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2002 Gujarat riots: SIT gives clean chit to Narendra Modi, 62 others

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VOL 40. ISSUE 49

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Met begins action against racist policemen

10 claims of racism. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the claims which include bullying, abuse and physical assault.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, told BBC News Channel that the IPCC would expedite the inquiry. "When there are cases of this kind they have to be dealt with immediately and they have to be dealt with properly otherwise there is a public perception that people don't care," Mr Vaz said.

He suggested that another organisation, such as Her Majesty's Inspectorate of C o n s t a b u l a r y, Continued on page 26

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The Scotland Yard has been criticized for its record on racism. A senior police officer has joined criticism against Metropolitan police, saying warnings have fallen on "deaf ears" for more than a decade. Supt Leroy Logan, of the Black Police Association, said the Met needed to put racial issues "back on the agenda".

Two former senior Metropolitan Police officers have also criticised the force after eight officers were suspended over allegations of racism. The force has said racist language is "abhorrent" and not tolerated. In total, 18 officers and one civilian staff member are being investigated in relation to

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 14th April to 20th April 2012

Act against terrorists if you want peace: Manmohan tells Zardari India reacted positively to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s fresh bid for normalization of ties, but made it clear that Pakistan would have to take substantive steps on terrorism for peace to break out among the nuclear-armed neighbours. In a closeddoor meeting, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear to Zardari that Pakistan would be tested by its actions against the Mumbai attacks’ perpetrators.

Mr Singh referred to LeT chief Hafiz Saeed in this context, making it clear India had not changed its bottom line so far as its demand for concrete action against terrorism is concerned. Briefing media persons later, foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai said the two leaders discussed the problem of terrorism, which is a major issue by which the Indian people will judge progress in the bilateral relationship.

Mr Singh told President Zardari that it was imperative to bring the perpetrators of the

Pakistan President Zardari with Indian Prime Minsiter Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Sunday

Mumbai attack to justice, and prevent activities aimed against India from Pakistani soil. In this context, Mr Singh also mentioned the activities of Hafiz Saeed. Expectedly, Zardari referred the matter back to the two governments. However, Zardari also said that Saeed had been arrested several times but the courts

released him every time for lack of evidence.

He asked India to provide evidence against Saeed. Zardari raised the issue of J&K, leading Mr Singh to say that steps for resolution of the dispute will have to move in tandem with what Islamabad does to meet India’s concerns about terrorism. The two agreed that issue of

terrorism will be taken up along with disputes over Siachen and Sir Creek during the coming meeting of home secretaries. The absence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from the lunch was felt acutely.

No official reason was given for her absence, leading analysts to remark that she may have been distancing herself from a potentially risky initiative.

Pakistan analyst B Raman said her absence showed that Mr Singh’s diplomatic initiative will have to be tempered with public opinion.

Mr Zardari and his son and PPP chairman Bilawal prayed in private at the mausoleum of the 12th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer after which Zardari announced a donation of $1 million for the shrine.

This is the largest monetary offering ever made by a visiting head of state at the dargah sharif.

Zardari expressed “great spiritual happiness” after reading aloud some verses from the Koran at the crypt of the Khwaja with Bilawal.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

ONE TO ONE Keith Vaz MP with Priti Patel MP

Conservative Member of Parliament for Witham Priti was born in London and was educated at a local secondary school in Watford. She went on to study at Keele University in Staffordshire, where she read Economics. She then went on to study at the University of Essex.

Before embarking on a career in public affairs and communications, Priti worked in the Conservative Research Department and in 1998 became the Deputy Press Secretary to the then Leader of the Opposition, the Rt Hon William Hague MP. In the 2005 General Election, Priti was the Conservative Party candidate for Nottingham North.

She was returned as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Witham at the 2010 general election.

Priti is married to Alex and outside of politics, they both enjoy horse racing, cricket and travelling.

Q. What inspired you to run for Parliament?

A. I have been a Party Conservative Grassroots activist for over twenty years and a considerable amount of that time was during the mid 1990’s as the Party of Opposition. During that time I’ve run campaigns, raised money and also worked on the communications side for the Party.

Never had I considered standing for Parliament until 2004 when I

increasingly felt that the Party seemed remote from the country at large and needed to look and sound more like the country we live in.

I was at the stage when I felt that even my own Party did not quite represent me anymore.

The only way to change that was to move from the behind the scenes party activist role and to throw myself into the daunting challenge of front line politics.

Q. What are your proudest achievements?

A. Becoming a mother.

Q. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

A. People with vested interests who dislike change or being chal-

lenged.

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

A. My family, all of who have endured a great deal over the years in trying to get selected to represent a constituency and also

through endless local, European and national election campaigns. They have stood by me and been a source of tremendous strength and motivation during some of miserable times such as being rejected when applying for parliamentary selection.

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

A. The ability to represent constituents and to make a difference to people who look to their Member of Parliament for help. Casework is central to being a Member of Parliament as are holding surgeries and constituents are often desperate for help and have exhausted every other means of representation by the time they come to the MP. It is a genuine honour to be able to serve constituents and seek to make a difference to them and to your local community.

Q. And the worst?

A. The late nights and trying to organise family life around a Parliamentary week. My normal day starts with dropping my son off to his grandmother at 7am, I get into work by 8am and on a normal parliamentary night I am home by 1130 pm. With a three year old, it’s all a juggle

and I am only able to do this job because of the extensive support that I have from my family.

Q. What are your long term goals?

A. To make a difference to British political life and I hope encourage others from Asian backgrounds to help change the face of British politics.

Q. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change?

A. The list is endless but would be firmly focussed on reducing the size of the state. We need less government, not more; the same also applies to levels of government spending.

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

A. Queen Elizabeth I, otherwise known as ‘Gloriana’. As the Tudor queen of England and Ireland, she transformed our country, our economy, our place in the world and sent a firm message to Europe not to mess with us. She overcame many challenges and threats at home and from abroad to preside over a remarkable and golden age in English history.

Londoners going hungry on the streets in the year of Olympics It is the year of Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee celebration. Thousands of pounds being spent on making cable cars and speed boats and more and more new public transports are being installed, but it is a shock to know that people are still going hungry on the streets of London.

Evening Standard reported that 11-year-olds are so underweight and undersized they look like six-year-olds, and those aged six often look only three or four. You do not expect to find severely malnourished children on the streets of London in 2012, three months before the city showcases itself for the Olympics, but workers employed by Kids Company a charity feeding thousands of extremely vulnerable children say that child hunger is on the rise and they see it daily at their network of street-level centres,

Evening Standard has reported. Young mother Susan Scott, 21, who arrived at Kids Company nine months ago weighing six-and-a-half stone, described what it felt like to go hungry. “It gives you a blinding headache, you’re constantly feeling sick, your belly’s hurting, your head’s hurting, you can’t concentrate. You feel irritable with your baby and wish it would go away.

“Me and my three-yearold daughter lived off cornflakes for two weeks every month because the 20 I had left for food after paying my other household bills ran out. I would fantasise about walking out of the supermarket with a trolley full of food like other mothers but I had no money so I ate secretly in the aisle without paying. I always went for sandwiches and yoghurt because they fill you up quick, but then I got caught

and shamed and was told to leave. One time I didn’t eat for a week, except for water, and my stomach got full with gas. I just swelled up and I had to go to A&E.” Today Susan, doing a midwifery access course, is no longer malnourished and goes to Kids Company for her main meal of the day, along with 2,000 young people they feed every week.

C a m i l a Batmanghelidjh, founder and chief executive of Kids Company, said: “The number of children coming to us with hunger problems has increased five-fold in a decade and the number of children self-referring on a daily basis has doubled in the last year.“We are struggling to cope with the scale of this silent epidemic of hunger. More than 60 per cent of the 2,000 children we help every week tell us there is no food at home and 85 per cent rely on us for

their main meal of the day.

What I am seeing shocks even me. One child told me that he and his brother were so hungry they stole frozen meat from a flat they visited and they ate it raw.

“We see children who

are literally starving, including children whose parents are seeking leave to remain in Britain but have no access to benefits or employment in the meantime and so no means to provide for their kids. We

are also seeing a rise in hunger among children from London-born parents who used to scrape by but have been undone by the rise in the cost of living and unemployment and now run out of food midweek.”

Study predicts Facebook addicts may have lower self-esteem A recent study suggests that Facebook addicts may have lower self-esteem and selfworth. The University of Gothenburg in Sweden surveyed 1,011 people (335 men and 676 women) with an average age of 32.6 years.

The study titled “Sweden’s largest Facebook study” analysed Facebook usage in terms of what users find more or less important and how users portrayed themselves through status updates. The researchers also studied the psychological effects of using Facebook on self-esteem and well-being.

What did they find out? A staggering, but not surprising,

84 percent of users said Facebook was part of a daily routine. The amount of time spent on Facebook averaged out to about 75.2 minutes.

When researchers ask subjects to rank the importance of why they use Facebook, the top three reasons were: to maintain contact (88 percent), maintain their network (83 percent) and read status updates (77 percent). One of the most interesting findings of the study was the correlation between Facebook usage and selfesteem. The main difference was also between genders.

Women tilted the scale in the usage to lowered self-esteem correlation. Meaning, pro-

longed Facebook usage tended to make women feel less happy and content with their lives.

Men, however, were not affected to the same degree. One of the theories behind the discontentment could be the finding that women tended to write more about their thoughts and feeling, while men spent more time provoking others.

The authors also postulated that “skewed comparison with a biased source of information may in turn impact Facebook users’ self-esteem and how they feel.”

The full details and a copy of the study can be found at the Gothenburg Research Institute online.

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

COMMENT

Testing time for Manmohan and Zardari Last Sunday’s lunch meeting between Indian Prime minister Manmohan Singh and the visiting Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari seems to have set the stage for early and productive visit by the former to Islamabad. Having revived with great tenacity the peace process that went into a coma after the 2008 Mumbai attack, Mr Singh and Mr Zardari surprised the world this month by organizing a diplomatic opportunity for their engagement. Mr Zardari expressed the wish to make a private visit to Ajmer Sharif, and Mr Singh seized on it to host the luncheon meeting.

Both the countries said this was not a summit for intense negotiations and ringing declarations. The limited purpose was to identify a few areas of agreement and set a date for Mr Singh’s visit to Pakistan.

The lull in cross-border attacks and Mr Zardari’s bold liberalization of Pakistan’s trade policy towards India provided the positive political context. Mr Singh was insisting that he would visit Pakistan only if substantive agreements were in hand. The announcement that Mr Singh would indeed travel to Pakistan suggests the two leaders have agreed on some broad outcomes from the visit. Senior officials from both sides will now sit down to translate the political understanding into specific agreements.

The real test for Mr Singh and Mr Zardari, however, begins now. There are enough spoilers in both countries to limit the peace process. The army, the militant groups, the mullahs and Mr Zaradari’s countless political opponents in Pakistan are ready to play the spoilsport. In India also there is no dearth of opponents to oppose Mr Singh’s penchant for normalizing relations with Pakistan. Yet it is not difficult to visualize a solid trade agenda for Mr Singh’s visit to Pakistan that promotes economic integration. Mr Singh and Mr Zardari, however, will find the big polit-

ical issues a lot trickier. India wants progress in bring the Mumbai plotters to book and, more broadly, on dismantling Pakistan’s terror infrastructure, issues on which Mr Zardari has limited room for manoeuvre.

Pakistan, in turn, wants a grand political gesture on Kashmir-related issues, especially the Siachen dispute that Mr Singh might find it hard to deliver. Whatever the undeclared political understanding between Mr Singh and Mr Zardari might be, they must demonstrate real leadership in the coming weeks to rally domestic political support.

In this context, Mr Zardari’s suggestion that IndiaChina model be followed to improve India-Pakistan relations is an excellent idea. Despite differences, booming trade ties between New Delhi and Beijing have seen the two to put in place several confidencebuilding measures to address contentious issues.

Similarly, greater business-to-business and people –topeople exchanges between Indians and Pakistanis would help reduce mutual suspicion and pave the way for political solutions to disputes. The increased trade ties will greatly help Pakistan to ease shortage in many items. India is more than willing to help Pakistan. It is a welcome step that both the countries are taking steps in the right direction since the commerce secretaries of both countries met last year. Since then, several meaningful exchanges- including Indian commerce minister Anand Sharma’s recent visit to Pakistan have strengthened the logic of enhanced economic cooperation. That Pakistan has agreed to shift to a negative- list system for trade with India and eventually grant the latter the most favoured nation status exemplifies this point. A relaxed visa regime would not only help businessmen on both sides of the border to invest in business opportunities in each other’s country but also provide greater impetus to people-to-people exchanges.

Root out the bad boy cops Police chiefs in London and Northern Ireland said they had suspended officers from duty following a raft of new investigations into alleged racism, including some cases reported by police staff to their superiors.

London’s Metropolitan Police said it was dealing with 10 new race-related complaints involving 20 staff, among them an allegation that an officer used a racial slur while arresting a black man in the aftermath of England’s riots last August. Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey said a total of eight officers have been suspended while the cases are investigated by the country’s police standards watchdog. In Northern Ireland, four police officers were suspended from duty after the discovery of racist and sectarian text messages.

London police have long attempted to tackle allegations of racism. A major report commissioned in the wake of the 1993 death of a black teenager concluded that Scotland Yard was “institutionally racist” and had failed to properly investigate the killing because of its hostility to London’s black community.

Superintendent Leroy Logan of the National Black Police Association said that while race relations have improved since the report, he was “disappointed” by the Met’s apparent failure to take effective action following years of feedback from black communities.

Young people have been saying how they believe they are being dealt with disrespectfully, not shown enough dignity, (and) casual racist comments were being used,” he said. They were telling the Met Police that this was what was coming up. But, like so many

things, it lands on deaf ears until such a time when a free press got hold of it and forces people into action.”

Logan, who has more than 30 years of policing experience, said the force needs to “get its act together” and put race “back on the agenda.” Mackey noted that police officers themselves had reported allegations of racism showed that attitudes inside the force had changed. With 10 complaints of alleged racism relating to 18 officers and one member of police staff - were referred to the police watchdog.

The referrals came just days after Scotland Yard vowed to get to the bottom of “very damaging” footage of one officer apparently racially abusing a man and another allegedly assaulting a teenage boy last summer. Referring to the murder of Mr Stephan Lawrence in an open letter to Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe seen by the Independent, Dr Richard Stone who sat on Macpherson inquiry said: “Here we are 14 years later with the worst kind of blatant and violent racism by police. Even worse is that the officers appear to be doing it openly in front of colleagues from whom they have no fear of being reported.”

Supt Logan, a founder member and former chairman of both the London and National Black Police Association (NBPA), said he was “disappointed” by the Met’s apparent failure to take effective action against racism following years of feedback from black communities. Citing a need to “root out the bad boy cops”, he said race relations had dropped down the agenda.

The Bishop’s fears are unfounded The fears expressed by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury Rt Rev Mark Davies at the Easter homily that stripping Britain of its Christian foundations would leave the country vulnerable and extremists will move in to establish its doctrine are unfounded.

He cited the recent history of Europe to voice fears that extremism would fill the void if Christianity was weakened. “It has, indeed, been the experience of this past century, as both John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have observed how the most poisonous ideologies have arisen within the Christian nations of Europe,” he said. “Thus Nazism or Communism attempted to discard the Christian inheritance of faith and morality as if it had never existed. They sought either to return to the pagan past or to recreate and redeem humanity by political will and ideology with terrible consequences.”

Bishop Davies need not have to worry about secularism taking a firm root in the country. A good example is India. There Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians live together. The state has no religion. There the law is applicable to all religious groups. Sometimes there may be some friction between one religious group and other. But that is only a passing phenomenon. After some time the perpetuators of violence will realize the folly of their

action in the name religion and learn to live with others peacefully. And India is progressing well despite all disparities. Even the extremists will fall in line once they realize the futility of fighting against the country and against other religious groups. So Bishop Davies can live in peace without much worrying about religious disintegration.

In fact, in a secular country you have to respect the feelings of other religious groups. Even if yours is the majority religion, you should learn to live with other religious groups. The Christian religion teaches you to love your neighbour as you love yourself. So the Christians should treat people of other faiths as their brothers and sisters and tolerate their way of life.

There are non-believers. Respect the feeling of others and try to tolerate different points of opinion.

David Pollock, president of the European Humanist Federation, said, religious education is the closest schools get to tackling fundamental questions of life and morality but too often suffers from syllabuses overburden with detail and confined to the world’s major religions. Any revival will depend on starting from questions relevant to young people today, including the approach to include philosophy and non-religious life stances, and including the history and the social context of religion and belief.”

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Thought for the Week The are only two ways to handle tense situations: you can change them, or you can change the way you look at them.

There is enlightenment to be had in changing the way you look at things - Paul Wilson (1996)

Cllr Sachin Rajput Conservative Greater London Assembly Candidate For Brent & Harrow

Cultural weekend in Brent and Harrow

Cllr Sachin Rajput with the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr. Mrinal Choudury, and Cllr. Manji Kara and volunteers from the Jain community

The United Kingdom is certainly a diverse place to live and work. It is also a peaceful and tolerant country that permits the worship of those different faiths that represent its inhabitants and permits the enjoyment of the respective cultures too. It also provides opportunity for people from different walks of life to share and enjoy in the festivities of those different cultures as we so often see at Mela’s and the like where people regardless of their racial or religious background come together to enjoy the music, dance, food and entertainment of the respective host.

This weekend has certainly been a diverse one for me because I have had the opportunity to engage in various diverse activities concerning Christianity, Jainism and with joining our Pakistani friends for Pakistan Day along with other political colleagues.

As first sight it may appear that this weekend is all about Easter.

In a predominately Christian country that may be right and I am sure that all over the country many people joined in the Easter services at church and took the opportunity to reflect on their faith and to spend time with friends and family. In Brent & Harrow, I had the opportunity not only to reflect on Easter but to join the Jain community for their Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. I must confess I did not know too much about Jainism before I arrived other than to know several Jains and to have known about the fact there were twenty-four Jinas and that Mahavira was the twentyfourth who consolidated the teachings. I would like to thank Vinod Kapashi as president and the entire Jain community for their hospitality and for allowing me and others to partake in

their celebrations.

One thing that really inspired me about the Jain community event was the number of young people who were assisting with providing food and refreshment, organising the entertainers and generally clearing up the venue and marshalling and escorting the guests and dignitaries. It is always welcoming to see a community who demonstrate the ability to viably continue with their activities as they have nurtured the young and given them positions of such responsibility to make them feel directly involved with the running of the community so that they may lead the way forward for years to come. It was also welcoming to see so many young people from India who now live and work here but also volunteer in the manner described. Lastly, this weekend, I also attended the Pakistan Society of Harrow’s celebrations for Pakistan Day at the Harrow Teacher’s Centre.

The Pakistan Society of Harrow play an important role in promoting the interests of the Pakistani community in Harrow and the surrounding boroughs and are an integral part of the community, ensuring in collaboration and partnership with other organisations community cohesion. I would like to close by thanking them too for hosting a wonderful musical entertainment evening that showed-off some real talent and which brought a diverse range of people to the venue to enjoy the cultural festivities. If anything can be learned from Brent & Harrow it is that cultural programmes add life to the area and provide for individuals to express themselves far better whilst ensuring community cohesion. This should be considered a model to replicate elsewhere.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Leicester Voice Email: majithia.meera@gmail.com

In brief

Award for youth service

By Meera Majithia

‘Just Dance’ star to showcase Bollywood production Dancing superstar Karan Pangali, who shot to fame in Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Just Dance’ show, is set to make a return to live performing in the city of Leicester after a break of three whole years.

Hoping to set the stage alight at the Curve theatre in Leicester from May 4th6th, the 23-year-old from Harrow is directing and choreographing a group of 40 dancers as well as starring in the performance himself.

Speaking about the show, which is titled ‘The Dance of Bollywood’, Karan said: “This is by far the most biggest and explosive show that I’ve worked on in terms of choreographing and directing. It’s going to be quite an educational journey for the audience. We will be dissecting the various styles of dance that have evolved over the years and led to Bollywood dance.”

The show will see a progression of different styles of dance from the ‘Mujra’ of the Mughal era, to a fusion of Kathak with other dance forms, and a traditional Bollywood medley paying tribute to yesteryears legends; Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand and Jagjit Singh.

Karan added: “This is the first time the UK will see me live since ‘Just Dance’. I have a huge amazing fan base on Facebook and Twitter and I was always getting asked when can we see you live?

So I thought why not put

together my own theatre production.

I visited Belgrave Road last year to celebrate Diwali and it was then I saw the Curve theatre and I was blown away by it. When I saw the stage in the main theatre I could just see KSpark and all my dancers killing it on stage and I was like I have got to bring my show here.”

Having set up the KSpark dance group over nine years ago, the troupe specialise in performing at product launches, corporate events, awards shows and appearing in films.

Lead choreographer Karan has trained with the likes of Pundit Birju Maharaj (choreographer of Bollywood film ‘Devdas’) and currently spends part of his time training in Ahmedabad with Dr Kumudini Lakhia.

There’s no denying the female attention the dancing star has been receiving since his stint on the global television show. His looks have even been comto those of pared Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan.

Speaking about the comparison, Karan said: “He’s looked at as one of the biggest Bollywood stars of our industry and is more so recognised for his contribution to dance, so it’s definitely a compliment. But at the same time I am my own person and what I do is completely different.”

While the KSpark email inbox was cluttered with well wishes and fan

Karan Pangali

mail during Karan’s appearance on the show, the dancer also admitted that the hysteria had built up so much that his father had received up to 15 rishta’s for him over the phone.

Alongside Hrithik, Karan also got the opportunity to show-off his moves in front of ace Bollywood choreographers Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant. Karan said: “I’ve always waited for a chance to be in front of Vaibhavi and Farah and this was the perfect opportunity. Right from the offset Farah said she had so much faith in me and labelled me as the ‘Gabru Javaan’. She said I think you have the potential to win the show and she’s kept in touch.”

Karan looks up to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan but also admitted that out of all the actresses he would love to star in a film opposite Deepika Padukone.

Though he remains

tight lipped about a possible future film, he revealed that he was inundated with offers during his time in India. Karan said: “I was getting so many offers and I am even today. I was shown five to six scripts.

Just to walk into these offices and have these directors addressing you is incredible and really shows you the power of television. I read through a lot of scripts and got a lot of advice from people saying if you’re doing your first film it has to be very special and you need to believe in it. I’m very particular about how I’m being presented and the quality of work that I do. I didn’t like any of those scripts so I didn’t accept.”

But in actual fact Karan Pangali fans maybe able to already catch a glimpse of him as a child actor in one of his favourite films, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, which holds a special place in his heart, as he got first-hand experience of appearing in front of the camera.

Police delighted with lower crime figures Crime across Hinckley and Bosworth has fallen by 9.6% - which is 554 fewer victims of crime.

These figures show a continual reduction in crime across the borough, giving a reduction of 23.3% over the past two years.

House burglaries are down by 4.7% (15 fewer houses broken into). Over two years this is a reduction of 33.1%.

Other excellent results include theft of motor vehicles which is down 24.8%, with this offence showing a reduction for the past three years.

The only crime showing an increase is serious violent crime, which shows an increase of just one offence although all violence offences are actually down 15.1%, with Robbery showing a decrease of 16.1%.

Criminal damage is down 10.3% and Race and hate crime is also showing a reduction of 25.8% The total number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported to the police in Hinckley has also reduced by 31.55% compared to the previous year, which is equal to 853 fewer victims.

Hinckley’s figures mirror those for the entire Force, which show that across Leicestershire and Rutland crime has fallen by 4.3% which amounts to 3071 fewer victims of crime.

Inspector Rich Ward, Commander of Hinckley Local Policing Unit, said: “I am absolutely delighted by these excellent crime reductions.

We have worked tirelessly with our key partners which includes Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to maintain the impressive performance from the previous crime

year and ensured that we continue to target those individuals that cause the most harm in our communities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their ongoing support. The information provided and the calls made to us really do make a huge difference and have led to countless arrests and have prevented many of crimes. We should all be very pleased with these reductions as it really does show that Hinckley and Bosworth is a safe and welcoming place to be”.

Shopkeeper feared for his life as robber fired gun A shopkeeper in Leicester feared he would die when a robber entered his premises as he and his fiancé were preparing to leave.

Kapil Vaghela, off Kapz News and Booze, on Loughborough Road said the masked raider stormed in, pointed a gun at him and demanded cash.

Mr Vaghela immediate-

ly pressed the panic button in the shop and picked up a pole, which he usually uses to push the door shut.

It was once he picked up the pole that the attacker started to fire shots. Mr Vaghela is reported to have said: “I thought the first had missed and he was a bad

shot. Straight away I thought, if it hits me I’m dead.”

He then realised there was nothing coming out of the gun and the robber was firing empty shots.

Mr Vaghela said he had hit the masked man with his wooden pole as shots were fired, fearing for the safety of his fiancé who

was standing behind him.

The robber is believed to have fled the shop just after 6pm on Wednesday, April 4th. The incident was filmed on the shop’s CCTV system and Mr Vaghela hopes someone will recognise the man from his clothing or mannerisms.

The youth service at Leicester City Council has won a prestigious award for its work after being nominated by a local young person.

The city council’s youth service participation team, which encourages young people to get involved in local decision making, has been presented with The British Youth Council’s Youth On Board Innovation Award.

The award is given in recognition of innovative and exciting youth partnership work, and to celebrate new ideas and practices which have made a real difference to how organisations work with young people.

Schemes with which the youth service participation team is involved include the local Young People’s Council and UK Youth Parliament representatives for the city, as well as various campaigns to encourage youngsters to take a bigger role in local democracy.

Projects have included the ‘X Marks the Spot’ campaign for the general election, the Voice Your Choice campaign for the local elections, a young advisors scheme of consultants who work with the council and its partners of policy and strategy, and

Takeover Day in which over 100 young people took over the running of the council for one day last November.

Sixteen-year-old Anick Soni, who nominated the service for the award, said: “Getting the award for innovation is a great achievement for us all as it will increase our profile both locally and nationally. Each exciting new project started out as an innovative thought from a young person’s mind, brought to life by teams of youth workers and young people. Youth participation has been steadily increasing in the past few years and in Leicester it is extremely valued by young people and adults alike, especially when money is so tight for councils.”

Leicester’s assistant city mayor with responsibility for children, young people and schools, Councillor Vi Dempster, said: “It’s fantastic news that our youth service has been recognised for its innovation, particularly as this award comes from young people themselves. We’re committed to working with our young people to help them become involved in all aspects of city life and this award helps us to reinforce that commitment.”

Get ready for a real dance fest Some of the best dancers from across the globe will be gathering in Leicester to participate in the ‘Let’s Dance International Festival’.

Running between May 12th and 27th, artists will be flying in from the likes of the Caribbean, South Africa, Nambia, India, Spain and of course coming down from all over the UK. The programme has something for everyone with artists like FLAWLESS, Arlene Phillips, and Ballet black and L’Acadco from Jamaica who will both be performing at the Curve as part of Jamaica’s 50th independence anniversary.

The festival is continuing to work with young people this year by hosting a series of school workshops run by Irie Dance Company, L’Acadco and Daksha Sheth Company.

Another part of the festival is titled Dance on Film, which is in partnership with the Phoenix square where the most up to date

Isha Sharvani

releases in in street dance from StreetDance 2 to issue-based work will be showcased.

A rare treat is also on offer, as Bollywood actress and dancing extraordinaire Isha Sharvani will also be performing at the same venue and at the Peepul Centre alongside the Daksha Sheth Company.

Bollywood lovers can also witness a unique production presented by Phizzical titled ‘Ticket 2 Bollywood’, a colourful site-specific production where audiences travel between the spaces animating the Cultural Quarter.

For more information log on to www.ldif.co.uk

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

5

Men charged for exploiting five UKBA axes graduate visa scheme underage girls Seven of eleven men appeared at Liverpool Crown Court have been charged for exploiting five underage girls for sex.

A 59-year-old man has also accused of child-sex offences claimed in court that the under-age girls he and other men allegedly groomed for exploitation were entrepreneurs with enough acumen to “win The Apprentice”.

The man, who cannot be named, claimed that the white teenagers, who were aged from 13 to 15 when they are said to have been used for sex, “were selling their bodies for money”.

“It wasn’t us victimising them; it was them victimising us,” he said.

The man is one of 11 defendants, most of them taxi drivers or kebab shop owners of Pakistani origin, who deny offences said to have been committed in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and farther afield.

Liverpool Crown Court has been told that between 2008 and 2010,

Top (L-R): Abdul Rauf, Mahammad Amin and Abdul Qayyum.

Bottom: Mahammad Sajid, Liaquat Shah, Qamar Shahzad and Kabeer Hassan

teenagers from troubled backgrounds were offered food, alcohol and sometimes money in return for sex with adults.

Giving evidence, the man claimed that he and the other accused were victims of a conspiracy. He said that the police were corrupt, accused Rachel Smith, for the prosecution, of lying and told Judge Gerald Clifton: “You’ve been less a judge, more a prosecutor.”

The 11 men, aged from 22 to 59, denied 11 rapes,

aiding and abetting rape, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault and six counts of trafficking a child within the UK. Each defendant — Mohammed Amin, 44, Mohammed Sajid, 35, Adil Khan, 42, Abdul Qayyum, 43, Abdul Aziz, 41, Abdul Rauf, 43, Qamar Shahzad, 29, Liaquat Shah, 41, Kabeer Hassan, 25, Hamid Safi, 22, and the 59-year-old — is also charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child. The case continues.

Breakthrough treatment to save children from transplants

Doctors have developed a pioneering treatment for liver disease that could save hundreds of lives a year and avoid the need for transplant surgery. Liver specialists desperately need new approaches to the epidemic of liver diseases that is leading to huge demand for donor livers.

Eighteen British children suffering from rare and life threatening liver conditions are to receive infusions of specially treated liver cells removed from the organs of dead donors, the Daily Mail has reported.

The world’s first trial using liver stem cells is to take place at London’s King’s College Hospital and will be headed by paediatric liver consultant Professor Anil Dhawan.

He described the use of stem cells to treat liver disease as an ‘exciting breakthrough’.

He said: ‘We have many very sick children and babies who need

transplants. If we can cure them without a transplant that will a fantastic development.

‘We have tried using ordinary liver cells with limited success, but is the first time a treatment has been developed that gets the liver to re-grow using stem cells.’ It comes after they successfully treated on baby Iyaad Syed last year.

Professor Dhawan, pictured, added, as reported by the Mail: ‘If all goes well the children we are treating with the cells will show an improvement within a couple of months. We would expect those children to come off their medicines and therapy. It will mean the liver cells have done their job and corrected the defects that made them ill.

‘Then we will have to see how long the effect lasts and whether we have to top up these children with further infusions. I am optimistic the treatment will work.’

UK to scrap 38 unused India railway laws Thirty-eight pieces of laws related to the construction and maintenance of the railways network in India during British rule - the first dated 1849 and the latest of 1942 - are set to be scrapped under a draft bill proposed by the law commission.

The history of the 38 acts reflects the challenge

of constructing and maintaining one of the largest railway networks in the world across vast distances in the sub continent.

The acts have remained on the statute books, without any use and will be scrapped now after it’s realised that it’s become obsolete.

After axing Tier 1 and randomly changing Tier 2 rules, now the UK government scraps off the facility for UK students to gain experience in this country.

A facility that allowed Indian students to work in UK for two years after their courses are now closed as part of Cameron govt’s drive to cut immigration. It is a great blow to the UK’s education industry which earns thousands of pounds through foreign students.

Obviously Indians would find no further interest in coming to a country that gives back nothing almost in return to the thousands they are charged.

The number of applications from India for univer-

sity courses in the UK commencing in September 2012 have already dropped, and the move is likely to trigger a further fall.

While overseas students can no longer work for two years in the UK after completing their education at their own free will, the British home ministry said other avenues are still open.

These graduates can seek job from employers who would sponsor their visa or anyone with a ‘good business plan’ could acquire visa on their skills.

The earlier regime permitted overseas students to apply for employment for at least two years on payment of a visa fee. The post grad-

uate scheme was appreciated by foreign students as it enabled them to repay some of the loan they had taken to come to Britain and the experience also improved their job prospects in India.

A spokesman for the British home ministry said, “The previous scheme was too generous. There were no restrictions and it was being exploited, with people engaging in low-skill work.”

“We believe there is no incompatibility between economic growth and controlling migration. Our reformed, immigration system can achieve both,” said immigration minister Damian Green.

To Cambridge via Thailand A letter addressed to a school a mile away has finally been delivered - following a 16,000 mile round trip to Thailand.

Shamim Ahmed needed to pay for his children’s tuition fees at Ridgefield school in Cambridge, so he promptly stuck a first class stamp on the envelope, and assumed the letter would arrive within a day or two.

He got increasingly worried as the weeks went by, and the school started phoning him for payment.

So two months later, Shamim was forced to pay the school in cash - only for the letter to arrive,

complete with a Thailand postmark.

A Royal Mail spokesman could not explain why the letter was diverted across the world.

She told a national daily: ‘This is a mystery,

but we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. We deliver 59 million items of mail to 29 million customers across the UK six days a week so a mis-delivery such as this is very rare.’

Boy suffers brain damage due to jaundice

Professor Max Malago, a liver transplant surgeon at London’s Royal Free Hospital, said: ‘There is enormous demand for donor livers at present which is impossible to meet.

There patients who are desperate to transplant but unfortunately not everyone can get an organ.

‘If there was an alternative treatment to transplant where you could save the liver it would offer hope to patients who are at present dying waiting for an organ.’

Urrvashi Singh and her son Dilraj, 4, who suffered brain damage after getting jaundice as a newborn is bringing a negligence case over the treatment of her son Dilraj, who developed jaundice soon after his birth.

“The health visitor said, ‘It’s normal: stick him in his Moses basket in the window and the sunlight breaks it down’,” said Mrs Singh, from Stretford in Manchester. A week later, she took Dilraj to hospital, where he was rushed to intensive care. “The doctor said, ‘I think he’s brain damaged’. It was awful.”

Dilraj, now 4, does not walk or talk and has to be fed through a tube.“I was really bitter,” Mrs Singh said. “But feeling bitter isn’t going to make him

Queen visits Ilford

“It was like talking to my mum” was the verdict from a schoolboy who spoke to her Majesty as she looked at artwork by Redbridge’s talented young, a local paper has reported.

While Hiran Adhia was nervous, he became quite comfortable once the Queen stepped inside the Design Marquee in the grounds of Valentines Mansion.

The 17-year-old was

standing next to a canvas made of stamps he and his peers at Ilford County High School, Fremantle Road, Barkingside, put together.

The Queen’s head was formed out of dozens of stamps spanning the last 60 years.

Hiran told Ilford Recorder: “I asked her if she thought it was a good likeness.

“She took a step back and

Urrvashi Singh with her son Dilraj

better. There has been some progress. He’s still my little lad.”

New borns are screened for 5 major diseases but senior doctors warn that not enough is being done to tackle a complication of one of the most common neonatal prob-

said, ‘yes, it does look like me’.

“She said you can pick up a couple of key figures [on the canvas].

“I said I enjoyed making it but I’m sick of stamps now!

lems.

Many babies get jaundice in the first week of life and while for the vast majority the condition is not serious, in a handful of cases every year it can cause devastating brain damage known as kernicterus.

I think she wanted to say: ‘I’m not too keen on them myself’.”

He added: “I just thought I’d take a chance and talk to her.”

Artist Yvette Rawson, 50, had tins with a vintage feel on display decorated in different ways.

She said: “The Queen came right over and looked at one of the tins. It was exciting but also surreal. She’s someone you see on TV growing up so it was quite special.”

6

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

Asif Valiji, 32 is the Category Manager for a startup online business. Born in London to Indian-origin parents who emigrated from Kenya, he qualified from Brunel University with a first class degree in Information Systems and Computing. He has two children. Asif is a Co-founder of a global leadership initiative called the Lighthouse Self-Leadership Project.

Q: What is the Lighthouse Project?

A: It is a global initiative with a community of people with one shared goal, which is to leave the world a better place than when we arrived.

Our common belief is that this starts with taking responsibility for our lives by developing ourselves, by adding value to our families, friends, and colleagues. By being a lighthouse - a shining beacon of bright constancy in a positive, up-building and progressive way.

Starting on the inside.

Q: Why is the Project important?

A: Life brings many challenges that hold countless opportunities to learn and to grow.

Many of us want to figure out where we want to go in life – to build the families, careers, or businesses we want to - or if we already know that, the difficulty lies in reaching that destination. The essence of overcoming this is self-leadership – leading yourself to your desired destination.

At the core of this lies our ability to mentor ourselves - the ability to identify our gaps and fill them, to let go of negative baggage, and to keep a calm head in the face of adversity.

Q: What does mentorship mean to you in your life?

A: It has equipped me with the skills I need to better direct myself.

Often I found that my ability to live my life was always limited by my pain and problems. For example, losing my father unexpectedly, and the impact that had on my family, was a huge test.

Being guided and learning to guide myself taught me how to see problems as opportunities and to take responsibility for myself. It is tough, but nobody told

me it was going to be easy and with that certainty I persevere.

Q: How has it changed your life at work?

A: I head up a small team of great people ensuring the sales, profitability and commercial success of the business.

The first few months of establishing a business are the hardest, as you don’t see instant results.

By taking responsibility for myself and seeing work as an opportunity to grow, I was able to identify the gaps in my thinking and ask for the right kind of support and accountability to help me develop. My manager was very supportive of me and encouraged this, allowing me to become a better manager of myself and of others.

Being a Lighthousea shining beacon of bright constancy Q: How has the project changed your life at home?

A: My family members are the most important people for me. This became apparent two years ago when my father died. He was the backbone of the family and his loss was very sudden.

Through self-discovery I was able to work myself out of my grief and significantly improve the relationship I have with my own children, my brothers, sisters and mother. I gave them the same love and support my father gave me.

Though it was the most painful time of my life it was also the most

Asif Valiji

rewarding.

Q: What have you enjoyed about being a part of the Project?

A: All that I have learned about myself, while being part of a diverse community. We have become great friends and are united in wanting to help ourselves and others to build better lives, businesses, families and careers.

Also, bringing my young children to our events, I am encouraged and honoured to share our children with an amazing group of deeply caring and responsible people.

Q: What are the Project’s plans for the future?

A: This year we aim to help 10,000 young people in critical need by developing 100,000 mentors. 10 will help one child. In coming together to help a child in critical need and supporting each other in our own lives we will make a massive difference to society.

Q: What are your ambitions for the future?

A: To build organisations that help fathers become even better at giving to themselves and their families. Creating a better world for our families, friends and loved ones starts with us.

If you want to find out more about the Project, mentorship or leadership, feel free to email me at team@lhslp.com or you can always look at the website, www.lhslp.com

National Hindu Students Forum (UK)

By Vishal Patel, General Secretary

Review, Reflect, Reinvigorate A whole year of hard work and dedication has passed and looking back at the year, I am filled with a great sense of contentment. To many people within this organisation, the work we do comes naturally and forms a part of our daily duties. I am proud to have been a part of this organisation whilst it celebrated 20 years of existence, and a look forward fills me with a great sense of hope and excitement.

On Saturday 31 March chapter committees, well wishers and the general public gathered at the Sewa Building in Nottingham for the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of NHSF (UK).

The AGM provided a platform for the NHSF (UK) community to get together and showcase some of the incredible achievements rendered by students across the country. The AGM enabled each team to display and the activities it has been involved in throughout the year and also enable NHSF (UK) members to see exactly where their support was taking the organisation. A slight variation this year was the opportunity for chapter committees to address the audience, sharing their thoughts, successes and obstacles of the bygone year.. Each chapter displayed evidence of collective hard work, the result being great events, new initiatives and even bigger expectations for the coming year. .

Looking back at the year, the National Sports Competition was a colossal success, with the new venue and rainy weather failing to deter the sporting spirit amongst young Hindus from across the country. Over 800 participants playing over 7 varied sports: what a great way to showcase our culture!

“Dynamism, vibrancy and unity” are three words which best describe National Hindu Students Forum (UK) 20th Anniversary celebrations - ‘Arise Arjuna’.

NHSF (UK)’s largest

event yet attracted people from various walks of life and enabled them to experience the tenets of Hindu Dharma under one roof.

Our anniversary celebrations provided NHSF (UK) with a platform to interact and build relationships with various other organisations. I sincerely believe that this year has been like no other and has been one which has generated excellence, the ability surpass all boundaries and the desire set even higher standards for the coming year.

In the one of the first of many addresses it was established that the focus this year would be on maintaining relationships on every platform. It was recognised that in the desire to excel ourselves, there may have been occasions where we had lost sight of the ‘people’ within the organisation. The only way to remedy this was to ensure high levels of communication and the formation of string working relationships. 2011/12 was a time to recognise the excellence of chapters and led to the introduction of the first ever ‘HUM’ awards.

Accolades ranged from ‘the most controversial workshop’ to ‘the most improved learning chapter’ – each standing testament to the hard work and innovation that everyone has put in to get to the position where we are stood now.

With the financial crises impacting the global economy and in today’s climate of uncertainty, NHSF (UK) was able to keep up its momentum and present an example of how ‘in unity there is strength’.

Spiritual events continued at stalwarts of the Zones and this year saw the first ever South Zone spiritual event. This 9hour Ram Dhun, held within the sacred walls of the Ilford Hindu Mandir was followed by the North Zone Hanuman Chalisa in Leeds. The final celebration of the year was an electrifying 20 hour Ram Dhun in Central Zone.

These spiritual events remained as a symbol of the ever burning beacon of Hindu Dharma and united members of the community in the practice of Bhakti. All chapters continued to hold weekly spiritual events, ranging from Aartis to discussions, and showed that Hindu Dharma is well and truly alive in the youth of today.

So..... After all of these achievements, What now?

Where do we go from here?.

As the National Committee pays tribute to those individuals who are stepping down from their roles and going on to work with new organisations and for the good of the Samaj, the new committee is more than ready to take on the challenge.

NHSF (UK) promises to be bigger and better this year, with more continuous learning initiatives, better chapter support and more community interactions, We move into our 21st year with some conviction and vigour. Those who have worked with the organisation and continue to do so in some way, shape or form have left the new committee with a firm foundation to build on. The new team is ready to work with chapters, schools, other organisations, different professions and the wider Samaj to “be the change we wish to see in the world”. After a successful review of a brilliant year we enter yet another one – hungry to showcase our talent and the ongoing drive to protect, preserve, practice and promote Hindu Dharma. .

This year we manifestly awoke our identity, instilled knowledge of our heritage and promoted the ideals of our Dharma.

This year, we will continue to work hard and passionately to achieve true social change.....

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle

British actor considers India as her second home !"#$%&$'(%

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British actor Felicity Kendal who is the sister in law of veteran actor Shashi Kapoor considers India her home despite of spending many years in England though she spent her impressionable years in India.

In an essay in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, she described India as “a place where authority is both absolute and

yielding, where chaos and order sit side by side.

Romantic, emotional, infuriating and glorious it is a country that, for all my many years in England, I still think of as home”.

She continued: “It was in India that I started my acting career, courtesy of my parents (Geoffrey and Laura Kendal), long before I set

foot on stage in England.

They headed Shakespearana, a company of travelling players performing Shakespeare up and down the land.

The Kendals arrived in India in 1953, Felicity, then, a six-year-old and her sister, Jennifer, 19.

Recently - 50 years after she left - she returned to her childhood place.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Boris and Ken fight over tax returns

Ken Livingstone

Boris Johnson

Brian Paddick

British politics was dragged into a new era of openness as the battle for control of London left Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone making public the details of their tax returns.

The move resulted in accusations and recriminations, with claims that the Labour candidate’s “incomplete” records had revealed a lower rate of tax than a cleaner at City Hall.

Conservatives alleged that Mr Livingstone had effectively paid only 14.5 per cent.

Mr Johnson revealed earnings of almost £1.7 million over four years, including nearly £900,000 in freelance income, mostly from

a column for The Daily Telegraph.

A Labour camp source asked: “How can a mayor have a second job? Even Cameron said David his Cabinet ministers should not have outside interests.”

Election experts said that the release of the data marked the “Americanisation of British politics” as it opened the floodgates to demands on all future MPs to divulge their tax affairs. Cabinet ministers are likely to face mounting pressure to come clean.

A spokesman for Brian Paddick, the Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate, said: “Clearly a prece-

dent has been set. This is not something that has been historically asked of British politicians.”

The fiercest fight between the remains Conservative and Labour candidates. Mr Livingstone revealed income and dividends paid to himself by his company, Silveta Ltd. For 2010-11 he listed total income of £94,568 and tax of £34,661, suggesting a rate of more than 36 per cent.

But he did not provide information on what happened to the rest of the £238,000 he earned from media appearances and placed in the company.

List of tax Boris Johnson Taxable income in companies £0 Taxable income in employment £133,117 Freelance £339,625 From pensions £0 Interest £538 Total income £473,280 Income tax payable £210,410 Class 4 national insurance £3,339 Total tax paid £213,749

Ken Livingstone Income from employment £5,700 Interest £33 Dividends £63,333 Pensions £25,502 Total Income £94,568 Income tax paid £22,691 Corporation tax paid on dividends £11,970 Total tax paid £34,661

17-year-old pupil raises more than £3,000 with charity walk A 17-year-old pupil has overcame many challenges to raise over £3,000 for charity by walking from her Woodford Green home to Cambridge.

Kreena Patel, took three days to complete the 65-mile challenge with her dad, solicitor Yogesh, as reported by the Ilford Recorder.

The student at Bancroft’s School, High Road, Woodford Green, has already raised £2,000 through sponsorship for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK, which helps

people with inflammatory bowel diseases. And she hopes the final figure is over £3,000 once all donations are in.

Kreena, pictured, who completed the walk on April 1, told the local newspaper: “Quite a few of my friends and family have Crohn’s and colitis and it’s quite a small charity so I wanted to raise money for them. The first day was okay.

“On the second day we took a national trail and it went a bit wrong, we got a bit lost, and did more

walking than we needed to. It was quite tough and it made the third day quite a bit harder. But it was fun, I would definitely do it again.”

Boy jailed for five years for killing cleric stepfather A teenager who stabbed his Muslim cleric stepfather to death in a row over the family TV has been jailed for just five years.

Haque knifed Mr Rahman, the imam at Chadwell Heath Educational and Cultural Society, Grove Road, Chadwell Heath after the older man became enraged when he found the teenager moved the family’s TV set into his bedroom on September 30.

In a statement read by defence lawyer Brian O’Neill, Haque’s mother Rongmala Bibi begged her son not to go to jail.

Haque was sentenced to

The fatal stabbing took place at a house in Melford Avenue in Barking

five years in a Young Offenders’ Institute but could now be released in just two years as he has already served six months on remand.

Mr Rahman received a single stab wound to the heart in a scuffle broke out at the family’s home in Melford Avenue, Barking. He died from his injuries five days later.

Haque initially appeared at the Old Bailey accused of murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the fourth day of the trial.

Sentencing Haque at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday judge Nicholas Browne said: “I accept you did not intend to kill him or seriously harm him and you immediately regretted what you had done.”

Assistant Director – Employer Liaison £Competitive + benefits Based Manchester with UK travel As the independent regulator for doctors in the UK, the GMC protects, promotes and maintains the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine. Building our reputation with the medical professional is vital to achieving our goals. As part of our reform agenda, we have established an Employer Liaison Service to improve our relationships with medical directors in the NHS and independent sector and support them particularly in relation to fitness to practice and revalidation matters.

You must have extensive, senior-level experience. Your background should demonstrate your ability to handle complex policy issues, provide authoritative guidance, understand legal procedures and develop stakeholder relationships. We’re also looking for the expertise to draft clear, concise correspondence and documents involving highly sensitive issues.

The credibility to add value to a highly qualified team in a fast-paced environment will be key.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, you’ll lead the new Service.You’ll be responsible for the remote management of a team of around 15-20 Employer Liaison Advisors, meeting them weekly to provide guidance and ensure cases are handled correctly within our legal framework.You’ll also personally liaise with medical directors to provide advice and support on GMC fitness to practise thresholds and guidelines. In addition you’ll contribute towards policy-making and service/infrastructure improvements within the Standards and Fitness to Practise Directorate and manage the budgets for the Service.

As well as the opportunity to take on a very interesting and demanding role and make a tangible contribution towards the quality of medical care in the UK, you can expect competitive remuneration including membership of the GMC pension scheme.

jobs.gmc-uk.org

7

To find out more and apply for this role, please go to jobs.gmc-uk.org Closing date: 29 April 2012.

The GMC values diversity and has made a public commitment to processes and procedures that are fair, objective, transparent and free from discrimination. The GMC is a charity registered in England and Wales (1089278) and Scotland (SC037750).

8

www.abplgroup.com

Dee Katwa

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Midland Voice Contact: Dhiren on 07970 911 386 or dhiren.katwa@abplgroup.com

Bereaved father found guilty of ‘mindless’ attack A man who was hailed a hero, nationally, after his son died in the Birmingham riots has been found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm in an earlier attack.

Pride of Britain awardwinner Tariq Jahan broke 34-year-old Sajjad Ali’s jaw when he punched him last July in Handsworth.

Jahan, 46, told Birmingham Crown Court he had acted in self defence. Judge William Davis, QC, said Jahan, pictured, of Winson Green, deserved to be sent to jail but gave him a suspended sentence owing to his public appeal for calm during the August riots. He told Jahan: “There is in your case this extraordinary combination of events. For that reason and that

reason alone I can suspend the sentence.”

Suit-clad Jahan, sobbed in the dock as he was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid service and to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim within the next 12 months. Mr Ali told the court that Jahan had said: “Oi, why you staring at me? before he climbed out of his car and accused him of “staring at my missus”.

Former delivery driver Jahan later repeatedly lied to police about his involvement and in his

Pair in £109k tax credit scam A Birmingham couple, Nasar Ali and Sheena Jan, who committed a huge benefit fraud have been ordered to pay back £109,000 within six months – or face jail. Birmingham Crown Court heard how the pair, both aged 38, and from Stow Grove, Bromford, stole the cash in a tax credits scam by understating their income and making false child care costs. They also claimed that they lived apart. Jan claimed she was living at another property which she owned, but it was in fact rented out and she did not declare the rental income or her full earnings. Ali claimed he had received no income for around four years, but is understood to have been selling cars and working as a self-employed taxi driver. He owned a number of vehicles at the time of his arrest, including a BMW X5 and he was building an extension to the family home.

Now, Ali has been told to pay back £70,500 and Jan, £38,500. If they fail to do so by September the pair will be jailed for 20 months and 14 months respectively.

New autobiography Last week I received an unexpected A3-size, 5kg package, sent from Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai. Intrigued, naturally, I opened it. It was an autobiography of Dhirubhai Ambani, pictured, the Indian industrialist who founded Reliance Industries. Signed by his wife Kokilaben, the 346-page book, in Gujarati, entitled Mara Jivan Saathi, or my life partner, is a superior ‘This is Your Life’ album of the world-renowned legend. Thank you Kokilaben for this precious gift.

Salma up for a sports gong A female cricketer from Birmingham has been announced as a finalist in the Sport category of the prestigious Asian Women of Achievement Awards. Salma Bi, 26, from Bordesley Green, is a Level 1 umpire and coach at both Worcestershire and Warwickshire. As a player, the off-spin bowler became the first Muslim woman to play for Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Salma, pictured, a renal nurse at Heartlands Hospital, feels she has a point to prove in the male dominated sport – especially when it comes to umpiring. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London on May 16.

News in Brief A student killed by hit and run A Chinese student was killed last Wednesday after being hit by an unmarked black BMW police car.

Xuanwei Zhang, 24, was studying for an MSc in data networks and security at Birmingham City University.

The victim’s parents flew out from China and arrived in Birmingham last Friday. An investigation has been launched.

Bomb hoax man jailed defence statement. It emerged during the trial that Jahan had a conviction for false accounting and forgery in 1985 and a conviction for conspiracy to rob in 1990. He also

received a caution for possession of cannabis in 2003 and a caution in 2004 for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, in which he attacked his stepmother.

Dodgy car dealer A former car tradesman is facing time behind bars after admitting flouting consumer protection laws. Nazir Jafari, 25, of Yardley in Birmingham, fooled car buyers by placing adverts in Auto Trader claiming he was selling them privately. In reality, he was a salesman who owned car firm Nazir Motors. At Birmingham Magistrates Court, Jafari admitted 12 charges of falsely claiming to be a private seller, contrary to consumer protection regulations. He will be sentenced on May 8.

Siblings pull off victim’s wig

A bomb hoaxer who caused a Birmingham school to be evacuated in an act of “revenge and malice” against his ex-wife has been jailed for 16 months. Ghulam Kibria, 33, sent the threat in an email to MI5’s website giving his former partner’s name and address. Kibria, pictured, who had a mental illness, wanted his ex-wife to be arrested for a serious offence that she had not committed.

Mustafa comes to Brum A new “compelling and vivid” play, Mustafa, opens in Birmingham next Tuesday (Apr 17). Written by local artist Naylah Ahmed, Mustafa features a cast of four.

Is Mustafa the deluded killer of a teenager or a brave innocent man who risked his life to deliver the boy from a dangerous being? The theatrical takes place from 17-21 April at the MAC, Cannon Hill Park (B12 9QH). For more information visit www.birminghamrep.co.uk

Missing woman Police are concerned for the welfare of Amanpreet Kaur Nahal, aged 26, who has been missing from her home in Wolverhampton since March 26. Amanpreet is described as having brown eyes, straight dark brown hair and is about 5ft 3ins tall. Anyone with information should call officers on 101.

Talk on diabetes Two sisters “humiliated” a grandmother by ripping off her wig in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, a jury heard. The city’s crown court was told there was a “history of bad blood” between the alleged victim Gullmena Begum, 37, and sisters Zehra Bibi and Ferzana Kosser, pictured left and right, respectively. Mrs Begum, who has suffered from alopecia for ten years, said: “Other than close family, nobody’s really seen me without my hairpiece. I felt humiliated.” Kosser, 29, and Bibi, 27, of Nechells have each denied a charge of assault by beating.

The case is due to resume on May 29.

Crash girl, man charged A 63-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving after a five-vehicle crash on the M6, which killed four-year-old Priyanka Bhogal, from Coventry. Priyanka died after suffering serious injuries. The man, from Sunderland, was due to appear before Solihull Magistrates’ Court this Thursday (Apr 12). Seven other people were also injured in the crash last November.

Prisoners’ Easter Menu Inmates at Midland prisons were given the choice of up to six different dinner menus at Easter. HMP Birmingham’s Easter choices included halal roast chicken leg; roast beef; cheese and onion pie and tomato pasta. Labour MP Khalid Mahmood said the generous menus raised issues about the costs to the Prison Service.

Degree award for 999 chief Anthony Marsh, the chief executive officer of West Midlands Ambulance Service, has been awarded an honorary degree. Mr Marsh, who started his career as a paramedic, was made a doctor of science by the University of Wolverhampton.

A Midland GP, Dr Shahrad Taheri is holding a seminar in Birmingham about diabetes. Dr Taheri, pictured, will talk about the condition at the Education Centre, at Heartlands Hospital on April 19, at 5pm. To book a place call 0121 424 1218.

Vaisakhi celebration The Midland branch of an Indian community organisation, Arya Samaj, will celebrate Vaisakhi, the Sikh harvest festival, from 11am onwards this Sunday (Apr 15). The free event, which will feature patriotic songs, poetry recitals, discourses and lunch, will take place at Arya Samaj in Nechells, Birmingham (B7 4SA). All welcome.

Charity ambassador dies Melaine Gardner, a Birmingham breast cancer sufferer who appeared on thousands of billboards up and down the country as part of a Breast Cancer Care campaign has died. She was 40. Mumof-two Melaine, pictured, worked in the breast cancer screening unit at City Hospital, Birmingham.

Worshipper ‘assaulted’ Talks between management at a Midland place of worship are underway in a desperate attempt to reach a compromise following a commotion in which a committee member was allegedly assaulted. The fracas happened at a popular Hindu temple in Birmingham on Monday a fortnight ago, apparently over two festivals being celebrated on the same day.

Another worshipper who attempted to quell the situation suffered minor injuries. Full story next week.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Skilled migrant cap frozen for two years

Damian Green

Subhash Thakrar

Chris Bryant

Ministers have sought to ease fears that the frequent changes to immigration rules are deterring international business, by promising to maintain the visa cap on working migrants at the same level for the next two years.

Damian Green, immigration minister, confirmed on Wednesday that the annual limit on skilled workers from outside the European Union would remain at 20,700 until April 2014. The visa cap was imposed in April as part of Home Office efforts to meet the Conservative election pledge to reduce net migration from the current quarter of a million to less than 100,000 by the end of the parliament.

The CBI and other business lobbies had consistently warned that overseas companies were in danger of pulling out of the UK if they were unable to make long-term plans about staffing, due to a series of changes to the laws on non-EU workers.

There were also concerns that the economic recovery could be at risk if the country was not seen as “open for business”.

However, Mr Green appeared to have addressed some of these anxieties as he announced the plans. “The government has been clear that the UK is open for business and our limit has been designed with the industry’s needs in mind,” he said.

Because the visa cap has been undersubscribed by about 50 per cent, it had not prevented any skilled workers from entering the UK, he said. “We believe there is no incompatibility between economic growth and controlling migration – our reformed, more selective immigration system can achieve both,” Mr Green said.

Subhash Thakrar, chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said what while government seemed to be listening to business, continuous changes to the rules had already damaged the capital’s competitiveness.

“London’s leading international position depends on its ability to attract new businesses, as well as retaining those

already here and more must be done to restore the capital’s reputation as a place to do business,” Mr Thakrar said.

Chris Bryant, shadow immigration minister, accused the government of resorting to “overblown rhetoric”.

“The Tories said they would bring in a cap to cut net migration to the tens of thousands,” Mr Bryant said. “The fact that the cap has been dramatically under subscribed and that the government is not cutting it shows that it will make little difference to net migration. The government should give up on the rhetoric and get on with the job of tackling illegal immigration.”

One restriction brought in on last Wednesday is the raising of the minimum skill level for incomers – middle managers such as those in security and IT technicians will no longer be eligible for skilled worker visas. This is part of Mr Green’s drive to bring in only the “brightest and best”, leaving more lower skilled jobs open to British workers.

Super-jumbos could be allowed to land at Heathrow for more than 20 hours a day under plans being considered by ministers.

Emirates Airline hopes to bypass restrictions on night flights by landing its A380 airbuses the world’s largest passenger airliners at steeper angles to protect homes from jet-engine noise.

The airline wants permission to fly in and out

until 1am every day, restarting flights after 4am.

Tough restrictions are in place on night flights, with only 16 allowed at the airport, the majority of which arrive and depart between 4.15am and 6am.

Campaigners today warned that around 500,000 people who live near Heathrow are already affected by night flights and that steeper

approaches would not help the problem.

However, Emirates believes that it could increase the number of daily flights from London to Dubai from five to seven using the new takeoff and landing methods.

If allowed, it could allow Heathrow which is operating at nearly full capacity to increase flight numbers despite continued opposition to a third runway.

Super jumbos may be allowed to land in Heathrow at night

9

Seven Kings jewellery shop robbers still on the run Four men armed with a sledge hammer and baseball bat who raided a Seven Kings jewellers are still on the run, after allegedly escaping through a fence. A bystander described one of the men wearing a grey suit with a balaclava and the other three men wearing hoodies.

The men reportedly crossed the road after robbing Asha jewellers in High Road, and went through a gap in the fence along the railway line near Seven Kings station.

Carol Vaubeau, 53, of Beddington Road, Seven Kings was having her hair cut at the UK Salon

Group, High Road, Seven Kings when she claims a woman in her mid 40s ran in to the salon and said the jewellers had been robbed, Ilford Recorder reported.

Mrs Vaubeau said: “She came in and said one of the youths had threatened her and I tried to calm her down. While she was here they were still in the jewellers.”

The men then crossed the street and escaped through the fence.

Mrs Veaubeau said: “I was concerned for her but I didn’t know what was going on. She clearly felt threatened but I wasn’t afraid.” The 999 call was placed by Annette

Heathman, 47, manager of the UK Salon Group hairdresser at around 11.35am. The entire shop floor of the jewellers was covered in smashed glass.

Mrs Healthman said: “The people who own the jewellers are lovely and I have known them for years. This used to be a nice area but I’m not surprised this happened.”

According to police at the scene jewellery was stolen from the shop.

At around 11.40am, minutes after the raid, there were three police cars and a police van with other units searching the area for the alleged robbers.

Laura Johnson, pictured, the daughter of a British millionaire, was convicted on Thursday of having participated in an “orgy of looting” during last year’s London riots. She now faces a long jail term.

The 20-year-old high flying university student, from Orpington, Kent, had claimed having been forced to drive a drug dealer and his friends around during the mass disturbances in London.

The jury, after seeing photos taken by witnesses of her laughing and joking at the wheel of her car,

observed that she was actually a willing participant in the crime spree, the Daily Telegraph reported.

A jury found her guilty of burglary from a Comet Store in Greenwich, south east London Aug 9 during the riots. It was there at around 2 am that she was arrested at the wheel of her Smart Car with over 5000 pounds (about $7,930) worth of electrical goods in the back.

The jury, who deliberated for nine hours, however found her not guilty of burglary at a Curry’s

store in Charlton, south east London.

She had told the court that she was ordered to act as his driver Aug 8 and was too frightened to flee.

British millionaire’s daughter convicted

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10

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

First Asian Mayor

Akshardham Temple in Delhi

The honour of being Britain’s first Asian Mayor goes to Dr Chunilal Katial (18981978) for the Borough of Finsbury in 1938. After his MBBS from Punjab University he came to Britain in 1928 and established his practice in Canning Town, London. He was later elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine.

Dr Katial arranged a meeting between Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin when Gandhi came to London in 1931 for the Second Round Table Conference.

Dr Chunilal Katial needs to be recognised for his contributions in Britain and not the indignity of being erased from the annals of history.

Most of the Hindu Temples were destroyed by the Muslim invaders during their ruling period in Delhi. That is why we do not see many temples in or around Delhi. Delhi has been ruled by the Muslim Kings for almost 800 years.

During my visit to Delhi recently I had the opportunity to see the newly built Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. It is a huge temple, one of the most beautiful I have ever seen in my life. It is not possible to see all the activities and the beauty of the carved statues in one day.

You need at least three days to experience and absorb its creativity in your blood. All the employees and the voluntary workers who are in hundreds are well trained and disciplined. Main Temple is free to see but there are tickets for some other activities which must not be missed. They are all wonderful and admirable. There are excellent restaurants where you can have freshly prepared food at extremely good prices. I must congratulate the Management of this organisation for producing this remarkable Temple in the capital of India.

Only one thing I did not like was that photography was not allowed within the temple premises. I was disappointed and therefore sincerely request the organisers to allow the serious photographers to take the pictures of the temple. You can thoroughly check the camera for security purposes and also check the identity of the person instead of refusing photography altogether.

Dharam Sahdev Gants Hill, Ilford

Kusoom Vadgama London

Coffee table book of Sayajirao Gaekwad III The “Coffee Table Book on Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III” is full of very revealing contents. The Foreword by Prof. Lord Bhikhu Parekh is a brilliant one, as it includes very valid suggestions to make Vadodara such a city that it justifies the dreams of Sayajirao for it. I think it will be pertinent for Vadodara’s authorities to read this Foreword carefully and try to implement the suggestions made by Lord Bhikhu Parekh. One feels proud to learn about Sayajirao’s dignified behavior at the time of Delhi Durbar of 1911 (p.62). Shri Hasmukh Shah’s article on P.63 succinctly includes most of the important facets of Sayajirao’s work.

It is also impressive to find that several years before Independence, Sayajirao had expressed his support for the integration of Princely States, including Baroda, into one India as soon as the country gains Independence (p.73). In short, the book has come out very well, and for that I would like to congratulate Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.

K H Patel Chairman, Non-Resident Gujaratis’ (NRG) Committee/NRG Centre Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GCCI), Ahmedabad

Forced conversion of Hindus in Pakistan I must congratulate Sindhi American Political Action Committee for lobbying the plight of Hindus in Pakistan. Hats off to Congressman Sherman who urged Zardar to take all necessary steps to bring an end to the harassments of Hindus.

I would like to urge Hindu organisations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Councils to take matter to the United Nations. I also urge prominent Muslims in India to fight for equal rights of Hindus in Pakistan. Muslims in India are given equal rights. Why should Hindus in Pakistan be treated as second class citizens?

Shame on Indian government which is least bothered about the plights of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan.

R Parmar Birmingham

Hinduism and its durability While Arunji praised Mr. Lakhani, he is wrong to criticise Hinduism, by comparing it with other religions. Before casting aspersions, one must note that Hinduism is admired by Toynbee, Einstein, Openheimer, David Frawley, Conrad Elst, Stephen Knapp and youth via vegetarianism, yoga, meditation and non violence.

Insidious and subliminal spiritual influence of these cannot be denied.

Hinduism has outlived Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations.

Will current other religions out live each other or Hinduism? As pure and applied knowledge-Vedas, Hinduism is Sanatan meaning eternal. History is witness to utilitarian durability and strength of Hinduism. Piousness of Christians is waning, attendance in churches is falling; churches are bought by Hindus. In next 30 years Christians will become minority in UK and Europe.

Islam is also not globally popular because its teachings of compassion do not match harsh discipline and misuse by terrorists. Christian and Islamic compassions are not as convincing as that of Hindu, Jains and Buddhists. Hinduism thrives on devotion and development of all life on earth and cosmos-vide Shantipaath. It is the backbone for patriotism, unity, integrity and dignity of Indians and diaspora. An educated Hindu must ensure that Hinduism does not silently cry in a corner.

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

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

Consultative Conference, (and a member of the politburo of Communist Party of China), Modi showcased Gujarat as a destination with a conducive environment to invest and work. He also explained Gujarat becoming a major tourist destination. He brought out the richness of Buddhist culture in Gujarat which solicited very keen interest among Chinese leadership. He also dwelled upon the ancient Indian and Chinese ethos, relationship, friendship, cultural and business ties.

While showcasing

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There is nothing new in the threats of the Nepalese MPs to ban the recruitment of Gurkha soldiers serving in foreign armies, mainly in Britain and India. Even countries like Singapore, Taiwan, Brunei and a few more have their own Gurkha Brigade.

The main reason for the impending ban is financial rather than political, moral, cultural or the national pride. As more and more countries allow serving Gurkhas to settle down in countries where they are welcome to serve in their armed forces, the foreign exchange that was cascading into Nepal is now a tiny flow which may soon dry up.

It should be a matter of pride that while most Western Governments hesitate to recruit from their own ethnic minorities, as some of these soldiers have turned their guns on their own comrades in the name of religion, there is no such fear for Gurkhas. They are loyal, dedicated and professional who would never betray or bite the hands that feed them.

The threat to ban Gurkhas is more political than real, as it would be easy for the inspiring soldiers to cross into India and enlist for the British and Indian armies. If harassed at home, they may never return, thus depriving Nepal of the cream of their natural human assets.

It would be more fruitful for these interfering politicians to concentrate on economic development of Nepal, attracting tourists, building infrastructure that would include roads, dams to produce hydro-electricity, encouraging small scale industries and building up its own armed forces who may serve under UN flag, as they will be in great demand to serve in the troubled spots of Somalia, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi Sierra Leon, Palestine and throughout Middle East.

Bhupendra M Gandhi By email

The election of respect candidate George Galloway in Bradford west by-election in spite of his political views is a eye opener for all political parties and also to nonMuslim religious groups especially Hindus.

The population in Bradford South around 60 per cent is Muslim and mostly from Pakistan occupied Kashmir and they are anti- Indians and Hindus.

In a seat deemed safe by labour for 40 years Galloway’s 36 per cent swing can only be seen that the labour party is out of touch with the people under the leadership of Ed Miliband.

The Respect party did not win a 10,000 majority, George Galloway won it.

Though the labour candidate was a well educated Muslim, he was not as much of a charismatic figure and did not take part any political discussion with other candidates and the canvassing was done by the trade unions.

On the other hand the Respect party was able to mobilise all the Muslims from different age groups including women.

George Galloway exploited issues like Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine to get sympathy from Muslims for his crusade against labour policy on Iraq and Palestine.

Nobody watched George Galloway’s Bradford triumph more intensely than London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone and he has similar views on Iraq and Palestine. Ken Livingstone was instrumental in defeating the official labour candidate in the Tower Hamlet’s elected Mayor election. With Muslims accounting for up to four out of ten voters, Ken is promising to make London a ‘ beacon for Islam’.

The question is will non-Muslims including Hindus turn out on May 3 to stop him? Or will the Ummah- the fast expanding Muslim community- hand over the power to anti-Jewish and antiHindu Ken again?

Ken’s Chumminess I’m thinking of starting a support group.

Our community is full of charities. But I think we need another. I’d call it “I used to vote Labour, but now I don’t know what to do.” To those six Labour supporters who wrote a letter to Ed Miliband last to last week, expressing their concerns about Ken Livingstone’s obsession with Israel and his pledge to make London a Beacon of Islam, I say: “Comrades! You are not alone!” Together, I dare say we could add thousands of signatures to that letter. Figures seem to suggest one in three Labour voters won’t back Ken. I imagine we’d sit in a semi-circle, heads in our hands, recalling how Ken campaigned for Lutfur Rahman - an independent with alleged links to the Islamic Forum of Europe - to be mayor of Tower Hamlets, rather than the Labour candidate and guess what Rahman is now the Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

We’d grimace at the memory of his chumminess with controversial Islamic cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi . Ken’s done his maths of the 5.2million London voters 1.3 million are Muslims and as its the one

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Arun Vaidyanathan Via email ethnic community with near 70% turnout, chumminess is the key to the Muslim block votes, Ken also knows he will upset the Jewish, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains & Sikhs voters but as they only manage a 20% turnout the maths is with the Muslim voters.

Ravi Shah Via email

ASIAN VOICE is published

by Asian Business Publications Ltd, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com www: abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

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The cash-strapped airline claimed that it had to drop flights as the company was trying to reconfigure its aircraft.

There was chaos at several airports after passengers complained that they were not intimated about the Kingfisher cancellations.

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

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

Ramesh Jhalla Via email

Loyal, dependable Gurkha Soldiers

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

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

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

away five years from your life.

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

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

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EDUCATION / COUNCIL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Kanta Pindoria to represent Brent in by-election Brent Conservatives have chosen Kanta Pindoria (born in Gujarat and has been a long standing Brent resident) for the Barnhill by-election on 3rd May 2012. She stood in Fryent Ward previously in the local elections.

Kanta is married, a mother of two children who attended the local Fryent school. She has lived and worked in Brent for over 24 years. Kanta is proud to have strong links in the Barnhill community on a personal, professional and community setting.

Kanta runs her own training and consulting business in Brent; developing individuals in the local communities, especially in education and the construction sector to equip individuals with the employment skills to better their lives.

Kanta has taken on many professional roles such as being active in local Asian community, Trainer, Trustee of an Education Trust, and currently sits as a Local Authority Board of Governor for 2 local

Ofqual report backs final exam A-levels Academics and teachers back a return to more traditional A-levels, with pupils sitting fewer "module" papers throughout their course, a study finds.

A report by England's qualifications watchdog, Ofqual, says academics are losing faith in firstyear students.

Ofqual finds a culture of resits is damaging students' learning.

The report comes after Education Secretary Michael Gove said he wanted universities to have "a far greater role" in designing A-levels in future.

In a letter sent to Ofqual, and obtained by BBC Newsnight, Mr Gove raised concerns that Alevels were failing to stretch pupils. His proposals, which could be implemented from September 2014 for students sitting exams in 2016, would apply to the English exam system - but exam boards also set Alevels for pupils in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ofqual's report is based on interviews with 71 university academics, as well as discussion groups with employers and A-level teachers.

It found many academics did not think that new students had the skills needed for degree study.

These skills included researching, essay writing and referencing, with some lacking the standard of English and maths required.

Schools in Brent.

Kanta would like to stand for all communities in Brent and be the ‘Voice’ for the ordinary people. A ‘Voice’ that will hold Brent Council to account on behalf of the Asian community to local concerns such as in education, youth, employment and housing.

Kanta Pindoria

11

'Hotels on campus' as universities build up their image Universities are spending millions on new buildings as they compete to attract students - including campus hotels, an overseas student village and better bedrooms, says a survey.

Building firm Wates says 79% of them have construction plans costing more than £5m scheduled for next year.

Improved facilities for overseas and postgraduate students are planned by two-thirds of universities, it reports.

The shake-up in higher education funding means that universities face increasing competition with the financial viability of degree courses depending more than ever on their

ability to recruit students.

The lucrative overseas students market - where fees can be more than the £9,000 upper level for domestic students - appears to be a particular target.

Among the plans highlighted by Wates were one for an "international feeder college" and a purpose-built "overseas student village".

12

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Asians in Boroughs during forthcoming Olympics London 2012 Olympics is now less then14 weeks away, its a very historic achievement. Everybody in this country is looking towards it with tremendous excitement and involvement.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar is coming up with a special issue to focus our minds to this, once in a lifetime celebration. ! What is happening! ! How it affects us, those who live in the vicinity of the various events! ! What are our perceptions ! Have we been involved in the process so far These are some of the questions which our special issue will look at.

We would invite all our readers to respond to the following 20 questions at the earliest opportunity, latest by 30th April 2012 to Rupanjana Dutta, Associate Editor, Asian Voice by post at Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW or by fax at 020 7749 4081 or email at aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Your views are very important, please avail this opportunity and have your say!

Questions 1. Are you aware of the Olympic Dates?

2. Do you know how many tourists are expected in London during Olympics?

3. Have you got any clue, how many games are going to take place?

4. Do you know which 6 boroughs are hosting Olympics this time?

5. Do you know what is the percentage of Asian/ South-Asians in these boroughs?

6. Do many owners/ managers in Green Street and Brick lane know about Olympics?

7. Do they know how can it affect their businesses?

8. Do suppliers discuss the effects of Olympics with their business partners from these areas?

9. Do entrepreneurs have any information on business opportunities in their local areas in these boroughs?

10. Are you aware of any events and businesses connected with the London Olympics?

11. Do managers/ owners in businesses have any information on how to participate?

12. What can be perceived benefits, opportunities in short term, mid term, long term, any ideas?

13. Are you aware that population at large will affect from forthcoming Olympics?

14. Did local people knew about the job opportunities in the highlighted areas? Like construction, transport, hospitality, accommodation, media and information technology?

15. Have your needs in business been considered sensitively by the existing organisations responsible for London Olympics?

16. Have you received information from relevant agencies and institutions regarding the London Olympics?

How great traffic snarls may be during that time? Any information on security from pick pocketer's?

17. Do you think that the social and economic dynamics of the local communities, specially Asians have been considered by local authorities? Are you aware what informations you need and how soon from the authorities?

18. Will these 24 hour supermarket opening affect your businesses?

19. Do you have any advice to give to organisers of the London Olympics to ensure it would benefit local business community during Olympics?

20. Do you know the prices of property in East London has increased by 15% or at-least by £35,000 since London's winning bid was announced?

Help us improve our Asian Voice Delay in visas affecting British business T

hank you for the 40 years of support and for such a successful and enjoyable journey. It is our duty to know your requirement as our valuable reader or response to the content in various sections.

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emerging markets such as India complain of delays in entering the country. They say that it is now often easier to get into the US or to get a Schengen visa, covering most of the EU, than to get into Britain.

British diplomats

abroad are no longer allowed to give unofficial help for key people requiring visas, or to ask entry clearance officers to reconsider a refusal.

Applications are now made on paper rather than by interview.

Zed urges Hindus worldwide to wear “Om” with pride Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has called for Hindus worldwide to wear the “Om” symbol all the time with pride and joy.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, which looks after the social and religious concerns of Hindus worldwide besides undertaking other Hindu issues, in a statement asked Hinduism devotees to adopt the prac-

tice of wearing powerful and auspicious “Om” every day of their lives as a symbol of their belief.

Rajan Zed pointed out that it was important for Hindu identity, deepened the spiritual dimension in daily life and would help in preservation of our culture worldwide. It would exhibit that you were trying to live by your spiritual traditions.

Hinduism, oldest and

third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Smaller shops are exempt from the new rules of hiding cigarettes from views at the moment, but more than 6,800 larger supermarkets will have to remove all cigarettes from displays.

Retailers, though, have described the move as pointless red tape that will cost the industry £15.6 million but health groups

argue that prominent displays of cigarettes alongside chocolates and sweets makes smoking appear normal for the young, and that tobacco should be put “out of sight and out of mind”.

Vendors who refuse to cover cigarettes could face a prison sentence or a £5,000 fine. Corner shops have until April 2015 to

comply.

Though it is a funny instance to keep cigarettes out of sight to ensure its out of mind, government is ignoring the extra money its going to cost. And they must know by now that smoking is a habit. And no such habit can be changed with putting them away from sight.

Is out of sight out of mind?

Abdel Hakim Belhaj to sue Diego Garcia commission

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Trade, tourism and the arts are being harmed because British embassies are no longer allowed to speed up visas for key foreign visitors, diplomats say.

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A former terror suspect who claims he was tortured after being rendered to Libya in 2004 is suing the UK commission in charge of Diego Garcia.

Abdel Hakim Belhaj, pictured, alleges the aircraft taking him to Libya refuelled at the UK territory, and that its administration was complicit in his illegal rendition.

Mr Belhaj is already suing MI6 and the government. Successive governments have denied involvement in such renditions.

But the BBC understands Mr Belhaj's rendition had ministerial approval.

Mr Belhaj believes he was rendered from Bangkok to Libya by the CIA, and claims that during his more than four

years in a Libyan prison he was interrogated by agents from countries including Britain and United States.

He has since worked with Nato as one of the leaders of the forces that helped overthrow Col Muammar Gaddafi and is now a senior military commander in the new Libya.

A spokesman on Tuesday denied a report in the Daily Mail that Mr Belhaj had been offered money to try to persuade him to drop legal proceedings against UK officials.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Political Sketchbook

13

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to be performed in Hindi at the Globe

Alpesh Patel’s

The Role of Business in Society Hell on earth is only 1 meter forward and 100 meters down, when you are in Mumbai. When you are at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai. From my window, as I arrange meetings to close deals, beneath me I can see the characteristic blue plastic coverings which roof sheet iron walls that count as homes for the modern Mumbaite in 2012.

Somewhere in the middle of these grey, brown blue slums, if you drive for about an hour is an offshoot of a Mahindra laboratory – their Nano centre. It was here I met my first government deal in 2005. Like so many of the professors and scientists I would go on to meet, it was difficult to tell if this was X-files or Nobel Prize. Anand Mahindra certainly spoke highly of his ‘magician Professor’.

His technology would apparently make lighter paint for bridges and ships, less corrosive, more environmentally safe. In fact it was as if this scientist in discovering a cheaper and chemical not physical (up till now nano metals were created by brute force, not the delicate reaction of chemicals – apparently) way to produce nano-metals and nano-tubes had discovered a new periodic table of elements. He made these nano-metals not only cheaper, but of better quality than anything else anyone else was producing. Other applica-

tions included anti-viral paint for hospitals, anti-shrapnel paint for armoured vehicles, missile coating to achieve greater range and accuracy.

Over the coming months I spent hours finding the financiers in the UK, for a British set-up. The legals, the financials, the articles of association, shareholder terms, cashflows, P&Ls, forecasts and so much more that goes into being a dealmaker – not least being a diplomat, confidant, and priest. I asked of the Professor only one thing.

Since he was going to be incredibly rich, I wanted him to make sure he would use his future wealth for the care of some of the slum dwellers. (It would be remiss of me to point out that I’d never in all those long journeys to his laboratory seen a sad slum dweller – maybe I had not seen them at the point they looked into their children’s eyes to explain the lack of food or healthcare).

The deal did not work out for the financier – the Professor could not deliver a well packaged product. I received an email from him last week.

He has some 15 companies now. If he’s rich, I hope he’s overcome his packaging problem and hasn’t forgotten his promise to me to help the slumdwellers.

Alpesh B Patel www.PoliticalAnimal.me

Abu Hamza US extradition backed by European Court The European Court of Human Rights has backed the extradition of Abu Hamza and four other terror suspects from the UK to the US. The Strasbourg court held there would be no violation of human rights for those facing life and solitary confinement in a "supermax" prison.

Judges said they would consider further the case of another suspect because of mental health issues.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "very pleased" with the news.

"It's quite right that we

Abu Hamza

have a proper legal process, although sometimes you can be frustrated by how long things take," he added.

The court's decision is

one of its most important since 9/11 because it approves of human rights in US maximum security prisons, making it easier for the UK to send suspects to its closest ally.

There could still hypothetically be an appeal against the court's ruling in its final Grand Chamber - but in practice, very few cases are re-examined in that final forum.

The men have three months to try to persuade the Grand Chamber to reopen the entire case and examine it. If the men fail to launch an appeal, they will be extradited to the United States.

BAPS celebrates Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti and Rama Navmi The festivals of Swaminarayan Jayanti and Rama Navmi were celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion on Sunday 1 April 2012 at

Watch Telecast of Asian Voice Political & Public Life Awards 2012 on 14th & 15th April at Imagine Dil Se, Sky 831 from 6-7pm

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London. The traditional annakut – a grand variety of food to mark the auspicious occasion – was offered to the deities, and at 12 noon, the sadhus performed a special arti to commemorate the birth of Bhagwan Ramchandraji.

Worshippers were able to rock the cradle of Bhagwan Ramchandraji and were given the opportunity of offering abhishek to the sacred image of Shri Nilkanth Varni (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) in the evening.

In the later evening assembly, a unique pro-

duction enacting episodes from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan was performed. Children, youths and senior devotees all contributed to an enlightening experience through their performances.

A collection of devotional songs extolling the virtues of Bhagwan Swaminarayan were eloquently sung. The grand assembly culminated with the celebrations of the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan at precisely 10:10pm. The festival was also celebrated at various centres around the UK as well as in Europe.

Atul Kumar

Fresh from performing at the Hackney Empire, the Company Theatre from Mumbai returns to London (2 performances only) with a new interpretation of the Twelfth Night for the prestigious Globe to Globe festival at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Atul Kumar, their artistic director, is trained in the traditional Indian dance and martial art forms of Kathakali and Kalerippayattu, and is delighted to return to the UK with his vibrant version of this comic classic.

The Company Theatre is eighteen years old and has won the respect and admiration of the artistic community in India as well as in other parts of the world.

With 25 years of experience in the theatre as an actor and director, Atul Kumar is the Artistic Director of the company.

Atul, pictured (in red), has

performed more than 50 plays in different languages and forms in India and abroad. Apart from his theatrical career, Atul has worked in films, television series, and commercials. Twelfth Night will tour to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and beyond.

The Globe to Globe festival is part of the Cultural Olympiad 2012.

For the first time, 37 international companies present all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 37 different languages in an incredible, six week festival at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London. Other

Asian productions include The Tempest in Bangla (7 and 8 May), All’s Well That Ends Well in Gujarati (23 and 24 May), and The Taming of the Shrew in Urdu (25 and 26 May).

Twelfth Night is being performed on 27 and 28 April. Tickets for Globe to Globe start at just ￡5, and can be bought by phone on 020 7401 9919, or online at .

Special Offer for Asian Voice readers! Best available seats for ￡10 (saving ￡25). Quote ‘Asian Voice ￡10 best seats’ over the phone or enter code ‘PCD10BEST’ online.

!"#$%&'()*+),*&"*-).&#-*&/)01"22$3)4'-5$'/ +2)"'$6)7#+")&'8'*&1")#(+2)$9(:)6&25$'-8 At least 3-4 children in every class in the UK suffer from asthma, sickle cell disease or other lung problems, which cause considerable distress to them and their families. Treatment just based on symptoms is sometimes insufficient.

Breathing tests provide vital additional information which can help in improving the treatment. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, doctors need to know what to expect in healthy children before they can detect and treat children with lung problems. While we know the normal values for breathing tests in White children, there are no normal values for children from other ethnicities, such as South Asian and African children.

Scientists at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London (UCL) in London are conducting a study looking at Size and Lung function In Children (the SLIC study) to overcome the differences between children with breathing problems from different ethnic backgrounds. All children no matter what their ethnic background, with and without lung disease will be assessed so that comparisons can be made. The assessments are FUN and the children really enjoy the “breathing games” and the “lightbox experience” to create

their bodymap. These data will help doctors to offer appropriate treatment earlier.

Dr Sooky Lum, a senior research fellow, Portex Respiratory Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, comments: “Many respiratory diseases, including asthma, have their origins in early childhood and if we can detect and treat such diseases before permanent lung damage occurs we could promote lung health throughout life”.

Ms Karen Giles, Headteacher at Barham Primary School, Wembley comments “The school will be glad to help in this important and exciting study.”

The scientists will be at Barham Primary on the 16th and 17th April conducting the Science Workshops for children in Years 1, Years 3 and Years 5 and children will then be given recruitment packs to take home to their parents. If you wish to help in this important study please give your consent for your child to take part in this study. Only children with written parental consent will be able to participate. The school has also organised a parent’s meeting on 17th April, 5.30-6.30pm so that you can talk to the scientists to find out more about the study.

!"#$"%&'#(%"#)&*+$,,-

14

ART & CULTURE

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Kailash Kher and Kailasa make history Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa have made history by being one of a select handful of Indian artists to have been invited to perform at the prestigious BBC Maida Vale Studios in London.

The exclusive recording took place on April 3rd, 2012, one day prior to the start of their first ever UK tour organised by Saregama Events UK. Hosted by BBC Asian Network radio, the session saw Kailash and his talented band perform a selection of seven songs from their noteworthy repertoire, including their biggest album hits, ‘Teri Deewani’, ‘Allah Ke Bandey’ and ‘Saiyaan’, plus tracks from their latest album, Rangeele.

Kailash’s accomplishment sees him join the ranks of esteemed Indian artiste and master of percussion, Zakir Hussain, who first recorded at

Maida Vale in the mid 1970s.

Since then only a handful of British Asian artistes have been invited by the BBC to record, including vocalist Susheela Raman, jazz pianist Zoe Rahman along with musician and composers Nitin Sawhney and Talvin Singh.

Similarly, Kailasa now join a much admired list of world renowned bands, such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Coldplay, by being given the honour of recording at one of the UK’s oldest,

largest and most celebrated recording complexes.

Speaking after the exclusive recording, Kailash Kher said: “I am overwhelmed being in a place where top recording artistes like David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin have performed. I can feel their energy and am blessed.”

Built in 1909, Maida Vale Studios is now home of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and is used for both performances and recordings of classical music.

Londoners fall in love with Kailasa Rupanjana Dutta Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa mesmerised Londoners in Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday 8th April as they performed some of Kher’s famous and brilliant numbers, loved and adored by fans for years along with a few selected numbers from their new CD Rangeele.

I have seen most of the performances by Bollywood stars/singers who have visited London in the last 5 years. I have seen audience going absolutely crazy with Rahman’s music and Shreya Ghoshal’s sweet voice, but Kailash Kher’s 2hrs 30 mins performance is worthy of acclaim in many ways.

First he was not monotonous. He cutely spoke in between each performances (mostly in Hindi and some English) and what awed audience was his modesty! Kailash Kher now is an incredulously huge name in India. He is gifted with a Godly voice that harnesses charm and charisma

and is more than enigmatic, enthralling and emotionally arousing.

But when he spoke about his non-elite background, his broken English, Bollywood ‘gossip’ mania or about his amusement at some atypical Britishness, we never encountered even a slight any hint of ‘pride’ that glorious stardom always bags along.

He glued audience to his candid jokes while his music held people’s attention with overwhelming admiration.

Second, he was extremely energetic. He jumped, danced, interacted with audience,

involved his band mates in short solos/duetscompletely hypnotised the audience, which also had VVIPs such as Indian High Commissioner HE Dr Jaymini Bhagwati and his wife.

Last but least- he was punctual. Though he politely turned down audience requests but ensured to give them the best of his performances.

However, despite of a fascinating show, at times I felt that the accompanying music was a tad bit loud, sometimes even over-powering Kher’s voice. Fortunately due to its refinement the it still remained complimentary and not cacophonic.

A crisp, simple yet touching performancean example of Hindi music at its pinnacle, with no jargon, no extra performers, no unnecessary breaks- music delivered at its purest form by an extremely talented singer- Kailash Kher and his band members of Kailasa!

Photo courtesy: Saregama Events and Janio Edwards

Adnan Sami live in concert at the Wembley Stadium

By Naina Bhola After sold out concert in 2003, 2005 and 2008, Adnan Sami, the Musical genius is returning to the UK to create history again.

He will be performing at the Wembley Arena on 21st of April 2012 with musicians along with Harshdeep Kaur, the ‘Katya Karoon’ girl from the film ‘Rockstar’ and Harpreet Deol.

Adnan Sami, the concert pianist has phenomenal understanding of Western, Classical and

Semi-classical music, creating a range of music com-

positions which has kept keep his audience of all

Gurkhas welcomed to Harrow

Gurkhas in Harrow are settling in by getting their hands dirty in local allotments. Labour candidate for the London Assembly Navin Shah joined the local Gurkha community at their allotments in Roxeth to celebrate their arrival in Harrow.

The aim of the allotment is to bring the Gurkha community together, make them mentally fresh and physically fit by digging and planting.

Navin Shah said: “I am really pleased to see that the Gurkha community in Harrow have a space in Harrow where they can meet and work

towards growing something together.”

“I am really pleased to have been able to help the Gurkhas - one of the newest community settling in Harrow -and help them in securing the allotment plot in South Harrow. This has enabled the Gurkha community to meet and work together for growing vegetables.

The allotments will also serve as a social focus.

The allotment site is so popular that I’ve been asked to secure another plot for them” Moti Lal Thapa, leader of the Gurkha community in Harrow, said: “The peo-

ple involved in the Tarkari Bari are enjoying themselves. It has become a meeting place of old time friends whom have never met after they retired from the Army.

“We are also enjoying meeting with the multicultural community involved in the Roxeth allotment.

Children have started visiting the allotment and we hope more will join in in this Tarkari Bari project after another plot is secured.

“We all thank Mr Navin Shah and the Harrow Council and the staff for their wonderful support.”

On Sunday 22nd April 2012, The Phoenix will hold a free screening at 2pm of Anand Patwardhan’s multiaward-winning documentary Father, Son and Holy War. In this film from 1995, Patwardhan argues that in a politically polarised world, universal ideals are rare. In India, and as in many regions, the vacuum is filled by religious bigotry in which minorities become scapegoats for every perceived ill. He explores the possibility that the psychology of violence against “the other” may lie in male insecurity, itself an inevitable product of the very construction of “manhood.”

Patwardhan asks “Can notions of manhood be reversed? Was there a time on this planet before patriarchal violence became the norm? Memories of pre-history are born, not to determine the past, but

to imagine the future.”

The film is in two parts. The first part, “Trial

By Fire,” refers both to the mythological ordeal Hindu god-king Lord Rama tested his wife Sita’s fidelity with, as well as a modern day “Sati”, a rite by which 18 year old Roop Kanwar was thrown on her husband’s funeral pyre in 1987. But it also refers to the communal fires that have consumed India in recent years. In a Bombay alight with communal violence in the aftermath of the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, Patwardhan follows a small group of fire fighters; a Rajasthani woman who, against the odds, condemns Sati; a Muslim woman who battles gender discriminatory laws; and a band of Hindus and Muslims who march for communal harmony in the riot-torn streets of Bombay.

In part two, “Hero

Pharmacy,” Patwardhan examines “manhood” in the context of religious strife. The Hindu majority has been raised on stories of marauding Muslim invaders and today some Hindus demand revenge for crimes committed centuries ago. They reject non-violence as impotence and set out to be “real men.” In this context, the Muslim minority - despite fears of genocide - will not take things lying down.

They too are driven by the imperative to be “real men.” The result is carnage.

Curated by artist Tajender Sagoo, the screening will be followed by a discussion with panellists including Dr Kalpana Wilson and Professor Emeritus Gautam Appa, both from London School of Economics. For more information, visit http://www.phoenixcinema.co.uk/education/heritage/

Dr Kumarpal Desai is visiting UK on the invitation of Mahavir Foundation in the Pratishtha Mahotsava (Opening of a new Jain temple in Kenton Road).

He is a renowned author, journalist and a scholar who has written more than 100 books on various subjects and has received many awardsthe most important being

an award of Padmashree from the Government of India. He has also received awards like Jain Ratna, Jain Gaurav Award, Jain Vibhushan etc. He also writes five columns in different prestigious newspapers. His lectures on Guru Gautam attracted large crowds and was very well received.

ages captivated for years, and is ready to rock the stage with electrifying performance never seen before in the UK. He will be performing his all-time classical hits songs such as ‘Bheegi Bheegi raton mein’,’ Kabhi toh nazar milao’ , ‘Lift

Karadey’ to name a few .

He will also be paying tribute to legends like R D Burman, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, with a twist ... Adnan Style, a nostalgic segment of the concert.

For more information about the concert and

Father, Son and Holy War

future events, visit www.rockonmusicuk.com.

Tickets are available from Ticket Master, Chilli Tickets and Local agents or Call the Box Office on 0844 815 0815 to book your tickets and be part of this unforgettable concert. A show not to be missed.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Akshay back in action

Worli’s BDD Chawl was abuzz with fans at launch of new film Rowdy Rathore.

Akshay Kumar and Prabhu Deva were obviously making it clear that their upcoming biggie Rowdy Rathore aims to woo the masses when they chose to launch the film’s music and first look at a Mumbai chawl rather than a snazzy five-star hotel.

Worli’s BDD Chawl was abuzz with fan frenzy on Monday as Akshay sporting his distinct, mustachioed look in the film along with dark glasses took to the brightly-hued makeshift stage along with Sonakshi, who made a traditional style statement in printed kurti and dazzling orange lowers.

While the 500-strong crowd had turned out to catch a glimpse of Akshay who was at his jocular best and Sonakshi, who made for a pretty photo-op, but the show really came alive when director Prabhu Deva took to the stage to show off some of his trademark dance moves.

Prabhu returns as director in this Sanjay Leela Bhansali-produced

film for the first time since he made the Salman Khan blockbuster Wanted in 2009. If the dancing sensationturned-filmmaker shared a quick jig with Salman in the ‘Jalwa’ number in Wanted, Monday’s gala saw him shake a leg with Akshay and Sonakshi.

The crowd kept asking for an encore every time he stopped dancing, till Prabhu finally picked a hallmark dialogue from his film to make himself clear.

‘Don’t angry me!’ he told the fans in mock fury, just as Akshay says in the film.

The first look of the film, however, grossly reminded one of Wanted, revealing similar bone crushing, gravity defying action sequences that have been spectacularly shot using CGI effects. Akshay, however, was in no mood for comparisons. ‘I do not want to compare myself with anyone, he (Salman) is my friend and both of us do our respective work,’ the actor said. Rowdy Rathore is slated for release on June 1.

Directed by Prabhu Deva and co-starring

Sonakshi Sinha, Rowdy Rathore is Akshay Kumar’s return to action! It is rumored to be the remake of the Telegu super super hit film Vikramarkudu and from what we hear it is hardcore action with a dash or maybe a whole lot of masala thrown in.

About going back to his action roots Akki said recently, “Action is something with which I have started my career and it gave me the platform to become a star. I enjoy doing them and now for some time I will stick to this particular genre.”

And on his who say page he posted, “You guys wanted action, I’m going to give you Action Ka Baap, Rowdy Rathore! Your AK is BACK…not with a vengeance but with Rowdy For all my die hard Action fans, this is for you guys!”

Akki is happy being back on an action set and told PTI, “I am returning to action after six years.

The film has been visualized by the director in a manner which is reflected in the posters and the slogans. It’s a great feeling to be doing an action film again.”

Father says paralysed girl talks about walking every day

The girl paralysed in a South London gang shooting last year is determined that one day she will walk and dance again, her family said.

Thusha Kamaleswaran, now 6, was hit by a stray bullet in her uncle’s shop and lost the use of her legs. Last week three men were convicted over the attack.

Her father, Jeyakumar Ghanasekaram, 37, said she was exercising her leg muscles every day in the hope that she will learn to use them again. “She attempts to get up sometimes but she can’t and she hopes that she will one day get up and walk. She has told us this on a daily basis,” he said.

Thusha has not been told that doctors have said it is unlikely she will ever regain the use of her legs.

Thusha’s older brother Thushan, 13, described the moment he saw the bullet hit her. “Thusha raised her hands and fell down that’s what sticks in my mind,” he said. He added that he had missed “a lot of school” over the

15

If I am Part of You – How Can We Ever Be Apart ?

The words above of a lyric sung by a young man on a guitar on Mothering Sunday in Hayes at a gathering arranged by the Sant Nirankari Mission. It shares the depth of the essence of the faith he vocalised so eloquently at his unity with the creator, with God. The National English Samagam, or Spiritual Convention, celebrated a ‘Leap of Faith’ exchanging

views on how strong a part faith plays in man’s existence.

The host congregation invited the local community to share the day, openly embracing people of different faiths, charities, heads of many interfaith groups and local councillors. The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Mary O’Connor MBE, congratulated the clever thematic interlacing of the Leap

Year with the forthcoming Olympics and the spiritual rewards in developing and retaining faith in the Lord, or Nirankar God Formless who is eternal and caring, by sharing her own faith related experiences with the 700 gathering in her journey from Ireland to Hillingdon as a teenager, and in overcoming a personal family loss.

For more details visit: www.nirankari.org

Business Secretary to celebrate Vaisakhi The Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary – Dr Vince Cable MP – is due to deliver a Keynote Speech at Ernst & Young on Tuesday 10th April 2012 (as AV goes to print) to mark the Sikh festivities of Vaisakhi.

The theme of the launch evening is “How Sikhs contribute to prosperity in Britain” and prominent British Sikh

business leaders shared their insights into how the Sikh ethos is proving successful in difficult economic circumstances.

Dr Cable’s attendance comes as Ernst & Young host a special week-long programme of events to mark celebrations of the 313th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Brotherhood. (Detailed report next week)

Workers with criminal convictions can be denied jobs Migrants with criminal convictions will be able to get jobs denied to British workers under a new EUwide criminal records regime being adopted this month.

In Britain, even the most minor convictions for student pranks or breaches of the peace can come back to haunt job-

seekers years later if they apply for positions as teachers, policemen or other “sensitive” roles.

But migrants from EU countries applying for the same jobs will be given a clean bill of health, even if they have similar convictions, because other countries either wipe the slate clean or do not keep

records of low-level offences. The problem also applies to British workers trying to get jobs in other EU countries.

Justice campaigners have described the situation as “scandalous” and have asked MEPs and the Home Office to address the issue as a matter of urgency.

Bishop ignores secularism as a means of success and security Thusa Kamleswaran

past year as the family struggled to cope with their loss.

Thushan had been playing in the shop with Thusha and their fouryear-old sister, Thushaika, moments before the attack, and were yards away when it happened.

Mr Ghanasekaram said his main worry is that the gunmen might be released early and hurt somebody else.

“We strongly feel that the culprits should be brought to justice, should be punished,” he said. “We say that because what hap-

pened to our daughter it could happen to other children. Innocent people will get hurt. We shouldn’t encourage this.

“Tomorrow they may come out with a lesser sentence and start doing it all over again. That is why we strongly feel they should be punished accordingly.”

The family had fallen heavily into debt with the obligation to look after their daughter, he said, but an appeal for money (By Evening Standard) to help fund Thusha’s care and rehabilitation has so far raised 100,000.

Stripping Britain of its Christian foundations would leave the country vulnerable to “the most sinister of ideologies”, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury has warned.

However the Bishop does not realise that this country has other religions too and those minorities have contributed a lot to the peace keeping of the country.

Extremism of any sort has affected others too, and there are countries like India which is principally a Hindu country but has achieved so much of success through secular means. It is strange to see someone emphasising Christianity as an only way to success and security in a country like Britain.

The Rt Rev Mark

Rt Rev Mark Davies

Dr Rowan Williams

Davies used his Easter Homily to express anxiety at the consequences of undermining Britain’s religious heritage. He cited the recent history of Europe to voice fears extremism would fill the void if Christianity was weakened. In reality modernising was turning the clock back to before Christianity took hold.

Without a proper reli-

gious foundation, he argues Britain would be vulnerable to any passing ideology.

Meanwhile the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who retires at the end of the year to become Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, used his Easter sermon to remind Christians of the truth of the resurrection.

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Aishwaryaa miffed over Dhanush-Shruti closeness Everyone was eagerly looking forward to "3" that saw Rajnikant’s elder daughter, Aishwaryaa, debut as a director. With Dhanush and Shruti Haasan as the romantic lead, the expectations were high but the film opened to mixed reviews. The buzz in the industry is that Dhanush and Shruti's mind-blowing chemistry on-screen is as a result of their reported closeness off screen - which has now supposedly caused a rift in his marriage. And it looks like it was the promotions of 3 that split their relationship wide open. "Numerous instances in the public forum have lent credence to the fact that there are issues between the couple," says an industry source.

Gemini bags Mani Ratnam's 'Kadal'?

Rumour mills in Kollywood are working overtime that Gemini Film Circuit has bagged the theatrical rights of 'Kadal' for a whooping Rs 250 million and this came as quite a surprise as the film doesn't star any big celebs in the lead. 'Kadal' is helmed by Mani Ratnam and has music by A R Rahman. It stars Gautham Karthik and Samantha in the lead roles and is a love story based in coastal Tamil Nadu. It also has Arjun, Arvind Swamy and Lakshmi Manchu in pivotal roles.

Iniya opts out of Bharathiraja's film!

It was not just Ameer who will no more be a part of Bharathiraja's comeback film 'Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum', but actress Iniya also has opted out of it.

"Bharathiraja sir informed that he had decided to shoot portions involving me and Ameer as a separate film and hence, he could not accommodate me in Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum. So I am not worried about it," says she. After making a good debut in Sargunam's 'Vaagai Sooda Vaa', Iniya, who hails from Kerala, shared the screen space with Arulnidhi in 'Mounaguru'. Her performance in both the movies won her laurels.

Hot Garam masala Katrina Kaif wants to be part of ‘Dabangg 2’ After her spate of successful item numbers, Katrina Kaif, who was part of the original “Dabangg” movie, now wants to be part of the sequel too. While the shooting of “Dabangg 2” is in full progress currently, Katrina, according to sources, doesn't mind even a walk-on role in the sequel. But it's more than another 'item number' that she is egging for. She has managed to communicate to Salman her eagerness to be part of the “Dabangg” sequel. Well, we don't know in what capacity the actress will be seen in this one, but seen she will be, if sources are to be believed. But Salman’s girl is dying for a special appearance.

John is too 'big' for his sleeves John Abraham's bulging biceps force designer Aki Narula to make last-minute alterations in his outfit...This one’s bizarre but true! Last week, John Abraham had to do away with the sleeves of his outfit in a desperate attempt to fit into it - thanks to his big biceps. During a fashion event with the cast of his latest film, John was supposed to sport a sherwani, but much to the surprise of his designer Aki Narula, he couldn’t fit into the outfit. Said an eyewitness, “There was complete chaos when Aki realised that John’s arms wouldn’t fit into the kurta. So as a last minute solution, they cut off the sleeves!” It ultimately turned out to be a blessing in disguise for at least the ladies in the front row at the show, who couldn’t stop whistling when the actor walked down the ramp.

Priyanka beats Big B, Sachin Tendulkar A recent survey declared Priyanka Chopra as the topmost influential Indian in the social media circuit. With social media gaining prominence in present times, a company has compiled the list of the most influential names in the Indian domain. And no, it's not any of the Khans who top the list. Believe it or not, it's Priyanka Chopra who is at the number one position. Priyanka also has the highest number of followers on Twitter (22,28,363) which is more than the followers of Sachin Tendulkar.

Tusshar Kapoor’s moral dilemma!

Actor Tusshar Kapoor was recently caught up in a moral dilemma. On one hand, it was his religion and on the other hand it was his profession and work. The actor had to make a choice between the two. Tusshar celebrates Navratri at his place with his family and friends. During this time, devotees are not supposed to touch alcohol or eat any non-vegetarian food. Usually, Tusshar follows the tradition to the core, but for the first time, he faced a big problem.

His next film requires him to eat non-veg food during this period itself. Since he can’t consume non-veg foods, Tusshar was left to contemplate on whether to go ahead with the shoot or not.”

“Tusshar’s mother, producer Shobha Kapoor is very particular and strict about her kids following traditions and culture properly. So, Tusshar had to talk to his mom and take permission from her, in order to go back and start shooting,” informs the source. And luckily for him, his mom gave him the go ahead. “His mom asked him to do a special puja to ask for forgiveness before he could shoot the scene,” the source added.

Dia Mirza shares her bathroom secrets

Dia Mirza shares her bathroom secrets. Like most of us, Dia too puts on her thinking cap in her bathroom. The lady, who's got her hands full with shooting, production plans and endorsements, says her bathroom is where she head to after a hectic day. I have been super busy with a lot of things shaping up behind the camera. People, who say I am not getting work, have no idea how difficult it is for me to plan my dates!

I am working on a new film put together by my production house, shooting for a Bengali film, working on my brand endorsements, supporting causes I feel for and am also working on penning down a book. I hardly ever get time to take a long vacation to de-stress myself. The bathroom is my safe heaven. I love my bathroom. It's my favourite corner in the house and in the entire world. It is more than just a cleaning up room for me. It is the world's most quietest and uninterrupted space. Whenever I travel, I miss my bathroom the most.

It reflects the kind of person I am. I can spend hours in there. I've designed it such way that it feels extremely cosy and so restores my stressed out senses. I love reading in there in complete peace. It's the best way to shut out the world. I put on some instrumental music, change the lighting, light some scented candles and plonk myself in a chair to read. Another way of relaxing is to take a shower with some up beat music thumping in the background. It completely calms me down. It is another form of massage for me. I used to love soaking in the bathtub on weekends. It was my favourite ritual some time back. But since I became conscious about the environment, I got rid of it. I realised that I was wasting too much water by using the tub. And though I know I've done the sensible thing, I miss having it a lot. It was my weekend buddy. I have installed lots of lights and mirrors in the bathroom. I have a magnifying glass that helps me do my make-up efficiently without any professional help. So doing my make-up in there is sheer pleasure.

And then of course, it's my thinking and decision-making spot.

There is no to influence me or give me any advice. It's proved to be the best place to think and act.

It's good to work and be active, says KARISMA Actress Karisma Kapoor, who had taken a break from films after marriage, says it is good to work provided you set your priorities right.

"I have taken a lot of break in the middle, which I really enjoyed.

Taking care of kids and family was very important to me. That will always be my first priority," said Karisma who is returning to movies after nine years. "Now my daughter is older and she has started going to school, so I get time. If you work in moderation and prioritize, it's good to work and be active," the 37-year-old said.

Karisma quit showbiz after marrying Delhi-based businessman Sanjay Kapur in 2003. They have two children - daughter Samaira and son Kiaan. Now she is making a comeback with Vikram Bhatt's 3D film “Dangerous Ishq.”

Meanwhile, referring to younger sister Kareena's comment that their grandfather Raj Kapoor was biased towards her, Karisma said: "I think she means it in a nice way. I was the first grandchild and then I had my grandfather's eyes. I think there was a little gap and then Kareena, Ranbir and Riddhima came in quick succession. So, I was the special one for a while."

Karisma will be seen as a supermodel in “Dangerous Ishq,” which also features model-turnedactor Rajneesh Duggal in the male lead. It is slated for a May release.

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Boldness doesn't mean wearing a bikini: Paoli Dam Right from the time the poster of her film “Hate Story” released, to the time the promos have been on air, lead actress of the film Paoli Dam has been looked at with shock and awe among her peers and fans alike. Pushing the 'boldness' envelope in her film, Paoli says, "This movie's an erotic thriller and how can we stay true to the subject if we don't show bold sex scenes in film?

And once you see the film, you will realize that these scenes form an integral part of the film's plot. Moreover, I've always believed that boldness doesn't mean wearing a bikini! It’s much more than that.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Jaguar Land Rover to build new sports car in Britain Dear Financial Voice Reader, I am asked more often than anything else – if I can explain the credit crunch. How did we end up in this mess. Well, here is the best explanation I have ever received – and it came from a reader.

Mary is the proprietor of a bar in Dublin. She realizes that virtually all of her customers are unemployed alcoholics and, as such, can no longer afford to patronize her bar. To solve this problem, she comes up with a new marketing plan that allows her customers to drink now, but pay later. She keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers loans).

Word gets around about Mary’s "drink now, pay later" marketing strategy and, as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into Mary’s bar. Soon she has the largest sales volume of any bar in Dublin. By providing her customers freedom from immediate payment demands, Mary gets no resistance when, at regular intervals, she substantially increases her prices for wine and beer, the most consumed beverages.

Consequently, Mary’s gross sales volume increases massively. A young and dynamic vice-president at the local bank recognizes that these customer debts constitute valuable future assets and increases Mary’s borrowing limit. He sees no reason for any undue concern, since he has the debts of the unemployed alcoholics as collateral.

At the bank’s corporate headquarters, expert traders figure a way to make huge commissions, and transform these customer loans into DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS. These securities are then bundled and traded on international security markets. Naive investors don’t really understand that the securities being sold to them as AAA secured bonds are really the debts of unemployed alcoholics.

Nevertheless, the bond prices continuously climb, and the securities soon become the hottest-selling items for some of the nation’s leading brokerage houses. One day, even though the bond prices are still climbing, a risk manager at the original local bank decides that the time has come to demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Mary’s bar. He so informs Mary.

Mary then demands payment from her alcoholic patrons, but being unemployed alcoholics they cannot pay back their drinking debts. Since, Mary cannot fulfill her loan obligations she is forced into bankruptcy. The bar closes and the eleven employees lose their jobs.

Overnight, DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS drop in price by 90%.

The collapsed bond asset value destroys the banks liquidity and prevents it from issuing new loans, thus freezing credit and economic activity in the community.

The suppliers of Mary’s bar had granted her generous payment extensions and had invested their firms’ pension funds in the various BOND securities. They find they are now faced with having to write off her bad debt and with losing over 90% of the presumed value of the bonds. Her wine supplier also claims bankruptcy, closing the doors on a family business that had endured for three generations, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor, who immediately closes the local plant and lays off 150 workers.

Fortunately though, the bank, the brokerage houses and their respective executives are saved and bailed out by a multi-billion euro no-strings attached cash infusion from their cronies in Government. The funds required for this bailout are obtained by new taxes levied on employed, middle-class, non-drinkers who have never been in Mary’s bar.

Kim seeks India’s support for World Bank top job Jim Yong Kim, the US nominee for the World Bank president's post, made a round of the Indian Capital to garner support for his candidature. The South Korea-born Kim, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, however, did not get an assurance from the Indian government although the scale seem firmly tilted in the US nominee's favour.

"The discussion was mostly around India's expectations at this crucial

juncture when the world economy seems to be showing signs of revival," said a source privy to the discussions. Kim has received the backing of Japan and given the rift between the BRICS members and Europe's tacit agreement with the US, he is the front-runner in the three-pronged race. Others in the fray are Jose Antonio Ocampo, a Colombian national and a professor at Columbia University and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigerian finance minister.

Carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India's Tata Motors, said that it planned to build its new Jaguar F-Type sports car in Britain.

The two-seater convertible that is the longawaited successor to the iconic Jaguar E-Type will be built at JLR's Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham, central England, ahead of its sales launch in the middle of 2013.

JLR had revealed the

model's name earlier this week at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The F-Type will be based on the company's CX16 concept that had been revealed at last year's

Frankfurt auto show.

Production of the E-Type ended in 1975.

Jaguar's Vehicle Line Director Ian Hoban said in a statement: "The engineering development of the F-type has focused on delivering a heightened level of dynamic driving reward.

"We are excited about our progress to date and

are looking forward to soon being able to demonstrate what we have achieved."

Britain's Business Secretary Vince Cable added: "I am delighted that Jaguar's innovative new sports car will be made by the highly skilled workforce at Castle Bromwich ... This news is further evidence of the company's growth and strength of the brand which remains a key part of the UK's positive automotive story."

India challenges US Bombay Stock Exchange immigration rules at WTO head joins Tata group India has launched a complaint at the World Trade Organisation over the cost of US work visas, which it says are too high and discriminate against a group of Indian IT firms, in the latest sign of prickly trade ties between the two allies.

The complaint is at the level of WTO "consultations" between the two parties - the last step to resolve a disagreement before entering a fullfledged legal dispute.

"India is taking up consultations on this issue and hopes to solve it amicably," an official at the trade ministry said.

The official did not say when the complaint was taken to the WTO, but said Trade Minister Anand Sharma raised the visa issue with US Commerce Secretary John Bryson on a visit to India on March 26.

Last month, the United States began the same type of action at the WTO to open India's market for poultry meat and eggs, saying an Indian ban on US imports intended to stop the spread of bird flu was not based on sound science.

A US embassy spokesman had no imme-

diate comment.

Commercial ties between India and the United States flourished after India's economic liberalisation in 1991, but in recent years each side have accused the other of erecting unfair barriers to trade and investment growth.

India's economy has benefitted greatly from information technology firms doing offshore work for US companies, but such outsourcing has become an issue in the US presidential campaign, with President Barack Obama vowing to woo jobs home from overseas. India's complaint is about a US law from 2010 that almost doubled visa fees for skilled workers to $4,500 per applicant. The bill's sponsor, Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said at the time that the move was aimed at a small group of companies exploiting US law to import workers from abroad.

"I think the government of India is right that this is a barrier to trade," Vineet Nayyar, CEO of large Indian software services exporter Tech Mahindra, said.

The Tata Group’s incoming head, Cyrus Mistry, made his first major hire last week in the form of Madhu Kannan, head of the Bombay Stock Exchange.

For Tata, Kannan will bring emerging market expertise and, at 38, a relatively young perspective to the fusty halls of Bombay House as Mistry’s new right hand man. But Kannan leaves behind him a bourse that, while vastly improved from when he joined it in 2009, still has a long way to go to become the globallyintegrated – and relevant – stock exchange he envisioned and India needs.

Kannan was successful in clearing up the old boys’ club atmosphere that clouded Asia’s oldest exchange, ramping up its technological infrastructure and bringing in big global investors like George Soros.

He also successfully out-lobbied the bigger National Stock Exchange in getting regulators to approve smart order routing, a technology that allows investors to use computer algorithms to get the best possible price on a stock on either exchange. The higher-vol-

Madhu Kannan

ume NSE had been suspicious of the technology, which would make it possible for more volume to head to the BSE. But the BSE remains a distant second to the NSE and Kannan was unable, in his nearly three years, to convince regulators to allow domestic bourses to form strategic partnerships with foreign exchanges with anything more than a 5 per cent stake.

Such partnerships would have allowed the BSE to better integrate with global markets and bring in crucial global expertise and technology.

Traders said they hope whoever replaces Kannan would continue to push for reforms and to work to solve a problem Kannan could not – bringing up volumes at the BSE, where average daily turnover stood at 20.2 per cent of that of the NSE.

Bilimoria's Cobra beer snakes a growth trail in India Lord Karan Bilimoria is looking to grow his beer brand Cobra in India. "We have invested about $35 million in India and hope to make our venture in Bihar a major hub for beer sales in eastern India."

Cobra, which has its brewery at Bihta, about 40 km from Patna, may well give stiff competition to India's best-selling beer, Kingfisher, owned by Vijay Mallya. At present, the beer market is expanding at nearly 17 per cent annually.

It was worth Rs 257 billion last calendar year compared with nearly flat sales in mature markets such as the US and the UK. India has attracted some of the biggest international brands, including SabMiller, AnheuserBusch and Carlsberg, despite Indians drinking less than 2 litres of lager (per head) a year against 75 litres in the US and 35 litres in China. "Even in 2011, a difficult year, we

increased our global business both by value and volume … we sell to South America, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, Canada, US and Europe," the British peer said.

He said the "idea of starting my own beer came when I was still at Cambridge". As a student, Bilimoria was dissatisfied with the gassy and fizzy lager served to him. He was looking for an Indian beer, which was smoother than usual, and of international standards. "I started sourcing beer from Mysore Breweries and made sure it had all the refreshing qualities of a beer but was

smoother." A trained chartered accountant, Bilimoria founded Cobra in 1989.

Since then, the Cobra story has taken many twists and turns. The company was forced to enter prepack administration during the recession of 2008-09 when the European and US markets shrunk.

Eventually, Bilimoria entered into a ten-year joint venture with Molson Coors, a US-Canada giant.

Cobra decided to enter the Indian market and chose Bihar as its hub because it is centrally positioned to supply to Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The Bihar market has expanded 10 times in the last seven years to 70 lakh cases. In June last year, Molson Coors Cobra India, the joint venture between Molson Coors and Cobra, took over the brewery owned by Iceberg Industries Limited at Bihta.

"Thanks to the Nitish

Kumar-Sushil Modi administration in Bihar, the state is developing into an investor-friendly hub … we intend to double our capacity to 4 million cases," said Bilimoria.

Eyeing his success, rivals United Breweries and Carlsberg are believed to have drawn up plans to set up bases in the state.

Carlsberg is believed to be scouting for land in the Vaishali district, while UB is looking at Patna.

Bilimoria is now focusing on the production of barley in the state. Barley is an essential component for beer. "Barley can be grown next to the brewery itself … right now we get our ingredients from Haryana. But we believe we can encourage farmers to plant the right varieties which we would procure…

In beer, 75 per cent of raw materials is malted barley, it could well be a money spinner for agriculture in the state," he said.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

19

Money Never Sleeps - Part 2

Suresh Vagjiani Managing Director Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Following on from the article last week, we had an offer on Monday for a property we purchased on the previous Thursday. The property was a freehold building on Shirland Rd, Maida Vale W9. It consisted of six flats rented on terms ‘unknown’.

The offer was for £1.3m, our client had ‘purchased’ for £1.1m from the Allsops auction on the 29th March 2012.

The offer came in on the Monday after negotiations over the weekend. We gave the purchasers the next day to exchange. We took some time to get the papers to their Solicitors, the papers were sent about 3:30pm, so they requested more time to exchange as the papers were sent late. Our solicitor felt there was no reason why they should not have a little more time, but we decided not to allow this. The purchasers were frightened they would lose the deal if they didn't do it the same day, so they managed to exchange by 6.30pm on the same day, Tuesday.

We had put o nly 10% down fo r th is pro pe rty, which was £110k o n a pu rchase price o f £1.1m and the profit was £200k.

We had purchased the property blind meaning we didn't see it, we did not have sight of the full paper work, we took a punt. The purchasers were also buying blind though they had some history with the building. Our understanding is they are investors and they too are looking to resell their investment in the same way we did. It’s crazy to think the property will be sold twice in the space of a month and still the end buyer will make money on it.

This deal was done knowing there was a lack of paper work and going by evidence we got from someone who was in the know whom we had a relationship with prior to the deal. Where a deal is on the table and all the cards are known, it is rare it is a deal. Often it requires an angle or a vision from the purchaser which the others perhaps do not see. This property was on open auction, anyone was free to come and put their hand up and bid. So why didn’t they? We had plenty of interest in this property even if the current purchasers walked away we had been told there were other offers on the table. This is why we could put a strict time limit on the offer we had. It’s a strange thing with property, when the property has a buyer or has been exchanged, for some reason buyers come out of the wood work and all want the same property.

A charming studio apartment in this impressive stucco fronted John Nash building.

The property requires works and the angle is to refurbish and sell.

It!s a brilliant location and expected end value would be at around £430K. The refurbishment is expected to cost around £15k.

I have seen this time and time again with property.

This together with constantly farming for deals allows them to crop up.

It's interesting to note when someone really needs to exchange they can do so when push comes to shove. When purchases are done at auction they always manage to complete the legal work within 28 days, (ok, it does help that the legal pack has been made available).

On the other side we have known ransacking to go on for six months with each solicitor pushing paper back and forth raising silly enquiries sometimes outside of the remit bordering on simple nosiness.

Conversely we have done exchanges in a day. If the two solicitors are singing off the same hymn sheet great things can be done otherwise deals may get broken.

There was one deal which was in the pipeline for over six months.

It was a one bedroom flat which was converted into a two bedroom and then rented out for £550 per week. The property was purchased for £235k and was being resold for £285k. The solicitor started asking questions as to why this was so and what justifies the price rise and whether we had planning permission etc. Some of the questions were valid but others were intrusive and outside of his remit.

The underlying reason was probably because the seller was making more money from one deal than the solicitor does in the whole year!

Coming back to our current deal, it is likely to be resold again on to another investor shortly. We did let it go cheap, there was more meat on the bone. But on the other hand we have recycled the money out very quickly and now are poised to strike at something else.

Time and structure are also important. The above can be done on deals which have long completion times, and reassignable contracts.

This allows the investor to sell the contract on prior to completing on the property. The advantages are big, for one the recent increases in stamp duty will be irrelevant as you will not need to pay as it’s only payable on completion. Secondly,

Property Details: Lease: Leasehold 70 Years Service Charges: £4500 per year.

Floor: First Floor Plan: 350 Sq Ft (Gross Internal Area)

most i mportantly you ha ve onl y 10% at stake this means i f you sell at only 5% higher you ma ke 50% on your funds.

In any investment i t is w ise to prepare f or the worst cas e scenario and not the best, so funds must be all ocated to compl ete i f required. Structuring this way and reselli ng shoul d b e a cherry on the pie, but the pie must be a good one. Onl y then will others want to bi te it!

Somet ime s it can be on the o pen marke t for mon ths witho ut any movemen t and then when it has an offe r on it e ve ryone wants the same property, rather lik e a toy which n o c hil d wan ts to play with u ntil one of them decide s to pl ay wit h it, then th ey all wan t it !

The Real Deal 22 Park Crescent, London, W1B Purchase Price: £375,000

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

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

Tips of the Week ! Gone are the days when purchasing in the name of a company will get you around stamp duty. Purchasing in a personal name is now cheaper or use a stamp duty scheme. ! If you purchase a property as a home to live in, and then change your mind and decide to Let it, some lenders will convert to a BTL without changing the rate.

20

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Creating Better Communities Hiranandani Dharmesh Doshi Managing Director Hiranandani is the collective psyche of a vibrant India's energy, drive and vitality. It is the language of new passion, of affluence, of happiness that begins with an individual, and culminates into the wellbeing of an entire society.

The group has pioneered the global face of Mumbai with truly worldclass township at Powai and Thane.

It all began more than 25 years ago, when Mr. Niranjan & Mr. Surendra Hiranandani decided that real estate development offered the best outlet for them to express their entrepreneurial spirit. The work towards quality construction was an apparition fuelled by the fact that all over the world, quality in real estate was taken for granted. However, in India, even the reinforced concrete structures were neg-

lected and shoddy work was apparent all over the country.

Sons of renowned Mumbai-based ENT surgeon Dr L H Hiranandani decided to heal people not through medicines, but by constructing better homes for them.

Offering quality homes, enhancing lifestyles and bringing professionalism in the Industry is what the Hiranandani group has set out to do.

The Hiranandani Group has worked on real estate projects has created small and large real estate projects in the Residential, Industrial, Commercial and Retail Sectors. Later on, they have diversified into hospital, entertainment, retail, education.

Ever since its inception in 1978, the Group has honed its excellence and reiterated its commitment to the conception and development of worldclass products and services in every chosen business activity.

The group’s construction activities were launched in 1981. Their mega projects in Powai commenced in 1987 and in

Thane in 1996.

Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Hiranandani Estate, Thane & Hiranandani Meadows, Thane are township projects with a truly modern infrastructure of concrete roads, regular water supply, effective sewage, electric and high tech communication networks.

The Hiranandani vision of creating better communities by introducing an unprecedented scale of living is epitomized by the innate character of the organization.

In a world where rapid advancements in living conditions are matched only by superior technology, quality and immaculate planning, the Hiranandani Group has efficiently delivered benchmark projects by challenging even the most firmly held limitations.

Over the years, Hiranandani has grown into a valuable real estate company with a significant presence even beyond borders. It has many mantles to live up to; marking its presence through building world-class townships, introducing integrated

lifestyles, expanding expectations of its customers with various ventures and emerging as a symbol of premium quality, status and value.

The Hiranandani townships are acknowledged for their emphasis on humanizing the urban environment and striking an attractive balance between greenery and construction. Most builders in India handover completed projects to cooperative societies formed by buyers and/or tenants, but the Hiranandani Group always goes an extra mile.

Maintenance extends to cleaning of streets and drains, beautification, garbage disposal and organic waste composting and mosquito control and all important security services. The result is an experience which is truly rare in India – impeccably maintained infrastructure and buildings designed to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance costs, neat and well groomed landscaping, clean freshly swept garbage free streets, restaurants, food stalls, huge shopping malls and boutique shops, entertain-

ment and sports facilities to suit all pockets and tastes, excellent educational and medical facilities , door to door support services , ample car parking space, public and private transportation services at your doorstep, round the clock security and Hawker free zone.

In its endless pursuit towards creating better communities, September 2011 was a memorable month, during which Hiranandani added a new purpose to its existence in Thane. A 200+ bed multispecialty hospital that would cater to the emerging health care needs of ‘Thaneites.’

RODAS Enclave is a premium project which has been launched by the Hiranandani Group in Hiranandani Estate, Thane. There are in all 18 buildings which have been launched. RODAS Enclave is not just another attempt

by Hiranandani to give Thane with one more residential township. In fact, it is the harbinger of a new era of living and lifestyle in Thane. RODAS Enclave will give the concept of spacious living a formidable

shape and new dimension.

While all the towers would be built on podium garden, the apartments won’t just be smarter in looks but larger in size too.

The range of choice begins from 2 BHK to 5 BHK, all bigger by measure than the standard norm.

The outdoor amenities won’t be for everyone but for the people who are staying in RODAS Enclave. All the buildings have been designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor and landscape is designed by Peridian Singapore.

This New Year brings with it a new idea in high street retail destination “The Walk”.

The concept will be the first of its kind retail destination to enter India through the gates of Hiranandani Estate, Thane. The concept is of High street living with buildings comprising of 1 BHK apartments. This concept shall take care of lifestyle cum convenient retail in an elaborate manner.

For more information call 020 7100 2201

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

21

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

Spain Confronts Crisis Threat as Rajoy Seeks Deficit Cuts This time no conference press, no staging, no commentaries.

Spain government today has given up explanations and has announced new 10 billion ($13 billion) cuts as the government reiterated its pledge to reduce the deficit to 3 percent of gross domestic product next year. That includes plans to accelerate the sale of stakes in lenders under government administration, according to an e-mailed statement.

The Spanish Government reiterates its pledge to meet European Union demands. The program will establish a firm commitment to "reduce the public deficit to 3% of GDP in 2013", according to the statement. Furthermore, "it reaffirms the commitment to reduce the deficit of the autonomous communities to 1.5% of GDP in 2012". Spanish bond yields rose today, after surging the most since January last week amid investors’ concern that Rajoy’s government may join Greece, Ireland and Portugal in requesting an international rescue.

Spain’s premier spoke on April 4 of “extreme difficulty” as the country barely covered its minimum target at a debt auction.

David Cameron (UK Prime Minister) commenced his four day visit of Asia. The main talking point being addressed by David was to end trade restrictions on British companies to open the way for a free- trade agreement with the European Union.

Cameron said “Last year I pushed hard to get backing of fellow EU leaders for work to start scoping out the shape of such an EUJapan free-trade deal,” Cameron then expressed “I really hope we can open formal negotiations later this year. But in order to win the argument in the EU, Japan needs to demonstrate its readiness and commitment to non-tariff barriers.” If this visit reaches an agreement on lifting restrictions this could create massive import and export opportunities with all countries involved to benefit as a result.

The manufacturing sector in the UK saw a boost as car giant Nissan to produce new hatchback in Sunderland. This will create approximately 225 jobs in

the factory and a further 900 in the supply chain by 2014. As seen in the news recently as UK’s PM David Cameron visits Japan and whilst he visited Nissans headquarters in Yokahama he stated "Nissan's

investment in the UK is a huge vote of confidence in the skills and flexibility of the UK workforce."

Confidence in UK housing market as interest in new buyers increased in March. Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) highlighted in March 9 & more surveyors reported a rise in inquiries from potential buyers compared to those reporting a fall. RICS believe that the

warm spells we saw over the last month have contributed to the increased interest.

In the US there were concerns surrounding the economy, which has sent European shares down nearly 1%. This comes as fears from investors from outlook on jobs data reported lower figures than previously anticipated.

German government bond yields hit their lowest level since September on Tuesday. The cost of insuring Italian and Spanish debt and their bond yields also climbed higher, in another sign of risk aversion.

The concerns about the world's largest economy overshadowed positive trade numbers from Germany and China, with both nations enjoying strong export growth even though Chinese import figures took away some of the credit away from the data.

Trading will commence sharply today as the UK awakens after a short Easter break.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 10th April 2012 @ 3.30pm GBP - INR = 81.47 USD - INR = 51.33 EUR - INR = 67.36 GBP - USD = 1.59 GBP - EUR = 1.21 EUR - USD = 1.31 GBP - AED = 5.82 GBP - CAD = 1.58 GBP - NZD = 1.94 GBP - AUD = 1.54 GBP - ZAR = 12.70 GBP - HUF = 359.95

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

22

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

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

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

Change, change change The Government have announced further changes to Tier 2 (General) which will affect applications made after 14th June 2012.

There is no change to Intra company transfers.

A summary of the changes is as follows: Removal of some occupations from the Codes of Practice In brief certain professionals will no longer qualify. The list includes: Office Managers, Healthcare Practice Managers, Event Managers, Customer care Managers and Residential and daycare managers.

Chefs are still on the Shortage Occupation List but the Migration Advisory Committee has been asked to review this list later this year. If they recommend any changes these will then be considered by the Government and further changes could follow.

Relaxation of labour market test for high earners and PhD level jobs • Those paid over £70 K and PhD level occupations will no longer need to advertise in Jobcentreplus

although they will still need to advertise elsewhere. Those earning over £150000 are completely exempt from the advertising requirements.

• For PhD level jobs the best rather than the most suitable applicants can be selected • Any advertising carried out will be valid for 12 months rather than 6 ( as is the case now and remains the case for all other applicants) Domestic Violence protection to be permanent The UK Border Agency has introduced a new policy “Domestic violence protection for migrants” that came into force on 1 April 2012, and replaces a pilot that was very successful.

This policy will support victims of domestic violence by helping them with public funds whilst they pursue an application to remain in the UK. You would need to download a notification form from the UKBA website (DDV )and email or post it. If successful you will be granted 3 months with full access to benefits and must make an application before the end

of your leave for permanent settlement on the basis of domestic violence.

This route is only available to those who have come to the UK as spouse or partner of a British citizen or of someone settled in the UK. Home Office Forms There have been a number of problems about Home Office forms being returned because of payment problems such as there were insufficient funds even though clients are sure that their banks were not contacted that they had sufficient funds at the time. Now finally a case has determined that where a form is returned for this reason, the UKBA must be in a position to prove that the payment could not be collected. At last common sense has prevailed.

Maria Fernandes has been in practice exclusively in immigration for the past 25 years.

Fernandes Vaz is based at 87 Wembley Hill Road Wembley in Wembley and can be contacted by telephone on 02087330123, by email on info@fernandesvaz.com.

Every Single Day

Irrespective of your views on the war in Afghanistan, whether you think that British troops should be there or not, no one can question the bravery of the men and women who put their lives at risk on the front line. I have watched countless documentaries and it strikes me that every single soldier who has been interviewed has been very clear on their mission and what their role is in achieving that mission. And when questioned about the danger they face and the risks involved, they all say that despite the risks, they are simply doing their job. It is with this determination and courage that they step out to face the enemy, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice every single day.

Back home in Blighty, every single day we read stories about some Union or other is threatening industrial action because some of their members are not happy about some aspect of their job or benefits. I am not against employees standing up against exploitation but

seriously, when I hear about transport staff complaining that they are not getting a fair bonus for working during the Olympics I do think some of them should be sent to Afghanistan and experience the real difficult working conditions.

Whatever happened to doing your job properly and to the best of your ability, not for some bonus, but because it is your job? Why do people no longer have pride in what they do? How many people go to work, do what they have to do and then go home without actually thinking about what they are doing or how they could do it better? And while some may argue that they are not paid enough or that there is no point in working hard just to fill someone else’s pockets, surely on some level they themselves are losing out? There is a lot to be said for job satisfaction and the sense of worth it can give you.

Having said all of this, it would be too easy to suggest that some people are just lazy or that the

India likely to dilute retail norms Qatar’s emir to buy Sardinia's Costa Smeralda Within twosourcing months of

The investment arm of the Qatari royal family is to buy Smeralda Holding, a company which owns four five-star hotels, the Pevero Golf Club, ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world, and a marina with 700 yacht berths, Italian press reports.

The assets are currently owned by Tom Barrack, an American property magnate, whose Colony Capital fund bought them in 2003 for a reported £242 million.

The sale has not been officially confirmed, and a spokesman for Qatar Holding in London declined to comment.

However the deal is said to involve recapitalisation which would pay off Smeralda Holding’s reported !200m of debt, as well as plans for new investment.

The 35 mile-long Emerald Coast – or Costa Smeralda in Italian – was an undeveloped stretch of rocky coves backed by scrubby sheep pasture

when it caught the eye of the Aga Khan, the head of the world's 15million Ismaili Muslims, in the late 1950s while sailing his yacht. He set about building a series of self-contained luxury resorts including the ‘capital’ of the region, Porto Cervo.

It boasts a glittering marina and expensive boutiques, bars and restaurants which attract Hollywood stars, Russian oligarchs, supermodels, playboys and wealthy yachties.

The region attracted publicity of a rather less welcome kind in recent years when it was alleged that Mr Berlusconi invited

starlets and models to “bunga bunga” sex parties in his multi-million pound Villa Certosa estate.

The coast also hit the headlines in 2004 when a bandanna-wearing Mr Berlusconi, who was recovering from a hair transplant, brought Tony and Cherie Blair for a stroll around Porto Cervo during a long weekend spent at his villa.

Qatar has been on a buying spree recently, raising its profile with the highly publicised purchase of Paris Saint-Germain, the football team, and a stake in the French luxury goods group LVMH.

allowing international players to set up whollyowned ‘single-brand’ retail stores, the government of India is planning to dilute the norms on sourcing from small, village and cottage industries, bowing to pressure from global brands such as IKEA, Nike and Apple.

Top government sources said the commerce & industry ministry has received feedback from these companies that they are unlikely to invest in India until the sourcing norms are simplified.

Under the single-brand route, companies can open their own stores provided they sell products under their own brand name.

During recent discussions, consultants for Nike told officials the sports goods and apparel major wanted to source from Indian firms, but needed to invest in these entities to upgrade technology and scale up capacity. But this

would breach the small scale cap of $1 million investment in plant and machinery.

Govt wary as rating agencies begin review: The government may be putting up a brave face on the fiscal situation, but is wary of adverse comments from rating agencies that kick off a review of the Indian economy.

The sovereign ratings team from Standard & Poor’s is slated to hold consultations with finance ministry officials, led by economic affairs secretary R Gopalan, and the fiscal health is something that is expected to top the agenda.

By Amit Patel

only thing they do well is cause trouble (I must give a special mention to Bob Crow). Leaders too, have a role to play. In the armed forces, the troops respect and follow their leaders because they know that they themselves have stood on the front line and faced the enemy. It is one thing to ask others to sacrifice through speeches, and another to inspire sacrifice through one’s own sacrifice. The same can be said for commitment, dedication and courage. To be an effective leader, one must demonstrate the very virtues you seek from your staff. Not just in a quarterly communication or annual meeting, but every single day.

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

Yahoo plans to lay off 2000 staff Yahoo Inc will lay off 2,000 people, or 15% of its workforce, in its deepest round of job cuts in years as new CEO Scott Thompson tries to drive innovation within a leaner, more agile company while saving hundreds of millions of dollars.

Wall Street was again dubious that the move would drive growth, which flagged under two previous CEOs who failed to find an answer to the likes of Google and Facebook, even as Thompson said he was intensifying company's focus on its core businesses. "Today's actions are an important next step toward a bold, new Yahoo - smaller, nimbler, more profitable and better equipped to innovate as fast as our customers and our industry require," Thompson said.

"Our goal is to get back to our core purpose - putting our users and advertisers first - and we are moving aggressively to achieve that goal," said Thompson, who took the helm of the company in January.

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WORLD 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

In Focus Chef Sanjeev Kapoor takes tour of White House kitchen

Washington: India's celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor was given a rare insight into the historic kitchen of the White House, which prepares the food for US President Barack Obama, his family and the large number of guests invited to the resident of the first family. Kapoor was not only given the tour of the historic kitchen, but also had an intensive discussion with the team of White House chefs led by its executive chef, William 'Bill' Yosses, for several hours recently. He was accompanied by K N Vinod, an eminent IndianAmerican chef from Washington who runs three popular Indian restaurants in the nation's capital.

Chinese boy sells kidney to buy iPhone, iPad

Beijing: A teenage high-school student in China sold his kidney for an illicit transplant operation and used the proceeds to buy an Apple iPhone and iPad. The 17-year-old boy, who was paid 22,000 yuan ($3,500), was recruited from an online chatroom and is now suffering from kidney failure and in deteriorating health. A surgeon and four others have been arrested and are facing charges of illegal organ trading and intentional injury. The kidney donor, only identified by his surname Wang, agreed to the April 2011 operation in the central province of Hunan without his parents consent.

UK families lose £500 as new tax year starts

London: UK families with children will lose an average of £511 a year under tax and benefit changes that came into effect with the start of the new financial year. An analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) of austerity measures announced by George Osborne in the Budget last month underlines the scale of the squeeze faced by middle-income families. It also reveals that despite the row over the so-called granny tax, pensioners will suffer least as a result of the coalition’s policies. More than 850,000 families on modest and middle incomes will lose all their child tax credit, which is worth about £545 a year. The average income for families with children is £38,000. Up to 212,000 working couples with children earning less than £17,000, a year will lose all of their working tax credit, which is worth up to £3,870 a year, if they cannot increase their working hours.

Families will be hit by a net loss despite the increase in the personal allowance, which is included in the figures.

Suu Kyi to make parliament debut on April 23

Yangon: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been invited to make her debut in parliament in two weeks, her party said, following a historic landslide victory for her and other party members in by-elections.

Party spokesman Nyan Win said Suu Kyi and 36 other National League for Democracy (NLD) candidates who won parliament seats had been asked to go to the capital, Naypyitaw, for the resumption of the house session, which initially was not expected to include the newly elected members. Suu Kyi’s appearance in Myanmar's parliament will mark one of the biggest leaps forward for a country that was ruled by iron-fisted generals for five decades until a year ago.

Two Indians selected as Yale 2012 World Fellows

Washington: Two Indians are among 16 people selected by the prestigious Yale University in 2012 as its World Fellows, bringing the total number of fellows from India to 11 since the programme started in 2002. "Two of the 16 Yale World Fellows for the year 2012 are from India," the university said in a statement. Ayush Chauhan, cofounder and managing director, Quicksand and Ruchi Yadav, senior programme officer, The Hunger Project, are the two 2012 Yale World Fellows.

Keep off South China Sea, India warned Beijing: India will pay a heavy price for exploring oil in the disputed areas of South China Sea, said a leading Chinese official a day after China lost political round on the issue at the Asean summit that ended in Cambodia recently.

"China will not stand any joint cooperation in our claimed maritime areas," said Wu Shicun, president of the government-run National Institute of South China. Wu was referring to joint exploration project by ONGCVidesh and a Vietnamese oil company in South China Sea. Beijing had lobbied hard

to block discussion on the South China Sea dispute at the Asean summit but it failed to keep the dispute out of the agenda. Three Asean members - Vietnam, Malaysia and Philippines - are in a bitter dispute over the ownership of the 52 islands in South China Sea. "There are a lot of economic and political risks" for the Indian oil company, Wu said. The Indian company involved in exploring oil in the disputed area should do a proper cost benefit analysis, he said. About 40% of the area in the two offshore blocks under exploration by

India falls in the disputed zone, he said.

Wu, who advises the Chinese government on the South China Sea dispute, said India and Japan should "play a positive role in pushing for settlement" of the problem. The Chinese government will not dilute its claims over the disputed islands because "nationalism prevails strongly in China," he said.

China directly controls only seven of the 52 islands in the Spratly Islands area of the sea. But it claims ownership of 90% of the area.

Vietnam has control over 40

of the islands, Philippines controls nine, Malaysia has five and Taiwan control one island.

South China Sea belongs to world: India Bangalore: Countering China’s objections to its oil exploration projects in the South China Sea, India on Friday said the region must be freed from any “national interference.” “India maintains that the South China Sea is the property of the world. I think those tradeways must be free from any national interference,” India’s external affairs minister S M Krishna said.

Emergency declared as tornadoes hit Texas Texas: The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of two "large and extremely dangerous" tornadoes wreaking havoc across Dallas County and the Fort Worth area even as other twisters threatened to touch. There were no immediate reports of injuries but television footage showed tractor trailers being picked up by the storm and tossed hundreds of metres, bringing down power lines and lighting up the sky with electric sparks.

Large swathes of the area south of Dallas suffered major damage, including the suburb of Lancaster where the contents of houses was sucked into the street by the winds.

All flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

were grounded and passengers moved into stairwells to shield them from breaking glass in the windows. "Two tornadoes are currently affect-

9/11 Pakistani mastermind, 4 others sent for trial Washington: The United States has formally sent to trial Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, alleged Pakistani mastermind of 9/11 terror attacks, along with four other suspected al Qaeda militants involved in its planning.

They could face the death penalty if found guilty. The five Guantanamo Bay inmates will be tried by a military commission on charges, including terrorism, hijacking, conspiracy, murder and destruction of property, the Pentagon said.

Mohammed and the four others Waleed bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali and Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi - could face the death penalty if found guilty, Pentagon said.

The five, who are expected to be tried together, are charged with planning and executing the terror attacks of Sept 11, 2001, which saw hijacked planes strike twin towers of World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

The five suspects are to hear their charges read out before a military court within 30 days, and are expected to be asked to enter a plea. The decision to refer the charges to a military commission comes after a lengthy legal wrangle over where the five men would face justice. In 2009 the Obama administration tried to move their trial into US civilian courts, but reversed its decision in April 2011 after widespread opposition.

Mohammed, according to Pentagon has admitted he was responsible "from A to Z" for the 9/11 attacks. He was captured in Pakistan in March 2003 and has been detained at Guantanamo Bay since 2006.

ing the DFW metroplex. Take cover now!" the NWS warned in an online statement. Fears were growing for families in mobile homes which are like-

ly to be torn from their moorings by the strong winds. Cars and houses were pounded by chunks of hail larger than golf balls while there were unconfirmed reports of gas lines rupturing from the force of the storm.

The US tornado season has started early this year.

Tornadoes have been blamed for 57 deaths so far in 2012 in the Midwest and South, raising concerns that this year would be a repeat of 2011, the deadliest year in nearly a century for the unpredictable storms.

In 2011, there were 550 tornado deaths with 316 lives lost on April 27 in five southern states, and a massive tornado that killed 161 people in Joplin, Missouri on May 22.

24

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH-SRI LANKA

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Pakistan seeks more proof to try Hafiz Saeed In Focus Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has acknowledged that the case of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed was an "issue" between Pakistan and India but said Islamabad needs "substantial" evidence against him to try him in a court of law. "We are serious on the issue of Saeed but the question is how to proceed against him without evidence. Courts here are independent and we need substantial evidence against

him", Gilani said while interacting with a group of

Imran Khan trains guns on Zardari, Bilwal

reporters at his residence in Lahore.

Gilani further said it had been agreed that the interior and home secretaries of the two countries would discuss the issue when they meet on April 16. He said that former premier Nawaz Sharif too had asked him about the government's stance on the issue of Saeed. Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been in focus after the US offered a $10 million bounty for him last week.

Responding to a question about groups like JuD fanning extremism in Pakistan, Gilani said: "I have ordered action against all proscribed organizations".

He said there should be peace between India and Pakistan and it was in interest of both countries as well as the region.

"Manmohan Singh and I are committed to bringing stability to the region. We will take every possible step towards peace," he said.

China links Pakistan to Uighur terror Beijing: China, for the first time, named six Xinjiangbased terrorists with close links to terror groups in Pakistan. Beijing has also signaled its dissatisfaction over the Pakistan government's reluctance to curb militancy along the Chinese border. In a statement China's ministry of public security said it "hoped that foreign governments and their law enforcing departments would help to arrest the six and hand them over to Chinese authorities."

It did not name Pakistan but said it was a South Asian country. China, which has tried to defend Islamabad on 26/11 attack, is likely to remain silent now. The Chinese ministry said it has frozen the assets of six terrorists of the East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), including Nurmemet Memetmin, Abdulkyum Kurban, Paruh Tursun, Tursunjan Ebibla, Nurmemet Raxit and Mamat Imin Nurmamat. Memetmin (47) was one of the founders of the ETIM in 1997.

This is the first time the public security ministry openly overruled the foreign affairs ministry's stand that it "appreciates Pakistan's efforts

in the war against terrorism."

The drift of China's statement is very clear: the terrorists are hiding in Pakistan and Pakistani leaders must now prove their worth as "allweather friends" by nabbing them.

Top Chinese leaders seem to have decided that internal security is more important than diplomacy. The ministry of public security said that the six terrorists played a key role in the organization of terror outfits, planning and execution of "terrorist acts against Chinese targets within and outside the country."

The ETIM is the "most direct and real safety threat that China faces," the ministry said. The statement clearly endorsed the views of Xinjiang governor Nur Bekri, who last month said that there were thousands of links between ETIM terrorists and terror groups in Pakistan.

Similar statements have come from other Xinjiang officials in the past two years.

The Chinese ministry for public security said Memetmin "set up a terrorist training camp in a south Asian country in 1997 and acted as a military instructor there."

Islamabad: The sudden visit of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and his son Bilawal to India has invited ire from their political opponents in Pakistan with cricketerturned- politician Imran Khan questioning the timing of the tour, when the country was faced with a tragedy of the 135 soldiers missing in avalanche in Siachen glacier.

Hoping to ride to political power in Pakistan on the gathering anti-establishment fervour, Imran Khan trained his guns particularly on ruling PPP's emerging leader Bilawal Bhutto, alleging that the 23year-old leader had no pulse of the people of the country.

Taking a dig at Bilawal, who is considered a rising political star of the Bhutto family, Imran said, people "will not forgive leaders who have no respect for the nation and its institutions." He

charged that Zardari and his son did not know "how to stand by state".

"Bilawal has no knowledge of the difficulties faced by the people of Pakistan and cannot even speak proper Urdu."

In an apparent attack on the family roots of such leaders, Khan said, his party would elect its leadership from ordinary citizens instead of rewarding people simply because they were members of families that had enjoyed power for long.

In this regard, he named the Bhutto family that has led the PPP and the Sharifs, who lead the main opposition PML-N. Some media commentators questioned Zardari's decision to go ahead with his private visit to India a day after an avalanche hit a battalion headquarters of the Pakistan Army in the Siachen sector.

Pak searches for 135 soldiers buried in snow after avalanche

Lanka brands Kudankulam N-plant a threat, to take up matter with IAEA

Islamabad: Racing against time, Pakistani troops, aided by sniffer dogs and mechanical equipment, frantically searched for 135 people, mostly soldiers, buried under dozens of feet of snow after a massive avalanche slammed into a key army camp in the Siachen sector near Indian border. Rescuers resumed the desperate search after suspending the operation late because of darkness and poor weather, though there were no signs of survivors a day after the avalanche hit the camp. Military officials said there was no information of survivors as army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani flew to Skardu to review the rescue operation. The avalanche hit a battalion headquarters at Gyari in Siachen sector, burying 124 security personnel and 11 civilians under up to 80 feet of snow.

New Delhi: In what is seen as an apparent retaliation for India’s vote against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka’s energy minister has said they were threatened by the Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu, in case of a Fukushima-like disaster.

Champika Ranawaka, Lanka energy minister, reportedly said in Colombo that Sri Lanka would refer the matter to the IAEA at a meeting in September. The Lankan statement comes as the Kudankulam nuclear plant is finally ready after being bedeviled by protests for the better part of a year.

Indian officials said Sri Lanka cannot go to the IAEA with this matter as there is no convention that covers such issues. At best, Sri Lanka can make a political statement at the IAEA general conference.

The IAEA would, as it already has, refer Lanka to India asking Colombo to work out an agreement with New Delhi. The minister even said, “We have sent a proposal to India through the external affairs ministry and the Indians have sent back a note on the matter.”

Officials in New Delhi said the Lankans have not yet had any technical study done to back up their claims of suffering damage. Ranawaka was quoted as saying that the north Lankan town of Mannar would be threatened

in the event of an accident in Tamil Nadu, as it is merely 20 km from the Indian mainland.

The Indian government and its atomic energy department, sources said, have agreed to have a public discussion with Sri Lanka on all the safety aspects of the nuclear power plants in south India. They said India wanted to allay any Lankan fears on the matter.

The department of atomic energy is expected to answer all queries by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority, officials said.

However, officials said there isn’t any international agreement between nations on the matter of a nuclear accident. The closest would be the IAEA’s convention on supplementary compensation (CSC). India has signed this agreement on liability, though has not yet ratified it.

Gandhi's statue vandalised in Sri Lankan town Colombo: Several statues of eminent personalities, including that of Mahatma Gandhi , were vandalised in the eastern town of Batticaloa, prompting the Sri Lankan police to launch a probe into the incident. The statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Baden Powell , and two other Tamil scholars had been found damaged, police said. "It is a case of vandalism and we have deployed a police team to carry out investigations", a police spokesman said.

Pak court adjourns plea hearing against Musharraf Lahore: A Pakistani court has adjourned till April 20 the hearing of a petition seeking direction to authorities to register a case of high treason against former president Pervez Musharraf for violating the Constitution. A three-judge bench of the Lahore high court was hearing the petition filed by lawyer Ilamuddin Ghazi. Earlier, deputy attorney general Aazar Latif appeared before the bench and sought time to file the government's reply in the matter.

The bench expressed its annoyance at the government's failure to submit a reply and adjourned the case while directing Latif to file a response before the next date of hearing. Ghazi had levelled 15 allegations against the 68-year-old former military ruler, including the claim that he dissolved an elected parliament without "any cogent reason just to save his own skin".

Pakistani executed for drug trafficking Riyadh: A Pakistani national has been executed in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of drug trafficking. Salim Shah Sayed Shah was decapitated, according to state news agency Spa, citing the Ministry of Interior. He was found guilty of “transporting a large quantity of heroin into the Kingdom,” the ministry said in a statement. In the past four months, 681 people have been arrested in Saudi Arabia on suspicion of drug trafficking.

US signs deal with Afghanistan on night raids Kabul: The Afghan government and the US say they have reached a deal governing controversial night raids by US forces resolving an issue that had long seemed intractable and which had threatened to derail a larger pact governing US forces in the country for decades to come. The memorandum of understanding on "Afghanization of special operations on Afghan soil" was signed on Sunday by Kabul's defence minister Gen Abdul Rahim Wardak and the commander of US forces, Gen John Allen, the Afghan foreign ministry said.

Pak man arrested for blasphemy

Lahore: A Shia man in Pakistan's Punjab province has been arrested under the controversial blasphemy law for using foul language against three Caliphs or companions of Prophet Mohammed. Iftikhar Ali was arrested in Okara district, about 100 km from Lahore. He could face life imprisonment if the charges against him are proved.

"Ali was arrested for using foul language against the three Caliphs of Islam," said a senior police official of the district. Ali had been booked following a complaint from a local resident, he said. The arrested man denied the charges.

Pakistan temple panel chief abducted in Balochistan Islamabad: The chairman of the committee that manages the famous Hinglaj Mata temple in Balochistan province of southwest Pakistan has been kidnapped just two days before the beginning of the shrine's annual pilgrimage, according to a media report on Monday. His followers organized a protest outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday and demanded that the government take steps for his recovery. "Motiyani's kidnapping appears to be a conspiracy against Hindus since he was kidnapped two days before the gathering,”Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, patron of Pakistan Hindu Council said.

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

Narendra Modi urges youth to join Icreate centre

AV Correspondent

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has urged talented youth from different disciplines to join the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology’ (Icreate) Incubation Centre to realize their dreams and give form to their ideas.

Speaking at a function to mark the groundbreaking ceremony of the novel project, he said it was to nurture and develop the boundless creativity and entrepreneurship of the youth.

Infosys chairmanemeritus N R Narayana Murthy is the chairman of the advisory board of

Bachchan ill again, may undergo CT-scan T w o months after his s u r g e r y, mega-star Amitabh Bachchan is again ill and suffering from "excruciating pain" since past couple of days.

He is likely to undergo a CT-scan at the Seven Hill Hospital where he had been operated almost two months ago. "Last night...I rose from my desk to get to bed, but excruciating pain, topped me in my tracks and I found it difficult to walk, to stand, to sit, to lie down. Quite horrendous!" he said in a late night blog entry. While a pain killer managed to save the day, Bachchan attempted to bear with the discomfort for as long as he could. He admitted that the pain was not there post-operation and he was confounded about the reasons as it recurred two months after the surgery.

Icreate Incubation Centre being developed in collaboration with Government of Gujarat on a 35-acre plot near Kensville Golf Club on AhmedabadBavla Road.

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) is a partner to it.

Modi said that Icreate was launched on September 11, 2011, the

day Swami Vivekanand had mesmerised America on the same day in 1893 with his brilliant speech as a spiritual leader. Icreate is Gujarat’s salute to the sansyasi.

Speaking on the occasion, Murthy said that India is fortunate to have reached a stage as never before. India is being recognised in the world forums. It is time to canalise India’s excellence in fighting poverty, unemployment, malnutrition and backwardness.

Gujarat has taken 24x7 hours electricity to all the villages in the state. He exuded confidence the state would lead in entrepreneurship too.

Supreme Court says no to review of 2G licence cancellations

India’s Supreme Court has rejected pleas of 7 telecom companies for reconsideration of its judgment in 2G scam cancelling 122 licences in 22 telecom circles but agreed to hear in open court the Indian government's petition seeking review of its direction to auction these annulled licences.

A bench of Justices G S Singhvi and K S Radhakrishnan heard the review petitions and rejected the review petitions by companies - Tata Teleservices, Videocon Telecommunications, S Tel, Sistema Shyam Teleservices, Unitech Wireless (TN) Pvt Ltd, Etisalat DB Telecom Pvt Ltd and Idea cellular. In each of the 7 review petitions, it said: "We have carefully perused the record of the case and are satisfied that the judgment

of which review has been sought does not suffer from any error apparent.

In the garb of seeking review, the petitioner wants re-hearing of the case and we do not find any valid ground much less justification to entertain its prayer. The review petition is accordingly dismissed." However, the Centre got a respite when the court agreed to hear in open court on April 13 the Union government's review petition against it's the order to auction. The government had questioned the court's decision to direction auction of the cancelled telecom licences.

The fate of the review petition will have repercussions for several other sectors such as mining where currently the first-comefirst-served policy is used to allocate scarce resources.

10-year-old becomes ACP for a day AV Correspondent

For 10- year- old Aniket Parmar it was a dream comes true when he was asked to take charge as an ACP for a day.

The boy, who is in the last stages of bone cancer, always dreamt of becoming an IPS officer and was at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for his chemotherapy session when he was asked to wear a police uniform and taken to the Police Commissioner’s Office.

Aniket was taken in a mobile ICU and was accompanied by a doctor and a nurse. At the police headquarters he was given a red carpet welcome and was given a salute by ‘his subordinates’ flanked by the Commissioner of Police and Joint Commissioner of Police to the police station. Aniket was then asked to take down the complaint of a

Aniket Parmar

teenager who registered a complaint about his neighbours who always played loud music thus he was not able to concentrate on his studies.

The initiative of fulfilling Aniket’s dream was taken by Ahmedabad police and Ahmedabadbased NGO, Make a Wish Foundation. “We could never imagine that Aniket would be able to fulfil his dreams but thanks to this initiative, Aniket was smiling for the whole day after a long time,” said his

father Narayan Parmar.

A few weeks ago, volunteers of the NGO had visited Aniket at the hospital. The boy is still ignorant about the seriousness of the disease, he had shared his desire of becoming a police officer with the volunteers and his wish was communicated to the police department.

“When we spoke to police officials they not only agreed to organise a mock swearing-in ceremony but also showed keen interest to take part in it,’’ said Roopande Shah of Make a Wish Foundation.

Meanwhile for Aniket it was a dream comes true.

“This has only made my desire stronger, once I grow up I am going to serve the people and bring honour to my uniform,’’ said Aniket. He was diagnosed with bone cancer six months ago and doctors found that the disease had reached the third stage.

25

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

Vishnu as Varaha

ontinuing from last C week, Yudhisthira told Rishi Lomesh, “How did

the Lord Vishnu lift the earth which drowned a hundred fathoms deep in the ocean? How did the earth, the supporter of food and life, drown?

Please tell us everything.”

The rishi replied, “Ages ago there was the great Satyuga. At that time, the Lord of Lords was doing the work of Yama and so nobody died.

Everything just increased in numbers, from animals to humans. There was such a multitude and crowd of living creatures on the earth that she could not bear their weight and so she drowned a hundred fathoms in the ocean.”

He continued, “The earth then went to Lord Vishnu and spoke to him.

‘O Lord it is with your grace that I have been able to stand steady through the ages. Only you can help me now, please release me from this weight.’”

The Lord was pleased with the earth’s humbleness and he told her that very soon she would be free of her predicament.

He then took the form of a wild boar with one horn called Varaha. His eyes were fiery red spreading fear in everyone around and his body gave off fumes of smoke. He start-

ed growing in size and soon was gigantic. With his horn he lifted the earth a hundred fathoms up so she rose above the water. When he started moving the earth there was tremendous upheaval everywhere. All the gods and the rishis practicing tapas were filled with fear, and everyone, on earth and in the heavens, were screaming.

All the rishis got together and went to Lord Brahma and asked him the cause of this upheaval.

Brahma explained to them that Lord Vishnu taking the earth out of the waters was causing the disturbance. The rishis asked Lord Brahma that once Lord Vishnu took the earth out of the water where, and in which astrological sign, was he going to put it. Brahma

then transported all the rishis to the Nandanvana to have darshan of Lord Vishnu in his form as the boar or Varaha. They saw the Sri Chakra on his chest and were satisfied and went away. They knew he would do good.

Hearing this story all the Pandavas were very happy, their tiredness vanished, and they made their way to Gandhamadana.

Water is emotional energy.

Our emotions drown us and when we are sad or unhappy, we are lost in depression. The boar is a symbol of transformation. It eats the lowest form of food but they say its meat has the most attractive patterns. This signifies the transformation of negative emotions.

It is a symbol of courage and one-pointedness.

Here, the boar is depicted on two legs with its snout and horn pointed up meaning freedom from the lower emotions that pull us down in life.

The boar only runs in a straight line which symbolizes our passion to achieve our goal of freedom.

Thus the story of Varaha is that of transformation of emotions which is necessary to go to the peak of spirituality called Gandhamadana.

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

SC asks Centre to repatriate mentally unsound Pak prisoners

Voicing deep concern over mentally unsound Pakistani nationals languishing in Indian jails even after completion of their sentences, the Supreme Court asked the government why they should not be repatriated, saying such detention “pains us”.

A bench headed by Justice R M Lodha said such matters should be taken up on priority basis and at the highest level when the top authorities of the two nations meet. The bench was referring to 21 prisoners, 16 of whom are mentally unsound and five are deaf and dumb and are languishing in jail despite serving out their sentences.

“Should not such matters be taken up at the highest level when the heads of the state meet ?,” the bench asked while indirectly referring to the recent visit of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to India. The court asked the Centre to find out in three weeks what can be done for sending back these prisoners to their country and posted the matter for further hearing

on May 2. “There is no doubt that the best of facilities are being provided to such prisoners in detention centre but the problem is why they are not being repatriated. What is the impediment? Such detention pains us,” the bench said. “Top most priority has to be given to these cases. They are mentally unsound and deaf and dumb. They have served out their sentences.

They have been kept in jail because of some problem but that cannot be an indefinite exercise,” the bench said. The Centre contended that these people cannot be sent back without their identification being proved. The bench then said, “How would you be able to do so even after six months or one year. Problem would continue. You must tell us what should be done.” The

court was hearing a PIL filed by J&K Panthers Party leader Prof. Bhim Singh seeking its direction to the Centre for repatriation of Pakistani prisoners lodged in various jails across the country even after completion of their sentences. Mr. Singh submitted that photographs of these prisoners should be given by the Centre to the Pakistani government so that these could be published in newspapers there to prove their identification as they are mentally unsound. The court, however, said that there is no problem in directing the Centre to give these photographs but it cannot compel Pakistani government to publish those pictures. “The Centre cannot compel the Pakistan High Commission. Only some suggestions can be given.

The lead has to be taken up by the Pakistan High Commission,” the bench said. It further said that the prisoners cannot be sent without verifying their identification which could prove to be the worst situation for them.

26

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

2002 Gujarat riots: SIT gives clean chit to Narendra Modi, 62 others

AV Correspondent

In what could be termed as a shot in the arm for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, a magistrate court in Ahmedabad has noted that the Special Investigation Team's final report in the 2002 Gulberg Society massacre case has found no evidence against him or the 62 other accused in the complaint filed against them by Zakia Jafri in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court said the SIT had filed a closure report on Modi's alleged involvement in the riot case. The court also ordered the SIT to provide a copy of the report

by May 10 to Jafri, whose husband, Congress MP Ehsan Jafri and 68 others had died in the Gulberg Society carnage.

The court of Metropolitan

Magistrate, M S Bhatt, passed the order after going through the 40,000-odd page report that was submitted before the court by the SIT after its investigation against Modi and the 62 others, among whom are top bureaucrats, politicians and police officers.

Magistrate Bhatt pronounced the order on Zakia's application, observing that the Supreme Court has made it clear the complainant has to be provided a closure report against the accused.

Zakia had filed a complaint against Modi, his ministerial colleagues, top police officials and BJP functionaries accusing them of a wider conspiracy in the 2002 riots in which more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, had been killed.

The apex court had ordered an inquiry into the

complaint filed by her and appointed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by former CBI director R K Raghavan to probe it.

The SIT had submitted its report to the Supreme Court after conducting investigations into Zakia's complaint during which it questioned several people, including Modi, who was quizzed for more than nine hours.

The Supreme Court, after going through the report, had asked amicus curiae Raju Ramchandran to independently verify the SIT's findings. Ramchandran had also submitted his report to the Supreme Court.

The apex court, after going through both reports, directed the SIT to submit a final report, along with the entire material collected by it, to the court of the

Metropolitan Magistrate. The SIT submitted its final report on February 28 this year. In its order dated September 12, 2011, the Supreme court had said if the SIT found no sufficient evidence or reasonable grounds for proceeding against any person named in the complaint, the court shall, before taking a final decision on such 'closure' report, issue notice to the complainant and make available to her copies of the statements of the witnesses, other related documents and the investigation report. Reacting to the SIT's closure report, Zakia said she was pained and disappointed but vowed to continue her battle for justice. "In the court of the Lord above, justice can get delayed but not denied. I am sure that truth will come out and I will get justice," she said.

Manmohan, Antony rubbish report on army movement as baseless Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called a media report on two key army units moving closer to New Delhi in January without prior notice to the government as 'alarmist' and said it should not be taken at face value.

Defence Minister A K Antony also vehemently denied the “Indian Express” report as 'baseless' and added there was no doubt about the patriotism of the armed forces.

“Well, the defence ministry has clarified the position.

These are alarmist reports.

These should not be taken at face value,' Manmohan Singh said. He also spoke on the

asked if there was unease between the government and the Army Chief. “The Indian Express” reported that the Hisar-based Mechanised Infantry and elements from the airborne 50 Para Brigade in Agra had A K Antony Manmohan Singh moved towards Delhi in January. reported tussle between the It said the movement took government and Army Chief place on the night of Jan 16, Gen V K Singh. “The army without following the stanchief's office is an exalted dard operating procedure of office. All of us have an obliinforming the defence mingation to do nothing that lowistry in advance. The report ers its dignity,” he said, when

said since this happened around the time when Gen Singh was waging a judicial battle against the government over his age row, it created unease and suspicion in Delhi. In Visakhapatnam, where Antony had gone to formally induct a nuclearpowered submarine, the minister clarified that the report was 'baseless'. '(It is ) absolutely baseless,' he said.

He also said he had “no doubt on the patriotism of the armed forces. It is usual, natural activity... nothing unusual, and we are absolutely sure of the patriotism of Indian armed forces,” he added.

Met begins action against racist policemen Continued from page 1 should produce "some very clear and very decisive guidelines" for all the UK's police forces demonstrating a "notolerance attitude to racism and racist behaviour." Mr Vaz added that the management of the Met was on the list of inquiries the committee was looking to carry out. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the allegations of racism needed to be taken "extremely seriously".

"The police must ensure there is zero tolerance of racism in their ranks, and must act fast to deal with any suggestion of racism that arises.

Ms Cooper said it was "vital for justice" that every community could be confident in the impartiality of the police. Mark Reckless, the Conservative MP for Rochester who is also on the Home Affairs Committee, said: "It's quite wrong that we don't have any ethnic minorities at senior level." He said although quotas were not helpful, he hoped elected commissioners would be able to look outside "the usual routes of clubs of senior officers" to recruit a greater diversity of people when they are introduced in November.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey said he was reassured that of the 10 cases

which have been referred to the IPCC, six came to light after other officers raised concerns.

He said of the force's 50,000 staff, the "vast majority act with professionalism and high standards. I will always want to work in an organisation where someone who believes they've seen unacceptable behaviour feels they can challenge it and report it - knowing action will be taken. The Met does not tolerate racism."

Superintendent Logan said: “This has been longstanding. It was only a matter of time before it would come to the surface and vindicate a lot of people’s concerns, including the Black Police Association.

“Will there be more allegations? Absolutely. As we saw during Stephen Lawrence, there was an increase in hate crime because people were more proactive and confident about reporting it. “We will start to see a similar thing here, and we will start to see an increase. It will be a part of cleaning up our act.” Mr Logan welcomed the present investigation. “We want to make sure officers don’t believe they’re untouchable by carrying out bullyboy tactics, and as a result of that, prevent people from coming forward.”

“We in the Met BPA welcome the review carried out by senior officers in the Met because it’s about that they’re getting their act together, because a lot of these cases have been longstanding, and there has been under-reporting. “The important thing is now we have got leadership showing action.”

The racism row has engulfed Scotland Yard in recent days as more and more allegations emerge. A further seven new complaints of racism were raised with the IPCC in addition to three already under way into the alleged assault of a 15-year-old boy and alleged racist abuse of a 21year-old black man in the aftermath of the riots.

The mass referral followed an internal review conducted after a series of police racism allegations in the Olympic borough of Newham, East London, which senior officers fear could provoke public disorder.

Claims among the seven new complaints include alleged racist comments by another three Newham officers between January and March this year. Allegations of an assault involving five officers from the terroritorial support group against youngsters in Hyde Park last year, and the mishandling of calls with a “racial element” by a PC in

the force’s central communication command in 2010, have also been reported.

Further claims related to bullying by a number of police officers and staff against Community Support Officers over an 18-month period in Wandsworth, and a complaint from a member of the public of racial abuse an unidentified officer in Camden in January.

A father whose son was murdered by a gang said only one of them had been jailed for the killing - something he claimed which would not have happened if the victim had been white. All those involved, he claimed, would have been imprisoned. Nathan John, from the charitable Youth Enlightenment programme, works in southeast London.

He said: "When you are in a position of power and authority you need to make sure that you are acting in the right way, that you are being professional. "When that uniform's on, when that helmet's on, you know that every member of the public can look at you and say 'There goes an outstanding officer'." For many, the suspension of the officers is a welcome first step to rooting out racism. However, what happens to the officers after they have been investigated is key to convincing them that it is anything more than a PR exercise.

In Focus Teacher killed for not allowing cheating

Two men ran their car over a teacher in Sonepat as she was refusing to allow their friend to cheat in the matriculation examinations of Haryana Open School, near Lahrada village of the district. Mukesh Kumar (38), who teaches in Ramjas Public School in Sonepat, succumbed to injuries at a Delhi hospital. The accused, who are yet to be arrested, have been identified as Vikram (30) and Hariom (26). The victim was on way to home on his motorcycle when he was stopped by the duo. "Infuriated, when the teacher refused to oblige, they ran their car over him twice and fled," the officer said.

Modi depicted as Lord Krishna in BJP advertisement

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been depicted as Lord Krishna in a BJP advertisement published in a local newspaper. The advertisement, which is likely to kick up a controversy, has been given by BJP's Amreli district unit President Bharat Kamdar. The ad also shows Gujarat BJP president R C Faldu as Arjun and party leaders Vijay Rupani, Purshottam Rupala and I K Jadeja as the Pandavas. The advertisement, given as part of BJP's promotion of "Kishan Yatra", has appeared in Saurasthra edition of a vernacular daily.

Complaint filed against SRK for smoking in Jaipur stadium

A complaint was filed in a court in Jaipur on Monday against Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for publicly smoking at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, a lawyer said. The complaint was submitted in the court of the additional chief judicial magistrate. The court has fixed April 12 for hearing in the matter. "Smoking publicly is banned in Rajasthan since 2000. However, Shah Rukh Khan was smoking publicly in front of thousands of spectators. The actor was broadcast live while smoking on the TV channel which was showing the match," said lawyer Nem Singh Rathore who filed the complaint on behalf of Jaipur Cricket Academy director Anand Singh Rathore.

Pak scientist Khalil Chishty gets bail from Supreme Court

The Supreme Court granted bail to Dr Khalil Chishty, a Pakistani scientist, who has spent many years at the Ajmer Central Jail in connection with a murder case. Dr Chishty is 80 now, and is unable to walk unaided. He has to be carried to and from jail by two people.

He is accused of killing a man during a brawl in Ajmer in April 1992. He was visiting the Rajasthan city then to offer prayers at the famous shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty. In June, 2011, Justice Markandey Katju of the Supreme Court appealed to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to release Chishty on humanitarian grounds. Acting on Justice Katju's appeal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved his mercy plea and sent it to Governor Shivraj Patil for final clearance.

Ode riot massacre: 23 convicted, 23 acquitted

A special trial court acquitted 23 people, but also convicted 23 for the massacre of 23 people in Ode village of Anand district during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The case relates to March 1, 2002 when, soon after the Godhra train carnage, rioters set fire to a building, killing 23 Muslims trapped inside in Pirwali Bhagol area of Ode. This is the third riots case - after the Godhra train carnage and Sardarpura massacre - in which the special trial court has pronounced judgment. A total of 47 accused were undergoing trial in the case.

13 killed as security forces, Maoist encounter in Jharkhand

Thirteen people were killed in an encounter that broke out between Maoist guerrillas and the security forces in the forests of Karamdih of Latehar district of Jharkhand last week.

According to reports, 10 of those killed were Naxals. Two policemen were injured in the encounter. Search operation is still on.

FESTIVAL

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

27

Tamils and Bengalis to usher in New Year

T

young ladies wear saris, the boys put on he Tamil and the Bengali New Years in India and Bangladesh to connect to Kurta Pyajama or dhotis. There is also an are celebrated on 13th and 14th April each other, celebrate and spread the mesage-old tradition of starting the day by respectively. Tamil New Year is celebrated sage of love and hope. Usually on the day having a breakfast consisting of panta bhat between April and May, during the of Poila Baishakh, the houses are cleaned (soaked rice) along with onion, green Chittrai month. According to the and sometimes painted. People take early chillies, and fried Hilsa fish. Lord Ganesha Gregorian calendar, the festival usually bath and put in their best dresses. and Goddess Laxmi are worshiped on this Much of the day is spend by paying a falls on the 13th April 2012. The day is day by people, wherein they pray for visit to relatives, friends and neighbors. also referred to as “Varusha Pirappuy.” health, longevity and the well-being of the Tamil New Year is declared as a public Special food items are prepared on this family members. Offering prayers to the holiday in both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. special occasion of the Bengali New Year. clouds for water is yet another famous ritNatives of Tamil Nadu follow certain ritu- Queues of devotees can be seen at the ual that takes place in the Bengali New als so as to ensure prosperity and well- Kalighat temple where they wait to offer Year. On this day, people are required to being of their near and dear ones. One of their pujas and prayers and receive blessclear off all the dues and loans. The the well-known traditions is to watch ings from God. People gather in the mornBengali New Year is the day to buy and Kanni at the break of dawn. This particu- ing to have a look at the sunrise since this prepare new account books by the Bengali lar act is believed to bring in good luck for is considered to be sacred. Bengalis can be businessmen. It is known as Haalkhata. the members of the family. People also give seen in their tradition attire. While the a start to their day by watching auspicious items like silver or gold jewellery, coconuts, raw rice, flowers, fruits and vegetables, nuts, betel leaves etc.

After offering their morning prayers on New Year, they read Panchangam.

According to legends, this is the same day when Goddesses Meenakshi tied Presents the nuptial lock with Lord Sundareswarar. Every year, the festival of Chitterai Thiruvizha is celebrated on the eve of Tamil New Year at the th Meenakshi Temple. Besides, a gala exhibition- Chitterai Porutkaatchi is !"#! !"#! also organized on Tamil New Year. This NOMINATION FORM exhibition is also referred to as Chitterai Vishu in certain regions of 98#& 63#4%/)/7:4& ;4/($& ;08/#"#34& ;<(3*4& /4& 874%#*& #"#3,& ,#(3& =,& >?@4& 1#(*/$)& $#<4& <##A1/#4& ;4/($& B7/0#& ($*& C:D(3(% South Tamil Nadu.

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12th Asian Achievers Awards 14 September 2012

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Please tick the appropriate category Sports Personality of the Year............................................

Woman of the Year ................................................................

Awarded for excellence in sports.

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

Business Person of the Year ..............................................

The preparations for the New Year start well in advance. You will find the entrances of the houses decorated with kolams. Raw mangoes and neem flowers are offered to Gods and Goddesses which symbolizes prosperity and growth. Tamils give a start to their year with an herbal bath. The game of coconut (popularly known as porthenkai in Tamil Nadu) is played during the New Year. Cart races are equally enjoyed on this eve. This festive season is a great time for renewing filial bonds and establishing rapport with your near and dear ones. Maanga Pachadi (a dish prepared using neem flowers, raw mangoes and jaggery) is the patent food during this festival.

Bengali New Year - Nabo Barsho If you happen to be in the state of West Bengal during the middle of April, you would find people wishing "Shubo Nabo Barsho" to each other!

Wondering what it means? "Shubo Nabo Barsho" means “A Very Happy New Year! Yes April is the month when the Bengali New Year is observed. It falls on 14th of April every year as per the Gregorian calendar. The Nabo Barsha festival was introduced by Akbar, the great Mughal emperor.

Poila Baisakh or Bengali New Year is celebrated with immense excitement and enthusiasm not only by the people residing in West Bengal but also Bangladesh and of course the tribal people residing in the hilly regions. For them also, this is the time to bid adieu to the past year and welcome with all the happiness and joy, the New Year.

Irrespective of the barriers of caste, religion and regional differences, Poila Boishakh is the time for all the Bengalis

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

Young Entrepreneur of the Year ......................................

Professional of the Year ......................................................

Uniformed and Civil Services ............................................

Awarded to an young entrepreneur (less than 35 years) with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

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

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

Achievement in Community Service................................

Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities.

In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture ....................

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

Award for Entertainment ....................................................

For outstanding performance by Asians in the field of Dance and Music.

International Personality of the Year ............................

Lifetime Achievement Award ............................................

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

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NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS " This is a unique event where readers nominate and an independent panel of judges comprising of eminent personalities selects the winner. "# Judges’ decision is final. ABPL Group will not entertain any dialogue with members of the public regarding the judging process. "#In order to ensure a high degree of transparency and fairness, the management and members of the staff of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will play no role in the nomination or judging process. " You may use an additional sheet if the space provided is insufficient. "#The winners will be announced at the AAA Awards ceremony in 14th September, 2012. "#Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar will publish the names of the short listed candidates and winners after the event. The winners names will also appear in our e-edition www.abplgroup.com "#You can nominate yourself if you wish to. "##Nominations and entries must follow the prescribed format. "#All nomination forms must reach our offices on or before 12th July, 2012

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28

TRAVEL & WOMEN

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

PURVI’S TRAVEL BAG

WOMEN ACHIEVERS

By Purvi Apurva Shah

Aditi Desai

social reformer and theatre artist

Buddhist Footprints in Gujarat The concept of ‘Buddha’s footprints in India’ is an interesting one. There are many holy places where Buddha left his foot print across Asia during his life as a teacher. Those marks have been preserved intact each with its own story.

Over 3,000 footprints have been found out with a distinguishing feature like the Dharmachakra or 132 auspicious signs on the sole.

Gujarat, once home to the third largest Buddhist University at Vallabhipur, stands testimony to the teachings of Gautam Buddha. The great King Ashoka carved out the 14 edicts to spread the way of Buddha in his kingdom, and the most magnificent of these can be found on the way to Mount Girnar. The footprints of the Buddha symbolize the Buddha's presence, as they are believed to be the imprints where the Buddha actually touched the ground.

Buddhism, as a religion has come a long way, with India having a prominent role to play.

Prince Siddhartha who later on became Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal, he roamed around the north eastern parts of India teaching Buddhism.

He made a difference in the life of every person associated to him making him one of the greatest

By AV Correspondent

ics of Buddhism and Jainism. The museum houses 76,000 hand written manuscripts, 500 illustrated versions and 45,000 printed books, making it the largest collection of scripts.

Vadnagar – Mehsana: Buddhist Monastery - The recent excavations have brought to light a Buddhist Monastery belonging to the 2nd-7th century AD, within the fortified area of Vadnagar.

The monastery had 2 stu-

wing used by Monks as a monsoon shelter.

Baba Pyara Caves The Group of caves lying close to the Modhimath is known as Baba Pyara. The cave pillars suggest a clear impact of art traditions of Satavahanas period.

Khambhalida Caves – Rajkot: At Khambhalida there are three caves,. The entrance of the chaitya is flanked by two large sculptures of the Bodhisatvas-Padmapani on the right and Vajrapani Buddha's footprints

pas and an open central court yard where nine cells were constructed.

Taranga Hills – Mehsana: The cave known as Jogida ni Gufa, was found and used by Buddhist monks thousands of years ago. It has Buddhist sculptures on the mountain around cave. Broken terracotta images of Buddha. have

kadia dungar caves

spiritual leaders the world been discovered from here. ever saw.

Talaja Hills – Buddhist Footprints Bhavnagar: The serene are also valuable spots for town of Talaja on the tourist in Gujarat. Known banks of Shetrunji river, more for Hindu and Jain has around 30 ancient religious places, Gujarat Buddhist caves cut into is now playing host to the rocks.

Buddhist pilgrims too.

Junagadh Caves – Buddhist Footprints in Junagadh: Khapra Kodia Gujarat caves are plainest of all Institute of Indology – cave groups. The 'L' shaped Ahmedabad: The Lalbhai Dalpathbhai Institute of I n d o l o g y , Ahmedabad was started in 1956, to preserve rare art, manuscripts and archaeological objects of India. In 1984, a museum was opened to cover top- Ashok Edicts

on the left. These caves are scooped out from the local limestone rock.

Dev Ni Mori – Shamlaji : The remains of a Buddhist monastery belonging to 3rd-4th century AD have been unearthed from Devni Mori, about two km from Shamlaji. The presence of a stupa and monastery has reconfirmed that during the early centuries of Christian era, there had been a strong presence of Buddhists in Vadnagar.

Excavation of the stupa brought to light an inscribed casket which contained relics of Budhha. The inscription clearly mentions that the casket contains bodily relics of Buddha.

Siyot Caves Northwest Kutch: Siyot Caves must have been of the 80 monastic sites that the 7th century Chinese travellers reported at the mouth of Indus River.

Kadia Dungar Caves – Vadodara: Seven rock-cut caves and monolithic lion pillars are present at Kadia Dungar, near Bharuch.

The caves suggest that they were viharas.

Ashok Edicts – Junagadh: The other major part of J u n a g a d h ’ s Buddhist heritage are the stone edicts of Emperor Ashoka, found on the road towards Mt. Girnar.

When Ashoka famously converted to Buddhism.

Aditi Desai uses theatre and visual arts to give voice to the oppressed and convey the message of peace and equality. The cause of women has always been at the centre of her concerns. According to her, the theatre should to act as a mirror within the society.

Aditi received her training in theatre at an early age from her father, Jashwant Thaker, prominent theater director, at a time where women had little exposure to this art.

She was strongly influenced by her father, playwright Badal Sarkar and his third theater as well as

by Augusto Boal, inventor of the theatre of the oppressed. She became an actress, director, playwright, filmmaker and activist. She is also the executive director of the Jashwant Thaker Memorial Foundation.

She defines herself as a culturally committed feminist. She is sensitive and understands the human and social situations and the inequalities that they

generate. She has the ability to embrace the part of humanity whom she meets, regardless of religious, social or caste divisions. She is a woman who inspires far beyond her actions, from her very presence and existence. She speaks of her commitment to women and society.

She had her first breakthrough at a workshop led by famous Badal Sarkar. She discovered a new form of theatre that she then used in her approach to the theatre of the oppressed. Without having been faced with violence herself, it is with the first play she directed that the extent of violence against women became to her a poignant reality. This paved the way for her cultural and social commitment which she never abandoned. She takes her theatre to the rural places, helping women to become their own spokeswomen and the voice of all women in their community. The theatre that brings in the front the voice of the oppressed, such as to have Indian society react on

their surrounding issues, is the challenge that Desai started for more than 30 years ago. Her struggle is the struggle of all women.

In her last project, she worked with the women prisoners of Gujarat jails.

She brought in art as a catalyst to restore the dignity that these women had lost and the dream and hope of a better future.

“In India as well as in many countries, women suffer frequently from discrimination. In murders, which passed off as suicide, rape, or physical violence, women must claim their rights. Women have to learn to speak, ask for their rights, work together, and raise their voice of protest. Women are doing their duties; they have to ask for their rights. We have to share our wisdom in the society, and we have to be proud to be women, we will become confident and empowered, I am sure that the power balance will change. Men have to become more sensitive, and women to become more assertive,” says Desai.

A game-changer wedding for others to emulate

Ahmedabad’s club king donates `10 mn to perform marriages of 100 poor girls Indian marriages are usually an occasion to display the wealth and the money power of the bride and bridegrooms’ families. But here is a wedding which could serve as a gamechanger for the society.

When Saumil Dani and Dr Arpita Shah got married on February 27, this was an event most wellheeled Amdavadis would have normally got invited to. The groom's father is socialite - businessman Girish Dani, who virtually controls two of the best clubs of Ahmedabad Karnavati and Rajpath where the most such lavish weddings take place. The bride's father, Dr Anirudhh Shah, is a widely respected paediatrician with the who's who of Ahmedabad as his clientele.

Instead of a lavish wedding, the two families decided to have a simple ceremony and drove down in four or five cars to Morari Bapu's ashram near Mahua where the wedding was solemnized with complete simplicity and in front of only core family members. Living up to his last name, which symbolizes philanthropy, the groom's father Girish Dani handed over to Morari Bapu a cheque of Rs 10 million which he would have spent otherwise on his only son's marriage. Mr Dhani told Morari Bapu that the amount should be spent

Bride & Groom Arpita Shah and Saumil Dani

Arpita & Saumil getting married in the presence of Morarji Bapu and family members- Girish Dani –Smita Dani and Dr Anirudh Shah –Nita Shah

on arranging marriages of 100 girls from Dalit, tribal and under-privileged families who should be given a 'mangalsutra', apart from a set of utensils, clothes and other household goods.

"Often, I am pained by the wastage of food and garish decoration at weddings I attend," said Mr Dani, explaining the reason behind his decision. He said both families agreed to his proposal of having the simplest possible ceremony.

Morari Bapu said, "Girish Dani came up with this brilliant idea which should set

an example for others.

Charity begins at home and Mr Dani set an example which he wanted the society to emulate.” It was nice, said Morari Bapu, for someone to show 'satvagun', through charity, when society is displaying increasing symptoms of rajogun - materialistic pursuits. He said it was only after he personally confirmed with the bride and groom that they would be happy with a frugal wedding that he decided to host the marriage ceremony at his ashram, first in 50 years.

HEALTH WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

29

Death cap mushroom may help treat cancer

Popcorn packs more punch than vegetables Popcorn seems to be the latest ‘nutritional gold nugget’. Scientists report that popcorn, which is a 100% unprocessed whole grain, contains more of the highly healthy antioxidant substances called polyphenols than fruits and vegetables, if it isn’t dipped in butter, oil or salt.

The hull of popcorn the part everyone hates for its tendency to get caught in the teeth - has the highest concentration of polyphenols and fibre.

Joe Vinson from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, who has been a pioneer in analyzing healthful components in chocolate and nuts, presented these findings.

Vinson said one serving of popcorn provides 70% of the daily intake of whole grain needed by an adult. “Popcorn is 100% unprocessed whole grain as against all other grains, which are processed and diluted with other ingredients meaning only 51% of the weight of the product is whole grain. The average person only gets about half a serving of whole grains a day, and popcorn

could fill that gap,” Vinson added. “Airpopped popcorn has the lowest number of calories. Microwave popcorn has twice as many calories as air-popped, and if you pop your own with oil, this has twice as many calories as air-popped popcorn. About 43% of microwave popcorn is fat, compared to 28% if you pop the corn in oil yourself,” Vinson added.

Jyoti Arora, head of nutrition at Artemis Health Institute, said popcorn’s high content of fibre makes it nutritious and healthy. “Whole grains like popcorn are high in fibre that helps in relieving constipation and leads to weight loss, better blood sugar control besides keeping cholesterol levels under check,” Arora said.

Vinson, however, cautioned that the finding should not make people give up fruits and vegetables. “Popcorn cannot replace fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and other nutrients that are critical for good health, but are missing from popcorn,” he added.

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Researchers have come up with a method for destroying cancer cells using death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) toxin, without harming the body.

The death cap mushroom, which resembles the common white button mushroom, contains one of the most deadly poisons found in nature, a-amanitin. This substance kills any cell without exception, whether it be healthy or cancerous.

At the German Cancer Research Center and the National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, immunologist Dr Gerhard Moldenhauer, jointly with biochemist Professor Dr Heinz Faulstich, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, has now developed a way to annihilate cancer cells using the dreaded fungal toxin without harming the body.

The trick to accomplish this is to deliver the poison directly to the right address in the body using something that virtually serves as a cab. In this

Two injections of higher doses of the antibody even caused complete tumour regression in 90 per cent of the animals.

Even the higher doses did not cause any poisonrelated damage to the liver or other organs of

poison-loaded antibody arrested the growth of pancreatic, colorectal, breast and bile duct cancer cell lines.

In mice bearing transplanted human pancreatic cancer, a single antibody injection was sufficient to inhibit tumour growth.

the animals.

EpCAM, the protein chosen by the Heidelberg immunologists as the tumour cell recognition structure, is a characteristic membrane protein of epithelial cells.

This type of cells lines all inner and outer sur-

cent in women.

Soya contains isoflavones, oestrogen-like plant hormones, which are believed to have a beneficial effect on health. The latest evidence comes from a review of 19 studies involving more than 1,200 women.

Hot flushes occur suddenly, lasting about four minutes on average, and produce an uncomfortable feeling of intense heat.

Lead author Prof Melissa Melby of Delaware University said: "When you combine them all, we`ve found the overall effect is still positive. If you`re 50 and have never touched soya, it`s not too late. We`ve found that it still helps."

A new study says that drinking soya milk at least twice a day can reduce hot flushes.

Researchers have found that a couple of daily servings of foods and drinks made from the soya plant led to a reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flushes by 26 per

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mg of soya isoflavones daily for six weeks to a year reduces the frequency of hot flushes by 20.6 per cent and severity by 26 per cent.

Prof Melby added: "Eating soya foods, or using supplements derived from whole soya beans, may work better for women."

The researchers said that when women consumed soya for 12 weeks or more, the drop in frequency of hot flushes was about threefold greater than in shorter trials.

Professor Melby examined the impact of isoflavones - the chemicals found in soya that produce an effect similar to oestrogen. She said ingesting 54

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faces of the body. Most malignant tumours originate from such epithelial tissues.

Many of these, such as pancreatic cancer, breast and ovarian cancers, bile duct carcinomas and tumours of the head and neck, produce too much EpCAM – and this is frequently associated with an extremely poor prognosis of the disease.

EpCAM is therefore considered a suitable target structure for attacking tumour cells.

“Treatments with unconjugated antibodies against EpCAM have already been tested in clinical trials such as for breast cancer. They were intended to attack the cancer solely with the weapons of the immune system, but they turned out to be clinically ineffective,” said Gerhard Moldenhauer.

“However, our amanitin-conjugated antibody has a much greater potential for killing cancer cells,” Moldenhauer added.

Drinking soya milk twice a day ‘reduces hot flushes’

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

CB Live is only a Gujarati programme in UK on MATV SKY 793 This week in CB Live Harin Thaker, Chairman (UK) of The Akshayapatra Foundation UK and Dr Kumarpal Desai, a scholar of Jainology, writer and journalist will be interviewed by CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar If you do not have a SKY, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500 There seems to be some

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 pressure on financial affairs

and maybe a problem to contend with in regard to a joint venture. If you feel that something has been hanging in the balance, whatever happens you will get a clearer picture of the situation eventually. Allow matters to ride as impatience will not give you the whole picture.

7pm to 8pm Every Thursday

CB LIVE Every Thursday on MATV (SKY 793) 7pm to 8pm For more information email: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk or call Alka Shah on 07944 151 893

Coming Events ! Cinnamon Lounge presents Punjab food festival.

26 March- 15 April 2012. 181 Twickenham Road.

Isleworth TW7 6AB. Contact: 020 8560 8995 ! Hanuman Jayanti on Friday 6th April. Hillbrook School, Hillbrook Road, Tooting, SW17 8SG, 9:30am7pm. Contact: Jyotiben Pandya (07777624968) ! Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration ; Indian Cultural Centre, Croydon, Saturday 2nd June, Queen’s Gardens, Fell Rd. 3 pm. ! Tamil New Year celebration and the first ever summit of UK and wide Tamil organisations in UKrepresenting England, Scotland, Nothern Ireland and Wales. 1pm-11pm. 14th April, Whitgift School, South Croydon CR2 6YT. Contact: Jacob 07903635438 ! Ramanuja was one of the greatest Acharyas, leading philosopher and scriptural exegete who immensely contributed to the Philosophy of India close to thousand years ago, with his unparalleled scholarship and wisdom. He lived for 120 years.

People of Indian origin, not only in the U.K., but also throughout the world revere him in greatest honour.

His birthday is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the valuable teachings, undertake communal projects and activities and demonstrate compassion. On the occasion, illustrated talks on the Acharya, on the Environment and Vedic Culture, how biodiversity could be conserved while we continue to visit the World Heritage Sites, and how best we could contribute to communal health and eco-friendly tourism.

Eminent speakers are gracing the occasion.

Representatives of several secular and faith-based organisations are invited. The talk also highlights how our ancient civilisations and scriptures propagated living in harmony with nature.

There is a cultural showcase by Wembley centre pupils of Prajna.

Date & Time: Saturday, 28 April, 5.30 pm – 8 pm Venue: Maharashtra Mandal, 306 Dollis Hill Lane, London NW2 6HH. ! President’s Reception 2012 AAHOA, Thursday 3 May, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Metro Atlanta Chamber. By invitation only.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd.

! Sunday 15th April 2012 - 3.00pm -5.30pm Bhajans

by Shree Budhdevbhai, Shree Manubhai Kotak and various visiting Artists Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple, 55 High Street, Cowley, Middlesex UB8 2DX. Tel: 07882 253 540 ! NCGO - Political Conference With Presentations, Questions and Answers by Individuals and Community Leaders, 19th April 2012 at Kadwa Patidar Samaj Hall, Kenmore Avenue, Harrow. Middlesex HA3 8UL. 6.30pm -10.30pm. Councillor Rameshbhai Patel 07985 477839.

Competition Where is Dhamaka 2012 with Sonu Nigam & Atif Aslam taking place? b. O2 Arena The winners of the competition are Nimu Malde and Urvashi Patel.

Please note the winners’ tickets will be posted to the address provided on their email. Any mistake in the address is not our responsibility.

Asian Voice wishes its Punjabi, Tamil and Bengali readers a Very Happy New Year on 14th April 2012

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207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamlesh.amin@abplgroup.com Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizonadvt2009@yahoo.in Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The focus is on finances this week, but that doesn’t mean you should worry yourself sick. Rather, it is about finding new and improved ways to boost your earnings potential. Don’t let nebulous tendencies interfere with your plans. It’s fine to consider several options but don’t get caught up in indecision.

Schedule networking opportunities later this week.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 You will probably have little cause to complain this week. Expect everything to run smoothly and luck to attend your efforts. However, underneath this positive surface you may be plagued by a feeling of restlessness, an uneasy feeling that something is not quite right. Try to srike a balance between material and emotional affairs !

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 With Jupiter riding high in your 11th house, you should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This will give you a chance to meet people of your own calibre and pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves. Your communications are extremely high making it easy to close those lucrative deals.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Much enthusiasm goes into professional ambitions right now, but you need to be your own boss in many ways. Circumstances will make you more determined to place your lifestyle on a foundation of greater security. Taking a broad perspective on the prevailing cosmic pattern, far-reaching change begins to gather momentum.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Your communication sector is all-abuzz with planetary energies firing you up preventing you from sleeping properly. Give yourself plenty of physical outlets to drain off some of the excess mental stimulation. You will soon feel like you can finally settle into a more grounded and steady routine.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 It's a time of slow and steady progress that can set the stage for a long time to come. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices. You will achieve a lot more if you remain relaxed.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Jupiter, the planet of abundance, is transiting your partnership sector. You have plenty of romantic options. Financially you are still not out of the woods, so you should have plans to achieve your objectives. At work you will experience a relaxed atmosphere and this will help you to get on with everyone around you.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 The fiery planet Mars, continues to occupy your Solar 11th house for some time to come. Its influence will help you to maintain a high energy level and achieve positive results in anything that requires drive and initiative. If you are involved in a fairly competitive field of activity, you will be the one who comes out on top.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

An inspiring boost to matters of communication but make sure your curiosity on a range of topics does not lead to a scattering of mental energy. With a surge of energy and enthusiasm, this is a favourable time to make fresh starts. Personal relationships may be more intense, though this may also demand some sacrifices of personal freedom.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come. Mentally you will be in top form, perhaps feeling quite passionate about expressing your ideas and views. This is also a time when you will develop fresh insights into other people.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

At the moment, relationships are experiencing major transformations - those with shaky foundations should be extra careful. Financially, you have everything going for you. This is a good time to put lucrative plans into action and reap the benefits of sound investments. However, be prudent and do not fritter away your good fortune.

Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

31

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Asian Voice - Saturday 14th April 2012

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10 April

Teams CSK v/s MI at Chennai MI won by 8 wickets Brief scores: CSK 112 (19.5 overs); MI 115/2 (16.5 overs) KKR v/s DD at Kolkata DD won by 8 wickets Brief scores: KKR 97/9 (12/12 overs); DD 100/2 (11.1/12 overs) MI v/s PW at Mumbai PW won by 28 runs Brief scores: PW 129/9 (20 overs); MI 101/9 (20 overs) RR v/s KXIP at Jaipur RR won by 31 runs Brief scores: RR 191/4 (20 overs); KXIP 160/9 (20 overs) RCB v/s DD at Bangalore RCB won by 20 runs Brief scores: RCB 157/8 (20 overs); DD 137/7 (20 overs) DC v/s CSK at Visakhapatnam CSK won by 74 runs Brief scores: CSK 193/6 (20 overs); DC 119/8 (17.1 overs) RR v/s KKR at Jaipur RR won by 22 runs Brief scores: RR 164/5 (20 overs); KKR 142 (20 overs) PW v/s KXIP at Pune PW won by 22 runs Brief scores: PW 166/6 (20 overs); KXIP 144/8 (20 overs) DC v/s MI at Visakhapatnam MI won by 5 wickets Brief scores: DC 138/9 (20 overs); MI 142/5 (20 overs) RCB v/s KKR at Bangalore KKR won by 42 runs Brief scores: KKR 165/8 (20 overs); MI 123/9 (20 overs) DD v/s CSK at Delhi DD won by 8 wickets Brief scores: CSK 110/8 (20 overs); MI 111/2 (13.2 overs)

Yuvraj back home after treatment India's star batsman Yuvraj Singh returned home after undergoing treatment for rare germ cell cancer in the United States. Yuvraj returned home along with his mother Shabnam from London, where he was resting for some time after undergoing treatment for three months at the Boston Institute of Cancer Research. "Finally the day has come ! i am going home tomorrow ! canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait , excited to see my friends and family ..see you india!! mera bharat mahan!"

Yuvraj had tweeted. Yuvraj posed with his mother Shabnam for shutterbugs as a huge crowd gathered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to have a glimpse of India's 2011 World Cup hero. Yuvraj then left for his residence in Gurgaon. "Yuvraj is fine. He has fought a long innings against cancer. We are grateful to his fans for their support and wishes," said Shabnam.

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England win second Lanka Test Graeme Swann claimed a match haul of 10 wickets as England roared to a series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in the second and final Test to retain their number one ranking.

Swann followed his four wickets in the first innings with six in the second as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 278 at the stroke of lunch on the fifth day at the P Sara Oval in Colombo.

England, set a modest target of 94, coasted home by eight wickets despite a brief stutter at 31-2 following the dismissals of skipper Andrew Strauss for no score and Jonathan Trott for five. Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen carried the tourists home with a brisk third-wicket stand of 66 in 69 balls, amid wild celebrations from some 5,000 travelling English fans at the ground. Lefthander Cook remained unbeaten on 49 and Pietersen, who hit a century in the first innings,

Andrew Strauss and Mahela Jayawardene share the trophy after the series ended 1-1

smashed 42 not out from 28 balls, signalling his team's emphatic victory with a six off Tillakaratne Dilshan.

It was England's first win in five Tests on their Asian sojourn this year after being blanked 3-0 by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and losing the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Sri Lanka, currently ranked sixth,

paid the price for not reaching 300 in either innings of the match and will remain without a series win since 2009, when they beat New Zealand at home.

The overnight pair of Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews, who resumed at 218-6, survived close calls within the first 30 minutes of play.

Mathews was fortunate to

see Cook put down two sharp chances at short-leg off Swann, first when the batsman was on three and then on 12. Jayawardene, on 58, was reprieved by a television review in the day's fourth over after onfield umpire Asad Rauf had upheld seamer James Anderson's appeal for legbefore. Cook finally held on to a catch at short-leg to remove the in-form Sri Lankan captain for 64 and give Swann his fifth wicket in the innings.

Jayawardene ended the series with 354 runs in four innings at an average of 88.50 with two hundreds and a half-century.

Swann then bowled Prasanna Jayawardene around his legs and Samit Patel removed Rangana Herath to reduce Sri Lanka to 251-9, before Mathews delayed the end with a fighting 46.

Mathews was last man out, caught at mid-wicket off seamer Steven Finn, who finished with two wickets.

Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils win L Balaji bowled Kolkata Knight Riders to their first victory in IPL 2012 against a strong Royal Challengers Bangalore batting line-up.

He formed part of a destructive, three-pronged Knight Riders' pace attack that saw Brett Lee create pressure and Jacques Kallis get the early breakthroughs. Their consistent line outside the off stump and slightly shorter length had the Royal Challengers' batsmen tied down. The required run-rate eventually soared out of control, leaving the home side playing catch-up throughout.

One of Kallis' two early strikes removed the biggest threat in the Royal Challengers line-up, Chris Gayle, before he could do any damage. After having Cheteshwar Pujara caught at slip with a ball that angled into him and bounced a little more than usual, Kallis simply presented Gayle with a short ball. With only a single added to the total after Pujara was dismissed, Gayle's shot was a response to pressure and he top-edged a pull to midwicket. Responsibility then fell on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers' shoulders and neither was able to get the job done as Balaji brought a second wave of attack.

Kohli was beaten twice by Balaji before getting a leading edge to point. De Villiers followed in the next over, bowled by a beautiful delivery which

KKR players celebrate their win over RCB at Bangalore.

angled in from a good length and straightened to hit the off stump.

Kolkata Knight Riders were able to comfortably defend a total that, at the halfway mark, appeared a few short. Despite 165 being the highest total Knight Riders have posted this season, they would have wanted more after establishing a platform from which a score in excess of 200 seemed possible. Captain Gautam Gambhir opened the batting and combined with Kallis and Manvinder Bisla in two aggressive partnerships to take his team to 125 for 1 in the

14th over.

Delhi Daredevils thrash Chennai Super Kings Delhi Daredevils put up a thorough professional performance as they thrashed defending champions Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in the second IPL match.

After the Delhi bowlers kept Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co under wraps restricting them to a modest 110 for eight, the home batsmen made short work of the target knocking off the runs in only 13.2 overs to register their second win of the tournament.

Virender Sehwag was

in blazing form as he set the tone with a typically aggressive 21-ball 33 that was laced with a six and four boundaries.

Kevin Pietersen took over from where Sehwag left as he smashed an unbeaten 43 off 26 balls adding 61 runs with Mahela Jayawardene to finish off the proceedings with 40 balls remaining.

Earlier, a disciplined bowling effort backed by some woeful running between wickets by opposition batsmen helped the Daredevils restrict defending champions to a modest total.

With as many as four CSK batsmen being victims of horrible misunderstandings, Virender Sehwag's bowlers also responded well by keeping the batsmen under tight leash.

While Morne Morkel returned with best figures of 2/19 from fours overs, it was spin twins Roloef van der Merwe (4-0-15-0) and young Shahbaz Nadeem (3-0-9-0) who gave away only 24 runs in their seven overs to set the match up for home team.

Indian Premier League 2012 Points Table (10 / 04 / 2012) Teams Match Won Lost Tied Rajasthan Royals 2 2 0 0 Pune Warriors 2 2 0 0 Delhi Daredevils 3 2 1 0 Mumbai Indians 3 2 1 0 Kolkata Knight Riders 3 1 2 0 Chennai Super Kings 3 1 2 0 Royal Challengers Bangalore 2 1 1 0 Kings XI Punjab 2 0 2 0 Deccan Chargers 2 0 2 0

N/R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 0 0

Net RR +1.325 +1.250 +0.820 -0.018 +0.206 +0.040 -0.550 -1.325 -1.950