Asian Voice

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VOL 40. ISSUE 44

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Is India competing with the UK to make rules tighter for job seekers?

British PM Cameron with Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh

But now India has decided to keep its doors shut to immigrants earning low wages, especially with a salary less than $25,000. While India does not have the Internship scheme and a possibility of lower wage, many businessmen who thrive on foreign nationals as their principal office staff are now stuck, Continued on page 28

Assembly polls in India SP sweeps UP, Cong loses Goa to BJP

Tuesday was a day of grand wins and bruising defeats.

As counting ended for elections in five states, the Samajwadi Party (SP) surged back to power in Uttar Pradesh and the Akali Dal broke a four-decade jinx to win another term in Punjab, leaving India's ruling Congress battered and the main Opposition BJP counting its losses.

Two ruling parties ousted, two holding on to power despite the odds and neck-and-neck in a fifth state - the electoral pastiche following the February-March polls in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa proved that the voter, weary of corruption and inflation, refused to be dazzled by either promises or star value and used only hard pragmatism in exercising choice.

The biggest popularity test since the 2009 general elections had also seen record turnouts.

India's most populous state voted out Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and voted in Mulayam Singh Yadav and

Supporters of Samajwadi Part (SP) celebrate outside their party's headquarters in Lucknow.

his SP for a fourth term in office with a triumphant mandate of over 220 seats in the 403-member house.

The Congress, which tied up with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), trailed a sorry fourth with a combined tally of 36 seats. The BJP came up third with an estimated 48 seats.

Punjab went back to the Shiromani Akali DalBharatiya Janata Party combine, the first time in more than 40 years that a party got a second consecutive term, with 68 seats against the Congress' 46 in the 117-member house.

In Manipur, it was the Congress which overcame anti-incumbency to sweep the polls.

However, the Congress government in Goa prepared to make way for BJP rule.

It was a close fight in Uttarakhand with the Congress and the BJP locked in a close contest till evening with no clear winner in the 70-member assembly.

As pundits and voters alike tried to make sense of the scenario, all were agreed that this electoral battle had left the Congress badly bruised

and the famed Gandhi charisma in serious question. The only silver lining for the party was Manipur, where its chief minister O. Idobi Singh held on to power for a third time.

Attention swivelled to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, son of party president Sonia Gandhi, who had addressed over 200 rallies in Uttar Pradesh. Notwithstanding the star attraction or the crowds, the Congress won barely 27 of 403 seats -marginally more than the 22 in 2007.

Prince Charming's charm failed, said a sceptic, pointing to the Congress rout in Rae Bareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, where it lost all five assembly seats. Sister Priyanka Gandhi, her husband and even her children had campaigned in what is known as the pocket borough of the Gandhis.

The party sprung to chief campaigner Rahul's defence but the man himself accepted responsibility for the debacle.

Continued on page 26

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While the immigration minister Theresa May is trying her level best to ensure immigrants coming from India reduce by hundreds and thousands, a media report citing leaked documents suggested that at least 40,000 Indians may be allowed to work in Europe, including 12,000 in Britain alone, under a secret trade plan between the European Union and New Delhi.

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

John Hannett, General Secretary of Usdaw John Hannett is the General Secretary of the UK's fourth largest Union, Usdaw. He was first elected General Secretary of the 414,000 strong Union in May 2004 and was re-elected in September 2008.

John sits on both the Executive Committee and the General Council of the TUC and represents the interests of Usdaw members on a number of Government Commissions.

In May 2007, John was appointed to sit on the Low Pay Commission.

Most recently, he has also been appointed as an ACAS Council Member and has been invited to serve as a Commissioner on the Good Work Commission.

He has been a Labour Party member for more than 25 years and sat on the National Executive Committee (NEC) from 1998 to 2005. He represents Usdaw on the National Policy Forum and is assigned to the Education and Skills Commission.

John has a wide range of experience working with senior Government Ministers, Chief Executives and Company Directors to advance the working lives of Usdaw members and promotes the value of Trade Union membership at all levels.

before that National Officer and Area Organiser.

3) What are your proudest achievements in your career?

To see Usdaw progress as we are now the fastest growing union in the TUC. 4) What other things have you been involved with beside the trade union?

I have been a member of the Labour Party for many years and I sit on the Low Pay Commission, and the Acas Council.

5) What is the best thing about your current role?

Representing members in these very difficult challenging times and seeing progress being made on behalf of individuals and collectively as a Union.

6) And the worst?

1) Tell me about your organisation and the work they do for their members?

bers, working mainly in retail, distribution, transport and food manufacturing sectors.

Usdaw is a trade union with over 414,000 mem-

2) Please tell me how you got to your current

position as General Secretary of Usdaw?

I was first elected General Secretary of the 414,000 strong Union in

HRH The Prince of Wales hosts Lycamobile Directors at a Windsor Castle gala dinner Senior Management at Lycamobile, the largest global provider of high quality affordable international mobile calls attended The British Asian Trust annual dinner hosted by His Royal Highness Prince of Wales on February 13th 2012 at Windsor Castle. The British Asian Trust charity was launched by Prince Charles in 2007 and works with Lycamobile to provide help to disadvantaged youth in Chennai. The dinner was aimed at celebrating the charity’s accomplishments over the past five years and was attended

by Lycamobile’s Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah, and CEO Milind Kangle as well as key members of the Lycamobile team.

Lycamobile signed a three year agreement with The British Asian Trust in 2011 to provide 1,500 disadvantaged youth in Chennai with skilled training and employment. In his speech HRH The Prince of Wales reiterated that, “The Trust tends to concentrate on helping to fulfil unmet needs or demonstrating scalable models in the areas of education, health and enterprise – and the feedback from all those involved is that we really need to concentrate on finding models that help people into work or empower people to stand on their own feet.”

Lycamobile Chairman Subaskaran Allirajah with wife Prema speaking to Prince Charles

This is synonymous with the principles used to develop Lycamobile’s Corporate Social Responsibility philanthropy. Subaskaran Allirajah, Chairman of Lycamobile commented, “In the first 6 months of the Chennai project with The British Asian Trust, 276 young people have enrolled into the programme. I am delighted that we are making a real difference to disadvantaged young people and the success of the program reflects Lycamobile’s commitment to improving communities where we can.”

May 2004 and was reelected in September 2008. Before being elected as General Secretary, I was the Union's Deputy General Secretary, and

When unfortunately members lose their employment, especially in these difficult economic times, when it is difficult for them to find new jobs.

7) What are your long term goals?

To continue to see Usdaw progress. We are a modern campaigning union and I am determined that we will continue to ensure we represent our members effectively in order to continue to build our membership.

8) If you were Secretary General of the United Nations, what one thing would you change?

I believe the United Nations should continue to strive for world peace.

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

Nelson Mandela.

I recently had the opportunity to visit South Africa and I was active in the union during Apartheid and I believe that Nelson Mandela's role was significant in bringing an end to Apartheid. Also, Martin Luther King for fighting prejudice and discrimination in America.

Path to Success collaborates with Miriam Gonzalez Durantez for ‘60 for 60’ Path to Success, an umbrella charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and health problems, has joined forces with Miriam Gonzalez Durantez to launch the ‘60 for 60’ campaign. The aim is to provide 60 hospitals with wheelchairs in time for the Queen’s 60 th Diamond Jubilee this year, the total value of which approximates at 100,000.

The campaign was launched in October 2011, and began with an event hosted by Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam, at Lancaster House in Westminster.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital received wheelchairs worth 10,000 at the reception, which were presented by attendee MP Paul Burstow and NHS representatives from Kings College hospital and Chelsea and Westminster hospitals.

Chief Patron of this

Flagship campaign, Miriam Gonzalez Durantez is “honoured” to be a part of it and says “the new wheelchairs will change the daily life of many people across the UK, among them many children who face their disabilities with such an impressive strength and courage”. A follow up event held by this new partnership, was a Diwali reception in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee hosted by a famous Silver Designer, Patrick Mavros.

A percentage of profits from this event went to the ‘60 for 60’ campaign.

The Path to Success charity was founded by Anita Choudhrie, who has ample experience in charitable work, which began in India. Apart from social work being a part of her degree, she has also helped to aide many people in need, through her work with the Charitable Group of Helping Hands.

Her experiences led her to creating the Path to Success charity, which aims to inspire and encourage people to take responsibility in helping others and teaching those in need to help themselves, whilst embracing multicultural values and traditions. This organisation is an umbrella body which provides funding and grants to other charities.

This week the paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of our Kutch Special magazine with their newspaper

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

COMMENT

Trade pact a good news for Indian workers The agreement between the Indian government and the countries of the European Union is of great economic significance as 40,000 Indians will now be allowed to work in the countries of the European Union, including Britain which alone will absorb 12,000 Indian workers. The agreement is a secret trade plan. It is scheduled to be signed later this year. According to the agreement, Indian companies in European Union will be permitted to bring 40,000 temporary workers to the EU. In England, the 12,000 Indian migrant workers will be given permission to live and work for six months. This will be in addition to workers who are given visas under the British immigration laws. It is reported that the large number of beneficiaries from the agreement will be the IT workers. The EU has proposed that 40,000 Indian workers will be admitted to Europe without any labour market test as part of the plan to boost export trade with New Delhi. This will certainly improve trade and economic relations between two countries.

According to EU officials, in return for opening up the jobs market, countries such as Britain will be helped to land lucrative export deals. On the ground, it is a different story altogether. The UK has instituted more stringent immigration guidelines but Indian IT workers entering the UK have been increasing in numbers through the “intra-company transfer” route of immigration. According to the latest figures released by the Migration Advisory Committee, the number of workers entering through the ICT route increased to 29,700 in 2011 compared to 20,000 in 2000. Nearly two thirds of these visas were through third party contractors and they were issued to Indian nationals.

But now the Indian government also should be more liberal in allowing foreign skilled workers to come and work in India. Since India is progressing fast she also needs the expertise of foreign workers. At present the Indian government has set $25,000 per annum lower limit for giving employment visa to skilled overseas workers. This should change.

A flop show by Congress in Indian state elections It was flop show by the Congress Party in the Assembly elections in five Indian states, the results of which were declared on Tuesday. The Congress party trailed to fourth place in Uttar Pradesh, where Samajwadi Party is on the way to getting a clear majority, a bitter blow to Rahul Gandhi who had staked his political future on reviving his party's fortunes in the state.

In Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party combine is all set to regain power in the state dealing a body blow to Congress. In Goa, Congress lost power to BJP and in Uttaranchal, the Congress and BJP are in neck and neck competition. The only consolation for the Congress is Manipur where it retained power.

Rahul Gandhi had campaigned tirelessly in UP to revive the fortune of his party where it has not held power for 22 years.

The campaign, which thrust him into the rough and tumble of the state's politics, where he even slept in villagers' huts, was seen as a test of his fitness to take over from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the general elections due in 2014.

It has been a disaster for the Congress and an even bigger disaster for Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family. They were banking on success in these elections, hoping to get at least four out of five states. It has gone exactly the opposite way. It shows that there is no charisma left in the Gandhi family. The party's setbacks in Uttar Pradesh,

Punjab, Goa and even in Uttaranchal could make it harder for Singh's already weakened coalition government to pursue reforms that could shore up the country's economic growth, which has slipped below 7 per cent.

Battered by a string of corruption scandals and inflation, Singh last year was forced to shelve a flagship reform to open the supermarket sector to foreign direct investment (FDI) by retailers, in the face of political protests. "Following the state assembly election results, the unpopular reforms might be postponed to some extent like FDI in retail and the deregulation of diesel prices," said an economist.

In UP, it was the vote against the corrupt Mayawati government which catapulted SP to power. In Punjab, the Akali Dal government went with reforms at least during the last one year, and the electorate rewarded them with one more chance. The Congress government in Goa was involved in corruption and scandals for which the voters punished it.

Meanwhile, there is reason for the BJP to be happy for the good show. "The results in Goa and Punjab have showcased that those who were judging BJP to be a very small player now have to reevaluate their calculations," a party worker said.

BJP and its allies have won in Punjab and Goa, while it is in neck-and-neck with Congress in Uttarakhand. The party is also leading on two seats in Manipur, where it has not won any seat so far.

Why immigrants are more successful than you Think about Laxmi Mittal, an Indian immigrant, who set up one of world’s largest steel mills and provided jobs to thousands of people. Has anybody ever thought that how immigrants can be so successful? Many immigrants are coming from third world country, with little or no money and barely speak English. But they still perform better than locals. The reason is that the immigrants have set their priorities and ready to do anything to attain it. It is mainly the upbringing and values or whatever be the reason, immigrants are getting successful than locals at times.

But day by day the immigration watch is growing in UK while the Cameron government is pursuing its pledge to cut annual net migration to “tens of thousands.” This is not an easy task, as the past the figure was over 250,000 in the 12 months to June 2011, higher than when the Conservatives came to power. But the government is devising ways to check the inflow by reducing the number of skilled migrant workers allowed in; raising the qualifications for foreign students and making it difficult for the immigrants to bring their families.

Theresa May, the home secretary, said that from April skilled workers would be limited to a six-year stay unless they have an annual salary of at least £35,000. Exceptions are made for people

in hard-to-fill jobs or those doing Ph. D-level scientific or research work. It will be easier for lecturers, artists and sportsmen to come in briefly.

But the immigration has its bright side also.

The immigrant baby boom has helped Britain from having one the most rapidly ageing population in Europe to one of the least. It means that Britain is now projected to go from having the second highest proportion of retired people in Europe to the fifth lowest. Even some of the immigrants who had come from India thinking that they would be able to make a better life here are a disappointed lot. They are living in pitiable conditions and wanted to return. The Indian High Commission in Britain, meanwhile, refuted the BBC’s claim that it has been dragging its feet on repatriating hundreds of illegal immigrants living in appalling conditions in London. It will be lesson for the prospective immigrants that they should find a good job before thinking of migrating to any other country, especially in Britain.

India is financially progressing and they should find a job there. In the long run Britain would be in a disadvantageous position if the flow of immigrant workers stops completely. There won’t be anybody to do some work which the immigrants are willing to do or the locals will demand higher wages to do it.

www.abplgroup.com

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Thought for the Week The really happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery, even when they have to take a detour - Sir James Hopwood Jeans (1877-1946)

“Our London” CIIr Navin Shah AM London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow

Domestic Violence in London International Women's Day (IWD) is marked on March 8 every year focusing on celebration and achievements of women worldwide. But, there are still many challenges and sufferings faced by women all over the world.

Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting the plight of women, commented “Woman is the companion of man, gifted with mental capacities. She has the right to participate in the minutest details in the activities of man, and she has an equal right of freedom and liberty with him”.

BROAD PERSPECTIVE One of the major issues facing women is domestic violence which remains chronically under-reported to service providers such as the NHS. British Crime Survey data suggest that one in four women will be affected in their lifetime. As such domestic abuse constitutes a public health issue of pandemic proportions.

Health staff have the opportunity, when coming into contact with abused women, to offer a lifeline.

Often the Police come into contact with the abused at crisis point. l Domestic violence is the leading cause of morbidity for women aged 1944 - greater than cancer, war and motor vehicle accidents. l In England and Wales, two women a week die at the hands of their domestic violence abuser. l Home Office figures published in February 2008 reveal that thirty three children were murdered by their parents in the previous year. l Amongst a group of pregnant women attending primary care in East

London, 5% reported that domestic abuse had at sometime in the past caused them to miscarry.

The impact of domestic abuse on individuals' health and well being is substantial: l Victims are more likely than most to present with psychological and psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, despair, post traumatic stress disorder. Indicators may be self medication of drugs and alcohol; post traumatic stress, self harm and or suicide attempts. l Victims of domestic abuse are more likely than most to present with symptoms related to musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, genitor-urinary disorders, and respiratory illness . Typically injuries can include contusions, abrasions, lacerations, burns, fractures, dislocations, bruises, lost teeth, internal injuries, gynaecological problems and miscarriages.

The previous Government recognised domestic abuse not just as a criminal issue, but one which affects all sectors, including public health.

Domestic abuse is also a housing issue, a human rights issue, a child protection issue, a mental health issue and so on. All relevant sectors need to play their part in reducing and preventing domestic violence.

That’s why Labour government made PCTs the ‘Responsible Authorities’ in England within Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (Crime and Disorder Act 1998), giving them a formal role and responsibility to responding effectively to local crime.

Continued on page 26

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

India Connect Q & A: Visa to India What are the normal processing times?

Normal processing times are a minimum of 2-3 working days depending upon the visa category applied for and the application itself.

How do I withdraw my application and will I get a refund?

If you wish to withdraw your Jiten Vyas, VFS Global application you are required to visit the application centre and submit your withdrawal request. VFS will not be able to provide you any definite timelines to get your passport back. You are requested to wait and check the status of your passport on our website Can I send my application directly to the High Commission? Where does it go if I have done so?

All applications should be submitted at the specified visa application centres. If you have already dispatched your application to the High Commission of India (London) – your application will be redelivered to our Visa Centre on India Visa Application Centre, 142-148, Goswell Road, London EC1V 7DU. But please keep in mind that there will be a delay in the processing of your documents until they reach the Visa Centre from the High Commission.

Where can I get the correct specifications of photographs?

Each Visa Application Centre (except for Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester) have in-house photo booths that will provide you with the required 50x50 size photographs for your application. The cost is £4 for a set of 2.

I get a message of ‘No Record Found’ on my postal application. What is the processing timelines?

Postal applications must be scrutinised before we can begin to process them. In case there are further details required to have been submitted by you or for example, the photographs given were not up to the specification – your application will be posted back to you. In this case, since we are unable to enter your details through our system, there will not be a record to track. In such cases, you can address your concern info.inuk@vfshelpline.com. It is always strongly advised to be ensure that you have read all requirements for an application before it is dispatched through the post.

How do I track my application?

You can track your application through the website by entering data required under the tab ‘Track your Application’ found on the left hand side of the homepage.

How do I withdraw my application and will I get a refund?

If you wish to withdraw your application you are required to visit the application centre and submit your withdrawal request. VFS will not be able to provide you any definite timelines to get your passport back. You are requested to wait and check the status of your passport on our website.

What if I have lost my ICR for collection of passport?

If you have lost your receipt, we will be unable to provide you with your passport without photographic proof of identification.

If I need to offer a compliment for good service or a complaint for service not up to mark – to where can I address this?

You can address all such feedback, including application queries to info.inuk@vfshelpline.com. Complete information is given under the tab ‘Contact Us’ found on the left hand side of the homepage.

For more information regarding any quires about Indian Visa please contact by email or post: Email: info.inuk@vfshelpline.com Customer Relations Department.

India Visa Application Center, 60-62 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1DE

India Connect - your questions answered on India visas” a service offered by

Migrants outdo natives in GCSEs Children for whom English is a second language now outperform their classmates in exams.

80.8% of those whose first language isn’t English gained at least five GCSEs at grade C or above Pupils for whom English is a second language are working so hard at school that their GCSE results have overtaken those of native speakers for the first time.

Experts said the difference was the result of the focus and ambition of many recently arrived families, together with the boost to brainpower that children gain from being brought up speaking more than one language fluently.

They warned, however, that too many white working-class children had become alienated from school while their families lacked ambition for them and felt they had no chance of rising up the social scale.

GP goes to court for alleged 9 sexual abuses A respected GP allegedly sexually abused nine female patients - the youngest just eight - over a decade, despite a string of complaints against him, a jury heard last week.

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

Jaideep Prabhu Jaideep Prabhu, 44, is the Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Indian Business & Enterprise at Cambridge. He has held positions at Imperial College London, Tilburg University, and UCLA. He has a BTech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and a PhD from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

The Nehru Chair was created in 2007 and endowed by the Government of India.

That Government’s vision for the Chair was that it examine India’s role in the global economy from a business perspective. This is the only Chair of its kind that the Indian Government has endowed anywhere in the world.

Q. What valuable opportunities does your Chair provide?

A; The biggest opportunity is to be at the heart of the unfolding India story. The 21st century will be a huge one for India. In the next decade, over 100 million Indians will join the workforce. This offers a massive opportunity for growth. However, that growth is not a foregone conclusion. For India to make the most of it, it will need to innovate in many ways. Whole new sectors will need to be created, for instance around affordable and sustainable energy. And India will need foreign help in achieving this.

Equally, however, India will make significant contributions to the rest of the world during that evolution. My Chair helps me to be part of the process by which India gains from the rest of the world, especially the West, and gives something back in the process.

Q. Can you give me some examples?

Dr Markandu Ragupathy, 61, from Beckenham, south London, ‘used his position of trust to satisfy his own sexual gratification and curiosity,’ prosecutor Toby Fitzgerald claimed.

From the mid-Nineties until 2007 the GP was employed at the Torridon Road Medical Practice in Catford, where eight of the complainants say they were sexually assaulted.

‘He would say there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication and this was accepted by the senior partner at the practise,’ Mr Fitzgerald told Woolwich Crown Court.

‘The defendant remained free at the practise to sexually assault other patients and believed the practise would accept any explanation and for some years he was correct in thinking this.’ Ragupathy, pictured, denies fifteen counts of indecent assault; one count of attempted indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault between 1995 and 2005.

The trial is expected to last five weeks.

A; Solar energy is a good case in point. India has huge energy needs to fuel its growth, but few sources of such energy.

Coal, which India has in abundance, is not a good solution as it is very polluting. Nuclear energy meanwhile is not yet economical enough. But solar could be just the

thing India needs. Many parts of India have plentiful sunlight; the market opportunity is huge; and there are few substitutes (such as oil and gas). So India is a fantastic lab in which to test and develop solar technologies. But the technologies, meanwhile, are being developed elsewhere in the world, Cambridge interestingly being at the forefront in many respects.

For scientists and tech-

The Opportunity to be at the heart of the Unfolding India story nologists here, India offers a wonderful opportunity to test, develop and commercialize their ideas. But it isn’t just energy: the same can be said for food security, environment, healthcare, and so on. India is a huge potential market in all these areas, with massive needs. The West, meanwhile, has many of the solutions but is looking for sources of growth. So there is a perfect fit between supply and demand!

Q. What is the concept of your new book and what is its relevance to the West at this time?

A; My book, Jugaad Innovation: Think Frugal, Be Flexible,

Jaideep Prabhu

Generate Breakthrough Growth, is about what India can offer the world, especially the world of large Western corporations desperate to drive innovation in growth in an age of scarcity and recession. The book is about “jugaad”, the dominant approach to innovation in India that involves improvising frugal solutions to complex problems using scare resources. This approach is in sharp contrast to the highly structured attitude towards innovation that is dominant in the West: one that is expensive, top down, planned and insular. In the book we explore the principles that make up a jugaad mindset (e.g., find opportunity in adversity, get more from less, keep it simple, think and act flexible etc.) and examine how Western corporations can adopt these principles to innovate frugally and flexibly in a world of scarcity and complexity.

The publisher is Jossey-Bass and the book is due out on April 1st.

Teenage girls victims of sexual abuse by bfs A British survey has found that a third of teenage girls become victims of sexual violence by their boyfriends.

Experts fear that some do not even realise they are victims of a crime and others are too terrified or embarrassed to speak out, the Daily Mail reported on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who was helping to launch an unprecedented advertising campaign to stem the tide of abuse, told an audience of teenage girls Monday that the latest figures

were shocking.

Based on research by the NSPCC, a child support charity, and the University of Bristol involving 1,353 teenagers, the Home Office says a third of girls aged 13 to 17 have been the victim of some form of sexual violence from a partner.

And research shows that the problem is not just confined to girls, with 16% of boys also reporting that they have experienced some form of sexual violence from a boyfriend or girlfriend.

The advertisement -

to be broadcast on TV, in cinemas and online urges young people to rethink their view of what constitutes rape. It will be screened to viewers of TV programmes popular with teenagers such as Skins and Hollyoaks.

Research has shown some boys think girls must have sex with them if they spend enough money on them. And campaigners say teenage girls often accept abuse in a relationship because they do not realise it is wrong or know how to stop it.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

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Doctor fails 12 times to detect real reason of pain

Indian Education in British Schools By the time you read this, the US will have had ‘Super Tuesday, when a large number of their States vote for the next Republican Presidential candidate, who will challenge Obama.

This, and that the British Chancellor will be visiting India, reminded me of the time when in the first State Dinner of his Presidency, President Obama hosted the Indian PM. It also reminded me that we don’t teach enough Indian history in British schools.

I watched the President of the United States from the White House speaking in Hindi, to welcome the Indian Prime Minister. Obama speaking Hindi having invited on the prestigious occasion of his first ever State Dinner the Indian Head of Government. Oh, I should confess I was not there in person. Thankfully the White House website broadcast the event live and as I am a political junkie I sat watching it at 3am from London.

Of course President Obama also in his inauguration speech acknowledged that America ‘is a nation … of Hindus…’ The first ever US Presidential inaugural speech to acknowledge Hindus. Why do Indians feels such astonishment at recognition from a Western voice, more so than their own? After all the Indian Prime Minister spoke in English?

The parody from Goodness Gracious Me of the parent who explains to his son that all good things

were ‘made in India’ is funny because it is true that our parents did exactly that. And we, the children of Britain, would with exasperation refuse to believe the wonders of far away India.

Thankfully things have come full circle and parents no longer need to speak with such pride – American Presidents do it for them.

When I wrote Trading Online I dedicated the book not to any living person or recently deceased relative, as is the norm, but to ‘My Indian ancestors, for a proud heritage’ and I quoted from amongst others Albert Einstein who said, ‘We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made’.

Would a quote from Radhakrishnan, no less a great man in his own field as Einstein, about the greatness of Indian heritage had as much impact upon my reader – Western and Indian?

But why does Indian heritage generally get such little coverage? When I was appointed by the Prime Minister in 2000 to the UK India Roundtable Chaired by Lord Paul to examine all aspects of the bilateral relationship and ways of improving bilateral relations even further between the countries, one policy recommendation I made repeatedly was that greater Indian history ought to be taught in British schools.

If you want a child to leave school with a full rounded education, and ensure they understand not only the forces shaping the world today and into the future, but the forces that have shaped the world to date, then education about how the end of the largest Empire known to man, through peaceful political means, and the growth of one of the largest dozen global economies ought to be in the curriculum – I would venture a guess?

I fear the reason education about India is lacking in the curriculum is because of the old Victorian Lord Macaulay attitude that ‘I could not find one of them who could deny that one good shelf of a European library is worth the whole native literature of India’. We must not in Britain become Macaulay’s children – for Britain’s sake.

As the world readies for climate change and global conflict, I recall the words of Toynbee, ‘ it is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have to have an Indian ending, if it is not to end in the self-destruction of the human race.’

And that education will better equip Britain in the future to engage politically and economically with a country of rising political and economic significance. Britain recognised it on the eve of the birth of the East India Company, it ought not to forget it in its education curricula now.

A six-year-old girl endured a year of painful ear, nose and throat problems because bungling medics failed to spot a wooden bead that was stuck up her nostril.

Jaina Haq, pictured, went from being a bubbly and chatty girl to having no confidence after suffering months of pain and broken sleep. The trapped bead caused her voice to change, made her snore ‘like a drain’, and made a rattling noise when she inhaled deeply.

Yet while hospital doctors, GPs and dentists examined the youngster a total of 12

times, the offending bead was only discovered after her desperate father peered up her nose with a highpowered bicycle torch.

Mohammed Haq, an interpreter, then performed a DIY removal of the bead using cotton buds.

He condemned the medics who missed the obvious obstruction, saying they never once looked up his daughter’s nose.

The family now believe the bead must have got lodged up Jaina’s nose when she was around four years old, although they are not sure where it came from.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Asian Voice hosts successful Youth Conference

On Saturday 3 March Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in association with Akshayapatra and City Hindus Network organised a youth conference at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, University of London.

Attended by about 70 people between 15-25, the conference aimed to help youngsters formulate thoughts regarding their career options and be mentored by people who are skilled to do so.

While L George, Chief Operating Officer of ABPL welcomed the young guests on behalf of Publisher/Editor CB Patel, Rupanjana Dutta, Associate Editor of Asian Voice explained about the fire exits and other trivial details. Aekta Mahajan and Divya Talwar kick started the programme with some fun introductory games followed by a panel discussion that was chaired by Amit Sodha, Lifestyle coach and stand up comedian and comprised of extremely talented speakers such as Cllr Krupa Sheth, the youngest councillor (20yrs) of Brent, Pratik

Dattani, Economist and Chair of CHN, Aekta Mahajan, Vice Chair of CHN and a Cabinet Office member, Divya Talwar, Journalist, BBC, Misha Patel, Assistant General Counsel, KPMG, Dr Pranav Somaiya, vascular surgeon, Menhaj Huda, film director, producer and writer and Rajay Naik, Director of Government and External Affairs, The Open University.

While the audience was extremely interactive, they raised various potent questions regarding internship scopes and experiences.

Workshop by Pratik, Dimpi and Shonal

The panelists emphasised that in order to be successful in anything you choose to be, you must work hard, do a lot of free work and internship, write a good CV choosing words carefully (and of course have more than one CV), be prepared to fail and learn from your mistakes and necessarily go with the flow.

Followed by the panel discussion, the Young Asian Social Enterprise was pilot launched by Aekta and Divya. This innovative scheme is based on an annual national competi- tion for students to fund raise for charities supporting free education for underprivileged children in India. In return, the participants that demon- strate real drive and entrepre-

neurship will be award- ed with a career develop- ment package. This includes a youth leadership placement at a range of top firms over summer (including Accenture, Shell, PWC amongst others).

The funds that are to be raised at a competition launched through our Youth Conference will be given to the charity Akshaya Patra.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation, is the world’s largest NGO-run school feeding programme, serves mid-day meals that are hot, nutritious and unlimited to disadvantaged children studying in government schools in India. Despite India’s stunning economic growth, a large chunk of India’s children do not have the access

Youngsters busy listening to the panelists

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

7

at Brunei Gallery, SOAS, University of London to schools because of poverty and malnutrition. These are India’s immediate challenges – hunger and education. Initiated in the year 2000, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, had started as a pilot programme by feeding only 1,500 children of 5 schools in 1 city and since then its efficacy, scalability and replicability has put it on the growth.

After lunch and networking session, Dipika Khaitan, President of Akshayapatra showed a 10mins video to youngsters before explaining how a little something can help the poor children.

The afternoon session was divided into 2 groups facilitated by Dimpi Dattani, Shonal Tankaria and Kishan Chandarana who interacted with the youngsters regarding skill mapping exercise and lessons learnt from them. This was followed by 4 workshops viz. What career is right for me, The importance of networking, Completing application forms and Preparing for interviews, that were facilitated by Amit Sodha, Kishan Chandarana, Pratik Dattani and Dimpi Dattani.

Launch of Young Asian Social Enterprise Young people in Britain today are facing unprecedented challenges, with youth unemployment at its highest level since records began. For young British Asians, the challenges are even greater, with ethnic minorities less likely to find employment after graduation. That’s where a new scheme, Young Asian Social Enterprise (YASE), hopes to make a differences.

The unique social enterprise initiative is aimed at helping British Asians between 18 to 25 to get ahead in their chosen career path and improve their employability prospects.

The scheme is based on a national competition, whereby participants use their entrepreneurial skills to organise projects and activities to raise funds.

Participants that show real entrepreneurial drive will be rewarded with a career development package, including a work placement at a leading firm, mentoring by industry professionals

and bespoke coaching on application forms and interviews.

The funds raised through YASE will go directly towards social projects that empower underprivileged children in India. The Akshaya Patra foundation is one of the social projects that has been selected by YASE. This foundation runs a school meal programme, feeding over 1.3 million underprivileged children daily in more than 8,260 schools in 18 locations, across 8 states in India.

The first phase of the scheme was launched at the Asian Voice Youth Conference on 3rd March at SOAS University (in collaboration with the Asian Voice newspaper and the City Hindus Network).

The deadline to sign up for the scheme is 10 March 2012. For further information on YASE, visit www.yaseuk.com or email info@yase-uk.com.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Misha Patel, Rajay Naik, Menhaj Huda, Dr Pranav Somaiya, Pratik Dattani and Amit Sodha- the panelists

Kishan Chandarana facilitating a workshop with youngsters

8

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Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Midland Voice

Dee Katwa

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

Medics ‘turn to vice’ to pay fees It’s not only white, but skint Asian students too, who are turning to prostitution to help pay their tuition fees, according to two trainee Asian doctors.

This subject made headlines last week following the release of a new study carried out by Jodi Dixon, a final year medical student at the University of Birmingham. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that one in 10 trainee medics has a friend who sells sex to cope with higher living costs and rising tuition fees.

Ms Dixon, 25, said: “With escalating debts, students may view prostitution as an easy way to get rich.” In addition, the study found that more than a quarter of students said they knew of a fellow trainee who had earned cash by pole

dancing, lap dancing or stripping.

One trainee doctor, Vish, at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, backed Ms Dixon’s findings. “Asian students, male and female, are in the sex trade too, but they keep their private lives undercover. Top secret.” He explained: “It’s easy cash, they’re away from home, they need the money. This, or dealing drugs?”

Another trainee Asian GP, also from Birmingham, who asked to remain anonymous, for obvious reasons, said: “Can you imagine Asian parents finding out that their daughter is selling her body for

Debate on today’s youth Scores of young people from all race backgrounds took part in a discussion themed ‘Have we lost a generation of youth?’ The event, held last Saturday, and organised by the youth committee of the Universal Peace Federation posed these questions: What have they lost? Morals? Manners? Values? Vision?

Opportunities? Does faith play a role? For more information visit www.uk.upf.org

Charity scoops accolade Birmingham Rathbone, a charity which supports up to 1,000 people with learning difficulties each year, has been accredited with the Matrix Standard – which assesses organisations for their provision of information, advice and guidance. Photo: Emma Bricknell, Paulette Dunkley and Claire Grace of Rathbone’s Help and Support Team.

cash?

Exactly.”

He explained: “For some it’s earning money and having fun, for others it’s a dare from fellow medics.

At the end of the day, the way I see it is they’re not harming anybody.” Asked if he knew anybody in such circumstances: “Yes,

I do.”

Medical schools, however, do not believe that prostitution is widespread. But Ms Dixon said her claims were backed by the English Collective of Prostitutes, which reported a rise in calls from students “considering sex work”.

Ms Dixon also blamed the portrayal of prostitution in shows such as Secret Diary of a Call Girl for fuelling the idea that a life of vice was “glamorous”.

Call for Air Duty freeze Midland business leaders have called for a freeze on Air Passenger Duty to help boost investment across the region – especially as latest statistics showed more and more proceeds are being poured into the Treasury. John Rider, Institute of Directors’ regional chairman, said: “Heavy taxes, too few flights and visa restrictions mean the UK is missing out on opportunities in developing markets.”

Final farewell Over 500 mourners paid their last respects to murder victims Avtar and Carole Kolar, pictured, at their funeral last Friday. The grandparents were found dead at their family home in Handsworth by their policeman son in January.

Murder suspect Rimvydas Liorancas, 37, from Lithuania, was found hanged in Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes after being charged in connection with the Kolars’ deaths.

School place: Third miss out

Birmingham

Procession disturbance An accountancy student who caused chaos at an annual Sikh parade ‘nagar kirtan’ by driving his Ford Fiesta through the middle of the procession from West Bromwich to Smethwick has been ordered to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work. Jordan Ross, 19, admitted driving dangerously and possessing an offensive weapon. He was also placed on supervision for 12 months.

Nursery worker assault trial A pregnant nursery worker from Birmingham has appeared in court accused of assaulting five children in her care. Mother-of-two Kehren Sajid, 31, of Handsworth, pleaded not guilty to five charges of common assault at Birmingham Magistrates Court. All of the alleged offences were said to have taken place in October last year at Small Talk Nurseries in Grove Lane, Handsworth. Sajid, pictured, is due to stand trial on April 30 over the alleged offences and is suspended from the nursery.

Nearly a third of Birmingham children missed out on their top choice in the annual race for secondary school places. Of the 13,400 youngsters who applied, more than 9,000 were offered their first choice – meaning 4,200 missed out. Under the admissions process, parents have to pick up to six secondary schools and list them in order of preference on an application form.

Mum told baby is ‘dead’ A Birmingham woman who went to hospital complaining of stomach pains was told by medics that she was pregnant. But they then told her that she had miscarried. Days later, following further tests, they informed distraught Holly Lewis, 21, that her baby was still alive. A spokeswoman from Birmingham Women’s Hospital said they were “extremely sorry” for the blunder. Photo: Mum-to-be Holly Lewis with her 11-month-old daughter Lily.

Lawyers ‘encourage’ divorce Lawyers2you, a Birmingham-based firm of no-win-nofee solicitors, has been accused of encouraging people to divorce after touting for those ‘unhappy with their partners’, reports the Birmingham Mail. Lawyers2you had put up an advertising board in Paradise Forum offering the thousands of passers-by free advice if they are unhappy in their relationships. But the Solicitors Regulation Authority has defended the advert – which was taken down following press coverage. A spokesman said anyone with concerns about the advert can get in touch with the SRA.

News in Brief Charity bike ride Children Today, a charity that helps disabled children, is looking for volunteers to take part in a London to Paris bike ride in July. The 300-mile trip takes place between July 11-15 in aid of the charity. For more information contact Ceri Ward on 01244 335622 or email ceri@childrentoday.org.uk

Campaign for Junior Mayor Birmingham needs a Young Mayor to get more young people voting and showing an interest in their city, a new campaign claims. The UpRising Alumni group is calling for an official Birmingham Young Mayor to be appointed alongside a City Mayor if the May referendum votes Yes.

Call to re-open 1974 file More than 1,000 people have signed a new petition calling for an independent inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings. The campaign, led by Julie Hambleton, 49, who lost her sister in the November 1974 atrocity, needs to collect 100,000 signatures by November for the matter to be debated in Parliament.

CBeeb stars in Brum Kids are being invited to meet their CBeebies stars at a live stage show in Birmingham next month. The two shows, at 2pm and 5pm, will take place at the LG Arena on Friday 13 April. For tickets and more information visit www.bbcliveshows.com

Cabbie fined A taxi driver who unlawfully plied for trade in a private hire vehicle has been ordered to pay £360, plus given six penalty points for driving without insurance. At Walsall Magistrates Court, Mohammed Jahngir, 42, of Walsall, admitted plying for hire and having no insurance.

Untimely death A father-of-four returning home after visiting his ill father in Pakistan collapsed on arrival at Birmingham Airport and died. Mohammad Saghir, 55, of Sparkhill, suffered a heart attack as he stepped off the PIA flight last Thursday. “Our granddad is ill and our father has gone,” said Mr Saghir’s son Kabir.

Boy, 7, raped by teen A Birmingham schoolboy has admitted raping a seven-year-old boy in a sex attack. The 14-year-old was arrested in October last year and was initially charged with six counts of rape. But he later pleaded guilty to three after appearing at the city’s youth court. He will be sentenced on March 26.

£800k heroin in pants An air passenger accused of trying to smuggle heroin worth around £800,000 in his underwear appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court on Monday this week.

Mamad Chagani, 57, was arrested by UK Border Agency staff as he arrived at Birmingham Airport on January 21 allegedly with Class A drugs sewn into his vest and pants.

Son steals at dad’s funeral Heartless John Copper who leaned over his dead father’s coffin to kiss him goodbye but seconds later took bank cards to steal £600 while his stepmum and relatives mourned in the next room has been convicted of theft. Widow Kathleen Copper, pictured, described John “a liar and a thief”, adding, “I want everyone to know.

His father would be horrified at what John has done.” Copper, 42, is now awaiting sentence from Worcester Crown Court.

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

9

YOUR VOICE

10

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Need for immigrants

School Examinations

Role of public office

Bank Assets

I read a news piece in your paper about government trying harder to cut down immigrants. This indeed is a joke!

No country, which is part of a global trade market can claim that they can live in an immigrant free world. I will give you some examples. Say Dubai. Many people say Dubai has entered the recession zone and of course that raises the needfulness to support its own workers with jobs and security first. But Dubai is practically almost run by Indians. Every sector has an Indian man sitting on the top. Every worker is an Indian. If they get rid of Indians, the country would be standstill!

Similar will be the fate of India. I recently visited the Boot Optician in the City area. Every man or woman who attended me was of Asian origin, especially of Indian descendance. If the country needs Asians at every stage, then how do you propose to cut them off completely or shut the doors on them.

What UK Government should realise is that what we require is a possible plan, not an impossible dream.

The Education Secretary, Michael Gove, has put forward ideas to make school exams tougher in a drive to restore confidence in the system and improve standards. This will see pass rates fall for the first time in years. At GCSE level, coursework will be phased out and more emphasis will be placed on written, endof-year tests. He said “Education is like trying to run up a down escalator. There are some uncomfortable decisions that will have to be taken. There will be years when, because we are going to make exams tougher, the number of people passing will fall. There are headteachers who have been peddling the wrong sort of approach to teaching for too long, who are going to lose their jobs.”

This is how it used to be in our school days in Dar-es-Salaam, in East Africa. We had to pass examinations in all subjects in a given year before we could proceed to the next higher year. In these days of information technology, if we relied on course work alone, there are chances of plagiarism with pupils copying stuff from internet and passing it as their own. This reminds me of my days at work in the Department of Education when I used to handle correspondence for Education Ministers and the spelling and grammar in letters which we used to receive from shool teachers and university lecturers left a lot to be desired.

We at the Harrow Council for Justice read with interest that Councillor Chris Mote (Conservative), through his open letter, is trying to defend the indefensible walk out by his group leader Cllr Hall from the budget Council meeting on 16 February.

His letter, symbolic of self promotion and attention seeking, is demeaning to the role of public office and fails to provide convincing argument for the walk out which was staged only by few in his group.

We are slightly surprised to see the ease with which he is able to duck and ignore well founded public concerns about the erratic behaviour of his leader at the Council meeting.

Obviously holding councillors up to account, by drawing attention to their concerning conduct and inadequacies which adversely impact the democracy and civic duty that they represent, is pointless for Cllr C Mote and alike.

However, the HCJ is committed to raise public awareness of the socio-political and economic situations which have implications for the quality of life, and we will continue doing so.

I am a regular avid reader of Asian Voice.

It is a brilliant Asian affairs newspaper. I particularly look forward to reading Alpesh Patel’s articles regarding financial and economic news which are very informative.

I would like to make a small correction in his comments on page 18 paragraph 10 of 25th February 2012 edition.

According to the latest 2011 data, HSBC is the world’s second largest bank with assets of $2.7 trillion whereas JP Morgan is in ninth place with $2.2 trillion assets.

Please keep up the good work at Asian Voice. Other good items are Keith Vaz’s interviews, editorial comments, Sow & Read and Khichdi (this should be more regular).

Ketan Bhatia Birmingham

Community name I read an article in Asian Voice (3rd March, page 9) about an alleged rapist. I have read about it in other newspapers and magazines as well. Most of the national newspapers have claimed the identity of these men as simply 'Asian'. I think Asian is a very wide term. It is about time people start calling spade a spade. If a certain community is engaging in a certain wrong activity, it should be named as it is.

Moreover, I must say though this is a growth of a certain ill practice amongst a certain community, it is by and large wrong to hold them accountable for a few mental people. Every man is responsible of his action alone. Though community beliefs could be a catalyst, it may not be the thing that needs highlighting!

Anand Mohan London

Good read AV It was great to read your article on Political and Public Life Awards. A well written piece, it spoke of how people from a range of profession or background are acclaimed for their contribution in their country by Asians. Isn’t this a unique country?

On another thought I must say while read your paper from back to back, I mostly love reading Alpesh’s column a lot. Another column last week caught my attention. Leading Lights, written by Rani Singh is an excellent read. Shashank Joshi has always been seen commenting in the daily English newspapers. It is incredible to see his presence in an ethnic media like yours.

It would be wonderful to read more on such young talents who make us very proud of their achievements.

Suman Chawla Leicester

Dinesh Sheth By email

Dhoni’s comments The way Virender Sehwag had come forward and expressed his point of view to the media over Dhoni's comments was a not a good idea. Same thing applies to Dhoni as well. He did not need to say everything openly in the media. A decision was taken on the basis of certain players' fielding ability; fair enough! But Dhoni should have kept the matter within himself and the selection committee.

Dhoni making comments relating to some senior players and then those players replying to his comments in front of the international media; it all disturbs the spirit of the game. The surprise package is that the BCCI did not even comment on the matter.

Now there might be a bitter feeling amongst some players and that may possibly affect their performance as well as their image. The players should behave and act professionally and maturely especially when they represent themselves in front of the international media on a foreign soil.

Devang Bhatt Harrow, London

Disclaimer Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL) is not in any way responsible for the goods and services rendered by its advertisers. The ABPL management accepts all advertisements in good faith and it is entirely up to readers to verify advertisers’ products and services, should they feel the need to do so.

Jaiya Shah, Chairman Harrow Council for Justice

Food super-highway of Europe It would be difficult to believe that Netherlands, a country half the size of Scotland is the leading producer and exporter of vegetables not only in Europe but the world over, out-performing even countries like India, China and Kenya.

It grows vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, green papers, sweet peas, aubergines, runner beans and many such varieties, exporting 90% of the produce throughout Europe and Middle East, thus cornering 24% of the world export. It exports more than the whole of African continent put together.

The weather in Netherlands is similar to that of England and the land is in short supply. Yet we import most of our vegetables from Netherlands. So what is the secret behind their success?

Naturally it grows all its produce under vast green houses, each one capable of supporting up to two hundred thousand plants, heated by solar energy and gas turbines.

Some of these green houses have inhouse bee hives to aid pollination and producing honey as a by-product!

Plants are grown in pots no bigger than soup bowls, with rock wool rather than soil which is kept moist and full of nutrients that produces almost visible growth. Japan is following in the footsteps of Netherlands and building even bigger green houses, using much advanced technology to become self sufficient within the next ten years.

I wonder why our farmers, supermarkets do not follow in their foot-steps and make us self sufficient!

Kumudini Valambia Via Email

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‘Smile Pinky’ too gets the Oscar Boyle says Mumbai dwarfed the statuette

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Cricket crazy Indians for the first time was seen so euphoric on Monday morning, as they expected a couple of Oscars. British Indians in the UK, Dharavi slums, the shanty township of Mumbai, a village in Uttar Pradesh and almost the entire Bollywood waited in expectation, glued to their TV sets. They burst into celebrations as one by one, their heroes, the actors of the British Indian film and the music maestro, A R Rahman bagged the top awards in the world of entertainment.

British actress Kate Winslett also won the Oscar after having missed it almost five times earlier.

‘Smile Pinki’, a short documentary on a cleft-lipped Indian girl in Uttar Pradesh directed

by American director Megan Mylan, won the Oscar for the Best Documentary (Short).

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OZ hinting at lifting Uranium ban Australia is a flourishing democracy with sensible politicians who would not hesitate to call spade a spade. Vote bank politics has no appeal, although trade and commerce occasionally do swing the Australian foreign policy.

In Labour Party leader and PM Gillard, a migrant from the mining valleys of Wales, Australia has one of the best PM in their history. Australia, some what hastily and unjustly banned the sale of uranium, the fuel that runs nuclear reactors, producing green electricity as well as raw material for nuclear weapons.

The ban was in retaliation for India’s refusal to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT) India has perfectly understandable reasons not to sign NNPT and India is not alone, as South Africa, Israel, Brazil, Pakistan and many more countries are in the same boat, non participants in NNPT. India is not only surrounded by hostile nations who would like to change the demography of a peaceful, democratic nation but China with evil intention of world domination is just across the border, having swallowed Tibet without a murmur from the West.

PM Gillard, having established close relations with India, will seek the approval of the Labour Party to reverse this decision taken in some what haste, perhaps under the influence of China who is investing billions in Australian mining industries. It is in a way asset stripping investment that Australia has wisen up to. Significantly Australia would retain the ban for Israel and Pakistan.

India has vast deposit of thorium within her border, which can be a substitute for uranium with research and development that Indian scientists are more than capable of, through Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) to be self sufficient in nuclear fuel for green energy. Perhaps this may be one of the considerations in Australia’s willingness to consider lifting the ban.

Bhupendra M Gandhi By email

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Health Watch

Nilesh Patel By email

!

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Indian High Commission in the UK denies ‘aiding illegal immigrants’ A report in BBC has claimed that illegal immigrants from India are desperate to escape the squalors of Britain. It reported that they came to Britain illegally in search of a better life, but the reality turned out to be far removed from what they dreamed of. They also wrote that the BBC has spoken to illegal immigrants who find themselves living amongst rats and rubbish in makeshift garden sheds and garages.

They want to be deported back to India, but many are trapped in a bureaucratic no man’s land without any documents.

A man identifying himself as Jagdeesh told the BBC that his family had paid £10,000 to traffickers, who promised a better life and brought him to Britain with dozens of others on the back of a

lorry.”Jagdeesh has cut himself off from his family, saying he is ashamed of his failure to find work and would rather they thought he was dead than know he is living in filth,’’ the BBC reported. Jagdeesh , 22, was quoted as saying that his family had “sold land and took out loans to get me out of India’’.

Jobless, penniless and lonely nearly 5,000 miles away from home, Jagdeesh has now handed himself in for deportation.

The UK Border Agency admitted that establishing identity of illegal immigrants to issue them ETDs can be complex.

The Indian high commission in Britain however has refuted the BBC’s claim that it has been dragging its feet on repatriating hundreds of illegal Indian immigrants living in appalling conditions in a London

locality. The immigrants are mostly from rural Punjab.

The Indian High Commission said, “Where Indian nationality of a person is confirmed, emergency travel document (ETD) is issued within a maximum period of two weeks, if not earlier.”

They added, “There have also been instances where non-Indians were sought to be repatriated to India, which was averted once the verification process established that they were not Indians.”

The IHC told Asian Voice, “According to figures of Ministry of Home Affairs of Govt. Of India, a total of 86% of the references made by the British High Commission/UKBA to verify Indian identity of individuals have been resolved within two months.”

An Ilford solicitor who smuggled drugs and mobile phones into two prisons in his hugely oversized shoes is facing years behind bars.

He had bought the size 12s days before in a branch of High and Mighty, which specialises in outsize menswear and was planning to pass the

contraband to inmate David Sterling, 28, who was wearing a fulllength Muslim robe.

R i t e s h Brahmbhatt has admitted two conspiracies, each relating to drugs and phones, into prison, and a further charge of convey-

ing a mobile phone into Winchester prison.

Further mitigation for Brahmbhatt is due to be heard this week, but sentencing is expected to be adjourned to a later date.

Ilford solicitor who smuggled drugs and mobile into prisons might face jail

11

“OMG the lesser known side of Gandhi...”

Romil Patel On 28 February 2012, a play which focussed on the lesser known side of Gandhi was enacted at 51 Buckingham Gate in London to raise money for the expansion of the Tata Medical Centre based in Kolkata, India.

Once the congregation had sipped on champagne and devoured the delectable canapés on offer, we proceeded through to the adjoining room. The lights dimmed and the murmurs subsided as the cast educated us on the purpose of the play.

It was done most brilliantly through the eyes of Koel Datta, aged 9, who was diagnosed with leukemia four years ago.

Today she is free from cancer.

According to the Indian Cancer Registry, the illness is particularly prevalent in Eastern India and treatment is hard to come by for those who cannot afford it.

This is where the Tata Group stepped in with “a Rs 350 crore not-for-profit, world-class cancer hospital in Kolkata. The hospital provides the entire spectrum of services from prevention, diagnosis and therapy to rehabilitation and palliative support.”

Of the 167 beds which are housed, 50% are reserved for the under-

Koel Datta

privileged.

As Koel’s story concluded, the spirit within the room surged skywards and the play began with the introduction of the leading characters: Mother Earth, the Modern Young Woman and of course, Gandhi himself.

The characters were represented by Geeta Gopalakrishnan, Seema Anand and Dalip Tahil respectively.

The interchanges between the characters gave an insight into the many mindsets of today.

Mother Nature thoroughly rebuked the greed of human beings, who kill unscrupulously for land and gold as well as draining her resources to make

guns and swords. “Do you know what it is like for a mother to see her children killing each other?” she bemoaned.

The effervescence and exuberance of youth were captured quite brilliantly by Seema Anand.

Gandhi’s ideals and Mother Nature’s warnings were fervently and routinely challenged by the Young Woman.

As you might expect, Tahil’s portrayal of the titular character was both serene and philosophical.

Gandhi advocated manual labour and the spinning wheel which occupied his desk was not merely decorative. It’s presence was an implicit criticism of machinery.

Contrary to audience expectations, the lesser known side of Gandhi such as the strained relationship with his son was subtly woven into the fabric of the play.

Overall, the evening was a resounding success with the help of Air India, who bore the brunt of travel costs. The target of raising £100,000 was not only achieved, but spectacularly surpassed and all those involved should be thoroughly proud of themselves for coming together to turn trauma into triumph.

12

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. The idea of an International Women's Day first arose during industrialisation, which was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.

In Britain recently, Lord Loomba, Liberal Democrat peer in the House of Lords and Chairman of the Loomba Foundation, spoke during a debate regarding women’s contributions to economic growth. He also spoke about the plight of the women from the poorer countries highlighting how conflict, disease and poverty could be combated by the empowerment of girls and women.

Lord Dholakia, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, also premised the debate enquiring when women would join the Bishops’ Benches in the House of Lords. He also highlighted how women are held back from making contributions to the ‘globalised economy’ by their vast underrepresentation at all levels. He ended by addressing the issue of domestic violence and the hidden costs involved to the economy.

While Asian Voice is organising a Domestic Violence seminar on Thursday 8 March to commemorate the 101st Women's Day, we have also interviewed various women from different walks of life, to honour their commitment and contribution to the society.

Investment Banking

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Charitable Organisation

Dipika Khaitan, President, The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK Tell us briefly about yourself.

I joined The AkshayaPatra Foundation as president of the UK chapter in 2010. When I moved to the UK, I started work in the jewellery wholesale segment for over 7 years. This gave me a very good experience to handle all kinds of situations and people. I then moved on later to join ‘India Today International’ as the marketing and sales head, which I continued whilst with AkshayaPatra.

However with the charity growing quite rapidly last year, I decided to quit the marketing role and concentrate on developing the charity further as it is a very rewarding work.

Tell us about the work you

Katyayini Nagabhushan, Deutsche Bank Spriha Srivastva How has your experience of working in London been, especially in the present crisis times?

Challenging, but the learning has also been tremendous, and definitely more multidimensional than would have been in a calmer environment.

Seeing the current crisis first hand has certainly been a unique life experience!

Tell us in brief about yourself and the work you do?

I’m originally from Delhi, having done Economics at St. Stephen’s College and my MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. I came to London in 2008 to join Deutsche Bank and work as a Salesperson for the UK Insurance and Pensions Group.

I speak to UK Institutional clients on structured products and alternative investment opportunities.

How did you decide on this career option?

Global Markets is one of the best profiles for women who want work-life balance but also want to work in a key industry that is at the centre of today’s economy. My decision was largely driven by information on campus about different opportunities, and its definitely played out to be the right one.

Is the investment banking sector a male-dominated one?

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the investment banking world?

Hard-work, persistence and initiative go a long way in excelling in the corporate world, certainly in Global Markets. Please talk to enough people and make sure you are well informed about the different roles within Banking Global Markets where I work, M&A Advisory, Equity Capital markets, etc - so that you are making the right choice based on your skill set and what you want to get out of your career.

All the best!

If yes, what are the challenges faced?

The industry is more and more conscious of their maledominated legacy, and many institutions have taken steps to address this and provide extra channels of guidance and support for women. I believe there are some traditional pockets of the business that may be more male dominated, but for the majority, the trend has been changing for sometime now.

do.

With the charity relatively young in the UK, the biggest task has been to raise awareness about what we do in India, by connecting to as many people and organisations possible.

Since I did not have previous experience with working for charity, it has been a learning process to understand the market, the patterns of giving, and the requirements to attract the large corporates and trusts to donate to this cause. We opened our first retail store last year , in Uxbridge, which sells donated new clothes, all profits of which goes to the work of the charity in India. Last summer we hosted 2 successful events, one with Morari bapu talking about the value of supporting the children with mid day meals and another fundraising evening co sponsored by the ABPL group.

How did you decide to dedicate yourself to this field?

Having born and brought up in India, I am very familiar with the plight of the children who come from low income backgrounds. So often we have seen children on the street being forced to work in road side ‘chai’

shops, picking litter on the road and so many just begging for money. Like most Indians, I have always wished to find the best way to help these children come out of this life of poverty.

They are definitely the most deserving and truly the future of the nation depends upon them. I had the opportunity to visit the Jaipur kitchen of AkshayaPatra .

I was instantly attracted to the cause, and the dedication with which the team strived to feed more and more children every day, and it made me proud to be part of this nation building movement. I felt so fortunate to get an opportunity to give back to my country in such a positive way.

In your opinion, what more needs to be done in order to uplift the underprivileged?

India may be one of the fastest growing economies, however it is still home for more than half of the malnourished children in the world and even a larger percentage of illiteracy still exists. Besides attracting them to school by providing free meals through organisations such as AkshayaPatra, we require to educate the parents to understand the power of education. The government schools require more adequate teaching facilities and better quality of teacher and volunteers. The government resources have to be handled more honestly so that it can reach the poorest in every tiny village in the country.

Business Academics

Seema Anand, Doctor of Narrative Practice & Partner Tharoor Associates Rupanjana Dutta India is still a very patriarchal society. The power of narrative is essentially associated with a ‘masculine figure’. What is your experience in that field?

Your question brings to mind Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts at changing the story of women in India by challenging the generally accepted principle that women could not achieve ‘nirvana’. If they are to have an equal story on Earth one must first accept that they are equal in the eyes of God. Interestingly our society may be patriarchal, the narrative is not. If you look at both the great epics, Ramayan and Mahabharat, it is the mother who is paramount. Ram and his brothers are brought up by their mothers, Sita brings up her sons, the Pandavs are controlled by Kunti and later Draupadi. Even the younger Pandavs are brought

up by their mothers. Distinction is made by showing us that the Kauravs are lacking in moral philosophy because the mother chooses to turn a blind eye to them. No male influence is even featured. In our cultural paradigm the female narrative has a time lag. The matriarch’s narrative becomes the voice of her children.

Tell us a little about you growing up.

I come from a family where women are supposed to achieve.

My great grandmother was the principle of a college. My grand mother and her 3 sisters were all academics and medics. My mother is the most amazing lady I know. My growing years were a combination of all these incredible women and my 2 step fathers – one was the ambassador to India from Kuwait and the other who retired as Chief of Army Staff. So I guess it was an excit-

ing, liberal and privileged childhood You do a variety of thingsstarting from branding, to pep talks, to story telling to equalitydiversity, which one is your most favourite and why?

I would have to say Storytelling – so it is just as well that all my work is in essence storytelling. It is the sheer power of the art that fascinates me.

Urban India has gone through a face lift over the last few years. As an Indian and as such a commendable name, where do you see the rural women of India in the future?

I have to believe things will improve – the alternative is unacceptable. Coincidentally I have just written an article for Rueters on the condition of women in rural India. The extreme poverty and deprivation that they face is a result of so

many things but primarily it is that in our desperate rush towards technology and globalisation we have annihilated the market for their skills. If you remove their ability to earn a living by making their skills redundant what do you expect will be the consequence? I notice this year Davos and now Jeff Sach in his proposal to head World Bank talk of reconfiguring society to bring back the Gandhian idea of village economics. Fingers crossed!

What would you describe as a woman’s greatest strength and weakness?

The ability to be unashamedly emotional – it is both an extraordinary strength and a debilitating weakness If you were to change on thing about this world on this International Women’s Day,

what would that have been?

Having recently worked on a mega project in India – if I had a magic wand I would change basic attitudes – basic, basic, basic attitudes!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

13

Culture

Sangeeta Bahadur, Director, Nehru Centre Q. Briefly tell us about yourself.

A. Born in Kolkata, I grew up all over India, finishing my college and university education in Mumbai. That is also where I took my Civil Services exams and was selected for the Indian Foreign Service in 1987. I have recently moved to London as Director of The Nehru Centre, and am thoroughly enjoying the work. I have two delightful daughters, 18 and 12 respectively, and am married to an Architect who will, I am hoping, be able to join me soon in London. In the meanwhile, I am awaiting the publication of my first book – a Heroic Epic Trilogy named ‘Kaal’ – being brought out by Pan MacMillan. The first of the three books is expected to be in bookstores within a couple of months. I am also a singer – eclectic but gifted, I’m told! I read voraciously, hate cooking, enjoy meeting people and love the adventure of shifting home, and country, every few years – thanks, I’m sure, to some latent gypsy-genes that come in most handy when you are in the Foreign Service!

Q. How is it working at The Nehru Centre?

A. Before taking over as

Director of The Nehru Centre, I spent three years as the Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, which has a network of overseas establishments in various countries around the world, including The Nehru Centre in London. In a way, therefore, the transition has been from one side of the desk to the other and therefore fairly smooth. The focus has definitely changed from global to country-specific, but the work remains equally exciting. Also, this is the first time that I have been posted in a country with such a large, well-established and active Diaspora; keeping them involved it in an ongoing cultural dialogue with their country of origin is both challenging and fulfilling.

Q. Please tell us about the various activities at The Nehru Centre. Do you have any new plans?

A. Like each of my very distinguished predecessors, I would also like to add something new and substantial to the Centre’s oeuvre, and thus to maintain a freshness and excitement that tend to get lost as time goes by unless they are constantly renewed. My aim is to empha-

sise quality rather than quantity, to experiment with projects that are a little different from what we have been doing so far. We need to carve out our own special space by developing a range of activities that are unique to us and offer a fresh perspective on India and its cultural evolution to those who share them with us.

confrontational and interesting manner. You cannot really refuse to do business with a country whose civilizational manifestations enchant you! That is why culture is now accepted as a legitimate aspect of diplomacy and used by governments in a focused way to shape the entire gamut of their bilateral relations with other countries.

Q, Do you think cultural relations between two countries is important? How? In the last few years, it has become increasingly evident that in a rapidly globalising world where governments and organizations and individuals are rubbing shoulders at every step and learning to coexist to an unprecedented extent, a basic understanding of each-other’s way of life, methods of interaction and perceptions of situations is crucial. Since it is a country’s culture that shapes its people’s responses, familiarisation with that culture smoothes the path of interaction between two nations in every other field as well, be it political, commercial, financial or developmental.

It dilutes the ‘strangeness’ and enhances awareness and acceptance in the gentlest, most non-

Q. Many women today are still suppressed by their families and not allowed to have a career.

What is your message to them?

A. When I was growing up, the constant verbal and non-verbal message that I received from my parents was that my having a career and being financially independent was far more important to them than the traditional business of getting me married - particularly because I was a girl, and not in spite of that.

Given that background, it is difficult for me to even conceive of the frustration and pain inherent in a situation where a woman is stripped of the power of making decisions about even her own life by the very people – her parents and relatives – who ought to be standing by her and encouraging her to find her own

Chef

IT & Entrepreneur

Ruzan Khambatta, Director, E Comm Opportunities Pvt. Ltd Purvi Shah Ruzan Khambatta with firm notion that do not ‘Meet’ the target but ‘Beat’ the target, has proven to be a serial entrepreneur who continuously comes up with new ideas and started new businesses. With constant growing appetite to create, innovate and technovate, she decided to make her own identity, without drawing on her family resources and contacts.

Though a heiress of large empire of world-famous Rasna brand, she chose not to get involved with family business but to create her own identity.

With big dreams and large ambitions in her heart, she started an IT services company with zero capital. But it was not very far, when in her leadership Wizz O Tech & E Comm revolutionized the web, Internet, Broadband business and made major contribution towards growth and development of IT in Gujarat. She has started series of business from which few are ‘first time in Gujarat and India” and has many awards under her belt. She started the era of web in Gujarat. Her company, E Comm Opportunities, the first broadband ISP of Gujarat, this company was also chosen as one of the few eligible companies to represent India in a Business Partner Meeting of European Union.

Her Reachgujarat.com launches Gujarat’s 1st online booking Travel-n-Tourism Portal Her latest venture is work of augmented reality, a new technology that connects real

world to artificial world. She has also been part of Indian delegation to various countries.

She Her firm was selected as one of the top five of Gujarat gby Confederation of Indian Industry, outstanding Entrepreneur.

Relating to international women’s day she says “A women is better equipped to lead because she is intuitive, attentive, inclusive, has better listening skills has an interactive collaborative leadership style”. The power to lead against all odds and to make an impact comes easily to women.”

She oozes optimism and acute business sense that she’s inherited from Rasna family.

But she’s not the one to cash in on her family’s goodwill. ‘I am happiest when people associate me with my IT brands and not Rasna. I could have easily joined the family business but I didn’t want to piggyback on

identity. I have nothing against women who choose to stay home and be full-time wives, mothers and care-givers; in fact, I respect them for having the conviction to make that choice.

However, the key word for me is ‘choice’; it must always be a woman’s own decision whether she wants to have a career or not – it cannot and must not be imposed on her by others. My only message to women who are in the situation of being denied this most basic of rights is this – if you do not stand up for yourself, if you do not respect your own right to choose, no one else will. So don’t give up – there is no force stronger than a woman when she sets her heart on something that is vital to her, and nothing can be more vital than shaping your own identity.

my family’s success. I wanted people to recognize me as Ruzan Khambatta and not Rasna Khambatta. Whatever I have learnt has actually been indirectly from the family, as I have been brought up by the business family and I have seen my father struggling and evolving.”

Her upbringing has been very modest, simple living and high thinking. She has grown up reading books and toiling hard at father’s factory. When girls of her age were partying, she use to spend long hours helping her father at the factory. Graduating in bio-chemistry, even after her college hours she will be researching on IT. Ruzan is a firm believer that you have to prove yourselves daily and to do so one requires to approach life creatively and innovatively. The mantra is ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking.

She was selected by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd a Government of India Enterprise for Indian Renewable resources development project. She has been felicitated with numerous awards: Madhurima Women empowerment award, and on the occasion of completion of Gujarat-Maharashtra State’s 50 years, she was felicitated by in Dynamic Woman category.

She has also been the recipient of Nari Shakti Ko Salam, Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Bhaskar woman of the Year, woman of Substance, Gauravvanta Gujarati, Stree Shakti, Bhartiya Vikas Ratan.

Priya Raman, Raman’s Kitchen a. How does it feel to be such a successful name in the ‘curry world’?

Let me first reiterate that Raman’s Handmade Relish is a fusion of flavours – both east and west and very subtly spiced to enhance your food and is not a “curry”. It has been a very eventful year starting with our winning the title of “Britain’s Best Cooking Family” on the Hairy Bikers’ Cook-off on BBC2 to launching our own brand of savoury relish. We are happy with the response from our customers and are slowly building our brand. b. Tell us a little bit about your journey to be such a successful name.

It all began when we started cooking and selling our relishes for school fairs and at car boot sales. After the television win, the brand has gone from strength to strength. It is a highly competitive market and we have to constantly innovate to maintain the uniqueness of our range. We are also showcasing fusion vegetarian cooking at various foodie festivals. c. Though most of the kitchens are dominated by women at home, men mostly take on a job of being an entrepreneur in such fields. How does it feel to be doing something offbeat?

We always think outside the box and do things in a different, unique way. There are many chefs who are women and who are very successful in the food enterprise today.

d. Do you feel you have ever been discriminated on the way up your ladder because you are a woman?

No, we do not feel intimated or discriminated in any way. We believe that if you capitalise on your strengths and work on your weaknesses you can achieve your goals in any given situation. e. Which is your favourite dish from your own kitchen?

I like very simple, wholesome food and my favourite dish is stuffed piranhas (whole-wheat pancakes) with our relish. g. Give us a single tip to success for the aspiring women on this wonderful occasion of International Women’s Day. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, I would advise all aspiring women to believe in themselves and work to realise their dreams and aspirations. The road to true enterprise may be rough but the sense of achievement when you reach your goal is tremendous.

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Legal

Entertainment

Deepa Sugathan, Solicitor

Jaspreet Pandohar, Filmmaker

Deepa Sugathan, a City Solicitor, and a mother of a one year old child, is about to start her own law firm. Partner and an employer at late 20s, life could not be more exciting. On this International Women's day she talked to Asian Voice about her current venture and future plans.

While in a recent article by a national daily, youngsters in Britain have been labelled as risk avoiders, it is seldom that you meet a woman who thinks differently.

With such financial decadence looming large, you hardly meet someone leaving a comfort chair and a cushy job to set up a new business. With a winning smile Deepa tells Asian Voice, "There is no 100% job guarantee in any financial situation or in any circumstances. I believe it is much easier to work around your family, especially when you are a mother of a toddler, yet ambitious and want to make a difference in the community.

I am aware that it is a difficult time, but I believe that it is during such difficult times that a boutique firm like ours will be able to add real value to businesses. There are so many small and medium size businesses struggling to pay their legal fees.

No doubt businesses will need legal assistance , but given the current climate most of the existing City firms are beyond one's financial reach. I feel we will be able to fill this gap and provide services of the same quality as a City firm, but at affordable and realistic prices.

We are young, experienced, motivated and ready to go that extra mile for our clients.

There was a traditional relation between a lawyer and their client, a bond of loyalty.

Commercialism has taken that away. We are trying to replace this mechanical approach with a touch of humaneness."

Deepa and her husband Mathew Philip with City Solicitors Nadeem Akhtar and Vivekanand Jaganathan are setting up a boutique law firm called Silk Route Legal. A dream project of all the partners ,they are trying to blend professionalism with true sensibility.

On the occasion of International Women's day, as a true example of a 21st century entrepreneur, when asked if she has ever faced any discrimination for being the 'fairer sex', Deepa with much conviction added, "I have never faced any obvious discrimination. Being a woman, there are different hurdles. If you look into statistics, you will see inspite of having the right acumen, there are much less women barristers, judges and law firm partners.

Why? It is because a stage comes in life when employers or clients are hesitant to give you a huge transaction to work on, because they fear you will prioritise your family over their urgency.

I can see there are many women law graduates aspiring to climb up the career map.

There are great increases in the number of women lawyers.

Unless and until there is any substantial change in the client, colleague and employer attitude, it will be difficult for women to achieve what they rightly can in this legal field. It's sad, but true, hence my effort to do something of my own, where others' judgment cannot evaluate my capabilities.”

What inspired you to take up a career in film production?

I’ve always been creatively inclined and passionate about the arts, in particular cinema, which I believe to be the one of its most accessible forms. After a decade of writing about film and working as a researcher on arts and entertainment shows for the BBC and Channel 4, I decided to take the plunge and get involved in filmmaking. I admired the work of writer/directors like Mira Nair and Gurinder Chadha and wanted to be a part of their world; to help create entertaining and informative films for international audiences. I’ve been lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to work as a script supervisor and assistant director on several short and feature length British and Indian films.

It’s been tough but worth it.

Do you think there still exists prejudices against such roles as a woman?

There are plenty of women working in British television in creative and managerial roles, but sadly that’s not the case in the film industry. Of the small numbers of women I meet on film sets, most tend to be in traditional areas such as costume and makeup and set design.

Fewer are found in the camera, sound, lighting and direction departments which have tradi-

On Thursday 8 March 2012, the global community will wake up to the 101st International Women’s Day. Although the past century has seen the role of women in society change drastically, the real conundrum lies in whether to celebrate the spectacular successes of women or to despair over deep-seated issues such as discrimination.

Divya Talwar currently works as a journalist for the BBC and she shared her experiences with Asian Voice.

Having graduated with a degree in Economics from Cambridge University, Talwar said that one of her biggest challenges as a female was pursuing a profession which she was passionate about.

All too often, Asian youths - particularly females - are confronted with the dilemma of

Where do you see British Asian women in such creative field in the coming 10 years?

I think the future is bright.

I’ve seen a slow but steady rise in the number of British Asian women working in the creative industries, from acting, writing, comedy, filmmaking, fashion design, radio and television presenting and more recently in public relations, computer animation and visual effects. I’ve witnessed just how hard they work to compete and stay in the industry and admire each and every one of them.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Brent’s youngest councillor What inspired you to be a politician at such a tender age?

Many people say I have followed in the footsteps of my uncle/kaka, Cllr Ketan Sheth. It was this very person who bought me into politics. His passion for politics inspired me to take a keen interest in it, to learn more about it and become more active in the political world. His continuous support, guidance and most of all his faith in me have been the key

Divya Talwar, BBC incurring their parents’ wrath by breaking out of lucrative industries such as medicine, accountancy and law.

With regards to discrimination in higher education and the workplace, Talwar emphasised that she “was never held back based on being a woman.”

Talking about balancing a career with family life, Talwar said “when you have a child, I think that is the number one priority so a career, by default, will come second.”

Essentially, “women face different challenges and that makes them stronger and a more well-rounded person.”

Talwar was keen to praise the UK as a progressive society.

“The rights which women have in the UK are second to none a woman can do everything a man can do,” she said with conviction. “Women have just as much to offer society as a man,” she declared tri-

I know you have been interested in directing films. What sort of issues do you want to cover?

I’ve spent the past three years assisting British and Indian directors and writers to make films that deal with British and South Asian Diaspora related issues, and have learnt a lot about the processes, determination and sheer effort that goes into creating them. A lot of money and time is sacrificed, not to mention reputation. I’m now at that stage where I am writing and developing my own scripts with a view to directing one day.

I’m interested in telling contem-

porary stories through comedy and drama. My friends and family all assumed the first script I would write would be a romantic comedy but it’s actually a satire on the Indian prison system and capital punishment!

Politician

Journalist Romil Patel

tionally been male dominated.

These kinds of roles often involve long, irregular hours, short contracts and travel which can be difficult for most women who tend to seek stability. I think the prejudices and pressures come more from family and society at large than from within the industry. After education, women are expected to play safe and prioritise settling down in one place, with one partner and one job rather than being part of a frivolous entertainment industry. But I’m glad to say things are changing for the better with more young and Asian females carving a niche for themselves in the creative arena.

umphantly.

The resounding truth in Talwar’s statement is evidenced

by Kalpana Chawla’s mission in space, Angela Merkel’s leadership of Germany and Emmeline Pankhurst, the British suffragette who led the movement to win the right for women to vote.

elements to my success!

- Tell us a little about you growing up.

I was born and bought up in Brent. I grew up in a large extended family. I was the first born grandchild and am the only girl in the family! As such I was and still am absolutely showered with love and affection. I am thankful to my family for raising me up and helping me become everything I am today!

You wear many hats. You are a student, you are a councillor, you are a mentor and ideal for youth. Which role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy everything I do. The experiences I have gained from carrying out the different roles in my life have been invaluable.

Being a law student has enhanced my knowledge in so many ways. As for being the youngest councillor in Brent; I count myself very lucky to be entrusted by the party members and by the people of Wembley to be their elected representative.

It is really rewarding to be able to meet people from all walks of life and to make a positive difference in a meaningful way during these tough economic times.

Being a mentor is another part of my life which gives me a lot of satisfaction. I have been very lucky to have been guided by my peers and contemporaries and I hope that I can now do the same for the younger members of our community.

Have you ever felt being discriminated for being a woman in your field?

I personally haven’t experi-

enced any discrimination as a woman myself but I know that it is a tough world out there and there are many obstacles and hurdles placed time and again. It is our responsibility to overcome these obstacles and hurdles at every opportunity.

Where do you see British Asian women in politics in the coming 10 years?

The last 10 years have seen Asian women making a historical break through into the UK Parliament and I am sure that the coming decade will further crystallise the break through and we will see a sensible number of Asian women at the forefront of British politics.

Do you believe we can have a British Asian female PM? I am sure in fullness of time many more Asian women will enter the cabinet and hopefully one of these women will go on to be our Prime Minister. Who would have thought 10 years ago that the US would elect its first Black president!

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

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

Boris Johnson Sets Out Investment and Modernisation Programme Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson has launched his ninepoint action plan this week setting out what Londoner’s can expect from him over the next four years upon securing him another wellearned term in office on 3rd May 2012.

Boris Johnson’s ninepoint plan comprises of: Cutting waste at City Hall – freeing up £3.5 billion for services l Putting £445 back in your pocket by freezing the Mayoral share of council tax l Creating 200,000 new jobs over the next four years l Making our streets and homes safer with 1,000 more police on the beat l Restoring 300 acres of green space and planting 20,000 street trees l Investing £221 million to transform local high streets, supporting small businesses l Ensuring a true Olympic legacy – 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs l Reducing Tube delays 30% by 2015. Building l Crossrail and orbital rail to link our suburbs. l Extending the Bike Hire scheme l Securing a better deal for London from No 10. l

When Boris Johnson assumed office in 2008 he inherited a financial mess from his Labour predecessor Ken Livingstone; a mess which he has swiftly addressed by cutting waste and mismanagement at City Hall. So much so, Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson has been able to freeze

City Hall’s share of Council tax for three years in a row, whilst delivering tangible benefits and services to Londoners, and is now in a position to offer a reduction on City Hall’s share to the residents of London in stark contrast to Labour’s Ken Livingstone who hiked up the City Hall share of Council tax for so many years when in office, hurting so many Londoner’s pockets in doing so, arguably only to fund his reckless spending plans and propaganda. Reckless spending plans seem to fall within Labour’s remit at every level of politics. I have already referred to regional government and Ken Livingstone’s mismanagement when in office above. At a national level, the Labour Party were shown the door from No. 10 Downing Street at the last general election, clearly as the electorate were not satisfied with a Labour Government who had got it wrong. A Labour Government who had well-overspent its budget, run out of ideas, and sold off its gold reserves at a ludicrously low price against the interests of its citizens. A Labour Government which was simply not able to dig the country out of the financial mess it had been party to creating.

At a local level, Labour Council’s across the country continue to mismanage the provision of services. In the Labour controlled London Borough of Brent for example, harmful parking charges in Preston Road seek to cripple

business whilst senior Council Officers reportedly received sizeable pay rises at a time of austerity.

Brent’s Labour Council has also taken the decision to deprive our children of an education by closing their libraries, which Asian Voice readers will be aware of. I have pledged my support to the many families and campaign groups challenging the decision of the Labourrun authority and am shockingly dismayed though not surprised that Labour’s London Assembly Member Navin Shah has not attacked Brent Council for its assault on the libraries and against the scores of families who depend on them.

Our children are our future and they deserve every opportunity to thrive: closing so many libraries in this fashion shows a clear disregard for the Brent electorate

by Labour.

On 3rd May 2012 the electorate have a clear choice in London – a further move forward with Boris or backwards with Labour.

Boris himself humbly suggests that he is a man who has built half a bridge and can see what else needs to be done to complete it and by setting out his ninepoint plan voters know what to expect from him and the Conservatives going forward with a programme of investment and modernisation in contrast to returning to the irresponsible and unaffordable approach of Ken Livingstone.

There really is only one choice on 3rd May 2012…Conservative all the way!

15

SARVAM an integral community development program by Sri Aurobindo Society

Mr Vijay Poddar

An Indian child of seven years landed in England in 1879 to get educated in a culture very alien to his motherland – yet destined to become one of the most revolutionary personalities of the Indian freedom movement and a spiritual leader of immense divine radiance, Sri Aurobindo through his life and vision shared with the world the dream of a greater future and a divine manifestation upon earth.

Sri Aurobindo remained in England till 1893 and, during his studies at St. Paul’s School in London and then at King’s College, Cambridge, mastered not only English but also Greek, Latin and French and became familiar with German, Italian and Spanish gaining a deep insight into the culture of ancient, medieval and modern Europe.

At the age of twentyone he returned to India and immersed himself into the service of his motherland.

Sri Aurobindo learned Sanskrit and several modern Indian languages and assimilated the spirit of Indian civilization. The fourteen years

he spent in what is now Vadodara, in the administrative and the educational service of the erstwhile Baroda state (modern Gujarat), were years of self-culture and literary activity.

In 1906 he plunged whole hearted in India’s struggle for freedom and became a leader of the Nationalist Party. Through his editorials in the Bande Mataram and his manifold activities, in just four years he revolutionized the moderate and ineffectual stand of the Congress Party, fixed in the national consciousness the goal of complete independence and gave a new direction to the freedom movement.

During his one year deten-

tion by the Colonial British Government, he experienced the presence of Sri Krishna in everyone and everything. In 1910 he withdrew from political activities and eventually sailed to Puducherry (then Pondicherry) where he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and devoted himself entirely to his spiritual mission. Sri Aurobindo left his body in 1950.

In the later years of the Ashram’s existence, the Sri Aurobindo Society was founded in 1960 to work all over the world for

Sri Aurobindo

the attainment of a spiritual society as envisaged

by Sri Aurobindo. Today the Society is an international NGO, recognized by the Government of India as a charitable and research institute and also as an organization of national importance.

Sri Aurobindo Society strives for individual perfection, social transformation and human unity.

The Society started SARVAM with a vision of Integral Community Development in 2005.

The project has adopted seven villages in Villipuram, Tamil Nadu and is working along with the community for a sustainable, scalable and replicable model of rural development for villages all over India.

If you would like to know more about SARVAM and their activities or would like to donate please speak to Mrs Shilpa Shah on 07931717288 (between 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m) or she can be emailed on shilpa.sarvam@gmail.com

Britain no longer to remain a Christian country?

Britain may no longer be a Christian country by 2030 as the number of nonbelievers is set to overtake the number of Christians, a media report said.

Christianity is losing more than half a million believers every year, while the count of atheists and agnostics is going up by almost 750,000 annually,

the Daily Mail reported.

Research by the House of Commons Library found that while Christianity has declined, other religions have seen sharp increases.

In the last six years, the number of Muslims has surged by 37 percent to 2.6 million; Hindus by 43 percent and Buddhists by 74 percent. But the number of

Sikhs and Jewish believers fell slightly, according to the Mail Friday.

It found that in 2010 there were around 41.1 million Christians in Britain - down 7.6 percent over the past six years.

There were around 13.4 million non-believers, up 49 percent over the same period.

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Powerful roles for Anushka in ‘Irandam Ulagam’ Anushka’s role in “Irandam Ulagam” has been revealed. The actress is said to have a powerful role in the film and added to this, she will appear in dual roles. Director Selvaraghavan has come out with a superb characterization for Anushka, say sources close to the ‘Irandam Ulagam’ film unit.

Sources add that Anushka will appear as a housewife and as a tribal woman in the film.

Selvaraghavan has planned two completely different looks for his leading lady. Arya plays the male lead in the film. Harris Jayaraj is scoring the music for this film.

‘Viswaroobam’ in Cannes Film Festival

Kamal Hassan has planned to screen is film “Viswaroobam” in the Cannes International Film Festival. Kamal Haasan while speaking about this said, “I felt that I should send ‘Viswaroobam’ for the Cannes Festival. It is a big challenge for me to complete this film before the closing date. I have already spoken to the coordinator of the Cannes Festival Mr Christian Jean. I think I will complete this film by 15th March. I am making lots of efforts to enter this film in the competition category.

The Cannes Film Festival organizers have also assured me that they will extend the last date for the entry of films.”

“Viswaroobam” will be the first Tamil film which will be screened in the Cannes competition category.

Dream Girl Hansika!

Last year Hansika Motwani had acted in the films “Maappillai,” “Velayudham” and “Engeyum Kadhal.”

Hansika is fondly referred by her fans as ‘Little Kushboo.’ She became one of the leading actresses by pairing with big heroes like Dhanush, Jayam Ravi and Vijay. She is very happy now because the Tamil Sangam of Singapore has conferred on her with a title “Dream Girl of Tamil Cinema.” She is showing severity in retaining her place in year 2012 also like in 2011. In the year 2012, her first film to be released is “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi.” She is also currently acting in the film titled “Singam 2”and “Vettai Mannan.” It is also touted that she will don the female lead role in the film which will have Vishal in the lead role.

Hot Garam masala Poonam Pandey wants to strip again Almost a year ago, the controversial babe Poonam Pandey had promised her fans that she would go nude if India wins the World Cup. However, due to oppositions by a political party Poonam Pandey couldn't live up to her fans' expectations and did not strip. But now she is again going to strip. She recently posted on the micro-blogging site saying that she is all geared up to cheer our Indian players on winning the match against Sri Lanka in Commonwealth Bank tri-series. And now since India has won the match one can expect Poonam to strip.

Hollywood trainer wants to work with Farhan Akhtar Hollywood trainer Ed Chow, who trained celebrities like Clive Owen and Lucas Till, says he would love to work with Farhan Akhtar, who has been training hard for his next film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is a biopic in which Farhan is currently undergoing special training for his lead role in the movie. "It was a three-month routine with a variety of one- to two-hour-long training sessions, five to six times per week. It comprised taekwondo, fight training, boxing and kick-boxing on pads and focus-mitts for cardio.

SRK questioned by London police Shah Rukh, who is shooting in London for Yash Chopra's next with Katrina Kaif was reportedly questioned by the UK police. The shooting of the film has been going on in London for the past several days and in true Yashraj style, strict measures were being taken to ensure that no footage or even a picture gets leaked online. And for the same purpose, the UK police are working with the security of the Yashraj Film's on the sets to prevent any fan to take any picture of the shoot. And since the UK police are involved, there is constant checking of the people and cars in the vicinity. And according to reports, it was during one of these routine checks that SRK's car was stopped by the police.

Big B supports Vidya Balan’s ‘Kahaani’

Acting not on my agenda: MAlAIkA

The poster girl of item numbers - Malaika Arora Khan - feels her husband-actor-producer Arbaaz Khan has a better sense of music than she does. That’s why, when it comes to taking decisions about what item songs to do, she relies on his opinion. “Deciding on one number is a very difficult task for me. But I have to give credit to Arbaaz for that. Every time I’m contemplating doing a song, I ask him. As for me, I pretty much go with the fact that I like performing; and I also consider who I am going to be working with,” says Malaika, who after Munni badnaam hui in Dabangg (2010) sizzles with Anarkali disco chali in Sajid Khan’s “Housefull 2.”

Apart from the item song, the model divulges that she also has a cameo in the multi-starrer. “I’ve done a few scenes. They come at a very appropriate time in the film and take the plot forward. The name Anarkali has been mentioned through the film. Sometimes the characters speak about her, but no one knows who she is, until she finally arrives in the song,” she adds.

The former VJ, however, has no plans of getting into acting full time. “That was never on my agenda. Also, I think it’s a bit late in the day to decide whether I want to be an actor or not. I’m happy in my space as a producer,” adds Malaika, who last co-produced brotherin-law Salman Khan’s “Dabangg” along with her husband and Dhillin Mehta.

The sequel, “Dabangg 2,” will mark Arbaaz’s directorial debut. As the makers prepare to take the film on the floors in the second week of March with Salman and Sonakshi Sinha, she adds, “There’s a lot of pressure, but it also pushes us to make a bigger and better film.”

Govinda to start production house to launch daughter Govinda, who has completed 25 years in showbiz, is right now trying to settle his daughter's career in the film industry and says he will start his home production to launch Narmada. "I am starting my production, which I never wanted to do. Film production is very tough.

Initially when I started, I was not successful but my wife and family members supported me... you should not give up," said Govinda, who produced the movie "Ssukh" in 2005 which didn't do well. "So finally I am starting my own production... and I will start for Nammu (Narmada). I have a good subject for her and I have worked very hard on it

(script)," he added.

For quite some time, Narmada was trying to get into Bolllywood but things didn't work out for her.

There were reports that she will make her debut opposite boxing champ Vijendra Singh in director Lovely Singh's "Manchali".

Now Govinda wants to ensure that his 22year-old daughter is launched in such a manner that she carves a niche for herself.

"I want her to create the best with whatever she has got. She should become confident in life that she should create a correct situation for herself," the 48-year-old said.

Asin goes paragliding!

After getting an unexpected time off from work, Bollywood actress Asin Thottumkal planned to explore her adventurous side and went paragliding in Panchgani, where she is shooting for Rohit Shetty's "Bol Bachchan". A fan of adventure sports, when Asin found out about paragliding opportunities in Panchgani, she jumped at it as she wanted to do something exciting, said a source. In fact, the 26-year-old hired a cycle and after her shoot went cycling on a trail to make most of her stay in the beautiful town, adds the source. "Bol Bachchan", which also features Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan and Prachi Desai, is expected to release on July 6.

17

I have never been on Twitter or Facebook: John Abraham The number of followers one has on popular networking and micro-blogging sites, seem to some extent help determine an actor’s popularity these days. But while most actors seem to have hopped on the Twitter or Facebook bandwagon, there are others who clearly are not keen to sign up on any of these websites.

And actor John Abraham is one of them. Surprisingly, however, there are quite a few John Abraham namesake accounts, on both the sites and some of them even register followers going into several thousands. However, the actor reveals that none of the accounts are authentic. “They are all fake accounts,” he says.

“I am not on any of these networking sites. In fact, I have never been on Twitter or Facebook!” says John.

Though the actor insists that he is all for those who are on the networking sites, he doesn’t see himself sign up on any of these sites soon. “I will probably sign up when I have something far more important to say than just update fans about my professional or personal life,” shares the hottie.

However, the actor is quick to add that he has nothing against his peers who are on such sites. “It’s their choice, and I have nothing against anyone who does connect or reach out to their friends and fans on such networking sites.

My own friends do that. It’s just that I personally don’t see myself doing that. But it’s just a matter of, to each their own!” he adds.

After a phenomenal 2011, Vidya Balan is set to champion the Box Office again with her fifth femalecentric film, Sujoy Ghosh’s “Kahaani,” and has garnered support from none other than Amitabh Bachchan, who has been promoting her film on various social networking sites. The screen legend has sung Rabindranath Tagore's iconic song ‘Ekla Cholo Re’ for the film and has been talking about it on his blog and Twitter page. "My friend Sujoy Ghosh of Aladin fame... puts out his trailer for his next with Vidya...

Kahaani... interesting watch," he tweeted.

On his blog, Mr. Bachchan wrote: "May I just say that singing Rabindra Sangeet for the first time was the greatest revelation. The beauty of the language, the lyricism of the tune and its dhun (music) are outstanding.

"This particular, world famous number Ekla Cholo, expounding to all that if no one came to you

on your calling, walk alone!! And what a fabulous song has been incorporated by VishalShekhar. Truly awesome and worthy of all award."

In response, Vidya commented, "That is very, very kind and generous of him. He has sung a song for us. It is a very special song for Kolkata and all the Bengalis. It has been sung by Mr Bachchan, so it becomes all the more special.”

She has been hailed for her performances in “Ishqiya,” “No One Killed Jessica” and “The Dirty Picture,” but Vidya has no plans to exercise her vocal chords. "So far no, because I don't know. I am not even a bathroom singer. So I am happy listening," said the actress who plays a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in “Kahaani.”

“Kahaani” unfolds in cinemas across the UK on 9th March, releasing through B4U Pictures and presented by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.

Genelia D'Souza in Brazilian model in Ram Gopal's next film Limca Book of Records Genelia D'Souza has entered the Limca Book of World Records for creating a unique record of delivering four back to back hits. The actress has reportedly given four hits in four different languages Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. She recently got married to her long time boyfriend actor Riteish Deshmukh and has earned praises for her latest release ‘Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya”.

Having replaced Madhu Shalini in an item number, Brazilian model Nathalia has also taken her place in the filmmaker's life, say sources. A few months back, Ram Gopal Varma wasn't too happy replacing his favourite actress Madhu Shalini with Brazilian model Nathalia Pinheiro in an item number in “Department.” But now, the filmmaker couldn't thank his stars enough for it.

According to sources close to the film, the model, who has changed her name to Nathalia Kaur, has impressed Ramu so much that he has decided to hone her talent in his next venture. In fact, he has offered her the lead role making her the director's latest muse. When asked, Ram Gopal Varma says how impressed he is with Natalia. "She did a song for Department. She is a great looker and amazingly talented," he said.

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Tata teams up with F1

Romil Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, All this talk of the Euro may leave you thinking who makes money trading FX? I ask this because recently I was in touch with a FX hedge fund manager friend, Bill Lipschutz, who I first met when I wrote my book, The Mind of a Trader. He used to be Global Head of FX at Salomon Brothers in New York in the late 80s and early 90s.

So who does make money in FX? Do private investors. For a series of free online webinars I am giving I have dug up some research on exactly who does make money in FX. Of 12 million FX trades by private investors analysed by one major FX broker they found that private investors were most likely to win trading AUD/NZD with nearly 70% of all trades called right.

That does not mean they lived in Australia or New Zealand. Other currencies where private investors were right more than 50% of the time: Pound v Yen, Pound v Dollar and Euro v Dollar and Euro v Pound. In fact private investors were right more than 50% of the time on all currencies except Australian Dollar v Yen. Okay so you think that means you too will be right more than wrong in FX? Wrong. The funny thing was, that despite being right more often than being wrong private investors lost more than they made on average.

Although they were most profitable overall in trading Australian Dollar to Yen ie the currency in which they were wrong more than 50% of the time?

So how does that make sense and what does it teach us about trading FX? Essentially what had happened is that the traders lost more on losing trades than they made on winning ones. They were good at overall wins, but not overall profits. So they ended up holding onto losing positions which would get worse and worse, rather than exiting them quickly at a small loss. And they would let losses run and run. The average loss was greatest on Euro v US Dollar.

But how then do you ensure you do not make the same mistake. One way to improve profitability in FX is to ensure the time you place a trade, you place your profit target and the price at which you will exit and you place the orders with the online broker and do not move them. Traders who used such ‘stop-loss’ exits did better, because the temptation with the others when facing a loss, was to let the loss run and run, so they would not have to ‘convert a paper loss, into a real loss’.

By the way, if you do want to trade FX, I’ll send you a signed copy of my book, Mind of a Trader, which includes an interview with Bill Lipschutz and his advice on trading FX – just email me once you’ve opened an account with eitherwww.sterlingmarkets.com (if you want to spreadbet FX) or www.alpeshpatel.com/live (if you want to use FXCM to trade FX).

DataWind wins UK's innovation award for $35 tablet

DataWind, the maker of low-cost tablet UbiSlate, has been presented the UK's most innovative mobile company award by the British government.

The company has won the Smart UK project award for developing and manufacturing the "UbiSlate - a 7-inch Android powered tablet that retails for just $35".

"The company is aiming to break the price barrier for computing and internet access and make digital connectivity affordable, especially in emerging markets around the

world," the UK government said in a statement.

Datawind is the maker of 'Aakash' - touted as world's cheapest computer tablet meant for Indian students. The tablet was sold to the Indian government for Rs 2,276 when it was launched with much fanfare on October 5 last year.

The competition to spot UK's most innovative mobile company began in November 2011 in association with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), a British government department.

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On 23 February 2012 Tata Communications took a significant leap forward by announcing a multi-year marketing and technology agreement with Formula One in London. The financial terms were not disclosed.

The terms of the deal will see Tata providing connectivity to all twenty Formula One race locations over its global network. It will also host the Formula1.com website which is accessed by millions of people around the world.

“Formula One requires fast and secure connectivi-

working with the best in the business is a priority for us. This is a collaboration that will help us stay at the technological cutting edge in these categories.”

Inevitably, technology is at the heart of Formula One and Ecclestone was keen to emphasise that the deal had nothing to do with sponsorship. “We were offered a service which we needed” he said.

The deal comes just months after Formula One staged its first Grand Prix in India.

Ecclestone hailed the progress of the sport in India, saying that it is something which he is “very, very proud” of.

Kumar added that the deal is not simply confined to providing connectivity.

Tata Communications will also provide highly reliable MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) and web hosting services.

“I’m pleased to welcome Tata Communications into the Formula One family and I hope this is the start of a long and successful relationship” said F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone. He also accepted that the most advanced sport in the world had been “a little bit asleep to this type of communications.”

“Connectivity and content delivery are critical issues for Formula One and

ty, because even a split second of downtime can have huge repercussions for its business, brand and reputation” said Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Communications. “This delivery is at the heart of our organisation and working with one of the world’s most highly technical and innovative organisations is an exciting opportunity for Tata Communications. The collaboration leverages our technology leadership and vision for emerging markets and represents a tremendous opportunity for growth and innovation for both companies.”

Lycamobile wins a business in the community award

Lycamobile, the provider affordable mobile calls, has received a Business in Community award at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life award at the House of Commons recently. Mr Subaskaran Allirajah, chairman of the company, received the award.

The aim of the awards is to recognise the exceptional work that a select number of influential figures and businesses play in political and public life across the UK. These individuals are dedicated to contributing to society, in an effort to improve the lives of the people in their communities. The 4th annual Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards event was hosted by the Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz, MP at the Members’ Dining Room on February 23rd 2012. The winners were joined by a select group of high profile politicians Hon. Ed Miliband MP, Hon. Yvette Cooper MP, including guest of honour Baroness Betty Boothroyd former Speaker of the Houses of Commons, editor and publisher of Asian Voice CB Patel as well as prominent business and community leaders.

Maran pumps `1 bn into SpiceJet SpiceJet on Friday last said its promoters agreed to infuse Rs 1 billion fresh funds into the airline in exchange for an additional equity of 42.9 million shares aggregating to five per cent.

With this, the holdings of Kalanidhi Maran and his family in the second largest low-cost carrier will go up to 48.6 per cent.

“Our board met and decided to allot 42.9 million preferential shares or five per cent to the promoters. This will take the overall holding of promoters in the airline to 48.6 per cent,” SpiceJet chief executive Neil Mills said.

The fresh equity infusion comes at a time its rival Kingfisher Airline is struggling to be air-borne due to a severe cash-crunch.

a global leader in providing telecommunications, financial, travel and entertainment products and services to the international ethnic and immigrant communities.

At Lycamobile we are committed to deeply engaging in a wide range of activities to forge strong ties with our communities. I am thrilled that the business has been recognised for our work in the community and I would like to thank the Lycamobile team and my family for supporting me throughout this journey.”

The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, MP Presented Lyca Mobile with a business in the community award at the Houses of Commons.

Subaskaran Allirajah said, “I am delighted to receive this prestigious award on behalf of

Lycamobile. My mission over the past 5 years has been to develop the Lycamobile business into

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

19

The Real Hustle

Suresh Vagjiani Managing Director Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Last week Saturday I was invited to meet some investors in a hotel, apparently they were form overseas and were interested in investing a lot of money into property. The connection had been made through an introduction via a builder we use. They had come across him whilst viewing a property for sale.

I had spoken to them on the phone late last week and then an appointment had been arranged via the builder at short notice on Saturday.

I had arrived at the Hotel late. Straight away one of the gentleman told me time is money and I should not be late. I apologised.

With the builder there were three black men dressed in brightly coloured suits, like they were in Harlem in the 1970’s, one even had a pipe on him.. They made me sit between two of them so they could speak to me more comfortably. One of them started telling me they were form Libya and would like to invest a lot of money into property, in the region of £10m, and he wanted to know if I could help him. I told them we could as property investment is what we do day in day out, so in principle we could.

From the outset they all looked dodgy to me, as they had put too much effort into appearing like business men.

W hen so me thing is wrapped up to o co nscientiou sl y you have to check what ’s inside.

I knew this was some kind of set up, I didn't know exactly what the sting was, the question was how do I play it? Do I go along with them just for fun and perhaps reverse things on them?

I decided I didn't have the time or patience to carry on with this charade. I asked for my business card back then I promptly excused myself. After I got up I told them they better leave otherwise there would be some people coming here shortly. They all got up and started leaving. The one who had been speaking to me followed me outside and asked me what the problem was. I told him I knew what he was up to and that he better run very fast out of here. Needless to say they all dispersed very quickly.

What they didn't know was that I had encountered this scam twice before in the course of dealing in properties in London. The first time was when some Kenyan popped up in my office with my business card, claiming someone had highly recommended him to me and told me he acted for a minister in the Kenyan government.

They were interested in purchasing property in the UK.

The Real Deal WESTBOURNE TERRACE, LONDON, W2 Purchase Price: £1.25m – Share of Freehold 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms, 3 Bathrooms A stunning three double bedroom apartment, recently refurbished to a very high standard forming part of this impressive period stucco fronted building.

The property further benefits from three ensuite shower rooms , an impressive reception room with skylight, a beautifully fitted kitchen and it own private entrance. Westbourne Terrace, close to the open spaces of Hyde Park, is ideally located for the transport links of Paddington Mainline station, Paddington Underground Station (District, Bakerloo, Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines) and Lancaster Gate Underground Station (Central Line).

The angle would be to purchase and resell in the summer months for a quick profit. You’re coming in at £680 per sq ft.

A lower ground property with a 120 year lease has been sold on the 1st march 2012 in worse condition on the same road. This is a share of freehold in excellent condition.

Service Charge: £1,300 Rental Income: £850-950 per week rental can be achieved on the property.

I showed the gentleman some property and this was followed by another viewing with his Minister. They were interested in purchasing. So there were two characters in the story called the Minster and his skivvy.

Over a period of weeks they would become friendlier and friendlier. The minister would meet me at the Paddington Hilton and claimed to have been staying there. It was always the case of ‘the embassy driver had just dropped him off’.

The other business they claimed they were involved in was diamond dealing. They had wanted to use the income from the diamond trade to purchase property.

They said they wanted to introduce me to the Jewish contact they had who they had sold diamonds too, so we met him in the Langham hotel in Marylebone , they then all came to my office to do the deal. An envelope was opened and the diamonds were checked by this Jewish man. He was checking them with a small glass microscope and tweezers. All the while he would be making small talk with the Kenyan men. He was happy with the goods and so the envelope was sealed with wax stamp.

I was also introduced to another party in the gang, a courier who was in charge of bringing the diamonds to the UK, for the ministers.

After the meeting at my office I had been told they had received the funds for this deal and it was concluded. They mentioned there was another deal happing soon.

A day before delivery of the diamonds, the minister called me and said he need to pay the courier some money to release the diamonds so he could make the sale to the Jewish fellow. He was stuck temporarily with funds due to a ‘transfer delay’ and needed them for a few days. He needed about £23,000 for the goods to be released.

At this point the penny dropped for me, all the way through I was 50/50 wondering if this was for real or not. But as I hadn't seen the sting I was still sitting on the fence in deciding.

I said I didn't have the funds to hand, they said whatever you can give would be helpful. On hearing I wouldn’t be giving anything they got very disappointed as there had been a lot of dramatic performance on their side to get to this point. Very soon all the mobile numbers I had for them were all dead.

And that was the end.....until I saw the ‘minister’ again in the back of a car reading a paper, this was on the way to my office in Paddington, when he saw me he raised the paper up to cover his face. Naturally I went up to him and shook his hand. The car disappeared then… disappeared very quickly.

The courier chap I had met previously was still on the pavement so I started following him and pretended to be on the phone.

He started running, and so I started running after him until he disappeared down Edgware Road station.

A few weeks later I met someone whose friend had been duped into releasing £30,000 to this kind of scam. I would think this kind of scam is going to be on the increase in these troubled economic times.

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 l The real money to be made in property is at the middle and high end, grouping together with others means you can reach this height - call us to see how this can be done. l Property values will diverge in the future, meaning some parts will go down and others will go up, make sure you choose carefully where you invest.

20

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

LAND ALWAYS APPRECIATES, NEVER DEPRECIATES Land we cannot ignore the name DHOLERA. After being declared as SPECIAL INVESTMENT REGION investors from all over the world are keen to invest in Dholera.

Dharmesh Doshi Managing Director Looking at the situation few years back, not many people were interested in investments and were also not aware of the different solutions available. Since last 2 decades only the local people have understood the benefits of investments and specially investments in Land and the benefits associated in investing in Land. Gujarat is not only known as an investment hub at state level but at National as well as International Level. When we speak about Gujarat and specially about investment in

There are various benefits of investing in Dholera mainly 1.

The largest International Airport in India 2. The biggest investment region of India 3. The largest Central Business district in India 4.

Industrial Park, Townships, Knowledge City and many more And there are many more reasons that justify why Dholera is best for investment.

And now the second question is why Magnanimous Greenz in Dholera? In response to this also there are solid reasons like.....

100% CARPET AREA

Plot seller generally sells plots at super build up area but when the plots are mainly bought for investment purpose and not for living purpose, carpet area is more important than super built up area. It is every buyers right to get 100% carpet area on their plot.

Magnanimous Greenz have always given 100% carpet in all their plotting schemes in Dholera. Magnanimous Greenz is the 4th plotting scheme by Magnanimous Infrastructure in Dholera SIR and they have been giving 100% carpet area in all their schemes. As you are paying the full amount you should get the full land area. NO SUPER BUILT UP = NO COMPROMISE NA NOC and TITLE CLEAR PLOTS It is advisable to invest in plots which are

NA NOC and Title cleared. It is very important that the investment of your hard earned money over a period of time is safe and beneficial. You should never hesitate to ask for all the documents relating to the development where you are investing as it is your right to ask, this helps a lot in future selling and getting the maximum benefits out of your i n v e s t m e n t .

Magnanimous Greenz is one of the plotting schemes with NA NOC and Title clear in DHOLERA SIR. INVESTMENT IN RIGHT LOCATION and RIGHT TIME (STRATEGIC INVESTMENT) Anytime is considered good for investment in Land depending on the location. We have abbreviated LAND as follows.

L=LAND, A=ALWAYS APPRECIATES, N=NEVER, D=DEPRECIATES But selecting location is of utmost importance, it is very important to take note of the development and growth opportunities which are going to happen in the area, specially the developments done by the State and Central Government which will play a very crucial part in growth of he area,the development and your investment.

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For more information call 020 7060 5388

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

21

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

Austerity or growth?

The EU dilemma The UK and the Czech Republic are the only members of the European Union to reject a new treaty enforcing financial restraint within the Eurozone. There is a new and unexpected mood coursing through Europe's corridors.

The treaty, signed by the other 25 members of the EU, prevents the 17 members of the Eurozone from living beyond their means and worsening an already crippling debt crisis.

Firstly, for many European countries 2012 will be a year of recession. The Portuguese economy will contract by 3.3%, Greece by more than 4%. Spain will shrink by 1.7% in 2012. Italy, too, will be in recession.

Unemployment is continuing to rise. Over 24 million are without work. In the Eurozone 10.7% do not have jobs. For young people, the rate has reached 21%, the highest since the single currency was introduced.

In Spain unemployment is predicted to reach 24.3% this

year so countries are struggling to bring down their deficits. Spain now says the deficit for 2012 will be 5.8% of GDP, well wide of the agreed target of 4.4%.

Even the virtuous Netherlands has announced that its provisional deficit for 2012 will rise to 4.5% of GDP, from 4.1%. Other countries are also having difficulty meeting their agreed targets because, as the spending cuts bite, so tax revenues fall.

Jobless figure will rise to 3million in 2013. The economy will suffer high levels of debt as unemployment rates will rise to almost 3 million next year, though Britain will avoid a double-dip recession.

Economic growth in 2012 is predicted to drop to 0.6 per cent from 0.8 per cent, rising to 1.3 per cent next year, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.

Exports and business investment will be the drivers of growth over the next two years.

Unemployment will

increase from 2.6 million to 2.9 million at the start of 2013, with the jobless rate for 18 to 24 year old at 23 per cent.

Interest rates will stay at 0.5 per cent until end of 2012.

US manufacturing growth eases in February and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of factory activity fell to 52.4 in February from 54.1 in the month before. US manufacturing has been showing signs of strength over recent months. However the latest ISM figures suggest the recovery is patchy and export is a lot better than before.

For all the concern that the $10 trillion market for Treasuries is dependent on Federal Reserve purchases to absorb a continually expanding supply of debt, the amount held by investors outside the U.S. has grown even more.

Foreigners increased their holdings of U.S. government debt by $1.84 trillion to a record $5 trillion since the Fed began the first round of

Treasury purchases in May 2009, taking their stake to 60.5 percent of the securities not held by the central bank, government data show. The Fed added $1.18 trillion during that period, to $1.65 trillion, or 16.8 percent of the total, from 7.6 percent.

International buying underpins President Barack Obama’s financing of a budget deficit forecast to exceed $1 trillion for a fourth year. Tenyear note yields stuck below the rate of inflation have caused hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman to shun the debt. At the same time, the risk of declines has been limited by the shrinking supply of AAA rated alternatives.

The U.S. dollar’s share of global foreign-exchange reserves climbed in the third quarter to 61.7 percent, the highest since late 2010, while holdings of euros fell to a three-year low of 25.7 percent, according to quarterly figures from the Washington-based International Monetary Fund.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 6th March 2012 @ 2.30pm GBP - INR = 79.43 USD - INR = 50.35 EUR - INR = 66.12 GBP - USD = 1.58 GBP - EUR = 1.20 EUR - USD = 1.31 GBP - AED = 5.79 GBP - CAD = 1.58 GBP - NZD = 1.94 GBP - AUD = 1.49 GBP - ZAR = 12.03 GBP - HUF = 352.76

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.

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financial vOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

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

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

A listening Government?

Most Governments claim to listen to their citizens but as always they are selective with their listening, deaf at times or suffering from tinnitus as a result of all the other moans from other areas taking place on their collective ears.

When the Government were thinking, or rather planning change, they consulted widely. Today the changes were announced. Here is a snapshot of the listening process.

Tier 2 73% of all respondents disagreed with the proposal that Tier 2 (General )should become a wholly temporary route with no avenue to settlement Tier 2 will become a temporary route for all those earning less than £35000. There will be exceptions for those on the shortage occupation list and for some scientists.

67% of all respondents disagreed with the proposal that temporary leave for Tier 2 migrants should be capped at a maximum of 5 years.

There will be a cap of 6 years and the introduction of a 12 month cooling period 66% agreed that Tier 2 migrants should be allowed to re-apply for another Tier 2 visa after they have left the UK. Tier 2 applicants who leave the UK will not be able to re-apply to return for 12months

Summary of changes • Only those earning over £35000 will be able to bring in their families.

• The rules relating to settlement will only take effect on 6th April 2016 and so those in the UK currently under Tier 2 can relax. The other rules will apply from the 6th April 2012.

• Domestic workers will only be allowed to accompany visitors, will be allowed to remain for a maximum of 6 months and will not be able to change employers or settle. In recognition of the fact that such workers are vulnerable instead of allowing them to change employers the way in which abuse will be tackled is by “strengthening” the entry clearance measures( ie refusing applications more) and they will receive help and support to return to their home (not clear if this will be financial and if so whether the cost of doing so has been factored in).

Those in diplomatic households will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 5 years and will not be allowed to change employment or settle. It is interesting that the response of the consultation process was that 53% disagreed that the route for domestic workers in private households should be closed.

• There will be a new route for limited professionals to come as visitors (and thereby prevent being included in the sta-

Tata Steel, ONGC among Fortune's most admired companies

Tatas to bid for British telecom giant CWW

Two Indian companies Tata steel and ONGC have made it to a list of the world's most admired companies, compiled by management consultancy giant Hay Group and global business magazine Fortune.

While the global rankings of the Indian companies were not known, the worldwide list has been topped

by US-based technology giant Apple.

While Apple has topped the list for the fifth consecutive year, it is followed by internet major Google and online retailer Amazon are ranked second and third respectively in the latest list for the year 2012.

The list comprises of a total 358 companies, but mentions specific rankings for only the top-50 companies - globally and for the geographic regions. Tata Steel has been ranked 17th in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tata Communications Ltd is eyeing Cable & Wireless Worldwide Plc, a Londonlisted telecommunications giant with origins steeped in British imperialist history, signaling the return of India's largest private conglomerate to bulgebracket global buyouts.

The $84 billion Tata Group's telecom arm may be vying with Vodafone Plc for the potential acquisition, which is still in early stages, said sources directly briefed on the matter.

C&W is best known in India as the former sponsors of the West Indian cricket team. The company's association with India goes back to 1870 when it laid the world's biggest submarine cable connection from Mumbai (then Bombay) to Porthcurno in England.

C&W may attract valuation upwards of $1.2 bil-

tistics as migrants) to undertake paid engagements.

• There are changes to Tier 5 but no further changes to Tier 1 The catchphrase “brightest and best” unsurprisingly only favours the high earners.

World events have so far led to an increase in applications from war torn countries and this is an area that is likely to result in an increase in numbers. Students will eventually find other pastures. Those who are the” brightest and best” ( the catch phrase of this Government) have the world as their oyster and therefore there is no reason why they will choose to remain in the UK. Immigration policy has always been based on the perception that numbers are growing and successive governments have sought to make political capital out of placing restrictions. Whilst these changes are being made which will have an impact on families around 30,000 employees of companies came into the UK without any restrictions.

A listening Government?

Yes but listening to whom?

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.

lion for its voice, data and IP based services to large clients four across continents. The troubled company's market value has declined over 70% in the last 24 months, broadly reflecting the woes of the global telecom sector, but making it possibly the least expensive target in the industry. Tatas are preparing to launch a bid for the asset in the next two weeks. Standard Chartered Bank is advising Tatas on their largest telecom acquisition move.

The deal would be significant, if it goes through, providing Tata Communications with a larger footprint in voice and data carrier businesses as well as in the undersea cable network. C&W owns 4,25,000 km of cables connecting more than 150 countries, with strong presence in most of the former British colonies.

Drawing the Line I read a column by Nick Robinson on the BBC website in which he described the Prime minister looking over the ‘cliff edge’ of proposed changes to the child benefit system. There is speculation that there will be a single cut off point at which anyone who earns more than 42,475 pounds will no longer be eligible for child benefit. At present there seems to be no exceptions or exclusions to this cut off point, hence the term ‘cliff edge’. This is the worst scenario any politician can find themselves in.

Simply because the innate nature of a politician is to appear to help everyone, not just any one group.

Outwardly it would seem that this policy makes good sense. The logic being that ‘high earners’ do not need child benefit and thus the money can be better spent, or as is more likely, be saved altogether.

However, like many of Cameron’s policies, it is being attacked because it may mean that some people (not all) may lose out.

A credible point, but we must also keep sight of the context - in difficult times one must make difficult choices. The child benefit issue is an excellent example of the old adage, ‘You can’t please all of the people, all of the time’. It is something that every person who assumes any sort of leadership should ingrain into their minds.

A key skill of leadership is knowing when to ‘draw the line’, or to define a ‘cut-off point’, sending a clear and unambiguous message of what one is willing to or can do. It is not possible to lead and retain credibility without doing this, something which Nick Clegg is currently learning. Words such as diplomacy, patience, compromise and tolerance all have their place in the leadership process.

However, if a leader is unable to draw the line and signal where these will end and where other options will have to be considered they will be considered as indecisive and hence weak. Neville Chamberlain was an able

India foils Swiss MNC’s bio-piracy bid

India has successfully foiled a bio-piracy bid by a Swiss multinational firm to patent an age-old Indian home remedy - milk as a laxative.

Nestec SA had filed a patent application at the European Patent Office (EPO) on May 12, 2009, claiming the usefulness of cow milk for the treatment of constipation and as a laxative to be its unique finding.

However, cow milk is being used alone or in combination with other ingredients for treating constipation and as a laxative in traditional Indian medicine systems for hundreds of years.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Union health ministry's department of Ayush sent the EPO references of the remedy from several ancient Indian texts dated between 5th century and 20th century.

This led to the applicant withdrawing its claim and patent application on January 24.

A health ministry official said, "Within 16 weeks of India providing evidence, the nearly threeyear old attempt by a Swiss multinational company to pirate India's traditional medicinal knowledge was struck down by the European Patent Office."

Nestec SA had filed a patent application (EP2251029) under the title "Lactoferrin and gut neuronal health in adults and/or elderly".

The books belonging to the Indian systems of medicine that were referred to as evidence by India and sent to EPO included Astanga Hridaya (5th century), Vangasena (12th century), Rase ndracintamanaih (16th century), Siddhabhesajamanimala (19th century) and Khazaain-al-Advia (20th century).

"Our Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) submitted the evidence on September 30, 2011. The examiner terminated the patent application thereafter," a health ministry official said.

Dr Jyoti Arora, head of nutrition and dietetics at Artemis Health Institute, said "Milk contains lactose which is a carbohydrate and works as a laxative.

Hot milk works wonders as a laxative for those who have a habit of consuming it before going to bed at night. It has been an ageold practice in India."

Till a decade ago, around 2,000 wrong patents regarding Indian medicine systems were being granted annually at international level due to lack of evidence provided

by India.

By Amit Patel

and sincere Prime minister, yet he is tainted with his inability to stand up to Hitler. Churchill, on the other hand is seen as strong and resolute, yet Churchill’s decision to go to war was actually the easier of the two.

Rather than looking over the cliff edge, David Cameron is simply drawing the line. Whether the line is in the right place or not and whether it is a clear, definitive and dare I say a ‘fair’ line is open to debate. But on March 21st we will get to see his line.

And in doing so, he is displaying other leadership qualities – decisiveness, courage and resolve.

Qualities which Churchill is celebrated for.

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

Kingfisher warns pilots of shutdown

For the first time since its troubles began, the Kingfisher Airlines management has threatened a shutdown at a meeting with its pilots in Mumbai.

CEO Sanjay Aggarwal made the statement last week in response to the pilots’ stand that they may refuse to operate flights if they are not paid their salaries. Despite the warning, a majority of Mumbaibased pilots called in sick on Saturday, but the curtailed flight operations were not affected.

To add to the airline’s woes, the service tax department has frozen its 40 bank accounts for the fourth time in the last four months. The airline, which owes Rs 400 million to the department, failed to meet the February 29 deadline for payment of dues.

In another development, India’s civil aviation minister Ajit Singh said if the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) feels that the airline’s inability to pay its staff could affect safety or if the Airports Authority of India (AAI) refuses to issue more credit to the beleaguered carrier, its operating licence could be temporarily suspended.

The airline can restart operations once these issues have been sorted out, said Singh.

world

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

US Mormon Church baptizes Gandhiji

In Focus Chicago, the capital of corruption

Chicago: On March 15th the former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, will start to serve a 14-year sentence for corruption in a federal low-security prison. In this part of America, he is treading a well-worn path.

Over four decades four governors (out of seven) have been convicted of corruption.

Since 1976, 1,828 elected officials, appointees, government employees and a few private individuals have been convicted of corruption in Illinois and 84% of these were in its Northern District - a judicial zone which contains the entire Chicago metropolitan area. During this time around one-third of the city’s elder men have been convicted of corruption. No mayors have been convicted or indicated - not even Bill Thompson, who was backed by AI Capone. Although Chicago is the capital of corruption, the state of Illinois as a whole ranks only third in the country-after the much more populous states of New York and California.

Indian accused of molesting girl in Dubai

Dubai: A 33-year-old Indian worker has been accused of molestation after he kissed an 11-year-old schoolgirl because she reminded him of his dead daughter.

The accused, who was identified as R.M., has denied the charge of molesting the girl when he appeared in court. "Sir that's untrue. I did not kiss her lips... I only kissed her like a father kisses his daughter," R.M. contended before Presiding Judge Mohammad Jamal Kamal. The girl's mother said, "I told her to take the stairs. Ten minutes later when she called me, she was crying. She claimed to me that a person chased her and told her that he loved her.

6 Indians killed in Oman

Dubai: Six Indians were on Monday burnt alive in a horrific head on collision between two trucks near Mamur town in the northwest of Muscat in Oman. While, two Omanis seriously injured when two pickup trucks collided and one carrying six workers caught fire on Monday evening, local media quoted a policeman as saying. The victims have been identified as Anil Kumar Sadanandan (35), Vishnu Bhargavan Villappil (42), Prasad Balakrishna Pillai (34), Sajukumar Unnikrishnan Pillai (29), Johanson Anil (43) and Das, whose full name and age were not available.

Gujarati teen arrested for firebombing NJ synagogues

New York: A 19-year-old Gujarati-American boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the firebombing of two synagogues in January in New Jersey. Aakash Dalal’s arrest was announced by Bergen County prosecutor John Molinelli. Dalal has been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated arson, bias intimidation and criminal mischief. His bail has been set at $2.5 million. Prosecutors said Dalal, a resident of New Brunswick, had instigated the attacks on synagogues in Rutherford and Paramus.

Sikh group protests Sonia Gandhi's presence in US

New York: A US- based Sikh group, has approached Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demanding the exclusion of Congress president Sonia Gandhi from the United States.

"Sonia Gandhi's entry and presence in the US is in violation of section 212(a)(3)(E)(ii) & (iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and section 604 of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998," the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) said in a letter to Clinton.

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Washington: Mahatma Gandhi has been baptized in proxy by a US church, drawing sharp reaction from his grandson and others.

Gandhi was baptized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), headquartered in Salt Lake City in Utah on March 27, 1996; the confirmation of which was completed on November 17, 2007 at Sao Paulo Brazil Temple, according to researcher Helen Radkey.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is more popularly known as Mormon Church, one of the fastest growing churches in the US.

Mitt Romney, the leading Republican Presidential hopeful; Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and John Huntsman, former US ambassador to China, are among the few top Mormons.

Radkey, who has now been excommunicated by the Mormons, made the revelation in an e-mail to Nevada-based Hindu activist, Rajan Zed. In the email, Radkey, who is from Salt Lake City, said she viewed the record on baptism of Gandhi on February 16 but it had since disappeared and

Vladimir Putin wins, Russia erupts in protest Moscow: European election observers issued a harsh critique of the Russian presidential election on Monday, saying that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's victory was preordained and unfair because of overwhelming bias in the television media and the use of government money and resources in support of his campaign.

Putin, who has already served eight years as president and four years as PM, won a new six-year term on Sunday with an official tally of 63.75% of the vote. He has already suggested that he might run again in 2018, potentially extending his tenure as Russia's pre-eminent leader to 24 years, on a par with Brezhnev and Stalin.

The observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe said that the election was heavily tilted in Putin's favour, and that incidents of voter fraud and other irregularities were not as signifi-

cant as the overall framework of the campaign, which they said gave opposition candidates little chance.

Their observation came as a teary-eyed Putin told tens of thousands of his supporters , "I promised you we would win, and we won... We have won in an open and honest battle. We proved that no-one can force anything on us."

Hours later, thousands gathered for a massive rally in Moscow to challenge Putin's victory, chanting 'Shame!' and 'Russia without Putin!'"

"The campaign has been unfair, cowardly and treacherous," said opposition leader Grigory Yavlinsky, denied registration for the race on a technicality. Sergei Udaltsov, an organizer , urged protesters to stay on Moscow's iconic Pushkin Square until Putin steps down.

was no longer available in the database of the church.

It was unusual for a record to vanish, said Radkey, who of late has been in news because of bringing out in the public similar unknown facts and secrets of the Mormon Church.

“I have not come across other Indian leaders baptized

by Mormons. My copies of the Gandhi record are dated February 16, 2012. The record disappeared shortly after that date. I assume Mormons did not want others to know about Gandhi’s baptism,” she said.

Arun Gandhi, a grandson of Gandhi who lives in Up State New York, said that he was “surprised” to hear about the posthumous baptism. “It bothers me in the sense that people are doing something when a person is dead and gone and there is nobody to answer for that person. That’s not the right thing to do,” he was quoted as saying. Arun, who teaches non-violence in the US, noted that his grandfather was against proselytising of any kind, whether it involved Hindus or others. “He thought people must decide for themselves which religion they want to follow.

Tired passengers leave crippled Costa cruise ship Victoria (Seychelles): The tired passengers and crew members of the crippled Costa Allegra heaved a sigh of relief as the cruise ship finally reached the Seychelles' main port last week, after three days at sea without power.

Exhausted passengers, who had been forced to stay out on deck since a fire knocked out the ship's power supply recently, were happy as their ordeal has ended as the liner reached Victoria, on the island of Mahé. They looked angry and disorientated.

It was a daunting task for the tour operators to find accommodation for all of them; so around 266 were flown to Rome on charter flights.

American passenger Eleanor Bradwell talked about the cramped conditions endured by 636 guests by saying: “The toilets were running over, there was no electricity.

It was very hot.” When the fire first broke out, passengers were directed to put on their life jackets and go to stations on the deck. Life

Jayne Thomas, whose daughter Becky is on board

boats were lowered but no one got in after the fire was contained.

The cruise ship, which left Madagascar with 1,049 passengers and crew members, was 200 miles south of the Seychelles when the engine room fire broke out.

After drifting for a day, a French tuna fishing boat made contact and has been slowly towing the stricken cruise liner to the Seychelles.

The month-long cruise of the Indian Ocean was cut short by three weeks because of the incident. It was due to arrive in Savona in northern Italy on March 17.

US special forces stationed in India, giving anti-terror training Washington: US special forces teams are currently stationed in five South Asian countries, including India, as part of the counter-terrorism cooperation with these nations, a top Pentagon commander has disclosed.

These teams have been deployed by US Pacific Command as part of its effort to enhance their counter-terrorism capabilities, in particular in the maritime domain, Admiral Robert Willard, the PACOM Commander said.

"We have currently special forces assist teams - Pacific assist teams is the term - laid down in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, as well as India," Willard told law-

makers at a Congressional hearing in response to a question on co-operation with India on counter-terrorism issues.

"We are working very closely with India with regard to their counter-terrorism capabilities and in particular on the maritime domain but also government to government, not necessarily DOD (department of defence) but other agencies assisting them in terms of their internal counter-terror and counterinsurgency challenges," Willard said.

Willard said, Pakistanbased Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) is a very dangerous organisation. It not only has very good operational security, but

also a lot of international design in terms of their aspirations.

"So it is a very important threat, and we're working very closely with the nations in the region to help contain it," he said.

The PACOM commander was responding to a question from Congressman Joe Wilson as to what effort is being made to counter threat from LeT. In his prepared statement, Willard told lawmakers that the US and India are working together on contain LeT. "Responsible for many attacks in India, including the horrific attacks into Mumbai, LeT is headquartered in

Pakistan, affiliated with alQaida and other VEOs, and contributes to terrorist operations in Afghanistan and aspires to operate against Asia, Europe and North America," Willard said.

He said Pacific Command's Indian Engagement Initiative that resourced and hosted Mumbai counter terrorist specialists for training exercises and exchanges throughout the US, together with capacity-building activities with South Asian partners are mainly focused on containing LeT and contributing to counter-terrorism self-sufficiency of the sub-region's militaries.

24

PAkiStAn-BAngLAdeSH-SRi LAnkA

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Zardari a good partner in war against terrorism: US In Focus Washington: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is a good partner in war against terrorism, even as Pak military or the ISI, according to her, have maintained relationship with terrorist groups for decades.

Testifying before a Congressional committee, Clinton said, "I think Congressman, what President Zardari told you on behalf of the civilian leadership of the government of Pakistan is true."

"He has been a good partner in going after terrorism that threatens his country and Afghanistan and our troops," she said while responding to questions from

Senator Michael Mccaul.

Denying that US has any proof of any Pakistani highlevel officials knowing about the presence of Osama bin Laden, she said, "We have no evidence of any high-level official knowing about bin Laden. But, like you, I have

Abduction fears stalk Balochistan Hindus Islamabad: Over 50 Hindus have been kidnapped in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province over the past four years, forcing members of the minority community to migrate to other parts of the country.

Basant Lal Gulshan, the Human Rights and Minority Affairs Minister for Balochistan, said over 50 members of the Hindu community were abducted across the province in four years.

"Among those are two assistants from my own pharmacy, abducted two days ago," he said.

"While Musharraf was in power for nine years, there were only seven instances of kidnapping," Gulshan told The Express Tribune. The alarming increase in kidnapping of Hindus was confirmed by Balochistan Chief Secretary Ahmed Bakhsh Lehri.

Of a total of 72 people kidnapped in the past few months, 24 were Hindus, he said.

Twenty-one people had either been released or recov-

ered through the efforts of the Hindus themselves, Lehri said.

Balochistan Home Secretary Naseebullah Bazai too said incidents of kidnapping for ransom and other heinous crimes have increased in the province.

The rise in kidnappings has forced Hindus to migrate from Balochistan to other parts of the country, Bazai told the media. Balochistan and Sindh provinces have sizeable Hindu populations.

Over the past few years, dozens of Hindus, most of them petty traders, have been kidnapped for ransom in Balochistan. Several cases of forced conversion of Hindus have been reported from Sindh.

Act against Haqqani network or lose aid, US lawmakers tell Pak

Washington: US lawmakers have introduced a legislation in the Congress to divert American aid meant for Pakistan to the Mexican border until Islamabad takes concrete and satisfactory action against Haqqani terrorist network.

Fearing that some of the aid running into billions of dollars could end up in the hands of the Haqqani network, the lawmakers voiced concern as the dreaded terror group is believed to be behind suicide attacks in Afghanistan responsible for hundreds of American deaths.

The legislation introduced by Congressman Michael McCaul, and co-sponsored among others by the foreign affairs committee chairwoman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, would require the secretary of state to certify to Congress that Pakistan is not aiding, assisting, advising or informing the Haqqani terrorist network in any way.

Otherwise US aid to Pakistan will be cut off and redirected toward fighting Mexican drug cartel violence on USMexican border, the legislation says.

to assume that lower-level people had to have known something. But we haven't proven that. It could be asserted, but not yet proven."

"This is a complicated, difficult relationship. What we are doing now is making it very clear what our expectations have to be going forward. And there is no doubt in my mind that certain elements of the Pakistani government are more ambivalent about cracking down on terrorism than other elements," Clinton said.

"You know, when I sit across from the foreign minister or talk to the ambassador or talk to the prime minister and others, I think they are very sincere. They know that

the scourge of terrorism is killing Pakistanis."

Deliberating further, Clinton said, "Zardari knows that terrorists killed his wife.

And yet there has been relationship between terrorist groups and the military and the intelligence services for many decades.

"The fact that this democratically elected government has survived longer than any other democratically elected government, is a unique thing. For the first time in the Parliament, you have questions being asked of the military and the ISI. You have the Supreme Court asking questions about actions of the military and the ISI," she told the lawmakers.

Pakistan decides to open market for Indian products Islamabad: In a move that will throw big opportunities for Indian exporters, Pakistan has decided to allow import of 6,800 items from India against only about 1,950 at present.

The Pakistani cabinet has unanimously approved a proposal to switch over to a negative list (NL) regime, that permits imports from India of all but 1,200 items in the NL. Further, the NL will be phased out by the year-end, leading to the grant of the much-awaited Most Favoured Nation (MFN) to India by Pakistan.

A meeting of the cabinet chaired by prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani "unanimously approved the phasing out of the negative list" regime between Pakistan and India by December, said a brief statement issued by the Premier's office.

Welcoming Pakistan's policy initiative to liberalise bilateral trade, India's commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma said that the move would open business opportunities by providing market

Yousuf Raza Gilani

access to Indian goods in the neighbouring country.

Sharma said that this development reaffirms the commitment of both the governments for trade normalisation.

"This will mark a dramatic shift in the lines that can be traded as now almost 90 per cent items can be traded with Pakistan as opposed to 17 per cent (at present)," he said. Direct trade between India and Pakistan constitutes less than one per cent of their respective global trade.

India exported goods worth USD 2.33 billion to Pakistan last year while its imports were USD 330 million. The decision follows several rounds of talks between the commerce secretaries and commerce ministers of the two sides since April 2011.

US court dismisses case against Lankan President Rajapaksa Washington: A federal US court has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, noting he is immune from lawsuits as a sitting head of state.

Dismissing the case, the US District Judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, said that Rajapaksa has immunity as head of the state.

The US State Department had entered a motion asking the case be dismissed because of the immunity precedent.

The case was brought

by Bruce Fein, an attorney who has been accused of working closely with the pro-LTTE groups in the United States. Rajapaksa was sued by families of the alleged torture victims under the Torture Victim

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Protection Act passed by Congress in 1992.

"This court is not in a position to second-guess the executive's determination that in this case, the nation's foreign policy interests will be best served by granting defendant Rajapaksa head of state immunity while he is

in office," Kollar-Kotelly wrote.

"Two centuries of case law and basic constitutional and statutory principles prevent this court from allowing plaintiffs' complaint to move forward at this time," the judge said.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Vathsala Devi, widow of Colonel Ramesh, for his alleged wrongful death by the Sri Lankan army.

However, the Sri Lankan government has vehemently denied violating human rights laws during the lengthy conflict against terrorism.

Rajapaksa government is accused of violating human rights of its own people during the civil war that ended in the defeat of LTTE.

Chinese woman shot dead in Peshawar Islamabad: Unknown assailants shot dead a Chinese woman Jiang Hua and her Pakistani interpreter Muhammad Salman in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The gunmen fired at the two when they were busy shopping in Peshawar's Jehangirpura area. He said the victims were injured in the firing incidents and were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital where they succumbed to their inju ries. The reason behind the killing and the purpose of the Chinese woman's visit to Peshawar remains unclear, said the police official.

Pak SC issues notice to former ISI chief, defence ministry Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court issued notices to former ISI chief Asad Durrani and the defence ministry as it resumed hearing a petition against the funding of politicians by the spy agency after a gap of over 12 years. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry also sought records related to the case filed in 1996 by former air force chief Asghar Khan. The bench said all the documents should be presented in court in sealed envelopes. The last hearing of the case was held 12 years and four months ago. The bench said it was necessary to go through the records as considerable time had passed since the last hearing.

Pak warns west against war with Iran, seals pipeline deal Islamabad: Pakistan has cautioned the west against attacking Iran over its nuclear ambitions, saying it should learn the lessons from the Iraq war. "West should learn the lessons of the lead-up to the Iraq war while attempting to confront Iran over its nuclear ambitions," Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar said. Khar, who is on a fourday official visit to Britain, said Iran had not taken a belligerent stance towards its eastern neighbours, even as it had raised tensions across the Gulf and against Israel and the West. "When it comes to our relations with Iran, we have only seen a better relationship," she was quoted. She also said that her country would go ahead with the gas pipeline deal with Iran a day after the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton warned that the project could lead to sanctions.

Woman paraded naked near Lahore over marriage row Lahore: A group of men stripped a woman and paraded her naked around a village in Pakistan's Punjab province after accusing her son of forcibly marrying a girl. It happened in Manzooran Mai in Khundai village of Muzaffargarh district, 350 km from Lahore.

They took the woman and her daughter-inlaw Azra away with them. The mob beat Mai's family members and ransacked her house. "Later, they paraded Mai naked in the streets of the village," the FIR said.

Senate wins a big boost for Zardari Islamabad: Pakistan's ruling party made gains in the country's upper house of parliament in legislative elections, a boost for beleaguered president Asif Ali Zardari in his longrunning conflict with the country's top court and its military. Zardari's Pakistan People's Party appeared to be on course to get control of the Senate, giving him valuable political firepower for several years to come. The results were expected, given the PPP's lower house majority and strong presence in provincial legislatures. About half of the 104 senators are being replaced because their terms have come to an end. The votes were still being counted, but the PPP and its allies won 32 out of 49 seats; five seats were yet to be announced.

Pakistan test-fires N-capable Hatf missile Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday test-fired the nuclear-capable Hatf-II short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets in India as part of the process of validating its land-based missile systems. The test was conducted successfully, a military statement said. The Hatf-II or Abdali has a range of 180 km and can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with "high accuracy."

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

In Focus Deaf and mute raped in Bengal A deaf and mute woman was allegedly raped by a junior doctor in a government hospital in Bankura district in west Bengal. The victim was medical examined locally and been taken to Kolkata for another medical test. The clothes of the victim and the bedsheets have also been sent for examination. The 19-year-old girl was found lying naked in an unconscious state in the medicine department of the hospital in Bankura where she was admitted for chest pain. The probe team will look into the allegations. The incident comes at a time when the Mamata Banerjee-led government has been facing flak over rising rape cases in the state. While an Anglo-Indian woman was raped in the heart of Kolkata-Park Street earlier this month, a ragpicker was Feb 24 allegedly gangraped and then murdered by a truck driver and his helper in North 24 Parganas' Baranagar.

Supreme Court erred, overreached on 2G issue: govt Short of challenging the cancellation of scam-tainted 2G licences, the government of India has slammed every major aspect of the Supreme Court order arguing that the court overstepped its powers and its rejection of the first-come-firstserve policy (FCFS) may harm public good.

After hedging over its response to the February 3 order setting a four-month deadline for scrapping the licences, the government told the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on telecom on Friday of its intention to

Supreme Court asks govt to provide information on homosexuals in India Expressing displeasure for not furnishing details of homosexuals' population, the Supreme Court in India asked for all relevant records from the Centre about LGBT ( lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, including their number and the number of HIVinfected among them. The bench also pulled up the government and its officials for not doing their "homework" in the case. "You should have done your homework before coming to the court," the bench told an official, appearing in the court. The government, however, contended that there are 23.9 lakh people infected with HIV in the country. The apex court is hearing petitions filed by anti-gay rights activists and also by political, social and religious organisations, which have opposed the high court verdict.

Ship collides with boat; two fishermen killed off Kerala coast Two fishermen were killed, two injured and three missing after a ship collided with a fishing boat off the Kerala coast.

The fishing boat 'Dawn' had left from Kollam for deep sea fishing with seven fishermen on board. The dead have been identified as Xavier and Justin, the missing fishermen are Cleetus, Santhosh and Babychen, while the injured fishermen are Michael and Joseph, who were admitted in hospital and are out of danger. The incident comes close on the heels of two Italian marines, Latorre Massimillano and Salvatore Girone - security officials on board the Italian ship Enrica Lexie being arrested for shooting dead two Indian fishermen on Feb 15 after mistaking them to be pirates.

challenge the court's view that scarce natural resources be allocated only through auctions. It also argued that the apex court lacked the expertise to pronounce on policy.

Insisting the policy needs to serve a public purpose, the government has asked whether auction should determine both price and allotee in all cases or only price while keeping view other relevant factors like "prevention of market dominance, level playing field among all licencees and inter-se-priority based on laid down criteria".

With some of the affected for-

eign investors threatening to sue their Indian partners or invoking bilateral treaties, the DoT has said the "impact on tripartite agreements between licensor, licensee and banks" needs to be considered. Similarly, the legality of other licences also would have to be examined.

The government feels that it will need 400 days for a fresh auction and the process of seeking out an auctioneer has begun. While stating that it is not seeking a review of the quashing of licenses, the government said the SC has "erred in finding the policy of FCFS

involves 'an element of pure chance or accident', without considering there is a risk that any policy, including sale by public auction, may be wrongly implemented."

DoT said that the ruling "will lead to arbitrary consequences to the detriment of the public, if applied indiscriminately in all situations across all sectors." A detailed presentation by telecom secretary R Chandrasekhar quoted several past Supreme Court rulings to say that pronouncing on policies like FCFS, "is contrary to settled law as laid down by the court.

Presents

Mamata's nephew arrested for assaulting cop West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew Akash Banerjee was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police sergeant on duty. His Innova car, arriving from the wrong side of the road, was stopped by traffic sergeant Subir Ghosh of the Vidyasagar Traffic Guard. Akash leaned out of the vehicle and challenged the cop. But Ghosh appeared unrelenting and determined to book the driver for violating traffic norms. An infuriated Banerjee then stepped out of his vehicle and 'pulled up' Ghosh for daring to stop the vehicle of the chief minister's nephew.

Banerjee reportedly even slapped the traffic sergeant repeatedly. Soon after, a group of men descended at the police station in Scorpio and Ambassador cars. They escorted Banerjee out while the men in uniform at the police station watched silently.

25

12th Asian Achievers Awards 14th September 2012 NOMINATION FORM The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below.

Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 12th July, 2012 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

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 ..............................................

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 ............................................

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.

Awarded to an young entrepreneur (less than 35 years) with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

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.

Application Form

Name of the Nominee: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Details of the Nominee (Tel & email): _______________________________________________________________ Present Occupation of the Nominee: _______________________________________________________________________ Please attach your CV which includes the following information (1) Personal background (2) (3) (4) (5)

(Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words)

Most important career achievements till date Your contribution to the community and nation Any notable obstacles in you career that has helped you to reach where you are today Future plans, ambitions and visions

Summary- (Please include a summary in not more the 150 words

why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet)

Nominators name and contact details: _____________________________________________________________________ Nominators current Occupation/Company: __________________________________________________________________ Tel/Mobile: _________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________

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

INDIA

26

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Anna Hazare asks politicians to reveal poll expenses Social activist Anna Hazare on Monday asked political leaders to reveal the amount of money they had spent during their campaigns in the Assembly polls in five states.

Hazare, who was in Delhi to attend a Team Anna core committee meeting, said: "The money spent during election campaign belongs to the citizens of the country, and they have the right to know how their money was spent.

"So, what wrong has Arvind Kejriwal said?

Transparency should be there. The public should be made aware about the money that is spent by the politicians, because it is not their money, it is the money given by the public.

If the public has given you money, then you should be giving the details about it to them,” he added.

Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur had assembly elections from January 28 to March 3. Hazare also said he would tour the country with the aim of making the people aware about the rampant corruption prevalent in the country.

"This is the reason why I have come today. One meeting has already been held, and today, is the second meeting. We will talk to two other groups and will decide the future course of action. Then, we will tour the country," he added.

Earlier on February 24, he had threatened to start another movement for the passage of a strong ombudsman bill to combat graft in the country. He has said then that movement would take place before 2014 general elections.

Hazare and the government have been at loggerheads over the Ombudsman Bill, for which the Gandhian activist staged hunger strikes in April, August and December last year.

Grand celebration on 150th birth anniversary of Sayajirao Gaekwad The 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III - the erstwhile ruler of Baroda state - will begin with grandeur from 11th March onwards.

A committee formed for the celebrations is planning to hold programmes across the territory once under the Baroda state ruled by the Gaekwads.

Recently a meeting was organized between the mayor of Municipal Corporation, royals and the committee to chalk out plans. There will be a grand celebration and they have decided to invite Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his presence during the inauguration ceremony.

To cherish the Maharaja’s 150th birth anniversary, two books on life of Sayajirao will be launched. One of the books is “Sayajirao - the prince and the men” by

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Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad.

Another is a coffee table book published by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, “The Life and Legacy of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.” The program will start with a morning Prabhatferi. There will be a rally with different floats, which will be related to Sayajirao’s contribution in fields of education, culture, music, literature, art, social reforms and infrastructure.

There will be a photography exhibition also.

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150 candles will be lighted

by Vadodara residents who will gather on a pre-decided venue and light the candles.

Moreover, the Federation of Gujarat Industries has planed to organize lectures, seminars and other events during the year, as said by Federation President Gitaben Goradia.

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

The Story of Yavakrit (Part 3) All the rishis gathered to console Rishi Baladhi when they saw him crying out loud at the death of his son. Rishi Bharadwaj, Yavakrit’s father, who was narrating the story of Baladhi’s son to Yavakrit said, “This is what happens when one gets boons through tapas, they only serve to make us more egoistic and destructive. You have, through your austerities, acquired knowledge of the Vedas. You did this out of jealousy of Rishi Raibya and his two sons.

Please remember that the rishi and his sons are very powerful, do not be rude or torment them in any way, else you too will share the same fate as of Rishi Baladhi’s son.”

Yavakrit said, “O father please do not worry. The rishi Raibya is like a father to me I will never try to harm him in any way.”

Saying these sweet and deceptive words to his father, Yavakrit, who felt that now he had nothing to fear, started doing exactly the opposite; troubling all the rishis. By tormenting them he began

feeling more and more satisfied.

Many days came to pass. Once, in the month of Vaisakha, Yavakrit came near the ashram of Raibya.

It was a picturesque ashram full of trees and flowers. The scent of the flowers was such that it could send anyone into a dream-like state. Yavakrit saw the rishi’s beautiful daughter-in-law collecting flowers for the pooja. Her beauty enraptured him and his whole being was filled with desire, and he lost all sense of right or wrong. He asked the young girl to come to him.

Even though she was shy, she knew the power of Yavkrit’s tapas and was frightened of him and so followed him to an isolated spot. There, Yavakrit forced her into submission.

Rishi Raibya was not in his ashram at that time and on his return, he saw his beautiful daughter-inlaw crying away in a corner. In a very gentle voice, he consoled her and asked

the reason for her sadness. She told him what had happened. On hearing the incident, he was filled with terrible anger. He removed a strand of his long hair and threw it into the sacrificial fire. A beautiful girl, who looked exactly like his daughterin-law, emerged from the fire. Once again he threw another lock of hair into the fire. From this, arose a terrible demon with fiery eyes and a frightening form. Both the forms bowed down to the rishi and asked what service they could do for him. He asked them to kill Yavakrit.

Both the forms went to where Yavakrit was.

Their strategy was to get the kamandal (vessel of water which all Brahmins hold) out of Yavakrit’s hand, rendering him powerless. The female form first went and with her beauty trapped Yavakrit into handing over his kamandal to her. The demon then threw a three pointed spear at Yavakrit.

All past articles on the Mahabharata can be accessed from http://epaper.asianvoice.com or from http://www.3stepbreath.com/mahabharata.html

Assembly polls in India: SP sweeps UP, Cong loses Goa to BJP Continued from page 1 "I fought, so it is my responsibility," he said.

"Organizationally we are not where we should be.The Congress fundamentals were weak. Until we set that right, that weakness will not go away."

Other party leaders admitted they were stunned.

"The UP results are

deeply disappointing," said Law Minister Salman Khurshid, whose wife Louise was defeated in Farrukhabad.

BJP puts up a brave face: "It's a mixed bag for BJP," its leader Sushma Swaraj said, adding that the party had won Punjab, Goa and expected to bag Uttarakhand too.

But there was more to it. The win in Punjab was

attributed to the Akali Dal, which increased its score from 49 to 56 while the BJP's share went down from 19 to a low 12. In Uttarakhand, it's chief minister B.C. Khanduri has lost his own seat..

The mood was very different in the Akali Dal and SP camps.

Wild celebrations broke out at Badal village as 85-year-old Parkash

Singh Badal steered the Akali Dal-BJP combine to another victory.

Ditto at the SP headquarters in Lucknow where Mulayam Singh Yadav came back as chief minister for a fourth term.

"I would like to congratulate the people of Uttar Pradesh who have brought Samajwadi Party back," a jubilant Mulayam Yadav said.

Domestic Violence in London

Continued from page 3

Cost: Professor Sylvia Walby's 2004 study ‘The Cost of Domestic Violence', funded by the DTI Women and Equality Unit found the total cost to the nation of domestic violence stands at nearly £23billion. An estimated £1.4 billion of these costs are incurred by the Health sector (See breakdown below); Hospital and ambulance 1,158,053 GP visits 24,672 Prescriptions 27,242 Travel and lost wages for GP visits 10,280 Subtotal 1220,247 Mental Health 176,000 TOTAL 1,396,247 (£1.4 billion) LONDONWIDE PERSPECTIVE View from London Assembly.

When Boris Johnson became Mayor he wanted to shift the focus from Domestic Violence to Violence Against Women.

Every year hundreds of thousands of women in London experience some form of violence. The impact of violence against women can be devastating and is a breach of the most fundamental human rights.

Violence against women creates an atmosphere of terror, anxiety, mistrust and uncertainty that has immediate and long-term consequences for women and their children.

Violence against women • London has the highest rate of female victimisation in England and Wales.

• Compared to the rest of the country, London has the lowest percentage of successful outcomes (measured as convictions of prosecuted cases) for violence against women offences (only 58 per cent were successful).

Domestic Violence Compared nationally, a higher proportion of

London’s population is aged between 20 and 44 years, which is associated with a greater risk of domestic violence and sexual assault.

London’s higher levels of poverty are also linked to experiences of violence.

Whilst violence against women cuts across all social classes, research shows that women in households with an income of less than £10,000 are three and a half times more likely to suffer domestic violence than those living in households with an income of £20,000.

However, it remains unclear whether the poverty is associated with the onset of domestic violence or if women are reduced to poverty in fleeing violence.

• There were 53,069 domestic violence crimes reported in London during the 12 months from March 2008 to March 2009 - a 4.4 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

• London has higher

rates of domestic violence than the average for England and Wales.

• The police remain unaware of 81 per cent of domestic abuse victims.

• Three per cent of the NHS budget goes to treating physical health of victims of domestic violence.

Sexual Offences • Women in London are more likely to report that they are worried about being raped (48.1 per cent) and fear violent crime (70 per cent).

• Most rapes are not reported to the police and of those that are only six per cent result in a conviction.

• On average, just ten per cent of rapes are reported to the police.

• A woman is more likely to be sexually assaulted than she is to get breast cancer.

• Seventy six per cent of the women refugees and asylum seekers at a single service in London had been raped.

travel & HISTORy

asian voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

27

Travel Tonic

By Dr Anil Mehta

The rise and fall of East India Company - Part I

Cool Thailand I’m Kyra and I review holidays. I want to share my experiences so when you are booking your next trip away, you get the best value for your money.

My latest adventure took me to Thailand, the land of smiles. When I arrived at Bangkok airport, the transfer which had been arranged certainly put a smile on my face! The driver welcomed me with a garland of orchids –the traditional flower of Thailand.

I stayed in Bangkok for two nights at the Century Park Hotel which was an amazing location to shop in the markets and malls, visit golden Buddhas, temples scented with incense and many fascinating cultural sights.

After that it was time to relax, so I headed to the stunning seaside resort of Pattaya, which took just over an hour by taxi from Bangkok. I stayed at the 4 star Ravindra Beach Resort

and Spa and I don’t think 4 star does it justice! Set in sprawling grounds with rooms offering sea views or views of the beautiful pool surrounded by landscaped gardens, this is a dream getaway.

T h e breakfast buffets are huge and whilst you may be too full for lunch, if you fancy something different from the hotel restaurants, you can walk to many other beachside local restaurants and cafes within 15 minutes for a mouth-

watering mango milkshake or heavenly masaman curry. There’s many water-sports available or if you want to relax like me, lounge on the comfortable poolside sunbeds and enjoy cock-

tails! The on-site luxurious spa is divine, and for the most heavenly Thai massage in the world, this is the place.

I loved this relaxing

holiday and while I enjoy exploring new places, I will be going back to Pattaya again as it was such a beautiful place.

My holiday was arranged by Brightsun Travel who offer a helpful and friendly service, answering all of my questions such as giving me the most convenient flights times and details on facilities for families.

For return flights, 2 nights in Bangkok, 5 nights in Pattaya and transfers, this package starts from £849 pp.

Brightsun Travel offers a price match promise on worldwide flights and holidays so you will get the best deals. To book your dream holiday, call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 or visit www.brightsun.co.uk

British East India Company (popularly known as John Company) was founded in 1600, as a trading venture to compete for the Indian spice trade. From a humble beginning, it evolved into a mighty commercial and political empire that governed India until 1858 when the British government took over the administrative responsibilities for the subcontinent following the 1857 uprising (mutiny). The Company was finally dissolved in 1873.

The beginning : In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I of England granted a charter which gave the exclusive rights to a London based trading company, later called East India Company, to do business in East Indies. It was led by a Governor and 24 directors.

The Court of Directors had ten committees reporting to it. The Company was not the first European enterprise to do business in India, though. The Portuguese had been here in 1510, followed by the Dutch, t h e n English, and finally the French, but in the end, East India Company became the most succ e s s f u l against the s t r o n g French competition.

Company’s defeat of the Portuguese navy in 1612 near Surat in Gujarat won it trading permission from the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It was allowed to set up first fortified trading post (warehouse or factory) in 1613 in Surat. In return it offered goods from European markets and protected Mughal sea traffic from the Portuguese, especially the ships carrying pilgrims to Mecca. In 1640, the Company acquired the site of modern Madras. In 1668, King Charles II of England rented to Company for a meagre £10 a year, the site of Bombay which he had received as part of dowry for marrying the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza.

And in 1690, Job Charnock, a faithful Company servant laid the foundation of Calcutta which subsequently became the capital of British India in 1773.

After Surat, through the diplomatic efforts of

Sir James Roe, King James I’s able ambassador to the Mughal Court, the Company was allowed to build factories at various sites including Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta. In 1687 Company shifted its West India HQ from Surat to strategically safer Bombay (Surat was considered vulnerable having raided twice by Shivaji).

It was the measure of British efficiency that by 1700, the Company established three administrative districts (presidencies) each under its own governor, with the capitals Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta from where it subsequently expanded into the interior. Each presidency was managed by a small body of administrators backed by its own army. In 1773, the Company put Madras and Bombay administrations under the jurisdiction of Calcutta making Warren Hastings (Governor of Bengal), the first

prove most vital in India’s post-independence growth and development. Also iron and coal mining were developed.

Company’s rise to power : As well as trade, the Company also embarked on territorial expansion. The death of the last great Mughal Aurangzeb in 1707 and the subsequent collapse of his empire created power vacuum which the British were eventually to fill. The constituent parts of the Mughal Empire split into small warring kingdoms.

Regular in-fighting was common among rival Indian princes. There was no single unifying force.

The gates of India were wide open and rattling.

Company took advantage of the situation and eliminated one by one the French-backed local rulers by supporting the rival candidates.

The brilliant victories of Robert Clive in Carnatic (Arcot, 1751) and against

Governor-General of India, and Calcutta the Company HQ. Trade and profit were the main motives of the East India Company. Its success was based upon the enormous demands in Europe for spices, indigo, cheap textile (cotton, chintz, silk), fine china and tea. In the early 19th century, despite the Chinese ban on opium import, Company started exporting illegal opium grown in Bengal to China in exchange for tea and other Chinese goods. This was a significant part of imperial economy. Indeed, the opium trade proved so lucrative that it became a compelling argument to maintain British presence in India. Chinese opposition to this illegal trade sparked the two Opium Wars (1839-42, 1856-60) resulting in Chinese defeat and the expansion of Britain’s trading privileges in China. To facilitate trade in India, public works such as roads, railways, post and telegraph were inaugurated which would later

the rebellious young Nawab of Bengal at Plassey (1759); and the swift defeat of the all-powerful Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1799) by Richard Wellesley, made the Company a dominant power in India. Among these battles, that of Plassey (and subsequent acquisition of Bengal – India’s richest province, along with Bihar and Orissa) was most crucial.

It laid the foundation of British India. Without Clive’s blend of daring and duplicity at Plassey, British Empire in India would not have born. The French were finally defeated decisively in the Battle of Wandiwash (south of Madras) in 1760 leaving some small, harmless outposts such as Pondicherry to the French. After Bengal and Mysore, in the successive decades of the 18th and early 19th centuries, further military conquests by the British followed such as the Marathas, Gujarat, Sind, the Punjab, Kashmir, Assam, Burma and so on.

28

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

DJ Lora dazzles India Romil Patel Style, substance, beauty and brains are qualities which are possessed by a rare breed of people. It is hardly surprising that as a female DJ with her own school and a real desire to give back to the community, DJ Lora finds herself in this category.

The DJ market is completely saturated with novices undercutting the professionals. This is no deterrent to Lora, who insisted that clients will always come back to wellestablished, quality DJs. It was at this point in the meeting where Lora adopted the motto “no matter what you do, quality

DJ Lora’s visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra

Her fans range from Sir Paul McCartney to Simon LeBon, who personally booked her to spin at his 50th birthday party.

Having plied her trade in this male dominated industry for the past 13 years, DJ Lora has performed in chic clubs and star-studded parties ravishingly clad in couture ball-gowns. The extensive exploits of this globetrotting DJ includes playing at high-profile Formula One parties.

Most recently, DJ Lora jetted off to India where

always speaks for itself.”

Lora’s passion for all things music is best characterised by her own DJ school where she offers one-to-one classes in a real club environment. “I love it [teaching],” she exclaimed. She explained that she thrives on the feeling she gets when complete beginners walk away with basic DJing skills.

Aside from the glitz and glamour, DJ Lora is eager to use her talent to put a smile on the faces of hospitalised children by throwing them parties in

Kapil’s

KHICHADI

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com

The Fight for London Londoners no doubt will be aware that shortly they will be asked to put their tick on a ballot paper to elect the next Mayor of London.

Ken Livingstone was of course the very first elected Mayor of London in 2000. In 2008 the bungling blonde aristocrat Boris Johnson swept into power and became London’s second only elected mayor.

So what should you make of the record of Ken versus that of Boris as it applies to our community? In order to get a comparative view that might be useful in your decision making, in this article I will ask both Boris and Ken to respond truthfully, their responses to a series of simple questions. I will not make it too hard, but certainly it will allow both camps to consider their responses before they revert back to me. And what will I do with their responses? Well folks, you the public deserve to know what they said. You can make up your own minds in terms of who responds properly.

So let’s just have a very brief look at both candidates (I concentrate only on these two given one of them looks likely to secure the Mayoral position).

Ken Livingstone is Labour to the core. He was the leader of the Greater London Council (GLC) in the 80’s when Margaret Thatcher made many attempts to have him silenced. Eventually the GLC was dissolved in 1986, and with that went an era of total domination by Ken and the left wing of the Labour Party over London. Ken is a true Londoner, born in Lambeth in a working class family, educated in London Schools, worked in

London, and he was even at one time the MP for Brent East. Most people would say Ken is a Socialist in its true sense.

Boris Johnson is Tory to the core. He was the MP for Henley, and professionally a journalist who also edited the ‘Spectator’. Boris was educated at Eton and has family connections with various royal families in Europe. As I understand it, even David Cameron is his 8th cousin. Boris is a complicated fellow with a mix that involves the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths. He is married to Marina Wheeler, daughter of a Sikh lady by the name of Dip Singh who was married to the renowned journalist Sir Charles Wheeler. Their children therefore now have not only Abrahamic ties, but add to that, Sikh values by virtue of their mother.

So what does this all mean?

Nothing, in short. It is merely a simple snap shot as seen by one person in one moment whilst writing this column. What you the voters have to do is get behind the headlines, the rhetoric and the plentiful platitudes offered and ask yourself – ‘who do you trust to do the right thing for London, and Londoners?’

And in so doing, you should seek out supporting evidence so that you do not make an error when casting your vote.

So these are my questions to both Boris and Ken: 1.

Name five initiatives that you have introduced whereby the Indic community (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists) have secured real practical assistance that is culturally (and faith based) sensitive to their requirements?

2.

For the time when you were in power, what amount (proportion) of the London budget was directed towards the Indic communities (Please give figures by year)?

3.

Given that we still do not have a culturally sensitive crematorium for people of Indic faiths in London, can you guarantee that in your next term as Mayor, this will become a practical reality?

4.

In your time as Mayor, can you indicate for each of the years, the number (and proportion) of people of Indic backgrounds that held a 1st or 2nd tier position within the organisation?

5.

If you are elected, name five new initiatives you will embark on that will specifically target the needs and requirements of the Indic community?

6.

What should DOW do to take full responsibility for Bhopal?

My advice to Boris, Ken and both their camps is simple. Your responses should actually answer the questions with great care, detail and without the norms of political rhetoric.

You will be judged by the community, and it does have the power to put one of you in that Mayoral seat. You have until the end of this month, March, to put forward your responses to me via Asian Voice.

The voting from our community has been rather pathetic in the past, but know this; you do hold the key to who actually takes control of London. If you the people don’t get off your backsides come May and vote, then let us be clear – do you really deserve the right to complain thereafter. Democracy is a contract between the citizen and the state, and we must all play our part to make the system work.

Is India competing with the UK to make rules tighter for job seekers?

Continued from page 1

DJ Lora swaps the decks for a pungi

she played to the clamouring masses. “India is very much on a par with London in the clubbing world,” she said. With the meteoric rise of Formula One in India, DJ Lora welcomed the prospect of playing there regularly.

During her visit to India, she also played at Sunil Gavaskar’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.

With over a decade of experience, DJ Lora adheres to the highest of professional standards.

She avoids alcohol during work and most importantly, she interacts with and listens to her customers.

“You’ve got to read your crowd...it’s all about playing to the crowd,” she stated categorically.

their wards. She also works closely with Bunbury Cricket Club, a celebrity cricket club which has raised a whopping £12 million for various charities over the years. This summer, Lora will not only DJ for Bunbury, she will also participate in a game of cricket!

2012 is packed with a series of events for DJ Lora. A date with Dubai beckons in April before the talented DJ sets off for a string of Formula One races in Abu Dhabi, Monaco and Singapore.

Indeed, the rapturous praise which she received has guaranteed her another tour of India this November.

because of their practical unaffordability.

The EU has proposed that 40,000 Indian workers will be admitted to Europe without any labour market test as part of the plan to boost export trade with New Delhi, the Daily Mail reported, quoting a leaked copy of the EU/India Free Trade Agreement, due to be signed later this year.

Central to the agreement is the European Union’s offer on what is known as ‘Mode 4’, which will allow Indian companies to bring temporary workers into the EU, the newspaper said.

According to the leaked papers, out of 40,000 Indians who would be allowed to work in Europe, Britain has been asked to take 12,000, 30% of the total allocation, despite the UK making up 12% of the EU’s population. The 12,000 Indian migrants, who would be able to live and work in Britain for six months, will be in addition to people

given visas under Britain’s supposedly strict immigration cap, the newspaper said.

On the other hand newspapers in India have reported about an Alexandra Patargia, a 26year-old civil engineer from Greece who has completed her master’s degree in development administration and planning from London and is now keen on finding a job in India, reported ET. However, her job search in India has so far not yielded any results.

The main reason for this is the $25,000 per annum lower limit that the Indian government has set for giving employment visas to skilled overseas workers. For Patargia, who has two years of work experience in Greece, an annual salary below $25,000 is acceptable.

Many young professionals like Patargia now want India on their CVs and the reason is not always mind-boggling entry level salaries.

For many Indian startups in niche areas of business, the minimum thresh-

old for employment visas is proving to be a damper.

Suheil Tandon, co-founder and partner of specialised sports management company Pro4Sport Solutions told ET, that he feels that in the business of specialised sports coaching at the grass-roots level, employing foreign nationals is important.

So now we have two countries face to face, with some decaying foreign relation, one over Dow

Chemicals as an Olympic sponsor, the other being over fighter jets like Typhoo. This relation probably will go more sour as India remains a difficult ‘nut to crack’, though many Indians have made Britain home (as the immigrant baby boom suggests) and acquired skills here. Alas it is yet again in the hands of the two nations, whose relation go beyond history to keep their ‘flame burning’!

Economic and Social Council Recommends Special Consultative Status to The Loomba Foundation The UN Economic and Social Council Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations have recommended Special Consultative Status to The Loomba Foundation, a charity which focuses on widows and their children.

Special Consultative Status recommended by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is based on criteria including the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial

regime.

Organizations with special status can attend the Council’s meetings and circulate statements.

Lord Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee of The Loomba Foundation said, “We are honoured to receive this recommendation from the United Nations. It reflects the important work the Foundation does to raise awareness of the plight of widows and children around the world.”

HealTH Watch

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

‘Biological clock’ may be behind sudden heart attacks

Sudden cardiac death is more likely to take place soon after waking up in the morning and in the late night, a new study, including an Indian origin scientist, has suggested.

An international consortium of researchers that includes Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland and Baylor College of Medicine explains the molecular linkage between the circadian clock and the deadly heart rhythms that lead to sudden death.

The answer begins with a controller of the circadian clock – kruppellike factor 15 (Klf15), which has been a longtime target of the laboratory of Dr Mukesh Jain of Case Western, said Dr Xander Wehrens, professor of molecular physiology and biophysics and cardiology at BCM, also an author.

Klf15, in turn, controls the level of a potassium channel-interacting protein (KChIP2), which affects how potassium flows out

of heart muscle cells called cardiac myocytes.

Because the level of this KChIP2 protein fluctuates during the circadian or daily cycle, it can change the size of the potassium current in cardiac myocytes.

Changes in this subunit or Klf15 can affect the potassium current that governs repolarization of the cardiac myocyte.

Overall, this can shorten or lengthen the time the heart muscle has to empty the heart`s pumping chamber (ventricle) of blood. This time interval for repolarization is critical.

Too much or too little can result in abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. As the heart loses the regularity of the beat, it cannot pump blood efficiently.

Studies of mice that lacked Klf15 and mice with a genetic change that caused them to make more Klf15 than normal increased the risk of deadly arrhythmias.

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Tulsi extract may be your answer to cancer An extract from tulsi plant is found to protect one from harmful nuclear radiations. The extracted phytochemicals from tulsi are now being turned into a drug at a Gujarat facility – Gujarat Liqui Pharmacaps Limited (GLPL) in Padra on the outskirts of Vadodara city.

The drug will be India's indigenous defence against all kinds of radiation and even prove to be a boon for cancer patients to alleviate the side effects of radiotherapy treatment. The human clinical trials are nearing completion at the Advanced Center for Treatment Research and Education at the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai.

Scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Medicines and Allied Sciences (INMAS) at Defence Research and D e v e l o p m e n t Organization (DRDO) have been experimenting with this medicinal plant for years which is known to possess antioxidant and immuno stimulatory properties. The tulsi extract was found to be protecting living cells against the

deleterious effects of an ionizing radiation. The phytochemical extracts from medicinal plant, according to DRDO officials, can provide protection to healthy cells in cancer patients during radiotherapy, while it allows the therapy to kill tumour cells in the body.

“The radioprotective medicine from the tulsi plant is being manufactured in a limited quantity in the capsule form. The human trials of the drug is nearing completion and can also be administered

to patients who undergo radiotherapy,” a senior scientist at DRDO Dr Rajesh Arora, who is associated with the project said.

Arora adds, “The phytochemicals present in three other high altitude plants and fruits, Himalayan May Apple (Podophyllum),Seabuckth orn (Hippophae) and the Cosmonaut’s plant (Rhodiola), have also been found to have similar radio protective properties and are also being turned into medicine at this facility in DRDO.”

Eat purple cabbage for great skin

Apart from lending itself to salads and main dishes, purple cabbage with its anti-oxidant properties also works wonders for the skin. This is a salad lover's delight! Thinly cut strips of purple cabbage with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or Greek olive oil can create a fun, healthy dish. Purple cabbage is also pickled and added to stir-fries!

Health benefit: Cabbage is a great store of vitamin C and vitamin K. The rich deep colour of O.S.NO.39/2007 IN THE COURT OF THE HON’BLE II ADDL. CIVIL JUDGE, SR. DN. BELGAUM, AT : BELGAUM BETWEEN : 1. Shri R.D. Patil ... Plaintiff AND 1. Shri Nahin. T. Kapadiya and others ... Defendants To, Defendant No.2 Noshir Tehmuras Kapadiya Age: 71 years, Occu: Now Nil R/o: H. No. 128, Cambridge Road South-Phort, Merseyside, England CITATION Whereas, the above named plaintiff have filed top noted suit against you for the relief of Declaration and Injunction.

Therefore you are hereby summoned to appear before this Court either in person or through your advocate duly instructed and answerable to all the material question relating to top noted suit on 02.04.2012 at 11.00 a.m.

Take notice that in default of your appearance on the day and date mentioned above, the suit will be heard and decided in your absence.

Given under my hand and Seal of this court 23rd day of February 2012.

By Order of the Court Court Sd/Seal Siristedar, Sd/II Addl Civil Judge, Bench Sheristedar Sr, Dn., Belgaum II Addl. Civil Judge, Sd/Sr. Dn., Belgaum (A.G.Mulawadmath) Advocate for Plaintiff BELGAUM DATE: 23.02.2012

this vegetable is due to a high concentration of anthocyanin polyphenols (strong dietary antioxidants, possessing antiinflammatory properties), making it even more phyto nutrients than a green cabbage. A few studies also show that anthocyanins may help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. It is rich in anti-oxidants which make skin supple and clear.

How to store: Keep the

purple cabbage in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Here is a quick fix recipe: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Ingredients: Purple cabbage, thinly sliced: About 8 cups Butter: 2 tbsp Sugar: 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar: 1/4 cup Sultanas and pine nuts: A handful Method: Take a large saucepan and melt the butter in it. Now, add the cabbage and saute this for a few minutes. Sprinkle the sugar and add the vinegar. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes.

Take off the heat, season, add the sultanas and nuts.

It is ready to serve.

29

A pill a day can keep hip pain at bay

A decade-long study by doctors at P D Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai has established a non-surgical approach to treat nagging pain in the hips. The findings say that a good number of such patients can manage their pain by popping a pill a day as opposed to undergoing surgery. The study showed that the patients were able to manage their pain for up to 10 years without surgical intervention.

Avascular necrosis is a condition where the femoral head (uppermost part of thigh bone) stops getting blood and causes the bone to collapse slowly. As the bone dies, the patient experiences excruciating pain and limited or no movement. Doctors often suggest surface replacement or total hip replacement surgeries that can cost anything between Rs 150,000 to Rs 300,000.

Over a decade ago, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sanjay Agarwala found a group of drugs (Bisphosphonate), commonly used for treating osteoporosis, were effective in treating AVN of the hips as well.

“Over the years, 400 patients have been treated with drugs for this painful and disabling disorder. The treatment is not only effective, but also economical as the patient can manage the pain by spending around Rs 150 per month,” said Agarwala, author of the study. The drug, he said, arrests bone collapse by allowing new blood vessels to grow. “Most of the patients who came to us were advised surgery as many of them were in the advanced stages of the ailment,” he said.

Dementia care at Neem tree

The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. The Neem Tree Care Centre understands that there is no one size fits all solution to supporting people with dementia and that it should never prevent anyone from leading a full and active life.

Everyone in the care team receive training through their bespoke dementia care programmes. Families and friends and form an essential support network. In order to create activity programmes that mean something to the individual, they gather detailed information about the person’s life -background, family and social networks, past interests and hobbies.

They have designed our building to create a therapeutic dementia care environment. This should enable residents to recognise their surroundings, take part in everyday activities and take control of

their own environments.

Some of the features that the care centre has implemented are as following: • Each bedroom door is unique to the individual with a memory frame to aid orientation.

• Specifically designed lighting levels.

• Visual cues to aid orientation.

• Un-patterned carpets and upholstery fabrics to reduce confusion.

• All bedrooms with easy access en-suite facilities.

Contact: info@neemtreecare. co.uk /www.neemtreecare.co.uk 020 85789537

30

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

CB Live is only a Gujarati programme in UK on MATV SKY 793 This week in CB Live, to mark the 101st International Women's Day, Kokila Patel, Managing Editor of Gujarat Samachar will interview Cllr Krupa Sheth, the youngest Councillor of Brent. She is just 20.

Kokilaben will also talk about the colour festival Holi and its significance.

If you do not have a SKY, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

Coming Events l Medway Hindu Community Centre presents Holi Darshan, 7th March, 7:30pm onwards, Westmoor Farm, Kent. ME8 8QF l Holi (Holy) Walk to all the temples in Leicester on 10th of March 2012, 9-6pm.

Contact: 0116 2680306 l International Siddhashram Centre and Sangat Centre celebrate Holi at Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow on Wednesday 07.03.2012 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. l Holi, for Naps South London Branch celebrates 7-00 to 9-30pm, Wednesday 07 March at Patidar Samaj Building, London SW17 0RG Kiranbhai Patel. Contact: 07814 005096 l Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar & Sangam Association of Asian Women will be jointly celebrating International Women’s Day Event on 8th March 2012, 10.00am – 1.30pm. Venue: Meenal Mehta Banqueting Hall, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 0AP Contact: 020 8952 7062 l Charity dine and dance: A fundraising dinner and disco event by Kishorbhai Vadhia and his son Chetan in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance. Venue: Unity Club in Newtown (B19 3 RD) Birmingham on 31 March from 6.30pm onwards.

Contact: Kishorbhai on 07941 373 822. l Holki Dhuleti, Thursday, 8th March 2012, from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. Seaview Building, Cardiff, CF24 5EB. Contact Vimlaben Patel on 07979155320. l Hindu Council (Brent) celebrates Holi, 7th March, Roe Green Park, Kingsbury, 6-9pm.

Contact: Jayanti Popat 07967480467 l Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF. Contact: 020 7491 356 - 8th March- Panel Discussion: Asian Women in UK: Identity and Alienation - 9 March- Film: Bhinn Shadaj: Ganasaraswati Kishori Amonkar (70 min) - 12 March- I Am The Tiger: Shivani Wazir Pasrich Productions l Holi event, 10th March. 2pm onwards. We have music, food stall, fashion stalls, traditional indian games and many other activities. Paresh Mehta, RPM Promotions 07411585662 l Interfaith event,13th March, 6:30pm. Hosted by 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 Advertising Managers: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Media Consultant: Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 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

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500 Whether you’re single or attached you’ll have to go through a lot, as deep psychological transformations are taking place in all types of relationships. No matter what your chosen path is, you’ll be recognised and rewarded for it.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, trust your hunches, go with your gut feeling. Solutions to minor problems should be considered very carefully if cash is involved.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

7pm to 8pm Every Thursday

For more information e-mail:

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the Bahai faith is an open panel discussion on the topic 'God In My Faith'. The event will be chaired

by Dr Nabil Mostapha, who will summarise the points made and will invite questions from attendees. Sacred Heart Church, 23 Mere Road, Leicester, LE5 3HS. l Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Wembley - Ramnavmi - 1st April 2012 Sunday - Hanuman Jayanti- 6th April 2012 Friday l Shrinathji Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Leytonstone - Dol Utsav- 9th March 2012 - Ramnavmi- 1st April 2012 Sunday.

- Hanuman Jayanti- 6th April 2012 Friday

COMPETITION The right answer to our last week competition question 'Who has composed the music track of for London Paris New York' is Ali Zafar.

The winners are Varsha Shah and Zuber Ahmed.

Correction Please note on 25th February on page 5 we by mistake reported Geeta Aulakh murderer jailed. It should have read 'Man convicted of affray in Geeta Aulakh murder case'.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Relationships are likely to widen your horizons, but exercise caution, because some opportunities won't prove quite as amazing as they first seem. Saturn in Libra, the sign of diplomacy, will help you organize your priorities and systematically put them into practice. People entering your life now will encourage you to move beyond your established boundaries of safety.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

This is a good time to appreciate what you have already created in your life. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. It's a time of slow and steady progress that can set the stage for a long time to come. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices that set the direction of your life.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to self-discipline and pace yourself wisely.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 If you are your own boss, then you can look forward to a fairly good week. Leos who face a strict schedule may find the next seven days a little frustrating, because this is a week where you will need a certain amount of personal space. You may be absorbing new ideas about how to create financial independence. Others may not understand, so you may have to keep your ideas to yourself.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Expansive Jupiter in your Solar 9th house of travel and spirituality is going to play a great part for some of you, who are widening their horizons. An important time to build too, as Saturn in your solar 2nd House can be very severe and restrictive regarding finance. Regardless of the limits, you have the capacity to turn the course of your life in a more fulfilling direction.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You have been going through major changes in your relationships, as a result of your own radical personal transformation. Your ideas about love and partnership are changing daily. As with most things, your health waxes and wanes. You might even find the energy to keep up with your projected gym schedule. No matter how hard you are working, try to make time for relaxation.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 You know you have no choice but to streamline and reassess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. Jupiter in your opposite sign makes you feel invincible, but the way to utilise this transit is to sift through all the opportunities that come your way.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world. Jupiter in your work sector rules your daily life. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. Healthwise you will be feeling fit and relaxed.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 At work sometimes a little upheaval and chaos is exactly what you need to set things right again. There’s no need to be complacent: the time is now. you’ll have no qualms about deciding what you want and going after it with total devotion. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector. The key for you as always is to remain calm and collected.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 It’s all about communications, as they take centre stage this week. You’ll have to openly speak up about your wants and needs without fear.

Regarding love there will be a struggle between devotion and freedom. You need to feel completely consumed by the passion of your lover, and yet you need personal space to explore your own thing.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated. It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life. Jupiter, the planet of expansion in your Solar 3rd house is creating a lot of opportunities for you. Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you.

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

31

32

Asian Voice - Saturday 10th March 2012

Lanka thrash Australia in 2nd final

Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed a strokeful 106 as Sri Lanka spanked Australia by eight wickets to level the best-of-three triseries finals 1-1 on Tuesday.

Chasing Australia's competitive 271 for six, built around skipper Michael Clarke's 117 and David Warner's 100, the islanders rode on a 179run partnership for the opening wicket to overhaul the target with 34 balls to spare in what turned out to

be a lop-sided contest.

Dilshan, who hit his 12th ODI century, and captain Mahela Jayawardene (80), rattled up the runs in just 27-odd overs which made the chase of 272 runs under lights easy.

The two produced the best batting partnership of the series and brought the Australians on to their knees, hitting boundaries at will and nearly always managing to strike in the gap.

The Australians were

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at a loss to stem the flow of runs and none of their bowlers, including otherwise efficient left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty, could bowl with economy.

The chase began good enough with Brett Lee conceding 12 runs in his first over but then there was a slice of luck in the second over when Jayawardene was caught behind for one, only for television reviews to reveal that the bowler Clint McKay had overstepped the bowling crease.

This was as close as Australians could have a sniff of a wicket for a long time as the two batsmen went after the bowlers, raising the first 50 off only 37 balls and bringing about the 100 in the 16th over.

The third final will be played at the same venue on Thursday.

Dilshan was the first one to reach his fifty off 56 balls with five fours while Jayawardene's half-century arrived in as many balls, also with five fours.

The Lankans didn't slack at any stage and the hectic pace continued

Dilshan's 2nd century of the series helped Sri Lanka to an emphatic win in the second final in Adelaide

unabated, the 150 being raised off only 133 balls in the 22nd over.

Jayawardene finally fell for 80 to James Pattinson, leg before wicket as he shaped to play on the onside in the 28th over.

The Sri Lankan captain faced only 76 balls and hit eight fours and a six.

Dilshan though wasn't going to let up at the other end and brought about his century in the 35th over though with a little bit of drama involved. He pulled Xavier Doherty, on 96, to square leg and believed it

had crossed the ropes.

But Michael Hussey dived and saved the boundary, resulting in only two. But Dilshan had already celebrated the moment and his partner Kumar Sangakkara had gone up to him to congratulate. The century duly arrived two balls later, when he inside edged a cut past leg stump for two.

Dilshan finally departed in the 39th over, at 234 for 2, hitting Brett Lee straight to square leg fence. He still stayed long enough to raise 55 runs for

the second wicket with Kumar Sangakkara (51 not out). In all, he batted for 119 balls and hit 10 fours.

Earlier, Clarke and Warner struck a century each to power Australia to 271 for six.

Earlier Sri Lanka lost the first final to Aussies by 15 runs.

The top scorers for Sri Lanka were Nuwan Kulasekara (73), Upal Tharanga (60), Kumar Sangakkara (42) and Prasad (32 n.o.)

Off-spinner David Hussey claimed four Lankan wickets for 43 runs, while fast bowler Brett Lee claimed three wickets for 59 runs. Shane Watson claimed three wickets for 33 runs.

Earlier, Australia had scored 321 for the loss of six wickets on Sunday, setting Sri Lanka a victory target of 322 in their allotted 50 overs. In the semi-final Sri Lanka beat Australia thus denying India a chance to play in the final.

A defeat of Sri Lanka would have given India a chance to play the final.