building as others continued to rampage through the complex, taking down everyone that came in their way. The incident made
national and international headlines, and the public wept. Many cried over the loss of their loved ones while several cried over the loss of humanity. On the fateful day, when news of the attack reached Vinaybhai and his nephews Chirag and Sachin, they, along with the rest of their family members immediately sprung into action, furnishing every assistance available. In fact, Chirag and Sachin and their friends even risked their lives to salvage the lives of several Kenyans, assisting them to escape from the building. The Sanghrajkas remained lodged
and alert in an adjacent property for almost 24 hours, trying to save as many lives as they could. Over 176 people were even evacuated from an office block by Kenyan Security Forces with the help of Chiragbhai at 5 in the morning. In what can be termed as the true spirit of Jainism, he led the whole family's efforts to assist everyone. It wasn't until 10.00 in the morning after, that the siege finally ended and all remaining terrorists were neutralised. It was Vinaybhai's composed and calm state of mind that helped the family keep themselves together. It is worth noting that
a total of 12,000 rounds of ammunition were fired at the scene, however, it was the excellent handling by Kenya Security forces that led to minimal life loss. In the aftermath of the attack, the entire family visited every injured person in medical facilities, arranged counseling services for every traumatised member and visited homes and families of those deceased. (Vinaybhai is a member of JITO in Kenya. News of his family's valour during the trying time was reported by Pankajbhai Shah. Apologies for any discrepancies.)
Mehul Choksi is still Indian citizen, says govt official GEORGETOWN: Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a main defendant in India's largest bank fraud case, is still an Indian citizen despite holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an Indian official said, adding that the government is pushing for his extradition. Choksi, who is one of the key accused in defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion, fled India before the accusations surfaced last year. Bringing Choksi back to India would be a boon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tries to bolster his anticorruption credentials ahead of a general election. Choksi, along with his nephew, diamond tycoon Nirav Modi, are accused of colluding with a handful of bankers to secure credit from overseas banks using fraudulent guarantees. Both have denied the allegations and have moved abroad. Choksi has secured a passport from Antigua and Barbuda, where wealthy foreigners can become citizens
Mehul Choksi
in exchange for investing in the country. But Indian officials still consider him an Indian citizen, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda as well as St Kitts and Nevis, said in an interview. "He has not renounced his Indian citizenship. We have revoked his passport, but that does not mean we have revoked his citizenship. We must agree if
someone wants to renounce their citizenship; we have not agreed," Mahalingam said. "You cannot commit some crime and run away from the country and (think) we'd allow you to renounce your citizenship. That would look really stupid." India in August lodged an extradition request, which Mahalingam said Choksi was fighting. If all sides agree Choksi is Indian, he could potentially be extradited from Antigua using a Commonwealth-based agreement. But his Antiguan citizenship complicates the situation even though India does not permit dual citizenship. "He is ... entitled to the protection any citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is," Lionel Hurst, the chief of staff for the Antiguan Prime Minister's Office, said. In January, Hurst said the struggle over Choksi now depended on Antiguan courts, and warned the case could "last for a very long time."
Choksi in November also filed an application to a Mumbai court refuting that he was a fugitive and blaming "persisting medical conditions" for preventing him from returning to India, court documents show. When asked whether Choksi remained an Indian citizen, Choksi's Mumbai-based lawyer Sanjay Abbot confirmed that Choksi had surrendered his passport but directed questions on his citizenship to David Dorsett, a lawyer for Choksi in Antigua. Dorsett did not respond to a request for comment. In a separate case, the Indian government is pursuing businessman Jatin Mehta regarding fraud allegations at his company, Winsome Diamonds and Jewellery Ltd. India has requested that St Kitts and Nevis, where Mehta is believed to be living, provisionally arrest him, Mahalingam said. "Once that is done, extradition request will follow," he added.
India protests against US detention of students WASHINGTON: India said it had lodged a protest with the United States government after several Indian students were detained there in connection with their enrolment in a fake university, following an undercover operation by US agents. US authorities this week said eight individuals who exploited the country's student visa system had been indicted. They had helped foreign nationals illegally remain in the United States by enrolling them into a private university, which was actually being operated by US agents themselves. The recruiters helped the students to fraudulently obtain immigration documents from the school in a bid to deceive authorities, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. The foreign students, however, had no intention of attending school, it added. Though the US government did not disclose nationalities of those involved,
the Indian foreign ministry said "several Indian students" had been detained. Indian media said more than 100 students had been detained in the United States. The Indian government had issued a rare "demarche" to the US Embassy in New Delhi, telling it that Indian officials needed immediate consular access to the detainees. "We underlined that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the 'University', should be treated differently
from those recruiters who have duped them," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. The Indian government also urged the United States to release the students from detention at the earliest, without resorting to deportation against their will. The United States agency had said that the defendants in the case "intended to help shield and hide" the students from United States immigration authorities for money. They collectively profited in excess of a $250,000,
the agency said. "These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not," Special Agent in charge Steve Francis said this week. The Indian side sees no wrong on part of the purported students, who are mostly from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Officials from the Indian consulate visited the Prairieland Detention Centre in Alvarado, Texas and the Montgomery Processing Center to meet the incarcerated students and get their version of the episode. Many other students have been subjected to home detention with tracking devices, even as hundreds, perhaps thousands, of students are panicked over the crackdown. Indians form the second largest contingent of foreign students in the US at close to 250,000 studying in American institutions.
in brief
HINDU TEMPLE DESECRATED IN US
In a hate crime, a Hindu temple has been vandalised in the US state of Kentucky by miscreants who sprayed black paint on the deity and left a knife stabbed into a chair in the main hall. The incident happened between Sunday night and Tuesday morning at the Swaminarayan Temple in the Louisville city. According to local media report, vandalism resulted in deity image sprayed with black paint, broken windows, walls spray-painted with inappropriate messages and graffiti. A knife was stabbed in the chair, and cabinets were emptied. The incident has sent shock waves through the Indian-American community in Louisville Kentucky.
AMI BERA TO CHAIR KEY CONGRESSIONAL SUBCOMMITTEE
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera has been named to head the key Congressional subcommittee that will have broad jurisdiction to conduct oversight into America’s foreign policy. The 53-year-old four-term Congressman would chair the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. “I’ve always believed that the United States has a duty to lead the world through our example. We have an obligation to confront pressing international issues, build partnerships, and work in a bipartisan manner to strengthen our national security,” he said. The subcommittee will have broad jurisdiction to conduct oversight into America’s foreign policy.
TULSI GABBARD OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES HER 2020 PRESIDENTIAL BID
The first Hindu US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign in Hawaii. "It is this principle of service above self that is at the heart of every soldier, at the heart of every service member, and it is in this spirit that today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America," Gabbard was quoted as saying at an event here. "I will bring this soldier's principles to the White House, restoring the values of dignity, honour and respect to the presidency and above all else, love for our people and love for our country. "I ask you to join me, join me in putting this spirit, this spirit of service above self at the forefront and to stand up against the forces of greed and corruption. The road ahead will not be easy. The battles will be tough. The obstacles great, but I know when we stand united by our love for our people and for our country, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. There is no battle we cannot win," said Gabbard, who is not of Indian descent but comes from a Hindu family in Hawaii.
7 INDICTED FOR HELPING MURDER SUSPECT OF INDIAN AMERICAN COP
Seven friends and relatives believed to have helped Paulo Mendoza, the alleged killer of California police officer Ronil Singh last month, have been formally indicted. Mendoza allegedly killed Singh, a Fijian Indian American, on December 26 last year, after Singh stopped him at a traffic stop believing him to be intoxicated. Mendoza was arrested on December 28. The undocumented immigrant was being held without bail in Stanislaus County Jail. The charges against Mendoza make him eligible for the death penalty. The seven others charged in the case are: Mendoza’s live-in girlfriend, Ana Leyde Cervantes, Conrado Virgen Mendoza, Adrian Virgen, Erik Razo Quiroz, Bernabe Madrigal Castaneda Erasmo Villegas and Mendoza’s great-aunt Maria Luisa Moreno, for helping him escape law enforcement officials.
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CBI can question Kolkata police chief, can’t arrest him: SC
Govt to SC: Return Ayodhya land, except disputed area, to owners
The CBI officers were taken to The Supreme Court ordered Shakespeare Sarani police Kolkata police commissioner station and released later Rajeev Kumar to cooperate under instruction from with the CBI in the Saradha Mamata Banerjee. chit fund scam probe. The Mamata sit-in protest court made it clear that no In a dramatic showdown coercive steps, including with the Modi government, a arrest, can be taken against furious Banerjee began a sit-in him. “We direct the chief right in front of the Metro secretary of the state and the Cinema to protest "insults" DGP to file their replies on or she faced at the hands of before February 18,” a bench Prime Minister Narendra led by Chief Justice of India Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, Ranjan Gogoi said. hours after a CBI team that West Bengal chief had gone to question Kolkata minister Mamata Banerjee, Police Commissioner. who was on a three-day 'save Banerjee, one of the prime democracy dharna' against movers behind the effort to CBI’s attempts to question cobble together an anti-BJP Rajeev Kumar, said the court alliance ahead of the Lok verdict is a “moral victory” and ended her fast. “Rajeev Kumar West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee with Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of never said I will not be seeking directions to Rajeev presence of the police officers Kolkata Police Commissioner available. They (CBI) came to Kumar to cooperate with the after it considers the response without a search warrant. arrest. The court said no arrest,” investigation in the Saradha chit filed by the chief secretary and Banerjee asked all she said. The Mamata Banerjee fund case. The CBI had raised DGP. If presence is required opposition parties to unite to government has been involved suspicions that the Kolkata top then they would be intimated by bring down the Modi in showdown with the Centre cop was destroying evidence in February 19. Attorney General government and, in a rare after the CBI came to the the chit fund case. On Sunday KK Venugopal, who appeared exhortation by a political leader, Kolkata police chief’s doors on night, a CBI! team was detained for the CBI, said the called upon personnel of Sunday night to question him. by Kolkata police in an unprecedented events in West security forces of the Centre and The Supreme Court said unprecedented chain of events Bengal showed there was states, besides the Army, to Kumar should appear at a that also witnessed chief complete breakdown of the "condemn" the attitude of the neutral place - Shillong. The minister Mamata Banerjee constitutional machinery. Modi government. court said it may seek personal rushing to Kumar’s residence. The CBI moved the court
In a move to assuage the the feelings of Ram temple construction movement leaders, the Central government has moved the Supreme Court seeking the return of 67-odd acres - except the disputed area - to the original owners more than 26 years after the land was taken over to maintain communal harmony after the demolition of the Babri Masjid. In a surprise twist to the case, the Centre argued that the land could be returned to the owners, including the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, which owns 42 acres and is the leading light for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Though it was believed that the extent of the disputed area where the Ram Lalla idol is installed was 2.77 acres and the Allahabad high court, while deciding the title suits, had divided it equally among three parties - Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board and Nirmohi Akhara - the Centre limited it to just 0.313 acre by taking only the plinth area of the demolished three-domed structure into consideration. This means the Centre intends to return 67.39 acres of the 67.703 acres acquired by the Union government through the “Acquisition of Certain Areas at Ayodhya Ordinance” on January 7, 1993, to the original owners. The ordinance was later replaced with an act of the same nomenclature. The move, welcomed by VHP, is intended to signal the Modi government’s commitment to the temple cause, particularly in the light of uncertainty as to when the Supreme Court will pronounce on the appeals in the main dispute itself.
NDA woos middle class, unorganised workers and farmers in budget Continued from page 1
The interest subvention scheme currently available to farmers has been extended to fisheries, poultry and dairies. That means they can get up to 5% off on their interest rate if they repay loans on time. The coastal regions and eastern India, many of which have not been BJP strongholds but are very much on the party’s radar for 2019, were clearly the focus of this measure. The relatively well-off middle class wasn’t entirely overlooked either with standard deduction on income tax being hiked from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Within the middle class, there was something for senior citizens – by raising the TDS limit on bank and post office deposits as well as rental income, the FM hoped to make their life easier by reducing paperwork. The budget also gave homeowners much to be happy about. The budget speech, which lasted about an hour and 45 minutes, saw the treasury benches led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly thumping their tables while the opposition, Rahul Gandhi in particular, wore a sullen look. It wasn’t just about goodies for specific constituencies. Much of it was a showcasing of five years of the Modi government – from low inflation rates and high growth rates to toilets, gas
connections and bijli for the masses. In a departure from the past, the government decided to immediately roll out the schemes. While the pension plan will be launched on February 15, the income support for farmers is effective from December 2018. The break from the tradition of outgoing governments not making major tax changes was justified by Goyal who argued that relief for certain sections could not wait. Besides, he maintained, this was no more than a continuation of the NDA government’s policies. Military gets smallest pie of GDP India’s military modernisation will continue in its usual slow and haphazard manner, with the annual defence budget registering a measly 6.8% hike over last fiscal’s revised estimates. This just about caters for inflation, leaving the over 14,00,000 strong armed forces once again without any hope for a concerted military modernisation drive on all fronts. The defence budget is pegged at £31.8 billion, which is just 1.5% of the projected GDP for 20192020, the lowest such figure since the 1962 war with China. While this figure has been steadily declining as the economy expands, experts contend it should be over 2% to ensure the
Piyush Goyal arriving in parliament to present budget
requisite military modernisation to tackle the “collusive threat” from Pakistan and China. The ballooning defence pension bill now stands at £11.2 billion. Of the £31.8 billion figure, the capital outlay is just £10.82 billion for new weapon systems and modernisation, which continues to be dwarfed by the £ 21.06 billion revenue expenditure for day-to-day running costs, salaries and the like. Cow protection A Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog brings the “gau mata” to the centrestage as a political-cultural emblem, in keeping with the Modi government and BJP’s courtship of conservative Hindu constituencies. The interim Budget said the Aayog will scale up genetic improvement in cattle resources, enhance productivity and look after “effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for cows” - the last intended
to tackle the problem of stray cattle and crowded shelters. The Aayog is in addition to the existing ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’, which aims to conserve and develop indigenous breeds to increase bovine productivity. The government announced an increase in allocation in the current fiscal from £30.1 million to £75 million through revised estimates. 120 million farmers to benefit If all goes to plan, about 120 million farmers should receive Rs 2,000 each from the government in their bank accounts by March 31 as the first instalment of the Rs 6,000 annual ‘assured income support’ scheme announced in the Budget. The scheme is for those with cultivable land up to 2 hectares (or 5 acres). About 86% of farmers would qualify. The new Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKisan) will entail an annual expenditure of
£7.5 billion and will be made effective retrospectively, from December 1, 2018, for which the government in its revised Budget estimate for the fiscal provided an additional £2 billion for a quick roll -out. The Centre has sought to restrict the benefits to small and marginal farmers. £19.3 billion for transport infrastructure Aiming to build on the momentum in roadbuilding and railway augmentation, the government has allocated around £19.3 billion for transport infrastructure for 2019-20 to push construction and expansion of highways, railways, rural roads, Metro, shipping and waterways. While the allocation for railways has gone up by 21% and capital expenditure pegged at more than £15.8 billion, for
highways sector the hike is nearly 5.8%. There is a 54% cut in allocation for aviation sector from £ 970 million in 2018-19 to only £450 million for the next financial year. Spending by NHAI is estimated around £11.2 billion in 2019-20. Highlighting the acceleration in highways and railway sector, Goyal said, “India is currently the world’s fastest highway developer, with 27km of highways built each day.” The Centre has allocated £8.3 billion to the road transport and highways ministry. For railways, it has allocated nearly £6.67 billion for 2019-20 compared to £5.51 billion for the current FY. Railways has been allowed to raise £9.4 billion from the market to make an all-time high capital investment.
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Deve Gowda fumes over jibes from Karnataka Cong camp BENGALARU: Janata Dal (Secular) chief Deve Gowda has condemned the increasing frequency with which Congress legislators were taking potshots at his son, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and warned that he cannot remain silent on the matter anymore. He has demanded that the Congress prevent its legislators from uttering loose remarks that could hurt their working relationship. He said, “Is this any way to run a coalition government? Every day, we have to request our coalition partner to not utter unparliamentary remarks.” Gowda claimed that he has been “in pain” ever since his son became the Chief Minister. He added, “All kinds of
Deve Gowda
things have happened in these six months. I have not opened my mouth till now, but I can't keep quiet anymore.”
The statements come a couple of days after a visibly offended Kumaraswamy offered to quit his post. Gowda's warnings are seen as a reaction to Congress legislator ST Somasekhar's recent remark that Karnataka would have witnessed “real development” if former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had received another term. His party colleague, C Puttarangashetty, went a step further by saying that Siddaramaiah is the only chief minister in his book. Last week, Kumaraswamy asked its alliance partner to control its lawmakers because they were “crossing the alliance line”. He said, “If they want to
continue with the same thing, I am ready to step down. They are crossing the line,” adding that such wayward behaviour will only hurt the alliance partner. The Congress tried to make amends in the hours that followed, with state unit chief Dinesh Gundu Rao saying “statements crossing the lakshman rekha of coalition politics” will not be tolerated. He also said that Somasekhar has apologised for his remarks. “I'm telling you all as well as the people of the state to have faith in me. Yes, I did say that I will resign due to certain developments. I said that just because a few people were talking against me,” Kumaraswamy said.
PUNJAB
in brief AIADMK-BJP ALLIANCE ON THE CARDS
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is all set to strike an alliance with the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections, sources in the two parties have confirmed. The party’s high-level committees, constituted to discuss alliances, seat-sharing, campaigns and manifesto, is scheduled to meet and the tie-up is likely to be finalised in a week. A formal announcement is expected to be made after February 10, sources said. The AIADMK is expected to contest not less than 24 seats, apportioning the rest for its allies that will include, besides the BJP, Ramadoss’s PMK, Vijayakant’s DMDK, G K Vasan’s Tamil Maanila Congress, K Krishnaswamh’s Puthiya Tamizhagam and educationist T R Pachamuthu’s IJK, besides a couple of smaller outfits. Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s confidantes and ministers S P Velumani and P Thangamani are said to be in touch with BJP chief Amit Shah through his emissary and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
DEBT-RIDDEN PUNJAB SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE
BJP, Akali Dal agree to bury the hatchet CHANDIGARH: An apparent truce has been declared between the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), after a meeting between BJP president Amit Shah and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in New Delhi. The SAD had threatened to snap ties with the BJP over the alleged interference of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (an affiliate of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) in the Sikh religious affairs. The recent flashpoint was the amendment made in BJP president Amit Shah and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal Section 11 of the Takht Sri interfere in the affairs of the the BJP. Sources in both the Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Board Sikhs. Both parties have agreed Akali Dal and BJP confirmed Nanded Act, 1956, allowing the not to step on each other's that the two party presidents Maharashtra government to political turfs, and Badal was met for almost two hours. In the increase its representation in the assured that the Akalis would be meeting, Shah reportedly management of the gurdwara. consulted on all issues assured Sukhbir that the The Akali Dal also called a concerning Sikhs. Both, the amendment made in the Act core committee meeting of its Akali Dal and BJP have not would be withdrawn. One of the party to debate the issue of enjoyed a very comfortable assurances was that the continuing their alliance with working relationship since 2014. Rashtriya Sikh Sangat would not
While both the parties were in power till March 2017, the BJP-led government did not give any new project or succumb to any demand made by the Akali-BJP government of Parkash Singh Badal. However, with the Lok Sabha elections nearing, both allies seem to be working on their mutually beneficial electoral marriage. Snapping of ties over sensitive issue of the RSS infringing on Sikh religious institutions would also impact the BJP in northern states like Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, with sizeable Sikh voters. Sources have said both, Sukhbir and Shah have agreed to hold a joint meeting with Akali Dal and BJP workers to have a joint strategy for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The meeting will be held later this month.
WEST BENGAL
Modi attacks Mamata, pitches for Citizenship Bill THAKURNAGAR (WEST BENGAL): Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of orchestrating violence against BJP workers, claiming she had become jittery due to people's love for his party. He also accused his political rivals of misleading the distressed farming community through farm loan waivers. Modi also made a strong pitch for the passage of the Citizenship PM Narendra Modi addressing Scheduled Caste Matua community in West Bengal (Amendment) Bill that seeks persecution. cheers, Modi said, “Now I can to accord Indian citizenship to Addressing a well-attended understand why Didi (Banerjee) non-Muslim minorities from event of the Scheduled Caste and her party are indulging in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Matua community, where his violence... killing innocent Bangladesh who fled their speech was welcomed with loud people. countries due to religious
She has become jittery because of your love for us.” Calling the Budget a “historic step” for the welfare of farmers, the working and middle class, he said these sections were neglected for years after Independence. He said, “We have announced measures in our budget that will benefit 120 million small farmers, 300 to 400 million workmen, and 30 million middle class people.” Before the rally, Modi visited the Matua Thakurbari and sought the blessings of Baro Ma, the current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harishchandra Thakur.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged the 15th Finance Commission to sanction a 'Special Debt Relief Package' to support his government's efforts to revive fiscal health, along with a one-time package to enable payment of the entire debt of the distressed farmers of the agrarian state. In a meeting of the 15th Finance Commission with the state government, he noted with concern the permanent loss of revenue suffered by the state post GST implementation, whose compensation from the Centre will also end from July 1, 2022, resulting in a drastic fall in revenue in the range of £1 billion to 1.2 billion per annum. Singh's spokesperson said, “In view of the loss, the Chief Minister urged the Commission to recommend a graded compensation tapering formula to the government for states like Punjab beyond June 30, 2022, so that they do not simply 'fall off the cliff'.”
MAMATA, RAJNATH SPAR OVER CLASHES AFTER AMIT SHAH'S RALLY
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly told Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to rein in BJP workers after the latter called her following clashes between the supporters of the two parties immediately after BJP president Amit Shah's rally in Contai, East Midnapore district. In a tweet, the Home Ministry said, “HM spoke to West Bengal CM and expressed serious concern over reports of large scale violence and arson against people who attended Shah's rally in East Midnapore district. He asked CM that those who indulged in violence should be brought to book.” A senior TMC minister close to Banerjee said that she was angry with Singh's call and shot back with allegations against BJP. They said, “The chief minister told the home minister that he should first consider restraining the leaders of his own party. She told Singh that BJP leaders created the provocation and started the vandalism.”
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HERITAGE HISTORY
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9 - 15 February 2019
Godse as an alternative to the Gandhian ideology!
• Even after 70 years of assassination of the Mahatma, it is mock-enacted • The Mahatma blamed for the Partition by those who shared power with ML
W
hat an agony: the entire India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on the other side the so-called Hindu Mahasabha members are mock-enacting killing of the Mahatma and celebrating by distributing sweets! Sakshi Maharaj, a BJP MP, would call Nathuram a real patriot and retract his statement after controversy erupts for glorifying the assassin of the Father of the Nation. Of course, the ruling party in India avoids calling the Mahatma as “the Father of the Nation” following the advice issued in 1961 by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the RSS Pracharaka and the founder General Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh. A leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, went on to found the Jana Sangh in 1951, forerunner of the BJP which was established in 1980. removed,” she says. In this version “History books have told you that of history, drawn largely from Nathuram Godse was a sarfara, a Godse’s testament in his trial at lunatic who killed Gandhi. But in Red Fort in New Delhi, Mahatma reality, who was he? He was an Gandhi was not the man who led educated man, the editor of a India to freedom but who presided newspaper (Agrani Dainik and and was responsible for its Rashtra Dharma). He was a patriot, division, and in a final act of a freedom fighter,” told Himani betrayal, sat on a fast to “give” Savarkar, the niece of Nathuram Pakistan Rs. 55 crore in 1948. Godse, and the head of the radical On his 71st death anniversary, Hindutva organisation, Abhinav
The urn containing Nathuram Godse’s ashes at Pune
Bharat to Amrita Dutta of Indian Express in 2015. A daughter of Gopal Godse, the younger brother and co-conspirator in the murder of the Mahatma, Himani was an architect by profession and before her death, she could bring out Savarkar Samagra, a 10 volume authentic collection of writings by Barrister V. B. Savvarkar who is revered as Veer Savarkar. “When Partition happened, he (Nathuram) was in Pune, his lands were not taken away, his mother and sisters were not assaulted, then what made him get up and go to Delhi? Because the women of Bengal and Punjab were also his sisters. And the man responsible for this vigathan, Gandhi, had to be
while the nation — led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — was paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, a self-styled Hindu leader instantly shot to infamy by staging an ‘assassination’ of his effigy in Aligarh. The saffron-clad woman leader, Pooja Shakun Pandey, a mathematics professor by profession, is a firebrand leader who often attracts media attention with her outlandish statements and actions. is no stranger to controversy. She is the national secretary of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, and had told reporters that just like effigies of Ravana are burned every year on Dussehra, she would like to make it a tradition to shoot at Gandhi’s
effigies each year on 30 January — the day he was shot dead by Nathuram Godse. Her husband, Ashok Pandey, joins her mission too. “Poojaji is an extremely brave woman, who has taken sanyaas from ordinary life to serve the cause of Hindutva,” Ashok said. “It’s a tragedy that in our country, an FIR is registered for shooting a pervert like Gandhi, who slept naked with his niece, and is responsible for the death of lakhs of Hindus.” One feels sad when the person who resisted the Partition till last is being blamed for it and was shot dead by Godse on 30 January 1948 when he was going for the evening prayer at Birla House, Delhi. And the Hindu Mahasabha of Savarkar and Dr. Mookerjee which blamed the Mahatma for the Partition had joined hands with the same Muslim League to be partners in at least three Provinces i.e. Bengal, Sindh and North West Frontier even after the Muslim League of Mohammad Ali Jinnah had passed the resolution seeking Pakistan in March 1940 at Lahore. Later, Dr. Mookerjee was the Finance Minister in the Bengal Government headed by Fazlul Haq who himself moved the Pakistan Resolution! Sardar Patel, the Deputy Prime Minister as well as the Home Minister of India, in a letter to PM Jawaharlal Nehru on 27 February 1948 noted regarding the murder of the Father of the Nation: “It also clearly emerges from these statements that the RSS was not involved in it at all. It was a fanatical wing of the Hindu Mahasabha directly under Savarkar that (hatched) the conspiracy and saw it through. It also appears that the conspiracy was limited to some ten men, of whom all except two have been got hold of…Of course, his assassination was welcomed by those of the RSS and the
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Chhaptrapati Shivaji for Hindu-Muslim Harmony Mahasabha who were strongly opposed to his way of thinking and to his policy. But beyond this, I do
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Nathuram Godse is being looked upon as an alternative to the Gandhian ideology. As a result, the followership of Nathuram Godse is increasing with each passing day. Thus, it has become necessary to unearth the truth behind this religious fanaticism theory,” records Anup Sardesai in “Nathuram Godse: The Story of an Assassin”, claiming the motive behind writing his book was not to demean the Mahatma nor glorify his assassin. But none can deny the trend to malign the Mahatma by such actions of Pooja Shakun Pandey or Shakshi Maharaj or those calling to erect the statues or The Villains in the cartoon published in Godse’s Agrani Daily temples in the name of in 1945 included Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhas “Pandit” Nathuram Godse Chandra Bose, Maulana etc. hailing his dastardly action. The urn containing Godse’s ashes at Godse House, Pune awaits Even after seven decades there immersion in the Indus River after are petitions to review the Gandhi India becomes Akhand Bharat assassination case in the Supreme including Pakistan and Court despite being rejected Bangladesh. Unfortunately, the following the long trials and slogan Akhand Bharat is forgotten inquiry commissions. The efforts by the present day rulers despite are on to malign Gandhi by the their claim to follow the preaching right wing politicians though of Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar unsuccessfully. “In fact, Nathuram (Guruji), the second Chief of the Godse, Gandhiji’s assassin does not Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have any past record of indulging (RSS). May be Islamophobia in communal violence or religious restrains them. fanaticism…At a time when this country is going through chaotic times and when its ‘so-called” Dr. Hari Desai Gandhian politicians have lost the confidence of the masses, (The writer is a Socio-political Historian. E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com) not think it is possible, on the evidence which has come before us, to implicate any other members of the RSS or the Hindu Mahasabha. The RSS have undoubtedly other sins and crimes to answer for, but not for this one.”
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State-of-the-art facilities at Krishna Hospital: Dr Vijay Patel and Dr Bhikhu Patel dedicate new centre to the people
On January 24, trustees of London-based Shanta Foundation, Dr Vijay Patel and Dr Bhikhu Patel inaugurated the Waymade Critical Care centre in Karamsad's Shree Krishna Hospital. With an ICU bed capacity of 150, it is now the only hospital in a state with such a strength. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Charotar Arogya Mandal Dr Atul Patel, former chairman of the institution Dr Amruta Patel, Jashbhai Saheb of Anoopam Mission, Ravi Patel (USA), Londonbased businessman and philanthropist Subir Patel, former president of Lion's Club Enfield (UK) Piyushbhai Patel, Rotary Club London's Kiran Patel, along with several dignitaries from the UK and other guests. Dr Vijaybhai and Dr Bhikhubhai promised to help the hospital at a time when Shree Krishna Hospital stood face to face with a dire lack of a critical care unit packed with stateof-the-art technology, ventilators and ICU board. They donated Rs 8 Crore to the centre that is built at a whopping amount of Rs 17 Crore. Nexco Limited donated Rs 2 Crore for the
Dr Vijay Patel and Dr Bhikhu Patel inaugurated the Waymade Critical Care centre in Karamsad's Shree Krishna Hospital. With an ICU bed capacity of 150, it is now the only hospital in a state with such a strength. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Charotar Arogya Mandal Dr Atul Patel, former chairman of the institution Dr Amruta Patel, Jashbhai Saheb of Anoopam Mission, Ravi Patel (USA), London-based businessman and philanthropist Subir Patel, former president of Lion's Club Enfield (UK) Piyushbhai Patel, Rotary Club London's Kiran Patel, along with several dignitaries from the UK and other guests.
first floor of the centre, and Rs 2 Crore for the second floor was donated by Charotar Patidar Samaj, South East, Charlotte North Carolina, USA. Spread across 50,000 sq ft, the centre has four separate floors. The ground floor accommodates the administration office, pharmacy and waiting area. Each floor has a capacity of 34 ICU beds. The first floor is for people who can pay entirely for their treatments, while the second floor is only for general patients. The third floor is for in case there is a rise in number of people needing serious care. Also, every floor has an isolation unit in case of contagious patients. Other
Former chairman Amruta Patel, Smitaben Vijaybhai Patel, Shashiben Bhikhubhai Patel, Vijaybhai’s daughters-in-law and Bhikhubhai’s daughter were also present.
facilities include consultation room, counseling room, staff room, and especially nursing stations on every floor. At the event, Mandal chairman Dr Atul Patel
Maneesh Media felicitates 100 NRIs in Gujarat
Manish Kumawat, Kumarpal, Vinod Shankar Bhai Patel, Dr. Vimal Shah, Chandmal Kumawat, Manhar Prabhu Rama, Suresh Rannchhod Patel, Rizwan Adatia, Abhishek Kumawat and Siddharth Kumawat unveiling Jewels of Gujarat, Vol. II
In a glitzy evening, Jaipur-based Maneesh Media released its 37th publication, a coffeetable book, Jewels of Gujarat – Leading Global Gujarati Personalities: Vol II, in Ahmedabad. The event saw the felicitation of 100 influential Gujaratis from over 35 countries, while marking their presence were over 500 personalities from around the world. The Guests of Honour of the evening were Dr Kiran C Patel, who because of health reasons could only mark his presence virtually, and Dr Vimal B Shah (Bidco Africa, Kenya), while some of the keynote speakers were MP Rama (Auro University, India & USA), Rizwan Adatia (COGEF Group, Mozambique), Mr Vinod S Patel (Vinod Patel Co Ltd, Fiji) and Mr Kumarpal (Varada Diamonds, Bengaluru). Released on the eve of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat, Chairman Chandmal Kumawat said, “We are proud to serve our motherland by writing inspirational stories of people who have
made difference not only in India but all around the world. Our releases are more of a way to bring people from different countries together and dream of a new India.” The book travels to 35+ countries. One of the most reputed coffee-table book publishers in the country, Maneesh Media has earlier published biographies of notable Indians and is known for bringing the Indian diaspora under one roof to connect them beyond boundaries. The first edition of this coffee-table book Jewels of Gujarat was released by Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. Director Manish Kumawat quoted, “When the respected PM praised our efforts for the first edition, we narrated 100 true stories of Gujaratis like Mukesh Ambani (India) and Sunita Lyn Williams (USA), and were motivated for more such books. This second edition is a result of that effort to inspire many more Indians to live their dreams.”
informed that the hospital not only had the largest number of ICU beds in the state, but it also has facilities for additional patients in need. The hospital will also cater to those competent to
pay their own bills. Donors have even offered substantial donations for patients who can't always afford paying for their medical services. Dr Vijaybhai Patel has received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for philanthropy, and he was honoured by the Aarogya Mandal. Vijaybhai said, “My brother and I opened a foundation in our mother Shantaben's name in India, Kenya, and UK. We conduct several projects based on education, health, and sanctuary. Friends from the Lion's Club and Rotary Club, and UK, also helped us with funds for the Waymade Critical Care Centre. Dr. Bhikhubhai Patel
said, “With the increasing number of patient inflow into Shree Krishna Hospital, a necessity for a critical care unit rose and we rendered our help under Shanta Foundation. With this project, more and more patients will receive care. The institution has created this centre under a calculated budget and in time, and it is worth commending.” Mr. Jagrut Bhatt on behalf of the Mandal, said “Vijaybhai and Bhikhubhai were taught charity at a very young age by their mother Shantabaa. After singlehandedly raising her children in Kenya, she still managed to make different kinds of charity. Even today, she still make donations from her pension. Inspired by their own mother, these two brothers through Shanta Foundation, London made the remarkable donation to Shree Krishna Hospital Karamsad. These brothers have organised polio camps and eye camps in Gujarat and helped people. Even in Saurashtra region, they have been monumental in construction of the Waymade Education College and Eye Hospital at Wankaner.
UK home secretary orders extradition of Vijay Mallya British Home Secretary Sajid Javid has signed the order for fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's extradition back to India. Javid signed the order for the extradition of the indebted liquor baron on Sunday, eight weeks after chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sent the case to him. A spokesperson for the Home Office said, “On February 3, the Secretary of State, havnig carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order of Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences.” The decision came exactly two years after the Indian government first handed over the extradition request to the British high commission in New Delhi in February 2017. The trial had taken place in December 2017. Mallya now has 14 days to apply for leave to appeal in the high court. If there is no appeal, he must be extradited within 28 days of the home secretary’s order. If the high court grants permission it will go on to consider the appeal. Appeal however, is only possible with the leave of the high court. Responding to the order, Mallya has said that he would appeal. Appearing rather upbeat, the 63 year old said, “The anticipated appeal process starts 14 day from now. I can now appeal the Westminster magistrate's order. I could not do so till the home secretary made a decision. After the court decision I said I would appeal and now I can.” Javid was in a position where he had to
make the decision within two months of the day the case was sent to him, otherwise Mallya could have applied to be discharged. He also anyway had to order extradition once a case is sent to him, unless it is prohibited by statue, which could be a risk the person will face the death penalty in the requesting state, or another country is trying to extradite them or a risk they will face different charges to ones they were Vijay Mallya the extradited for. Indian government sources welcomed the order and said they are awaiting “early completion” of the legal process involved in the process. They said, “We have taken note of the decision of the UK Home Secretary to sign on the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. While we welcome the UK Government's decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition.”
Obituary Shri Natubhai Patel It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing away of satsangi Shri Natubhai Narshibhai Patel, on January 29, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Jyotsnaben Patel and son Aashish Patel.
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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
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9 - 15 February 2019
Exercise benefits brains, changes blood flow in older adults A study by University of Maryland School of Public Health researchers showed that exercise was associated with improved brain function in adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a decrease in the blood flow in key brain regions. "A reduction in blood flow may seem a little contrary to what you would assume happens after going on an exercise program," explained Dr J Carson Smith, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology. "But after 12weeks of exercise, adults with MCI experienced decreases in cerebral blood flow. They simultaneously improved significantly in their scores on cognitive tests." Dr Smith explains that for those beginning to experience subtle memory loss, the brain is in "crisis mode" and may try to compensate for the inability to function optimally by increasing cerebral blood flow. While elevated cerebral blood flow is usually considered beneficial to brain function, there is evidence to suggest it may actually be a harbinger of further memory loss in those
diagnosed with MCI. The results of the study suggest exercise may have the potential to reduce this compensatory blood flow and improve cognitive efficiency in those in the very early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. A control group of cognitively healthy older adults without mild cognitive impairment also underwent the exercise training program, consisting of four 30-minute sessions of moderate-intensity treadmill walking per week. But the program yielded different responses from each group. Unlike the group with MCI, whose exercise training decreased cerebral blood flow, the exercise
training increased cerebral blood flow in the frontal cortex in the healthy group after 12 weeks. Their performance on the cognitive tests also significantly improved, as was observed the MCI group. For this study, changes in cerebral blood flow were measured in specific brain regions that are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, including the insula (involved in perception, motor control, selfawareness, cognitive functioning), the anterior cingulate cortex (involved in decision making, anticipation, impulse control and emotion) and
the inferior frontal gyrus (involved in language processing and speech). Specifically, among those with MCI, the decreased cerebral blood flow in the left insula and in the left anterior cingulate cortex were strongly correlated with improved performance on a word association test used to measure memory and cognitive health. A previous publication focused on how the exercise intervention influenced changes in the brain's neural networks known to be associated with memory loss and amyloid accumulation, which are both signs of MCI and Alzheimer's. "Our findings provide evidence that exercise can improve brain function in people who already have cognitive decline," Dr Smith said optimistically. "We have an interest in targeting people who are at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's earlier in the disease process. We are seeing that exercise can impact biomarkers of brain function in a way that might protect people by preventing or postponing the onset of dementia."
Your social circle may help boost your body image Spending time with people who are not obsessed with their bodies may be key to improving your own eating habits and body image, a study has found. Researchers from University of Waterloo in Canada examined how social interactions influence body image. They found that in addition to the previous findings that being around people preoccupied with their body image was detrimental, that spending time with people who were non-body focused had a positive impact. “Our research suggests that social context has a meaningful impact on how we feel about our bodies in general and on a given day,” said Kathryn Miller, PhD candidate at University of Waterloo. “Specifically, when others around us are not focused on their body it can be helpful to our own body image,” said Miller. For the study, researchers asked 92 female undergraduate students aged 17 to 25 to complete a daily diary over seven consecutive days and reflected on their
interactions with body focused and non-body focused people. The study measured participants’ frequency of daily interactions with body focused and non-body focused peers, their degree of body appreciation, and body satisfaction. They also analysed whether the participants ate intuitively in alignment
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with their hunger and cravings rather than fixating on their dietary and weight goals. “Body dissatisfaction is ubiquitous and can take a huge toll on our mood, selfesteem, relationships, and even the activities we pursue,” said Allison Kelly, a psychology professor at University of Waterloo. “It’s important to realise that the people we spend time with actually influence our body image. If we are able to spend more time with people who are not preoccupied with their
bodies, we can actually feel much better about our own bodies,” said Kelly. The researchers also found that spending more time with non-body focused individuals may be advantageous in protecting against disordered eating and promoting more intuitive eating. “It’s also important for women to know that they have an opportunity to positively impact those around them through how they relate to their own bodies,” Miller said.
in brief EARLY RISERS LESS LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION
Sleeping habits and patterns have always been important. However, according to a new study, those who are early risers are less prone to develop mental health problems. The study states that early risers are biologically programmed to be less susceptible to depression and schizophrenia and might just be happier than others. In order to arrive at the result, genetics data of several individuals were examined and participants were asked whether they are a morning or an evening person. After their genomes were analysed, it was revealed that certain genes impact their sleep patterns. “The large number of people in our study means we have provided the strongest evidence to date that ‘night owls’ are at higher risk of mental health problems, such as schizophrenia and lower mental wellbeing, although further studies are needed to fully understand this link,” Mike Weedon, who led the research said. “This study highlights a large number of genes which can be studied in more detail to work out how different people can have different body clocks,” Weedon added. The report states that the link between schizophrenia and body clock is the strongest. “Our work indicates that part of the reason why some people are up with the lark while others are night owls is because of differences in both the way our brains react to external light signals and the normal functioning of our internal clocks. These small differences may have potentially significant effects on the ability of our body clocks to keep time effectively, potentially altering risk of both disease and mental health disorders,” Samuel Jones, lead author of the paper said.
NAGGING SORE THROAT CAN BE A SIGN OF CANCER
Persistent sore throat, according to a recent research, can be symptomatic of cancer. The report states that if a nagging sore throat is accompanied with earache, trouble in swallowing and shortness of breath then it can be considered as a sign of cancer. Weilin Wu at Cancer Research, UK, however, has said that there is no need to be alarmed. “A sore throat on its own wasn’t linked to laryngeal cancer,” he said. “But importantly, this study also provides the best evidence to date to support the current recommendation to refer older patients with persistent hoarseness.” Dr Elizabeth Shephard, the lead author, opined that it was one of the firsts to really look at all the symptoms that can be important for laryngeal cancer. “The significance of the study is that we’ve found that hoarseness is important for laryngeal cancer, but significantly the risk of having laryngeal cancer greatly increases when it’s combined with a recurrent sore throat,” she said. Professor Willie Hamilton, one of the authors of the study and the clinical lead for the current guidelines from The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasised on the importance of the research as it “has shown the potential severity of some symptom combinations previously thought to be low risk. When NICE guidance for cancer investigation was published, there was no evidence from GP practices to guide this – nor to inform GPs,” he said. However, he also maintained that they are considering only those with sore throat that is severe enough to go to the general practitioner.
28 BOLLYWOOD
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By nature I am an entertainer : Ranveer Singh
Mitul Paniker
The original 440 volt, Ranveer Singh is a walking, talking power house and well, his energy is infectious. After a smashing 2018, with movies like 'Padmaavat' and 'Simmba', Singh has now taken to the streets of Mumbai with Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' this year. The film portrays the actor in the role of Murad, an aspiring rapper from the ghettos of the city. In conversation with Asian Voice, Singh talked about the film, Zoya and the real him. • You are known to go full out for your roles. Is it easier getting into a character or getting out of one? It depends from character to character. Some characters are easier to get into while some characters require more work, for instance a light film like 'Befikre' doesn't require much preparation, but a heavy film like 'Padmaavat' requires a lot more preparation. A character like Khilji doesn't leave your system long after the shooting but a lighter film like 'Dil Dhadakne Do'; you are able to get out of the process in a much more fluid way . It really depends from film to film, and character to character. • You have already begun work on '83', so have you left your character Murad behind? I actually shot for 'Gully Boy' before 'Simmba'. It was Khilji in 'Padmaavat', then Murad in 'Gully Boy', then Bhalerao in
'Simmba'. We have actually not started work on '83' yet. We are still in the preparation process. Our entire ensemble of actors is getting together every morning for training sessions. We train every day for four hours to get the cricket accent right. Very soon after the release of 'Gully Boy' we can start working on the characterisation. I have to transform myself into the living legend Kapil Dev so it's a film that requires lot of prep. It's an exciting film to be a part of , given that it's one of the glorious chapters in our nation's history. As a creative person, as an actor, just the thought that we have been entrusted with the responsibility of capturing or immortalising on celluloid one of the greatest sport stories to come out of our country; the most amazing, spectacular human stories that we have witnessed. This bunch of underdogs who nobody believed in and they proved everybody wrong and went on to achieve the ultimate glory is really one of the most amazing stories I have ever heard and the way the film is shaping up... the people that have come together on this project, the vibe on this film is very very strong. • Considering your level of energy every time you are in front of the cameras, do you ever have an off day?
“When I am in public I wear my entertainer hat. It's sort of like a weird defence mechanism.”
I really really value my down time. It is almost as if when I am in public I wear my entertainer hat. It's sort of like a weird defence mechanism. That's also me. By nature I am an entertainer, I am a people pleaser. I love people, I love to entertain people, I love putting a smile on people's faces. While that side of my is very real, there is also a side of me that is quiet and sensitive. That side of me is also very real and authentic but not one that I like to present myself as when I am out and about. It's not the way I like to be when I am in public. Both sides are very real me, but they are two very different sides to me. It's not for the world. It's for my wife, for my family, for my best friends. It is also for certain characters. Zoya is one filmmaker who can tap into that side of me and bring that side of me to the screen. I'm very thankful that I have a filmmaker like her who is able to tap into that side of me and present me that way on screen. It's very cathartic that way to be able to be like that in a film.
Ekta Kapoor turns mom, welcomes baby boy
Television queen Ekta Kapoor is now the proud mother of a baby boy, who was born on January 27 via surrogacy. Kapoor took to Twitter to announce the news, and wrote, “By God's grace, I have seen many successes n my life, but nothing beats the feeling of this beautiful soul being added in my world. I cannot even begin to express how happy my baby's birth has made me. Everything in life doesn't go the way you want it to but there are always solutions to
those hiccups. I found mine and today I feel immensely blessed to become a parent. It is an emotional moment for me and my family and I can't wait to begin this new journey of being a mother to my little bundle of joy, Ravie Kapoor.” For those who don't know, Ravie Kapoor is the real name of her father, yesteryear superstar Jeetendra. Back in 2016, Ekta's brother Tusshar Kapoor had welcomed his son Laksshya via surrogacy and become a single parent too. The grandfather is ecstatic
about the birth of his second grandchild. He said, “I was a dada earlier. Now, I have become a nana. My life is complete. Shobha (wife) and I were over the moon when we heard it first. We are looking forward to him coming home. My family says he (Ravie) looks just like me, but then, a child's looks keep changing every day. It's tough to say who he will resemble in the future. Now, I have Laksshya and Ravie- they are the apple of my eye. I can die peacefully now as both my babies have their own babies.”
Priyanka to play Ma Anand Sheela in her next Priyanka Chopra has announced her fourth Hollywood project on the latest episode of Ellen. She will play the role of late spiritual leader Osho's disciple, Ma Anand Sheela, in a film, which will be helmed by Oscarwinning director, Barry Levinson. She was on the show to promote her upcoming Hollywood movie 'Isn't It Romantic'. About her movie in Osho, “I am developing a feature with Barry Levinson. He is an iconic American director. We are developing it (from the perspective of) Sheela who is this guru who originated from India. She was his right hand woman and she was devious. She created a whole cult in America. He was called Osho. I don't know if you've heard of him. I am developing that next for me to star in and produce.” Netflix's hit documentary 'Wild Wild
Country' was also based on Osho's communty Rajneeshpuram, which was run by Ma Anand Sheela, in Oregon, USA. After a series of altercations with the locals, which ended with the mass
poisoning of a town, she was convicted of multiple attempted murders and now lives in Switzerland. Osho himself accused Sheela of arson, wiretapping, attempted murder and mass poisonng, after she fled from the commune.
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Manju Warrier joins Dhanush in 'Asuran' Dhanush and Vetri Maaran are known for making blockbusters like 'Pollathavan', 'Aadukalam', and the recentlyreleased 'Vada Chennai'. At the promo event of 'Vada Chennai', Dhanush announced that he is teaming up with 'Vetri Maaran' yet again for a film titled 'Asuran'. The latest addition to the film is Malayalam actress Manju Warrier. 'Asuran' will mark Manju's debut in Kollywood, and the first look was recently released on the internet. Dhanush recently welcomed Warrier on Twitter and wrote, “#asuran – update .. the evergreen Manju Warrieri will be playing the female lead. Excited to share screen space and learn from this amazing talent.” It will be interesting to see the fresh pairing of Dhanush and Manju. The shooting of 'Asuran' will kickstart on January 26, according to
Anjali opens up about her career and relation with Mammootty
Dhanush. The makers are tight-lipped about the film's genre and cast. However, the poster suggests that Asuran is a period drama. According to sources, 'Asuran' is said to be based on a Tamil novel called 'Vetkai'. The movie has music by G.V.Prakash, who is reuniting with them after 8 years. It has cinematography by Velraj. The project is bankrolled by Kalaipuli.S.Thanu under his banner V Creations.
Following the raving success of 'Peranbu', Anjali has been a strong player in the South Indian film industry for 12 years since her debut with director Ram's 'Kattradhu Tamizh' in 2007. 'Peranbu' is her 47th release, and while she has mostly done Tamil movies, she has done a handful in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. In an interview, she said, “I'm more inclined towards strong performance oriented films but not all films are like that. I tend to take up commercial films hence, but make sure that even those films have a strong part for me.” She also spoke in length about her co-actors in
Rajamouli ropes in Samuthirakani
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TV PROGRAM NAMES SIRF 30 MINUTES THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2 RASOI SHOW CHHUTA CHHEDA RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN JAHAANARA INTERNETWALA LOVE ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN MOHE RANNG DO LAAL BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE RED ALERT TANTRA
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SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2019 TV PROGRAM NAMES
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CHHUTA CHHEDA RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2 FAMOUSLY FILMFARE NAVRANGI RE RED ALERT ZINDAGI KI HAQEEQAT SE AAMNA SAAMNA CHHUTA CHHEDA
SUNDAY 17th FEBRUARY 2019 TV PROGRAM NAMES
TIME 18:00: 18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 20:00: 20:30: 21:30: 22:30:
RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2 FAMOUSLY FILMFARE NAVRANGI RE RED ALERT ZINDAGI KI HAQEEQAT SE AAMNA SAAMNA CHHUTA CHHEDA
* Schedule is subject to change
SATURDAY 9th February 2019 TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 17:00 17:30 18:30 20:00 21:30 23:00
Keys to Kismat Crime Patrol The Kapil Sharma Show Super Dancer Chapter 3 The Kapil Sharma Show The Kapil Sharma Show
SUNDAY 10th February 2019 TIME 16:30 17:30 18:30 20:00 21:30 23:00
TV PROGRAM NAMES Meet the Drapers Crime Patrol The Kapil Sharma Show Super Dancer Chapter 3 The Kapil Sharma Show The Kapil Sharma Show
MONDAY 11th February - Friday 15th February
TIME 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00
TV PROGRAM NAMES Vighnaharta Ganesh Mere Sai Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai Chandragupta Maurya Main Maayke Chali Jaaungi Patiala Babes Ladies Special Crime Patrol
Wednesday February 13, 2019 02:16 Film : Jurm 06:00 Film : Bas Ek Tamanna 08:12 Film : The Real Prince 11:00 Film : Utthaan 14:00 Film : Woh 7 Din * Schedule is subject to change 17:00 Film : Akaash Vani Sunday February 10, 2019 20:00 Film : Koyelaanchal 03:10 Film : Nazar 23:00 Film : Tere Mere Phere 06:00 Film : Kaun Thursday February 14, 2019 08:00 Film : Jaan Se Pyara 01:30 Film : Zeher 11:00 Film : Phir Hera Pheri 06:00 Film : Krishna Arjun 14:15 Film : 36 China Town 08:33 Film : Hero 17:05 Film : Veer 11:51 Film : Dhadkan 20:25 Film : Santa Banta Pvt Ltd 15:20 Film : Do Lafzon Ki Kahani 22:47 Film : 1920 London 18:00 Film : Raja Hindustani Monday February 11, 2019 21:42 Film : Khoobsurat 01:02 Film : Woh Lamhe Friday February 15, 2019 06:00 Film : Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara 00:17 Film : Bewafaa 03:00 Film : Fox 08:30 Film : Aur Ek Diljala 06:00 Film : Kaun 11:18 Film : Krishan Avtaar 14:20 Film : Pappu Can't Dance Saala 08:00 Film : Woh 7 Din 11:00 Film : Mr. Natwarlal 17:00 Film : Dil Chahta Hai 14:21 Film : Phool Aur Kaante 20:50 Film : Akaash Vani 23:47 Film : Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaa 17:34 Film : Awaara Paagal Deewana 20:57 Film : A Flying Jatt Tuesday February 12, 2019 23:59 Film : Raja Hindustani 02:12 Film : Jashnn Saturday February 16, 2019 06:00 Film : Sweekar Kiya Maine 03:10 Film : Hero 08:47 Film : Yeh Kaisa Aatank 06:00 Film : Prithipal Singh... A Story 11:18 Film : Juaari 08:00 Film : Ram Balram 14:22 Film : Samay - When Time Strikes 11:22 Film : Do Lafzon Ki Kahani 17:10 Film : Santa Banta Pvt Ltd 14:00 Film : Bewafaa 19:30 Film : Star Stop 17:17 Film : Khoobsurat 20:03 Film : Yes Boss 20:00 Film : Jab We Met 23:27 Film : Jeet - Born To Win 23:10 Film : Fox
SATURDAY 16th February 2019
* Schedule is subject to change
MONDAY 11th - FRIDAY 15th February 2019
role in a Telugu film. Samuthirakani has made a cameo appearance in 'Shambo Shiva Shambo', the Telugu remake of 'Nadodigal'. 'RRR' is said to be one of the biggest multi-starrer of Tollywood with a mega budget of 300 Crores. Keeravani si the music director and Senthil Kumar is the cinematographer of the project.
SS Rajamouli is currently working on a new project starring NT Rama Rao Jr and Ram Charan titled 'RRR'. The movie is produced by DVV Danayya under the banner DVV Entertainment. Shooting for the film has already begun after a mega launch and latest updates reveal Samuthirakani has been roped in to play an important role. This will be his first time playing an important
MONDAY 11th - FRIDAY 15th February 2019
TIME
'Peranbu', Mammootty and child actor Sadhana, and director Ram. “I didn't realise it was a big opportunity to work with Mammootty sir until I got into the sets. I don't feel anything very special easily and keep my expectations low, but when I got into the set and saw him up close, watch him perform next to me, I feel really great.” Also speaking about his peformance, she said, “He delivers every shot perfectly. When he is performing you won't notice certain things he does but when seeing them in the dubbing suite, I found that every small expression of his speaks a lot which I admired a lot.”
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SHAKTI ASTITVA KE EHSAAS KI
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KHOOB LADI MARDANI
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DESI BEAT 3.0 NAAGIN - SEASON 3 KHATRON KE KHILADI JIGGER PE TRIGGER COURT ROOM KAHAANI AB TAK - KESARRI NANDAN
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19:30: INSIDE ACCESS 20:00: NAAGIN - SEASON 3 21:00: KHATRON KE KHILADI JIGGER PE TRIGGER 22:00: COURT ROOM 23:30: KAHAANI AB TAK - KESARRI NANDAN
30 UK
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38th delayed annual Christmas vegan lunch
Loyalty is the main topic today: Pujya Mahant Swami
Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha head Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in Mahelav for his vicharan. He had arrived in Mahelav with the sole objective of worshipping Nilkanth Varni. On the morning of January 30, yagna was performed while nagaryatra was conducted in the evening. Several saints and devotees had joined in the pooja. A award function was organised in the evening, in which volunteers and devotees who have contributed their time and efforts were recognised. On January 31st Mahant Swami performed abhishek on Nilkanth Varni. In his address to the assembly, Pujya Mahant Swam said that loyalty is the main topic in this assembly. He fondly remembered Pujya Shastriji Maharaj and said that he had only tolerated, never confronted. February 1 being Workers Day, Pujya Mahant Swami spoke to several workers and even answered several questions from them. He also blessed them. February 3 was celebrated as suvarnatula mahotsav and 'Holi with Flowers' was organised. Devotees made donations according to their belief and capacity. Pujya Mahant Swami coloured his devotees with flowers and petals. On February 4, the BAPS Swaminarayan School, Vidyanagar's anniversary was celebrated in the presence of Pujya Mahant Swami.
Coming Events
On Sunday 3 February the The Indian Cultural Centre, Croydon organised their annual vegan Christmas lunch. In its 38th year, over 100 people enjoyed the delicious food at this delayed Christmas lunch. Nitin Mehta started this event 38 years ago to promote a vegetarian/vegan Christmas and to promote friendship between the people of Croydon. Speaking to Asian Voice, Mehta said “I never expected to see the rise of 'veg-
anism' as we are witnessing today. It confirms we were on to the right thing. Mankind is beginning to realise that eating animals and abusing them is contrary to human values of compassion and empathy towards those who are at our mercy. “Our brutal treatment of animals has rebounded on us and brought the planet on the brink of disaster. For all of you who have been fighting for the animal cause over decades against all odds.”
● Saraswati Mata Puja is to be performed on Vasant Panchami, February 10, Sunday, 10.30 am to 11.45 am, at Hanuman Hindu Temple, Sri Datta Yoga Centre, 51 Beech Avenue, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8NQ.
Disclaimer Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL) is not in any way responsible for the goods and services rendered by its advertisers. The ABPL management accepts all advertisements in good faith and it is entirely up to readers to verify advertisers’ products and services, should they feel the need to do so. Ajit Ninan and Jug Suraiya for Times of India
Sneh Joshi
The Land Of The Exile Rabindranath Tagore Mother, the light has grown grey in the sky; I do not know what the time is. There is no fun in my play, so I have come to you. It is Saturday, our holiday. Leave off your work, mother; sit here by the window and tell me where the desert of Tepantar in the fairy tale is. The shadow of the rains has covered the day from end to end. The fierce lightning is scratching the sky with its nails. When the clouds rumble and it thunders, I love to be afraid in my heart and cling to you. When the heavy rain patters for hours on the bamboo leaves, and our windows shake and rattle at the gusts of wind, I like to sit alone in the room, mother, with you, and hear you talk about the desert of Tepantar in the fairy tale. Where is it, mother, on the shore of what sea, at the foot of what hills, in the kingdom of what king? There are no hedges there to mark the fields, no footpath across it by which the villagers reach their village in the evening, or the woman who gathers dry sticks in the forest can bring her load to the market. With patches of yellow grass in the sand and only one tree where the pair of wise old birds have their nest, lies the desert of Tepantar. I can imagine how, on just such a cloudy day, the young son of the king is riding alone on a grey horse through the desert, in search of the princess who lies imprisoned in the giant's palace across that unknown water. When the haze of the rain comes down in the distant sky, and lightning starts up like a sudden fit of pain, does he remember his unhappy mother, abandoned by the king, sweeping the cow-stall and wiping her eyes, while he rides through the desert of Tepantar in the fairy tale? See, mother, it is almost dark before the day is over, and thee are no travellers yonder on the village road. The shepherd boy has gone home early from the pasture, and men have left their fields to sit on mats under the eaves of their huts, watching the scowling clouds. Mother, I have left all my books on the shelf-do not ask me to do my lessons now. When I grow up and am bid like my father, I shall learn all that must be learnt. But just for today, tell me, mother, where the desert of Tepantar in the fairy tale is. Editor: CB Patel Chief Executive Officer: Liji George Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Deputy Editor: Urja Patel Advertising Managers: Kishor Parmar Head - New Projects & Business Development: Cecil Soans Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 Email: support@abplgroup.com Leicester Distributors: Shabde Magazine, Shobhan Mehta Mob: 07846 480 220
The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality
ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Your mind is focused on private
matters and past issues while Mercury transits the twelfth house of your solar chart. This is a time when you are least likely to express yourself freely. You're examining the past for answers. You are likely to require a certain amount of solitude in order to get your thoughts together or to be mentally productive.
LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23
You'll be dealing with relationship matters, and especially commitments, for some time to come. Mars entering your house of travel could stimulate a desire to explore and widen your horizons. A sense of accomplishment comes your way regarding work and health, as you feel more structured and organised.
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23
Sun in your solar 10th and TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Mercury in your solar 11th
house stimulates work and friends. This period makes you focus on your long-term goals, friendships, and group affiliations. This could test a friendship, or a friend may experience a little crisis and ask for your help. You could suddenly find yourself amongst people through no choice of your own. .
Relationships look great as Venus in your solar 5th house and Mercury in your opposite sign help to enhance your personal magnetism and put you in a gregarious mood. 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.
GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Venus highlights your solar eighth house. Your attention turns inward on a deeper level to personal transformations. There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes. This transit should be positively dealt with to achieve any benefits.
Mercury highlights your solar sixth house. This is a period that finds you tending to your daily routines, and health matters. You seek to perfect your skills and as a result, you can be more critical than usual, but this process is necessary for you to sort out what works for you and what doesn't.
With Venus traversing your opposite sign of relationships for some time to come, it will put you in the right mood if you intend to indulge your pleasure-loving instincts. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. Existing emotional differences can be easily sorted out now.
Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated. It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life. Venus, the planet of love and beauty in your solar 3rd house and Mercury in your 5th house is creating a lot of opportunities for you. Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you.
CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22
LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23
SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22
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Mercury in your solar 4th house continues to put a spotlight on your family affairs. This is a time to recharge yourself, get in touch with your innermost feelings, connect with your roots, and spend more time with your loved ones. With Sun in your solar 3rd house, there will be many opportunities to find ways to improve your family relations and your home environment.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21
CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Domestic and home matters are disturbed and a source of concern to you. You could find family members hostile and difficult to reason with. It is a period of handling matters with utmost diplomacy and calmness. Mercury in your solar 3rd sign ensures that you are extremely communicative and that people will listen to what you have to say. AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Keep your assertive inclination under control as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Financially, expect things to run a relatively steady course - it is a time for consolidation rather than speculation. A good time for restructuring and rethinking your aims and interests. Your energy and attention will be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting things done. Close personal relationships will improve with Mercury in your sign.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20
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in brief INDIA TO PLAY BANGLA, NZ IN WC WARM-UP MATCHES
India will play New Zealand and Bangladesh in their warm-up matches before the starting of the ICC ODI World Cup starting May 30 in England. All 10 competing nations will play two official warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament, which will take place at four venues across England and Wales. “The fixtures will be held over five days between May 24-28, and will be played at the Bristol County Ground, Cardiff Wales Stadium, Hampshire Bowl and The Oval,” the ICC said in a statement. India will take on New Zealand on May 25 at the Oval followed by a game against Bangladesh on May 28 in Cardiff. The warm-up fixtures will be 50over affairs but will not carry official ODI status as teams would be able field all members of their 15-strong squads during the match. “These games provide another opportunity for fans to see world-class players at their local venue,” said World Cup 2019 managing director Steve Elworthy.
KOHLI IS UNBELIEVABLE PLAYER: TOM CURRAN
Young England fast bowler Tom Curran has described Virat Kohli as an “unbelievable
ICC CEO picks India as the favorites to win World Cup International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO David Richardson has picked India as the favourite team to win Cricket World Cup. Richardson feels that India's massive progress will aid them in the coveted event. "It is extremely difficult to pick a winner. Obviously, India is playing really well. England has got their best ODI team in many years. South Africa has also performed. But the progress the Indian team has made in the recent years, it will be exceptionally difficult to beat them," Richardson said. India are in top form at the moment and have won four successive ODI series since their loss to England in July last year. Moreover, the dual series victory in Australia and New Zealand this year shows that India are on the right path. The Indian team
David Richardson
has clicked well in all departments and things look bright for them. Besides India, hosts England are going to challenge for the trophy as well. Eoin Morgan's men also will have home comforts in their
favour. England go into the World Cup with the least issues. They have a settled side and plenty of depth in every department. India have a few issues going into the World Cup. They sorted out the third pacer
problem and have identified the positions for major part of their batting. The bowling looks strong and so does the bench strength. But the number four position in batting is a worry. Ambati Rayudu hasn't quite looked convincing. India have a call to make if Rayudu keeps failing. India's matches in 2019 World Cup- Dates and venue June 5: India vs South Africa (Southampton); June 9: India vs Australia (The Oval); June 13: India vs New Zealand (Nottingham); June 16: India vs Pakistan (Manchester); June 22: India vs Afghanistan (Southampton); June 27: India vs West Indies (Manchester); June 30: England vs India (Birmingham); July 2: India vs Bangladesh (Birmingham); July 6: India vs Sri Lanka (Leeds).
India aiming to bid for 2022 hockey world cup player” and hopes to dismiss the Indians when the two teams come to play in the future. Curran spoke to media after the ICC announced the fixtures of the T20 World Cup in Australia next year. India and England are clubbed in the same pool. When asked how he hopes to get the prized scalp of Kohli, the 23-year-old right-arm pacer said: “Hopefully not with a no-ball! We’ll see. He's an unbelievable player.”
ICC ASKS LANKA TO COME CLEAN ON CORRUPTION
The International Cricket Council has urged Sri Lanka’s scandal-ridden sporting community to come forward with information about corruption before an amnesty expires or risk expulsion from the game. Sri Lankan cricket has been mired in corruption allegations in recent years, including claims of match fixing ahead of an international Test against England last year, and the sport’s world governing body is in the middle of a major inquiry into the island nation. The ICC said it had received a “positive response” after granting a 15-day amnesty this month for players, coaches or anyone else linked to the sport to come clean, free of the threat of punishment. Council anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall said new cases had come to light and urged others to come forward before the amnesty expires. The ICC considers Sri Lanka the world’s most corrupt cricketing nation and the sport’s governance riddled with graft “from top to bottom.”
LANKAN OPENER HURT
Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne was hit by a bouncing delivery on his helmet and was taken off the field on a stretcher on the second day of the test match against Australia. Karunaratne crumpled to the ground after ducking into a Pat Cummins bouncer which rocketed into the back of his helmet. The 30-year-old Karunaratne, who retired hurt on 46, left the ground on a stretcher. He was later taken to a hospital. He appeared to be conscious, although medical staff appeared concerned about his neck.
After the immense success of the recent men's World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India is now eager to host the next edition to be held in 2022 as well. Working at a hectic pace to submit a bid for the 2022 men's World Cup, India has caused a flutter in international circles by seeking to host back-to-back World Cups. If allotted, it would be the third World Cup staged in India since New Delhi hosted the 2010 edition. The window for India to submit candidature to stage the 2022 World Cup came through the FIH decision to reopen the bids. Instead of announcing the next hosts ahead of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar in December, the FIH Executive Board sprung a surprise by extending the time for potential hosts to step in.
Without citing any reasons for the unusual step, the FIH reopened bids for both men and women's World Cups to be staged in 2022, although it had received four bids from across three continents. Australia, Germany and Malaysia had submitted candidature for both men and women's events ahead of the September 2017 deadline, while Spain's bid was only for the men's World Cup. However, India has antagonised some of the top hockey nations by pulling out of the FIH Pro League and causing a lot of anxiety about the competition's financial viability in the absence of the nation with the biggest hockey audience. It is no secret that the international telecast rights have for decades been sold on the strength of India delivering
a massive audience. Due to its status as the commercial hub of international hockey, India's withdrawal has caused plenty of anxious moments for the FIH Pro League that got underway in January. However, the financial travails confronting a few hockey-playing countries could end up aiding India's efforts to stage the 2022 men's World Cup. After all, India remains the financial core of world hockey and the golden goose for the sport's governing body. In the absence of India featuring in the FIH Pro League, the Indian corporate houses have been lukewarm in their response to sponsorship proposals. The FIH has also been forced to go out and sell
country-wise telecast rights for the deals to make commercial sense in participating nations. Notwithstanding that an Indian, Narinder Batra, heads the FIH as its first-ever nonEuropean President, Hockey India officials realise that a monumental effort would be required to convince the global hockey chiefs to allow India to stage two successive World Cups for men at a time when several other countries are eager to host it. Nevertheless, Hockey India is pushing its case as competent hosts, the claim spurred by the impressive staging of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar.
BCCI finding it difficult to manage families touring with cricketers The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is finding it difficult to manage things logically while the cricketers are travelling with their wives, children and nannies. Earlier the BCCI has allowed the player to have their families with them for two weeks during lengthy tours. Sources said that the BCCI had faced some problems in Australia – like transporting the players, support staff and family members whose number was close to 40. The board hired two buses at times but still found it difficult to manage the numbers. Indian captain Virat Kohli had asked for WAGs to be allowed on overseas tour. BCCI had allowed wives to stay with
their husbands after first 10 days of the tour. The board also tried a ‘family period’, wherein the families visited the players for a set period of time, which varied from tour to tour. While the visit of families is not costing BCCI much because the
cricketers are footing the bills of their families, it’s turning out to be a logistical issue for BCCI. “If the team is travelling with less number of members, it is easier to manage. It’s easy for BCCI staff to make off field arrangements. Right from
booking tickets to rooms, the entire management of handling the arrangement is with BCCI. It would be a logistical nightmare if this arrangement – of families travelling with the players – continues to be there in England for the entire duration of the World Cup,” a BCCI official said. Taking a cue from the recently concluded Australian tour, BCCI isn’t happy that a few Test players who weren’t even regulars, travelled with their extended families for two weeks. “It is difficult to manage all of them together. There is also the problem of arranging match tickets for their families. It has to be regulated. This is not a question of money,” the official added.
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9 - 15 February 2019
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India wrap up NZ series 4-1
Team India celebrate winning the One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand.
A knock of 90 by Ambati Rayudu rescued India from deep trouble and saw them beat New Zealand by 35 runs in the fifth and final OneDay International in Wellington on Sunday to wrap up the series 4-1. Captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first instead of chasing totals down. They made a disastrous start and were four for 18 before Rayudu, with help from Vijay Shankar, steered the side to 252 and New Zealand in reply were all out for 217. India went into the match with an unbeatable 31 lead in the series and looking to atone for their sole loss, an eight-wicket defeat in the previous match at Hamilton. Four months away from the World Cup, the series highlighted the gulf between second-ranked India and third-ranked New Zealand. It did look as if India were heading for another defeat when Matt Henry and Trent Boult ripped out the first four wickets in under 10 overs. But when the swing bowlers were taken out of
the equation, Rayudu and Shankar toyed with the attack, putting on 98 for the fifth wicket before Shankar was run out at 45. Rayudu, who faced 84 deliveries to reach 44, needed only 27 more for his remaining 46 runs in an innings that included eight fours and four sixes. He had a life on 60 when dropped by Boult and was eventually removed when Henry, New Zealand’s most successful bowler, came back for his second spell. Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks for India with 45 off 22 deliveries, while Henry finished with four for 35. New Zealand batted through to the 45th over, which captain Kane Williamson described as “a step in the right direction” after being comprehensively beaten in the first three games of the series. Like India, New Zealand’s top order also went cheaply, before a 67run stand by Williamson (39) and Tom Latham (37) for the fourth wicket. But after they went in quick succession Yuzvendra Chahal led a spin
assault that saw the hosts all out for 217, with Chahal taking three wickets for 41 with all of them being legbefores. New Zealand beat India cheaply New Zealand registered a face-saving eight-wicket win over India in the 4th ODI as Trent Boult took five wickets for 21 runs. New Zealand finally found conditions to its liking - hot conditions which made the ball swing - and in the absence of captain Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, bowled out India for 92 in 30.5 overs. New Zealand reached 93-2 in only 14.4 overs, concluding the match before the scheduled dinner break. Ross Taylor made 37 in an unbroken 54-run partnership with Henry Nicholls (30 not out) to see New Zealand home, clinching the win with a six and a four from bowler Yuzvendra Chahal. "I think it was one of our worst performances with the bat for a long, long time," standin captain Rohit Sharma said.
Smriti Mandhana is now world number one batswoman Indian women's cricket team opener Smriti Mandhana, who has been in prime form with the bat in ODIs, has been named the number one batswoman. In the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand, the star player struck 105 and 90* to help Indian eves win the series by a 2-1 margin. Her exploits have seen her rise atop in the ICC ODI Rankings for batswomen. Mandhana has 751 rating points and has taken a substantial lead over Australia's Ellyse Perry (681). She climbed three spots to be crowned the top player in the charts. However, Indian team skipper Mithali Raj slipped one position to fifth in the rankings (669 points). Since the beginning of 2018, Mandhana has smashed two tons and eight half-centuries in 15 ODIs. Mandhana's consistent performances have helped India do well in the ODI format. Her aggressive approach upfront has paid dividends. After making her ODI debut in 2013, the opening batswoman has amassed 1,798 runs from 47 matches. She has a strong
batting average of 41.81. Mandhana has four hundreds and 14 fifties to her name. Several other Indian players improve their rankings. The 18-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues was another Indian to make a mark in the rankings. She has featured in seven ODIs since making her debut in March 2018. Her fifty in Napier helped her gain 64 places. She now sits at number 61 in the rankings. Indian spinners Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav broke into the top 10 and pacer Jhulan Goswami rose to number four. New Zealand players Amy Satterthwaite jumped ten places to number four in the rankings. She hit consecutive half-centuries against India, and a total of four in her last 10 ODIs. Fellow New Zealander Suzie Bates rose one place to number six.
Pant guides India ‘A’ to victory over England Lions Rishabh Pant produced an effective innings (73 off 76 balls) to save India 'A' from a precarious position and scripted a six-wicket win against England Lions in Thiruvananthapuram. With the victory, India ‘A’, who had already sealed the series, made it 4-0 as the Lions remain winless on what has been a really humbling tour for them. Shardul Thakur (4/49) starred with the ball for India ‘A’ as they restricted the Lions, who opted to bat, to 221 for eight on a slow pitch. Ollie Pope (65) and Steven Mullaney (58
Rishabh Pant
not out) scored half-centuries for England Lions. The visitors, in fact, had
India ‘A’ in trouble at 102/4 in the 28th over when KL Rahul was dismissed for 42. But Pant, playing his first match of the series, in the company of Deepak Hooda (47 off 47 balls) took the hosts to a win in 46.3 overs. BRIEF SCORES: England Lions 221/8 in 50 overs (Ollie Pope 65, Steven Mullaney 58 no; Shardul Thakur 4/ 49; Rahul Chahar 2/38) lost to India ‘A’ 222/4 in 46.3 overs (Rishabh Pant 73 not out, Deepak Hooda 47; KL Rahul 42, Ricky Bhui 35; Will Jacks 2/35) by 6 wickets.
Indian women too win ODI series against New Zealand After the Indian men's team won the ODI series against New Zealand, Indian women too show their prowess and won the oneday series. Opener Smriti Mandhana led the chase for India after a feisty bowling performance that steered the side to a series-clinching 8-wicket triumph in the second ODI. Opting to field, India produced an excellent effort to bowl out New Zealand for 161 in 44.2 overs before player of the match Mandhana (90 not out) and skipper Mithali Raj (63 not out) stitched a 151-run unbroken third-wicket stand to guide the team to
an easy win. The duo began India's run chase from 15 for 2 after the early loss of opener
Jemimah Rodrigues (0) and Deepti Sharma (8). “It feels great but I think our bowlers deserved the player of the
match award more than me. I will give it away to our bowlers, they did a great job to restrict New Zealand on a good wicket,” Mandhana said in the post-match presentation. The 22-year-old Mandhana has been in excellent form in recent times and her half century was her eighth in the last 10 ODI innings. She hit105 in the first match of the ongoing series. In the second ODI, she took just 82 deliveries in her unbeaten knock of 90. Mithali, on the other hand, faced 111 deliveries in her knock of 63. But, she was a perfect counterfoil to the aggressive
Mandhana. Mithali completed the run chase in style with a six as India reached to 166 for 2 in 35.2 overs. “I am happy with the way the team is shaping up. I have always enjoyed batting in challenging conditions. It wasn’t easy, it required patience here. Smriti is in good form and somebody had to give her support,” Mithali said. India have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest, which is part of the ICC Women’s Championship series. Aiming for 3-0 Mithali said that they were targeting a clean sweep
and there won't be any let up in the team's intensity after winning the series. “We definitely want to make it 30. At the same time, we will try and give some of the youngsters an opportunity,” said Mithali. “Initially, a lot of people asked me if the spinners can turn the match around on these wickets. The spinners have been doing well from word go and Smriti (Mandhana) has been amongst runs and so has been Jemimah (Rodrigues).” BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand 161 in 44.2 overs (A Satterthwaite 71; Goswami 3/23) lost to India 166/2 in 35.2 overs (S Mandhana 90*, M Raj 63*)