Asian Achievers Awards 2009 by Asian Business Publications Ltd

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December 2009

HALLMARK OF ASIAN COMMUNITY Culture, Commitment & Contribution

FORUM INSURANCE E S TA B L I S H E D S I N C E 1 9 9 0

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Celebrating Asian Success

10 DOWNING STREET LONDON SW1A 2AA www.number10.gov.uk

am delighted to send a message of best wishes to CB Patel and the organisers of the Asian Achievers Awards 2009.

The Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar makes a significant contribution to our country's vibrant and diverse society. The Asian Achievers Awards are unique as they give the public the chance to vote for who they truly admire within the community.

I am proud to be the Prime Minister of such a culturally diverse country. I send you all my warm good wishes for a successful event.

Gordon Brown

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

Chief Guest

t is a great privilege to be the Chief Guest at this year’s Asian Achievers Awards.

The Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the achievements of some remarkable individuals and to show our appreciation for their efforts over the last 12 months. This year’s theme of ‘Culture, Commitment and Contribution’ highlights some of the key strengths of the Asian community in this country. It is a great testament to the impact of Asian culture that it has become such an integral part of British life. Cultural diversity is one of the defining features of 21st Century Britain. The role of Asian culture in developing this diversity is significant and rightly is recognised tonight. Commitment is perhaps the most enduring virtue associated with the Asian community. It has been the foundation of Asian success and is a quality shared by all of tonight’s nominees. The contribution of the Asian community to the economy, in fostering entrepreneurship and in promoting academic excellence is well recognised. There are around 200,000 Asian owned businesses in the UK and Asian pupils exceed the national average in GCSE examinations. The contribution is growing each year as a result of the endeavour of so many people to fulfil their potential. I would like to congratulate this year’s nominees and winners. As we join together at this ceremony we should not only celebrate their achievements, but also be proud of the outstanding accomplishments of the Asian community as a whole. Finally, I would like to thank the organisers of the Awards for arranging tonight’s event. Most of all, I hope everyone present has an enjoyable evening!

Shriti Vadera Advisor to the G20 Presidency

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

Asian Community continuing to make its mark t is yet again a time of year when Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar celebrate the various outstanding roles played by Britain’s Asian community. As with all our previous Awards, this year sees a wide range of nominations from our readers making the job of our independent panel that much harder when selecting the winners. Every year it appears as though the bar of the nominations is raised, so it is a pleasure to have such talented and respected people in our midst- the Asian community continues to break mould. Over the years the Asian community has made a significant contribution to the UK economy and to the rich cultural diversity of British society. During the recent past, there have been 39,000 Asian-owned businesses in London alone, with a turnover of nearly £60 billion and employing 300,000 people. In professions such as banking, finance, healthcare and education, Asians have continued consistently to scale the pinnacles of success and today occupy positions of authority and influence. Asian women too are at the forefront of this success story, playing an increasingly important role in various walks of life. Sport, media, art, culture and community service now boast Asian achievers at the highest level. It is against this background that the Asian Achievers Awards salute individuals who are singularly responsible for bringing the Asian community to the centre stage of British life. Individuals whose exceptional and exemplary achievements are truly inspirational. As with previous years Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar try to play their part in helping those who are less fortunate then us. ‘Food for Vrindavan’ deserved to be our nominated charity last year and it continues to play a large role in helping to educate the poorest of the poor (slum) children in India. Our charity this year is St Luke's Hospice in Pinner. St Luke's Hospice is an independent charity serving the multi-cultural/ethnic community of Harrow and Northern Brent. It provides all its services free of charge and rely heavily on voluntary contributions from the community to ensure continuance of service. Since it opened in 2000, the hospice has cared for over 1,500 patients within their inpatient and day care units as well as also providing advice and support for their families and carers. Hospice care is based on the simple idea that a dying patient is a living person, with unique physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. St Luke's exists to support those needs as well as the needs of their families and carers. St Luke's is not an NHS Hospital, nor an exclusive private facility. Providing skilled medical and nursing care free of charge, for rich or poor, young or old, regardless of faith or race, in a compassionate and peaceful environment.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar continue to proudly play their part in recording our community’s consistent efforts to maintain and enhance its position within British society. Whilst our early migrants struggled to make Britain home their sacrifices, resilience and determined efforts have meant that our younger generations have been able to flourish with the majority of them being well-settled, successful and occupying important positions in all walks of life and, I am sure, the future generations will continue to carry our success even higher. After a year where many businesses had to close due to the downturn in the global economy the Asian community has been able to continue its success, thereby playing its part in ensuring that Britain’s economy can continue to rise. With immense pleasure and pride, let us all most warmly welcome and applaud Baroness Shriti Vadera as the Chief Guest for the 9th Asian Achievers Awards. By her presence and participation this evening, she will inspire, encourage, energise and empower many women and men to contribute their utmost in different ways to this great country of ours. We could not continue playing our role without the support of our readers to keep us on our toes, providing us with the zeal to push boundaries and raise our standards. I would therefore like to personally thank all our readers, sponsors, advertisers and others, for their support over the years and hope that they will continue to help me and my team to serve them for years to come. CB Patel Publisher/Editor Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone attending these Awards.

As reflected in the theme of this year's Awards, British Asian men and women make a huge contribution to all aspects of our society. These Awards are a great way of celebrating that fact and of recognising particular achievement.

Some remarkable leaders in every field have received awards in previous years, and I am sure this year will be no different. So I would like to congratulate those nominated to receive an award, and to wish you well for a very successful event. With best wishes

Rt Hon David Cameron MP Leader of the Opposition

HOUSE OF COMMONS LONDON SW1A 0AA

'm delighted to be able to give my support to the Asian Achievers Awards 2009. Now in its ninth year, this is a real opportunity for British society as a whole to reflect on the enormous contribution of British Asians in all walks of life. They enrich Britain's culture, economy and society immeasurably.

Liberal Democrats are passionately committed to a fair and equal society and I'm delighted to hear about these stories of individual success. They show that prejudice and discrimination can have no place in our society. They are also a fantastic inspiration for young people, showing what can be achieved through skill, determination and hard work. I congratulate all those who have been nominated. We should all be grateful for the good work that you have done in making the UK a better place. Your work promotes the country around the world. Your persistence, ingenuity and determination are exactly the qualities which the UK will need for the future. I hope everyone has a wonderful time at the Awards and send my best wishes for a successful sful event.

Nick k Clegg MP Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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The Trustee's of the DVK Foundation would like to congrajulate all the finalist's and the winners of Asian Achievers Awards 2009

DVK Foundation is a Charity which was formed to support victims of Terror Attacks all over the world. DVK Foundation organises events regularly to raise funds to help the victims.

For kind contributions towards the charity please contact, Mr Maulik Patel The DVK Foundation (Registered Charity No. 70340810) 33 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4JS Tel: +44 (0)20 3303 0452 www.thedvkfoundation.org.uk

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Celebrating Asian Success

here can be no doubt that the Asian community brings an enormous amount to life in the capital, economically and socially. Like my own relatives in India, Asian men and women are known for their entrepreneurial spirit as business leaders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether running small retail operations, or heading up international conglomerates. But their success crosses many areas: politics, the arts, sport, the military, transport and much more.

So congratulations to the winners and nominees for this year's Asian Achievers Awards, all richly deserved. I look forward to continuing to work together with the Asian community to ensure London's continued success. Boris Johnson Mayor of London

am delighted to be writing this message of support to all readers of the Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and members of the Asian community.

I would like to congratulate CB Patel, the legendary publisher and his team who made this one of the most prestigious occasions in the calendar year.

The acknowledgement of Asian Achievers of all walks of life, from the highly respected to the locally known, shows how strong the Asian community is and how influential it has become over the years. I am delighted that the British first Hindu Minister, Baroness Shriti Vadera will be the guest of honour. I hope you have a truly memorable event celebrating both diversity and excellence. With best wishes Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP Chair, Home Affairs Select Committee

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Bank of Baroda Congratulates all Asian Achievers

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AAA Chair of Judges Panel

HOUSE OF COMMONS LONDON SW1A 0AA

I am delighted to be able to express my sincere support for this year’s ninth Asian Achievers Awards which runs under the theme the ‘Hallmark of the Asian Community: Culture, Commitment, and Contribution’. The Asian communities have greatly contributed to British society through their cultural diversity and commitment. On this prestigious occasion we have the honour to recognize and congratulate all this year’s nominees for their outstanding contributions. I myself came to the UK more than 40 years ago and I personally have had the opportunity to see the Asian communities grow and excel within my constituency, Ealing Southall of which I am now a proud Parliamentary representative. Culture, Commitment and a positive Contribution to society are certainly the Hallmarks I have witnessed. With those Hallmarks to the fore it is my pleasure to see that the Asian communities are continuing to add great value to the British way of life while at the same time upholding British values. I wish all candidates an enjoyable evening and congratulate this year’s winners of the Asian Achievers Awards. With best wishes,

Virendra Sharma MP Ealing Southall

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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LOVE ALL SERVE ALL

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The Finalists

Achievement in mediA , Art And culture Ashish Amrit Kotak Ashish Amrit Kotak has written, produced and/or directed both drama and documentary including MacHeath and Divided by Rape for Channel 4 and When Shura Cherkassky Met Hobie for BBC Radio 3. He is currently Executive Producing a documentary film called the Joneses (2009) with Brit Docs and Faction Films. His play Maa (1995) played at the Royal Court Theatre and the romantic-comedy Hijra (2000) was performed to rave reviews at the Bush Theatre, London and Theatre Royal Plymouth. He has recently teamed up with West End/Broadway producers Lee Dean and Laurence Myers to develop Hijra into a movie through his company Hijra Films. He has been commissioned by the Royal National Theatre as well as the Arts Council UK. Currently he is writing a new play set in 2001 Brooklyn, New York called Halal Pork.

Jeetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Screenidolz Sunny and Shyam's ScreenIdolz - Celebrating Diversity through Dance, Drama, & Media project is already a winner of two National Awards: Diana Award and Pride in Northamptonshire 2009 through achieving outcomes from the Government's "Every Child Matters" policy: They are probably the Youngest Role Models to raise awareness about the opportunities of Performing arts, Media and Culture and further higher education through their accredited Jeet's Centre. They also maximise every opportunity and career options through working with professionals in this field both here in the UK and abroad making them proud and recognised for the work they do and not for who they are.

Chamanlal Chaman Chamanlal Chaman was born in a village in Punjab and moved to Kenya to join his parents in 1952. In 1956 he joined broadcasting as an announcer/translator/newsreader. He was once promoted to become the Head of Radio operations responsible for programe planning of all of radio services of the Voice of kenya. Chamanlal was also the only Asian broadcaster who had an exclusive interview with the Prime Minister Nehru on the India-China crisis in 1962. Chamanlal came to Britain in 1974 and immediately started broadcasting for the BBC world service (Hindi) as a contributor and also started the first Asian commercial programme in London called 'Geetmala' on LBC radio. He also has worked and contributed for a long period to radio stations such as Sunrise radio and currently working with Panjab Radio.

Jasvinder Singh Bal Jasvinder Singh Bal is the Director of Brit Asian TV. Brit Asia TV is a dedicated television channel for the young British Asians. Free to air on Sky digital platform channel 833, Brit Asia TV provides high quality Music entertainment and focuses on the current British Asian youth culture in this country. (Source: www.britasia.tv)

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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The Finalists

Civil SERviCE AND UNiFORM Bhimji Vekaria Bhimji Vekaria, is a police officer at New Scotland Yard’s Specialist Operations Directorate. He joined the MPS in 1997 after careers in the private sector, retailing and public relations. He originates Gujarat, in India and grew up in Northwest London. He has served in various roles mostly working with the community. After being in a partnership and a community officer at Harrow Borough, he took up his current role at New Scotland Yard. He is a founding member and former chair of the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association. He has also worked with the Home Office and other forces and spoken at conferences on issues related to the Hindu faith. In 2007, he co-organised a Hindu Security Conference with The Hindu Forum of Britain and National Hindu Students Forum (UK).

Sandip Patel Sandip, 25, attended Harrow School from the age of thirteen and was selected to play rugby at county level. Whilst at school, Sandip was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Military College Sandhurst. In 2003, Sandip joined Kings’ College London to read Geography. He moved to Dubai for an year and worked at KPMG as an investment banker. Sandip enlisted at Sandhurst in January 2006. He passed out in the Sovereign’s Platoon after an year and was commissioned into the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards. He became a troop leader and deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. He then moved back to the UK, where he took on a training role of young soldiers at Harrogate Military College. Sandip is currently finishing up his time as a platoon leader at Harrogate and will soon return to Germany as second in command of the squadron.

Natu Patel Natubhai Somabhai Patel is a Civil Servant. He has provided 43 years of continued loyal service. cHe likes writing, travelling, swimming, reading, and community work. Natubhai wrote book “Natu Somanu Treasure for Sugandhit life” to raise money for charities. He established the first Mandhata Gujarati School in East London and serving Mandhata Koli community for over 20 years. He obtained the Charity Registration for SMYCA and raised lots of money. Natubhai, has been the President of Association of Mandhata Samaj UK from September 2007 to October 2009 and General Secretary 1999 to 2007. He was awarded outstanding achievement award in 2006. He is well respected by many Hindu organisations, is married with a son, a daughter and has one grandson- Shaan Virendra.

Shilpa Solanki Shilpa Solanki has had 23 years service in the Metropolitan Police Service, the largest public sector organisation in London. Her dedication, professionalism and pragmatism are amongst her greatest prides which in June 2008 resulted in the receipt of the highly prestigious European Quality Award (EQA), making her organisation the first public sector in the country to receive this accolade. Shilpa’s achievements on the coaching programme have also been recognised internally and in June 2009 and she received highest internal recognition accolade - the Human Resources Commendation presented by the Director of Human Resources. Shilpa is a ‘peoples person’ and prides herself with the knowledge that community satisfaction is the best reward for any organisation. Shilpa has two wonderful children who ensure that her feet are firmly on the ground. She is also a support volunteer for a carers group in her county. Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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The Finalists

sports personality of the year Ashwin Bhatt Ashwin Bhatt is a 15 year old student who is an avid sports enthusiast. He has not only participated in a number of cricket tournaments like Under 18's, Under 17's, Indoor cricket world cup , But also has interest in Squash, Hockey and Rugby (A, Declared best player, last two years). He speaks 2 languages namely Gujarati and French. With a keen interest in music, Ashwin plays trumpet level 7 & plays in the School Big Jazz Band, (recorded two CDs - Strike up the band & Funky Town). He has performed at Snape Music Hall in the School Symphony orchestra. Ashwin is also passionate about traveling and has so far travelled distances as far as India, Africa, Cuba, Australia, Turkey and Europe.

Shivam Shah Shivam Shah learned how to play bridge at an age when other kids began to learn the alphabets. Since then, he has been breaking record after record (including a Guinness world record holder)the youngest to play competitively (at 5 ), the youngest to make international debut (at 6), youngest winner of an adult tournament (at 7), the youngest medal winner at a world championship (winning silver medal in the under 21 world championships at an astonishingly young age 10), the youngest to represent England when he was selected to play in the Under 21 Team at only 11. This year, at age 16, he became the youngest winner of the England Under 25 championships. At age 11, he organised and performed a bridge marathon raising £5000 for the charity project "Food for Children"

Rajeev Bagga Born on 6th April, 1967, Rajeev has won many single tournaments in the World Deaf Badminton Championship in Germany. He has not lost his singles match since 1989 when he first emerged in the official competition. He was nominated by Technical Director of Badminton who perceived him to be a very unselfish player, who usually accepted many bad calls by umpires without challenge. Rajeev has what it takes to be a true sportsman and has excellent personality in and outside of the badminton court. Rajeev has melted many people’s heart at the 2nd World Championship by giving up his silver medal for the men’s doubles to the family of Lithuanian promising player, Andirus Jankus who was tragically killed in a car accident recently.

Samit Rohit Patel Samit Rohit Patel born on 30 November 1984 in Leicester ,is a English cricketer who has his roots from Baroda, Gujarat, India. He plays first class cricket for Nottingham Countyshire Cricket Club. He made his One day international debut for England in August 2008. He became the only man in the history of the English Twenty20 competition to claim a double-wicket- Maiden, when Nottinghamshire played Derbyshire at New Road, Worcester in 2006. He scored 887 runs in the County championships in 2007 including four centuries – he also took 10 wickets and topped the county's bowling averages.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Congratulations to Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice and the winners of the Asian Achievers Award

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The Finalists

professional of the year Cheryl Dhillon Cheryl Dhillon was born in Stoke on Trent, the 4th daughter of Sarwan Singh and Surjit Purewal. She spent her childhood in Nottingham, graduated from Nottingham University in Business and Finance, and then qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant and then did a MBA. Cheryl is married to Surjit Dhillon and have 2 sons, Arun & Aman. She topped in finance but her intense interest in business progressively led her into more commercial roles. Cheryl has worked in the pharmaceutical sector for 18 years and loves her current role as Chief Operating Officer for Otsuka, a premier Japanese Company, making a real difference to people’s lives.

Dr Manjul Vasant Born in Musoma, Tanzania in 1949, Dr Vasant, having qualified as a dentist has been practicing dentistry in London since 1973. Subsequently, Dr Vasant has obtained several postgraduate qualifications in dentistry in the UK and USA. For his contributions to post graduate dentistry, Dr Vasant was awarded an Order of the Member of British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in 2002. In addition to his dedication to his professional career in the last few years Dr Vasant has raised over £250,000 in cash and much more for charity projects such a Tsunami in Sri Lanka, Earthquake in India, Disabled School in London, Mathewson School of Music in Calcutta, India amongst others.

Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar became the first Member of the National Assembly for Wales from an ethnic minority when he was elected in May 2007. He is a regional Assembly Member serving South Wales East, representing Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales. Originally from Peshawar he lives in Newport where he is the Principal in a successful Accountancy Practice. He has stood for Plaid Cymru in previous elections including the last General Election.zMohammad’s interests include Cricket, Athletics and Badminton. He also holds a pilot’s licence and enjoys flying. His political interests include economic development and he feels strongly about combatting social exclusion. Mohammad Asghar is the Plaid Cymru Assembly spokesman on Skills and Training and serves on the Assembly’s Finance Committee and Legislation Committee No. 1.

Zafar Siddique Zafar Siddique (42) joined the CPS in 1997 as an Administration Officer, prior to this, he worked at Glasgow University as a lecturer and research scientist specialising in medical genetics. In 2002, he qualified as a solicitor and began prosecuting in Bradford. He became West Yorkshire’s High-Tech crime specialist and worked on a number of high profile cases including Operation Ore (internet child abuse cases). In 2004, Zafar was promoted to Assistant District Crown Prosecutor in West Yorkshire and in 2008 he became District Crown Prosecutor in London. He is also a Crown Advocate and has conducted trials in the Crown Court. Zafar is married with four children – three boys and a girl.

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Congratulations to all Asian Achievers Award Winners

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The Finalists

achievement in community service Chhotalal Limbachia Born in 1933 at Nairobi, Kenya, Chhotalal Limbachia came to the UK on in 1965 and worked in BAE as clerk. He joined Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston as Asst. Secretary in 1971, became Gen.Secretary in 1975, Treasurer in 1976-78 and was the President for nine years. Hindu Council of north was established in 1992 and he was founder president from 19921994. He organised Sant shree Murari Bapu Ramkatha in which he was the President in 1988. He also organised 'kathas' in various parts of the country. He has received community service award from British Aerospace in 1985. Now he is the treasurer in Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston and Vice president Hindu Council of North.

Madhurika Patel Madhurika Patel was brought up in Mumbai and was socially active with the Mumbai Patidar Samaj. She got married to Ramnlal Tulsidas Patel of Dharmaj in 1954, a family which was connected to Manchester in trade and Business since 1906. She came to the UK in 1958 where she continued to be socially involved helping the Indian community whilst bringing up her young family. She has been a trustee, chairperson and committee/founder member of Indian Association, Indian Senior Citizen centre, The Indian Religious and Charitable Trust, The Radha Krishna Temple and Navratri group, all in Manchester. She has represented Manchester at the UK Asian Women's conference. She has helped raise funds for charity and good causes. Today at the age of 75, she is still serving Manchester's Asian Community through the above organisations.

Chhotalal Narottam Chauhan For over sixty years, Chhotalal Narottam Chauhan, has been an active community and charity worker. The pinnacle of his achievement was the building of the BPM temple and community Hall after long and hard work, fundraising throughout the UK and overseas, most often after work and at weekends. Recently he helped to raise fund for a community hall and aged people's shelter in Navsari. Even today at the age of 83, he is an active member of the community and an active charity worker for the Marie Curie Cancer research. Privately his philanthropic activities stretch to supporting schools in India for the Deaf & Dumb and many more.

Vraj Pankhania Vraj Pankhania is the owner of the Wescombe Group, one of the UK's leading prestige development companies. His leadership skills have made the Wescombe Group a very successful company with award winning projects including the former MOD hospital in Connaught Mews, and more recently the Chocolate studios in Islington. Having won The Evening Standard and New Homes Awards for best conversions, The Wescombe Group is expanding into other areas of residential development, along with hotels. Additionally, Vraj's business has also given him the means to indulge in his other passion of humanitarianism, and his numerous donations to orphanages and cancer hospitals have saved and changed the lives of thousands of individuals.

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The Finalists

YounG EntrEprEnEur of thE YEar Nina Kabra Nina Kabra has a BA Hons and is a private landlord. Besides founding and owning her business “Nina UK Prpoerty”, she is also a professional speaker, author and consultant in property tax expertise and management. She is honoured to be nominated in the category of “Diversity Award” at the 2009 Asian Achievers Awards. Nina Kabra says she is driven to provide value added information through sharing her property tax expertise, thereby saving her clients' money by presenting her speaking engagement “Know More so You Owe Less” on UK Property Tax Bill at national property networking events and online through her affiliates, selling user-friendly CDs and DVDs and by delivering personalised 1to-1 mentoring consultancy services.

Rishi Lakhani Born on 3rd June, 1982, Rishi Lakhani is a high risk taker with a track record of developing businesses, brands and turning around failing businesses. After leaving school he joined the family business and increased the group turnover to £95M from 321K within 8 years. The group now consists of a cash & carry operating from two sites with over 150,000 sq ft warehousing, a 20 fleet logistic operation, a bulk coffee, cocoa and storage facility operating from 500,000 sq ft of warehousing, a leisure centre employing over 100 employees, with 30 lanes of bowling, a 1000 cover wedding banqueting and conference facility and two restaurants. He recently opened a premiere night club in East London, In his spare time he has built up a property portfolio of £50m and also recently opened an Ice cream parlour.

Snahal Patel Snahal Patel, 26, Director of Masti.co.uk - started his first business in IT aged 18 with an early passion for integrating Technology into SME’s, studying Information Management at University College London. Graduating in 2005, he then embarked on a career in consultancy at Accenture before leaving in 2008 to develop Masti.co.uk and join the family knitwear business. Masti.co.uk, the Asian Shopping Marketplace, launched in Feb 2009 was conceptualised to broaden Asian culture online and to aid businesses in this turbulent economy. Engineering an ecommerce solution lasted a year after which with the aid of Deepesh Makadia, the company has grown to house 35 retailers and over 5000 products within 10 months. Starting with retail shops, the company has now begun to set up its Asian food portal.

Bhavisha Patel Bhavisha Patel is the co-founder of WeComeOne Group and its Financial Controller. With a first class degree in Finance, Bhavisha went to work at IBM, she soon realised it no longer satisfied her emotional and creative needs. In November 2006, WeComeOne Fashion was born. WeComeOne Fashion is an organic and exclusively online fashion label, and in an era when consumers are beginning to understand the exploitation of workers occurring in sweat shops around the world, WeComeOne Fashion created a label where “looking good” and “doing good” could co-exist. After two and a half years of trading, WeComeOne Fashion was bought by another ethical brand. Bhavisha is a serial entrepreneur and has launched a national print magazine called HPD across the top twenty universities in the UK, her magazines attracts the likes of Theo Paphitis, and Patricia Hewett. Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: Your safety at work UK health and safety law protects you even if you are not working here legally All construction workers have a right to work on sites where they do not get hurt or ill through work. Your employer and the main contractor on site are responsible for health and safety, but you must help by being aware of your employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibilities. Your employer and the main contractor must: ! tell you how risks to your safety and health will be controlled at work; ! give you health and safety training to do your job free of charge; ! give you any protective equipment and protective clothing you need free of charge; ! provide toilets, washing facilities, drinking water and first-aid facilities; and ! report all injuries, diseases and dangerous incidents.

If you are worried about health and safety at your site talk to your employer, the main contractor or a safety representative. If you are still worried, you can contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Call our Helpline to speak to an advisor in English or Gujarati: 0207 556 2181 All calls are confidential and you do not have to give your name if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to. Alternatively, you can send us an e-mail with a complaint or enquiry to: desi@hse.gsi.gov.uk For more information go to:

www.hse.gov.uk/construction/gujarati

Helpline: 0207 556 2181 e-mail: desi@hse.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/gujarati }VWQPRObP\VW _YK`R !{3#\Waa D

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The Finalists

Business in community Naynesh Desai Naynesh Desai is a partner and solicitor with Ellis Taylor LLP at Chancery Lane, London. He is also a shareholder in a Sports Management Agency, Mission Sports Management Limited in partnership with Sir Ian Botham who represent a number of high profile cricketers including Kevin Pietersen and a number of other athletes. Naynesh has represented a number of leading cricketers throughout the world including Wasim Akram, Mohammed Azharuddin, Devon Malcolm and Mark Ramprakash. He is involved with the celebrity cricket club The Bunbury’s and chaired their Annual Dinner for the last three years. Over these last three years they have raised over £650,000 which have benefited charities like The Leukaemia Research Fund, The English Schools Cricket Association and The Crossroads Clinics and have put money into developing grass roots cricket by sponsorship of The English Schools Cricket Association.

Satish Parekh Satish Parekh is the Managing Director of EducationNOW, which is a trading name of Hema.Com Limited. He is a pioneering entrepreneur, who is not afraid to venture outside his comfort zone. Having established a successful business in the Importing and Exporting of Solid Wood floors across the world, he has opened avenues into his passion for helping children of the ethnic community with their studies. His lifetime ambition is to make the education available to families from all walks of life! His motto is “ It’s not if, It’s when … and when is NOW! ” His business achievements have been recognised by industry leaders in the past. He has received a few highly respected awards such as Harlow Business Awards and many more.

Narendra Patel Narendra Patel established the “Meera Catering” at a unit in Wembley Trading Centre in 1997. Due to the high demand of its services, Meera Catering moved to Meera Complex in Stanmore within a year. Since then, Meera Catering has successfully catered for many major events such as Ram Khatha by Morari Bapu in 1999, 2004 and 2009 as well as Bhagwat Khatha by Indira Betijiji in 2006 at the Wembley Exhibition Hall and Wembley Arena respectively. In 2007 and 2008, Meera Express retail branches opened on Streatfield Road and in Finchley respectively. Meera has always been keen on maintaining the Indian culture as the establishment of Meera Village in Queensbury Parade, which serves traditional Indian Thali among other things, demonstrates.

Paramjit Kang Paramjit Kang was born in Punjab, arrived in the UK at the age of 15, with no formal education or qualifications. Working first in a factory in Wolverhampton, he joined a family travel business in 1983 and founded Moresand Limited in 1986 with two staff in London. He now heads a major UK Travel Company with an annual turnover in excess of £46 million. Moresand's 90 staff in the company have arranged 120,000 passengers flights in the past 12 months and trade in all travel sectors including retail wholesale, leisure and business travel. Outside business, Paramjit works diligently for the Indian community and is the Vice President of the Indian Overseas Congress.

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The Finalists

womAn of the yeAr Honey Kalaria Honey Kalaria, a dancer, choreographer and Bollywood specialist, has been involved in Bombay Dreams, Merchants of Bollywood and Bride and Prejudice, with TV appearances on Bollywood Star, Ruby Wax, This Morning, Top of the Pops, Bump and Grind, Blue Peter, Jamie Oliver and MTV’s Bust a Move. She has worked alongside Gareth Gates, Beyonce, Craig David, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. An award winning actress, choreographer and one of the top 3 Asian business women in the UK, with 18 Bollywood schools, an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and a No 1 Bollywood Workout video. Recently Honey choreographed for Gurinder Chada’s latest film “It’s a wonderful afterlife”, BBC Bollywood Proms at The Royal Albert Hall, and is now a Guinness Book of World Record holder.

Dr Monika Khanna Dr Monika Khanna, a Hindu Punjabi was born and brought up in London. She graduated from Leeds university in 1989 in dentistry and now runs her own dental practice single-handedly in Langley Slough and this year she had a 10 year anniversary celebration for Langley Road Dental Practice. Her philosophy is to give her patients a caring, friendly, personal approach so that they have a good experience there. Her hobbies include going to the gym to keep fit and watching West End shows. Her favourite charities are Plan International where she sponsors a little girl in a remote village and Guide Dog for the Blind as she love animals. She is proud to be a British Asian lady and to be able to embrace the qualities of both cultures, British and India.

Parveen Hassan Parveen Hassan is the West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service Group Equality Diversity and Community Engagement Manager. Parveen’s responsibilities include building public confidence within the Criminal Justice System with 16 years experience in the Equalities field in the public sector. Chair of West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, Regional Women’s Issues Group for new migrant communities, Refugees and Asylum Seekers; addressing social inclusion; an honorary member for West Midlands Association of Muslim Police, served as Faith Advisor for Government Office for London; commissioning the Faith Alliance Grants programme; Parveen completed the National Muslim Women Advisory Group Civic Skills political leadership programme; Trustee of Birmingham Community Integration Partnership and Director for Muslim Women Network UK. Dedicated to public service; Parveen won best female employee of the year at the British Asian Hafta Awards 2009 for outstanding contributions; engaging with diverse communities.

Uma A Mehta Uma A Mehta joined Rak Telecomunication Ltd as a director. Her business moto is bulk business at a low rate, to offer cheap calling card, world wide money transfer, better exchange rate and fast and cheap parcel delivery service to India. After joining Rak Telecommunication, the company has become very popular in the Asian community and the turn over has increased by ten fold. She has trained each staff with special care. At present the company has two offices in London, and agents world wide. Uma is married and has no children.

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ith over 10 years experience and an established background, Preeti Catering is a specialist event management company creating exquisite Asian cuisine on site at exclusive venues. Preeti Catering are renowned for perfecting the art of catering and event planning for weddings, parties and corporate functions.

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The Finalists

Business person of the year Thariq Mohammed Born in 1970, Thariq Mohammed is the owner of a construction and investments company (T and M investments), hotel proprietor (City Express) and take-away owner (Sajways). Thariq started off with nothing after his father passed away and worked part-time. He worked as a trainee manager at a hotel for 6 months, then started working in the civil service. He also worked in Marks and Spencer for the weekends, Tesco in the evenings and also in a training agency, simultaneously. He also worked for DSS and then left it to work on his own business.

Koolesh Shah Koolesh Shah was born in London but has maintained very strong social and cultural links with India. He speaks Hindi and Gujarati, and practises Jainism. He heads the London Town Hotels (LTH), a crucial pillar in the UK Tourism industry, which employs 200 people from a mixture of ethnic backgrounds. He was ranked 1,446th in the Sunday Times Rich List 2009. Very active within the Asian community, Koolesh is also a life member and donor of the Navnat Vanik Association, a life member of the National Council of Vaniks Associaiton, founding member of the Vanik Business Group, former President of the Jain Social Group and Managing Trustee of Dhiru Shah Charitable Trust.

Anil Maneklal Solanki Anil Maneklal Solanki, 54, was born in East Africa and came to the UK in 1960's. He is one of the first to start Ethnic Asian and Afro Caribbean frozen food products into the UK retail shops and now supplies to superstores such as Asda, Sainsbury, Morrisons, Tesco and other major Asian stores. Mr Solanki is also one of the first to export “TAJ” brand products worldwide, making “TAJ” brand a household name. The business is in its 30th year, and has had good support from his wife Geeta and his 2 sons Nishal and Jimal. They are together launching new ranges of snacks and confectionery items to complement their ever-growing portfolio of products.

Kirit Patel Kirit Patel is the founder and chief executive of the Day Lewis Pharmacy Group. He is a key and influential player in the pharmacy profession. This was recognised in 2005 when he was awarded the MBE for services to pharmacy in the South of England. The company has grown consistently since the start and is now the largest independent pharmacy group in the UK with branches throughout the South East, South West and South Midlands. He is a past Treasurer of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and past Chairman of the Board of Management for the National Pharmacy Association - and has served as a member of the prestigious Small Business Council of the Department of Trade and Industry and also on the Better Regulation Task Force. He has recently completed an Advanced Management Programme at Wharton, Philadelphia. A keen supporter of Liverpool football club,also serves on government bodies such as the Better Regulation Task Force.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

South Asians in the House of Lords â&#x2013; Lord Professor Bhikhu Parekh

Lord Professor Bhikhu Parekh is a Labour Peer and Professor of Political Philosophy at the Universities of Westminster and Hull. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, Royal Society of Arts and the European Academy, and was until recently President of the Academy of Social Sciences. He has received BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, Sir Isaiah Berlin Prize for Lifetime Contribution to Political Philosophy in 2003, and Padma Bhushan from the President of India in 2005. he House of Lords has about twenty Peers with South Asian background. Between them, they represent all major religions and all the major regions of South Asia with the exception of Sri Lanka. Most of them are either professionals or engaged in small, middle sized and large businesses, which is broadly the case among the South Asian population in general. There are fewer women than men, but they are more visible and vocal, partly because three of them are front bench spokespersons for their political parties. As one would expect, Indians constitute more than half the South Asian Peers. Rather surprisingly, nearly half the Indian Peers are Gujaratis, a community with a reputation for business acumen but not politics. Who knows a day might come when a newly appointed Gujarati Peer might decide to take his oath of loyalty in Gujarati! One might ask what the presence of so many South Asian Peers has done to British political life in general and the South Asian communities in particular. Its advantages are many. Their presence has given South Asian communities a considerable access to the House of Lords, which no longer remains a strange place to many of them. They come to meet Peers, attend meetings, or have their lunches or tea, and are no longer intimidated by the place. South Asian Peers are also accepted as an integral part of the Lords and have established easy relations across political and ethnic boundaries. They have raised the profile of South Asian communities and facilitated their integration. Thanks to South Asian Peers, some issues relating to their communities get raised which otherwise might not. Happily they have not acted as a caucus along the American lines. That is impossible given the deep differences between them, and also undesirable because it would diminish their independence and force them into taking a particular party line. South Asian Peers have also helped highlight disturbing issues within the South Asian communities which the latter tend to neglect. I have in mind gender inequality, forced marriages, and the plight of dalitsor ex-untouchables in India and in Britain.

As I go round the country, I hear three comments about South Asian Peers. First, it is sometimes suggested that they are not as regular and vocal as they could be. Since they are so few in number, it is argued that they have a greater obligation than others to be more regular and participate more enthusiastically. While the criticism is not wholly misguided, it ignores the fact that many South Asian Peers are fairly active in the Chamber. Besides, they have jobs outside the House as well as other commitments. Furthermore many of them do considerable useful work within their communities, and should not be judged solely by their Parliamentary performance. Secondly, it is sometime argued that Indian Peers in particular do not speak up as forcefully for India as some Jewish Peers are supposed to do for Israel. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t share this view. Peers of Indian origin do have a greater understanding of India than most of their colleagues and have a duty to correct misunderstanding and information about India. Thirdly, it is sometimes suggested that the presence of so many Peers of South Asian origin has distorted a normal pattern of leadership within South Asian communities. In old days the leadership of South Asian communities was based on religion, caste, region, family ties, etc. These days people turn to Peers to provide that kind of leadership. Since Peers do not maintain close ties with their communities, they are not in a position to do so, and hence there is a leadership vacuum. I think there is some validity in this argument. Being a Peer carries a certain prestige and access to power, and tempts the government or ordinary men and women to think of them as leaders of the community in preference to those emerging from the grassroots. The fault lies not so much with Peers as with those who entertain untenable expectations of them and invest them with a kind of representative authority that they do not and cannot have. The lesson to learn from this is that a closer relationship between South Asian Peers and South Asian communities could be to the advantage of both. Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

Culture, Commitment and Contribution ■ Lord Dholakia OBE DL

Lord Dholakia is the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the county of West Sussex. He is the President of the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NACRO), Vice President of the Mental Health Foundation and Vice Chairman of the Policy Research Institute on Aging and Ethnicity. Lord Dholakia was the President of the Liberal Democrats from 2000 to 2004. He serves on the House of Lords Appointments Commission and is a member of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments. He was the first recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, awarded by the Government of India. fter almost 60 years of migration, a generation of first time settlers from the Indian sub-continent will soon fade away. They will be replaced by confident and able second and third generations of British-born Asians. While politicians and academics still continue to respond to the current debate about ethnicity, multi-culturalism and immigration, the new generation of Asians would see this as less relevant to their contribution in the adopted homeland of their parents. Progressives have long considered the development of a value driven British identity as a core goal. Yet the confusion remains. A little while ago, I received an email in response to a British national daily newspaper which asked its readers, ‘What does it mean to be British?’ It read, ‘Being British is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgium beer, then travelling home, grabbing an Indian curry and watching American shows on a Japanese television. And the most British thing of all? Suspicion of anything foreign.” This politics of identity will continue, but will have little impact on those who see this as an extraneous debate in contemporary conditions of flux and change. They will have no problem in reconciling this with diversity, openness and pluralism of belief and practice. To them, a fixed notion of shared identity is less necessary than promoting individual identity, pluralism and genuine multi-culturalism. With the General Election now approaching, it is a difficult time in which to have a calm and reasoned discussion about identity, race, religion and multi-culturalism, all of which are mixed in the pot. We do not need to analyse the current state of multi-ethnic Britain. We need to examine changing pat-

terns within all our diverse communities. We need to put this in the context of globalisation which crosses the geographical boundaries of all nations. We have to accept that the globalising economy relies on the skills of people wherever they are available and international migration is a key feature of this phenomenon which has benefited Britain. The up and coming young generation has proved that cultures do not remain static. Communities change and conflicts will often occur on matters of gender, generations, religion, language and the community’s relationships with the wider society. We are not frightened by these changes. To a great extent our success lies in the fact that social inclusion, tolerance, equality and diversity have been the cornerstones of our development. So in the coming months, I trust that politicians will lead and be proactive, and not just react to media panics. Of course the Asian community celebrates British citizenship and the rights and responsibilities that come with it. The new generations of Britain are no longer Asians and they are proud of their British identity. The process of citizenship does not take away their loyalty to their parents’ homeland. They are as loyal to Britain as they are to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. There is no conflict here. But they regard citizenship as so much more than that. They see it as a social contract encompassing all different communities. They contribute towards social inclusion, tolerance, equality and a diverse society where human rights flourish. In turn I trust that politicians will see that citizenship also entitles them to state protection, respect for the diversity of their culture and freedom of expression. Take it to its logical conclusion; citizenship cannot be divorced from the needs of individuals. The recent uprising of the British National Party in our political process will be less relevant when politicians speak out about the positive impact that minorities have made.

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Celebrating Asian Success

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Celebrating Asian Success

Women still not treated equally in Britain â&#x2013; Baroness Shreela Flather

Baroness Flather was born in Lahore, British India. She was educated at UCL and was called to the Bar from Inner Temple. In 1976 she was elected the first ethnic minority woman councillor in the UK followed by the first Asian woman Mayor in the country in 1986. She was elevated to the House of Lords in 1990 being the only Asian in the House. Immediately prior to her elevation to the House of Lords, she was a UK delegate to The Consultative Assembly of the European Community being the only ethnic minority delegate from any member state. She has served on numerous public bodies including the Commission for Racial Equality and she was the British Representative on the European Union Advisory Commission on Racism and Xenophobia. In the House of Lords she sat on the Select Committee on Medical Ethics (euthanasia) and the European Communities Social Affairs Committee. Her most enduring achievement is the construction of the magnificent memorial on Constitution Hill at Hyde Park Corner. henever I say something about women I start with what I call my mantra. Women are half the population of the world, they do three quarters of the work, they earn 10% of the wages and they own 1% of the property. I feel that it is important to keep in mind that for every successful woman there are thousands who live in abject poverty and are in need of help and support. Of all the immigrants who have come to this country all research has shown that the Indians have done better than any other group. They pay the most taxes, they have less unemployment, they have better education and are moving up into every profession. The women too have done well. Most now work and many are very well educated. Again you see them in every profession. They are lawyers, doctors, dentists and pharmacists. It is very gratifying to see how much they contribute both to this country as well as to their families and the wellbeing of their children. I believe that it has always been the case that we Indians have valued education as a means of improving our situation in the same way as the Jews did. I have not yet mentioned of course the rich. Some of the richest people in this country are Indians but more about that later. In spite of all the positions that women have achieved I feel that they are still not looked upon as

equal partners by the Asian men. I am told that the young men are much better than the older generation but I have not particularly noticed that. What I have noticed is that as they grow older the cultural influence takes over and they tend to start behaving in the same way as their own fathers or uncles do. Not only do the Asian men not treat us women as equals and colleagues but also they fawn on the white men. I always get shocked by the way that a male MP is treated at an Asian function. When are we going to realise that the MPs need us far more than we need them? I said earlier that I would pick up on the very rich Indians. Obviously everyone is not the same, but they have not yet started to enter the giving culture in the same way as their British counterparts. This is the experience I had when I built the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill. It was very difficult to get any donations from the rich Indians and the money really came from British sources and the Millennium Commission. Let us hope that this one very good trait of the rich British will eventually be taken up by the rich Indians as well and that not only will they do something in India in their village and their town but they will start supporting at least some charities in this country. My last word is to say congratulation to the wonderful and beautiful Indian women and express a hope that eventually the Asian men will not see them as a different species but just as human beings like themselves.

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Commitment, Contribution and Culture Attributes pertinent to cricket and cricketers ■ Vikram Solanki

Vikram Solanki was born in Udaipur, Rajasthan but moved to Wolverhampton with his family at the age of eight. He played junior and senior cricket for Wolverhampton cricket club where he was a childhood prodigy under coach Arthur Pickering. He made his first-class debut for Worcestershire in 1995, although he had played one-day cricket for the county two seasons earlier. In 1996 he was awarded the NBC Denis Compton Award. In 1999 he achieved a batting average of over 40, something he repeated in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. 2006 was also the first season since 2000 in which he managed to top 1,000 first-class runs, making 1,252. Possessed with the priceless gift of timing and placement, he is able to play every shot in the game with supreme elegance and grace. He was appointed Worcestershire's captain in 2005, and has remained on the periphery of England's one-day set-up ever since. am pleased to be able to write a few words for the Asian Achievers Award, (AAA) souvenir and I understand the theme of the AAA awards in 2009 is 'Hallmark of the Asian Community - Commitment, Contribution and Culture'. The listed attributes are particularly pertinent to cricket and cricketers regardless of their creed or ethnicity. That cricket holds a very dear place in the hearts of all Asians with origins from the Indian Subcontinent is a commonly accepted fact. It has undeniably played a part in integrating the mix of cultures that is modern day Britain. There will have been numerous notable contributions listed throughout this souvenir that British Asians have made across a multitude of fields to contemporary British society. British Asians can be proud of such contributions and equally proud of the likes of Bopara, Mahmood, Panesar, Rashid and Shah who have most recently represented England in Test or limited overs cricket. Scholars of the game may be quick to point out that there have been those before them to include illustrious names such as Ranjitsinhji, Duleepsinhji, the Nawab of Pataudi Iftikhar Ali Khan, Hussain and Ramprakash. All have in some way served as an example to the next generation of aspiring British Asian cricketers with ambitions to represent England. There

are currently a good number of talented youngsters involved with County squads to ensure there is likely to be no shortage of such role models in the future. Regardless of the endeavour an accepted prerequisite of attaining excellence is the requirement of commitment. Cricket at the highest level demands an unbending commitment to both individual performance and also to the role of individuals within a team environment. The recipients of today’s awards will have demonstrated such commitment in their respective fields and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate them for their achievements. I sincerely hope you enjoy the evening. Congratulations once again to all award winners.

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Celebrating Asian Success

Culture makes us truly rich ■ M N Nandakumara

Dr M N Nandakumara joined the Bhavan in 1977 as a Sanskrit teacher and librarian. He was made the academic director of the institute in 1984 and he became in charge for the education and the cultural programmes held at the Bhavan. In 1994, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Bhavan and in the following year he took up the post of Executive Director after the then Director decided to retire and return to India. Dr Nandakumara has been teaching Sanskrit over the past 35 years and conducts religious ceremonies throughout London, including pujas and weddings. ow there are millions of people on social network sites such as Facebook or Bebo. On top of this we have thousands of global TV and radio channels blasting into our living room 24 hours a day. Our minds are in a kind of information over-load. Even our mobile phones don’t act as simple telephones any more. That seems the least important function, given that this little hand-held box can play our favourite tune, locate our position and find our nearest Indian restaurant. But in the busy flow of fast food, fast music and fast friends, spare a thought for the power of art, music and language. These have stood the test of time. They add up to the little thing we call ‘culture’. Culture binds us together in pride, awe and knowledge and strengthens us from within, giving us a sense of belonging. With this comes a huge responsibility to build on that legacy which has been carved through their hard work and dedication. There is a responsibility not only to clap and cheer and bask in the glory of A.R.Rahman's Oscar, or Pandit Ravi Shankar's latest sell-out tour, but to know that the baton is firmly placed in our hands now. It is up to us to stand tall and continue the work that made our forefathers great. Understanding one's culture and heritage makes us truly rich. Music, dance, drama, art, and yoga are of course all various aspects of culture. Our journey into these fields not only enriches our souls, but arms us with an abundance of skills with ramifications throughout all aspects of our life. For example, a musician not only learns the intricacies of a beautiful instrument, but discovers the sacred Guru-disciple relationship. Similarly a Bharatanatyam or Kathak student takes on a technically brilliant dance, but at the same time learns the art of century-old story-telling with huge religious and historical significance. Likewise, the yoga stu-

dent who steps into a world of balances and poses, comes out of the class with added peace of mind and clarity. Let us not forget language students. Their study allows them not only to pass exams, but an ability to converse, and therefore to strengthen relations with a wealth of relatives and friends with whom they were previously unable to communicate. Studying any aspect of culture gives every student two priceless gifts; first through merely practising their medium they gain the gift of discipline. Second, by seeking knowledge, they are broadening their horizons and are instilled with a sense of respect which is the greatest gift of all. Culture, helps us to understand, appreciate and respect all that which is noble around us. I would like to conclude with the following statement by the Bhavan’s Founder, Dr K.M. Munshi: “An engineer has not only to build bridges; he has to be a devoted husband, a kind father, a friendly neighbour, a dutiful citizen and a man true to himself. He will have trials and tribulations; his heart will fail him at times; he will then need the strength which culture alone can give.”

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Asia’s rise is London’s opportunity ■ Nina Amin he rise of India and its bid for economic superpower status which has taken place over the last five years has had a transforming effect on British business. Before the global economic crisis hit we saw the £6.7 billion bid for British Steel by Tata Steel and the £600 million acquisition of Whyte & Mackey, the world’s fourth largest whisky distiller, by Vijay Mallya’s UB Group. These two deals not only changed foreign ideas of Indian enterprise but also demonstrated India’s immense purchasing power. India is now one of the UK’s largest trading partners and Indian businesses are now operating in a host of industries in the UK, owning some of the most British of institutions, including the maker of the Queen’s favourite towels! One of the biggest winners from India’s new found mobility is London. Indian entrepreneurs who want to make the move out of their domestic markets look to the capital as their first stop, viewing it as the gateway to Europe. Small to medium-sized businesses represent the fastest-growing sector here, generating a combined turnover of five percent of the London’s economy. It was not that long ago that the first Indian immigrants came to the UK seeking a better life, often working as shop keepers, traders and restaurateurs. Today skilled employees from India are arriving as entrepreneurs, bankers, scientists and software engineers. According to a report from McKinsey, India is set to become the future workforce of the world, with 14 million young professionals, replenished by 2.5 million graduates a year – twice as many as in China and the US. Multiculturalism is essential to the future of the world and especially to London. The ability of our city to prosper is wholly dependent upon us having a great mutual respect for each other’s backgrounds, culture and practices.

The Asian economy did not escape the global crisis of the last 12 months. Exports to the US and Europe declined dramatically, but unlike the banking systems in the US and Europe, Asian banks remain relatively healthy. Many commentators predict that the financial power of the emerging nations will grow dramatically over the next decade as economic power shifts to the east with, longer term, rising mass-market consumerism in China and India as well.

Asian markets can only help London in the long-term, with Asian companies having increased access to capital, expanding and globalising and in turn possibly choosing London to set up their European headquarters. This idea that co-operation between London and the eastern financial centres will result in coefficient (mutual) benefits for both is a view shared by the City and the Treasury. KPMG recently conducted research which suggests a surge of joint ventures will start appearing as Western companies look to tap into Asian buying power. Interestingly, joint ventures were last popular in the early 90s when companies wanted to access low cost manufacturing bases in countries such as China and India, but global companies are now pursuing joint ventures to tap into the buying power of these markets. For companies in sectors such as energy and chemicals, joint ventures enable them to tap into the global resources essential to their growth. British business should also keep sight of the fact that over the next decade we will see a mass middle class of one billion-plus people emerging in India and China. People who will be buying their first consumer products, their first holidays, their first service products offer huge opportunities for businesses here. This is not a concept lost of companies such as Ford who recently unveiled a made-in-India compact car and signalled expanded production in China as it seeks to boost sales in Asia - a region the U.S. automaker has hardly dented but is counting on to drive growth. While spending power shifts East, London will continue to benefit from this, being the European centre of financial innovation and where many of the world's leading advisers are based.

So what does this mean for London?

The Empire strikes back

The rise of the Asian financial centres is unlikely to infringe upon London’s competitiveness but provides opportunity for partnership between the two. Healthy

The rise of India and its bid for superpower status which has taken place over the last five years has had a trans-

Looking to the future

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Celebrating Asian Success forming effect on the British economy. Before the global economic crisis hit we saw the £6.7 billion bid for British Steel by Tata Steel and the £600 million acquisition of Whyte & Mackey, the world’s fourth largest whisky distiller, by Vijay Mallya’s UB Group. Two deals which not only changed foreign ideas of Indian enterprise but also demonstrated India’s immense purchasing power. India is now one of the UK’s largest trading partners and Indian businesses are now operating in a host of industries in the UK, owning some of the most British of institutions, including the maker of the Queen’s favourite towels! And yet the Indian outward journey is still in its infancy. One of the biggest winners from India’s new found mobility is London, as Indian entrepreneurs who want to make the move out of their domestic markets are looking to the City as their first stop, viewing it as the gateway to Europe. Small to medium-sized businesses represent the fastest-growing sector here, generating a combined turnover of five percent of the city’s economy. It was not that long ago that the first Indian immigrants came to the UK seeking a better life, often working as shop keepers, traders and restaurateurs. Today skilled employees from India are arriving as entrepreneurs, bankers, scientists and software engineers. According to a report from McKinsey, India is set to become the future workforce of the world, with 14 million young professionals, replenished by 2.5 million graduates a year – twice the size of both China’s and America’s. Multiculturalism is essential to the future of the world and especially to London. The ability of our city to prosper is wholly dependent upon us having a great mutual respect for each other’s backgrounds, culture and practices.

shared by the City and the Treasury. KPMG recently conducted research which suggests a surge of joint ventures will start appearing as Western companies look to tap into Asian buying power. Interestingly, joint ventures were last popular in the early 90s when companies wanted to access low cost manufacturing bases in countries such as China and India, but global companies are now pursuing joint ventures to tap into the buying power of these markets. For companies in sectors such as energy and chemicals, joint ventures enable them to tap into the global resources essential to their growth. British business should also keep sight of the fact that over the next decade we will see a mass middle class of one billion-plus people in India and China. People who will be buying their first consumer products, their first holidays, their first service products offering huge opportunities for businesses here. This is not a concept lost of companies such as Ford who recently unveiled a madein-India compact car and flagged expanded production in China as it seeks to boost sales in Asia, a region the U.S. automaker has hardly dented but is counting on to drive growth. While the spending power shifts East, London will continue to benefit from this, being the European centre of financial innovation and where many of the world's leading advisers are based. Nina Amin is Tax Partner with KPMG and can be contacted at nina.amin@kpmg.co.uk

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Looking to the future The Asian economy did not escape the global crisis of the last 12 months as exports to the US and Europe declined dramatically, but unlike the banking systems in the US and Europe, Asian banks remain relatively healthy. Many commentators predict that the financial power of the emerging nations will grow dramatically over the next decade as power in the markets continues to to the east and in the longer term will see a shift of manufacturing and mass-market consumerism towards China and India.

So what does this mean for London? The rise of the Asian financial centres is unlikely to infringe upon London’s competitiveness but provides opportunity for partnership between the two. Healthy Asian markets can only help London in the long-term, with Asian companies having increased access to capital, expanding and globalising and in turn possibly choosing London to set up their European headquarters. This idea that co-operation between London and the Eastern Centres will result in coefficient benefits for both is a view

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Celebrating Asian Success

Asian contribution to the Legal field ■ Bimal Thaker

Having attained a degree in Law from the University of Buckingham, Bimal was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 1989. He has been in private and in house practice. Bimal has acquired vast experience in corporate and commercial matters in general and specialised competence in the following industry sectors: aviation, finance, mining and energy, and environment. Bimal was selected for a five year secondment on a World Bank programme to work in-house during the privatisation of a State owned mining conglomerate, with diverse interests. Recently he has been engaged to lead a team with a FTSE 100 UK listed company in the financial service sector on the outsourcing of customer service and IT activities. Bimal has now returned to private practice with a Morgan Walker Solicitors, situated on Chancery Lane, at the heart of London’s legal establishment where he is involved in general legal advisory work and in particular advise on mergers and acquisitions, commercial litigation/international arbitration and financial services. ark Twain, the American satirist/writer, said of India, “ land of dreams and romance – the country of a hundred nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birth place of human speak, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of tradition, the land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.” With that luggage, us Asians, must have proven, even to the Americans, who let’s face it, have little regard, in the norm, to anything which does not happen in their back garden, that we are possessed of a culture to which we are committed and contribute to its well being and preservation. Against this background my script is to place relevance to the development of Asians in the legal field. As a society I would like to think that Asians are god fearing and righteous. But that does mean that they do not get into trouble and this is where the legal field is called upon. Here, I mean those who protect the law, such as police officers, and those that ‘interpret’ the law, such as lawyers. Regrettable the former has been dogged by claims of institutional racism, making

it less of an attraction to new entrants. This, coupled with community based claims of bias, has made an impact towards the development in the field, either external or internal, a challenge. There are less than 0.14% of Asian police officers, at all levels, as against a force of over 225,000. Despite this limited number, Asians have made considerable achievements in the service and have risen to very high rank. Similarly, in the legal profession, be it as a barrister or solicitor, there are achievers of stature, in some of the largest firms in the country, to sole practitioners, Now, does the theme of ‘culture, commitment and contribution’ play a part; I think it does. What part? Well my answer to that is slightly longer. I believe Asians have an in-bread understanding of respect. This is in my opinion, the cornerstone of our society. That inert sensation that we feel when we meet an elderly member of either the extended family or their friend, we suddenly encounter a sense of excitement and somehow become more aware of their presence. We derive pleasure from their nostalgia we feel as though we should contribute in similar vain for the sake of a future generation and we commit ourselves, there and then, to doing so. This I believe is how Asians have contributed to the legal field, by our community based service, which, at times, is an extension of what is called pro bono work, that is to say pour gratis. There is a sense of community protectionism, which the community reciprocates in by seeking a service. What the future holds, is more of a concern. I see that as we further integrate within the society around us there may be something that is lost. Does commitment without the culture, or, contribution without the culture have the same impact. I believe not. Therefore, whilst we are to rid ourselves of the institutional bias, we will lose a sense of belonging but may become more commercially minded. So Mark Twain was right, we have a culture which we must preserve; commitment and contribution will follow.

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Celebrating Asian Success

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Asian Achievers Awards 2009 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

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Celebrating Asian Success

Ethnic Businesses and Corporate Social Responsibility â&#x2013; Vijay Patel

In 1975 after graduating in Pharmacy Vijay opened his first retail pharmacy in Leigh-onSea, Essex. Business boomed and spurred the growth of a chain of outlets. Then in the early 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his brother joined forces with him and together they founded Waymade Healthcare in 1984, a company whose core business remains the supply of prescription medicines to retail pharmacies, hospitals and doctors across the UK.In 2003 they founded Amdipharm to spearhead the international expansion of the group. It has acquired products from a number of multi-national pharmaceutical companies, and now owns branded products in more than 100 countries. Outside of work the brothers pursue their philanthropic interests primarily through the Shanta Foundation, established in honour of their mother Shantaben. K as a host country has embraced the ethnic communities from all over the world and given them a wide range of scopes to flourish and nurture the British society. Today the small Asian businesses are marked as the torch bearers for the improvement of the UK economy and alleviation of the social conditions. Whatever be your ethnicity, wherever you are based, that should not make a difference to your contribution to the host country and its businesses. Your culture, commitment and contribution towards the host country must be encompassed in the mode of operation. Social responsibility of a company or an entrepreneur does not diminish due to its/his origin and there are certain business principles, duties and policies remain mandatory towards its host country and the wider society. Corporate Social Responsibility is one such policies. Whatever be the size of your business, you must comply with the CSR policy, that is a self-regulatory mechanism whereby the business monitors, ensure adherence to law, ethical standards, business would embrace responsibility for its impact on the environment, consumers, employers, communities, stake holders and all of the members of the public sphere. Furthermore business would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community group and

development and voluntary eliminating practises that harm the public sphere. Essentially CSR is a deliberate inclusion of public interest with corporate decision making and honouring of triple bottom line people, plant, profit. In the 21st Century, the demands for more ethical business processes and actions is increasing. Simultaneously pressure is applied on industry to improve business ethics through new public initiatives and laws, a good example being higher road taxes for higher emission vehicles in UK. A more common approach of CSR is to give aid to local organisations and improvise communities in developing countries. However, this approach is not favoured by some corporations as it does not develop the skill sets of the local community which generally leads to more sustainable development. Procurement of Fair Trade commodities has been adopted by various businesses. Social Accounting, Auditing and Reporting Taking responsibility for its impact on society means that a company accounts for its actions. Social Accountings is describing the communication of social Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

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Celebrating Asian Success and environmental effect of a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic actions to particular group in the society and to the society at large. This is an important element of CSR. In view of this a number of guidelines and standards have been developed to serve as frame work for social accounts, auditing, monitoring and reporting. Potential Business Benefits The scale and nature of benefits of CSR for an organisation can vary depending on the nature of the enterprise and difficult to quantify. The business case for CSR within a company will likely centre on one or more of these arguments. Human Resources A CSR programme can be an aid to recruitment and retention of talent. Risk Management Managing risk is a central part of many corporate strategies. Reputations that take decades to build can be ruined in hours through incidents such as corruption, scandal or environmental accidents. These can draw unwanted attention from the regulators and media. Building a genuine culture of â&#x20AC;&#x153;doing the right thingâ&#x20AC;? within the corporation can offset these risks.

Brand Differential Companies strive for unique selling propositions that can separate them from competitors in the minds of the customer. CSR build customer loyalty based on distinctive ethical values. E.g. Co-operative Group and The Body Shop are built on ethical values. Business services organisations too can benefit from building a reputation for integrity and best practice. Licence to Operate Corporates are keen to avoid interference in their business by regulators by taking substantial voluntary steps that can persuade regulators and wider public that they are taking issues such as health and safety, diversity and environment seriously as good corporate citizens and with respect to labour standards and impact on environment. Criticism & Concerns Critics of CSR as well as proponents debate a number of concerns related to it and these include CRS relationship to the fundamental purpose and nature of business and questionable measures for engaging in CSR, including concerns about sincerity and hypocrisy. Unfortunately this debate will never end!!!

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

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Celebrating Asian Success

Contribution and Future of the British Gurkhas â&#x2013; Major (retd) Tikendra Dal Dewan

Major (retd) Tikendra Dal Dewan is the Chairman of the British Gurkha Welfare Society (BGWS) and served in the British Armed Forces for 31 years. He is also a member of the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Body, Oak Farm Community School, member of the Management Committee Linden Centre, advisor in the Non Resident Nepalis UK Chapter and the Chief Executive Officer of Gurkhas Resources. He is married to Milan and has 3 daughters. enerations of Gurkhas have made a huge and valuable contribution to the British Armed Forces, bravely and loyally serving alongside the British soldiers in wars all over the world. Admired and respected for their skills as soldiers, Gurkhas have the distinction of possessing most of the 26 Victoria Crosses, the most prestigious award for bravery and valour that can be awarded to soldiers in British and Commonwealth forces. Gurkhas have served in the British Army since 1815, and when India gained its independence, four Gurkha regiments joined the British Army and formed the Brigade of Gurkha, and six regiments joined the Indian Army, which now has over 100,000 Gurkha troops. Playing a full part in the British Army's operational deployments and currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans, Gurkhas are integral to meeting the Forcesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitments. But the future of Gurkhas in Britain is uncertain Despite significant progress made in the campaign for Gurkha justice, with Gurkhas who retired before 1997 are now allowed to settle in the UK, but the government is yet to recognise that all Gurkhas should receive a pension equal to that of the British counterparts in similar regiments. Still the government continues to place a much lower value on Gurkha service, and the British Gurkha Welfare Society (BGWS-www.bgws.org) is campaigning to change this. It believes that all Gurkhas, including those who

retired prior to 1997, and those who served before 1997 but retired after that date, should be treated as equal and receive an equal pension. Currently thousands of Gurkhas or their widows receive either no pension at all, or a much lower pension than their British counterparts, devaluing their years of loyal service. The ongoing challenge for the Gurkha community is to ensure that the government recognises and rewards their years of loyal service by giving them the same pension as their UK counterparts so they can live with dignity in Nepal, instead of being dependent on charity in order to survive. Without an equal pension, many elderly retired Gurkhas feel forced to move to the UK in order to achieve a better quality of life. This would mean they could supplement their income by drawing on the generous UK welfare system, leading to a surge of Gurkhas, some with poor health and English language skills, entering the UK under duress in order to access the welfare system. The Gurkhas are proud to serve in the British Army, but their service need to be recognised by the awarding of equal pensions, in recognition of their loyal service.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success

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Celebrating Asian Success

Who am I? ■ Kajal Valani

Kajal Valani graduated with a BSc(hons) in biomedical Science at Kings College, University of London in 2006. She studied law at BPP Law School and graduated in 2007, was called to the bar in November 2008 and is a qualified barrister now. She has done a lot of charity work, taken part and organised many international medical camps and poverty relief projects. She is currently the President for the National Hindu Students Forum (UK). eing the president of the National Hindu Students Forum (UK), time and time again I hear of students trying to cope and place their identity. A generation of people whose heritage and culture come from one continent but live and breathe in another! I can easily identify with the youth in my generation as I sometimes laughed at myself when I think that I am born and bred as a British citizen, and an avid supporter of my country England when it comes to football, but when it comes to Cricket, I have a t-shirt on with the Indian flag and can be seen shouting ‘come on India’! This sentiment and divide in who we are is something that the third generation of Indians in this country go through a lot. The first generation came here bringing their culture, values and heritage with them and started making a life for them and their children. Not always feeling welcomed and finding themselves in a strange land, the mind-set was then to make money and try to set a good life for their family. The second generation however, then found that the hostile British neighbours have started getting friendlier, they themselves understood this country and its values and started amalgamating themselves in the country’s culture and adding to its diversity. The third generation who are born and bred are the ones who generally go through the tough time of identifying themselves. They have a religion and culture entirely different to most students in their class, but are also involved and feel British traditions and values and make Britain what it is today. They contribute to the GDP of this country like generations before them did, but feel as this is ‘their’ country and their homeland, so embrace and endorse it fully. The difficulty lies in keeping their heritage alive within them and embracing the country in which they were born, educated and brought up their own children. So what do we do? How do we ensure that we get the right equilibrium? My answer to such questions is to use principles from Hindu Dharma to ensure we take the Dharmic steps necessary for us to maintain

our culture, but also create our own identity using our heritage and to really take pride in that! It allows us to question rituals and understand why they are necessary for uplifting one’s self in a spiritual sense as well as adopting the positive aspects of others’ values andcultures’ whilst maintaining who we are. This approach can only be adopted by this generation when parents and elders in the community continue to provide support and continously guide and teach us what they themselves have been taught. Parents play a big role in this. I myself thank my parents for providing opportunities for me to learn native languages, learn about the history and culture of my heritage which I take great pride in! It is organisations like National Hindu Students’ Forum (UK) which allowed me to open my horizons and really question and probe what one has been taught as a child so we are fully able to enrich our lives in a diverse and personified manner. It is Hindu dharma which guides and allows me to support India in cricket and England in football and allows one who is born in the UK and never visited India, to believe India as the mother-land and England as their father-land. If this concept is endorsed and accepted by all, then no citizen will ever feel orphaned. "Hindu Dharma is the quintessence of our national life, hold fast to it if you want your country to survive, or else you would be wiped out in three generations". – Swami Vivekananda

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Celebrating Asian Success

York University’s Diversity Awards ■ Lady Ann Dholakia

Ann Dholakia is married to Lord Dholakia. She has a degree in Education, as well as numerous nursing qualifications. As an educationalist, she is very interested in the choices that are available to those from diverse backgrounds and is aware of the problems that they face on entering higher education. ne hundred Diversity Awards, each worth £1,000 are to be launched by one of Britain’s leading universities. The University of York has established a Trust to bestow the awards to students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, in recognition of challenges faced by potential students in reaching University. In particular, they are designed to encourage applications from very able students, who might be discouraged from applying to an elite university. The awards will help students realise their full potential. In addition to the funding, successful applicants will have the opportunity to become a paid student ambassador, focusing on diversity issues and acting as a role model for future students. During their time at York, they will also have access to tailored careers advice and support. I met Professor Colin Mellors, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, who said: “Reaching out to talented people, wherever they are, and helping them to make the most of the time at university, is very important to us. Although York is seen as a ‘top university’, we are also a friendly and inclusive place to live and study, and we want to make sure all those who can benefit from studying here are able to do so.” The University of York currently has over 11,800 students studying various courses across the arts, sciences and social sciences. Newer courses include Management, Medicine, Law, and Theatre Film and Television. Its size and campus location, in one of the country’s most popular cities, means that it can combine the advantages of a university that is large enough to provide a vibrant social and cultural environment, with the welcoming and friendly atmosphere found in a smaller community. Known for its research reputation, which puts it among the top 100 universities in the world, the quality of teaching and learning is central to its success. The University scores very highly in the National Student Survey. Of the top 10 UK universities, York is proud to have one of the highest NSS scores and the most diverse student population. The wider student experience is an important aspect of the time spent at York, and the University is

especially sensitive to helping students make a successful transition from schools or college to university life. This is reflected in the low drop-out rate, which is one of the lowest of any UK university. All students are members of a College. This membership provide a setting where it is easy to meet people and make friends, enabling new students to settle quickly into life at university. The University of York accommodates about 40% of its undergraduates, which means that all new single undergraduates are guaranteed a place in a University residence for their first year. The Students’ Union currently runs a diverse range of nearly 200 clubs and societies. Student media, drama and music activities are particularly well catered for, and there is also a student-run radio and television station as well as two nationally recognised student newspapers. Those with more active interests will be able to take advantage of the 40 acres of playing fields on site, catering for football, rugby, hockey and cricket. There is a floodlit JLD astro-pitch for hockey and five-a-side football, surrounded by a running track. The Sports Centre includes four sports halls, four squash courts, a dance studio and large fitness suite. The University holds two main Open Days every year which offers potential applicants the opportunity to see the University and hear more about student life, accommodation, finance and the application process. Jimena is one of the students who chose York. “Coming to York has been a fantastic experience. When I first arrived people were so friendly, it wasn’t long until I began to feel at home. The city itself has a magical touch, combining history with entertainment, without leaving behind the beautiful landscape. I have felt so welcome. I can honestly say it has been the best time of my life so far, as I have made friends that I will keep forever.” I have been associated with equality and diversity all my life. I have no doubt that in developing the new Diversity Award scheme; the University has taken a lead which others should follow. I am sure a number of students from the Black and Ethnic minority communities would benefit from this scheme at such a good University as York

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success 2002

Finance Winner Jitesh Gadhia, ABN Amro Bank

Shortlisted nominees

Mr Naguib Kheraj, Barclays Capital Mr KB Shankar, HSBC South Asian Banking

Community Service Winner - Kanti Nagda Sangat Community Centre

Shortlisted nominees Mr Bhanubhai Mehta of Samanavaya Parivar Mr Ram Gidoomal of the Inlaks Group Mr Ishwar Tailor of the Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston

Public Service Winner Dr Sushil Wadhwani

Shortlisted nominees

Gurbux Singh, Former CRE Chairman Tarlok Singh Bagga, Semi-retired company director Raja Singham Jayadevam, Director of the Tamil Community Housing Association

Sports Winner - Nasser (Courtesy Sky Sports)

Hussain, Former England Cricket Captain

Shortlisted nominees

Ronni Irani - Cricketer Arvind Parmar - Tennis player Priti Trivedi - Senior Administrator, Scottish Premier League

Community Service WINNER APS Chawla Chairman, MKC trust

Shortlisted nominees

Pravin Amin - Community Campaigner Rati Shah - President, Brent Indian Association Ramesh Vala - Community Campaigner

Women WINNER Trupti Patel, Pharmacist

Shortlisted nominees

Shobha Tailor - Founder, Shobha Catering Ltd Jyoti Taglani - Founder, Joshiv Beauty Ritu Sethi - Solicitor and Proprietor, The Sethi Partnership

A Look back... Business Winner Sir Gulam Noon MBE Noon PLC

Shortlisted nominees

Dr Kartar Lalvani of Vitabiotics Ltd Sir Anwar Pervez of Bestways Cash & Carry Thakrar Brothers, Tilda Rice Ltd Mr Kirit Pathak, Patak Spices Industry

Trade Winner Rami Ranger Sea, Air and Land Forwarding Ltd

Shortlisted nominees

Mr Bhikhu and Mr Vijay Patel, Waymade Plc Mr Navin Engineer, Chemidex Karamjit Khera, Hyperama Cash & Carr

Youth Winner The Dhoti Boyz, Dance and drama artists

Shortlisted nominees Master Kishan Sheth - Poet Min Patel - Young Cricketer

2003

Art & Culture

WINNER Viram Jasani Asian Music Circuit

Shortlisted nominees Manish Patel - Author Shanti Panchal - Artist Chandu Matani - Founder Member, Shruti Arts

Trade & Industry WINNER Kartar Lalvani Founder & CEO - Vitabiotics

Shortlisted nominees Vijay and Bhikhu Patel - Founders, Waymade Healthcare Plc Bharat Shah - Managing Director, Sigma Pharmaceuticals Plc.

Finance WINNER KB Shankar, Head of South Asian Banking, HSBC

Shortlisted nominees

Vinay Pattni - Area Business Manager, Abbey National Business Dr KC Chakrabarty - Chief Executive, UK Operations, Bank of Baroda

Asian Achievers Awards 2009 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

Media Winner -

Professions

Alpesh Patel Tradermind

Winner The late Dr Madhusudan Gandhi

Shortlisted nominees

Mr Avtar Lit, Sunrise Radio Mr Raj Kumar, Spectrum Radio Mr Amit Roy, journalist Mr Javed Hussain, Media Reach Advertising & PR

Art & Culture Winner Gurinder Chadha Film Director

Shortlisted nominees

Mr Naguib Kheraj, Barclays Capital Mr KB Shankar, HSBC South Asian Banking

Uniform Services

Winner Sergeant Gurpal Virdi

Shortlisted nominees Sergeant Ramesh Kumar Salim Ismail Kholwadia MBE, Officer of HM Customs and Excise PC Taruna Mistry

Sports WINNER - Vikram Solanki, Cricketer

Shortlisted nominees

Chunilal Jobanputra -World Wheelchair Bowls Game Champion Fauja Singh - Record holder in Marathon running (90 year plus category) Ajit Medtia - Polo Player

Business WINNER Ashok Patel Chairman and joint Managing Director, Travelpack Marketing & Leisure

Shortlisted nominees

Jayendra Ravjibhai Patel - Sherwood Agencies Ltd Firoz Kassam - Founder, Firoka Group Sir Mohammed Anwar Pervez OBE Founder, Bestway (Holdings) Ltd

Media WINNER Mihir Bose, Author & Journalist

Shortlisted nominees

Sanjay Suri - Journalist Vijay Dutt- Journalist Javed Husain - Founder & Creative Director, Media Reach Advertising

Shortlisted nominees

Mr Naguib Kheraj, Barclays Capital Mr KB Shankar, HSBC South Asian Banking

Industry Winner Ranjit Baxi J&H Sales International Ltd

Shortlisted nominees

Mr Kartar Lalvani of Vitabiotics Ltd Parween Warsi, S&A Foods Mr Mukesh Nakar, Chatham Printers

Women Winners Dr Bela and Dr Ashi Arora

Shortlisted nominees Usha Dhirajlal Pandya, Community worker Surekha Mehta, Community worker Councillor Ansuya Sodha, Former Mayor of Barnet

Uniform Services WINNER Farhad Ahmed MBE, Special Constable Metropolitan Police

Shortlisted nominees

PC Mahesh Nandha - Partnership Constable, Harrow police station Manjit Singh - Fire fighter, London Fire Service Bhimji Vekaria has been a police constable at Harrow Police Station

Entrepreneurs WINNER Karan Bilimoria, CEO & Founder Cobra Beer

Shortlisted nominees

Mayank B Patel - Founder & CEO, Currencies Direct Ltd Nainesh Patel - Founder, Farsan Ltd Ashok Jivraj Rabheru CEO of Genisys Group and Subsidiaries

2004

Sport Winner Amir Khan, Boxer

Shortlisted nominees Arvind Parmar - Tennis Player Aman Dosanj - Footballer Ajmal Shahzad - Cricketer

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Celebrating Asian Success SME of the Year Winner Rajan Sehgal Founder, Skylord Travel Plc

Shortlisted nominees

Jamal Hirani - CEO & Founder, Tiffinbites Pankaj Vekria - Founder, LAN 2 LAN

Public (Uniform) Service

Winner - Taruna Mistry, Police Constable, Metropolitan Police

Shortlisted nominees

Anil Patani - Assistant Chief Constable, West Midlands Police Balihar Singh - Senior Police Officer, Greater Manchester Police Force

Media & Arts Winner - Raghav,

Finance Winner Vijay Acharya, Director, Indian Private Banking, Credit Suisse

Shortlisted nominees

Sunil Patel - Co-founder, RA Insurance Brokers Ltd Rajesh Patel - Founder, RJ Insurance Brokers Tiku Patel - Managing Director, Barclays Premier Banking

Shortlisted nominees

Chirag Shah - Founder, Trading Partners Mayank Patel - Co-founder, Currencies Direct Ltd Lord Diljit Rana MBE - Founder & Chief Executive, Andras House Ltd

Winner - Amarpal Singh Gupta, Founder, Duncan Lewis & Co Solictors

Singer

Shortlisted nominees Dr Nanda Kumara - Executive Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lisa Aziz - TV Presenter Javed Husain - Founder & Joint Managing Director, Media Reach Advertising agency

Shortlisted nominees Dr Sadru Kheraj - GP & Senior Partner, Herne Hill Group Practice Prakash Patel - Senior Partner, Magwells Solicitors Anuj Chande - Partner, Grant Thornton UK LLP

Community Service

Entrepreneur of the Year Winner Manubhai Ramji, Founder, Kings Kitchens Plc.

Professions

Women Winner Kamleshben Patel, Founder & Senior Adviser, Anasad Milan Kendra

Winner Dr Shiv Pande, Community Campaigner

Shortlisted nominees Vilasgauri Dhanani - Social Worker Shahida Parveen Jamal - Social Worker Nalini Mandalia - Social & Health Services Officer, West End Day Services Centre Leicester

Shortlisted nominees Smita Oza - Corporate Lawyer, Hilton Group Plc. Afsana Shukur - Head, Ethnic Minority Employment Unit, Department for Work and Pensions Trupti Patel, Acting Assistant Director, Salford council

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD The Editor’s Choice award was presented to 14-year-old Shabnam Kanchwala. Since the age of 9, Shabnam displayed an acumen for Fashion designing. She secured admission at India’s prestigious JD Institute of Fashion Design in Mumbai for a creative course. She came out

2005 Public and Uniform Services Winner : CIIr. Navin Shah Leader of Harrow Council and Labour councillor for Kenton East

Shortlisted nominees

Gurpal Virdi - Detective Sergeant Nita Jhanji Garrod - Police Sergeant Pirthipal Singh Kang - Principal Community Liaison

Professional of the Year Winner - Dr Jatin Pandya Medical Professional

Shortlisted nominees Dr Simon Singh - Freelance writer, Science Journalist and Broadcaster Harin Thaker - CEO Hypo Real Estate Bank Intl. Shami Chakrabati - Director - Liberty

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Winner - Sonia Deol BBC TV presenter

Shortlisted nominees Raza Jaffrey - BBC TV presenter Nitin Sawhney - Musician Avatar Lit - Owner- Sunrise Radio

with flying colours and the institute gave her an award for outstanding performance and creative excellence in projects and assignments presented during her course of creative fabric designing, fashion illustration and fashion embroidery in the academic year 2004-2005.

Entrepreneur of the Year

SME Business of the Year

WinnerLakshmi Mittal Chairman and CEO Arcelor Mittal

Winner Ram Sarup (R.S.) Nangla Founder- Brightsun Travel

Shortlisted nominees

Bharat Shah - Owner – Sigma Pharmaceuticals PLC George Jatania - Founder Lornamead Group Charan Gill - Founder Harlequin Group

Nadir Lalani - Founder 99p Stores Surjit Singh Pander - founder- Himalayan Carpet & Furniture Ltd Tavi Thevarajah - Owner- Carlton Leisure

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner Manubhai Madhvani

Shortlisted nominees Mahendra Mehta Bobby Grewal Himatlal Jagani

Young Achiever of the Year

Winner - Viresh Chandra (Partner – V Tech)

Shortlisted nominees Jojar Dhinsa-Founder - Athlone group Lopa Patel - Founder – redhotcurry.com Kal Kaur Rai - Fashion Designer

Editors Award Winter Andrew Flintoff Cricketer

Achievement in Sports Winner - Isa Guha Cricketer

Shortlisted nominees Kamaljit Singh Aujila - Martial Arts Champion Michael Chopra - Footballer Harpal Singh- Footballer

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Asian Achievers Awards 2009 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

Our hearty congratulations to the winners and shortlisted candidates of the 9th Asian Achievers Awards. Bharat and Rashmi Oza TEJUS NEEHIL

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3-8to65-72_A4 Temp 28/11/2009 16:33 Page 65

Celebrating Asian Success Woman of the Year

Achievement in Community Service

Winner - Jasuben Seghani - Shop Owner

Winner: Chandubhai Kanani Founder member- Lohana Community of West London

Shortlisted nominees Shahin Badar - Award winning Singer and Song Writer Shashi Kiran Gossain - Owner MercsOnly Honey kalaria - Actress, Singer and Businesswoman

Shortlisted nominees Vijey Ratan - Social worker Manubhai Makwana - Social Service Gopalbhai Popat and Induben Mehta Founders Asian Foundation for Help

Lifetime Achievement

Winner - Dr Avatar Lit founder- Sunrise Radio

Founder Vascroft Contractors Ltd.

Shortlisted nominees

Shortlisted nominees K.B Shankar - Head of South Asian Banking HSBC Yogesh Mehta - MD Amertrans Shipping Dr Mohan Kaul - Director/CEO Commonwealth Business council.

Mira Trivedi - Gujarati Presenter BBC Rakhi Sood - Performing Arts Ashish Joshi - Reporter-SKy news

Business Person of the Year

Achievement in Sports

Winner - Nadir Lalani Founder 99p Stores

Winner: Hunisha Bharat Patel - Martial Arts

Shortlisted nominees

Shortlisted nominees Monty Panesar - Cricketer Sajid mahmood - Cricketer Prince Naseem Ahmed - Boxer

Kantesh (Ken) Popat - Director Finance House Limited Ravi Gill - Founder London College of Accountancy Arvind Halai - Founder GXI

Achievement in Community Service

Woman of the Year Winner: Dr Usha Menon Lecturer UCL, Head of Gynaecological cancer research centre

Winner: Capt. Ashvini Sharma Regional Director AirIndia, UK

Shortlisted nominees

Jiva Odedra - CEO Leicestershire Asian Business association Reena Ramesh Shah - Veterinary Surgeon Parm Sandhu - Chief Inspector MPS

Achievement in Media Arts and Culture

Winner - Arjan Vekaria -

2006 Professional of the Year

New Market Entrant Winner - Manoj Ladwa and Vikas Pota Founders Saffron Chase

Shortlisted nominees Suresh Vagjiani - Director Sow & Reap Ltd Suresh Kotecha - Director- Big Ben Properties Ltd. Jess Kaur - Founder PR Vibe Raj Bakrania - Partner PR Vibe

Business in Community Winner - Manish Shah Partner Sigma Pharmaceuticals Plc

Shortlisted nominees Mr. D K kewalramani - Owner-Travelin Style Pramod Thakkar- Founder Meera Nursing Home

Innovation in Business Winner - Arvind Malhotra Owner GapGuru

Shortlisted nominees

Winner: Viral Acharya Founder- Pratham USA and pratham UK

Shortlisted nominees

Dipa Jethwa-Founder member of Taj Medical Group Manisha Tank - TV presenter – BBC world CII Anjana Patel - Treasurer- Barclays Bank

Raj Loomba - founder Shrimati pushpawati Loomba Trust Shaunaka Rishi Das - Director-Oxford centre for Hindu Studies Vinod Kapashi - President Mahavir foundation

2007

Young Entrepreneur of the year

Business in Community Award

Winner : Dalip Kumar Founder Travelin Style

Winner - Nat Puri Purico Group of Companies

Shortlisted nominees

Janak Ondhia - Founder Locum Express Ltd Kishor Patel - Owner- Nisa Local Stores Pradeep Pandya-Founder–Baba Holidays Ltd

Shortlisted nominees Sanjay Vadera - Owner- Pre Scent Shamir Shah - Founder and MD East India Tea House. Vikkas Puri - Owner Ace Communications

Sport Personality of the Year Winner: Monty Panesar Cricketer

Shortlisted nominees

Shashi Gossain - Founder-Pharmaclinix Nikunj Shah - Founder Sugam Paneer

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Firoz Kassam Entrepreneur – Hotels and B&B's

Shortlisted nominees Bobby Grewal - Athlete for charities Bhanumati Piparia - Charity & Social Service Chandrakalaben Patel - Founder of Charitable trust

Professional of the Year

Achievement in Community Service

Winner: Naynesh Desai Solicitor

Winner: Rati Shah Fund Raiser- Social Service

Shortlisted nominees

Owais Shah : Cricketer Puneet Arora - Chef Dr Ramesh Gandhi - Fund raiser Saima Hussain : Rugby Player and Sports Ritu Sethi - Lawyer- sethi partnership solicitors Mahendra Jadeja - Charitable work Development officer Dr Satya Narayan Agarwal Orthopaedic Surgeon Madat Ahamed - Social Welfare Kiran Matharu : Golfer

Achievement in Media Arts and Culture Winner: Renu Patel - Performing Arts

Shortlisted nominees

Honey Kalaria - Stage Performer Mira Kakad - Fashion Designer Ravi Sharma - Presenter-Sunrise Radio

Woman of the Year

Winner: Shriti Vadera - Parliamentary Under secretary of state for International Development

Shortlisted nominees

Mrs Deepakben Patel - Professional Golfer Gita Jobanputra - Professional masseuse and Teacher of Complimentary Therapies Nilam Patel - Partner Wine Cellar Consolidations Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

3-8to65-72_A4 Temp 28/11/2009 16:08 Page 66

Celebrating Asian Success

have a say policed! in how Harrow is

The Harrow Police & Community Consultative The Harrow & Community and Group sends Police hearty congratulations best wishes to all AAA Consultative Group winners.

-l theHPCCG community and police together - the community andworking police working together l Come to hear updates Cometotoour ourmeetings meetings to hear updates on crime prevention and to question on crime prevention and to question senior Harrow Police officers

senior Harrow Police officers

Forfurther further information information call For call020 0208424 84241881 1785 ororvisit www.hpccg.org.uk visit www.hpccg.org.uk

HPCCG

Photograph courtesy of the MPS

community and police working together

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Asian Achievers Awards 2009 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

3-8to65-72_A4 Temp 30/11/2009 14:09 Page 67

Celebrating Asian Success 2008

Professional of the Year

Winner: Nishma Gosrani Consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Shortlisted nominees Anuj Chande - Grant Thornton UK LLP Raj Joshi - Red Lion Chamber Dr Akbar Ali Malik -Solicitor Supreme Court

Woman of the year Winner: Kamel Hothi Lloyds TSB

Shortlisted nominees Manula Sood - Lord Mayor of Leicester Sangeeta Patel - M.D. of Post Offices Anita Chopra - Solicitor Salima Mawji - Solicitor

Business Person of the year Winner: Yogesh Mehta Managing Director of Amertrans Shipping

Winner: Maiyuran Ratneswaran, Fencing

Shortlisted nominees Shivam Shah - Guinness World Record holder Rashmi Yadave - Marathon Runner Manjit Singh - Record Holder Guinness Book

Winner: Kuljinder S. Bahia, Director of Southall Travel

Shortlisted nominees

Rajesh Agrawal - Founder and CEO RationalFX Devin Chawda - Founder Y-Cam Solution LTD. Suraj Gokani - M.D. of Excel Currencies

Bemal Patel - Pharmacist Hasmukhbhai Patel - Director of Mukti Tea Dolar Popat - Founder of TLC Group

Achievement in community service

Achievement in healthcare and education

Winner: Dr Rami Ranger Chairman of India,PAK,UK Friendship Forum

Winner: Dr Dak Patel Director London SAM

Shortlisted nominees Dr Reshma Ramesh Gandecha - Pharmacist Arun Patel - Chartered Accountant Dr Satyanarayan Agarwal - Orthopaedic Surgeon

Sport personality of the year

Young entrepreneur of the year

Shortlisted nominees Vinod Kapashi - Literary Fugure Bhadresh Trivedi - Hindu Chaplain Gordhandas S Patel - Voluntary Services

Achievement in media, art & culture

Uniformed and civil services

Winner: Ravi Sharma Radio Ambassador India & UK

Winner: PC Mebs Ahmed Chaiman of Lancashire Black Police Association

Shortlisted nominees

Jay Kumar - Bollywood Dance Choreographer Nikita Thakrar - Finest Dance Artists Paresh Shah - Musician, Entertainer, Magician

Supt Raj Kohli - MET Police Dr. Kadaba S V DL - Consultant Pathologist Ajit Patel - Royal Guard

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2009

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Celebrating Asian Success Congratulations to all Asian Achievers Award Winners

Congratulations to all Asian Achievers Award Winners

Asian Achievers Awards 2009 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

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Celebrating Asian Success

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