AV 9th June 2018

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

R

Vol 47 Issue 6

9th June to 15th June 2018

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side 80p

COMMUNITY CHEERS JAVID'S

IMMIGRATION RETHINK

w w w . d u b a i h olida y s .c o

Indian-origin boy wins spelling contest in US

See full story on page 23

Modi's ‘Look East’ agenda bears fruits

Rupanjana Dutta

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien

Always on a move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Singapore, the third and last leg of his

three-nation tour to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Continued on page 26

UK's visa environment has been hostile towards migrants over the last eight years, with the political immigration debate remaining consistently poisonous. The government and its politicians have visibly failed to understand the economic benefits of migration, and reduced it to just 'a number game'.

Sajid Javid's take on the immigration rules has come as a ray of hope, not only for the highly-skilled migrants or the non-EU doctors but also for the foreign students. With Brexit worries, this perhaps is a corrective step towards repairing the worn out ties, keeping UK-India relationship in focus.

Mumbai: Delhi:

£375

£400

Hyderabad: £400 Chennai:

£395

Speaking to BBC's Andrew Marr, on Sunday morning, Home Secretary Rt Hon Sajid Javid indicated he was willing to 'take the fight to the Prime Minister' over visa issues. He announced that he is looking into lifting the cap on the number of foreign doctors who can work in the NHS, after these medics from outside the EU have been repeatedly refused visas.

The five week old Home

Secretary also suggested he would push to take overseas students out of the net migration target, a stance Boris Johnson has always been pushing for. Both these categories are believed to be opposed by the Prime Minister Theresa May, who stands by the policy of getting net migration down below 100,000-a-year, since her days in Home Office.

Continued on page 16

Ahmedabad: £380

Bhuj:

£450

Amritsar:

GOA:

Kochi:

£395

Singapore : £430

Rajkot:

£450

Bangalore:

£399

£405

Lucknow: Kolkata:

£465 £410

Dhaka:

Bangkok:

£405

£465

£450

2

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

AsianVoiceNews

to

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with

Keith Vaz, MP

Karamjit Bhullar Karamjit Bhullar was born in the Amritsar district in Punjab, India. From an early age, his uncle who was in the army, took him under his wing, which enabled him to go to schools all over India and learn the cultures and languages of different parts of the country which in turn was a tremendous education.

Once his parents came to England, Karamjit joined them in London and completed his secondary education. He went back to Punjab University for his first degree, where he was also Captain of the cricket team and selected for Punjab. He completed his Master’s degree in London.

Karamjit’s working history has been varied, mostly in housing, race relations and regeneration. He have been a member of various boards such as; the Sport England Lottery Board and Housing Associations. He was also Chair of The Waterman’s Arts centre in Brentford.

Karamjit comes from a Sporting background, having played cricket and hockey at a reasonably high level and being involved in organising International tournaments. Through sports England, he was involved in major projects all over the country, the major ones being, the Manchester Commonwealth Games, as well as the Wembley Stadium Project.

Currently he is the Chair of a multi-cultural centre in Hounslow.

1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?

I consider England and London as the place where I feel most at home. I believe London to be the most diverse city in the world, with a cultural scene second to none. The society in the UK is one of the most fair minded and civilised with a sense of standing up for the right thing, which is definitely needed with the current climate in the world.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

On a personal level, getting married to my late wife, who was one of the

kindest and warm hearted persons. As far as working life is concerned, it was definitely the formation of a unique public and private sector partnership in West London. This involved indigenous businesses, such as BA, as well as Asian businesses including Noon products, TRS, The Radisson Edwardian hotel chain amongst a host of others; also Housing Associations and Universities in West London.

This enabled me to do projects which were beneficial to the community as well as the business involved.

Are you the

JOURNALIST

we are looking for?

The dynamic team of Asian Voice is looking for a journalist. Asian Voice is UK’s largest ethnic newsweekly with several highly acclaimed theme based magazines.

The successful candidate must have excellent communication skill, good spoken and written English, good knowledge of current affairs, ability to generate own news stories, keen eye for editing, flexibility regarding working patterns and ability to work to very tight deadlines.

Employment: Full-time. Location: London.

Apply with your full CV and a covering letter to Rupanjana Dutta, Associate Editor, Asian Voice at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com

3) What inspires you?

Sporting achievements which could be team games or individuals, because of the sacrifice that has been made.

Currently the “me too” movement has been tremendous in opening our eyes to the abusers.

The students marching against the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the USA has been inspiring, I do hope something comes out of it. The movement by one million students who want to march against Brexit.

4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

I think not getting the right advice in moving forward because people have other agendas. The people who are not willing to embrace new ideas as they were frightened and overall this has also held the country back.

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

When I was working as a Programme Director for West London Leadership, my boss Ian McIntosh who is now my friend, his guidance in forming the private/public sector partnerships was crucial.

It was also a very enjoyable way of working. We felt proud of this as the bureaucrats were extremely sceptical that we would not be able to engage Asian businesses, they were proved wrong.

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

My current role is being the Chair of the multicultural centre in Hounslow, where I volunteer my time. The centre has a wide range of leisure and wellbeing classes. A major part of our activities is a service that we have to provide healthy, freshly cooked meals four days a week for older people who are unable to cook for themselves and are housebound, part of our service is to deliver to their homes. It is heartening to see the joy on their faces as they sometimes have very little contact with people. The director of the centre is Channi Singh, who is very committed and hardworking, he is also a world famous singer.

7) And the worst?

The worst aspect is not having adequate funding to carry out our work satisfactorily, so that we can actually expand our services to meet demands.

The funding situation is getting worse and worse with local authorities cutting funding year on year and abdicating responsibility for the voluntary sector. As we work under a tight budget, we are unable to recruit enough staff to meet the needs and demands.

8) What are your long term goals?

Our long term goals are to hopefully move into a

larger centre, expand our services and aim towards self-sufficiency. We also aim to approach the business sector and large corporations in order to expand our funding base.

There is a

huge demand that we should provide the meal service for five days instead of four, so we will have to consider the monetary implications of this.

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

I would stop all privatisation and selling off the family silver. I would also stop the creeping private sector involvement in the NHS, unless it benefits the public and not the shareholders. I would take back into state ownership all utilities i.e. electricity, gas, BT, Royal Mail, but give them the freedom to trade as private sector companies in order to make profits for everyone.

The transportation sector would also come back to state ownership, as it is the railways are failing and being taken back into state ownership or being sold to nationalised com-

panies from Germany.

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

I would be happy to spend time with Mogul Emperor Akbar. He was a tremendous patron of the Arts and Literature and created a library of over twenty-four thousand volumes written in Sanskrit, Urdu, Persian, Greek, Latin, Arabic and Kashmiri. He also created a library for women. I believe he was the fore runner of secularism. He created Din-IIlahi which is blending of religions of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism. He was also a very tolerant and inclusive ruler.

There are innumerable topics that I could talk to him about, especially as the foundations of a multicultural state were laid under him.

Indian scientist’s new discovery on asthma Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways and is estimated to affect more than 300 million people worldwide. The number of people, especially children, who are developing asthma is increasing, with

a significant rise in Asia (particularly India and China), western Europe and the USA. The house dust mite is the principal source of perennial allergen in Humans. The primary allergens in house dust mites are a family of

small proteins, of which there are more than twenty. The house dust mite (below) is a tiny creature that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

It thrives in damp, humid environments where it

feeds on bacteria, flaked skin and organic waste. It is increasingly common within homes and can colonize a house within months.

A new study by Anant Parekh, Professor of Physiology at Oxford University and his col-

leagues has discovered how the house dust mite causes inflammation in the lung. Knowing the allergen involved and how it hits the immune system opens up the possibility for developing new treatments that specifically target either the allergen itself or the process through which it communicates with the lung immune cells. The Oxford scientists found that one drug that is used in the clinic to reduce blood clots also prevented the allergen from working.

This drug has already been used in studies in mice that have asthma and found to bring relief from the disease.

However, routinely taking an anti-clotting agent for treating asthma is not without risks so the Oxford group are devel-

Professor Anant Parekh

oping new drugs that attack the allergen specifically. Once such a drug is developed, it will be tested in humans in small scale clinical trials. How long it will take to develop a drug and show it works in humans is unpredictable, but the promising work from the Oxford group should lead to new treatments for asthma in the coming years.

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COMMENTS

India spreads its wings in Southeast Asia Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Indonesia is a coda to the international community in a period of diplomatic turbulence. Indonesia is the largest and most populous nation in Southeast Asia. Its cultural links with India stretch across centuries, with both countries achieved their independence within a couple of years of each other. The first Asia n summit of the newly independent states of the continent took place in the Indonesian city of Bandung in 1955. That remains a niche in the histories of both countries and of the region as a whole.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit has significance no less great. Indeed, it may well be judged even greater as both countries today have come a long during these intervening decades; their economic and military muscle have more clout than ever before. Mr Modi’s visit to Indonesia should be viewed on the canvas of his recent informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, and the trip to North Korea of a high level Indian delegation, with guests and hosts resetting the button to a closer and more relationship.

The next point to consider is US pressure on India to sever its defence ties with Russia, its major and mosttested advance weapons’ supplier. For a list, see Brahma Chellaney’s edit-page article in the Times of India (May 31) on Indo-Russian defence arrangements. Indonesia’s mainstay in the air is the Russian SU 35 warplane, while Vietnam, a close ally of India, continues to source much of its defence needs from Moscow. Southeast Asia’s two most powerful countries are as unlikely, as is India , to jettison a critical relationship with a military superpower on America’s orders.

That said and well understood by both parties, India and Indonesia have decided to expand their strategic partnership by signing 9 pacts in defencce, space and railways and 6 around business. These are 15 in all and counting. This was Mr Modi’s first visit to Jakarta, where he was accorded a warm welcome by Indonesian

President Joko Widodo. The two leaders in their first discussion dwelt on infrastructure development and an economic zone at Sabang on the tip of Sumatra Island at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping routes for global commerce. The port of Sabang is to be deepened to accommodate commercial and naval traffic.

‘India is a strategic partner.… we will continue to advance our cooperation in developing infrastructure, including Sabang Island and the Andaman Islands, said President Widodo, briefing the media following his talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

The move comes amid growing concern over the displays of Chinese maritime heft in the South China Sea. India’s ‘Look East’ policy has deepened its relationship with ASEAN, particularly with its two biggest players, Indonesia and Vietnam. Mr Modi replied: ‘The India-ASEAN partnership can be a force to guarantee peace and progress in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.’

The India-Indonesia defence agreement entails regular bilateral dialogue and consultation on strategic and military issues of common interest, exchange strategic data, military education , training and exercise, cooperation between the armed forces, including Army, Navy and Air Force, aerospace and humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical services.

India and Indonesia pledged to enhance bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025 through the six business deals signed by the two sides. The Indian Prime Minister also announced 30-day visa-free trips for Indonesian citizens visiting India. Mr Modi also invited the Indian diaspora to visit their ancestral homeland and deepen Indo-Indonesian friendship and understanding. With the PM’s visits to Malaysia and Singapore, India’s security architecture is clearly taking credible shape.

Wake-up call for BJP BJP reverses in a Parliamentary by-election and Legislative Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and eight other states including Maharashtra, Uttarkhand and Nagaland. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are India’s two most populous, States; also socially and economically the most backward. The BJP has achieved moderate successes, but overall, the results have been a jolt to the Centre’s governing party. BJP President Amit Shah’s boast of steamrolling through the country’s South and East has been brutally exposed. Regional parties are stirring, with talk of Opposition unity derailing BJP hopes and ambitions of sweeping the next general election, still a year away.

A week is a long time in Indian politics, and hence it would be foolhardy to settle for predictions at this early stage. The BJP’s most formidable asset by far remains Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the most accomplished communicator in the land, and a superb tactician to boot. He holds the levers of power, with the end game more likely than not, to be decided by the performance of the Indian economy. By-elections are frequently influenced by the incumbency factor. That said, the party’s principal shortcoming has been its inability or unwillingness to recognize the scale and importance of the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity. Slogans that may appeal to the denizens of the northern Hindi-speaking belt are apt to go against the grain in Bengal and the South. Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress are a formidable presence in the State. In its most recent by-election, the TMC pulverized the Communists and Congress, yet outside her bailiwick, Ms Banerjee lacks credibility as a national politician,

often perceived up north as a maverick to be taken with a large dose of salt.

With the Congress party no longer the pan-Indian organization it once was, and the two Communist parties a derisory rump, the field is open for regional understandings and arrangements. The economy and its technological underpinnings, including defence and sports, notably cricket, also Bollywood, each a cementing factor of Indian sensibility, will play a seminal role in the outcome of the next general election.

The rebound of the Indian economy in the fourth quarter of the last financial year ending March 31, 2018, points to the likelihood of robust economic growth driven by manufacturing. The fact that US ecommerce giant Walmart has invested $16 billion in India’s Flipkart is surely a measure of the confidence global companies have in the Indian economy and its future prospects.

With the Trump Administration’s tariff wars with Canada, Mexico, the European Union, South Korea, Japan and China – 25 per cent on steel imports, 10 per cent on aluminum - and the promised retaliations, are certain to impact the critical auto sector, with the US, possibly, coming off much the worse for wear. What may follow is a closer, compensatory economic alignment between Europe and Asia in trade and investment. India could emerge a major beneficiary of this imbroglio in the long and medium term. These factors could benefit the Indian economy going forward. A cautionary caveat, however, is in order.

Could is not will, and hence we must await events before pronouncing final judgment.

Doshi first Indian winner of Pritzker Prize Architect and urban planner Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, in his time, has won numerous awards at home and abroad, but none greater the most prestigious Pritzker Prize for Architecture, the first Indian to be so honoured.

A select gathering of 250 invitees including Ratan Tata, Arun Saraf, owner of the major Hyatt properties, and Vikash Swarup, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto witnessed the ceremony, where the Chairman of the jury Glenn Murcutt read out a tribute to Mr Doshi, this being followed by words extolling the recipient’s life and work, crowned by Thomas Pritzker’s award of the 2018 Pritzker

award to B.V. Doshi.

The nonagenarian architectural marvels include IIM Bangalore, the Centre for Environmental Planning, Technology cultural spaces in Ahmedabad such as the Tagore Memorial Hall, the Institute of Indology, Premabhai Hall, Aranya Low Cost Housing (Indore) that accommodates 80,000 dwellers and much else.

Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi’s achievements embody his vision, compassion and dedication to humanity. He is peerless, an inspiration for the profession he has ennobled, and to those beyond whose lives have been enriched by his endeavours.

Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

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Make all you can; save all you can; give all you can - John Wesley (1703-1791)

As I See It CB Patel

Tata at crossroads Daily Telegraph business section on 5 June published a very readable and constructive report on Tata owner of Jaguar by Alan Tovey. It’s 10 years since Tata Motors bought JLR for a huge price of £1.5bn in 2008. It was risky venture as well. JLR made 196,226 cars and a loss of £400mn with a revenue of £5bn.

Ford of USA was relieved to get rid of such a hot potato. British government, foolishly as it appears now, refused even a small support to Tata. But Ratan Tata, the last scion of the founding Tata Family, decided to follow in the footsteps of the pioneering Sir Jamshedji to enter the fray and has done almost a miracle.

Last year JLR made 614,309 cars and turn over went 6% up to £25.8bn.

Such statistics surely can make Tata investors, extremely pleased, but so are, normally unpredictable workers of the British auto industry.

Let me quote Des Quinn, national Officer with UNITE, “Ratan delivered a good business plan, saying they were keen to keep steering the same course, learn from what the company was doing right and improve what it wasn’t,” he recalls and added, “But they weren’t going to take over, it was going to be at arms length.”

Ratan Tata and management have done that. This year, JLR is likely to sell more than 700,000 cars. In the past decade JLR has built new plants in U.K., another one in China. They are on the way to build factories in India, Brazil, Slovakia and Austria. Of course JLR have challenges, but they are surely ahead of times. No wonder Tatas with 40,000 employees are the largest in the manufacturing sector of U.K.

Tatas are welcome to Air India Air India International was launched by JRD Tata. It was well managed by them, but in the “socialistic pattern of society” environment, it was nationalised and ever since it is on the downturn. Modi government like several other appropriate economic measure, decided to sell Air India, either wholly or partly. There are no takers. On the other hand Tatas also has made some overtures of a deal with Air Asia from Malaysia, who are somehow entering rather a sticky wicket because of alleged actions. Ideally Tatas should be approached by PM Narendra Modi, preferably Ratan Tata himself to re-enter the airline industry with the same gusto and professionalism as they have shown with JLR. India is growing fast in the air travel sector especially in the last 3 years, more particularly.

It’s 3 famous Ds- demand, democracy and demography has bright future for a reputable, safe and well managed Air India. Why not to go back to the stable, where it came from?

Continued on page 8 Editor: CB Patel

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Mayor calls on Londoners to volunteer and support their communities

Britain’s Got Indian talent

By Dhiren Katwa The Amazing Little Stars, a group of talented young artists, returned to stage by public demand for their latest concert.

Held in London a fortnight ago, the two-part evening concert attracted an almost house-full audience.

What makes this group stand out from any other, anywhere, is the budding artists’ ability to sing any popular Hindi or Gujarati song without the aid of a script. Their confidence, deep passion, pride, energy and enthusiasm deserve rapturous applause. The group choose to keep a lowprofile and prefer to focus on enhancing performance.

Full credit to them.

During the over fourhour performance, the group

entertained the audience with Bollywood songs, ghazals, qawalis, Punjabi songs, bhajans, Gujarati folk and also sang, on demand, the popular Swahili song, Hakuna Matata. During the break, everyone was served an Indian snack, a sweet and tea. There was also a special appearance from multi-talented Bhanubhai Pandya, who shared his popular Gujarati jokes.

The British-born Amazing Little Stars are part of Sangeet Vidya Progression (SVP), a specialist school of Hindustani music, founded in 1986 by ‘Guruji’ Chandravadan Engineer whose teachers were Ustad Kadir Durvesh and Ustad Naeem-u-din Khan Sahib. “I aim to continue this tradition,” said Mr Engineer, who has commit-

Sanvi, Master Mayur, Master Ashk, Nirmal, Master Druv and Pearl

ted his life to enabling individuals to reach their full potential through his remarkable teachings.

The school currently has 26 students, the youngest aged just seven. It aims to spread the values of Indian culture through music. The group have travelled across the UK and Europe, internationally too. They have appeared on Indian TV channels, as well as on

radio.

SVP is a self-funded organisation and relies on revenues earned from performances as well as from donations. One day, it hopes, it can acquire a larger premises, one with classrooms, a shrine and concert hall, to help it continue its vision and mission. To find out more visit www.sangeetvidyaprogression.com

Leicester man attacked after telling racist lout 'it doesn’t matter if you’re white, Asian or black'

A black man was punched in the face after asking a racist to stop screaming offensive abuse at a group of people.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, was left with blood pouring from his mouth and over his blue denim shirt after the earlymorning assault in Leicester city centre. He was walking to find a taxi after a night out with friends when he heard the white man, who was riding a BMX, shouting a torrent of abuse at some Asian men.

Travelling We’re all alone in the early human’, I was tryhours of Sunday ing to say to him." morning, he asked The attacker, him to stop. who was in Market “He was just Street near the saying a barrage of crossing at King offensive words.

Street, then Lots of really nasty accused the black words," he recalled. man of being racist “I said, ‘saying for mentioning stuff like that isn’t that he was white.

Beaten for standing cool’.

He began mak“I went to try up to racist lout ing remarks to his and say to him, ‘it doesn’t victim, who has lived in matter if you’re white, Asian Leicester for more than a decade. or black’

“He said that I should ‘go back to the plantations’. He said, ‘we should make you slaves again’," added the victim. “I didn’t want to stoop to his level. I’ve had friends who have reacted to this sort of thing and then they have got in trouble.

“There are people in my community who do silly things.

"But there are times people have got in trouble for reacting when people have said some very offensive things."

Leicester boy, 8, killed in M6 crash in Birmingham named

shoulder, accordA boy killed in a crash involving a ing to West lorry and a car on Midlands Police. the M6 has been It happened named. between between Dev Naran, junctions 6 and 5 from Leicester, was on the southbound pronounced dead carriageway, where at the scene of the the hard shoulder collision, on a was being used as a stretch of the 'running lane' as motorway in part of smart Birmingham, on Dev Naran who was motorway scheme. killed in M6 crash Thursday.

A spokesman for The eight-year-old was the West Midlands force said travelling in a red Toyota that a man and a woman from Yaris which is believed to the car were taken to hospital have stopped on the hard with serious injuries where

Iron Man Manjit Singh drags a bus with just his hair Manjit Singh, Leicester’s own Iron Man, has set his 68th world record to celebrate turning 68.

Two years ago Manjit dragged a double decker bus across the car park at Braunstone Leisure Centre and on Wednesday he did the same thing – because the first time didn’t count.

He explained: “When I did it last time I was told I didn’t send Guinness World Records the proper certificate proving the weight of the bus. That time it was a 10.3 tonne bus and it should have set a record but it didn’t count.

“As I had to do it all

again I decided to use a heavier bus and the one I pulled this time was 12.2 tonnes. It should definitely be a record now.”

After attaching his hair to the front of the bus with clamps, Manjit slowly dragged the Arriva bus 24 metres across the car park in Hinckley Road.

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they both remain in a stable condition.

Dev’s heartbroken parents have described him as a "kind and compassionate angel".

In a statement, they said: “He excelled at school and wanted to become a doctor.

He looked after his brother Neel, who suffered brain damage at birth. He was a big sports fan and loved Leicester City. Dev was the most perfect son in every way."

Sergeant Alan Wood, from the West Midlands Serious Collision

Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Dev’s family who have asked for privacy at this very difficult time.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the crash, in particular anyone with dash cam footage to get in touch."

A 62-year-old lorry driver from Hampshire was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released pending further investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101.

Murder of James Cromwell 'could have been a punch up' Cambridge A fight between Crown Court heard childhood friends the stabbing was a that ended in mur"spontaneous act der could have just arising out of been a "punch up" anger" and Mr had a knife not been Cromwell colcarried, a senior lapsed "literally police officer said.

James Cromwell, Abdul Karim Ali bleeding to death" in a nearby street.

27, died from a single stab Ali confessed to the murwound to the heart from der in a phone call to Mr Abdul Korim Ali in Cromwell's brother Luke and Cambridge on 30 June last was labelled a "hypocrite" for year. Ali, whom a court heard leaving flowers at the scene was a "habitual" carrier of knives "just in case", was of his victim's death. Det Insp jailed for life in January. The Page added he felt no sympathy for Ali but did "feel sadpair had been at primary ness that one young man has school together but had a lost his life and another is confrontation on Darwin going to be in prison for a Drive - where Ali lived - over considerable amount of his". drug supply.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has encouraged Londoners to give their time and skills for the good of others, as he took part in Volunteers’ Week 2018.

Sadiq appealed to London businessMayor Sadiq Khan es to help their employees to volunteer as he joined staff at City Hall using one of their annual days of volunteering leave to help create 500 boxes for this year’s Poppy Appeal, in support of the Royal British Legion.

The boxes, which are being labelled and filled with poppies, reflectors, badges and wrist bands, are to be sold in November as part of the Royal British Legion’s fundraising campaign.

The day of action by City Hall staff was timed to coincide with Volunteers’ Week, as people across the country recognise the invaluable and diverse contribution volunteers make to the UK. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Every single day Londoners across our city volunteer their time to improve the lives of our friends and neighbours. By giving their time, volunteers help make a real difference to their local communities and help break down barriers by uniting people from different backgrounds and parts of our city. That’s why I’m appealing for even more Londoners to give their time and skills to help others and for employers around the capital to support their staff in making London a better place.”

The City Hall event was organised by Team London, the Mayor’s volunteering initiative, which offers thousands of opportunities to sign up to help others. The team has supported Volunteers’ Week since 2012.

For more information about the volunteering opportunities available through Team London visit www.volunteerteam.london.gov.uk

Imam, 61, jailed for five years for abusing boy, 12, in mosque attic A former imam who abused a young boy in a mosque’s attic in Nottingham 25 years ago has been jailed for five years.

Mohammed Rabani, 61, was an imam at a mosque in Sneinton for more than 25 years when he started Mohammed Rabani abusing his victim, who was aged 12 at the time.

The abuse continued between 1990 and 1992 but the victim did not report it to police until 2015.

Rabani, from Sneinton, denied the charges but was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault following a trial.

The victim’s impact statement said the actions of the spiritual leader were ‘beyond redemption’.

His moving statement said ‘people entrusted their children to him’ and ‘children trusted him’.

Rabani, a twice-married and respected imam, had claimed the allegations were made up because he opposed a family’s business plan to redevelop the mosque.

But following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court at the end of May, he was found guilty of three charges of indecent assault.

The victim, now married and a father, said Rabani targeted him as a child because he was not as confident as his younger brother.

Rabani was able to target him, not just because he was shy and lacking in confidence, but because he was in a position of trust within the community.

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Bob Blackman faces flak over alleged case of 'Islamophobia' Rupanjana Dutta Harrow East MP Bob Blackman has come under scrutiny, after a meeting that was attended by Tapan K Ghosh, leader from Hindu Samhati on 18 October 2017, who was visiting UK from India, has become the eye of a politico-religious storm.

Blackman, who is adored by the Hindu voters in his constituency, chose him over Labour contestant and 'one of their own' Navin Shah in the 2017 elections and Uma Kumaran in 2015. One voter had then told Asian Voice, “Bob has done a lot for us British Hindus and he deserves our full support.” Bob who has been sympathetic to many community causes, has always extended his support to the diaspora, especially in incidents like the Indian flag desecration on 18 April 2018.

The 'controversial' meeting took place in a committee room of the Parliament and was called 'Tolerating the intolerant.

800 years of Defending Human Rights' and was organised by National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) along with the British Board of Hindu Scholars. The room was booked by Bob Blackman MP, who is the Conservative Chair of the All Parliamentary Group for British Hindus. On the flyer that made rounds said, the 'keynote address' was going to be made by 'Shri Tapan K Ghosh.'

According to media reports, Ghosh in his speech at this event allegedly claimed Hindu “daughters and girls are being snatched away” and that democracy was “making it more dangerous” for Hindus. But somebody who was present in the audience on the day, but did not want to be named, told Asian Voice, “Undue credit has been given to some people. Tapan Ghosh was hardly audible, he mumbled something, he could not even speak. Mohan Singh of The Sikh Awareness Society was a speaker there and he was brilliant. He has done a lot of work on sexual grooming. His speech was insightful. The event was not meant for maligning any particular community. But it was meant for talking about certain issues.” He was not avail-

a policy of not 'dealing with' the MCB. He also reportedly suggested members of the council had made 'favourable' remarks about extremists in the past.

MCB's reply

Satish Sharma, Tapan Ghosh and Bob Blackman MP on 18 October 2017 at the House of Commons event

able to comment to Asian Voice.

Letter by MCB The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) wrote a letter to Brandon Lewis, the Chairman of the Conservative Party, accusing Mr Blackman of showing a 'consistent record' of endorsing Islamophobia.

They added that he “shared an anti-Muslim post on Facebook this week and was found to have been a member of a number of Islamophobic Facebook groups.” It also highlighted Blackman's retweeting of an antiMuslim post by the farright anti-Islamic activist Tommy Robinson. The MCB demanded an inquiry into 'racists and bigots' in the Conservative party, highlighting a series of alleged incidents involving activists. Former Tory chair Baroness Warsi also backed this investigation, complaining that the party tended to 'shrug its shoulders' over such claims.

Responding to The Muslim Council of Britain’s letter dated 30 May 2018 a Conservative spokesman said: “We take all such incidents seriously, which is why we have suspended all those who have behaved inappropriately and launched immediate investigations.”

The Charity Commission said, “The Commission has an ongoing compliance case into the National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) to assess concerns raised regarding a speaker at an event linked to the charity held in 2017."

However, in a statement, Bob Blackman told Asian Voice, “I utterly refute this allegation. I was added to Facebook groups without my knowledge or permission and immediately removed myself from them when I became aware I had been added. I did not host Tapan Ghosh in parliament. He was invited by an organisation without my knowledge. In the past I

shared a social media post in error which I apologised for at the time. I will continue working will all communities in my constituency and I condemn Islamophobia.”

In the House of Commons last year, Blackman had said, “Tapan Ghosh was invited by the National Council of Hindu Temples to attend that meeting and present evidence of physical attacks, rapes, forced marriages and forced conversions that have taken place in West Bengal and other places.

“I have made clear, and the National Council of Hindu Temples has made clear, that it was only in that capacity - as presenting that evidence - that that individual was invited to this House. He made no abhorrent remarks at the meeting, and I am quite clear that I and the National Council of Hindu Temples do not agree with the views he previously stated.”

Home Secretary's take on it

When asked about the issue on the BBC's Andrew Marr show on Sunday, Sajid Javid pointed out that he had been made Home Secretary in a Tory government - and questioned whether the MCB was a legitimate voice for the muslim community.

Speaking on behalf of the Conservative party dismissing allegations of Islamophobia said, “I have got a lot of time for Baroness Warsi, but I am afraid I don't agree with her,' he said.

“As you just described me, I am Sajid Javid, I am the Home Secretary in this country...

“The MCB does not represent Muslims in this country. You find me a group of muslims that are represented by the MCB.” Mr Javid, who is a nonpractising Muslim said there were issues of 'antimuslim hatred' as well as 'anti-Semitism' in the UK. But he added that the government and the previous Labour administration had

Commenting on Javid's statement, Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said: “Rather than address the serious concerns raised by our message, Mr Javid has chosen to shoot the messenger. We have identified real weekly cases of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, which the Party has even acknowledged by suspending members. These real concerns of Islamophobia are shared by two Conservative Muslim Peers, as well as voices across the spectrum, many of them Conservatives. If the response is to instead attack the Muslim Council of Britain, it sadly indicates that the Party has no interest in dealing with this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”

“We have long spoken out and proactively challenged terrorism and extremism, as have British Muslims across the country.

The reality of Islamophobia is that Muslims and the Muslim Council of Britain have to deal with the smear of extremism even though they have clearly and consistently condemned violence perpetrated by people who claim to do this in the name of our religion.”

The organisation on their website addressing the Home Secretary further added, “Mr Javid made serious allegations against the Muslim Council of Britain claiming that it does not represent Muslims, that the last Labour government cut ties with the MCB and the usual smear faced

by Muslims engaged in the public sphere — that they are somehow associated with extremism – the same dog-whistle tactics used against Sadiq Khan during the 2016 Mayoral election campaign.

“The Muslim Council of

Britain is an independent umbrella body with over 500 mosques and Islamic associations affiliated to it.

Recent polling data suggests that actually a majority of Muslims appear to believe the MCB does a good job in representing their views. Therefore, even though the MCB does not claim to be a representative body for all Muslims, to ignore its representative status would once again be ignoring the evidence.

“While it is the case that the Labour government briefly cut ties with the Muslim Council of Britain in 2009, this was reversed in early 2010.

Furthermore, under the Coalition government, the MCB met with a number of Ministers, including the Minister for Communities, Stephen Williams, at CLG in September 2014, the Energy Secretary Ed Davey in 2014, and the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the Cabinet Office in September 2015.”

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Paired kidney donation offers a bright future for transplant patients

Shakti and Prafula Shah

considered an organ donor unless they opt-out and indicate they do not wish to be. Prafula is optimistic about this legislation that is set to be introduced. She said that this legislation might help reduce the waiting lists for transplants and she is urging families to talk about the possibility of organ donation. Consultant vascular and transplant surgeon Colin Forman, who carried out Prafula's operation, says, “Nationally one in three patients waiting for a transplant are from a BME background but they make up only 6 per cent of donors. Tissue type is like blood group, you are more likely to get a good match from the same ethnic background as yourself, but because

300 pubs remove Saudi Arabia flag from World Cup bunting

Saudi Arabian flag

Greene King, which runs 3,000 pubs, had to remove the Saudi Arabia flag from World Cup buntings from its pubs following complaints from customers that it was inappropriate to display it where alcohol is sold. The Saudi flag carries the Shahadah - the Muslim profession of faith, and drinking alcohol is against the Islamic religion. The brewery has removed all the Saudi flags from its buntings but has still retained those of other Islamic nations because they do not include the text. These countries include Iran, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia.

Brewery Greene King, which supplied its pubs

Lee Rigby's killer admits guilt, saying he misinterpreted the Koran Michael Adebolajo, 33, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, has reportedly expressed remorse for his actions.

Charusmita 25-year-old Shakti has received a lifesaving kidney transplant after being on the transplant waiting list for the last three years. She has suffered from chronic kidney disease since childhood but earlier this year her condition deteriorated drastically due to which she had to spend several months on daily dialysis.

Prafula Shah, her aunt, had offered to give her one of her own but her kidney proved to be a poor tissue match for her niece. Fortunately, Shakti benefitted under the National Living Donor Kidney Sharing Schemes (NLDKSS), which attempts to pair donors and recipients across the country.

In this process, kidneys are swapped between one incompatible donor and recipient and another mismatched pair. After discussing their options with medical experts at the Royal Free Hospital, Prafula and Shakti made the decision to join the NLDKSS as a ‘paired donation’. A match was found and in March, Prafula and Shakti, underwent their procedures on the same day, just metres away from one another in theatres at the Royal Free Hospital.

A new legislation is being proposed which may bring about a change in the law regarding organ donation. Under this proposed system, people will automatically be

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with decorations featuring the national flags of all 32 teams playing in Russia this summer, said in context of the removal of Saudi flag that the removal "was not a comment on any nation". The decorations initially included the flag, which carries the Shahada. The sacred text reads: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger”. A spokesman for the pub chain said: "Following feedback from some customers in London about displaying the Saudi Arabia flag in a pub, we understand it was inappropriate as it contains the religiously-significant Islam Shahada in Arabic and so we have removed it”.

of the lack of donors patients wait longer and then are likely to get a donor that is poorly matched”.

Explaining the kidney donation process Colin said that once patients have been screened and tested the surgery takes between three and four hours followed by a three to five day stay in hospital and an average six week recovery time.

Both Prafula and Shakti are now helping to raise funds for a research project, led by Mr Reza Motallebzadeh, consultant renal transplant surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital. This projects aims to find out ways to reduce the threat of a kidney being rejected by the recipient's immune system.

Cannot change diversity on its own, says Cambridge university Data obtained by the Financial Times under the Freedom of Information Act shows that six of Cambridge University's colleges admitted fewer than ten black British students in five years, whereas some admitted none at all between 2012 and 2016.

The obtained data comes after the revelation last month that one in four of Oxford University's colleges did not admit a single black British student between 2015 and 2017.

The university told the Financial Times that it would not be able to improve diversity "on its own" and needs the "support of schools and parents" to help increase the number of black British students it enrols.

In his criticism of Oxford University for the same, Labour MP David Lammy had previously

accused the university of "social apartheid", after an FoI request by him revealed 10 out of 32 Oxford colleges did not award a place to any black British pupil with A-levels in 2015.

In a statement made to FT, Cambridge University has said, “More needs to be done to prepare highachieving black students for applications to Cambridge and Oxford, which is why we have significantly increased the funding we contribute to programmes like Target Oxbridge”.

The programme provides one-toone training for black students to improve their chances of being admitted to the universities.

In order to promote transparency, Mr Lammy has called for every university in the UK to publish its annual admissions data.

A report into Grenfell by Theos, a religious affairs think tank, has recommended that churches, mosques and temples ought to have regular drills to prepare for terrorist attacks and disasters in their area drawing on the relief provided by faith groups. Since places of worship are often used as shelters, gathering points

and aid distribution centres after a major tragedy, the report asks for “preparation in peacetime” which would help places of worship to equip themselves for future disasters.

The report also says that “this could take a form similar to school fire drills, with an emphasis on everyone involved knowing their role”.

Churches and mosques told to prepare for future disasters

A source told the The Sun on Sunday, "A month ago he approached a fellow inmate and a member of prison pastoral staff to say he finally regretted the murder. He told them he acknowledged for the first time he had taken an innocent life” and that Adebolajo “even admitted he misinterpreted the Koran in trying to justify his horrific actions”.

Fusilier Lee Rigby

Adebolajo, who is currently at high-security HMP Woodhill, outside Milton Keynes, is the son of a probation officer, and was radicalised at the age of 19, after dropping out of his politics degree at Greenwich

Michael Adebolajo

University. He became associated with alMuhajiroun, the banned extremist group led by hate preacher Anjem Choudary, prior to killing Rigby.

Since his conviction, Adebolajo, who had previously insisted on being called Mujahid Abu Hamza, apologised for the first time for murdering Lee Rigby in 2013 and according to prison sources, he plans to write a letter of apology to the victim's family. Lyn Rigby, the 51-year-old mother of Lee Rigby, told The Sun that she will never forgive Adebolajo for killing her son. She said, “To hear his killer say that Lee was innocent and that he regrets killing him is the ultimate kick in the teeth”.

Ready sauces linked to cancer risk A recent study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago suggests that people using ready-made sauces in cooking are nearly three times more likely to develop breast cancer as compared to those who eat non-processed and healthy foods.

According to the study, foods which cause inflammation may be behind the increased risk and have drawn up a list of products

linked to the disease.

Researchers said that ready made sauces such as those used in pasta dishes and curry, as well as industrially produced bakery goods like bread and pies, are believed to increase the risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer by damaging DNA. Other processed food products believed to cause inflammation include rice, red and processed meat, highfat dairy and eggs.

Malala promises to reinstate banned college parties Malala Yousafzai, who became the youngestever Nobel laureate at 17, was voted in as one of the social secretaries of Lady Margaret Hall and in her manifesto, she vowed to bring back “bops” (short for Big Open Party) - college parties with cheap alcohol and fancy dress themes. She rose to fame as a global campaigner for human rights and women’s education and is now active in university life.

Malala was elected as the social secretary after running a successful campaign alongside fel-

Malala Yousafzai

low student Tiger Akawin. The duo is now expected to take charge of the college’s bops and wider social calendar, and have indicated their desire for more events with other colleges.

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Man jailed for pretending to be son of Grenfell victim A 31-year-old man has been jailed for pretending to be the son of a man who died in the Grenfell Tower fire. He did this to get his hands on emergency cash meant for survivors.

Mohammad Gamoota, the fraudster who gave the name of a genuine victim of the fire as his father was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court for 18 months for two counts of fraud which had aimed to net him a total of £6,784.36.

Last year, two days after the fire killed 72 people, Gamoota claimed he had been living with his father on the 24th floor of Grenfell Tower.

Gamoota, of Leafy Way, Croydon, was given a room at the Holiday Inn from 16 June and spent eight days a cost of £910 and he also enjoyed £374.35 in room service.

The flat in the tower that he claimed to be living in never existed, but the fraudster claimed that his father "Abdel Salam" died in the fire. The genuine victim, who died in the blaze, had two sons and was named Abdeslam

Mohammad Gamoota

Sebbar.

The court heard that Gamoota had no connection with Mr Sebbar and his own father actually lives abroad. Judge Robin Johnson told him, "In the wake of a national disaster you decided to enrich yourself while you masqueraded as a true victim.

This was not a moment of madness. You spent days in accommodation that was set aside for those who were grief-stricken, homeless and no doubt in a state of shock and bewilderment”. He added, “That did not stop you tapping into the funds that had rightly been made available for those people”.

Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Jihadists’ separation centres remain empty fearing lawsuits

Britain's high-security jail cells, also called "jihadi jails", created to hold the country's most dangerous convicted terrorists, are going empty despite an unprecedented threat from Islamist extremists, as the Prison Service fears being sued for breaching their "human rights", according to a report by The Sunday Times.

Fewer than half of these "separation centres" are currently occupied despite conviction of more than 160 terrorists and only seven have been moved to the units, including the notorious Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary. These centres were created to house those who pose a significant “national security threat” and were introduced after an investigation into prison extremism commissioned in 2015.

Parents ask for tougher punishments for drivers on phones The family of a two year old who was left brain-damaged after a road accident, are appealing for tougher sentences for those found guilty of causing serious injury. Kai Khetani was two years old when a vehicle ran a red light and hit him and his grandfather in northwest London in 2016.

While his grandfather recovered from his injuries, Kai, now four, is left partially blind and unable to walk talk and swallow.

A court found the driver of the vehicle was using a handheld mobile phone at the time of the accident.

He was given a two-year suspended sentence for each victim. Kai's father Rakesh said, “There needs to be a change of law. If I use my mobile phone, nothing is going to happen to me. But if you go out on the road and you punch someone or stab someone, then you end up in jail.

What's the difference?

You've still ruined someone's life.” Currently, an individual found guilty of

causing serious injury by dangerous driving can get a sentence up to five years.

Conservative Bob Blackman, the Khetanis' local MP, extended his support by backing their call for tougher sentencing. “I want the family to feel justice has been served, given the circumstances and life-changing injuries inflicted upon the young boy.”

The government had last year, agreed to increase maximum sentences for those who cause death by dangerous driving to life behind bars.

However, nothing seems to be putting people off their

phones while driving. The Department for Transport doubled spot fines for drivers caught using handheld mobile phones in 2017. However, government figures reveal that since then, more than 26,000 motorists have been caught on their phones.

His mother Niyutee said, “Kai was an ongoing person. He didn't particularly like any sports as such but I don't think he had a choice with his dad loving football. Now he's obviously very changed, he is not independent, things are done for him. But he is still a loved child.”

INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS DAY 2018 Deeds Not Words: The Quest to Leave No Widow Behind Why Widows Need Your Help

Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba

With President of India, Ram Nath Govind

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi

7

23rd June is International Widows Day, the United Nations ratified day of action to raise awareness and help millions of widows and their children around the world, who are suffering from poverty, illiteracy, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, conflict and social injustces.

The Loomba Foundaton launched 23rd June as International Widows Day at the House of Lords in 2005. After a tireless campaign for five years, the United Nations adopted it at the 65th UN General Assembly in 2010. It is a significant day as it was on this day that Lord Loomba’s mother, Shrimat Pushpa Wati Loomba, became a widow in 1954 in Punjab in India.

There are estmated 46 million widows and over 100 million their children in India. Many of them are humiliated, abandoned, ostracised, discriminated against, raped, tortured and even murdered. Often, they lose their rights to inheritance Please contact: safdar.shah@theloombafoundation.org www.theloombafoundation.org UK Registered Charity No. 1064988

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As I See It

AsianVoiceNews

9th June 2018

Continued from page 3

Doctors out, NHS down World famous National Health Services has always and now increasing number overseas medics. At the last count there were over 30,000 doctors abroad and the largest number came from India. The present diabolical state of affairs in the health services is predominantly because of the management by government and its appointees. The present Health Secretary is trying his best. Along with the budgetary restraints, his hold back by the dogmatic approach on immigration especially that of our prime minister, who refuses to forget that for 6 years she was at the home office with immigration numbers as her ‘Maha mantra’. Thankfully of late May government has agreed to release additional funds, but inspite of demand of the Professionals, and more and more number of MPs, the prime minister’s resistance towards doctors beyond EU borders was unnecessary and unbecoming to say the least. The world is becoming more interdependent,

to sell more goods and services, you need to welcome skilled man power, from near and far. The British government at least since 2010 has been unrealistic in giving over emphasis on immigration. Why carry on doing what is not workable today and possibly tomorrow.

Religion and Politics: Don’t mix chalk and cheese Both separately are useful in their own ways. Even beneficial. But mix chalk and cheese and you have what is useless and difficult to destroy. In India the Archbishop of Delhi, perhaps inadvertently opened a Pandora’s box (see Asian Voice last week). Two days ago the top church person in Goa have followed on the same track. Very dangerous and divisive fray of bringing religion in politics of India. British split India encouraging religious divide. It is sad, but I believe it’s true. India inspire of its contradictions and challenges, has remained united, democratic and secular to a very large extent. I wish one could say the same thing about Pakistan or

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Cash for Patients: even Bangladesh. The finger will always be pointed at the last 4 decades of the British Raj. In Britain today the scenario is much better but getting slightly murky. One of the tiniest minority in the U.K., Jews, were among the founders, intellectual and otherwise sustainers of the Labour Party. Somehow populism and short term aims have rightly or wrongly (too difficult to say in this short piece), made Labour Party perceived as anti-Semitic. On the other hand, the Conservative party has been accused as islamophobic. This is perhaps going too much over the top. No doubt extremist everywhere must be exposed or discarded, but in an extensive report in Asian Voice this week, we have attempted to illustrate, what can be lightly termed as a storm in a tea cup. I feel relaxed as a Hindu. We have some problems and challenges.

Bob Blackman MP, perhaps overzealously, has made some errors but let’s not over react.

Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists of Britain belong to an aged old faith tradition, evolved in India, thousands of years

ago. These are not religions based on books.

They are capable and they have shown to change along the way. Whatever are the cardinal principles of any faith, for Hinduism the journey begins from one thought - “There is one god, the names are different”. Let not religion of any tradition damage or throw dirt on modern Britain- democratic, tolerant (by and large) and multicultural country of ours. Long live Great Britain.

Anand Mela this weekend This weekend Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are organising its annual Anand Mela at the Harrow Leisure Centre.

The mela, that has various stalls and cultural programme, bring together the community in a celebration. The Mela ticket sales raise funds for a chosen charity, and for last several years, we have raised a lot of money for several worthwhile causes at this mela and also at other events. The health and wellness expo can provide you with some vital health care options.

Come and celebrate this summer fest with us on 9th and 10th June.

Over 600 people to walk for Shishukunj on 8 July On Sunday 8 July an anticipated 600 children and adults will be walking a 15 mile route in Barnet to raise funds to support Shishukunj.

Preena Gosai, one of the organisers said “I have been a member of Shishukunj for 32 years and have learnt a lot of valuable skills. We wanted to organise this Charity Walk so that we can raise funds to keep the organisation growing and flourishing for many years to

come” Shishukunj London is a UK registered charity that has been working in London for over 40 years and is run almost exclusively by volunteers, aimed at developing the children of today, into society's leaders of tomorrow. They support children to develop good morals, values and leadership

skills, which will enable them to flourish into wellrounded and balanced individuals, able to tackle life's challenges.

The cabinet has approved a third runway plan at Heathrow, after they were approved by the government's economic sub-committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May. After 20 years of indecision the government has finally approved the plan for a third runway at Heathrow, paving the way for expansion.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced That £2.6bn in compensation for residents and noise abatement maesures.

Environmental groups oppose the plan, which Mr Grayling says will only happen if air quality commitments are met. Mr Grayling told MPs, who will be asked to vote on the

expansion plan by 11 July.

He insisted the decision was being taken in the national interest and would benefit the whole of the UK - with 15% of new landing slots at the airport "facilitating" regional connectivity.

Speaking in response to the news Virendra Sharma MP said: "I am pleased that Members of Parliament are finally getting the chance to vote on the Heathrow NPS. The airport has worked closely with local residents in developing proposals that will deliver significant benefits to the local economy, and minimise the impact on Heathrow’s neighbours. If they stick to the deal we have then Heathrow will deliver sympathetic sus-

tainable growth in the local area for decades.

Thousands of young people in my constituency will have access to high quality jobs and rigorous apprenticeships to qualify them for the jobs. An expanded Heathrow is not just an airport for West London, it is a nationwide and worldwide hub, with more flights in and out of Heathrow we can expect more direct flights to India and other increasingly important UK trade partners. The government is investing in a global Britain."

Hotel magnate Surinder Arora earlier in May, revealed a detailed alterantive designs of new terminal buildings he hopes to build and operate.

The Arora group claims

Paren Shah, who is also part of the organising team said “I have dedicated many worthwhile hours to this project because Shishukunj is more than a UK based charity developing children into the leaders of tomorrow, they also do amazing work in deprived parts of India and Africa helping children obtain an education. Register at www.shishukunj.org.uk

Heathrow to finally get its third runway

that its plan will cost "under half" as much as the current Heathrow Airport Limited Scheme and will focus on a "Western Hub".

He has the backing of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The plan includes a new building to receive passengers, which will have access to the existing Terminal 5 as well as a new Terminal 6 to help deal with the 130m passengers a year that MPs want the enlarged transport hub to handle.

Mr Arora reportedly said: "Heathrow has been in monopoly control for too long and our proposals show what can be achieved through an alternative approach and Heathrow fully welcoming competition."

Rehab scandal brought to light

Sarah Wollaston, Conservative MP

In a recent breaking reveal, the Sunday Times has brought to light a massive scandal involving psychiatrists who take thousands of pounds from upmarket private clinics as inducements for referring vulnerable people.

A psychiatrist was filmed by an undercover reporter, admitting that he had been paid a huge sum, approximately £50,000 for referring a single female patient.

Another doctor agreed to pay back £76,000 in referral fees to his patients after being confronted with documentary evidence.

Surrey-based clinic Life Works is responsible for paying some of the kickbacks. Owned by the Priory Group, the clinic is famed for treating celebrities such as Kate Moss, Robbie Williams and Eric Clapton. Several British doctors are also said to have been paid one-off fees of £19,000 for referring patients by the Kusnacht Practice.

Whistleblowers said the clinic handed out an enormous reward fee estimated to be at least £150,000 to a UK-based medical professional who referred the late singer George Michael to the practice two years ago. In turn, it is believed to have charged the singer £1.5 million.

Prohibited under General Medical Council (GMC) rules, the commissions are blamed for increasing the cost of private care at a time when NHS treatment is under pressure. GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey said, “These are serious allegations; patients must be able to trust their doctor and have confidence that they are putting their best interests first.

Doctors must not allow any financial interests to affect the way they treat their patients.”

A list that has been circulating last year has allegedly implicated a number of eminent psychiatrists who make

money off of sending away patients. One of them, Dr Bhaskar Punukollu even admitted to the payments being “extremely helpful” in the past. “Believe me, I loved it,” he said.

Dr Punukollu had been paid referral fees on many occasions to pass on his patients to Life Works. “I used to send quite a few people

Dr Bhaskar Punukollu

to Life Works and they'd pay £80 or £90 a day, which worked really well because we didn't have to see the patients.” The daily payments often mounted to thousands of pounds because patients typically stay in rehab for a minimum of 28 days. Punukollu hit jackpot when he referred one woman who remained in Life Works for 18 months.

He was not the only psychiatrist to admit taking kickbacks. Life Works is not the only upmarket clinic offering such business. The revelation came to light as sufferers of addictive disorders are increasingly being driven to seek private treatment because of difficulties in accessing such services on the NHS. Sarah Wollaston, Conservative MP for Totnes and chairwoman of the health select committee, has urged the GMC to take action. “These payments should not be offered or accepted. There is a case for the GMC to set up a register of interests, like the register of MPs' interests, so that payments from industry to doctors, including those undertaking medical research, can be visible to the public.”

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Air India invites diaspora to share memories of their flights to UK in early days Rupanjana Dutta Marking 70 years of its first flight from Mumbai to London on 8 June, Air India, the national carrier of India, is inviting the diaspora in the UK to share their memories and journey experiences on the first flight or with the airlines in its early days. The Indian community that has done remarkably well in the UK and added fortunes to Britain's economy, had many of them arriving to the country by Air India in early 1950s and 60s.

The first direct flight and a milestone in the history of Indian civil aviation, took off from Mumbai on 8 June 1948. Malabar Princess, as the aircraft was called, was a 40-seater Lockheed L-749 Constellation, with Captain K.R. Guzdar in command. It made its 5,000 mile journey from Mumbai to London via Cairo and Geneva and landed in London on 10 June. The flight’s time of departure was late in the evening and of the 35 passengers boarded the flight, 29 were bound for London and six for Geneva. The flight included some 'Maharajas' and 'Nawabs' and it arrived in London in the early hours, taking a little more than 24 hours.

For the second leg of the journey from Cairo to London, Captain D.K. Jatar was in command.

The airlines have undergone tremendous changes ever since, modernised over the years, and now with the new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, it covers the distance between India and UK well under 10 hours.

Debashis Golder, who has taken over as the new Regional Manager, UK and Europe told Asian Voice,

“We want to reach out to people who made some of the early journeys, to share their memories and pictures with us, which we could feature in our inflight magazine and also catalogue to mark those glorious early days of air travel.

"Many of these journeys will also mark the arrival of Indians who went on to make their life and fortunes in the UK or friends and family who made visits back and forth during a time when the availability and flight times were not what they are today. It marks an important chapter in the India-UK relationship.”

Golder who has been been the Deputy General Manager of Air India in Mumbai prior to moving to the UK and the Regional Manager of Asia Pacific before that, has taken over the operations in UK and Europe at very important times. The UK market is undoubtedly one of the airline's busiest sectors, having recently added three direct flights between Birmingham and Amritsar.

With MP Tan Dhesi campaigning for a direct flight between London and Amritsar, Air India may

Class.

Amritsar route has a long standing demand, especially with tourists heading to Golden temple as well as the diaspora out on annual pilgrimage.

Golder added, “The third or fourth generation Indians, who are now settled in the UK for years, visit their roots to stay connected and the direct connection has certainly proved popular.”

The airlines re-started its London-Ahmedabad direct flight in 2016, after relentless campaigning by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar newsweeklies, along with other Indian organisations.

The airlines which is now running at full capacity from Heathrow airport, believes it has been instrumental to the UKIndia relationship and a strong trust from the diaspora has proven as a key to its growth.

Currently with its latest addition of flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, for the next phase of expansion, Air India is looking at the African continent, with flights to East and South Africa, which the airline used to serve in the past until the early 2000s.

Blockchain, which many ICOs are built on is the technology that will revolutionise not only the banking system but the entire way we transact in the future” As well as Ollie Chinneck from BDO speakThe stormy ers also included British Summer Fahad Kamal an time didn’t dampeconomist from en spirits as memK l e i n w o r t bers were educatHambros ed on the investbank ment opportuniand Odera Umeties ICO afforded Ezeoke who has as well as the recently launched opportunities to CENT.fund, a raise capital for BDO Blockchain Specialist- Ollie Chinneck, blockchain and TiE President- Nina Amin, Kleinwort cryptocurrency fund seeking startHambros Analyst- Fahad Kamal and focused fund. ups.

CENT.fund founder- Odera Ume-Ezeoke Nina Amin, TiE President said “With approx 5.6 Billion raised with ICOs in 2017 it’s not a trend that can be ignored. Similarly, the

9th June 2018

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NS O I T NA NOW I M NO PEN O

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also start flying this route, though currently they are constrained by airport slots. It is also believed that the direct flight to Goa, daily flights to Ahmedabad and Canada are some of the desired routes.

When asked if Kolkata could get a direct flight from the UK in the future, Golder seemed optimistic, provided there were enough passengers all around the year, including travelling Business

ICOs are the order of the day at Mint Leaf for TiE London Mint Leaf restaurant hosted TiE London Charter Members along with accounting firm BDO to get a glimpse into the fast paced world of ICOs.

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Asian Voice |

Is there someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the Asian Community or the Nation ?

Nominate them for the 18th Asian Achievers Awards

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence.

Deadline for nomination 31st July, 2018 Please tick the appropriate category Achievement in Community Service In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Woman of the Year The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field.

Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports.

Business Person of the Year Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues.

Lifetime Achievement Award To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

Uniformed and Civil Services For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services.

Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded to an entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

Professional of the Year Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture.

Please fill the details below I Nominee's

Full Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I Occupation: I Nominee's I Email:

_______________________________

Contact Details Tel: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

__________________________________

Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 31st July, 2018 by post, fax or email to Mr. Rovin George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com.

If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. Rovin George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW. Apply online

www.abplgroup.com/Events/Asian-Achievers-Awards/Nominations

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READERS’ VOICE

Asian Voice |

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

9th June 2018

Child poverty

Child poverty in UK is getting worse under the austerity imposed by the government for the last 8 years. We are entangled with other less important issues at the expense of facing and solving the most important issue of the shocking increase of children living in poverty. UK is not a third world country but the sixth richest country in the world yet it facing child poverty which is self-defeating and counterproductive.

Children are the future of this country they need good homes, good health, good education, good family relationships and even friendships. Otherwise they will drift into crime, knife killing, gangs and violence.

This is a wake up call to the government and local authorities to put their houses in order otherwise the consequences of failure to do so will be very serious and damage the life chances for a generation and long term prosperity of the country. No child should be forced to grow up in poverty. Child poverty is the highest in large cities, particularly in London, Birmingham and Manchester. .

Government figures show 4.1 million children are now living in relative poverty(Getty) That’s over a quarter of all children. 1.7 million of these children are living in severe poverty. In the UK 63% of children living in poverty are in a family where someone works.

The impact of child poverty can be devastating – and it lasts a lifetime. The poorest children are most at risk of disease, malnutrition and stunting. They’re more likely to miss out on school, or get a poor quality education. And there’s a greater chance they’ll suffer early marriage, physical violence. Child poverty can be solved if here is the political will, it isn’t inevitable.

There are also concerns that universal credit cuts will further impoverish low-income families over the next few years. Prof Donald Hirsch, of Loughborough University, said: “It is a damning indictment of this government’s policies that in some constituencies of the UK over half of children are living in poverty.

Increasing child poverty is a direct result of this government’s utter failure to tackle the increasing cost of living, stagnating wages and their slashing of social security support.”.

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

Child hunger in the land of plenty

One institute, tradition I admire most in this country is the press and media freedom and how it is exploited by dedicated journalists who so often risk, sacrifice their lives to bring g us the latest news, views and interviews from battlefields from some of the most remote parts of the world, although on very few occasions they do distort news, even spread outright lies, especially when it comes to Russia, Iran, North Korea and even India, PM Modi and BJP. People are so brain-washed by media that they believe these half-baked truths and only a tiny minority thinks independently, especially those who watch international news channels besides BBC and Sky news.

Recently some national newspapers concentrated their efforts to draw our attention to child poverty in one of the most advanced and fifth biggest economy in the world where so many children go to school on a glass of water and without free school meals, they would go hungry. The food banks and rough sleeping has more than doubled in recent times. Some schools even provide free school meals during summer holidays with the help of volunteers and the community at large. It is indeed a shame on us, especially our politicians, when we are so eager to feed the world with mind boggling 14 billion “Aid Budget” while ignoring the most venerable people at home. Grenfell tragedy is another example of our indifference to our own people, especially for those struggling at the bottom end of the economic ladder.

Although we call it free press but in reality most newspapers reflect thinking, political views and affiliation of their owners. Thus we have right, left and center leaning newspapers. Who can forget the concerted effort by politicians, especially on Labour side, to taint, marginalize and exploit the peace loving, highly educated and extremely law abiding Hindu community with caste legislation, as they could not attack Hindus (Hindus, Sikhs and Jains) on any other front, although caste has no place in our liberated, free society, thanks to our highly educated younger generation where 90% of the marriages are inter-caste marriages, as they find their own partners while studying at universities or from their own friend circle. Now the equally law abiding and highly successful Jewish community has become the target of envy and hate in one of our leading political party. But unlike politically and socially divided Hindu community, Jewish people are united, politically active and capable of fighting tooth and nail for justice. It is time for these two most successful ethnic minorities to unite for common good.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Vogue names 25 most influential women

Upmarket, widely acclaimed and influential publication VOGUE has stirred a mild controversy by naming 25 most influential British women that exclude the most obvious choice for public at large. While it rightly includes Megan Markel, now Duchess of Sussex, Amal Clooney, Human Rights International Lawyer and wife of super-star George Clooney, Ruth Davidson, leader of Scottish Conservative Party who has put Conservatives back on Scottish political map and in the eyes of many a future party leader and indeed the next PM! The list also includes humble, down to earth J. K. Rowling, famous multimillionaire author of fascinating and widely read Harry Potter books, popular with both children and adults alike, with well over 400 million copies sold worldwide and many books converted into Hollywood’s widely acclaimed block-buster movies, the main source of her fame and fortune. The list also include not so well known names outside their own profession circle, like Karen Blackett, advertising, Brenda Hale, President of Supreme Court, Collete Roche, Manchester United Executive, Priyanka Joshi, biochemist and many more.

But the controversy is about the exclusion of such famous names like our Queen and PM Mrs May, Scottish SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon who has taken her party to a new height, Diane Abbott, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary and fierce opponent of racism and class society, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and wife of William, our future king and perhaps Princess Anne, one of the most hard-working and intelligent Royal, according to those who have met her, although she is now avoiding limelight! On acting side, names of Dame Helen Mirren and Judith Dench are in the forefront, in public domain.

I am glad that Vogue is not influenced by glitter, wealth and royal connections. I wonder who would be on the list of AV/GS if it ever publishes such a list!

Kumudini Valambia By email

Uplift UK’s Public Services

NHS, Police Force, Education, Housing and many other public services unfortunately have had severe cuts in the past few years from the government due to downturn in economy and huge influx of immigrants over the desired level. The level set by the government has been 100000 net a year but this has been exceeded nearly threefold year and year on until the referendum result in favour of Brexit. Despite the good intention of the government to keep the immigration level in control, their fair policy based on human rights has failed them making them unpopular.

The sudden increase in population obviously puts pressure on our vital services affecting us all. Asian community, especially Indians have been very successful in UK alike other countries of their settlement. Their contributions to the country’s economy are commendable. Great that our superrich list is growing. We have many multimillionaires and that is a matter to be proud of. Just a wishful thinking! As a gesture of goodwill, wouldn’t it be nice if generous donations are made to our needy public services by this lot! This will be a great service to the country.

Niranjan Vasant By email

Transformation of Retailing

In recent days, it has become very common to hear about the closure of several retail outlets. Some of these stores were once not only regarded as market leaders but were the pride of high streets and the shopping malls. Toys R Us have closed 735 stores in the US and 100 in the UK. The icon & symbol of the British fashion, Marks & Spencer, has plans to close 100 outlets in the next 4 years. Now Dixons Carphone has also joined the band by announcing the shutting down of 92 stores in the near future.

Some of these famous brands had become too obese to adapt to the changing retailing environment. Moreover, customers buying habits have undergone a sea change as a result of widespread use of internet and mushroom growth of online businesses.

The prevailing competition nowadays is not local or national but truly international. No wonder that even in this changed scenario, low price retailers like Aldi, Lidl and Primark are not only surviving but expanding too! The erstwhile concept of 'Small is Beautiful' has become more relevant in retailing now. We should not be shocked if we find out about the collapse of a few more retailers in the times to come.

Bharat Shah Rayners Lane

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Sacrifice of Princely states’ rulers

With Indian independence in 1947, to fulfil Indian people's aspiration for democracy, Saradar Patel, acknowledging the various sacrifices of the rulers of Princely states for their country and religion, started a peaceful progress of convincing them to accede to the Union of India according to the terms of the constitution allowing their statuses, privileges and autonomy in internal matters during a transitional period ending 1956.

But according to Saradar Patel's promise and arrangement in the constitution they received Privy purses (government allowances) in British sterling, which was later changed to Indian currency by I.N. Congress; and later in 1971 it brought 26th amendment to the constitution and abolished Privy pursesthe remuneration which was meant to last a very long time; and the former Princely states ceased to exist for ever; the princes did not want to loose Privy purses. It is certainly unjust to them because even members of legislative assembly get a huge amount of pension life time in India.

Saradar Patel's and Mahatma Gandhi's life style was very simple, while Pandit Nehru's life style was western. Saradar Patel had returned whatever money was left in political fund to the Congress party.

Without the formation of the Union of India, India would have been fractured,and as a consequence all the people would have suffered a lot. As the march of democracy is irreversible,all the people sacrificed for the good of the country in some or the other way.

R.N.Patel By email

Making memories

First of all our heartiest congratulations to CB Patel on getting an award at the 1st Global Gujarati Award Gala 2018 held in Toronto, Canada on Friday 25th May 2018 along side many well known and prominent Gujaraties from around the world to recognize their immense contribution by them in their respective field of expertise namely social, medias, business, medicines, writings, acting, and many more. There is saying “When there is a will, there is a way”.

As an avid letter writer myself since many years in Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in letters to the editor column on different topic of interest. I got an email from Kamal Rao that they would like to meet us whilst in Canada as they would be coming for very short period of time. So putting aside our other plans I thought I must see them so I got ticket of Award event at the last moment, drove one hour from my place and was very happy to meet both of them in our beloved adopted country of Canada.

I, in fact met C B seven years ago when I came to England in ABPL office as we went there on sad occasion to discuss about death notice in Gujarat Samachar of my nephew’s wife Mili and two days old baby died due to last moment of pregnancy complications. As soon as we entered the ABPL office the first thing CB did was take us in staff office and called other staff and paid homage by asking everyone to chant “Mantrs” which little bit eased our sorrows and that gesture imprinted on my mind which I will remember forever so no wonder he well deserved this award .

The next day I took them to Shri Vishnu Temple of Richmond Hills, Ontario which had been built by Hindus from Guyana and supported by Gujaraties, located on Yonge street a longest street in the world more than 1000 kilometres and appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records. In the peace garden of this temple there is statue of Mahatma Gandhi opening ceremony performed by Premier of Ontario Hon David Peterson in 1986?and also there is tallest idols( 60 feet) in North America of Lord Hanumanji unveiled by Shri Moraribapu two years ago. From there I took them to Sanatan Mandir of Markham mainly built by Gujaraties by holy inspirations of Late Krishnashankar Shastriji.In front entrance they were pleased to see Indian, Canadian and Ohm flags fly high 24/7 375 days a year. After that I showed them The Cathedral Transfiguration an architectural marvel of not only of Markham city but also of Canada located at the end of the street where we live and then stopped by at our house for masala tea and Indian tasty Gujarati style snacks. And finally dropped them at BAPS Swaminarayan temple where we all had holy “ Abhisekh of Nilkanthvarniya” .

We are happy that in short time we all had sweet memories to cherish which became possible by the grace of God and strong will to meet them. Last but not least as Father’s day is around the corner so we wish everyone Happy and Holy Father’s day which should be celebrated everyday in to our day to day lives.

Suresh and Bhavna Patel Markham, Canada

UK

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READERS’ VOICE

Priya Mendes

Picture: KidZania London

Chigwell boy becomes children’s mayor A young man has been elected the first ever mayor of a city run by children. On May 30 Kishan Shah from Chigwell was made mayor of KidZania, a London based theme park-comeminitropolis run by youngsters.

Applicants to the top job had to submit the three things they would do to make KidZania a better place and Kishan, aged nine, suggested each child will get a free piece of fruit on entry, to eat whilst waiting in queue for an activity. He also urged the introduction of a comment box to grease the wheels of innovation

Kishan also won a free trip for his class to the town

His family are really proud and said he will do a good job as mayor

and mother’s day and father’s day event, where mums or Dads can join in the activities at the Stratford based theme park. As the official Mayor of the city for 2018, he will receive his very own free annual pass as well as the key to the city and Mayoral robes to wear at special events.

Kishan said: “I think Kidzania is an amazing place and I am so happy to be crowned as its Mayor. I think I would make an excellent mayor as I am calm, friendly and approachable. I am also prepared to put in the hard work that being mayor would involve.”

In addition to the annual pass, Kishan also receives five free adult passes, twelve free guest passes for his ‘constituents’ to visit with him, a class trip to KidZania for his school and a free gold package birthday party at KidZania for them and their friends.

Brijal Shah, Kishan’s mother, added: “I’m so proud of Kishan. He is an incredible boy with so much to give and I know he’ll do a brilliant job for KidZania."

Black applicants 'face more university fraud claims' Black students are more likely to have their university applications flagged for potential fraud or errors than any other ethnic group, according to data from the Ucas admissions service.

Of the 5,160 forms flagged between 2013 and 2017, 52% were from black students. Ucas said it was unclear why this is the case and it would work with organisations representing ethnic minority groups to examine the issue. White students - 73% of all applicants - had 19% of flagged applications. About 16% of flagged applications were from Asian students, who made up 11% of applicants, Ucas said.

Black applicants made up around 9% of all university undergraduate applicants in the period.

Ucas released the figures after an investigation by the Independent last month brought the issue to light. The details come amid increasing focus on black and minority ethnic students in higher education, and their experiences at universities and colleges.

Ucas said a student's ethnicity was not used in any of the processes that can lead to an application being flagged. It said it would now be "reaching out to representative organisations to strengthen the voices of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students in our decisionmaking and processes".

Ucas says its verification service aims to prevent students from gaining an unfair advantage, or a higher education place, through deception.

As well as using fraud detection software, there are systems for detecting similarities and duplicates between applications, and

an alerts process for universities and colleges who believe an application warrants further investigation.

Overall, there were 2.9m university applications over the last five years. Of these, 5,160 (0.18%) had applications flagged and 2,085 (0.07%) were cancelled.

In column by Keith Vaz “One to One” Priya Mendes mentions “I would like to ask Vasco Da Gama how he discovered sea route to India”. It was Christopher Columbus who fired imagination by extolling that world being round, one can travel west and circumvent to east.

But in his desperate and bold step, he did not envisage presence of a vast continent, the America.

To avoid mistake by Christopher Columbus, Portugese sailors (Bartholomew Diaz) undertook route directly towards the east, but were stumped by storms at the cape of African continent, and named it as Cape of Storms. Portugese king did not lose heart and named that as Cape of Good Hope. This hope was realized by untiring sailor Vasco Da Gama. He ultimately landed into calmer waters of Indian Ocean, reached port today known as Mombasa. Here, he was helped by an Indian (Kutchhi) navigator to reach India, area today known as Coromandal

Second referendum

This may be mere speculation, but if there were to be a second referendum on our exit from the EU, would Britain vote to remain in the EU? With the passage of time and with hindsight, and with the negotiations which have taken place so far, we are now much wiser than we were a couple of years ago when Britain decided by 51 to 49 votes to come out of the EU. It now transpires that we have much to lose and llittle to gain by coming out of the strong and powerful organisation like the European Union. Many financial institutions have already made advanced plans to move their headquarters from Britain to France and Luxembourg.

How would Britain’s coming out of the EU impact on its position as a trad-

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9th June 2018

coast. Please also note WHY he ventured forth.

Prior to 1600 and around 1400 AD, Whole Europe was crushed under ruthless heel of poverty. Europe had heard about wealth of the Eastern lands and pined to tap it. Thus poverty motivated Europeans to go out and import oriental wealth. Accidental expedition by C. Columbus motivated them to go directly to east. These trips were made sheerley under duress of poverty, later historians gave tint of hedonistic adventure, courage and bravery. But motive was Europe’s dire need to survive.

This is where history of the India must be rewritten. India was so very rich that it attracted invaders, looters and survival seeking European traders.

Patriotic youth like Priya Mendes can rewrite history of India and glorify image of motherland Goa and India. I appeal to ALL writers of Readers’ Voice to inform, educate and motivate India’s youth towards reinventing motherland India.

Ramesh Jhalla By email ing country? If the referendum was a little hasty decision, is there a case for second referendum? Probably not, but as negotiations for Britain’s exit from the European Union are continuing, I was apalled to learn that Britain is being asked to pay vast sums of money for border security and for remaining in the customs union. On the contrary, Brirtish negotiators should try and clawback the billions of pounds which we have contributed towards the running of the EU since 1974, and in bailing out its sick partners. Make it tough for EU negotiators and ask for refund of UK’s investments in the EU projects and loans we have given to the EU Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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The much touted Opposition alignment, more misalliance than alliance, appears to be splitting at the seams, with certain party heads – the TMC’s Mamata Benerjee, the Communist Party of India’s D.Raja, Telugu Desam’s Chandrababu Naidu and former Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav sought the solace of plenitude in a five star Bangalore hotel, where the inebriating possibility of taking on both the BJP and Congress was discussed.

India’s silly season transcends time itself.

IPL viewers surge Star India, the official broadcaster of cricket’s Indian Premier League, states that a total of 202 million viewers logged on to its video streaming platform Hotstar to watch the T20 2018 tournament. Millions of spectators turned up at stadia across the country and millions more watched the spectacle on TV at home and abroad, or on giant screens free of charge at selected locations, from week to week.. The management and efficiency of the exercise was astounding, doubly so in nation noted for its chaos and lack of civic discipline. The fabled Indian Rope Trick comes readily to mind. (Mint May 29).

Walmart-Flipkart game-changer Business, technology and related things keep India ticking over.

The US mega-firm Walmart’s 16 billion dollar investment in India’s e-commerce company promises to be a game-changer, creating jobs, efficient agriculture supply chains, and increase the volume of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through a cascading effect on industry.

The deal underscores the American business community’s new approach to the possibilities of the Indian market through long-term sustainable business partnerships.

Walmart’s investment will underwrite the ‘Make in India’ campaign by adding billions in revenue for Indian manufacturers, stimulating individual income growth for farmers and reducing food waste by $1.2 billion annually within the next decade.

(Mint May 29) It bespeaks imagination, intelligence and insight, qualities sadly lacking in America’s political class and administration.

While the former succeeds, often brilliantly, the latter fails time and again in foolhardy ventures.

US ultimatum to India The Trump Administration and the US Congress have delivered what amounts to an ultimatum to India: abort the deal to purchase the Russian missile system under the new sanctions regime Washington seeks to apply against Moscow. Not to do so would imperil India’s intended acquisitions of certain US weapon systems. This is tantamount to an attack on Indian sovereignty, reducing India to a coolie state of the American Empire. ‘Talk softy and use a big stick,’ was the

advice President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 20th century.

The Trump Administration has gone one better: it uses big talk with the big stick (Times of India May 29).

India-Russia economic partnership The first Indo-Russian Strategic Economic Dialogue – an offshoot of Prime Minister Modi’s informal summit with President Putin at Sochi – is to be held in St Petersburg in July to take the strategic economic partnership between their two countries to the next level. The Indian team in the dialogue, to be led by Niti Aayog CEO Rajiv Kumar, will seek to put in place a mechanism to draw resource-rich Russian regions and Indian states [provinces].

Russian Far East Russia’s Far Eastern provinces are searching for partnerships with their Indian counterparts involving trade and investments.

Private sector companies on both sides outside defence, are taking part in these exchanges.

In an effort to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2025, Russia urged Indian startup companies to become catalysts in a closer business relationship.

India and Russia are pledged to remove bureaucratic impediments for ease of doing business . Two-way commercial increased 21.5 per cent in 2017, and is poised to deepen going forward. Small and mediumsized companies will play a critical part in the exercise.

Delhi, said Russian officials, has moved a significant step forward in joining the free trade with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union. This will complement India’s membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Indian government will help Russian companies in ‘Invest in India.’

Russian LNG supplies will arrive in India from June this year and strengthen energy ties enabling India to move to a natural gasbased economy.

(Economic Times May 25).

Refusal to accept Iran sanctions India’s Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, has issued a statement refusing to accept any sanctions against Iran that lack the imprimatur of the United Nations. She met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javed Zarif in New Delhi and expressed India’s unequivocal support for the US-

Sushma Swaraj

EU-Russia nuclear deal with Tehran, which former US president Barack Obama signed up to and the Trump Administration now repudiates.

Other Indian ministers met with their Iranian counterparts on ways to work round proposed US sanctions (Times of India May 29).

Improved connectivity with Arunachal Pradesh When Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited a remote corner of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Tibet, she discovered to her chagrin that the inhabitants of Kibithoo would tune into Chinese radio broadcasts as those from India were barely audible. She promised to rectify the situation on her return to the capital by authorizing new fibre cables to be put in place, but what were the local officials doing all this time. It took a central government minister to put things right- not a desirable state of affairs, sure.

consternation in the ranks of the present Congress dispensation.

Mr Mukherjee is arguably the experienced Indian politician of his generation, joining Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet as an unknown in 1967 and leaving government as head of state a few years short 50 years. He held the great offices of state, finance minister, home minister, defence minister and external affairs minister. He said wasn’t equipped to be prime minister because of his lack of fluency in Hindi. Dr Manmohan Singh, the prime minister under whom Mr Mukherjee had served, said his erstwhile colleague was better qualified than he to be prime minister.

Respected MP Mr Mukherjee was a respected opposition Member of Parliament, friendly, accessible, a powerful advocate of his cause and acclaimed by all sides of the political divide. His Congress roots were deep and unquestioned.

He warned against the political polarization that has so sullied the country’s public life and brought its politicians into disrepute. As a staunch admirer of Jawaharlal Nehru, whom he recently hailed as India’s greatest prime minister, addressing the RSS faithful won’t alter his views one little bit. Indeed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself paid a warm tribute to Nehru’s memory on anniversary of his death on May 27. The living Nehru invited the RSS to participate in India’s Independence Day parade in August 1963. Indira Gandhi was

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

equally open in her approaches to the organization. It is the height of impertinence for Congress leaders now to tell Mr Mukherjee who he should speak to and who he should avoid.

(Times of India, Hindu, May 30, 31).

Monsoon arrives, rural revival, economic boost The monsoon arrived in Kerala three days ahead of schedule, promising abundant rains across most of India, according to India’s Meteorological Department forecasts. Parallel to this are optimistic reports of a revival of the rural economy.

Forecasting company Nielson’s expectation of high fourth quarter growth [January-March] was fulfilled with official data revealing that the economy had grown 7.7 per cent, the highest growth in seven quarters. A rise in food sales will augment farmers’ incomes, said the Nielson report. (Times of India May 30, 31).

Xiaomi’s ‘Made in India’ Television sets Chinese company Xiaomi is planning to manufacture television sets in India in a joint venture with Taiwanese company Fox-conn for the manufacture of TV sets in India from July-August ahead of the Diwali festive season when consumer sales usually reach their peak. (Economic Times May 31).

Modi in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore

Pankaj Saran, Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran, the present Indian Ambassador to Russia, has been appointed Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) on his retirement from the diplomatic service in November. He will be contracted to serve a two-year term as deputy NSA. His Russian connection may have played a role in this critical appointment (Hindu May 30).

Karnataka ministry still incomplete Following the brouhaha following the Janata United (Secular) and the Congress Party pledging a long-time union of kindred souls, there widespread expectation that the promised coalition government would be up and running in the time to shout H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Chief Minister’s name. He and his Congress deputy are in place, but squabbling over the loaves and fishes of office between the coalition partners has hobbled the administration. What price the promised Opposition Unity?

(Hindu May 30).

Mukherjee -RSS Dialogue Former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee’s decision to address RSS faithful has caused

PM Modi with Malayasian PM Mahathir Mohammed in Kuala Lumpur

Amid global d i p l o m a t i c turbulence, Prime Minister Modi is spreading his wings abroad. Mr Modi turned eastward to Indonesia, the largest and most populous country in Southeast Asia.

From Indonesia, the PM next port of call was Malaysia, where he met with the 92 year-old PM Modi with US Secretary of Defence Prime Minister Dr James Mattis M a h a t h i r Mohammed, who made a triumphant return to power from retirement, following the defeat of Razzak government in country’s recent general election. Both leaders pledged to strengthen bilateral ties as a priority in the light of the uncertainties of global politics and their impact on the region. The Indian Prime Minister ended his tour in Singapore with a keenly awaited speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue and a private conversation with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis, in which India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also participated.

(Times of India, Hindu May 31, June 12,3) See Comment Page.

UK

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Ex-Cabinet minister Priti Patel blasts May's 'negative' approach to Brexit Theresa May was hit with the wrath of a former Cabinet colleague today as Priti Patel blasted her 'negative' approach to Brexit.

Mrs Patel voiced anger that senior figures in government were 'talking the economy down' rather than viewing cutting ties with Brussels as a massive opportunity. And she laid the blame squarely on the PM and Chancellor Philip Hammond, suggesting that having two Remainers in the most powerful posts was a problem.

The intervention ratchets up the pressure on Mrs May as talks with Brussels reach a critical stage - with a standoff over the Irish border threaten-

ing to throw the process into turmoil.

Mrs Patel, who quit as Aid Secretary last year after admitting holding unauthorised meeting while on holiday in Israel, told The House magazine that the Conservatives had become 'lazy' and she heard 'too much relentless talking down' of Britain's economy.

Asked if having Remain supporters Mrs May and Mr Hammond at the top of government was part of the problem, she said: 'I have to say, originally I thought it wasn't.

But I think it's fair to say that there's something in that. There is absolutely something in that. I actually resent the negativity.'

Priti Patel

Talking about the wider Government, she added: 'We are basically now at that two-year anniversary mark. Being bogged down in the minutiae is one thing. But moaning about Brexit in government and saying that it's too difficult and talking down our country I think is actually quite shameful.'

Appeal to trace man over 'dangerous black magic' fraud

Detectives have released an image of a man wanted for questioning in connection with fraud which left the victim over £400,000 out of pocket.

Muhammed Ashraf, 37, pictured, is wanted for questioning by officers from Hounslow for his part in defrauding a 57-yearold woman out of over £400,000 over a two-year period between April 2013 and November 2015.

The victim reported to officers on 25 November 2015 that in March 2013 she received a leaflet through her letterbox claiming to provide ser-

vices to people suffering from 'dangerous black magic'. Three weeks after reporting the matter to police, the victim saw Ashraf driving a blue Hyundai with the registration number AD14 NAZ in Southall. This was the last

known sighting of Ashraf.

DC Ben LawrenceSmith, from Hounslow CID, said: "Although this offence happened a number of years ago, we still appeal to the public for their help in locating Ashraf.

"Ashraf at the time of his involvement in defrauding the victim had a beard and moustache. He is known to sometimes use the surname Ali, and may be residing in the Midlands." Anyone with any information can contact police at Hounslow CID on 020 8247 6160 or tweet @MetCC.

Jewish and Muslim communities come together to observe and celebrate Ramadan The Jewish community in Golders Green hosted an Iftar for the local Muslim community, to celebrate historic heroes and heroines from both traditions and discuss all that they have in common.

This is the fifth consecutive year in which the Alyth Synagogue has hosted the breaking of the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It forms part of Faiths Forum for London’s Big Iftar, that works to bring communities from across London together by sharing a meal, talks and respective traditions.

Discussions focused around heroic figures from both the Islamic and Jewish religions throughout history, to show how these great people responded to the challenges of their ages, but also the shared values and morals between the two faiths. The evening began by looking at women from the Koran and Torah whose brave actions and voices built the values of both religions, and continued with a historical sweep from Prophet Muhammad,

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9th June 2018

Hostile environment policy which affected thousands of foreign students in the UK

The UK Government has deported thousands of foreign national students, accusing them of cheating in their English exams.

A BBC Panorama programme in 2014 exposed cheating in Tamana Aziz some of the colleges where the students sat an English test (Test of English for International Communications). This test is among many that proofs student’s language skills and is one of the visa requirements. The government was alerted and they appointed a private US based company (English Testing Services) to carry out an investigation. They identified 33,725 invalid tests taken by students and thousands of others which were questionable.

The government took action and by the end of 2016 7,000 students had had their visas revoked. The government relied their investigation on an automated voice analysis which was later found to be wrong in 20% of cases.

It is difficult to judge how many foreign students have been deported back to their countries for a crime that they did not commit. Most that were returned were not given a chance to respond or appeal the Home Office’s decision.

Those who could appeal came before the immigration tribunals. An immigration appeals tribunal in 2016 found the evidence used by the Home Office to deport th e students had “multiple frailties and shortcomings”.

The evidence was allegedly based on weak evidence by the UK courts; however the government has justified their decisions by pointing to official reports suggesting that more than 100,000 students lived in the UK illegally. The Office of National Statistics

had warned that the actual number of overstays was just under 47,000.

The use of flawed data to justify a clampdown is the Home Office’s approach. Its strategy has been to do everything possible to erect bureaucratic hurdles and create a hostile environment for migrants.

We recommend all students who were affected by this policy and removed/deported from the UK to seek legal advice. They may have a case against the government for unlawful curtailment of their leave and removal from the UK. Author Tamana Aziz, Director of Immigration, specialises in Private and Business Immigration law under the Points Based System with significant experience assisting clients with immigration applications under EU law.

Recommended in Legal 500 2017 as ‘a great communicator’ and a ‘very committed’ individual in her field, Tamana has developed an expertise in dealing with complex appeals (including deportation appeals and country guidance cases) in the Immigration Tribunals, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Contact Tamana on 0203 114 1130 or at tamanaa@duncanlewis.com.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors is recognised by Legal 500 2017 for our "strong track record representing SME clients". We are able to advise on business immigration, right to work in the UK, Tier-2 visa applications and appeals, student and graduate visas, spousal visas and visa overstays.

Our specialist business immigration solicitors advise businesses and individuals on changes to UK immigration law during Brexit negotiations and after 29 March 2019, post-Brexit.

British Asian Trust’s Change Minds appeal promises to tackle mental health crises during Ramadan

Moses, Nachmanides and Omar, and finished with the first woman Rabbi, Regina Jonas and other modern Muslim heroes.

On display at the Iftar, was World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Yad Vashem’s exhibition ‘BESA, A Code of Honour’.

It depicted the Muslims that risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbours during the Holocaust in Albania. It was the only European country to successfully save the majority of its Jewish population.

Mustafa Field, MBE, Co-Founder of The Big Iftar and Director of Faiths Forum for London said: “With growing concern of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, it is impor-

tant to remember that our communities, historically, have always supported each other and will always continue to do so.

“Ramadan is one of the holiest times of the year for Muslims. Not only is it spiritually important, but it is also an opportunity to fortify relationships with neighbours, so a perfect time to bring communities together.”

Both Ma’ariv the Jewish evening prayer and Maghrib, the Muslim evening prayer, were recited as a reflection of the similarities and cohesion between the communities.

For more information about The Big Iftar events throughout Ramadan, visit: http://www.thebigiftar.org/

The British Asian Trust, the leading South Asian diaspora organisation founded

by HRH The Prince of Wales, hosted two exciting events last week in aid of its Ramadan Change Minds appeal to create awareness about the huge mental health challenges in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Iftars held at Kensington Palace Pavilion and the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, were supported by a wide range of high profile community and business leaders, actors, MPs, entertainers and British Asian Trust ambassadors.

The Trust will also hold an Eid celebration at Spencer House on Saturday 23 June to conclude the appeal.

Guests included Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed, music producer

Naughty Boy, DJ Neev Spencer, radio presenter Noreen Khan, Rehman Chishti MP, Rushanara Ali MP, Afzal Khan MP and

Amjad Bashir MEP, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Dr Robina Shah MBE, actor Nitin Ganatra, and cricketer Shoaib Malik.

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14

COMMUNITY

Asian Voice |

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9th June 2018

Leading travel agent, Alpa Shah recognised at Stardust Awards, London Alpa Shah a woman in travel business for the past 26 years, was recognised at the Startdust Awards for 'Excellence in Travel and Charity Work' on 1st June 2018 at the Grosvenor House, London.

Alpa Shah is a woman on a mission. A talented systems analyst by profession, she is a humanitarian who tirelessly strives to make a change for the betterment of the people.

Alpa has been instrumental in helping several charities over the years – from teaching English to orphans in Sri Lanka and Hyderabad, working with cricketers for several charities and being involved in many charity walks to create more awareness for Alzheimers. Not only that, she has even undertaken a precarious skydive just for charity. Alpa also feeds the homeless in the UK as well as donates food. Her biggest achievement, she believes, was during the horrific tsunami wherein she collected money and

Hemraj Goyal Foundation hosts first FGM awareness event

Alpa Shah

helped set up an entire village in Chennai.

A multi-faceted woman, Alpa runs a a thriving travel business named 'Travel in Style'.

Travlin Style is an established boutique corporate travel agent with branches in India and Kenya. In addition to this, Alpa also has a successful beauty business called ‘I BAR Beauty’ based in Harrow.

Being a single parent, Alpa has wonderfully brought up her son single-handedly.

After retirement, her aim in life is to dedicate her time to children’s charities, educate kids and build a small school in India. More power to this wonderful woman.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden organises event to help Kaiya Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden held an in house donor clinic on 1st, 2nd and 3rd June for members of the public and devotees to register as stem cell donors.

With over 20 volunteers they ensured the Mandir got as many people in our community to come in a register themselves as stem cell donors. Over the 3 day registrations they managed to swab and register over 230 people, with our community’s boundless support.

A representative from the temple said, “When we first heard the story or Little Kaiya Patel we knew as a community and as a Mandir we had to do something to help. Kaiya, a 5 year old girl has a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia and is in desperate need of a Stem Cell donor to kick start her Immune system and fight the cancer.

Due to the fact that there is a very low percent of Asian and ethnic minorities are registered as stem cell donors, around 20%, Kaiya is struggling to find a match.

“We encourage anyone who

hasn’t yet registered and is between 17 – 55 years old to please visit the below websites to check if they eligible and to order a swab kit and request encourage anyone who hasn’t yet registered and is between 17 – 55 years old to please visit the below websites to check if they eligible and to order a swab kit.”

Mumbai: Delhi:

You can also check Kaiya’s Page www.facebook.com/curekaiya to get more information and follow her journey in the fight against blood cancer.

There is also info on other registrations taking place across the UK allowing a even broader range of Asians and Ethnic Minorities to register as a Stem Cell Donor.

£375

£400

Hyderabad: £400 Chennai:

£395

The Soho Hotel was the setting for the Hemraj Goyal Foundation’s (HGF) first FGM awareness event, hosted in partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s, and the National FGM Centre (NFGMC).

More than sixty people attended the event on the evening of 30th May 2018, which was a private screening of Jaha’s Promise followed by a panel discussion and opportunity for guests to ask their questions.

The special event, organised collaboratively by the three charitable organizations, aimed to raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by not only showing the deeply moving documentary, but by encouraging guests to share their thoughts afterwards with the panel of experts. Jaha’s Promise, which was released in 2017, was made by The Guardian as part of their Global Campaign to end FGM. The panel was made up of Leethen Ba rtholomew, Head of the NFGMC, Sonita Pobi who heads up the National Lead Learning and Professional Development for the NFGMC, and Maggie O’Kane, Executive Producer of the film and Executive Director for the Global Media Campaign to end FGM. Questions were led by

Anita Goyal, Director of HGF and Honorary Chair for the FGM Appeal, who covered everything from the film’s inception to what we can all do to help bring an end to Female Genital Mutilation.

One of the key messages guests took away from the event was a sense of encouragement to talk about what they saw and how it made them feel. “The only way to end FGM is by breaking the silence”.

Anita Goyal said: “The Hemraj Goyal Foundation is delighted to be continuing its work alongside Barnardo’s and the National FGM Centre into 2018.

Sharing Jaha’s Promise was a step in ensuring we collaborate in bringing this horrendous practice to an end in the UK”.

This private screening was part of a set of three events that are being hosted by HGF, Barnardo’s and NFGMC in 2018. The next event, a full-day conference on FGM, is taking place on Monday 9th July, and will include an introduction from Barnardo’s CEO Javed Khan, presentations from industry professionals and the chance to hear from an FGM survivor.

If you would like to attend or support any of HGF’s upcoming events, please contact Chesca for more information on info@hgf.org.uk.

Ahmedabad: £380

Bhuj:

£450

Amritsar:

GOA:

Kochi:

£395

Singapore : £430

Rajkot:

£450

Bangalore:

£399

£405

Lucknow: Kolkata:

£465 £410

Dhaka:

Bangkok:

£405

£465

£450

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TLIGHT

Hindus, Muslims and a Scot help football team from Kashmir reach top league

In an inspiring sign of community cohesion, a small football team from a tiny valley community in the conflicted state of Kashmir has made it to the professional league. The team saw people from different faiths and nationalities uniting.

Shamim Meraj, owner of the Kashmir Monitor newspaper, started a football club four years ago to help a community that was flood-hit in Kashmir. He started the club to rally the valley's spirit. In four years, he witnessed his team, 'Real Kashmir', go from being a passion project to India's professional I-League.

The team has a Scottish coach, David Robertson, who played a significant role making a team of students and semi-professionals qualify for India's top league.

Robertson told The Sunday Telegraph, “We've got six or seven different faiths, four or five nationalities and kids from across India here”. Team Real Kashmir's other owner, Sandeep Chattoo, is a hotel owner and Hindu priest, and is a close friend of Meraj, a Muslim.

The I-League is different from the Indian Soccer League, but is known for some of the country's oldest clubs. Robertson, who joined the club 18 months ago, said that Kashmir “reminds me a lot of Scotland – there's mountains, it rains, there's four proper seasons”.

Meera Syal: Let children follow their passion

Meera Syal, a successful actress and writer, advocates letting youngsters follow their passion, warning pushy parents that they might be setting their children up for failure.

Syal's own immigrant parents had once suggested medical training but she instead chose a different career path. She said, “There is a misconception that if you choose arts at school and university, you are going to spend your life starving in a garret”.

A mother herself, she Meera Syal believes that the Asian community is becoming more relaxed. She said, “I can't think of many of my contemporaries allowed to go into the arts.

That has really changed.” Syal's own parents accepted her decision to pursue English and Drama at university and her career took a turn thereon. In a lighter vein, the comedian and star of BBC1’s The Split said, “There are many more people alive today because I did not become a doctor”.

Tory party's new mayoral shortlist to change male, pale and stale image In an effort to break the Tory party's “stale, male and pale” image, some senior Tories are recommending nonwhite contenders to be on the shortlist of London mayoral candidates. The party chiefs are drawing up the shortlist to include three non-white candidates amid fears that the front-runner, Justine Justine Greening Greening, may be perceived as a part of the establishment and will not prosper in the capital.

Shaun Bailey, a member of the London assembly and a former parliamentary candidate, is in the frame as a serious contender. Syed Kamall, who Shaun Bailey is one of the party's London MEP and sought the nomination last time, is another likely choice.

Another probably candidate in the shortlist is Kulveer Ranger. Kulveer was director of transport when Boris Johnson was running the City Hall.

However, there have been some questions regarding his experience as a front Kulveer Ranger runner of a highprofile campaign.

Justine Greening, former education secretary, resigned form the cabinet in January and has since pitched herself as a working-class voice. A source told The Times, “Justine doesSyed Kamall n't think she is part of the establishment but she has only just left the cabinet. We are likely to lose anyway, so it is better to send a visible message to voters that we are changing”.

Sunetra Senior SKY brings you clever, close-up magic with a contemporary urban edge. The slick performer specialises in hypnotism, brought into British cultural fashion by fellow industry professional, and one of SKY’s own inspirations: Derren Brown. Having now performed for both the Pakistani and English cricket teams, and celebrities such as Raveena Tandon as well as basically half the cast of Desi Rascals, this modern magician possesses a unique street-wise charm which serves everybody well. “The best part of being this kind of performer is using wonderful pieces of magic and mentalism to introduce people to their more relaxed, beautiful sides. It’s especially important in this climate of distrust and suspicion. People can be sceptical, but once they’ve had their minds so explosively broadened, they begin to relax and let what I’m doing in.” This is certainly helped by SKY’s very humorous spin. From cardistry and guessing people’s mobile passwords to getting their friends to believe they’re Batman and turning miscellaneous objects into glass, SKY performs a variety of traditional, digital and purely signature tricks. “My favourite is definitely the hypnotism,” he emphasised, “because it’s so powerful.” This was just before he guessed which university I had attended by gauging my tone over an impromptu phone call.

More than the standard ability to read character and power of persuasion then, comes SKY’s defining personability: hard to pull off while preserving the profession’s mandatory class and mystique.

the local government and provides music therapy as part of a virtual school. “Magic is a great way to break the ice and music has always been another passion of mine, partly because it is also an expressive way to reach out. Combining the two makes for tremendous impact.” But a deep soul does not compromise

SKY’s intense sharpness or mental mastery: “I always work to finesse my tricks so they are world-class, sophisticated acts, as if you’re being brought a show that might air on TV. It’s probably why I’ve attracted such *** a high-profile clientele. I have an impeccable high standard that’s also As well as private events - for corpoaccessible.” As well as having an rations and lively weddings expected creative flourish, SKY gives smaller, intiSKY elaborated that “a mate performances and really good magician provides charity work Focus: excels at problem-solvfor institutions such ing and thinks outside as Richard House the universe the box.” If you can Children’s Hospice. will bend to pass a MENSA test or “There is nothing solve a difficult newsbetter than seeing your will paper puzzle, you’ve got the smiles on people’s a shot at wizardry! “A faces. More than the highlight moment was repute or money, the Morocco,” SKY, also a seaopportunity to connect with soned world traveller, shared. “My people from all walks of life is the friend and I had decided to get a main reason for my love of the trade. drink at the Radisson Blu Hotel as There’s always a feeling of celebrity, our accommodation at the time was but it’s also a spiritual experience to not fit for human occupation. I startbe able to resonate with people and ed to perform some tricks and bring them out of their shells. This was never so clear than during the time I spent with terminally ill children at the hospice - my little marvels could give them such light.”

SKY has informally enjoyed building relationships through his immersive medium, with his other work too.

Among other exciting jobs, he has a consulting role for

impressed the bartenders. Soon the manager came by – he was having so much fun, he asked me what it would take to perform again in 5 nights time. I was able to negotiate a very forthcoming 5-night stay in exchange for my magic We were even treated to massages.” Thus, being performatively and philosophically open, SKY not only delights people in the moment, but creates mindaltering memories that last. “I’ve never been as attracted to stage or theatre magic,” he aptly commented.

“It’s somewhat removed from real life. I enjoy entertaining and really moving my audience. I gift people a four-dimensional experience -one that gets them to really appreciate the present,” and at once, as we’ve seen, the blessing of life. “A concept that’s championed by Oprah Winfrey, I’ve always believed in The Secret: if you focus on a goal strongly enough, the universe will bend to your will.” Here, there is actually a theory in physics - the double-split experiment - which supports this. By aiming attention at a certain particle, you actively alter its path. With SKY then, magic really does transcend the impossible.

Have you ever had someone persistently bother you to reveal a trick?

There are always people. The most common frustration is someone trying to debunk me. Especially when you’ve got a a group of alpha males! They get very protective over the women they are with – hurt egos are an occupational hazard!

How does one study magic?

You have to be a good storyteller – the narrative has to be inspiring.

My initial training as a primary school teacher really helped me after getting my degree. When you combine engaging stories with magic, you get a wow factor.

What does the future hold for you?

I’d love to take my magic to India.

I can imagine having a knock-out TV Show. Visualise me tricking a famous Bollywood actress into thinking I am Shah Rukh Khan. Then the real deal walks in and this actress thinks he’s just a waiter who has got her order wrong… For the immediate future, I am taking a group of challenged young people for an enlightening trip to in India. We’ll be surrounded by the Himalayas. Infusing the magic in all I do makes life truly enjoyable.

Finally, what’s your advice to others who have chosen alternative performance careers, who might be starting out with nothing but selfbelief?

As tired as it might sound, I think you have to follow your heart. They say if you’re doing something you love, you never work a day in your life. If there isn’t an industry or infrastructure for you, create one.

Also remember, people might put you down but as long as you are secure in your subject knowledge and respective discipline than no one can touch you.

W: www.skymagician.com I: https://www.instagram.com/skymagic_uk/

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9th June 2018

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COMMUNITY CHEERS JAVID'S IMMIGRATION RETHINK

Continued from page 1

Moreover, he also said that all applications for leave to remain that could potentially be refused under paragraph 322(5) have been put on hold pending the findings of the review, which is due to be completed by the end the month. At least 1,000 highly skilled migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK are facing expulsion under under paragraph 322(5). This includes doctors, lawyers, teachers and many other high tax paying migrants. However those who have already been denied ILR in the UK on the basis of their past tax payment history, has still not had their decision overturned by Home Office. These migrants who include many Indians as well as other South Asian communities continue to protest, asking for a speedy justice.

Javid’s letter to the home affairs select committee admitted that the Home Office’s use of this paragraph – condemned as “truly wicked” and “an abuse of power” by MPs and experts – could have spread to other applications, including that of any migrant applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who might have been asked to submit evidence of earnings.

A group of about 20 MPs and a member of the House of Lords have also established a separate pressure group to persuade the Home Office to stop deporting highly skilled migrants under the terms of the paragraph 332(5). The home affairs select committee highlighted the issue after questioning Caroline Nokes, the immigration minister, about it in early May. They also reportedly publicly accused the Home Office of being unfit for purpose and guilty of “shambolic incompetence” after the Guardian newspaper found letters written by Nokes that appeared to contradict her claim that she had only recently learned of the Home Office’s use of the paragraph 322(5).

Speaking about the doctors, the Home Secretary acknowledged that the current system means “a number of doctors that are qualified, that our NHS needs are being turned away.”

He reportedly added: “I see the problem with that. It is something that I’m taking a fresh look at.

“I know a number of my colleagues certainly want me to take a look at this, and that’s exactly what I’m doing and I hope to think about this more carefully and see what can be done.”

The current immigration places an annual limit of 20,700 on tier 2 immigrants coming to the UK from outside the EU. This tier includes doctors, as well as other skilled workers who are needed to fill vacancies in the UK job market.

The limit has been hit for the last five months, meaning 120 doctors from India recruited to work in the north of England were refused visas three times.

Indian immigrants still fighting for justice A protest was organised against Home Office at Parliament Square on Tuesday 5 June, and was attended by hundreds of people, including Parliamentarians.

These protesters were mainly migrants who have been denied ILR under section 322 (5). Many of them believe they have been denied their visa wrongfully, as Home Office refused to acknowledge that a small tax discripancy that happened between applicant and HMRC, had already been cleared years back.

Highly-skilled migrants protesting at Parliament square on June 5, 2018

Aditi Bhardwaj, the main organiser of this protest, told Asian Voice, “Home Secretary has paused the applications under section 322 (5). He has done it for the applications pending, but nothing has been done for people who have been refused it already. They dont have work rights, appeal rights or access to NHS currently.

Will the Home Secretary reinstate their work rights, till the reviews are completed? There are lot of families in destitute situation.

Stephen Timms MP, who was also attending the protest on Tuesday told Asian Voice, “People had their visa renewals refused for very small tax issues which were settled with complete satisfaction of HMRC years ago. There is no basis at all now to deny them visas. We asked the Minister about this yesterday and she said, there were cases of discripancies of £10,000. That is wrong, people should not have their visas renewed such circumstances. But the cases I know there have been no discrapancies at all. So I am very pleased that the Home Office has now said they are going to put these cases on hold and will not be taking any further action. But we need much more than that.”

Reaction from professionals and organisations Businesses and student bodies cheered the new Home Secretary’s pledge.

Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, told Asian Voice: “The recent comments by the new Home Secretary suggesting a shift in the Government’s thinking are welcome, but must be quickly backed up by real action. The Mayor and I have said consistently that the Tier 2 annual allocation should be scrapped, or significantly increased. This policy is risking London and the UK’s reputation as a place that welcomes global skills and talent, and is hampering the growth of the capital’s businesses. Let’s hope the Home

Secretary can quickly match words with action.”

Charlie Massey, Chief Executive, General Medical Council said, "It is frustrating that while one government department is working hard to recruit doctors into an overstretched health service, another is enforcing eligibility conditions which stifle those efforts.

“We are seeing huge increases in the number of international doctors applying to take our examinations that they need in order to work in the UK, so much so that we have made extra exam dates available.

“However, once they pass the exam, and so have shown they have the skills necessary to work here, too many of those much-needed doctors are being prevented from coming as they can’t get visas. The government needs to address this issue as a matter of urgency.”

Sanam Arora, Chairperson, NISAU, which is an Indian students' body in UK told Asian Voice, “It is heartening to hear that the long-overdue review of the UK’s immigration is being considered, although that it has come about only because the Windrush scandal came to light makes us concerned about how extensive the review would be in so-far as foreign students are concerned. We hope that a comprehensive review is undertaken that draws upon many of the existing credible findings that have emerged through the years, all of which unanimously emphasise on the net benefits, both economic and non-economic, that International students bring to the UK. “A lot of damage has been done to the UKs reputation as the destination of choice for Indian Students over the last few years and many lives have been severely negatively impacted as a result of ill-implemented policies. The new Home Secretary has publicly recognised this, which is a great starting point, and we now hope that given 'bogus colleges' are a thing of the past, that the UK Government takes the actual stakeholders into focus during the review.

“There is negligible long term migration impact as most Indian students leave the country within a short timeframe and all they ask for is opportunities to gain international work experience for a short period after their studies. The international Indian Student is a consumer and when consumer needs aren’t met, they

flock elsewhere, which is why numbers coming to the UK have more than halved over recent years. This is the UK’s loss and sad because it is shaking a strong foundational pillar of the UK-India relationship the educational partnership.”

Rashesh Shah, President, Federation of Indian Chambers of commerce and Industry said, “The changes in the immigration policy of British Government have been a matter of concern for India.

Movement of Skilled Professionals should be looked at differently and not be treated as part of the larger immigration issue which UK is facing. While policies related to migration are a sovereign matter, the contribution made by skilled workers and professionals to the economy and overall competitiveness of industry should be looked at in a holistic manner for mutual economic progress” Dr Shiv Pande, a life member and former National Chair of British International Doctors Association told Asian Voice, “As a doctor I feel this cap has been utter madness. We need more doctors.

From December to March 1500 docrtors have been refused visas. It is expensive to appoint just locals. Fault lies with Mrs May. I hope the Home Secretary takes some action.”

Dr Suja, an NHS doctor, told the newsweekly, “I honestly can’t understand what this government’s aim is. We are very clearly short on doctors and nurses, yet the UK is making it as difficult as possible for not only international doctors to work in the UK, but for doctors like myself to return to practice in the UK. “As long as the NHS/ GMC are ensuring doctors meet English speaking standards and professional standards I don’t see a reason to refuse them entry to the UK. To me it’s just absurd.

“Of course Jeremy Hunt claims to be increasing the number of doctors by 2020, but I have no idea where we are going to magic these doctors from. It takes 10 years to be a GP from the time you enter medical school (minimum), and 15-20 years to be a hospital specialist or surgeon.”

Lakshmi Kaul, Head & Representative, Confederation of Indian Industries, UK said, “CII welcomes the move to review the UK immigration policy especially in relation to tier 2 visa holders and the review of the rejections of ILR applications of tier 1 visa holders. We would like to reiterate the fact that the Intra- Company Transfer (ICT) visa offers a short and temporary visa route that provides a critical channel for UK business to access global talent pool.

Many Indian businesses operating in the UK use this short-term ICT to transfer key staff to complete temporary assignments.

UK visa rules in the form of minimum salary thresholds and restricting labour mobility is counterproductive – cumbersome for Indian companies operating in the UK and detrimental to the UK economy. The Indian Industry takes the view that there must be a clear policy-level distinction in addressing long term migration issues and short term professional mobility issues. Short term transfer of skilled resources to service legitimate business contracts in the UK should not be construed as ‘migration’ but should be treated infact as ‘Trade in Services’.”

ANAND MELA 2018 SPECIAL

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

FUN, FEAST AND FERVOUR

Countdown to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar's best-loved annual Anand Mela has begun and folks, it is going to be a fun weekend! One of UK's most thriving culture festival for charity returns, the 8th edition of the grand two-day event will take place at

the Harrow Leisure Centre on June 9 and 10.

Anand Mela attracts thousands of people every year, and flaunts a variety of stalls for food, fashion, wedding, beauty, property and investment, health and well-being and others.

One of the main attractions being food, the

event will serve various Indian preparations this year, including samosa, bhelpuri, aloo tikki chat, and other items. Drinks like falooda, lassi, and ice cream will also be served to beat the heat. The event will also see cultural performances by highly sought performers, community organisations,

and school children.

The inauguration of the Anand Mela will be in the presence of our esteemed guests, parliamentarians and councillors with lighting of the lamp and prayers.

Cultural performances The exciting line-up for the cultural performances this year

includes Navin Kundra, Kishan Amin, London Sharad Utsav, Dakshinayan UK, AK Dance Academy, Shri B Dance, Odissi dancer Alakananda Mohapatra, and many more. Navin Kundra, the noted British Asian musician and actor, who entered into the Guinness book of World records with

his song 'Mehbooba', will also perform at the Mela.

He secured 3 consecutive top 20 English singles in the UK Urban charts last year and is a celebrated youth icon in the UK. Kishan Amin, popular British Asian singer, is set to enthral audience at the Mela with his voice.

Continued on page 18

Visit us at

Anand Mela

9th and 10th June

Visit us at Anand Mela 9th and 10th June

Visit us at

Anand Mela

9th and 10th June

18

UK-FINANCIAL VOICE

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018 Continued from page 17 They are an affiliated institute, training children in Hindustani Vocal and Kathak.

Performers from London Sharad Utsav (LSU), that aims to promote Bengal's heritage through cultural and religious events, will light up the stage with traditional performances.

LSU is a registered charity and is popular for its grand flagship event, the Bengali festival of Durga Puja, in London.

Health and Wellness Expo Health and fitness has always been one of our prime focuses, and this year is no different. With support and association of Meditouria, the Anand Mela Health and Wellness Expo this year will be the service you never knew you needed.

Specialist consultants and doctors from major super speciality hospitals and health centres from Gujarat will be present at the expo to help you better yourself. They will provide consultations on physical ailments and any kind of sicknesses.

Not only Gujarat, all states in India provide the best in health care today. They boast of state-of-the-art machinery, and prime technology, increasing human life rate. UK's

Recently Navin was awarded the 'Scene of the Year' for a scene featuring him in BBC soap 'Doctors'. The award winning scene in Doctors included a ‘Bollywood Proposal’ where Navin performed his hit single 'Mehbooba'. Saturday (2 June) night saw the glamorous stars of Britain's best soaps come together at London's Hackney Empire theatre to Navin Kundra celebrate the 20th Annual British Soap Awards, broadcast on ITV. In the first time of the history of the awards, the highly competitive “Scene Of The Year” Award was given to both Doctors and Eastenders following a joint split decision by the judging panel. Navin will next be seen on the big screen for his first Bollywood movie where he debuts as an actor this summer. Having previously broken a Guinness World Record with the song and performing it for the Royal Family where he famously got Prince Charles to call Camilla his 'Mehbooba', Navin created a new English version of the track for this episode.

Meditouria connects itself with these hospitals and hearth care centres and provides help to those in need. For further details, please visit www.meditouria.com.

Golden chance to build your business Anand Mela encourages small-scale businessmen and enterprises to spread their business and help them market their

products. If you are involved in the line of interior decoration, clothes like chaniya choli, Modi jacket, wedding costumes, mehendi, jewellery, packed snacks, or run businesses like a marriage bureau, travel and tourism, education, finance-banking, and insurance, book a stall at Anand Mela and expand your reach to a whole

massive difference in the size of the two Asian economies. The economy clocked 6.7 per cent growth, lower than 7.1 per cent growth of 2016-17 during the full financial year of 2017 and18.

While manufacturing and farm sector were estimated to have expanded at a slower pace during the last financial year, it has services that boosted growth.

Dharmakirti Joshi, chief economist at ratings

agency CRISIL, said, “GDP growth at 7.7 per cent in the fourth quarter was driven by an 11.5 per cent surge in construction (over a weak base) and above trend growth in agriculture.

It is heartening to see investments expand at 14.4 per cent. This is likely to be on account of government investments as the private corporate sector is still deleveraging and faces capacity overhang.”

Dakshinayan UK presented the premier of Tagore’s poem - The Trivial Loss (Samanya Kshati) in a dance drama format in the UK, as part of the Tagore Festival last month. Tagore Festival 2018 was held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, commemorating the 157th Birth Anniversary of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Dakshinayan UK also presented a spectacular musical soirée - live music and dance performances depicting Tagore’s romanticism for spiritualism and nationalism, a colossal display of Tagore’s creation marked with over 50 artists performing live on stage. Invited guests and noted dignitaries from London witnessed the grand concert, captivated by the performances.

Kishan Amin

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Dakshinayan UK at Tagore festival

Kishan Amin has been training in Hindustani Classical Music from a young age under Smt. Sapna Das, as well as under renowned artists such as Jagjit Singh and Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra during their respective UK tours. He has attained the versatility to sing in many different styles and genres, be it Ghazals, Sufi, Bollywood and in English. He was invited as the closing artist at the Mayor of London’s Diwali Celebrations in front a crowd of more than 15,000 and has performed alongside high profile artists such as Pritam, Harshdeep Kaur, Benny Dayal, Kanika Kapoor and Shruti Pathak.

new set of potential customers.

Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice will publicly honour social, religious and cultural organisations for selflessly and tirelessly working for the welfare of their members and society in general. We urge leaders and chairpersons of such organisations to contact us so that we can honour

them during the Anand Mela. The event will take place at the Byron Hall, Harrow Leisure Centre, (HA3 5BD) in North West London, between 10:30 am to 7 pm, on 9th and 10th June 2018 - Saturday and Sunday. We will honour the organisations on both day between 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

We would like to invite you to come with

all community/ committee members, friends and family members and also request you to buy ticket of £2.50 as entry fee to support the charity for children.

For more details on stall booking, contact us on 020 7749 4080.

Contact: Kamal Rao: kamal.rao@abplgroup. com 07875 229 211

India's GDP posts fastest growth in January-March No takers for Air India as deadline expires The economy has grown 7.7 per cent during January-March this year, its fastest pace in nearly two years, as it appeared to have emerged from the impact of demonetisation and roll out of the Goods and Services Tax. Latest numbers released by the government show that India was the fastest growing major economy, ahead of China, which reported a 6.8 per cent expansion in the March quarter, although there is a

Skin clinic in a bottle: Fatma Shaheen's journey to build a £1 mn beauty brand The co-founder of Skin Design London, the beauty brand that has taken the market by storm within a year of its launch, Fatma Shaheen, never thought the venture would become this big.

Skin Design London has already been launched in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Shaheen and her business partner are now focusing on promoting their products in the UK with a new Millie Kendall PR team. Skin Design London's products are currently stocked in Fortnum & Mason, Fenwick, John Bell & Croydon and The Smile Studios in London alone.

In the US can be found instore at Neiman Marcus.

Fatma Shaheen

Fatma says, “We want to find a way to speak our skin language”.

The philosophy that Fatma believes to be the core of her brand is “skin clinic in a bottle”.

The Turkish-born, London-raised Shaheen was a business graduate and managed London-

based skin clinic Azamay for about 10 years before launching her brand. She also undertook someconsulting and recruitment work in London after graduation. A proud mother of three, Fatma says, “You always have to have ambition in whatever you do, because it gives you that motivation.

For me, customer feedback is important. After I knew I got the products right and my customers loved them, I just kept working hard to introduce our products to everybody”. Summing up her exciting but arduous journey, she adds, “One thing that ambition has taught me: don’t take no for an answer”.

Spirits of the government's bid to sell off loss-making airline Air India, was dampened when not a single entity showed interest in the national carrier.

“As informed by the transaction adviser, no response has been received for the expression of interest (EoI) floated for the strategic disinvestment of AI. Further course of action will be decided

appropriately,” the Aviation Ministry tweeted on Thursday, the last day of submissions.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and deputy Jayant Sinha have

remained mum on the failed attempt.

Aviation secretary RN Choubey said a better response was expected. “It did not meet the expectations of participation that we had. Inputs will be taken from the transaction advisor on what went wrong and the plan is to reach the alternate mechanism (AI GoM) for solutions within a couple of weeks.”

The Bristol businessman who sits pretty while others go bust In 2010, Ajith Jayawickrema founded the Turtle Bay Caribbean cocktail bars and restaurants, after departinghis partnership with Las Iguanas in August 2009 to create his own chain. Turtle Bay currently has 45 outlets and employs 1,500 staff, and the restaurants are known for their their vibrant décor and reggae beats. The beach-shack inspired chain offered staples such as jerk chicken, curry goat and rum cocktails.

Last year Jayawickrema's chain posted a sales of £63.7 mn and pre-tax profits of £8.2

Ajith Jayawickerama

mn, winning a spot on The Sunday Times Profit Track 100 list of private companies with fastest growing profits.

When Jayawickrema was planning the first Turtle Bay in Milton Keynes, he was keen on using the trick he used

with Las Iguanas, but with more cash. Apart from other things, he “went to the islands to drink a lot of rum”. His journey was filled with challenges, opportunities and adventures, and his passion and entrepreneurial kept him going. He had come to Britain at the age of 15 with his family from Sri Lanka and now lives in Bristol with his daughters aged 21 and 19. His advice to the founders is to nurture the thirst to learn more. He says, “You don't have to be an expert, but if you're curious, you can help your team and business”.

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MONEY, THE GOAL OR THE MEANS? AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Many years ago, a wealthy uncle from Kenya told me money has no friends or family. As time has gone on this saying, unfortunately, becomes more and more stronger in my mind with the evidence it gathers.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

There are those who even distort reality, so it will fit with their perverted agenda. Some do this subtly, and some outright grossly. In other words, they lie.

principles above money.

Money will come and go, but they hold their word and principles above all else.

You will not see this reality when you make money together, you will see the true reality of this when things don’t go to plan and you lose money together. The lower natures come out, right to the top of the surface.

People whom you have known and traded with turn on you.

Money has become their god, they will lie and serve it, without any consideration for anything else. Health, family, relationships, and even their own sanity, are all sacrificed at the altar.

Even that, I do not have an issue with, however, I do have issues when fantasies are made up and an attempt is made to make them real.

Not all are like this, but most of the population are. There are the few rare souls who hold

We are supposed to pursue money in order to live a fuller life. The aim of life is not meant to be

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP! Q: What do I need to do in order to get my property ready to let?

A: This question is too broad to completely answer here, as there is a lot to cover; and my answer would vary from property to property.

Here I’ll give you some tips to start with: Make sure that you have obtained permission to let your property out from your mortgage company, or the freeholder if it is in an apartment. There may be special clauses, or paperwork for you to complete.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

Make sure you have any necessary planning permissions if you are making any changes. For example, if you are converting a property to an HMO (house in multiple occupation). In some cases, you will need permission from the freeholder to carry out works.

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

The appliances will have to be checked by a Gas Safe Contractor who will give you a certificate. The check must be done before the tenants go in,

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

and annually thereafter.

Make sure you provide your tenants with a copy.

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

You will need to ensure your property’s EPC rating is an E or above, as anything lower than this

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

in the pursuance of money, unless you are a very sad individual.

The reason why we invest in property is a means to make money, the reason why you should make money is for sustenance and a more bountiful life.

The issues arise when money becomes your end goal, an end in itself, and not a step to a higher place.

Up until recently, all of our ‘short term’ transactions have made money. However, in recent years, a few ‘short term’ deals have become wobbly. One resulted in a loss and another two are in the process of becoming stabilised, both projects which I cannot foresee any further issues with. We have become stronger and wiser because of this

experience.

This experience has also separated the chaff from the wheat, in terms of who we deal with, and made us realise the value and worth of individuals who are still with us and continue to trade. These are not necessarily the wealthy ones, but ones who value intentions and integrity above money.

Regarding our ‘longer term’ buy to let deals, we have never sourced a property for a client which has made a loss. A large part due to the location, local knowledge and due to the nature of property as an asset class.

For me it has been an interesting journey, which has allowed us to streamline our focus and strengthen it.

would not be allowed to be marketed.

Smoke alarms must be fitted on all floors where there is living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms with the facility to burn solid fuel. These need to be tested on the first day of the tenancy, and then become the responsibility of the tenant.

Although it is not a general legal requirement at present (unless your property is an HMO), you should get the electrical wiring regularly checked, as you will be held responsible if it is found to be defective.

Make sure you have adequate insurance cover, general household insurance will not be sufficient. There are specialist policies available for landlords.

Keep records of all work done and all receipts, and any certificates and guarantees. It is a good idea to have an independent inventory done to list of all furniture, electrical equipment, and general

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

Remember, this doesn’t have to be a hassle. We can take the headache for you. Get in touch to see how we can help.

Richard Bond Lettings Manager Sow & Reap

l Stunning top floor apartment with breath taking views of the London skyline

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Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

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FINANCIAL VOICE - INDIA-UK

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, If I had to say what I thought was the key reason more people do not make money trading, the answer is not: 1. I have not yet met the internet guru offering me a crystal ball to be right 100% of the time 2. I have not through hours of research stumbled across the secret formula to be able to foresee the market 3. Luck 4. I lack process and trade too large a size (although that is a problem In fact the biases which are a key problem (see references at the end of this article) based on my own experiences lecturing about this at Oxford University and also from the academic research are these mental issues: Mental Accounting This is the practice where for instance you have a loss on one trade and because of that you take your profits in a completely unrelated trade.

Imagine that you have decided to see a play, admission to which is $10 per ticket. As you enter the theater you discover that you have lost a $10 bill. Would you still pay $10 for the ticket to the play? Yes: 88% No: 12% Imagine that you have decided to see a play and paid the admission price of $10 per ticket. As you enter the theater you discover that you have lost your ticket. The seat was not marked and the ticket cannot be recovered.

Would you pay $10 for another ticket? Yes: 46% No: 54% Anchoring Bias This is where traders give too much weight on the first piece of information they receive when making a decision.

Bandwagon Bias A desire to conform, be part of the crowd. That’s why I don’t like crowdsourced ideas and apps which seem to be in vogue. Just because a lot of people say something is the case, doesn’t make it so.

Loss Aversion Bias This is where you let losses run rather than profits of an equal magnitude. We would rather keep the status quo (status quo bias) when facing a loss than take action, unlike with a profit.

Biases make you do things like deviate from your trading plan, trade too often, not take losses, exit too soon or too late than otherwise would be better, hang on to losses, add to losing trades and make even bigger losses, rely on the crowd and other’s opinions.

How to Overcome the Biases Knowing about them, ie reading this article helps.

You’re welcome. The best brokers who care about you, in my humble opinion, will want you to know this. Other things to consider, have a process, which is realistic and follow it based on research and be aware you may not be being objective so try to adjust for that. www.alpeshpatel.com for a free course to improve your financial literacy

ICICI to probe CEO Chanda Kochhar's Videocon links Marred by ongoing controversy, ICICI Bank has said it would institute an independent probe, headed by a credible person, to look into allegations that its MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar had breached its code of conduct. The statement came in the backdrop of controversy over the lender extending loans to the Videocon Group, which had a business relationship with NuPower Renewables- a company promoted by Kochhar's husband Deepak.

The bank, through an update to the exchanges, said that its board has asked its audit committee to “appoint the head of inquiry, determine the terms of reference and the period covered.”

The release also said that the bank's audit committee will also help

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Essel Group chairman claims £1bn plan for Silvertown Quays is being ‘blocked’

An Indian billionaire investor has made claims that his £1bn plan to build out Silverton Quays in East London has been blocked despite strong support from the site's landowners and property developers.

Essel Group's Subhash Chandra wants to build a cultural centre and 3500 homes at the 62-acre site within London's Royal Docks area. The site was put up for sale in 2012 by the Greater London Authority (GLA). The centre will highlight the achievements of Indian and other ancient civilisations over 6000 years. Chandra said he wants to recreate how the world looked 6000 years ago and how it has evolved, using m a n n e q u i n s , technology, 3D, 4D and animatronics.

“It has been my longheld ambition to build at least three major cultural centres in the world, the first in London, in the Royal Docks, and then in

Subhash Chandra

the United States and Asia, that will be dedicated to helping all nations explore peaceful solutions to the current threats facing humanity.

As part of this regeneration of Silvertown Quays, we have also committed to build 3,500 homes, 35 per cent of which will be affordable housing. This is far more than outlined in the current development plans for this site and the cultural centre alone has the capacity to attract 10m visitors to the UK each year, and create more than 5,000 jobs,” he said.

The Silvertown

Partnership, a consortium of businesses comprising Chelsfield Properties, First Base, and Macquarie Capital, was selected as the preferred developer of the site. Boris Johnson, the then mayor of London, had said the deal would provide £6.5 billion boost to the local economy. The TSP decided to sell the development rights and entered into talks with Essel as well as Lendlease and Starwood Capital.

Essel now claims its plans for the site have been frustrated by a deadlock between TSP and the GLA. While TSP said it supports the proposal, the final decision lies with the GLA. Chandra said, “The challenges that Essel Group has encountered in bringing this investment to London have come as a surprise to me. Sir Stuart Lipton has given his full support to the centre... and has stated the decision is in the hands of the GLA. The GLA, while also privately praising our plan, says it cannot formally present it to the

mayor without the authority of TSP. This defies logic because Silvertown is publicly owned land and this approach suggests that the commercial interests of the developers are being put ahead of what is best for London.”

He added, “For common sense to prevail, the GLA must seize this opportunity to consider credible alternatives. As such, we remain hopeful that the British government and the mayor of London will not allow this important investment into London to be lost.”

Essel said it had written to the London Mayor Sadiq Khan about the issue, but was yet to receive a response.

A City Hall spokesperson said, “The Mayor is committed to ensuring regeneration of the Silvertown Quays site, which has the potential to deliver thousands of much-needed new homes, as part of the wider redevelopment of the Royal Docks.”

Cllr Abhishek Sachdev wins CEO of the year at the European Business Excellence Forum On Thursday 26th April at the European, Middle East and Africa Business Excellence Awards, London-based business, Vedanta Hedging’s CEO, Abhishek Sachdev, won recognition with the highest accolade in the category SME CEO of the Year.

Cllr Abhishek Sachdev was thrilled to collect the award during a black-tie event at the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) in Liverpool, Abhishek explained, “Our mission hinges on the very best customer service, outstanding value and second-to-none technical expertise. Our team work as a cohesive and dynamic unit to ensure deliver on this every day and this is a fantastic recognition of their effort and achieving our overall goals. Thank you to all of our clients and professional partners that have supported us.”

Abhishek founded Vedanta

Hedging Ltd in 2011 to help SMEs gain impartial hedging advice when dealing with Banks. Vedanta Hedging is now the UK’s largest firm of FCA authorised derivatives advisors for SMEs. They instigated the FCA IRHP Review scheme which delivered c£2.5bn redress to 22,000 UK SMEs. The judges stated that they key reason for the award was the impact that Vedanta Hedging had had on UK SMEs. Vedanta Hedging have provided evidence and advice to the Prime Minister, the Treasury Select Committee, as well as paid advice to the FCA itself. Vedanta Hedging’s team have also been interviewed dozens of times on BBC TV, Sky TV, Channel 4, BBC Radio 4, The Telegraph, Bloomberg, Reuters, The Times and many more.

Principally, Vedanta Hedging advises a wide range of corporates on interest rate and FX hedging; including some of the largest property firms in the UK and PLCs.

Dollar funding raises financial burden of emerging markets Chanda Kochhar

the head of inquiry with the required independent legal and other professional support.

Markets regulator Sebi had sent a notice to the bank and Chanda, on May 24, in the matter. It thinks that certain matters relating to the dealings between the bank's MD, her husband and Videocon were not disclosed to the board.

A number of emerging est rates, which have market economies are been rising steadily since experiencing increasDecember 2016. The ing financial market upheaval stems from the pressures as the coincidence of two signifappreciation of US icant events- Fed's longdollar has raised serawaited moves to trim its vicing costs on their balance sheet and a subdollar-denominated stantial increase in issuforeign debt. ing US Treasuries to pay Urjit Patel In an article, the for tax cuts. Given the Reserve Bank of India governor rapid rise in the size of the US Urjit Patel, said that dollar funddeficit, the Fed must respond by ing of emerging market slowing plans to shrink its baleconomies has been in turmoil ance sheet. If it does not, for months now. Unlike the preTreasuries will absorb such a vious turbulence, this episode large share of dollar liquidity cannot be attributed to US that a crisis in the rest of the dolFederal Reserve's move on interlar bond markets is inevitable.

Exposure to foreign currency debt (% of GDP) 0% Turkey Mexico Indonesia Russia Argentina S.Africa Brazil China India

5%

10%

15%

20%

PAKISTAN -BANGLADESH

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PAKISTAN

Suspension of Musharraf's identity card, passport ordered ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Interior Ministry has asked for the suspension of former President Pervez Musharraf's computerised national identity card (CNIC) and passport, a media report said.

In compliance with the order of a special court, the ministry asked the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports to carry out the

suspensions.

After the suspension of

No space for war with India: Pak army

Bangladesh accused of using drugs war to hide political assassinations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army said that there was no space for any war with India as both are nuclear powers, but warned that its desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. Addressing a press conference, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the media wing of the army, accused India of carrying out 1,077 ceasefire violations since the start of 2018 to date.

"Our defence, our desire for peace, should not be mistaken for weakness," Ghafoor said. "War happens when diplomacy fails," he said, adding the two sides remained in touch with each other over bilateral issues but India backed out of having a dialogue. "The Indians have to realise and understand where they want to go (in the future)," he said.

"We are two nuclear powers, and there is no space for war," he added.

Ghafoor said Pakistan had not responded to Indian firing, which followed an agreement by the two countries' militaries last week to adhere to the 2003 ceasefire agreement, but was "compelled" to respond only when civilians were targeted.

"If India fires the first bullet and no harm is occurred, we will not respond. If India fires the second bullet, then we will give a befitting response," he said. Local administration officials said an elderly woman and a minor girl were killed and 24 others, including four children and eight women, injured in mortar shelling by the Indian forces on villages along the Working Boundary. Ghafoor said Pakistan wants to respect the truce agreement.

DHAKA: More than 120 people have been killed and thousands arrested recently in what Bangladesh describes as a campaign against drug trade, especially the sale of stimulant pills known as yaba. But there were growing allegations that the campaign is a cover for extrajudicial killings and political intimidation ahead of a general election later this year.

Critics have accused the government of locking up, killing or intimidating political opponents under the guise of a war on drugs.

When Habibur Rahman last month joined scores gunned down by Bangladesh’s elite paramilitary taskforce, officers described how he had met his end. The

Pervez Musharraf

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

his CNIC and passport, Musharraf's bank accounts would be frozen and his international travelling restricted. A special court hearing a high treason case against Musharraf had on March 8 directed the ministry to suspend his passport and CNIC. The court had also ordered the ministry and other departments, divisions and agencies to take steps for the arrest of Musharraf and attachment of his properties abroad. The former military ruler is fac-

alleged drug dealer had been killed in a gunfight with officers, they said.

But Rahman’s family said that far from being killed in a shoot-out, the 42year-old activist for the main opposition party was last seen being accompanied from his local mosque in Chittagong by men thought to be plain clothes officers.

One close relative said: “he was taken into custody after he came out from the mosque. He was killed in custody. He was neither a drug seller nor a drug addict. It was because he was involved in politics against the government and protested about land affairs.”

The US ambassador to the country Marcia Bernicat too voiced concern over the killings,

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ing the treason trial for subverting the Constitution by declaring a state of emergency in November 2007, Dawn news reported.

Ending his self-imposed exile, the former military ruler returned to the country in March 2013 and a ban was imposed on his travel abroad by courts the following month.

After three years, in March 2016, he was able to leave for Dubai seeking medical treatment and has since not returned.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who launched the crackdown in early May, said it would continue the drive until Bangladesh was free of the drug menace.

"No innocent people are being harassed or targeted, but if any such incidents happen it will be addressed through proper investigation," she said.

BANGLADESH

Myanmar willing to take back all Rohingya Muslim refugees

SINGAPORE: Myanmar is willing to take back all 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees who have fled to Bangladesh if they volunteer to return, the country's National Security Adviser Thaung Tun said. He was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a regional security conference in Singapore, where he was asked if the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine state, where most Rohingya live, could trigger use of the Responsibility to Protect framework of the United Nations.

The so-called R2P framework was adopted at the 2005 UN World Summit in which nations agreed to protect their own populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity and accepted a collective responsibility to encourage and help each other uphold this commitment. "If you can send back 700,000 on a voluntary basis, we are willing to receive them," Thaung Tun said. "Can this be called ethnic cleansing?

"There is no war going on, so it's not war crimes.

Crimes against humanity,

that could be a consideration, but we need clear evidence. These serious charges should be proved and they should not be bandied about lightly." Since August 2017, about 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled a military crackdown in mainly Buddhist Myanmar, many reporting killings, rape and arson on a large scale, UN and other aid organisations have said.

The United Nations and aid agencies have described the crackdown on the Rohingya as "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing", an accusation Myanmar rejected. Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years. Myanmar signed an agreement with the United Nations last week aimed at eventually allowing the Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh to return safely and by choice.

It also said it would set up an independent commission to investigate "the violation of human rights and related issues" in Rakhine State, Thaung Tun said.

Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK celebrates

Bardoli Day 12th June 2018

Sardar Patel Memorial Society (SPMS) UK is delighted to announce the forthcoming celebration of one of the Major event in London 90th Bardoli Day from 5.30pm to 7.30pm followed by dinner.

SPMS UK is a voluntary organisation established in 1985 to promote the legacy of Sardar Patel through various programmes.

Entrance to the celebration is free – strictly by invitation only.

For further information or to participate, Please contact Krishna Pujara on 07931 708 028 or email: krishnajis@aol.co.uk

We have limited places available

EXECUTIVE BOARD SPMS UK Chairman – Mr C B Patel, Vice-Chairman – Dr Rami Ranger, Secretary – Krishna Pujara Treasurers – Deepak Patel & GP Desai, Chief Executive – Kanti Nagda, Trustees – Jitendra Patel, Sharad Parikh, Dumantrai Desai, Board Members – Bhanubhai Pandya, G M Patel, Hemesh Patel, Jayant Patel, Jayraj Bhadranwala, Kalavati Patel, Mahendrasinh Jadeja, Pravin G Patel, Rajesh Patel, Sulochana Sethi

22

AFRICA - SRI LANKA

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

AFRICA

SA court orders unfreezing of assets of Gupta brothers P R E TO R I A: A South African court has ruled that an asset seizure order against the controversial India-born Gupta family linked to ex-president Jacob Zuma be lifted as there were "no reasonable grounds" to freeze the assets worth nearly USD 20 million, according to media reports.

The assets worth at least South African Rand 250 million (USD 19.8 million), belonging to the Guptas and their associates and allegedly bought with looted state funds, were seized in a multi-million-dollar fraud and money-laundering investigation in April.

Judge Philip Jacobus Loubser of the High Court in Bloemfontein ruled that there were "no reasonable grounds" to believe that those implicated in the dairy farm matter would be convicted and so there were no grounds to freeze the assets, reports said.

"Those implicated in

moved to South Africa in 1993 from Uttar Pradesh, India, just as whiteminority rule was ending.

They are reportedly known friends of former President Zuma and his son, daughter and one of the president's wives worked for the family's firms. The Gupta brothers have been accused of wielding enormous political influence in South Africa, with critics alleging that they have tried to “capture the state” to advance their own business interests.

Zuma, 76, was forced to resign three months ago as criticism grew from within

his party over multiple corruption scandals. Last week's court victory was the second for the family after the same court in March overturned the freezing of 10 million Rand (USD 791,000) in Atul Gupta's personal bank account. The court also reduced a preservation order of 220 million Rand in relation to the Estina dairy farm project to 40 million Rand.

Assets that have now been released include the Guptas' elusive Bombardier jet, which landed at Lanseria airport in Johannesburg in April, after Export Development Canada, the Canadian bank that financed it, went to court to have it grounded.

There were also dozens of luxury vehicles - including several Mercedes-Benzes and Land Rovers, a Porsche Cayenne and a Lamborghini Gallardo and the bank accounts of Gupta-linked companies and houses, businesses and farms across the country.

the tests will open the government to legal suits,” he says. He says that the machines may give lawyers various points of argument, wondering whether polygraph tests are admissible in court.

“Let’s rethink on tightening systems to safeguard the Kenyan taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” he says.

Maryanne Njihia, another psychologist says the metrics tested by polygraph machines can vary because they focus on body functions that can be “as a result of other underlying issues which are unrelated to the issue at hand. Moreover, there’s no evidence that any pattern of physiological reactions is unique to deceptions,” she adds.

However, she observes that

the use of the machines may make some people confess wrongdoing. “They can deter undesired activity as well as instill public confidence. I would suggest that the machine to be used together with other aides like use of psychologists,” she reasons.

Joining the list of those opposed to the polygraph machines is Kwame Owino, the chief executive Officer of the Institute of Economic Affairs. On social media, opinions have been flying on whether to use polygraph machines.

While some are already predicting a polygraph procurement scandal ahead, others have been “educating” Kenyans on how to pass the machine’s test.

Atul, Rajesh and Ajay Rajesh Gupta

the case and affected by the restraint order approached the court in a bid to have it overturned," the reports added. The full-blown judicial inquiry into state capture may kick off in August but Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has indicated that it could take up to two years to conclude its work, the report said. The embattled Gupta family own a range of business interests in South Africa, including computing, mining, air travel, energy, technology and media.

The three brothers, Atul, Rajesh and Ajay

Experts question use of polygraph test in Kenyatta graft war

N A I RO B I: Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta has directed all government procurement officers to step down to allow fresh wetting by polygraph (a lie detector test). But even as the president vouches for the devices to aid the vetting of top government officials, psychologists are sceptical of their ability to produce actionable results. Kenyatta has directed that all heads of procurement and accounts in government ministries, departments and agencies will undergo fresh vetting, including polygraph testing to determine their integrity and suitability.

Those who fail the vetting will stand suspended, said Kenyatta last week.

Experts says that since the machines are made to test

Uhuru Kenyatta

human conditions which can never be the same for everyone, those who study the human mind believe polygraphs should be treated with a pinch of salt.

James Mbugua, a psychology lecturer, says scientific research has proven that testing by the gadgets can be influenced by many external factors.

“Subjecting civil servants to the tests and sacking them on the outcome of

Zimbabwe govt promises free, fair election

HARARE: The Zimbabwe government said that it has taken adequate measures to ensure free, fair and credible elections set for July 30. The government statement came in response to the claims by US senator Chris Coons that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration "was making

empty promises and deliberately delaying implementing key electoral reforms to disadvantage the opposition", Xinhua news agency reported.

"First, government has guaranteed a peaceful poll, which is why the President has been unambiguous in his call for peace as well as

taking the unexampled decision to meet opposition parties as the Nomination Court confirmed who is genuine and who is not," the Herald newspaper quoted Mnangagwa's spokesperson George Charamba as saying.

Charamba said the new Zimbabwe government had taken steps to guarantee a

credible poll which included inviting international observers and adequately resourcing the electoral body to smoothly run the elections. He said the government would not interfere with the operations of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

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SRI LANKA

IMF releases $250 mn of Lanka loan, seeks airline shake-up

CO LO M B O: The International Monetary Fund announced the release of the latest instalment of Sri Lanka's USD 1.5 billion bailout, but warned that restructuring the lossmaking national airline was essential to sustain economic recovery. The IMF welcomed the island nation's increase in fuel prices last month - a precondition for it to receive USD 252 million of the three-year loan approved in June 2016.

Sri Lanka's economy has been on the mend since the IMF bailout, but growth in 2017 was more sluggish than expected and at 3.1 per cent was the slowest in 16 years. The release of the latest tranche of the loan had been held up pending the government agreeing to raise fuel prices to recover production costs and do away with subsidies.

The IMF said the price hike by state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, in some cases by as much as 130 per cent, was a "major achievement" that would reduce fiscal risk. The price of kerosene oil, widely used in rural Sri Lanka for cooking and in lamps, was also more than doubled last month, while gasoline prices increased by just under 15 per cent.

The IMF said Sri Lanka should also implement a pricing policy for electricity, which is currently subsidised for households and small businesses.

"It is essential for the authorities to implement an automatic pricing formula for electricity and a restructuring plan for Sri Lankan Airlines," IMF's Deputy Managing Director Mitsuhiro Furusawa said in a statement. One of the biggest drags on the country's balance sheet is national carrier Sri Lankan, which has accumulated losses and debts of over $2 billion and is a huge burden on taxpayers.

The government has failed to privatise the airline due to a lukewarm response from investors while an attempt to find an international partner to revive it has also failed.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's real estate sector has been expanding rapidly - raising concerns of a bubble - and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has said the sector is under close watch to prevent fallout for banks.

"While financial soundness indicators remain stable, continued credit growth in the real estate sector warrants close monitoring," said Furusawa.

Lanka Speaker praises Marxist party for acting as a watchdog COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya praised the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for their contribution to protect the democracy by acting as a watchdog against corruption. The Speaker said the JVP which was the protagonist in the uprisings of 1971 and 1987 is now very much part of the political mainstream often acting as custodians of democratic values and institutions and watchdogs against corruption.

Jayasuriya said the JVP, while still a minor party represented in Parliament, has been at the forefront of delivering national reforms that have strengthened the country's

democracy through their support for the 17th and 19th amendments to the constitution. "I believe the JVP stands as resounding proof of the transformative power of individuals and organizations when an opportunity is granted for this kind of change and reform," he said. Speaking of Sri Lanka's constitutional reform process that is currently underway, the Speaker said it is a 'bottom-up' and allinclusive process aspires to address problems of the minorities, ensure the equitable and just sharing of power and resources among all people of Sri Lanka, and address discriminatory provisions in the existing constitution.

WORLD

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Qatar bans goods from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE

D O H A: Qatar announced that it will ban goods originating from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates almost a year after the four Arab counties cut off diplomatic and economic relations with the small wealthy country accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar’s Ministry of Economy ordered shops to immediately remove goods originating from the three Gulf countries and Egypt.

“Products originating from the blockading states has to undergo proper import inspections and customs procedures,” Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO)’s statement read. It added that the government

made the decision in order “to protect the safety of consumers in the State of Qatar and to combat improper trafficking of goods.”

The three Gulf states and Egypt cut diplomatic and economic ties with the gas-rich country on 5 June last year, closing their sea and land borders, and imposing a trade boycott.

They accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, destabilising the region, and having close ties with Iran. Qatar has repeatedly rejected the accusations.

The four countries presented a list of 13 demands to end the crisis, including shutting down Al-Jazeera, ending Turkey’s military presence in Qatar, severing all ties

to “terrorist organisations,” handing over “terrorist figures,” as well as curbing diplomatic ties with Iran, all of which Qatar rejected.

The gas-rich nation, which previously relied on its Gulf neighbours, found itself forced to import basic goods from other countries such as Iran and Turkey. It was also expelled from the Saudiled coalition fighting in Yemen.

The sudden gesture came just two weeks after US President Donald Trump’s historic visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he called on Arab countries to “drive out” terrorists and extremists. Trump praised the cutting of ties with Qatar, saying it would be “the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism.”

Indian-origin boy wins spelling contest in US

Oxon Hill (US): Karthik Nemmani, a 14-year-old Indian-American boy of McKinney, Texas, won the 91st Scripps National Spelling Bee, taking home a $40,000 cash prize after beating another Indian American who defeated him at his countywide bee in February. Karthik had to spell two words correctly to seal the title.

His winning word was “koinonia,” which means Christian fellowship or communion. He defeated 12-year-old Naysa Modi who misspelled the word “Bewusstseinslage” - a state of consciousness or a feeling devoid of sensory components - in the first championship round. Karthik is the 14th consecutive IndianAmerican champion, and 19 of the past 23 winners have had Indian heritage.

Karthik Nemmani

Karthik and Naysa were the last two standing of the initial 516 spellers.

“I had confidence, but I didn’t really think it would happen,” Nemmani said after receiving his trophy.

“I’m just really happy.

This has just been a dream come true.”

Nemmani’s loss to Modi at the county level would have disqualified him for the national bee but he took advantage of a new

programme called RSVBee, which allows spellers to pay to compete in the national bee.

“In tough regions... a lot of kids have a lot of potential, but they aren’t able to ... qualify,” said Nemmani, who spent at least four hours a day studying for the bee. His father, Krishna Nemmani, an immigrant from Hyderabad, India, said his son had worked hard “every day and night.”

More than a dozen former champions were in the audience, including 1985 winner Balu Natarajan, whose son, Atman Balakrishnan, 12, made it to the third round of competition last week.

It marked the first time the child of a previous champion competed in the national finals.

Nemmani attributed

Canadian PM Trudeau takes a dig at himself and his India trip

OTTAWA: Almost three months after his widely talked about trip to India, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau indulged in some self-deprecating humour and called it the “trip to end all trips.”

While addressing an audience at Canada’s annual Parliamentary Press Gallery dinner, Trudeau presented a slide show titled ‘India Trip 2018’ with a sad face emoji, encouraging collective laughter from the audience.

Trudeau pointed out how he was received at the airport by the Minister of

Justin Trudeau in front of Golden Temple (file photo)

State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Gajendra Shekhawat. This was an obvious dig at the fact that the Indian Prime Minister or a cabinet minister did not come to receive him.

PM Modi met Trudeau only on the last day of his visit.

The next slide showed him with Infosys Chairman, Salil Parekh.

Trudeau took the opportunity to take a dig at the press members in the audience for not reporting that meeting because he was dressed pretty ‘boring.’ He went on to mock his sartorial choices (remember his glittering sherwani?), which were ridiculed both in the national and international media, with a slide showing him standing next to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

his success to his father and his spelling coach. He said he would spend the $40,000 on college, where he hopes to study something related to technology.

23

Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Malaysia ends four-year hunt for missing MH370

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia last week ended a four-year hunt for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 after searching more than 80,000 square km without finding any traces of the aircraft.

The plane disappeared on March 8, 2014 while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who left office after losing the elections earlier this month, had signed a contract in January with the US company Ocean Infinity to track the area of the Indian Ocean where experts believe the plane crashed.

According to the agreement, Malaysia would have paid a reward of up to $70 million if the company had found the wreckage. But it found nothing and the Malaysian government said it has no plans to begin any new searches after the deadline

for the search expired.

Grace Nathan, whose mother was on MH370, said that she was opposed to ending the hunt. "People might think: 'Why are these people still harping on about this, it's been four years'. It's important for people to remember that MH370 is not history," she said.

According to the official investigation, flight MH370 disappeared from the radar about 40 minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, after someone turned off the communication systems and turned the aircraft around.

So far, 27 fragments of the plane have been recovered at beaches in Reunion, Mozambique, Mauritius, South Africa and Pemba Island (Zanzibar), after they followed the currents of the Indian Ocean, according to the official hypothesis of the disaster.

24

INDIA

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SOUTH

Sterlite firing: HC seeks TN govt explanation C H E N N A I: The Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government to explain the circumstances that led to police firing into a crowd in Thoothukudi on June 6.

Police authorities opened fired on protesters agitating against the expansion of the Sterlite Copper Plant in Thoothukudi, Tuticorin, on May 22, killing 13 people, including two women. A day after the incident, the National Human Rights Commission took cognizance of the matter and issued a notice to Tamil Nadu chief secretary and police chief asking them to send a detailed report in the matter within two weeks.

As per a Bombay Stock Exchange filing, the compa-

Police blocking anti-Sterlite protesters

ny said it has received an “order dated May 28, 2018, from the Government of Tamil Nadu directing the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to seal the company's Copper Smelter Plant 1... and to close the said plant permanently.” Actor Rajinikanth blamed “anti-social elements” for turning the silent protest against Sterlite into the violent agi-

tation. Talking to the press after meeting the injured at the Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital, he said, “The present government should follow her example and control such miscreants with an iron hand. Such elements pose a threat to Tamil Nadu.”

Rajini also made an appeal to the people to distinguish protests for a good cause and those instigated

by anti-social elements.

“There was no violence during the silent protests that were organised for the first 99 days. There was violence and bloodshed as miscreants infiltrated,” he said. He said the police should identify those who resorted to violence with available CCTV and video footage, declare them as anti-social and publish their pictures in newspapers and release it to television channels.

“If there are any who are humane in Sterlite, they will not go to court for an appeal against the closure. Even if they go to court, there are those who are humane in the courts and will not allow them to resume operations.

The plant should not resume operations and should not be allowed to operate,” Rajini said.

Cong, JD(S) reach deal on Karnataka govt formation BENGALURU: The Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) will fight the 2019 general elections together as a pre-poll alliance, as announced by Congress leader KC Venugopal.

The announcement was made after both the parties reached an agreement on Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's cabinet after days of negotiation.

The Finance Ministry has gone to the regional party and the home department and the Bengaluru city devel-

opment to the Congress.

Both partners have also formed a coalition coordination and monitoring committee that has to meet at least once every month and will, apart from smoothing the rough edges of running the government together, clear every appointment to statutory boards and organisations. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will chair the coordination committee and Danish Ali of the JD(S) will be its convenor. The

alliance will also come up with a common agenda for governance based on the manifesto of the two partners. Venugopal said that the two parties had decided to join hands because they had secured over 50 per cent votes.

“Rahul Gandhi was so helpful all along... very involved... even this morning he spoke to HD Deve Gowda,” JD(S) leader Danish Ali said after the pre-poll alliance for 2019 Lok Sabha was announced. Both the partners had been locked

in endless negotiations in Bengaluru and New Delhi over who would get the plum portfolios.

The FM was believed to have been the sticking point but the Congress decided to give the portfolio to its partner on Congress President Rahul Gandhi's direction.

Karnataka sends 28 members to the Lok Sabha where the Congress and the JD(S), who fought separately in 2014, have just nine members, eight of them from the Congress.

PUNJAB-HARYANA

Haryana CM rules out snap poll before Oct 2019 CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar ruled out the possibility of a snap election before October 2019, when his government completes five years, saying he will again contest from the Karnal Assembly constituency “though there are at least 15 places where people want me to contest from.” In a recent interview, he said there would be no Cabinet reshuffle in the near future. “If rumours were to be believed, we would have had 12 Cabinet reshuffles by now.”

He also spoke in support of Health Minister Anil Vij, who kicked off a controversy recently by advising “everyone to join the RSS for some time.” Khattar said there was nothing wrong in what Vij said, “Joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for some time will only make people disciplined. A similar objective could also be achieved if people were to attend shakhas,” he said. Khattar said his government was particularly concerned

Manohar Lal Khattar

about the rise in incidents of crime in Gurugram. A task force of 1000 plus night patrol personnel will soon be permanently stationed there. “A force of 1,400 out of 4,200 police personnel who have passed out of the Police Training Academy will be posting there.

Besides, CCTV cameras are being installed all over the city,” he added.

A team of three senior police officials, who visited Israel with him recently “discussed the problem with security experts there and would shortly implement various measures to reduce crime in Gurugram”, the CM said.

Sikhs asked to observe Operation Blue Star anniversary peacefully

CHANDIGARH: As the 34th anniversary of the infamous Operation Blue Star lies only a couple of days away, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has asked Sikh bodies to observe the anniversary calmly and not to indulge in sloganeering in the Golden Temple complex. The anniversary is observed on June 6 at the Akal Takhtthe highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.

Following the bhog ceremony of Akhand Path and gurbani kirtan on the anniversary, Singh will give his “sandesh” from the Takht. However, violence has marred the function in the last few years amid the

sloganeering in support of “Khalistan”. Calling the Damdami Taksal chief Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and his aides who were killed during the army action launched in the shrine complex in first week of June in 1984, “martyrs” Giani Gurbachan said all Sikhs should pay tributes peacefully to those killed and nobody should violate the maryada and sanctity of the shrine.

He also said the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has made proper arrangements for the anniversary and nobody would be allowed to spoil the sanctity of the shrine.

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WEST BENGAL

Two BJP workers found hanging in West Bengal

KOLKATA: Just three days after a young BJP worker was found hanging from a tree in West Bengal's Purulia district, another 30 year old man's body was found dangling from a high tension electric tower in Dabha. The BJP has claimed that victim Dulal Kumar was a party member. His family alleges that Trinamool party workers killed him, dismissing the possibility of any suicide.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the CID to investigate both the deathsDulal and Trilochan Mahato's.

Dulal went missing last week. His family said he had gone out on his motorcycle. When he didn't return home, they got worried and searched for him in the area. His cousin Rupchand Kumar said, “We started looking for him around 9 pm. When I called on his mobile phone, he picked up and disconnected the call.”

They soon informed the police who found his motorcycle in the nearby fields. His body was found hanging from a high tension electric tower next morning.

BJP leader Rahul Sinha said he was not just a party

supporter, but also a fulltime party worker who held a post in the panchayat. Party supporters soon protested, refused to allow police to bring the body down, and blocked the BalrampurBaghmundi road. Sinha said that “West Bengal was under jungle raj” and only a “CBI investigation will lead to anything.” TMC leader Derek O'Brien demanded a thorough probe into the incident.

Prior to the death, 20 year old Mahato, another BJP worker, was found hanging from a tree near his home in Supurdih in Purulia's Balarampur block. A chilling message was found written on the back and front of his Tshirt. “This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kiss you since the vote. Failed. Today you are dead.”

BJP national president Amit Shah tweeted that he was “deeply hurt by the brutal killings of our young karya karta. A young life full of possibilities was brutally taken out under state's patronage.

He was hanged on a tree because his ideology differed from that of state sponsored goons.”

Delhi dispatches paramilitary personnel to Shillong NEW DELHI: About 1,000 central paramilitary personnel have been sent to Meghalaya to tackle the law and order situation in Shillong which has been on edge following clashes between residents of the city's Punjabi Line area and Khasi drivers of staterun buses. Union home ministry is in touch with the state government and getting regular information about the prevailing situation in the Meghalaya capital.

Adequate forces have been sent to Shillong to control the situation as per the request of the state government, a ministry official said. Another official said around 10 companies of paramilitary forces have been sent to Meghalaya. The Meghalaya capital was under curfew on Saturday following clashes between police and locals all through Friday.

On Friday night, the Army carried out a flag march in various localities.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Minorities has decided to send its member Manjit Singh Rai from Punjab to Shillong to assess the situation, said NCM chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi. He said that Manjit Singh will file a report based on which the future course of action will be decided. He will meet all those affected, Hasan said.

This hill town has been in grip of violence since Thursday after a fight between residents of Shillong's Punjabi Line area and Khasi drivers of state-run buses.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma told reporters that “certain people” were funding the unrest in the city and added that evidence of alcohol and money being supplied to protesters had been found.

Sangma said that the clashes were not “communal” and were limited to a “particular locality”.

HERITAGE HISTORY

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Dr. Hari Desai

A Dedicated Daughter: Maniben Patel • She lived as a worthy daughter of Sardar, the national hero of India • Nehru took a bag of Rs.35 Lakhs from Maniben without emotions

S

he was destined to study in England but ended up graduating from Gujarat Vidyapith along with her younger brother. Both of them were left as boarders with one Miss Wilson of Queen Mary’s School in Bombay by their father, Vallabhbhai Patel, before he left for London to be a Barrister from the Middle Temple.

Both used to talk in English with each other and took up French as a subject, but after their father became follower of Mahatma Gandhi, a transformation in their life made them study in the nationalist University established by the Mahatma in 1920.

Despite becoming widower at the age of 33 and so much pressure on him to marry again, Sardar Patel did not budge since he never wanted a step-mother for his children.

Both, Maniben and her younger brother, Dahyabhai, were to be the Members of Parliament (MPs) in free India after their father and the first Deputy Prime Minister of India died on 15 December 1950.

Vallabhbhai believed in

creating history and even today he is remembered as the national hero. His daughter, Maniben Patel,

er, Ladba, raised the question of Maniben. Patel’s biographer, Rajmohan Gandhi, records: “Already

Maniben with her father Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

never married and lived as a Sadhvi totally devoted to her father during his life-time.

Even after his death she followed Gandhian simplicity despite being four time MP in Lok Sabha and one time MP in Rajya Sabha. She lived life as a worthy daughter of Sardar Patel, strictly following her father’s ideals, till her death on 26 March 1990.

In January 1924, when Vallabhbhai went to his native, Karamsad, his moth-

several years older than most brides of the time, Mani, who was studying Gujarati literature, English and Bengali at Gujarat Vidyapith, would be 20 in April. ‘What is destined to happen will happen,’ the son replied. ‘I think God kept me alive only to see the day of Mani’s marriage,’ replied Ladba.

Mani’s father remained silent.

He had not asked Mani if she wanted to marry, or looked for a boy for her, or

asked others if they knew of someone suitable.”

Vallabhbhai hardly knew what his children studied.

Fortunately for him, both, Maniben and Dahyabhai, were self-reliant. He loved them but could not talk to them frankly as his family tradition was like that.

He wrote to Mahadev Desai: “Until I was thirty, I could not utter a word if elders were around…Older ones hardly spoke with youngsters.”

There was a communication gap between the Sardar and his daughter. He was worried about her but when away from Ahmedabad, he used to write to her expressing her love and worry about her. In February 1925, Dahyabhai married Yashoda of Virsad in presence of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi Ashram.

Maniben stayed with the Mahatma who was urging her “to serve Father with heart and soul” and reminded her of “the heavy responsibilities Father is loaded with”.

It was the Mahatma rather than Vallabhbhai who made plans for Maniben.

After her graduation from

BARDOLI DAY - 12 JUNE Bravo, All the Lovers of Sardar Patel

We, the lovers of our national hero Barrister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in India, feel happy and honoured to know that the Sardar Patel Memorial Society, UK under the leadership of Shri C. B. Patel, the Chairman of the Society and the Editor-Publisher of “Asian Voice” as well as “Gujarat Samachar”, the Newsweeklies of ABPL Group, London, in collaboration of the India House, is celebrating the historical Bardoli Day on 12 June 2018.

The worthy son of Gujarat, India, Barrister Vallabhbhai Patel, joined the freedom movement under the leadership of another Barrister Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and the Bardoli Satyagraha proved to be a turning point in the history of Indian Freedom Movement. Following the call given by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation, to celebrate 12 June 1928 as the Bardoli Day , the national awakening brought not only justice for the peasants of Bardoli, but also gave a boost to the Freedom Movement. The success of Bardoli Satyagraha made Vallabhbhai known as the Sardar at the National level who became the strongest leader of the Congress . The Satyagraha made the British hurry up leaving India.

Three Members of Patel family The Bardoli Satyagraha saw at least three members of the same family joining it: Vallabhbhai was the supreme commander and even Mahatma Gandhi was prepared to join as his soldier. The elder brother of Vallabhbhai, Barrister Vithalbhai Patel, who was the President of the Central Legislature, not only carried out the survey before launching the Satyagraha, but he openly supported the Satyagraha morally and financially too.

He kept the Viceroy informed about the justification of the demands of the Bardoli peasants. The third member of the Patel family who actively participated in the Bardoli Satyagraha was Kumari Maniben, the daughter of Vallabhbhai Patel. Though she did not get much recognition for her role in the Satyagraha, but this was rather a launch pad for her life-long role to serve her father and the freedom movement.

I must thank “Asian Voice” and “Gujarat Samachar” as well as the entire team of Shri C.B.Patel who allowed me to interact with the large section of readers, especially the youngsters, on Bardoli Satyagraha under the leadership of Sardar Patel through my column “Back to Roots” and “Ateetthee Aaj”. Looking forward to have your frank comments and suggestions too.

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Bardoli Satyagraha Ashram and Sardar Vallabhbhai Seva Trust. One would find her travelling in a rickshaw even during her last days.

After Sardar Patel died, the Birlas asked her to stay at the Birla House for a while, but the arrangement did not suit her so she left to stay in her cousin’s house in Ahmedabad. She used to meet people at Navjivan Trust office.This writer was also fortunate to have met her there. A woman of tremendous honesty and loyalty, she dedicated her life to her father who contributed so much to build up present day India. Both father and daughter lived and died for the nation. After the demise of Sardar Patel, how shabbily Prime Minister Pandit Nehru treated Maniben is described by Dr. V. Kurien, the Father of White Revolution in India in his autobiographical book, “I too had a Dream”: “It was quite distressing to see that neither Nehru nor any of the other national leaders of the Congress ever bothered to find out what happened to Maniben after her father died.” “She told me that when Sardar Patel passed away, she picked up a book and a bag that belonged to him and went to meet Jawaharlal Nehru in Delhi.

She handed them to Nehru, telling him that her father had instructed her that when he was dead she should give these items to Nehru and no one else. The bag contained Rs.35 Lakh that belonged to the Congress Party and the book was the party’s book of accounts. Nehru took them and thanked her.

Maniben waited expectantly, hoping he would say something more, but he did not, so she got up and left.” Even when she was dying, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Chimanbhai Patel, came to her bedside with a photographer, instructing him to take a picture that was published the next day in all the newspapers!

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the Vidyapith in November 1924, she spent some weeks in 1925 with the Servants of India Society in Pune and thereafter in Wardha under the care of Jamanalal Bajaj and his wife Janki Devi.

Rajmohan notes: “A friend noticed that the strong father chocked at Ahmedabad station while farewelling his daughter, and his eyes became wet.” In 1926, she lived at the Ashram for several weeks, in the room next to Kasturba’s.

Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi wrote a letter to Vallabhbhai in January 1927 stating “Maniben has no intention to marry for the present at any rate. We must support her to maintain this attitude. You please cease to worry about it and leave it to me.”

From that day onwards, Maniben continued to join the Gandhian movement and be the shadow of her father as his care-taker and secretary till his death in 1950.Maniben kept day to day diary of meetings with Vallabhbhai and thanks to her we have the records available about Sardar Patel.

She was jailed several times during Freedom Movement, offered satyagraha in 1975 against arrest of Opposition leaders under PM Indira Gandhi’s Emergency, was arrested in 1976 under D.R.I. for shouting slogans for release of leaders and removal of Emergency and Press Censorship etc., undertook Dandi March in 1976 for the purpose of creating consciousness and fearlessness among the people.

She was Secretary for four years and later VicePresident of Gujarat State Congress Committee (1957-’64) and during the Emergency President of Gujarat State Congress (O), 1976-’77. She was a Member of Parliament of 1st , 2nd , 5th and 6th Lok Sabha and a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha during 1973-’77. Maniben served as Trustee of Gujarat Vidyapith, Navjivan Trust, Mahadev Desai Memorial Trust,

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INDIA

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

A strong and united Opposition beats BJP in UP, again Possibly giving BJP national president Amit Shah rough nights, a united opposition once again scored in the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, winning the Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur assembly seats.

A powerful coalition of Muslims, Jatavs, and Jats turned the tables on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP with the muchanticipated Kairana result showing RLD's Tabassum Hasan, supported by the Samajwadi Party and BSP, winning by over 44,000 votes as she defeated late BJP MP Hukum Singh's

daughter Mriganka Singh.

She is now the first Muslim to enter the Lok Sabha from UP since 2014.

The Noorpur seat saw SP's Naeemul Hasan winning by 6000 odd votes, yet again dethroning BJP. Results of four Lok Sabha bypolls were evenly split between NDA and the Opposition. UP is a crucial region and the possibility of a sharp reduction in the party's tally here is seen to have a bearing on its ability to return to office.

Opposition parties won 11 by-polls, limiting the ruling BJP and its allies to just three out of four Lok Sabha

and 10 Assembly seats across 11 states. The Congress became the single largest party in Meghalaya after Miani D Shira won the Ampati seat vacated by her father Mukul Sangma.

Congress now has 21 MLAs in the 60-member assembly, one MLA more than NPP. The BJP however, got the better of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, in the Palghar Lok Sabha bypoll.

BJP's Rajendra Gavit won the seat, defeating Shiv Sena's Shrinivas Wanaga by 29574 votes. The party established dominance over its ally and the win will help reduce Sena's authority.

Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK celebrates Bardoli Day The Sardar Patel Memorial Society (SPMS) UK is all set to celebrate the 90th Bardoli Day on June 12. One of the major events in London this year, it will be held between 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, and will be followed by dinner. Entrance to the celebration is strictly by invitation only. A major episode of civil disobedience and revolt in the Indian Independence Movement, during the

British Raj. The movement was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and its success led to him becoming one of the main leaders of the independence movement.

SPMS UK is a voluntary organisation established in 1985 to promote the legacy of Sardar Patel through various programmes.

Asian Voice publisher and editor CB Patel serves as the chairman of the organisation.

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Why I go to Temple regularly My name is Ashven Pakeer. I’m a second year student at the University of Toronto studying Life Sciences.

Going to a temple on a Saturday morning is a routine that our family has followed for almost 14 years now. As an only child and someone that didn't see their family members often, I was usually by myself.

Growing up, my pastimes usually were playing Pokemon on my gameboy and watching TV, so going to a temple on a regular basis was a change of pace for me. It helped me build relationships with people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise and brought pleasure into my life.

The people there are very welcoming and treat you like kin. Over the years, I feel that being apart of this community at my temple has shaped me to become a better person, such as trying to donate

blood at-least three times a year. I have enjoyed going to the temple throughout these

years, and I see myself attending every Saturday for many years to come.

Modi's ‘Look East’ agenda bears fruits Continued from page 1 In a prime move for his 'Look East' policy, Modi called upon the nations to boost bilateral relations, with the focus on defence, maritime security and strategic access to ports. All the three countries are key strategic partners for India and the high-yielding bilateral agreements with Indonesia only signal that India is keen to engage with them, while maintaining the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) centrality intact.

INDONESIA PM Modi arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 29, for his first-ever official visit to Indonesia. He met President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, one of the presidential palaces in Indonesia. Taking their bilateral relationship into a new era, both India and Indonesia signed 15 agreements, agreed to establish a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terror, and to open an interfaith dialogue in a bid to eradicate radicalism and violent extremism.

In Modi's first visit to the country with the biggest Muslim population in the world, a joint statement was issued after delegation-level talks said that inter-faith dialogue was a reflection of the united commitment of both the countries to explore a new understanding on the rise of religious identities, the dynamic of pluralism and to eradicate radicalism, terrorism, and violent extremism.

Both, Modi and Widodo agreed to organise an interfaith dialogue in Indonesia in October this year, which will be followed by a similar dialogue next year. They also acknowledged the need to maintain maritime safety and security for peace, stability and sustainable economic growth and development in the maritime waters of the Indo-Pacific region as enshrined in the UN Convention on Law of the Sea (Unclos) and relevant international laws.

They welcomed the elevation of the bilateral relationship between the two countries to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and creation of new mechanisms like bilateral security dialogue, signing of an enhanced defence cooperation agreement and frame agreement on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Plan to develop strategic Indian Ocean port Both the countries pledged to step up defence and maritime cooperation, with plans to develop a strategic Indonesian naval port in the Indian Ocean.

Speakign at a news conference after the meeting, Widodo said, “India is a strategic defence partner... and we will continue to advance our cooperation in developing infrastructure, including at Sabang Island and the Andaman Islands.” Analysts said the move comes amid concerns over China's rising maritime influence in the region, and is part of Modi's 'Act East' policy of

developing stronger ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “The IndiaASEAN partnership can be a force to guarantee peace and progress in the IndoPacific region and beyond,” Modi said in a statement read in Hindi.

There has been a lot of tension in Southeast Asia over the disputed South China Sea, a busy waterway claimed in most part by China.

A 30- day free visa for Indonesian citizens Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens during his visit and invited the Indian community to travel to their country of origin to experience the “new India”.

Addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capital, Modi said, “Not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the IndiaIndonesia friendship. We will grant free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days. Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag (Allahabad) next year.” The Kumbh mela is a mega event that is conducted each year along the bank of the Ganges.

He requested the Indian community in Indonesia to make a habit of visiting their country of origin with friends and experience how India has been changing.

Taking a dig at the previous governments, he said his government's first priority

was to make India corruption free, citizencentric and development friendly. “Our government, has been preparing India according to the need and expectations of the 21st century. We have gone a step ahead of ease of doing business. Our focus is ease of living. Our processes are transparent and sensitive.

We have to make a new India. We have to start working to realise the dream of new India by 2022, when India will celebrate 75 years of her Independence,” he said. He said over 9000 start ups have been registered in India, adding that the world's second largest start-up ecosystem is built in India. “And my friends living in Indonesia, these are happening, laws are the same, officers are the same, officers are the same, tables and chairs are the same, only the government has changed and the country is changing,” Modi said.

MALAYSIA Next on the agenda was Malaysia. Modi called on Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad in Putrajaya. Modi, who arrived there on the second leg of his three-nation tour, congratulated 92 year Mahathir, who became the world's oldest elected leader when his opposition alliance registered a stunning victory over the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, which had ruled Malaysia since 1957.

Mahathir was sworn in as Malaysia's prime minister on May 10.

Modi tweeted, “Glad to have met Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. I thank him for

the warm welcome. We had productive discussions on further cementing IndiaMalaysia ties.” Both leaders discussed ways to boost economic and cultural relations between India and Malaysia. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the two leaders had a productive exchange of views on strengthening the strategic partnership. Both the countries have close ties with culture and history as well as in various key areas, particularly infrastructure development, education, tourism, and defence.

Modi also met Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her husband Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto leader of Pakatan Harapan, at the Bunga Raya Complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The meeting lasted for about 30 minutes, and later they posed for a photograph with several staff members of the Indian High Commission in Malaysia.

SINGAPORE Modi visited the IndiaSingapore enterprise and innovation exhibition on May 31, and later addressed a business and community event, followed by a roundtable meeting with select top CEOs of Singapore to discuss business and investment opportunities.

He called on Singapore President Halimah Yacob on June 1, and held delegation level talks with counterpart Lee Hsien Loong. Later in the evening, he delivered the keynote address at Shangri-La Dialogue.

In the speech, he expressed India's eagerness to make 'Indo-Pacific' as the

defining factor for new security architecture in Asia, while describing the new geography of IndoPacific as a “natural region” ranging “from the shores of Africa to that of the Americas.”

Modi also insisted that a “stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region” is an “important pillar” of India's strategic partnership with the United States.

Modi launches three Indian payment apps PM Modi launched three Indian mobile payment apps in Singapore at a business event aimed at globalisation of the country's digital payment platforms. Present at the 'Business, Innovation and Community Event', where digital platform was the focus, Modi launched three digital payment schemes, including the international debut of Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), RuPay and a new app-based rupee remittance mode of the State Bank of India's Singapore branch.

The launch marks the collaboration of the two countries through a crossborder digital payment system.

The RuPay digital payments system is linked to Singapore's 33 year old Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS). RuPay users will be able to make payments at all NETS acceptance points across Singapore.

Users of Singapore NETS will be able to make online purchases on the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) e-commerce merchant website, using 2.8 million RuPay point-of-sale terminals in India.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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Asian Voice |

To Our Readers

Take a brisk ten-minute walk if you want to stay fit and healthy

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement any advice. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

Immunotherapy prostate cancer drug gives 'amazing results' Men given just months or weeks to live after being diagnosed with prostate cancer are surviving for more than a year thanks to a breakthrough in immunotherapy treatment, a trial has shown.

Almost 40% of patients who spent 12 months on the drug pembrolizumab - known as a "checkpoint inhibitor" - as part of a new study were still alive and one in 10 had not seen the cancer grow.

The 258 men with advanced prostate cancer were treated with the drug as part of a trial led by a team at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

The results - which are to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago -

have been lauded as "amazing".

Professor Johann de Bono, director of the drug development unit the results mark the first time immunotherapy has demonstrated benefits in men with prostate cancer, which kills more people in the UK than breast cancer.

But on this occasion, the researchers found that particular patients may benefit from such treatment depending on the genetic makeup of their tumours.

While only 5% of men in the trial saw their tumours shrink or disappear after treatment, many of those had mutations in genes involved in repairing DNA in their tumours.

Research will now focus on identifying signs to help pick out the prostate cancer patients whose tumours are most likely to shrink after the treatment.

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Just ten minutes of brisk walking – around 1,000 steps – can cut our chances of an early death by up to 15 per cent, according to new guidance from Public Health England and the Royal College of GPs. One in five middle-aged adults in England are physically inactive, meaning they do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week. Nearly a third – 31 per cent – blame not having enough time, while around a quarter say they are too tired to exercise regularly.

Health officials say a daily brisk walk is a simple and effective way to increase heart rate and improve overall health.

The official recommendation for adults is to carry out 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Doing this much exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

In a Public Health England poll of 3,000 adults, 87 per cent said they already walk more than ten minutes a day –

although only 54 per cent said they walk at a brisk pace.

The Government agency has now created an app – Active 10 – which measures time spent and the intensity of walking, as well as distance.

For those of any age, keeping up a fast or average speed – between 3 and 4.3mph – cut the risk of death from any cause by more than 20 per cent over a 15-year period, researchers found.

Most fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit, encourage users to walk 10,000 steps a day. It is believed the concept originated in Japan in the run-up to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics when a pedometer – called ‘Manpo-Kei’, which translates as ‘10,000 steps meter’ – became popular among the health-conscious.

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9th June 2018

Entire generation at risk of going deaf because under 30s listen to loud music An entire generation is at risk of going deaf - because under 30s listen to too much music on their phones, an audiologist has warned.

Rosbin Syed, lead paediatric audiologist at Central Middlesex Hospital, said the loud music pumped into ears can be the same decibel level as a jumbo jet taking off. He pointed to figures which show the number of people under 30 with permanent hearing damage has been on the rise across the UK over the past decade.

The generally accepted maximum safe sound level of noise for long periods of time is 85 decibels. Jumbo jets taking off can be in the region of 110 decibels.

Hearing loss is irreversible and it is estimated that a large proportion of those who struggle with their hearing are due to noise exposure.

In each ear, the inner ear structure called the cochlea – which receives sound in the form of

Monday June 11, 2018 00:30 F36 China Town 05:00 Login 07:00 Kaun Kare Kurbanie 09:44 Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baaki Hai 12:20 Hero 15:44 China Gate 19:16 Shaapit 22:01 No Entry Tuesday June 12, 2018 01:18 Familywala 05:00 Future To Bright Hai Ji 07:10 Taaqat 10:30 Hote Hote Pyaar Ho Gaya 13:24 Shakti - The Power 16:56 Welcome Back 19:59 Do Lafzon Ki Kahani 22:36 Anjaane - The Unknown Wednesday June 13, 2018 00:50 Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Sham 05:00 Chal Bhaag 07:04 Hero 10:24 16 December 13:32 Andaaz 16:44 Aligarh 19:04 Hey Bro 21:32 Chor Bazaari-Ek Atrangi Prem Kahani

vibrations – has 15,000 hairs.

These tiny, sensory hair cells are crucial to detecting sound waves – but are very fragile. If they are damaged, it can cause hearing loss.

There are currently 11 million Britons with hearing loss, according to figures from Action on Hearing Loss.

But the charity estimates this will jump to be 15.6 million by 2035 - an increase of more than 40 per cent.

Thursday June 14, 2018 23:55 Bas Ek Pal 05:00 Wake Up India 07:15 Sai Teri Maya 09:42 Shakti - The Power 13:15 Phool Aur Kaante 16:23 Do Lafzon Ki Kahani 19:00 Aitraaz 22:28 Showbiz Friday June 15, 2018 00:40 Bol 05:00 The Perfect Girl 07:00 Kahani Kismat Ki 09:46 Andaaz 12:53 Aligarh 15:18 Sanam Teri Kasam 18:27 Star Stop 19:00 Jo Bole So Nihaal 21:24 Woh Lamhe

Saturday June 16, 2018 23:56 Jeet - Born To Win 05:00 18.11...A code of secrecy 07:22 Karishma 09:18 Phool Aur Kaante 12:26 Aitraaz 15:44 Teen Patti 18:36 Star Stop 19:06 Tanu weds Manu returns 21:49 Saaya Sunday June 17, 2018 00:26 Gulaab Gang 05:00 Listen... Amaya 07:00 Baadshah 10:28 Gangster 12:49 Sanam Teri Kasam 16:00 Awaara Paagal Deewana

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

A selfie with Rajini is all this fan wanted

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Jr NTR responds to Mohanlal’s fitness challenge

M

ohanlal wowed his fans past week by posting a picture of himself lifting weights for a fitness challenge on Twitter. He had then challenged his 'Janatha Garage' co-actor Jr NTR, who, much to our benefit, responded with a video. “Challenge accepted sir @Mohanlal ! This is a part of my fitness routine with @lloydstevenspt . I now challenge @NANDAMURIKALYAN , @urstrulyMahesh , Charan . @ssrajamouli & @sivakoratala to take the #HumFitTohIndiaFit challenge. Psst @upasanakonidela ..plz convey this to Charan https://t.co/zoGjzzHNsC.” Jr NTR's first look from his upcoming film 'Aravindha Sametha', complete with his six pack abs has impressed many. The actor will also be seen working alongside Ram Charan in SS Rajamouli's next 'RRR'. Both the actors have been attending workshops to play their parts.

T

here is no questioning Rajinikanth's stardom.

The 67 year old star has a mega fan-following in the country. Recently, one of his fans named Lakshman saw his car while he was on his way to the airport. Rajini noticed the fan and stopped his car. A giddy Lakhsman requested Thalaivar for a selfie and poof! His wish was granted. The man later posted a picture on his Twitter account captioning it, “Now, I can die peacefully.”

While we would never recommend following someone just because you are a fan, we do feel for Lakshman. On the work front, Rajinikanth has two huge projects in the pipeline. One of them is Pa Ranjith's 'Kaala', produced by Rajini's son-in-law Dhanush and featuring Huma Qureshi, Nana Patekar, Sampath, Sayaji Shinde and Samuthirakani. Apart from Hindi, the film will also be simultaneously released in Telugu and Hindu. Rajinikanth will also be seen in Shankar's '2.0'. The movie marks the Tamil debut of Bollywood Khiladi Akshay Kumar and features Amy Jackson in a pivotal role.

Tamannaah's secret to burn fat

'B

aahubali's feisty Avantika AKA Tamannaah Bhatia is a popular actress known for her charming girl-next-door looks and delicate features. Her glowing skin and svelte figure only comes as a super bonus. A health conscious actrss with a great workout regime to keep her fit, Tamannaah recently posted her secret to quick fat burn and it has blown our minds.

The actress swears by bulletproof coffee, or the butter coffee. In a recent Instagram video, she explained why she likes butter coffee for fat burn. “Whenever I have butter coffee in the morning, I get the perfect kick-start for the day. And, I also feel like the carbs that I normally feel like eating, I don't want to eat that. My blood sugar stays normal and I feel superb,” she said. The bulletproof coffee has been often endorsed by a several celebrities, both in India and abroad. The coffee evangelists swear that they get an energy boost due to the coffee and are able to stave off cravings.

Naga Chaitanya sent out of class for not watching grandfather's film 'Devdas'

S

outh Indian hunk Naga Chaitanya, who played the role of A Nageswara Rao, his grandfather, in Savitri's biopic 'Mahanati' recently opened up on how it felt to step into the shoes of his grandfather.

The actor explains how hesitant he was initially to play the role of his grandfather on screen and was hoping he would get to say no to Nag Ashwin. He said, “When Naggy approached me, I told him I needed time to decide and first called my father. I was hoping he would say no, so that I could tell Naggy that my family was not okay with this. However, I ended up playing the part.”

Chay also recalled the time in school when he was asked if he had watched 'Devadas', one of his grandfather's most popular films, and he said he hadn't. “I was sent out of class and told that I cannot back till I watch the films,” h e quipped.

The actor added that if he had not acted in 'Mahanati', he would have regretted it. “If someone else had worked on the film instead of me, I wouldn't have been able to live with the guilt.”

Sunny did her own stunts for 'Veeramadevi'

A

ctress Sunny Leone, who is all set to feature on her first south Indian venture 'Veeramadevi', recently shared the first

look for the film. Sharing a video of herself riding a horse, she captioned it saying, “Practice ride with this beautiful animal before shooting

'Veeramadevi' did my own riding and stunts for this first look shoot!”

The first look poster of this multi-lingual venture was unveiled a few

days back and Sunny's avatar took her fans by surprise. The actress has never been seen in such a powerful role-play before and the look is something new for the viewers.

A period drama, the film will be produced by Ponse Stephen under the banner Steves Corner.

Helmed by VC Vadivudaiyan, the film stars Navdeep Pallapolu as the antagonist.

Amrish Ganesh of 'Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva' fame will handle the music d e p a r t m e n t .

'Veeramadevi' will be released in four other languagesTelugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Ranbir-Alia are the newest couple rocking B-Town

I

n a dramatic change of stance, actor Ranbir Kapoor has this time admitted to dating one of his colleagues, putting months of speculations to rest. The actor, in his latest interview with GQ, admitted that his seeing Alia Bhatt, his 'Brahmastra' co-star, and that their love needs time to breathe. “It's really new right now, and I don't want to overspeak. It needs time to breathe and it needs space. As an actor, as a person, Alia is- what's the right word- flowing right now.” The actor appears to be completely bowled over the actress. “When I see her work, when I see her act, even in life, what she gives is something that I am aspiring for myself,” RK said.

Reports of their romance began

A busy couple of years for Hrithik

N

ormally sticking to a release or may be two a year, actor Hrithik Roshan seems to have taken a leaf out of co-star Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan this year, as he has reportedly signed on five films. Roshan usually has a long gap between two releases. While his last movie 'Kaabil' released in January last year, his upcoming 'Super 30' will only open in cinemas in January, next year. Actors like Khan are of the view that one should have multiple releases in a year to keep the revenue flowing in the industry. Hrithik had previously with the thought saying, “Yes,

there's a huge crunch at the box office and I totally agree with what Salman has said.

I'm trying to do that, but I'm not finding amazing films. I'm totally open to doing at least two films every year.”

And now it seems like the actor has finally opened up to the idea. “Hrithik has as many as five films lined in the next two years. That's a marked change from his usual model. He has okayed around five projects, which are likely to be shot one after the other,” a source said. The actor is currently shooting for 'Super 30'. “Hrithik will wrap it by the end of next month.

Right after that, he has given bulk dates to Yash Raj Films for director Siddharth Anand's film co-starring Tiger Shroff, which will be shot in a start-to-finish schedule from August to December.”

He has also given a green signal to Rohit Dhawan's next. “Sajid Nadiadwala is producing the film. Rohit starts his mass entertainer in February 2019, right after 'Super 30's ' release. The makers are currently in the process of finalising the female lead and are in talks with Disha Patani to star opposite him,” the source said. Also in the pipeline are 'Krrish 4' and 'Krrish 5', which will be made simultaneously as a two-part series model. They are slated to release in 2020 and 2021.

circulating soon after they started shooting for Ayan Mukerji's 'Brahmastra' in Bulgaria. Designer Manish Malhotra's confession on Neha Dhupia's show that the two will be the 'Hook up of the Year', only added fuel to the existing fire. The final nail was both the actors walking hand-in-hand to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja's wedding reception.

When asked what's the best thing about being newly in love, he said, “It always comes with a lot of excitement. It's a new person, it comes with new beats. Old tricks become new tricks again- you know, being charming and romantic, all of that. I think I'm more balanced today. I value relationships more. I can appreciate hurt and what it does to a person much more than I could a couple years back.”

What is motherly dressing?

Kareena Kapoor responds to trolls

'V

eere Di Wedding' actor Kareena Kapoor is certainly not happy with the unprovoked criticism internet has meted out on her for not dressing in a “motherly” way. Hitting back at the trolls in a recent interview, she questioned, “What's motherly? One should wear what they look good in. I don't know what's motherly dressing. My mom wears modern clothes, she looks fabulous in jeans and a top. Have you seen my mother-in-law? She looks gorgeous in a pair of jeans and a shirt, just as much as she does in a silk saree.”

Kareena continued, “I come from a world where women wear what they want to. Just because I have had a baby doesn't mean I can't wear a short dress.” The actress is back on the silver screen after a gap of two years. She had taken a short sabbatical because of her pregnancy. He son Taimur Ali Khan is now 17 months old.

'Veere Di Wedding' is out in theaters now.

This is what Janhvi Kapoor did to get Rajkummar's attention

PeeCee's second Holly film out, actor shares message

P

riyanka Chopra's second Hollywood venture 'A Kid Like Jake' is out in the US, and the actress congratulated her entire team on Twitter. “Huge congrats to my 'A Kid Like Jake' family- my supremely talented co-actors, Silas, our producers, and crew, who poured their hearts into this film. I am so proud that I could take part in sharing this incredible story with the world.”

Based on Daniel Pearle's celebrated Lincoln Centre play by the same name, the movie follows the life of Alex and Greg Wheeler who have high hopes for their son Jake. A bright and precocious four year old, the kid happens to prefer Cinderella to GI Joe. The film stars Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer and Claire Danes among others.

J

anhvi Kapoor is a star in the making.

The 21 year old made her magazine debut recently as the June cover girl of Vogue. In her first ever interview with the magazine, she revealed a much vulnerable side of hers, also talking about her bond with her late mother Sridevi.

The most relating part of her interview was when she talked about her fascination with Rajkummar Rao. The youngster was, as we all have been at one point, desperate for his attention once. When asked to name her favourite actors in the industry, Janhvi revealed that she likes Rajkummar Rao, Dhanush, and N a w a z u d d i n Siddiqui. “They're so good! I'm attracted to someone who can immerse me, and all

these actors are so expressive,” she said.

The fun part was when she revealed how she tried to get Rajkummar's attention.

“I'm not sure if I should say this, but after watching 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', I really wanted Rajkummar Rao to notice me, so I commented on all his photos. He's the only person I've asked for a photo with,” she said. Isn't that adorable?

Janhvi also spoke about her mother's reaction after watching the first couple of minutes of her debut film 'Dhadak'. “She was very technical about it. The first thing she told me was the things I needed to improve- she felt the mascara was smudged and it really bothered her. The second half has to be different, she told me.

You can't wear anything on your face.

That's all she told me but she was happy.”

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

‘Laid to rest: The controversy over Subhas Chandra Bose’s death’ death’.

Professor Anita The event Pfaff, the only will take place at child of Subhas 10.45 am on Chandra Bose, is Sunday 10 June coming to at the Jaipur London to speak on the tragedy Literature of her father's Festival at the death in 1945, British Library. which still hasIf you wish to n't received cloattend, you are sure, at the kindly requested Netaji Subhas international to register at Chandra Bose launch of Ashis British Library's Ray’s book ‘Laid to rest: link https://jaipurliteraThe controversy over turefestival.org/britishliSubhas Chandra Bose’s brary/tickets Following the release of the book in India, it has been fortunate enough to receive dozens of outstanding reviews. They include: Professor Sugata Bose of Harvard University said: “Ashis has done a great service by bringing Professor Anita Pfaff together the most relevant

Coming Events

l Ek Deep Bharat Ke Naam By Devi Hemlata Shahtriji, on June 10, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Ilford Hindu Centre 45, Albert Road Ilford, IG1 1HN. l Swara to Ishawara: Hindustani classical instrumental musical concert to be held on June 30, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm at Chinmaya Kirti, 2 Egerton Gardens Hendons NW4 4BA. l Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra’s Satsang to be held on June 9, 6.30 pm onwards, at Brent Indian Association Building, 116 Ealing Road, Wembley HA0 4TH. Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha's head Param Pujya Mahant Swami was in Rajkot for 14 days. During the visit, Pujya Atmaswaroop Swami had given a talk on Mahant Swami's vicharan in India and abroad.

For his aashirvachan, Mahant Swami urged everybody to maintain peace and be kind to every one. Youngsters had held drama skits, dances, debates, and quizzes during his stay.

After completing his trip, Mahant Swami reached Limbdi on June 3 and will continue his trip there till June 8.

Sneh Joshi

enterprising, go-getting type of person and these are qualities that will stand you in good stead in the coming weeks. Go easy on yourself though, especially if it's a question of financial loans. Don't be afraid to act forcefully if your instinct tells you it's time for change. know you’ve got no TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 You choice but to streamline and

reassess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. Jupiter in your opposite sign makes you feel invincible, base your decisions on facts.

This week you will make your GEMINI May 22 - June 22 best progress by focusing

your mental and physical energies on what you want to achieve. Intense focus is what is needed now so do not let yourself be distracted by non-essentials. The underlying trend seems to be pulling you into a much wider social circle now.

The prevailing pattern of planets gives you a marvellous opportunity. Take time out to strengthen close ties of affection, sort out emotional differences and proffer the olive branch to anyone who may have caused you pain in recent months. Venus throws an easy light on affairs of the heart - prime time for engagements and weddings.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Final farewell to legend Chhotalal Chauhan

documents in this compilation. The weight of evidence is very, very strong.”

Former India foreign secretary, Krishnan Srinivasan asserted: “Ashis Ray’s book is a comprehensive, credible and detailed forensic document which seeks to, and does, prove conclusively that Subhas Bose died in the plane crash in Taipeh on 18 August 1945. Will this book Laid to Rest in fact be ‘The Last Word’ on the subject? It probably will. And it deserves to be.”

Professor Anton Pelinka of the Central European University in Budapest stated: “Ashis Ray’s book and his line of reasoning provide all the legitimate answers to Bose’s death. All the arguments brought forward are based on fully convincing documents.”

Chhotalal Narottam Jina Chauhan, one of Midlands’ most prominent Hindu community leaders, has died. He was 91. Scores of mourners attended his funeral in Birmingham last Thursday. Mr Chauhan’s unique personality and way with words was such that he was popular with everyone. He always put the interests of others ahead of his own and made personal sacrifices over decades to help make society a better place for all. He was a man of integrity, fearlessness and committed to truth and righteousness.

Born in Ponsara, Gujarat, India in December 1926, he married Jeliben in 1944. He emigrated to Kenya in 1949 before coming to England in July 1967. He was founder member of the Shree Birmingham Pragati Mandal (BPM) in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, which remains one of the most popular Hindu temples in the country. His contributions to the BPM building project, as was

Chhotalal Chauhan

then called, were phenomenal.

Mr Chauhan was also, arguably, the last surviving member, of his generation, of the original Jalaram Bhajan Mandal which he has formed, along with my late grandfather Ravji Bhoja, in 1974. Members, all now deceased, included: Palanshibhai Pankhania, Naranbhai Chavda,

Maganbhai Jadav, Mansukhbhai Gunchala, Lilabhai Kabira, Morarbhai Solanki – to name just a few. One of his favourite Gujarati poems translates to: this beautiful body will one day blend in with soil, on departure family will weep, curtains will close, that’s the day when our acting on this world stage will come to an end.

Tributes are continuing to pour in from all over the world. Mr Chauhan was one of a kind and will forever be missed by all those who knew him. He was a close friend of our editor Mr CB Patel, who, together with the team at Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar share the grief of this sad loss.

Chhotalal Chauhan’s family

Ex-Lowestoft mayor 'suspended over Islamophobic post' A former Conservative mayor has been suspended from the party over claims he made Islamophobic comments on Facebook.

The Conservative Party said it had suspended the membership of Waveney council deputy leader Stephen Ardley and had started an investigation.

After the election of Sadiq Khan, Mr Ardley is alleged to have said it was "unbelievable" a Muslim was elected London Mayor in a Christian country.

Mr Ardley, a former Lowestoft mayor, has yet

to comment on the allegations. The Conservative Party said: "Stephen Ardley has been suspended and an investigation is under way."

Mark Bee, Conservative leader of Waveney District Council, said: "The allegation was made to Brandon Lewis [MP for Great Yarmouth] regarding Stephen Ardley about comments alleged to have been made on social media two years ago.

"Because of the nature of the allegations Stephen has had to be suspended straightaway from the district council and the county council and from his cabinet positions."

He said he met with Mr Ardley, who is also a

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 By nature you are a highly

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It would be a mistake always to blame the other person if your experience and expectations of love turn out to be disappointing. It is said that if you do not learn from past experience you will be condemned to repeat it until you do learn. You now have an excellent opportunity to sort out where things may be going wrong. The hard part is that you will have to be honest with yourself.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

The pace of everyday life will gather momentum and there may be times when you find it hard to keep your act together. Any obstacles that have stood in the way should melt into the background soon. Your selfconfidence will be extremely high and this will be helped by various encouraging events.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Career-wise you cannot go wrong provided you do not act in a way that threatens other people's egos. An ambition that you have been striving for over the past year is likely to come to fruition which could mean promotion and a boost in status and reputation soon. Play your cards right and you can pull strings in you favour.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Disruptions in your home bring a new outlook with a search for security. There will be opportunities through partnerships. It is time to team up with others with the same desires and goals.

It is time to take your plans to the next level with focus and planning.

Suffolk County councilllor, to tell him the news on Friday afternoon.

Mr Bee said Mr Ardley was "disappointed" to not be involved with the council at this time but "recognised the need for it [the complaint] to be properly investigated".

A Muslim Council of Britain spokesman said: "It is no longer good enough to say that these cases are being investigated.

"There needs to be an independent inquiry and we continue to hope that the [Conservative] party will heed our call."

020 8518 5500

There will be increased scope for varying your activities, widening your network of contacts and getting out and about. It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies, clarifying your and other people's ideas and getting involved in discussion. Exercise caution when it comes to making financial decisions.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

The prevailing cosmic pattern packs a powerful punch early this week. Having such potent energies, make you feel positive and confident in whatever you do. This is not the time to hold back or underestimate your potential if you wish to further an important aim.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The pace of your life may be a bit hectic now, and if you're not used to it, this could also be a time of mental restlessness.

You are more inclined to seek a broad understanding of people and of your immediate environment. Concentrating on listening, connecting, communicating, and learning is your best bet now.

Pisces

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

It is essential that you adopt a very open attitude now for this is a time of lucky opportunity and a chance to greatly enrich your working life and at home. New windows on the world are about to open and this is bound to have a maturing effect on you from now into the future.

SPORT

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INDIA WOMEN ON TOP SPOT WITH ANOTHER CRUSHING WIN AsianVoiceNews

Indian women scored a 66-run win over Thailand on Monday and cemented their dominant position at the top of the table in the Asia Cup T20 tournament. Asked to bat first at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, Thailand managed to keep Mona Meshram, promoted as an opener, in check but cameos from Smriti Mandhana (29 off 22) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (27 off 17) gave India the impetus that they required in the end as they finished with 132 for 4 in their 20 overs.

Wongpaka Liengprasert picked up two wickets in three overs, while Ratanaporn Padunglerd and Nattaya Boochatham had one apiece.

Thailand, in reply, lost opener Nattakan Chantam early, but Naruemol Chaiwai (14) and Nattaya Boochatham (21) offered resistance for the second wicket. The pair added 31 runs before Kaur struck in successive overs to scalp three wickets. The fall of wickets and the soaring

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Jubilant Indian women

required run-rate hampered their chances of even going for a win. They were eventually restricted to 66 for 8 in their 20 overs, giving India another big win. Kaur's cameo with the bat and returns of 3 for 11 in three overs had her named Player of the Match. India will now take on Bangladesh.

In the opening match, the Indian team hammered hosts Malaysia by 142 runs. The entire top order batting contributed well with Mona Meshram's 45-ball 32 being the top score. However, the impact

innings of the match was played by the in-form Harmanpreet Kaur, a 17ball unbeaten 27 which steered India to, what became, a winning total.

Kaur's knock was laced with three hits to the fence. Smriti Mandhana too continued her fine form for a 22-ball 29, which included one four and a couple of sixes.

Kaur then did the job with the ball as well, grabbing three wickets with her off-spin, yielding a mere 11 runs in three overs. Kaur's superb allround performance

fetched her the Player of the Match award.

Deepti Sharma also picked up a couple of wickets in her four overs, which went for a mere 16 runs.For Thailand, Nattaya Boochatham top-scored with a 40-ball 21 but the slow knock was hardly what the team needed in the slam-bang format. The Thai team just could not break free during the chase, shackled by an accurate Indian bowling attack. India will now take on Bangladesh in their third match of the tournament.

ICC plans tougher penalties for ball tampering The International Cricket Council plans tougher punishments for players caught cheating as the game reels from the Australian ball-tampering scandal. ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said tougher penalties were needed to avoid a repeat of the behaviour in South Africa of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft that has thrown cricket into disrepute.

“Every team wants to win, but players can’t use dubious methods to gain victory. It is not in the spirit of the game,” Manohar said. The ICC has taken a serious note of the events in Cape Town and plans to put together a group of former players of impeccable reputation to draft tough penalties against ball tampering and other such activities. The new panel will operate under the existing code of conduct, but will be free to suggest any action that it may deem fit. The penalty must be such that it deters all cricketers from indulging in such malpractices in future.”

The ICC banned disgraced Australia captain Smith for one Test and docked his match fee for his role in the ball-tamper-

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

Sreejesh to lead Indian hockey at Champions Trophy 2018

Hockey India announced that an 18-member Indian Men’s Team which will take part in the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 in the Netherlands starting June 23. The team will be led by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh under whose captaincy the Indian team created history in the previous edition by clinching silver.

Sreejesh will be joined by youngster Krishan Pathak as goalkeeper while India’s defence will see the experienced Birendra Lakra make a comeback into the squad.

He will be joined by dragflickers Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas along with Surender Kumar and debut player Jarmanpreet Singh who earned a place in the core group after a stupendous domestic season.

India’s midfield will be formed by stalwart Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and the talented Vivek Sagar Prasad. The forward line will feature SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh,

Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Sumit Kumar (Jr).

India’s aim will be to finish on the podium to set the momentum right ahead of major international events such as the Asian Games in August and the much-awaited World Cup in Bhubaneswar 2018 starting in November. India will begin their campaign at the Champions Trophy against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 23.

India squad Goalkeepers: Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran (C), Krishan Bahadur Pathak Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (vice-captain), Sardar Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad Forwards: Sunil Sowmarpet Vitalacharya, Ramandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sumit Kumar (Jr.), Akashdeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh

India name jumbo contingent for Asiad

ing scandal in Cape Town.

Vice captain Warner escaped any sanction while opener Bancroft, who was caught on camera trying to alter the ball, was fined 75 per cent of his match fee.

The penalties triggered criticism with former players and fans accusing the ICC of being too lenient.

Cricket Australia has since banned Smith and Warner for one year and Bancroft for nine months.

ICC is likely to set up the new panel at its meeting in Kolkata next month.

The panel could include the likes of Australian great Allan Border and Indian spin legend Anil Kumble. Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar

said that “right decision” had been taken to uphold the integrity of the game.

“Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken to uphold the integrity of the game,” he wrote on Twitter.

No toss change The ICC committee which met in Mumbai also addressed the rules in the new ICC World Test Championship, which will begin next year. The committee rejected the idea of the toss being automatically awarded to the visiting team - a measure that has been suggested to reduce home advantage and improve the quality of wickets.

The committee also recommended a points system for the World Test Championship. A system in which points are awarded on the basis of every match - with no extra points for series victory - was advocated, which would mean no dead Tests.

It was proposed that each team would get onethird of the number of points for a draw in a match as they would from winning it, which would incentivise attacking cricket. The exact points system that will be used remains unclear, largely because series within the Championship will last anywhere between two and five Tests.

India have named a jumbo-sized contingent of 2,370 members with the organisers of the JakartaPalembang Asian Games.

The list includes 1,938 athletes and 399 officials, among others. It’s a normal practice for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to initially register a large number of athletes with the organisers since only those registered can be eligible to take part in the multi-sport event.

However, it’s the taxing exercise to decide the final size by dropping the names of athletes and officials from this 2,370-member list which could lead to a heated debate between the IOA and the sports ministry. The deadline to submit the final list to the organisers is June 30.

IOA has planned to send 900-plus athletes and officials in 40 disciplines for the Asiad. However, the

ministry may prune down the list to somewhere in the region of 600-650. This would mean a lot of chopping and changing, resulting in some heartburn among athletes and officials not selected.

For the 2014 Incheon Asiad, India had sent 541 athletes in 28 disciplines.

In the coming days, some names (mainly officials) may be cleared at “no cost to the government” to accompany the contingent, leading to the IOA bearing their cost.

“We have submitted a long list of contingent where we have named 1,938 athletes, 399 officials, eight from IOA, seven from sports ministry and 18 from Sports Authority of India (SAI), resulting in a total of 2,370 members. We will prune down the list to nearly 900 athletes and officials by June 30,” IOA president Narinder Batra said.

Sport 32

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Asian Voice | 9th June 2018

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ENGLAND HUMILIATE PAKISTAN; LEVEL SERIES

England routed Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs in the second test at Headingley on Sunday and levelled the twomatch series 1-1. The victory halfway through the third day was as comprehensive as Pakistan's triumph had been at Lord's, with England looking a completely different team from the one who had subsided to a nine-wicket defeat. Joe Root’s side responded to the heavy criticism they received with an all-round performance.

Facing a first innings deficit of 189, Pakistan were routed for 134 to lose by an innings and 55 runs.

It was a meek surrender for the tourists. The discipline and resilience on show at first test were sorely missing here and a number of their batsmen, including the experienced pair of Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed.

Overall, it was a strong performance from England but they were fortunate to benefit from helpful bowling conditions on the opening day.

Bowling out Pakistan for 174 set up the win but this was also a more purposeful display than the lacklustre one they mustered at Lord's. After a run of six defeats from their last eight Tests, this team simply needed a victory. It was, in many ways, a typi-

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman

England Team celebrate victory

cal England performance in home conditions. Their bowlers, led by James Anderson and Stuart Broad who picked up two and three wickets respectively, made good use of helpful conditions and their batting, while not dominating and missing a big score for the top order, scrabbled together enough runs for their bowlers to do their jobs. There were positives in the form of Dom Bess, who finally took his maiden Test wicket, and Jos Buttler while Sam Curran, on debut, did a decent job.

Pakistan will be deeply frustrated by their effort after such a fine performance at Lord's and a three-day defeat is a disappointing way to end what has been an other-

wise encouraging tour. It should be remembered that this is an inexperienced team but the lack of application with the bat in conditions admittedly more difficult than in the first Test hurt them here.

Buttler played a gem of a hand in the first session, helping advance England's overnight lead of 128 by a further 61. His last 11 balls yielded 35 runs and he hit two sixes. Had England's tail been able to stay with him longer, a maiden Test hundred could have been on the cards but James Anderson's dismissal left England's number seven on 80 not out.

England took three wickets in the 11 overs before lunch as Pakistan failed to obtain the steady start they were hoping for.

Azhar Ali, the most accomplished of the tourists' top order, played all-round a straight one from Anderson to be bowled and 10 runs later, Haris Sohail was brilliantly caught by Bess, one handed, diving to his left, at mid-off. When Asad Shafiq was strangled down the leg-side off Broad, Pakistan were in deep trouble. It was a position from which they never truly recovered.

Brief scores: Pakistan 174 (Shadab Khan 56; Stuart Broad 3-38, James Anderson 3-43) & 134 (Imam-ul-Haq 34; Stuart Broad 3-28, Dominic Bess 3-33) lost to England 363 (Jos Buttler 80*, Dominic Bess 49; Faheem Ashraf 360) by an innings and 55 runs.vvvv

100-ball cricket match waste of time and money, says Blofeld Henry Blofeld who recently retired as the voice of Test Match Special, said that English Cricket Board's plans to introduce 100-ball game to attract 'non-traditional cricket fans' is a waste of time and money. England director of cricket Andrew Strauss recently unveiled plans for a 100-ball game to make cricket attractive to all.

Blofeld said that he was worried about the future of test cricket.

"This 100-ball thing - I don't understand. We've got Twenty20. Why are we trying to make the game appeal to people who

Rashid, Mujeeb sparkle in Afghan victory

Henry Blofeld

don't basically like it?

What goes on in the minds of administrators worries me. Because cricket was the last game to be taken over by money. It was always the poor relation, never

crossed the Atlantic, so perhaps it stands to reason. It has been taken over by money and when that happens greed becomes almost a prevailing influence. It affects players to some

extent, it affects committee rooms to a greater extent," he said.

The 78-year-old said he left Test Match Special because the programme has changed. "It has become more conversational and it's perhaps become too conversational, I don't know. It restricted me. I got less chance to describe things in the way that I wanted to. And also, when you've been doing a job for nearly 50 years, you suddenly realise you stick out a bit like a sore thumb and it's not quite the home you thought it was," said Blofeld.

Two of Afghanistan’s most potent weapons Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman - sliced through Bangladesh top order to mark a memorable start to their first ever ‘home’ series in Dehradun on Sunday night as the city celebrated its maiden international cricket game at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium.

The first T20I, played amidst some chaos and much fanfare, ended in a lopsided 45-run win for Afghanistan whose stalwarts stepped up their game and never let Bangladesh dominate proceedings after posting 167/8.

Mujeeb and Rashid wasted no time in making an impact with the ball once the Bangladesh chase started. Both dismissed a top Bangladesh batsmen off their first delivery - Mujeeb got Tamim Iqbal leg before while Rashid castled Mushfiqur Rahim. Rashid trapped Sabbir Rahman off the next ball and was on a hat-trick.

The off-spin of veteran Mohammad Nabi made sure that batsmen didn’t put the other young spinners under any sort of pressure with figures of 2/21 in four overs even as Rashid stole the limelight with 3/13 in three overs. As much as the bowlers made an impact, the Afghan batsmen can also claim credit for the victory. Mohammad Shahzad bided time on the sluggish pitch and set a platform for his mates down the order with a 37-ball 40.

Brief scores: Afghanistan: 167/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 40, Usman Ghani 26, Asghar Stanikzai 25, Samiullah Shenwari 36; Abul Hasan 240) bt Bangladesh:122 all out in 19 overs (Liton Das 30, Mahmudullah 29, Shapoor Zadran 3-40, Mohammad Nabi 2-21, Rashid Khan 3-13).

Paes named in the Indian squad for Asiad

Leander Paes will be competing in the Asian Games after a gap of 12 years after being named in the Indian tennis squad for the upcoming edition of the continental event to be held in Indonesia later this year. Paes, 44, was included in the 12-member squad which features six men and as many women with Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali and Ankita Bhambri appointed as men’s and women’s captains respectively. The All India Tennis Association selection committee went by the rankings while picking the top three players in singles and doubles for the men’s team.

The lone exception was Yuki Bhambri, who has been left out as he preferred to focus on the US Open Grand Slam. Ramkumar Ramanathan (world No. 121), Prajnesh Gunneswaran (183), Sumit Nagal (220), Rohan Bopanna (doubles ranking of 24) and Divij Sharan (41) are the others in the men’s team. Paes had opted out of the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games.

Ankita in squad, Zeel misses out While picking the women’s team the selectors have chosen the top-5 based on singles ranking while Prarthana Thombare made the cut as the highest ranked doubles player after Sania Mirza. Thus, Ankita Raina (singles ranking 208), Karman Kaur Thandi (264), Rutuja Bhosale (400), Pranjala Yadlapalli (426), Riya Bhatia (623) and Thombare (185) form the women’s team while Zeel Desai, the country’s sixth best singles player, misses out.