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Vol 44 | Issue 23

10th to 16th October 2015

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

UK

P13

KHAN VS GOLDSMITH FOR LONDON MAYORAL ELECTION

EDUCATION P6 GAP IN BME PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT RATE WIDENS

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COMMUNITY P17 GOVERNMENT OVERTURNS TURBAN WORKPLACE RULE

Happy Diwali

BoE rule forces Indian banks to add capital into UK units Some of India's largest banks are now being forced to provide hundreds of millions of pounds to capitalise new UK subsidiaries that the Bank of England had asked to set up to house their consumer-facing activities. With the recent tightening of regulations for foreign banks offering retail services to UK consumers, as many as 50 overseas lenders with branches in the country might face similar obligations. The change shows growing concerns at the BoE's Prudential Regulation Authority of UK depositors losing out if a foreign lender collapsed and its home regulator prioritised domestic depositors.

P 26

UNITED WE STAND UK WELCOMES MODI ON DIWALI

Namaste Chancellor Merkel!

Rupanjana Dutta & Spriha Srivastava

There is one event that probably will mark the biggest for the Indian community in London that is coming up in November – any guesses? We are sure by now you all would have known what the event is and would have also registered your names for it.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be visiting London in November and will be addressing the UK audience on 13th November at the massive Wembley stadium.

CONTINUED ON P 17

Welcome Partners representing the diaspora and other dignitaries at Indian Gymkhana

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led their respective teams for the third inter-governmental

consultations in Hyderabad House where they signed 18 MoUs and letters of intent and a CONTINUED ON P 26

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

to

Zohra Driss

Zohra Driss is currently the Member of Tunisian Parliament for Sousse. She is also in the Executive office of Nidaa Tounes the political party currently in power. She has been Vice Mayor of Sousse from 1990 to 2010.

Zohra received a Bachelor in Agronomic Engineering in Tunis in 1982. The following year, she started to work in the hotel industry in Tunisia. She is now the Group Chief Executive of 3 hotels in Sousse.

She has been the Vice President of the UTICA (Tunisian Organization of employers) from 1995 to 2010 and the Treasurer of the Women's Organisation of Tunisia in the 1990s 1. What is your current position?

I am currently member of the Tunisian Parliament and the Group Chief Executive of a number of hotels.

2. What are your proudest achievements?

I am extremely proud to be the first woman in Tunisia to have built her own hotel and to have managed it since 25 years. Plus, I am proud that I was able to manage the construction of the Imperial Marhaba and the education of my children. In fact, my second child Youssef was dyslexic and needed a lot of help. He is now in London and has been

career has been the terrorist attack in the hotel that I own in Sousse.

5. Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

In my career, I have been influenced b y

6. What is the best aspect of your role?

The best aspect in my role is to be able to help poor people, try to improve women condition and do my best to bring the best education to the children in Tunisia. I believe that a better education can be very powerful to change a country. It teaches people ethics

3. What inspires you?

I get a lot of satisfaction and inspiration when I feel I can help women to improve their conditions in Tunisia. The condition of women in Tunisia is better than all the other Arab countries. But, I think there is much more to do especially in education, social and economic fields.

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

Without any doubt, the biggest obstacle in my

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andvalues like entrepreneurship, tolerance, determination.

7. And the worst?

The worst aspect in my role is to finally find out that that there is so much more to do when you think you just finished. I wish we had more than 24 hours per day.

8. What are your long term goals?

It is to keep fighting for women freedom, more economic growth in Tunisia and better education for everyone. It is to have Tunisia as a model in Africa and the Arab World.

9.If you were prime minister, what aspect would you change?

If I were prime minister, I would fight corruption in the judicial system and the administration. I would make sure nobody is above the law.

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

I would spend my time with Mother Theresa so we can share together the joy that we feel when we help others without asking for anything back. My biggest joy is to see that I contributed positively in others’ lives.

UK attempted to cut 25,000 international students per year

roads and new airports to an independent commission, chaired by Lord Adonis, a former Labour cabinet minister.

Lord Adonis, the for-

Prime Minister, David Cameron

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Habib Bourguiba (Tunisia first President who played a huge role in giving women their freedom) and by my parents. My father and my mother gave my brother and my sisters the same responsibilities, the same consideration in the workplace and at home.

This was not very common 50 years ago in an Arab country.

My father is a fantastic man who built one of the first hotels in Tunisia. We owe our success to his determination, honesty and management skills. He was a real source of motivation and trusted us to follow his business paths.

successful at university.

Osborne announces Lord Adonis as head of infrastructure commission George Osborne pledges to “shake Britain out of its inertia” by handing the judgement on buildings billions of pounds worth of power stations, homes,

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George Osborne

mer Transport Secretary, is leaving his party to chair a National I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Commission.

Allegedly concerned about the number of foreign students from countries such as India coming to the UK, Prime Minister David Cameron, and Home secretary Theresa May have called for the introduction of a tougher English language test in order to cut the number of international students in the UK. It has been suggested that the new test will reportedly cut 25,000 students per year.

International students have to pass a written and spoken English language test as part of their university admission and visa procedure. However, the plan for

Home secretary, Theresa May

Chief executive of Universities UK, Nicola Dandridge

introducing a tougher language test has sparked concern among universities that rely on international students for their income, as international students pay double the amount of what a UK/EU student would pay for their student fee, while also contributing to the local economy.

Regarding the new plan, chief executive of Universities UK, Nicola Dandridge said, “There is no evidence to suggest that students recruited under the current English language requirements are held back by their English language skills or are per-

forming poorly academically. In fact, official data shows the degree results achieved by international students are similar to those of UK students, with 87% of non-UK students achieving a first or second-class degrees.”

Theresa May stated, “We've made changes to the student route to ensure that those coming to those institutions are eligible to do so.

Nine-hundred private colleges are no longer able to bring in overseas students as a result of action we've taken. We constantly look to see if there are other issues that we need to address.”

COMMENTS

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

Modi’s trip to US, India’s terror threat Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States had multiple goals: to address the United Nations General Assembly Summit and canvas support for India’s membership of the UN Security Council in coordination with Germany, Japan and Brazil, the three other aspirants; then hold one-to-one talks with President Obama on the state of Indo-US relations was one goal. The second goal, however, was to confer with America’s top CEOs on doing business in India; its difficulties, and the rewards that lay ahead if the pace of the country’s economic reforms were to quicken. By all accounts the exchanges were free, frank and stimulating. At the end the Indian Prime Minister went over the ground covered, point by point, so that his audience could witness first-hand that their concerns were fully grasped and their solutions they offered understood. The body language and subsequent comments were a clear demonstration of the success of the entire exercise – it was time well spent, and it was now up to Mr Modi to walk the talk and deliver on his promises.

This was the curtain-raiser to the gala show – the one India and much of America were keenly anticipating: the Prime Minister’s trip to California’s Silicon Valley and his interaction with smartest brains on the planet, from Facebook’s Mark Zukerberg, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and many more. They were invited to participate in the remaking of India into a tech savy digitalized nation eager and willing to embrace the 21 century and beyond. The razzmatazz was as American as apple pie.

The Indian educationist Mohandas Pai was bowled over as his eulogy on the pages of the Hindu newspaper demonstrated only too well; Bill and Melinda Gates, interviewed for an exclusive conversation by an Indian television channel, enthused on the vitality and innovative abilities of India’s upcoming generation, on the work done and being done at grassroots level to improve public health and sanitation and the ongoing efforts to alleviate mass poverty through education opportunities at every level of society. Where there is hope, success will follow was their Gates’ message as frequent visitors to a country with which they have clearly established a special bonding.

But for all its recent successes, India remains work in progress; there is still a long road ahead and a mul-

titude of obstacles to surmount along the way.

Business, science and technology are where India and America speak from the same page, where Indian and American hearts come together, where their respective strengths are most clearly manifested in the public face. State-to-state relations, while satisfactory, have yet to attain this exalted trajectory.

Mr Modi spoke passionately at the UN General Assembly on the need for the international community to confront global terrorism with united purpose and resolve; to combat the scourge at its source.

There is ritual US and western condemnation of Islamist terrorism, but this is usually a selective exercise for reasons of realpolitik. Pakistani soil is arguably the foremost terror incubator in the world today. Despite this, the US remains Pakistan’s largest aid donor – financial and military – with no end in sight to this traffic. The seven death sentences awarded to the 12 bombers brought to trial for the crimes they perpetrated on a Mumbai commuter train in July 2006, in which scores of innocent passengers perished remain a raw wound in India.

The Obama Administration’s Syrian policy is unravelling on account of its arming handpicked good guys against designated bad guys, as was the case previously in Iraq. James Carafano of the rightwing US Heritage Foundation in a TV panel discussion described the Obama Administration, its European and British allies as equally ‘stupid,’ and culpable for the present mess in Syria, not to speak of Iraq and Libya. Their intervention there had been ineffective, self-serving and ruinous, he said. This is compounded by the stealthy Turkish and Saudi Arabian collaboration with the US. Turkey’s main targets are the Kurds, who are the only serious force on the ground fighting ISIL, explained the other speakers on the show. The result has been confusion worse confounded, as a senior Israeli journalist told a TV reporter. Israel, he said, would prefer Basher al Assad to ISIL and al Qaeda, for which reason the Netanyahu government accepts Russia’s action in the country. Mark Curtis’s minutely researched book, ‘Secret Affairs,’ reveals starkly how the jihadi monster was cynically incubated by the Anglo-American duo during the Cold War. The monster now haunts the West and, worse luck, the rest of us.

India stiffening stance on Kashmir The poison of Islamism is spilling into India. The country’s intelligence services are on a high state of alert for a possible jihadi attack. The larger picture includes the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s National Security Advisor Sartaz Aziz’s address to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) castigating India on Kashmir; this was followed immediately by another anti-Indian broadside, both of which were curtly dismissed by the External Affairs spokesman in New Delhi, Vikas Swaroop. Promptly on cue, the two foremost Kashmiri secessionist leaders Syed Ali Shah Gilani and Yasin Malik of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) piped up with expressions of support for Mr Sharif’s proposal that Kashmir be the core of the IndoPakistan dialogue designed to bring peace in our time to the Subcontinent. This annual charade should be aborted forthwith. Kashmir will not and cannot, be the core of any future conversation between India and Pakistan.

The recent jihdi attacks from across the border in Punjab and Jammu, the capture of a Pakistani jihadi and Pakistani truculence, has finally stiffened India’s

resolve to stand firm. The massive ethnic cleansing of the Valley’s Kashmiri Hindu Pandits by jihadi terror groups two decades and more ago has not been forgotten. The horrific examples of the massacre and rapes of the minority Christian and Yezdi communities by ISIL in Iraq and Syria are living reminders of what may befall minority communities in Buddhist Ladakh and Hindu Jammu. In civilized worlds, Messrs Obama, Cameron and Holland may offer the usual bromides in the face of fresh jihadi assaults on Indian cities and economic centres, but India has learned to accept condolence messages and offers of help, coupled the usual pieties on the need to work and live together, whatever that might mean. It meant little or nothing to the people of India when 10 million refugees from East Pakistan streamed across the border in 1971, as the genocidal killing machine in Islamabad was being primed with military and financial aid by the Nixon administration in Washington. You may say that all this happened way back in time, but forgetting history is the surest way to relive it.

Indian American scientist honoured Kartik Chandran, Indian-born and educated, Americantrained in the higher reaches of his discipline, and beneficiary of the American dream of opportunity and hard work. He is Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University, and has been named a MacArthur Fellow for 2015 with a ‘genius grant’ of $625,000. Mr Chandran is an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee graduate, before moving to the United States for doctoral studies. The MacArthur Fellowship was awarded to him for his pioneering work in transforming wastewater from a pollutant requiring disposal to a resource for useful products such as ‘commodity chemicals, energy resources and fertilizers.’

Mr Chandran joins a distinguished group of 24 exceptionally talented group of individuals known for their originality and dedication in their respective disciplines, all leavened with a marked ability for self-direc-

tion. The fellowship grant is for the use of any pursuit the fellow see fit. Mr Chandran had just returned to his university after a visit to India when received the news of the MacArthur Fellowship. He said he was ‘overwhelmed’ at the unexpected honour.

His research on the global nitrogen cycle and engineered wastewater treatment won international acclaim.

In 2011; he received a grant of $1.5 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a transformative model for water and sanitation management in Africa.

Fast forward to India, where Vijay Shekhar Sharma, 37, CEO of Paytm, was at the last count valued at a staggering Rs 1,500 crore ($2 billion), is one of the biggest success stories in the country’s e-commerce sector. The five year-old company, includes among the investors backing CEO Sharma, Chinese superstar Jack Ma. Innovation and enterprise is the name of the game.

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Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival - C S Lewis (1898-1963)

UK Government Ramps Up Its Support of Entrepreneurs As the Indian PM becomes the first in over 30 years to visit Silicon Valley, it is a great joy to see at long last how the Indian Government has embraced entrepreneurs. When PM Modi visit the UK next month, he will see British entrepreneurial talent at its best in both London, and the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ just as the Chinese President will this month.

For the UK, the love of entrepreneurs has seen a recent ramping up of activity with India and China.

I write to you after my recent visit to India coinciding with Ministerial visits by Minister Sajid Javid, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills and also Minister Francis Maude, Minister for Trade and Investment.

I spoke with Francis Maude in Delhi at a reception hosted by the UK India Business Council, on whose Board I sit, about how the Government is pushing the marketplace to do more to attract Venture Capital into the UK (through the Government’s revitalised Venture Capital Unit) from around the world to invest in British technology, British intellectual property and make sure those British companies become Global.

But, from an India perspective we spoke about how so many entrepreneurs from India are coming to the UK to establish their businesses here and then go global.

We discussed how the market failure is that given how friendly the UK is as a place to do business there is not even more sources of finance, and hence why the Government rightly gets involved in closing that market gap through the VC unit with whom I work, but also attracts the best global intellectual capital, entrepreneurial talent to the UK through programmes such as the Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme of which I am a part, by making the deals to land the companies here.

Business is not easy. It is not with the wave of the hand that we can get orders for companies, but showing these entrepreneurs and investors that there is money to be made by being in Britain, and how to do it, hand holding them, that we can build an ever more entrepreneurial UK. It is becoming ever clearer it is the entrepreneur who will through building SMEs will be the driving force of wealth creation, of employment creation.

Sure, the shipbuilder makes the headlines because they employ in one go hundreds of persons, but the vast majority of people work for SMEs. The UK through the Government recognising so much has to be done, and in finding the best talent to work with to make it happen, ensures just as Narendra Modi was doing in Silicon Valley, that that the entrepreneurial genes and their intellectual property and capital surrounding them comes to their home country – for us that means Government rightly ramping up efforts to reach out to India and China.

The British are after all the masters at this.

Asian Voice is published by ASIAN BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS LTD Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Website: www.abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

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Deadly bus crash in Coventry In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

On Saturday 3rd October 2015, a deadly bus crash took place where the bus crashed into Sainsbury's in the city centre of Coventry, killing an eightyear-old boy schoolboy, Rowan Fitzgerald, and an Dora elderly lady, Hancox, while leaving a 9year-old girl in a critical condition. The driver of the bus has allegedly been named as the 77-year-old former town mayor, Kailash Chander.

Kailash Chander, a former Labour Councillor and mayor of Leamington Spa, had worked for Stagecoach Midlands for 42 years. The police are investigating what caused the crash and so far no arrests have been made.

Witnesses at the scene of the crash described how

Former Labour Councillor, Kailash Chander

Kailash Chander, who is said to have been driving the bus, hysterically honked his horn to warn people seconds before the crash.

A taxi driver, who was waiting in his cab, told The Telegraph, “It [the bus] travelled for about 100 metres and I would

say it was travelling at 50mph or 60mph. I think the speed is 20mph. It was about a metre away from my cab door. I panicked and ran and then I heard the crash. It is so terrible. I am The scene of the crash in Coventry still in shock.”

A colleague of a grandfather himself, he Kailash Chander is devastated to the core expressed, “He [Kailash by what has happened.

Chander] is a polite, kind We feel deeply for everyman who has done a lot one affected by this terrifor the community- he ble tragedy. He is a very was a former town mayor. quiet man, and a caring I have never known him to and devoted person. He have a crash before. This has strong ties with the tragedy will stay with him local community and has forever.” spent most of his life helpAn unnamed relative ing and thinking of others. of Chander released a This is beyond anyone's statement. It read, “Being imagination.”

Family ostracised for converting to Christianity Religious preference is a personal choice, but it seems as though not many people agree with this mindset. A family from Bradford were driven to leave their home after they converted from Islam to Christianity. This treatment happening in present-day Britain is repulsive.

Nissar Hussain (49) and his family have been constantly attacked by their neighbours who have termed them as blasphemers. The family are said to have been attacked in the street, had eggs thrown at their windows, as well as had their car windscreens smashed repeatedly.

The constant attacks has taken a toll on Nissar Hussain, who worked as a nurse. He gave up his career after he was diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Hussain had converted to Christianity in 1996, and had moved from his previous home in 2005, after Muslims allegedly held a campaign of ethnic

attending church and has criticised the Anglican Church for not providing them with any substantial support. He said, “We have given up on the Church of England, they have done nothing for us.” He also mentioned how he felt let down by the police and lodged a complaint with the Independent Police C o m p l a i n t s From left: Nissar Hussain (49), Anniesa (21), Miriam (17), Commission.

Leena (14), Isaaq (7), Sarah (19) and Kubra (45) Nissar Hussain's Muslim conneighbour was convicted verts, in 2008. after Bradford Crown It is alleged Court of a public order that the a large offence. He was obliged to Muslim family retain the peace after one had recognised of Hussain's children them and were recorded the neighbour immediately on a mobile phone, makboycotted. ing threats in fierce anger.

They were also A spokesman for the Over the last year, Hussain has had his referred to as West Yorkshire Police car windscreen smashed six times, at a 'apostates', a said, “We are aware of an cost of £5,000 reference used ongoing matter involving to people who cleansing against them.

Mr Hussain and are abjure a religion for After settling in well at working closely with partanother; this is considtheir new residence, trouners to resolve this situaered as a crime punishble started brewing after tion. All reports of crime able with death in staunch Hussain participated in a are taken seriously and Islamic countries.

TV documentary about are investigated thorHussain has stopped the ill-treatment of oughly.”

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Those with diabetes link find keeping fit hard

SWEDEN: According to a new study by Lund University, in Sweden, people who are at risk of diabetes have to work much harder than their peers in order to get the benefits of exercise.

It was found that those who had immediate relatives, such as a mother or father with type 2 diabetes, were three times more likely of developing the same.

The study conducted by the Swedish university, analysed 50 unfit but healthy men in their 40s, where they exercise regularly for seven months as a fitness centre.

The results showed that all the men lost weight, however, the 25 men who were at risk of diabetes had to exercise more and attended more sessions compared to the other participants, in order to achieve the same levels of fitness.

Children get mothers' DNA, not egg donors'

BRITAIN: It has been founded that if a woman suffers from infertility and use donor eggs to have children, pass on their own DNA to their child. Previously, it was thought that the fertilised egg used to make the embryo only held DNA from the father and the egg donor.

Man pretended to be kidnapped to get ransom money for drugs

BIRMINGHAM: A Birmingham man falsely claimed he had been kidnapped and begged his partner to pay a ransom demand in a scam so he could get money to buy drugs. Jobless Paresh Savji Devraj’s distressed lover contacted cops and told them he would be killed if she didn’t cough up £1,000.

But police soon established the threats were not genuine and charged 35-year-old Devraj, of no fixed address, with wasting police time after they found him ‘high’ on crack cocaine.

Det Chief Insp Simon Wallis, of West Midlands Police CID, said: “It is reasonable to assume if you tell a lie about a serious crime, a person is going to call the police. Officers worked extremely hard to try to find Devraj. When they did he was relaxing having been taking crack cocaine throughout the day. Not only had he deceived his partner to try to obtain a sum of money but he had foreseeably placed the police in a position of a major incident to find him before he was killed.”

Patient of suspended surgeon Manu Nair alleges he was left infertile after treatment

BIRMINGHAM: A Birmingham hospital patient has claimed he was left infertile after receiving treatment from prostrate cancer surgeon Manu Nair (pictured).

Around 170 patients have been recalled by the Heart of England NHS Trust after concerns were raised about the medic, who has appeared on TV’s Embarrassing Bodies. The surgeon was suspended last year and has now resigned. It follows an independent investigation into the doctor, who worked at Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital, and Spire Hospitals, following concerns by the Heart of England regarding his surgery practices.

Now a former patient has spoken out after he was given a new laser treatment advised by Mr Nair in 2012 which was not then approved by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Cash & carry owners ordered to pay £44k after customer lost leg in car park crash Owners of a cash and carry store have been ordered to pay £44,000 after a customer lost a leg in a car park accident outside their store. Yogesh and Ashwin Patel, who run Falcon Cash and Carry, in Syston Street West, off Dysart Way, in Leicester, had admitted health and safety breaches.

The crash happened when a woman driver pulling into the car park had crashed into Ramnik Kukadia as he was getting out of his parked vehicle in a disabled bay.

Leicester Crown Court was told that the car park had a "blind corner" when turning left into the

entrance, which was "extremely close" to the disabled bays. It meant that anyone driving in would be facing the side of the parking bays, which had no hatched safety area.

Kate Rogers, prosecuting, for the city council said: "There should have been a clear area for people accessing their vehicle without being directly in the line of cars entering."

Ebraham Judge Mooncey said: "The accident was the only matter that was reported in all the time they've been there.

Looking at the set up at the time it's fortunate no other incidents happened. It does

Customer Ramnik Kukadia lost his leg as a result of the crash

seem chaotic and it was at the time. It could have been done differently."

The woman responsible

for the crash was prosecuted for careless driving.

Yogesh Patel (49) and Ashwin Patel (50), of Devenports Hill, Bushby, admitted a health and safety breach by failing to ensure people were not exposed to risk within the car park situated opposite the store, when the incident happened in January 2011. They were both fined £12,000 with £10,000 costs each. They also admitted breaching a prohibition notice issued by the city council, by using a disabled parking space before carrying out remedial work as directed, on April 14, 2011. Afterwards,

the company issued a statement saying they were "extremely sorry" that Mr Kukadia was injured in the car park. By October 2011, improvements to the layout of the car park had been completed.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Kukadia, 67, of Thurmaston, who is now confined to a wheelchair, said: "Even when the case

was over, the Patel brothers didn't even look at me. It would have been nice if they'd said something to me outside court, but they didn't. Had they done so I would have appreciated that and thought 'ah well, as least they said something.'"

Govind Mandora, city council public safety team manager said: "This accident clearly shows the need for regular health and safety inspections to ensure businesses are compliant and so minimise the likelihood of such tragic accidents occurring."

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Gap in BME professional V&A celebrates versatility of employment rate widens Indian fabric in exhibition

A study by the government's Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has found that three and a half years after leaving University, more than 20 percent graduates were in jobs that do not require a degree, such as administration, sales and customer service. One in five graduates who left university during 2008 recession found work in 'non-professional' roles.

While employment progression is noticeable (rising from 64.1% six months after graduation to 77.8% at 40 months), the gap in professional employment for ethnic groups widened. 66% of Black African graduates have professional employment, 40 months after leaving university, 13% points below the highest rate.

The Daily Telegraph reported Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union said, while there were variety of reasons why graduates may not be in professional employment, it was 'worrying to see' that disadvantaged studentsmostly from ethnic groups and those with a disabilitywere less likely to be in professional employment than their peers. While the term 'professional' remains debatable, the Asian community, especially City professionals have given their reaction about the report.

(LCCI) told Asian Voice, “It would not be any surprise to see that not all graduates managed to get a professional job during the peak of recession. I would have thought that 4 out of 5 who got the jobs is a good record. Further it shows that 1 out 5 who could not get a job in profession at least managed to get a job of some kind! This was when a lot of people in the professions being laid off.

So it says a lot in favour for people who graduate.

“It is also a surprise to find that ethnic groups fared worse. I believe one needs to analyse these further between various ethnic groups as there will be wide disparities. This report further begs the question on whether even the black ethnic group who have suffered the worst employment problem, will have still done better than if they had not graduated.

My suspicion would be that the non graduated blacks would have suffered even more. Again, it speaks in favour of graduation.”

Dhruv Patel, Court of the Common Council at the City of London Corporation, the first ever person from a black and minority ethnic (BME)

Suhash Thakrar, Partner, CBW, London's leading accountant, tax and business advisors, curDhruv Patel

Suhash Thakrar

rent Vice Chairman and past Chairman of London Chamber of Commerce

background to be elected to a business ward said, “Arguably Tony Blair’s greatest legacy to this country was his target of 50% of young people to go to university. This has given Britain a highly skilled workforce that allows us to compete better in a globalised world. It does not matter too much, if not all of these students do not initially enter professional roles, I believe

they will be adding more value to the economy and achieving more rapid responsibility for themselves with a university education than they would without. However, the evidence presented that ethnic minority graduates are worse hit in regards to not entering professional roles is concerning. This needs more investigation and I am sure your readers would be interested in finding out how our British Hindu/Indian community in particular has fared.”

Jasvir Singh, Chair of the City Sikhs Network said, "In the legal profession, the number of training contracts and pupillages following the 2008/9 recession fell by a significant amount and the

Jasvir Singh

industry is still reeling from the impact. However, this research is interesting as it shows that more graduates from an Indian background (79.1%) were in professional careers 40 months after finishing their studies than those from a White background (78.7%). Ethnic communities need to be looked at individually rather than as a homogeneous unit, as there is great diversity within them, and being from a deprived background rather than an ethnic minority is probably the greatest barrier towards having a professional career today."

Prinal Nathwani, Chair of the City Hindus Network said, “I myself graduated during the recession and so can sympathise fully with graduates in this position. This is an issue that has impacted

Prinal Nathwani

The fabric of India is the first exhibition to fully explore the incomparably rich world of handmade textiles from India. From the earliest known Indian textile fragments to contemporary fashion, the exhibition illustrates the technical mastery and creativity of Indian textiles and is the highlight of the V&A India Festival.

Divided into six sections, the exhibition celebrates variety, virtuosity and continuous innovation of India's textile traditions. The fabric of India presents approximately 200 objects made by hand, some of them on display for the first time.

It includes examples of everyday fabrics, and previously unseen treasures, from ancient ceremonial banners to contemporary sarees, from sacred temple hangings to spectacular tent used by Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), the famous ruler of Mysore.

The history of these fabrics date back at least 6000 years. Courtly splendour was proclaimed by sumptuous fabrics, while religious worship still finds expression through sacred cloths. Centuries of global trade have been shaped by the export of Indian textiles and patterns, in demand around the world.

These celebrated hand-made textiles even survived the threat of industrialisation, instead uniting India as symbols of power and protest.

Today, young designers are adapting traditional making techniques to create exciting new fashion, art and design for a global audience, giving India’s textile history a new relevance in the modern world.

graduates from all backgrounds and has been largely down to the reduction in recruitment exercised by professional employers. Experience suggests that limited contacts and the limited development of professional networks amongst ethnic minority communities has only served to exacerbate this issue for these groups, highlighting the importance of approaching and consulting with peers who have overcome similar challenges and the need for those in positions of responsibility to develop offerings beneficial to those who are struggling.”

Agrawal, Rajesh Founder Chairman & CEO of London based commercial foreign exchange com-

Rabari child's jacket, Kutch, 20th Century

The highlight of the V&A’s India Festival, The Fabric of India will be the first major exhibition to explore the dynamic and multifaceted world of handmade textiles from

vate collection in India, like Tapi collection in Surat, to American museums and private collections here.”

“We could not do an exhibition state by state.

Muslin border embroidered with beetle wings, probably Hyderabad, 19th century

India, spanning from the 3rd century to the present day.

Curators include Divia Patel and Rosemary Crill.

Patel's expertise include contemporary design, art and popular culture from India, Indian photography and 19th century paintings of Ajanta.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Divia said, “We are celebrating 25th year of the founding of Nehru Gallery and the Nehru Trust Scholarship. We thought it's good time to do something and hence the India Festival was set up.”

“The starting point has been V&A's own collection. But we have borrowed from different collections all across the world- from National Museum in India to pri-

Rajesh Agrawal

pany RationalFX, “This worrying report is further evidence of the unequal impact of the Conservative government's economic policy.

“Coming out of the recession the government consistently failed to invest in opportunities for young

This is divided into six sections- nature and making, section sacred (that illustrates fabric used for religious purposes), splendid- which focusses on court culture like Rajput courts, Global trade- how far Indian textiles reached out, impact of industrialisation on Indian textile and cutting edge- which is contemporary.

The astonishing skills and variety evident in India’s incomparably rich textile tradition will surprise and inform even those with prior knowledge of the subject, and is sure to delight visitors.

The exhibition, which is a part of the India festival will run from 10 January 2016.

Photo courtesy: Victoria and Albert Museum

people, leaving many talented graduates and school leavers short of reaching their potential. particularly is “It this that regrettable research shows that it is those from ethnic minorities and less privileged backgrounds have been worst affected.

“I'd like to see more help for students from minorities and under privibackgrounds leged throughout the education system, to help ensure that these young people have more equal opportunities upon completing their studies.

“This would be better for them, increase the skills base for business and create a more socially mobile society, where every child can reach their potential.”

UK

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

World-renowned professor of heart disease sentenced for tax fraud An award winning NHS heart specialist, who lied about his income to avoid paying Income Tax and National Insurance has been ordered to pay a fine of £200,000 within 28 days or face two and a half years in prison.

Raad Professor Mohiaddin, pictured, a consultant radiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital and a professor of cardiovascular imaging at the National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London, lied for eight years about his earnings from private practice to avoid paying almost £410,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which he has since paid.

Anthony Swarbrick, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Until our

investigators caught up with him, Mohiaddin had made no effort to pay his fair share of tax; even ignoring the opportunity to put his tax affairs in order through a campaign we ran for medical professionals.

As an NHS specialist he knew only too well how vital public funds are to the health service and to those individuals who need its care and support - includ-

ing the very patients he was employed to treat. His career and reputation are now in tatters and he faces losing his ability to practise medicine in the UK. “Tax fraud is a serious crime and we are working tirelessly to catch those who think they are above the law. Anyone with information about tax fraud can call the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887 and help us stamp it out.”

Mohiaddin stole £409,611 by failing to declare any taxable income from his self-employed work in his private practice. He chose not to take the opportunity to come forward and put his tax affairs in order using HMRC’s voluntary disclosure campaign for medical professionals launched in 2010.

Britain to welcome new Indian High Commisioner Navtej Sarna, presently the Secretary (west) in the Ministry of External Affairs will be the next Indian High Commissioner to Britain.

According to the sources the position will be taken up in late December. Mr Sarna will be replacing the current High Commissioner HE Ranjan Mathai, who is set to complete his two year term after PM Modi's planned visit in the UK in November.

Born in 1957 in Jalandhar, Shri Navtej Singh Sarna, pictured, studied Commerce at Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi. Thereafter he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Law from Delhi University and joined the Indian Foreign Service in

Depression on a rise among private school kids

It preparation for its annual conference, the Headmasters' and Headmistress' Conference (HMC), which represents 175 private schools, surveyed 65 head teachers and revealed the results. HMC warned about the rise of self-harm and depression

in private schools.

It is said that many teenagers at Britain's renowned private schools are experiencing depression, eating disorders, self-harm, as well as struggling to exams and the pressure of looking good from social media.

Children as young as eight are getting help from therapists and taking “early warning” tests, in order to help them face the demands of achieving top grades, as well as dealing with the pressure of appearance faced on the internet.

1980. In the course of his career in IFS, he has served in a variety of positions in Delhi and abroad. Between 1980 and 2002, he worked in Indian Embassies in Moscow, Warsaw, Thimphu, Geneva, Tehran and Washington interspersed with assignments at Headquarters. He was the longest serving Spokesperson of the Ministry of External

Cabinet ministers, Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt have said that Britons could learn from the people of Asia about how to care for their elderly relatives in

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

CB Patel

As I See It

Unacceptable Almost a week ago in a small village called Dadri, not too far Mohammed from Delhi, Akhlaq, a middle aged Muslim gentleman was brutally and cowardly butchered by some Hindu bigots, allegedly because they found a piece of beef in his house. I, as a Hindu am both shocked and ashamed that such unacceptable behaviour happens in the name of my religion - Hinduism - the oldest continuously practised faith on this planet. No words can explain my disgust and that of many, many millions. One hopes and prays that such an atrocity never occurs again and the perpetrators are brought to book at

the earliest.

This incident has prompted two different reactions. One son of the martyr - Mohammed Sartaj - a young man in the Indian Air Force exhibits, under tremendous stress from personal loss and the agony of his family, the most honourable traits of a good human being. He has expressed his grief without any provocation for revenge or violent recriminations. This young man quoted the famous stanza of Sir Mohammed Iqbal "Saare Jahan se acha, Hindustan humara'. Such positive and enlightened behaviour reflects the mood of the ascendant youth of India today. His pain

Mohammed Sartaj

at the politicians' opportunism is also very inspiring. He said, "you can visit the family to express your sympathy, but please do not bring politics in our personal tragedy. The need of the time is harmony and peace...."

Congress Party announced a fast to encourage communal harmony. Azam Khan of the Samajwadi party has also announced that they will approach the United Nations in this matter. To what end? Most of the opportunistic parties are up in the arms demanding that PM Modi should speak up. He should denounce et al. In the past even for less heinous

attacks, PM Modi has denounced his party men and fellow faith adherents. Since when is the Prime Minister of any country is expected to pronounce his or her opinion on every matter of importance?

The murder of Mohammed is a tragic tale, but one that needs to be seen in the larger context.

Suffice it to say, such barbarities bring ill repute to India world-wide and no doubt each one of us will not only denounce such behaviour but play our part to advocate increased tolerance and non-violence to foster harmonious relationships between all of India's faiths and peoples.

Conservative party conference The Conservative party had their annual jamboree in Manchester.

A party in power with little resistance from the Opposition, intoxicated by the atmosphere of a conference hall packed with delegates seems to have encouraged some speakers to go over the top. Two major speeches have drawn my special attention.

One from the Home Secretary Theresa May and the second from her boss PM David Cameron. Perhaps both are in a competition to race towards lowest common denominator.

Theresa May stated that this country is inundated with huge numbers of economic migrants...

They deprive employment from our own youth and create hardships in the labour market... And yet, surprise, surprise, she also said that Britain needs talent from all over the world!

Madam, you are contradict-

ing yourself. The problem Europe is facing is that of refugees and your government has been criticised for its meagre response. If you've recently visited a hospital, used the tube or ridden a bus, who do you see doing the lowest paid, menial jobs? Most are non-white.

Perhaps, for their own reasons, British-born, white youngsters are not willing to work in such jobs.

Home Secretary, you should recall that even large confectionary manufacturers in the UK have had to seek help from abroad when no new local recruits were available.

On the issue of "best talents", Mrs May, you continuously harp on international students while at the same time making visas harder to get.

As to the Prime Minister, normally a sensible sounding

Some years back the then commission for racial equality issued a booklet enlisting some 700 names of Asian community organisations. I would readily admit I know more about the Indian community than others.

There are hundreds of organisations, based on caste, ancestral place of migration, arts, culture, language, faith traditions as well as human services, up and down the country. Some are doing outstanding work some are not. I frequently hear that our younger generations are not involved actively, they are drifting away, such outflow is detrimental to traditions of culture, even some would say, it harms our social fabric, which has served us well in our new country of adoption.

I could see that there is a problem. I am prepared to go to the extend that some, if not substantial number of such organisations are mostly on paper.

Their number keep on increasing because yesterday's leaders are compelled to develop new opportunities. There are several really active organisations of various types providing yeomen service for their communities, and thereby serving the British society as well.

Last Sunday I attended the annual mela of Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community UK at

their huge campus (India gardens), West End Roads Northolt, UB5 6RE. SKLPC has some 20 acres land just by A40.

I saw from the main stage in a huge marquee where 4500 chairs were each occupied and serval hundred were standing, huddled up. In the open area, where there were sporting facilities, stalls- it was crowded.

Young children to old people. I have never seen such a large number of all ages, except at Janmashtami or Hindu New Year's Day. What struck me that SKLPC is a community organi-

person, he is also caught up in this whirlwind. His biggest problem is the numbers. In 2010, out of a nightmare similar to Idi Amin's in August 1972, Mr Cameron announced he would reduce new immigrants to 100,000. What was the scientific basis used to arrive at this number? None! This was wishful thinking and a misguided statement. And now he feels suffocated because the numbers are hovering around 300,000.

Let's look at it rather differently. Most of the new migrants, find some sort of employment far more quickly than the British born 'natives'. Why? It's the attitude Mr Cameron. You as a government are expected to devise schemes to encourage employment, and to help train the skills of the workforce. Ian Duncan Smith has some good ideas, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and

SKLPC sation, a cultural association, the main thread is community service. The organisation was formed some 45 years ago.

Membership, is by my guess, 30,000 and 8000 coming to India gardens, whoa! It must have been so good, family and fun and above all nourishing their cultural heritage. Kutchis are unique Gujaratis. In 2001 the district of Kutch which is

Ms Theresa May and PM Cameron

these strategies take time to develop and implement.

Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and all those who have some 'mental block' about the 'migrants' (let's call it bluntly non-white) have to think rather deeply. Perhaps take into consideration the practises of our leaders of industry, who actively

avoid rash statements like these.

What will happen to the British economy, let alone several public services, without the wretched and helpless foreign workers? I have a strange feeling such misguided political leaders keep on digging holes, from which they cannot come out. God help them.

second largest after Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir had a population of half a million. On 26 January 2001 a massive earthquake struck Kutch and other parts of Gujarat. 25000 people perished. Loss and damage into went up to gigantic figures. This may surprise you dear reader, that by the latest count, population of Kutch in 2011 was in the official statistics 2.09 million. A four fold increase. Kutch has rose like Phoenix, with industry, commerce, trade and agriculture. Lions share goes to their hard work, respect for hard

work, bound by tradition, most importantly loyalty to the land they reside in- Seychelles, East Africa, UK (more details can be seen in a special article next week).

I want to conclude by saying why SKLPC is so successful, where others have failed miserably. The younger generation expects clear characteristics: idealism, intelligence, energy, integrity and transparency. Our younger generations are more ethical than perhaps people of my age. They have values, their time is very precious. They do not approve of hypocrites or leaders who are unsuccessful. They detect and detest leaders with dubious backgrounds (immigration consultancy fraud, money laundering or cheats in business). The young generation is very positive. If you want to involve them, find out what they want, how they want, don't complain that youngsters don't want to be involved. They are aware of the virtues of our traditions. Let's support good activity but before that create proper organisations and get ourselves to perform well. Be positive and rest will follow.

Community gathered in the marquee at the SKLPC annual mela

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

The Asian RAF Officer Flying the Flag Flight Lieutenant Harry Gopalakrishnan, also known as Lucky, is with the 3(Fighter) Squadron based at Royal Air Force Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

He hosted an RAF table at the Asian Achievers Awards two weeks ago.

Lucky’s interest in the Royal Air Force started at 15 when a RAF officer liaison officer visited his school. He had no prior connection to the military, but wanted to be an engineer on aircraft, and was told about the possibility of becoming an Engineer Officer in the RAF. “I was offered to be put forward for selection to receive sponsorship through my 6th form and a bursary for university with a place on Initial Officer Training (IOT) upon graduation,” explained Lucky.

“My parents supported me: as refugees from the 1980s Sri Lankan civil war, they saw this as a chance to give back to a country that had given our family so much. I wanted to work on the most advanced aircraft in existence, see the world, and live the lifestyle of a modern day military officer.

After fitness, aptitude and leadership assessments, I was awarded a RAF Bursary. I received a

Harry Gopalakrishnan

substantial amount of money to support me through Imperial College and my Masters in Aeronautical Engineering.

I joined the University of London Air Squadron (ULAS).”

Lucky visited RAF stations; shadowed Engineer Officers; learnt to fly aerobatic aircraft. He under-

took adventurous training, including sailing in the Mediterranean and skiing the Austrian Alps. He was made Senior Student and led his Squadron in their 75th anniversary year.

IOT took nine months.

In that time, Lucky and his colleagues transformed from individual civilians into a tight-knit, effective

Lord Loomba attends Pope's inaugural address at UN General Assembly, New York In his capacity, as Chairman of a Global NGO with ECOSOC status, the United Nations invited Lord Loomba CBE to attend opening session of the General Assembly on 25th September, 2015, which was inaugurated by Pope Francis.

Lord Loomba was also pleased to have received a second invitation to attend the Special HighLevel Sustainable Development Goals session – “A New Rural Development Paradigm and the Inclusive and Sustainable New Communities”, which was hosted by the President of Korea and attended by the UN Secretary General, HE Ban Kimoon and four Presidents of other countries, on 26th September, 2015.

The United Nations held its 70th session of the General Assembly at its Headquarters in New York, which was attended by the Heads of States and Heads of Governments from all

Lord Loomba at the UN General Assembly, New York

over the world. The main agenda of the General Assembly this year was to celebrate 70 successful years of the United Nations and adopt Sustainable Development Goals, which followed the Millennium Development Goals. Secretary General, H E Bank Ki-moon, invited Pope Francis to address the distinguished Assembly of Nations. In his address, the Pope spoke about many issues including people’s welfare and climate change around the world.

The Pope Francis said “Economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity and a grave offence against human rights and the environment. The poorest are those who suffer most from such offences, for three serious reasons; they are cast off by society, forced to live off what is discarded and suffer unjustly from the abuse of the environment.

They are part of today’s widespread and quietly growing - Culture of Waste”.

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015 team of military officers, skilled in weapons handling, drill, fieldcraft, military planning, leadership and management of personnel. “Our fitness and fatigue levels were pushed to limits we never knew we had. We learnt that we could manage to remain effective, even in the deepest depths of tiredness.

After graduating as commissioned officers, we underwent a further nine months of engineering-specific training.”

Lucky’s first role was Commanding Officer for 70 technicians working on the Chinook helicopter. He sought the wisdom of the more experienced people around him. “Gaining the trust and respect of my personnel was rewarding, as was seeing the results of the mentoring and stewardship as these people were promoted during my time as their boss,” he smiled.

Lucky’s current role is Engineering Officer for a Squadron of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft: responsible for their engineering and for the 120 personnel who keep the aircraft flying. “Our Squadron’s role includes holding Quick Reaction Alert: ensuring we have aircraft armed and ready to take-off at a moment’s notice to defend the skies of our country from hostile aircraft. There is pressure to ensure that

9

opment, fitness and wellbewe do not cease providing ing: ensuring that I am this protection, as well as honing my engineering and providing aircraft to keep management skills, as well our pilots trained in their as keeping fighting fit in tactics.” The pressure is the gym and on the sports welcome, he said. Later pitches. I know that I am this year they will go to the receiving the best training, Middle East and North receiving chartered engiAmerica to conduct exerneering status and managecises to ensure they stay ment qualifications that are capable of deploying also valued in civilian Lucky’s Squadron and airemployment.” craft wherever required.

Flt Lt Harry Lucky feels that workGopalakrishnan, MEng ing with the RAF provides (Hons) ACGI ARAeS, is a unique environment. working in the role he first “Because of the experiences imagined years ago. He that we go through togethfeels part of a family that is er, like the most extreme of interested in developing his training environments or leadership and engithe most hostile of neering abilities. front line war “Our Squadron’s “I am exposed to zones, there is a level of under- role includes holding e x p e r i e n c e s s t a n d i n g Quick Reaction Alert: that will grow ensuring we have me into a betbetween us ter person. I that tranaircraft armed and have no scends work ready to take-off at a desire to leave ties. We often moment’s notice to my job, and I socialise after defend the skies of can see a path work and live our country from of roles that I within a wonderfully equipped hostile aircraft.” would love to take Officers Mess. Our military colleagues can remain close friends for life, often playing huge parts in our major life events.

The RAF is not all about living in a cold field and marching for miles with weights on your back (however those roles do exist for those who enjoy that side of the military!). It promotes personal devel-

as my career progresses: be that the Senior Engineering Officer of a Squadron deployed on operations, or becoming the lead Engineering Officer on a RAF Station.

So as long as my future roles continue to give me the opportunity to command personnel, I can see myself fulfilling a hopefully distinguished career in the Royal Air Force.”

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READERS’VOICE

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

Hajj is not a tourist adventure

The worst disaster during Haj of 2015 deserves global sympathy and condolences for bereaved and suffering relatives. History of 25 years of disaster free period must be considered before outright blaming Saudi Arabia's government. Disasters have occurred in many countries, e.g. at social/political gatherings, football matches, distribution of goodie/freebies and music festivals. No government is blamed.

Saudi Arabian government must share blame with Muslim countries who allow pilgrimage without prior etiquette training or experience of holy event. Haj disaster can be avoided by controlling numbers of pilgrims. Peak period attendance must be permitted only to those over 65 years. This will spread 2 million pilgrims over the year instead of cramming them in 5 days without loss of revenue. This will help to stress that Haj is not a tourist adventure, but spiritual journey that needs strong body, mind and spiritual maturity gained with age. Holy pilgrimage must be a pleasure for host and pilgrim.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Muslim population increase

Mr. Shah’s letter is realistic and excellent and Hindus are still very submissive since they never ruled any country outside. We still have slave mentality that makes us submissive especially to Muslims. The Congress leaders to please Muslims introduced Sharia law in a country where the Hindu population from 90 percent in 1947 now is reduced to below 80 per cent.

The real danger is in 20 years West Bengal , Assam and part of Bihar will form independent state within India and join with Bangladesh which is a reality.

In the case of Mr. Kapadia , he thinks he is living in Saudi Arabia. Britain is a Christian nation and we have to follow their way of life and their tradition.

Christianity is the dominant culture and other religions are sub- cultures and they have to interact with them and not isolate from them. I do feel Muslim population is very relevant to the present situation and more than 90 per cent of the refugees are Muslims and even in East Europe there are Muslims. Now they want to bring 20,000 Syrian Muslims and they may end up with more than 200 000 in five years and this will increase Muslim population several fold.

Arun Vaidyanathan By email

Back to his old tricks

Jubel, is back to his old tricks, his favourite pastime to attack BJP, Modi, Hindus and India, a country that provides platform to attack hands that feed him without fear of retaliation. Then there is no shortage of nethermost people in India from every culture, creed and religion.

As many previous writers have pointed out, he should try living in Pakistan, Bangladesh or visit Saudi Arabia with holy bible which would be confiscated at the airport.

He should look at Goa where Hindus and Christians live in perfect harmony. Most attacks on churches and indeed temples have occurred in Kerala.

Then in democracy, there is no shortage of ignorant fools that feed their egos! Would he like to see India become totalitarian State, democracy replaced by dictatorship?

While British Indians are appreciative of Christian values we enjoy in Christian West, this tiny minority would like to cut their noses to spite their faces.

India is most liberal, tolerant country in the region. That is why it has been divided, conquered, looted and brutalized for centuries by foreign invaders.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Let’s be appreciative While everyone admirers Malala’s courage in standing up to Taliban, nearly losing her life, she is surrounded by fiduciary PR men who are using her for their personal agenda.

World has not lost humanity, West is not flibbertigibbet as she alleged in her UN appearance but some super-rich Middle Eastern countries are.

Syrian uprising was financed by super-rich Gulf States for political rivalry between Shia and Sunni nations. Yet they are unwilling to take refugees, nor contribute to look after them in camps in surrounding countries where they are confined to filthy, flimsy camps, waiting for the grandeur lustre West to pick-up tabs!

In sharp contrast Germany, Sweden, France and Britain are willing to take significant numbers, even though Britain is most densely populated country in Europe. There is extreme shortage of houses, local residents denied right to go on Council’s waiting list while some NHS Trusts bribe GPs not to refer patients to hospitals, not even for cancer tests, thus passing death sentence. How come charity begins overseas?

Saudi Arabia is practically empty. Although desert country, it has means to turn it into fertile land, in line with Negev Desert Israel has transformed into agricultural wonderland with modern technology, ingenuity and investment in desalination technology.

India will follow suit in Kutch desert.

Let us give praise where it’s due, stop bashing West for politically obsolescent reasons.

Kumudini Valambia By email

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Hajj tragedy

The Hajj tragedy this year has been big news especially because of the huge death toll (769) and injury (934). Within a short time it will be distant memory and Muslims would look forward to Hajj next year. This tragedy has become a regular incident.

Islam teaches one of many elements dwelling in human mind is devil. Hajj pilgrims are required to perform a number of rituals the last of which is ‘stoning the devil’. There are three beautiful pillars constructed by Saudi authority long time ago believed to represent devil. The belief is it is incumbent upon Muslims to drive the devil away and the way is by throwing stones at these pillars. When a very large number of people converse to such a small area determined to throw stones stampede would naturally take place.

Is there a solution? Here are some questions to all Muslims. How can these pillars be devils? Is it possible to drive the devil away from human mind by throwing stone at these pillars? Does throwing stone at pillars represent symbolism? Should Muslims criticise others (e.g. Hindus) for practising symbolism?How can the Black Stone installed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Kaabaa be sacred? The way forward is introspection, finding right answer asking right questions, not belief for the sake of belief.

Jatindra Saha By email

Centenary year - 2015

It is 100 years since the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi founded Sabarmati Satyagrah Ashram to start his fight for freedom of India from British rule. Being Gujarati he felt it more appropriate to start the struggle for independence from Gujarat and felt sure of getting a good financial support from rich Aamdavadis!

Having been successful in his struggle against apartheid in South Africa, he returned to India in early 1915. He united the leaders, inspired common people to stand up to injustice, respected women, encouraged all to join him in the mass movement. With his abundant energy, resolute courage to challenge the highest authority, his unique method of civil disobedience, non-cooperation, boycott of foreign goods, he removed the foreign rule from India -.only through non-violence.

India has maintained largest democracy with many religions, languages castes and creed for sixty eight years. It has made tremendous progress in many fields but its achievements in the space industry(which requires highly intellectual workforce) is outstanding. However, India has a long way to go but with P.M. Narendrabhai's ideal village, modernizing cities and other projects, hard work from it's people and N.R.I. investment (helping foreign exchange).it will be a leading country in the world.

Ila Kapadia By email

Lifelong learning

I write with reference to a few recent editions and news items within AV. Firstly I refer to Sri Alpesh Patel for his comments on the Youth and their 'O' and 'A' levels and especially the immigrant children who DO work hard and push and push. It is the nature of the 'underdog'.

I note that AV has organised the Saraswati Sanman - Educational Awards; I am sure this will honour and benefit a great number of children over the years. I hope it goes from strength to strength. With the cost of education which is colossal and becoming more costly, this award will help. I also congratulate the organisers of Sparkhill Gujarati school. Long may it continue. Alas a school I helped had to close a few years ago after some 27 years of service to educate and to help make a better and a learned society we now call home. Schools are just a start to a path of lifelong learning.

Humanity is everything.

Yogi Pandya Wembley

Caring for the elderly

It was heartening to read a letter from Pramod Mehta in your issue of 26th September 2015. With all of us living longer and longer, it is important that we should look after our health so as not to suffer and become a burden to family and society in our old age.

We strongly believe that keeping oneself active is the answer to keeping fit and healthy and with this in mind , and with the aim of caring for elderly in the local community, Navjivan Vadil Kendra was formed about nine years back and our great success in such a short span of time shows how much such activity is essential throughout the country.

We invited Mr C B Patel and yourself at one of our weekly events, and being impressed seeing our activities he published a report in your issue of 25th January 2015.

We have received recognition by getting Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services 2015 as announced in London Official Gazette of 2nd June 2015 on the occasion of Queen’s Jubilee Anniversary. You reported the same in your issue of 13th June 2015.

We fully endorse views expressed by Pramod Mehta and strongly believe that we need such centres in every corner of this country to deal with more and more aging population, and deal with possible loneliness in old age.

Jayant U Doshi Secretary, Navjivan Vadil Kendra

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COUNCIL

Watford to celebrate the Festival of Light After Diwali on the Square on 11th October, people celebrating Diwali could head to Watford for a fun filled afternoon on 25 October.

After Diwali on the Square on 11th October, people celebrating Diwali could head to Watford for a fun filled afternoon on 25 October.

Diwali on The Parade, a free event, takes place from 12pm-5pm.

Organised as a part of Big Events by Watford Council, it is linked with Diwali at the Palace – a vibrant Diwali dance celebration being shown at Watford Palace Theatre.

The celebrations are set to bring colour, lights and culture to the heart of Watford.

Building on last year’s event, this will be even more magical, with a host of dance and musical performances, and hands-on workshops.

People can try mehndi and gopi dot painting and even have a go at making a floating lantern. Visitors

can also spend time at the Diwali craft and food market, where they can pick up a variety of treats and tasty delicacies.

As darkness hits, the Festival of Light celebration will bring everyone together in a procession to the pond – everyone is welcome to join in with tea lights and lanterns.

Here the event will be brought to a breathtaking end with a flame and pyrotechnics display set to Indian classical music.

Elected Mayor of Dorothy Watford Thornhill said: “I really enjoyed last year’s event – especially seeing the children’s faces as the lanterns were paraded down the High Street.

This year’s Diwali event will be a sumptuous celebration for everyone to enjoy. People will have the chance to try some new and wonderful things – I’m delighted that we can bring such vibrancy to our town.”

“Thatcher’s Grandchildren”

Cllr Ameet Jogia (Inset) delivering his speech at Conservative conference in Manchester

“ T h a t c h e r ’ s Grandchildren” is the term Cllr Ameet Jogia coined during his debut speech at Conservative Party Conference this week, when speaking about his experiences of the Right to Buy scheme.

Cllr Ameet Jogia is one of the few British Indians to ever address Conservative Party Conference.

The Harrow Councillor, captivated the audience by retelling his own personal story of being homeless and his experiences of growing up on a council estate.

Cllr Ameet Jogia spoke of the significance of Right to Buy; “The Right to Buy

scheme is much more than simply housing. It is about empowerment, and providing people with the opportunity to take responsibility of their own lives, and to stand on their own two feet.”

“People often forget that there are thousands of young people like me living in council homes across the country. For us, the Right to Buy Scheme brings hope; hope that we too can achieve the dream Ameet also paid tribute to former Conservative Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher who introduced the Right to Buy scheme thirty five years ago in 1980; “She was an advocate

The parents of Madeleine McCann, the little girl who went missing in Portugal, have had to close down their Twitter account after being subjected to abuse by “toxic” supporters of Ben Needham's family. Kate and

Gerry McCann expressed how these hurtful posts were restraining the global search for their daughter. The web chief who operates the official Find Madeleine Campaign on Twitter stated, “They agree it's time to

for aspiration; championing people to get on in life.”

“I consider myself to be one of “Thatcher’s grandchildren” and my generation must carry forward her aspirational legacy and encourage thousands more to realise the potential of home ownership.”

Cllr Ameet Jogia’s speech highlights a new wave of British Indian politicians coming forward. Cllr Ameet Jogia is already seen as a rising star within the Conservative Party and internal Party officials that he may be the one to carry the Party’s legacy as “Thatcher’s grandchild”.

McCanns shut down Twitter account

remove ourselves from a place that allows so much toxic content to be directed at us and does not permit us the ability to protect ourselves from people who want to damage the search for Madeleine.”

India Connect

Asian Voice |10th October 2015

11

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card OCI Card is a multiple entry lifelong visa which enables the holder to have unlimited travel and stay in India.

What are the Benefits for an OCI card holder?

An OCI card holder gets the following benefits: A multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa for visiting India.

Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving licence as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.

How to apply for OCI: OCI is an online process. Applicant needs to fill up OCI Application Form Online. After filling up the online OCI application, applicant has to take out the print of the application and submit TWO SETS of application form with prescribed documents and fees to the designated VFS Centre. The time taken for issue of OCI Card is minimum 6-8 weeks, delay beyond the specific time frame cannot be ruled out owing to certain technical reasons.

All applicants are advised to book their travel plan only after obtaining the OCI. Who can apply for OCI? I who is a citizen of another country, but Was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution; OR I who is a citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution; OR I who is a citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that became part of India after the 15th day of August, 1947; OR I who is a child or a grand-child or a great grandchild of such a citizen; OR I a person, who is a minor child of

a person mentioned in the above 4 criterion; OR I a person, who is a minor child, and whose both parents are citizens of India; OR I a person, who is a minor child, and whose one of the parents is a citizen of India; OR I Spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application under this section.

Exceptions: OCI is not granted to any citizen who is / was and / or if their parents, grandparents or great grandparents are / were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India cardholder.

What benefits an OCI Card holder is not entitled to: The OCI Card holder is not entitled: I to vote, I to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India, I to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.

I He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government PIO to OCI I am a PIO Card holder, what should I do to obtain the OCI Card?

The date for application for conversion of valid PIO card to OCI card has been extended till 31 March 2016. The valid PIO card holders are advised to submit the applications by 31 March 2016. One can apply for OCI card in lieu of valid PIO card free of any charges.

However the applicant will have to pay the service charges for the outsourcing agency as well as postal charges.

For more information please contact us on our helpline numbers: +44 203 793 8629 / +44 203 695 9849 Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:30 (except for Consular Holiday)

Alternatively applicants can also call : 09057 570 045* * Please note calls to this number will be chargeable at the rate of 95p per minutes plus a connection charge from a BT landline. Calls from mobile phones may cost considerably higher.

For Email inquirey please email us: OCI: info.ociuk@vfshelpline.com Visa: info.inuk@vfshelpline.com Consular & Passports: Info.ppt-Consularuk@vfshelpline.com

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12

MEDIAWATCH

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

With high approval ratings to buoy him on his journey to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Mod arrived at his destination via a productive stopover in the Irish Republic with high expectations back home and among his audience in America. The UN Summit received the appropriate publicity, but it was the Indian Prime Minister’s conclave with America’s business elite in New York more than his address to the UN General Assembly that was the cynosure of all eyes.

Expectations, more often than not, exceed performance; on this rare occasion it clearly did not. In a straight talking session the heads of the top US companies informed their guest about their hopes and frustration doing business in India.

Copybook sullied The one blot in what was a highly successful US venture was the Prime Minister’s address to a massive crowd of expatriates, clearly BJP-oriented in body and mind. One must ask whether it is appropriate to fire salvoes at domestic opponents and past Congress governments on foreign soil. The late US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, answering questions at a press conference in London, said he never discussed domestic politics abroad.

Modi in America

The core message was that while the country’s economic reforms were a positive step forward their pace left room for improvement.

Mr Modi, by all accounts is a good listener; having absorbed what was said, he proceeded to give a summary of what he had heard, said a impressed participant. These people are worldly wise and not easily taken in by the routine guff of politicians, homespun or foreign, but the broad smiles and nods demonstrated their visible satisfaction at what they had heard. The ball is now in Mr Modi’s court.

Rock star welcome

The second part of Modi odyssey to the iconic Silicon Valley in sunny California, where innovation and start-ups are what the gold rush was in the 19 th century, went off brilliantly. The Prime Minister met with the American and Indian tech wizards who are changing the world. Engaging with them in a sense was engaging with India’s future, digital and much else. This, arguably, was the centre-piece of Modi in America. He has well understood that innovation and start-ups, embodying science and technology will be the greatest drivers of economic and social transformation in the country. (Times of India, Hindu September 29)

speakers. Time to take heed.

(Hindu September 26)

Choosing English

UP and Bihar kids, together with their compeers in Rajasthan , Haryana, Jharkhand (all belonging to the Hindi belt) are leading a nationwide surge to learn English. In the past five years the admission of children to English-medium schools across the country has doubled.

‘Politicians may try to push Hindi, but people are voting with their feet, opting to put their children in English-medium school,’ writes Reena Nagarajan on the front-page of The Times of India (September 28)

Rajan does it

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan announced a larger interest rate cut by 50 basis points, well beyond market expectations.

Petty spite

It took the Shiv Sena, a BJP ally, would you believe, to remind the public of the sterling services she rendered to the nation in the 1971 war against Pakistan, supported and abetted by the squalid Nixon administration in Washington and Mao’s murderous regime in Beijing. She stood up to their bullying and blackmail and insults aplenty – Nixon berated Sir Alex Douglas Home for Britain’s acquiescence to India’s Independence, which, according to the president, Indians didn’t deserve.

Stalwarts recalled

The Shiv Sena highlighted the immense contributions to India’s development of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh et al. The Shiv Sena, it would appear, is adding cubits to its stature, becoming more electable by the day (Hindu September 28)

Technology empowers

Chennai Summit

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told an Indian reporter that, ‘In some sense to get even a leapfrog in the technology infrastructure needed the Indian government to drive the next level of efficiency and productivity….that technology plays a role in empowering people….It is a tool. It is not an end to itself.’ (Mint September 29)

A summit of Tamil, Bengali, Odisha and other non-Hindi language leaders launched a blistering attack on the intimidation and bullying methods of Hindi language advocates and their attempts to force-feed India’s non-Hindi states into accepting their diktat. Languages such as Tamil and Bengali far outstrip Hindi in cultural and intellectual depth and reach, said aggrieved

India has taken top spot in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in global rankings, according to the Financial Times data services.

India attracted $3 billion more than China and $4 billion more than the US in greenfield investments in the first half of the current financial year ending March 31. The news comes as a shot in the arm for the Modi government, which has taken several steps to attract more FDI into India (Times of India September 30)

Make in Tamil Nadu

Economic growth in the 21st century will be predicated on the skills and education of a country’s workforce. That said, 15 schools in Tamil Nadu are the best overall performers in a national list of 20, according to the 2015 edition of the Class XII Board Examinations of Secondary Education (CBSC). The top two regions in terms of pass percentage are the Thiruvanthapuram district in Kerala and Chennai in Tamil Nadu ((Times of India September 29)

Auto hub

The bane of Indian politics is the ruinous levels of petty spite, a degrading spectacle at all times and a pollutant of public life.

What purpose can there be in removing Indira Gandhi’s face from a postage stamp? (Hindu September 30)

Setting history right

India pips US, China in FDI

Complementing the education story is confirmation that Tamil Nadu is now India’s automobile hub by a fair distance and is fast moving up the global chain,

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

where it presently occupies a place in the top ten. The platform was laid by R.Venkataraman, a former State minister and subsequently India’s defence minister and later still, Indian President.

If he had been living today, he would have been taken aback at the speed with which the auto sector has developed.

(Business Line September 26)

Global presence

Six global carmakers, namely, Ford, Hyundai, BMW, Renault, Nissan and Mitsuibishi are present in force, producing for the domestic market and exporting its models to every continent.

Exports have grown at a compound rate of 30 per cent over the past five years and has reached an annual turnover worth $8 billion.

If Venkataraman set up the platform, the dizzy progress since owes much to the drive and administrative skills of the current Chief Minister Jayalalitha, whose incentives includes smooth land acquisition.

(Business Line September 26)

Remarkable space achievement

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) clocked up a truly remarkable milestone with the successful launch of ASTROSAT on Monday September 28. A satellite each

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan

Ten leading bankers polled expected the rise to be no more 25 basis points. The RBI Governor and his team made their calculation that this was the moment to act, taking advantage of the record-low consumer price inflation. The decision by easing the cost of borrowing should stimulate investment and increase industrial growth. News of the rate cut was welcomed by banks and industry. For the average citizen interest on home and car loans are set to fall. (Business Line, Mint September 30)

Astrosat satellite Ford model

Renault models

from Indonesia and NASA (United States) rode piggyback and were placed in their respective orbits. Next came the difficult part – which was the telescope designed to look deep into space transmit data on the high energy processes in binary star systems. India is to launch 23 foreign satellites in the next few years (Hindu September 29)

Jaitley take

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed satisfaction at the rate cut and hoped the banks would pass on its benefits to customers.

He would now be looking forward, he said, to transmission of the cuts in a manner designed to boost investor confidence.

India jumps in WEF rankings

India jumped 16 places in the World Economic Forum’s global competitive rankings, from the 71st position to 55 th, a result of the positive investor and market response to the government’s reform programme. There is, however, a long and difficult road ahead, but an encouraging start has been made (Mint September 30)

INS Kochi launched India’s latest destroyer, INS Kochi, the second in the Kolkata class of destroyers was manufactured and launched last week at Mumbai’s Mazagon dockyard by Defence Minister Manohohar Parrikar. The third in the series - INS Chennai, is to be commissioned in about a year from now - INS Koch is 164 metres in length and 17 metres at the beam and weighs 7,500 tonnes. It has a wide range of sophisticated weapon systems and sensors and is equipped with the BrahMos cruise missile, among other missiles and long range guns (Hindu October 1).

UK

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

13

Khan vs Goldsmith for London Mayoral election Reshma Trilochun

50% % who would vote..

Zac Goldsmith (40) has won the Conservative Party nomination and is all set to run the race to become the Mayor of London 2016 against Labour MP, Sadiq Khan.

Goldsmith was touted as one of the Conservative's favourites since the moment he announced that he would be contesting. He warded off competition from MEP Syed Kamall, Andrew Boff and Stephen Greenhalgh and won 70% of the 9,227 votes casted.

The race for the Mayoral position is not only the battle of two political parties, but also comes across as the contest of two socio-economical backgrounds. In one corner, we have the true and blue Conservative, Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, who was born to a billionaire father and has seen the glitz and glamour, been with the elites and knows the crème de la crème.

60%

20% 10% June Sadiq khan

Sadiq Khan

On the other hand, we have the son of a bus driver, Labour's Sadiq Khan, who became the second Muslim to serve in the UK government, when the former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown had appointed him as minister of state for communities.

Both are diverse individual who pledge that they will make London a better place if elected. Zac Goldsmith stated, “Our living environment is fac-

Zac Goldsmith

ing increasing pressure, and we will need to protect, enhance and improve access to our green spaces, as well as radically improving the quality of the air that we breathe.”

He continued, “Londoners are being priced out of their city and we will need a step change in the number of homes built, and the manner in which they are built.”

Sadiq Khan's key priorities consist of freezing

evidence of their connection from him from their mobile phones.

The 15-year-old boy

was sentenced for plotting a beheading in Australia. The court was also informed that the boy, who was 14 years old when he had urged a suspected jihadist to kill police officers in Australia; the court heard how he was “deeply committed radical extremist”.

It is said that the boy had admitted encouraging terrorism when the police had found over 3,000 encrypted messages between him and Sevdet Besim (18), from Australia.

Mr Justice Saunders stated that the life term for the teenager meant that he would not be released from prison until he was considered not dangerous.

Small businesses angered by Tories' wage and leave reforms The Conservative Party are currently gathering for its annual conference in Manchester from Sunday 4th- Wednesday 7th October 2015. They have, however, angered the British business for two of its recent policy reformation proposals about changes to paternity leave, as well as the

30%

0%

Britain's youngest terrorist jailed for life A 15-year-old boy, touted as Britain's youngest terrorist, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday 2nd October 2015, with a minimum of five years. It was revealed that the teenager had alerted other extremists regarding the police inquiry after his arrest.

It is alleged that the teenager unashamedly bragged about being detained, on the streets of Blackburn.

Manchester Crown Court was told that he also warned the other people with whom he had been in contact with to delete all

40%

new national living wage. According to a new research, conducted

by Federation of Businesses (FSB) they surveyed members, small

Small where 1,261 firms

intend to slow the pace of hiring and raise prices, due to the living wage.

The survey found 38% of small employers anticipate that the new national living wage to affect their business in a negative way when it comes to force in April 2016.

transport fares, creating opportunities for Londoners, as well as solving the housing crisis. He mentioned, “Looking to the future, our burning ambition must be that all Londoners have the same opportunity.”

While congratulating him for in a statement, Khan also issued an immediate challenge regarding the housing crisis. He said, “I welcome Zac Goldsmith to the mayoral contest and look forward to a positive and friendly debate about the big issues facing

July

August Zac Goldsmith

Yougov survey suggests people are more likely to vote for Zac Goldsmith as the London Mayor Londoners. This election is a referendum on London's housing crisis, and I challenge Zac Goldsmith to join me in opposing the Tories' Housing Bill, which will make our city's housing crisis many times worse.”

The current mayor of London, Boris Johnson is happy for Goldsmith and has ample of good things to say about him. He said, “I'm delighted for Zache's principled, hardworking and dedicated. He's fizzing with ideas and he's passionate about London and its people.”

The competition between the two might seem neck-to-neck, however, a survey by YouGov shows how Goldsmith is coming up as a more likely choice. However, ones decision to vote for a particular candidate changes from time to time. And for those who are still indecisive about who to cast there votes for, the London mayoral election will be held on 5th May 2016, so there is still plenty of time for you to familiarise yourself with the candidates, their pledges and their ethos.

14

COMMUNITY

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

India’s largest speciality homeopathy clinic Dr Batra’s launches in the UK The UK launch for India’s most trusted homeopathy brand, Dr Batra’s took place on Saturday 26th September in its new clinic at 594 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AF. Guests including the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Lesley Jones, First M.P. Singh, High Secretary, Commission of India, and Registrar of The Trichological Society Barry Stevens along with patients, media and key luminaries were invited to the launch to celebrate.

The launch included a tour of the new clinic with the Founder and Chairman of Dr Batra’s, Dr Mukesh Batra. At the forefront of modernising Homeopathy, guests were able to watch demonstrations of treatments being undertaken, including the use of advanced diagnostic technique, Folliscope.

Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder and Chairman of Dr Batra's Group of Companies, said: “We’re delighted to launch our new Dr Batra’s Homeopathic Clinic in the UK. We’re a large brand of professionals’ doctors and so thought we should give the advantage of homeopathy to Indians who live in the UK.”

Mr Barry Stevens MA (Mus) FTTS, Registrar of The Trichological Society said “I greatly admire Dr Mukesh Batra who has saved the health of millions and can almost claim to have re-invented homeopathy for the world. A man with great integrity, ability and foresight, I am privilege to know him.”

Mr MP Singh, First Secreatry, High Commission of India said “The very fact that Dr Batra’s has over 200 clinics over five countries speaks volume of Dr Batra’s. It is exceptionally

heartening to know that a huge successful Indian brand that has emerged in the last 30 years from India is being recognized all over the world and has now come to England.”

The clinic medical expertise will include treatment for: allergies, breathing troubles, eczema, gastric disorders, gynaecological problems, hair problems, high sugar levels, joint pain, overweight issues, psoriasis, sexual problems, thyroid and other health problems for all ages. Dr Batra’s has provided individualised treatment and care to over 1.3 million patients across the globe with 94% positive outcome.

Founded by Dr Mukesh Batra in 1982 in Mumbai, India, today Dr Batra’s Healthcare Group is the leading homeopathic healthcare corporate, having 208 clinics with over 370 full-time doctors across 115 cities with its presence in India, Dubai, UK and Bangladesh.

Kolak wins PWC Private Business Awards 2015 Kolak has won the Family Business of the Year Award at the PWC Private Business Awards 2015. Kolak is a Family Businesses which has showed resilience through the downturn making bold decisions to continue with capital investments, whether that's been building new factory facilities or expanding into new operations, all of which are beginning to show positive results and returns.

Chief Executive Officer and founder Ashok Lakhani commented “We are absolutely thrilled to win this highly prestigious award. It is now some 31 years since I started the business with my brother

Charlie Hoffman, Andrew Collins, Ruby Parmar, Ashok Lakhani, Jane Gomez and Naga Munchetty, awards presenter

Bharat. We very much see ourselves as a family business with family values and are looking forward to my son Managing Director Rikin growing the business

even further in the future.

Charlie Hoffman Managing Director of HSBC Private Bank UK who presented the award said “Family businesses

with multi-generational members again appeared to drive success by taking decisions with a longer – term horizon. This is true patient capital”.

Kolak Snack Foods were established in 1984 and are known as one of the most successful snack manufacturers in the UK market place. The company’s turnover has almost trebled from £32 million in 2008 to over £100 million today.

Ashok with his brother and Business Director Bharat and son, Managing Director Rikin Lakhani aims to continue strengthening Kolak’s position as one of the foremost privately owned crisp and snacks producers in the UK.

Tamasha theatre company celebrates silver jubilee Pioneering national touring theatre company Tamasha, co-founded by Sudha Bhuchar and Kristine Landon-Smith, celebrated its 25th anniversary in style with a glamorous gala event at London’s May Fair Hotel on Friday 25th September 2015.

Hosted by the Trustees including Ramesh Vala OBE, Nishma Gosrani and Anuj Chande, guests were welcomed by outgoing Tamasha Artistic Director Sudha Bhuchar and incoming Artistic Director Fin Kennedy.

The evening consisted of a retrospective of Tamasha’s ‘greatest hits’ including extracts from Untouchable (1989), Women of the Dust (1993), East is East (1996), A Fine

Balance (2006), and Snookered (2013). It was performed by an ensemble cast of established and emerging British Asian actors and showcased some of Tamasha's defining moments. A specially commissioned short film contained testimony from Tamasha ‘alumni’ including Jimi Mistry, Raza Jaffrey, Sunetra Sarkar, Parminder Nagra, Ruth Jones, Chris Bisson, Shaheen Khan, Archie Panjabi and Nina Wadia.

Further entertainment was provided by awardwinning clarinettist Arun Ghosh and songwriter and sitar player Shama Rahman.

Sudha Bhuchar said: “Tamasha was born because in the late 1980s Kristine [Landon Smith] and I found representations of ourselves and our communities noticeably lacking on Britain’s

professional stages. In the past quarter century, Tamasha has been a critical stepping stone into the theatrical mainstream for new British Asian talent. There is much work left to do around diversity and the arts but we are here tonight to celebrate what has been achieved. The roll call of talent we have launched speaks for itself – Tamasha changes lives.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

BOOK REVIEW

16 Sanskars of

Hindus Life is motion. Life is a journey full of actions.

"One should aspire to live a hundred years while performing actions", declares the famous Isha Upanishad.

The main question that arises in one's mind is about what kind of journey should it be? Should it be like a rudderless ship that gets thrown about in the stormy seas of this tumultuous world or should it have a plan, a purpose and a road map?

Hindu seers had over centuries understood the marvellous dynamism of human life. They realised, long before the advent of the modern science, that parents transmit their physical and mental qualities to their offspring whilst at the same time social and environmental factors also influence the personality and character of an individual. Hindus had developed a system of 'Sanskars', a series of sacraments designed to make a person into a better person.

This book '16 Sanskars of Hindus' brings that time-tested ancient wisdom to us in a simple to understand and lucid style. The authors have presented accurately the original Sanskrit mantras with clear transliteration and meanings to take the reader through the entire journey of life: from the very moment of conception in mother's womb to the very end of life when the body is cremated. This cradle to grave road map is presented with explanations highlighting the significance of each of the 16 sacraments at various stages of life.

There is one chapter devoted to each of the 16 Sanskars. The purpose and significance along with the main prayers complete with Sanskrit mantras are presented.

This scholarly work of the authors, Dr Bhan and Dr Sinha, is to be congratulated as they have brought the knowledge of the ancient scriptures to us with admirable clarity and simplification.

Their translations and inter-

pretations are relevant to modern life. The authors are also to be praised for smashing some of the myths and misunderstandings about Hindu rites and rituals.

They have emphatically stated that all Sanskars are permitted for all Hindus, men and women of all castes and creeds. They have upheld the Hindu view that every human has the right to seek spiritual enlightenment and

seek a better way of life.

There are some colourful illustrations that help convey the message behind each of the Sanskars. These illustrations are hand paintings done by artists commissioned in India.

They have used old traditional imagery where modern day imagery would have been better to bring home the main message of the book that these Sanskars of Hindus still remain valid and relevant in modern scientific and mechanistic life.

This book is timely and valuable addition for every Hindu home. It will help combat the vagaries of social influences and personal aberrations that can impede one's development. It provides guidance at every crucial stage of life. This book helps one to give direction to one's life. The past life is beyond us. The future life is unknown. The present life is well within our reach and efforts can be made to bring about a positive change.

This book helps to show the path to develop a better life through the system of 16 Sanskars.

The book is available from Hindu Sahitya Kendra, 45-46 Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5LD.

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London restaurants come together to support Tata medical charity

Sameer Kassam:

and many other generous donors. The not-for-profit Tata Medical Centre specialises in the prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients in West Bengal, as well as adjoining states and neighbouring countries.

The Centre has already treated more than 50,000 patients and performed over 11,000 operations since it opened in 2011, with 50 per cent of the 167 beds provided for free or subsidised treatment for those in need.

The donations received from this initiative will be used to help expand the hospital and support the centre’s ambition to become one of the leading cancer research institutes in India.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson MP said: “Tata is one of the largest foreign investors in UK industry, employing more than 60,000 people nationwide and acting as a catalyst for economic prosperity not only here in London but across the entire country. I am delighted to support their generosity and humanitarian work and urge London’s restaurant-goers to ‘come together to make a difference’ for this most worthy of causes.”

Mayor to host Diwali on the square this Sunday London is celebrating Diwali at Trafalgar square on Sunday 11th October, that will be attended by thousands of people.

Presented by the Mayor of London’s office in partnership with the Diwali in London (DIL) committee, the free event welcomes people of all communities and faiths to enjoy one of the city’s most colourful and vibrant occasions.

Music and Indian classical dance acts, including professionals from television will be performing on the main stage, while food

stalls will be serving South Asian vegetarian cuisine.

Diwali on the Square takes place on Sunday 11th October from 1pm – 7pm.

People of all ages are welcome. Entry is free

Sunetra Senior

How would you describe your musical language?

Music is, I believe, the ultimate form of expression which has the power to evoke our imagination; often it tells a story which can describe even more

15

How was touring in America?

It was a pleasure performing and created the perfect opportunity to engage with an international audience.

The crowd is always brilliant and their vibrant energy and appreciative nature is a real joy for any performer to be a part of.

What’s an interesting London Venue you’ve performed at?

I've enjoyed performing at the South Bank Centre on several occasions. It's always a privilege with their truly pleasant vibe and brilliant acoustics: it also sort of reflects my life journey.

Music My first time was as a violinist in Harrow allows me Young Musicians to explore a Orchestra. The second time was as a wide array percussionist with my cultural high school samba band and the third time styles was in 2009, as a pianist with the Indian jazz fusion band, I was previously with, 'Destiny Chakra'- the tracks are available for viewing on the YouTube Channel.

Though he spends most of his time at the piano, professional musician, composer and solo-artist, Kassam, is almost always on his feet. Fiercely independent, the young note-smith seems to have travelled for every, unique time he has performed, from all the esteemed venues in London, such as the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium, to touring across America, on a road-trip that showcased his cosmopolitan musical signature, and saw him performing alongside his father as part of an impressive dynasty-style duet. As a child, Kassam received training under the expert gaze of Suzanne Pillinger, herself a pupil of the revered French composer Oliver Messiaen, while tapping his way through all 8 grades on the piano. Now, as he prepares for the release of his first album – an arrangement on violin and piano of popular Bollywood numbers across the ages, with the additional twist of Latin and Jazz – following his success as harmony contributor for London Asian Film Festival’s movie pick, Honeycomb Lodge, we see that practising your passions as a person is what finds you centre-stage.

You come from a very musical family – almost like the Von Trapps – tell us a bit more?

Yes, both my parents have been wonderful role models. My father is a wellknown violinist who has released and worked on several albums, performing for many influential people like the Queen, Margaret Thatcher, and Prince Charles. He also collaborated with many legendary artists from the Indian film industry such as Lata Mangeshkar, Gulam Ali, Hari Haran to name a few.

My mother was also a singer who performed in many concerts and BBC TV.

TLIGHT

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

A Maverick’s Melody

Boris Johnson Leading restaurants and chefs are collaborating to launch a new charity initiative, “Let’s come together to make a difference” to support the Tata Medical Centre in Kolkata.

The initiative, which is being launched by Boris Johnson MP, Mayor of London on Tuesday 29th September 2015 at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London will see a number of popular London restaurants match every £1 donation made by their customers. Diners will be encouraged to support the initiative by agreeing to add £1 to their restaurant bill. The campaign has been developed by Iqbal Wahhab OBE, the owner of the popular chain of restaurants in London, ‘roast’. A number of other leading restaurants have already agreed to support the initiative including; Café Spice Namaste, Benaras, Cinnamon Club, Quilon at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, as well as Oh Calcutta which is being opened in London by Indian entrepreneur and restauranteur, Anjan Chatterjee.

All money donated will go to the Tata Medical Centre, which was established at the initiative of Mr Ratan Tata and supported by the Tata group

SP

than words. As such, my style is broad and far-reaching, comprised of a mix of different musical styles. I enjoy exploring the rich harmonic complexities of jazz and romantic classical piano, with exotic Latin rhythms, while still preserving traditional cultural Indian roots. This has enabled me to create an authentic, dynamic new signature.

Be original, but at the same time, be open to reinvention

What attracts you to the realm of music?

It’s sublime - truly unique and diverse.

It’s the quality that allows me to explore a wide array cultural styles.

A hard question for a prolific artist, but can you name some favourite musicians?

Yes, there are so many! But, if I had to choose, I’d say: firstly the tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who also happens to be a family friend who I've had the pleasure of meeting! Famous rnb singer Adele whose songs I admire and have had the pleasure of performing in concert. And thirdly, I’d have to say Russian virtuoso pianist Nikolai Lugansky who I would regard as one of the most brilliant and talented musicians of our day.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

Being invited to perform at 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister David Cameron, along with my father and brother. That was an honour at the very least!

Name some projects you have going?

I’m a member of the music organisation ‘Sound and Music’ for upcoming and established composers around UK. They promote young composers by organising concerts and increasing publicity, and also organise music competitions to increase interest in new music within our society. They also offer courses to further knowledge and develop compositional skills. Also pleased to announce that my team and I, have been invited to perform at the prestigious Aga Khan Museum and Arts centre in Toronto, Canada next summer for an exciting project that I can only tell you I’m very thrilled about!

What’s your advice to other young, mavericks such as yourself?

Always pursue your artistic goals with true commitment and dedication and find ways to cultivate and explore your creative abilities to the full. Only then can success follow. Every opportunity should be valued and utilised for it can create doors for other bigger ones. Be original, but at the same time, be open to reinventing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RRCz8f47 pY&list=PLbP-1SoX3Su9TVKx50mhN1Cz9cYyEyHP

UK

London celebrates Gandhi jayanti

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

Rupanjana Dutta

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ing above all divisions of. We now need to London celebrated Gandhi build on that work.

Jayanti on Friday 2 October at "India is a young Tavistock square gardens. The nation, and not many square was cleared up and readremain who have peried for the occasion by the High sonal memories of Commission of India. More than Gandhiji. The young 200 people gathered, mainly of resurgent India needs Asian origin, celebrating Bapu's to be reminded every 146th birthday. day of Mahatma’s message – that our The proceedings started with work on earth can be a sanskrit shloka by achieved, only if we Nandakumarji, director of the wipe the tears of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. It folpoorest, most underlowed by floral tributes by digniprivileged in our societaries and community representy. Remember Bapu tatives. CB Patel, Chair of India when he said we League, the High Commisioner should judge ourof India, HE Ranjan Mathai, selves, by asking Councillor Larraine Revah, whether our actions Mayor of Camden, Peers and make the lives of these MPs, Mayors and Councillors poorest any better. gave brief speeches. They spoke "The wider world – about relevance of Gandhi on this which is full of hatred day and era, and remembered his and violence needs to teachings fondly. Mention was understand his clear also made about the Indian understanding that vioHE Ranjan Mathai giving a speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lence takes us nowhere. upcoming visit and his clean An eye for an eye makes dates in our calendar. It isn wonIndia project. the whole world blind. derful to be with all of you once HE Ranjan Mathai said, "This "So as we gather together let again. Since we last met here – a day is marked by functions all us pray today that the world will great statue of Gandhiji has been across India, because we believe pay heed and join us in rememinstalled in Parliament Square in in the message of Gandhiji and brance of not just the life of a London. As you heard – there because we are still indebted to great soul, but the lasting meswill be a march to that statue, him. It is not ritual. We may fail sage of his life and his mission starting out here after our functruth, non-violence, the love for tion. all humanity and fearlessness in "The statue at action. Long live the memory of HE Mathai paying tribute to the Parliament is already an Gandhi statue in Parliament Square Gandhiji!" international beacon, This was followed by with thousands of Employment Minister, Priti up to the statue to pay his respect.

Mahatma's favourite bhajan by tourists being phoPatel, who could not attend the The compere was Sunil Kumar, the students of Bhavans. Present tographed there everyevents due to prior engagement, First Secretary, Ministry of was bollywood superstar Jackie day. We hope they also in a statement said: “Today is a Coordination, Indian High Shroff, who awed the audience imbibe the message of momentous day in our the great soul.

For shared history. Not India’s Pradhan Mantri only is it the reminded us today about International Day of another great issue that Non-Violence, it is also was very close to the birthday of Mahatma Gandhiji’s Mahatma Gandhi, heart – cleanliness. leader of the Indian’s "'Let us reaffirm our democratic movement commitment for a – and one of history’s Swachch Bharat to fulfil greatest-ever propobeloved Bapu’s dream', nents of peace. he said. And for the “Gandhi’s philosowider world what mesphy has inspired much sage?

As the world positive and peaceful heads into important change around the negotiations on climate world and he holds an change – please rememenduring significance ber Gandhiji’s message to both of our countries.

CB Patel, Chairman of India League offering that 'the world has “Indeed, the floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's statue enough mans need, but strength of our relanot enough for mans tionship, this partnerHE Ranjan Mathai, CB Patel, Lord Raj Loomba, Virendra Sharma MP, Cllr Larraine Gandhiji’s test – but his goals are greed!' No wonder, Pandit Nehru ship of equals, is just one of Revah, Navin Shah AM, Deputy Mayor of Harrow Cllr Rekha Shah, Bollywood and will be our ideals. described Gandhiji as the 'the actor Jackie Shroff, Kartar Lalvani, Joginder Sanger and other dignitaries the many legacies left by "The President of India – our light that shone in our country'.

Gandhi. Today is a day to Rashtrapatiji spoke for all with his apt Indian clothing and We must rededicate ourselves reflect on Gandhi’s life and all his Commission.

Indians today when he conveyed gesture. The actor ensured he to be part of that light - cleanliachievements, in particular his This year, for the first time a the message of the Mahatma – took his shoes off before he went ness, peace and non-violence risfervent belief in peaceful protest peace walk was organised by non-violence, peace and tolerover military aggression. community organisations includance.

“However, it is also a fitting ing Mahatma Gandhi "It is his message that we time to look forward at the UKFoundation, led by the National remember today, as much as the India relationship which continAssociation of Patidar Samaj. great man himself. And once ues to grow from strength to People led by the High again we pledge allegiance to strength, supported by the talentCommisioner, started the march ideals – of truth, compassion and ed and energetic Indian diaspora from Tavistock square, and non-violence. And we remind community in the UK. walked till the Parliament ourelves of his call for all of us to “It is in this spirit that we will Square. Tribute was also paid at avoid ‘Himsa’ or ‘Violence’. We welcome Sri Narendra Modi, the the new Gandhi statue in the know there is too much Himsa in Prime Minister of India, here in square. The statue which has the world. Our nation is not an November to celebrate the longalready become a major tourist exception. Gandhiji stopped mass standing bonds between our two attraction in London, was inauviolence at Noakhali and we can nations and explore ways to deepgurated by PM David Cameron learn from that. en our partnership even further.” and Indian Finance Minister "For us at India House, this Arun Jaitley, earlier this year. function here at Tavistock Square The Prime Minister’s Indian Photo courtesy: is one of the most important Students of Bharaitya Vidya Bhavans singing Gandhiji's favourite bhajans Diaspora Champion and Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

UK

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Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

UNITED WE STAND

UK WELCOMES MODI ON DIWALI

Wembley Stadium

Continued from page 1 Indians in the UK form one of the largest Indian diaspora in the world and they have waited eagerly to see their Prime Minister ever since he took to power after a landslide victory in May last year.

The event organised by UK Welcomes Modi group, will bring together Indians from various communities, backgrounds, generations and regions. With Diwali just round the corner, this will be one of the biggest celebrations for Indians in the UK. In the past few years, Prime Minister David Cameron has made every effort to maintain deep ties with India and has also ensured that India remains a close partner. His visit to India brought the country closer and the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Parliament square opened a new chapter of growing confidence and friendship between the two nations.

With the event fast approaching, a number of things are happening.

Welcome partners have now been registered and

there are over 400 of them, general registrations are now closed. According to sources, close to 60,000 people have already been registered and the numbers are expected to grow.

On 4 October, the organising committee held a reception for welcome partners at the Gymkhana club in Osterley where High Commissioner of India to the UK, HE Ranjan Mathai was the Chief Guest. A number of dignitaries such as Rt Hon Keith Vaz, Baroness Verma, Cricketer Kapil Dev and entrepreneur Rami Ranger were present as well. One of the key speeches was delivered by Professor Nathu Puri.

Compere for the evening was Sheena Bhattesa.

At the event, following appeals from the organisers Keith announced that he would be donating the pay rise he receives for November to help fund the £2mn event. Three other Members of Parliament who were also present, Virendra Sharma, Steve Pound Seema and Malhotra, all joined Keith’s commitment to donate their November pay rises to

the event.

The welcoming partners were urged to pledge £1000 each to contribute to this fund. Lohana community were the first one to come forward. By the end of the evening, around £25,000 was raised.

Speaking about his commitment, Rt Hon Keith Vaz, told Asian Voice, “The Modi event at Wembley is a defining moment for the British Indian community. I wish it was taking place in Leicester which is the City with the largest Indian community of any city outside India but you cannot have everything! The organisers have done a terrific job and we should all help. I am happy to donate my pay rise for the month of November to help fund this event. I am so pleased that all my colleagues who were there matched my pledge.

“I have written to the Vice Chancellors of Leicester University and De Montford university nominating Prime Minister Modi for an honorary degree. He deserves to be honoured in this way from the City that has such

an affection for him.

“David Cameron has worked immensely had to improve relations between India and the UK. Although Prime Minister Modi has already visited France, the USA and Germany he has saved the best for last ! " Steve Pound MP said that this was "not just for the Indian diaspora" and that Narendra Modi is not just the Prime Minister of India, but that he has an important role to play as a "global statesman".

He added, "This is about the future of the world. This is about a man who is playing for the highest stakes on the biggest stage.” "What a Diwali we are going to have – Wembley will be visible from outer space! There will be a great outpour of emotion that will reach to the great heavens and beyond and will never, ever be forgotten."

With public registrations now closed, organisers of the event confirmed that 12% of the attendees are over the age of 65 and 10% are below the age of 10. The UK Welcomes Modi group hope to create

a "family atmosphere" in honour of the Prime Minister's visit coinciding with the Hindu festival of Diwali.

A spokesperson for UK Welcomes Modi reportedly said, "A gathering of this kind has never been done in the UK before and it is only with such a dynamic leader like Prime Minister Modi that this could have allowed such an opportunity.

"It is by far the biggest reception any elected foreign leader has received in the UK and by far the largest Prime Minister Modi has received internationally."

HE Ranjan Mathai, pointed out that Modi is the first Prime Minister to have a majority in parliament for 30 years and

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praised his "dynamic vision" for India and its place in the world.

He added that the event will present the Indian community in this country in its true light to the audience in this country as well as around the world. He further said that it will give the diaspora a sense of how best to connect with our Prime Minister’s initiatives for NRI and PIOs in the development and advancement of India.

It won’t be wrong to say that both the countries are waiting eagerly for Prime Minister Modi’s address at the Wembley Stadium. The preparations and the process is no less than one for a rock concert, well our PM is no less than a rockstar himself.

Indian Journalists visiting UK

Indian journalists’ delegation to UK The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is hosting 11 journalists who have come from India to first hand witness preparations for the upcoming Narendra Modi visit, as guests of the UK government. Along with many events they are attending, the Indian High Commission hosted a high tea, where Asian Voice got a chance to interact with them. The High Commisioner HE Ranjan Mathai welcomed them with a briefing on Indo-UK relationship and Press and Information Minister Mr Prashant Pise gave them a tour of India House, that was built in 1930s. It is believed that Pandit Nehru had visited this building at some point.

The visiting delegation of journalists include Padmaraj Dandavathi from Prajavani, Indarjit Adhikari from Ananda Bazaar Patrika, Nirmal Pathank from Dainik Hindustan, Rajkishore Tiwari from Dainik Jagran, Sanjay Vibhakar from Gujarat Samachar, Avnish Jain from Dainik Bhaskar, Javed Ahmed from UNI-Urdu, Vikram Jalota from Jag bani, Dinesh Gune from Loksatta, Rajeev Rajan from Eenadu and R Prasannan from Malayalam Manorama.

Accompanying them were Asad Mirza, FCO, Delhi and Shirley Williams, Visits Officer, FCO-UK.

Government overturns turban workplace rule Sikhs across the UK will no longer face the prospect of disciplinary action for wearing turbans in the work place, after new rules come into force on last Thursday.

Turban wearing Sikhs have been exempt from wearing head protection on construction sites since 1989.

Because of a legal loophole, those in less dangerous industries, such as those working in factories and warehouses, were not.

This meant that Sikhs in many jobs who chose to wear turbans rather than the required head protection could be at risk of disciplinary action or even dismissal.

Turban-wearing Sikhs

will now have the right to choose not to wear head protection and will be exempt from legal requirements to wear a safety helmet in the majority of workplaces.

Minister for Employment and Indian Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel, said: “This change demonstrates that, whoever you are, whatever your background, and whatever industry you choose – if you work hard and want to get on in life, this Government will be on your side.

“As the Prime Minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion as well as Employment Minister, I’m delighted to be part of the Government

that has made this change.

It makes me proud that the UK is the home of such a talented, ambitious and hardworking community.”

Spokesperson for Sikh Council UK, Gurinder

Singh Josan, said: "We are pleased that Parliament listened to our campaign and enabled this vital change in the law.

"It will make a real difference to Sikhs in the UK

by increasing the number of workplaces that turban wearing Sikhs can work in whilst maintaining their religiously mandated identity."

Should an individual suffer injuries as a consequence of not wearing head protection, employers will be legally protected through the extension of limited liability. However there are exclusions for emergency response services and the military, which apply only in hazardous operational situations

when the wearing of a safety helmet is considered necessary.

This may include, for example, entering a burning building or those where protective clothing needs to enclose the whole body in situations such as bomb disposal, or dealing with hazardous materials like chemical leaks, biohazards or radiation.

This will not bar Sikhs from the Armed Forces or Police and Fire services and this clause will make no blanket ban on participation by turban wearing Sikhs. There are already about 4,000 Sikhs in the police and 230 across the armed forces.

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BUSINESS

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

Charity trustee sentenced for falsely claiming tax relief Principal trustee of a charity has been sentenced after investigation by the HM Revenue and Customs for attempting to steal over £37,000 in false claims for Gift Aid tax relief. Zunaid Abubaker, 31, submitted four Gift Aid declarations for £149,678 worth of donations to a charity called 'Help Africa' which claimed to carry out charitable work in Malawi and other African countries, and accounted for repayments of £37,419.

When HMRC discovered the donations were faked and the money from the repayments stolen by Patel.

Sandra Smith, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said, “This was a despicable crime designed purely to steal from taxpayers, while pretending to sup-

port vulnerable people and communities overseas. Patel thought he could abuse the Gift Aid system to enhance his own lifestyles without getting caught, but when it comes to uncovering fraud HMRC investigators are experts. Patel will now pay the price for his criminal actions.” Judge Waldron QC said that Patel had a “high degree of responsibility and therefore culpability as a trustee of the charity” and that “using a charity for personal gain is repugnant” adding that Patel had “avoided prison by a whisker.” A National Health Worker, Patel was jailed for eight months, suspended for two years, received a supervision order for two years and a 200-hour unpaid community work order by Preston Crown Court.

Shishukunj London – an inspiration to the whole community Shishukunj is a children’s charity that has been working in London for over 30 years. Through the medium of Indian culture, Shishukunj tries to instil morals and values in children from the age of 5 upwards so that they become responsible and respected leaders of tomorrow’s society.

Shishukunj has three centres in London that cater for over 450 children each Sunday. It also organises a host of annual activities that include celebrating major Indian festivals, events to help the needy and camping trips.

Shishukunj’s philosophy is rooted in the concept of “Gamat Saathe Gnaan” or “Learning through Fun” and it aims to ensure that everything we provide is always enjoyable and educational at the same time.

In July 2015,

Shishukunj reopened the doors of its Shishukunj Bhavan in the heart of Edgware after a complete transformation of its headquarters. The vision for the Shishukunj Bhavan, also referred to as Bhavan, is to make a lasting difference by promoting holistic activities for all children, adults and the elderly. Being a charity – continuous fundraising is required to support all of its worthy causes. Shishukunj will be hosting an event with the support of CB Patel in November to contribute to the £200,000 target that is still outstanding.

For more information on Shishukunj please visit www.shishukunj.org.uk, or if you would like to make a donation please email office@shishukunj.org.uk or call 020 8381 1818.

Tata Motors' Sept sales dip two per cent Tata Motors has said that their overall passenger and commercial vehicles sales fell by two per cent in September 2015 at 45,215 units compared to 46,154 units in the same month last year. However, the sale of domestic vehicles for September 2015 remained flat with 40,813 units against 40,908 units last year. Similar is the case with total passenger vehicles sales, which were recorded at 11,774 units as compare to 11,931 units in September

2014.

Utility vehicles sales fell by 28 per cent at only 1,548 units sold. In commercial vehicles, medium and heavy commercial vehicles sales grew by 52 per cent to 15,915, but light and small commercial vehicles sales declined 29 per cent at 13,124 units to impacted the overall sales of commercial vehicles. Tata Motors exported 4,402 vehicles in September 2015, down 16 per cent against 5,246 vehicles in September 2014.

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India pips US, China to emerge as No. 1 FDI destination AsianVoiceNews

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India has attracted around $3 billion more than China and $4 billion more than the US

According to reports, India has overtaken China and the US, emerging on top of the foreign direct investment league table. A ranking of the top destinations for greenfield investment in the first half of 2015 data shows India at number one, having attracted around $3 billion more than China and $ 4 billion more than the US, the report added.

“With mid-year data on greenfield FDI now in, 2015 looks to be a milestone year for India following its impressive performance in 2014,” the article quoted fDi Markets. The news comes in favour of the Narendra Modi government which has taken several steps to attract foreign investment and has managed to attract investors since it came to power last

year. Several investors have started to take interest in the growth of the country and Modi's most recent visit to the Silicon Valley has surely triggered enormous interest from software and technology czars.

Experts say India is expected to benefit from the slowdown in China and the overall sluggishness in global commodity prices, including crude oil is

expected to provide a cushion to the growth fortunes of Asia's third largest economy. The government feels confident of achieving close to 8 % growth in the current fiscal year.

The article said that both China and US have been vying for FDI supremacy for the past several years, fighting each other nearly to a draw last year. India ranked fifth in

2014 for capital investment, after China, the US, the UK and Mexico. In a year when many major FDI destinations showed decline, India boasted one of 2014's best growth rates, increasing its number of projects by 47 %.

“India is tracking well ahead of where it was at this time last year: it has more than doubled its midyear investment levels, attracting $30 billion by the end of June 2015 compared with $12 billion in the first half of last year,” the report said. “Research from fDi Markets found 97 of 154 countries typically classed as emerging markets experiencing declines in capital expenditure on greenfield investment projects in the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year.”

Ambani brothers join hands for 4G services Once warring, Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil have decided to call truce to launch the fourth generation mobile phone services by the end of the year, signalling a consolidation in the Indian telecom market. Calling it a “virtual consolidation”, Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani said at the Reliance Communications annual general meeting that he was typing up “trading and sharing” of spectrum with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance JIO for offering 4G services.

RCom is India's fourth biggest mobile phone carrier by subscribers.

With this partnership,

Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani the brothers have taken a profound step in working together after their father Dhirubhai's death in 2002 led to a power struggle between both of them

which resulted in the splitting of the empire. Anil Ambani told the company's shareholders that the talks were at advanced stages for acquiring the India opera-

tions of Sistema Shyam TeleServices, besides hiving off the passive infrastructure of telecom towers into a separate company.

Anil Ambani told his company’s shareholders that the latest partnership would allow Reliance Communications to access 4G mobile networks of Jio, and in turn, can use the former’s 2G and 3G networks when needed.

Earlier, in 2013, Reliance Jio had entered into an agreement with RCOM for sharing its extensive intercity and intra-city infrastructure of nearly 520,000 km of optic fiber pairs, besides 45,000 towers.

India pledges to cut emissions by 35% India has pledged to cut its emission levels by 33-35 per cent over the next 15 years in what Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar termed an ambitious, fair and balanced commitment to protect the environment, married to the country's own agenda for sustainable development. Ahead of the crucial 21st meeting of the Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change due in Paris from November 30 to December 11, India made a 38-page submission under what is called the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).

The submissions, called from the 196 parties (or countries) under the framework, are to serve as the basis for negotiating an agreement that will lay the path for a low-carbon, cli-

mate-resilient future. Thus far, 120 countries, collectively accounting for 85.3 per cent of global emissions, have made submissions.

"Through this submission, India intends to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level. This commitment is further echoed in India's actions in climate change adaptation with the setting up of its own 'National Adaptation Fund'," said the New Delhi's document.

"India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions is fair and ambitious, considering the fact that India is attempting to work towards low carbon emission pathway while endeavouring to meet all developmental challenges the country faces today."

The submission said the country's current policy

framework also includes a favourable environment for a rapid increase in renewable energy, move towards low carbon sustainable development and adapting to the impacts of climate change - the highest possible efforts as evident from its multiple initiatives.

"Accordingly, India's development plans will continue to lay a balanced emphasis on economic development and environment," it said, recounting the framework's mandate based on the principles of equity, as also common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities of the member-nations.

The paper submitted by India, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, is based on the 1992 Kyoto convention and says that both in terms of cumulative global emissions

and per capita emission, it has caused much less damage to the environment but its actions to mitigate climate change were fair and ambitious.

"Much before the climate change debate began, Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as the father of our nation, had said that we should act as 'trustees' and use natural resources wisely as it is our moral responsibility to ensure that we bequeath to the future generations a healthy planet," the document said. India also outlined in its document the impact of climate change on its economy and nation as a whole. It said the country will need $206 billion between 2015 and 2030 to implement actions in agriculture, forestry, fisheries infrastructure, water resources and ecosystems to achieve the targets.

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Timing Is Everything

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

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I have been receiving emails in which agents are offering a discount to the list prices of property. This is unusual, the market is in a bit of a flux, some agents are saying we are in a buyers’ market where all the offers tend to be just below the asking price. This view however is not shared by all agents. An agent in Notting Hill says they cannot get enough stock, there is a shortage; one property they were selling had over 30 offers on it, and this was an ‘off market’ deal.

This however is often caused by the way properties are marketed, in order to attract interest and whip buyers into a frenzy a property is advertised as ‘offers in the region of or in excess of’ an absurdly low price. This then draws developers and investors to start circling the deal. You then engage more of their senses into the deal, they then start to get emotional, and some even start to fall in love with the deal. This can mean hard figures, views of where the market is going become no longer as relevant as they were pre getting involved with the deal emotionally. And you also succeed in creating an environment, where there’s a herd mentality. Conversely such a mentality can have the effect of no one wanting a property which no one else wants. For example if a property which is perfectly good and proper has a couple of failed sales on it and so stays on the market for an extended length of time, then it tends to get stale, and no one wants to purchase it because they think there must be something wrong with it otherwise someone else would have taken it. I have seen properties going cheap for this sole reason.

These marketing tactics work. They work ultimately because humans are emotional creatures not logical ones, they are not governed by common sense. Therefore they can also be manipulated by those who know how to play on this level.

There are those who think the market is over heated, I have heard from a few contacts that ‘the Jews are not buying’ this means they are waiting for a dampening of the market before they dive in again, until this point they sit on their war chest and wait.

There are family wealth offices who manage large wealth for rich families, hundreds of millions of pounds. They do this on a global level, they enter property markets - or any other market for that matter, only in the event of a downturn. They would not touch London property at the moment. A good example of this is to look at the graph of London property over the credit crunch. Those who went against the herd and purchased in late 2008 and 2009 are sitting on the biggest gains at the moment. These types of investors ride the wave of the market.

London are purchased with cash or very little mortgage. These owners do not need to sell, what happens during a period of crisis is that the owners simply hold on to their property, this then chokes the supply of property. Of course you still have the standard reasons of forced sales which are death, divorce and distress, but this is in the minority.

Riding the wave of the market means they use this wave, which means the emphasis is not on localised knowledge, which is not as relevant if you get the timing right.

Notably Jon Hunt, the former owner of the Foxtons chain, timed his exit superbly.

On the flip side of this view point is much of the press describe the property market as a bubble. This puts the wrong picture in the mind of the reader. The property market cannot be compared to a bubble, as a bubble bursts and disappears - properties do not. They merely decrease in price for a relatively short period of time, and then they keep rising as history has shown. Especially in London.

Furthermore people like broad statistics which paint everything with one brush. During the credit crunch, as the name suggests only those who had credit felt the crunch. Many properties in Central

Someone else who saw that the market was about to take a dive was Andreas Panayiotou. He claims to have predicted the success of Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and Hackney before anyone else but sold £750million worth of flats at the end of 2006 when he believed the market would collapse.

The Real Deal

In August 2006 he said: "We are reaching the height of the market. . . Property values are still increasing but rental income is not catching up, so the yield - your return - is being depressed.”

There is a difference in the numbers these players are playing with compared with the average off the street Buy to Let Investor.

When you are involved in the hundreds of millions you have to ride the market. On an individual level, if you’re getting a discount coming in you have an insulation, and therefore some form of insurance, against a dampening of price.

Hyde Park Estate, London, W2 Purchase Price: £663k l A bright two bedroom flat within a purpose built block in a very good location l Long lease l Lift l Can be converted into a three bedroom flat l Close to shops and amenities on Edgware Road and minutes away from Hyde Park and Marble Arch Station l Properties in this location are being sold for around £1,250 per sq. ft. while we are getting this for around £990 per sq. ft. l Very good buy and hold opportunity Call us now to secure this deal!

The average price of a house in 2007 in London according to a survey done by Winkworths was £310,000, at its lowest point in early 2009 the price dropped to £250,000. So even if you assume you purchased at the worst time and sold at the worst time you would have made about a 20% loss, which in the scheme of things is not terrible.

Good properties in prime parts of London are hard to come by.

Period. So if you get one which is cheap, by that I mean 10-15% dependent up on location, type, aspect etc. it is still worth investing in. But now is not the time to be purchasing at market levels, only with a discount. The key is buying well.

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LEGALVOICE

VISA BYTES

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

The New Immigration Bill: An overview

Maria Fernandes

Another year, another Immigration Bill. This Bill does not even pretend to be fair. It is designed to make the UK so hostile that the legal, not the illegal will suffer the most. More regulations to adhere to, reduced oversight by judges, more fines and in short the removal of all safety nets.

Ending of interim rights to remain whilst pursuing legal options: For several years applicants who are awaiting for appeals or reviews are allowed to stay on until the outcome is known. A worrying aspect of this Bill and completely against any sense of proportion is that they will no longer be able to remain legally once a decision has been made to refuse, regardless of who is at fault. So if a Home Office caseworker makes a mistake the applicant will pay for it by being required to leave the country immediately. No account is taken of the rights of the families, their situation including the period of their residence or the impact of having to leave suddenly.

It would be necessary to advise clients to pack their bags when they make an application as they would be required to leave, if refused immediately. Most of all is the fact that an injustice may have been caused through no fault of their own. There are now very few rights of appeal with the majority of cases reviewed by the Home Office. Before the restrictions were introduced 40% of the cases were successful on appeal.

Landlords beware: The scheme set up in the last Immigration Act is to be extended throughout the country. The Bill will give landlords the power to evict people without having to go to court. There is also a new criminal offence with a maximum of 5 years in prison for landlords who know or have reasonable grounds to believe that their property is being occupied by a person whose status is not legal.

Banks and Building Societies: They will be required to check the immigration status of current account holders and notify the Home Office and close accounts of those without legal status. Judging by the harassment applicants already suffer with banks, expect this to get even worse.

Driving: There is to be a new offence for driving whilst not lawfully resident in the UK an increased powers to enable immigration officers to search for a seize driving licences.

Human rights appeals: The Bill will seek to remove in country rights of appeal unless leaving the UK would cause “serious and irreversible harm”.

This would mean that applicants will not be able to give live evidence. It will turn human rights appeals into technical issues and over time judges will process this without having the benefit of hearing and seeing and evaluating cases properly.

These changes remind me of the issues that Jeremy Corbyn raised about the fact that we continue to do business with Saudi Arabia despite their appalling record on human rights and more that we appear that we are following the example set by a lawless country in the way we treat people.

To contact Maria Fernandes, please email at info@fernandesvaz.com

India is fastest growing air travel market With low fares and increased capacity provided by new airlines, India now witnesses the highest growth in domestic air traffic globally.

The International Air Transport Association has pointed out that India's domestic passenger traffic demand grew the fastest as compared to seven major aviation markets in the world; Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Russian Federation and the US.

“India's domestic demand surged 18.3 % in August compared to a year ago, largely reflecting increases in service frequencies and economic strength,” IATA said. The country's domestic traffic grew 28 % in July, 16.3 % in June, 18.2 % in May, 20.7 % in April and 17.9 % in March 2015.

August's 18.3 % growth, though lower than the growth registered in July, was the fastest globally for the month.

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Immunity ends - black money worth £414.7 mn declared AsianVoiceNews

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638 people have announced their foreign investment or foreign assets, including bank account balances and the total amount coming to £414.7 million

With India's black money act in force and the compliance window being closed on 30th September, the government has revised the total assets which has come up for declaration at £414.7 million. Those who have not yet disclosed their assets abroad were warned of strict action. Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said, “Whatever has come, we accept it and now onwards we would start the action against those people who have not declared any asset and about whom the information would come to us.” “In order to give them an opportunity, this compliance window was there up to September 30 and the figures we have got so far are that 638 people have announced their foreign investment or foreign assets, including bank account balances and the total amount coming to

£414.7 million,” he added.

The law provides a compliance window to declare and pay penalty. Failure to meet the timeline will attract an additional penalty of 90 per cent for a total tax liability of 120 per cent on the quantum of black money stashed abroad.

September 30 was the last date under the amnesty scheme, that called for a tax of 30 per cent and an equal amount in penalty that is to be paid before December 31.

Official statement read

the actual quantum of declaration, under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, was subject to a final reconciliation. It said “the officer designated to receive the declarations worked till midnight on September 30, 2015,” on a day when the rush of black money declarants peaked at the Income Tax office. The black money act, for the first time, allows levy of tax in India on assets kept abroad and the Income Tax department

has filed 121 cases of prosecution against those entities whose names have appeared in the HSBC Geneva bank list.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said those who have come clean under the scheme do not need to worry, but those with unaccounted wealth abroad will face strict action. “Those who have availed of this opportunity can sleep well...

If there is any big or small fish that has not done it, (they) will face the consequences,” the finance minister said. Economic Affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das too indicated the government would crack down on those with undisclosed income abroad. “Those who did not declare have underestimated the power of information exchange. The new law provides for 120% penalty and up to 10 years in jail.”

After rate cut, now it is the turn of govt to deliver After cutting interest rates more than expected, the Reserve Bank governor has handed over the baton to the government to now deliver. Rajan cut the key repo rate by 50 basis points to a 4-1/2 year low of 6.75 per cent last week. He expects that show of faith to be rewarded by government efforts to manage food inflation and keep fiscal spending under control, said officials familiar with discussions at the Reserve Bank of India and the finance ministry.

Fixing structural constraints that push up inflation could be critical in determining whether the

RBI considers easing policy further, these officials said, given government officials are already pushing for even more rate cuts.

"The next crucial element is what the government does on the quality of spending, whether there will be large capital spending, whether food inflation will remain anchored and fiscal deficit goals will be attained," said one of the officials.

"The governor will watch all these developments very closely for the next six months." While manufacturers have welcomed the rate cut, they say much more needs to be

done - making it easier to buy land, a more simple tax structure and flexible labour laws, are needed to speed up corporate investments.

"Rate cut is good, but it alone is not a sufficient condition for companies to start investing," said M S Unnikrishnan, managing director of Thermax Ltd, an engineering company.

"For it (the rate cut) to have a material impact on the ground, other factors need to turn conducive."

Improving the relationship: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has proposed legislation on land acquisition and tax and labour reform, seen as criti-

cal to revive an economy that grew 7 per cent in the April-June quarter, well below the government's target of 8 to 8.5 per cent for the year ending in March 2016. But many of these measures have been blocked in the upper house of parliament by the opposition. Still, the rate cut seems to have ushered better ties between the RBI and the government, improving a relationship that has been rocky at times.

Although the RBI is not statutorily independent from the government, Rajan, like previous RBI Governors, has long valued his independence.

Converting the nation to Indian artisan The energetic chief executive of Good Earth, Simran Lal, enthusiastically styles silk cushions, patterned china, as well as beatencopper bowls. She aims to make vibrant contemporary Indian homewares accessible to a wider audience.

Good Earth was founded in 1996, by Simran's mother, Anita Lal, who is also a potter, after noticing that traditional Indian terracotta kitchen vessels were being displaced by plastic pots which led to village potters to be out of work.

The Lals' values consist of supporting craftsmen, as well as contemporising craft with innovation.

Having started off nearly 20 years ago, Good

Simran Lal, CEO of Good Earth Earth has flourished into a company with a £14 million turnover. The company has employed 720

employees and has nine shops in India and one shop in Ankara, Turkey.

In 2014, Good Earth launched its ecommerce website and Simran Lal discovered that most of the demands for her products came from out of India; from places such as Mexico, Hong Kong, South Africa, as well as the UK. Good Earth, which is known as the leading luxury lifestyle label in India, are the sponsors of The Fabric of India exhibition taking place at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London, which started on 3rd October 2015.

Simran Lal's passionate about printed fabric.

During her master's degree in history of art, at Bangalore University,

India, she wrote her thesis on on the craft and political history of chintz.

Speaking about the silk work in the company, Simran said, “We work closely with the silk brocade weavers in Benares [Varanasi]. It is one of the most fascinating cities in India- five centuries of unbroken crafts heritage.

The weavers were languishing, because, because in China they machinemade all our hand-loomed motifs and sold them at a quarter of the price. Now we're working to revive the tradition of shot-silk brocade weaving.”

Simran now aims to covert the British to Indian artisanship and looking at her international demand, it may become possible.

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

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

Trillion Euros ploughed into Eurozone

Figures released showed that the U.K economy grew in line with expectations in the second quarter, underlining optimism over the health of the economy and supporting the case for higher interest rates. GDP expanded at a rate of 0.7% since the end of June which met with forecasts. The UK economy grew by 0.4% in the first quarter of the year. We also saw the U.K.’s current account deficit narrow more than expected in the second quarter of the year. The current account recorded a seasonally adjusted deficit of £16.8 billion in the three months since June, narrowing from a deficit of £24.0 billion in the three months before.

German annual inflation turned negative in September for the first time in eight months and the weaker than expected reading could push the euro zone rate below zero, boosting the case for the European Central Bank to take more action. Prices in Europe's largest economy, harmonised to compare with other European countries, fell by 0.2 percent after a 0.1 percent rise in August, according to preliminary data from the Federal Statistics Office. The German rate for September is the weakest since January. Other data showed Spanish prices falling at

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

their fastest rate in seven months while Belgian inflation remained low, albeit above 1 percent for the first time since January 2014. All three readings were well below the ECB's euro zone target of just below 2 percent over the medium term. The ECB is already ploughing a trillion euros into the euro zone financial system to try to push inflation up towards its target.

However, inflation and economic growth remain stubbornly low, so markets are starting to price in an expansion of its quantitative easing (QE) programme.

Following earlier negative inflation release for Germany, the Eurozone slipped back into deflation, as the European Union’s statistics office, Eurostat, reported that prices in the single currency area had fallen year-on-year in September for the first time in six months. Eurostat estimated that consumer prices in the 19 countries sharing the euro fell 0.1 per cent last month compared to the same month the previous year, after a 0.1 per cent rise in August. The main factor behind the easing was a sharp annual drop in energy prices, which fell 8.9 per cent after a 7.2 per cent fall in August.

The U.S. central bank delayed a rate hike at its September meet-

ing in the face of uncertainty about the global economy, a market selloff in the U.S. and concern that inflation might fall further away from the Fed's two percent target.

Consumer confidence rose and was higher than expected in September, according to a private sector report released on Tuesday.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity fell to 50.2 in September from 51.1 the month before. The reading was shy of the expected 50.6, according to a Reuters poll.

Moreover, the August figures were revised sharply lower. That raised doubts that the U.S. economy was strong enough to justify the Fed's long-awaited interest rate increase, which would be the first since 2006.

News focused again on the Asian markets which fell sharply on fears over growth prospects and commodity prices which continued to drive a global sell-off in equities.

A weak survey of Chinese industrial profits, also added to investors' concerns about the world's secondlargest economy. As a result of the negative data we saw shares in the world’s largest commodity trader Glencore fall as much as 28%.

There are some fears that the slow-

down in China could drag the global economy into another recession.

According to two surveys released yesterday, the Chinese factory sector continues to show deterioration. According to the Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI, operating conditions are deteriorating at the fastest rate since March 2009 with the manufacturing activity index coming in at 47.3. It found that production is still falling, forcing firms to lay off more jobs as unsold goods piled up.

The official PMI also showed a contraction of 49.7.

India's central bank cut its key interest rate for the fourth time this year, and by more than expected.

India central bank Governor Raghuram Rajan built on his record of surprises with policy decisions, taking advantage of a rout in commodity prices to lower borrowing costs by more than forecast.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced its repo rate to 6.75% from 7.25%, with economists having forecast it would trim rates to 7%.

The bank has been under pressure to boost growth after inflation hit a record low of 3.6% in August due to falling commodity prices. The latest cut takes interest rates in the country to the lowest level in four and a half years.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 6th October 2015 @ 5.30pm GBP - INR = 99.18

USD - INR = 65.13 EUR - INR = 73.43 GBP - USD = 1.52 GBP - EUR = 1.35

EUR - USD = 1.13 GBP - AED = 5.59

GBP - CAD = 1.99

GBP - NZD = 2.33

GBP - AUD = 2.13

GBP - ZAR = 20.62

GBP - HUF = 421.08

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Monday 5th October

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WORLD

In Brief

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

UN calls for immediate release of jailed former Maldivian president

LONDON: Amal Clooney has won the support of the United Nations in her fight to free the imprisoned former Maldivian president, after a working group said Mohamed Nasheed’s rights were violated and called for his immediate release. The UN working group said Nasheed did not receive a fair trial from the Maldivian authorities when he was given a 13-year sentence earlier this year. Nasheed, a friend of Prime Minister David Cameron and President Barack Obama, was convicted and sentenced under anti-terrorism laws in March, after a short trial during which he was accused of ordering the arrest and detention of a judge during his time as president. The court did not hear from any defence witnesses.

Last month Nasheed was t aken back to prison in a surprise move despite his sentence being commuted to house arrest in July. The case has become the setting of an unusual battle between two high-profile British lawyers. Mrs Clooney, the human rights lawyer and wife of George, the Hollywood actor, is part of an international legal team representing Nasheed, while Cherie Blair's firm, Omnia Strategy, is representing the Maldive s government.

Germany struggles to care for 1.5 mn refugees

BERLIN: As EU struggles to find a solution to the migrant crisis, Germany is facing an influx of 1.5 million refugees this year, almost twice its official estimate, leaked government figures say. The german authorities expect 920,000 asylum seekers to arrive between October and December, according to the classified figures. With each refugee having an estimated four to eight family members who could be permitted to enter, the total number resettled could ultimately top 7 million.

British citizen can adopt foreign children

LONDON: A court of appeal in London said that British citizens could adopt foreign children if it is in their best interests. The ruling could open the floodgates to the use of adoption as a way of winning the right to live in the UK. Three appeal court judges ruled that the welfare of children throughout their lives rather than throughout childhood outweighed the need to enforce effective immigration controls. Lord Justice Sales said that if the home secretary wanted courts to give greater weight to considerations of immigration policy in adoption cases she would need to change the law. The judges were dealing with the interpretation of the 2002 Adoption and Children Act, in a case involving a teenager from Pakistan who overstayed his visa but wanted to be adopted by his first cousin, a UK citizen, in Bradford.

11 year old boy kills 8 year old girl in row over puppy

WASHINGTON: An 11-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the United States after an eight-year-old girl was shot dead because she wouldn’t let him see her puppy. McKayla Dyer died after being blasted in the chest with a 12-gauge shotgun by the unnamed boy in White Pine, Tennessee.

Bud McCoig, the Jefferson County sheriff, said the boy, who was using his father’s legally owned weapon, had been charged with first-degree murder. The girl’s mother said that the boy, a neighbour, had been picking on her daughter. “When we first moved to White Pine , the little boy was bullying McKayla,” Latasha Dyer said. “He was making fun of her, calling her names, just being mean to her. I had to go the principal about him and he quit for a while and then all of a sudden yesterday he shot her.”

New Taliban leader 'owns house in Dubai under fake name'

LONDON: The new Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mansour, unlike his predecessor Mullah Mohammed Omar, runs a business empire. He reportedly has a house in Dubai which he visits regularly and from where he runs part of a business empire. In a profile by the New York Times based on interviews with present and former colleagues and government officials, Mansour is revealed to be not only wealthy, but well-travelled and well-protected. He is said to have a home protected by Pakistan's security agency in the city of Quetta, from where he runs a number of businesses, including a mobile phone company. Mansour has also repeatedly taken flights in and out of Pakistan, often to Dubai, the newspaper reported, where he has several investments under different names.

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Indian couple donates $100m to New York University school AsianVoiceNews

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Chandrika Tandon is Pepsico CEO Indra Nooyi's sister and is also an accomplished singer WASHINGTON: An Indian-origin couple Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon - has donated $100 million to New York University's School of Engineering. Chandrika Tandon, is Pepsico CEO Indra Nooyi's sister and is also an accomplished singer, a member of the Board of Overseers of NYU's business school, a member of the NYU Board of Trustees, and leads the NYU President's Global Council. A former partner at McKinsey and Company, she is chair of Tandon Capital Associates, a financial advisory firm she founded in 1992.

She also is a Grammynominated musician, with an album, Soul Call, nominated for Best Contemporary World Music in 2011. Her husband, Ranjan Tandon, is an engineer by training and a graduate of the Harvard Business School. He is founder and chair of Libra Advisors, a hedge fund he founded in 1990 that is

Ranjan Tandon and his wife Chandrika now a family office.

The Tandon's gift will principally support faculty hiring and academic programmes. The school will be re-named the NYU Tandon School of Engineering in recognition of the Tandons' generosity and their belief in the school's mission and promise, NYU president John Sexton and Katepalli R Sreenivasan, dean of the School of Engineering, said of the announcement.

It is intended to build

on the engineering school's existing practice of crossdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship and achieve new levels of academic excellence in engineering, they added.

The Tandons' donation is believed to be the largest philanthropic act by a member of the IndianAmerican community.

Among other major donations in recent years, Harvard Business School in 2010 received a gift of $50 million from the Tatas, the

Gandhi and Kallenbach statue unveiled in Lithuania RUSNė: A monument dedicated to India's Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and one of his close associates, a Lithuanian architect, Hermann Kallenbach, was unveiled in Rusnė in Western Lithuania, on October 2nd, marking Gandhi's 164th birth anniversary. Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius and Indian Minister of State for Agriculture Mohanbhai Kundariya attended the ceremony as chief guests.

Also present was the Indian independence leader's great grandson Tushar Gandhi and Kallenbach's family members, along with a large group of Indian stu-

dents studying in the country. The composition of two

life-size bronze statues was designed and produced by renowned Lithuanian architect Roman Kvintas. The initiative was taken by the government, London-based Yusuf and Farida Hamied Foundation, a charity trust run by Yusuf Hamied, owner of one of India's largest pharmaceutical companies, Cipla, and the country's Goodwill Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Hamied said, “This memorial is dedicated to the memory of my late mother Luba and symbolises the unity and closeness of India and Lithuania.

May this friendship prosper and grow in the future.”

(Top) Statue of Gandhi and Kallenbach (Below) Tushar Gandhi with students of Indian origin.

largest from an international donor in the School's 102-year history.

Indian-American physician and entrepreneur couple Kiran and Pallavi Patel donated $17.5 million some years ago to the University of South Florida. More recently, Anand Mahindra gifted $10 million to Harvard University's humanities centre in honour of his mother Indira Mahindra.

“We feel privileged to be able to participate in the transformation that is happening at NYU and at the School of Engineering. The imagination and inventiveness of the students and faculty as they worked together on real world problems; the cutting-edge work being done both within the school and collaboratively across schools in such diverse areas like the arts, medicine, education, incubators; the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades the place -all this inspired us so,” Chandrika about the donation.

Another foreigner shot dead in Bangladesh DHAKA: In the second killing of a foreign national in Bangladesh, a Japanese citizen was shot dead within a week of an Italian's death which was claimed by the Islamic State. Both the incidents have raised concerns that more foreigners might be targeted, which prompted Western embassies to curtail diplomats' movements in the south Asian country.

The 65 year old Hoshi Kunio was attacked by unidentified assailants while on a visit to Kownia, in the district of Rangpur, 335 km north of the capital, Dhaka, and died on his way to hospital, police said. “He was shot on his chest and also in his hand and leg,” Rezaul Karim, officer in charge of the local police station, told reporters. Refusing to make any comments on the motives of the attack, he simply said, “We are investigating.”

Attacks on foreigners are rare in Bangladesh, despite a rising tide of Islamist violence over the past year that has seen four online critics of religious militancy hacked to death, among them a US citizen of Bangladeshi origin.

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Video shows brutal quelling of anti-Pak protests in PoK AsianVoiceNews

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The video PoK showed the ISI picking and torturing youths who refused to join the cause of jihad

NEW DELHI: A TV footage of Pakistani atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was released just a day after the country accused India of human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir. A report that showed “massive human rights violations” in PoK showed the ISI picking and torturing youths who refused to join the cause of jihad. It also showed residents demanding freedom from Pakistan by raising pro-India and 'azadi' slogans, with young people protesting against the Pakistani government in Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Kotli and several other areas.

Afghan forces retake control of Kunduz from Taliban KABUL: Afghan forces recovered control over the strategic northern city of Kunduz, after a three-day Taliban occupation that served a major blow to the military. The government forces, backed by NATO special forces and the US air support, struggled to regain control of the city after three day of fighting.

They were only successful of regaining control after an overnight offensive.

Witnesses said the streets were littered with Taliban bodies and that gun shots still echoed in different parts of the region. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Seddiqi tweeted saying, “(Afghan) forces now control Kunduz City, it is retaken and being cleared (of) terrorists.”

Deputy Interior Minister Ayoub Salangi said the city had been recaptured after a “special operation” overnight.

However, Taliban spokesperson Zabibullah Mujahid insisted, “This morning we have driven out Afghan forces from the city and the Taliban are still in control.”

But an Afghan Taliban commander who spoke to the media from an undisclosed location said that Taliban fighters were retreating from Kunduz.

“The Taliban have almost vacated the main parts of the city but let me make it clear that we have proved that we can take control of any other city whenever we want,” he said.

“Afghan soldiers took down the white-and-black Taliban flag in the city square and hoisted the government flag,” Kunduz resident Abdul Rahman said.

Describing the video as “doctored”, Pakistan foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said, “It's a propaganda. Pakistan has always raised the voice for the Kashmiris. The whole world is watching how

Pakistani flags are being raised in Kashmir (Indian side). From our side it will only be political, moral and diplomatic support for them and that we will continue to extend but there is no answer for the propa-

ganda.”

In his statement to the OIC meeting on Kashmir, Pakistan NSA Sartaj Aziz said, “Pakistan remains committed to finding a just and peaceful resolution to the J&K dispute. Pakistan's principled position on the Kashmir dispute is based on the UN Security Council resolutions, which remain unimplemented to this day.

India decided to try to quell the Kashmiri struggle by use of brute force. As a result, more than 90,000 Kashmiris have been killed

by Indian security forces over the last two decades in Indian-Occupied Kashmir.”

Half-British gunman singles out Christian in Oregon massacre OREGON (UNITED STATES): It always takes America a young, armed gunman on a shooting spree, killing dozens of innocent children, to realise just how flawed their gun laws really are, which is followed by a pattern that has now become so painfully routine-like, it seems to have made people numb. The recent incident of a half-British gunning down 9 people at an Oregon community college has once again brought United States together.

It has been reported that the 26 year old gunman Chris Harper-Mercer screamed “Good, you'll see God in a second,” as he forced students to stand up and state their religion at gunpoint. Christians were shot in the head while those who said they followed another religion took bullets to their knees.

Mercer, who wrote in several blogs that he idolised the IRA and Nazis, walked into Umpqua Community

College in Roseburg, Oregon wearing body armour and carried three pistols, a rifle and five extra magazines to carry out the massacre. He served in the US Army for just one month from November 2008 before he was discharged for “failure to meet minimum administrative standards.” FBI agents said he owned a total of 13 weapons, including 7 at the home he shared with his mother.

Tacy Boylen, whose daughter was among the 9 injured, told reporters, “'Are you a Christian?' he would ask them. 'And if

you're a Christian, stand up.' And they would stand up and he said 'Good, because you're a Christian, you are going to see God in just about one second.' And then he shot and killed them.”

A very disappointed looking POTUS Obama addressed the media with a frustration so evident, condemning the incident and urging the Congress to rule for stricter gun laws.

“There’s been another mass shooting in America- this time, in a community college in Oregon.” He said.

“The United States of America is the one advanced nation on Earth in which we do not have sufficient common-sense gun-safety laws - even in the face of repeated mass killings.” The President stated, “There is a gun for roughly every man, woman, and child in America. So how can you, with a straight face, make the argument that more guns will make us safer?”

US-India-Japan trilateral ministerial dialogue held NEW YORK: United States Secretary of State John Kerry hosted the inaugural US-India-Japan Trilateral Ministerial dialogue with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The ministers strained on the growing convergence of their respective countries' interests in the Indo-pacific region. They

also highlighted the importance of international law and peaceful settlement of disputes; freedom of navigation and overflight; and unimpeded lawful commerce, including in the South China Sea. They reiterated their support for ASEAN centrality in the multilateral political and security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region and emphasized the importance of the East Asia Summit as the premier leaders - level forum for addressing key political and security issues

of the region.

The countries agreed to work together to maintain maritime security through greater collaboration. The US and India welcomed Japan’s participation in the 2015 Malabar exercise.

Recognizing their extensive disaster response capabilities and converging interests, the three sides agreed to convene an experts-level group on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to enhance ability to respond jointly to complex disasters.

WORLD

In Brief

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

23

Ban perfume from hospital wards

OTTAWA: Canadian doctors have suggested that perfume and aftershave should be banned from hospital wards because evidence suggests that they could aggravate asthma and other allergies. According to them around 30 per cent of people report some sensitivity to scents used by others, and 27 per cent of asthma sufferers are adversely affected by the fragrances, they wrote in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

BP pleaded guilty to 11 counts of manslaughter in 2013

WASHINGTON: British oil company BP will pay a total of $50 billion in fines to the US government, five affected Gulf Coast states and hundreds of towns across the region that were affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster five years ago in the biggest settlement in US legal history. The final payment is slightly higher than the $18.7 billion that BP said in July that it expected to pay. Under the deal, BP will be paying off the fines well into the 2030s.

Prophet director seeks imams to back Oscar bid

TEHERAN: Director of the Iranian biopic on Prophet Muhammad is seeking positive reviews from clerics after the film was condemned in fatwas. Majid Majidi, who made 'Muhammad: The Messenger of God' has hit back at “politically motivated” attacks on the film, accusing enemies of Iran of blocking its international release. In Shia-dominated Iran, where rules on depicting the Prophet are more relaxed, Muhammad has broken box office records, being shown at 130 cinemas and taking more than $2 million.

Partly funded by the regime, the $40 million production is the most expensive Iranian film ever made. Beyond Iran the outrage continues. The most senior cleric in Saudi Arabia called the film “obscene” and “a hostile act”. An Indian Muslim group issued fatwas against the director and A R Rahman, an Indian music composer. Majidi claims there is “no rational reason to oppose the film”, saying that he was respectful to Islamic convention by not showing the Prophet’s face.

Indonesia’s child smokers are hooked from age two

JAKARTA: In bizarre news, a young aged smoker from Indonesia has become internet sensation after he was filmed working through a packet a day at the age of two.

However, he isn't the only child addicted to the dangerous habit and it is claimed that every Indonesian village and urban neighbourhood has its juvenile smokers. There are over 56 million smokers in the country out of which, 2.6 million are children. The WHO accounts that 36 per cent of Indonesian boys aged 13 to 15 used tobacco.

Sneezing monkey discovered

KATHMANDU: A sneezing monkey and a walking fish that can survive for days on land are among more than 200 new species that have been discovered in the eastern Himalayas in the recent years, as per the World Wide Fund for Nature. A report by the charity reveals a host of exciting discoveries made in the region spanning northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma and southern Tibet. It lists 133 plant species, 39 invertebrates, 26 fish, 10 amphibians, one reptile, one bird and one mammal.

Sri Lanka arrests 7 Indian fishermen

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan Navy has assisted its Coast Guard in the arrest of seven Indian fishermen in the seas of Baththalangunduwa in Kalpitiya. More than 500 kg of fish catch and three GPS instruments were seized from the arrested fishermen. They will be handed over to the department of fisheries and aquatic resources for further investigations, said the Navy. Just last week they arrested 21 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

Two attempt to kill Sri Lankan ex-president, jailed

COLOMBO: Two people have been sentenced to long prison terms by a Sri Lankan court for assassination bid on former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Velayuthan Vartharajah is sentenced to 290 years of imprisonment, to be served in 30 years and Chandra Ragupathi is sentenced to 300 years imprisonment, to be served in 30 years, by the Colombo High Court, whereas a third accused, Vasanthi Ragupathi is acquitted. Both the convicted were found guilty of attempting to kill Kumaratunga in 1999, and also for the bomb explosion that claimed the lived of 26 people.

The same blast left the former President with injuries to her eye and face.

24

INDIA

DMK leader Stalin goes for image makeover Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

The change is seen as an attempt to grab the attention of the young, especially those belonging in the age group of 18- 29, who make up for about 21 per cent of the state's electorate.

CHENNAI: DMK treasurer and heir apparent M K Stalin went for a major image makeover in a bid to reach out to the people, ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu next year. Dressed in bright formal wear teamed with a pair of stylish sunglasses and canvas shoes, 62 year old Stalin shed his trademark white shirt and dhoti for the first time in four decades of his political career.

The change is seen as an attempt to grab the attention of the young, especially those belonging

Boy beheaded, blood offered to goddess ONGOLE (ANDHRA PRADESH): In a gruesome instance of human sacrifice, a villager severed the head of a four year old child and offered his blood to Goddess Kali seeking “divine powers.” The incident took place in the Scheduled Castes Colony in the remote Pokur village at Valetivaripalem mandal in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh last week.

P Tirumala Rao abducted the boy named Sagar when he was returning home from an anganwadi centre in the afternoon.

The kid's mother learnt from a fellow villager that Rao had taken her son.

She, along with her husband and Rao's brother went to his residence to find the boy's headless body in a pool of blood. As the news spread, villagers launched a hunt for the

man who was later caught on the outskirts. Men tied him to a tree, doused him with kerosene and set him on fire, but was rescued on time by the cops who were alerted by the village elders. Police said it seemed like a case of human sacrifice.

Rao was taken to a hospital with 40% burns.

Villagers said Rao performed black magic and various pujas as he believed he would attain divine powers and wealth by human sacrifice. The accused is believed to have filled the blood in a bottle and offered it to deities.

in the age group of 18- 29, who make up for about 21 per cent of the state's 5.5 crore electorate. The reach out plan is c a l l e d 'Namakku Naame Vidiyal M e e t p u Payanam', and began on September 20 in Kanyakumari. It aims to cover all the 234 assembly

constituencies in the state.

Trying to connect personally with the people, Stalin rides a bicycle, scooter and travels in autorickshaws, buses and shakes hands with the 'common' man.

Also, the leader has tea and refreshments at roadside eateries, food with students, workers and farmers, and makes symbolic gestures like lending a helping hand to an elderly woman in her spinning wheel.

Tax men raid Tamil film actor Vijay, Nayantara's house

CHENNAI: Income Tax officials conducted raids at the premises of three pivotal actors, producers and financiers of Tamil movie 'Puli', in connection with alleged tax evasion.

Sources said IT officials raided 35 premises in Chennai, Madurai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad, at Vijay's resort and residence, Nayantara's residence, Samantha's residence and producers Shibu

Thameens and PT Selvakumar's premises.

Also raided were the premises of film financiers Madurai Anbu and Ramesh.

They also raided the residence and office of film producer and distributor Kalaipuli Thanu. The movie, directed by Chimbu Devan, was released on October 1. There is no confirmation if raids were held on the premises of the film director.

Delegates from Pakistan Punjab erupts against praise Indian hospitality pardon to Dera chief

CH ANDIGARH : Delegates from neighbouring country Pakistan who were in Punjab to attend the 10th edition of the Global Youth Peace Fest 2015, took back cherished memories after the celebrations ended. Twenty three year old Laraib, a youth activist from Lahore who is currently pursuing her masters in philosophy in gender studies, has always felt a special love for India as her grandparents belonged to Gurgaon. “It was like a dream to visit

India,” she said. Talking about her bus journey from Amritsar to Chandigarh, she shared how she got to know that Sikhs carried a 'kirpan' as part of their 'dharam parampara'. “I figured out what my co-passenger said, thanks to my knowledge of Bollywood movies. I feel I know Hindi better than Urdu,” she said. “I feel hatred is between political parties and not among the general public. I feel I am both a Pakistani and an Indian.

We are one.”

AMRITSAR: Radical Sikh groups in Punjab have called for a shutdown in protest against the pardon granted by the Akal Takht to controversial self-styled Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The head of the Dera Sacha Sauda, Rahim Singh had dressed up as Guru Gobind Singh in 2007, an incident that had hurt sentiments and resulted in him being excommunicated from Guru Panth. He recently apologised to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion, which was accepted by the clergy.

The decision did not go down well with many and a 12 hour long shutdown was observed in Amritsar, along with other places in the state. Shops remained shut and roads looked

deserted amid tight security. “The security measures in the whole city are very good. We have also called for additional force from outside as well. We have covered the whole city to assure the people that we are here to protect them and serve them," said Superintendent of Police, Harvinder Singh.

Residents complained that their work was hampered due to the shutdown.

“We are not able to work due to the shutdown till afternoon, which is causing a lot of problems. The shutdown should have been for the whole day as half-day shutdown is hampering our work,” said Maninder Singh. Rahim Singh had earlier grabbed headlines when he made his Bollywood debut with 'Messenger of God' (MSG).

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Andhra Cong workers fire 'pigeonstuffed rocket'

HYDERABAD: Police have registered a case against Congress members of Kovvuru town in West Godavari district for allegedly giving a bloody welcome to Andhra Pradesh Congress chief N Raghuveera Reddy by firing rockets stuffed with live doves as he arrived for a visit in the village. Two doves fell dead while the rest had their wings and claws scorched. Cadres had even tied party flags to the necks of the birds, meant to unfurl once the rockets exploded and released the doves. The incident invited the wrath of animal rights activists and the ruling Telugu Desam Party.

Madras HC proceedings beamed live for the first time

CHENNAI: In a first, proceedings of the Madras High Court were streamed live when a contempt of court proceedings against two Madurai-based Bar leaders were being taken up in connection with the anti-helmet rally taken out by lawyers in the city last month. A camera was placed inside the court hall and local news channels covered the streaming of the proceedings. Secretary of Madurai Bar Association A K Ramasamy and its president P Dharmaraj are facing contempt of court proceedings in connection with the anti-helmet rally by lawyers in Madurai.

Meet Bambi, 'the cutest Indian dog of the year'

BENGALURU: Once a stray puppy roaming the streets of Basavanagudi in Bengaluru, a brown mongrel with deep, dark eyes, called Bambi was picked winner in an annual contest organised by PETA and is now officially the cutest Indian dog of the year. Her owner Aishwarya Radhakrishna said, “Bambi found me on the street. She was extremely cute and had Bambi-like eyes - huge, very beautiful. She was very small, just a fistful and barely 10 days old. All you could see was her eyes. And the rest of her was just skeleton, skin and bone. We put her up for adoption, but her eyes were too affectionate and we couldn't let her go. We wanted to keep her with us as a part of the family. Now, I can't imagine a single day without her,” she said. The aim of the contest is to encourage people to give a home to the stray dogs who need one, rather than only opt for pedigree dogs who are often the product of an inhumane breeding industry, PETA says.

SAD, BJP gearing up for next assembly polls

CHANDIGARH: Just a year before the high-octane Assembly elections scheduled to be held in Punjab, allies Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party are holding meetings to prepare for the polls. SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal held sessions with the party district heads to assess the ground situation while the senior leadership of the saffron party held separate meetings with the district elections in-charge to reelect its organisational structure. The meetings come at a time when the BJP is not shy of going solo in Punjab and has been giving indications in the direction. BJP youth wing chief and MP Anurag Thakur recently stated at a rally that the alliance would be reviewed after the Bihar polls.

Sikh men use turbans as rope to save drowning boys

CHANDIGARH: Ignoring their strict religious protocol, two young Sikh men took off their turbans to help rescue a group of boys swept away in a river. Trying to immerse Ganesh idols at the Sular Ghat in Punjab, the boys were caught in the strong currents of the water. Inderpal Singh, who was standing there watching the idol immersion, soon reached out to rescue. “I had no time to think and quickly removed my turban and threw it at the drowning boys and pulled them in.” Followed by Kanwaljit Singh, who was on the other side of the bank. Kanwal admitted he considered jumping into the water to save the boys, “But I cannot swim. So I removed my turban and used it.”

Undertrial tries to flee from custody, nabbed

LUDHIANA: An undertrial tried to flee from police custody after throwing chilli powder in the cops' eyes, while they were ferrying him to Ludhiana central jail. His plans, however, were foiled as he was soon nabbed. Identified as Surjit Lal of Chuheki village of Jalandhar, he was in jail for rape and drug peddling. The Basti Jodhewal police have lodged an FIR against him. ASI Budh Singh said he along with his staff were ferrying undertrials in a bus when the accused threw chilli powder in the eyes of head constables and jumped off the bus.

INDIA

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India asks Pak to vacate PoK AsianVoiceNews

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Openly calling Pakistan a “prime sponsor of terrorism,” India asked Islamabad to vacate the part of Kashmir it has occupied.

India gave a tough response, probably the hardest in decades, after Nawaz Sharif laid down Pakistan narrative about being a victim of terrorism, despite openly harbouring many well-known and UN and US designated terrorists and terror groups.

“Pakistan is not primary victim of terrorism but of its own policies. It is in fact the prime sponsor of terrorism.

Pakistan's instability arises from its breeding of terrorists. Blaming neighbours is not a solution,” spokesman of India's Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said in a series of tweets.

Openly calling Pakistan a “prime sponsor of terrorism,” India asked Islamabad to vacate the part of Kashmir it has occupied. The contemptuous response came after Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif launched his

Nawaz Sharif and Vikas Swarup country's familiar lament about Pakistan being a victim of terrorism and the need to “demilitarise” Kashmir and give the state the right of self-determination. “To de-militarize Kashmir is not the answer, to de-terrorize Pakistan is,” Swarup blasted back. In response to Sharif's statement that “many generations of Kashmiris have

lived their lives under occupation,” Swarup tweeted, “Pak PM gets foreign occupation right, occupier wrong. We urge early vacation of Pak occupied Kashmir.” Pakistan's claims of Indian aggression on the border or interference inside Pakistan have also lacked credibility and have no takers in the international diplomatic circuit.

India to ink partnership pact with Singapore in Nov India and Singapore has finalised November 23-25 as dates for Narendra Modi's most awaited visit to the country, which will mark the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. While the highlight of the visit will be the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the two countries, Singapore has also chosen Modi to deliver the prestigious Singapore Lecture for 2015.

The government is also in works for a San Jose like community reception given the significant presence of

Indians and people of Indian origin there. “The focus will be on economic and strategic cooperation.

The strategic partnership agreement will elevate ties to the next level,” said an official. Singapore foreign minister K Shanmugam will visit India October 12 to hold talks with counterpart Sushma Swaraj in preparation for Modi's visit.

Modi will also address an economic convention comprising top business leaders from both countries.

Both the countries have engaged actively since Modi came to power in

May 2014. His counterpart Lee Hsien Loong immediately wrote to Modi inviting him to visit Singapore at the earliest. This was followed by a visit to India by Shanmugam in June 2014.

While Swaraj visited Singapore to inaugurate celebrations for 50th anniversary of bilateral ties, chief ministers of Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh too visited the country. Modi himself travelled to Singapore in March this year to attend the funeral of its first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Release Bose files at earliest, Didi tells Centre West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked the Centre to declassify all files related to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at the earliest.

After a meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, she said, “We have already declassified all the files that were with us. Mamata Banerjee The central governMinister, home minister ment should do the same and Lok Sabha Speaker. now.

Altogether, 89 files related Sixty-four files relating to Bose are with the cento Netaji, which might tral government. The forthrow light on his mysterieign ministry is holding on ous disappearance, were to 29 files and the Prime released by the West Minister's Office has 60 Bengal government on files related to Netaji.

September 18. Banerjee Some files were already said copies of the CD condeclassified by the central taining the 64 files were government and sent to given to the President, the National Archives.

Vice-President, Prime

Banerjee said whenever she visits Delhi, she meets the home minister and the finance minister.

“Last time I could not do it because there was heavy flood in Bengal,” she said. The CM said she urged the home minister to provide financial assistance to West Bengal for flood relief. “Disaster management fund is with the Union home ministry.

A central team has gone to our state after the flood and they have submitted the report also. We have already spent some money from the state's fund. Now we want Centre's assistance,” she said.

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

25

Mob kills UP man following allegations of beef eating A usually united India, often finds its differences when it comes to communities and religion. A horrific event that both, divided the country and brought it together in a fight against injustice. A mob of people attacked a Muslim family in Bisara village near Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. The attackers killed 52 year old Mohammad Akhlaq Saifi and seriously injured his 22 year old son Danish.

Accusing them of consuming beef, the mob found some meat in the fridge and seized it, dragging the family outside.

Akhlaq and Danish were repeatedly kicked, hit with bricks and stabbed. The family's Hindu neighbours tried to stop the mob, and called the police, who arrived an hour later to find a severely injured Danish and a dead Akhlaq. The police arrested the temple's priest and his assistant for questioning. As FIR was filed naming 10 of the attackers based on the testimony of the family members. The FIR contained charges under Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 458 (housebreaking), and 504 (intentional insult with intent to breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code. Six of them were found and arrested.

Mohammad Akhlaq Saifi Seven of the 10 youth have been found to belong to the family of district BJP worker Sanjay Rana, including his son Vishal. A Home Guard constable detained in connection with the lynching, Vinay, is also related to Sanjay Rana.

Rana confirmed that apart from Vishal, Saurabh, Gaurav, Sandeep, Shivam, Sachin and Vivek are from his family. The other three, Rupendra, Hari Om and Shri Om, he said, are their neighbours. Sachin and Hari Om are still absconding.

In a strong signal from the Centre against religious extremism, the Union home ministry sent an advisory to all states asking them to exercise “zero tolerance” to any attempt “to weaken the secular fabric of the nation” and “exploiting (of) religious sentiments”. The communication specifically asks the states to take “strictest

action as per law against such (communal) elements without any exception whatsoever”. While saying that law and order was basically a State subject, the home ministry said it was “concerned with various incidents with communal overtones across the country including the recent unfortunate incident at Dadri, UP”.

Meanwhile, the UP police wrote a letter to Twitter Inc. asking them to pull down certain posts and photos which they tagged as provocative. IG Prakash D said the letter was sent by the social media lab of UP police asking for removal of specific photographs and text uploaded by a twitter handle. “We are investigating into the other aspects like the individual behind the handle that was used to upload this objectionable text and graphics as such activities whip up communal passions which can prove detrimental for the surcharged atmosphere prevailing in certain parts of the state,” he said.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley condemned the lynching of a man over beef eating rumour, saying such incidents hurt the country's image. “India is a mature society. We need to rise above these kinds of incidents because they certainly don't give a good name as far as the country is concerned,” he told reporters.

First phase of Bihar Assembly poll on Oct 12 Phase one of the five-phase Bihar elections to be held from October 12 to November 5 has begun with a total of 586 candidates contesting for 49 seats and 1.35 crore voters ready to exercise their franchise. Some of the key candidates include HAM (S) state president Shakuni Chaudhary, who will contest from his old turf Tarapur in Munger, LJP MP Ram Chandra Paswan's son Prince Raj will fight with JD(U)'s Maheshwar Hazari for Samastipur's Kalyanpur

constituency, Congress MLA Ajit Sharma from Bhagalpur will have to fight against BJP's Arijit Shashwat, son of former state minister and Buxar MP Ashwini Choubey and BJP MLA Surendra Mehta, who will contest in Begusarai.

A study conducted by the Bihar Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysed signed affidavits of all the standing candidates and have discovered that 174 have criminal and 130 have 'serious'

criminal cases; including murder and crimes against women, against them.

Thirty seven candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder.

Ramswarup Yadav, an independent candidate from Hisua constituency, faces five charges related to attempt to murder. And nine candidates have cases related to kidnapping against them. Divided on the basis of political parties, the study says the highest percentage of candidates with 'serious' criminal cases is from the Congress.

Modi world's 13th most influential person Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has debuted at 13th place in the 'Bloomberg Markets Most Influential' annual ranking which is topped

by US Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen.

Chinese premier Xi Jinping, US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are among

those ranked above Modi in the coveted list of 50 people.

“He won election in May 2014 by the widest margin in 30 years, giving him a shot at making some investment-friendly reforms that have faced stubborn resistance in the world's largest democracy.

India might grow faster than China this year,”

Bloomberg wrote about PM Modi.

India moved up 16 positions to rank 55th on a global index of the world's most competitive economies, according to the World Economic Forum. India's progress has been linked to several initiatives taken by the 15month-old Narendra Modi government.

INDIA

26

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2006 Mumbai train blasts verdict: Death for 5 Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

A special court has sentenced to death five of the twelve people convicted for the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts that killed 188 people and injured 829 others. The sentences come two weeks after the 12 were found guilty.

A Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act court judge, Yatin Shinde sentenced to death Ehtesham Sidduiqui, Asif Khan, Faisal Shaikh, Naveed Khan and Kamal Ansari, for planting the bombs on

the trains. Tanveer Ansari and Mohammed Ali, who provided the premises in Govandi for assembling the bombs, and Sajid Ansari, who made the timers and the electric circuits used to set off the bombs were given life sentences. Special Public Prosecutor Raja Thakare demanded they be sentenced to life until the end of their lives and in no case for less than 60 years.

In his final arguments, Thakare said none of the accused presented any

mitigating circumstances that qualified them to seek leniency, not their ages, not their educational qualifications nor their family situation and the conditions during their pre-trial incarceration. Defendant Yug Chaudhary referred to alleged mastermind LeT operative Azam Cheema as the architect of the crime and the accused as mere labourers. Pointing to convict Zameer Shaikh, the defence said that in his confession he had said that while first being indoctri-

nated, he had said that killing innocent people was wrong. “However, continuous indoctrination made him change his mind,” he said.

Calling them “merchants of death”, Thakare sought death penalty for eight of them. “Thinkers pose a question and even public cry is that why honest taxpayers should be burdened into paying for the convicts' maintenance and upkeep while they are imprisoned for the next 40-50 years of their lives.”

CONTINUED FROM P1

ther of the leaders openly addressed the media about resuming talks on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, this is considered to be Merkel's most significant 'deliverable” visit to New Delhi.

A joint statement issued after their threehour long talk said, “committed themselves to bring about the earliest possible resumption of talks.”

Germany is looking to expand its presence in India, proof of which was given by the presence of bosses of household companies like Siemens, Airbus, E.ON and

Thyssenkrupp in the Chancellor's delegation.

Germany will provide more than 2 billion euros in aid for solar projects and green energy corridors, or high efficiency power grids, in an effort to promote sustainable development. India and Germany has also signed an agreement to fast track business approvals, providing German firms with a single point of contact to help them escape red tape. The first of its kind agreement comes in favour for India as Modi seeks to attract foreign investment to support his 'Make in India' drive to boost industrial

investments and create skilled jobs.

Indian Commerce secretary Amitabh Kant said that under the fast-track arrangement, India “would monitor German companies”. “The prospects are huge because India is just beginning its long spurt for growth,” he said to a business round table. Merkel said, “Very glad that we were able to sign the fast track agreement here,” adding that “the speed with which you provide licenses to companies to set business here has increased.”

In their joint statement, Modi said, “We see Germany as a natural partner in achieving our vision of India's economic transformation.

German strengths and India's priorities are aligned... Our focus tends to be on economic ties. But, I believe that in a world of seamless challenges and opportunities, India and Germany can also be strong partners in advancing a more human, peaceful, just and sustainable future for the world.”

Merkel arrived in India on a three-day visit, accompanied by a large delegation of six cabinet ministers and business persons. Her visit to the country comes at a time when she stands strong as a serious contender for this year's Nobel Peace prize for her prominent contribution in the ongoing migrant crisis and the Greek financial problems.

Received by the Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, she was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Modi and Merkel's meet was sealed with the MoUs and letters of intent along with an assistance package for over 1 billion euros for solar projects in India.

Modi said, “We look forward to a concrete outcome at COP21 in Paris that strengthens the commitment and the ability of the world, especially of poor and vulnerable countries, to transition to a more sustainable growth path.”

Namaste Chancellor Merkel!

new German assistance package for over 1 billion euros for solar projects in India, making it part of an overall commitment of more than 2 billion euros.

They also discussed on a variety of issues that included deepening of bilateral engagement in defence, security, education, renewable energy, skill development and agriculture. Both the countries pledged to revive efforts to reach an Indo-European free trade pact after talks fell apart this year, and also struck deals to promote clean energy. While nei-

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Hardik Patel makes new group to stir India Leader of the Patel agitation in Gujarat, Hardik Patel has announced plans to expand his movement across the country and started off by batting for Gurjars in Delhi with demands to return their land acquired for various purposes. Patel said his Akhil Bharatiya Patel Navnirman Sena, an umbrella organisation for Patels, Kurmis, Gujjars and Marathas, will work towards the rights of its communities in different parts of the country taking up causes of women, farmers, workers and the youth.

Saying that his organisation is already active in 17 states including Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, Patel told reporters that “there was no organization to work for women and farmers across the country” and that was why he had floated his outfit. Making it clear that his organisation would not be support any party, he said it will support Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in the upcoming assembly polls as he was a Kurmi leader.

Hardik Patel The group has planned five big rallies. While the dates for Ram Lila Maidan in Delhi and in pollbound Bihar have not been decided, two rallies in Madhya Pradesh on October 11 and November 5. and one in Raipur on November 25 have been locked down. The 22 year old leader said, “When we came to Delhi, we learnt that our brothers' lands had been acquired at meagre amounts and now huge structures have come over there.” Insisting that he did not want to give a political shape to the newly formed group, he added that a decision on this will be taken when required. “Its job will be to protect the people of Patel, Kurmi and Gujjar community, farmers, workers and women. We have spread our organisation in Gujarat, UP. Bihar and Chhatisgarh. There should be one voice of the Patels, Marathas, Kurmis, Gujjars,” he said.

CONTINUED FROM P1 According to Financial Times, State Bank of India, India's largest lender by assets, and Bank of Baroda are among those being forced to comply with the BoE mandate. As the regulator goes through a 50strong list of banks based outside the European Economic Area that have permission to offer retail banking services through lightly regulated branches, more banks are set to follow. Banks from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, face a tough decision of either exiting the market or creating a heavily regulated subsidiary.

“In some ways it is unfortunate,” said Sanjiv Chadha, UK head of State Bank of India, about the regulatory request. “But it is an incremental cost that we will absorb and we will move on. While we could have done without it, we don’t see it as discriminatory.” Chadha said the extra burden on its retail operation, including setting up an independent board for the new subsidiary, would make it harder to grow as fast as its larger wholesale banking operations in the UK. State Bank of India is adding

about $300m to capitalise a new subsidiary that it plans to set up by 2017 to house its UK retail banking operation, which has 10 branches and about $2.5bn of customer deposits.

In deciding which foreign banks must comply with tougher rules, the BoE is weighing both the size of their retail operations in the UK and the strength of their home country’s “resolution” regime for dealing with a banking collapse.

The UK rules partly stem from the bitter experience of the 2008 financial crisis, when Britain had to compensate depositors who lost money they had stowed in branches of Icelandic banks that collapsed.

Banks based in the European Economic Area are free to open operations in other members of the bloc without needing to set up a full subsidiary. The BoE is less worried about wholesale banking operations being carried out by non-EEA banks in the UK via branches. Two Chinese banks; Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank, have been allowed to opn their branches this year, in addition to their existing subsidiaries.

BoE rule forces Indian banks to add capital into UK units

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Healthy eating and exercise can stave off dementia FOOD

s new evidence suggest that people who become obese, smoke or do little exercise are at greater risk of contracting dementia, UK ministers are advising people to go for exercising and healthy eating. Public Health England has confirmed that it is drawing up plans for a public awareness campaign aimed at ensuring people understand that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is strongly linked to lifestyle.

“It is early days yet but we are in talks with organisations involved in dementia care and research about a national campaign to explain how the risk of developing diseases is affected by lifestyle,” the agency said.

The campaign is likely to be launched next year.

Until recently dementia was seen as a disease largely independent of lifestyle.

People marked out for the condition would develop it come what may; so, it was thought, there was no way to reduce risk.

The new evidence suggests this is true for the rel-

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HEALTH&WELLNESS

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atively few people who have a genetic propensity for the disease. Most cases, however, are not like this.

Public Health England has already asked GPs to assess patients’ dementia risk during regular health checks - looking for warning signals such as blood pressure problems, irregular heartbeats or the early signs of type 2 diabetes and then advise them on how to reduce the risk by

changing their lifestyles.

The approach follows a series of scientific studies, including a landmark 2013 report from Cardiff University in which researchers studied the lifestyles of 2,235 men aged 45-59 over 35 years.

It showed that non-smokers who took exercise, kept their weight down, drank little and ate well had a 60% drop in dementia and cognitive decline, as well as

70% fewer instances of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

In Britain about 850,000 people, 40,000 of them under the age of 65, have dementia - costing the UK economy an estimated £26bn a year.

The number of patients is also rising - so fast that it is predicted to hit 2m by 2050 - potentially imposing a huge extra burden on the families of sufferers and on the NHS. Smoking is one key factor. Studies show it reduces oxygen flow to the brain and causes oxidative stress in cells.

Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “What’s emerging is that what is good for your heart, in terms of lifestyle, is also good for your head. We don’t yet understand why this is so and we need to do more research on that.

“What is clear, however, is that we have enough evidence for us to put out messages around public health that looking after the factors that keep your heart healthy also reduces the risk of dementia.

corns. And the peppercorns are collected as whole berries or as ground black pepper. Research has shown that black pepper has quite a handful of healthy properties.

It has the ability to enhance the function of the digestive tract. More than just a spice, it has been shown to improve digestion and stimulate the secretion from the taste buds. This taste bud stimulation tells the stomach that it's supposed to increase its own digestive juices, namely hydrochloric acid. This, in turn breaks down protein in the stomach, improving the process of digestion. Black pepper is known to have a great amount of antioxidant properties. It also has benefits against bacterial growth, particularly in the intestinal tract. So, just add freshly ground black pepper powder to your dish and see the difference.

recent study in The Netherlands show that aspirin improves survival in all gastrointestinal cancers.

This is the first time that survival data from patients with tumours in different GI locations have been analysed at the same time; previously, only one type of cancer, usually colorectal, was studied.

The results of the study, involving nearly 14,000 patients, may lead to new insights regarding the use of aspirin in GI cancer, say the researchers.

Presenting the results to the 2015 European Cancer Congress, the trial co-ordinator Martine Frouws from Leiden University Medical Centre will describe how her team analysed data from 13,715 patients who had been diagnosed with a GI cancer between 1998 and 2011. By linking the data to drug dispensing information from PHARMO, the Institute for Drug Outcomes Research based in Utrecht, the team was able to show an association between aspirin use after a cancer diagnosis and overall survival (OS); they found there was a significant increase in OS among patients who did take

aspirin compared to those who did not.

Patients using aspirin after their diagnosis had a chance of survival twice as high than that of those who did not use it in the same circumstances. The beneficial effect of aspirin use on survival was seen in patients with GI tumours after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as sex, age, stage of cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other medical conditions or disorders.

The scientists believe that the beneficial effect of aspirin in cancer is due to its antiplatelet effect.

Platelets are a blood component whose function is to stop bleeding by clumping and clogging blood ves-

Black pepper can help improve digestion

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| Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

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5 walk-based workouts that will burn the fats

alking not only helps you lose weight but also helps you to achieve a well-toned body. Thus, fitness professionals have started stressing on exercises that can be done while you walk to get better results.

Here are five workouts that you can try out -

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High intensity workout: While going for your usual walks in the morning or in the evening, try putting in a 10-minute of HIIT workout in between. This will make working out fun and also help you lose weight and tone better.

Sprint walking: Ditch your brisk walk and instead try going in for sprint walking. The quicker you walk, the farther you can go, the more kilos you'll shed. This fun routine helps you burn as much as 175-200 calories within half an hour. Each time you do this workout, aim to walk faster than your last time.

hour-plus walk can boost your immunity and also increases your metabolism. A half-marathon, which is typically about a 20-km walk, can up your energy levels and can keep you fitter. If a long walk bores you, you can also ask your friends to join in.

Belly-bursting walk: A fitness professional says, "While walking, try d oing some ab-based exercise to strengthen your core. For instance, breathe in and hold your breath for a good few seconds when you are walking. If you are in a park, you can try doing some crunches for about five minutes in between your walks."

Half-marathon walk: An

Brainpower boosting walk: It is said that changing the direction you walk can sometimes up your chances of burning more calories. The walk can be sideways, backwards or forward. It is also said to utilise muscles which haven't been used before while walking, such as the outer or the inner thighs.

sel injuries. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are thought to hide themselves from the immune system with the help of the clothing of platelets that surround them.

Aspirin inhibits platelet function and therefore allows the immune system to recognise CTCs and eliminate

them.

ESMO spokesperson Nadir Arber said that Aspirin may serve as the magic bullet because it can target and prevent ischaemic heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, the three major health catastrophes in the third millennium.

Aspirin may double life expectancy of gastro cancer patients

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lack pepper has more healthy properties than most people know about.

It is a spice that has the potential to make food more beneficial when used in various recipes and as a table spice. In Kerala, many start their day with a cup of black coffee with a pinch of black pepper powder. The aroma of freshly ground black pepper is difficult to ignore.

We get our black pepper from the pepper vine that can grow in tropical climate. The pepper vines actually bear fruit-small white flowers that turn into berries called pepper-

To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

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www.asian-voice.com

loves ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ Dhanush to work in team to reshoot key scenes football-based script AsianVoiceNews

Hindi version of of 'Baahubali' sets a new record

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

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t has been 50 d a y s 'Baahubali' hit the screens and it has not stopped making records.

From reaching the £30 million mark to breaking all the overseas records set

by Bollywood hits like 'PK' and 'Happy New Year', SS Rajamouli's movie is the most talked about film of the year. Not only the original, even the Hindi dubbed version of the film has already minted £12 million since release. The multistarrer hit theatres in July and continues to enjoy a strong stance with its power-packed visuals and impec-

cable screenplay.

Reports reveal the war drama has already crossed £50 million mark across the world and has become the highest opener for a Hindi dubbed film.

Starring Prabhas, Rana D a g g u b a t i , Tamannaah Bhatia and Anushka Shetty in pivotal roles, the film has managed to attract large number of viewers to the theatres. Rajamouli's larger-than-life ambitious project has left the audiences awestruck witnessing the visual spectacle.

Baahubali is a drama about a kingdom at war.

akers of Telugu drama 'Soggade Chinni Nayana', which is currently in its last leg of shooting, will reshoot some very important scenes after a few changes were suggested by writer Sai Madhav Burra. “The film has original screenplay by writer Ram Mohan P.

However, the makers felt they needed expert advice and brought writer Sai Madhav Burra on board. He suggested some key scenes to be changed to suit the story,” a source from the film's unit said. “ This may postpone the film's release and it will only hit the screens next year.

Initially, the makers were planning to release it in December, but now it seems very unlikely,” the source added. Directed by debutant Kalyan Krishna, the film stars Nagarjuna in dual roles, as a grandson and grandfather, and is paired with Ramya Krishnan and Lavanya Tripathi.

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film that was released a few weeks back is on its way to Box Office success and has been garnering critical acclaim for its portrayal of true love. The Tamil remake will be directed by R S Vimal, who has con-

firmed he has narrated the script to the Isaipuyal who has given a positive signal to be on board for the project. Noted Tamil writer Jeyamohan will pen the dialogues. The cast and crew are yet to be finalised.

Rahman to score music for Tamil remake of Malayalam film

s per sources, Oscar winning composer A R Rahman will be scoring music for the Tamil remake of the Prithviraj-Parvathy Menon starrer Malayalam movie 'Ennu Ninte Moideen'. The

'Jazbaa'

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback film, 'Jazbaa' is one of the most awaited film of 2015. The movie lines the story of a criminal lawyer whose daughter is abducted and the only way she can get her is by defending a convicted felon.

Irrfan Khan plays the role of a suspended cop with a distaste for rules.

'Jazbaa' is directed by Sanjay Gupta and produced by Essel V i s i o n Productions.

ollywood actor Dhanush who was recently made Ambassador of Hero Super Indian Football League for Tamil Nadu said he would love to work in a football-based script. “I've been a fan of football for very long. It is 90 minutes of super fun, so you don't have to waste your entire day in front of television screen,” Dhanush told reporters. “The first season of the league revolutionised Indian football and brought about lot of awareness about the sport. This year, it's going to get bigger with the inclusion of several international players as well.” When asked if he'd like to work in a football-based script, he said, “I'd really love to work in a film associated with the sport.” According to a release, the actor will support team Chennaiyin FC and will also wear the team colours.

Anushka, Karan start shooting for ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’

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nushka Sharma and Karan Johar have wrapped up their London schedule and flown to Paris to shoot for their upcoming 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'.

Anushka took to Twitter to share a picture with Karan sending greetings from Paris for their fans. “Greetings from Paris folks!! @karanjohar #AeDilHaiMushkil”.The actress plays the love interest of Pakistani actor Imran Abbas Naqvi in the the film.

Aso starring Ranbir Kapoor, the film marks KJo’s return to direction after 2012 hit “Student of the Year” and it will be the first time that Aishwarya, Ranbir and Anushka will be sharing space together.

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Katrina wishes to be leading lady in 'Half Girlfriend'?

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fter the success of the movie adaptations of Chetan Bhagat's 'Two States' and 'Three Mistakes of My Life', it is no surprise that his latest 'Half Girlfriend' is already set to be made into a film. The film will be directed by Mohit Suri who is currently looking for his leading lady.

So while grapevine is rife with rumours of the director considering either Kriti Sanono or Alia Bhatt, a media source has reported that vying for the role is none other than 'Bang Bang' actress Katrina Kaif. While no official confirmation has been made yet, the stiff competition for the lead between the ladies isn't too hard to imagine.

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Kangana Ranaut turns fashion designer

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We make films for audience, not for Oscars: Salman

alman Khan's superhit 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' was one of the films in the race to get selected for the Oscars this year, but it lost out to Marathi film 'Court.'

When quizzed over the topic, the superstar said, “We made the film for our audiences here.. people of Asia. People have liked the film in India, Pakistan and now in China. I don't make films for awards.”

It is painful and it looks like we are having fun but we are not. My job as an actor is to put myself in trouble, to go against everything.

So, when the people go to theatres they should have fun. My job ends there. After that what goes where

Ranveer, Deepika on the cover of Vogue

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

doesn't matter.. It doesn't interest me. After that what (film) goes where doesn't matter... It doesn't interest me.” Talking about the new season of the reality show, he said, “I feel one should not go overboard.

There has to be a limit to everything. My mother fails to understand why people all of a sudden fight in the house and then there are times when nothing happens.

Educated people, celebrities who earn in millions behave like this.

Some do it to stay, some are correct, some are wrong. My only concern is when they come out of the house, they should be okay. They come to me, I guide them,” he said.

Bollywood director Farah Khan on Cairo film fest jury

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i l m industry's hottest onscreen couple and real life alleged love birds, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will set the temperature high this month with the Vogue India October edition. The duo, who will be next seen together in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Bajirao Mastani', are the epitome of hotness as they feature on the cover of Vogue together in a sexy locked-in pose.

While Deepika looks curvaceous and beautiful in a bright printed Dior jumpsuit, Singh is seen holding on to her in black Dior attire, complete with a bowler hat and his impressive moustache.

The actor even shared the image on Twitter, captioned “H O T N E S S”.

Both are gearing up for their SLB's next which will be based on Maratha Peshwa Bajirao and his ladylove Mastani. The movie also stars Priyanka Chopra as Bajirao's wife Kashibai, and is set to release on December 18.

ABC apologises to Priyanka over faux pas

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irectoractorchoreographer Farah Khan will be part of the jury at the 37th Cairo International Film Festival. She will present her movie 'Om Shanti Om'. Danish director Bille August will be president of the jury. He was winner of the Palm d'Or at Cannes, twice, for 'Pelle the Conqueror in 1988 and 'The Best Intentions' in 1992. Farah has choreographed dance numbers for over a 100 songs in more than 80 Hindi movies, acted in dozen films and directed four films, including 'Om Shanti Om'. Other members of the Jury are Georgian director George Ovashvili, British producer Paul Webster, Egyptian actor Dalia El-Beheri and Moroccan auteur Leila Marrakchi.

The festival will run from November 11 to 20.

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riyanka Chopra has accepted ABC's apology for featuring Indian beauty queen Yukta Mookhey's photo rather than her during a TV show.

Former Miss World, Priyanka was on ABC's 'Nightline' show when the channel aired a clip about her rise to fame, using Miss World 1999 Yukta Mookhey's image instead. Taking it lightly, Priyanka tweeted “Lol!” The network later apologised the mistake, correcting the promo.

It tweeted to the actress saying, “Our sincerest apologies @priyankachopra. Here is the corrected story.” To which she replied, “Thank you for the correction @Nightline.”

Shilpa Shetty all set for a comeback?

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ctress Shilpa Shetty who was seen in the 2007 hit 'Apne', is reportedly in a mood to make a comeback, but wouldn't want to put it as one like people generally term it.

She said, “Everyday I end up coming on the screen for some reason, at least on the small screen. I wasn't even considering it (films) but now Viaan will soon turn three and a half years. He's spending more time at school, so I've started to read scripts. And the 2-3 scripts that I read were not up to the mark.” She added, “It really has to be a riveting film for me to do, something that I haven't done before.”

ollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has turned designer for a limited edition collection called 'Marquee' for fashion label Vero Moda to create a collection that reflects her personal style. With five broad themes; Dandelion Dreams, Deep Lake, Red Velvet, Royal Enchantment and Gold Rush, the Vero Moda Marquee by Kangana designs include casual, formal and occasion wear.

“For the collection, I pretty much followed what globally is going to be trend. We have exciting categories with no confusion. There are dresses for brunches, gigs and many such special occasions so there is no confusion. You can just pick the right outfit and flaunt it,” Kangana told the media. The actress showcased her first show as a designer at Mehboob Studio where celebrities like Dino Morea and Elli Avram took the front rows to the thumping live music as the models walked down the ramp in glamourous outfits.

While Dandelion Dreams is a very dreamy collection with botanical design elements, exquisite and artfully crafted beaded embroidery in a buffet of diffused dandelion design patterns, Deep Lake takes inspiration from the colours of a deep lake. Red Velvet is a classic theme with a very sexy and a bold feel. All the pieces in this story were very dramatic, accentuated with lace and embroidered in rich florals.

Inspired by royalty, Royal Enchantment had a rich mix of luxe embroideries in interesting geometric patterns. Finally, Gold Rush takes its inspiration from the 'Midas touch' and sweeps golden hues into its mix, giving a metallic twist to the all over metallic gold fashion to minimalism.

Shruti Haasan has 3 mn followers on Twitter

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fter the 2 0 0 crore box office club, the recent rage is the 3 million followers on Twitter milestone and the newest member to join is Shruti Haasan. Haasan who was recently seen in 'Welcome Back' opposite John Abraham, has reached the three million follower mark on micro-blogging website Twitter. The 29 year old thanked her fans with a tweet that read, “Thank You fir my 3 million!!! I love you all to bits and pieces!!! Here's to more love and laughter.” She had two Bollywood hits this year with 'Gabbar is Back' and 'Welcome Back', and can be seen in Tamil fantasy-adventure film 'Puli' co-starring Vijay and veteran actress Sridevi.

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UK

Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

Sonu Nigam to perform in Wembley

After the successful concert by Arijit Singh with symphony orchestra in June, Star Plus presents, “Klose to my Heart”- Sonu Nigam live in concert. He will be accompanied by top musicians and a 40 piece orchestra on Sunday 1st November, at the SSE Arena, Wembley. This is a one night only UK performance.

Sonu Nigam's musical concert, “Klose to my Heart” is produced by Perfect Harmony & Rock On, names synonymous with world class and unparalleled entertainment, in association with Gift a Smile.

Coming Events

l Vijya Dashmi Utsav 2015, "Nari Shakti Swaroopani", Female Strength in its Grandest Form: Sunday 1st November 2015, 4:30pm- 8pm.

Vegetarian dinner will be served. Corelli College, Kidbrooke, Corelli Road, London SE3 8EL. RSVP woolwichnagar@gmail.com or contact Binal Rabadia: 07849 978 940. l Navratri Celebrations: Tuesday 13th- Thursday 22nd October, 8pm. Sharad Purnima: Friday 30th October, 8pm. Diwali Celebration on Saturday 7th November. HCS Bhavan, 3 Lyndhurst Avenue, London N12 0LX. Contact Om Pathak: 020 8886 1999. l South East Gujarati Association's Navratri Program: Tuesday 13th- Thursday 22nd October. Poonam: Saturday 24th October. Asian Community Centre, Plumstead. Contact Kirit Patel: 07780 533 391. l Celebrate Diwali at the National Gallery: Saturday 14th November. Musical magic carpet (ages 2-5), 10:30am, 11:30am, 2pm and 3pm, Pigott Education Centre. Flowing petals (all ages), 10:30am- 12:30pm and 1:30pm- 3:30pm, Room 34. Lighting up the darkness (all ages), 11am- 1pm and 2-4pm (drop-in), Room 32. Dancing lights (all ages), 11am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm and 2:45pm, Room 9. Luminous lights printed train (all ages) 10-11am, Pigott Education Centre. Free entry. Visit: nationalgallery.org.uk/families l Navratri 2015: Tuesday 13th- Thursday 22nd October. Weekdays 8pm- 11pm. Weekends 8pm12:30am. Sharad Poonam: Tuesday 27th October.

Harrow Leisure Centre (Byron Hall), Christchurch Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 5BD. Contact: 020 8426 0678. l Shree Bavis Gam Patidar Samaj presents Navratri 2015: Tuesday 13th- Thursday 22nd October. Sharad Poonam: Friday 23rd October. Weekdays 7:30pm11-pm. Weekends 7:30pm- 11:30pm. Oakington Manor Primary School (Front Hall), Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 6NF. Contact Sanjay (Gutal): 07956 920 321.

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Welcoming young readers to write in our Diwali issue Dear Readers, Diwali is now three months away. The New Year is knocking at the door waiting to bring in colours and light to our lives with fervour of joy and ever lasting happiness. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as every year will be publishing the ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself.

This year in the English section, we are doing something special for our young readers.

1. If you are between 5-25 years of age, write an article in English on either of the following topics in no more than 350 words, along with a suitable photo: l how do you celebrate your Diwali every year OR l Your most memorable Diwali with friends and family OR l how do you celebrate Diwali in your school'.

2. If you are 2-25 years of age, you can also draw/paint a picture of what Diwali means to you or your memorable Diwali, with a suitable photo caption, your full name, age; scan and send the picture to the the below address, by the mentioned deadline.

3. If you are within 9-25 years of age, you can also write a short story within 350 words or a poem within 150 words for our Diwali special.

4. If you are a part of an organisation, which has a youth wing or support youth activities, please tell us how your young members or youth wing celebrates Diwali in 300 words with 2 pictures (in no less than 300dpi).

Send your articles/stories/poem with your photo and/or painting/picture to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Last date of entry: 18 October 2015.

- Asian Voice

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 The prevailing cosmic pat-

tern packs a powerful punch early this week. Having such potent energies, make you feel positive and confident in whatever you do. This is not the time to hold back or underestimate your potential if you wish to further an important aim. Some of you will try to get away from the routine chores.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The pattern of significant relationships in your life will continue to favour you. It seems that a great deal of mutual benefit will accrue because of various interactions. The underlying trend indicates that deep creative energies are stirring within you and that seemingly insignificant events will play a vital role in the future enrichment of life.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 You can expect a sustained and quite hectic flow of visitors to contribute greatly to a very buoyant atmosphere. If you are ambitious, this promises to be an important time in your life. You are likely to get the lucky breaks and reach a wider audience no matter what your aims.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 It seems that you will be in gregarious mood, intent on cultivating a wider circle of acquaintances. Mentally you will be in good form to make on-the-spot decisions and also get your ideas across to the right people. Ideas that you have been juggling with for quite some time will now be easily pulled into shape, allowing you to push ahead.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 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. Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you. There are a lot of opportunities around you.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people. If you know your ground and are not afraid to stick your neck out, you can create your own opportunities.

A good time for the affairs of the heart.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There’s a sparkle to your social life and you will have fun communicating with others.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 You are likely to be lucky in terms of opportunities and meetings with helpful persons. Whatever you are aiming to achieve at this time will suddenly take a leap onto a new level. If you are hoping to move up the ladder of success, this is definitely a time to be on the alert for new openings.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You have the dynamic planet Mars in your solar 10th house of work. This planet indicates a desire to push forward, to assert yourself mentally and physically. This also means that you want to improve your work prospects. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level tread carefully.

You are feeling most adventurous and willing to achieve higher knowledge and spiritual growth. This is a good time to broaden your horizons through travel and higher learning. This may take you to far off lands in pursuit of your new-found goals. You must distance yourself from the mundane grind of life and take on something which is more meaningful for your inner growth.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

The Sun energizes your sector of change, transformation and regeneration. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual. You should also make sure that your tax affairs are in order. You are more willing than usual to explore and delve deeper into life's secrets and arrive at meaningful conclusions.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 With Venus and Mars traversing your opposite sign of relationships for some time to come, it will put you in the right mood if you intend to indulge your pleasure-loving instincts. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. Existing emotional differences can be easily sorted out now.

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Shashank Manohar takes charge as new BCCI chief AsianVoiceNews

Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC) president Shashank Manohar, was unanimously elected to the top post for the second time on Sunday.

His first stint, between 2008 and 2011, had involved carving out an administrative roadmap for a financially robust cricket board. The tenure also saw Manohar's decision-making abilities when he took some stern steps to clean up the mess in the wake of scams clouding the Indian Premier League.

His second stint is expected to be on the same lines, only this time he'll be saddled with far too many responsibilities than the first one. “Restoring the faith of the Indian cricket fan, improving credibility and image of BCCI (post the spot-fixing scandal) and bringing in transparency will be among the immediate responsibilities,” Manohar said. He said that he would not be vindictive in his dealings, despite his acrimony with the N Srinivasan-led regime that had been running BCCI until last year.

Manohar, who was once friends with the Chennaibased industrialist, had

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Shashank Manohar been the most vocal among those who wanted Srinivasan to quit after the spot-fixing scandal broke in 2013.

“Srinivasan was a great (BCCI) secretary, the best after Jagmohan Dalmiya,” Manohar said, making it clear that he always had respect for Srinivasan's administrative abilities.

However, it was in the backdrop of all the scandals and controversies in the last two years that Manohar became a strong critic of Srinivasan, saying

the latter should have quit the board once the Supreme Court found his son-in-law guilty of betting and conflict of interest began to raise its ugly head in the administration.

The effort to be transparent at all times has been an inherent quality of Manohar's, one that has seen him earn the respect of most BCCI administrators who come from far more affluent and influential backgrounds. His initiative in 2010 to call off the IPL franchise auction

after doubts over rigging had emerged and bringing out a fresh tender was one of Manohar's earlier successful attempts in bringing transparency within BCCI, a process that concluded with the suspension of Lalit Modi. “The first thing would be with regard to conflict of interest issues, he said. The board will frame regulations on this within a month's time, and also appoint an independent ombudsman or ethics officer who will look into complaints (be it against administrators, players or the staff), he added.

Those who are in the knowledge of things insist that Manohar wasn't interested in returning to BCCI, particularly once he had made it clear that he wouldn't get involved in its day-to-day administration any further. However, after Dalmiya's sudden demise and for lack of a consensus candidate, he was asked to come forward once again and he obliged. All six representatives from East Zone - once considered Srinivasan's backyard nominated Manohar for president and he was given the chair without an election.

Pele to revisit Eden Gardens after 38 years

Brazilian football legend Pele, who will be visiting India this month, will relive the moments he had in Kolkata 38 years ago, when he visits Eden Gardens before felicitating the 1977 batch of Mohun Bagan team. That side had the fortune of playing against the Black Pearl's New York Cosmos at the 80,000-capacity stadium.

Detailing out his threeday stay in Kolkata before he heads to New Delhi in mid-October, the organisers said Pele would attend a star-studded Legend's Night with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Pele will reach Kolkata on October 11 morning which will be a rest day. "It's a long 24 hours travel, so there will be nothing lined up on the first day," Satadru Dutta, one of the organisers of the event, said.

Brazilian football legend Pele "There had been apprehension regarding his health as he had a back surgery but having met him I can assure you that he's in perfect health and there's no concern. In a lighter vein, he told me, 'I can still score goals if you stand under the bar'."

On the second day, Pele will take a tour of Eden Gardens en route to the Netaji Indoor Stadium as the Cricket Association of

Bengal will felicitate the Brazilian legend in a royal manner. The Subrata Bhattacharya-led Mohun Bagan team that played out a 2-2 draw against New York Cosmos on that historic day of September 24, 1977 will also be present at the Legend's Night' at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on October 12.

"It's really unfortunate that we have lost our president Jagmohan Dalmiya

who would have felicitated Pele ahead of his 75th birthday on October 23.

But we'll do our best and do it in such a royal manner that his return to the Eden will leave a lasting impression," CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey said.

On the final day of his city tour, Pele will be the guest of honour at Atletico de Kolkata's first home match of the second season of the Indian Super League. In a video message, Pele has said: "I'm looking forward to my visit to Kolkata after 38 years, and during the time of Durga Puja."

Pele's visit is part of the first edition of the 'Legends Tour of India' conceptualised by Multicon Group and NSHM Knowledge Campus, where the Brazilian legend will interact with about 1,200 students before heading to Netaji Indoor Stadium on October 12.

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Asian Voice | 10 October 2015

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Bangla cricketer held on maid abuse charge

Bangladesh Test cricketer Shahadat Hossain turned himself into police after a month on the run. He faces allegations that he tortured an 11-year-old housemaid in a scandal that has gripped the nation.

The medium-fast bowler handed himself over to police in the capital, Dhaka, a month after allegations surfaced that he and his wife abused their maid, Mahfuza Akter Happy. Hossain went to the police in early September, claiming that the maid had gone missing.

However, the girl was found the same day with injuries that suggested she had suffered serious physical abuse.

She alleged that Hossain and his wife had frequently beaten her until she managed to run away. TV footage showed her with two black eyes and covered in bruises. “She told us that the couple beat her very often. Her hand was charred with a hot cooking paddle [spoon]. She had injury marks all over her body,” Inspector Shafiqur Rahman said.

Police raided Hossain’s home but found that he and his wife, Nritto Shahadat, had fled. Shahadat surrendered to police on Sunday, a day before her husband emerged.

Why England rugby team failed

Following the failure of the rugby team in the world cup, former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has offered an unusual explanation. He said that the team focussed too much on 'dressing nicely' and 'singing the national anthem.' Atherton said sporting teams needed “a bit of nastiness or the odd character” to be successful, suggesting the England rugby team was crucially lacking “mavericks”.

Brazilian referee pulls out gun instead of red card

A Brazilian football referee has pulled out a gun rather than a red card during a regional league match in Brumadinho near Belo Horizonte. The incident took place during a game between Brumadinho and Amantes da Bolaof, when the latter's manager and subs invaded the pitch and demanded a red card against a rival player.

League president Valdenir de Castro claimed that referee Gabriel Murta, who is also a police officer, was kicked and slapped after which he lost cool. Murta ran to the dressing room and came back with a gun in his hand. In a video footage, the linesman and other players stopped him on his way and asked him to keep his gun back in the locker room.

Referees' association president Giuliano Bozzano said that though Murta felt threatened, his reaction was improper. He would also undergo a psychological assessment and is facing suspension or a permanent ban.

In his reaction to the whole incident, Bozzano said: "The Minais Gerais Football Federation has already summoned the referee and a psychologist to a meeting and I'm going to talk with him.

"On the basis of that conversation and his account of events and the results of the psychological assessment I'll decide what if any measures to take. What's happened is obviously not a common occurrence and I don't want to rush into anything. At the moment it happened he's opted for getting his gun because in his view it was a question of controlling a situation."

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Yet another pathetic display by India Asian Voice | 10th October 2015

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South Africa win series; bundle out hosts for 92 in 17.2 overs

India put up yet another pathetic batting display to be skittled out for a paltry 92 in 17.2 overs against South Africa in the second Twenty20 International at Cuttack on Monday. Indian openers Rohit Sharma (22) and Shikhar Dhawan (11) did give the hosts a brisk start but the visiting bowlers had other ideas at the Barabati Stadium.

After the opener managed 28 runs from 23 deliveries, hell broke loose for India, who lost four wickets in the space of 20 runs that included run-outs of Virat Kohli (0) and Rohit. This was India's second lowest T20 score after being shot out for 74 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in February 2008.

Hosting its first T20 International, the Barabati Cricket Stadium was in for another rude shock no sooner Ravichandran Ashwin (11) was bowled by Chris Morris (2-16) to bundle the side as frustrated fans started hurling water bot-

tles into the ground. The incident went on for about 10 minutes before police took control of the situation and announcements were made by the Odisha Cricket Association to pacify the spectators. Meanwhile, contrary to expectation, the pitch induced good bounce and pace as the South Africans revelled in the conditions with Albie Morkel, who was drafted in place of Marchant de Lange, becoming the top wicket-taker with his 3-12, while Imran Tahir and Morris scalped two each.

Earlier, in an interesting ploy, South Africa did not opt for a continuity in the bowling line-up and instead had four bowlers inside four overs after starting out with Kyle Abott and Tahir.

Even though the strip induced some fine bounce, Rohit and Dhawan looked in little trouble before Morris triggered the collapse dismissing the lefthander in the last ball of the fourth over. Dhawan (11 from 12 balls) was trapped on his backfoot to a delivery that straightened around middle-leg, something that

opened the gates for South Africa. In space of a ball, Kohli (0) was back in the dressing without facing a delivery after he was run out while attempting for a second run. South Africa were all pumped up on the field, and Rohit tried his luck against David Miller but found himself well short of the bowling end after a direct throw.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni promoted Ambati Rayudu ahead of him but he lasted just two balls after being cleaned up off rookie pacer Kagiso Rabada as India cut

a sorry figure with 48 for four after nine overs.

Dhoni (5) joined his Chennai Super Kings teammate Suresh Raina (22) in the middle giving fans some hope for a revival as the lefthander also looked in good rhythm, hitting Abott for two boundaries in the 10th over.

Just when India would look to bring themselves out of the rut, Morkel brought up another collapse removing 'captain cool' in the 12th over and the rest fell like a pack of cards.

South Africa lead 1-0 in the three-match T20I series after their seven-wicket win in Dharamshala.

South Africa beat India by 7 wickets: Earlier at Dharamshala, Rohit Sharma's blistering century went in vain as South Africa began their tour of India on a winning note by scripting a thrilling seven-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 International cricket match last week.

Sharma (106) notched up his maiden T20 International century to

give India a competitive total of 199 for 5 but the visitors rode on some sparkling strokeplay by J P Duminy (68 not out) and A B de Villiers (51) to overhaul the target with two balls to spare and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Test skipper Hashim Amla (36) and ODI skipper de Villiers laid the foundation of the SA win with their 77-run opening stand and Duminy guided the visiting side to the finish line with a sublime unbeaten 68 off just 34 balls. His 105-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket with Farhaan Behardien (32 not out) sealed the game for the Proteas.

Left-handed Duminy played with a lot of responsibility under pressure and could not have timed his eighth fifty in T20Is better than this. Thanks to his gritty batting, South Africa collected 22 runs off Axar Patel in the 16th over and 14 when Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled the penultimate over.