AV 14th February 2015

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First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

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General Election 2015: Are the party leaders underperforming?

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In an unprecedented showing, Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stormed to power in Delhi assembly election by winning 67 out of 70 seats on Tuesday, thereby decimating BJP and completely obliterating Congress. It is a feat achieved only once in Sikkim and Bihar earlier.

The fledgling party did better than even exit polls, which had predicted an AAP victory. But the actual results have been more than anybody's imagination.

Kejriwal, the former Revenue Service officer, won with a huge margin in the New Delhi constituency where the BJP fielded Nupur Sharma, a novice, who came second and veteran Congress leader Kiran Walia way behind at the third spot. BJP's chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi lost in the traditional party stronghold of Krishna Nagar which was long held by party veteran Harsh Vardhan.

In an election that was billed as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi but rejected by BJP as such, the AAP wave spearheaded by Kejriwal knocked the two major

Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders celebrating victory

parties and their veterans from their citadels. In the 2014 May Lok Sabha election, the BJP had won all the seven seats leaving nothing for AAP. This time it is a reversal of the result.

More election reports on Page 17

In all elections that followed the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP formed governments in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand and emerged the second largest party in Jammu

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and Kashmir with the highest vote share.

Congress, which ruled the national capital for 15 years till December 2013, has been reduced to zero.

Congress stalwart and chief ministerial candidate Ajay Maken was pushed to the third spot in Sadar Bazar where AAP candidate was on top and BJP at number two spot.

Following the debacle, Maken resigned as Congress general secretary taking responsibility.

The AAP's hurricane

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march could be gauged from the fact that it polled 54 per cent of the popular votes while BJP got 32.4 per cent and the Congress 9.4 per cent. In the last elections, the BJP had emerged as the largest party with 31 seats, the AAP 28 and the Congress 8. Kejriwal formed a government with Congress support and resigned after 49 days in February 2014 over the Lokpal issue.

Kejriwal will take oath as chief minister on Continued on page 26

AS I SEE IT

Unprecedented AAP victory, what next?

With over 95 percent of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly won by AAP the results appear to be unbelievable, unexpected, but true. Delhites have made a very historic decision. Perhaps never before such a thumping majority has been given to any legislature in a free and fair election. What has happened is there for all of us to see and for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the Congress party there are lessons to be learnt. PM Modi, in his congratulatory telephone call to Arvind Kejriwal, has promised full co-operation from the Central Government for the development of Delhi state.

Such results require some in-depth look at what happened, and why.

In the 2013 State Elections, AAP came out as the largest party but without a working majority.

Congress promised outside help and Mr Kejriwal became Chief Minister.

He implemented several radical measures especially in the cheap supply

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of water and electricity, and control on the petty corruption for the lower strata of Delhi citizenry i.e. rickshaw drivers, hawkers, and those using two wheeled vehicles. AAP government was restricted without clear majority to do anything on one of the most serious manifesto pledges - Janlokhpal Bill - in other administrative matters also Kejriwal’s minority government was feeling suffocated and he and his government resigned on the 49th day. Immediately he focused his full attention and raised a vast legion of voluntary supporters to reach every segment of Delhi society.

Delhi is one of the smallest state in India, and does not have all the powers available to the 26 other states i.e. Bihar or Karnataka, and it’s total population is 17 million. It has both rural and urban constituencies within its small territory. One of the largest blocks of the electorate are government servants both in active employment and those who Continued on page 8

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Mr Ashok Lakhani, CEO Kolak Snack Foods Ltd

Ashok Lakhani founded Kolak in 1984 with his brother Bharat. Ashok met with senior executives from Swiss based snacks specialist Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG at the first European Cable and Satellite Convention and the seeds of an idea were sewn. A commercial agreement was later signed with the company and Kolak Snack Foods Limited was born.

Ashok is a founding member, Chairman & CEO of Kolak Snack Foods Limited and continues to shape the future of the business with fellow board members Bharat and Rikin.

1 What is your current position?

I am Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Kolak Snack Foods.

2 What are your proudest achievements?

This has been a successful year and we have created an additional 250 jobs in the Park Royal Industrial Estate. At the prestigious West London Business awards Kolak Snack Foods won the top award of “Overall Business of the year” for the second year running and also won” Park Royal Business of the Year “along with two other awards. Our business has been identified and nominated as one of the top European Growth Companies by Europe’s 500 Job Creating Companies. Kolak has been named in The Grocer's 50 fastest-growing privately owned food and drink companies. I am very proud of

and in developing the new business that came with it.

my team and that we are a family business who retains family values. We are happy with our continued progress, especially in such a tough economic climate.

3 What inspires you?

People – my career has allowed me to meet people from all over the world, all types of circles & backgrounds. The number of different conversations and people I’ve met over the years has provided continuous inspiration.

4 What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

There were a lot of people who said it could not be done.

Bharat and I wanted to prove them wrong and we didn’t want to accept defeat. We sacrificed a lot of blood, sweat and tears to achieve what we have.

I am fortunate there have been many. But my father has been my greatest influence. I learn a lot as a boy working in my father’s shops in Uganda and then in London’s North Harrow. He has been a real inspiration.

6 What is the best aspect about your current role?

The success of the company has allowed us to create jobs in an area of London which still has pockets of depravation. I also like the aspect of looking to the future and further developments. Rikin was instrumental in setting up the new site

7 And the worst?

Early on like a lot of business’s we went through a period when our cash flow started to run dry. It was a very bumpy ride. All our family savings had been used up. We were approached by some old family friends Pradipard and Manish Dhamecha who already had a successful business. They invested and the business was restructured and went from strength to strength ever since.

8 What are you long term goals?

To hand over more responsibility to Rikin who has brought so much to our business and must take credit for our recent fantastic achievements. For him to make it bigger and better. I want to secure the future of the business and would like to leave a sustainable legacy. Our long term goal is to make sure we continue to be closely aligned to their needs in what we are trying to achieve.

what one aspect would you change?

To create a climate where business can thrive and create wealth and jobs for our country’s people. There is a lot of red-tape and barriers to entry to get your business off the ground. I think the government could do more to simplify the legislation and providing new and small business with more support and funding.

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

Mahatma Gandhi for his great teachings. In particular”Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts”.

11. What is your approach to your employee’s?

Kolak has always had a very diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an inclusive working environment in which everyone is treated fairly. We believe that having people from different backgrounds, with different life experiences and talents is a real bonus for our business and for our customers. That's why respecting and valuing the diversity of our people is central to our vision and who we are.

Indians under represented in Centenary Memorials

The venue was perfect, the hospitality warm and the audience attentive. This just about describes the very inspiring and informative event on 30 January, The Centenary Meeting, at the Imperial War Museum.

It was one of the 2500 events, between now and 2018, to mark the Centenary of the First World War (1914-1918).

The Imperial war Museum is leading a network of regional, national and international cultural and educational organisations. working together, they plan to connect current and future generations with the lives, stories and impact of the First World War. However one group remains under represented in the national scheme of presentations. The Indian Army. Before partition this was representative of soldiers from modern day Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Sadly the same is true for other Commonwealth soldiers such as those from Africa and the West Indies.

Dr Kusoom Vadgama, the founding Co-Chair of Indo-British Heritage Trust, expressed sadness that these soldiers are never allowed to share the limelight when tributes are paid to the British war efforts. For her, their absence at the annual

5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Festival Hall is unacceptable. She later added that she had written to the person in charge of the programmes at the Royal Albert Hall, requesting that Indians be included in their timetable for the next four anniversaries.

Even after a month her letter remains unacknowledged. Vadgama now wants the Commonwealth High Commissions and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to take up the issue and show that these soldiers did not die only to be forgotten.

There are many incredible stories of bravery and sacrifice that need to be heard. One of these involves an Indian soldier named Alhaji Grunshi. He fired what is thought to be the first shot of the war whilst he was stationed with the Gold Coast Regiment in the modern country of Togo, West Africa. He went on to survive the war becoming a recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The First World War was the first major conflict to be photographed and some of the most striking images were of Indian soldiers. During the war Brighton Pavilion was donated by the King of England to be used as a

hospital for injured Indian soldiers. He felt that his exotic residence would aid in the recovery of the men. A display of these

9 If you are Prime Minister,

images, at the actual Brighton Pavilion is one of the few events being staged to commemorate the contribution of these

troops.

The whole experience of the day, surrounded by actions and events in film and fighting machines of

the war was unforgettable.

Not only for what was discussed but also for what was not- the Soldiers of British India.

Asian Voice Political & Public Life Awards 2015 The multicultural society of the UK maintains a vibrant and dynamic social, cultural and political life which is arguably a model for the rest of the world.

Owing to the century old tradition of participation in the political process in the UK, Women and Men equally participate in political and public life in a number of ways, from holding office as political representatives, to exercising citizenship rights such as voting, and to playing an active role in community and voluntary organisations.

While those holding political office and occupying leadership positions at different levels of government are most visible in decision-making processes, people in senior and management positions across a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations also exercise power and influence in shaping society.

The Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards represent our modest effort to honour a number of outstanding individuals from

different communities, walks of life and diverse political persuasions who serve society in their own special way, and who contribute significantly, in whatever they do, towards making a better world today and for the future.

These awards are given annually to individuals who have made a special impact in the preceding 12 months, ranging from INTERNATIONAL POLITICIANS to INDIVIDUALS who have made a big difference in their LOCAL COMMUNITIES. It is the Ninth year the awards have been presented and as in previous years, the competition for awards is extremely strong.

The awards for achievements made in 2014 will be handed out at a prestigious ceremony in the Members Dining Room of the House of Commons on 26th February 2015, amidst a select group of 250 people, including high profile politicians across all political parties, business men and community leaders.

The nominees for this year are Political

Cabinet Minister of the Year Shadow Cabinet Minister of the Year.

Conservative Backbencher of the Year.

Labour Backbencher of the Year Liberal Democrat Backbencher of the Year London Politician of the year London Councillor of the Year.

Public Life

l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Female Entertainer of the Year Male Entertainer of the Year Humanitarian Campaigner of the Year Community Service Achievement Professional of the Year Business Person of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Journalist of the Year Lawyer of the Year Car of the Year Newspaper of the Year Restaurant of the Year School of the Year

Please send your nominations for Political and Public Life Awards to: PPLA2015@yahoo.com

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

COMMENT

Rebalancing relationships

It was much like the morning after the night before. The inebriating experience of President Obama’s visit to India was past and its results in the short and long-terms are awaited with interest.

The India-US defence conversations, for instance, and the expectations they generated, will need a measure of revision as the items of high-tech systems on India’s shopping list can only be supplied if India agreed to sign up to the “foundational documents” required under US law, something that former Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal had warned about prior to the US President’ arrival in India. The desired items are only given to formal allies willing to participate in NATO-led military operations, say, in the Middle East or elsewhere.

However, a more technology modest range of armaments are to be sold to India. Be that as it may, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj went to Beijing on a four-day for trilateral talks involving Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Breaking protocol, China’s President Xi Jinping received Ms Swaraj and Mr Lavrov separately, signalling the importance Beijing placed on these exchanges.

The Indian and Russian Ministers met separately to review their countries’ bilateral ties. The three parties in a joint statement opposed the sanctions regime imposed by the US and EU on Russia over the Ukraine crisis; they also expressed their opposition to the regime change policies of the US in countries of its choosing. Prime Minister Modi’s video statement, which was carried on China’s television, spoke of India’s “unbreakable” bond with China, that India had no intention of subscribing

to the “containment” of China. Mr Modi will be visiting China in April and China is expected to invest generously in Indian infrastructure. Over and above this, China and Russia have invited India to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization; China and Russia have affixed their signatures to an Indian-sponsored UN resolution condemning Pakistan explicitly for promoting jihadi cross-border terrorism. China faces an ongoing Islamist insurgency in its Xinjiang province.

President Xi has expressed his satisfaction with results achieved in talks with India’s Minister.

Sino-Indian trade and investment are poised to expand exponentially, while territorial differences on the contentious Sino-Indian border are to be managed with appropriate understanding and caution. Overall, India has undertaken a modest course correction in its foreign policy. Relations with the United States are clearly of primary importance, as President Obama’s recent visit to India as the country’s chief guest at its Republic Day celebration demonstrated. He was the first US president to accept the invitation. But India, mindful of its time-tested ties with Russia over six decades and more, will remain true to a valued diplomatic and strategic asset. Relations with China have been problematic, but New Delhi is keen to open a new chapter in a relationship that has considerable potential - which might, one day, become a game changer in the Asia Pacific region.

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the “Asian Century” will not arrive until China and India emerge as truly developed nations, not an impossible event surely. Hope springs eternal.

Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani envoy to the United States and now living in exile there as a respected academic, wrote a thoughtful editorialpage article in The Hindu newspaper, analyzing Islamabad’s continuing neurosis over its relationship with India, of which the manic quest for parity with its southern neighbour is the surest expression. Questioning its wisdom provokes cries of treason and possible arrest, as Mr Haqqani has good reason to know from personal experience.

Safe in the sylvan setting of Washington, he puts forward a few elementary facts tinctured with common sense suggestions for his compatriots to seriouly consider. How best can the Indo-Pakistan relationship be rescued from its present morass?

How does the Indo-US vision statement impinge on Pakistan’s security interests, as an Islamabad spokesman claimed. The vision statement contained no P word, not even an inflexion, so what explains the explosion of Pakistani government rage? Its spokesman talked heatedly of Pakistan’s steps to protect its security against unspecified threats arising, allegedly, from the Indo-US document: it would be good to know precisely what these happen to be. Attempting to help out, Ambassador Haqqani writes: “Pakistan is India’s rival only as much as Belgium could rival France or Germany…..India’s population is six times larger than Pakistan’s while its economy is 10 times the size of Pakistan’s economy….India’s $2 trillion economy has managed steady growth while Pakistan’s $245 billion economy has grown sporadically and is undermined by jihadi terrorism and domestic political chaos. India is expanding by most measures of national power while Pakistan has been able to keep pace with it only in manufacturing nuclear weapons and their delivery systems.

Pakistanis are not told of the widening gap between the two countries in most fields. For

instance, 94 per cent of India’s children between five and 15 complete primary school compared with 54 per cent in Pakistan. Every year 8,900 Indians get a PhD in the sciences compared with the 8,142 doctorates awarded by Pakistani universities since Independence[in 1947]. The total number of books published in any language on any subject in Pakistan in 2013, including religious titles and children’s books, stood at 2,581, against 90,000 in India. The parity doctrine also requires Pakistanis to see India as an existential enemy.

Textbooks tell Pakistani children that Hindu India threatens Islamic Pakistan and seeks to terminate its existence. Hardly anyone outside Pakistan believes this to be true.”

Ambassador Haqqani tells it as it is. That takes no little courage. His insightful book, “Magnificent Delusions” on the country’s blighted relationship with the United States, relates how each party hoped to get something different from the other: the US wanted unswerving Pakistani support in the Cold War against the Soviet Union; Pakistan desired unstinting US backing in its disputes with India. The circle could never be squared. American interests were global in design and substance, Pakistan’s were fixated on India. Mr Haqqani suggested that the US would best serve its interests, and Pakistan’s, by decoupling this tortured relationship – which would free Pakistan of its blinkers and face up to the real world. Its leadership would be forced to cast aside their encumbering delusions about Pakistan’s true status in the comity of nations.. Only then will Pakistan be able to assess its true strengths and weaknesses and frame a foreign policy that works. Indo-Pakistan peace and security, based on trade, investment and cultural exchanges, would be mutually beneficial, so why not give these a chance to flower and grow? Why not give peace a realistic chance?

This moving tale, which started uncertainly in Bangalore, ended joyfully in Chennai. The heart of a two year-old brain dead Indian child secured the life of a two year-old Russian named Gleb Kudriavtceva, whose new heart was flown from Bangalore, thanks to a green traffic air ambulance corridor in both cities - the unhindered travel time took only 47 minutes. Gleb, admitted to Chennai’s Fortis Malar, weighed just 7 kg, before undergoing an eight-hour surgery, during which his diseased heart was replaced with the new one. Even as he waited for a suitable donor, Gleb suffered a stroke and was revived. Born to a single mother, Nelli, Gleb was taken first to Munich, Germany, where hospitals said the operation was impossible. With costs in the US prohibitive, the Russian NGO sponsor and his mother Nellie decided to try India.

Dr K.R. Balakrishnan Director Cardiac Sciences at the Fortes Centre, described the procedure as one of the most challenging surgeries faced by his team, considering the age of the patient and the size of his heart. “In view of the high lung pressure the new heart took about 10 days to adjust after which he recovered rapidly.” Gleb’s mother, was thrilled at the outcome. Her son gained three kgs in less than a fortnight. She told reporters: “Till I came to India I did not believe in miracles but now I am grateful to the doctors here. This is the biggest New Year’s gift god has given me.” Dr Suresh Rao, Head of the Department of Critical Care and Cardiac Anaesthetics, said Gleb’s “right ventricle has recovered completely. He already weighs 10kgs.” Good luck, little fellow. May you have a long and happy life.

Pakistan’s manic quest for parity

Indian heart beats in Russian child

3

The first hurdle is the people who will not accept the change that's already happened - Joss Whedon Sarah Teather MP Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

Importance of UK-Nigeria relationship In the wake of the tragic Paris shootings, the start of the year saw an inspiring and very moving display of international solidarity. But while we watched the horror unfold in Paris, hundreds or possibly thousands of civilians were slaughtered by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria, with very little international attention.

The number killed by Boko Haram in all of last year has already been matched in the first few weeks of 2015.

While millions filled streets across Europe in a defiant and hopeful march for peace, thousands of Nigerians escaped across the border into Chad in fear of further violence.

They joined the tens of thousands who had already fled to Chad, Niger and Cameroon, with a further 1.5 million people displaced internally.

I volunteered in Nigeria for a short period in 2008, training the national education coalition on advocacy and campaigning. As part of my visit I spent time in Kano, which is a largely Muslim area in the north. The warmth of the Nigerian people has stayed with me to this day. It is difficult to contemplate the horror they are now facing.

International NGOs were already hugely overstretched in the region because of the Ebola outbreak. I am also concerned about the Nigerian government’s ability to quell the threat of Boko Haram – not least because the 300 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram last year in Chibok have still not been released or rescued.

The UK has close historical ties with Nigeria, a relationship which extends to the present day through the Department for International Development’s work to help the country meet its Millennium Development Goals. So I believe we have a really important

role to play in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to quell the violence.

That’s why, in the wake of the killing of thousands of civilians last month, I asked the Government an urgent question in the House of Commons. I asked Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire about the UK’s response to the situation in Nigeria, including the provision of aid for refugees and support for local NGOs, and diplomatic efforts to pressure the Nigerian government to tackle Boko Haram.

One of the things I am particularly concerned about is the effect of the recent attacks on UKfunded education programmes in the poorest regions of northern Nigeria. After all, improving education is vital for giving the next generation the tools to participate in the creation of their country's future, to work for peace and to build opportunity. My time in the country helped me to appreciate the challenge of delivering the Millennium Development Goals around education in a country where democracy is still young, and systems and procedures are weak.

Only around 60% of children in Nigeria regularly attend school, and the lack of trained teachers means that there is only one teacher for every 78 pupils, but things are slowly improving. The rise of Boko Haram threatens this progress. I believe Britain must use diplomatic efforts to pressure the Nigerian government to tackle Boko Haram, and we also have a role to play in providing vital humanitarian relief for those affected by the violence. But the UK’s support for education programmes has taken on a new importance. Only through this approach can we help Nigeria to become the peaceful and prosperous country it can be.

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MIDLANDS VOICE

PM David Cameron visits the Sikh Judge praises police and community for community in West Midlands maintaining peace

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Prime Minister Cameron with the members of Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick

Rupanjana Dutta

Prime Minister David Cameron made a surprise visit to Leamington on Friday 6 February along with local MP Chris White. Perhaps keeping the importance of ethnic votes in his mind, for the upcoming general elections, he also visited the Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick and met the members of the Sikh community, where he discussed a number of key issues. He met the committee members and volunteers and joined worshippers at the Gurdwara, which is one of the largest in the UK. He

his visit, Prime Minister praised the British Sikh community for their contribution to society and welcomed the ongoing British-Indian relationship.

He said, “The BritishIndian relationship is something very close to my heart. It was the first major country I visited as leader of the opposition, and I’ve made three trips to India as Prime Minister. I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Modi when we met in Australia. I think all the elements are there the trade relationship is good, India invest more into Britain than the rest

Prayers at the Gurdwara

growing understanding that the rise of India in the world, Britain and India as the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy should be cooperating

PM Cameron helps kitchen staff at the Gurdwara to roll chapatti

also spent time helping out in the kitchen - and staff said he was ‘very friendly’. Speaking after

of Europe combined, the links between our communities are very strong and I also think there’s a

over vital international issues like climate change and supporting free trade.

There’s a real opportunity

for us to work together.”

Speaking about his visit, in a statement the Prime Minister told Asian Voice: “It has been a pleasure visiting Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick today – especially meeting the volunteers and members of the community. As with other British Asians, British Sikhs make an amazing contribution to our country: in business, in our military, in our communities, in our charities. We should celebrate that our country is a successful multi-faith, multiethnic democracy. Of course we need to do more to promote opportunity but already today you can see people who in one or two generations can come here, build a future for themselves and end up at the top in politics, in business. We are an opportunity country - and we need to do even more to make that happen - but we should celebrate how far we’ve come.

Judge warns businessman that court will seize £173,000 Singh, 56, and his brother Judge Michael Fowler A judge has warned a 25-year-old Sarbjit, were ordered the seizure of father Father Shinderpal each jailed for 11 months. £15,000 from 26-year-old Singh and sons Kuldip In September last year Kuldip Singh, who was Singh and Sarbjit Singh they were ordered to hand considered to be the head that the court is prepared over £65,500 and £4,680 of the illegal operation. to seize the entire respectively at a proceeds His father Shinderpal £173,000 they made from of crime hearproducing counterfeit ing. Kuldip, the clothes. They were company direcjailed last year for protor, was jailed ducing hundreds of for 23 months thousands of pounds and banned worth of fake designer from being a wear at their Spinney company direcHills, Leicester factotor for five ry. The counterfeit years. operation was discovThe latest ered when trading seizure at standards officials Leicester raided the Galby Crown Court Street factory of Kully brought the Screen Printing Ltd, in Father and son Shinderpal and Sarbjit Singh total confiscatAugust 2011. at court

Kuldip Singh

ed from the family to more than £85,000.

Kuldip Singh, who is now out of prison, was given until May 11 to pay the £15,000 or serve another nine months in jail in default.

The factory has since been destroyed in a fire.

A judge has praised police and community leaders as he jailed six men for a total of 19 years over a “paranoid” hate campaign. He commended the calming influence of leaders of the Muslim and Sikh communities during a time of tension. The judge also praised the police for their hard work and sensitive handling of the case.

Judge Nicholas Dean spoke out after the defendants pleaded guilty to a series of offences including inciting racial hatred, attacking two men in a car and shooting another victim.

Parwinder Baning (21), pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault, actual bodily harm, possessing an imitation firearm, possessing a bladed article and importing an illegal haul of weapons. He was jailed for seven and a half years.

Mehul Lodhia (24), pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault and importing illegal knuckle-dusters.

He was jailed for three years.

Damanpreet Singh (19), pleaded guilty to affray, inciting racial hatred and conspiracy to commit assault and actual bodily harm. He was jailed for four years.

Harjinder Athwal (24), pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred, conspiracy to commit assault and actual bodily harm. He was jailed for two and a half years.

Amanpreet Singh (25), also of Collingham Road, pleaded guilty to affray. He was jailed for two years.

Satinderbir Singh (20), pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred. He was jailed for 15 months.

The Leicester Crown Court heard how a car containing two Muslim men was attacked by a group wielding hockey sticks, chains and other

weapons in June 2013.

The two men escaped injury in the incident, in East Park Road, Evington. A few weeks later, a Facebook thread was set up by one of the defendants peddling vehemently anti-Muslim comments.

Judge Nicholas Dean said: “These offences took place against a backdrop of tension in 2013 following the revenge attack by Sikh men on a Muslim restaurant after the grooming of a Sikh girl by a group of Muslim men.”

After the case, Suleman Nagdi, public relations officer for the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said: “It is absolutely imperative that faith leaders from all sides create a calm and cohesive society.

“The incident was a rare one - it was one that does not normally happen in Leicester and we hope it will never happen gain.

“It’s important that leaders of both sides are calm and understanding and show friendship towards each other. It is the way forward for the whole nation.”

Resham Singh Sandhu, Chairman of the Sikh Welfare and Cultural Society and vice-president of Leicestershire Faith Forum, said that shortly after the incident the faith leaders from both communities met with the police to help calm the situation.

He added that faith leaders work very hard to maintain goof relationships between different religious groups in Leicester.

“Relationships have been very very good for years, but sometimes elements disturb this cohesion.

“These issues are not always locally based, they are from the outside world, we try to control it as much as possible.”

Multimillionaire siblings sell Ruislipbased firm to Irish drug group

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

A multimillionaire brother and sister team, Amit Patel, 40, and Meeta Patel, 42, are selling their the pharmaceutical firm Auden Mckenzie to Actavis, the Irish drugs group, which will pay £306 million for the business, on a debt-free basis, plus a two-year royalty on a percentage of gross products on a key drug. The deal does not include Mckenzie’s property portfolio.

The Irish firm has reportedly claimed that when the Allergan and Auden Mckenzie deal finally closes (expectedly by the first quarter), it will become the third-largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UK. Reports have also suggested that this latest acquisition will be made with cash and are subject to approval by the regulatory authorities.

As a privately held company Auden Mckenzie's financial figures are not disclosed, but Actavis described the business as "profitable and growing". In 2012/13 the company earned a reported £29m on sales of around £52m.

Shareholders in Auden Mckenzie will also reportedly get a two-year royalty on a percentage of gross profits for one of the company's products.

Amit and Meeta Patel

Robert Stewart, Actavis' chief operating officer has reportedly said, "This strategic combination is highly synergistic with our UK business, is immediately and highly accretive and reflects our commitment to invest to achieve a top position in key international markets."

Amit Patel, Managing Director of Auden Mckenize, said the two companies shared a "dynamic and entrepreneurial approach to developing and marketing generic medicines."

Ruislip-based Auden Mckenzie specialises in injectable products such as Synastone (methadone), which is licensed for the treatment of heroin addiction and as an alternative to morphine for pain relief.

The fast-growing west London operation was founded in 2001, holds more than 120 pharmaceutical product licenses and sells its merchandise in 30 countries.

It was the Amit Patel's father who identified a niche market for generic versions of such highly

specialised medicines. The business was launched with only £150,000 seed capital and staffed only by the three family members. It now employs over 79 people and supplies to hospitals, pharmacies and wholesalers.

Speaking about his expert training, Amit reportedly said, “I did not need to go to business school, because I learned everything from watching my father.

“To be brutally honest, when I first started in my early twenties, material possessions were a very motivating factor, but as I have grown older it has been a sense of achievement to provide life-saving medicines that has proved most satisfying.”

Mr Patel and his sister were ranked joint-264th in the Sunday Times Rich List last year, with an estimated combined net worth of £360 million.

Mr Patel, who owns 60 per cent of the business, and Ms Patel, who owns the rest, reportedly shared a dividend payment of just over £4 million last year.

UK Indians amongst world's 100 Richest

There are two UK based Indians in the top 100, Lakshmi Mittal and the Hinduja brothers. Mittal, aged 64 was born in Rajasthan and made his fortune in the steel industry. He made headlines in 2004 when he purchased a house in London from Bernie Eccleston for £67 million. At the time it was the most expensive property purchase in the world. In 2007 he became a major shareholder at the London football club Queens Park Rangers.

Mittal has not taken an active role in the running of the club, instead appointing his son in law Amit Bhatia as a director at Rangers. He has also shown an interest in promoting and improving sport in India. He founded the Mittal Champions Trust to distribute $9 million to ten Indian athletes with outstanding worldwide potential.

The Hinduja brothers who own the Hinduja group have interests in a varied range of industries. From oil and gas, to the automotive industry and the financial sector.

The company celebrated a centenary since its founding last year and was originally based in Mumbai. The family

Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja

Mukesh Ambani

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Discriminating pension policy affects British Asians The government is facing pressure from campaigners who say the frozen pension policy is discriminating against retirees who are planning to relocate abroad. Under the scheme British Asian pensioners face the prospect of losing any future increase in their pension which would be in line with inflation.

A person over the retirement age would have the amount they receive kept at the rate it was at when they moved. Unlike those who stay and are guaranteed a yearly increase. Matters are complicated by the fact that those moving to EU countries would not face the freeze. Agreements with the European Union mean that the British government is required by law not to restrict pensioners retiring to countries such a Spain and Ireland.

British Asian pensioners would be penalised even though they may have contributed to the UK economy for decades.

The International Consortium of British Pensioners, an advocacy group for victims of the policy have pointed to the fact that retirees moving overseas would save the country money. They claim that the economy would benefit from fewer people using NHS services, age related benefits and other pension credits.

Abhik Bonnerjee, pictured, is 72 and moved back to India to live with his family in 1997 when he was 54. Mr Bonnerjee now receives £87.30 a week.

This is the rate of the pension when he passed his retirement age. However the current rate for those in the UK is £114 a week.

This means he gets 24% less than he would if he had stayed in England.

Like the majority of British Asians he has spent decades contributing to the UK economy, having worked and paid into the system for 38 years. He started work in 1960 with Harland and Wolff. He then worked in Sheffield for Neepsend Steel for 11 years and even owned a

restaurant in Doncaster for six years.

Mr Bonnerjee spent his last 15 years in Britain with RHM in Nottingham. Now he feels he has to choose to leave his family or suffer because of an unfair financial penalty.

He is understandably upset about the situation, saying “The situation makes me very, very angry.

The government are scaremongering, Steve Webb says it will cost a lot of money but it is only a tiny percentage of the pensions budget. The government should be doing more, especially for Commonwealth countries and MPs can’t explain why they are not.” He added “I would consider returning back to England in the coming years.”

The problem is made worse by the lack of awareness in the community. A survey by OnePoll found that two thirds (61%) are unaware of the changes and how it would affect them. Nearly half (40%) said it would impact their decision, while a quarter (24%) said it definitely would. The British Asian community is disproportionately affected since a higher than average number choose to return home in retirement. The same survey found that more than a third (38%) are considering it and one in nine (9%) say they will definitely return to their country of origin. One glimmer of hope for the campaigners is that the upcoming election may have an impact on the policy. Nearly Half of those asked (46%) may consider voting for a party that reversed the freeze.

Anni Dewani's father releases book

Lakshmi Mittal

moved the company to London in 1979 and has gone on to become one of the largest conglomerates on the planet. Last year two of the brothers, Srichand and Gopichand were named as the richest men in Britain with a net worth of over £11 billion. The family support a number of charities including a hospital and research centre in Mumbai.

Dilip Shanghvi

In other positive news for India New Delhi moved onto the top twenty list as the residence to billionaires.

Joining Mumbai which has the most in the country at 40 making it the sixth highest in the world. Overall the number of Indians on the list increased by 27 taking it above Russia for the first time. 41st richest Indian on the list is Mukesh

Pallonji Mistry

Ambani owner of Reliance industries has interests in energy, media and telecoms. Last year was a success for the Mumbai based chairman as he saw his overall wealth increase by 11%.

Other notable names in the top 100 include Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharma at 53rd and Tata boss Pallonji Mistry who was ranked at 60th on the list.

Vinod Hindocha, the father of murdered bride Anni Dewani has released a book which documents the experiences of himself and his family before and during the trial of Shrien Dewani.

The couple were on their honeymoon in South Africa November 2010 when Anni was shot.

Shrien was recently found not guilty of the murder after a four year wait for him to return to the country to stand trial. The family has said that all the proceeds from sales of the book will be given to the charity Anni's Memorial Fund.

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DO YOU KNOW THEM?

Shuchita Sonalika, Director and Head - UK, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Shuchita Sonalika, pictured, has recently taken over as Director of UK operations at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). She is responsible for managing initiatives that promote India-UK economic relations by way of business conferences and programs, two-way trade and investment missions, as well as research and policy related projects.

Previously, she was based in CII’s North

America representative office in the Washington D.C. area. She has five years of experience in handling India-US economic cooperation in sectors including Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Defence, Space, Education, Energy, Infrastructure as well as Small and Medium Enterprises. She also supported several CII activities in Canada.

Shuchita joined the International Division at the CII headquarters in New Delhi, India in January 2009, where she assisted in several projects promoting Indian industry’s interests in in US, Canada, Russia and Mexico. Prior to that, she was consulting on various

international marketing and communication projects.

A graduate of the Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland – College Park, she specialized in International Business.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the School of Public Policy also at the University of Maryland.

She supports education and environment-based non-profit organizations and enjoys painting and photography at leisure.

Know anyone worth mentioning in this section? Email to Rupan jana at rupanjan a. dutt a@abplgrou p.com.

Air India in B'ham leaves passengers stranded for 48 hours

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Cllr Rabi Martins

Liberal Democrats, Watford

Unfair to burden the Working Poor I defy anyone to argue that Liberal Democrats have not been a major force in our much heralded economic recovery. It was Nick Clegg’s desire to put the interests of the country ahead of those of his own Party that led him to form a Coalition Government with the Conservatives despite their deep rooted differences The results of that decision are there for all to see. The country is on a roll - inflation is at an all time low and falling whilst employment is at an all time high and rising So why then do so many people continue to malign Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats? The answer is simple People no longer see the Liberal Democrat as a separate Party but as the Coalition Government. And one of the messages the public associate with the Coalition Government is that further austerity measures are on the way This is particularly true of the working poor, who incidentally form more than a quarter of our population Whenever this group complains about the unfairness of one of the austerity measures such as the “Bedroom Tax” they are reminded that the tax threshold has been raised from under £7000 to £10,500, which of course it has thanks entirely to a Liberal Democrat Manifesto Pledge However the unintended (or maybe one that was always planned but hardly ever spoken about) consequence of this change is impact on benefits resulting in reduced overall incomes for the working poor. This group is also disproportionately hit by

National Insurances Contributions which are higher than they were in 2010 The other tax that erodes their buying power is of course VAT which was increased from 17.5 percent to 20 percent. When you are on low income every penny taken in tax is a penny less that is available to feed your children or heat your house It is no secret that such impacts of his measures on the working poor is the least of Mr Osborne’s concerns. His recent announcement that he intends to limit the benefits cap for a single household to £23,000 will be seen by the working poor as further evidence that they are expected to continue to bear the burden whilst the rich continue to enjoy the fruits of recovery If the pundits are to be believed the coming general election will produce another hung Parliament. In that event it is highly likely that Liberal Democrat will be invited to help form the next coalition government. Having had the taste of power it would be surprising if they did not accept the invitation regardless of who it comes from. But this time they will want to ensure that Coalition Agreement is much more Liberal Democrats leaning than the last one. The extent of their bargaining power will of course depend on the number of MPs they have A manifesto pledge not to increase the burden of country’s recovery and growth on the working poor could easily boost the number of their MPs and hence their bargaining power

Cruxton Travel receives award on gala night

Sunny Rai and several other passengers waited for more than two days for their flight to India

A group of passengers from Birmingham were left stranded at Birmingham airport for nearly 48 hours. They were due to fly to India on Friday night but discovered their flight had been indefinitely delayed due to a technical fault -and then eventually cancelled.

They said they had spent two nights in local hotels waiting for an Air India flight bound for Amritsar via Delhi.The delay resulted into some people missing a family wedding, while another being unable to attend a family funeral.

A local newspaper reported that Sunny Rai, a 26-year-old trainee financial advisor from Smethwick, his mother Charanjit Kaur, 50, and 54-year-old father Balkar Singh, were looking forward to attending a

cousin’s wedding. Instead the tired family, who had nine suitcases and paid £480 each for their tickets, were at the airport, still trying to get on a flight on Sunday 8 February.

Speaking on behalf of Air India, Vishwanath Panyam apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

He said around 233 passengers had been affected, with 42 still yet to fly on Sunday evening.

Some were sent via Heathrow and others boarded a flight from Birmingham on Saturday.

The rest were due to fly on Sunday night, although that service was delayed until 2am.

Mr Panyam added: "There was a technical glitch because of which the flight got grounded."

He further added:

"Unfortunately the challenge was we didn't have any seats on alternate carriers, all other flights were full.

"So as and when we were given seats on alternate services, we were flying them out.

"I can say that we are really sorry and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience, but this was an unfortunate situation.

"Because of the technical difficulty, safety is of paramount importance and we cannot take any chances with safety.

"We are trying our best to provide the best customer service possible in trying circumstances."

Kam Singh, aged 32, from Coventry, reportedly said that his parents had also been travelling to attend a wedding and had been left stranded.

Cruxton travel received an award from Jet airways at a gala ceremony organised on 28 Jan 2015 in London's Radisson Blu Portman.

Based in Harrow on the Hill this travel company is owned and run

by British Asians. They have been servicing the community for almost three decades and have the experience to provide a wide range of services.

The business specialises in Economy and business flights with Jet Airways. They also have years of experience with honeymoon services and worldwide luxury holidays. They are fully licensed and welcome customers to their friendly offices.

Mr Kanji receives award from Jet airways CEO Cramer Ball and Lydia Narareth on behalf of Team Cruxton

For more information contact: 0208 426 8444 (worldwide flight & hol-

idays) 0208 515 9200 (business & first class hotline)

Lecturer recreates Mahabharata characters for Twitter A lecturer from Bournemouth University, has re-imagined the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata for Twitter audience, recreating a book, however this time from the perspective of the main villain. In 2009, Dr Chindu Sreedharan began retelling the Mahabharata on Twitter, taking more than four years and nearly 2,700 tweets to finish "Epic Retold", published in December as a book billed as India's first Twitter fic-

tion. Sreedharan's Twitter version is told from the point of view of Bhima, the strongest and second of the five Pandava warriors.

Now the 41-yearold academic is reading up on Bhima's cousin Duryodhana to present a shorter Twitter narrative from his point of view, turning the antagonist into an anti-hero.

Sreedharan reportedly told the Reuters, "It's going to

be challenging to write Duryodhana too, but there's a quick end in sight.

I know where it will start and how it will end, much more clearly than when I began Epic Retold."

One of Sreedharan's initial reasons for microblogging the Mahabharata was to make it palatable to British colleagues and see how Indians reacted to an epic reinterpreted for Twitter.

Co-operative Pharmacy set to be renamed

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

After more than seventy years on the high street Co-operative Pharmacy are set to be rebranded and renamed as 'Well' following a £620 million buyout by the Bestway Group.

Bestway, which was founded by British Pakistani businessman Sir Anwar Pervez are known for running local convenience stores throughout the country. As well as having various business interests in Pakistan. The Bestway Group bought out the pharmacies from the troubled Co-operative last year. The co-op suffered the worst year in their 150 year history in 2013 when they announced losses £2.5 billion. Since then they have sold off many parts off the business, including a £249

Sir Anwar Pervez

million sale of its Co-operative Farms to The Wellcome trust. It then went on to sell its insurance and asset management business to Royal London in the same year for £219 million.

It is unlikely that there will be job losses along

with the rebranding.

Bestway boss Zameer Choudrey announced an investment of £200 million over the next five years to help the business grow. They plan to do this through refurbishments and hiring new staff.

However they are planning to move from the current headquarters in the City to a new base in Manchester. The newly named 'Well' has announced that they plan to offer services to non emergency patients in an attempt to ease the burden on the NHS. Once the proposed rebranding goes ahead the new Pharmacy will be the largest in the country

Son of millionaire business tycoon faces jail over bar brawl

Antonio Boparan, son of millionaire Ranjit and Baljinder Boparan who own the 2 Sisters Food Group with a wealth of £800 million is facing jail for a second time over his involvement in a bar brawl that left a man blinded.

Previously he had already served one prison sentence for causing horrific injuries to one-year-old Cerys Edwards in a car crash in November 2006.

Antonio 28, pleaded guilty to one count of inflicting actual bodily harm and violent disorder at Birmingham’s Nuvo Bar, where two victims were set upon.

Boparan and three other men are facing jail after the two men were attacked at the Brindleyplace bar at 2.45am on April 6. They were hospitalised after being punched, kicked and

Antonio Boparan

hit with broken bottles.

One victim suffered a fractured eye socket and has since lost the use of an eye.

Nathan Pringle, 32, and Edward Ansah, 24, both admitted violent disorder.

The four were due to stand trial last week, but pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court and will all now be sentenced in March.

The Boparan family business has a turnover of

more than £3.4 billion and has 47 sites across the UK, Irealnd, Holland and Poland.

The West Bromwich-based firm provides chickens and chicken dishes, but also supplies Goodfella’s Pizzas and owns the Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip restaurant chain.

The Boparan Charitable Trust was set up by Antonio and his family in 2009 and is fronted by him and his mother.

6 years old girl saves grandmother's life

A 6 years old grand daughter has saved the life of her nan Jasy Tailor, after she fell into a diabetic coma.

In pitch darkness, little Millie Desai, from Solihull, fumbled for the phone and rang her mum.

Sobbing, she revealed 61-year-old Jasu Tailor was cold and rigid.

She then went downstairs to search for Jasu’s sugar tester which monitors blood-sugar levels.

Mum Jay raced to the house and, when she couldn’t bring Jasu round, called for an ambulance.

Jay told a local paper, “They explained that if Millie hadn’t called when she did, my mum could have been serious. She could’ve died.

“If mum had not insisted on Millie staying at her home, dad (Bharat)

thing like this. Yes, she was crying, but she was so calm.”

Millie, a pupil at Greswold Primary, knew what was wrong with her grandmother immediately.

Her older brother Kush, aged eight, is also diabetic.

Jasu, now fully recovered, told the Millie with grandmother Jasu Tailor Birmingham Mail: would not have seen her “I really don’t know how until 6am because he to thank Milly. Without works night shifts and we her, I don’t think I’d be really don’t know what here today. She saved my would have happened.” life.”

She added: “We are all Jasu and Bharat stay at so proud. Millie’s my little the Solihull home with lifesaver. I just didn’t their son and daughter-inexpect someone of that law, who on Saturday the age to be able to do somecouple were in London.

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Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and actress Rani Mukerji attend BAT Annual Dinner 2015

Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, award winning Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall

Reshma Trilochun

On 3rd February, the glamorous British Asian Trust Annual Dinner was held at Whitehall, Westminster. Along with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, many celebrities and renown and respected figures attended, such as the Bollywood actress, Rani Mukerji, British Asian comedian, Romesh Ranganathan, as well as the Nobel prize winner, Kailash Satyarthi.

The event was held as a fund raiser for the antitrafficking cause and the guests were more than willing to take a stand against human trafficking. On questioning the British Asian director, Gurinder Chadha about what she thought of the anti-trafficking cause and of the fundraising event that was being held, she stated, “I think this evening is really important in trying to bring attention to that, and trying to raise money for that... there's a lot of attention going in that

direction which I only hope results in change”.

Kailash Satyarthi was not hesitant to show his displeasure regarding human trafficking and was very vocal in what he believed in and showed great support for the event that was held.

“Slavery in any form is unacceptable, it is intolerable. It's the most heinous crime against humanity, so we have to fight it out. So whatever initiatives are being taken in any part of the world, I strongly support in any form if we are fighting against slavery and human trafficking, we have to do it together.”

On being asked about the brutal crimes that have taken place in India, Satyarthi stated that there was something that definitely could be done, as each and every person is capable of finding a way to resolve this.

“India is a land of hundreds of solutions. And I would say, it is a land of hundreds of problems and billions of solutions.

So if we have over a bil-

lion of population, each one of them has a solution. Of course, sometimes these heinous crimes happen and these crimes happen anywhere in the world, it is not just India. So that's why I say, india is a land of hundreds of problems and a billion of solutions.”

Satyarthi is a firm advocator of encouraging people who have the capacity to come forward and make a difference to society. “The people who can speak out, they should speak out. Those who can write against human slavery, they should write. Those who can put money, they should put money. Those who can make differences, as lawmakers, they should do it. Everybody should take part in it because slavery is unacceptable and we have to fight it together. And we will win.” He urges them to help in eradicating any form of slavery as every single person's help is valued for this cause.

Grandmother left with fractured eye after horrific shop attack A grandmother was left with a fractured eye socket, damaged nose, injuries all over her body and a broken confidence, after a regular customer in her 15 years old off licence attacked her.

Gurbux Kaur Malhi, 56, (pictured) is still unable to return to work at the M&M Drinks Cabin in The Exchange, Eyres Monsell, Leicester, because of her injuries, even though it is nearly three months since the attack.

Daniel Jones (21) of Pawley Gardens, Eyres

Monsell, Leicester, was recently jailed for seven years for the “horrific” assault. Mrs Malhi, who needed a four-hour operation to have a metal plate put into an eye socket, said after the court hearing that she felt her attack-

er should have got a life sentence.

Jeremy Janes, prosecuting, told the court that Jones was a regular customer and considered Mrs Malhi “a nice lady”. He reportedly said there was even a “quite jolly atmosphere” in the shop before Jones lost his temper over a packet of cigarettes.

Jones hit the shopkeeper and when she fell to the floor continued to stamp on her body and head. The court saw CCTV pictures of Jones attacking her as she was slumped on the floor.

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UK

As I See It

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Unprecedented AAP victory, what next?

Continued from page 1 have retired from central government departments as well as the state employees.

People from every nook and corner of India are thus residing in Delhi. The strategy of AAP was very clear. Though they contested a huge number of constituencies all over India in the General Election of May 2014, they won only 4 seats from the State of Punjab. All the seven Parliamentary seats in Delhi were won by the BJP. AAP was totally focussed on Delhi and their defeat this

What went wrong in the BJP campaign? Narendra Modi campaigned all over India in a spectacular way and achieved a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament. He has promised so much and, though to a certain extent, he had a proven track record in Gujarat, governing a smaller state and a continent-like country are poles apart. This defeat in Delhi is inevitably the burden on the shoulders of Narendra Modi after all he is the main and only star of his party. But there are

Incoming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

time would have been the total demise of the party. For AAP a strong showing in Delhi was a must. There was no other alternative for all those who had assembled under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal from various walks of life, mainly without political experience, but with excellent track records in their backgrounds and full of idealism.

Delhi is not Gujarat. It has remained the capital of India for a very long time. The residents of Delhi have thus a more awareness of the politics and therefore have higher expectations.

AAP have promises to perform Now the incoming AAP government which will be sworn in today (14th February) at the historic Ramlila Ground in Delhi have a very difficult challenge ahead of them indeed.

The opportunity has arrived based on their huge promises.

The voters have responded in a bumper way and the AAP government now has to rise to the challenge and give effective administration and good governance. All very desirable but democracy has its own distractions or diversions. Let time prove them.

several other fault lines to: 1. Arrogance of power and the over confidence of the highest to the lowest leaders of the BJP. 2. Intake of so many from several parties has conveyed a wrong message to the traditional supporters of the BJP. ‘Aaya ram; Gaya ram’ is common everywhere but presently more common in India. When say Kiren Bedi who joined the BJP on a day and is declared a Chief Minister candidate on the third day, it creates internal bickering which generates either inactivity in the election process or in some cases anti-party activity.

One of the main reasons for the debacle of the BJP appears to be the haste with which the leadership inducted outsiders and gave them candidature.

3. Over kill in the BJP campaign: Though the BJP had won all seven parliamentary seats just nine months ago, to defeat and demolish the AAP, all major central Government Cabinet Ministers, most of the BJP’s State Ministers and many thousands of party supporters from outside Delhi where rushed to campaign thus off putting the local BJP workers and leadership.The biggest weakness of the campaign was that the outside activists did

not know the needs and the mindset of the Delhites who themselves resented approaches from such strangers.

Inexperience or inadequate knowledge of the needs and temperament of the Delhi voters have damaged the BJP beyond imagination.

4. Very negative campaign: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a national hero and people look to him for certain quality leadership. They have put their trust in Mr Modi just a few months ago. Modi promised so much but the delivery takes time and he could not explain the mechanics of the new management adequately and convincingly to the voters.

On the contrary people must have felt his own speeches to be full of aggression, limitless accusations and allegations especially against the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal. Modi’s message was in effect a repeat of what he had been saying for the last 20 months or so. Voters were bored perhaps by such ineffective extravaganza.

5. Prime Minister Modi’s £9,700 suit made exclusively for him in the UK when he greeted President Obama was not only an anathema to the voters but also contrary to Modi’s oft repeated slogan of ‘Make in India’. Such a blunder was naturally ridiculed by BJP’s opponents and it has harmed the credibility of Mr Modi perhaps beyond his imagination.

The ongoing ridicule of Kejriwal or AAP whether his muffler, coughing or his dharna on the streets of Delhi during his short-lived Chief Ministership did not produce the right result for the BJP. 6. BJP attacks on the lack of experience or the alleged corruption in the fund raising by AAP was vigorously contested and counterattacked by Mr Kejriwal and his teammates highlighting the enormous expenditure both in the parliamentary elections and other state elections including the Delhi one by the BJP and so called examples of crony capitalism.

Compared to the BJP, AAP has won the peoples’ trust for honest, local focus and enormous hard work by mostly unpaid party workers and volunteers.

7. The support to the underdog syndrome. In any contest if one of the participants is repeatedly portrayed as the underdog and kicked below the belt the reaction of the common

manoeuvre is very restricted indeed because of the huge question of the powers of the legislature in Jammu and Kashmir state.

Modi vs Kejriwal contest has its own parameters. Mr Modi has public life experience of nearly 50 years and he has come from a very humble background. He is a single man, a loner with little baggage. Mr Kejriwal is a family man with deep desires but limited experience.

The biggest challenge for Mr Kejriwal is such a thumping majority itself. Historically speaking in India such a big majority create divisions within one’s own party in a short space of time.

Along with that challenge is the range of promises pledged by Mr Kejriwal and the AAP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi The supporters of the BJP and Congress all flocked to the AAP. How can you retain their trust Delhi debacle - what next? and confidence. That is a big challenge for the AAP and Mr No one is unbeatable and no Kejriwal himself. one is invincible. In India we Let me now put it in a have seen it happen several lighter sense, just for a change. times. In 1977 Indira Gandhi In India, Cricket, and her party were kicked out Bollywood and Politics (since by the anti Congress Alliance.

April 2013) have become new Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s gods. In some parts of India the government was then slapped stock market also (especially in for taking some foolish actions, Gujarat where you will hear imprisoned Indira Gandhi and even in a panwalla’s small shop appointed several commissions customers discussing the ups of enquiry rather than giving and downs of the Bombay the people of India an effective Stock Exchange) illustrate the government. In 1979 the Janata variety of the Indian voters and Dal party and its allies were their preferences. The Bombay thrown out and Indira Gandhi Stock Exchange had a very became Prime Minister once drastic loss of some 491 points again. on Monday 9th February after After her assassination the Delhi exit polls projections Rajiv Gandhi (her son) became became known. The social the Prime Minister and won a media is humming in India and huge majority of nearly 480 in it has played a huge part in the the Lok Sabha but once again, Delhi elections. later Congress was defeated by In Cricket and Bollywood VP Singh’s alliance. there comes some happy In Delhi in 2013 the AAP moments but some tragedies won and then lost. In 2014 the too. We have seen that in BJP won all Parliamentary seats Politics also. India deserves a and have lost the Assembly better development path, more elections but Mr Modi has a than ever before. The performvery challenging time ahead ance of the AAP government in especially in the states where Delhi is going to be watched by elections now are due over the everybody with tremendous next 8 months and more. He expectations with some worries has also to handle the demand and fears too. We wish better of the AAP for more powers to days are there in the foreseeable the Delhi State legislature. The future. space for central government - CB man is to support the underdog and such a unique and unbelievable result in Delhi speaks for itself.

8. The AAP focused on economic development and the living standards of the citizens of Delhi. Religion was completely out of their strategy. This has I believe impressed the evolving new India beyond recognition.

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman facing expense allegations

Conservative Member of Parliament Bob Blackman could be forced to pay back over a thousand pounds of expenses after it was revealed he had been overstating his mileage.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) found Mr Blackman had made over seven hundred inaccurate claims. It has also come out that he had been warned about this exaggeration as early as 2011. An audit conducted in 2013-14 found that the Harrow East MP had

claimed double the mileage as the next ten parliamentarians on the list. A formal probe was launched into the matter but it began after Blackman's meeting with the IPSA to discuss the issue. Since that meeting his mileage has decreased.

The MP commented on his official website that he felt the investigating officer had wrongly interpreted the numbers, saying that “It states in the IPSA guidelines that the most cost effective route should be taken. The compliance officer believes that the

Bob Blackman

most direct route was not taken. I supplied detailed maps for the routes I routinely took which the compliance officer ignored. I am concerned that the compliance officer is not interpreting the rules that exist but rules that he believes should exist.”

Mr Blackman

had previously been accused of speaking in a divisive way by some of his constituents. During a debate in 2012 during which the topic of the Kashmir issue was being discussed he appeared to speak in a negative way about Pakistani Kashmir, stating “in Jammu and Kashmir, there is free access for the press, Amnesty International and every other international body that wants access to see what is going on. In Pakistani-occupied Kashmir, what is almost a lawlessness still prevails.”

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

The Gujarati-Origin FCO Department Head Satish Luhar is the Head of UK-India bilateral and prosperity relations at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The Asian Voice met him at former Leading Light Sujit Nair’s last British parliamentary event for the UK -South India Business Chamber of Commerce. Mr Luhar has held the FCO job for over a year.

For a couple of years before that, Mr Luhar was at the Department of Transport, first as Bill Manager, then as Stakeholder Engagement Lead. He graduated from Nottingham Business School and Nottingham Trent University.

Satish visits India regularly, and his origins are in Gujarat in India.

Satish’s parents lived in Kampala and came to the UK as part of the expulsion of Indians from Uganda by Idi Amin. He was born in the UK. It’s always useful to take a meter reading of a

Satish Luhar

subject’s sentiments towards his motherland, India. Mr. Luhar told us, “The last time I went was a long time ago to my home village of Bhuj – I remember how vast the marshes and desert were, but also the array of colour in the houses, clothes and decorations, and mostly the vibrancy and welcoming nature of the people there. The same is true for India. But I am particularly fond of the food - there is nothing quite like it in the world!”

We wanted to know what attracted him to the FCO job.

“One of the biggest draws was the opportunity to work across a breadth of policies. The UK and India work together on a vast range of areas – science and innovation, health, education, to name a few and this job gave me the opportunity to experience them all in an international context. Secondly, being of Indian origin I wanted to understand my own roots and heritage better. Working on UKIndia relations was a prime opportunity to do this.”

We know about British Government posts with “business” or “trade” in the title, but Satish’s job is different.

He explained, “My job involves man-

aging and developing the UK-India relationship to further strengthen our ties across the range of work we do with India. I work closely with colleagues in India, the Indian High Commission, the Indian diaspora, and others to consider how we can increase our collaborations and work together to mutually increase our prosperity and relations.

“Going to work in one of our Embassies or High Commissions abroad is definitely something that I am considering” This includes understanding what is happening politically and economically in India at a federal and state level, and identifying opportunities for further engagement and bilateral cooperation.”

So what was he seeking to achieve in this position?

“A better understanding of India is a personal aim, as well as a good understanding of our cooperation. I hope to continue to strengthen the links between the UK and India, and think there

is scope for our two countries to do even more to our mutual benefit.”

After the 2014 Indian election, Satish visited Hyderabad and Chennai.

“In addition to meeting with our Deputy High Commissioners in these areas, I also accompanied the British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan, to meetings with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana following the then recent bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. I was also lucky enough to visit Pondicherry and the temples at Mahabalipuram (which were magnificent).

Indian - origin British nationals are steadily climbing the FCO ladder in several corners of the globe so we wanted to assess Mr Luhar’s own ambitions. He presciently replied in the sort of language that diplomats use.

“I haven’t fully decided on what I shall do next, but going to work in one of our Embassies or High Commissions abroad is definitely something that I am considering – not only does it provide an interesting and important area of work, but it also provides an opportunity to experience another culture. Longer term, who knows!”

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Faith groups

I refer to the statement by faith groups in Birmingham on page 5, whereby they mention that the members of Moseley Interfaith Forum - made up of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus - met up in Victoria Square.

I feel very strongly about the statement which is deliberately not only used time and time again by all UK governments past and present and the crony press and media which purposefully or intentionally separates all Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs which are all branches of the great ancient inclusive Hindu religion.

May I ask why is it that all branches of Christian faiths and Islamic faiths are not mentioned as separate faiths. Please for heavens sake stop this nonsense for good, as it will help no one.

My second point is that the following song which in my opinion is wrong: "Hindu Muslim Sikh Isai hum sab hai bhai bhai" instead it should be sung like this: Hindu Budh Jain Sikh hum hai Hindu bhai bhai and Hindu Zoroastrian Muslim Jews Isai hum sab hai bhai bhai!

CC Patel Croydon

Best start in Life

The former Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, had outlined his aim to break down the “Berlin Wall” between state and private schools. He had then said that state schools in England should become more like private schools.

Now the Prime Minister, in his latest speech on 2 February, has jumped on the same band wagon. He says that he wants to wage war on mediocrity in state schools. That every failing secondary school will become an academy since evidence shows that academy schools do work.

Academies are independent, statefunded schools which receive their funding directly from the central government rather than through a local education authority and have been shown to improve twice as fast as other state schools. It is claimed that by cutting bureaucracy and putting more power in the hands of head teachers these academies will drive up standards.

David Cameron said that every secondary school which has been labeled in the “requires improvement” category in a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate would be expected to become an academy.

We Indians, particularly the Gujaratis, have always given importance to education for our children. We scrimp and save to send our children to private schools.

Private schools have smaller pupil teacher ratio (PTR) and pay more attention on home work. We know that in a fiercely competitive job market, the only way to give our children a better start in life is by arming them with better educational qualifications.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Endorsing Kapil’s Manifesto

Direct flights to Ahmedabad

I read Kapil’s Khichadi of last week with great interest.

Firstly what a brilliant column articulating the Hindu Manifesto for GE2015.

He has put forward what is in my view a very solid and constructive 10-point plan that leaders of our political parties should address and give their clear response.

The Birmingham Hindu Council are more than happy to endorse the manifesto that Shri Kapilbhai has put forward.

In our view it can now be used by all Hindu organisations throughout the UK to challenge all local and national politicians.

We commend Kapil’s Khichadi for its incisive, independent, fearless commentary on the socio/economic/political issues affecting and impacting our community.

Shri Kapilbhai speaks for the people at the grassroots, he has his finger on the pulse of the community, and he has been proven to be right on most all the issues he has raised over the past many years.

Asian Voice is to be congratulated that it has found in Kapilbhai, the voice of the people.

Hats off to CB Patel who has been persistent in getting a job done for the direct flights to Ahmedabad.

If there was another person he would have been fed up and backed down and forgot about the issue.

One thing encouraging for CB is that he keeps on persevering and the flight sanction is in the offing and I think he will announce the sanction on the day he addressees all our Indians in Wembley Stadium. He brought the USA Indians on his side by OCI PIO merging and here to gain popularity he will announce the resumption of Direct flights too.

Jyotshna Thanki President Birmingham Hindu Council

Burning alive of Jordan’s pilot

The pilot Moaz al Kasasbeh was not responsible for the policy he was ordered to carry out. The way he was burnt to death is worse than barbarism.

It is obvious the Islamic State has only one rule of engagement, i.e. to take brutal revenge on anyone that would serve their objective. It is a clear intimidation to those pilots who are engaged in bombing IS controlled areas. In reality what they intended to achieve has backfired.

The inhuman deeds of IS are not new in Islamic history. On becoming Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his father Shahjehan. He beheaded his youngest brother Murad who helped him to be emperor and sent his severed head on a plate to his father in prison.

From historical perspective it is an indication of what non-Muslims, especially the Hindu majority, had to endure when there was Muslim rule in most of India.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, the 9th Guru of Sikh community, put up a great resistance to Aurangzeb’s oppressive policy on both Sikhs and Hindus. Aurangzeb arrested him and asked him to convert to Islam. When the Guru refused he was beheaded. Similarly Jehangir, the grandfather of Aurangzeb, ordered Guru Arjan Singh, to write the supremacy of Islam and Prophet Muhammad in Sikh Holy scripture, the Granth Saheb.

When it was refused the Guru was arrested and boiling water was poured on him.

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J C Rao Witham

Voting for Keith Vaz

The general elections are knocking on the door, and as a Leicester resident my support fully goes for Keith Vaz MP. He has been a MP for the Leicester East for 6 consecutive terms - more than 25 years and that’s not easy.

Not only his constituency residents, but he has always been there in the forefront for any cause that affects us.

Whether it’s BCCI, or racial abuse hurled at Indian actress Shilpa Shetty, or detention of Baba Ramdev, or for the family of royal nurse Jacintha Saldana or the ban on Alphonso mangoes or direct flight between London & Amdavad - Mr Vaz has put in his 100% to help us Brit Asians. This is my humble way of saying a thank you for being there.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Words of wisdom

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched several ambitious and exciting plans to raise India's profile, such as bullet trains to whisk passengers across India, metro transport systems for cities and solar panels to power villages, but has he also set timescales for the various schemes to reach fruition? If not, they may take a lot longer to be up and running than Mr Modi anticipates.

Time waits for no man, the saying goes. Well, in India, time can wait indefinitely!

Rudy Otter By email

Bhupendra M Gandhi My email

Ten Point Hindu Manifesto

Kapil's Khichadi of last week is very much praiseworthy as he has touched many Hindu sentiments and brought them forth, which are basic grassroots issues (still unresolved) for the Hindu Community.

I look forward to seeing how the leaders of the various political parties respond to the 10 Points that he has raised in the Hindu Manifesto.

Dr Ranjeet Singh By email

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Contents of the letter by Baroness Flather are noted. I am happy that my letters are read by esteemed Baroness and constructively commented upon. With all due respect to Baroness, I welcome constructive comments and any enlightenment that may be useful to mine and other readers’/writers’ knowledge and opinion.

However please note that my letters are not attacks on Baroness. They are my opinions with which readers may agree or disagree. Any material presented in “Your Voice” is as per writers’ knowledge, subject to realignment and change as per additional data that may emerge with passage of time.

Therefore attack of the past letters by Baroness, should not be deemed as offensive. Readers/writers must be flexible about material in “Your Voice”. If material presented in “Your Voice” is to be considered as final word it would cease to be dynamic.

Readers/writers must enlighten rather than stamp finality on the material. Subjects touching religions and politics will always invite controversies, especially when biased opinions are propagated with touch of assertive aggression and dubious motives. Media also influences and alters items as per prevailing trends.

Errors, omissions, differences must be viewed with open mind and eager intellect.

Being in Taj hotel at the time of Mumbai massacre, undergoing unbelievable trauma, Lord Noon speaks with personal experience and courage of conviction.

Terrorism has become universal, part of our daily life, thus we have to move with time and adopt laws, rules and regulations that may not be compatible with our values and democratic principle, especially during peace-time.

Debate on capital punishment should be on agenda, as convicted terrorists would spend rest of their lives behind bars, not only costing millions but radicalizing other prisoners who would commit similar atrocities when freed. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale who murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby is prime example for capital punishment.

Interlude in barbarism should not be misunderstood as peace.

Our compassionate but placebo politicians who care more for criminals than victims would be up in arms at the hint of discussing capital punishment, although more countries now carry out such punishment for heinous crimes that include US, China, Russia, India and most African and Islamic nations, even for blasphemy, infidelity and unbelievably for homosexuality which is tainting the principle of capital punishment.

It is time to come out of moralistic nonsense and avoid sleep-walk into obviation.

Asita Desai Leicester

Dr Jatindra Saha By email

ASIAN VOICE

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Troubled Islamic school runs up debts of £3 million

An Islamic school whose public funds were allegedly sent to Pakistan has run up debts of almost £3 million, it has emerged.

Pupils at the troubled Al-Hijrah School in Birmingham were forced to eat their meals on the floor after the school failed to provide basic facilities, appoint enough teachers or introduce a new national curriculum. It was alleged last year that public funding earmarked for dining tables and chairs was instead sent to Pakistan.

Birmingham City

Council is investigating claims that the trust might have used public money to help fund a £1 million boys-only school 5,000 miles away in Pakistan.

The school, in the

Bordesley Green area, caters for 800 pupils, most of whom are of Pakistani origin. The senior school receives more than 1,000 applications for 60 places a year.

Black and Asian school-leavers more likely to go to university Black and Asian young people leaving school are more likely to go to university than their white counterparts, according to new government figures that will raise fresh concerns about educational underachievement among white pupils.

Of youngsters educated in the state sector, 64% of Asian students and 62% of black students went on to higher education in 2012-13, compared to just 45% of white students.

Asian students are the most likely to study at a top-flight university, with 12% going on to a Russell Group university – including Oxford and Cambridge

– compared with 11% of white students and 6% of black students.

A similar picture can be seen post-GCSE, with 93% of Asian and black students continuing their education, compared to 87% of white students.

Ofsted, the schools watchdog, has previously highlighted the problem of underachievement of white working class children, which has also been the subject of an inquiry by the cross-party education committee.

The government, publishing the “destination data”, said the figures showed that thousands more school-leavers are

staying in education or going into employment or training.

Between October 2012 and March 2013, 91% of school-leavers were either in education (88%), employment or training, an increase from 89% in the previous year.

After A-levels, 71% were in education, training or employment, slightly down on the previous year (74%). The numbers of school-leavers going on to university, meanwhile, showed an increase to 53% in the rush to beat the tripling of tuition fees to £9,000 in 2011-12, followed by a slight dip to 48% in 2012-13.

EDUCATION/COUNCIL VOICE

11

Students 'subjected to unfair course changes'

Some UK students are subjected to unfair changes to courses, according to the consumer group Which.

Which issued Freedom of Information requests to 141 UK universities for documents setting out the institutions' right to vary courses after enrolment.

Of the 131 who responded, 40 were considered by Which to have policies that demonstrated bad practice while eight needed an improvement in terms.

Universities UK said it was engaging with new guidance for the sector.

With undergraduates now paying up to £9,000 a year on tuition fees, the higher education world is increasingly seen by students as a consumer market.

Which is calling on universities to address unfair terms "as a matter of urgency".

It suggests the higher education sector comes together to create a standard consumer-friendly format for student contracts.

It also calls on the Competition and Markets Authority to check which universities are complying with its new guidance on how consumer law applies to the sector.

The study by Which also found: - Six in 10 (58%) students had experienced a change to their course such as changes to modules or location of teaching - One in 10 (12%) had experienced an increase in tuition fees either partway through the year or between years - A third (35%) of students that had experienced one or more changes thought one or more of these was unfair.

Misplaced political correctness by Rotherham’s Labour led council combined with a staggering culture of denial allowed more than 1,400 vulnerable girls to be routinely abused by gangs of Asian men, a withering report has concluded.

Children as young as nine were groomed, trafficked and raped by members of the town’s

Pakistani community, but a desperation to avoid being labelled as racist meant councillors turned a blind eye to the appalling abuse for 16 years.

A damning report, written by former Victims’ Commissioner, Louise Casey, has laid bare the true extent of the council’s failings and accused those in charge of deliberately trying to cover up scandal

and silence whistle-blowers.

Just minutes after the report’s findings were published the entire Labour Cabinet of Rotherham Council resigned and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced he was sending in G o v e r n m e n t Commissioners to run things until new elections could be held next year.

Rotherham council ignored child abuse because of 'misplaced political correctness', report

Medicine for Peace: Prem Rawat speaks at the RML Hospital New Delhi

On 12th November 2014, Prem Rawat delivered the keynote address at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in the Doctor Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India. Under the umbrella of ‘Medicine for Peace’ — on the occasion of the United Nations’ International Week of Science and Peace — Prem Rawat spoke of the absolute imperative for all human beings to find peace within themselves before they risked losing their essential humanity.

Before hundreds of assembled senior and junior doctors from the hospital, plus members of the medical teaching faculty, he urged the busy medics to nurture the understanding that they each needed peace in their respective lives. He spoke of the everyday culture shared by all of us that says ‘peace, maybe someday. I do not have time’ and warned that one day we would all literally run out of time.

The urgency of the need for peace was expressed with humor, using anecdotes that related to the special role of the doctors as healers. But he reminded them that their own peace could not be jeopardized. In the interest of their self-knowledge, the well-being of their patients, and the impact on those around them, peace is an essential.

He warned that we have more education than ever before, more scientific knowledge than our predecessors, but never has there been less humanity in our relationships with each other. Passionately, he declared that there is a pill for peace that lies in every human being. The pill is the consciousness of who we truly are when we take off all the identities that we wear and awaken to life. He told us that “knowing about others is wisdom, but knowing yourself is enlightenment.”

He completed his keynote address by reminding everyone that “peace doesn’t have to be created. It is dancing in the heart of every single human being.”

Prem Rawat then took questions from the audience, clarifying the various concerns of the medical professionals. For those present, it became increasingly clear why he has been given the accolade of ‘ambassador of peace.’

On leaving the auditorium, a journalist was overheard to say that Prem Rawat’s suggestion of a ‘ten-second heaven’ in which we all pledged to truly listen to those closest to us would be enough to profoundly change our lives.

For further information: SONY SAB TV: Sky every Sunday watch “Words of Peace” at 8am in Hindi Information TV: Every Tuesday 8pm in English.

UK information lines: 08450 76 77 78 or Hindi: 0845 387 0009 Visit www.wopg.org or www.tprf.org

12

MEDIA WATCH

What do you know? India’s Gross National Product (GDP) for 2013-14, which had been said to have grown by 4.7 per cent had actually scaled an impressive 6.9 per cent, according to a revised estimate announced by TCA Anand, Chief Statistician, Central Statistical Office. GDP growth for 2012-13 was revised upwards from 4.5 per cent to 5.1 per cent. Pronob Sen, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission, said this was the most comprehensive review of the GDP measurement ever undertaken in the country. The new method, recommended by the United Nations System of National Accounts, took on board new data including growth value-added (GVA) at basic prices will add the net of production taxes and subsidies to GDFP at factor cost. India Ratings expects the economy to reach $3 trillion by 2019-20. Under the old measurement system this figure would have been delayed by a year. “The direction and quantum of revisions show two things – growth delivered by the Manmohan Singh Government was stronger than estimated earlier and the fiscal consolidation tighter,” said Soumitra Chaudhuri, M ember of the Advisory Council to Dr Singh.

Genesis of reforms

Agni V milestone

The start of the new GDP series is significant for an Indian economy finding fresh legs. Set in context, India’s commenced its reformist journey way back in 1980, when Indira Gandhi was prime minister. The pace quickened under the Narasimha Rao dispensation, in which Manmohan Singh was finance minister. The first decade of 21st century saw economic growth reach its highest ever level. The single Goods and Services Tax (GST), about a year away from consummation, will unify the country for the first time, as the Centre and States work on the details. The red letter will arrive when the GST becomes law (Mint, Hindu, Business Line January 31)

The canister fight-test, at the weekend, of India’s InterContinental Ballistic Agni V missile was fired successfully from a Tatra truck, off the eastern Odisha coast. The missile,

Vodofone tax ruling stands

In a bid to reassure investors, the Narendra Modi government has decided not to appeal the ruling of the Bombay High Court which had issued a judgment in favour of Vodafone, that the company not liable to pay retrospective taxes, allegedly owed to the treasury. Other foreign companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell, facing similar tax demands will surely breathe a sigh of relief. “We welcome the Indian government’s decision not to appeal the Bombay High Court ruling. Stability and predictability in tax matters are important for long-term investors such as Vodafone,” said a company spokesman.

Revived investor confidence

“Investors ‘ confidence has been shaken in the past because of fluctuating tax policies, where the investors’ view and the government’s view was at loggerheads. The ….government wants to convey a clear message to the investor world that this is a government where the decisions would be fair, transparent and within the law,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications and Information Technology (Mint, Hindu January 29)

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

with India’s defence sector could be hugely profitable for both sides.

The vast Indian market would be a boon for the US, while US investment would help the country’s military industrial complex to grow and become a stimulant to India’s civilian manufacturing sector.

According to Mahindra, Narendra Modi was the ” first Indian prime minister to recognize the value to an economy of the military industrial complex.” This, he said, was secret of US economic growth over the last century, it could be India’s too if it followed the American example (Times of India January 26)

Burdwan bomb blasts: jihadi suspects held

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested four jihadi suspects of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh ((JMB). Sixteen people in all have are in police custody.

The latest arrests include Dalim Sheikh, Motiur Rehman, Habibur Rehman Sheikh and Ghiyasuddin Munshi. (Hindu January 29)

awesome software talent to mentor students,” said Krishnan Ganesh.

The focus for now would be on India and the US, but would eventually take in the entire Englishspeaking world. (Times of India February 2)

India best placed

According to Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unilever Plc, India is best placed for growth among emerging markets. “In India there is positive news. I have seen the mood swing enormously since arriving in India, in terms of positive perception of the country. Interestingly your inflation rate has come down from 10 per cent to about 5 per cent.”

Polman was in Delhi to attend a climate change conference. He said he was talking to ministers to explain how his company’s projects worked and through which it had reached 125 million Indians. He was keen to work with the government for the benefit of the country.

The government’s ambitious programme of smart cities, Clean India, Made in India gelled well with Unilever’s goals such as health, hygiene and sustainability (Mint February 4)

Indian components for BMW, Mercedes

V.G. Sekaran celebrate with fellow scientists after the successful launch of Agni-V

designed to carry a nuclear warhead weighing 1.1 tonne, hit its target with precision, thanks to the missile’s configuration, before plunging into the Bay of Bengal. The Agni V launch from a movable platform is of great significance. This was Agni V’s third successful test, but the first from a mobile platform. After a further test in the next few months, Agni V will be inducted into the India’s Tri-Service Strategic Forces Command.

DRDO congratulated

Prime Minister Modi tweeted: “Successful test-firing of Agni V from a canister making the missile a prize asset for our forces. I salute scientists for their efforts.” The Director General of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO), Dr Avinash Chander, expressed his pride and satisfaction at the achievement, that being the last day in service before retirement. For scientists G Satheesh Reddy, V.G. Sekaran and R.K. Gupta, who oversaw the project it was an occasion to remember.

“Calling it an achievement would be an understatement,” said another colleague to reporters (Hindu, Times of India February 1)

Defence industry can aid civilian sector

Anand Mahindra, Mahindra Group Chairman, has said US engagement

Royal Enfield beats Harley Davidson David versus Goliath: that is an analogy that comes to mind as the Chennai motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield beat the fancied US firm Harley Davidson - long considered the finest product designer in the heavy motorbike category in the export market. Milwaukeebased Harley Davidson motorcycles with an engine displacement of 7000cc was unchallenged in export volumes until now. Royal Enfield sold over 300,000 units in 2012-14 to Harley Davidson’s 287,000 units. However, the latter’s engine is more powerful, as is its price at Rs 500,000 per unit in India to Enfield Royal’s more modest Rs200,000 per unit (Times of India February 2)

Dham returns

Vinod Dham, father of the Pentium chip and entrepreneur extraordinary, has returned to India after 15 years. The inventor and venture capitalist will be the chief executive of the online technology education startup Acadgild, which he has cofounded with Krishnan and Meena Ganesh. Acadgild’s internet platform aims to teach just about anybody, including class 10 students, software programming that is relevant to the contemporary scene with its rapidly evolving digital world.”We are leveraging India’s

German luxury car makers, BMW and Mercedes, are to procure seven India-based auto parts from component makers in response to Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” call. Pune-based Force Motors Ltd, which already assembles engines for BMW rival Mercedes-Benz, will now produce engines and gear boxes for BMW .

Five other components will be sourced from other Indian companies. Philipp von Sahr President India operations said: “This is the

next phase of BMW India’s growth, which will be sustainable.”

Mercedes-Benz is taking a similar role through its own localization route (Mint February 4)

Rolls-Royce eyes defence sector

As the second-largest global manufacturer of aero-engines provider, Rolls-Royce is exploring business opportunities in India’s defence sector. Rolls-Royce has been a strategic partner to the Indian Air Force since 1933. Currently the IAF has some 750 Rolls-Royce engines in service. “The company will utilize the forthcoming [10th] Aero India [to be held in Bangalore on February 18-22] to demonstrate how our long-term commitment to the country, combined with our innovative technologies makes us the natural ‘Make in India’ partner,” said Kishore Jayaraman, President, Rolls-Royce India (Business Line January 31)

Church vandalized

India’s National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Home Ministry, the Delhi Government and the Delhi Police on the status of investigation into the fifth act of vandalism on a church in the country’s capital city. In the most recent incident, St Alphonsa’s Church had its sacred items desecrated. Media reports suggest that the Delhi Police have been complacent in their inquiries. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he had asked the police for an urgent report on the matter. The local Christian community sees the incident as “a hate crime.” There have been Christian protests in Bangalore and Delhi (Hindu, Times of India, Telegraph, February 3,4, 7).

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with President Xi jinping in Beijing. See comment page 3

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj (R) shake hands before the 13th trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers.

See comment page 3

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Attacking our Friends and Allies in The Middle East

I recently returned from Washington, where I used to work in Congress, and from Qatar. As we know, Britain needs all the allies it can get in the Middle East.

A fresh twist to the ongoing debate on the living and working conditions of labourers in Qatar, not least of course Indian ones, is beginning to create ripples and has the potential to turn the issue on its head.

Qatar has been the principle target of media and popular wrath because of the allegedly poor labour conditions that exist around construction sites. Reports carried out by the media have also highlighted hundreds of deaths due to sub-standard living and working conditions.

The tiny Gulf State is battling on multiple fronts and respite seems distant possibility. The ruling Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, has pledged to introduce new labour legislations by early 2015.

The emirate's sponsorship law, known as "kafala", which limits the rights of movement of foreign workers and has allegedly led to widespread exploitation, will be replaced by new legislation that is "currently under review", a statement from the country's labour and social affairs

ministry said.

I’ve been monitoring a pattern between UAE, Labour party of the UK, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and a pretentious human rights group, Global Network Research and Development.

UAE and Qatar have for long been engaged in a cold war sort of a situation. They have differences over the role of political Islam in the Middle East periodically and don’t see eye to eye.

The UAE it appears has sought to shore up its image through the creation of a network of human rights groups and negatively influence international media coverage of the FIFA 2022 hosts.

GNRD is regularly receiving funds from UAE and has an office based out of UAE. A source on condition of anonymity has showed me receipts of payments.

Global Network Research and Development, a Norwaybased human rights group with clear links to the UAE, is not a ‘recognized’ human rights group, GNRD has heaped unwarranted praise on the UAE's widely criticized human and labour rights record.

GNRD’s International Human Rights Rank Indicator (IHRRI) lists the UAE at number 14 as the

Arab country most respectful of human rights as opposed to Qatar that lists at number 94. The ranking contradicts reports by human rights groups, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (OHCHR) which earlier this year said it had credible evidence of torture of political prisoners in the UAE and questioned the independence of the country's judiciary.

More recently, the New York Times and The Intercept revealed that the UAE, the world’s largest spender on lobbying in the United States in 2013, had engaged a lobbying firm to plant anti-Qatar stories in the American media.

Founded in 2008, GNRD is headed by Loai Mohammed Deeb, a reportedly Palestinianborn international lawyer who also owns a UAEbased consultancy, and operated a fake university in Scandinavia, according to veteran Middle East author and journalist Brian Whitaker.

I located every comment in Parliament over the past two years mentioning ‘Qatar’ and singularly the Labour Party has been critical of the country and Britain’s link to its ally – a very important ally in the war on terror.

Former British PM Tony Blair, interestingly, appears to be part of the whole

UK

Young bone marrow donor needs match to save his own life 10 years old, Dushyant Mehta who saved his older sister Devaanshi's life when he was 2, by donating his bone marrow, now needs a match to save his own life.

His donation gave hissister an extra five and a half years of life, after she was diagnosed with bone marrow failure but in 2010 Devaanshi's lungs collapsed and were left so badly damaged that she was told her illness was incurable.

She continued to organise fundraising events and to inspire Asian people to become donors, as they are underrepresented on the

web. The former PM has sold his political and economic expertise to two countries, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, via his fledgling private consultancy firm and is seen as catering to UAE’s global interests.

Said the Guardian newspaper, ‘"Blair is a paid employee of Abu Dhabi because of his Mubadala contract," said Christopher Davidson, a Gulf expert at Durham University. "He should not be regarded as representing UK national interests."’

Attacks by Labour in Parliament on one of the Britain’s closest allies, Qatar, in a region where we need them the most smacks of them being puppets to a bigger puppet master and against British interests.

Chairman of charity Polio Children (UK) lauded with British Citizen Award The Chairman of the charity Polio Children (UK) has been awarded the prestigious British Citizen Award for Service to Healthcare by Baroness Cox of Queensbury at a ceremony in the Palace of Westminster.

The awards are aimed at highlighting and recognising the work of people who have made a meaningful impact in the communities. The awards which are in their first year presented medals

for Service to Healthcare, Service to Arts, Service to Business, Volunteering and Charitable Giving and International Achievement.

Mr Patel was aged just one when he was diagnosed with polio, yet has gone on to posL to R: Polio Children’s trustees Tajinder Singh Marway, Dipak itively impact the lives of Tanna, Mayoor Patel and Arun thousands of children Patel (Chairman) with the BCA who suffer from the condition. This was achieved medal at House of Lords

13

despite being wheelchair bound to due the effects of post polio syndrome, an illness which afflicts adults who had polio as children.

Mr Patel used his speech to thank the trustees of the charity for their hard work and invaluable contributions. He also praised those who had donated to Polio Children in the UK and in America.

For more information visit poliochildren.org

that he is also suffering from bone marrow failure and will need a bone marrow transplant.

His mother, from Manor Road, Harrow, said: “We desperately need a donor for Dushyant and we now know there is not currently anyone on any of the world’s registers who Devaanshi and Dushyant Mehta is a match for him. However, Anthony Nolan register, it is also really important but later died in June to us to help other peo2012 at the age of just ple who are looking for 15. donors.

Now only two years “The only thing we later, younger brother have is hope and more Dushyant developed a donors on the register series of colds that he mean more hope for all could not shake off and patients in need of a became increasingly transplant.” breathless. Recognising As Dushyant is of these symptoms as simiIndian origin, it will lar to those suffered by make it more difficult to her daughter, his mother find him a donor so his Kalyani Mehta contactfamily are appealing for ed Great Ormond Street more people to join the hospital who organised Anthony Nolan bone testing. Doctors found marrow donor register.

Applications are invited for Jain Minister of Religion at

Mahavir Swami Jain Temple

in Harrow Wealdstone. Applicant should be a male, follower of Digamber Jain religion and proficient in performing daily Abhishek, Puja and Digamber Jain rituals.

The part-time job is seven days a week morning 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Evenings (only on weekends and special occasions) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Salary above national minimum wage.

Apply before 20-March 2015

at SDJA, 1 The Broadway, Wealdstone, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 7EH info@mahavirjaintemple.com Please telephone

Dr Dinker Shah on 0771 255 2973 for further information

14

COMMUNITY

Challenging dogma with Dharmic principles

Prinal Nathwani

The Oxford Dictionary defines “holocaust” as “destruction or slaughter on a mass scale” and it is safe to say that the immediate image that comes to mind when this term is used of the concentration camps operated to kill Jews and other minorities by the Nazis in Germany. Indeed, having marked Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, the image of innocent Jewish communities being exterminated on a mass scale strikes a chord with many of us. In another vein, these distressing images also serve to remind us of something else, namely the danger of dogma and the perils that can befall innocent victims when ideologies are taken to their full extreme.

It is of course easy to dismiss instances such as the Holocaust as past events and events materialised as a result of their circumstances. However, even a cursory glance at the news today will show that extreme ideologies continue to plague human society and claim innocent lives in locations not so far from home. Whether it be the spread of ISIS in the Middle East, the persecution of Hindu minorities in Pakistan and Kashmir or the abduction of young schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, extreme ideologies and dogmatic belief continue to impact millions of lives.

It should be noted that although the Jewish Holocaust is one that people across the world will have read about and come across in some way, other holocausts and instances of forced expulsion should also not be forgotten when considering the dangers of extreme ideologies. Having marked the forced exodus of Hindus from Kashmir on 19 January, the Hindu community should in fact have been reminded most poignantly of the fact that we can all be potential victims of extremism.

It is of course arguably easy for us, as members of a faith community that actively discourages dogma and rather encourages self-enquiry and exploration, to advance the argument that it is not for us to challenge extreme ideologies when we encounter then.

Indeed, this has often been the case

even in British society, with the relevant individuals and organisations often wary of challenging extremist ideologies for fear of being labelled discriminatory.

However, we are in fact in a privileged position and, as set out below, the values we have been brought up with make it incumbent on us to challenge extremism and persecution.

As members of a faith and ideology that recognises the right of individuals to practice their values in their own way and free from any sort of pressure or compulsion, we often forget that others around us do not share these values. In practical terms therefore, unless we take it upon ourselves to keep reminding those around us of the dangers of extremism, such ideologies will continue. In fact, some would suggest going even further and recommend that we make an active effort to share our views and ideology with others – for CHN, for example, that could mean more sharing of the Hindu view on current affairs or even the hosting of more academic events critiquing the weaknesses of extremist ideologies.

It is only through this sharing of harmonious ideas and principles that dogma can be challenged. There is of course always a role for armed resistance by those authorised to do so, and only then in situations when it is appropriate. However, such actions are futile unless they are also accompanied with an active effort to challenge the beliefs that are driving those with extreme views to action. Unless we act as Hindus and spread the Dharmic values that can bring peace to the world, any other physical actions taken to challenge extremism will have limited success.

As young members of the Hindu community and, further, key members of and contributors to British society, the above should serve as a reminder to us of raising our voice when it is needed, and seeking to use the abilities we have to spread not only the age-old Hindu message of tolerance and cohesion, but also the recognition in Hindu philosophy that appropriate action should be taken when such values are challenged.

Waris Dirie awarded Liberal International Prize for Freedom

Former international model Waris Dirie who has featured on advertisements for the likes of Chanel and Vogue was last week awarded the Liberal International Prize for Freedom in recognition of her campaign to bring an end to female genital mutilation across the world.

Waris overcame the trauma of being subjected to the brutal practise in her homeland Somalia when she was just five years old and at the age 0f 13 escaped to the UK from a forced marriage where she was discovered by renowned photographer Terence Donovan and turned into a global model Waries Dirie, Lynne Featherstone, Dr. Juli Minoves (Presient of LI) But despite her glitter-

Religion and Asian charity clarity

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Subhash V Thakrar Partner, CBW LLP, V. President and Past Chairman, LCCI

For a modern Hindu, Hinduism represents different things, which probably distinguishes this very ancient and oldest of religions. Being such an old religion, it clearly has undergone changes and erosion just like a solid rock coastline gets eroded by sea waves.

Today the understanding of Hinduism amongst Hindus in different parts of the world is so varied and different. There are some 20 million Hindus all over the world outside India. Each part of the world has undergone its own change and evolution. The Hindus in Myanmar have kept up with traditions of probably 100 years ago and with little connectivity with India whilst Hindus in Africa have developed further with stronger connectivity with India. The US and UK Hindus have reconnected to pure Hindu values with so many young people developing their understanding of their roots- you only have to see young Hindus donning their Hindu identity with the puja threads around their right wrists and the various Gitaji discourses they attend. The Hindus in India have moved on and their religion is far less important in their lives.

The beauty of Hinduism is that it is such a free religion which sometimes Hindus do not appreciate. We are not expected to turn up at the mandirs on Sunday's or any other days like Christians are expected to attend the church. Hindus do not have to strictly follow what the pujaris and gurus stipulate or live in fear if they did not as Muslims have to follow the directions of the mullahs. May be this is because Hinduism has evolved over such a long time span. Christianity and Islam are relatively younger faiths and may be given similar time they

ing lifestyle, Waris never forgot the traumatic experiences of her childhood.

She has dediacted the last 20 years campaigning tirelessly against FGM through her charity Desert Flower Speaking to those gathered in the House of Lords to celebrate her award of the LI Freedom Prize 2014 Waris said "What happened to me all those many years ago in Somalia still happens today It happens to chil-

Subhash V Thakrar

will also evolve in a similar way. Already one can see that not all the people born as Christians follow the religion.

There is a difference between religion and spirituality. This gets mixed up in Hinduism and leads to confusion. Spirituality is a way of life with huge personal and community benefits when followed religiously. It enables better health, better hygiene , better ethics and better citizenship. The practice of yoga and meditation enable healthy lives both physically and mentally.

The Gitaji when read in its purity, highlights how one can meditate and develop one's nature by highlighting the three natures of satvic, rajasic and tamasic as well as characteristics of divine and demonical lives. For many Hindus it is the way of life and this is really what all religions should be promoting ie how to be personally healthy and a good citizen.

This includes charitable giving and care for humanity.

In the name of religion there are so many charitable organisations that are being operated. Even in the UK we have numerous mandirs and charities.

Some of these are wonderful examples of good governance who care for humanity and give so much to the wellbeing of the community. They are transparent in their dealings, have independent audits conducted by independent external auditors and ensure their trustees are not only respected society people but also given good training about ethics and objectivity. dren - little girls who can hardly walk or talk, not just in Somalia but all around the world including here in England. We must all work together to put a stop to this brutality "We can't control the world, but we can control what we can do in the world. I want to make it a better place, especially for women. I've been through a lot, just to be a woman, and that's what drives me.

That's my fight."

Before presenting

Such charities should be highlighted and supported by more donations. But even in the UK there are examples of poorly run charities with hardly any training for trustees for good governance nor good accountability of funds they collect from well meaning donors.

With increasing wealth in the community and more and more young Hindus wanting to donate, they want to know that their donations ultimately benefit society in the intended ways. They are going to start asking questions about how effective are the organisations in their governance , transparency and accountability. So how do they find the charities that are better run? There is now a solution for them. A new initiative Has been started by Asian Charity Clarity(ACC) which is an independent rating body providing credit rating to charities by giving them star rating. A charity with 3 stars will mean better governed charity and more suitable for people to donate to. Any charity with 1 star or no rating clearly needs to improve.

ACC aims to then help such charities in ways and means to improve their standards and their rating.

Of course lower or non rated charities will attract less donations than the higher rated ones. The relevant website contains lots of good information such as list of 10 top rated charities, links to charities etc.

You can enter the charity name in the search section and find out all relevant information about that charity and its rating.

You can also link up to that charity's own web site.

ACC has some well known advisors on its board including Sri Nat Puri, CB Patel, Dr Gautam Bodiwala, Alpesh Patel and others. The ACC is being operated by well known charity specialist consultant, Pratik Dattani. You can check the web site at www.asiancharityclarity.org.uk.

Waris with the award, Minister of State for the UK Home Office Lynn Featherstone, who has helped secure £35m from the government to help tackle FGM, warmly praised Waris's efforts.

"Today, people in the street know what FGM means," she said. "I want to praise brave survivors like Waris who have spoken out. We will end FGM in our lifetime, and it's thanks to campaigners like Waris Dirie."

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

itÄxÇà|Çxá Wtç

Life and

15

5 Restaurants to choose from

Bob Bob Ricard Restaurant (Soho) Honestly, the name does not have the most romantic sound to it, but this 1920's themed restaurant will leave you spell-bounded!

Situated in Soho, Bob Bob Ricard offers a range of cocktails, exotic meals as well as scrumptious desserts.

Reshma Trilochun

It's that time of the year again when lovebirds proclaim their love for one another and exchange gifts (and in some cases, vows as well). But Valentine's Day can make many couples worry as they seem clueless about what they should gift or where they should go.

Here are some ideas of where you could go to spend some quality time together and what you could gift each other.

Valentines Gifts for Her and Him §For those planning to propose to their girlfriends on Valentine's Day: why not buy her a ring from Tiffany and Co. That would be a guaranteed yes from her. §Perfume is usually a safe bet to gift someone as a present.

Perfumes could make a great Valentine's Day gift as well, as long as the fragrance is something she approves of.

§If your girlfriend is a gadget freak who also loves to read, then why not gift her a Kindle? You could purchase 10 of her favourite ebooks to go with it. Avid readers would love this gift. §Pictures say a thousand words. You could gift her a personalised portrait of you both on canvas. This is a more personalised gift which she would cherish. §Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best option, saving you from making severe blunders. You could opt to buying her a bunch on roses with a box of chocolate and a bottle of champagne. This may just do the trick.

§Ladies, admit it; we love it when a man smells great. Buying him aftershave or eau de toilette may be a good choice of gift, making him smell good hence, making you happy as well. §A watch is another great option. There are several types of watches ranging from different designs and prices.

§If you want to gift him a pocket-sized gift, then you could opt for a wallet or cufflinks, or maybe both. These are items that he is most likely to use. §Now if you've been complaining about his dressing sense for a while and secretly wish to burn his favourite shirt, why not buy him some clothes of your choice. Deck him up as per your choice and fancy. §For the gadget freak, you could opt for the new phone he's been eyeing to buy. If he's a music lover, you could choose to gift him Dr Dre's headphone's instead; he'd love it.

Jamon Jamon (Leicester Square) If Spanish food is what tickles your fancy, then look no further! The Tapas bar offers a range of Spanish dishes and if you'd like your try out some traditional Spanish booze, then look no further than Jamon Jamon.

Vishal (Leicester) Vishal in Leicester, deemed as one of the best curry houses by its loyal customers is the best choice for those living in the area. Whether it's non-vegetarian food you're searching for, or looking for some traditional vegetarian home style cooked dish, Vishal will turn out to be your perfect choice for Valentines Day. Plus, it won't be too damaging on your pocket.

San Carlo (Leicester) Going to San Carlo will feel like you've stepped into Italy. With fancy food, your love by your side and a beautiful ambience, what else would one need?!

Purnell's (Birmingham) For all your Brummies looking to spend a spectacular time with their partner for dinner, Purnell's is the place to be. It may seem pricey but the food and service will make it worthwhile.

5 Non Traditional Ideas: Up in the Sky The feeling of love can make you feel ecstatic and like you're on top of the world; then why not do just that. Take your love up on a hot air balloon.

This would surely be an exhilarating experience and a memorable one too.

Getting Inked Okay, this may make some squirm but why not go together and get a tattoo done. You can choose to get your partner's name on your body, a la Saif Ali Khan style, or you both could get identical tattoos of something which signifies your love for one another.

And for the faint-hearted, I guess you both could make do with Henna tattoos instead.

Candle-Lit Dinner For those who are fed-up of having to wait excessively for a table at a restaurant on Valentines Day, why not decide to bring the restaurant home this year? Well, not

If going to the cinema is more your thing and would rather watch a Bollywood release instead of the much awaited Fifty Shades of Grey, then go ahead and watch Roy or Shamitabh.

Shamitabh, starring the legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan along with the Southern star, Dhanush releases on 6th February while Roy, starring the handsome Arjun Rampal along with the beautiful Jacqueline Fernandez releases on the 13th February.

Looks like you're spoilt for choice.

literally. Preparing the food in your kitchen and setting your living room as your candle-lit dinner venue would make your other half feel special after seeing all the effort you went through to make the night a success. Plus, it would be more intimate; just the two of you spending quality time together without the waiter intruding on your privacy.

Me Time Spas have become the “in” thing among couples in recent years. Why not book to get a massage done together. Everyone needs a bit of me time to de-stress, so why not do that together- it would be like killing two birds with one stone.

Escape If being in the UK has made you feel miserable for the past few Valentines Days then why not escape for the weekend. Valentines Day is on a Saturday this year, so why not make it a Valentine weekend instead, opting for a more romantic destination, such as Paris to celebrate the festival of love.

16

GENERAL ELECTION 2015

Are the Party Leaders Underperforming?

Rupanjana Dutta

The upcoming general elections has been identified as the most unpredictable for a century with a great possibility of a result like the hung parliament- without either side winning a majority or two main parties winning similar numbers of seats.

Constitutional experts claim the weeks following the election could prove much more important than those preceding it.

However both David Cameron and Ed Miliband are praying that the minor party surge is only a matter of time, and the voters will soon turn to their natural selves, voting for one of the big two could be proved wrong.

In his column in The Sunday Telegraph, the Prime Minister wrote that Labour does not understand the importance of business.

He writes, “Conservatives understand successful enterprise keeps our public services going...We're on the side of hard working people who want a job, who want to put food on the table, who want to get on, own a home and get decent public services....Labour's Britain is one of higher unemployment, more children growing up in households without a role model who works, and more of the misery we saw during the Great Recesssion.”

Speaking about enterprises and businesses, on Monday 9 February, 1000 leading City figures, business chiefs and entrepreneurs gathered in London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the party's fund raising event before the elections.

Guests apparently paid upto £15,000 for a table, as the party needs at least £26mn to fight the poll. A report

by FT earlier (on Thursday 5th February) stated that Tories rely more on City and hedge fund donors.

Before the last election, donations between 2005 and 2010 amounted to £96.7mn. It is believed, total donations in May 2010- Jan 2015 would amount to £76.1mn, out of which the City and Hedge funders have contributed no less than 52% of the top 15 donations. Of course not without expectation of a return favour, maybe that of an approving policy or law. The party's close relationship with the Citygoers, perhaps also undermines the needs of Britain's SMEs, amongst which many are of Asian origin.

Statistics suggest, there are an estimated 5.2 million businesses in the UK which employ 25.2 million people, and have a combined turnover of more than £3,500 billion. Small firms account for 99.3 per cent of all private sector

businesses in the UK, 47.8 per cent of private sector employment and 33.2 per cent of private sector turnover.

The Times on Saturday 7 February in its comment “Why the Tories are not Ahead” had a very substantive point. It wrote, the Labour party is indeed having a bad time, based on its policies on high street chains Boots, NHS, tuition fees. But the question that arises from here is if Labour is as bad as it appears, then why are the Conservatives not well ahead?

The most important reason is of course a difficult economy, the painful recovery and cuts while Mr Cameron's order to give staff a pay rise in businesses and £30bn saved through low borrowing costs that are perhaps going to be used as pre election give aways.

Politically speaking, Mr Cameron who began by saying he would govern as a liberal Conservative, has not had the numbers in the Commons to complete modernisation of his party, and has had to be part of Coalition, quite unwillingly. On the other hand voters' faith in the Conservatives' immigration policy has been cut in half in the past 4.5 years.

According to a report, in June 2010, 46% of Britons thought the Tories had the best approach to immigration, but in January, according to YouGov, only 23% think that the Tories have got that right, while 15% actually believe that Labour's stance is superior.

However Labour have started their efforts to establish that the party is aggressively pro-business.

Ed Miliband has also pledged to extend paternity leave from two weeks to four weeks- perhaps better late than ever?

If the Labour party wins the largest number of seats, without a clear majority it will need to strike alliance with other

smaller parties. If Labour party does not manage a formal Coalition, Mr Cameron will have to form a minority government.

One possibility could be something similar to the 1974 election, when Labour formed a minority government in February, only to return to polls in October and win a majority of 3 seats.

On Tuesday, as we went to press, the latest poll on Westminster voting intentions showed that the Scottish National Party is on course to double its vote in May’s general election despite its lead over Scottish Labour narrowing. The TNS poll has given the SNP a 10-point lead over Scottish Labour, putting nearly half of the 41 Westminster seats won

by Scottish Labour in 2010 at risk.

However, amidst all recent speculations, it has been reported that former Labour PM Tony Blair has decided to end his rift with Ed Miliband and pledged to offer whatever support the Labour leader wants.

In an interview with the Economist, Blair had earlier suggested he had reservations about Miliband’s strategy, saying the election looked like becoming a battle between traditional leftwing and rightwing parties, with the right most likely to win. He later clarified that he had not meant that Miliband was on course to lose.

However, with his former spin doctor Alastair Campbell now heavily involved in preparing Miliband for TV debates, Blair obviously cannot be absent from the campaign without leading to further damaging speculations.

Despite a bruising couple of weeks, Labour appears to be holding on to a narrow lead over the Tories. The latest survey by Opinium for the Observer puts Labour on 34%, two points ahead of the Tories.

Now let us see what the future actually has in store.

2015 Sikh Election Manifesto Announced

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Gurdeep Bains

On January the 31st the Sikh Federation UK launched the Sikh Manifesto for the 2015 election campaign. The ten point proposition included requests and demands that the organisation feels are of central importance to the Sikh community in the UK. Along with this they are targeting fifty keys seats that they feel could be swayed by the Sikh vote, mainly in London and the West Midlands.

The Sikh federation are a non governmental organisation as well as the first Sikh political party in the country.

Their main goal is to increase political participation in the community and give it a stronger voice in legislature. A copy of the manifesto has been sent to all major parties and an event was held at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall. A second event is due to take place on the 13th of February at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick in the West Midlands.

Many of the points in the manifesto seem simple to achieve. The request for continued investment into faith schools is in line with the current governments plans. The Labour Party is unlikely to reverse this policy if they are elected.

Faith schools from a wide range of religious communities are increasing in the UK and the are already plans in place to add to the three current Sikh Schools in England.

Point eight asks for space to be allocated in Central London to a memorial for the Sikh soldiers who fought in the First World War. There is strong evidence that this

could be achieved by donations from the community itself. A similar campaign was launched on Kickstarter in 2014 and successfully raised over £22,000 for a monument to be built in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Another request is for the government to take stronger action against perpetrators of grooming and forced conversion.

Grooming is already a criminal offence in the UK and recent high profile cases in the media mean that there has already been a move in this direction. So far it seems to have been a point of concern for the wider community as a whole. The subject of forced conversion is a little more complicated.

It has not been defined in law what the term actually means and any legislation would take years of legal framing and consultation before it could be enshrined into law.

The fourth point is a requested to change the 2021 census to drop the term Asian. Currently the word is used to describe the ethnic group that Sikhs belong to along with Hindus and Muslim citi-

zens. The writers of the manifesto feel that introducing the word 'Sikh' would be a better choice and would help the media and wider community drop the more general word 'Asian'. However the last census already includes Sikhs in the section for religions. At last count the UK population was 423,000, around 0.8% of the overall population.

The most contentious points are in regard to the Sikh community and its relationship with the Indian government. The references to the events of 1984 as genocide are likely to be an issue for the Indian authorities and it is unclear whether the UK government would risk causing diplomatic and trade relations to be adversely affected.

There is a request for the events to be officially recognised as genocide along with two official inquiries.

One by the UN into the actions of the Indian authorities, as well as a UK enquiry into the possible involvement of the British government at the time.

The last request may be the most difficult to achieve. The Sikh federation claim that the UK has moral and historic responsibility to the Sikhs. It goes on to state that “the upshot may well be a need for Sikh independence and re-establishing a Sikh Homeland.” the possible diplomatic fallout that would occur between Britain and India means that this request is unlikely to be met. It is possible that none of the main UK parties would be unwilling to even bring this up, due to the potential adverse effect on relations.

Hemel Hampstead gets its first Asian PPC

Hemel Hempstead Liberal Democrats have selected business consultant and human rights campaigner Rabi Martins to challenge Mike Penning in the forthcoming General Election.

Rabi is a member of high standing within the National Party who has served on the Party's Federal Policy Committee and the International Relations Committee. He is also a former advisor to the the fomer central Party Chief Executive Lord Chris Fox. A retired Business

Mangement Consultant, he specialised in supporting start-up and young enterprises having previously worked for a multi-national company and been a director of a an SME. Speaking after his selection Rabi said, "I feel honoured to have been selected as the Liberal Democrats Candidate for Hemel H e m p s t e a d Constituency. The combination of the town and the surrounding villages give this constituency an unique character whose potential is not being fully utilised for the ben-

efit of all the residents.

Given its location and excellent transport links Hemel Hempstead ought to have been attracting the top national and international companies. But from what I can see it lags behind neighbouring towns. I intend to find out why that is and do all I can to to help the constituency become a destination of choice of choice for high tech high value companies. I am also keen to get some clarity about the future of the local hospital services from the West Herts Hospital Trust.”

Rabi Martins with DPM Nick Clegg MP

DELHI ELECTION SPECIAL

17

62 out of 70 Congress candidates forfeit deposit

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Party's poll campaign face and former union minister Ajay Maken, who was brought into the party just before elections to give the Congress a face in Delhi, lost from Sadar

Bazar, a seat seen as safe Congress stronghold. He lost by a huge margin of over 51,000. Not only did he end third in a Congress stronghold but also forfeited his security deposit as he could not get even the stipulated 15% of the votes. Most party heavyweights met a similar fate and only in eight seats like Chandni Chowk, Matia Mahal, Mustafabad, Seelampur, Badli, Laxmi Nagar, Jangpura and Gandhi Nagar it could save its security deposit.

As a shocked Congress tried to take stock of its wounds, Ajay Maken ten-

dered his resignation from the post of AICC general secretary to party president Sonia Gandhi. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Arvinder Singh Lovely followed suit.

Maken said, "The AAP sweep is an affirmative vote for Arvind Kejriwal. The vote clearly shows that people wanted no one else but Kejriwal for five years. Somewhere the people believed that 49 days of AAP was not enough to judge them and hence they wanted to give them the chance to run the city." Maken also

admitted that the Congress needs to do introspection as people clearly did not accept the Congress agenda and there was a trust deficit on account of the promises that remained unfulfilled under 15 years of Congress rule. Chief minister Sheila Dikshit had led the government for three terms.

DPCC chief Arvinder Singh admitted that the party's position in the city was very worrying. "The results reflect and AAP wave and we will need to assess the results to see what needs to be done."

es, campaigning and even ignored for party posts of election tickets in the new system, who are no longer part of the "collective" decision making process that the party has traditionally followed.

Over the last three days, the voices of protest are getting louder even if it is in hushed tones so far, but the leaders are planning to put their grievances and criticisms across at party fora, now that the opportunity has come up after party has got it first major drubbing in the Delhi elections ending up with just three out of 70 seats.

"If this kind of defeat is not talked about we will be doing disservice to the party for which we have been working for 3040 years. If we do not talk about the flaws now, when do we raise the issues," remarked a senior party leader, adding that "we will not speak out in public but we will have to talk about things in closed door meetings if we want BJP to survive in Delhi and even elsewhere."

According to party sources, the arrogance and even misbehaviour of Delhi MPs except Harsh Vardhan and Pravesh Verma with people in the party workers saw lack of cooperation from cadres in the Delhi elections.

There is also allegation from within the party of it having turned into a party of the rich and disconnected with the poor that resulted in the total rejection by the people.

"Why did you remove Dr Harsh Vardhan from the health ministry if there were no plans to make him the CM candidate," said a top central party leader.

While BJP's Darbhanga MP Kirti Azad was the only one to protest openly in front of the media on Tuesday against the manner in which the Delhi elections were conducted, the others are preparing to take up the issue at party meetings that will dwell on the election results and analyse BJP's first defeat since its Lok Sabha victory, under the Modi-Shah command.

The results from Delhi are a vindication for the Aam Aadmi Party which returned to Delhi with a thumping majority this time. BJP had been reduced to single digits, while the Congress has failed to open its account in the capital.

Here are some key lessons the BJP and Congress: Modi momentum slows down: The law of diminishing return seems to have caught up with PM Narendra Modi.

With every state election, the Modi wave is losing its momentum. This defeat in Delhi is the first comprehensive loss for the BJP since it came to power at the Centre. BJP must realize they cannot rely on the Modi factor alone in state elections.

AAP a force to reckon with in Delhi: AAP may have fared miserably in the Lok Sabha polls and may not be a force at the national level, but the party still remains a major player in Delhi. Punjab may be next on AAP's agenda. BJP has to stay away from complacency in subsequent state elections. Congress, on the

other hand, needs to do something drastic.

Congress's free fall continues: Congress which did not win a single seat is heading for oblivion with voters not yet ready to forgive the grand old party for its terrible misrule during the UPA II regime. There might be fresh rumblings about Rahul Gandhi's leadership in Congress.

Party's state units matter, Kiran Bedi a flop: For the BJP, Delhi assembly elections are more a reflection of a poor state unit than a loss of appeal of Modi among voters. There was too much infighting in the BJP's Delhi unit. The projection of Kiran Bedi as the CM candidate was a kind of vote of no-confidence in the BJP's state unit.

Anti-incumbency: The BJP has been a major gainer of anti-incumbency in the Lok Sabha as well as in subsequent state elections.

In Delhi, with Modi as the PM, the BJP was not able to cash in on unsatisfactory performance of other governments.

Muslims are still wary of BJP: That BJP and

Muslims don't share cordial electoral relationship is well-known. But recent provocation by Sakshi Maharaj and events like 'gahr wapsi' may have further driven Muslims away from the BJP. Amit Shah suffers a setback: Delhi elections are the first major setback for BJP's "master strategist" Amit Shah. All the moves of Amit Shah including getting Kiran Bedi as BJP's CM candidate failed to click with Delhi voters.

State and Lok Sabha polls are different: To be fair to PM Narendra Modi, this was not an election about him. It was all about Arvind Kejriwal and AAP in Delhi. With elections being more personalitycentric, voters are increasingly showing a tendency to differentiate between local, state and Lok Sabha polls.

Opinion and exit polls are not always wrong: It has become a fashion among political parties to dismiss opinion and exit polls if they are not in their favour. This time most opinion and exit polls predicted an AAP win.

involve issues of viability.

“Thanks for the unprecedented victory. But it’s (the huge mandate) very scary,” Delhi’s next chief minister Arvind Kejriwal admitted.

But there is hope. PM Narendra Modi, who launched attacks on Kejriwal during campaigning, congratulated him and said he would work with him for Delhi’s development. Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu seconded Modi.

Many found AAP’s first innings was marked by sit-ins, conflicts with public utilities and a power struggle with the Centre.

Will that change? “I fail to understand why media projects that we took to streets, willingly and happily. We did it when a woman was burnt alive and police refused to act,” said AAP leader Manish Sisodia.

AAP feels Kejriwal has

the personality to ensure good governance as well as protest for something that is in the interest of the people. Sisodia said the focus would be on providing a trustworthy government that will make Delhi India’s first corruption-free city. “We will fulfil the needs of the people,” he said.

The first thing the party plans to take up is cutting electricity cost and ordering an audit of power companies, said party leader and policy expert Atishi Marlena.

This time around, however, the party is looking at permanent solutions. The other two poll promises the party intends to attend to on priority are women’s security and free WiFi. “These two promises were very important for the party. CCTV cameras and marshals in buses might be among the first few things the party takes on,” Marlena said.

The BSE Sensex closed higher on Tuesday, snapping a seven-day losing streak during which the 30-share blue chip index shed nearly 1,500 points or 5 per cent. Tuesday's trade was marked by extreme choppiness as the Sensex swung wildly in a 600point band.

For many investors, the gain was surprising, coming on a day when the anticorruption Aam Aadmi Party scored an unprecedented victory in Delhi elections. Analysts had linked the recent nervousness in stock markets to fears of an AAP victory in Delhi. AAP's earlier policies have been termed as "anti-corporate" by analysts. In its earlier 49-day stint, AAP's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had ordered the state auditor to look into the accounts of power distribution companies to see if they were profiteering in 2014; he

had also threatened to cancel the licences of Delhi's two electricity distributors over power supply issues.

But, with poll results out of the way, investors seem to have shrugged off worries. Market expert Ajay Bagga said that people have digested the fact that there will be an AAP government for five years.

"The news has got discounted; now, markets have started looking ahead," he said. Traders seem to have set their sights on the upcoming Budget, which is expected to boost capital spending, offer tax breaks and usher

in more reforms. "AAP's win will not thwart the reform process. Market has started to discount the budget," said Nirakar Pradhan, chief investment officer at Future Generali India Life Insurance. Top corporates from India Inc. also came out in support of AAP, saying a victory for the anti-corruption party augurs well for the country. "A strong local government promising clean governance bodes well for ease of doing business in the territory. Hence market rebounding makes sense," tweeted Anand Mahindra, chairman of M&M.

The Congress was delivered a final blow by the Delhi voter making it "irrelevant" in the Capital's political landscape. Sixty two out of the 70 Congress candidates had forfeited their security deposit as they could not even get the required 15% votes. That the Congress has lost the plot in Delhi, where it was a formidable force for three terms in government, becomes evident in the results. In December 2013 its vote share was down to around 24% which further dipped in April to 15% in the Lok Sabha elections

and now it has touched an all time low of 9.7%. It ended a poor third and even below in its strongholds of slums, unauthorized colonies, minority dominated areas.

The rout of BJP in the Delhi election is unlikely to prompt open rebellion in the party against the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah leadership, but it has already blown lid off the voices of dissent that have been brewing among the "disregarded" seasoned, old guards within the party. The murmurs in the party against some of the decisions taken by the Modi-Shah leadership grew louder when the exit poll results predicted a BJP defeat at the hands of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Senior BJP leaders who have been keeping their grievances to themselves for the last nine months, suddenly started calling up each other and talked about the "mistakes" that had been made by the party leadership or just asking "what is happening?" as the first signs of breaking the silence that had taken over since the new regime came to office.

These were seasoned old hands in the party and the government, who have been kept out of BJP's decision making process-

The Aam Aadmi Party’s unprecedented landslide victory in Delhi guarantees stability but it also brings for the new government major challenges including pressures to meet people’s expectations.

With such a massive mandate, it will have to go much beyond merely reducing power bills and providing free water or legislating its flagship bills to decentralise power and check corruption.

The party has promised to fight for full statehood to Delhi. For this to happen both the Centre and the state government need to be on the same page.

The party has promised 20 new colleges, 200,000 public toilets and 47 fast-track courts, 5,000 new buses, 800,000 jobs, 30,000 hospital beds and free WiFi across the city.

These will require huge budgets, land that is controlled by the centre and

Ajay Maken

BJP dissenters vent their anger

Major challenges await AAP govt

Key lessons for BJP, Congress

Sensex digests Kejriwal win

18

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, At the start of the year – there are lots of market aphorisms worth remembering – here are the best.

According to J.P. Morgan, 40% of stocks have suffered "catastrophic losses" since 1980, meaning they fell at least 70% and never recovered.

According to Vanguard, 72% of mutual funds benchmarked to the S&P 500 underperformed the index over a 20-year period ending in 2010. So much for Professional fund managers. No wonder we want to do it ourselves.

In 2008 the three most admired personalities in sport were probably Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and Oscar Pistorius." The same falls from grace happen in investing.

The phrase "double-dip recession" was mentioned 10.8 million times in 2010 and 2011, according to Google.

It never came. There were virtually no mentions of "financial collapse" in 2006 and 2007. It did come. A similar story can be told virtually every year.

The S&P 500 gained 27% in 2009 -- a phenomenal year. Yet 66% of investors thought it fell that year, according to a survey by Franklin Templeton. Perception and reality can be miles apart.

Since 1871, the market has spent 40% of all years either rising or falling more than 20%. Roaring booms and crushing busts are perfectly normal.

In a 2011 Gallup poll, 34% of Americans said gold was the best long-term investment, while 17% said stocks.

Since then, stocks are up 87%, gold is down 35%.

A broad index of U.S. stocks increased 2,000-fold between 1928 and 2013, but lost at least 20% of its value 20 times during that period. People would be less scared of volatility if they knew how common it was.

There were 272 automobile companies in 1909.

Through consolidation and failure, three emerged on top, two of which went bankrupt. Spotting a promising trend and a winning investment are two different things.

Twenty-five hedge fund managers took home $21.2 billion in 2013 for delivering an average performance of 9.1%, versus the 32.4% you could have made in an index fund. The business of asset management is marketing, not delivering performance.

According to The Wall Street Journal, in 2010, "for every 1% decrease in shareholder return, the average CEO was paid 0.02% more."

In 1989, the CEOs of the seven largest U.S. banks earned an average of 100 times what a typical household made. By 2007, more than 500 times. By 2008, several of those banks no longer existed.

According to economist Burton Malkiel, 57 equity mutual funds underperformed the S&P 500 from 1970 to 2012. The shocking part of that statistic is that 57 funds could stay in business for four decades while posting poor returns.

The Congressional Budget Office's 2003 prediction of federal debt in the year 2013 was off by $10 trillion.

Forecasting is hard. But we still beg for it.

The single best three-year period to own stocks was during the Great Depression. Not far behind was the three-year period starting in 2009, when the economy struggled in utter ruin. The biggest returns begin when most people think the biggest losses are inevitable.

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Govt to infuse Rs 69.90 bn in 9 Indian public banks

The Indian government will soon infuse Rs 69.90 billion in nine public sector banks for enhancing their capital and meeting global risk norms. This is the first tranche of capital infusion for which the government had allocated Rs 112 billion in the Budget for 2014-15.

Among the beneficiaries, largest public sector lender SBI leads the pack with a capitalization of Rs 29.70 billion, followed by BoB Rs 12.60 billion, PNB

Rs 8.70 billion and Canara Bank Rs 5.70 billion.

"Out of the current year's budget, the government of India has decided to infuse Rs 69.90 billion in nine PSBs for which orders are being issued," an official statement said.

This year, it said, the government has adopted new criteria in which the banks which are more efficient would be rewarded with extra capital so that they can further strengthen their position.

India projected to grow at 7.4 per cent this year

India is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the year ending in March after its statisticians changed the way they measure Asia's third-largest economy.

The new estimate is sharply higher than the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) growth projection of around 5.5 per cent under the old method as well as a revised 6.9 per cent growth a year earlier.

Under the new method, the economy grew 7.5 per cent in the quarter ending in December, outpacing China's 7.3 per cent growth in the latest quarter and making India the fastest growing major economy in the world.

The revisions mark a dramatic turnaround for an economy that barely a fortnight ago was

assumed to be still struggling to gather momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reformminded government. Prior to PM Modi's election last May, the economy had endured its weakest phase of growth since the 1980s.

The apparent recovery is, however, in large measure due to changes both in the way authorities calculate gross domestic prod-

uct (GDP) and the base year. India now measures GDP by market prices instead of factor cost, to take into account gross value addition in goods and services as well as indirect taxes. The base year has been shifted to 2011/12 from 2004/05.

The reading, however, is at odds with other indicators such as industrial production and trade

data, which suggest the economy is still suffering from slack. A Prasanna, economist at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership Ltd, questioned the credibility of the data and asked the government to explain glaring gaps.

"The government has itself been saying that tax collections are slow due to a slowdown in the economy, but the other wing of the government is saying that GDP growth has been good," he said.

"That means either one part of the economy is not taxed or there is an issue with the data." GDP growth for the first half of fiscal 2014/15 was also recalculated and revised up to about 7.4 per cent from the 5.5 per cent reported earlier.

Ahead if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's China visit in May, India is considering easier security clearances for Chinese investments and extending visa-on-arrival facility to Chinese tourists. The home ministry has lately been discussing the option of relaxing security norms for investments from China, particularly in “sensitive” sectors like telecom, power and nuclear energy.

This is apparently at the behest of the PMO as well as the foreign ministry.

As per security clearance norms relating to foreign direct investment, Chinese companies face a

stricter scrutiny by the security agencies, particularly in sectors like telecom, power, nuclear energy , ports and petrochemicals.

The shareholding and ownership pattern of Chinese companies are studied in minute detail by security agencies in view of concerns regarding any links with the Chinese military establishment.

Various Chinese companies have had to wait for longer periods of time as compared to firms from other countries, as Indian intelligence agencies often take time to report on their share holding/ownership. Chinese military

assistance to Pakistan and help in building ports and other infrastructure in India's neighbourhood have been causes for concern for New Delhi. Such concerns had earlier held up clearance for Hutchison Ports. Last year, India had launched a visa-on-arrival facility for more than 40 countries, including the US and the UK, but left China out of the list. Chinese officials have complained to home ministry officials that the country has been put at par with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

Sources said the home ministry is studying the

precautions taken by the US towards Chinese investment and the areas they have opened up. Over the next couple of months, the home ministry is expected to identify sectors and areas where Chinese firms can enter, where they can enter with certain restrictions and where they should be banned completely. As for visa-on-arrival facility, it may be offered to Chinese tourists on a reciprocal basis and provided that Beijing agrees to do away with the system of issuing stapled visa to people from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian budget smartphone maker Micromax overtaken South Korea's Samsung

Electronics Co Ltd to become the leading supplier in India's booming smartphone market for the first time in the fourth quarter, research firm Canalys said. In a report issued on February 3, Canalys said Micromax accounted for 22% of smartphone sales in India in the October-December quarter, ahead of Samsung's 20%. In total, 21.6 million smartphones were sold in India in the period, a 90% surge from a year earlier. India, which has the world's secondhighest number of mobile phone accounts after China, is the third-biggest market by number of

smartphones sold. Lowp r i c e d smartphones are the top sellers in a country where many buyers are upgrading from feature

smartphone brands, Karbonn and Lava, by number of handsets sold in fourth quarter, Canalys said.

Responding to Canalys' report that positions Micromax as India's leading smartphone maker, Samsung has said that it continues to dominate the market with a 34.3% share in volume. The South Korean giant cites GfK data which it says is based on actual sales (and not shipments) as the basis of its claim. Samsung's volume market share in the October-December 2014 quarter was 34.3% and the value market share was 35.8%, as per the report.

Annually, Samsung's volume market share in the smartphone market was 35.7% while value share was 40.2%, as per the data.

Easier security clearance for Chinese investments likely

Micromax beasts Samsung in sale of smartphones in India

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phones.

Micromax's performance was partly due to its "continuing appeal to mobile phone users upgrading to smartphones", Canalys said. It estimated nearly a quarter of smartphones sold in India in the fourth quarter were devices priced under $100, while 41% of devices sold were in the $100-$200 range. Micromax and Samsung were followed by two other Indian budget

REAL ESTATE VOICE

19

Money is not made by following the herd

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

There is a serious lack of office space in Central London, and what little there is is disappearing fast. The reason for this is the government concession under permitted development.

Permitted development rights allowing a change of use from offices B1 (a) to residential (C3) were initially introduced for a period of three years from 30 May 2013 to 30 May 2016.

One of the most significant proposals in a recent consultation document known as ‘the red tape challenge’ is that permitted development (PD) rights for certain changes of use will be extended, to “help ensure the planning system is proportionate and a planning application is only required where this is genuinely justified”.

Proposed changes: First, it is suggested that existing PD rights allowing offices to be converted into new homes should be made permanent. Having been introduced temporarily in May 2013, the change of use from office use (class B1 (a)) to residential (C3) would be permitted beyond the original 30 May 2016 expiry date. Developers would have until May 2019 to complete conversions.

Existing exemptions for areas the government consider to be ‘strategically important’ are also to be removed. Ministers had previously exempted 33 areas across 17 local authorities. Conversion of offices in the City, Westminster and surrounding boroughs to ‘exclusive’ residential use could resultantly arise.

An Estate s Gaze tte repo rt in late summer 2014 h ig hlighte d t hat the combined n umber o f applicatio ns (in cludin g con ve rsions involving bo th demo lit ion and ref urbishment o f of fices) in the c apital had approximat ely dou bled sin ce t he n ew right s we re introd uced . Applicat io ns for c onversion by refurbishmen t had increase d o ve r tenf old, with almost 90 per cen t of cen tral Lon don appl ication s bein g mad e through the n ew P D rights.

A number of local planning authorities initially appeared reluctant to grant prior approval. In July 2014, an analysis of appeals to The Planning Inspectorate showed that at least 42 appeals (equating to in excess of 600 homes) had been lodged against Councils’ decisions to refuse applications under the new rules. In a written ministerial statement in February 2014, Planning Minister Nick Boles had commented that some authorities “do not appear to have applied the correctly intended tests [for prior approval]”.

It seems not for the first time decisions taken at the top have not been filtered down properly at ground level, the same happened when the HMO rules came about there was a national definition of what a HMO should be and this was compounded by a local definition which made the whole thing a bit of a mess, very few understand what is an HMO. Despite this blockage, there has been enough persistence from developers who have hired very smart planning consultants who do know the rules very well and have friends in the council.

We as a company are feeling the pain of office space disappearing.

Our last serviced office in Westbourne Grove has now been transformed into a 20 luxury apartment block where one bedrooms start from £1.36m upwards. We were left with no choice but to move offices, and so we transferred our office to Marble Arch Tower, in Marble Arch.

However here too the building has now been earmarked for a 408,000 mixed use scheme which is due to commence development shortly. So we will be made homeless again for the second time.

We purchased an office block which had PD rights to convert into four residential flats leaving the commercial on the ground floor untouched. The property came subject to leases, already in place, with some expiring very close to the expiring of the PD date in May 2016.

The Lessees had almost started a union and were sitting tight on their leases refusing to move out, some of which are expiring close to the expiry of the planning permission.

The Jewish money lenders who lent us the bulk of the money to purchase this building were concerned for their security and wanted to visit the property, they have a very hands on and personal approach to money lending. It is a family business and they have been in the game of money lending for several generations and trace their roots back to the Middle East, I speculated their ancestors were probably the ones who were practicing money lending during the times of Jesus. That reminds me of course of the famous story of Jesus kicking out all of the money traders from the temple.

They looked at the property and gave their advice, I always pay careful attention to any advice from them. They have been in the property and money game for generations and know how to preserve wealth not for one lifetime but many.

On ce du ring a conversation I asked why the y we re in the mo ney len ding business which only ge nerate s a 12% ish re turn for the m. They the n con fided in me this is o nly the spare off shore mone y which the y are len ding ou t. It is sitting in ano ther coun try with the primary aim of ke epin g it safe. It earns n othing over the re and so their bank provides a cross gu aran tee and they lend th e mo ney on Lond on property. T hey len d to de ve lope rs an d in vestors, who typical ly purchase 20-25% below market value. They only le nd up to 70% of the discoun ted valu e.

Fig ures in a recen t report from propert y services grou p DT Z have shown that t he availability of off ic e space in ce ntral L ondo n has fallen by 20% in the l ast ye ar. So , as co mpet it io n fo r co mmercial space in Lon don hots up, o ccupiers are repeatedly find in g t hemse lves falling vict im to gazumping – losing ou t to compan ies mak ing better co unt er offe rs alon g t he l in e. This is very f rustrat in g an d c ost ly to a compan y.

This means they lend only 50% of the open market value, which means their money is very very safe. Probably more safer than it sitting in the bank given the current situation.

In the event of a downturn the developer will feel pain, they will not as their model is practically immune. I also discovered they own the freehold of many blocks in central London. Here also they are pretty much guaranteed the service charges and ground rents, for if anyone refuses to pay they simply write to the mortgage lender who promptly pays and adds it to the mortgage. Every time a lease is renewed this is a cherry on the pie for them.

Both these models are immune to market fluctuations, these will burn the developers and investors but leave this family unscathed, these two business models are designed to preserve wealth.

Therefore I pay careful attention to any advice given. They suggested we explore the idea to dispense with the planning permissions and keep this as offices given the rents have risen and are still on the rise.

The rents it seems are pretty much on par with residential rents.

If the office idea or rent is not on par with the residential, they suggested we do a very cheap conversion on two of the flats very quickly and rent them out, this will mean the council will almost be forced to convert the rest of them to residential rather than having a ‘messy block’.

This was something I also have been toying with, but have received the stamp of approval of the Jewish money lenders.

You never make money following the herd, at times its important to step outside of this circle and take the advice of someone who's been in the trade for longer than you can ever be.

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20

LEGAL VOICE

HSBC helped more than 100,000 clients globally to dodge taxes

British bank HSBC Holdings Plc admitted failings by its Swiss subsidiary in response to media reports it helped wealthy customers dodge taxes and conceal millions of dollars of assets.

According to reports, the bank was used by 8,844 British customers to store $21.7 billion (£14.3 billion) with some of the money concealed from the taxman in undeclared “black” accounts and globally the list included more than 100,000.

Bank records leaked to the media show that the bank allowed customers to withdraw “bricks” of untraceable cash not normally used in Switzerland.

One British customer had deposited £1 billion. The records of thousands of customers including Hollywood stars, royalty and heirs to some of Europe’s biggest fortunes have been leaked.

The names of customers published include the model Elle Macpherson and the actors Joan Collins and Christian Slater. Richard Caring, the owner of the Ivy restaurant, is reported to have withdrawn 5 mil-

Rajan favours raising tax exemption limit

Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan favoured increasing the tax exemption limit on financial investments by individuals from Rs 150,000 a year. "Remember the government increased the limit for tax benefit in savings by Rs 50,000 in the last Budget. The question is - is there room for more primarily because the real tax benefit has fallen over time because the limit was at Rs 100,000 for a long time? Maybe what we have to do is increase that," Rajan said on a call with analysts. Investments of up to Rs 150,000 in Public Provident Fund, Provident Fund, New Pension Scheme, insurance policies and equitylinked saving schemes is deducted from the taxable income under Sec 80 C. This helps in financial savings. It can be noted that the national savings rate has dipped to the 30% level from a high of over 36.9 per cent in FY 2008.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley, who increased the limit to Rs 150,000 in his July 2014 Budget, will be presenting the first full-fiscal Budget of the new government on February 28.

lion Swiss francs (£2.25 million) in cash in 2005.

There is no suggestion of any impropriety by any of these people.

The records, which were stolen in 2007 by a computer expert working for HSBC in Geneva, contain details of more than 100,000 clients globally.

The data was handed to Revenue & Customs in 2010 and it identified 1,100 people who had not paid their taxes.

Indian list doubled to 1,195 names The investigation revealed 1,195 Indian HSBC clients, roughly double the 628 names that French authorities gave to the Government of India in 2011. Prominent people on the list include several top businessmen. They include Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Anand Chand Burman, Rajan Nanda, Yashovardhan

Birla, Chandru Lachhmandas Raheja, Dattaraj Salgaocar, Bhadrashyam Kothari and Shravan Gupta.

Top diamond traders of the country, several of whom are now settled abroad, figure on the list, with mostly Mumbai addresses given. Among them, Rusell Mehta, Anoop Mehta, Saunak Parikh, Chetan Mehta, Govindbhai Kakadia and Kunal Shah.

There are a few account holders with political connections, most of whom deny having accounts. There is former UPA minister Preneet Kaur, former Congress MP Annu Tandon and family members of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane - his wife Neelam Narayan Rane and son Nilesh Rane - as well as family members of the late Congress

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

minister Vasant Sathe. Bal Thackeray’s daughter-inlaw Smita Thackeray is also listed as an account holder.

The list includes hundreds of NRIs - for instance, 84-year-old stenographer Annie Meneaud, born in Kannur, Kerala, whose account was opened in Dubai and had a balance of $100,020.

Then there are some mysterious HSBC accountopening statements, such as one named “H.G.P” for a Kolkata-born UK citizen who has given a Carlton House Terrace address and, as the statement shows, instructed that all transactions be kept in the bank’s safe deposit box.

This 74-year old client’s balance: $133.52 million.

A scrutiny shows there are 276 account holders with at least $1 million in their balance of whom 85 are residing in India. Topping the list of account-holders with an India connection is prominent Londonbased PIO Swraj Paul with a balance of $386 million. The lowest balance is for Gujarat-born UK citizen Naman Sarwar Malik, who has $669 in his account.

Indians can invest up to $2,50,000 annually overseas

Encouraged by foreign exchange reserves touching record levels, the Reserve Bank of India doubled the annual overseas investment ceiling for individuals to $2,50,000.

"On a review of the external sector outlook and as a further exercise in macroprudential management, it has been decided to enhance the limit under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to $2,50,000 per person per year," the RBI said in its Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement. In view of the worsening current account deficit and a volatile rupee, the RBI had in August 2013 reduced the ceiling from $ 200,000 to $ 75,000 per person in a

year under the LRS. Consequently, with improvement in forex situation, it was raised to $ 1,25,000 in June 2014.

The LRS allows residents to acquire and hold shares, debt instruments or other assets outside India without prior approval of the RBI. In mid-January, India's foreign exchange reserves touched a new life-time high at $ 322.135 billion, driven by higher foreign fund inflows and lower forex outgo on the back of a massive fall in global crude prices.

Foreign funds had been pumping more and more dollars into Indian equities ever since the new government assumed charge in

May. In 2014, FIIs pumped in $ 16.15 billion into Indian equities while they have exhausted the cap of $ 30 billion in Government securities. They have parked $ 32.5 billion in corporate bonds, which is 64 per cent of their cap of $ 51 billion.

Foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country rose by 22 per cent to $ 18.88 billion during the eight months of the current fiscal. The amount was $ 15.45 billion in the April-November period of 2013-14. India's current account deficit narrowed to 1.9 per cent of GDP in the first half of current fiscal from 3.1 per cent of GDP in the corresponding period of 2013-14.

With the much-hyped $2billion funding by Mirach Capital falling apart over "forgery" allegations, Sahara has begun exploring fresh options to secure bail for its chief Subrata Roy, even as the US firm hit back claiming that the Indian group itself scuttled the deal.

Sources said Sahara group has begun looking for new investors to garner necessary funds and the Mirach deal was off the table, while it would soon take a call on initiating legal action against Mirach, run by Indian-origin businessman Saransh

Sharma. Mirach also said the syndicated loan package offered to Sahara was "no longer on the table", but it offered a complete buyout of Sahara's three iconic hotels - Plaza and Dream Downtown in New York, as also Grosvenor House in London.

Sharma, who himself is facing pending lawsuits in the US and in the past has reportedly admitted to stealing database of a former employer, rejected the allegations of forgery in this loan deal and accused Sahara group of repeatedly undermining the transaction, while wasting the

time of "its investors, Sebi and the Supreme Court".

He, however, did not comment specifically on charges of providing a "forged" Bank of America letter, which was placed before the Supreme Court to guarantee the deal. The purported transaction was to involve transfer of loans on Sahara's three iconic overseas hotels to a syndicate of investors, for which Mirach had claimed to have initially deposited $1.05 billion in a Bank of America account. The financing package was to be expanded to about $2 billion eventually.

Sahara–Mirach Capital deal scrapped

Maria Fernandes

Businesses are the target The immigration authorities are particularly active against others waiting to pounce on them with civil penalties for mere technicalities in some case shone are the days when you were safe as long as you did not employ illegal workers.

Now fines are imposed where the checks were not carried out in accordance with the code of practice and more worrying is the fact that penalties are imposed for historical employment in cases where former employees are apprehended.

In the licensing side it takes a minor digression to receive a downgrading and slightly more to have a licence revoked. The glaring defect in the licensing system is the lack of independent scrutiny of decisions. A review is the only time the facts are considered in any detail. There are many cases in which the employer disputes the

account if an issue that took place at a visit. In those cases the account of the officer is always preferred. There is no appeal process and the only recourse is high court action which is expensive, already subject to restrictions and does not consider the merits of the decision.

There should at least be an independent review of a matter which can have devastating consequences on the business concerned.

Marriages are not immune from changes.

From the 2nd March all cases which involve a foreign national will have to be referred to the Secretary of State to consider whether further checks are warranted and if so the period can be increased to 72 days.

In practice this is likely to slow down the process of marrying and could particularly affect a person whose leave to remain is about to come to an end.

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

India exploring new ways to fund projects

Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley, who will present his first full Budget this month, said that the government would soon come out with several new structures to fund projects.

Responding to a question on how the government plans to finance infrastructure projects, Jaitley said that the government would, in addition to increasing public funding, also put in place a mechanism to convert domestic savings into long-term project finance.

A study by industry body PHDCCI and Crisil released last month said that India would need Rs 26,000 billion investments in infrastructure over the next five years to meet 7-8% growth targets.

This amount is equal to 30% of total bank deposits in the country.

“We will now have to enter a new age where all models of financing infrastructure will have to be explored. A particular model can be created,” said Jaitley speaking through a video call at an event organized by Maharashtra government to discuss Mumbai's transformation into a global financial centre.

“Last few weeks we had series of visitors who showed a great amount of

interest in financing infrastructure,” the finance minister said but did not provide any details.

Speaking at the same event, minister of state for finance, Jayant Sinha, said, “We want to put India on a sustainable non-inflationary growth trajectory of 7-8% growth.” Adding that this level of growth was required to provide employment to young people who join the workforce every year, Sinha said, “I can assure you, there can be real innovations and breakthroughs there. As we move forward to this model of infrastructure financing, the important iconic projects for Mumbai whether it is trans harbour link or coastal road or the various metro lines, these infrastructure projects are going to be on the top of the desk.”

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Construction companies rebound Currency Specialists.

Growth across British construction companies rebounded unexpectedly in January after a slow end to 2014, boosted by improving order books and rising confidence. The construction purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 59.1 from December's 17-month low of 57.6, topping all forecasts and far above the 50 mark that signifies growth. While official data last week showed construction output shrank at the end of last year at the fastest pace since 2012, Tuesday's PMI pointed to better months ahead.

Construction, which accounts for just over 6 percent of Britain's economy, was hit hard

by Britain's recession following the global financial crisis, and the sector's output is still around 8 percent below its level in early 2008.

The UK’s dominant service sector picked up according to data released. The PMI index climbed to 57.2 in January from Decembers 55.8 reading. As the service sector makes up 79% of the UK’s output, the boost to the service sector should end any fears of a lull in the UK economic growth. Meanwhile, the UK’s growth slowed in the final 3 months of 2014. The quarterly growth rate in GDP slipped to

0.5%, down from the previous 3 months of 0.7%. It was no great surprise the Bank of England has held interest rates at 0.5% for the 71st month in a row and kept its stimulus programme of quantitative easing (QE) unchanged. Figures showed that last month the UK economy grew by a slower-than-expected 0.5% in the last three months of 2014. Low oil prices and falling food inflation in the UK have also removed any pressure on the Bank to raise interest rates.

The Conservative-led government's hopes of exports playing a greater role in the economy have been frustrated by persistent weakness in the euro zone, Britain's largest export market.

That seems unlikely to change before a national election on May 7. But there are signs that exporters are being helped by the fall in the value of the pound in the second half of last year. Export volumes jumped 2.4 percent in December. A survey last week showed British manufacturing export order growth hit a five-month high in January. December's deficit was pushed up by a nearly 40 percent leap in oil import volumes, reversing a trend of falling imports.

The new Finance Minister of

Greece Yanis Varoufakis met up with around 100 banks and financial institutions, elaborating that Greece will be able to facilitate its debt with no detrimental impact on its private investors and bond holders.

George Osborne, the UK chancellor did state that he wants the new Greek minister to act responsibly however it is crucial that the eurozone has a better plan for its jobs and growth. He also stated that it is a rising threat to the British economy and at some point, there has to be a growth strategy in order to pay off their debts and reduce some of their deficits.

The European Central Bank heaped pressure on Greece’s new government by restricting access to its direct liquidity lines, citing concerns about the country’s commitment to existing bailout pledges. This means that Athens’ own central bank must finance the country’s lenders, isolating Greece from the rest of the Eurozone bloc.

The decision marks an escalating stand-off between Greek politicians and other officials in the euro area. It came hours after new Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis met ECB President Mario Draghi to gather support for his govern-

ment’s plans to tear up its 240 billion-euro ($272 billion) rescue package and renegotiate the nation’s debt.

New orders for U.S. factory goods fell for a fifth straight month in December, but a smaller than previously reported drop in business spending plans supported views of a rebound in the months ahead.

The Commerce Department said new orders for manufactured goods declined 3.4 percent as demand fell across a broad sector of industries. Manufacturing is slowing, constrained by weakening global demand and falling crude oil prices, which have caused some companies in the energy sector to either delay or cut back on capital expenditure projects. Business spending on equipment in the fourth quarter was the weakest since mid2009. The soft trend in business investment likely persisted early into the first quarter, with a reports showing a manufacturing sector gauge falling in January.

The US Dollar weakened on the back of worse than expected ADP Employment change figures. The reading was expected to come in at 225k but fell short at 213k.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 10th February 2015 @ 4pm

GBP - INR = 94.87

USD - INR = 62.28 EUR - INR = 70.42 GBP - USD = 1.52 GBP - EUR = 1.35

EUR - USD = 1.13 GBP - AED = 5.59

GBP - CAD = 1.90

GBP - NZD = 2.06

GBP - AUD = 1.96

GBP - ZAR = 17.84

GBP - HUF = 415.34

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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

WORLD

The undiscussed Pakistan

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

An insight to the photographic book, Historic Temples of Pakistan: a Call to Conscience by journalist turned author, Reema Abbasi.

Reshma Trilochun

When one thinks of Pakistan, many images and thoughts come to mind, such as the 1947 partition from India to the recent attack on vulnerable children at a school in Peshawar; but rarely would one associate temples with Pakistan. With the book, Historic Temples of Pakistan: a Call to Conscience, Reema Abbasi takes us back in time to explore the Pakistan that may seem alien to us; the Pakistan that the West is surely unaware about.

Reema Abbasi has worked as a journalist for about 17 years and is spiritual by nature. She has had a very geographical journey, in terms of education.

She was born in the Netherlands, went to school in England and then continued her higher education at a college in Karachi. She is accustomed to the different religions of the world, having the crucifix, Quran verses as well as a Sai Baba idol at home.

Pakistan has been a land of turmoil for some time, with many of its people feeling unsafe even in the confine of their homes.

Abbasi's book doesn't overshadow the gruesome reality of current Pakistan by sugar-coating or concealing the reality; rather, she puts across a documented

Reema Abbasi with her book Historic Temples of Pakistan truth of the rich history Pakistan held and to some extent still holds on to, even though it remains to constantly be under threat.

In Reema Abbasi's own words from the introduction of her book, “This book concentrates on Pakistan’s fraying social order and the sad prospect of it bringing about its own destruction by documenting Hindu places of worship, major festivals, prominent orders of priesthood…”.

The book showcases many regions of Pakistan,

such as Punjab, Karachi, Indus River Valley, Thar Desert as well as dangerous locales, Khyber Pakhtunkhwan and the Afghanistan border.

There have been many incidents in the past that have depicted the unity between Hindus and Muslims in Pakistan. One example being an idol in Umerkot, Balochistan, which is honoured by both Hindus and Muslims.

Umerkot was the birthplace of Emperor Akbar, therefore, becoming a symbolism of unity of the shrine of Hindu God Shiva and an important part of Mughal history. It is said that many Muslims visit this shrine for healing purposes or to ask God to bless them with a child.

There have been plenty more such instances documented in Reema Abbasi's book with the help of Madiha Aijaz's photography, which gives us a further insight to the breathtaking sights and scenar-

ios. Another fascinating instance in the book is the photograph of skullcapped Muslim Men worshipping Hindu Goddess Kali, in the Kalka cave. The Kalka cave is situated in Sindh and is popular among Hindus, Muslims and Christians from all over Pakistan.

The book may aid in building, if not mending the strain relationship between the minorities, such as Hindus and Christians with Muslims in Pakistan, while also giving the world an insight to a Pakistan that is not shown in the news channels. The book unveils a diverse Pakistan and gives us hope for further unity in the current day; unity being possible in the past and made very evident in the book, then surely it can be achieved and is being achieved by many in current Pakistan.

Reema Abbasi also received an award at the 5th Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Awards for best literary personality of the year. The award took place in India and was organised by a non governmental organisation called Pehchaan and was attended by many people. The book has been received very well and it also shows the dedication and hard work of Abbasi's efforts, proving to add another feather in her cap.

Idi Amin “Amin was a former rally driver and sponsor of motorsport. He even sponsored the Africa Union (OAU) Rally in 1975.

The late Chandrasekhar Mehta family donated the “Shekhar Mehta award” in his memory. Mehta is a

former rally driver who competed at one time with Amin. Shekhar Mehta later on won the Safari Rally a record five times (1973, 1979-82) after he had fled Uganda following the 1972 Asian expulsion

by Amin.

Top on the list of those shortlisted for the 70s and 80s generation awards are the late Paddy Blick Sr. and Arthur Blick Sr. who dominated the sport in the 1970s and 80s respectively.

The crew of Ronald Ssebuguzi and Cedric Buzabo will on that day officially be crowned the 2014 National Rally Championship champions.

In order to boost safety of both fans and drivers, all new rally drivers effective this season will only be allowed to participate in FMU organised events in two-wheel drive cars (2WD) for their first season of competition.

FMU vice president Dusman Okee said that this was meant for the safety in the sport and also to guide young drivers who think that because they have got money to acquire powerful cars can give the likes of Ssebuguzi a run for their money. In many cases, he noted, the end result has been fatal accidents.

Ed Miliband workers the option of buying any business before it is sold. “Employee buyouts show how self-help and mutuality can build resilience into our economy, saving productive businesses and decent work,”

Miliband would say.

“Many employers looking to sell their companies value these buyouts because they transfer ownership to people with a genuine interest in the firm’s long-term success.”

The proposal was met with caution by the CBI, the business lobby group. “The principle of promoting employee ownership, as part of a range of diverse business models, is welcome,” said Katja Hall, the CBI Deputy DirectorGeneral.

“But we need to look at the detail to make sure that

introducing a statutory employee buy-out right does not have unintended consequences, like delaying a sale or affecting the value of the company.”

Sixty-three business leaders signed an open letter supporting Labour when Tony Blair was leader in 2005 on the eve of that year’s general election.

However a survey of many of businessmen found that at least 15 – nearly a quarter of the total number of signatories - had cooled their support for Labour under Miliband’s leadership.

Kali Temple in Pakistan

Idi Amin shortlisted for Shekhar Mehta award

Kampala: Former Ugandan president Idi Amin has been shortlisted by local motorsport body (FMU) for the Shekhar Mehta Award. The awards night is due on February 13 at Silver Springs Hotel, FMU secretary Reynold Kibira said during the launch of the awards at National Council of Sports at Lugogo recently.

“We are celebrating 100 years of motorsport in Uganda. One unique difference from the past awards is that we shall honour the past contributors to the sport and one of them is late President Amin,” Kibira stated.

Business leaders keeping away from Ed Miliband

London: Business leaders were critical of Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and they were keeping away from him. According to a report 15 business leaders who endorsed Tony Blair’s Labour party before the 2005 election have moved away from him.

The Labour leader was widely criticised this week for attacking the tax status of the head of high street chemist Boots for saying that Miliband would be a "catastrophe" for Britain. It came as Labour launched a new proposal to force all business owners to give

In Brief

Prawn tycoon in trouble for donating to the Tories

London: Seafood tycoon Iqbal Ahmed has been accused of making a £12,000 donation to the Conservative party and then seeking to claim it back on expenses. Ahmed, who made millions importing shrimp, allegedly asked the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce to refund the sum during his year as chairman of the group in 2011. Members of the organisation said they were in “shock” at his request, which was refused on the ground that the group is strictly non-political. They wrote to George Osborne, the chancellor - who in 2007 appointed Ahmed to a think-tank - asking him to investigate.

Govt plans to scrap fine for late tax returns

London: The Cameron government is planning to scrap £100 fines for people who fail to meet the deadline to file their tax return. They are now planning to introduce alternative measures for those who miss the January 31 deadline “by a day or two”, such as charging higher interest rates on their debts.

A system of penalty points could also be used for persistent offenders, according to a consultation which will be open for comments until May.

Meat inspectors being threatened

London: Vets and inspectors were being threatened when they try to expose animal cruelty and poor hygiene in slaughterhouses, according to a union. A meat inspector was also threatened with a knife when he tried to stop a slaughterhouse production line after seeing animals covered in faeces, according to Unison, which represents vets and inspectors working on behalf of the FSA.

Obama appoints Indian-American to key position

Washington: US President Barack Obama has announced he will appoint top Indian-American CEO Ajay Banga to a key administration position. Banga, chairman of the US India Business Council, has been appointed as member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, the White House said.

The announcement came along with several other appointments to key administration posts. "The talent and expertise these individuals bring to their roles will serve our nation well. I am grateful for their service, and look forward to working with them," Obama said. Banga, an MBA from IIMAhmedabad, is president and CEO of MasterCard, a position he has held since 2009.

Khaleda Zia charged with inciting violence

Dhaka: Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was charged by the police with ‘instigation’ of the fire-bombing of a bus that left 7 people dead amid escalating political crisis in the country that has claimed 60 lives within a month. At least seven passengers, including two women, were charred to death earlier when suspected opposition activists hurled petrol bombs on a packed bus in eastern Bangladesh, the worst attack during the current spate of political unrest. “She has been named as an instigator of the attack,” district police chief Tutul Chakrabarty said. Former Comilla MP and central Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has also been accused in the case, Charkavarty was quoted as saying. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Zia has already been named as the instigator in two incidents of arsons, including the one at Dhaka’s Jatrabarhi, which left one dead and 30 others injured. A total of 56 BNP and Jamaat activist have been accused in both cases.

Obama calls Dalai Lama 'good friend'

Washington: US President Barack Obama warmly acknowledged the Dalai Lama but did not meet him directly at a religious event in Washington closely watched by China, which has warned against any exchange with Tibet's exiled spiritual leader. Obama and the Dalai Lama were both at an annual prayer breakfast where Obama spoke about the importance of religious freedom. Obama greeted the Buddhist monk with a bow-like gesture and called him "a good friend" and "a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion and who inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings."

The Dalai Lama was in the audience at a table in the front row across from the president along with senior Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, a signal of White House support. Obama nodded and smiled at the Dalai Lama, waving after clasping his hands to greet the spiritual leader as the event began. Organizers also recognized the monk, prompting applause.

WORLD

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

In Brief

Taiwan plane crash kills 31

Taipei: At least 31 people were killed when a TransAsia Airways plane crashed in Taiwan. The flight, en route to Kinmen from Taipei with 53 passengers on board, crashed in the Keelung river after its wing clipped a taxi on an elevated freeway 10 minutes after takeoff. According to official reports, 31 people have been confirmed killed, 15 injured and 12 others missing. Besides those on the plane, a driver and a passenger in the taxi clipped by the plane before it plunged into the river were also injured. The dead include 16 passengers from China, five fron Taiwan and the captain and two co-pilots.

In a move that will irk India, Sri Lanka backs big China port deal

Colombo: Sri Lanka's cabinet said it would allow a $1.5 billion "port city" deal with China to go ahead, dropping a threat to cancel the project which had been approved by the previous government. India has raised concern over security threats posed by Chinese ownership of the freehold of 20 hectares of land next to the main commercial port in Colombo. India uses Colombo as a trans-shipment port. Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the project, which will be built on reclaimed land, when he visited Colombo in September. India has become increasingly worried about China's influence in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, said before last month's presidential vote he would cancel the deal if his party came to power because no environmental impact assessment (EIA) or feasibility study had been presented to parliament.

Lanka bans alleged killer of Rajiv Gandhi from travelling abroad

Colombo: A Sri Lankan court barred former Tamil Tiger rebel leader Kumaran Pathmanathan, wanted by India in connection with the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, from travelling abroad, a lawyer said. Rajiv Gandhi was prime minister when he was killed in May 1991 by a suicide bomber at a public meeting in Tamil Nadu. Pathmanathan, who became leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009, after their defeat by the Sri Lankan army, is also on Interpol's most wanted list on charges including arms smuggling and criminal conspiracy. "The Court of Appeal issued an order to the Controller of Emigration and Immigration to prevent him leaving the country," said Sunil Watagala, a lawyer who had sought Pathmanathan's arrest.

Pak vows support for Kashmiris' freedom struggle

Karachi: Hailing a free Kashmir, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reportedly vowed to support the people of the state in their struggle for freedom and right to self-determination. While addressing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on the occasion of Kashmir Day, Sharif called for a "fair resolution" to the conflict that would ensure lasting peace in the region and urged the international community to play a role in this regard, reported the Dawn. Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris and reaffirming his support for the Kashmir issue, Sharif talked of having an association with "Azad and occupied Kashmir since childhood" and vowed that the nation will continue efforts to resolve the conflict.

Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice and Lohana Community South London honour 47 octogenarians

As many as 47 octogenarians were honoured by Mayor of Croydon Manju Shahul-Hameed, MP for Croydon North Steve Reed and MP for Croydon Central Gavin Barwell at a function which was jointly organised by Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice and ‘Lohana Community South London’ at Lohana Community Complex (LCC), P V Raichura Centre in Croydon. The senior citizens received a heart-warming honour when Steve Reed and other dignitaries stood up and offered their respect with a prayer followed by a popular hymn called ‘Bhulo bhale biju bhulo maa baap ne bhulso nahi’.

The ‘Karmayogi Sanman’ was awarded to Kalaben Raichura for her donation to Vishwa Hindu Parishad of South London and to LCSL for P V Raichura centre, Ramnikbhai Ganatra for his services in spreading the cultural values and essence of Gujarati language and also to the President of LCSL Piyushbhai Chotai for giving his valuable contribution in the construction of hall at South London as well as for several social and religious services offered by his family.

The function began with the lighting of the lamp by Manju ShahulHameed, CB Patel, Narendrabhai Chotai and LCSL Secretary Ajaybhai Ganatra. Prior to this ceremony, chief guest Manju Shahul-Hameed expressed her deep respect to all the octogenarians and said, “they are the ones who have given us a lot that would otherwise couldn’t be shared by others. Our society needs them and it’s always a great experience to share our feelings

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with them. After all, what they need is nothing but love.” She also expressed her warm gratitude to Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice and ‘Lohana Community South London’ for organising this function.

An inspiring figure of whole programme was publisher/editor of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice CB Patel. He said, “we the people of India and Gujarat are very peace-loving as we only have 0.02 per cent of Indian inmates out of the total jailbirds in the prisons of this country. This shows that our elders have inculcated cultural values among us, in fact we hold the treasure of values.” The Dhamecha brothers, Kalaben Raichura, Maghvani family and Lohana leaders have literally gave their immense contribution for various social services, he added. CB said that it was a matter of pride for us to honour the octogenarians as they remind us of our lovable parents.

Trustee of Lohana Community UK Narendrabhai Chotai his address said that he was lucky to have jointly organised such an occasion and added that it was only because of the blessings by the elders that they were able to build this hall.

He added that it’s in our culture to respect the elders. He thanked CB for allowing him to witness such an incredible occasion. Outlining the activities of PV Raichura centre.

Paying respect to the elders, Gavin Barwell said, “we all need to learn a lot of things from you and we do value the contribution you’ve given for augmenting Britain’s success.”

He further expressed, “unfortunately my children don’t have grandparents and you’re all quite lucky to have your grandparents and especially the way you enjoy the values and benefits of a joint family. It’s really incredible!

Steve Reed while honouring the octogenarians said that they have great sense of wits and we all have to take maximum

Comment from Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North British society, in general, doesn’t do enough to honour and celebrate our older people. After a lifetime of working hard and bringing up families, older people have so much wisdom to offer the rest of us. They also provide a vital link back to a community’s cultural traditions and shared history. That’s why I felt so privileged to take part in a recent event to celebrate the lives of some wonderful Gujarati Lohana men and women now in their 80s.

The celebration brought together octogenarians with their families, friends and community leaders to thank them for the contribution they had made to everyone else during their lives. We were honoured to be joined by Her Worship the Mayor of Croydon Councillor Manju Shahul-Hamid, our borough’s first-ever mayor from the Indian community.

The presentation of

benefits of their knowledge as they possess immense experience. He added that we have overlooked their values with the changing times but now we all have to bring back their values in a bid to transform the times.

“We need to honour our cultural values and of course, our society needs a family. It’s a matter of pride to honour these people here and I wholeheartedly bow to the respect of each and every octogenarian.”

A young artist of Gujarati folk literature Shaileshbhai Sagar presented an inspiring dialogue regarding the values of parents and guardians in our society in his very interesting Saurashtra dialect that led everyone totally spellbound.

Gujarat Samachar managing editor Kokilaben Patel outlined the commendable social services being rendered by these weeklies on completing its golden journey

certificates of achievement was rewarded with smiles of delight. These older people have given so much it is only right to show them our gratitude and respect. I would very much like to see this kind of celebration take place to honour the older people of every community in our society. One of the benefits of living in such a diverse country is that we can learn from each other.

I thank the Gujarati community for this wonderful example of respect towards our elders.

of 43 years and also asked every attendee to partake in noble causes of serving the society.

Budding singer Priyesh Shah sung some of the chosen bhajans of his own CD which received huge round of applause. The attendees also celebrated India's Republic Day and sung the national anthem.

Lastly, Kamal Rao, news editor of Gujarat Samachar, thanked all the Lohana leaders for making this occasion a memorable one. He also expressed his gratitude to all the youth members who served at the reception that include Niraj Rupareliya, Kishan Ganatra and Kunal Rupareliya.

He also thanked Heenaben Vadgama of Universal Estate Agency who sponsored the foods and also thanked the President of the society Piyushbhai Chotai and finally Jayaben of Kirti Catering for the delicious food.

24

INDIA

Andhra gets Rs 8.5 bn special package

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

The four districts of Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa and Kurnool in Rayalaseema and three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam in north coastal Andhra will get Rs 500 million each for development activities for 2014-15.

The Centre also sanctioned some sops for the promotion of the industrial sector in AP. Accordingly, the manufacturing units set up in the backward region are to be given 15 per cent additional depreciation on new plant and machinery in the first year of installation.

The NDA government has given Rs 8.50 billion as special development package as well as a slew of concessions for the industrial sector for both AP and Telangana. The funds for AP include Rs 5 billion as 'ad hoc support' to bridge the resource gap for the current financial year as well as Rs 3.50 billion as special development package for the backward areas in Rayalaseema and north coastal districts.

The release of funds came ahead of AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's visit to Delhi. "The release of

the funds by the Centre is a welcome step but AP is expecting much more," an AP government official said.

While announcing Rs 5 billion, the Centre said this was only by way of an ad hoc support for the current financial year. "An interministerial joint committee is taking stock of the financial situation of the govern-

ment of AP and will make appropriate recommendations to bridge the likely resource gap in the central budget 2014-15," a finance ministry statement said. As a result, the AP government is hopeful of more funds in this fiscal itself.

The Rs 3.50 billion has been released as per Section 46 (2) and Section 46 (3) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which pledge the Centre's support to AP in providing a special development package to the backward areas of Rayalaseema and north coastal region of the state.

Chennai: The war of words between M Karunanidhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam over repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees continued with the DMK chief affirming his commitment for the welfare of Lankan Tamils.

Karunanidhi said he had as early as in 1956 proposed a resolution in the DMK General Council in favour of the Lankan Tamils and asked if Panneerselvam had 'any idea' of how many protests he (Karunanidhi) had participated on this issue. He said he had raised the issue earlier moving a resolution in the state Assembly, seeking extradition of slain LTTE leader V Prabhakaran in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, but Panneerselvam had not referred to this in his statement. Karunanidhi also referred to the statement of Chandrahaasan, son of veteran Sri Lankan Tamil leader SJV Chelvanayakam, that a majority of refugees wanted

to return home and that how long can they stay as 'guests' in Tamil Nadu. "Further, reports state that in surveys conducted in this regard, 70 per cent of Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu want to return home while 20 per cent of them make it conditional.” Karunanidhi insisted that in his statement critical of Tamil Nadu's non-participation in a meeting between India and Sri Lanka over repatriation of Lankan refugees held in Delhi on January 30, he had only said the state government could have attended it and expressed its views.

Panneerselvam had flayed Karunanidhi questioning his commitment on the Lankan Tamils issue, saying the previous UPA regime, in which the DMK was a constituent, had helped Colombo with military equipment and expertise during the war against the LTTE that saw heavy Tamil civilian casualties.

Chennai: The Madras high court has banned beauty contests in colleges and other educational institutions in Tamil Nadu. Justice T S Sivagnanam directed the state government to issue a circular banning such events in colleges and universities. The judge said that it was not known as to how walking a ramp would help the student pursuing a course in engineering.

The judge was passing interim orders on a petition filed by Lakshmi Suresh, who said her daughter, an engineering student, participated in Ms Techofes contest held as part of the annual cultural event at Anna University's College of Engineering in Guindy in February 2013. The girl won the beauty contest, but was given a forged certificate by the organisers of Techofes2013. She was also not given the promised prize, the petition said.

Claiming that her

daughter's dignity and decency had been undermined, Lakshmi demanded the promised prize along with a compensation of Rs 500,000. In his order, Justice Sivagnanam said: "One issue which is a matter of concern is whether at all such an event to select the best-looking male/female student is required to be conducted in a cultural event, that too organized by a century-old engineering college established and administered by the government."

The judge said the court intended to examine whether the university exercised due care and control over these programmes.

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed jail inmates to have sex with their partners till they are married and want to have a child. The court, in an order, held that the right of convicts and jail inmates to have conjugal visits or artificial insemination for progeny was a fundamental right.

Justice Surya Kant passed the orders while disposing of a petition filed by a couple - Jasvir Singh and Sonia - who are currently lodged in the Central Jail, Patiala. The couple was awarded death penalty by a trial court for kidnapping and killing a 16-year-old boy of a rich Hoshiarpur family for a hefty ransom.

The duo had sought permission to stay together and resume their conjugal life for the sake of progeny.

They wanted the court to order the jail authorities to make the necessary arrangements in this regard.

The court, in an order, held that the right of convicts and jail inmates to have conjugal visits or arti-

ficial insemination for progeny was a fundamental right. Jasvir had pleaded that he is the only son of his parents and that they had been arrested in the case within eight months of their marriage. The petitioners claimed that their demand was not for personal sexual gratification.

The court, however, denied Jasvir's plea considering the heinous nature of the crime committed, but enlarged the scope of the petition in larger public interest. The judge held that right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right of convicts and jail inmates to have conjugal visits or artificial insemination as an alternative.

Karunanidhi, TN CM fight over Lankan Tamils

HC refuses to stay Dera chief's film 'MSG'

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has declined to stay the release of controversial film 'MSG: The Messnger of God', starring Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the chief of religious sect Dera Sacha Sauda.

In its petition, Kalgidhar Sevak Jatha, an NGO based in Mohali in Punjab had sought a ban on the screening of the film in the state and in neighbouring Haryana, saying it would pose a serious threat to the law and order situation in the two states. "The bench has said that it will watch the movie first and assess if it hurts sentiments of the people... The court wants to assure itself that the movie has any effect on the peace and tranquility of the society before passing any orders," said Naveen Saini, counsel for the petitioners who had also presented before the court orders passed by the Censor Board objecting to the release of the film.

'MSG' was banned by the Punjab government last month following protests in towns and cities across north India, including Delhi, over

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh

the film which, Sikh groups allege, "glorifies" the Dera leader who has several criminal cases against him. But with the high court refusing to stay its release, the film is now set to hit theatres in Haryana. The opposition, Indian National Lok Dal is also opposing the release of 'MSG' in the state. Party leaders say the Dera chief faces serious criminal charges including sexual abuse and murder and his portrayal as a hero in the film would have negative effect on the youth.

Welcoming the go-ahead from the court, the Dera spokesperson said that they have already complied with the edits suggested by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.

HC bans beauty contests in TN colleges

South Brief

HC denies permission to Swamy to implead in Jaya's appeal

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court denied permission to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy to present his arguments in the proceedings of the appeals filed by AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa and three others against their conviction in the disproportionate assets case.

However, the court allowed Swamy to assist the SPP as per the provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure as Swamy was the original complainant about the DA case. Justice C R Kumaraswamy passed the order in this regard while dismissing the application filed by Swamy.

HC blocks film; stays use of Rajni's name

Chennai: The Madras high court has blocked the release of censor-certified Hindi film`Main Hoon Rajinikanth' on the ground that it would hurt the `personality right' of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth.

Justice R Subbiah issued a permanent stay on the film's release, after the actor, identifying himself as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, moved the court saying his name and image had been used by Mumbai-based Varsha Productions for the movie.

He said associating his “personality“ with such a “feature film of immoral and promiscuous nature” would damage his reputation.

Tamil daily threatened with Charlie Hebdo type attack

Jail inmates allowed to have sex till they are married

Chennai: Tamil newspaper Dinamalar has received a letter threatening an attack similar to the one on the office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, police said. The letter in English says, “Yesterday - Paris Charlie Hebdo, tommorrow - Dinamalar". The words appear against the background of India's map. The letter was sent by post by unidentified elements claiming to belong to an outfit called "The Base Moment," and said to be based at "3/10, Ukkadam, Kovai, Tamil Nadu, India. Below the map is a picture of Osama Bin Laden and the words "By Al Qaeda," and some Arabic words appearing like a signature.

North Brief

Hooda’s show of strength

Chandigarh: If his house warming is any indication, then former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda still reigns over the Haryana Congress. On Sunday, all roads led to Hooda’s new address - 70, Sector 7, Chandigarh. The gathering at his official residence was akin to a post-budget feast with bigwigs from the party, cabinet, legislature. His previous show of strength at Rohtak missed one legislator, but this time all 15 Congress MLAs were in attendance, with Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Choudhry also making an appearance. Two MPs, one each from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Shadi Lal Batra and Deepender Hooda, respectively, were also present. However, the divide in the party was clearly identifiable as state Congress chief Ashok Tanwar did not show up for the ceremony. Hooda’s another bete noire and Rajya Sabha MP Kumari Selja also gave the function a miss along with former power minister Captain Ajay Singh Yadav.

Woman gang-raped, murdered in Amritsar

Amritsar: A 26-year-old female labourer was allegedly gang-raped by unknown persons and her body was found in an abandoned building on the outskirts of the city, police said. "The woman was raped and murdered on Sunday in an isolated under construction building on the outskirts of the city," deputy commissioner police (DCP) Harjinder Singh Sidhu said. She was strangled to death with her duppata (scarf) by more than one person in the abandoned building located in Baba Deep Singh Colony falling in Nangli village on the Fatehgarh Churian road, Sidhu said, adding that her parents recognised the body. The victim was a resident of Verka locality in Amritsar. She was living with her parents due to dispute with her husband for the last few months. Her body was first noticed by children of the area when they went inside the building to play and raised alarm, police said. The DCP said it was a planned murder and police have got "vital clues" about the murderers who are at large.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar hosts Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama at Shakti Hall

Kamal Rao

Gujarat minister of Education (Primary, Secondary and Adult), Higher and Technical Education, Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Science and T e c h n o l o g y B h u p e n d r a s i n h Chudasama and Additional Chief Secretary (Primary & Secondary Education) Arvind Agrawal were given a warm welcome by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar at Shakti Hall, Karma Yoga House, on 22nd January.

The ceremony started with a networking event followed by Gujarati vegetarian dinner and songs

by Arpan Patel to commemorate India’s Republic Day. Chudasama was touched by the greetings and exclaimed, “These moments would forever become memorable to me.’’ He began his inaugural address by expressing his deep appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked if they would be interested to know more about Modi. Talking about his relationship with Modi, he added that they have been known to each other since 1974 (in times of crisis). Chudasama said that Modi was blessed with some divine energy.

He said that the independent India in her 67 years of history has never witnessed such incredible phenomenon and transformations so far as it can be seen under Modi’s reign. ‘‘The one who has never contested for the post of Sarpanch directly becomes a chief minister and the one who has never been an MP today becomes the Prime Minister,’’ Chudasama added.

Chudasama praised Modi for his ideology of bringing permanent solutions to the problems.

Outlining the development across rural areas, he says, ‘‘today even the remotest villages receive 24 hours water and electricity.

Thanks to Jyotigram Yojana which has made available an array of facilities to enriching the villages and thereby quite a few people are now migrating to the rural areas.’’

Giving instances of a solar power panel which was installed over a canal near Vadodara, he said that this project saved large quantity of water and produced electricity worth over Rs 20 million.

Highlighting the transformations being carried out by the Gujarat government, he said that our officers nowadays personally visit the villages on the occasions such as

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama

Lord Navnit Dholkia

Lord Raj Loomba Arvind Agrawal

Independent Day which in itself was unique.

Giving emphasise to the spirit of sportsmanship among youth, he said that we have given a glittering start to ‘Khel Mahakumbh’.

Recalling the fresh initiative being undertaken to resume direct AhmedabadLondon flight, Chudasama asserted that they were also supporting the demand.

He added that he has also written two letters concerning the demand for direct flight. He stated though Modi was all concerned with the issues of corruption, terrorism and so on, he surely would look into your demand sympathetically. Lastly Chudasama expressed his deep gratitude to everyone present for preserving their love for the native languages as well as showing their love for the nation.

Arvind Agarwal said that the whole nation is on the way to being developed the way Gujarat has been progressed under Modi’s chief ministership.

He thanked the people of Gujarat for being a key driving force behind revolutionising the state.

Outlining the development in the field of education, Agrawal said that the youth of Gujarat has huge growth potentials due to various universities that are being established in the state. “The Prime Minister is on the go to revolutionising our education by sending our fellow teachers abroad in a bid to help us keep pace with the latest and most influential pedagogies,’’ he added.

Lord Dolar Popat said that the support for Modi had rightly kick-started from Britain but unfortunately he had not visited UK yet. He also raised his concern about the hike in visa fees by the Indian government.

Responding to Lord Popat's concern, Agrawal said that Prime Minister Modi could not visit the

Lord Dolar Popat

Navin Shah

country due to forthcoming general elections in the UK. He further added that Modi initially preferred to visit only neighbouring countries for either G-20 or other summits. He has never been to any other country except Japan for his official visit. And regarding the visa fees, Agrawal explained that it’s the Indian students who are left in a dilemma following huge fees increase by the UK Immigration.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, Lord Navnit Dholkia and Member of London Assembly Navinbhai Shah also addressed the gathering. News editor of Gujarat Samachar Kamal Rao and Associate Editor of Asian Voice Rupanjana Dutta briefed about their weekly newspapers to the gathered audience. The event concluded with India’s national anthem.

The function was attended by Peers such as Lord Raj Loomba, Mayor of Southwark Cllr Sunil Chopra, entrepreneurs, professionals and community and organisational heads such as: Dhimant Trivedi, Chief Executive, European Operations of Bank of Baroda, Lohana leader Sije Rabheru, Kantibhai Nagada from Sangat Centre, President of Overseas Friends of BJP UK Lalubhai Parekh, Sanjay Kadiya, Manubhai Ramji from Kings Kitchen, Ragsudha Vinjamuri, journalist, Professor of Southampton University and former President of Maharashtra Mandal Sunil Raptawar, Lucrum Consultancy founder Milind Kangale, Avinash Tiwari from Vishwa Hindu Parishad Ilford, Vinayaben Sharma, Hinaben Vadgama from Universal Estate, Ravi Bhanot, Manish Tiwari from Here and Now, officials from British Council and others.

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

INDIA

40 expats visit Karamsad's Shree Krishna hospital

25

A group of 40 expats from Dharma, Karamsad, Bhadran and other villages of Charotar visited Karamsad-based Shree Krishna Hospital on January 17. Prominent among those present were Surendrabhai Patel, Maharbhai Patel, Praveenaben Patel, Kamleshbhai Patel and Kantibhai Patel all of Dhasol and Virendrabhai Patel. There were also a couple of guests from the USA - Vishubhai Patel from Newyork and Dineshbhai Patel from West Springfield, Massachusetts.

The group was addressed by Dr Amrita Patel, Chairman of Charutar Arogya Mandal which manages the hospital and Jagrutbhai Bhatt, the Honorary Secretary of the Mandal. Amritaben spoke of the evolution of the Mandal and the long struggle it underwent to remain an upright, honest and transparent institution, while at the same time become one of the finest healthcare facility and educational centre in the country.

She mentioned that the Mandal could never have managed to do so well without the support and generous contribution of the community, especially the people of Charotar. Jagrutbhai mentioned that while so far over 95% of the funding of the Mandal has been domestic, the Mandal is confident that in times of need, there would be far greater contribution from the community abroad.

He said that the visit of

team to the Mandal last year in June, which also included Amritaben, was not only noteworthy in respect of the amount of funds that we so generously committed in a matter of a few days, but the warmth and enthusiasm with which the team was received.

Surendrabhai said that there were still some Gold rooms in the newly constructed Privilege Centre, for which a contribution of GBP 10,000 per room is determined and requested all present to not only contribute generously but also encourage their relatives and friends to do so.

Manharbhai requested all present to provide names and addresses of their acquaintances in the UK so that a directory could be created for the Mandal to send regular updates on the developments and r e q u i r e m e n t s .

Virendrabhai Patel generously announced a further contribution of GBP 15,000 to the Mandal on the occasion.

After the meeting, the

group visited various facilities of the hospital, including a ward, its Cardiac and Cancer Centres as well the new Privilege Centre.

While the group was very appreciative of the level and upkeep of the facilities, especially the spotlessly floors and walls, it was the Privilege Centre that received the most effusive praise. The Privilege Centre, with its exclusive out-patient services called Privilege Day Care, its preventive health check-up programmes, named Hello Health, its very wellappointed Gold Rooms with facilities to make patients and relatives comfortable such as television, refrigerator and microwave with an attached wash room and couch for relatives and the large and elegantly prepared Platinum and Diamond Suites, has started full-fledged operations only recently, but even in this short time, has received overwhelming response from the community.

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow all residents and non-residents to carry Indian currency notes up to Rs 25,000 while leaving the country. They can also bring Indian currency up to Rs 25,000 into India every time they visit.

However, citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh travelling to and from India will not be allowed to carry Indian currency.

Resident individuals travelling to Nepal and Bhutan will also not be allowed to carry Indian currency.

Till recently, only Indian residents were allowed to take Indian currency abroad; non-resident Indians (NRIs) were neither permitted to take out nor bring in any Indian currency while entering or leaving India.

You don’t need Indian rupees while abroad, but you may need it when you return.

The increased limit to Rs 25,000 can be useful for various purposes - it

can cover the cost of transportation on reaching India, hotel stay, buying a SIM card or even buying gifts at duty-free shops at an Indian airport. Say, you plan to go to a small town and your international flight lands in Delhi. This extra cash will allow you to cover the cost of your long journey.

It can also come in handy in case of an emergency.

But with ATM easily accessible, is this cash really needed? Yes, for various reasons. You can convert the cash into foreign currency in your destination country if you didn’t have the chance to do so while departing from India. Moreover, some people may not be comfortable using their ATM cards in another country for reasons of safety or the extra charges involved. This may be especially useful for frequent travellers as it will save them from having to rush to a foreign exchange counter every time they visit India.

Since its first outbreak in 2009, Ahmedabad city registered 61 new cases, the highest number of swine flu patients on a single day, in Gujarat on Sunday. The state also registered 11 deaths as well as 117 new H1N1 positive cases - the highest till now. This has taken the death toll to 88.

Ahmedabad registered a single death on Sunday that of an 82-year-old man from Gota area.

Among the patients who have been confirmed of H1N1, five are below four years of age, including a one-year-old girl.

The deadly disease is assuming mammoth proportions and is already worrying the state health department.

According to an official report, three people died in Vadodara on Sunday, two each in Kutch and Surat while one death each was reported from Dahod, Narmada, Ahmedabad and Surendranagar.

Dr Amrita Patel with visiting NRIs

Now, expats too can carry Swine flu toll to 88 in up to Rs 25,000 abroad rises Gujarat

26

INDIA

Not in a hurry to form govt, won't sell out to BJP: Mufti

People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron and former chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said the party would not “sell-out” to BJP during negotiations between the two to form a government in the state.

He also said that PDP was not in a hurry to form a government, which would be formed after a joint programme was formulated and agreed upon. He made the comments after casting his vote for the Rajya Sabha election in the state.

“The party will sit with the BJP for a structured dialogue and will frame a common minimum programme which will benefit the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

“People should know that my party is not power hungry. The dialogue process with BJP for the formation of government will be held openly,” Mufti said.

regions of the state,” Mufti said.

N a t i o n a l Conference working president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who cast his vote for Congress senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Rajya Sabha polls, said, “PDP was boasting about the miracles durMufti Mohammad Sayeed ing the floods if “We want to change the government would the fate of the people in have been theirs but now the state. We also want when they have got the peace between Pakistan chance I wonder why are and India. Our party will they shying away from put forth these issues to forming the government BJP during the dialogue,” and that too when their he added. He said that it alliance is already known was an established fact to everybody.” that BJP has got the manAbdullah also said his date of the people. “We party would sit in the want to give good goveropposition in the assemnance to the people. We bly. He said both PDP and had a common minimum BJP came together for the programme with Congress Raj Sabha elections what and everybody knows stops them to form a govhow it worked. The party ernment.“Both the parties will try to frame a similar should come and form programme with BJP government and fulfill which will benefit all the their promises,” he added.

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India to ratify convention on N-compensation

India is set to ratify the Vienna convention on supplementary compensation (CSC) for nuclear damage after the nuclear liability hurdle was lifted. The convention was signed in 2010. In four years, India has failed to ratify the convention to access a big international fund pool for compensation in case of nuclear damage. With the liability law becoming controversial, US and other partners told India that its law was incompatible with CSC. When India and the US set up the contact group to resolve liability issues in September 2014, White House and the PMO kept oversight over the also India meetings. reached out to the US firms that could become suppliers. Indian and overseas companies have been skittish about being suppliers due to the almost unlimited liability they might have to take on.

India said under Clause 35 of the liability law, victims can’t sue for civil compensation under other laws Nuclear the barring Damage Claims commissions. That, Indian officials explained, would address concerns over Article 46 that spooked suppliers.

Article 46 would continue to apply to operators.

Operators would be liable to be sued under green laws, but it wouldn’t apply to suppliers. The government has given a legal “memorandum” including the contact group discussions.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

US woman adopts abandoned, deformed Kutch girl

A US woman has come to the rescue of a Kutch girl who was abandoned by her family in the bushes in Rapar, a town 130 km away from Gujarat's Bhuj.

Stray dogs attacked the child and bit off part of her nose. But the little girl survived, and she was shifted to a child welfare centre in Bhuj, where the caretakers decided to call her Durga.

Over the next five years, a local NGO tried to arrange for her adoption.

Three couples initially volunteered to adopt her but ended up rejecting her.

Now, Christine Williams, a US-based singer, has come forward and adopted Durga. Christine came to know about the girl from Palak, the NGO based in Gujarat's Rajkot that has been trying to arrange Durga's adoption since years.

After clearing all the

formalities over her adoption, Christine was entrusted with Durga's care; the duo will now head to the child's new home in the US. "I am thrilled that I have got this little angel. I want to bring her up as a beautiful person. Hopefully, she will adjust to the new family,'' Christine said in Bhuj. A single mother, she already has an adopted daughter from Hyderabad.

Christine is also planning to have reconstructive surgery for Durga.

Authorities at the Women and Child Welfare Centre in Bhuj are elated about Durga finally finding a loving home. "We have been waiting for someone to adopt her because she is really a beautiful child. We are elated today that she has finally got a family,'' said centre superintendent Ilaben Anjaria.

Continued from page 1 Saturday, February 14, at the Ramlila Grounds, the platform that launched him during the days of India Against Corruption, exactly one year after he stepped down. The scale of AAP's victory was reminiscent of the victories recorded by the Sikkim Sangram Party (SSP) which won all the 32 seats in the assembly while the JD (U)-BJP alliance won 206 of the 243 seats in 2010. In the 1991 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, the A I A D M K- C o n g r e s s alliance won 225 of the 234 seats while in subsequent elections the DMKCongress alliance won 221 of 234 seats.

Modi congratulates Kejriwal Modi called Kejriwal over phone to congratulate him on the victory.

He assured Kejriwal of Centre's complete support in the development of Delhi. Bedi also congratulated Kejriwal saying "full marks to Arvind."

In his address to his supporters, Kejriwal saluted the people of Delhi for doing a "wonder" by giving them a landslide victory and asked party workers not to get carried away by the mandate.

"You have done a wonder.

When you are on the path of truth, all the forces of universe come together to help you. I salute the people of Delhi. It's a victory of truth," he said.

Kejriwal also thanked Modi for his greetings and said he would like to meet him soon to discuss issues related to Delhi.

He told the Prime Minister that he will need the Centre's help.

Expressing happiness over the party's performance, AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said, "it

was not just under class, but the middle class also voted for AAP.” Hailing AAP's performance, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Baneerjee called the election result a turning point in the country's political situation.

Veterans humiliated The Aam Aadmi Party sweep clean bowled several senior members of Congress and BJP. The biggest upset was probably that of Kiran Bedi from the Krishna Nagar seat. In fact, the seat was considered the safest bet for the new politician who joined BJP on January 15 this year. Other BJP top brass that lost out in the AAP sweep were Jagdish Mukhi from Janakpuri who contested against his son in-law. The seat was won by Rajesh Rishi from AAP. Vikram Biduri from Tughlakabad and Rambir Singh Biduri from Badarpur were the other major losers, the latter from a seat which he has reportedly never lost till today. In the Congress camp, which dropped to zero this election, most of those who were routed were politicians who have never lost assembly elections. These included Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed from Seelampur, Prahlad Singh Sawhney from Chandi Chowk, Haroon Yusuf from Ballimaran and Shoaib Iqbal from Okhla. All these seats were won by AAP. BJP's vote share almost intact The BJP might have been decimated in terms of seats in Delhi, but its vote share has remained almost intact. On the other hand, the Congress has been completely obliterated seat-wise and shrunk considerably by vote share. In 2013 Delhi

elections, the BJP had won 31 out of 68 contested seats. It's vote share was 33.07% with 26,04100 votes. The 2015 elections in Delhi has left the BJP vote share almost as it is. According to the latest Election Commission data, the BJP's vote share has reduced by about just one per cent, bringing it down to 32.1% (2779,810 votes). The Congress had won 8 out of 70 contested seats and received a vote share of 24.55% (1932,933 votes) in 2013 Delhi elections. But in 2015, its political existence and scenario has completely changed. The Congress has got only 9.8% vote share. That is almost a loss of 15% vote share.

AAP had rejected Bukhari’s offer of support Earlier, AAP had rejected former Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari’s offer of support. “AAP wants to make it clear that our party has nothing to do with Syed Ahmed Bukhari. AAP was formed to eradicate communal politics, only Imam Bukhari would know why he made such a statement,” said party leader Ashutosh. Another AAP leader Sanjay Singh recalled that Bukhari had invited Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and not Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his son’s anointment as the shahi imam of Jama Majid in November last year.

AAP got support from the All India Imam Association (AIIA), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat. A total of 673 candidates were in the fray for the 70-member Delhi Assembly election.

AAPOCALYPSE IN DELHI

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

HEALTH WATCH

How Good Is Milk for Us?

W

hile the US government urges milk consumption, some studies have begun to suggest potential ill effects from drinking too much of the white stuff. It gives a body pause, so to speak.

Here then is a quick review of what science currently says about milk's health benefits: The old hurrah: A diet rich in milk has long been promoted as a way for children to build strong bones and muscles, and stave off the harms of osteoporosis in seniors.

Proponents have especially noted its calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D content. The US Department of Agriculture recommends daily consumption of fat-free or low-fat milk or dairy products, at 2 to 2 1/2 cups for younger chil-

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dren and 3 cups a day for older children and adults.

Raw milk concerns: Some consumers say the healthiest type of milk is raw milk, straight from the cow. But health officials say milk must be pasteurized to kill disease-causing germs like campylobacter and salmonella. Studies indicate pasteurization can affect a few of the vitamins found in milk, like thiamine, vitamin B12, and vitamin C - but milk is only a minor source of these vitamins. Overall, pasteurization does not significantly change the nutritional value of milk and it may save lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Recent questions: Some scientists have begun to question previ-

ous statements about milk's benefits. For example, some researchers have noted low fracture rates in Asian countries where little milk is consumed, and questioned whether there is enough evidence to support the federal milk consumption recommendations. What's more, some studies have linked milk to risk of ovarian and prostate cancers - though many scientists believe more research is needed before drawing conclusions about milk as a cause.

The Swedish study: Last year, a Swedish study published in a British medical journal found women who drank three or more glasses a day died at a nearly twice the rate of those who drank less than one glass a day.

Broken bones were more common in women who were heavy milk drinkers, too. Other dairy products were not linked to such problems. The study's lead author Dr. Karl Michaelsson of Uppsala University - called the results too preliminary to merit a change in dietary recommendations, and said differences in the American diet might diminish the kind of potential harms seen in the Swedes in his study.

What milk industry says: The Swedish study prompted media headlines such as "Milk may not be very good for bones or the body." Calling it a breaking point, milk producers decided to do something more to address declining milk consumption and anti-milk messages from vegan groups, non-dairy competitors and others.

The new social media campaign highlights, for example, how much more protein a consumer can get from cow milk compared to almond milk.

Milk producers also are arguing the importance of milk in a culture where soda consumption is high and many kids don't eat recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Less than perfect: "The idea that milk is 'a perfect food' has been discredited," said David Levitsky, a nutrition and psychology expert at Cornell University. But it remains a rich source of calcium and is still viewed as a valuable part of a well-balanced diet - especially for kids, Levitsky said, adding that the bone-building benefits of milks fall off for people during their 20s. "It's a good food," Levitsky said.

"But you shouldn't look at it as a magic food.

beverage while avoiding the risk of liver toxicity, they pointed out. Also, drinking green tea in the weeks before taking supplements likely reduces risk of side effects, the findings showed.

Drinking green tea rather than taking supplements will allow you to realise the benefits and avoid the risk of liver toxicity," explained Josh Lambert,

associate professor of food science at College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania S t a t e University.

Tea is rich in catechins, polyphenols that are natural antioxidants. A number of animal studies have shown the preventive effects of green tea polyphenols against obesity. For the new study, the researchers gave mice high doses of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

The dosage was equivalent to the amount of the

polyphenol found in some dietary supplements taken by humans.

Dietary pretreatment with the green tea polyphenol protects mice from liver toxicity caused by subsequent high oral doses of the same compound, the findings showed.

"We believe this study indicates that those who are chronic green tea consumers would be less sensitive to potential liver toxicity from green-teabased dietary supplements," Lambert noted.

He, however, added that the beneficial effects that people have reported as being associated with green tea are the result of dietary consumption rather than the use of supplements.

Drinking green tea better than taking supplements

f you are planning to take supplements based on green tea extracts as a measure to lose weight, think again.

Researchers have warned that the supplements could result in harmful side effects including liver toxicity.

Drinking green tea, instead of taking the supplements, could help you enjoy the benefits associated with the

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...

Pomegranate has many health benefits

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omegranates are super healthy as they have more health benefits than any other fruit, a new research found. An analysis of the glut of global interest in the "superfruit" found it fights Type 2 diabetes, bowel and prostate cancers and improves athletic performance.

A bio-medical researcher and his team said that when they look at the time and effort invested in studies worldwide, pomegranate is the main

focus, adding in a year, 194 studies have been published, more than any other fruit. The researcher added that it has evidence that fruit juices and extracts have an impact on wellbeing. He said that the accepted wisdom is that a superfruit is not a cure-all, but fruits can have beneficial health effects and pomegranates are an ancient fruit and have been thought to have health-giving properties for millennia.

4 must eat white vegetables

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f white coloured clothes have a soothing effect on people, eating white vegetables is beneficial too and you should include more of cauliflower and garlic in your diet. Here's a list of healthy white vegetables that you should consume more: Cauliflower: It contains sulphur compounds that are associated with fighting cancer, strengthening bone tissue and maintaining healthy blood vessels.

M u s h r o o m : Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, with barely any sodium, and yet they carry a wealth of selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin D.

Mushrooms are also filling, so they can help you control your weight.

Garlic: It is believed to help in growing hair, cause acne to disappear and keep colds and flu at bay.

Its antioxidant properties can help boost your immune system.

Potatoes: The white potato provides as much fibre as and more potassium than other commonly consumed vegetables or fruit. A medium skin-on baked potato weighs in at just 163 calories, a whopping 941 milligrams of potassium and 3.6 grams of fibre. Potatoes also provide vitamin C, vitamin B6 and magnesium in addition to small amounts of high quality protein..

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Kannada actress hoping for big entry in Kollywood

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annada actress Deepa Sannidhi has determined to make her mark in Kollywood. The “Enakkul Oruvan” actress recently issued a statement saying, "'I am determined to make a mark in the Tamil film industry. The kind of scripts, the kind of adulation that the artistes here command, are the best in any part of the world. In my maiden Tamil film 'Enakkul Oruvan,' a remake of the criticallyacclaimed Kannada film 'Lucia,' I reprise my role in the original. I am paired opposite Sidharth."

She added, "I am also working in 'Yatchan' opposite Arya. He is a tremendous

human being, makes you feel so easy in the sets. My costars Kreshna and Swathi are too sweet. I am glad I have got an opportunity to work with a director like Vi s h n u v a rd h a n .

He carries abundance of energy and it spreads in the unit too.

The shooting part is nearly over and my sixth s e n s e says that this film will provide me with a path of roses."

Manju Warrier to make her Kollywood debut?

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f the industry buzz is to be believed, Malayalam actress Manju Warrier is all set to make her Kollywood debut. The reports are that Manju is all set make an appearance in a film directed by Pandiraj, which is made by actor Suriya' home production. Apparently, Suriya had called up the actress and asked her if she would be interested in doing a film and that she had said yes. However, there has been no official confirmation on the news yet. Interestingly, Jyothika, Suriya's wife is making a comeback with the remake of “How Old Are You?” in which Manju had played the lead.

'PK' to be remade in Tamil

Samantha has got something to sulk

Rahman composes music for Iranian filmmaker N

ational Award-winning composer A R Rahman is recording music with Palestinian musical group Le Trio Joubran for an upcoming film of Iranian director Majid Majidi. Rahman, 48, took to Facebook to share the news with his fans. The group, which consists of the brothers Samir, Wissam, and Adnan Joubran,

also posted the same picture on Facebook.

Rahman has composed music for a host of foreign movies like China’s ‘Warriors of Heaven and Earth’, Oscar-winner ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and BritishAmerican film ‘127 Hours’, among others. Majidi is known for directing internationally acclaimed films like ‘Children of Heaven’, ‘The Color of Paradise’ and ‘Baran’.

'Roy'

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ttempts are being made to remake Aamir Khan-starrer 'PK', helmed by Rajkumar Hirani, in Tamil and Kamal Haasan is likely to play the lead role.

According to sources, Gemini Productions has brought the remake rights of the Bollywood flick and Kamal would play the lead role in Tamil and Telugu versions. It is said that a leading filmmaker would direct the movie. An official announcement is expected soon and the shoot would start in May this year. Kamal is currently occupied with 'Viswaroopam 2', 'Uttama Villain' and 'Papanasam'. He also has plans to start a movie titled 'Vaama Margam'.

success. Ayesha (Jacqueline Fernandez), another filmmaker, is the new girlfriend of Kabir, who is also a playboy. How these three characters' lives merge together in one dramatic, romantic and suspenseful thriller is the story.

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amantha is irked with reports in a section of the media, which suggested that she has signed on the dotted line to endorse a popular lingerie brand. The actress took to her microblogging page to deny that she has not signed any such deal. Also, sources close to her say that no lingerie brand approached her so far. Earlier, reports said that the 'Neethane En Ponvasantham' and 'Kaththi' heroine agreed to be part of the deal for a whopping remuneration of Rs 60 million.

India's '175 Grams' wins at Sundance film fest

Salman is Bollywood's most popular star

'Dirty Politics'

“Dirty Politics” is an upcoming Hindi film written and directed by K C Bokadia. The film stars Mallika Sherawat, Jackie Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Anupam Kher, Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah.

“Roy” is an upcoming Hindi romantic thriller directed by debutant Vikramjit Singh. The film will feature Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor in lead roles with Anupam Kher and Shibani Dandekar in supporting roles.

Roy (Ranbir Kapoor) is a mysterious thief whom nobody seems to be able to get their hands on. Kabir Grewal (Arjun Rampal), a film maker, seems to be the only one making a profit from all of Roy's robberies.

That is, by making multiple films based on Roy's life and robberies, all achieving high

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ndian film "175 Grams", directed by Bharat Mirle and Aravind Iyer, is one of the five Short Film Challenge winning films at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance Institute on January 28 premiered the Sundance Institute Short Film Challenge, a program of nine international short films, at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival held at Utah.

Apart from "175 Grams", the Short Film Challenge winning short films and directors are: "Man in the Maze" by Phil Buccellato and Jesse Ash (US), "Dropping In" by Willem Van Den Heever (South Africa), "Isabelle's Garden" by Jeffrey Palmer (US), and "A Will of Iron"

by Seyi Fabunmi and Mobolaji Adeolu (Nigeria).

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alman Khan seems to be the most popular Bollywood celebrity.

According to a report, British market research company YouGov conducted a poll on India's most admired men and Sallu topped the charts. He was followed closely by Bollywood's leading ladies on the women's list, namely Katrina Kaif who occupied the fifth spot and Salman's “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” co-star Kareena Kapoor Khan who ranked ninth. Salman is a hit with the audience and is loved by one and all.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

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‘Roy’ perfect film for Valentine’s Day: Jacqueline Fernandez

ctress Jacqueline Fernandez’s forthcoming film ‘Roy’ will hit the screens on Feb 13, a day before Valentine’s Day. The Sri Lankan beauty says it will be the perfect treat for the audiences as it has an attractive love story. “I’m very excited that ‘Roy’ is releasing on Valentine’s Day week. ‘Roy’ is actually a suspense drama but it’s also a very romantic love story. I think it would be the perfect watch Valentine’s Day,” said Jacqueline.

“Roy” is love triangle starring Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor in key roles with Jacqueline playing a double role. Meanwhile, when asked about her V-Day plans, she said: “I don’t have a Valentine’s Day plan…I mean not any romantic plan because I’m going for the premiere of ‘Roy’. I think that will probably the best way I can celebrate my Valentine’s Day.” Five reasons to watch 'Roy'!: The film that boasts of actors such as Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline Fernandez will surely feature in the must-watch category. 'Roy' happens to be one such film, where these three will be seen sharing the screen space together for the very first time. As the film is slated to hit the screen next week on February 13, here are five reasons why it's a film worth watching: Arjun Rampal: The goodlooking hunk will be seen after a long time on screen. Arjun will be playing a filmmaker who falls for every heroine he works with in the film. The kind of intrigue, which is created

Shreya Ghoshal ties knot with Shiladitya

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layback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who has mesmerised audiences with her melodious voice over the years with songs like ‘Manwa Laage’, ‘Piyu Bole’ and ‘Bairi Piya’ among others, has tied the knot with long time beau Shiladitya in a private ceremony on February 5. The singer took to Facebook to announce her wedding to the ‘love of her life’. She posted, “Married the love of my life yesterday night (5th feb) in a beautiful bengali traditional wedding in presence of our families and closest friends. Shiladitya and I both seek your good wishes in this exciting new phase of our lives!”

around his character, is one of the reasons, why you must book your tickets soon.

Ranbir Kapoor: This Kapoor lad too will be seen after a pretty long time. In 'Roy', his chemistry with Jacqueline Fernandes will be something new for the eyes. The makers have been successful in keeping his character under wraps so far.

Jacqueline Fernandez: The fans loved her in 'Kick', and since then there has been no looking back for this Sri Lankan beauty. It is for the first time that Jackky will be seen in a double role. There has been enough detailing done in order to keep her one look distinct from another one.

Sizzling chemistry: There is enough fodder for the eyes. In a way, what's better than watching sizzling Jackky romance both Arjun and Ranbir in the same film. The storyline has been set in such a pattern that both the on screen love affairs look equally appealing to the audience. Go watch it for their

on screen chemistry.

Music: The background score of 'Roy' has been created

by Sanjoy Chowdhury, where as Ankit Tiwari, Amaal Mallik and Meet Bros Anjjan have composed the songs. 'Tu Hai Ki Nahi', 'Sooraj Dooba Hain' and 'Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan' are some of the tracks already riding high on the chart-buster lists.

Roy Songs Topping Music Charts: ‘Roy’, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline Fernandez, grabbed eyeballs thanks to its interesting cast right from the beginning.

The trailer of the T-Series film was well-received. Now, the music too is adding to the anticipation around the Vikramjit Singh-directed thriller.

Big B, Akshara Haasan and Dhanush

Spriha Srivastava

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Sooraj Dooba Hain, composed by Amaal Mallik and sung by Arijit Singh and Aditi Singh Sharma, is a fast-paced number and has become the party anthem for the youth.

Meanwhile, Tu Hai Ki Nahi is a soothing track picturised on Ranbir. It has been composed and sung by Ankit Tiwari.

Adding to the diversity of the album is Jacqueline's dance number Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, which has been composed by Meet Brothers Anjjan and rendered by Kanika Kapoor of Baby Doll fame. Not surprisingly, all the three songs have been steadily climbing the charts.

Boond Boond and Yaara Re, composed by Ankit, were recently released. While the former is a sensuous track that displays Arjun and Jacqueline's romance, KK brings out the pain of heartbreak in Yaara. "We were bullish about the music from day one because we knew we had a good album in hand.

I'm happy that our conviction has paid off," said producer Bhushan Kumar.

Anupam Kher following De Niro, Al Pacino

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Shamitabh celebrates the legend called Big B

ith 428 films to his credit, Anupam Kher says he is not satisfied as an actor and wants to have a career like Hollywood legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. The 59year-old ‘Baby’ actor, who was in Delhi to attend a session with the students of National Institute of Drama (NSD), said he always keeps a check on De Niro and Pacino’s films. “My competition is not with Bollywood actors. I compete with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. I always check what they are doing…,” said Kher, who worked with De Niro in David O Russell’s ‘Silver Linings Playbook.’ The NSD graduate recalled his days in the theatre college and said he always considered his batch mates - Anang Desai and Satish Kaushik – more as “enemies” than friends.

he latest Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush starrer Shamitabh is currently the talk of the Bollywood town. The film is about a boy from a small village who becomes a superstar with the help of an alcoholic's deep baritone voice. The story is about this team of the face and the voice two different people who become one for a cause and then allow their egos to get the better of them. The star is played by Dhanush, a national award winning superstar and the voice is played by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the biggest star of India. Akshara Haasan makes her debut as the assistant director who brings this team together and is then caught in the battle of egos. Shamitabh is all about how it is impossible for anyone to be successful all by himself and is an ode to teamwork.

Written and Directed by R Balki the film has cinematography

by P C Sreeram, India's leading Cinematographer and music by Ilaiyaraaja the maestro who has composed for over 1000 films.

The entire cast of Shamitabh was in London a few days back and at a press conference, journalists had a chance to interact with them. While the journalists were extremely curious about the storyline and more details of the movie,

the cast kept quiet and asked the viewers to watch the film to found out more. Both Dhanush and Akshara said they were extremely honoured to work with Amitabh Bachchan and found it a very humbling experience.

Director R Balki (CheeniKum and Paa), created the story as a gift for the veteran actor on his 70th birthday, and has spent the past two years bringing his vision to life. He says of the film: “This film is a homage to a voice that over the past 40 years has become instantly recognisable the world over. The question is… who is the true star, the voice or the actor it belongs to?”

Those present at the press conference asked Big B if his granddaughter likes his voice. Big B said he loves reading to her and she understands everything now.

The film is celebrating Big B, the biggest legend in Indian cinema and is extremely enjoyed by viewers. Viewers have praised the movie on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter and have named it as a must watch for all Big B fans.

The film is produced by Eros International. Eros is a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry that acquires, co-produces and distributes Indian films across all available formats such as cinema, television and digital new media

Two Indians win Grammy this year

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ndia-based Ricky Kej’s collaborated album “Winds Of Samsara” won the Best New Age Album trophy at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

Ricky teamed up with South African musician Wouter Kellerman for the album, which symbolises peace and harmony.

The website of the album describes the project as a “truly global effort”, which draws inspiration from two cultures. The music of the album blends in the creative influences of the cultures to generate a sound of calmness and positivity.

Other albums nominated in the category were Bhakti

by Paul Avgerinos, Ritual by Peter Kater and R. Carlos Nakai, Symphony Live In Istanbul by Kitaro and In Love And Longing by Silvia Nakkach and David Darling.

Another Indian artist to make it big at the awards this year was Neela Vaswani. She won the trophy in the Best Children’s Album category for “I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai).” Vaswani narrat-

ed the audio version of the book. However, sitarist and daughter of the late sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, Anoushka, who was nominated for her album Traces of You in the Best World Music Album category lost out to Angelique Kidjo’s album Eve.

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UK

BAPS Charities launches Annual Challenge 2015 in support of British Heart Foundation and Rosa

Valentine’s Day messages

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Dearest daughter Ami, You are the joy of my days, you are my love more true, you make me feel so happy. I'm very proud to have you as my daughter. Love you lots. Daddy (Mukesh) Mukesh Kotecha Dearest husband (Vijay Gami)

The BAPS Charities Annual Challenge for 2015 was launched on the evening of Saturday 31 January at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London. The official partner for BAPS Charities this year is the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the “nation’s heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research that fights for every heartbeat.” The Challenge will also raise funds for Rosa, “a charitable fund set up to support initiatives that benefit women and girls in the UK.” The Challenge will offer an opportunity for participants to run, jog or walk 10 kilometres, and will take place in London and cities across the UK in April. For the more adventurous, the Spartan Race – a series of obstacle races of varying distances and difficulty ranging from three miles to marathon distances – will provide a stiffer physical test. And, for thrill-seekers, there will be a special sponsored sky dive.

Previous national partners have included Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, Diabetes UK, Age UK, KIDS, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support as well as The British Heart

Foundation.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Director at the British Heart Foundation, joined BAPS Charities at the Mandir in London for the official launch. After a short presentation to the assembly on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), he shared: “We at the British Heart Foundation are very proud to be partnering with BAPS Charities again.

This time we are looking forward to providing 20 schools across the UK with CPR training kits.

This will allow thousands of secondary schoolchildren to learn how to give CPR and in turn to save lives.”

As part of the launch, BAPS Charities participated in BHF’s ‘Wear it.

Beat it.’ campaign, a nationwide initiative to show support by wearing red and hosting an event to fund their life-saving research. Devotees attending the evening assemblies at the Mandir on Saturday 7 February 2015 joined the event by wearing wear red clothing to raise awareness for and support the fight against heart disease. Hundreds of devotees visited the British Heart Foundation stand in the Haveli foyer to learn about heart and circulatory disease.

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You gave me everything I ever wanted. You taught me everything I needed to know. You share my sorrows and my happiness. You support me like no one else does.

You always make me feel special…Thanks for everything you have done for me till today.

Love you always Daxa Gami

Coming Events Maha Shivratri

l Tuesday 17 Feb 2015: 9am-8pm. Venue: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Neaden, London NW10 8LD. Contact: info@londonmandir.baps.org. l Sunday Shiv ratri 15 Feb, 5-7pm Venue: harmony House, Leicester LE4. Contact Brahma Kumaris 0116 216 8430 l Shiv Pujan 17 Feb, 7:30am-7pm. SKS Swaminarayan Temple East London. Forest Gate E7 8PD. Contact 020 8470 9375 l Maha Shivratri, Rudrabhishek, 10am-6pm. GHS, Preston PR1 8JN. Contact: 01772253901 Others

l Creative Writing Workshop, Sunday 14 Feb, 11am-1pm. All Saints Centre, Birmingham B14 7RA. Contact: 01214463260

Valentine's Day: l Shrimali Soni Mandal London Presents Dinner and Dance, Music by DJ Kash, 14 Feb 7pm-11:30pm.

Palmers Green, London N13 5HL Contact: 07956497979. Need to buy tickets. l Chak 89 Valentine's day dinner and dance, Sat 14 Feb 2015. 7pm till late, special performance naive Kundra. Mitcham, Surrey CR4 3HG Contact: 020 8646 2177. Need to buy tickets.

The outlook remains optimistic as developments point the way forward and bring you a sense of real achievement. However, this is not likely to be an easy-going week as demands on time and energy are going to be heavy. Relationships look great as Venus and Mars help to enhance your personal magnetism.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 You should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This is a good time for romantic liaisons. Jupiter, the planet of excesses is associated with splashing out on luxury items which we do not want - take care or you will have things that you have no use for.

Whether you’re single or attached you’ll have to go through a lot, as deep psychological transformations are taking place in all types of relationships.

No matter what your chosen path is, you’ll be recognised and rewarded for it. Don’t be afraid to experiment, trust your hunches, go with your gut feeling.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

A wind of change may be in the air; attention should turn to the wider world and benefits come from broadening of horizons and mental stimuli. This is an opportune time to go ahead with your plans. All things considered, your health should be robust. The more you live up to your own set of principles the more you’ll gain.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. New beginnings are favoured around now, as long as you do not bite off more than you can chew. Your thinking is inspired, so listen to your thoughts. This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent. Affairs of the heart are likely to flourish.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

There seems to be a danger of conflicts of duty between home and work. Your work is likely to take up a lot of your time which may generate some domestic strain. Try to balance these areas of your life. Some of you will be intent on expanding their mental horizons through meditation, yoga or by travelling.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Give top priority to important written work. This applies particularly to financial and commercial interests. If you can manage to get away from usual routines, this will prove to be highly enjoyable and have a beneficial effect on your physical and psychological well-being.

Loved ones will be looking after you.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 All close ties of love and affection will benefit from the gentle influence of Venus. If you are married or have a wellfounded relationship, it seems that the pattern of events will somehow draw you closer together emotionally. Some of you who are not sure of their career, this is a fine time to do some serious thinking.

Relationships are likely to widen your horizons, but exercise caution, because some opportunities won't prove quite as amazing as they first seem. You should try to organize your priorities and systematically put them into practice. People entering your life now will encourage you to move beyond your established boundaries of safety.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Urvashi Jagadeesan (India) Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 2012, Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad. Tel +91 79 2646 5960 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Hardik Shah (M) +91 99250 42936 Email: hardik.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Neeta Patel (Vadodara) M: +91 98255 11702 Email: neeta_abplgroup@yahoo.co.in Business Co-ordinator: Shrijit Rajan M: +91 98798 82312 Email: shrijit.rajan@abplgroup.com International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group (South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 022 2471 4122 Email: jain@jaingroup.net Delhi Office: Tel: +91 9311581597

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CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There’s a sparkle to your social life and you will have fun communicating with others.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Your charisma, appearance and self-expression are to the forefront. Spontaneity of expression is what this transit is about. Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage. There's nothing wrong with achieving your personal goals, it's time to carve your own path in life.

Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. It is certainly going to be a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

India one of the toughest teams in World Cup: Clarke

The words of Michael Clarke would be sweet music to the ears of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team. Despite dominating the Indians in the Test series and Triseries, the Aussie captain still rates them as a dangerous outfit and ranks them as one of the toughest in the Cricket World Cup, set to begin on Valentine's Day. On a day when the Indian team reassembled here in Adelaide after a week's break, Clarke addressed the media, his first as the home team captain for the World Cup. He had nothing but generous and encouraging words for Dhoni's leadership and India's prospects in the mega-event.

“MS Dhoni is a wonderful player, a proven match-winner. The Indian team has always been successful under his leadership. They will look at the

Michael Clarke World Cup as a fresh start.

As they have always done well in big tournaments, they will take confidence from that. I think, once the tournament begins, India will be one of the toughest teams,” the Australian captain, who is battling to be fit for the World Cup after a recent hamstring surgery said.

“They have a couple of warm-up matches to gear up for the big game. India have gifted players who

are bound to come good.

Their long stay here is not going to be a disadvantage. Their time in Australia and playing in these conditions will help them despite not having won matches so far,” Clarke said.

He was asked if being away from home for a long period of time would make the Indian players homesick and affect their performance. The skipper disagreed. “No doubt they have been away from home for a long time. But visiting different places around the world can be refreshing. Australia is a fantastic country. But if they are missing home, these days you can bring over wives, kids, friends, partners, whoever to spend some quality time with them. There are many ways to fill in your time these days. So, that should not be an issue,” he said. “As I have said,

once the tournament starts, with all the talent and experience they have, they will be among the toughest teams to beat,” Clarke added as he talked up India's chances.

On his recovery, Clarke said that he is bound by the advice of Cricket Australia's medical team. Given his current pace of recovery, does he give himself any chance of being fit for Australia's opener against England at the MCG next Saturday?

He chose not to speculate.

“I think you should ask that question to the medical staff,” he said. “I don't know the answer to that question. I've been following their guidelines since day one and I'm extremely grateful and thankful that I sit in this position now because of their advice and guidance, so I will 100 % be dictated by what they feel and believe.”

The BCCI working committee, which met last week, has set March 2 as the date for the muchawaited Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was deferred numerous times due to the IPL spotfixing case. The AGM will be held in Chennai on March 2, according to a release. The meeting, attended by N Srinivasan in his capacity as Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) president, discussed the implications of the Supreme Court judgment and decided to act as per legal advice.

The meeting has been held in the wake of the apex court order on January 22, which stated that the BCCI will have to

hold its AGM-cum-elections within six weeks.

Besides, Srinivasan, president in exile, has been told by the SC that he won't be able to stand for presidential elections unless he completely dissociated himself from the India Cements-owned Chennai Super Kings.

Members expressed their objection to this because removal of the autonomy of the Board could lead to lot of complications including matters pertaining to the Reserve Bank of India when it comes to forex transactions of the Board.

Legal action against Verma likely: The working committee members have taken a unanimous stand

of taking legal recourse against Aditya Verma, secretary of the unrecognized Cricket Association of Bihar, for “spreading baseless rumours” against Srinivasan and Co. “A working committee member, during the meeting, raised concerns about constant unsubstantiated claims made by Aditya Verma and wanted working committee members to take due cognizance of the matter.” The BCCI is planning legal action against Verma, who has been spreading rumours about Srinivasan as well as raising claims of conflict of interest against Shivlal Yadav and Rajiv Shukla,” a senior BCCI member present at the meeting

said. Srinivasan was vocal on the allegations being made against him and BCCI by former presidents. “Srini himself raised the issue of Shivlal's alleged conflict of interest.

He said “Verma stated that Shivlal's son - Arjun Yadav -works in my company which is false. One ex-president went to Mudgal Commission and reported that IPL CEO Sundar Raman is my relative which isn't true either,'” the source mentioned. Another important decision taken was to raise the monthly gratis scheme for former cricketers by 50 per cent subject to a maximum of Rs 50,000 per month effective from January this year.

"Evil" illegal gamblers using the grooming methods of paedophiles to try and corrupt cricketers have not gone away but the game's anti-corruption chief Ronnie Flanagan is confident the upcoming World Cup will be clean. Match and spotfixing scandals have dogged cricket over the last few years but Flanagan said the authorities in host countries Australia and New Zealand had done everything in their power to ensure the tournament was free of corruption.

"I think it is important that (fans) can come with confidence knowing this will be true competition between teams fought out on ability and perhaps little bit of luck," he told a news conference.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been voted in the greatest ODI XI of all time, along with Adam Gilchrist, Chris Gayle and Wasim Akram.

The BBC revealed the greatest ODI XI of all time after voters cast their votes over the last week and Tendulkar has been voted as one of the best opening batsman in the greatest one-day team ever.

People voted over the last week for the different components of the team from a list of players nominated by the Test Match Special team, the BBC reported. The only criterion set was that the players must have appeared in an ODI, with World Cup performances carrying no extra weight.

The greatest ODI XI squad is broken down into opening batsmen, middleorder batsmen, allrounders, wicketkeepers,

Sachin Tendulkar pace bowlers and spin bowlers. The greatest ODI opening batsmen are West Indies' Gayle and India's Tendulkar. Tendulkar has played 463 ODIs, scoring 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83 with a strike-rate of 86.23. The batting maestro is the one to hold the record for most ODIs, most ODI runs and most ODI tons. He was also the first man to score a one-day double ton.

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan said that when Tendulkar was on form, one couldn't bowl to him,

adding that one could have all the plans in the world, but if it was the Indian batsman's day one had no chance. Tendulkar claimed 29 percent of the votes for the opening batsman with Gayle winning 25. The greatest middle-order batsmen are AB De Villiers from South Africa, West Indies' Brain Lara and Sir Vivian Richards. The wicketkeeper is former Australian skipper Adam Gilchrist. South Africa's Jacques Kallis was voted the greatest ODI allrounder of all time.

Retired Australian pace express Brett Lee and exseamer Glenn McGrath, along with Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram were voted as the greatest ODI fast bowlers of all time.

Moreover, Australian spin legend Shane Warne, was voted as the greatest ODI spinner of all time, the report added.

BCCI to hold AGM on March 2

WC will be clean, says anti-corruption chief

Sachin Tendulkar voted in greatest ODI XI of all time

SPORT WORLD

Ishant out of World Cup; Mohit named replacement

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India pacer Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the 2015 World Cup due to a knee injury and will return to India early next week.

Mohit Sharma, who was travelling in Australia with the team, was named Ishant's replacement after the World Cup's Event Technical Committee approved the change. The injury had kept Ishant away from competitive cricket for more than a month. He last bowled in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in December before he was picked for the Australia Day ODI in Sydney which was abandoned due to rain. However, that was the only game he was picked for in the tri-series, as he injured his knee again before the ODI against England in Perth. Mohit and Dhawal Kulkarni, who were part of the squad for the tri-series, have stayed back in Australia and trained with the full World Cup squad in Adelaide on Saturday. Ishant, however, did not bowl during the training session. India had better news regarding the fitness of batsman Rohit Sharma and pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Rohit played only one ODI in the tri-series against Australia and England due to a hamstring niggle. A left-ankle injury had kept Bhuvneshwar out of the first three Tests in Australia and a recurrence of the injury meant that he played only two matches in the tri-series.

Bowling actions of Ajmal, Gazi cleared

The bowling actions of Pakistan's ace spinner Saeed Ajmal and Sohag Gazi of Bangladesh have been deemed legal, the International Cricket Council said. Both offspinners were reported for suspected illegal actions in August and both failed the initial tests. But the ICC said following remedial work and re-tests, the two could resume bowling in international cricket. "At the re-tests, it was revealed that the amount of elbow extensions in both the off-spinners' bowling actions for all their deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations," it said in a statement. Under the ICC rules, bowlers are permitted to straighten their bowling arm by no more than 15 degrees during delivery. Umpires can still report the two bowlers if they believe they are displaying a suspect action, the council said. "To assist the umpires they have been provided with images and video footage of the two bowlers' significantly remodelled legal bowling actions," it added. The re-tests were undertaken in Chennai on 24 January. The ICC decision comes just days ahead of the start of the World Cup being played in Australia and New Zealand. Ajmal was withdrawn from Pakistan's World Cup squad because of his suspension over the illegal bowling action. Gazi was also not named in Bangladesh's side for the tournament.

Virat Kohli good enough to bat in any position: Vivian Richards

Former West Indies great Vivian Richards was all praise for Virat Kohli and feels that the Indian batsman could be able to strike top form in the World Cup irrespective of his batting position. “Whether he bats at No. 3 or 4, a man of his calibre is bound to succeed,“ is what the batting legend had to say about Virat Kohli. Richards, who was in Sydney for a promotional event, was of the opinion that a batsman of Kohli's calibre will flourish at any number, but also backed India's plan to bat at No.4 for the team's cause. “I believe No.4 is quite a good position for any good batsman,” Richards said.

“If Virat is feeling comfortable batting in that position, then it is good for the team. I feel Virat is good enough to bat almost anywhere, at whichever spot in the batting order,” Richards added. “On these bouncy Australian wickets, there will be occasions when teams could lose early wickets. It makes sense to have Virat bat at No. 4 in such a scenario because he can dictate terms whatever the situation of the match.” There has been a raging debate in the media on the Indian team management's surprising decision to drop Kohli to No. 4 in the ODIs, after being highly successful at No. 3 for a majority of his career. Kohli himself has been silent about the move. Being a team man there is no way he would want to raise the issue in public. In the Tri-series, Kohli batted at No. 4 at Melbourne and Brisbane, scoring 9 and 4 respectively. Skipper MS Dhoni later justified the move saying it allows the star batsman to control the innings whether batting first or chasing a target.

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SPORT

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 14th February 2015

Rohit's 150 powers India's win over Afghanistan

Rohit Sharma's 150 underpinned India's surge to 364 for 5 against Afghanistan in the World Cup warm-up match at Adelaide Oval, allowing MS Dhoni's team to go on and win their first match on the tour.

Afghanistan delivered some compelling passages of play in front of a crowd of 3,591, but India were able to hold their shape for longer periods, ultimately sinking the innings of the Associate nation 153 runs short of their steep target.

The Indian tally was largely down to Rohit, who weathered threatening overs with the new ball to go on to the defining score of the match. Hamid Hassan and Dawlat Zadran each bowled strong spells up front, claiming the early wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

But from an uncertain 16 for 2, Rohit and Suresh Raina forged a restorative partnership of 158, and Ajinkya Rahane provided further acceleration in the later overs.

Hamid and Dawlat were each more expensive when they returned later in

Rohit Sharma

the innings, and none of Afghanistan's other bowlers were able to keep things tight, though Shapoor Zadran gained some hint of reverse swing late in the innings on the same pitch used for India's heavy loss to Australia on Sunday.

Javed Ahmadi and Usman Ghani had Afghanistan's chase off to a busy start, and after Ahmadi fell, Nawroz Mangal played with considerable flair. But the asking rate was always rising, even as India's fielders gave Afghanistan more chances

than expected when Mohammad Shami and Ambati Riyudu both dropped skied catches.

Even when one was taken - in the case of Ghani - Dhawan's running, diving effort had the ball spilling free, before he tapped it up and it was clasped on the rebound by an alert Umesh Yadav. Eventually the pressure of the scoreboard brought more wickets, as both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowled with parsimony on a pitch that was beginning to tire after its second use in the space of three days.

The Indians were seeking their first win since arriving in Australia in November, something Afghanistan had already achieved twice, albeit against club teams in Perth. Both sides used more than 11 players in the fixture, which did not carry ODI or List A status.

Batting first on a surface ideal for the purpose, India made a diffident start in the face of testing early work from the highly regarded Hamid, who had Dhawan dragging on and nearly claimed Kohli's outside edge in the same over.

Dawlat lacks Hamid's pace and bustle, but was still able to swerve a full delivery enough to have Kohli edging behind for only five.

Rohit took his time to get going but was soon unfurling a handsome array of strokes, helped by Raina's rotation of the strike - their left and right hand combination caused trouble for the Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi and his bowers, as they kept having to adjust lines and fields. Raina's exit brought Rahane to the crease and another strong partnership ensued. Rohit looked good to add to his tally of double centuries in 50-over matches before he skied Nabi to long off, but Rahane carried on with aggression and intelligence to push India past 350 - too much for Afghanistan.

Dhawan's touch only silver-lining for India India's bowling continues to puzzle and frustrate but Shikhar Dhawan has familiarised himself with a touch that has been missing for a long time to give India something to write home about in the bats-

men-dominated warm-up game against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, a week ahead of the big clash with Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

David Warner and Glenn Maxwell helped themselves to pacy centuries after Australia skipper George Bailey decided to take first strike on winning the toss, with only Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin succeeding in reining the home batsmen to some extent. Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane did not exactly set the River Torrens on fire but gave the India faithfuls reason to cheer.

Bells leads England to easy win Ian Bell played patiently and brought up a fine half century to help England notch up a convincing win over West Indies.

West Indies' bowlers had very little to bowl at, and after the start England got to, they were always behind the 8-ball.

England chased down the total with 27.5 overs and 9 wickets to spare.