Asian Achievers Awards by Asian Business Publications Ltd

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Vijay Goel Vijay Goel is Sr. Partner in Singhania & Co for more than 12 years. He advises clients on matter relating to corporate law, laws related to joint venture and foreign collaborations, and expertises in real estate transactions. He has worked with American and Indian companies for their listing on AIM. He is the founder of IndoEuropean Business Forum where in which a number of House of Lords, Member of Parliament and Member of European

Parliaments are involved. Vijay was awarded National Law Day award from Honarable President of India Smt Pratibha Patil. He was awarded the Asian Leadership award in Europe 2009. He is Special Advisor to the Commonwealth Business Council, He is an advisor to Loomba trust as well.He is also on board of The Rajasthani Foundation.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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The Finalists

Jasuben Mistry Jasuben Mistry is the Secretary for Shree Prajapati Association (UK) and she inspires members of SPA(UK), a registered Charity with 13 branches, to give Sewa. The branches regularly organise charitable projects and events which allow its members to give back to society. SPA (UK) organised its first ever large scale project in 2001 for Gujarat earth quake relief and raised large sum of money with which they assisted to build an Orphanage for 50 children and a community hall. SPA (UK) is

the first organisation which has donated a mobile Eye operating unit to The Rotary Eye Institute in Gujarat. She has played a key role in inspiring SPA (UK) members to raise fund for Tsunami Appeal in conjunction with SEWA international. She also played a key role as an International Secretary when the first International Prajapat Conference was held in 2006 in Gujarat. She has also volunteered for Hindu Council of Brent, Hindu Forum of Britain, BT and St. Luke Hospices.

Pavani Reddy Pavani Reddy is a Solicitor and is the Managing Partner of the firm Zaiwalla & Co since 2005 and specialises in international arbitration, commercial dispute resolution and litigation. She has acted on various issues for clients including some Fortune 500 companies. Pavani handles high value commercial cases in the London High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She has recently been acting on behalf of the Consensus Business

Group and R20 (Vincent and Robert Tchenguiz) in various Company Litigation matters, including the highly publicised case of Imerman v Tchenguiz, surrounding the use of confidential documents, before the Court of Appeal. Pavani is a member of various associations including IMA (Indian Maritime Association), a supporting member of the LMAA (London Maritime Arbitrators Association) and IBA (International Bar Association).

Shalina Alabaksh Shalina Alabaksh has inspired, mentored and supported individuals and members of her own community working in the retail sector. Shalina studied textiles at Leeds University and quickly realised her natural flair for retail and staff training. One of her greatest achievements was implementing a retail training and qualification programme for Selfridges. At the same time, Shalina developed a community project, sponsored by Deloitte Touche,

helping disadvantaged young people from ethnic minorities in Lewisham. As a direct result of the programme, 70% of those young people found employment. Just three years ago, Shalina decided to build upon the contacts she had developed over 15 years in the industry and set up her own successful retail consultancy, Alabaksh Limited.

Gold Award for Woman of the Year Gold Award for Uniformed & Civil Service

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Shashi Kiran Gossain Shashi Kiran Gossain, an award winning pharmacist & a cosmetic scientist has pioneered a premium range of cosmeceuticals that are scientifically designed to address the problems of Asian skin, eg Hyper pigmentation, Scarring, Stretch marks amongst others. Pharmaclinix products are actively promoted by leading aesthetic dermatologists, with over 500 professional cosmetic dermatologists endorsing the exclusive & effective range.

Pharmaclinix is now sold across 20 countries, in over 10,000 retail outlets, including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia & South Africa. Shashi runs a â&#x20AC;&#x153;one stop Health & Beautyâ&#x20AC;? clinic in Kensington; but through her tireless efforts & participations in exhibitions throughout the world, she has made a real difference not only to the average housewives, but also several Bollywood actresses & Members of the Saudi & Qatar Royal Families.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Congratulation to all the winners of the 10th Asian Achievers Awards

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The Finalists

Ashpal Kaur Bhogal Ashpal Kaur Bhogal is a student & England Hockey Player. She is 15 years old from Leeds and has a natural flare for Hockey. She is the first Asian/Sikh to represent England at any age group which is a great achievement. Ashpal started playing hockey at the age of 6 for the under 10-11 age group. She played regional hockey since 12. She is also excellent in studies and is an A* student- grade 3 merit in playing

flute and Grade 3 distinction in playing the Indian Vaja. She comes from family of Hockey enthusiast. Her family has 5 Ugandan International hockey players including her grandfather Surjit Singh Bhogal, her father Bobby Bhogal who has represented Yorkshire and Middlesex and recently got selected as England Master 2010.

Michael Chopra Michael Chopra is a 26 year old English footballer. He plays as a striker for Football League Championship from Cardiff city. He played for New Castle Youth and also played for Sunderland. He has spent loan spells at Watford, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley and represented England under15-21 levels. In 2006, he made news for scoring the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history as he had been

in the pitch for only 10 seconds after coming on as a substitute. He was the first player of Indian parentage to play and score in the Premier league. In 2006, Chopra joined Cardiff City for ÂŁ500,000 after turning down a new one-year contract at Newcastle in favour of guaranteed first-team football.

Ravi Bopara Ravinder Singh ("Ravi") Bopara (born 4 May 1985, Forest Gate, Newham, London) is an English cricketer who plays for Essex and England. He is the second Sikh to play cricket for England, after Monty Panesar. He was first called up to the England ODI team in 2007, before a difficult Test debut in Sri Lanka saw him dropped in early 2008 after a string of three ducks. He regained his place for a Test against the West Indies in the winter of 2008-09,

however, and scored a century batting at number three. Bopara held on to the number three position for the May 2009 home Test series against the West Indies, scoring a century in both tests, and was named in the preliminary 2009 Ashes squad- Bopara has also enjoyed success in the Indian Premier League, where he plays for the Kings XI Punjab.

Gold Award for Sports Personality of the Year

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Zesh Rehman Zesh Rehman is a British Asian Pakistani football defender who plays for Bradford City. He was the first British Asian to start a Premier League match and is the first to have played in all four divisions of professional football in England. He also plays for Pakistani National football team and was the first Pakistani International footballer to play professional football in England. He started career in Fulham and made 21 league appearances.During his time at Fulham he had loan spells at Brighton &

Hove Albion and Norwich City. The third transfer of his career involved him moving to Bradford on a free transfer in June 2009. So far Rehman has made eight appearances for the Pakistan national team and has participated in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers. Outside of football he is known for being an ambassador for Kick It Out, the Asian Football Network and the Show Racism The Red Card campaign. In addition to this he has appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra and writes a blog for Setanta Sports.

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The Finalists

Cllr Filly K Maravala Cllr Maravala was born in the former British Colony of Aden. He came to the UK in 1967 just before the independence of Aden and have been here ever since. He started his political life in Redbridge in 1994. In 1999-2000 he became the first Asian and Zoroastrian Mayor of Redbridge and with that the first Zoroastrian

Mayor in London. In the recent local elections in May, he achieved the highest amount of votes as a local Ward Councillor in the history of Redbridge. Cllr Maravala currently Chairs the Housing and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Committee with a combined budget of over £100 million.

Darshan Lal Kalhan Darshan Lal Kalhan is the President of Indian Overseas Congress (London) UK, which he helped to form in 1969 and Chairman of Pravasi Bharti Welfare Association UK (Registered in Delhi). He had arrived in Britain's at the age of 24. In 1956 racial discrimination was a serious problem. He volunteered to help people who came from India by showing them how to fill

forms and write letters. Today we have a strong leadership and adequately represented ethnic candidates in councils and Houses of Parliament because of the involvement of pioneers like Mr Kalhan. He played a key role by joining IWA as a life member and help in organising workers, explaining their rights, dealing with their complaints and participating in conferences.

Maneck A Dalal OBE Maneck Dalal was educated at Cambridge University and called to the bar in London in 1945. He rapidly progressed in the fields of business and diplomacy. When he was only 29, he started Air India in the UK in 1948 and became the airline’s first Regional Director. In 1973 he became the Indian Government’s Adviser for Tourism and Civil Aviation. He has been Patron and Chairman for many organisa-

tions. Mr Maneck Dalal succeeded Lord Menuhin as Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan UK shortly after it was established in the UK in 1972. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, be was made an Officer of the British Empire. This was conferred by Her Majesty The Queen in 1997.

Sanjay Jagatia Sanjay Jagatia has been a community activist, campaigner, volunteer and fundraiser for over 25 years (since the age of 16). He has been actively involved in the community through various leadership roles and instrumental in advancing the social, cultural and religious interests of the Hindu Community living in the UK. His dedication to community work has resulted

in increased awareness and recognition of culturally sensitive issues among different Cultures, Governments and Service Providers on a Local, National and International level. Over the past 10 years, Sanjay Jagatia has been involved in fundraising activities that have raised over £10 Million Pounds for various Charity Appeals & Good Causes in the UK and across the World.

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Ranjanben D Manek MBE Ranjanben Dhirendrakumar Manek MBE is a remarkable individual who strives to help others wherever she can in the community. She has worked as a foster carer for children and vulnerable adults over the last 22 years. In 1999 she took the initiative to set up a day care centre in Coventry for elderly Asian women after identifying a need among her

own community. In 2003 Ranjanben was awarded the ‘Pride of Coventry & Warwickshire Community Awards’, and in 2007 she was awarded the prestigious honour of MBE by the Queen for her contribution to society. She later moved to London and set up the ‘Om Shakti Day Centre’ with the sup

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Abhishek Varma Abhishek Varma, founder of Best For You In Europe LTD started his career in the travel industry seven years ago as a freelance tour escort for leading Indian Tour Operators; for nearly five years. He handled hundreds of leisure Groups from India within Europe as well as Far East. His Tour Leading experience and his love for travel in general led him to open his own Travel company, and put into contribution all his “practical” knowledge and

experience acquired whilst on tour to offer the best to his clients without compromising on quality. As a result, Best For You In Europe got incorporated in November 2008 and got a very positive response from the Indian Market with notable accomplishments in not even a year. Today, Best For You In Europe counts amongst the best Incoming Travel companies for Europe and expanded its operation with its new Mumbai office.

Jason and Dennis Singh Digwa

Dennis Singh Digwa

Jason Singh Digwa

Jason and Dennis Singh are Directors of RGB, Hifi & Video Ltd. Since taking over RGB from CEO Mr Peter Digwa, the brothers Kirpan (Dennis) and Satpal (Jason) have taken the business to a greater height. Their new flagship showroom was opened by the Mayor of Redbridge and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

With a turnover of over ￡ 20 million, they have major plans to grow the business organically. Winner of many Industry Awards and are now amongst the largest retailers of Audio visual Equipment in UK. They deal with all the major brands including Sony, Panasonic and Philips.

Riz Navsarka Riz Navsarka is the Managing Director of MesmerEyez cosmetics (Navsarka Ltd). It is the UK's leading and the worlds most innovative cosmetic coloured contact lens company. As a teenager Riz grew up in one of the most deprived areas of the U.K, Hillflields in Coventry. Starting at the age of 20 whilst studying he turned the ￡200 gained from a university loan, into to a multi-million pound business in less than 5 years. The company has grown drastical-

ly,175% whilst in a recession. MesmerEyez is available across the UK and around the world with distributors from Beijing to Iceland. It has revolutionised the cosmetics industry by bringing coloured contact lens to the mass cosmetic market with innovative designs, daily disposables and the worlds largest range of colours. Worn in London Fashion Week and seen in Vogue and Grazia, MesmerEyez has become a brand synonymous with eye colour change.

Gold Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year

The Finalists

Sujan Shah Sujan is the founder and Managing Director of Carrier Bag Shop, the UK's largest online supplier of carrier bags and packaging. He is also a Partner and Director at AsianD8, the largest online dating and singles events company for UK based South Asians. Carrier Bag shop was founded in 2005 and over the past 5 years has grown from a turnover of ￡150,000 in it's first year, to an annual turnover of over￡2.2 million in this financial year.

Asian D8 was found in 2003 and was running a handful of singles events in London for Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities. Sujan was responsible for increasing the reach of the company nationwide and internationally. In 2010, the company has expanded to New York with various singles events and the launch of an online dating website for USA based residents.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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The Finalists

Anjali Bulley Anjali Bulley is the Managing Editor of V&A Publishing at the Victoria and Albert Museum, previously Senior Editor at the National Portrait Gallery, London. V&A Publishing is one of the world's leading Museum publishers, with an outstanding reputation among experts and academics and the commercial market, particularly the fashion list, which is one of the market leaders. Anjali is responsible for implementing the publishing list through the commissioning and project management of exhibi-

tion catalogues, general books and educational publications to complement the V&A's world renowned programme of art, photography and collection exhibitions. Anjali's role also includes initiating and developing new titles, managing external picture researchers, designers and editors, as well as managing the in-house editorial team. Her recent key achievements include British Asian Style: Fashion and Textiles and Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts.

Burjor J Avari Burjor Avari born in India and brought up in Kenya. His career within the school system spanned from 1962 to 1987, first in Kenya and then in Britain. He developed innovative schemes for multicultural education in the various institutions where he taught; and in 1988 he was appointed as Principal Lecturer in Multicultural Studies at the Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University). Burjor has a passionate belief in the value

of Multicultural Education. At the University he has organised and run an evening programme of lectures in Multicultural Studies for members of the public in Manchester for 22 years. He also worked with the Greater Manchester Police in race relations training for a number of years. He was awarded an MBE for his work in 1987. Burjor is also a historian.

Mark Sumariwalla Mark Sumariwalla or Mark Summers is a renowned casting director, dance expert and choreography agent in the UK. In the last 5 years his clients include celebrities like the late Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, Shakira, Justin Timberlake and many others. He has starred in tv shows like Move like Michael Jackson and Britain's top missing model. He was honoured by Paul Cartney by making him a friend of the Liverpool Institute of

Performing Arts. Mark was the European Casting Director for MJ's This Is It tour after previously working with Michael on The Brits. He began his career as an aspiring actor, training at stage school before moving into casting for advertisements, music videos, films and theatre in both Britain and America. Mark's impressive roll-call of actors, dancers and models can be seen in films such as East is East, adverts for a whole range of famous brands, and music videos.

Rajini Vaidyanathan 31 year old Rajini Vaidyanathan is a correspondent for BBC news across Radio, TV and Online. She has covered some of the biggest stories in recent years. In 2008/2009 she was based in Washington as a correspondent for BBC news covering the 2008 Presidential election, the inauguration, the financial crisis, and was even live on the red carpet in Hollywood at the Oscars. Rajini has also spent several years as a reporter in

Award for Uniformed Civil Gold AwardGold for Achievement in Media,&Art & Service Culture

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Westminster, covering the recent general election, as well as party conferences, the Blair/Brown handover, the expenses crisis and cash for honours. She has also reported from other parts of the world including Jerusalem, India , Romania and Brussels. In 2007 she won a Young Journalist of theYear award for her interviews with high profile politicians including Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Tony Blair and Al Gore.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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The Finalists

Sanjiv Mehta Sanjiv Mehta, is the proud owner of the 400 year old brand, The East India Company. Sanjiv upon graduating from Sydenham College, Mumbai University in finance and completing a diploma course in Gemmology in the United States; he joined the family diamond trading business upon his return. Sanjiv’s ambition extended beyond just the jewellery business, and over the years he built an international trading business across a range

of products, including metals, petrochemicals, FMCG, coffee and tea – which ultimately led him to a professional introduction to The East India Company. Over the last 6 years Sanjiv has worked to position The East India Company as a global luxury brand, building a brand identity and a core team to launch the company’s strategies, the first of which is a Fine Foods company, with its flagship store in Conduit Street, Mayfair.

Subir Patel Subir Patel managing director of SGP Contracts founded the company in 1984. He has overseen the growth of the company from its earliest origins of small commercial and residential projects to major prestigious commercial, residential and publicly funded schemes including Schools, Care Homes and Hotel projects. The company’s versatile approach, reputation for delivering complete construction solutions and working in partnership

with clients and supply chain has been the foundation for its successful growth. SGP’s most recent involvement in the successful completion of the largest Hindu temple in Europe Shri Santan Hindu Mandir Wembley has provided further evidence of the diversity of projects they undertake and their commitment to quality and reduction of costs. Subir is married with 3 children and live in Surrey.

Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia Wembley-based motor industry entrepreneur, Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia of Euro Car Parts, started as a teenager in a "one-man business". Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia has built Euro Car Parts Ltd into the UK's largest independent distributor of replacement car parts. Early in this career, he identified that the UK's 30,000 car garages needed immediate access to a wide range of car parts for the huge array of vehicles on the road, allowing repairs to be completed the same day, sometimes even while the car

owner waited. As a result Euro Car Parts was born and since then Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia has built a formidable international supply chain distribution and 80 plus branches marketing operation which meets all of these needs. ECP is the largest supplier of parts for all makes of car and light commercial vehicles. They now employ over 3000 people, the turn over will exceed 300 million this year and they have also opened a 400,000 sq ft national distribution centre in Tamworth creating over 600 jobs.

Gold Award for Business in Community

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Anil Sehgal Rickie Sehgal is Managing Director of Transputec Computers plc, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009. He is General Secretary of The British Asian Conservative Link which aims toencourage greater participation amongst the Asian community in the Conservative Party. He also fulfils the roles of Vice President, South East and Chairman of the Governance Committee for the Hindu Forum of Britain and through Hindu Aid has

been involved with Oxfam and the Tsunami Appeal. Personally and through Transputec, Rickie has demonstrated his community commitment with involvement with the Nargis Dutt Cancer Charity, Help A Village Emerge New, Heart & Stroke Research Campaign, the Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research and Transputec’s involvement in the "Modern Apprenticeship Program" providing work experience.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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The Finalists

Aliya Rashid Aliya Rashid began her career as a law lecturer at South Bank University and then joined the CPS in 1998 where she currently works as a Crown Advocate. She is currently one of the Specialists in the West Midlands on Domestic Violence and has been a spokesperson on behalf of the CPS at events and conferences held in understanding 'Honour Crimes and Forced Marriages'. Despite being a busy professional and mother of two, Aliya has found time to write,

and has published a book entitled 'The Noble Woman' which offers young woman guidance on how to practice their religion in modern day society. She also has her own album of Islamic songs (Nasheeds) which she wrote and composed herself. Aliya appears monthly on Sky's Noor TV and has her own show called 'Noori Thoughts' where she lectures on issues affecting women such as hijaab, parenting, domestic violence and marriage.

Aswin Rana Gujarati born Aswin, 54, has served in many theatres of operation during his highly decorated 37 year career in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Of note, he was the project officer for the first joint RAF/Indian Air Force military exercise for 40 years and has been the driving force behind charity work in Agra, Kabul and around the the UK. He recently served in Afghanistan, where his outstanding work was recognised with a commendation from the Commander

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), General McChrystal, for his immense contribution to Headquarters ISAF. Aswin is currently serving on 56(Reserve) Test and Evaluation Squadron at Waddington and continues his work as the RAF’s representative supporting the Hindu Chaplain to the Armed Forces. Although due to retire from the Service next year, he will continue his work promoting all faiths within the Armed Forces.

Bala Mahendran Bala Mahendran has been the Chief Executive at Basildon District Council since January 2005. Having graduated in mechanical engineering, Bala has held various senior positions in a number of Local authorities. Under his leadership, Basildon has embarked on an ambitious regeneration programme which includes the development of a multi-million pound heritage centre near Pitsea and the construction of a ￡38 million sporting complex with ambitions to be the best leisure facility in the Eastern region. As

Chairman of the Basildon Community Safety Partnership, Bala has helped oversee a 37% reduction in local crime over 5 years. Bala has created Business partnership agreement with China and is currently initiating an equivalent venture in India. Bala was appointed to advise the Treasury’s ‘Financial Inclusion Taskforce’, and has previously worked on the Bertelsmann Foundation’s "Cities of Tomorrow" project - an international initiative tackling issues affecting young people.

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of Muslim Police and was its first elected chair. He was appointed MBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2010 for services to policing and invited to a meeting with Ambassador Adil Akhmetiv, personal representative to the office of democratic institutions and Human rights in 2010 to discuss European strategy on combating in tolerance and discrimination against Muslims. Zaheer regularly advises the Home Office and Association of Chief Police Officers on Muslim-Police relations.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Arun Panchariya Arun Panchariya is President and Board Member at Euram Bank Asia Ltd. – a company registered with DIFC and regulated by DFSA, Dubai (UAE). He is also a director and Fund Manager of India Focus Cardinal Fund, a broad based fund registered with FSC, Mauritius and is actively managing the fund. Mr. Panchariya has also worked as Managing Director of Pan Asia Advisors Ltd. U.K., the FSA regulated investment banking firm and Vintage FZE,

Dubai (UAE) – a multi product trading company. Mr. Panchariya now has over fifteen years of experience including ten years of experience in financial services that includes private equity and retail banking across different geographic locations and deal sizes. He is also experienced in trading of direct equities, commodities, futures, derivatives and other financial and money market instruments.

Dr Vijay Patel and Dr Bhikhu Patel

Dr Vijay Patel

Dr Bhikhu Patel

In 1975 after graduating in Pharmacy Dr Vijay Patel opened his first retail pharmacy in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Business boomed and spurred the growth of a chain of outlets. Then in the early 1980’s his brother, Dr Bhikhu Patel, 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 and has acquired products from a number of multinational 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.

Hemang Shah Hemang Shah is the Director of Star tours, which was co-established in 1997 with his father Girish Shah. He transformed his family business in to a large internationally renowned company. Due to its friendly and trustworthy service Star Tours offers different services for the Asian travellers covering many destinations worldwide, especially for elderly overseas passengers who are looked after throughout their holiday by an experienced tour manager speaking their native languages. The

company also was the first UK Company to introduce its caravan kitchen system, to enable its passengers to have authentic Indian veg meals whilst abroad. The Star tours this year has decided to donate ￡1 on every booking to Pratham, India's largest educational NGO with a mission to erase illiteracy amongst 100 million under privileged children. Previously the company has donated money to various charities. Last year it donated generously to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

Platinum Award for Business Person of the Year

The Finalists

Raj K Aggarwal OBE Raj has been the Managing Director of RK Aggarwal Group (RKA) since 1983. The Group encompasses the pharmacy businesses; the online operation of branded perfumery and cosmetics, Escentual; the Clarins Gold Salon and Commercial Property Sector. He was in Senior Management with Boots until 1983, managing large Boots Stores throughout the country. Raj is a Board Member of National Pharmacy Association and Community Pharmacy Wales and

Chairman of the South East Region. He is the Welsh Assembly Government appointed advisor on various health and pharmaceutical committees. Currently Charman of Kidney Wales Foundation and Former Chairman of Asian Society of Wales and President of the Overseas Students Association. Director and Board Member of Cardiff Business Club. Awarded an OBE in 2007 for services to pharmacy, charity and the Asian community in Wales.

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Celebrating

Asian Success

Global brand, Global business with Global interest ailing from the oldest documented family in uncertain.” But he seemed very bullish on the new govIndia to have developed a residential project, ernment and said that the new talent and the very Bhanu Choudhrie has built an impressive busiyoung and enterprising people within this coalition are ness on the back of his familial reputation. “My great going to bring about a lot of change. Although he foregrand father started out in the real estate business in warns that people will need to tighten their belts as we 1927. It was a housing project, which is still named negotiate our way through the tough times for another after him - the Banarasidas Real Estate, and our famitwo or three years. “If we can do this, then the future ly’s business interests just grew from there.” looks very good” Bhanu says optimistically. Today, Bhanu is popularly known as the founder Bhanu is very bullish about the huge growth and Executive Director of the private equity group C&C potential of India. Reminising about his childhood memAlpha Group which he formed in the guise of C&C ories of home, he is amazed and proud at the paradigm Sons in 2002. The organisation has come a long way change he sees in his country of birth today. He is parover the course of the last eight years, growing both ticularly proud of how well-informed Indians have organically and also via very focused strategic mergers become. He says that given the awareness amongst and acquisitions. the Indian population today in contrast to their grandThe sheer number of achievements and the size parents’ generation, it is important for companies tarof his business would lead one to believe that Bhanu is geting the huge potential market there to always much older than his thirty two years. But for those peoassume that the Indian market presents a very wellple who haven’t met him, this wine may be young, but informed consumer. Be it the latest clothes, shoes, Bhanu has hit the ground running. electronics or perfumes, no company can afford to His businesses lie in a diverse range of ignore the demand presented by the knowledgeindustries, ranging from aviation, real estate, able Indian market. hospitality and healthcare. Although he is Talking on Asian Voice and Gujarat Asian Voice and now focused on these sectors, a huge Samachar, he says, “I think its a great amount of his time is devoted to seekGujarat Samachar helps service to be able to read about your ing out new avenues for investment community back home, about peoto bridge that divide...You and growth. And for Bhanu, just ple, about success stories and one of these new avenues is in his about “lessons learned”. When have to read what is close recent appointment as chair of the you live outside of your country of oriBusiness Advisory Board for to your heart and your gin for a long time, you can lose touch. Commonwealth Games England, where he This publication helps to bridge that divide. community. will be working to rally support and secure It helps you to stay in touch with your roots; funds to support England’s participation in Delhi. something which I believe is very important. You Upon meeting Bhanu, he had just arrived from have to read what is close to your heart and your an overseas trip and had read every newspaper aboard community. You can read the local national newspathe flight, except the ones in French and German. pers for news about UK and global affairs, but to read Although Bhanu’s business interests require him to about India when articles are written with the interests spend a lot of time travelling, this is exclusively for work of the Asian community at their heart means that news purposes only, something that he says “can’t be is presented in a really immediate and personal way. helped”! This well-read man realises the importance of That is what Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and keeping on top of current affairs and how pertinent up these publications do and I think it is hugely beneficial to date information is to his businesses, especially in and commendable.” these ever-changing and turbulent times. Finally, when we ask him the rather personal but Couple this with his excellent attention to detail inevitable question about how he feels being a successand you have a true team leader. Having an outstandful Indian in Britain, he says “The family has managed ing team of senior management and colleagues is not to come out of India over the last 90 years and have enough for this Boston University graduate, student of blossomed into a very successful global business. And International Business and Marketing. that is how we like to project ourselves. We are Indian. His smiling face showed a hint of concern when I was born in India, I am a Brit and I am proud about he spoke about the current economic conditions in UK being a part of this wonderful country which I considand the World at large. He said, “Well, I think the tough er to be my home, but am still an Indian and we will times are not yet over. It’s very difficult to witness what always maintain a strong affiliation with India and conis happening in Europe, USA and here in the UK and tinue to have business interest within India. But we are accurately predict the outcomes of this new age of prua global brand and a global business with global interdence and austerity. This year is going to feel long and est!”

Asian Achievers Awards 2010 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

Bhanu Choudhrie

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NRIs - Investment Opportunities ■ Rajesh H Dhruva, Chartered Accountant

investor has option of conversion into equity / ADRs or to avail repayment of predetermined maturity value. Xllent annual returns can be reaped of 27% in globally 2nd ranked CD manufacturer Moser Baer; and 24% in World's 3rd largest wind power giant both due to name a few. IV. Equity Mutual Funds: While the Bombay Stock Rajesh H Dhruva Exchange (BSE) Index has moved up by 450% over last 9 years since September 2001, the DOW has lost (-) 2.65% and the FTSE has lost (-) 7% over the same period. With Indian companies profits growing consistently at 15%+ investment in equity schemes are poised to grow by 25%+ too. The chart herein shows f Indian Mutual Funds vis a vis performance of BSE, FTSE & DOW JONES of three years displaying out performing strength of Indian Mutual Funds as per below table. V. Equity Linked Notes (ELNs): are Structured Notes are investment instruments wherein the underlined securities can be equities being Indian American Depository Receipts (ADRs) or other securities providing fixed interest for days when the price is above predetermined strike rate of say 65% and repayment of principal upon maturity. In eventuality of prices being less than the strike rate investor is required to take delivery of the security at discounted 65% price. ELNs are favoured by investors looking for assured return who are comfortable with Indian equities., Recently UBS’s ELN on ICICI Bank, Infosys & Tata Motors offered 19% coupon over 24 months with strike of 70% while Rabobank’s ELN on Reliance Ind.& ICICI Bank yielded 22% coupon over 18 months with strike of 65% in US$. It is the time that NRIs recognize the strength of Indian economy – the dancing elephant which has not only set the rhythm but also has started decoupling from the global economy on the strength of 85% + of growing domestic demand and huge consumer demand of an emerging educated and affording middle class.

NDIA - predicted to join by Goldman Sach US$ 1tn GDP Club by 2011 crossed the mark by 2008 and is now gearing to touch US$ 2tn by 2015. India today is 8.5%+ growth economy and 2nd most preferred investment destination by Foreign Institutions [FIIs] having Industrial Production growth at 13.8%; reflected in higher tax collections of 20%+ ; domestic savings of 34% and investments of 32%. It is unfortunate that NRIs, per se are skeptical about Indian investments and continue to prefer rupee and foreign bank deposits on account of security and liquidity ignoring wealth creation opportunities of other options. India's growth story has dual advantages of huge infrastructure spending estimated at US$ 1tn over next 5 years and galloping consumer demand creating excellent investment opportunities over medium to long term providing 50% to100% more gains which are briefly mentioned herein. I. FMP in lieu of NRE/NRO deposit : For Rupee, investments better alternative is found in Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) of Mutual Funds which offer better post tax yield in the range of 6% to 6.5%+ per year being fully repatriable if made from NRE account wherein income is assured and the maturity of 3 to 18 months is fixed. FMPs are safe being invested in Bank & Corporate deposits, Government Securities, Bonds etc. II. Bank Bonds replace forex deposits: Whereas FCNR 3 year deposits in US$, GBP and Euro offer quite low yields presently of 1.95% in US$; 2.50% in GBP and 2.40% in Euro, these are preferred for security and liquidity. Better yields can be availed on bonds of very same Banks with extended term of 3 to 4 years with security and reasonable liquidity with almost 50% to 100% more interest income as reflected in State Bank of India Oct-14 present annual yield 3.37%; Bank of India Sept.15 – 4.13%; EXIM Bank Feb.15 – 4.23% and leading Corporates like Reliance June 16 -4.79% and Tata Power Aug.17 -5.93% . Even Off Shore Units of Govt . Bank deposits offer much better returns of $3.10%; GBP & Euro 2.75% for 1 yr. deposits. III. Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs): FCCBs issued by Indian corporates are optionally convertible bonds issued before 5 years or so due for maturity in next 2 years. Bonds issued at par say US$ 100,000 are mostly 0 coupon offering no interest being repaid at annualized premium of say 4% or so. The

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Private education takes the lead K Higher Education is at the crossroads. With reduction in public funding, shortage of university places, talks of a graduate tax and overall, the fiercely competitive jobs market, the idyllic university life will increasingly become a luxury for a few. For most others, competing for the best jobs will mean looking at course options offered by the Private Sector Institutions. Dr Dak Patel, the Principal of City of London based London School of Accountancy and Management (popularly known as LondonSAM), says that the Private Colleges offer great value and right options for the worried students and their parents. Particularly the Asian parents, who accord highest priority to Children’s education, would find this reassuring: Instead of having to travel thousands of miles to the overseas campuses of British universities, it is indeed desirable to

find university courses nearer home. Talking for LondonSAM, the college, a popular choice for Professional Courses, offers a range of Undergraduate Courses in Accounting and Finance, Business Management and Computing Science, from the University of Staffordshire, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), validated by the University of Wales. There are other courses, in areas as diverse as Hospitality and Tourism, Healthcare and Multimedia Programming, are in the pipeline. These courses together give the students a wide range of choice for a professional career, studying in the City of London and paying a fee not more than what is required to be paid at the Public Universities. The college has come a long way from its humble roots. Started in 2004 and owned and run by a prominent British Asian, Dr Dak Patel, the college has more than 4000 students and three campuses (and a fourth in the making) in the City. The key strengths for the college has always been its great tutors, as well as its focus on practical, employable skills, innovative course formats (ACCA and CIMA qualified students can gain course waivers through credit transfer and can complete the MBA programme only by covering three modules and a dissertation, for example) and its student centric culture. Many Asian students have completed their studies at LondonSAM and started their professional lives successfully. Dr Patel expects this to accelerate with the shifts in the British Education arena, which is all but shifting the preference in favour of the Private Colleges. While LondonSAM has done very well in markets like South and South East Asia, and West Africa, the college wants to expand its presence in the UK above all else, and would seek to start campuses in other major UK cities soon. When asked if he had a particular message to give to British Asian students, Dr Patel says : "If you got an university place this year, good luck, make the most of the opportunity! Graduate with more than 2:1, as this will be critical in tomorrow’s job market. Those who did not get a place, do not wait for an year to start again: look at private colleges and get started in the path of success.”

Dr Dak Patel

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Turning ADVERSITY into OPPORTUNITY ....An Asian woman’s point of view ■ Kamel Hothi Asian Markets Director,Lloyds Banking Group ponder as I start to write this article about turning Adversity into Opportunity. After all, I have worked in the financial sector for 31 years and having survived the recent unprecedented times, I should be able to talk about the businesses that are taking advantage of the downturn. However, after encountering a young girl who asked for my advice, I was left feeling deeply disturbed as I uncovered another form of adversity, one that is of our own making. As an Asian woman I look back on my career and my personal experiences and the challenges I encountered. It took me some 25 years to reach the position of a Director in the banking world and a similar time to win the praise from my extended family of my achievements. I have and will try to continue to support both worlds as a corporate leader and that of a daughter-in-law. However, what is the role of the future female in our society? Our daughters are coming back with degrees; they are entering occupations that we never dreamt of. They have the passion and determination to reach the pinnacle of their careers. They certainly are making their mark and in most circumstances leaving their brothers behind. Knowing how hard it is to achieve success in a very male, white dominated world, it gives me great pleasure to see how well our children especially our daughters are doing. It’s for this reason I am proud of our sponsorship of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards which discovers new talent each year. However, why then do I still have numerous young ladies seeking advice from me on how to balance their career with their home life? How to explain to their mother-in-laws the challenges they face each day at work, the long hours that are required in order to compete with their white male colleagues if they want to earn the salaries of those they wish to replace. Why is it that our girls have to make these difficult choices, why is it that in this modern world where we have pushed our children onto further education and yet when they achieve the highest accolades and

walk shoulder to shoulder with our sons, we than begrudge this new balance in status? Surely we should reflect upon our own adversities when we were young ourselves, trying to live our dreams. I too wanted to go to University and maybe if I had, I would have broken my glass ceilings quicker. However, as these opportunities were forbidden to me, does that mean I should make the next generation suffer and enforce my regrets on to them? What does that say about the female form and our thinking? These experiences are influencing many girls to remain single as they pursue their career so they can focus on one aspect of their lives. Unfortunately soon these groups of females reach the age of 40 and then start having fears of being alone and not finding a partner. The thought of having made the wrong choice soon sets in....it’s situations like this that make me sad that we have encountered so many adversities since reaching these shores, and have astounded many in our achievements and determination to succeed. However, now we face our biggest personal challenge – the challenge of ‘changing of time’ we need to face the fact that bringing up our children in this western world will dissolve our culture, this is inevitable and part of natural evolution. However, just like we have adapted our skills in the past we too Kamel Hothi now need to adapt and understand the challenges faced by our children. Now is the time to support them in their careers as daughters or daughter-in-laws but at the same time have the wisdom of our fathers to act as the banister that guide our children up the stairs, reminding them to pay the same attention to their personal life as well as their careers so one is not sacrificed over the other. We are all facing some form of adversity in our daily lives but our Asian DNA is such we will survive. If we can learn from our previous generation who had the courage to venture far afield into worlds unknown then we too should help bridge the gap between the Western and Eastern cultures if we want to hang onto our children. Adversity is inevitable, but suffering is optional. If we are able to ride over it or even turn it into a really exciting opportunity, I feel confident the benefits are more far reaching than you and I would have ever imagined.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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The sacrifices, resilience and determined efforts continue he Royal Air Force like other UK organisations Jessel recently represented the RAF at the and businesses, benefits significantly from the Commonwealth War graves Commission Dedication contributions made by members of the Asian Service at Brighton Chattri, commemorating community that serve with pride in Her the 1.5 million Indian soldiers who fought for Majesties Armed Forces and conthe British Empire in First World War. tribute to the defence of the United Flight Sergeant Balbir Singh Flora, MBE Kingdom. – affectionately known as Bali is in Logistic The RAF has a long and distinSupport and has been serving with the RAF guished history of serving Asians for over 33 years. He has always found including WW II Fighter Pilot Sqn Ldr time to support his local community back Pujji DFC as well as many others over home as well being a diversity champion the years. The Sqn Ldr recently for the RAF. Bali was awarded an MBE in attended the Chattri Memorial Service the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2004, as at Brighton. (More information at well as the Meritorious Service Medal in Chattri.com). The RAF today continues the 2008 New Year Honours list. this tradition with Asians contributing RAF Medical Officer Squadron at every level working in operations, Leader Rakesh Patel,is the Senior engineering, logistics, medicine, and Medical Officer at RAF Odiham. He is sport. currently preparing to go away to Not to long ago, Flight Lieutenant Afghanistan in January. He has also Singh Flora Sohail Khan was been awarded a ir found the time to complete his MRCGP b li a B t g FS Queen's Commendation for Valuable membership exams with distinction as well as Service for his relief efforts in Pakistan, the Intermediate Commanders Staff Course at the following the earthquake in Kashmir in October 2005. Defence Academy. Flt Lt Khan (now Squadron Leader) and his team were The RAF has it own British Asian sports heroes, involved in supporting the movement of UN aid, using starting with Flight Sergeant Mohammed Khan MBE. three RAF Chinook heavy lift helicopters. He is currentFS Khan joined the Royal Air Force in 1986 as Physical ly on a Ministry of Defence Staff tour in London. Training Instructor. He went on to become European Squadron Leader Dheeraj Bhasin joined the RAF champion and World silver medallist in 1993. He is curas a pilot in 1990 rently a RAF careers advisor in Birmingham. and qualified to Wing Commander Pravin Patel has worked as fly Jaguars. He part of the RAF’s Air completed operTraffic Control ational tours Services and the UK’s in the Middle Air Surveillance East and the System for 33 years. Balkans. He He is also a keen later received Hockey player for a UK the RAF veteran’s Commander team and also a l e s s e J alvinder Sqn Ldr B J o i n t member of the Operations Commendation for Eastcote Hockey Distinguished Service in the Middle East Theatre of Team that won the Operations. Dheeraj continues to fly as a military 2009 UK Men’s reserve officer and is a member of a UK Mountain Vintage Plate. Rescue Team. The memSquadron Leader Balvinder Jessel joined the RAF bers of the in 1979 and is currently an executive engineering offiArmed Forces cer at RAF Benson.. Also know as the 'curry king' of his from all commustation, he has raised money for cancer research by nities continue sin heeraj Bha putting together Indian cookery demonstrations. Over to defend the Sqn Ldr D the past 14 years, he has raised over £150,000 through United Kingdom. Their saccooking and other sponsored events. Squadron Leader rifices, resilience and determined efforts continue.

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Adversity, opportunity, resilience, sacrifice – essential ingredients of Asian Life ■ Rupanjana Dutta ivek Singh is the Executive Chef of Cinnamon Club and Cinnamon Kitchen, renowned restaurants in London. He spoke to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar about growing up, becoming a famous chef and ingredients of a successful Asian life.

1. Tell us something about your childhood, growing up and the India link? I grew up in a coal mining community in Asansol, 200 km from Calcutta in West Bengal. My father was a mining engineer and as a result most of my childhood was spent in small towns in Bengal, Orissa and Bihar. After having finished my schooling in Orissa, I moved to Delhi to do my Hotel Management for three years. I then worked for another two years in Delhi, two more in Mumbai, two years in Calcutta at the Oberoi Grand, and then in Rajvilas Jaipur for another two years before moving to London to set up The Cinnamon Club in 2001. Having lived, worked and travelled in both big and small towns in India, it has given me an insight into understanding different mind-sets and thinking; an instinct that has helped me immensely in overcoming difference of view-points and cultures. 2. How did you come to the UK and how do you like being one of the renowned British Asians? My move to the UK was a chance event when I met Iqbal Wahhab at Rajvilas in 2000. He was attending a friend’s wedding soon after Bill Clinton’s stay at Rajvilas, and mentioned his desire to set up an Indian restaurant in the UK that would change and challenge people’s perception of Indian restaurants. We mostly talked about food and what things could be rather than what they were. At around that time I was also looking to push the boundaries with Indian food, trying to create a bit more ‘elbow-room’ and space for creativity, innovation and experimentation. It was a

Asian Achievers Awards 2010 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

meeting of minds of sorts, one thing led to another and ended up moving to London to open The Cinnamon Club. I don’t think of myself as a renowned British Asian though! 3. This year’s theme for AAA is: “British Asians, Turning adversity into opportunity through Resilience, Sacrifice and Determination." as an Indian in the UK did you ever feel it is difficult to establish yourself? On the contrary I found it rather straight forward to establish myself. Partly due to the fantastic support and encouragement I had from Iqbal, our supporters and clients alike and mostly because of our ethos of pursuing excellence and challenging preconceptions. I have been very lucky to find that the British public are open-minded and supportive enough to give our experiments a chance. 4. I have been to The Cinnamon Club restaurant and I know the food is excellent. I am also aware you believe in moderation. Tell us how is your cuisine different from other top Indian chefs? I do believe in modernising. I’ve always maintained that innovation today forms the basis of tradition tomorrow, and that constant evolution is the only way to survive in this day and age. My cuisine combines the very best of Indian techniques and spicing with the very best local seasonal produce but the beauty is that it is always changing! I never stand still with my dishes, no matter how good or successful they are. Anyone can copy what I did yesterday but it is upon me to keep coming up with new ideas! 5. Do you believe being a chef, that needs continuous persuasion and modification and challenge, is a lot of sacrifice involved to make such a brilliant career? I do. It is a rather hard career - one that takes a lot of hard-work, difficult conditions and sacrifice (mostly from the family!) but the rewards are just as fantastic. I am proud to see that Asian chefs are making such a mark and have had such a positive impact on food world-wide and as such have become great ambassaVivek Singh dors.

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6. Was becoming a chef always your dream? Food was always a passion but becoming a chef was more of a chance. A fantastic one at that. 7. How would you justify/explain the theme of our awards ceremony through your personal experience? Adversity, opportunity, resilience, sacrifice – all very essential ingredients of Asian Life, so very apparent of you to use this as the theme for this year’s awards. Often people see the success and fail to see the hard graft behind it. I still remember the days when we opened The Cinnamon Club in 2001 when the entire kitchen team went without a clear day off for over 6 months! My wife Archana was pregnant with Eshaan (now 8) and would come to the restaurant to see me on Sundays because I would be working for the brunch. I was back at work in two days after she gave birth… Iqbal Wahhab, our founder worked almost 20 hours a day for so long, he lost his sense of smell for a few weeks! It all seems like a lifetime ago now but all very real. What made the difference was the single minded objective of doing things our way. 8. If you were to describe yourself in one sentence, what would that be? Evolved. Modern. Indian.

Our hearty congratulations to all the Shortlisted and Winners of AAA 2010 Bharat and Rashmi Oza TEJUS (TTT MONEY CORP, LONDON, F.X. TRADING) NEEHIL (HINDUJA BANK LTD, GENEVA, GLOBAL BANKING)

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British Asians flourish and achieve greater success in legal profession he British Asian community provides a vital contribution to the legal profession. The Law Society's most recent statistics show that 6,859 practising solicitors in England and Wales are of Asian origin. While, compared to past statistics, this is an important improvement on the past, the Society and its stakeholders are seeking ways to make the solicitors profession even more diverse. There is a wealth of untapped talent that the profession can utilise. If we succeed, the results will be of benefit to the legal profession, the community at large and Britain's economy. The legal profession, including solicitors, did for many years remain a largely closed profession, dominated by white, male lawyers. We have seen changes to the make-up of that profession over the years, resulting in more women and more lawyers from ethnic minority backgrounds making successful careers in law. The Law Society represents all solicitors, and we work closely with the Society of Asian Lawyers to ensure the way forward for the solicitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profession is inclusive and able to utilise the best talent, while at the same time reflecting society as a whole in its social make-up. Other organisations, such as the Association of Muslim Lawyers, Association of Asian Women Lawyers and the Society of Bangladeshi Solicitors, also play a major role in harnessing the contribution of many Asian lawyers. The profession has come a long way with the current crop of Asian lawyers providing inspiration for the next generation. In 2008, Saimo Chahal of law firm Bindmans LLP won the Law Society Excellence Awards Solicitor of the Year accolade. That same year, the Barrister of the Year award went to Parosha Chandran, for her work in relation to immigration law, human rights and public law. Saimo and Parosha are an inspiration to all lawyers. Yet they are not the only British Asians providing exceptional legal services. In May this year the Society of Asian Lawyers recognised the contribution made by the rich talent of British Asian legal minds in their annual awards. The winners worked in a range of specialist areas, from human rights to corporate law. Earlier this year, the first ever CEO of Asian origin of a City law firm, Sunil Gadhia, stepped down from that role at Stephenson Harwood to become chairman of the Asian Business Association The thousands of solicitors of Asian origin, like all solicitors, are playing essential roles in our courts, businesses, and our day to day lives.

Where do we go from here? The Law Society wants to ensure the solicitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profession has the best people within it. That means making our profession more accessible to a much wider pool of talent. While we all need to recognise that the global recession has resulted in fewer opportunities for anyone looking to make a Linda Lee is President of career for themselves the Law Society in the legal profession, the Society is working to make the solicitors profession and the legal sector more accessible. The Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter is the flagship diversity initiative of the legal profession. Initiated by the Society of Asian Lawyers and led by the Law Society, this profession-wide initiative is a developing initiative through which its signatories will work together to develop, share and adopt best practice. The Charter is a public commitment by providers of legal services, regardless of practice size, to develop and implement best practice in equality, diversity and inclusion - as employers, as providers of legal services, as purchasers of goods and services and in their wider roles in society. The signatories to this Charter believe that a commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to reflect the society we serve today. It makes business sense because it helps us to attract and retain the best talent, it enables us to understand and meet clients' needs more effectively and so provide a better quality service. Beyond the Charter, the Law Society is also working with the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to make the judiciary more diverse. The central premise of this is to give the judiciary access to a wider talent source when selecting members of the judiciary. Of course, for the Asian community to flourish even further and achieve even greater success in the legal profession, the Society alone cannot achieve these aims. As the Charter and the JAC illustrate, a commitment from the broader legal profession, business and industry is required. I am confident that the rich contribution lawyers of Asian origin give to our sector will continue to grow. Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Karen David: Don't just dream, but live it! â&#x2013; Rupanjana Dutta eeting Karen David at a London cafe was like a ray of sunlight on a gloomy rainy day. With a brilliant career in music, work with legendary A R Rahman and roles in Mamma Mia original and the Scorpion King 2, Karen is at the best of success.

Bubbly and brimming with positivism, first time ever she discusses about herself as a woman, who has successfully turned adversity into opportunity through resilience, sacrifice and determination in an exclusive interview with us. Born in Shillong, do you have any memories of the city, of India at all? KD: My mom is half Chinese and half Indian, my dad is an Indian. We moved to Canada when I was one year old. So I do not have any actual memory of Shillong, but I would love to go back there. I keep shuttling between Mumbai and Chennai for work and it is sort of a bitter sweet feeling when I go back. Do you think as a Canadian Indian or now a British Indian woman, it has been difficult to establish yourself?

Karen David

Asian Achievers Awards 2010 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

KD: Growing up was interesting. As you know I am from a mixed background. So I am a bit of this and bit of that. My name is not very Chinese or Indian, it is very Welsh or very Jewish. Obviously when I was small, I used to be picked on for being different. My parents were very open minded. My whole family are bankers. Usually Asians parents do not want you to be actor or musicians. My family loves drama, music, dance but they probably did not get a chance to do all this. My great uncle on dad's side worked at the Gemini studio. In Canada every weekend I would go to see some concerts or musical performance. My parents could see that I loved music and acting and they till date encourage me to do what I love.They taught me to work hard. It was a very useful ethic. They would ask me to do well in academics and if I did not, my acting and music lesson would stop. So I eventually learnt to work hard to achieve something. It made me a homework girl, much more proactive. They taught me to have a good attitude and accept constructive criticism and work hard towards achieving a dream. I am glad that I faced rejections in auditions. I learnt to pick up from a failure and work harder on the short falls. I learnt to believe never exchange for long term goals against short term. Mom and dad have always taught me and my sister to be

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quietly ambitious, be humble. Probably it is an Asian thing. I have also been always taught by wonderful teachers. I thoroughly believe there is nothing you can't do.You are the person who stands on your way to success. You are bound to face challenges, and so did I. But one has to work through them. I was so happy when Archie Panjabi won an Emmy. I was glad to see a person from our community doing so well. Yes, there are people who think unless you are a blond and blue eyed person you can't make it in Hollywood. But there are people out there for whom talent matters! I have got this far in my career not because I am a brown girl. I do not look at myself like that and I know as much of chances as anybody else does. Moreover I have always believed if one door closes another opens. It is having the undying faith in your dreams. You have to live it.

walk over the other side, feeling through your senses. And when you open your eyes you are at the other end. He tabs your inner creativity, that you yourself were not aware of. He tunes you into a complete different place. Do you think as a woman a lot of sacrifice is involved in making such a brilliant career? KD: Any relation involves compromises. Eventually you are balancing a social life with your personal. I never made such compromises for anyone. I was always a career girl. Now that I am in a relation with a wonderful man, I have learnt that you have to make compromises. But I also think, women instinctively make sacrifices for children and the right one. Women are probably more tuned to give up things easily or juggle between family and career. Do you want to work in Bollywood?

How does it feel to work in films? KD: Well if you are acting you can play someone else. It is fun. It's wonderful to do something completely different or live through different characters.

KD: I would love to do. I have done crossover movies. So I have a feel of what it would be like. But I am waiting for the right movie.

How was working with A R Rahman?

If you had to describe 'the Karen David' in one line, how would you do so?

KD: It's so inspiring. It's like walking on a tight rope, blindfolded. You can fall over any time and have to

KD: A girl next door who happens to have a few dreams which she is too stubborn to give up!

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British Asians and the Anglo-Bollywood relation â&#x2013; Spriha Srivastava ritainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong Indian community has made its presence felt in a very large way across all aspects. Be it business, art and culture, education, medical services and so on, the Indian community in Britain has contributed to each one in a grand fashion. The fascinating thing about all this is that the tradition has been followed in the same manner by the new generation of British Asians who are taking this to much greater heights. Among other things, Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bollywood film industry has made a strong influence on Britain and has also played a great role in bringing India-UK closer. Lady Kishwar Desai tells us how this has happened.

What king of an influence do you think the Indian film industry has on Britain? The Indian film industry has not really been able to influence or engage British film makers or the British film audience in any significant way for many years -but it is slowly making its presence felt among film goers and film makers here, both British and Asian. A few Indian films have been fairly successful--but the Indian film industry still needs to make a significant breakthrough. With regards to the British Asians, can references from bollywood be seen in their lives? British Asians are obviously very fond of Bollywood --it is their way of connecting back with the home country, its food, music and fashion. And so Bollywood has a huge influence in our lives here when we want to go 'desi', as then all our terms of reference are taken from Bollywood! I think you notice this influence most when you attend an Indian wedding here, especially when you see the kind of clothes worn. Does this strengthen India-UK relations? If yes, then how? Cinema always strengthens bonds ---but as I said, we still need to do much more. Naturally, when we have film festivals such as London's Asian Film Festival, Tongues on Fire, which I chair--we do find that nonAsians and Asians both find a common platform on which to meet. The language of cinema is universal-and by watching films which emerge from Asia and specifically India, greater understanding is created especially among those who may not be familiar with Indian culture, music or fashion. Indian cinema is a potpourri of experiences and the overall masala leaves a lasting taste!

Asian Achievers Awards 2010 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

Tell us about your association with Tongues on Fire? I have been the Chair of Tongues on Fire, London's Asian Film Festival since last year (2009) --and the specific brief in the last Kishwar Desai year has been to raise the profile of the festival and make it more mainstream. This has been great fun to do --and I think we managed it very successfully as at this year's festival we had all four Bachchans attending, we moved it to central London and even rebranded the festival . The festival did really well, probably the best ever --it was well attended, and got a wonderful press! What is the role of Tongues on Fire in bringing Indian films closer to Britain? Where I believe Tongues on Fire is making a real difference is through the kind of films we are bringing to the UK--and also through the master classes which we conduct. The master classes are a wonderful way to understand how Indian cinema is created, and how it is different from Western cinema. Through these classes we can demonstrate that Indian cinema is a completely different genre and needs to be properly understood and respected in the Western world. Earlier this year we had Shyam Benegal conduct a master class in direction and Abhishek Bachchan give a similar class on how an Indian actor prepares. Both got an overwhelming response --with many non-Asians attending. Finally, what more do you think can be done in order to bring Indian films, not necessarily bollywood, closer to Britain? I think we need to bring films from all over India more regularly into British cinemas--and also bring their directors, producers, actors, musicians and singers, i.e., all the technicians who never appear on screen. This is what we are trying to do through London's Asian Film Festival. I personally am really keen that more languages are represented everytime we showcase our festival, but also I am very keen to bring the people behind the films into the limelight --and so hopefully, next year in March we will have a whole array of very interesting films and cinema personalities. It is this range of activity which will ultimately impress and engage not only the British audience, but also, more and more, the British film makers. Hopefully this will also lead to more Indo-UK film collaborations.

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National Skills Academy for Retail urning adversity into opportunity through services and courses for Asian retailers he economic climate of Britain might be alarming for all the retailers and businesses, but Skillsmart Retail firmly believes in the saying 'opportunities in adversity'. With the feel of the London market for the last 8 years, and two years by the National Skills Academy for Retail, they know what exactly a business- small or large can offer to a community. Speaking to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail said, "There are some commonalities that are peculiar to a particular kind of business. Of course it is important to know what your client is looking for, what your community wants. Most of the ethnic businesses or small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) are family run. The second and third generations of the ethnic communities either don't want to get involved in such family businesses, or even if they do, they might have lost perspectives. Also if it's a corner shop or a chain of shops, the surroundings change, people move in, move out, their requirements differ. But that is not a hindrance. What we do is, try to provide them with a perspective. The British Asians are very sharp and we act as the bridge between them and their customers." Skillsmart Retail is the Sector Skills Council for Retail. Part-funded by Government and led by retailers, they aim to be the recognised authority on retailersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills needs and priorities. Their mission is to drive a step change in skills levels in retail by: making a compelling case for the formal recognition of retail skills, uniting retailers to simplify and improve access to the skills system, improving the quality of new recruits into the retail sector and raising the skills levels of the existing workforce in retail operations. The National Skills Academy for Retail provides access to consistent, high quality training for retail businesses, their employees and future workforce, delivered through a network of quality-marked retail skills shops. Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK with 291,000 businesses, three million employees and an annual turnover of ÂŁ265 billion. The National Skills Academy for Retail plays a key role in driving forward skills and qualifications for current and future

employees within this vast sector. Consisting of a network of retail skills shops in shopping centres and high streets across the UK - as well as a number of virtual skills shops - the National Skills Academy for Retail offers a host of services to both learners and retailers. Asking about what particular problems the British Asian SMEs tend to face and their remedies, Jane said, "It is not always about problems. There are some strengths and some weaknesses that make the Asian businesses what they are. The Asian businesses are very hard working and they are ready to make sacrifices and compromises to achieve their goals. But there are some problems that are very peculiar to certain types of businesses and some communities. Say problems of underage selling of alcohol or cigarettes in the corner shops, or staff requirementslike needing people to be around in a shop in the early hours such as 3am, or language barriers or even dealing with customers on one to one basis and familiarity issues or the locality problems. We try to help out all the retailers or even learners in the possible available ways." About their presence in the UK, Jane added, "It is not necessary for your readers, who are from the retail background to travel far far away to seek our help or guidance. We can train them even on their own doorsteps. The M25 has 30,000 ethnic shops in and around it. We have retail Jane Rexworthy skills shops near and around them. We have staff with different language abilities and they can train one in their own language if required. We also have scholarship programmes and we offer online training. If a retailer needs any sort of help, we are out there to extend assistance in all possible ways." Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have a number of free scholarships to the new Mary Portas guide to successful retailing, open to readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. Held in central London from January 25th-27th, the scholarships are worth over ÂŁ1000 and include accommodation, breakfast and lunch as well as three full days of training to help independent retailers boost their profits. For more information and to apply go to www.skillsmartretail.com/scholarships Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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The City of London Police is responsible for the safety and protection of everyone in the ‘square mile’. It is a modern, innovative and forward thinking police force that is sensitive to emerging issues. The force is keen to integrate all of London’s diverse communities into the project of policing the City. It has a Positive Action programme to enhance and develop the diverse profile of its workforce. The City of London Police has also been working on initiatives to support and encourage, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu members of staff and to build lasting relationships with community-based organisations, voluntary groups and Asian businesses. Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Unit City of London Police HQ, 37 Wood Street, London EC2P 2NQ General Enquiries +44(0) 20 7601 2222 E.mail: DiversityUnit@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk Tel EDHU: +44(0) 20 7601 2571

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Adversity - an opportunity, a call to action ■ Kanti Nagda hen I sat down to think about the theme of British Asians turning adversity into opportunity, a number of examples sprang to mind. Those wanting to keep the enlightening Hare Krishna temple in Watford gathering 10,000 people to march in central London to convince the authorities to grant planning permission. The Trustees of the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, being refused permission to build a temple in Harrow, had the determination to keep on looking for an alternative site. Years later, hundreds of volunteers brought to life 2,000 tonnes of carved marble to create the glittering Neasden Temple – the largest Hindu temple in the UK. In my own experience of creating spaces for the community, we at the Sangat Centre in Harrow spent years securing planning permission and funding to overhaul our dilapidated Centre. We had nearly given up all hope of ever renovating the Sangat Centre and were on the verge of giving the building to Charity Commission, when a grant of £100,000 was awarded to us by the English Partnership. Sadly it proved too good to be true, as our planning permission application was denied for political reasons. Following a period of struggle and strain during which we appealed against the decision and eventually did secure planning permission, we lost the grant as we had failed to progress the project sufficiently within the one year deadline. It was a serious blow, leaving us tired and disheartened. Indeed, a number of our committee members filled with anguish and frustration walked away because there were just too many obstacles. Those of us who remained soldiered on, resilient and determined to secure the best future for our centre. It helped that we had a clear goal in mind and had secured the support of the community. When another opportunity arose, offering us 50 per cent of a grant if we were able to raise the remaining £275,000 we jumped to it. Being a non-religious, politically not aliened to any one political party and non-sectarian group fundraising at this level was a mammoth task. It took over 18 months but we did it, thanks to donations from the community. We were jubilant, but this was only the beginning. From the initial planning stages to the building works of the new centre there were so many hurdles I couldn’t possibly detail them all. So many individuals came together to give their time and resources, not least those Centre employees who sacrificed their salaries until funding was secured. And our ongoing efforts came to fruition when, in June 2002, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex opened the new

Kanti Nagda

Sangat Centre. Now, we provide information, legal advice, advocacy and tribunal representation for over 2,500 people every year and the centre is used by various community organisations for a range of activities. Yet the road is still by no means smooth. Two years ago, we lost 75 per cent of our grant again as a result of the London Council’s efforts to reduce administrative burden. But we are still here, we are still determined and we are still surviving. That is the thing about adversity, it is not necessarily something you only experience once and then you are done. Adversity can be waiting around the corner for you when you least expect it hence my suggestion to others is to see adversity as an opportunity – an opportunity to look at where you are and where you want to be, to force yourself to think and to work out what you really want. Ultimately, adversity is a call to action – how you react to it will tell you a lot about yourself.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Bollywood – Bringing India-UK closer? ■ Spriha Srivastava eing a British Asian is not easy, especially because on one hand you are carrying the baggage of your family who still want to preserve their heritage and customs and on the other hand you want to be a part of the rich British culture in which you have pretty much grown up. It is a tough journey but yet the young generation of British Asians in this country have done a great job in their Kavita Ramdya respective fields. Sometimes I wonder to myself that how does the present generation of British Asians who might have never gone to India, know so much about the culture and also have a strong opinion on many issues surrounding the country. But the answer lies within my question itself. Thanks to the attractive bollywood industry and the enthusiastic Indian media, those who want to be aware, continue to be aware. The larger than life bollywood industry has not only influenced the thinking and ideologies of the young population but it has also kept them wellinformed about the Indian set-up. For instance, a move like Rajneeti went a long way in bringing to reality the Indian political set up. Ankit, a 19 year old boy living in Cardiff said, “I have never been to India but have always followed with keen interest the diverse culture and the rich heritage of the country. It is through the bollywood films that we come to know what is the latest trend and fashion and hidden beneath all that is the true situation of the country. Katrina Kaif Slumdog Millionaire is a fantastic example of that.” Apart from influencing Britain, bollywood has also been an attractive place to work in. Katrina Kaif, born and brought up in London, is now one of the top heroines in the industry. In fact only a couple of days back I read an article about a Miss England contestant Amy Jackson who has now become a bollywood star. It is absolutely amazing how the industry has been a catalyst in bringing India and UK closer. Art and culture, as analysts say, are the biggest confidence building measures and are instrumental in bringing two nations closer to each other.

However, apart from all this, one of the biggest areas where bollywood has made a strong impact on the British Asians is marriages. Indian marriages have always been an occasion of grandeur and gaiety. The majestic images of marriages from Karan Johar films or Sooraj Barjatiya films have totally impressed the Indian community outside India. Shirley, Karan Johan a 26 year old girl living in Leeds says she wants to get married with a bollywood theme for her wedding. “I will make sure everything on my wedding day comes from films and I would want to wear a lehnga designed by Manish Malhotra. He designs for Kareena Kapoor you know.” Kavita Ramdya in her book “Bollywood Weddings” says the same, although from the point of view of an IndianAmerican – “Bollywood has emerged as an influence in the way second-generation Hindus Indian-American planned their weddings. They wore wedding lenghas styled after modern-day Indian clothes worn by Bollywood film stars and Kareena Kapoor struck poses in their wedding photos that were reminiscent of scenes in Bollywood movies. Bollywood represents modern-day Indian culture for the second-generation Indian-American women and men who don’t relate to the mainstream American wedding culture or the traditional wedding culture of their parents’ generation.” Well, one can only say that for British Asians and for all the young generation Indian living outside India, bollywood is a boon in the way that it brings them closer to the country through the celluloid images of every aspect of India that they might have missed because of being in Britain. It has definitely eased the burden on the shoulders of the present generation in keeping up with both the worlds – Being Ranbir Kapoor Indian and Being British. Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

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Celebrating

Asian Success

A challenge we must overcome The Not In My Game Campaign ntil recently, sport was not considered a serious profession among the British Asian community. In the last decade however a change has taken place, sports popularity has risen with many young people considering it as career option. Indeed some of the world's greatest sportsmen are Asians, some are even British! To achieve their success and fame sports men and women make massive commitments and sacrifices, overcoming innumerable adversities and challenges, to turn them into opportunities. In recent years a new challenge has dawned; terrorism. In 2009 a coach carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team came under fire in Lahore. Gunmen killed seven people and injured a further eight. As a result of this tragic attack, international cricket is, for the moment, not being played in Pakistan. News of the attack shocked and saddened cricket fans around the world. For British Asians it was a threat to both cricket and its reputation. Not In My Game was launched in 2010 to tackle the subject of terrorism head on. The campaign set out to turn a tragic moment of adversity into an opportunity for cricket fans around the world. For the supporters of the campaign, Not In My Game is an opportunity to take a stand and send out a clear message; terrorism has no place in sport. This summer special 20/20 style community cricket tournaments have taken place up and down the country, allowing cricket fans to celebrate the game they love. At each match players have shown a remarkable determination to not allow sport to suffer at the hands of a minority; to ensure cricket continues to be played wherever and whenever possible. In Canary Wharf over 150 people took part in one of these landmark tournaments on 18th September, playing throughout the day, seizing their opportu-

nity to make a difference. The winners were the Wanstead Royals who won the chance to see Pakistan play England in a One Day International. As a result of matches such as these, over a thousand people have already signed the Not In My Game their support at pledge to show www.notinmygame.com, and the numbers grow daily. The Not in My Game campaign is being led by Sport for Life! and Radical Middle Way, two grassroots charities who are bringing together cricket fans from communities across the UK to overcome the threat terrorism poses to cricket. Omar Bakari, spokesperson from Radical Middle Way said: “The London cricket tournament was a fantastic event and it was great to see so many young Londoners come together to play. But we urge all communities across the UK to get involved in the campaign through backing the pledge online and hosting their own cricket match. Whether it’s a large scale tournament, or a game with friends and family in the local park or even back garden - it is important that we all unite to take a stand against terrorism in sport, and send out a clear message that we will not let the actions of a few destroy our love of the game and divide our communities.” Raja Kahan, spokesperson from Sport for Life! said: “Sport for Life! is proud to deliver the Not In My Game campaign. We are working with young people to harness their love of cricket and in turn help inspire their personal and academic development. We urge everyone to support the campaign so we can help safeguard cricket for future generations.”

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

Sec 56 - 60_A4 Temp 24/09/2010 17:57 Page 60

Celebrating Asian Success

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A Look back...... $" "" Winner Winner Jitesh Gadhia, ABN Amro Bank

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

$ #& !% Winner - Kanti Nagda Sangat Community Centre

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

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Master Kishan Sheth - Poet Min Patel - Young Cricketer

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Winner - Nasser Hussain, Former England Cricket Captain

$ #& !%

WINNER APS Chawla Chairman, MKC trust

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

Winner Sergeant Gurpal Virdi

!# "#

WINNER - Vikram Solanki, Cricketer

!# "#

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

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

!# "#

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

WINNER KB Shankar, Head of South Asian Banking, HSBC

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

$"#!&

WINNER Kartar Lalvani Founder & CEO - Vitabiotics

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

Winners Dr Bela and Dr Ashi Arora

!# "#

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

!#"

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

!# "#

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

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

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

WINNER Trupti Patel, Pharmacist

Winner Ranjit Baxi J&H Sales International Ltd

WINNER Viram Jasani Asian Music Circuit

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

!# "#

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

!# $ #$!

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Winner The late Dr Madhusudan Gandhi

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WINNER Mihir Bose, Author & Journalist

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

Gurinder Chadha Film Director

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

!# $Winner #$!-

Winner Rami Ranger Sea, Air and Land Forwarding Ltd

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

!# "#

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

Winner The Dhoti Boyz, Dance and drama artists

Winner Dr Sushil Wadhwani

!# "#

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

Asian Success

WINNER Farhad Ahmed MBE, Special Constable Metropolitan Police

!# "#

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!# "#

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

!# "

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

Winner Amir Khan, Boxer

!# "#

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

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

Page 62_A4 Temp 27/09/2010 12:23 Page 62

Celebrating Asian Success

Diwali Festival of light

Editor/Publisher: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Managing Editor: Jyotsna Shah Executive Editor: Kokila Patel News Editor: Kamal Rao Special Project Co-ordinator: Nikhil Gor Advertising Managers: Alka Shah, Kishor Parmar Business Development Managers: Urja Patel, L George Advertising Sales Executive: Rovin John George, Erien Dubash Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Graphics Design: Harish Dahya, Ajay Kumar Customer Service: Saroj Patel

Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga Houes 12 Hoxton Market (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com gseditorial@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4085 Fax: 020 7749 4081 www.abplgroup.com

Special Edition - November 2010

Diwali is a month away. The New Year is knocking at the door waiting to bring in colours and light to our lives with fervour of joy and ever lasting happiness. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as every year will be publishing the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Diwali Specialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself. If you think you would like to contribute to our unique Diwali issue, why don't you write on either of the following topics: 1. One of your favourite childhood Diwali memories or 2. A particular charity you made in cash or kind to the needy or 3. Your first Diwali in the UK and how you spent it Please note that your articles must note be more than 650 words and should be emailed to Aveditorial along with your full name and contact details to aveditorial@abplgroup.com. Last day of entry is Sunday 24th October 2010. - Asian Voice

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Asian Achievers Awards 2010 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

Sec 61-68_A4 Temp 24/09/2010 18:07 Page 63

Celebrating

Asian Success

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

Winner Manubhai Ramji, Founder, Kings Kitchens Plc.

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)

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

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

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/ 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

+ #" % %" &($ (," ) Winner : CIIr. Navin Shah Leader of Harrow Council and Labour councillor for Kenton East

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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.

%*( '( % +( & *! ( WinnerLakshmi Mittal Chairman and CEO Arcelor Mittal

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

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

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

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

Sec 61-68_A4 Temp 24/09/2010 18:08 Page 64

Celebrating Asian Success

$ " # "& $ Winner: Chandubhai Kanani Founder member- Lohana Community of West London

Winner - Jasuben Seghani - Shop Owner

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

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

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

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

$ " # "& $

Winner: Naynesh Desai Solicitor

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Winner: Monty Panesar Cricketer

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

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

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

" !"

Winner : Dalip Kumar Founder Travelin Style

Winner - Nat Puri Purico Group of Companies

Winner - Arvind Malhotra Owner GapGuru

$ " #! !!

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

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

Winner: Viral Acharya Founder- Pratham USA and pratham UK

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

!! # "&

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$ " # "& $

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

" !"

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

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

Winner - Manoj Ladwa and Vikas Pota Founders Saffron Chase

" !"

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

Winner: Rati Shah Fund Raiser- Social Service

" !"

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

$ "!

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Asian Achievers Awards 2010 Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar

# "#

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

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Winner - Nadir Lalani Founder 99p Stores

Winner: Hunisha Bharat Patel - Martial Arts

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

" !"

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

" !"

Regional Director AirIndia, UK

Winner - Dr Avatar Lit founder- Sunrise Radio

Founder Vascroft Contractors Ltd.

" !"

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

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Mrs Deepakben Patel - Professional Golfer Gita Jobanputra - Professional masseuse and Teacher of Complimentary Therapies Nilam Patel - Partner Wine Cellar Consolidations

Sec 61-68_A4 Temp 24/09/2010 18:08 Page 65

Celebrating

Asian Success

Winner: Nishma Gosrani Consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers Anuj Chande - Grant Thornton UK LLP Raj Joshi - Red Lion Chamber Dr Akbar Ali Malik -Solicitor Supreme Court

Winner: Yogesh Mehta Managing Director of Amertrans Shipping

! Winner: Kuljinder S. Bahia, Director of Southall Travel

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

! Winner: Kamel Hothi Lloyds TSB

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

Winner: Dr Dak Patel Director London SAM Dr Reshma Ramesh Gandecha - Pharmacist Arun Patel - Chartered Accountant Dr Satyanarayan Agarwal - Orthopaedic Surgeon

Winner: Dr Rami Ranger Chairman of India,PAK,UK Friendship Forum Vinod Kapashi - Literary Fugure Bhadresh Trivedi - Hindu Chaplain Gordhandas S Patel - Voluntary Services

! !

Winner: Maiyuran Ratneswaran, Fencing Shivam Shah - Guinness World Record holder Rashmi Yadave - Marathon Runner Manjit Singh - Record Holder Guinness Book

2009 WOMAN OF THE YEAR Dr Monika Khanna Parveen Hassan Honey Kalaria Uma A Mehta (w)

BUSINESS IN COMMUNITY P.S. Kang Naynesh Desai Satish Parekh Narendra Patel (w)

MEdIA ARTS ANd CULTURE

Jasvinder Singh Bal Ashish Amrit Kotak Chamanlal Chaman (w) JeetsScreen Idolz

Winner: Ravi Sharma Radio Ambassador India & UK

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

CIVIL SERVICE ANd UNIFORM

Natubhai Somabhai Patel Shilpa Solanki Bhimji Vekaria Capt Sandip Patel (w)

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Cheryl Dhillon Zafar Siddque Manjul K Vasant MBE (w) Mohammad Asghar

ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

Madhurikaben R Patel Chhotalal Maganlal Limbachia Shree Chhotalal Narottambhai Chauhan Vraj Pankhania (w)

Winner: PC Mebs Ahmed Chaiman of Lancashire Black Police Association

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

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Kirit Patel Thariq Mohammed Anil Maneklal Solanki (w) Koolesh Shah

YOUNG ENTREPRENUER OF THE YEAR Snahal Patel Rishi Lakhani (w) Nina Kabra Bhavisha Patel

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Rajeev Bagga(w) Ashwin Bhatt Shivam Shah Samit Patel

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Asian Achievers Awards 2010

GS-Coupon-AAAA_A4 Temp 24/09/2010 15:08 Page 10

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