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VOL 41. ISSUE 24

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 13th October to 19th October 2012

Gujarat assembly polls on December 13 & 17

Community questions Government's plan to sell 'citizenship' in £1mn

Himachal Pradesh to elect its legislators on November 4

The Election Commission of India last week announced a two-phased poll in Gujarat and singlephase poll in Himachal Pradesh for the state assemblies. Gujarat election will be held on December 13 and 17 and Himachal Pradesh will elect its legislators on November 4.

Results for both the states will be announced on December 20.

Announcing the election dates, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said, "the Model Code of Conduct has come into operation from this very moment. The EC will enforce it strictly and will monitor all activities related to elections in these states." This would mean state governments would

not be allowed to make any policy announcements.

Sampath said EC will monitor the expenditure made by political parties and candidates for campaigning. A separate bank account would have to be created by candidates and money would have to be spent from that. EC will also ensure videography of the entire poll process, starting from the filing of nominations and scrutiny. EC has also simplified the mandatory declaration of assets by

candidates, which can now be filed as a summary.

The commission will monitor paid news as well.

New guidelines were also issued for state officials.

Police officers from the level of sub-inspector, who have served more than three years at a post, will now have to be transferred. Any policeman who is facing charges will not be on election duty.

The EC has also made a complaint redress mechanism. A call centre has been set up and anyone can call up 1950 to register poll-related complaints.

"There shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes.

Mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used

A mosque four times bigger than St. Paul's Cathedral in West Ham?

Local communities fear social disruptions

William Hague

No party politics is ever complete without a steaming debate on immigration.

Immigration has always played the 'trump card' whenever political parties have tried to have an edge over the other, in a general election or otherwise.

While William Hague at the party conference in Birmingham suggested that capping immigration and welfare is not extreme, the Home Secretary, Theresa May in an interview with The Sunday Times, has suggested that the EU’s freedom of movement directive, which guarantees the right of its 500m citizens to travel freely within the EU, should be reviewed (defying treaties like Maastricht and the free movement of people which is one of the four “fundamental freedoms” enshrined in the original treaty that laid the foundations for the EU in 1957).

She is concerned that EU expansion and unfettered freedom to travel could lead to big levels of economic migration.

Work restrictions on migrants from Romania

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Many parts of East London already consists of congested areas, particularly after the construction of the Olympic Stadium and Westfield in Stratford city. For this reason, a much ethnically diverse borough such as Newham seems to be gradually evolving and can be perceived as being at the heart of the diverse East London, that is also a parent to hip places like Shoreditch and Hoxton and financial hub like Canary Wharf.

A design submitted in 2006 of the so-called mega-mosque Continued on page 13 which will be able to hold around 10,000 worshippers

as forum for election propaganda," the EC said.

According to the poll schedule, the last date for filing nominations in Gujarat is November 24, for the first phase, and November 30, for the second phase. Scrutiny will be held on November 26, and December 1, respectively. The last date for withdrawal of candidature will be November 28 and December 3, respectively.

During the first phase of assembly elections in Gujarat, 87 of 182 assembly constituencies will go to polls. The remaining 95 will go to polls in the second phase.

In Himachal, the filing of nomination for the 68 assembly seats will end on October 17, scrutiny will be on October 18 and the last date for withdrawal will be October 20. Sampath said, "the schedule of elections has been prepared keeping in mind the climatic conditions, academic calendar like exams, festivals, law and order situation, as well as availability of security forces and the time needed for their movement."

A total of 44,496 polling stations will be set up in Gujarat for 37.8 million voters, while 7,252 polling stations will be established in Himachal Pradesh for an electorate of 4516,000.

Gujarat has 182 assembly constituencies and the election here is likely to be held in two phases. Himachal Pradesh has 68 assembly seats and elections here will be held in a single phase.

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and Bulgaria are lifted next year, with experts forecasting an influx of jobseekers.

May said she had asked William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, to include the freedom of movement in the government’s strategic review of the UK’s relationship with the EU. On the other hand while the immigrants earning average salaries are under constant pressure of the precarious home office rules, UK is planning to buy foreign investors through investor visas to come and settle in the UK without going through the usual slow and gradual naturalisation or acquaintance with the British ways over a spread of 6 years.

The proposal particularly suggests that wealthy foreigners can effectively buy the right to live in the UK in return for buying at least £1m of gilts or shares and bonds in British companies. Top London private bankers have expressed concerns at the number of people using the Continued on page 7

UK

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Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

one to one

2) What do you plan to do now you have left the house?

I currently still have the title of Miss India UK, so I will continue representing this year. I plan to continue my acting career and also produce my own British film. I will also expand my modelling agency business.

Keith Vaz MP with

Deana Uppal Deana Uppal is an Indian model and actress born and raised in the UK. Deana began her modelling career at the age of 16 and has since been on the cover of several magazines, numerous television commercials both in the UK and India, the lead female in over ten music videos and the lead girl in an item song in a Bollywood film.

In 2012 Deana won the title of Miss India UK and then went on to represent the UK in the Miss India Worldwide Finals. Deana finished in the top 5 and was noted for her acting skills.

In July 2012 Deana was selected to appear on the famous UK reality television show Big Brother during which she survived seven evictions and got to the final of the show. She eventually came third.

1) Please tell us about your experience of Big Brother?

My Big Brother experience was a mix of emotions both good and bad.

I learnt a lot about myself, and how to deal with different situations.

I went into the house wanting to have fun and

meet new friends - I did enjoy some days but most days were very stressful especially the first month as I struggled to create friendships and felt isolated.

Many of the housemates decided on the first night that they did not want a friendship with me, partly I believe

3) What are your proudest achievements?

Gaining my black belt in karate, moving to Mumbai by myself to pursue a career in Bollywood, being the lead girl in a Bollywood item song, buying my first house at the age of 18 and winning the Miss India UK title.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your life?

because many of the housemates struggled to understand my culture. I was put up for eviction seven times, which is the most evictions any house mate has survived in the

history of the series. I didn’t expect to be as popular with the public as I was, so being saved constantly was a great feeling and a confidence boost.

My father passed away when I was very young so having to study, work and look after my mum was quite a hard job from the age of 16.

5) Who has been the biggest influence on your life to date?

My best friend Sharan. I

met Sharan when I was 17 and she is 14 years older than me. She is an independent hardworking woman and she shown me what kind of life I could have if I worked hard to achieve my goals.

6) What are your long term goals?

To star in a film, expand my modelling agency, continue to support charities and help them to the best of my ability and also in the future too get married and have kids!

7) If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change?

I believe university fees are too high and they should be lowered so that everybody has the chance to study if they want to.

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

Hmm. I would say Henry VIII to find out about the Tudor times and to why he really beheaded his poor wives!

Bangladesh's first female Foreign Minister speaks on violence and war criminals Rani Singh

Myanmar and the solution has to be within Myanmar.

Dr. Dipu Moni, MBBS (DMC), LLB (NU), LLM (London) MPH (Johns Hopkins), is the first female Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with the Asian Voice, we asked about the recent spate of violence in Bangladesh and war criminals.

Q: What can you say about recent ethnic tension and the attacks on Buddhist temples in Bangladesh?

A: This was a sudden attack and we have undertaken an enquiry so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. The victims must feel secure and whatever is needed for their rehabilitation, they must get that.

Our next general election is in 15 months. This might be an attempt to destabilize the country prior to the elections. This might be an attempt to destabilize that region. From the reports, prima facie, there was involvement of Jamaat-e-islami and Rohingyas in these attacks on Buddhists. There are also the war crimes trials going on and there are quarters within Bangladesh and outside who do not wish to see them continue.

This might be an attempt to undermine that process.

Q: What do you feel about

Q: Myanmar says Rohingyas belong Bangladesh.

Dr. Dipu Moni

the Rohingyas, those from Myanmar fleeing persecution?

A: In June this year, when the Bangladesh government took the decision not to allow any more Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh, some quarters accused us. Perhaps they need to understand what burden we have been carrying for nearly 30 years. And what tensions this is generating within Bangladesh!

Though we are not a signatory to the 1951 convention or its protocol, Bangladesh has been a gracious host to a large number of Rohingyas. There are registered refugees of about 29,000 but undocumented entrants from Myanmar could be anything from 300, 000 to 500,000.

Not more than four or five per cent of costs is borne by the international community. The root and problem is within

the to

A: If you know history, noone should say that. These people are from Rakhine state.

These people have been living there for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Myanmar’s citizenship laws are only recent things. People who live in Chittagong and our territories since 1971, they’re our citizens.

People living beyond our borders since time of independence, they’re not our citizens. And people living in independent Myanmar since their independence, they’re their citizens. If someone is trying to deny history or geography, then it’s difficult. They have many ethnic minorities. If some country wants to delete one minority from their minorities list, that does not mean they become our citizens. Myanmar must create conducive environment within Rakhine state and Myanmar for these people to go back to their homeland.

Q: What can you tell us about the war criminals living in London?

A: Bangladesh has undertaken war crimes trials. It was started just after the war of liberation. But with the assassination of the Father of the Nation the whole process was stopped.

The military regime gave immu-

Dr. Dipu Moni being interviewed by Rani Singh

nity to war criminals, they were released and religious parties were allowed to enter politics…We need to put an end to the horrors of impunity. We need to give justice to the victims. We need to uphold rule of law. This was an election pledge which received overwhelming support. Two tribunals have been formed. There are many alleged war criminals within Bangladesh and some are residing in foreign countries. Some alleged criminals are also here in the UK. This is now totally up to the tribunals. Once they indict somebody, only then our government will undertake the process for their repatriation.

The war criminals have been living a free life for the last 40 years whereas their victims lost their lives so early and the families have been suffering for the past 20 years. The self-con-

fessed killers of our Father of the Nation and his family members have been convicted and some of them are also residing in foreign countries. Some of those foreign countries are now saying that we cannot repatriate them to Bangladesh because you have the death penalty. We don’t believe that those very developed countries have become safe havens for these worst kind of criminals. It’s very unfortunate to impose one’s morality on another. Our legal system is as good as any other common law system.

Q: Which countries are you referring to?

A: The US and Canada. The US didn’t raise the death penalty issue, it’s Canada that raised it. We are working with them to resolve this issue.

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

COMMENT

Battle of the middle class At last with the Tory conference completion, the party conference season is over this year. But this has not been a normal year.

Three weeks ago the Lib Dems met at Brighton.

The party traditionally respected for its campaigning as well as its value- based politics has perhaps done itself a great harm by joining coalition in May 2010.

The Conservatives needed Lib Dem support to form the government in 2010. Nick Clegg and his colleagues had to swallow so many bitter pills like the student fees, House of Lords reforms, welfare budget etc.

The Lib Dem as a party has surely gone much weaker than they were at the time of 2010 election.

At half way, prior to the next election, it is believed that the Lib Dems may not be able to retain its 57 members in the Parliament. 10 to 20 seats are probably going to be snatched from them by the Tories.

This indeed is a very difficult patch for the party. Of course, in Brighton they tried to justify their stand.

They claim that they joined in the national interest.

May be there was indeed a national interest but the perk of power and privileges was also an important factor as the Lib Dems did not have a seat in the Cabinet for the last 65 years.

As far as Labour Party is concerned, the speech by Ed Miliband was very well received. He is trying to position his party more or less in the middle where Tony Blair was able to place the New Labour in the early 90s. Without calling the Labour party as the 'New Labour', Mr Miliband has to walk very tightly between the traditional trade union support and win-

ning the hopes and confidence of the middle classes, who ultimately delivers the winning numbers.

This week we saw the end of Tory party conference in Birmingham. And in any government, half way bench mark normally brings more challenges than kudos. PM David Cameron is accused by prominent people within his party, including some of the most generous donors of the party, for deviating from the traditional agenda on economy, few aspects of foreign policy and on welfare budget. The growing stress and strain of running a Coalition government makes PM Cameron’s job more difficult. But there is one additional development that will concern the PM more seriously. Mayor of London Boris Johnson who is able to play his cards very well and is bouncing with confidence after winning his re-election and the successful completion of Olympics and ParaOlympics.

Boris has taken a very correct step, for speaking on behalf of the Londoners, Coalition government and on Monday he spoke about the issues and problems often faced by the middle-class. Politics is very interesting; it is more interesting when the country is facing innumerable challenges and obstacles. One thing is for sure that in next two and half years, we are going to get enormous entertainment from these politicians. Whether they give us inspiration or confidence is another matter but as the Mayor of London positions himself as the champion of the ‘struggling middle class’ and declares that ‘they are not being helped,' one wonders what will be really offered to them.

Indian elections, a law unto themselves In a vast country like India with 28 states in the Union, there are elections here or there at every short intervals, though the state legislatures and the Parliamentary elections happen every 5 years (unless for any special reason). Last week Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath announced that their would be elections in Gujarat for two days- on December 13 and 17, and similarly in Himachal Pradesh on November 4 and both the results would be announced on December 20. Both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are ruled by BJP and their development policies are far beyond the average of the Congress - ruled states.

Of all the statutory bodies within the Indian constitution, the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and few others have been able to discharge their responsibilities in a non-controversial and efficient manner. It is also to the credit of Indians that such outfits have remained mostly corruption-free and respected as independent watch-dogs.

Before the polling, the preparation for elections take place which includes election campaigns.

Gujarat election, besides its size and population, are of great significance for the future government at the Centre where the election is scheduled to take place by 2014. Gujarat has been ruled by non-Congress parties since 1990. Since 1995 it is a BJP- ruled state.

The present Chief Minister Narendra Modi has completed 11 years, and the state has made enormous progress in all areas under his leadership.

Even the London edition of Economist has applauded his contributions and has commented that if Congress were pushed out, it might be replaced by a pro-growth figure from the national opposition, viz.

Gujarat’s strongman- 'the' Narendra Modi.

Mr Modi says he has a mission to serve his country. He is facing a very challenging time in this election. There is always an incumbency factor.

Also Modi is such a towering personality that either you love him or not, there is ‘no in betweens’.

People accuse him of not taking prompt steps in the aftermath of Godhra train burning carnage where 59 Hindus, especially women and children, were burnt to death. The riots, which followed, some 800 people died, 2/3rd of them were Muslims, as reported by PM Manmohan Singh. Most of the Hindus were shot dead by the police.

But at the same time one must know that various CMs and other prominent leaders of Congress, as well as other parties are accused of inefficiency and corruption. As a CM, no one has ever accused Modi for corruption. If there is a slightest hint of personal corruption, then there are enough enemies who will not miss a chance to pull Modi down. He is also facing stiff competition not only from Congress parties but also from BSP, NCP and other parties who are also rushing into having a presence in Gujarat Assembly. These parties may not have much support but they want to try and to make their presence felt.

Congress is also gearing up well as a party.

Besides this, within the BJP, there are so many dissatisfied elements who have come out openly against Modi and are doing everything for the defeat of Modi in the elections. For all this reasons, a state like Gujarat with 5% of India’s geographical area and 6% of population, the result will be of greater significance. Pre-election campaigns have already been started by all major players and naturally like anywhere, it is free for all for accusations, claims and counter claims.

Immigration- a readily available football The word immigration always crops up, during, before and after each Tory party conference or when the economy is in a difficult state. It is a very popular subject for winning votes. If you look at the general elections over last three decades, perhaps that may not be so clear, the British voters have shown their maturity, a sense of fair play and tolerance, by rejecting right wing party politics not only of the National front but even the Conservatives.

A recent announcement by William Hague says ‘Capping immigration and welfare benefits is not extreme. It is where most people are.’

There is another proposal by Home Secretary Theresa May, who has suggested that the government would like to restrict even the EU immigrants.

That may not be possible given that the open borders are a part of Maastricht and other treaties. She has also added that people from anywhere in the world can come and settle in the UK with the threshold of 1 million pound. They can acquire the right of residentship.

In the last twelve months, according to Home

Office, 400 people applied to use the investment visa scheme compared 331 in 2011 and 200 in 2009. These are rich immigrants like Russians and Chinese, and invariably people from Middle East and India also.

There is a demand to raise this threshold to five million to ten millions. But the sheer logic that rich can buy the British citizenship or residency is also worrying many British. Everybody is equal but some are more equal than others. Yes, these new Britons may create enterprises to employ more people, that is possible. But no study has been made, of the contribution of 1000 millionaires in last three years.

Another area of concern is that there is no guarantee that all these rich people, who are willing to invest a million pound to settle in Britain have not hobnobbed with money laundering or in drug trade or frauds. Everyone knows that huge amount of money is floating all around the world from antisocial, illegal activities. In the past, Britain sent criminals to Australia. Are we likely to get criminals from back-door through such an immigration policy, it's time to ponder.

www.abplgroup.com

Thought for the Week

Those who have one foot in the canoe and one foot in the boat are going to fall in the river - Native American proverb

“Our London” Navin Shah

GLA Member for Brent and Harrow

BHOPAL CAMPAIGN Visit by the Survivors After a longish summer break, I’m glad to be back with you to continue our dialogue. The highlight of my holiday was a visit to Bhopal and participating in a Torch Light Demonstration with the survivors, victims and campaigners seeking

invite them last week to Harrow and also meet them at the London Assembly.

I met Namdevji in Bhopal last month and was impressed with his work, dedication and strong views on the matter. Balkrishna Namdev is a Bhopal gas survivor

Safreen Khan and Balkrishna Namdev with Cllr Navin Shah, AM

justice on the very day of the opening of the Paralympic Games in London. The contrast between the celebrations in London and the suffering of the disable children in the front of the demonstration in Bhopal was stark and said a lot about the injustice faced by the Bhopali victims. It was humbling for Rekha and I to meet the local campaigners and visit the ‘Sambhavana’ and the ‘Chingari Trust’ – the two leading organisations providing amazing daily service to the victims of the chemical disaster. And even after nearly 30 years of the disaster they remain resolute.

Two Bhopali survivors/campaigners Balkrishna Namdev and Safreen Khan were invited to Scotland and it was my pleasure to

and leader of the Gas Affected Destitute Pensioners’ Front which campaigns on behalf of the most vulnerable of gas affected Bhopalis.

He is a member of the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal.

Safreen Khan, 19 year old daughter of gas exposed parents, has grown up in a community contaminated by the Union Carbide factory and forced to drink a water supply heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals dumped while the factory was in production. She is a founder member of Children Against DowCarbide, which was formed in 2008 by young generation survivors to sustain the campaign against Dow and the ongoing disaster.

Continued on page 7

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LEICESTER AND MIDLANDS VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Boy, 12, killed by hit-and-run in Bradford A 12 year boy has been knocked down and killed by a hit-and-run driver who was fleeing police at high speed. Bilal Khizar was on his way home from a birthday party when he was mown down on a pedestrian crossing in Bradford, West Yorks, moments after the car had been pulled in by officers for a check.

Friends of the schoolboy disclosed how shortly before the tragedy he had been discussing death, and told friends that he wanted to have a “yellow and happy� funeral. His family spoke of their devastation at the loss of the “happy and chirpy� boy.

The police watchdog,

Bilal Khizar

the Independent Police Complaints Commission, is investigating whether the actions of police in the pursuit contributed to the boy’s death.

Meanwhile two people were being held in custody in connection with the inquiry.

The tragedy unfolded at around 7pm on Saturday evening when a marked patrol car travelling on a busy dual carriageway through the city signalled to the driver read Seat Ibiza to pull into a lay-by for an inspection.

It is understood the car initially pulled in as requested but as officers walked up to speak to the driver, the car sped off.

The police jumped back into heir car and began a pursuit along the busy Rooley Lane dual carriageway.

Bilal, pictured, who had been playing with friends, was attempting

Brothers jailed for exploiting young girls

Mubarek Ali

Ahdel Ali

Two brothers who treated young white girls as “sexual commodities� to be bought and sold as they pleased were given long jail sentences by a judge who said they set out to “use and abuse� vulnerable children.

Ahdel and Mubarek Ali targeted, groomed and then pimped their victims to immigrant workers, who queued to have sex with under-age girls in the back rooms of restaurants and takeaway food outlets.

Troubled children seeking affection and excitement in Telford, Shropshire, were lured into a world of alcohol, cigarettes, car rides and cannabis. Each girl was treated with brute contempt.

After a seven-week trial, the brothers were found guilty of numerous offences against four girls aged from 13 to 17, including rape, sexual

activity with a child, inciting and controlling child prostitution and trafficking children for sexual exploitation.

Ahdel Ali was convicted of rape, 11 counts of sexual activity with a child, three charges of controlling child prostitution and one count each of inciting child prostitution, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and meeting a child after sexual grooming. He was jailed for 18 years.

His brother, 29, was found guilty of four counts of controlling child prostitution, two of trafficking a child within the UK for sexual exploitation and one of causing child prostitution. He received a 14year sentence.

Each was made the subject of a lifelong sexual offences prevention order.

They will also serve an extended period of eight years on licence after their release from prison.

to cross the road at a set of lights next to a supermarket when he was hit by the car.

It is understood that although police are thought to have been travelling at speed they had not caught up with the red car by the time it hit Bilal. They continued past the scene of the killing, losing sight of the car intermittently as it made its way through the traffic.

As it sped away, it struck two other cars on the M606 motorway, eventually losing the pursuing police. They later traced it to the Wyke area and two people were arrested.

Leicester leads the way in most comprehensive ever hate-crime study Britain’s most comprehensive study of hate crime is being launched this month in Leicester by a specialist research team at the University of Leicester.

Criminologists from the University are starting a major two-year project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, examining the experiences of those who are victimised because of their identity, vulnerability or perceived 'difference' in the eyes of the perpetrator.

Dr Neil Chakraborti, pictured, and Jon Garland from the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester said the research will broaden the scope of all previous studies of hate crime.

Dr Chakraborti, Principal Investigator, said: “We will be working with the widest range of victims ever covered in a single hate crime study. As well as investigating the experiences of the more ‘recognised’ hate crime victim communities, including those who experience racist, religiously motivated, homophobic, disablist and transphobic victimisation, we also want to hear from anyone who feels they have been a victim of hate

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Subsidised jabs for Hajj pilgrims A city pharmacist has joined a scheme to give pilgrims travelling to Mecca subsidised meningitis jabs.

Everyone going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages has to have the injection and a certificate to prove it has been given at least 10 days before arriving and within the past three years.

Hundreds of people from Leicestershire make the pilgrimages each year.

Altaf Vaiya, pictured,

who runs the Alpharm chemist in Belgrave, is offering jabs for £30 – less than half the price charged by some GP surgeries – because they are subsided by the Muslim Council of Britain.

Be Your Own Boss winner gets Sir Richard Branson's backing

crime including people whose victimisation often slips under the radar. That will entail us working with a very broad range of groups such as the homeless, refugees, asylum seekers, Gypsies and Travellers, those with mental health problems, and those belonging to alternative subcultures, amongst many others. As one of the most diverse cities in the UK, Leicester offers the ideal site in which to conduct the proposed study. The research will be undertaken via an extensive online and written survey of the wide range of victim communities mentioned above, and this will be complemented by hundreds of indepth interviews with victims. The findings will be summarised in a series of reports and academic journal articles as the project progresses.

An entrepreneur has won a ÂŁ65,000 investment in his idea to revolutionise bottle time for babies after a star turn on TV's latest reality business show.

Ash Reza, pictured, from Loughborough, emerged triumphant from episode four of BBC Three's Be Your Own Boss. The 25-year-old was up against 500 rivals in presenter Richard Reed's search for the next generation of British entrepreneurs. Eighteen made the TV series, with Ash one of six to receive a life-changing investment.

His concept is Myyfeed, an all-in-one

baby bottle mixing formula feed for parents on the move, without the need for a separate flask of hot water, milk powder tub and feeding bottle. The idea came to him last year when his sister Sami became a mum. Ash also made a successful pitch to baby accessory company Mamas & Papas, making him the favourite to win Richard Reed's backing.

Ash, who has now given up his job as a quantity surveyor to concentrate on developing Myyfeed and who, on the back of the programme has orders from John Lewis and Boots.

Hundreds turn out for enchanting Indian musical Ladies from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu temple) in Hall Green wowed an audience of 750 women with a spectacular musical production titled Haridarshan, treating them to an enthralling fusion of classical Indian and folk dance.

The show, which was for women only, took place on Sunday, 7 October 2012 at 5.30pm at the Piccadilly Banqueting Suite in Sparkhill, Birmingham. The production saw a cast of 60 women between the ages of three and 65 come together

to deliver a colourful enactment that took the audience on a journey through time.

The cast portrayed famous female exemplars from Hinduism’s rich history, women such as Draupadi and Shabri who have promoted values, culture, and faith to inspire countless generations. It was a free show, and all available tickets were snapped up two weeks ahead of the event.

Chandni Parikh, one of the organisers of the event, said: “We’ve been preparing for months and I’m just delighted that everyone has

enjoyed it so much. “Not only was it wonderfully entertaining to watch, but it had a great impact, with powerful messages of faith and love throughout. And the cast had a great time working on the production, which was evident to all who came to watch. “It was a really enjoyable evening for all. And it was also lovely to see people of all ages mix together. It just goes to show, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you can still perform and have fun.�

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

“It is full of insinuations and half truths” - Shany Gupta on The Sunday Times article A recent story in The Sunday Times (7 October 2012) have raised questions regarding the life and livelihood of a Sikh entrepreneur in London who has built up a legal empire from scratch. It has also questioned the clients it has represented and the legal aid work it has done for the community, including the amounts of money that has been involved.

In the article 'legal aid king' lives high life on £50m tax payer', while it said that there is no suggestion that Gupta has done anything wrong. But Duncan Lewis has represented a string of controversial clients- which is the main issue.

While the mainstream media has always looked at the success of a non-native with suspicion, Asian Voice spoke to Mr Shany Gupta, CEO, Harrow Office, Duncan Lewis, regarding the allegations against him and his opinion on the issues raised through the article viz. the firm's clients, legal aid and his personal fortune.

He told the Asian Voice, “I am shocked and saddened by the article – it is totally unworthy of the Sunday Times. It expresses views in a manner more appropriate for a gossip rag than the foremost newspaper of our country. I cannot understand how the article was allowed to be printed. It is full of insinuations and half truths and is entirely slanted to a personal attack on myself and I am represented as someone who

is living off the legal aid system in a manner that is reprehensible – this is totally untrue. Most of the statements are incorrect and reality has been blurred deliberately in an effort to create an impression that the writer has managed to achieve a resounding exposure and revelation through his research, when in fact Duncan Lewis is a company and its entire accounts and affairs are a matter of public record – no exposure required – the information is there for all to see.”

Speaking on the legal aid and the controversy the Sunday paper has mentioned, Mr Gupta, pictured, said, “Legal aid represents to the entire world the amazing quality of British Justice which is available to everyone regardless of race, religion or status.

Duncan Lewis operate within a very controlled environment

which is overseen by the Legal Services Commission who carry out audits on a regular basis and, believe me, they are very particular about costs and standards applicable in all legal aid matters.

Their tests are stringent and fair and we comply with these standards at all times.”

When asked about his personal 'wealth' that has been questioned, Mr Gupta said, “This is a matter of open public record and this will show that the only time I have taken any dividend from the company was in 2007 and further that I have repaid all loans made to me by the company. All profits are ploughed back into the business which operates on banking facilities upon which, of course, we have to pay interest. The Legal Services Commission are our major client and the system of legal aid is such that we carry virtually one years work in progress.

I do not know of any other business which could survive on that basis and the only reason we do survive is that we have a very highly motivated and committed group of lawyers who actually do believe in legal aid and access to justice for all and who put in long hours for very little return.”

Talking about the clients that he represents, Mr Gupta said, “I would estimate that we deal with over 20,000 new clients each year – they are not “controversial”.

Anyone with any respect of our judicial system and our judges

would know that they do not entertain baseless appeals or cases without merit – to say this is to insult our learned judges.

We do not consider that we represent just clients – we represent the issue of law that needs to be adjudicated on and which that particular client embodies. If we did not do our utmost for each client then we would be failing in our duties and the judicial system would, quite rightly, punish us for such failure. It really is too easy to just knock the legal aid system as expensive and misused – this simply is not true and I can assure you that the Legal Services Commission are very vigilant.”

Before Mr Gupta signed off, in conclusion he added, “There are many points to make on the serious question of how we can improve the legal aid system, how we can actually provide justice for all and in the greater picture of these the issue of Duncan Lewis and myself are not important.

What we need is a serious and considered debate on the system which incorporates the view point of legal aid firms, how legal aid is operated, why are there fewer and fewer firms willing to offer legal aid, are there actually areas of misuse of the legal aid system and how can we prevent them – these are the important questions and indeed they have been discussed many times and there are papers written on them.”

5

British police arrests suspects in Kuldeep Singh Brar assassination attempt The British police have arrested 15 people suspected to be directly or indirectly involved in the assassination attempt on Lt Gen (retd) Kuldeep Singh Brar who had led the Indian security forces into the Golden Temple in 1984 to flush out pro-Khalistan militants. Eight of the suspects were detained on Friday; four were picked on Thursday evening; and another three were arrested on suspicion of having facilitated the illegal entry of the conspirators into the UK. All are being questioned in police stations in London.

Barjinder Singh Sangha, 33 of Wolverhampton and Mandeep Singh Sandhu, 34 of Birmingham appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 8 Oct. charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm on Kuldip Singh Brar.

Meena Brar is charged with common assault. They were remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 7 Dec. for a Plea and Case Management Hearing. A 27-year-old man was arrested at a residential address in west London on Sunday 7 October on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. He has now been bailed to return in November pending further inquiries.

6

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

UK Doctors setting up camp in Sierra Leone

By Spriha Srivastava

Rani Singh

Pratham hosts gala night Pratham UK, a charity for children in India hosted its annual gala night called “ARTiculate Gala” at Guildhall, London on Friday evening. The year’s event featured Bollywood superstar Kajol, Pratham's Ambassador for 2012 as the guest of honour and Dr. Ramchandra Guha as the keynote speaker. The show was hosted by actress and compere Shivani Wazir Pasrich and the evening was filled with entertainment but for a cause.

Before moving ahead, let us know a little bit about Pratham. What do they do? Pratham was seeded in Mumbai by UNICEF and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai in 1994 with a mission to ensure "every child in school and learning well". The organisation was formed as a tripartite partnership between the government, the corporate sector and citizens. Today the mission has expanded to 21 of India’s 28 states and is the largest non-governmental children's charity working to provide quality education to underprivileged children in rural and urban India.

Pratham's flagship program, Read India, aims to improve the reading and basic arithmetic skills of the children in the age group of 6-14 years in rural India. At its peak, in 2008-09, the campaign reached 33 million children across 19 states. It covered 305,000 out of the 600,000 villages of India and mobilized 450,000 volunteers.

Over 600,000 teachers/ officials/ government workers have been trained in accelerated learning methodologies.

Where the government and Pratham have come together, we have seen the learning levels of all children in the state jump at least 20 percentage points. 24 states have taken up learning improvement programs.

Read India was a response to the shocking results of the first Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), which showed that 50% of India’s school going children could not read. ASER is a survey of learning levels on the 6-14 age group, facilitated by

Asian dance into unconventional spaces in the UK, re-defining the parameters of the artform itself.

Followed by the dance was a Sabyasachi fashion show exhibiting a fusion of India with the west. Sabyasachi Mukjerjee is a famous Indian fashion designer since 1999. He has designed for a number of bollywood films and has received a number of awards.

Thereafter a short film on Pratham’s work and Kajol’s involvement was shown. Kajol spoke Moksh performed by the Akademi about the need to dance company - Pratham UK gala reach out to the 2012 held at the London Guildhall underprivileged and stated that she witnessed a “fierce hope” in arithmetic. them to do well, have a In 2009, Pratham good life, study and received the CNN IBN things that we take for Indian of the Year in the granted.

She urged Public Service category everyone to donate genand was designated as a erously for the cause. "must buy" by the Abdul And donations Jameel Poverty Action indeed were generous. A Lab, MIT. Pratham is number of auctions were also the recipient of the done, for instance a Henry Kravis award for famous painting by M.F Leadership for 2010 and Hussain was auctioned most recently the EMPIfor £95,000, a date with a India Express Gold bollywood superstar was award for Innovation for auctioned for £4,000 and Read India.

2 Sabyasachi sarees were auctioned for £8,000 among others. A number of guests pledged £1000, £5000 and £10,000 for sponsoring education, opening schools for children and so on.

The final speech was made by the kenote speaker Dr. Ramchandra Guha. Dr. Guha is an Indian historian with interests in environmental, social, political and cricket history. He is extremely Kajol, Brand ambassador for well known for his book Pratham 2012 and director Gurinder Chaddha India after Gandhi, published in 2007. Dr. Guha spoke about India being The Gala night hosta fascinating country and ed by Vinati Sukhdev, world’s largest democraExecutive Director of cy. He supported the Pratham UK, and Roy Martins, the Chairman of cause of Pratham and urged everyone to supPratham UK had a numport. ber of events apart from The evening was fundraising, although filled with entertainment auctions for charity was and showbiz but as the the main highlight of the organisers said, it was all evening. for a cause back home.

The evening started One can only hope that with “Moksh” a dance this brings happiness in performed by Akademi the lives of those many dance company. children who have hope Akademi is a dance in their hearts that somegroup based in London day things will get better. that has taken South Pratham, and conducted by 32,000 volunteers sampling 704,000 children. As many as 13 states are using ASER like tools to measure the progress in reading and

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

The tropical theme of the sophisticated Archer Street Bar in Soho, central London was a fitting setting for a gathering of medical practitioners who are setting off for Sierra Leone.

The glamour quotient came from two committed supporters; international stars DJ Lora and former West Indies bowler Devon Malcolm.

Guests were there at the invitation of Naynesh Desai of DDO Solicitors, who hosted the evening.

Enjoying the sky-blue cocktails were doctors, pharmacists and volunteers, including a work experience student. The organising charity that Naynesh is supporting is the Friends of UK, led by Dr Sandhia Naik, a consultant in paediatric gastroenterology. Trustees there told Asian Voice how they support with drugs and cash.

Friends of UK was established in 2008 and its aim is to provide free health and social care in developing countries. So far, Sandhia has organised three successful camps in Malawi and this year chose Sierra Leone since the civil war destroyed most of the infrastructure there.

In Sierra Leone, there is an acute medical shortage in women's health and child care, for the country has one of the highest mortality rates for under fives. Sandhia added that there is a high mortality rate across the board, compounded by a high morbidity (complications) rate too.

The 22 team members will be paying for their own travel and flights (which are costing just under a thousand pounds each), accommodation and expenses. Any donations will pay for medicines, medical equipment and local help like interpreters where needed.

Among the team are surgeons; an obstetrician, an ear nose and throat specialist, and non-medical volunteers. Sandhia expects that 5,000 people will be seen over the five days of the medical camp.

Friends of UK was invited by a Sierra Leone non-governmental organisation called the Centre for Economic, Social and Political Analysis, that

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DJ Lora and Dr Sandhia Naik with Devon Malcolm

aims to empower local people. Friends of UK works with local nurses, officers and medical students to provide teaching and training. Sandhia told the Asian Voice, “In a previous camp our obstetrician did some teaching which led directly to a reduction in complications after hysterectomies.”

And after an opthalmist restored the sight of an old man, the latter emotionally told the doctor, “Bless you! I have now seen my wife for the first time in 30 years.”

Naynesh Desai introduced Sandhia, DJ Lora and Devon Malcolm. DJ Lora, who is the most high profile supporter of Sandhia's London Hospital, actively raises money for children there.

Lora spoke of the “unbelievable work” that Sandhia is doing and presented her with a cheque for £3,600 that Lora had raised from “family, friends and DJ lessons.”

Lora told the Asian Voice that she loves doing everything she can anything to help the underprivileged, in particular children, and African causes have a special home resonance for her as she comes from Durban,

South Africa. Lora will be playing for the 2012 IPL cricket 14-24 October.

In the Archer St Bar, she professionally conducted the bidding for a unique gift donated by former international player Devon Malcolm.

Devon's contribution is an invitation to a special dinner concert at the Grosveanor House Hotel; and a chance to sit with Devon at his table and dine with him. That evening, legendary musical giant Van Morrison will be playing so the lucky bidder will get a chance to see the musician in an intimate setting. Lora soon got the bidding up to £1,000 for the prize.

Sandhi told us that when the camp closes after five days she finds it heartbreaking that inevitably, the queue of those needing treatment is still there. What she has noticed is that those in line have a stoic and philosophical attitude.

They calmly accept the fact that there are no more camp facilities for them and smile, not making a fuss.

The plight of those that the charity helps may be bad, but they accept their sometimes terrible fate with grace.

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Moneygram help to take Cricket one step further Kruti Patel Moneygram, a global money transferring company in partnership with the legendary batsman Alec Stewart, are offering a chance to win a coaching session/tournament at the iconic Oval cricket test grounds. A competition which only can be entered through a school is open to boys between the ages of 13 to 18.

Entering the competition is a free and simple online process, whereby applicants (only a school adminstrator or a teacher) will be required to include a 100 – 500 word essay on why their school should be chosen.

The competition closes on the 17th October and the four chosen schools will be visited by Alec Stewart on the 5th of November. This will be followed by a cricket coaching session with Alec Stewart at the Oval

cricket ground. Further information regarding entries is available on Moneygram's official website.

age young boys to be active. In an interview, Alec Stewart mentioned: “Moneygram have been fantastic. They are now going back to the c o m m u n i t y. ” There are many companies that want to get their brand out there, but it seems like Moneygram want to give back. “The schools have a responsibility to give pupils an opportunity to do something that perhaps they wouldn't normally get, especially on the back of the Olympics everyone is talking about the legacy... can we get the youth of today exercising and training?”, added Alec Stewart.

Richard Levy with Alec Stewart The interest in cricket transcends social barriers and reaches The primary objective to many types of commuof such a competiton is to nities living in the UK and enable schools to introeven abroad. Perhaps this duce or explore cricket as is why a competition such a sport, as well as encour-

Community questions Government's plan .......

Continued from page 1 scheme to gain permanent resident status, arguing that the authorities should consider raising the amount of money needed to gain residency.

As the Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa categories have undergone radical changes over the last 2 years, with closure of other categories, including post work study, the most recent figures from the Home Office show that more than 400 people applied to use the investor visa scheme in the 12 months to the end of

June. This compares with a total of 331 people in 2011 and fewer than 200 in 2009.

Mark Pihlens, chief executive of Invest UK, which advises wealthy foreigners on investing in Britain, said political instability in the Middle East as well as China and Russia had driven the spike.

While political unrest grows in India, of course one may expect Indians with spending capacities to settle in Britain through investor visas. However what brings concern is the

kind of money that would enable foreigners in buying of such rights, that may include wealth acquired through criminal activities.

Giving such rights to law breakers to settle in Britain may harm the peace and harmony, especially the civility and class equality that has taken years to build.

Such affluence may be a boost for the sinking economy, but communities are now showing signs of concerns as this proposal is shaping up to be a reality.

BHOPAL CAMPAIGN Visit by the Survivors Continued from page 3 Namdevji and Safreen attended and addressed a meeting of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation in Harrow. Needless to say that amongst the gathering of 600 Indian community they felt at home.

Addressing the audience Namdevji gave a strong account of injustice in Bhopal. Namdevji’s comments to a Scottish journalist sumps up his feelings on the Bhopal issue “Dow Chemicals are responsible for criminal acts and obviously should take on Union Carbide’s responsibilities.

They

Balkrishna Namdev and Safreen Khan with Cllr Navin Shah, AM

must clean up the waste which is left and contaminated drinking water. The international community should boycott and blacklist Dow until they take full responsibility. They should not have been part of London’s Olympics and should be chucked out of all future games. Scotland can take a stand and keep them out of the Commonwealth games altogether” Whilst our campaign against Dow Chemicals had only a limited success - the campaign for justice in Bhopal is far from finished. Watch this space!

as this is open to all secondary schools whether it is a small “secondary school located in a deprived area” to the “biggest and most expensive school in the country”.

When asked about why he was working with Moneygram, Alec Stewart responsded saying that he was requested to host a moneygram day at the Oval, after the World Cup in India about 18 months ago, where he got to know Richard Levy the marketing director and Sapna Khunkhun, the marketing executive of Moneygram.

'I understood what moneygram are doing within Cricket, which obviously is a passion of mine”, he went on to say. When Alec Stewart was asked to contribute to the competiton, he was keen to get involved, knowing how it could benefit the youth.

7

Announcement A delegation of 15 people were supposed to visit England from Government of Gujarat on Monday 15 October.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar were hosting a reception for them in Central London.

The delegates were supposed to make a presentation on the forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat 2013.

Vibrant Gujarat held every year in January, has played a very pivotal role in the rapid development of Gujarat and its popularity worldwide.

Due to the election dates announced by the Election Commission in Gujarat recently, the delegation has been now postponed till further notice.

Richard Levy, in the interview also elaborated on Moneygram's plans for 2013. “Next year's even more exciting because we have the champion's trophy in the UK”, he said.

Their plans to extend their ideas are based on the active response they have received from schools in areas such as Harrow, Slough, Uxbridge and Wembley. Although they can only go to four

schools this year, other schools should not be “put off entry”.

Richard Levy goes on to say that Moneygram hope to organise something bigger and even better next year, where they can visit more schools.

They would also like to provide access to tickets for the cricket, which they can provide a lot of schools a chance to “watch the heros”.

8

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Miss India UK winners get crowned at a gala event in East London Friday 28th September 2012 saw a glamorous evening with Miss India UK London (North, East, South, West London & Essex/Kent) hosted at the prestigious, The City Pavilion in East London.

The evening sponsored by 02 International Sim was presented by Eastern Illusion and Shiv Star where 5 regional winners were crowned.

The evening was just not another beauty contest but an evening of glamour and grace, with a range of performances on stage by Avina Shah who opened the evening with a beautiful rendition of the Indian National Anthem later followed by her single, Dil Deewana, Abbas Hasan and Navin Kundra in a showstopping finale with all the girls taking the catwalk to Navin’s new release ‘Shudaayi’.

Judges included current Miss India UK 2012 winner and as seen on Big Brother, Deana Uppal, Lubna Rafiq CEO & Official Hair & Makeup sponsor, Shashi Gossain CEO & Founder of Pharmaclinix Ltd, Asad Shan British Model, TV Presenter and Film Maker and Omar Khan TV Presenter and Actor featured in Bollywood films - who all judged the contestants on the catwalk ramp, talent and Q&A rounds.

Guests saw an amazing catwalk choreographed by Eastern Illusion, Sheerali Davda with the regional contestant’s modelling breath-taking designs by Yuvna Kim London, Imani, Seema Sarees and Fusion.

The stunning contestants were styled with vibrant Makeup by UK’s leading award winning make-up artist Lubna Rafiq and dazzling jew-

MIUK London Winners - Nimisha Mehta, Henika Patel, Anu Sihota, Puja Goyal and Nargis Javany

elry by Bellezza.

London Director’s Rupesh Patel (Eastern Illusion) and Shiv Sanghani (Shiv Star) and their team of highly effective and passionate individuals all came together through a shared vision to offer diversity, multiculturalism, years of event management experience and multi-disciplinary skills to help make Miss India UK London (North, East, South, West London & Essex/Kent) a huge success and setting standards to enhance the brand.

Miss India UK London will receive extensively media attention all over the world as B4U will be broadcasting the event internationally with the celebrity judging panel attracting worldwide attention.

Miss India UK London catchment (North, East, South, and West London & Essex/Kent) has seen a wide range of applications from across the regions ageing from 17 to 27 year old and being a major success with support and backing from various institutes and organisations.

Miss India UK London winners are: North London – Nimisha Mehta - Actress East London – Henika Patel - Student South London – Nargis Javany - Model West London – Anu Sihota – Singer & Beautician Essex & Kent – Puja Goyal – Student

Shree Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple celebrates the success of their planning permission to extend the temple

Shree Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple was proud to present the official celebration on Sunday 7 October to unveil the planning permission in order to extend the temple and make it a nationally and internationally renowned place of Hindu worship. It was a nice dry day and the temple was prepared to welcome visitors from all faiths and community. A Marquee was raised and decorations were put up. Small Diyas were lit outside and tea lights were lit next to the Ganeshji Murtis in the courtyard.

The official celebration was joined by many honourable guests, families,

to explain the vision and plans going forward.

The diverse nature of support shown was apparent with a guest appearance from the Chelsea Pensioners Club, Officer Fred Abraham arriving in the traditional Scarlett attire, who savoured the whole occasion and spoke highly of the project.

Immense support was shown by members of the press and media including Ravi Sharma- Sunrise Radio, Alkaben ShahAdvertising Manager, ABPL and Alan HayesTrinity Mirror.

Guests included Sudershan Bhatia, President of Vishwa Hindu Mandir, Prem

devotees and members of the community including the MP for Ealing and Southall Virendra Sharma, Mr Gurmeet Bhuller, Trustee of Hayes Gurudwara and Community Leader, Mr Onkar Sahota, Councillor Kuldeep Lakumana, Councillor Bhagwanji Chohan and Conservative Councillor Neil Fyfe of Charville Ward, architects, Amrish Patel from ARP Architects and Harshad Patel from P A Architects

Sondhi from the Laxmi Narayan Temple Hounslow, Mr. & Mrs Dr Bhal both of whom are Trustees and Chairman from Arya Samaj Temple in London, Sanjay Jagatiya with Saint Shri Brijnath Goswami from Vrandawan and Sant Mathurdas Bapu Kathakar from Bhavnagar India.

There were numerous festivities and celebrations, including a traditional Indian dance performed by the very talented Priya Pawar, choreographed Anushka’s dance, trained at the Pushplata Dancer Academy in the Vishwa Hindu Mandir.

The members and guests were happy to hear the pledges of support from the community and religious leaders, with members of the press there to echo the sentiments of occasion. The day ended with a traditional Arti and a spread feast for all to enjoy.

London enjoys Malaysia Night at Trafalgar Square The Malaysia night, a free event showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of Malaysia, was launched at Trafalgar Square on Friday 5 October 2012.

Rovin George, Business Development Manager, Asian Voice and Rupanjana Dutta, Associate Editor, Asian Voice with designer Jimmy Choo (centre)

Alongside gastronomic delights cooked-up by 20 of London’s leading Malaysian restaurants, displays of traditional arts, crafts and fashion was showcased for visitors to experience firsthand.

Inspite of the torrential rain that

Jimmy Choo, MP Kamall Syed, High Commissioner of Malaysia, Chairman/CEO ACA Mr Yawar Khan and others at the opening ceremony

flooded almost all of London and South, people were seen standing with brolly enjoying the fashion show, live music and dance showcased at the launch.

The event was also attended by celebrities like designer Jimmy Choo, MP Kamall Syed, High Commissioner of Malaysia, Chairman/CEO ACA Mr Yawar Khan and many others.

There was also an opportunity for two lucky visitors to win free flights with Malaysia Airlines to experience Malaysia and its delights for themselves.

The list of exhibitors included: MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), Malaysia Airlines, Tourism Malaysia and 20 of London’s top Malaysian restaurants.

UK Asian Women's Conference organise successful Raas-Garba luncheon Congratulation to the President and the Committee Members of the UK Asian Women’s Conference for organising the Raas-Garba Luncheon this year, which was a great success. This year’s turned out to be most spectacular. The event took place at the Lancfranc High School, Croydon on 22 September 2012 and was attended by over 400 women from all the corners of London. All past Presidents had attended and the function was start-

ed by “Lighting the Deep” and a short prayer.

The President, Jyotsnaben Patel and the committee members had put an extra effort to give it the Indian Cultural touch. There was a warm welcome to all Asian women, regardless of cast or religion. The colourful ambience was made even more successful by the Music Group who gave their best performance and the excellent vegetarian lunch that was served.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Leading Lights

The Rebirth of the Datsun Brand

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

Osman Ahmed, 27 Osman Ahmed is a talented editor and cameraman. He mainly works on independent documentaries and has made films of his own. He is often invited to work with corporates as well. He took his first degree, a BA in Film and Television, at Brunel University, and followed it with a Masters in Documentary. His film industry internship was with Tallboy Communications. Osman tutors occasionally and is on LifeQuest, one of the programs offered by the Lighthouse Affluence Society. The Lighthouse Affluence Society is a non-profit community organisation dedicated to providing long-term, life, business and career support to: children, adults, single parents, families and businesses. It addresses the need for more cohesion in society and more education of essential life-skills; helping organisations to become more effective and developing people to lead happier, more fulfilled lives. It does this through personal Mentorship Coaching, peer support groups and regular events.

Q: Osman, what have you learnt from your upbringing?

A: The biggest thing I have learnt is to always have faith, no matter what life throws at you this I learnt from my mother. My mother suffered great abuse from my step father, yet never did she give up hope. Never did she stop believing that the darkness would pass. I was and am inspired by her attitude towards life and her dedication to keep believing, as well as her knowledge of the purpose behind the challenges: they are meant to happen, they are a calling for us to wake up!

Q: How did your upbringing bring you to where you are now?

A: I think the key has been the determination to live in the total opposite way to the abuse I experienced towards my mother and my family.

There was something inside me that always said, "This is teaching me to be someone of love, someone that will be positive, treat people with dignity and serve people."

I feel that through this I have truly attracted the people I have in my life today. I am now learning how to be a loving person to myself and others through the help of some inspiring people.

Q: What is your vision?

A: My vision is to build leaders of change, starting with me. There is so much darkness in this world, and we need peo-

Doctor follows Gandhi's footsteps A pioneering Indian-origin brain doctor, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, was set on a five-day hunger strike here to protest "unfair" treatment meted to him and his colleagues by the NHS. Dr Narinder Kapur, was sacked from a Cambridge hospital in 2010 for blowing the whistle over under qualified and unsupervised staff treating patients at the hospital - a practice he claimed was endangering patients. In July, a British employment tribunal ruled that the 62-year-old had been unfairly dismissed, but he was not reinstated, the Mail Online reported.

ple who are dedicated to shining the light to wake up. That includes me. We need people to truly believe that they can be something special; that they can make a difference. I wish to help people to dream and inspire them to chase that dream!

Q: How do you want to make a difference, Osman?

A: I feel making a difference starts at home.

For me, I wish to make a difference to my mum and my siblings. Right now I am passionate about learning to help single parents, because of how that connects to me and what I saw my mother go through. It would be such a beautiful thing

Believe that you are a powerful human being that is capable of achieving amazing things to see that happen!

Q: What one or two little things can we do to help ourselves?

A: What are you appreciating about yourself? We can really bring ourselves down by being hard on ourselves, so the key is to do something that will help you be thankful for yourself.

What really helps me, each morning, is to make a list of what I value most about myself. Even if we start with one thing at first, it will make a huge difference to the way we live our lives each day.

And then secondly, I would say to extend that

Osman Ahmed

appreciation to your close ones. What do you appreciate most about the people you love?

Maybe write a list of things you appreciate!

Really feeling that appreciation will enhance your relationships immensely!

Yet again, I would say start small and keep building on it.

Q: What is your message to Asian voice readers?

A: No matter where you are in your life, no matter what you may be going through, you can always make a difference, even if it’s small. Just remember it starts with you. The key is to believe that you are a powerful human being that is capable of achieving amazing things. We all have it in us to inspire ourselves and others and live extraordinary lives. Keep appreciating yourself and keep strong! Keep smiling, keep believing, keep persevering and stay patient. Even if one day you may feel low, keep coming back and keep valuing yourself! Bless you all. Contact us at society@lighthouseaffluence.com

Mo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com One of my fondest memories I have as a child was being picked up every Sunday afternoon by a friend of the family and his brother in their rather battered Datsun Cherry, and then driving over to the youth club at the Hare Krishna temple.

I would be given a privileged seat in the front and even though there were more holes on that car than a block of Swiss cheese, there was some rugged attraction I developed for it.

By the time I was old enough to drive,

Datsun’s were no longer seen anywhere. The brand ceased production in 1981 and was replaced by the name we are all familiar with, Nissan. It cost nearly $500 million dollars to wipe the Datsun brand name from the face of the earth, but after all that trouble it looks like we are in for a rebirth.

In a bid to enter markets like India, Indonesia and Russia, Nissan will resurrect the Datsun brand to offer a superbudget vehicle which would cost under £4,000.

But why go the trouble of bringing this brand back after spending so much to get rid of it?

The answer is twofold. The brand name still holds equity or value. The Datsun logo

Amir Khan knocks out thugs An armed gang of six had to flee empty handed after picking on boxers Amir and Haroon Khan and trying to steal Amir's Range Rover. A witness to the incident told The Sun newspaper: “One (of the

men) slapped Amir and clipped him on the lip but Amir pulled back and knocked him out cold.

“Then five of them went for Amir and Haroon but they stood their ground and these guys got

still means something to people, and for example for myself, it triggers a memory and it creates a certain emotion. So Nissan won’t need to go to the trouble of creating a new proposition in consumers mind from scratch. This will lessen the amount they need to invest in marketing and getting people familiar with the brand.

Secondly, it’s a great way to segment Nissan’s offering. They don’t want to cheapen the Nissan image by being seen as directly selling cheap cars. By introducing another identity, they are protecting the brand value and position that Nissan currently holds.

While simultaneous creating a new set of values a separate through brand, which will have a unique meaning and create distinction in potential consumers’ minds.

I am for one eager to see what the Datsun brand has to offer, expect the first delivery in the beginning of 2014. dropped one by one.”All the Khan brothers were doing was defending their property, the witness said.

Police confirmed they had been called out following reports of a fight but said nobody had come forward.

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NO T VA

9

D IWA LI F E STI VA L Free festival of lights at Trafalgar Square with music and dance, 2 to 7pm. Everyone’s invited.

Sunday 28 October ¡ london.gov.uk/diwali

YOUR VOICE

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Encroachment on rights of masses Inviting FDI is dark chapter in Indian history. Deregulation to attract foreign MNCs was correct in 1991. But falling for promises by foreign investors and practicing “borrow to spend” policy has caused retrogression to 1991. This is unforgivable sin. Western tycoons have subjugated India’s economy, with fullest cooperation of Indian politicians. History repeats itself a la Jaichanda and later, British East India Company, that enslaved India for 1000 years. FDI of 2012 is beginning of another era of enslavement.

Invitation to MNCs to invest is meant to reinforce the shaky existence of UPA and a desperate SOS to MNCs against no confidence threat by allies. It is not a reform, but a political move. Intrigue of foreign meddlers and pressure of G-8 and G-20 has resulted in the country being sold to MNCs. Instead of feeding the public, resources are wasted on space flights; on expensive uranium based nuke energy instead of cheap, coal and thorium; on importing utility items instead of promoting indigenous items; importing luxury goods; expecting MNCs to build food storage depots which India could have done; hide billions abroad and name nation as poor. In spite of having the resources, skills and manpower, is it not stupid to borrow from world banks?

It will covert constructive self employed sector into renter class employees of MNCs; shoddy goods from hostile countries will flood the market destroying grass root industry. MNCs will also take away political independence by remote controlled meddling.

Luckily, investment in pension and insurance is to be ratified in parliament.

But MNCs are waiting to reap 50% to 200% profit.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Islam in India It is outrageous on the part of Mr. Jhalla in his letter ‘anti Islam film by USA’ to state that India’s non Muslim religions survived for 1000s of years.

India is the birth place for Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. Before Muslim invasion, people in Afghanistan and the entire Indian sub continent, were Hindus or Buddhists. Islam is an imported religion in India from the Middle east and it was brought by the invaders who ruled India for more than 500 years before British took over India. During the Muslim rule Hindus became slaves and the rulers forced Hindus to become Muslims. In fact during Aurangzeb’s rule the Hindu population went down and he was responsible for executing Sikh spiritual leaders too.

In fifty years time Muslims may demand a greater Bangladesh comprising of Assam (present Muslim population 40 per cent) and West Bengal ( Muslim population 40 per cent) and some parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh bordering Bangladesh. Christians in North East comprising Nagaland, Mizoram,

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

E Day for Modi

India’s Failure to Click

Now that the election commissioner has announced the polling dates, 13th and 17th December 2012 and the result will be out a week later, the election campaign has started in earnest, with Sonia Gandhi launching her party’s campaign with a lacklustre speech from Rajkot.

Her attack on BJP and in particular Modi, a target of hate, jealousy and envy was a low key affair, attacking Modi on his government’s poor performance, akin to a seasoned criminal calling the policeman a thief!

At 2007 election, she called Modi “Maut Ka Saudagar” (merchant of death) which spectacularly back-fired, giving BJP a two third majority, boosting Modi’s hold on Gujarat. This time Sonia refrained from attacking Modi personally, instead choosing his record in office as the main target!

Gujarat is not only the best governed state in India but the second best in the world, after Singapore. So the reality rather than her tirade will shine and this will do Congress as much damage as her Maut Ka Saudagar speech.

The old, geriatric Kashubhai Patel has been marginalized, people see him as Congress stooge, his recently launched party allegedly being financed by Congress and some of his lieutenants, close allies are already deserting the sinking ship!

In recent polls at Taluka and Panchayat level, BJP trounced Congress capturing 60% of votes and 80% of seats.

Modi hopes to repeat this performance at the Assembly elections with the aspiration of capturing some 90% of the seats.

The performance of PM Manmohan Singh and the coalition government led

by Congress has been the worse since independence, with scandal after scandal emerging on a weekly basis. It would come as a surprise if BJP/Modi does not surpass their triumph at the 2007 elections that gave them two third majority.

India failed to reach the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 despite beating South Africa by one run in Colombo.

India 152-6 (20 overs) beat South Africa 151 (19.5 overs) by one run. It finished level on four points with Australia and Pakistan, but with the poorest run-rate.

Skipper Dhoni said after their exit that they failed to click as a team. This failure of India’s cricket team to advance to the semi-finals in cricket comes after India’s Olympic team’s failure to bag a single gold medal in the London Olympics.

Cricket is the only game at which India used to excel against others in the world. Indian cricketers, along with the film stars, enjoy the status of demi-gods with considerable fame and fortune bestowed upon them. Perhaps all the money and gifts the team members received after wining the world cup last year have made the players too complacent and lethargic to even run after the ball. Team India, you cannot rest on past laurels. Now that both India (our motherland) and England (our adoptive country) are out of the game, there is no incentive left to watch the final.

On a different note, Mr Jhalla’s response to my letter entitled “Doctors from India”, is informative and interesting. However, his choice of words eg “arrogant” leaves much to be desired.

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email Arunachal Pradesh and so on may demand separate independent state. The Muslim rulers in India destroyed Hindu temples and built mosques.

Islam is less than 1500 years old and Muslim rulers were ruthless when they occupied non Muslim countries and they believe in converting non-Muslims by force. It is still happening in Pakistan and in Afghanistan. Unlike Hinduism and Buddhism who believe in non-violence and do not believe in converting people from other religion, Islam believes in sword power. Mr Jhalla should read history before writing about the Muslim community.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Disclaimer Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL) is not in any way responsible for the goods and services rendered by its advertisers.

The ABPL management accepts all advertisements in good faith and it is entirely up to readers to verify advertisers’ products and services, should they feel the need to do so.

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

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

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

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

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

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

away five years from your life.

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

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

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Double standards

Jay Joshi Harrow

Uttambhai D Mistry Bolton

British government: Wrong Priorities

1 Year 2 Years

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

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

Diwali is a month away. The New Year is knocking at the door waiting to bring in colours and light to our lives with fervour of joy and ever lasting happiness.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as every year will be publishing the ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself. This year we are doing something special for our young readers.

If you are between 10-25 years of age, write an article in English on 'how you celebrate your Diwali every year' or 'your most memorable Diwali' in no more than 700 words and email to aveditorial@abplgroup.com with your full name, age and contact number.

Last day of entry is Sunday 14th October 2012.

- Asian Voice

Your front page article of 15 September- ‘British government: Wrong priorities’, I believe and there are thousands of other residents of the UK who would say that theses so called students who have come and are coming to the UK only apply to colleges and Universities for one purpose and that is to stay here on any excuses. They complete one course and apply for another, thus extending their stay.

How they pay for their studies? They work at shops in mostly immigrant areas like Harrow, Wembley and Southall where the money in hand is a common practice. 10-12 people live in a rented accommodation where out goings are shared. Their attendance at the colleges and Universities are very infrequent.

Most of the time they work long hours for which they may not have permission as laid down by the UK border agency.

Most of the people in power know how these students are not genuine but will not act as they fear back lash from the ethnic minority community.

Student visa system needs to be seriously looked and made harder. They must return once course finishes. I know there will be bricks thrown at me but someone has to stand up to illegal immigrants in the community. Let us work hard and make this country fair to legal, loyal and law abiding citizens a worthy living condition which are rapidly eroding and causing sufferings.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded ."

*

Dear Readers,

It is hardly surprising that in regard to the nine men who were jailed for running a child sex exploitation ring, Lord Nazir Ahmed who is a life peer of Pakistani origin, shielded his comments under the common term ‘Asians’ when he said that “he did not know the reason why Asian men were exploiting young girls” and that “obviously there are young boys who are brought up in this country. Maybe because they have broken families themselves.”

What a naïve excuse! Of course he knew that eight of the nine offenders were of Pakistani origin. And he also knew that they were not ‘young boys’.

They were men aged between 24 and 59 years! One of them was even a religious studies teacher at a local mosque. Three offenders were married with nine children between them. How would have those three fathers felt had their own children been sexually abused in the way the white children had been? The trial judge summed up their double standards very well when he said that they treated the girls as though “they were worthless and beyond respect” and that “they were not part of their community or religion.”

I am ashamed that the British peerage could include people who have little or no sentiment of Britishness. But I certainly applaud Mohammed Shafiq of the Ramadan Foundation when he courageously said: “Clearly, as members of the Pakistani community we’ve got to say to ourselves, yes, we’ve got a problem.

We’ve got a problem because these people think white girls are worthless, they think they can use these girls. This is not sex, this is rape, these were children and I think we’ve got to speak out against this very openly.”

Thank you Shafiq for speaking out!

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EDUCATION / COUNCIL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

11

Marriage no longer key goal for girls Fraudster may lose assets says court Girls are increasingly ambivalent about marriage while most boys see it as something to aspire to, suggests a poll for the Girl Guides. Some 46% of girls agree marriage is the best form of relationship against 56% of boys, according to the study. The Girls' Attitudes Survey polled 600 boys and 1,200 girls aged seven to 21.

Chief Guide Gill Slocombe said: "Girls still value family and marriage but, they clearly do not see this as the absolute definition of success."

The survey indicates

that in 2012 girls are more likely to define success as being confident and independent (56%) rather than being married (21%). The figures also suggest girls are generally positive about marriage but many are open minded about

whether it is the best or only option.

More than two thirds (69%) of the girls agreed that some types of families were treated less fairly, such as single parents and same-sex parents or parents who were not married.

GCSEs row: Legal action a step closer Legal action over this year's English GCSE grades has moved a step closer after a heads' union vowed not to let the matter rest.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) says England's exams regulator

and two exam boards failed to take responsibility for the affair Changes to grade boundaries part-way through the year meant pupils with the same mark got different grades.

Ofqual pledged to "rigorously defend" its deci-

sion not to order regrading.

It was responding to a pre-action letter from an alliance of schools, councils and teaching associations threatening a judicial review against Ofqual and exam boards Edexcel and AQA.

More parents contest primary places More parents of young children in England have challenged decisions not to give them their school of choice.

The number of appeals lodged against primary school allocations has risen for the fifth year running, amid a shortage of school places.

Appeals against state primary school admissions rose by about 11% to just

under 47,000 for 2010-11 up from just over 42,000 the previous year.

Appeals against secondary admissions excluding those to academies - fell.

Figures from the Department for Education show a fall in the number of appeals lodged against secondary school places, from just above 43,000 in 200910 to 36,565 last year.

Fraudsters who try to cheat the benefits system may not only have to pay back what they’ve stolen but could also have their assets seized. That’s the warning from Ealing Council as a £99,000 benefit cheat was sentenced last week.

A financial investigation has been launched into Ms Shamin Akhtar of St Dunstan’s Avenue, Acton who was found guilty of 11 counts of fraudulently claiming almost £100,000 in benefits from Ealing Council and lying on an application for a £30,000 home ownership grant.

Ms Akhtar was also given a 12 month sentence, suspended for 21 months at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday 28

September, 2012, and ordered to perform 100 hours of Community Payback.

Although Ms Akhtar has paid back almost all of the £99,561 she falsely claimed in housing and council tax benefits from 1999 to 2009, the court ordered a financial investigation with a view to confiscating assets gained as a result of her criminal behaviour.

Ms Akhtar claimed housing and council tax benefit without declaring that she jointly owned a house in Chaucer Road Acton. The court heard that Ms Akhtar and her estranged husband remortgaged this property while she claimed these benefits.

The offences came to

light after Ms Akhtar applied for a £30,000 Homebuyer’s grant in 2009 for council tenants to buy property on the open market. To be eligible applicants must not own any property. An eagleeyed housing officer visiting the council property where Ms Akhtar claimed to live believed the home was unoccupied and an investigation was launched.

Councillor Yvonne Johnson, cabinet member for finance and performance said: “Benefit fraud takes public money from those who need it most.

This woman was lucky to escape prison but this case is a warning to other benefit cheats that courts can hit them where it hurts – in the pocket.”

Number of Harrow young people in education, employment, or training best in country The number of young people in education, employment, or training in Harrow has reached a record high and is currently the top figure in England, a Government report reveals. The number of young people in education, employment, or training in Harrow has reached a record high and is currently the top figure in England, a Government report reveals.

A record 95.6 per cent of 16-17 year-olds in

Harrow are in education, training, or employment, latest figures published by the Department for Education show. The figure bucks the national trend which reveals 81.4 per cent of just over one million youngsters aged 16-17 in England are in full-time education, training, or employment. London has outperformed the rest of the country at 87.3 per cent with Harrow outperforming all London boroughs and counties.

Harrow also tops the national table in terms of young people who choose to remain in education with 91 per cent of 16year-olds continuing to study beyond the school leaving age. The national average is currently 85 per cent. The picture is even better for young people in Harrow aged 18 or over with 79 per cent choosing to remain within training or further education against a national backdrop of 64 per cent.

Living, dining, relaxing Swiss way The culture of Switzerland is characterised by diversity. We Asians often worry about availability of vegetarian food in anywhere we go. But not to worry when you are in the lovely Switzerland.

It has Europe's oldest vegetarian restaurant viz Hiltl, based in Zurich and at least 20 other vegetarian restaurants making Switzerland 'the' place for the vegetarians. If you fancy a little Indianised Chinese, you will be surprised what even a small take away shop has to offer.

Of course if you prefer a spa to a restaurant in order to relax, you will be excited to know that Switzerland has 60 official wellness hotels.

Vinaya Ganesan, Lawyer (visited with friends): Every time I am in Switzerland, it has an unmistakable effect on me- it is almost soul soothing. Of course, the first time it is more of sheer exhilaration. For, you have never been in such a striking setting. The imposing Alps, the pristine lakes, the cows and cowbell chimes, the Swiss villages oozing with charm- you are told to expect all of this, yet nothing prepares you for it.

So, whether it is Jungfrau, Grindelwald or Lake Geneva, take a moment to breathe in the view and the fresh air, you will know what I mean about soul soothing.

When you choose your accommodation, obviously there are typically Swiss hotels that are decorated with flowers and appear picturesque- to choose from. But

why don't you copy Heidi and sleep in the hayloft? There are 200 farms all over Switzerland that offer such unique experience and in the mornings- you will have breakfast too. You can book a farm holiday and be active or lazy or just enjoy.

Families, the elderly, children by themselves, groups- there is a farm holiday for all.

What do people have to say?

then you may not be one of those who want to stay in an expensive hotel. In that case don't worry. There are about 900 bed and breakfasts in Switzerland, ranging from luxury to simple, locations include castles, houses, chalets and farms. You can have a private accommodation or rent a holiday apartment and look after yourKruti Patel, Student (visited with parents): Our ride on the world's first revolving cable car on Mount Titlis was serene and peaceful.I can clearly remember the cows grazing in the valleys below and the sounds of the cowbells so potent that they echoed even through the windows of the cable car. The clarity of the lake seen from this view, with the cottage-like homes on the peaks of the mountains transcended all definitions of beauty, at that very moment.

self. If you are on a budget, there are some 56 Youth hostels that provide high quality accommodations.

For a really unusual Swiss experience, Aman Bhandari, Professional (visited with wife)- The main attraction in Switzerland is its natural beauty, the beauty of the Alps.

Although some of the historic cities and the lakes are beautiful but no other country can beat the Alps in the Switzerland.

Switzerland is also known for its milk products and watches. But I would hardly visit it for these products. It feels amazingly fresh walking through the open green (or white depending upon the time of year you visit Switzerland) spaces! In short anyone who loves nature would love Switzerland!

Tina Nayak, Professional (visited with f a m i l y ) : Switzerland to us was a land of d r e a m s .

Picturesque and perfect. We visited the Swiss the land of delicious cheese and chocolates and moving around was a pleasure. My husband was on an official trip and my two year old and I just couldn't let this chance go. Switzerland is such a tourist friendly land that we never felt like we are in a different continent or a different country. Just my passport, maps and the conveniently placed tourist centres were all that we needed.

My two year old and I took the rail and saw a lot of places, in fact more than what we saw as a family, after my husband's business trip was over. It's a perfect destination for families, especially for the wonderful cuisine with the rich ingredients. Some of my most memorable moments include a trip to The Lindt Factory, To Montreux watching the sun set! Simply marvellous. After you taste the yogurt in Switzerland none other ever taste as delicious.

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Scrutator’s The fractiousness of Indian politics appears to grow by the day. Political encounters in television studios usually end in unseemly brawls. Free-wheeling demagogues are in occupation of the public space, as public cynicism swells. The miracle is that amidst this brouhaha India functions as it does.

The inter-state dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over sharing the waters of the Cauvery River is a case in point.

That conflicting interests emerge in such situations is understandable, but their peaceful resolution is essential to good governance. The dispute was referred to the Supreme Court, which judged that Tamil Nadu was entitled to a greater share of the water and ordered Karnataka to release it from reservoirs located on its territory. To its credit, the state govern-

Agitation Bangalore-Mysore over Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu

ment’s complied with the order expeditiously. All hell broke loose as a result. Protesting farmers took the law into their own hands by blocking the movement of trains between Bangalore and Mysore, bringing normal life to a standstill. The agitation was fuelled by local politicians keen to squeeze blood out of a stone. The search for vote banks are reminiscent of the gold rush of an earlier era. The Centre’s attempt to get the States to agree to an overarching legal framework for resolving water disputes was rejected by State representatives as an infringement of State rights under the country’s federal system. They held out for an inter-State consultative process as the best solution to a difficult problem (Times of India October 1, Hindu September 30, October 4).

New states for old Another popular cause behind public disturbance is the demand for the bifurcation of certain states on the ground that their unwieldy size leads to disproportionate prosperity for certain areas over others. The groundswell of local support for a separate of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh has put the Congress-ruled UPA government at the Centre in a bind: whether to accede to Telangana statehood and gain the votes of its population and lose support elsewhere in Andhra Pradesh, or to sit tight and bide its time.

Short-term tactic The Hindu’s editorial (October 2) –“Paralysis is not an option” contained nuggets of wisdom well worth preserving for future reference. “Deferring a decision on a contentious issue can be a short-term tactic, but never a long-term strategy..….The Congress tactic [of wearing down the Telangana agitation] is, of course, engendered by the fear that any decision either for or against Telangana could setoff violent reactions……But inaction does not guarantee peace. Indeed, there is no alternative to dealing with the issue head-on…Both sides need to give up their maximum positions. For instance, questions relating to the bifurcation of Hyderabad – which is within the Telangana region but is a cos-

mopolitan city with links to the whole of undivided Andhra Pradesh must be handled sensitively…..Political exigencies and electoral compulsions should not be allowed to decide the future of Andhra Pradesh.”

Similar unrest in the hill region of West Bengal is approaching critical mass. The Nepali-speaking people want a separate Gorkha state, which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will have to deal with sooner rather than later.

Manageable entities Let it be said that smaller states are more manageable and, therefore, more productive economically. The bifurcation of the old Punjab into Haryana and Himachal Pradesh has brought a remarkable level of prosperity to each. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have seen a similar redrawing of their territories. The emergence of Jharkand, Uttarkand and Chattisgarh might also turn out to be a rewarding experience, although it is too early to pass judgment.

Khalistani shadow in UK The recent knife attack on Lt General Kuldip Singh Brar in London is a sombre reminder of the Khalistani presence in the UK. General Brar, himself a Sikh, led the Indian Army’s assault on the Golden Temple in Amritsar in June 1984, which

had been transformed into a terrorist redoubt. Khalistani terror networks operated from North America, the UK and Germany, not to speak of Pakistan.

The conspiracy to bomb and destroy an Air India plane off the Irish coast in June 1985, with the loss of 328 lives including passengers and crew, originated in Canada and the United States. None of the bombers have to date been brought to justice and it is doubtful if they ever will be. It is necessary to revisit these events to understand the implications of the attempted assassination of General Brar.

There has been a revival of Khalistani activity in the UK. Social and cultural celebrations relating to India are increasingly disrupted by Khalistani operatives pretending to be part of the guest audience. The role of the British police has usually been that of passive spectators.

General Brar’s security in India is being increased. While accepting that his life would always be under threat, he criticized the present Akali government in Punjab for mixing religion and politics, which, he said, brought with it the danger of a Khalistani revival in the state.

The monument to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his associates in the Golden Temple was a case

Lt General Kuldip Singh Brar

in point. However, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal insisted that peace prevailed in the state, and that there was no existential Khalistani threat General Brar was appreciative of the help rendered to him in the UK by the Indian High Commission and Scotland Yard; he referred also to Mr Parekh, the surgeon at the London hospital who treated his wounds.

Twelve people so far have been arrested in the UK, a sign of the seriousness with which this incident is viewed in official quarters (Times of India, Hindu October 1-4, 6)

India-UK economies a natural fit Addressing a meeting of the British Business group in Chennai, British High Commissioner Sir James Bevan struck a positive note on the future prospects of the Indo-UK economic relationship.

Sir James was keen to “nail a few myths: the Real India, beyond New Delhi”, he averred, continued “to grow at a rate of 10 per cent or more. There, almost everyone’s standard of living is rising. In the real India, a vast middle-class is growing up, generating more prosperity and helping to ensure lasting stability.”

British High Commissioner in India, Sir James Bevan and British Deputy High Commissioner for Southern India, Mike Nithavrianakis, call on Tamilnadu Governor K. Rosaiah

He didn’t buy the proposition that India at present was too tough a hurdle for British business. The potential for British business in the country would be greater than it was now. This was so because of the “natural fit between our two economies and what we offer each other is not there between most other countries and India,” he said (Hindu October 4).

By 2015, says McKinsey, India with 120 million users – the third-largest user base in the world – is projected to reach 350 million, thus raising its global standing to second place. India’s Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said: “Any nation which wants to be a stakeholder and key player in the 21st century must come to terms with the cyber world” (Hindu September 30).

GSAT-10 launched

Big Bang reforms

India’s heaviest satellite GSAT10 was launched recently from the Kourou launch-pad in French Guyana (South America). It is designed to boost India’s telecommunications and direct-to-home broadcasting and much else besides. It is already in geosynchronous orbit and should reach its final slot shortly.

The satellite will add 30 transponders to the domestic INSAT system. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched the 3.4-tonne spacecraft on a European Ariane 5 rocket as ISRO’s heavier cryogenic-propelled rockets are not yet ready for the test. (Hindu September 30, October 4).

In the military sphere, India flight-tested the Army’s 350 kilometre range surface-to-surface Prithvi II missile and also the naval Dhanush missile of a similar range. Both missiles are capable of carrying conventional warheads. (Hindu, Times of India October 4, 6)

Indian government’s Big Bang economic reforms are steaming ahead regardless. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap in insurance has been raised to 49 per cent; the pension sector has been opened to foreign investment; and a new Companies Bill 2011 cleared. Phew! From apparent paralysis the govern-

Internet economy set to explode The Internet’s role promises to be an economic force multiplier, with a new study projecting its explosive $100 billion contribution to India’s GDP from its present $30 billion. The study by McKinsey, entitled “Impact of Internet on the Indian Economy” projects the Internet as a likely game changer in the government’s quest to enhance digital citizenship.

Deepak Parekh & Adi Godrej

ment is now in overdrive. The captains of industry and finance are rhapsodic: “To fund infrastructure projects, it is necessary to have large insurance companies” opined Deepak Parekh, Chairman Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC). Says Adi Godrej, Chairman Godrej Group: “The measures will help restore confidence and investments within India and outside the country” (Times of India October 5).

The value of the rupee rose by 24 per cent, closing and at Rs 51.83 to the US dollar. The Sensex registered 19,058 points – its highest in 15 months. The final call, however, will be made in Parliament. There, Big Bang might become big bust.

Indian president Pranab Mukherjee and prime minister Manmohan Singh with Chief Justice Altamas Kabir during the oath administration ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Boris stands up for the 'struggling middle class' Boris Johnson mesmerised a whole Britain with a direct challenge to David Cameron to stand up for the ‘struggling middle’ who he claims are being ignored.

The Mayor of London arrived in Birmingham with a fresh attack on government policy towards cash-strapped working families, in a move which will fuel speculation about his hopes of challenging Mr Cameron for the leadership. With the Tories stung by criticism that it is giving millionaires a tax cut at a time of deep austerity, Mr Johnson launched a staunch defence of families struggling with living costs who are ‘feeling utterly and understandably ignored’.

However, Mr Johnson last refused to say if Mr Cameron was a better Prime Minister than he would be, insisting the claim was ‘unverifiable’.

In a newspaper article he said that middle-class families earning between £30,000 and £64,000 a year face many difficulties with everyday life, especially housing costs. He writes: ‘They are feeling utterly and understand-

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

www.PoliticalAnimal.me

Politics of Taxation without Representation

Boris Johnson with wife Marina Wheeler

ably ignored. It is time to help them.’

Mr Johnson made clear that he would like the top job after his mayoral term is up in 2016, insisting it was healthy that he is in ‘competition’ with Mr Cameron, an Eton and Oxford contemporary.

He also suggested he was enjoying the speculation about his prospects as a PM. “My wife (who is half Indian) keeps saying, all this is very bad for my ego,” he added. “It puffs it all up.”

When questioned if he feels threatened by Boris's approach, Mr Cameron attempted to laugh off the questions and insisted that he was pleased to have such a popular and highprofile colleague. He even

suggested that he was so relaxed about Mr Johnson’s ambitions he has encouraged his party colleague to think about political posts he could seek after his mayoral term ends.

Privately, however, Mr Cameron’s allies are concerned that Mr Johnson will use his appearance at the Birmingham conference to upstage the Prime Minister. Infact following this challenge, Tim Montgomerie, a well known journalist wrote an interesting article in The Times about Boris Johnson possible cabinet in 2020 and did not forget to include Priti Patel, Nadhim Zahawi and Sajid Javid amongst the other Asian ministers.

A mosque four times bigger...

Continued from page 1 Stratford city's Westfield became a popular shopping draw for Olympic spectators. The constant crowd meant that national authorities had to ensure they provided safety.

Westfield after the Olympic games still remains busy, but the addition of a massive mosque with in Newham could cause major traffic- already a constant problem for public transport and also for those who are merely just passing by.

Could the plans of building a mosque the size of St. Paul's formulate oppositions from the local community? It is possible that the local community may not approve of the social complications that a project such as this may cause. According to the Evening Standard, this particular scheme stimulated years of intense opposition ever since the group first submitted their proposal in 1999. The mosque will be “the size of Battersea Station. Either

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way it will be the UK's first custom built Sharia- controlled zone”, stated Alan Craig, the campaign director of Mega-house to the Daily Star.

The plans to build a mosque which has the capacity of holding “four times as many worshippers as St. Paul's Cathedral”, and will have about 40 minarets, with the added bonus of an Islamic library and sport facilities seem immense for East London.

The initial supporters and architects described it as a 'contemporary Islamic sacred space'. However the Daily Mail have mentioned: “critics point to the fact it has been submitted

by Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary movement” apparently once described as an “antechamber of fundamentalism”. Is this not causing a possible threat to the cultural integration that Newham so naturally promotes?

It is significant to note that West Ham stadium has previously been the

home of football hooligans that drove all sorts of havoc. A “mega-mosque” has may have the possible effects of drawing attention upon West Ham, which in turn could lead to various sorts of hostility and social conflict.

With the financial burdens many people in deprived areas are experiencing, the space which a massive Islamic institute would be occupying can be used to build cheaper housing. It could leave room for new local businesses to grow and flourish. This way the Council would have been giving back to the community.

It is fair to say that the more the council allow such schemes to proceed they are indirectly or unknowingly enabling certain groups to dominate an area. Thus, wouldn't the local community naturally fear constant social disruptions?

Live in the area? Let us know what you think in 100 words at aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

PM Cameron to visit India soon?

The PM David Cameron might be visiting India for a second time in less than 30 months with the British government enthusiastically welcoming the Indian cabinet's decision to open up the insurance and pension sectors.

Cameron is apparently prepared to ignore the protocol of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's return visit to Britain before he can undertake another trip. A

diplomatic source confirmed "mutually convenient dates are being looked at", the Times of India reported. The new minister responsible for India at the British foreign office, Hugo Swire, told the Indian daily Cameron will be visiting New Delhi "early in the New Year" during a seminar on India-UK relations at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose.” So spoke Thomas Jefferson.

Taxation. That is what Jefferson spoke of in declaring American Independence and the start of the war of Revolution. Tax again, this time on salt, was instrumental in the British Empire losing India – its greatest loss since America.

In the past three weeks I’ve been to Greece, Russia and India. This week I go to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Currently I am in London, watching US Presidential debates and the Tory Party Conference.

Tax is an issue in all these countries.

How much people pay, and how much they should pay and how much they evade.

Tax is about justice. Yet who speaks for the 1%? The 1% who own 80% of the wealth? The so called 1% of wealthy, accused invariably of evasion.

Should their hard work or good fortune, entitle the rest of us to claim their wealth? Let us remember some truths: When the Deputy Leader Nick Clegg says the ‘rich’ should pay more tax, he ought to do it when not just returning from holiday. Maybe one reason for inexcusable evasion is the standard set by those who would seek to spend.

Wealth is capricious. Some ends in

the hands of the lucky, or the born talented, or silver-spooned. To others it only comes with relentless effort. Yet if effort were all that was needed for wealth, then the women of Africa walking miles daily to fetch water, would be the richest in the world.

Votes are not granted by the amount of tax one pays – so again, who speaks for the 1%? A democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it.

When this past week hedge fund manager David Harding revealed his £34m tax bill – where was his thanks?

And the thanks to those who choose to work in place of holiday, who choose to work late instead of go home early, who choose to start early in place of late?

They do not seek thanks – but ‘from each according to their abilities, and to each according to their needs’, as they used to say in Russia, no longer seems to apply as a just rule.

Instead of punishing the wealthy, provide them with the means to create wealth in which all can share should be the tone. Taking away their incentives, their motives, their tools with which to apply their talents, will not solve any problem, only create new ones.

Instead of envy, there should be praise. Instead of entitlement, a sense of gratitude. Yes life is a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor, but it will be more so a tragedy without the rich. Who speaks for the 1% - we all should.

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UK

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Who does not know the name of the famous London restaurantsCinnamon Club and Cinnamon Kitchen. The newest additionCinnamon Soho is indeed a colourful feather to the trendy hat.

The first thing that absolutely amazed me at this restaurant was the menu card. In Cinnamon Soho your menu card is a latest ipad with the selection of dishes available for you to choose from. As you decide

Cinnamon Soho may not get a seat given its mostly busy) or sit outside while you cherish the buzzing Kingly street.

The menu is divided intolunch, dinner, pre theatre and take away and add to that an extensive

wine list, that is fairly impressive. It is of course not as big as the Cinnamon Culture or Club, but in its small way it adds a lot of character to the boho soho. In addition to the la carte, diners can also enjoy a menu of small plates of Indian Pizza, Green Pea Kachori Fritter and Paneer Bhuji Delhi Sandwich, and the daily specials.

It is a paradise for vegetarians and both non vegetarians, created

by Vivek Singh and head chef Ramachandran Raju and of course cocktail lovers. It offers cool concoctions like Bhangra bubbles, Orange Julep, Cha cha cha and many more along with the usual wines. So if you are in the area and fancy a nice drink or not too expensive nibbles, do not forget to visit this sexy newborn restaurant.

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Gandhi Jayanti celebrated at Tavistock Square Indrani Thakurata To commemorate the 143rd Birth Anniversary of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, the leading dignitaries of the indian community gathered at Tavistock Square in central London to mark the day which is also known as International Non-violence Day.

Reiterating Camden and India’s connection which goes 90 years back with Krishna Menon, CB Patel, Editor of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice newspaper, hosted the short ceremony.

The high commissioner of India, Dr J Bhagwati initiated the proceedings.

Members of the India league, Gandhi

The statue which was commissioned by the Indian League, and unveiled in the year 1768 was garlanded by the dignitaries. Recollection of the Mahatma’s philosophy and what he stood for began the ceremony.

“In this world of hours of today with conflict, confrontational and sectarian divide Mahatmas philosophy is no less applicable as it was many years back.”

Foundation, Indian Journalist Association were all present to pay reverence to a great soul.

Dr J Bhagwati in his brief address spoke about the importance of his beliefs, one of which is ‘Be the change that you want to see the world’.

He also urged everybody to observe a minute of silence. Devotional songs, Akla Cholo re, Vaishnav Jan concluded the programme.

Ratings

Food Taste: Ambience: Location: Service: Décor: your dishes, put them in the folder and click the submit button, it straight away registers at the kitchen.

The two floor decoration is chic in a stylish way, dark woody, and modern, with marble top tables and orange lighting that makes the atmosphere intimate. The food is tasty, fresh and unique- very contemporary Indian, like its sister restaurants. But what makes Cinnamon Soho different from the rest, is the funky atmosphere. You don't necessarily have to be dressed up to be dinning here, you can always pop in on your way back from a shopping spree (though you

WWWWW WWWWW WWWWW WWWWW WWWW

Competition Answer the following simple question and the first three winners will win a free chef's special dish (per table) on their first visit, when they order a meal from the ala carte menu.

Q: Where is the restaurant Cinnamon Soho located? a. Westminster b. Liverpool Street c. Soho Please email your answer to Rupanjana Dutta at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com by 29 October 2012. The winners will be chosen on first come first basis from the correct answers received.

Widows.

Deprivation and Poverty Poverty, health risks, social marginalisation and deprivation are all central to a widow’s story. A very high proportion of widows head female-headed households and they are amongst the most oppressed of all women. Often going without the most basic human rights such as shelter, food, clothing, dignity and access to services, their isolation, dependency, powerlessness and destitution have harsh consequences on, not only their dependants, but on society as a whole.

A global survey; ‘Widows Research Report’, shows that poverty is the primary cause of widow’s woes, it deprives them of their human rights and the freedom to live the way they wish to. There are various causes of poverty once a woman is widowed; complete loss of income owing to the death of a husband; often the breadwinner of the family, greed of the deceased husbands immediate family and also the customary laws that deprive widows of their inheritance rights.

Poverty as a human rights issue has received significant and consistent attention and it is integral in the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. However, governments and NGO’s seem to exclusively address women’s issues and neglect the dire circumstances faced by widows and their children. In turn this has meant that there have been no exclusive provisions for them.

Poverty as a cause of widowhood is of interest because it acts to cause premature widowhood. Premature widowhood is a serious concern as it has intergenerational consequences, characterised by women with dependent children.

It is also a serious concern given the high reported incidence in widows under age 60 in many developing countries. These women themselves are partially or wholly dependent on husbands and partners as their primary source of economic support. Premature widowhood is more frequent in countries where government support, in the form of income support and free healthcare, is poor or not available at all. In several regions, women’s paid employment is either low or socially unacceptable; therefore becoming a widow under these conditions can lead to

velopment and the feminisation of rural poverty in the Third World.

Using internationally recognised sources of data and measurement techniques, the Loomba Foundation has been able to put together the following picture of widow’s deprivation and poverty.

Out of at least 245 million widows around the world: 1. Almost 60 million widows live in extreme poverty where basic needs go unmet, causing a downward spiral of malnutrition, deteriorating health and starvation and physical insecurity, such as risk of HIV/AIDS and rape.

an inevitable fall into poverty or a deepening of existing poverty. Poverty therefore sets the scene and enables the conditions for people with low human and social capital and low economic and financial assets to fall into a range of deprivations.

Poverty also sets the constraints that prevent such people from pulling themselves above the poverty quicksand. In turn, poverty or a fall in living standards, can lead to selfdestructive psycho-social results, especially for men, leading to increased premature male mortality and hence early widowhood. Clearly, widow’s circumstances in most developing countries put them at high risk of poverty and additional acute direct threats to their well-being.

The plight of widows in developing and conflict-ridden countries clearly implicates institutional, public and private factors in the international context. Widows, as an exclusive category for attention have been invisible to international bodies and even national Governments. They are bracketed with people who are poverty-stricken in the international economic system. They hardly matter in the secondary position allotted to economic and social rights in the human rights regime. Furthermore, legal and political apathy towards widows raises the issues of rural underde-

2. The most dire conditions are faced by Afghan and Iraqi widows because of ongoing conflict; in sub-Saharan African countries by evicted widows with children; by elderly widows caring for orphaned grandchildren in HIV/AIDS crisis countries; and by child widows from ages 7 to 17 in developing countries.

3. Another 57.4 million widows exist in moderate poverty, just above those in extreme poverty, where basic needs are only just met. In total there are 116.7 million widows in all types of poverty globally, or 47 per cent of all widows.

These consequences stem from the immediate loss of income that tips widows and their children into poverty, as well as its impact in the deepening of poverty for families already experiencing a degree of poverty. Hazardous work, loss of paid work for widows due to care giving responsibilities and employer discrimination, lack of government social service provision across the full spectrum of needs, harmful traditional practices, illiteracy, preventable disease and inadequate post-conflict security all add to the widow’s pot of misery.

Fo r fur ther infor ma tio n plea se vi si t o ur w ebs ite

www.theloombafoundation.org o r conta ct Priti P a tel a t priti@thelo omba founda tio n.o rg

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

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If you have any particular topics you would like covered on my page, please let me know.

MUsic

Tanveer Mann

INTENSO - ‘THENU THAKIA’ Feat Bobby Akhiyan After a well needed hiatus, Intenso is back and is bringing with him a record-breaking hit single ‘Thenu Thakia’. An MC who has worked with some of the industry’s finest, he came to prominence in the early 2000’s. He broke into the Bhangra industry with the release of ‘Akhiyan Akhiyan’ with Punjabi singer Bobby, which went to number one on various Asian TV and radio networks.

Sticking to his UK Garage roots, he was featured on the number one music album of 2001-2002 ‘Danger’, with an explosive blend of Garage & Bhangra fusion in the smash hit 'Soni Soni Kuri Kuri.'

Intenso made a brief cameo return in 2007 featuring on the second album for Bhangra duo "Jinx" in 2007. ‘Tere Sadqay’ and ‘Palle Pyar’ were both featured on the followup album ‘Jus Jinx’.

His new single is set to be released via Moviebox Records on 11th October.

‘Thenu Thakia’ is produced by Rishi Rich and features the Punjabi vocals of Bobby Akhiya Intenso explains: “Thenu Thakia is an exciting new release for me. I’ve taken my own sweet time in coming back to the music scene but it’s been well worth the wait. I’m

Did you know..?

Only one of the Seven Wonders of the World still survives: the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Word of the Week: Restitution: n. 1. a returning of something to its original owner 2. a making good of or giving of an equivalent (often times money) in order to make amends for a wrongdoing.

www.punjabeeblonde.wordpress.com tanveer.mann@abplgroup.com

FASHION The “Peplum”

making music which is current and with some of the biggest names around on the biggest Asian label, Moviebox. Rishi Rich has produced an amazing track here and I decided to collaborate with a singer who I worked with all those years ago. Bobby, or Bobby Akhiyan as he’s now known, is an immensely talented singer who’s vocals shine on ‘Thenu Thakia’ I hope everyone enjoys this song as much as I did making it.”

Intenso creates a unique sound on ‘Thenu Thakia’, blending his lyrical skills with the trademark Desi sounds of Rishi Rich and Punjabi chorus from Bobby. The trio successfully comes together to ensure ‘Thenu Thakia’ is a song, which Asian music lovers of all ages can connect with.

‘Thenu Thakia’ is available to Pre-Order from iTunes now and is out to buy from iTunes on 11th October.

Ha Ha.....

He He.... :P

First seen debuted in Dior’s New Look Collection in the 40s, this fashion trend has taken a full circle and squeezed itself back into the latest fashion trends. Reappearing in the 80s, the dramatic waist ruffle complimented the oversized shoulder to give the silhouette of a corset-like midriff.

The peplum is back and looks like it is here to stay, after S/S 12 runways showcased colour stories that were interchangeable with F/W shows.

Burberry Prorsum and Zac Posen have already dared to include the peplum in their F/W 12 collections.

It is all about proportion when it comes to this fashion trend. The sole aim of the excessive piece of fabric around your waist is to emphasize the feminine form. This gives it an air of sophistication.

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name, is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

LOOK OUT FOR ‘Entouraaj’ – New and exciting online men’s lifestyle magazine launched strictly for the contemporary Asian Groom Partners Gary and Kunjal Singh have embarked on a new business venture, with the exciting launch of a men’s lifestyle magazine that covers the all and everything in between that an Asian groom needs to know, as he embarks on a journey of a lifetime.

Kunjal Singh gathered inspiration for her first business project, in the heart of Foleshill, Coventry, where she had spent the majority of her time before she was married two years ago.

Working alongside her husband and Co-founder Gary Singh, ‘Entouraaj’ (www.entouraaj.com) targets Asian males aged 20 to 40 years and is uniquely designed to cater for the tastes and needs of modern Asian grooms. Highlighting news, features and advice, the publication acts as an interactive hub for those men looking for inspiration, tips or

guidance in the run up to and after their big day.

The magazine has many benefits, including its accessibility, which is entirely online at no charge. This facilitates the planning process for Asian grooms that increasingly have less time on their hands due to increasingly demanding careers.

‘Entouraaj’ is the innovation of founders Gary and Kunjal Singh and includes

editorial contributions from the award winning and highly skilled Asian fashion expert Saran Kohli (of Saran Kohli and Khubsoorat labels) as well as health and fitness specialist Samir Sawhney (of Motiv8 Sport and Fitness).

Kunjal Singh, Co-founder of ‘Entouraaj’ commented: “Although I moved to Berkshire after getting married two years ago, I've always been a Midlands girl at heart and still come home regularly to visit my family.

So when my husband and I decided to launch 'Entouraaj', we drew on my local knowledge and his wedding experience to identify a gap in the market for an exclusive men's lifestyle magazine specifically for the con-

My top suggestions for dressing this up would be to ensure that the top itself is the statement piece in your outfit. If you pair your peplum item with a blazer that is just as busy, it could look frumpy so ensure that you wear a solid colour to compliment the top. As for shoes, the peplum screams refinement and femininity so pairing the outfit with either a stiletto or wedge will complete the look.

There is so much you can do with this fashion trend so do not worry if you’ve only just jumped on the bandwagon of this trend. It is here to stay and the countless racks of unique peplum items in Zara, proves that.

temporary Asian groom.

‘Entouraaj’ is the perfect vehicle for all types of Asian men, whether they are from the Midlands or anywhere else across the UK. By covering sensitive issues and offer-

ing current and practical tips in one place, the grooms-tobe can access everything they need from the comfort of their own home, at work or on-thego to help prepare for the big day.

On a more personal note, I'm proud to have lived here for most of my life and this venture is an opportunity for me to finally give something back to my family, friends and the wider local community.”

To find out more about ‘Entouraaj’, please visit: (www.entouraaj.com)

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Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Zarine Khan resurfaces in Kollywood!

Remember Zarine Khan. She was introduced to Bollywood as Salman Khan's leading lady in “Veer.” Later, she did the hot item song Character Dheela Hai with Salman in “Ready” and then disappeared from Bollywood. Now, the latest is that Zarine has surfaced in Kollywood with a rocking item song in the Nakul starrer, “Naan Rajavagi Pogiren.” It may be recalled that the Katrina Kaif look-alike was slated to do “Karikalan” along with Vikram but the movie got shelved.

Simbu to join Ajith for Siruthai Siva's next?

It's a know fact that Simbu is a die-hard fan of Ajith and has openly spoken about it on many occasions. He used to frequently feature scenes in his movies, inspired by Ajith. If reports are to be believed, Simbu has asked Ajith to work with him in a film and the combo might just happen in Siruthai Siva's next film. The movie earlier said to be titled 'Vetri Kondaan', may now have Simbu as well. However, there is no official confirmation or word from the director yet. If the idea of the combo realizes, the film will have great reception as both the stars command a big fan following.

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Priya eyes Bollywood in a big way Priya Anand who did Tamil films like “Pughai P a d a m , ” “Vamanan” and “180,” failed to create an impact, but her small yet significant role in “English Vinglish” has come to her rescue and her career looks brighter in North. Priya has almost completed the shoot of Priyan’s “Rangrez” which stars Vashu Bhagnani, Hindi producer’s son Jacky. And now the latest news is that Priya has signed on her third Bollywood flick, the details of which she is keeping under wraps for now. Says she, “I would like the producers to talk about it but yes I have signed my third Hindi film.”

Hot Garam masala Kangna and Hrithik's Love in Jordan It looks like Kangna's grievances against the Roshans regarding “Kites” have been completely washed away. Not only was she treated like a princess all through the making of “Krissh 3,” now it was learnt that she would be shooting a song with Hrithik in Jordan. Since Kangna plays a mutant it was a tricky situation to pull off in the script.

Choreographer Raju Khan has come up with steps, gestures and movements that require immense body control and subtle facial expressions from both the actors. Hrithik and Kangna have been put through rigorous rehearsals for the number.

No grudges against my husband: Manisha Koirala Manisha Koirala divorced her husband businessman Samrat Dalal some time back. She says she regrets nothing. She doesn't want to turn back the clock even to remedy her aborted marriage. Ask her about her failed marriage, Manisha takes a deep breath and says cautiously, “Because it's you, I will say this much. I now realize some people are meant for marriage, others are not. I am not. At the moment we're separated. I am here (in Mumbai). Both of us are good people. I hold no grudges against him (her husband). His family is wonderful. I don't want to hurt either his family or mine by saying anything. His folks are lovely folks. I respect him and his family.”

Akshay's 'OMG' costume to be auctioned for charity One of the suits that Akshay Kumar wore in Paresh Rawal's film “Oh My God” is all set to go under the hammer to raise funds for a school that provides preprimary education to the children. The 45-year-old actor, who played the role of Lord Krishna in the recently released film, has donated the costume for Muktangan schools. "No one has ever become poor by giving. And taking that thought forward I'm auctioning one of my suits from OMG 'Oh My God'.

"The proceeds of this will go to Muktangan, who currently needs Rs. 1500,000 to cover 60 per cent of one of their pre-primary school's annual budget,” the actor posted on Twitter.

Ritu Kumar to design Bebo's wedding outfit

On international James Bond Day, superstar Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his desire to play a similar kind of role.

The 46-year-old has done action roles in movies like "Don" and "Ra.One" but feels he is not good with guns. The actor expressed his love for the "Bond" series on Twitter.

"I am a big James Bond fan. Always wanted to play a character like him... but am told... I am not smooth with guns or women... bah," he wrote and also mentioned his favourite dialogue from "Thunderball" a 1965 Bond movie.

Emraan studying journalism!

Emraan Hashmi is a method actor, when it comes to preparing for the important roles in his career. The actor gives attention to the minutest of details. It was the same when his latest role, in his upcoming film “Rush,” required him to don the hat of a crime journalist. And to get into the character, the actor took to reading books on journalism.

A source said, “Emraan plays a crime reporter for a channel in the movie. To prepare for this role, Emraan used to watch a lot of crime reporting on news channels. He used to note down the way a reporter would dress. He paid a lot of attention on the pronunciation of the words, the kind of language they use, emphasising on particular words and body language. He used to study these crime reporters, so that he can essay his character perfectly. He also met a couple of top crime reporters in this field to observe their mannerisms and get some insights for this challenging role.”

This crime thriller will see Emraan paired opposite actors Sagarika Ghatge and Neha Dhupia. It is directed by the late Shamin Desai.

The film revolves around the story of a struggling reporter, whose life turns upside down after he receives an assignment from a media tycoon. It is slated to release at the end of this month.

Kareena Kapoor's sensuous and bold outing in “Heroine” is unforgettable. Here's a look at the making of Heroine poster. It’s been widely reported that for her wedding to Saif Ali Khan, actor Kareena Kapoor will wear his mother Sharmila Tagore’s wedding outfit.

The original set - consisting of a traditional kurta, dupatta and farshi paijama - was gifted to Tagore by her mother-inlaw, Begum Sajida Sultan of Pataudi.

“Kareena will be wearing the original dupatta, while the kurta and farshi paijama are being recreated for her,” reveals designer Ritu Kumar who has been given the task of readying Kareena’s bridal outfit. “The original dupatta was in good condition, but the fabric was a little old and we had to re-line it. The whole process took us about four to six months. The new pieces also had to be made exactly like the older ones, with intricate embroidery. It’s a time consuming process and requires highly skilled labour.”

Master craftsmen from Bengal were put to work on the bridal outfit. “It’s made with gold Benaras fabric, with a dupatta of rust and gold tissue, contrasted with green satin gota at the hem. The knee-length kurta has a decorative zardozi border,” she says. A few older craftspeople, who understood the stitches and their use on three-dimensional surfaces, were put to work on the clothes. The designer has also worked on outfits for Saif’s sisters Soha and Saba. “For Soha, I’ve made an outfit in peach, and one in white with a red paijama. Saba will wear one in gold, and one in white and metallic shades,” she reveals.

Shah Rukh Khan desires to play James Bond "My favourite Bond lines 'JB: That gun, it looks more for a woman. You know much about guns, Mr. Bond? JB: No, but I know a little about women," he wrote.

The first "James Bond" movie was "Dr.No" released in 1962 with actor Sean Connery essaying the role of 007 secret agent. Ever since, 22 James Bond movies have been churned out.

The last movie was "Quantum of Solace" released in 2008.

The next in the successful series is " Skyfall", expected to be released on Oct 26.

Mani Ratnam, Aishwarya not teaming up!

There are reports doing the rounds that director Mani Ratnam is roping in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for an adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's famous 1938 novel “Rebecca.” However, these reports have been denied by sources close to Mani Ratnam. Mani's wife, Suhasini, denied the report that Ash and Mani would be working together next.

Asked if the director had roped in Ash for Rebecca, she said, "No, it's wrong."

Suhasini added, "Mani is currently focussed on Kadal. He will decide on his next only after this film releases.”

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After being selected as India's official entry to the Oscars in the foreign language film category this year, Anurag Basu's Barfi! has added another feather in its cap - the film joins the `100 crore club of Bollywood.

The total cost of the movie has reportedly been `30 crore and since its release September 14, the unique love triangle featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'Cruz has appealed so much to the moviegoers that it has raked in `100 crore at the box office.

“Ranbir Kapoor joins the much-famed `100 crore club on Tuesday with Barfi! and this is Priyanka Chopra's second ton this year, after Agneepath,” tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh. The other Bollywood movies that grossed `100 crore this year are - Housefull 2, Rowdy Rathore, Bol Bachchan and Ek Tha Tiger. The film, which minted `34.6 crore during its opening weekend and amassed a total of `58.6 crore over the first week, is still going strong at the ticket window.

“Barfi! (3rd Week) Monday `2.5 crore. Grand total `98.8 crore net.

Crosses Rs100 crore mark in India today. Bravo,” posted Adarsh on his Twitter page. “The film is Ranbir Kapoor's biggest hit in overseas... total after 3rd Weekend UK £622,039 (`5.30 cr), USA $2,462,008 (`12.89 cr),” he further tweeted.

Barfi! has been produced by UTV Motion Pictures and after Rowdy Rathore, this is the production house's second film to achieve the feat.

Gaurav Verma, Director - India Theatrical Distribution, Studios, Disney UTV, told IANS: "Barfi! has had a dream run at the box office and continues to do extremely well at cinemas. With a huge demand among exhibitors, we are hoping to add over 200 cinemas this week."

Interestingly, the director of the film had earlier stated that it was more important for him to touch a hundred hearts than `100 crore boxoffice takings. “I don't know about making `100 crore. But I feel it is more difficult to touch people's heart. From my film, I only want to touch hundreds or thousands of hearts and that's all that matters to me. Collection is not important for me,” said Basu.

Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Sameera's item number in ‘Chakravyuh’ Dutt reunite after 13 years Come this Diwali, the popular and talented actress of Bollywood Juhi Chawla has not one but many reasons to smile and celebrate!

Well, for all you Juhi Chawla fans, the evergreen actress will be seen playing a beautiful Punjabi kudi in Ajay Devgn's forthcoming Diwali Blockbuster “Son Of Sardar.” We hear that after a gap of nearly 13 years, she will be seen sharing the screen space with Sanjay Dutt in this Diwali dhamaka. The duo was earlier seen in the film “Safari” which was released in 1999. And it's just not this, SOS which is slated for release on 13th November, the day also co-incidentally happens to be the actress' birthday, definitely calling for double celebrations!

Dusky Bollywood beauty Sameera Reddy will be seen doing an item number in Prakash Jha's upcoming film “Chakravyuh.” Sameera will be seen sizzling and oozing her oomph around as a village belle in the song called 'Kunda Khol'. .

The singer is Sunidhi Chauhan, the lyrics are by Ashish Sahu. The item song was shot at Bhopal, and choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. A film on Naxalite issue, stars Arjun Rampal, Abhay Deol, Manoj Bajpai, Esha Gupta and Anjali Patil. It is produced by Prakash Jha and is all set to release on October 24, 2012.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

HSBC scraps Islamic mortgages and loans

Dear Financial Voice Reader, As I mentioned last week, I recently gave a talk at the Women Empowered event in London. So I am writing this mini-series for the female entrepreneur.

Mentors “I am an extreme optimist, while my husband likes to play the devil’s advocate. He wants to know the worst thing that can happen. I don’t even want to think about the worst case. I provide the discipline and stick-to-itiveness.” – Jenny Craig Issue: Finding business mentors, especially other women, was still difficult who could advise and inspire.

Solution: Mentors do not need to be physical. A selection of online websites can be your ‘mentor’. There are Government initiatives to offer mentoring. There are organisations like TIE and Women Empowered who can help. Look for several mentors. That way you have a second opinion and gain even more time from mentors.

Remember as well as mentors have a ‘brain trust’ people who may not be mentors but say, an accountant, a lawyer, etc who act as your friendly resources.

“It’s about creating a product or service so good that people will pay for it. Now 30 years on The Body Shop is a multi local business with over 2.045 stores serving over 77 million customers in 51 different markets in 25 different languages and across 12 time zones. And I haven’t a clue how we got here!” – Anita Roddick Getting business ideas "If this is empty (your heart), this doesn't matter (your head)." Jerry Maguire, 1996 Issue: Lacking business connections, getting business ideas, or testing them is pretty difficult. Not knowing where to start.

Solution: Don’t expect a flash of lightening.

Sometimes a good idea is incremental. I like to look at what’s happening in the US, such as on Angel.co and then seeing what resources one may have in the UK to make it happen. Go for businesses where you have something unique to offer because of your resources, experiences. Or go for a franchise if you want a usually lower risk way to begin. Visit angel investment groups like Envestors.co.uk and London Business Angels to see what and how things get funded. Ie like all things of education – see how the good ones do it.

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." - Bessie Anderson Stanley Funding "You cannot live your life to please others. The choice must be yours." Alice in Wonderland, 2010 "You lose balance, you lose power." Eat, Pray, Love, 2010 Issue: How to get it?

Solution: Although a non-gender issue, the solution can be gender based. Through Google searches there are at various times different awards, grants for women based busiensses as well as non-gender based angel funding networks like those mentioned already "Money is not the prime asset in life. Time is." Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, 2010 Alpesh Patel, author, ‘Our Turn: A guide for women entrepreneurs’

IOC first Indian co to raise debt in Singapore dollar

India’s flagship refiner-marketer IndianOil Corporation (IOC) has raised around $326 million through issue of 10year bonds denominated in Singapore dollar. This is the first time an Indian corporate to price long-term bonds in Singapore currency as domestic entities rush to tap overseas debt market after the government slashed tax on foreign borrowing. IndianOil priced the notes at 4% yield, which is better than 5.6% the company had paid for a US currency debt in 2011 with a similar tenor. IndianOil director (finance) P K Goyal said considering the overwhelming response from investors in terms of tight pricing and substantially oversubscribed book, the issue size was increased to Singapore $400 million from the originally planned Singapore $300 million.

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Islamic law prohibits Muslims from paying or receiving interest, which rules out Western-style loans, bank accounts and mortgages. Under specially adapted Islamic mortgages, the bank technically buys a property which is then rented to the customer on a 25-year term until sufficient payments have been made to match the purchase price, plus a small profit.

HSBC began offering Sharia-compliant home loans in 2003 after Gordon Brown, who was then Chancellor, altered tax rules that had previously meant Islamic buyers were obliged to pay Stamp Duty twice.

The bank’s Islamic

arm, HSBC Amanah, has relatively few customers in Britain.

It accounts for 21,000 of HSBC’s 16 million bank accounts in the UK and £350 million of mortgages out of HSBC’s book of £70 billion in home loans.

Its withdrawal from the market is part of a restructuring by the chief executive Stuart Gulliver, who wants HSBC to abandon its historic habit of “flag planting” by establishing a small presence in

all aspects of the business.

Mr Gulliver’s overall streamlining plan is intended to cut $3.5 billion (£2.17 billion) in costs over three years.

Supporters of Islamicstyle loans and investments say that they are low risk and fundamentally fair, with the institution and customers sharing profits instead of following a fixed interest rate.

James Caan, the former Dragons’ Den judge who co-founded a Shariacompliant property company, recently suggested that the system could teach the City a lesson.

“If Sharia principles had been more widespread, the current eco-

nomic crisis would not have been as disastrous as it was,” he said.

More than 20 banks, including Lloyds TSB, still offer Sharia-compliant products in Britain. HSBC intends to carry on with Islamic products in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

HSBC’s restructuring under Mr Gulliver is expected to cost 30,000 jobs around the world, including 2,200 redundancies recently announced in Britain.

The bank has sold more than 30 businesses and is exiting countries where it has only a small presence. These include Colombia, Uruguay, Pakistan and South Korea.

IMF cuts India growth Govt may shut Kingfisher forecast to 6% for 2013 as fleet remains grounded

The International Monetary Fund will lower its forecasts for global economic growth to 3.3 per cent this year and 3.6 per cent in 2013 from earlier forecasts of 3.4 per cent and 3.9 per cent respectively, a Germany newspaper reported.

The IMF expects the euro zone economy to shrink by 0.4 per cent this year and then grow 0.2 per cent in 2013, business daily Handelsblatt said in a preview of the fund's latest forecasts which are due to be released next week.

Chinese growth for 2013 is seen at 8.2 per cent, versus a previous IMF estimate of 8.4 per cent, Indian growth is seen at 6 per cent versus a previous forecast of 6.6 per cent and Brazilian growth at 4 per cent versus 4.7 per cent, the newspaper reported.

"The further cooling of global economic growth

this year and next year is accompanied by a significant increase in downward risks," it quoted the IMF as saying. It added that the global growth outlook depended on "whether decisive political steps to stabilise confidence are taken in the euro zone and US".

The IMF said India is expected to grow 4.9 per cent this year, down from a forecast in July of 6.1 per cent. It cited red tape, weakening business sentiment, rising current account deficit and rupee depreciation for the cuts in forecasts. And unlike the rest of Asia, where inflation is expected to fall, the IMF said price pressures in India were elevated.

Debt-strapped Kingfisher Airlines, devoid of a turnaround plan to get back into the air, faced a possible shutdown by the government after extending the grounding of its fleet for another week.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) told the airline to demonstrate why its permit to fly should not be suspended or cancelled, and gave it 15 days to reply.

The DGCA said the airline had failed to establish a "safe, efficient and reliable service".

Kingfisher stopped flights recently after a weekend protest by staff turned violent. Airline employees have not been paid for seven months.

"The airline has not been able to resolve its issues.

They have not approached DGCA with any operational plan," the ministry of civil aviation said in a statement.

The company said in a statement it would submit its response to the regulator

Mumbai market is not so nifty after trading error

More than $58 billion was wiped briefly from the value of Asia’s fourthlargest stock market recently, after a trading glitch on Mumbai’s National Stock Exchange triggered a 16 per cent plunge in prices and a 15minute halt on trading.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India, the market regulator, said that it was investigating the incident, which happened when dozens of “abnormal orders” for shares, worth more than $125 million in total, prompted the slide in Mumbai’s Nifty index — known as the “Nifty 50”.

The 59 erroneous orders were executed by a trader at Emkay Global Financial, a Mumbaibased brokerage. Within seconds they had triggered a fall of 920 points in the

50-stock Nifty index to a session low of 4,888 points, prompting an automatic shutdown.

The huge fall marks the latest in a rash of similar incidents on global markets and it comes as regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of new algorithm-based trading technology. Another error this week on New York’s Nasdaq index prompted shares in Kraft Foods to surge by nearly 29 per cent within seconds of the market’s opening.

Market plunge in Mumbai occurred in the morning when a trader at Emkay accidentally punched in a manual order for 6.5 billion rupeesworth of undisclosed shares, including some in blue-chip Indian banks, on behalf of an institutional client. He had meant to

place an order for 650 million rupees.

The incident prompted a 15-minute suspension of trading, as market officials scrambled to determine the problem and identify the erroneous trades. The NSE denied that the incident had been related to algorithmic trading, but some traders in Mumbai were sceptical, pointing out that algo trades contribute more than a quarter of the market’s total volumes.

Ambareesh Baliga, vice-president at Karvy Stock Broking in Mumbai, said that it had raised serious questions about the stability of India’s financial markets. “People are quite anxious about this.

It defies logic and I don’t see how this could have been purely the result of a manual error,” he said.

"well in time" and would also come up with a plan to restore services after negotiating with employees.

About 150 Kingfisher staff staged a protest march in Mumbai, following what police said was the suicide of an employee's wife worried about the family's precarious finances. Another 100 staff held a candlelit march in Delhi, adding to pressure to resolve the carrier's long-running financial problems.

Kingfisher, once India's second-biggest airline, has failed to find an overseas airline or other investors to bring in fresh equity.

The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, which estimates Kingfisher's debt at around $2.5 billion, said a fully funded turnaround would cost at least $1 billion. It said Kingfisher had only an outside chance of recovery and that its "massive debt burden, crippled fleet and poor employee morale" would deter a foreign airline investor.

GSPC buys UK group’s stake in Gujarat Gas

The Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (GSPC) along with its affiliates (GSPC Group) last week signed definitive agreements for the acquisition of 65.12% stake in Gujarat Gas Company Limited (GGCL) from BG Group of UK. BG’s shareholding is being acquired by Gujarat Distribution Networks Ltd., a company in which 100% is held by GSPC Group. The acquisition is being made at Rs 295 per share and GDNL will pay Rs. 24.63 billion to BG for the acquisition.

The acquisition is subject to the customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close pursuant to completion of open offer as per SEBI Takeover Code and the approval of the Competition Commission of India and Reserve Bank of India.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

19

It is better to take a smaller percentage of a large pie than a larger percentage of a smaller one Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

We are preparing to exchange on a property in Durham Terrace later on this week. The property was secured at £980,000, similar properties are on the market, developed and with a share of freehold, at £1.475m. I should say identical, as the property on the market is no. 7 with Marsh & Parsons and ours is only 3 doors down from this one. No. 7 is even on the same side of the road facing south so the sun shines in, an important factor. Sunlight adds a feel good factor to the property, even if people are not consciously aware of it. This property would be better placed than a similar one across the road, because the sun does shine on it.

We have two separate clients pooling their funds to purchase this property, this way for just over £250k in cash they allow themselves to get a deal which individually they would not be able to reach. The rest of the funds will be raised by way of mortgage on the property. This allows them to move into a different league and into Notting Hill territory. This is the power of collaboration, what cannot be achieved individually can be got collectively. We bring our local knowledge to the table and the investors bring their funds. Their combined funds allow them to purchase at a level they couldn’t obtain individually and our input helps to source and execute the purchase efficiently and cheaply.

In this scenario we will be arranging all the works and the resale too.

Many of o ur c lie nts are n ow gro upin g to gethe r to achie ve a more agg ressive level of g rowth by combing th eir wealth and u sing our services to achieve mo re t han they co uld ind ividu ally.

With buying and holding you can do this with excouncil properties in Central London and about £100k typically. If you want an even more aggressive return by buying and selling in a shorter space of time it is very difficult to achieve this in Central London with this price range.

Ok … so you can argue in that case it’s better to leave London and move to the suburbs. It’s possible there are pockets of strong areas in and around London and other parts of the UK. So why the continual emphasis on Central London? Perhaps you could say because Sow & Reap is based here and this is our mission. That is true, but the reasons are greater than us and we’re only riding on the wave. This has come about simply because we have seen this market hold up and carry on rising whilst the rest of the UK property market and economy has been failing.

We have chosen to focus on Central London precisely because of its aggressive level of growth. It is this which has driven us to stick to this location. And the first mantra of property is location location location, to break this is sacrilegious.

The recent Knight Frank report for September 2012 states Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Marylebone all outperform with an annual growth of more than 14%. This means month on month prices are continually rising, this has been our experience, prices have risen tangibly even during the months between negotiating them and completing the deal.

Despite the challenge caused by the stamp duty hikes from the government this market has continued to outperform the rest of the UK property market. There seems to be no connection between the Central London market and the rest of the UK. How has the phenomena occurred? It wasn’t always like this. One time city bonuses drove the property prices. This was the main driver of domestic demand. This has shrunk from once being 50% of prime London demand to now accounting to only 30%. So what’s replaced this and why? Some studies pointed to a weaker pound in 2008 to justify the inflow of money in the prime London property market, this made sense. But why when this currency benefit has been eroded does money continue to flood in? The pound has strengthened against the Euro and yet funds come in from Europe. My humble opinion is, many people do not know what is really going on in the economy and the games being played by both politicians and Central London banks, and no longer trust the experts, they are therefore seeing the London property market as a safe haven.

Two t hin gs have always been see n as real fo rms of weal th, traditionally propert y and g old. This is the shelte r where pe opl e go fo r pro tection , to pre ve nt the ir fu nds being e rod ed by inflation.

One prominent agent we are in touch with told us he had a call from Greece around the time the crisis was breaking out. He was told to purchase four properties to the value of £2m within a month, the investor

did not want to even see the property, he only wished to park his funds in a safe place. The interest in London property has broadened, it now attracts interest from over 60 countries in the world with Indians buying from India holding the 3rd place.

This is why we feel it’s important to invest in the prime London market and sometimes you may find it more profitable to take a smaller percentage of a large pie than a larger percentage of a smaller one.

This weekend I attended a conference where the closing speaker was Donald Trump, a true property heavy weight. Prior to him there was a property speaker who was advocating the no money down property systems, so with no money and just will power one can purchase property. He’s encouraging others to pay for a seminar to learn how to do this. He claims you can buy with no money and you can also get positive cash flow. I believe this too because I have also done this. So where’s the problem?

The problem is you can buy with no money down and with a positive cash flow, but there is no security, the property will be less than what you have paid for it. Say you purchase a property worth £130k for £100k with no money and it produces £500pm. That’s £6k per annum, but what if it decreases by £20k in the same year? Overall you have lost £14k.

The other issue is only lemons are sold this way. Only property which cannot be sold conventionally will be purchased this way. You try to purchase using this method in prime London, I would be bold enough to say it’s virtually impossible. Even doing conventional deals it’s hard enough to secure a property in these locations.

Thirdly to convince a seller to get their heads around these systems is not easy and so you would have to go through a lot of sellers before you get to execute a deal.

I’m sure there are spots around the UK which will hold up in value, or even rise. But none to the degree London will so why waste time looking for them?

Last week we managed to offload our Jimmy Saville flat in Park Crescent, just before the allegations resurfaced this week on the Monday. Actually it was sold to one of our investors who bought it for £350k, we left enough mileage in it for him to make a healthy profit.

Currently it’s being developed for around £12k and we reckon it will value up at £425k. The flat never attracted a premium because Jimmy Saville owned the property, therefore it will not attract a reduction with the allegations. So our investor will profit regardless.

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

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

Tips of the Week l The money you invest in property will grow in direct proportion with the location you invest in l Always plan your strategy before you invest In property otherwise you may end up going in the wrong direction

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finanCial vOIcE

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Chidambaram promises new fiscal plan, tax law changes

India’s finance minister P Chidambaram on Monday announced the government’s intent to draw up a “credible and feasible” fiscal plan, speed up amendments to controversial tax provisions to address investor concerns and push goods and services tax, as part of a fresh set of measures to shore up economic activity.

While ruling out complete withdrawal of food, fuel and fertilizer subsidies, Chidambaram told the annual Economic Editors’ conference that the fiscal plan, which will be based on a report by the Vijay Kelkar committee, will look at rationalizing subsidies that could result in further price revision, besides better delivery through means such as direct cash transfers. The plan to be announced shortly will lay the roadmap for lower fiscal and revenue deficits over the next five years, with a beginning to be made this year itself, a move that is being closely watched by the markets and ratings

selling diesel below the prevailing international price. While subsidies may address some of the expenditure-related concerns, Chidambaram said he was hopeful of garnering Rs 400 billion from 2G spectrum and Rs 300 billion from disinvestment, which is expected to kick off with the stake sale in Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. A large subsidy bill is one of the biggest concerns for ratings agencies, which have threatened to downgrade India to junk grade if the government does not take immediate steps to reverse the trend.

Similarly, to address investor concerns over GAAR and retrospective tax law changes, Chidambaram indicated that the government may not wait until the budget for any amendments and will push the changes as early as possible. At the same time, he said a final view was yet to be taken as the revenue department was examining the recommendations of the Parthasarthi Shome committee.

P Chidambaram

agencies. “It is our intention to take steps in this direction so that subsidies are transferred to the beneficiaries directly, quickly and efficiently. I also visualize huge savings in the subsidies bill,” Chidambaram said.

Already, the government has raised diesel price by Rs 5 a litre and capped the availability of subsidized cooking gas as part of its efforts to rein in expenditure, although subsidized fuel is still expected to leave Rs 1,670 billion hole on the books of stateowned oil marketing companies. There may be a further increase in diesel price since oil firms are losing Rs 11.65 a litre by

India eyes $40 billion global generic market

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, India has launched a sustained global campaign to capture an estimated $40 billion worth of additional market for generic or copied medicines as patents held by multinationals on sophisticated medicines run out over the next three years. While emphasis is on countries with ageing population such as Japan, which needs more of cheaper medicine, large markets such as Africa and Latin America are also in focus.

"We see an opening of $30-40 billion market for Indian generics over the next three years as patents on a number of drugs run out," additional commerce secretary Rajeev Kher said.

"We want to send out a message to the world that we have the capacity to fill in this space with high quality yet cheap medicines."

The commerce department is going all out to hard-sell Indian generics in difficult but promising markets under its recently launched Brand India Pharma campaign where the focus is on credibility, quality, availability and affordability of Indian

India emerges as top 25 leading exporters in world

India has emerged as one of the top 25 leading exporters in the world along with countries like Brazil, Mexico and Malaysia, WTO chief Pascal Lamy has said in Washington. "In addition to China, many new trading powers have emerged - Brazil, India, Mexico and Malaysia are all in the top 25 leading exporters' table and all posted export growth of 15 per cent or better in 2011," Lamy said at the Brookings dialogue. He said developing countries' share has increased to about 50 per cent compared to around 33 per cent of the global trade in 2008.

Also trade as a share of the world GDP has risen from roughly 40 per cent in 1980 to around 60 per cent today. However, Lamy said that increasing use of non-tariff measures by different countries are impacting trade. "...governments are implementing a variety of non-tariff measures which impact trade flows, sometimes profoundly," he said.

These measures are regulatory in nature and are aimed at protecting consumers' health and safety, he added.

medicines, he added.

It is also working with its embassies in Africa and other countries to dispel misinformation spread about Indian generics by global pharma biggies. India's pharma exports stood at $13 billion last year. The country produces a fifth of the generic medicines of the world and accounts for about 70% of medicines supplied to poor countries through humanitarian agencies.

The commerce department recently led two delegations comprising Indian pharma majors like Dr Reddy's, Lupin, Mylan and Nectar, to Japan and Indonesia under the Brand India Pharma Campaign to explore opportunities in the big but difficult markets.

India, which accounts for less than 1% of Japanese pharma market estimated at over $100 billion, hopes to make big gains under the free trade pact or CECA signed last year.

Next destination for about 200 leading generic manufacturers in India for showcasing their products is Madrid where India is the partner country in the world's leading pharma networking event.

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

‘To the Strongest’

After building one of the largest empires in history, Alexander the Great lay upon his deathbed surrounded by his advisors and generals. He was only 30 years old. Upon being asked who his throne should be given to (as he had no heir), it is said that he uttered two words, "tôi kratistôi" – ‘To the Strongest’.

For Alexander this was an easy decision, as realistically only the strongest would be capable of ruling over such an empire. In fact, applying this principle is the most logical step to take whenever there is any transfer of power.

Leadership should be given to the strongest, most capable person. We see examples of this when new leaders are selected in large companies, in sports and on the odd occasion, even in politics; but it is not so easy to apply in family businesses.

Most businessmen aspire that their children reap the fruits of their labour and be as capable and successful as themselves. All parents tell their

children that everything they has built and accumulated will one day be theirs. So after spending years of building up a family business what happens when the siblings want to take charge but they are not fit to take over? Or what if there are more than one and they all want the big office at the end of the corridor? Rightly or wrongly, traditionally it has always been that the eldest son is the natural successor and in the past this was accepted by all and there were rarely any problems, at least not in public. However, times have changed and suddenly deciding who takes over the business can be a sensitive and potentially destructive issue.

The power struggle between the Ambani brothers is an excellent example of what can go wrong.

Sibling rivalry can be difficult to manage and no parent wants to favour one child over the other.

However, trying to appease all the siblings’ only results in the needs of the business being superseded by

By Amit Patel

family politics. This can lead to the wrong person being appointed as leader for the wrong reasons. So here are three simple questions to help determine who should be the rightful successor. 1. Are they the most capable? 2. Do they have the right qualities and principles? 3. Will they work for the benefit of the business not just themselves? The one who meets these criteria is not only the most appropriate but also the most deserving. It is important to make a decision that is best for the business, not best for individuals. That’s why Alexander was so right when he said to give his kingdom ‘To the Strongest’.

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Personal Development and Human Resource Management.

He has delivered speeches on People Management and Development throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. To contact Amit, email amitpatelmail@gmail.com

India's rich grab assets in Australia India's wealthy, from old money to nouveaux riches IT entrepreneurs, are quietly snapping up hotels and mines Down Under just as Australia embarks on an immigration campaign to attract long-term investment.

The Jindal family, ranked among the world's top 80 richest by Forbes, in May bought two minor stakes, worth a total of A$26 million (US$26.99 million), in Australian iron ore and coal mines through Jindal Steel & Power.

That followed a US$2 billion purchase by Indian self-made billionaire and college-dropout Gautam Adani of a coal mine in the state of Queensland last year.

Silverneedle Hospitality, a company backed by Nadathur S Raghavan, an Indian philanthropist and co-founder of software company Infosys Technologies, just bought a hotel in Brisbane for A$57 million.

Last year, it bought a chain of about 60 hotels in Australia and New Zealand for an undisclosed sum.

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among a select club of only eight nations that can still boast a pristine triple A rating with a stable outlook.

Dubbed the lucky country for its abundance of natural resources, white sand beaches and kind climate, it is now entering its 21st year of uninterrupted annual growth, having dodged a recession after the 2008 global financial crisis.

Attracting rich: This year, Australia will overtake Spain as the world's 12th largest economy, despite being 52nd in terms of population. This explains the massive increase in Australia's foreign direct investment which leapt to A$67 billion in 2012, nearly double the previous year, according to government statistics.

Still, private investment from India, a country that produces millionaires every day, would appear to lag that from others such as China.

Analysts reckon China is leading the pack though the Australian government does not keep statistics on direct investment by nationality.

"In the last six to nine months, there has been a lot of private investment into Australia because it is seen as a safe-haven," said Paul Dowling, principal analyst at banking research firm East & Partners.

While Indian nationals have traditionally favoured Britain and North America as offshore investment destinations, private wealth bankers have noticed a growing demand for Australian real estate, particularly hotels and serviced apartments.

This comes as no surprise to Singapore-based Paul Guest, head of research and strategy at LaSalle Investment Management, as commercial property prices in Australia are very attractive.

With a forecast of about 10 per cent per year, he said total returns in Australia are the highest in Asia, topping Japan's 9 per cent and South Korea. Also underpinning demand is Australia's relatively strong economic performance compared with Western peers.

Indeed, Australia is one

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financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

21

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

Greece’s Debt Debacle

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 9th October 2012 @ 3.30pm GBP - INR = 84.39

Last week a string of strong US data led investors away from the ameliorating American economy into riskier currencies, causing the dollar to fall against many of its counterparts.

Another safe haven, the yen, has been similarly afflicted with losses against its riskier counterparts, whilst the euro has been the largest beneficiary in the last month, rising 1.9%.

As a recurring theme, we note that this positive sentiment rarely lasts long. Negative data from East Asian economies, signalling slowing growth, and expected poor German production data is likely to lead the same investors rushing back to the safety of the dollar.

Having placed the onus on governmental leaders to request ECB funding, Draghi will now be waiting for the Spanish prime minister to call, how long will he wait is the big question.

Many believe a bailout announcement to be after the Spanish local elections, but the key decider will be the height that bond yields reach.

The week commencing 8th October, held many key meet-

ings between Europe’s elite.

With the European Union leaders meeting on the Monday to discuss bailouts, banking and the region’s unity, Spanish and French heads, Rajoy and Hollande, meeting on Wednesday, with the headline event a rendezvous between German chancellor Angela Merkel and Greek leader Antonis Samaras.

As negotiations continue over Greece’s third tranche of bailout funds, you must begin to

question “How much more austerity can one nation take?�

Already the nation has been subject to crippling cuts, leaving unemployment levels at unprecedented highs. The troika, demanding that Greece trim the fat from their economy, have now sliced down to the bare bones. Intent on ensuring a reduction in budget deficits, the real danger is the strangulation of an economy already gasping for air.

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uidity, as we have learnt from Greece’s preceding bailouts, it will only delay impending problems. Within months another bailout will be necessary, as will further cuts, which will make the current cuts seem like ‘the good old days’. At some point, this runaway train will run out of track and either Greece will jump from the euro train, or it will be pushed.

The general outlook for the week commencing the 15th will hinge on a number of key announcements. A busy week in the US will determine investors’ risk appetite, with Retail sales, CPI, unemployment claims, manufacturing index and existing home sales all released. Whilst in Europe, German economic sentiment is expected on Wednesday and a Spanish 10-year bond auction will indicate the degree of necessity for a bailout request.

The UK, as hit has done, will continue to take a backseat. The focus will remain on the world’s two base currencies, but impacting releases on sterling will be CPI, the unemployment rate, retail sales and public sector net borrowing.

USD - INR = 52.72 EUR - INR = 68.07 GBP - USD = 1.60 GBP - EUR = 1.24 EUR - USD = 1.29 GBP - AED = 5.88 GBP - CAD = 1.56 GBP - NZD = 1.95 GBP - AUD = 1.56 GBP - ZAR = 14.00 GBP - HUF = 351.12

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

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22

PakISTan-BangladeSh-SrI lanka

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

US waives riders for assistance to Pakistan In Focus Washington: As it has happened in the past, Pakistan has been spared the rod by the United States for its international transgressions – this time for its continued patronage of terrorism in the region – in the interest of what Washington believes is American national security.

The US state department had last month waived legal requirements that made its nearly $2 billion annual aid to Pakistan contingent on its cooperation in counter-terrorism, ending nuclear proliferation and building democratic institutions, a report has revealed.

Secretary of state Hillary Clinton is said to have informed Congress that she is setting aside legal restrictions that would have blocked the

Hillary Clinton

$2 billion aid. Disbursing the funds is “important to the national security interests of the US”, she said.

The waiver is evidently linked to securing Pakistan’s cooperation in the upcoming US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014 and preventing all-out civil war in the country once the US leaves.

This is not the first time Washington has struck a

There is no political cell within ISI, Pak govt tells SC

Islamabad: Pakistan's defence ministry told the Supreme Court that there is no political cell within the ISI, adding another twist to a case regarding the powerful spy agency's alleged efforts to influence national politics.

A military official representing the defence ministry told a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry that no political cell was operating in the ISI. The bench was hearing a petition filed by former air force chief Asghar Khan about the distribution of money among politicians by the ISI in 1990.

The chief justice reacted to the official's remarks by saying that a letter submitted to the apex court on June 26, 1997 had stated that a political cell was functioning within the ISI. The official told the court that the defence ministry had confirmed the information regarding the political cell with the ISI before submitting its response to the bench. The

bench directed the official to submit the ministry's reply after getting it signed by the defence secretary. The bench also summoned the interior and defence secretaries to appear before it.

The court had earlier sought a report from the interior and defence ministries after attorney general Irfan Qadir told the bench that the notification issued to create the ISI's political cell was missing.

The apex court recently resumed hearing the petition filed by Asghar Khan in 1996.

Khan has accused the ISI of providing Rs 140 million to politicians to create the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad and prevent the Pakistan People's Party from winning the 1990 general election.

The then ISI chief Asad Durrani has acknowledged that he distributed the money on the orders of former army chief Mirza Aslam Beg. A banker named Yunus Habib has testified in the apex court that he arranged Rs 1.48 billion for the military.

‘Faustian bargain’ with Islamabad. Towards the end of the Cold War, the US winked at Pakistan’s illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons as part of its effort to evict the former Soviet Union from Afghanistan.

The US lavished billions of dollars in military assistance even though Pakistan’s procurement expert A Q Khan was crossing nuclear red lines, and US laws mandated sanctions for the infractions. It was only after the Soviets had withdrawn from Afghanistan that US invoked the Pressler Amendment to impose sanctions, but by then Pakistan had gone nuclear.

Clinton, in her September 13 message to Congress, said she is waiving provisions of the 2009 Enhanced

Partnership with Pakistan Act and the state department’s 2012 budget requiring that she certify that Islamabad has met certain conditions before the $2 billion in economic, military and counter-terrorism assistance can be disbursed.

The conditions require Islamabad to have made progress in “ceasing support, including by any elements within the Pakistani military or its intelligence agency, to extremist groups”, especially those that have attacked USled forces in Afghanistan.

Islamabad is also required to make progress in stopping its extremists from operating in Pakistan, staging attacks in neighbouring countries, and shutting down terrorist bases in the country.

Afghan brides undergo surgery for big noses

Kabul: While westerners go under the knife to reduce their noses to button-shaped perfection, Sona Amirzada, a 19year-old secretary, is one of a growing number of Afghans clamouring for bigger noses to conform to Pashtun and Tajik ideals of beauty.

Now that her nose had been enhanced she felt ready for her wedding. “I’m excited.

I’m going to marry my cousin Samir next month. We will celebrate for two days,” she said.

Nose enlargement is the most popular procedure at the Hamkar hospital in western Kabul. Dwarfed by hardware stores on a crowded, dusty street, it is the first cosmetic surgery clinic in Afghanistan.

Dr Daud Nazari, the surgeon, can barely keep up with the demand. Women in skyblue burqas flow up a dimly lit staircase to his tiny waiting room. He and a colleague perform at least 100 operations a year.

Many of Nazari’s patients belong to the Hazara minority, who feel out of place in

Afghan society with their eastern features and flatter noses. Others simply want to refine their looks to bag a good husband.

“They want to make their noses bigger because they want to be pretty,” Nazari said.

During decades of war, plastic surgeons in Afghanistan have devoted their energies to reconstructive work, treating men mutilated by the Taliban and women who have set themselves on fire to protest against repression.

Ten years after the fall of the Taliban, violence still rages in much of the countryside but in relatively peaceful cities, the middle classes are exposed to fashions in Iran and India, and on television soap operas.

Pak school offers hope for children rescued from the Taliban

Islamabad: At first glance they seem just like any other group of high-spirited teenage schoolboys. Dressed in the compulsory school uniform comprising green-and-white striped shirts and cream trousers, they spend their mornings studying hard for their exams and their afternoons on the playing fields. To observe these boys studiously poring over their textbooks, or running around the sports field during games of football or basketball, it was hard to imagine that only a few months ago they had been living a very different existence.

For the 180 or so boys attending this highly specialised school on Pakistan's lawless North-West Frontier are all veterans of the Taliban, the militant Islamist movement that is waging war on both sides of the border with neighbouring Afghanistan.

Seized or bought from their families by Taliban fighters promising them a better life, they were plunged into a relentless cycle of indoctrina-

tion aimed at turning them into suicide bombers or fighters willing to sacrifice their lives attacking Nato forces in Afghanistan or taking part in the Taliban's increasingly violent campaign against the Pakistani government.

In one such case, the Taliban seized a seven-yearold boy who, after three years of indoctrination and training, was sent to Afghanistan to kill a policeman. His mission, thankfully, failed. On his return to Pakistan, he was found by his parents who,

appalled at his exploits, surrendered him to the authorities in the hope they could help him to rebuild his life.

The boy, now 11, is one of the lucky ones. Pakistani security officials estimate that hundreds, if not thousands, of children have been killed in the Taliban's relentless campaign of terrorism. In one of the worst examples, a Pakistani boy was caught on a CCTV camera moments before he blew himself up outside a Sufi shrine in Lahore in 2010, killing 45

people and maiming another 175. Overall, it is estimated that more than 4,000 people have been killed by 200 attacks carried out by teenage Taliban suicide bombers.

As a result, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the head of the Pakistan army, ordered that a specialist school be set up to rehabilitate these teenage victims of the Taliban's indoctrination programme. Called the Sabaoon School (Sabaoon in Pashto means the first light of dawn), it is located in the frontier town of Malakand, where, in 1897, the young Winston Churchill took part in his first military campaign with the British Army. Run on the same principles as any normal boarding school, with the children learning the same curriculum taught in other schools in the area, Sabaoon also boasts a team of child psychologists who work closely with the children to help them learn the error of their ways.

Pak army stops Imran march

Islamabad: A march against US drone strikes in Pakistan led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was stopped by the army on the edge of the nation’s lawless tribal belt due to fears of a possible militant attacks on the rallyists, which also included American anti-war activists. A motorcade of scores of vehicles was turned back by the army just a few km from the boundary of volatile South Waziristan Agency, forcing the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief to cancel his plans to address a gathering at Kotkai in the tribal region.

US to review drone policy, claims Rehman Malik

Karachi: Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that US officials had given him an assurance to review the policy of using drones in tribal areas of Pakistan, following opposition against drone strikes from the country's government. Malik said he apprised the US government during to his visit to Washington of Pakistani people's concern about drone attacks, which were counter-productive, reports The Nation. Malik said he apprised US officials of the resentment of Pakistanis towards the use of drones, and that Pakistani rulers were dubbed as 'American stooge' due to Washington's drone policy.

Stop terrorists from crossing into Afghan: Karzai warns Pak

Kabul: Expressing his desire to sign a strategic pact with Pakistan, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, said it would be possible only if Pakistan stops terrorists and suicide bombers from crossing in to Afghanistan. "We are happy to have strategic relations with Pakistan. We want this strategic pact with Pakistan. But we want some conditions and preconditions from Pakistan," Karzai was quoted as saying. "If these conditions are met - terrorism is stopped, extremism is dismantled, anti-Afghan activities are stopped, destruction of Afghanistan is stopped, friendship starts between the two countries which hasn't happened so far - then a strategic pact would be signed between Afghanistan and Pakistan," he added.

Panel slams Pak for delay in visa pact

Islamabad: A Pakistani parliamentary panel criticized the interior ministry for the delay in implementing a new visa agreement with India, with members passing a resolution calling on the cabinet to ratify the pact at the earliest. Foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jillani informed the foreign affairs committee of the Senate or the upper house of the Pakistani parliament that the ratification of the visa agreement by the cabinet was pending due to the interior ministry's delay in completing certain formalities.

Kids custody: Tamils demonstrate outside Norway mission in Lanka

Colombo: A group of Sri Lankan Tamils based in Norway have demonstrated outside the Norwegian embassy claiming that the child welfare service in that country forcibly removed their children from the parental care.

T Anantharajah, one of those told media that his three children aged 12, 10 and 8 respectively had been forcibly taken away by the Norwegian authorities and placed under the care of foster families. Anantharajah said that aggrieved parents from at least 60 Sri Lankan Tamil families would soon launch a hunger strike in Oslo against the Norwegian authorities. However, the Norwegian embassy said the country's child welfare service step in when measures at home are not sufficient to meet a child's need.

Pakistan set to produce Nsafety equipment locally

Islamabad: Having formally received a goahead from the country's nuclear regulatory body to manufacture class I nuclear safety equipment, Pakistan is set to feature in the list of countries certified to produce such equipment locally. The Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) III in Taxilla, the specialised workshop operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) which produces spare parts for nuclear plants and other related equipment, was issued the licence by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).

world 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

46 students killed in Nigeria hostel Abuja (Nigeria): At least 46 students were killed and several others injured when unidentified gunmen attacked a hostel in northern Nigeria. The massacre has taken place on Nigeria’s 52nd Independence celebration.

Gunmen invaded the hostel of Mubi Polytechnic in northern state of Adamawa, killing 46 students, police sources said.

A lecturer said that the invaders used guns and knives in their acts. He said the students were recently warned to leave the college in a statement suspected to have been written by the radical Islamist sect known as Boko Haram. The attack follows the killing of three students outside a university campus in Maiduguri, Boko Haram’s spiritual home.

18 students killed in China landslide Beijing: A landslide in southwestern China has toppled an elementary school building and buried 18 students and another person. The Chinese government said the landslide struck a village in Yiliang county in Yunnan province. A statement on the Yiliang government website says the landslide caused a school to collapse and that 18 students were believed to have been in the building.

Another person was trapped when a few houses were toppled.

Farmer devoured by own pigs!

Washington: US authorities are investigating how an American farmer from Oregon was eaten by his own pigs, after some of the man's remains were found at the hog enclosure. Terry Vance Garner, 70, did not return after leaving his house last week to feed the pigs, some of which weigh 318 kilograms or more. Mr Garner was not observed for several hours. When a family member went to look for him, he found the dentures of Mr Garner on the ground. The enclosure revealed that Mr Garner's body was in several pieces, with a great majority of the body having been consumed by the hogs.

New York: The radical cleric Abu Hamza accused of being at the “nerve centre of Al-Qaeda’s acts of terror” and four other suspects extradited from Britain appeared in American courts. The five men were presented before judges in New York and Connecticut less than 24 hours after being flown to the US on private jets and after years of costly legal wrangling. All of the terrorism suspects face a maximum life sentence if found guilty.

Abu Hamza, 54, the former imam of Finsbury Park mosque in north London, briefly appeared at a federal district court in Manhattan. He faces 11 charges relating to hostage-taking in Yemen, conspiracy to set up a terror training camp in Oregon and calling for holy war in Afghanistan.

Abu Hamza, who lost both hands in an explosion, did

not enter a plea but complained through a lawyer that his prosthetic hook had been confiscated and demanded its return.

Appearing at the same court were Khalid alFawwaz, 50, and Adel Abdel Bary, 52. Both denied charges of aiding Osama Bin Laden and conspiring to kill Americans abroad.

The arrival of the three suspects in New York amid tight security was greeted

Britons were being held because of security concerns. Abu Hamza, who was born in Egypt, is thought to have spent his first night in America in a special unit at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.

Previous terrorism suspects held there have been kept in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day.

The five men were flown to America just hours after losing a lastditch attempt at the High Court to block their extradition.

Two judges refused to grant Abu Hamza more time to challenge his removal from Britain on the grounds of deteriorating health. They also rejected separate challenges from the other four men. Fawwaz, a Saudi citizen, was indicted by the US in 1998 and had been held without charge in Britain ever since.

John Gurdon & Shinya Yamanaka

Stem cells are precursor cells which differentiate into the various organs of the body.

They have stirred huge excitement, with hopes that they can be coaxed into growing into replacement tissue for victims of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases.

British-Japanese duo wins Nobel for stem cell research Mau Mau rebels win the Stockholm: Shinya study diseases and develop Yamanaka of Japan and methods for diagnosis and right to sue Britain John Gurdon of Britain therapy," it added.

London: Three elderly Kenyans were granted the right to sue the British government for compensation over allegations of torture during the Mau Mau uprising that started 60 years ago. The judgment at the High Court in London, described as "historic" by the Kenyans' lawyer, potentially opens the door to other claims of mistreatment by colonial officers across the British Empire stretching back decades.

The Foreign Office said it did not dispute that Kenya's colonial administration tortured the three Kenyans, all in their 70s and 80s, but added that it would still appeal against the ruling.

It claims that most of the potential witnesses to any court proceedings are dead, that too long has passed for a civil case to be brought, and that a fair trial would be impossible.

However Mr Justice McCombe, sitting in the

High Court, said documentary evidence culled from imperial files was "voluminous." "The governments and military commanders seem to have been meticulous record keepers," he said.

"I have reached the conclusion that a fair trial on this part of the case does remain possible and that the evidence on both sides remains significantly cogent for the Court to complete its task satisfactorily."

The three claimants, Paulo Muoka Nzili, 85, Wambuga Wa Nyingi, 84, and Jane Muthoni Mara, 73, allege that they suffered beatings, castration and sexual assault during their detention by British troops during the rebellion.

The uprising, between 1952 and 1960, led to thousands of Kenyans being interned under suspicion of being members of the outlawed Mau Mau sect, which fought the colonial administration.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed arrested for ignoring summons Colombo: Maldives police arrested and detained former president Mohamed Nasheed on Monday for ignoring a court summons and a travel ban, moves that could trigger further protests by supporters in the Indian Ocean island nation.

Nasheed was removed from office in contested circumstances in February and his supporters have

as “a watershed moment” by a senior legal official there. “These are men who were at the nerve centres of Al-Qaeda’s acts of terror and they caused blood to be shed, lives to be lost and families to be shattered,” said Preet Bharara, US attorney for the southern district of New York.

“After years of protracted legal battles, the extradition of these three alleged terrorists to the US is a watershed moment in

our nation’s efforts to eradicate terrorism. Now Abu Hamza, Adel Abdel Bary and Khalid alFawwaz will finally face justice.”

Mary Galligan, acting assistant director of the FBI, described Abu Hamza’s extradition - after an eight-year legal battle costing British taxpayers millions of pounds - as “a major milestone”.

Babar Ahmad, 38, and Syed Talha Ahsan, 33, both Britons, were whisked into a separate federal court in New Haven, Connecticut. The two men were taken into pre-trial detention after entering not guilty pleas to charges relating to the running of pro-jihadist websites, hosted in America, which allegedly provided support to the Chechen mujaheddin and the Taliban.

Court officials refused to disclose where the

frequently taken to the streets, leading to clashes with security forces in Male, the capital of a country best known for its luxury resorts.

"Nasheed has been placed (under) custody now according to the court order issued yesterday," police spokesman Hassan Haneef told Reuters.

Nasheed had ignored a court case against him relat-

ed to the detention of a judge during the last days of his rule, refusing to follow orders to turn up for hearings and stay in the capital.

"He will be taken to Male. He is in one of the atolls now. He was arrested around 9.45 (local time). It went peacefully and he cooperated. He will be produced the court tomorrow 1600 hours," Haneef said.

won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for work in cell programming, a frontier that has raised dreams of growing replacement tissue for people crippled by disease. The two scientists were lauded for determining that adult cells can be transformed back to an infant, versatile

state called stem cells. By reprogramming human cells, "scientists have created new opportunities to

24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Team Kejriwal targets Vadra, Congress furious India Against Corruption (IAC) flung an explosive charge of corruption in property deals at Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, triggering furious denials from both the government and the Congress party. Just three days after announcing the birth of his political party, IAC leader Arvind Kejriwal and his lawyer colleague Prashant Bhushan alleged that Vadra had brought property in Gurgaon and other places at rates far below market rates and sold them at huge profit.

Real estate giant DLF, they said, had given an unsecured interest free loan of Rs.65 crore to Vadra, and asked why the firm would do so if it was not thriving in the Congress-ruled states of Haryana and Rajasthan."Robert Vadra acquired properties worth hundreds of crores (of rupees) for nothing. What is the source of these funds?" Kejriwal asked at a press conference. He distributed scanned copies of what he said was "documentary evidence" to back his claim.They alleged that Vadra's wealth grew from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.300 crore in three years. There was no immediate response from the 43-year-old buisnessman who is married to the Congress president's daughter Priyanka Gandhi.

Kejriwal alleged that the Haryana government acquired 350 acres of land in Wazirabad in Gurgaon for public interest but gave it away to DLF for building flats. Vadra, he said, now owned seven of these flats. "In the last four years, Robert Vadra has gone on a property buying binge and has purchased at least 31 properties mostly in and around New Delhi, which even at the time of their purchase were worth several hundred crores (of rupees),"

By Rajen Vakil

The Story of the Fish or Matsya

Arvind Kejriwal

Robert Vadra

Bhushan alleged. Bhushan said the balance sheets of five companies set up by Vadra and his mother show that the "total share capital of these companies was just Rs.50 lakh". "This massive property buying spree by the son-in-law of the ruling dynasty in the country gives rise to several important questions."

Team Kejriwal said all the property transactions were done in Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, all ruled by the Congress. It distributed documents listing 31 properties said to belong to Vadra.

Congress veterans and ministers reacted angrily to the charge, the first of its kind against a member of the influential Gandhi family, saying the IAC was levelling wild and baseless allegations.

A fuming Environment Minister Jayanti Natarajan branded the allegations "shameless, shameful, below the belt" and added: "It puts the integrity of my entire party into question."

Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid accused IAC of hitting "below the belt" in order to tarnish the image of the Congress leadership. Bhushan reiterated the charge, asking why plush flats had been sold far below the market price to Vadra.

Claiming more evidence of a nexus, activist Arvind Kejriwal demanded a probe by retired Supreme Court judges into the business relationship between Robert Vadra and DLF and a white

paper by Haryana government on the benefits it allegedly gave to the realty major.

Kejriwal, a former Revenue Service official, claimed that it was a "fit case" for the Income Tax Department to raid Vadra but when the country's Finance Minister himself says that his account books are clean, "then who will have the courage to take action".

While there was no reaction from Vadra, Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi rejected as "baseless" the fresh charges levelled by him against Robert Vadra and said there was "nothing new and no proofs".

Daring Arvind Kejriwal to issue a white paper on the finances for his campaign, Alvi asked Kejriwal to file a criminal complaint in the matter and approach the court so that law can take its own course.

Rejecting the allegations, Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily said the matter relating to land deals was examined and it was found that there "no serious infirmity or violations" of Companies Law. "Appropriate action was taken for a few typical violations," he said.

Refuting contentions that this case would not hold water as Vadra is a private individual, lawyer Shanti Bhushan said Section 9 of Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 114 of Evidence Act clearly shows that a solid case can be made.

Minister slammed over toilet, temple remarks Rural development minister Jairam Ramesh’s comment that “toilets were more important than temples” has triggered a row, with the BJP slamming it as offending the religious sentiments and Congress clarifying it had respect for all religions. The unlikely row erupted in the backdrop of Ramesh’s comment in Nagpur that the country had more temples than toilets, stressing that open defeca-tion was the main reason for hygiene-related problems. Ramesh was speaking at the launch of a campaign to sensitize people about open defecation in Sewagram, a countrywide campaign launched by actor Vidya Balan.

While the comment appeared to stress the crit-

In divine light

icality of toilets for poor, the minister’s formulation by contrasting it with the abundance of temples sparked off a controversy.

BJP accused him of offending the religious sentiments. “Making of toilets and having faith in a religious place of worship are two different things. India is a multi-cultural country where we should have unblemished faith in a temple, a mosque, a gurdwara or a church. You cannot juxtapose the two,” said BJP spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

In a caustic advice, Rudy said that Ramesh should desist from political statement and instead concentrate on “salvaging the battered image of the UPA government”.The main

opposition said it was foolhardy to get into a debate about what was more important between toilet and temple. “It would be good for Ramesh that he stops making such comments which will destroy the fine fabric of religion and faith,” Rudy said.

Congress quickly sought to bury the row by affirming its faith in all religions even as it claimed ignorance about Ramesh’s statement.

AICC spokesman Manish Tewari said, “We respect the sanctity of every religious place irrespective of the community it belongs to. I do not know the statement attributed to Ramesh. Perhaps, it could have been distorted and he is in the best position to explain.”

One day Yudhishthira asked the great rishi Markandeya to tell them the story of the young and powerful rishi called Manu who was the son of Vivasvan. Markandeya said that Manu was a rishi full of lustre who achieved great heights by practice of his tapas or austerity.

One day he was meditating near a pool in the beautiful spot called Badrikashram. A small fish came to him and said. “O pure one I am frightened of the big fish who can eat me at any time, please help me. I have asked for your shelter and it is your duty to help me.” Manu was moved and he took the fish and put it in a beautiful vessel which shined like the full moon.

Slowly the fish started growing and Manu became attached to it and treated the fish as a son.

A time came when the fish was so big that the vessel was too small to hold it. The fish told Manu that it was impossible to stay longer in this vessel and he should find another place for it. Manu took the fish to a huge well which was two Jojans (furlongs) long and one wide. Here the fish stayed for a few years growing consider-

ably. Soon it was too big for the well and it told Manu that the time had come to take him to the river Ganga. Manu did so and the fish lived in the sacred river for many years. Here also it grew very fast and a time came when the river was too small to hold it.

The fish asked Manu to take him to the large ocean. Even though the fish was so huge Manu was able to easily carry him to the seas. As he was leaving him in the waters the fish said, “O great rishi very soon this whole Earth with all its life is going to be destroyed. It is going to rain heavily and everything will be drowned in water.

Please take a huge boat and together with the

Seven Rishis collect the seeds of all life and start staying in the boat. At that time I will come to you and you will recognise me because of my huge horns.

Tie the boat to the horns and leave the rest to me.”

Manu did as the fish had told him. He collected the seed of every living form and together with the Seven Rishis entered a huge boat which he let adrift in the ocean. He then meditated upon the fish that appeared larger than a mountain and with massive horns. Manu tied the boat to the horns.

Soon it started raining with terrible winds, lightning and thunder. This went on for many years and everything on the Earth was drowned. Only the boat remained as it was deftly steered through the seas by the fish.

The fish then took the boat to the highest point in the Himalayas and left it there. The fish was Lord Vishnu who appeared to Manu in divine form. He told Manu that the waters would recede and that Manu should now father all life and humanity afresh.

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

Gujarati version of K H Patel’s autobiography launched The launching of Gujarati version ‘Rajdoot na Sansmarano’ of Mr K H Patel’s English autobiography titled ‘An Envoy Looks Back – A Memoir’, took place at The Grand Bhagwati Hotel in Ahmedabad on Saturday, 6th October.

Former Supreme Court judge G T Nanavati released the book which was translated

by Mr Alkesh Patel, a writer and editor of ‘Gujarat Guardian’ a vernacular newspaper of Surat.

Mr Nanavati in his remarks said that writing an autobiography is difficult, but writing the autobiography of a diplomat such as that of Mr K H Patel, former Indian High Commissioner of Uganda, is even more difficult because the envoys are limited in what they can say publicly. Not only has he written a masterful book but also has brought joy to not only to friends and family but to readers at large. The question is a how a Patel, most of them normally speak their minds, succeeded in building a successful career in diplomacy? Normally, one views a diplomat as someone who lies for his coun-

From left: Shri Ramesh Tanna, Resident Editor of Gujarat Times (USA), author Ambassador (Retd.) K. H. Patel, Justice G.T.Nanavati, Shri Prakash Bhagwati, President of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Prof. S. Zala, Head of Political Science Department, Gujarat University

try. Mr. Patel solves the mystery in the book by emphasizing that the role of the diplomat has changed to building bilateral economic ties between two countries.

The Guest of Honor, Mr Prakash Bhagwati, President, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce (GCCI), congratulated Mr Patel on this momentous occasion. In particular, he emphasized the tumultuous times in Africa when Mr Patel served in various capacities as diplomat in Uganda, Angola, Burundi and other African countries. He mentioned that Mr Patel in his capac-

ity as Chairman of NRG center at GCCI has done a fabulous job and his book may serve as an inspiration, reference and guide for more Gujaratis to serve in Ministry of External Affairs.

Special Guest Mr Sarman Zhala, Head of Political Science Department of Gujarat University, mentioned that Gandhiji and Sardar Patel made a name for Gujaratis in politics worldwide.

Similarly, Mr Patel had made a successful career in the field of foreign affairs and diplomacy where very few Gujaratis venture.

india - World

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

In Focus India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile

India successfully test-fired its nuclearcapable ballistic missile Dhanush from a naval ship in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast. The missile was fired somewhere between Puri and Visakhapatnam as part of training exercise of the Indian Navy.

The test was successful. With a pay-load capacity of 500 kg, Dhanush is a naval version of the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Prithvi. It is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warheads and can strike targets in the range of 350 km.

With its ability to hit targets on the sea as well as on shore, the missile gives the Indian Navy the capability to strike enemy targets with great precision.

Asha Bhosle’s daughter commits suicide

Varsha Bhosle, daughter of playback singer Asha Bhosle, committed suicide at their Peddar Road residence. Varsha, who was 56 years old, allegedly shot herself with her licensed revolver and died on the spot. No suicide note was found but Varsha Bhosle was believed to be suffering from depression and had been hospitalized a few weeks ago after a suspected overdose of sleeping pills.

Her body has been sent for a post-mortem.

Varsha Bhosle was a columnist with web portal Rediff. She previously wrote for The Sunday Observer and The Times Of India.

She was also a theatre personality, sang playback for some Hindi and Marathi films and performed in concerts with her mother.

No bail for Jagan till probe ends: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court rejected YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy’s bail plea in the Rs 924 crore disproportionate assets case, saying he would not get the relief until CBI completed its probe into the alleged Rs 3,000 crore bribe paid to him by various companies. A detailed note on the status of investigation against Reddy, which it said “was not confined to India and extended abroad”.The CBI said letters rogatory (LR) had been issued to Hong Kong, Mauritius, United Kingdom, British Virgin Islands, Luxembourg and Singapore for assistance to unearth the manner in which bribe money was parked there and later re-routed to firms controlled by Jagan and others.

Government has not paid for Sonia Gandhi’s treatment: CiC

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has not sought any reimbursement for medical bills from the Government, the Central Information Commission has said. The case relates to an RTI application filed by one Naveen Kumar of Moradabad, who sought to know from the Prime Minister’s Office, National Advisory Council, Lok Sabha secretariat and ministries of external affairs, parliamentary affairs, statistics and programme implementation details of the medical expenditure incurred on the treatment of Gandhi.

During the hearing before chief information commissioner Satyananda Mishra, the ministries held no medical bills were submitted by Gandhi for reimbursement.

“From the submissions made by the respondents, it was quite clear that neither any reimbursement for any such expenditure had been claimed by the individual concerned from these public authorities nor any expenditure made in this regard. In other words, till now, the government has incurred no expenditure in this regard,” Mishra had held in his order dated May 3. He said that in any case the expenditure made by individual on her treatment, in India or abroad, is private information and cannot be subject matter of an RTI application.

The matter assumes importance in the recent war of words between Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and Congress on the expenditure incurred on the treatment of Gandhi. Addressing a rally at Jesar, Modi had targeted the Congress president by claiming that Rs 1880 crore has been spent from the public exchequer for her foreign trips.

But later he offered to apologise if what he said was wrong.

The allegations were refuted

by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who said the incident “establishes the motive of BJP and Narendra Modi, their malafide cheap intentions.

They want to politicise even an issue like health” With the Central Information Commission (CIC) making it absolutely clear that the government has not paid for Sonia Gandhi’s treatment, Congress Party accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of trying to achieve cheap publicity by levelling allegations against the UPA chairperson and advised him to be confined to his state instead of making all big claims.Congress leader B.K. Hari Prasad called Modi to be a biggest liar of the century. “By taking the name of Congress President, he tries to get the cheap publicity. This cheap mentality is not new to Narendra Modi, he is being known for this. The report of the Central Information Commission clearly says who is right and who is wrong. It’s high time Modi should confine to Gujarat instead of making all big claims,” he said.

Hari Prasad pointed out that Modi has no comments to make as far as Gujarat’s development is concerned.

“Once again he has proved that already he is known for the great criminal negligence in 2002 and now he is known as a biggest liar of the century,” he added. The Central Information Commission has said that Sonia Gandhi has not sought any reimbursement for medical bills from

the government.

Chief Information Commissioner Satyananda Mishra during the hearing said that the ministries concerned held no medical bills were submitted by the Congress President for reimbursement. Mishra said that in any case the expenditure made by individual on her treatment, in India or abroad, is private information and cannot be subject matter of an RTI application.

The matter assumes importance in the backdrop of recent war of words between Narendra Modi and the Congress Party on the expenditure incurred on the treatment of Sonia Gandhi.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari earlier in the day accused Modi of malafide intentions, and said that he was trying to deflect the attention of the masses from crucial issues.”In law there is a term called locus. Whenever any petition is filed in any court, the first thing, which the court examines, is the locus of the petitioner and in this particular instance the locus of the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi is malafide. It is malafide because first, he does not apply the same standards to himself,” said Tewari.

Modi had claimed that Rs.1880 crores had been spent on Sonia Gandhi’s foreign trips. “For Sonia Gandhi, 1880 crores rupees that belong to the poor of the country; has been spent. I have this newspaper dated 12 July 2012. Here, it is written that a resident of Hisar in Haryana had filed an RTI. The Indian Government itself gave this information to him,” Modi told a rally in Gujarat’s Junagadh District.However, the RTI applicant, Ramesh Verma, denied Modi’s claims, saying the figures being linked to his petition, were incorrect.

25

Minister Jaiswal apologises for sexist remarks

Sriprakash Jaiswal

Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal apologised for the derogatory comments he had made on women, but said he had been quoted out of context.

“I apologise if people are upset, but my comments were taken out of context,” Jaiswal, also a Congress Lok Sabha member, told reporters.

He was reacting to criticism of his comments made during a poetry meet at K.K. Girls College in Kanpur when he had likened “the joy of a new victory to a new marriage” and said “as the years go by, the celebrations like in a marriage become old”.

Women’s organisations have slammed his remarks as sexist and deplorable.

Cornered by reporters, Jaiswal said he was reacting after India’s big T20 victory over Pakistan during the poetry meet.

“My remarks have been totally taken out of context. I was inaugurating a kavi sammelan when the news of the cricket victory came. The audience was in a celebratory mood, and I said that a fresh victory when celebrated is good, like a new marriage. In the same way, when a marriage becomes old, then the celebrations are not so much.

However, my remarks were taken out of context,” Jaiswal said.

Face to face with Satish Sekar, author and investigative journalist Roger Aitken Q: Your book, ‘Fitted-In: The Cardiff Three and The Lynette White Inquiry’ (1998), was instrumental in helping secure acquittals for the Cardiff 3 over a Valentine’s Day homicide from a decade earlier in 1988. What motivated you to write it and your latest book?

A: The motivation was essentially that I saw very early on that it was unique in the sense that it was rare that so much could go wrong in one case. It’s one of these rare cases where everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong.

What you will come across and find in every single miscarriage of justice case anywhere are elements of what happened in the Cardiff Five case.

It should be pointed out that there were five defendants, but only three of them were convicted.

My whole argument has been that even though my

earlier work, ‘Fitted-In: The Cardiff Three and The Lynette White Inquiry’, it should refer to the Cardiff Five. This is especially so given the passing of time and the innocence of all five members. Hence my work, ‘The Cardiff Five: Innocent Beyond All Doubt’*.

Q: Why do you view this case that took place in Cardiff, South Wales, as possibly the biggest miscarriage of justice in British criminal history?

A: Many people will not like me for saying this, but fundamentally I believe it represents the gravest miscarriage of justice in British criminal history. The reasons are manifold. Firstly, it was so easily preventable. Secondly, there were so many safeguards that should have prevented this from happening. And, thirdly, one finds the real killer, which led to an investigation of what went wrong in the original prosecution. That

is actually unique since no other miscarriage of justice case anywhere in the world has had such an investigation.

Q: What first sparked your interest in this case?

A: I had read piece in the Institute of Race Relations bulletin on race and class, which I could not quite believe. In terms of the timeline I had been following the case since February 1991, shortly after the wrongful convictions of members of what became known as ‘The Cardiff Five’.

Two of the group were

acquitted at trial in November 1990, while three others (aka ‘The Cardiff Three’) were wrongly convicted but subsequently freed on appeal. Their convictions were quashed in December 1992. (Two members of The Cardiff Five were from West Indian origins, one mixed Welsh and Somalian, while the other two were also of mixed race).

In essence that article stated that one of the group had a strong alibi, another that the sole evidence for them was a prison informer, while the third had a low IQ and was highly suggestible.

Furthermore, the witnesses contradicted themselves and each other.

Q: Are there any comparatives or benchmarks one can look to in terms of worse case miscarriages in British legal history?

A: There have clearly been other miscarriages of justices that have taken

place over the years and it really depends on how far one goes back in time. The case of Dic Penderyn (aka Richard Lewis), a 25year old who was hanged at Cardiff Jail on 13 August 1831, was a major miscarriages of justice that has not yet been overturned. It is a seminal event in British judicial history.

Then there are others such as Derek Bentley, The Birmingham Six and The Guildford Four - enormous miscarriages.

However, the difference with the Cardiff case is that it is unique in the annals of criminal history in terms of not only having this enormous miscarriage of justice that was so easily preventable, but every single-tier of the criminal justice system miserably failed to do its job.

Q: Was there a particular mistake or flaw you discovered when following up on your original investigations after December 1992?

A: I carried on investigating and found that the original police investigation had made a telling mistake over the eliminations on DNA. They had correctly looked at this and said we cannot eliminate the victim [Lynette White] as the source of the blood (that all the DNA eliminations had been achieved on).

What they had actually done is effectively say: ‘That means we cannot rely on the eliminations of the Cardiff Five by DNA’.

However, they conveniently forget it also meant they could not rely on anybody else’s elimination. And, that included the police’s prime suspect, who turned out later to be innocent.

This man was wrongly eliminated by DNA. *‘The Cardiff Five: Innocent Beyond All Doubt’ is published by Waterside Press (208 pages, ISBN: 9781904380764, £16.99).

26

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Congress scared to speak in Gujarat: Modi In Focus Describing Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s speech in Rajkot as “lacklustre”, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi taunted her saying the Congress treads carefully in the state and is scared of speaking fearing a backlash. “There was nothing in Soniaji’s speech ... it was devoid of any substance and when media couldn’t find anything interesting in it they have published big photographs of her,” Modi said while addressing a rally here.

“They (Congress) are scared and are speaking carefully ... fearing that if anything wrong is uttered the people of state might go against them, leading to party’s wipe out,” he

Narendra Modi

said.

Yesterday, Sonia launched Congress’s poll campaign by addressing a huge rally in Rajkot in which she tore into Modi government’s performance but

avoided any reference to his allegations on the expenditure on her foreign trips.

Modi accused the Congress of “cheating” people by not honouring its promises made ahead of the 2009 elections, and also defaming Gujarat by spreading false information about it.

“The Congress had given an assurance of curbing price rise within 100 days of coming to power, prior to 2009 elections ... Have they been able to do so,” Modi asked the gathering to which they said a “no”. Modi again asked them is this not called cheating, to which the gathering replied “yes” in unison.

The CM also exuded confi-

dence that a repeat of last assembly polls will take place in Gujarat, when Congress had to taste defeat in Chota Udepur, a tribal belt, from where Sonia Gandhi flagged of its poll campaign in the state.

“In the 2007 assembly polls, Congress had to face defeat in Chota Udepur, from where Sonia had launched its election campaign. Likewise, they shall lose the Rajkot seat this time, from where they have started their poll campaign,” Modi asserted. “Not only was Congress unable to save its Chota Udepur seat, but it was also wiped off from the entire tribal belt of the state,” he said.

Sonia launches Cong campaign Cabinet clears 49% FDI cap in Gujarat, defends reforms in insurance, pension funds

Congress president Sonia Gandhi kicked off her party’s election campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Addressing a rally at the Race Course ground here, Sonia took on Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi over the development of the state. However, she refrained from making any personal attacks on Modi and did not join issues with him over her foreign travel bills. Taking a dig at Narendra Modi, she said some people only made tall claims in the name of development and did no real work on the ground.

Challenging the BJP’s version of development in Gujarat, she said the waters of the Narmada river had still not reached parched Saurashtra. The Congress president took credit for sowing the seeds of development in the state and said her party had laid the foundation for Gujarat to prosper. “It was during Congress’ rule that the progressive sectors of Gujarat including refinery, petrochemicals and textiles flourished. However, some people have a habit of taking credit of others work,” she said.

Pitching for a new Gujarat, Gandhi said the state’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not against corruption but only against her party.

An average Indian lived 4.6 years longer in 2008 compared with a decade earlier.

An average Indian woman lived three years more than her male counterpart in 2008.

While the life expectancy at birth for women was 67.7 years, for men it stood at 64.6 years. This was an increase of 2.5 years and 1.8 years, respectively, when compared to the life expectancy (LE) in 2002.

According to the latest life expectancy data — to be released by the Registrar General of India this week after a gap of almost five years — the LE of a rural Indian increased by 2.2 years between 2002 and 2008.

However,the LE of an urban Indian was up by just 1.2 years over the same period.

Interestingly, an urban female lived 4.9 years longer than a rural female and 7.9

Avoiding direct attack on Modi, Gandhi said, “Yeh log brashtachar ke khilaf nahin, sirf hamare khilaf hain. (These people are not against corruption, just against us).” “Ek naya Gujarat banana hai aur banayenge (We have to make a new Gujarat and we will),” she said. Sonia blamed the Narendra Modi government for hiding the fact that the UPA govt had given Gujarat 50 per cent more funds for development than the BJP-led NDA government. Defending the decision on FDI, she targeted the opposition for misleading the country and accused it of making baseless allegations on the issue.

She claimed FDI in retail will help the farmers of the state and there was no reason to make so much of fuss about it. The Congress chief tried to explain the hike in diesel prices and said that the country had to import 80 per cent of its oil needs.

The government of India reached out to the BJP seeking support for legislations to increase the foreign investment cap in insurance and opening up the pension sector, setting the stage for negotiations with the principal opposition and raising the hope that the wait for financial sector reforms may finally be over.

“Legislation-making in Parliament... is a process of discussion and negotiations.

Many bills have been passed after discussion with the opposition, especially the principal opposition party,” finance minister and the spearhead of the reforms rush P Chidambaram said just after cabinet cleared the two long-pending financial sector legislations. In what is being dubbed as the second wave of reforms, government approved 21 proposals including legislations to deepen commodities trading to help farmers hedge their risk, a modern set of rules for the corporate sector and a proposal to let the Competition Commission vet all corporate mergers and acquisitions to prevent companies from controlling market mechanics.

Chidambaram invoked BJP’s claim to be pro-reforms and recalled its chief Nitin

Gadkari’s statement that his party was not opposed to FDI per se, as he expressed hope that the main opposition party would take a nuanced stand. The finance minister’s overture sets the stage for intense give-and-take over the quantum of foreign investment in pension and insurance sectors, and escalate the churn within the BJP on its response to the reforms measures. The BJP opposed the proposals but with the caveat that it would finesse its stand after seeing the fine print. In fact, an influential section in the party is chary of being seen as anti-reforms for the fear of losing the middle class mindspace, and government’s pitch can intensify the debate. BJP has in the past supported pension reforms, with the parliamentary standing committee headed by former finance minister Yashwant Sinha suggesting that the foreign investment ceiling for the insurance sector be retained at 26%.

The government has, however, chosen to go ahead with the proposal to allow up to 49% overseas investment, and also align the limit for pensions with insurance: thus breaching the threshold unanimously set by the Sinha-led committee.

years longer than a rural male. A woman living in rural Kerala had the highest LE at birth across all categories at 77.2 years. In contrast, LE at birth was lowest at below 60 years for a rural male in Madhya Pradesh. Rural males also lived longest in Kerala at 71.2 years, which was 7.7 years longer than the average rural Indian male.

Kerala’s rural female LE of 77.2 years was also 10.7 years more than the average rural female LE in the country.

Interestingly, women seem to have a longer life span than their male counterparts in most of the major states. In West Bengal and Rajasthan, for example, women on average lived 3.6 years longer than their male counterparts in 2008.Women in Tamil Nadu live 3.8 years longer than men on average,

according to the latest life expectancy data to be released by the Registrar General of India this week. In Punjab, the gap is 4.2 years, Maharashtra 4 years, Haryana 2.5 years, Gujarat 4.1 years, Himachal Pradesh 4.7 years, Karnataka 4.8 years and Kerala 5.4 years.

When it comes to urban males, Himachal Pradesh took the top spot with an average man living till 72.6 years at 4.6 years longer than an average urban Indian male.

An urban female was living longest in Kerala – 76.4 years, which was five years longer than an average urban Indian female.

Deputy registrar general Bhaskar Mishra said, “LE of an average Indian is improving by the year. What is most interesting is the widening gap between LE of an Indian

male and a female which is a trend similar to developed countries. This may be because of the rapid bridging of the gap in child mortality between males and females.

The previous data on LE came out in 2007.”

So what are the main reasons for Indians living longer now than a decade ago?

Experts say that the three big reasons for LE to have increased are better food supply and nutrition, healthier lifestyle and better hygiene.

“More people are interested in the nutritional content of the food they eat and plan their diet accordingly. People are consciously making better lifestyle choices that reduce chances or delay the risk of developing diseases. People wash their hands more often that reduces infection rate,” a health ministry official said.

Sonia Gandhi

Life span of Indians goes up by 4.6 years; Kerala women live longer

DMK chief Karunanidhi will wear black shirts ‘forever’

Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) cadres, including their chief M Karunanidhi on wore black outfits as a mark of protest against Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s ‘antipeople policies’. Karunanidhi had announced that he would no longer be seen in a white shirt and yellow shawl that is his trademark.

Instead, he will wear black shirts.

Karunanidhi had originally called for a human chain of party workers, all dressed in black, to protest against the AIADMK’s misdeeds.

The DMK protest comes at a time when the police has filed fresh cases of land grab and illegal mining against senior leaders and Karunanidhi’s grandson Durai Dayanidhi.

Dayanidhi has been absconding for more than a month after a firm closely linked to him was accused of illegal mining near the temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

34 Bihar officials sacked for graft in job scheme

Thirty-four officials of the rural jobs scheme in Bihar have been dismissed from service for corruption and first information reports have been lodged against 43 others. The government has sacked 34 officials of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), and lodged first information reports against 43 officials for involvement in alleged irregularities in the implementation of the scheme. “Stringent action has been taken against them, following an inquiry conducted in 1,512 panchayats across the state by senior officers in districts. Mishra told that the state government is determined to check corruption in the implementation of the scheme. In a bid to send out a message loud and clear, the government has also issued notices to 879 officials and collected Rs 4.90 lakh from guilty officials, he said.

Boy dies copying Salman Khan’s train stunt in ‘Ek Tha Tiger’

A 16-year-old boy’s desire to imitate Salman Khan’s train stunt in the movie ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ has cost him his life. Mohammed Faizan bunked his first term examination and headed to the Cantonment railway station with two friends around 10.30am. Once there, the class X student climbed the Golden Chariot. He was thrown off the stationary train when he came close to a high-tension power line. He landed on the platform, head first, and sustained severe burns. Faizan wanted to show his friends how Salman Khan jumps off a train in ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, his cousin Irfan informed. He came close to a high-tension wire after he climbed the train, and was thrown off.

Wife of Kingfisher employee commits suicide

The wife of an employee of the troubled Kingfisher Airlines committed suicide. The suicide note found in her Delhi home said that her husband had not been paid for the last six months. She was also battling depression. She was found hanging from the ceiling by her neighbours and rushed to a local hospital, but didn’t survive. Susmita Chakravarti, 45, wrote a suicide note in Bengali, which says: “My husband and son are very caring and I love them. My husband works with Kingfisher where they have not paid him salary for the last six months. We are in acute financial crisis and so I am committing suicide”. She also wrote that she feared her husband would lose his job.Susmita’s husband Manas Chakravarti is a store manager with Kingfisher Airlines.

Ahmedabad police station set on fire in anti-Islam film stir

A rally to condemn the anti-Islam film ‘Innocence of Muslims’, which has irked Muslims across the globe, took a violent turn in the city. An angry mob set fire to the Karanj police chowky along with 11 motorbikes and two jeeps belonging to the policemen. City police fired three rounds in the air to disperse the mob. Officials also lobbed more than 30 tear gas shells and lathicharged the protesters to bring the situation under control. At least 12 people were injured in police lathi-charge.More than 100 people were arrested for the violence.

FESTIVALS

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

27

Navratri festivals unite generations and communities all across Britain The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit and is celebrated wherever Indians are settled.

The festival is celebrated all over India, especially Gujarat during September-November, depending on the lunar Hindu calendar.

During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshipped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussera."

There is of course several religious interpretations in Hinduism which link Navratri to different gods and goddesses. However for some Asians who have grown up in the UK or who do not practice Hinduism, Navratri has become much less of a religious event.

People go to garba as a part of the Indian culture. It is the one time that people can come together as a community and can share something of the culture.

Navaratri is actually celebrated five times a year. They are Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, the Sharada Navaratri, and the Paush/Magha Navaratri. Of these, Sharada Navaratri is the most important of the Navaratris. It is simply called Maha Navaratri (the Great Navratri) and is celebrated in the month of Ashvina. Also known as Sharad Navaratri, as it is celebrated during Sharad (beginning of winter, September–October).

Sharad Navaratri commences on

Mata ki aarti Jaya Aadya Shakti Ma Jaya Aadya Shakti Akhand Brhamand Dipavya Panave Pragatya Ma Om Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Dwitiya Mehsarup Shivshakti Janu a Shivshakti Janu rahma Ganapti Gaye rahma Ganapti Gaye ardayi Har Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Trutiya Tran Sarup Tribhuvan Ma Betha a Tribhuvan Ma Betha aya Thaki Karveli aya Thaki Karveli tarvenima m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Chouthe Chatura Malaxmi Ma achrachal Vyapya a Sachrachal Vyapya har Bhuja Cho Disha har Bhuja Cho Disha ragtya Dakshin Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Panchame Panchrushi Panchami Gunpadma a Panchami Gunpadma anchtatv Tya Soshiye anchtatv Tya Soshiye anchetatvo Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Shashthi Tu Narayani Mahishasur Maryo

Navaratri Mahotstsav programme

the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month Aswayuja/Asvina.

This year it starts on 16 October 2012 and ends on 23 October 2012 with Vijayadashami celebrated on 24 October 2012.

The festivities take the form of traditional folk dances called garba and dandyaraas. Garba is generally performed in concentric circles, where the dances become more intricate as one moves closer to the centre. Dandya-raas is often performed later in the night using decorative sticks which are hit against each other, following the beats or rhythms of traditional songs.

In both instances, people dress up in nice colourful and traditional clothes, as they glide past each other This Year Navratri: 16 to 23 October 2012 Dussera: 24 October 2012 in gold and silver jewellery.

The huge concentric circles grow and twist together, bound by the steady beat of a tabla drum. Feet and arms move quickly as the dancers a Mahishasur Maryo arnari Na Rupe arnari Na Rupe yapaya Saghale Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Saptami Sapt Patal Sandhya Savitri a Sandhya Savitri au Ganga Gayatri au Ganga Gayatri auri Geeta Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Ashthmi Ashtha Bhujao Ayi Ananda a Ayi Ananda univar Munivar Janamya univar Munivar Janamya ev Daityoma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Navmi Navkul Nag Seve Navadurga a Seve Navadurga avratri Na Pujan hivratri Na Archan idha Har Brahma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Dashmi Dash Avtaar Jay Vijyalaxmi a Jay Vijyalaxmi ame Ravan Marya ame Ravan Marya avan Maryo Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Ekadashi Agiyar Tatyanikama a Tatyanikama aldurga Kalika aldurga Kalika hama Ne Vama m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Barase Kala Rup Bahuchar Amba

gracefully complete the circles around a central alter. The excitement grows faster and louder, the dancers laugh and clap through the final exhausting moments until the

music stops. A cry- “Ambe mata ki jai” rings throughout the room where the air becomes muggy and thick with sweat, perfume, aroma of diyas and incense sticks. The dances especially raas are often intense, much like ballroom dancing or latin dancing, each have defined steps with individuals adding their own style and flair.

As the night draws to an end, the sound of dandya-raas sticks resonate through the room. Both old and young come together to share in dances a tradition which is revived centuries ago, thousands of miles away.

Ma a Bahuchar Amba Ma sur Bhairav Souie al Bhairav Soiye ara Chhe Tuj Ma m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Terase Tulja Rup Tu Tarunimata a Tu Tarunimata rahma Vishnu Sadashiv rahma Vishnu Sadashiv un Tara Gata m Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe Shivbhakti Ni Aarati Je Koi Gaye Ma Je Koi Gaye Bhane Shivannad Swami Bhane Shivannad Swami Sukh Sampati Pashe Har Kaileshe Jashe Ma Amba Dukh Harashe Om Jayo Jayo Ma Jagdambe

l 16th to 23rd Oct- Gujarat Hindu Society, South Medlin, Preston PRI 8JN- 8 to 10.30 pm. Atham Mataji Yagna will be performed at 10’o clock in morning on Monday 22nd Oct in the car park area of the Centre.

Contact: 01772 253 901 l 16th to 24th Oct- Oasis Banquet wedding hall, Barking, IGII OHZ - 8 o’clock until late night by Lohana Community, East London. Sharad Poonam Garba on the 26th October. l 16th to 24th Oct- Swami Vivekanand Centre VHP, 10 Thornton Row, Thornton Heath Pond CR7 6JN by Vishwa Hindu Parishad South London. On 29th Oct, everyday at 1.30pm to 3.30pm and evening 7.30 to 10.30. Atham mataji Yagna Monday on 22nd October at Centre in morning.

Contact Sri Dhirubhai Vyas: 020 8665 5502 l 16th to 23rd Oct- 8’o clock p.m till late night. By Navnat Vanik association UK. Sharad Purnima garba on 27th Oct. Contact: Kirit Bataviya 020 8445 6890 l 16th to 23rd Oct, -Pupil Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, The Peepul Centre - Go Leicestershire - E&A Details LE46DP Shruti Arts and Pupil Centre -8 pm till late night Artists Alap Desai , Bijal Parekh, Pratik Shah and Sonarupa group. Contact: 0116 261 2264 l 16th to 24th Oct, Everyday from morning 11’oclcok to noon 12’o clock will be Ramkatha and Navratri Mahotsav. This will be at D-City (Sterlight 2001) 80 Warf Street, South Leicester, LEI 2AA by Sidhashram Shakti Centre and 40th anniversary of British Ugandan Asian celebration Committee. Katha by Shamadeviji.

Sharad Poonam garba will be on 30th Oct. Raas garba

by Sandip Raval, Amrat Solanki and Vaishali Patel and other artists. Contact: 07947 915 334 l 16th to 24th Oct, at 8.30pm till late night, at Oshwal Mahajanwadi, 1, Campbell Road Croydon, CRO2SQ by PiJ union UK trust. Sharad Poonam garba on Saturday, 27th Oct. contact J.R Patel 01689 821 922 l 8 to 11pm on week days and 8 to 12.30pm at night during weekend- Navratri Mahotsav at Byron hall, Harrow Leisure centre, Christ Church Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD by International Siddhashram Shakti Centre.

A privilege to enjoy raas-garba with Mira Nayak, Babu Barot, Chandrakant Kamlesh Sagthiya, Raju Barot, Akash Patel and Sedrick. Sharad Poonam garba on the 30th October. Contact: 020 8426 0678. l 16th to 24th October- 8’oclcok to 11.30 night Navaratri Mahotsav at Oakington Manor school Oakington Manor Drive Wembley HA96NF. Sharad Poonam Garba on 26th October raas garba with Anand group. Contact: 020 8952 2371. l 16th Oct to 24h Oct, at 8 to 10pm by Prajapati Youth group, Hounslow at The Heathland school, Wellington road, South Hounslow TW45JD. Contact: Sharad Mistri l Navratri Raas Garba- free admission. From Tuesday, 16th October to Tuesday 23th October 2012. Raas Garba everyday from 8pm to 10pm. Sharad Poona on Monday 29th October 2012. Also, Durgastami Havan, Monday 22nd October 2012- 11am to 4pm. For more details contact Jalaram Mandir, Greenford on 020 8578 8088. l Ankur and Hindu cultural organisation presents Navratri festival of Indian Dance and Music in Liverpool. Live music and dance for 8 days. Traditional folk music by Shakti Vrund UK (Rakesh Joshi and group). Radhakrishna Temple, 235 Edge Lane, Liverpool L7 2PH- 18th to 23rd October. Time: 8pm to 11pm. Tickets are £3 per night. Contact -Jyoti Vithlani: 07886930159, Purvi Parikh: 07838146625, Rekha Kothari: 0151 428 8533, temple: 0151 263 7965.

Continued on page 30

28

travel & WOMEN

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

women achievers

Kavita Shah - a printmaker in monoprinting

By AV Correspondent

It’s time to start planning your holidays for 2013, which is just around the corner.

A very popular place to go is Goa, for fantastic weather with average temperatures around 26 degrees celsius between January through March. Located in the Western Ghats range on a south-western cape of India, Goa offers great resorts and beautiful beaches.

As it is only an hour’s flight from Mumbai, you could stopover for a couple of days to fit in some shopping for new saris and suits at High St Phoenix Mall in central Mumbai.

Afterwards enjoy dinner in any of its internationally renowned restaurants and a sunset stroll past the majestic Gate of India. Then fly over to Goa where you can choose from a range of fantastic resorts. If you decide to go over the new year, you can enjoy a magnificent gala New Year’s Eve dinner and dance but book soon to ensure availability.

Things to see in Goa include a trip to Old Goa where Fontainhas in Panaji is considered a cultural quarter. Here you will see remnants of the Portuguese architecture, houses, restaurants and chapels.

Visit Dudhsagar Falls where you can enjoy an adventurous Jeep ride to beautiful falls with pluge pools for swimming. There’s many markets like Ingo’s Saturday night market in Arpora, and street stalls where you can pick up local handicrafts and gifts. For cuisine, Goa offers an eclectix mix of IndoPortuguese, as it was a 16th century Portuguese colony until 1961, and still retains European influences. Seafood is the food of choice as it is a fishing region, although vegetarians are extremely well

catered for too. Enjoy coconut milkshakes in beachfront cafes or dine at a choice of many restaurants in the Panaji area.

The best places to stay offering the ultimate 5 star luxury are the Taj Exotica, Leela or Vivanta by Taj in Fort Aguada.

All beach front resorts, they have a range of accommodation, spas, sports and relaxation classes, golf courses, and fantastic restaurants.

Alternatively if you are looking to get away for some tranquility, choose the Alila Diwa spa hotel.

With amazing accolades including Best Spa for a holistic approach from the Sunday Times Style and rated as a Top 25 relaxation hotel in India by Trip advisor, you need to look no further. For casino lovers looking for a boutique hotel away from the bustling centre but still after 5* accommodation, try the Vainguinim Valley Resort, walking distance to the beach and offering a range of restaurants.

Brightsun Travel can arrange your getaway to Goa with everything including flights, transfers, accommodation and insurance, to suit your budget. They offer a helpful and friendly service and are Atol bonded which means your payment is protected.

Brightsun offers a price match promise so you will get the best deals.

A 7 night stay in Goa B&B basis at the 5* Vainguinim Valley Resort, including return flights & taxes, starts from £789pp.

A 7 night stay in Goa B&B basis at the 5* Alila Diwa Spa Hotel, including return flights & taxes, starts from £1139pp.

For your tailor-made dream Indian holiday package, call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 or visit www.brightsun.co.uk

Kavita Shah has surely gone to places in several respects. A post graduate from the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University, Vadodara, Kavita specializes in etching, lithography and woodcut. Working in graphics since 1985, Shah has carved a niche for herself in this sphere of art.

Over the years she has experimented with the media of intaglio, litho and linocut.

Her earlier works are clearly figurative and centred around the ‘self’. With feminist inklings, these earlier works are distinctive, distinctive from the other works which slowly evolved to replace them.

These earlier works are statemental in nature... with messages to be heard. In 1993-94 there came a significant change.

This was one of Kavita’s most productive periods.

Though the figure remained as the primary subject, the works were no longer autobiographical or bent on making a statement. Not only did the theme differ from previous works but so does the media. Inspired by the stimulating atmosphere of Bharat Bhavan and a theatre group called

`Vidushak` in particular, this play group staged shows revolving around the clown and influenced this particular series. Full of life, fun and frolic these monoprints are spontaneous and this can be partly attributed to the technique used. "Monoprinting is a technique bridging the gap between painting and printmaking," says the artist, for in this case the artist paints and works directly on a block and then transfers the image to paper.

"The element of mystery of the outcome of printmaking techniques, whether it be monoprinting or etching is what I like about printmaking" says the artist. After the clown series, the artist began integrating computer generated patterns with the figures and slowly the figure began giving way to more pattern oriented works. Kavita believes, "there is a pattern in everything in life, even in the way we think". Things are repeated and transformed and then repeated again Thus at present the artist has now evolved her style working with a lot with patterns.

This Vadodara-based artist has had several solo as well as group shows to

her credit. She participated in the International Print Bienneale, Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, and in 1995 in the 40th National Exhibition of Contemporary Art at Bangalore. In 1997 the artist was invited by the French embassy to work in Paris. In the same year Kavita also exhibited at the Portland Art Museum, USA. In 1998, Kavita exhibited at "Mois de l`Estamps," Paris, France. The artist has also been recognised by the All India Art Society of Gulbarga with its award in printmaking in1989 and by the Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy. Apart from which she has also received a fellowship from the Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad for printmaking.

Besides concentrating on her work, Kavita has put her creativity into several other projects. She designed the sets and costume for the film, "Gandhari Aline" an IndoGerman venture, has participated in several workshops related to printmaking and has held a puppet workshop for children at Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad. She has also visited several artists and printmakers in France, UK and Netherlands during a tour.

Odisha mother sells baby boy to buy mobile phone, jeans and tops

Investigation into the sale of a baby boy by his mother in Odisha's Jajpur district has revealed curious details - the money was used to buy a mobile phone and a pair of jeans among other things.

"Rakhi Patra of Mundamala village who sold her 17- month-old son for Rs 5,000 purchased a new mobile phone, a pair of jeans, few new tops (to go with the jeans) and memory cards for her mobile with the money," Jajpur superintendent of police Deepak Kumar said.

The investigations were conducted when a division bench of Orissa high court took suo moto cognizance of media reports on the sale and directed the police to recover the baby and hand him over to his mother.

Rejecting the mother's claim that she sold the child to meet the legal expenses of her jailed husband, Kumar said her new acquisitions were evidence of the fact that she did not sell her baby boy due to poverty.

She has confessed before us that she had purchased all these items from the money out of the sale of her baby for Rs 5,000 he said adding the goods were seized from her.

The woman refused to

take back her son after police handed her the boy after recovering him from Cuttack. We had handed over the baby but to our utter dismay, the mother refused to take him to her custody in the presence of the general public. Later, we handed him over to child welfare committee.

Rakhi, who is 20 years old and a daily wage earner had in association with a rickshaw puller sold her son to Babula Behera on September 17 in Cuttack.

Police rescued the baby boy from Nuapatana village following the order of high court division bench.

Achaar ka Parantha

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Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Smart phone usage after office hours can badly affect health

An estimated eight out of 10 workers check their work email after office hours, but an occupational physician has warned that bad things can happen when you mess with people's sense of free time. The rise of the smart phone has created freedom for many, Dr David Allen said in a recent blog-post, but problems arise when workers feel pressured to send emails after work hours, just to prove their dedication. This has the potential to be “very disruptive to the worklife balance and the lives of both the phone owner and others.”

When the boundaries between work and non-work are blurred, he writes, people lose their recovery time.

He points to research showing that individuals who lack control over their workload, or feel that the demands on them are unfair, are at significantly increased risk of dying early from conditions such as heart attack.

“So for a worker who has a smart phone, and there is an expectation that they should be checking their email at all hours of the day, there can be significant deleterious effects on their health," the Age quoted him as saying.

Dr Allen also points to data on distraction and

use of smart phones as another area of concern for employers.

“There is a clear risk of serious accidents in smart phone users.

Employers could be deemed responsible to some extent for these accidents,” he said.“Given that these accidents are foreseeable, employers need to be very diligent in ensuring that there are clear rules for smartphone use. These

rules or policies need to be communicated and reinforced, and a record of that is advisable," he stated.

But Dr Allen said that according to current thinking, these sorts of prescriptive guidelines will not work, and that cultural change is required.

Instead, he suggests senior managers to become role models for acceptable use by not contacting employees at unreasonable times, not rewarding behaviour that seeks approval for working outside of usual hours, and trying to avoid copying people in on emails if not essential.

Internet addiction to be added to list of serious mental disorders

Children addicted to the internet could soon be classed as mentally ill, it has been claimed.

According to a newspaper, “internet-use disorder” will be included in the DSM-IV - the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - from May next year.

The diagnosis will include those who are addicted to their smartphones as well as using tablet computers or desktop machines.Mike Kyrios from Swinburne University of Technology, who helped author the APS submission, told the publication that, once more research is

invested in the disorder, it will allow health professionals to diagnose children with addictive behaviours from technology over-use, leading to the correct treatment.

“With kids, gaming is an obvious issue. But overall, technology use could be a potential problem,” he said.

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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Ladies, fight away the beer belly and live up the Octoberfest

It’s Oktoberfest time in Germany with the celebrations spilling all over the world .And ladies, if you’ve built a beer belly, fret not. Opt for some easy exercises, including traditional Surya Namaskar, count your calories and feel the difference, say experts.

And if you can’t do all that, then just dress well according to your figure.

Drinking too much of beer on a regular basis and no exercise leads to beer bellies.

Mostly cutting down on the drink alone does the trick and helps in getting back into shape, but, for early results, try putting in extra efforts, suggests Sandhya Pandey, chief dietician at capital-based Columbia Asia Hospital.

Women can cope with their belly problems by reducing calorie intake. It is the total number of calories consumed in any form that decides deposition of fat in the body. Exercise can also help to maintain good energy levels and weight,

achieved with proper diet, A popular exercise that helps in getting rid of beer belly woes is Pilates. No matter what a person`s fitness level may be, he or she can participate in the body conditioning routine.

than a freshly brewed draft or craft beer, readily available in the several microbreweries that have cropped up everywhere.

So, apart from exercises, it is important to follow a diet chart. We can lose

Also, try the traditional Surya Namaskar at least 25 to 50 times in the morning; stomach sucking exercises and training abdominal muscles two to three times a weeks will definitely bring a change. Very few would know that a bottled beer contains more calories as it is topped with more enzymes and preservatives

beer belly with good nutrition and exercises. One should be on strict diet and follow simple tips such as first meal in morning should be of cereals, papaya, melon and kiwi with skimmed milk. Eat small portions of food every three hours and 80 percent of your appetite, she said. Have dinner at

Fight age with vitamin C

There is nothing like Vitamin C to fight off ageing, say top dermatologists and it's on top of the popularity charts all over again this season. As one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products today, it is one of the most sought after vitamins around. But if you are not seeing enough results on your face when it is in combination with other anti ageing ingredients in a cream, you could use it on its own, as is sold by pharmaceutical companies today, both as ampules or as an injection.

Many dermatologists now even say that Vitamin C can be the 'prime beauty product' in your skincare routine.

While many noted international skin care

giants have long known the benefits of Vitamin C and often offer a cocktail of anti-oxidant ingredients which usually includes Vitamin C, women now want vitamin C to reach them, directly into the skin, either on the face or the

body. But experts warn that since an injection is rather extreme, it is important to do so only under medical supervision and only if the kidney and liver organs are completely healthy. And it is always best to remember that what

suits one person may not suit someone else, so any jab should be taken only under medical supervision.

An expert dermatologist from a Bangalore hospital explains, "Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties, protects against sun damage and lightens skin too. It removes all the free radicals which can injure cells. It is one of the best anti-ageing remedies. But for best results it has to be used in conjunction with sunscreen."

And while the jury is still out on the vitamin being injected into the skin, it is widely believed that Vitamin C is a good addition to a skin care routine, but is best to consult a dermatologist first, if you are prone to allergies or other problems.

least three hours before sleeping at night and stop all fizzy drinks and drinks with artificial sugars. Also, with every meal, try to eat small portion of salad as it contains roughage that helps in digestion If following right diet and exercising is tough for you, camouflage beer bellies with the right wardrobe. According to designer Swapnil Shinde, pot-bellied girls should avoid lycra and satin fabric. He also suggests women could hide the bulges with the right structure of their outfits.

A beer belly can also be hidden by drape dresses like loose cowls. Designer Aniket Satam suggests, "Try wider necklines and yoke styles which take the attention away from the belly, and try drape neck-pieces like beaded long necklaces.

Knitted scarfs work best."

The fashion tricks apart, it is important to know that the beverage contains a lot of calories in a single bottle. Be a wise beer guzzler!

Fatty diet during pregnancy may cause cancer in offspring Pregnant women who gorge on fatty foods may increase the chances of their daughters and even grand-daughters developing breast cancer in later life. Researchers believe eating an unhealthy diet can permanently alter the cells of an unborn baby and future generations.

Scientists at Georgetown University in Washington DC used rats for their study.While the findings have not been confirmed in humans, lead author Sonia de Assis said: "What a mother eats or is exposed to during pregnancy can increase her daughter’s breast cancer risk. "This study is important because it may help our understanding of the origins of some breast cancers. The researchers believe it could explain why breast cancer tends to run in families yet most cases are not genetic.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Forthcoming Tooting Special Navaratri Mahotstsav programme Continued from page 27 l Nagrecha Charitable Trust. Dairo Lok Geet presents Old film songs by Vikram nizama’s Khellaiyy group Mumbai. On saturday 13th October 2012. At Hariben Bachubhai Nagrecha Hall (198-202 Leyton Road, E15 1DT) Dinner 6.30pm to 7.30pm and music on until late. For further information telephone: 020 8555 0318. Mobile: 07424121337 or 07760388911. l Bhaarat Welfare Trust presents Kashumbi No Rang Gujarati Dayro, Bhakti Sangeet, Lok geet and Dandiya ni Ramjzat. Charity event in the aid of Narayan Seva Sasthan. On Friday 12th of October; time: 8pm till 11.30pm. Singer: Rajesh Majithya and his group.

Venue: De city (Star light 2001) 80 Wharf Street, South Leicester. LE-1/ 2-AA. Telephone: 01162161698 or 01162161284 or 07947915334 l Karamsad Samaj Navratri Festival. Tuesday 16th October 2012 to Wednesday 24th October 2012.

Sharad Poonam will be held on Sunday 27th October 2012 at Barnhill Community High School, Yeading Lane, Hayes, Middlesex. UB4 9LE. l Shree Mandhata Mandal Luton will be celebrating Navratri 2012 by holding Grabas/Raas and Dandiya.

Venue: St Peter’s Youth Centre, Harefield Road, Luton.

Bedfordshire.

Dates: Day1 -Tues 16th: 8.00 to 10.00 pm, Day2 Wed 17th: 8.00 to 10.00pm, Day3 -Thur 18th: 8.00 to 10.00 pm, Day4 -Fri 19th: 8.00 to 11.00 pm, Day 5 Sat 20th: 8.00 to 11.00 pm, Day 6 -Sun 21st: 8.00 to 10.00 pm, Day 7 -Mon 22nd: 8.00 to 11.00 pm – Attham, Day 8 -Tuesday 23rd: 8.00 to 10.00 pm, Day 9 -Wed 24th: 8.00 to 10.00 pm – Dassera and Mon 29th: 8.00 to 10.00 pm - Sharad Poonam l Sarvoday Hindu Association and N.N. Promotions.

Held from Tuesday 16th October till Wednesday 24th October, Aatham will be celebrated on Tuesday 23rd October. Venue: Tolworth Recreation Center, Fullers Way North, Tolworth Surrey, KT6 7LQ. For further information such as the prices of tickets contact Chandrakhant: 020 8330 3254 l Navratri event at Ahree Ambaji Mandir, Indian Community Centre, 103 Union Road, Ashton-u-Lyne OL6 8JN. Daily aarti starts at 7pm. Held between Tuesday 16th October to Tuesday 23rd October 2012. l Chha Gam Nagrik Mandal UK. Navratri utsav from Tuesday 16th October to Wednesday 24th October 2012. Sharad Poonam on 29th October 2012. Sun to Thursday 7.30pm to 11.00pm. Friday and Sturday 7.30pm to 12.00pm. Venue: Sangam Community Centre, 210 Burnt Oak Broadway, Middlesex, HA8 0AP. Contact G. P. Desai: 07956922172 l Shree Sanatan Mandir. Leicester presents Bhajan Sandhya. Monday 15th October 2012 at 7.30pm.

Venue: Shree Sanatan Mandir, 84 Weymouth Street, Leicester, LE4 6FQ. Contact: 0116 266 1402 l Gurjar Hindu Union- Navratri 2012. Venue: Sanatan Mandir, Appletree Centre, Dhamecha Suite, Ifield Avenue, Crawley RH11 OAF. Dates: 16th to 24th October (7pm to 11pm). contact Bharat Lukka on: 07967339790 Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are bringing out A4 glossy Tooting Special magazine on 27th October. The magazine will contain information on the businesses of the area, history and exclusive articles and photographs. The Project Coordinator is Kalpesh Shah. Anybody interested to put adverts may call us on 020 7749 4085.

COMPETITION If you want to win tickets to Diwali Festival 2012 hosted by Pankaj Sodha at Harrow Leisure Centre and meet your favourite stars Krystal and Karan on 3rd and 4th November, please answer the following question. The first 3 right entries (chosen on lottery basis) will receive a pair of tickets free.

Which tv serial has 'Krystal and Karan' as characters on Star Plus?

Please email the right answer to aveditorial@abplgroup.com by 22nd October 2012.

The accent’s very much on ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 relationships, you and a part-

ner may become embroiled in financial arrangements or some other nitty—gritty aspect of your relationship. Either you or your partner have been going through a phase of inner doubts and uncertainties, and perhaps the main source of tension has simply been the need for breathing space in your relationship.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments, if this is what you most desire. The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come.

The general pattern of things continues on a progressive and buoyant theme.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world. Saturn in your work sector rules your daily life. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. That means you can focus on matters that are important to you. Health-wise you will be more disciplined than ever before.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 You will continue to be in a restless mood for some time to come. This makes you impatient with restrictions and even more determined to cut your own path. Do not get over-anxious if everything seems to be in slow motion - it is time to pull a few strings. You are likely to experience some tension in close relationships.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 It seems that the winds of change begin to gather momentum and put a strong focus on domestic and family matters. Besides spending more time tending to domestic affairs, the focus can be on cultivating and nourishing your inner foundations, so to speak. Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished, but try not to come on too strong when you deal with others.

l Shree Bavis Gam Patidar Samaj. Navratri utsav16th to 24th October 2012. Sharad Poonam: 29th October 2012. Venue: Alderton Community School (front entrance), Ealing Road, Wembley (7.30pm to 11.00pm). Contact Daxesh Patel (Sandhana) on: 07984187708 l Navratri Festival- Wembley, North London. Venue: Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Ave, Wembley Park, HA9 9PE. Dates: Tuesday 16th October 2012 to Thursday 25th October including Sharad Poonam. Contact Prafulbhai B. Patel (Valvod): 020 8368 2161/ 07903 509 258 l Hari Aum Arts and Cultural Association. Venue: Hindu Cultural Society, 3 Lyndhurst Avenue (Entrance), London N12 0NE. From 16th October to 24th October.

Sharad Poonam celebration on Saturday 27th October 2011. (8pm till late). Contact Suresh Depala on 020 8446 5057 or 07956431168. l Anandmilan Navratri Celebration 16 Oct- 23 Oct. Starts at 8.30 pm - 11.00pm and early Punam celebration on 27th October 2012 starts at 8.30pm - 11.00pm .

Guildford community Centre, Surrey, GU1 4LY. Contact: Kanak Patel 07751 633 375 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamleshamin123@yahoo.co.in Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

Asian Voice Main Office Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080, Fax: 020 7749 4081 www.abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

Asian Voice switchboard: 020 7749 4000 Gujarat Samachar switchboard: 020 7749 4080 Sales: 020 7749 4085

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 At work sometimes a little upheaval and chaos is exactly what you need to set things right again. There’s no need to be indecisive: the time is now. you’ll have no qualms about deciding what you want and going after it with total devotion. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector, bringing erratic highs and lows.

The key for you as always is balance.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Get out as much as possible. Do not be misled by inconsequential issues as you will have better opportunities if you stick to your main objectives.

Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life. A tremendous amount of planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Decision making will prove to be a bit of a bind because of your wavering mind seek professional advice and then steam ahead. Be careful with your expenditure as you have a tendency to be extravagant. Relationships need to be scrutinised carefully. Sometimes it is a good idea to stand back and get a more objective view of the pattern of your life.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Keep your assertive inclination under control as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. However, this is not likely to be an easy-going week because demands on time and energy are going to be heavy. The art of making haste slowly should therefore be cultivated.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 This is going to be one of those times when insignificant events give rise to unexpected developments especially regarding work and health. Make up your mind early in the week to knuckle down to the tasks in hand. If love has left you feeling rather dejected or cynical, it looks as though soon events will pull you out of this mood of despondency.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to self-discipline and pace yourself wisely.

It would be unwise to take any risks, particularly in regard to joint interests and investments. Expenses and outgoings are likely to become heavy. So be extra careful if you need to deal with complex legal matters and necessary red tape. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals.

Associate with people that you are comfortable with.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

SporT World

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

Sachin admits contemplating retirement Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar admitted that he was contemplating retirement and said he would reassess his future next month. In an interview, the 39-year-old said he would decide on a "series by series" basis as he acknowledged that the clock was running down on his record-breaking career.

"I am 39 and I don't think I have plenty of cricket left in me," he said. Asked if he has been thinking of retirement, he replied: "Of course, I have been. I am 39 plus and it is not abnormal for me to think of it. At that moment, I will go by what my heart says. At this moment, my heart says I am okay. But you will have to

Pietersen back in England fold after ECB deal

Axed England batsman Kevin Pietersen is set to play international cricket again after reaching an agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board, the ECB said last week.

"The ECB and Kevin Pietersen confirm that agreement has been reached concerning a process for his reintegration into the England team during the remainder of 2012," the ECB said in a statement. "Upon completion of the programme, the England selectors will consider Kevin for future matches."

The 32-year-old star batsman was cast into international exile in August after sending text messages to touring South Africa players that contained criticism of then England captain Andrew Strauss during the Test series.

He missed out on England's failed World Twenty20 title defence in Sri Lanka and was not also selected for the upcoming tour of India. The ECB confirmed reports that Pietersen had apologised to Strauss for what he admitted were "provocative" messages to the South African players.

Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss.

look at series by series."

Any talk of dropping Tendulkar - the highest runscorer in Tests and the first player to score 100 international centuries - had been taboo in India. But some commentators said last month it was time for him to

hang up his bat after he made a series of low scores against New Zealand in a home Test series.

Tendulkar has scored a record 51 Test centuries but he has now gone 25 innings without a hundred in the fiveday format since making 146 against South Africa in Cape Town in January, 2011.

England are to play four Tests against India in November and December and Tendulkar made clear he expected to be playing. "I need not take a (retirement)

call right now. When I play in November, I will reassess things," he said.

Questioned about suggestions from a number of former players that his reflexes had slowed, Tendulkar insisted that only he could determine whether he was still up to playing at the highest level.

I am still the best judge of what happens to my mind and body. When I feel it is time, I will take a call," he said.

"It is going to be a tough call nevertheless. It is going to be tough because this is what I have been doing all my life. It is going to be difficult to suddenly hang (up) my boots one day."

India eves qualify for ICC World Twenty20 2014

Indian women’s cricket team has qualified for the ICC Women's World Twenty20 2014 after beating host Sri Lanka by nine wickets. After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 100 for eight in its 20 overs. Sri Lanka was well served by a 42-run third wicket stand between Chamari Atapattu (28) and skipper Shashikala Siriwardena (23).

But thereafter the innings lost momentum, and Sri Lanka lost four wickets off four balls in the final over of the innings. Ekta Bisht picked up the wickets of Dilani Manodara, Yasoda Mendis and Eshani Kaushalya to get a hat-trick, while also effecting two run outs.

Bisht, with figures of three for 16 was the best bowler on view for India. In its reply, India chased down the target with 32 balls and nine wickets to spare.

Openers Sulakshna Naik and Poonam Raut added 38 runs in four overs.

Thereafter Raut, who was unbeaten on 45 off 40 balls with five boundaries added an unbroken 64 runs for the second wicket with skipper Mithali Raj to lead the side

to a win.

The India captain was pleased to have won the match, in spite of the team's performance in the group stage: "It's a relief because in the league stage, we lost all our games, so it was definitely disappointing. It really needed a match like this to get the team back into confidence."

Raj admitted that the team has some improvements to make: "I think our middle order is definitely a concern. Even the bowling attack, considering the wickets were helping the spinners, was disappointing.

The Indian team has always produced quality spinners, so it was all the more disap-

Former England player Cyrille Regis presents the winners with their trophy

Glasgow in a nail-biting match which ended 4-2 to the Londoners.

Team manager of the Whiechapel team, Faisal Ahmad, said: “I’m really proud of the team, they were fantastic – an early goal from ‘player of the tournament’ Djibdil Djalod set us up to lead the final. All the guys

Action at a Glance Virat Kohli lone Indian in ICC World T20 team

Flamboyant Indian batsman Virat Kohli is the lone Indian to be named in the ICC World Twenty20 Team of the year that includes Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal filling in the slow bowler slot, and outgoing Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene taking over the captain's mantle.

Kohli is the only Indian to be named in the team of the year, whereas three Sri Lankan players and two each from the new champions West Indies and Australia made it into the 11-man team by a five-member ICC panel. Chris Gayle and all-rounder Shane Watson, the player of the tournament, were named openers, while Kohli, Jayawardene, England's Luke Wright and West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels occupied the middle-order slots. Australian seamer Mitchell Starc and limited-overs specialist Lasith Malinga were the two fast bowlers in the team, while Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka was named the other slow bowler along with Ajmal. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was selected as the wicket-keeper, while South Africa were the only major cricketing nation without a representative in the team.

India move up to second T20 ranking table

pointing to see that the spinners could not penetrate much."

Sri Lanka captain Shashikala Siriwardena said her side had tried to focus on the cricket, and not on the qualification opportunity: "We wanted to play this as a normal game, we didn't want to think about whether we are qualifying or not for the next World Twenty20.

We just wanted to play good cricket, just like it was another match. Today also we had a good start, but in the end, we couldn't make the 20 extra runs as 100 is not enough in a pitch like this. Our bowlers also didn't do as well as I expected, so it's a bad day again."

London team wins The Salvation Army football tournament Players from Booth House Lifehouse in Whitechapel, London held their nerve during a dramatic football final to be crowned overall winners of the 2012 Salvation Army Partnership Trophy on 3 October 2012.

The annual five-a-side football tournament is for homeless men and women living in Salvation Army Lifehouses and other supported housing units run by The Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA).

Close to 300 players in 26 teams from across the UK gathered at the Power League stadium in Birmingham for the competition. The winning team from London, made up of Ricky Ingram, Jamel Paxton, Daniel Ifield, Keegan Rodrigues, Djibdil Djalod and Pedro Mancel beat the skilful five-a-side team from

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played superbly.”

Former England international and West Bromwich Albion striker Cyrille Regis gave up his time for free, to present the winners with their trophy. He said: “I am delighted to be involved with The Salvation Army Partnership Trophy today. I am very impressed with the

work The Salvation Army does, working with residents of Lifehouses in Birmingham and beyond.”

Major Julian Watchorn, Deputy Director of Homelessness Services, says: “We believe everyone is valuable and has a contribution to make. Our Lifehouses offer people not just shelter for the night but the opportunity of engaging in establishing a sense of purpose and of rebuilding relationships through education, training, employment , befriending and much more.”

He adds: “The competitors are all living in our Lifehouses, and football gives them an opportunity to be part of a team, and gives them a sense of confidence and achievement to make a positive change in their lives.”

India might have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of ICC World Twenty20, but four wins out of five matches have pushed the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side up by one place to the second spot in the latest T20 International team rankings.

India now trail Sri Lanka (129) by nine points and are followed by Pakistan (118) and England (118). Virat Kohli's good run catapulted him to the 10th position with a jump of nine places. The young Delhi batsman scored 185 in five matches and is fourth highest run-getter among all batsmen so far. Among bowlers, Harbhajan Singh dropped out of top-20 as he slipped to 23rd with a loss of six places. R Ashwin zoomed to 25th spot after gaining 17 places.

Australia's Shane Watson continued to make an upward movement with his allround exploits as he moved up one place to second in the T20 rankings for batsmen after becoming the highest run-getter in the tournament to date with 242 runs.

Umpires caught agreeing to spot fix

A television channel in Mumbai has said it has caught on camera international umpires agreeing to fix matches during domestic Twenty20 tournaments. Footage screened on India TV on Monday appeared to show umpires from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka negotiating deals with under-cover reporters to spot-fix matches. The channel showed footage of Pakistan's Nadeem Ghauri, Nadir Shah of Bangladesh, part of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) international panel of umpires, and Sagara Gallage of Sri Lanka agreeing to give favourable decisions in exchange for umpiring contracts and money. The ICC said in a statement: "The ICC and its relevant members have been made aware of the allegations made by India TV and calls on the station to turnover any information which can assist the ICC's urgent investigations into this matter.”

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Action at a Glance Jayawardene quits T20 captaincy

Soon after losing his fourth World Cup final, Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene decided to quit captaincy in the shortest format of the game.

Jayawardene led Sri Lanka to the final of the WorldTwenty20, before they lost to the West Indies by 36 runs in the summit clash, at the Premadasa on Sunday. The 35-year-old announced his decision at the end of the press conference after the final. Asked if he would be available to play T20 cricket for Sri Lanka in the future, the stylish batsman quipped: “If the captain wants me to.”

IPL teams in South Africa

The Indian Premier League teams - Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings - have left for South Africa to play in the Twenty20 Champions League. The tournament begins on October 9. Unlike the last year, defending champions Mumbai Indians enter this year's edition with a full strength squad, especially with Keiron Pollard - the giant Trinidadian who was pulled between club and country's loyalty - back in the loop. However, the same is not the case with Delhi Daredevils who have to miss out on the services of their captain Virender Sehwag.

Pak ace Aisam turns down Bopanna's request

Pakistan tennis player Aisamul Haq Qureshi has turned down his ex-Indian partner Rohan Bopanna's request for the duo to reunite next season, insisting that his partnership with Jean-Julien Rojer is working well for him. Bopanna, who parted ways with Aisam at the end of last year and paired up with Mahesh Bhupati keeping the London Olympics in mind, had approached Aisam for next season but the latter seemed reluctant to resume the partnership. "Bopanna is a friend and I love to play with him but right now I am concentrating on making it to the London Masters. Right now my priority is to make it back into the top-eight and Rojer is working equally hard with me. We've found our way and I don't think I would want to change that," Aisam was quoted, as saying.

Asian Voice - Saturday 13th October 2012

West Indies crowned World Twenty20 champions The West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by 36 runs in the ICC World Twenty20 final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday night.

Chasing the West Indies’ 137 for six, Sri Lanka was a nervous-wreck and finished with a measly 101.

If the West Indies weaved a fairytale finish, it was a heartbreak for the Sri Lankans as this was their fourth failure in a World Cup (both 50 overs and Twenty20) summit clash.

The diverse challenges that a small target strangely evoke, were in full force once Ravi Rampaul cleaned up Tillakaratne Dilshan’s stumps. Mahela Jayawardene (33) had the onerous task of keeping his head and anchoring the chase while his nation, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa, watched with bated breath.

Exacting standards: The skipper, had his reprieves on five and 27 with Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell displaying sweaty palms, but those were minor aberrations as Darren Sammy’s men otherwise maintained their exacting standards on the field.

Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara shared 42 runs for the second-wicket but the night’s party-rights inevitably seemed headed towards the West Indies dugout.

Sangakkara failed to clear the square-leg fence and Angelo Mathews attempted a scoop off Sammy and watched his stumps quiver. And with Jayawardene perishing with a

reverse-hit off Sunil Narine (three for nine), it soon proved to be a weekend of grief in the Emerald Isle though Nuwan Kulasekara’s assault on Rampaul (16th over, 22 runs) briefly nudged in hopes of a miracle.

Samuels’s superb knock: Earlier, Marlon Samuels (78, 56b, 3x4, 6x6) waged a lonebattle while the Sri Lankan spinners buzzed around and nearly ruined Sammy’s dreams of batting big on winning the toss.

Mathews’ wicket-maiden was the perfect first over that Jayawardene would have hoped for and while Johnson Charles left, Chris Gayle remained ponderous at the crease against a niggardly attack.

After surviving two legbefore-wicket appeals, Gayle fell for the third one with

Simon Taufel, officiating in his last international match, nodding his head in approval.

The stands lapsed into delirium and off-spinner Ajantha Mendis (four for 12) haunted the West Indies again after his earlier 4-1-122 yield in the Super Eights game at Pallekele. Birthdayboy Bravo walked into a stage that whispered ‘suffocation’ and after 10 overs, the West Indies was at an abominable 32 for two but thankfully for Sammy’s men, Samuels reclaimed his aggressive self.

Good stand: Samuels shared a 59-run third-wicket partnership off 49 balls for the third-wicket with Bravo.

The defensive tide ended in the 12th over with Bravo hoisting Akila Dananjaya for six and Samuels, who was dropped on 20 by Kulasekara,

also getting into the mood for mayhem. During that phase though Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell left in a clutch, Samuels took a fancy for Lasith Malinga.

The speedster was thrashed for 21 runs during the 13th over and when he returned for another spell, the West Indies’ top-scorer hammered the yorker-specialist and one particular six made everyone at the ground crane their necks and gape at the ball sailing high and far.

Samuels eventually fell but with Sammy too lending his weight in the slog, the men from the Caribbean had a respectable score. May be a far-cry from the dizzying 205 against Australia but still adequate enough to unleash the Gangnam Style dance all through the night.

Australia beat England; retain women's World Twenty20 title Australia successfully defended their women's World Twenty20 title following an exciting four run win over archrivals England in the final on Sunday.

Jess Cameron hit the highest score of 45 in any World Twenty20 final to help Australia to 142-4 in their 20 overs before the champions restricted England to 138-9 at Premadasa stadium, Sri Lanka.

Spinners Jess Jonassen (3-25) and Lisa Sthalekar (2-16) shared the spoils as England found the going hard on a spin-friendly pitch. Seamer Julie Hunter grabbed 2-36 to finish as tournament's best bowler with 11 wickets. But it was all-rounder Sthalekar, also scoring 23 not out, who set up the win with the

wicket of England's premier batter Charlotte Edwards for 28 in the eighth over to make the chase difficult for the 2009 champions.

England had pinned their hopes on Edwards who had hit a brilliant halfcentury in England's seven wicket win over Australia in the group phase.

England needed 16 off the last over but Danielle Hazell (16 not out) managed 11, leaving the Australian players jubilant.

Australian captain Jodie Fields said her team's

hard work had paid off.

"It's a good feeling," said Fields, who missed 2010 final through injury.

"England played a really good match, but we had the belief in our team. Just an all-round performance. It's awesome to be standing here as winners."

England captain Edwards showed disappointment over the loss.

"It didn't go our way, but congratulations to Australia. We didn't do well up front, and just couldn't pin them," said Edwards, declared player of the tournament on scoring 172 in five matches.

"I'd much rather be lifting the other cup. The youngsters in the team keep me young, so I keep trying to get better."