Asian Voice

Upper Class & Premium Economy Deals

Far East, India, Africa ,Australia, Dubai

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

Pure Luxury. Always. Arrive in Style.

Booking now for Diwali & Christmas Holidays

FIRST & BUSINESS CLASS DEALS Flat Bed, Suite, Limo, Lounge, Comfort, t&c

India US Canada Dubai Far East China Africa

0208 515 9200 deals@cruxton.com

0208 515 9200 deals@cruxton.com

IATA ABTA ATOL3348

IATA ABTA ATOL3348

quietly delivering value for over 25 years

VOL 41. ISSUE 30

80p

quietly delivering value for over 25 years

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

Pakistani Taliban threaten Indians over Kasab hanging The Pakistani Taliban pledged to attack Indian targets "anywhere" to avenge the execution of Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the terrorist squad responsible for the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, and demanded that Kasab's body be returned to Pakistan for an "Islamic burial." Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said the TTP would conduct various attacks in India and anywhere to avenge the hanging of Kasab, without elab-

orating any further. The TTP, closely linked to al Qaeda, operates from

Pakistan's ungoverned tribal belt along the country's border with Afghanistan.

They urge their community organisations to raise awareness, come forward and protect their 'sisters and daughters'

Sue Berelowitz

ever imagined.

The report which talks about the victims, unfortunately do not examine the role of ethnicity and culture, stressing that offenders and victims were of all ethnicities and that most offenders were white.

Continued on page 2

Is he the King of England or 'that guy on the zip line'?

During Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's visit to India he was mistaken to be the King of England on the opening day of his five day tour. Yes, the King of England!

Others mistook him for being the Wimbledon legend Boris Becker, whilst he he took a trip to the Akshardhan temple, situated in Delhi. An American businessman, who had his photo taken with the Mayor of London called him: 'that guy on the zip line', referring to the time when Boris got stuck as he travelled through Victoria Park during the Olympics.

The Mayor was then garlanded in a traditional fashion, as a way of welcoming him to India.

Continued on page 5

. $! - -) / #&

#&#-1

The recent report of Sue Berelowitz, the Deputy Children's Commissioner on child exploitation provides a shocking reminder to the fact that children are still being sexually exploited and it is far widespread than we

Boris Johnson visits India

"TTP demands that Kasab's body be returned to Pakistan for an Islamic burial," Ehsan said. "If they don't return his body to us or his family, we will capture Indians and not return their bodies," he warned. The Taliban will try to strike Indian targets anywhere, he added.

He also criticized the Pakistan government for failing to ask India to return Kasab's body after Indian authorities said that Kasab was buried in Continued on page 26

Hindus and Sikhs accuse government for 'failing to confront the truth' about sexual grooming Rupanjana Dutta

"+)' *!(

1, 0!!%

1st December to 7th December 2012

2

2

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

one to one

to prove that although younger, I still have a great deal of knowledge and experience to offer.

Keith Vaz MP with

Dhirindar Bhullar Dhirindar Bhullar is the owner and director of his own Osteopathic Practice, an anatomy lecturer and a clinic tutor at the Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine. He heads the baby clinic at the University, where he is involved in the treatment of newborns and infants using Cranial Osteopathy.

He also works for the first Osteopathic institution to open in Ireland in the National Training Centre, Ireland's leading educator in health and fitness. Here Dhirindar teaches Anatomy, Physiology and Osteopathic technique and is also involved in the examination of students.

1)Please tell us about your current position?

I am a practicing Osteopath with my own practice at the prestigious Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Heathrow. I am a senior lecturer of Anatomy, Physiology and Osteopathic technique at the Surrey institute of Osteopathic Medicine and at the National Training Centre for Education in Dublin. I head the baby clinic at SIOM where I treat new

born babies and infants.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

I feel proud to have become a university lecturer straight after qualification, working up to senior lecturer position and to have built up a busy practice from nothing. Having been a lecturer for over 10 years I feel proud to have been able to play a role in the education of so many practitioners and influencing the field of Osteopathy, producing

exceptional health care professionals.

3) What has been the biggest obstacle in your

career?

At first being one of the youngest lecturers, but this also proved to be a big advantage! I guess having

4) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

Difficult to answer as there have been many people who have significantly influenced career.

My parents have hugely influenced me. My mother being a GP has always strongly encouraged me to pursue my natural desire to be in the medical field. They always provided me with a strong foundation to work hard and always be the best that I can be in life. A university lecturer, Naval Mair inspired me to become an osteopath, helping me throughout my course to become a strong clinician.

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

The constant interaction with such a diverse group of patients and students, from newborns to people in their 90’s. I am very much a people’s person and love to be able to be able to learn about their lives and experiences.

This has been inspirational and priceless!

I love being able to help patients in a great deal of pain and discomfort and transforming their life.

There is nothing more satisfying than being able

to take away pain and allow them to lead a full life.

6) And the worst?

The paperwork! Teaching and practicing means a great deal of preparation and record keeping. I also find it hard to switch off at times, particularly when a student or patient is suffering or going through hard times, I often find myself thinking about it long after the day has ended.

7) What are your long term goals?

To promote Osteopathy in the primary health care sector and to continue to further develop my role in Osteopathic education across the U.K and into Europe.

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

I think the list is endless!

Albert Einstein to pick his mind on originality and tap into that ingenious brain of his.

Leonardo da Vinci to share our views on how the human body really is a work of art. Laurel and Hardy to keep me amused endlessly.

Cleopatra for her renowned beauty and to find out some of the best kept secrets of the ancient Egyptians.

Hindus and Sikhs accuse government for 'failing to confront the truth' about sexual grooming Continued from page 1 It has been alleged to be 'politically correct to a fault', after the father of a girl who was raped and ruthlessly used for sex by men, has criticised the government for “failing to confront the truth” about attitudes towards white girls held by some men of Pakistani origin.

In August, a delegation of British Asian faith organisations met Ms Berelowitz to discuss the long-standing concerns that some British Pakistani men (though minority of the whole community) were grooming Hindu and Sikh girls. But these faith groups have complained that Sue Berelowitz, the Deputy Children’s Commissioner for England and Chair to the inquiry, has 'ignored' their concerns about Muslim men and NOT just 'Asian men' are targeting Hindu and Sikh girls too.

As per the interim report, a news item in The Times mentioned that, child sex crimes involving groups and gangs found that 2,409 children were used for sex by adults between 2010 and 2011. It revealed that 33 per cent of the 1,266 group offenders whose ethnicities were known were Asian, were mostly British Pakistanis.

Only 2 per cent of the UK's general population is of Pakistani heritage. Pakistani men were also significantly over-represented among arrests and prosecutions dur-

ing the past two years of men alleged to have been members of street-grooming networks.

In response to the Deputy Children's Commissioner's 'non inclusive' and 'too politically correct' interim report on child exploitation - a film documentary has now been produced by the Sikh Awareness Society (UK) in conjunction with Times journalist Andrew Norfolk. (http://www.youtube. com/watchv=WbUIfvYbjR c&feature=player_embedded#help).

The Hindus and Sikhs told Asian Voice that they were compelled to produce this documentary as they feel that Sue Berelowitz has totally ignored their 'real' concerns and the Government/Police has continued to keep silence on this matter.

The almost 54 minutes interview targets many issues that revolve around such cases, including attitudes of perpetrators towards victims, the usual pattern of exploitation and communities involved. He said that though cyber sexual grooming constitute of predominantly lone offenders who are whites, the ones indulging in physical grooming are mostly of Muslim origin and work in groups.

This pattern was not acknowledged till the recent conviction of 56 men, out of which 53 were Muslim, mainly British Pakistanis. He also highlighted that there is no Indian Muslims reported to have indulged in such nefarious and

shameful activities.

Having said that, Andrew Norfolk, the renowned journalist from The Times, has also added that a few imams, organisations like Ramadan Foundation have also risen to the cause of these poor victims and unlike most of the British Pakistanis who have blindly refused to acknowledge the problem in the community, has called such activities as 'disgraceful'.

He has also spoken elaborately on a Sikh girl from a 'healthy happy family' in a small little village in England up North, who was targeted by some vicious men, confirming that the prying eyes of these lecherous groups are not just confined to Whites (perhaps because 88% of this country's population is White) but mostly any non Muslim girls.

The interviewer of the documentary, Bhai Mohan Singh, Founder of Sikh Awareness Society told Asian Voice in an exclusive one to one, “We have been working with the young people since 1998. We have brought back many missing Asian girls to their homes, after being alienated and exploited by Pakistani men.

80% of the times we have succeeded to bring them back and these victims have predominantly been Sikhs and Hindus.

We had raised concerns earlier and tried to spread awareness regarding such 'sexual grooming' as early as in 1998, yet nobody paid attention. The Hindus and Sikh

girls are targeted, exactly as the White girls, their weak points are nudged, and these girls are mostly not from broken families at all.

Our helplines receive calls from parents, organisations and victims and that include girls from Punjabi Hindu families and also Gujaratis. But Hindus from several communities who may be facing 'such issues' may shy away from making complaints for whatever reasons.

They must gather courage and do something to raise awareness against such heinous people preying on innocent girls. A mass campaign is much needed and Hindu organisations like Hindu Council of Britain, Hindu Forum of Britain etc need to come together to spread awareness widely.

These issues 'concerning' our sisters and daughters are often treated as a social taboo, but we must not suffer in silence.

That is one of the main tools to end such crimes.”

Ashish Joshi, Chairman of the Sikh Media Monitoring Group and an adviser to the Sikh Awareness Society, told Asian Voice that he was disappointed that the interim report failed to address such an important issue.

He said, “The government is only interested in power. They are afraid to admit that there is an existing pattern of assault and sexual exploitation and Sikhs and Hindu youngsters are also being targeted here. Because

of such glorified 'political correctness' of the government, it only lead to increase in members supporting ideologies of EDL and BNP. The safety of our daughters and sisters are in question, and the government, police and social cares are just incompetent. We are outraged at their 'voluntary ignorance'.”

Kris Hopkins, a Conservative MP whose constituency in Keighley, West Yorkshire, has experienced severe child sexual exploitation problems, described the Berelowitz report as “an opportunity lost”. He said that the disproportionate involvement of Pakistani-origin men was “worthy of much deeper examination”, and added: “The report has fallen into the trap of dancing a politically correct tune around this reality instead of confronting it head on. That is one of the reasons we are not making the level of progress in tackling the problem that we should be.”

Although government sources said that Ms Berelowitz’s report was “halfbaked” and “hysterical”, the Prime Minister said: “This is a very serious issue. It is an interim report which we need to study very carefully.” ( S i k h A w r e n e s s S oc i e t y email: s a s . he l p li n e @ g o o g l e m a il . c om. For phone number a n d o t h e r d e t a il s c h e c k http://www.sasor g.co.uk/)

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

COMMENT

Pakistani grooming carries on regardless The grooming of young white women - many just minors - for sex, which shocked the British public when its details first grabbed media attention a year and a half ago, continues apace. The politically correct response ascribed this to a “small minority,” whining that “excessive” exposure of such practices would be taken as proof that Islamophobia was abroad in the land. Such doubletalk will no longer wash.

For a start, how do the numbers of the “small majority” stack up? How small is “small”? It doesn’t take vast multitudes to indulge in murder or arson, so a head-count of groomers is a fatuous and disingenuous exercise. It is surely time for Pakistani community leaders to shoulder some responsibility for this criminal behaviour. The uncomfortable truth is that there is much passive acceptance of wrongdoing among Pakistani elders

and their compeers in the Muslim community at large on a variety of social issues, most notably pertaining to the treatment of women, especially young women, when they marry or wish to marry, men of their choice. Heinous crimes have been committed to bring them into line with customs that have no place in a liberal democracy.

Freedom under the law precludes the license to interfere with the lawful liberties of one’s fellow citizens. This point needs to be hammered home by politicians of all parties and by public figures of every ideological stripe. Pandering to ghettoized vote banks is to ensure a harvest of future troubles.

Red lines must surely be drawn for leaders of the grievance industry and their flocks. The time for procrastination is over. Now is the time for action, to stand up for what is morally right. It is in Britain’s national interest that this be done.

Modi gears up for third re-election With Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi gearing up for his third re-election, the Indian media is in overdrive. The Hindu newspaper, for instance, referred to the “P” factor – “the Patel community [which] constitutes the largest chunk of voters.”

But Gujarat, like any other Indian state, is the sum of its parts, as are the Patels. Breaking down voting patterns to caste affiliation in today’s India is a problematic exercise. India is changing and so are benchmarks of electoral loyalties.

The aspirations of the new India include emerging priorities such as employment, education, housing and rising living standards. Will, for example, a middle class Patel flaunt his caste brand before he does his Tata-built Jaguar motor-car?

Will the Patel name subsume the need for a comfortable abode and a sound education for the kids?

Very unlikely, Gujaratis as a whole being a canny lot know where their true interests lie.

Instead of dispensing reams of print on caste and creed, the wisest way to tackle the coming Gujarat election would surely be development. The Gujarat model is the buzzword doing the rounds across the rest of the country. Chief Minister Modi is doubtless a controversial figure. His opponents in India and abroad hold him responsible for the Hindu-Muslim riots of March 2002 in which Muslims suffered disproportionately. It is a controversy that is unlikely to subside anytime soon.

Suffice it to say, many of those believed to be culpable, including former ministers, were brought before the courts and convicted. In the past decade no such disturbances have taken place in Gujarat.

Contrast this with Uttar Pradesh, where there has been a rash of communal violence recently under a regime boasting its secular credentials.

That said, the Gujarat peace is no peace of the grave; it the peace that comes with a thriving economy, backed by a scandal-free state government and a business-friendly administration that has routinely stood and delivered industrial and agricultural growth, irrigation and power (no outages here) through computerized administrative efficiency and improved service to the ordinary citizen. Gujarat has privatized a quarter of its power production. Of its power capacity of 24 gigawatts, 2 GW are wind power. There is mile upon mile of

wind farms along the coast. Rural homes receive three-phase power, which mean they can run air conditioners round the clock. Farm pumps are primed with electricity for eight hours a day, the prior announcement of time schedules preclude a scramble for power as in other states. Farming operations can thus be planned and crops grown that are more demanding, like cotton and wheat, but earn more for the producer.

It is through performance alone that Gujarat has become one of India’s major investment hubs.

When Tata’s Nano car venture in West Bengal’s Singur district was aborted, thanks to the populist lunacy of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and its rent-a-crowd mobs, Narendra Modi offered Britain’s largest carmaker an alternative site in Sanand. Land acquisition and related administrative requirements were completed in record time, not simply by Indian standards, but by international best practice. Following Tata, other carmakers have arrived in Sanand, which has grown into a city with easy access to a port and thence to markets in Africa and Europe. Today Singur is a derelict desolation, Sanand thrives as a manufacturing hub. Bengal’s loss has been Gujarat’s gain.

The British government happily has changed tack and is willing and eager to engage with Gujarat, the US is following suit. Japan, China, Israel and Russia are a visible presence in the state.

In the present global economic downturn Gujarat has no dearth of suitors. But it takes two to tango.

Gujarat’s genes being entrepreneurial, the Gujarati footprint in every continent is visible to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Business in essence is about partnerships.

We return to Narendra Modi and his electoral prospects in a state over which he has presided with notable distinction for the past twelve years.

Re-elected twice, he seeks an unprecedented third term in office. All the indicators point to that eventuality.

The BJP, to which Mr Modi belongs, is riven by discord, hence is rudderless. Conflicting ambitions within its top leadership have weakened the party’s credibility (as of now) as a national force. Gujarat and Narendra Modi remain the BJP’s foremost human assets.

Bangladesh tragedy underlines an urban blight A garment factory fire in a suburb of Dhaka claimed 124 lives at the weekend. Amid this horrific inferno were scenes of distress that invited tears of sorrow and of rage. Workers in this tall building struggled desperately to escape the spreading flames, some flinging themselves from on high and perishing in the forlorn endeavour to live. This is not the first time such a tragedy had occurred and, if the past be any guide, it won’t be the last. Nothing, it would appear, is learned from these repeated disasters.

The lack of fire escapes remain a continuing hazard, the failure to plan and construct proper work sites, the absence of accountability among owners and managers of these companies, and inept control by the authorities, must all share in the disgrace.

This malady has a substantial dimension, a similar fire having occurred only recently in the

Pakistani port city of Karachi with similarly hideous results in a factory as poorly maintained as the one in Dhaka.

In neighbouring India, its foremost eastern metropolis Kolkata has witnessed infernos no less devastating than those witnessed in the Bangladesh capital and in Pakistan. Kolkata’s last such disaster occurred less than two years ago when a hospital was gutted and patients incinerated. Fire fighting facilities were hopelessly inadequate, as denizens from a nearby slum fought nobly with buckets of water to douse the flames.

The alluded Dhaka tragedy was followed a day later by another fire in a garment factory.

Mercifully, there were no deaths and only nine treatable injuries. Put this down to shoddy governance. Few scruples, little conscience and the insensate greed for a fast buck: a dismal tale without end.

www.abplgroup.com

3

Thought for the Week The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy - Martin Luther King (1963)

Sarah Teather MP Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

A Time to Embrace New Beginnings Over the last two weeks, the Middle East once more erupted in unthinkable violence. Along with many others in Britain, I have been watching my television in shock, horror, and unbelievable sadness as our screens fill with tragically familiar images of entire sections of Gaza, blocks reduced to rubble, and people living in fear. It is difficult to comprehend that we are facing this heartbreaking situation once again.

I am thankful that a ceasefire has been called between the two sides, and it is now time to rebuild from the misery and destruction that has been wrought. I hope and pray that peace will last.

But even amidst the desperation and misery, I am moved by tales emerging of everlasting family, of toughened hope, and of the unyielding and incredible bonds of community.

As the Middle East turned into a riot of explosions and destruction, the streets of Brent burst into fireworks of colour and light.

As thousands of miles away we saw tragic divisiveness and violence, at home in celebration of Diwali we delighted in the inclusiveness of Brent and in the embrace of our family and friends. In this heartbreaking juxtaposition, we were again reminded of the important things in life.

Now, as ever, Diwali’s inspirational message comes at the perfect time. The importance of hope over fear, of light over darkness, of the triumph of good over evil, has perhaps never been more profound. As we hold our loved ones tight, we hope the message of new life and new beginnings extends to the Middle East.

Diwali has always held a special place in my heart. As a young girl growing up in Leicester, I was mesmerised by the colour, the vibrancy, the excitement, and the beauty of the festival. Now, as a Member of Parliament for Brent, I have the great privilege of being able to share this holiday with my constituents and my community. It is a time of year in which I feel incredibly alive and in awe.

This year I was again provided the wonderful opportunity to spend time at two of my local temples for the New Year and Annakut Celebrations: the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Willesden Green and the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden. I am grateful for the wonderful warm welcome at each, and I am humbled by the eternal open heart of my community.

During Diwali, people come together in profound spirituality and prayerfulness, and I am reminded of the way in which we are all, as humans, intertwined. As we look forward to the year ahead, we renew the bonds of community which hold us together in spectacular and everlasting fashion.

Diwali, to me, is above all else a celebration of life and love and community, an inspiring sentiment that moves us all right now. Diwali has an amazing capacity to restore the human spirit, and once again it reminds us all of what is most important in our world.

Now, more than ever, I would like to wish all of the readers of Asian Voice a very happy Diwali as we unite in our hopes for peace in the Middle East and the very best for the year ahead.

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

4

LEICESTER/MIDLANDS VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Brum drug smuggling gang member jailed Three smugglers have been jailed for a total of 24 years after one of the biggest ever seizures of drugs at a busy UK port.

The men from Birmingham attempted to import £12 millionworth of heroin which would have brought misery to the city’s streets.

Nadeem Aslam, 32, of Trafalgar Road, Moseley, who was involved in a plot to sneak the huge consignment into Birmingham under the floorboards of a lorry has been jailed for 16 years.

Mohammed Khan, 35, from Shawsdale Road, Buckland End, and Manjinder Thethy, 34, from George Street, Handsworth, had been earlier jailed for four years each after admit-

# ! "

#

!

! " " "

Nadeem Aslam

Mohammed Khan

Manjinder Thethy

ting attempting to import a class A drug.

Aslam had been found guilty in May of conspiracy to import the drug by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court. An earlier trial had to be aborted after a female juror, who had allegedly been drinking, fell asleep. She was subsequently fined ÂŁ250 for contempt.

Mohammed Jabber

Khan and Manjinder Thethy were jailed for four years for drugs offences Mohammed Jabber Khan and Manjinder Thethy were jailed for four years for drugs offences Passing sentence Judge Michael Chambers said: “Heroin is a dangerous and pernicious drug which directly causes misery to addicts and their families and indi-

rectly causes many other criminal offences and public and social concern.�

He said that Aslam had hoped to gain “substantial financial reward� without any regard for the human suffering of others. “The heroin was concealed in a shipping container which came from Pakistan, ostensibly containing a shipment of sanitary wear.�

Student groomed Loughborough girl for sex A university student was arrested on his way to a hotel to meet a 12-year-old girl he had groomed for sex, a court heard.

Behnam Taghinejad (22) befriended the child, from the Loughborough area, on the internet, while using a false name and posing as a 14-year-old schoolboy. Within 10 days they had exchanged 1,900 messages on Facebook, Skype and by e-mail. They also swapped naked photographs.

Taghinejad, a mathematics graduate, who was studying for a Master's degree in astrophysics at Manchester University, travelled to Loughborough to meet the girl on August 14. He had already booked a room at a hotel in the town. Her mother found

$

# !

# !

$

"

out about the rendezvous, after seeing some of the explicit sexual messages, and alerted the police.

Officers arrested Taghinejad as soon as he stepped off the train. He had with him condoms and a laptop computer, containing incriminating messages and images of the child.

Leicester Crown Court was told he was also grooming a 14-year-old girl, in Kent, over the internet, at the same time.

Taghinejad, of Cheadle Hulme, Manchester, was jailed for four years. He pleaded guilty to arranging to meet the 12-year-old after grooming and possessing pornographic pictures of her. He also admitted three counts of inciting the 14-year-old to take

part in various kinds of sexual activity.

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said Taghinejad knew the first girl was only 12. He said the defendant, using the bogus name Aaron Kingston, befriended the 12-year-old via a website, kidschat.net, aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds and created a Facebook account in the same name and the pair communicated on webcams for live video links. He asked intimate questions and it was clear she did not understand some sexual terminology, which he explained to her. She told police she had changed her mind about meeting the defendant at the hotel.

Mr Murphy said it was "of concern" he had made contact with three other

girls, between 10 and 14 years, although nothing explicit was discussed.

Judge Simon Hammond said: "He clearly wanted to have sex with these two girls. It's the duty of the courts to protect young and sometimes, no doubt, impressionable girls."

Steven Newcombe, mitigating, said: "He's of previous good character and was candid with the police. He acknowledges he has a problem."

Taghinejad is now banned from working with children and will have to enrol on a sex offender register for life. He was placed on a sexual offences prevention order, enabling the authorities to monitor his future computer use and prohibiting unsupervised access to girls under 16.

#

$

"

"

Tragedy which inspired a club to create champions Ajmal Butt, pictured, has turned tragedy into triumph. In 1996, his younger brother Adil Anton Butt, was stabbed to death in Beaumont Leys. "I was angry for years after that," he said.

"All I did was fight."

He fought on the street, in the boxing ring and in the cage. His best performance in the unlicensed boxing ring was masterminded by John Hogg. Hogg trained Brian Mitchell, possibly the finest South African boxer in history, and was visiting relatives in Leicester when Ajmal bumped into him. In return, Hogg trained Ajmal for his next fight. He won in just 80 seconds of the first round.

"I learned a lot about training boxers from John and Jez Brogan," he said.

"Being around them in the gym gave me confidence and most of all, they showed me you have to be a decent person to be a

trainer. I used to teach martial arts and always wanted my own gym. I approached the council and said I wanted to open a gym in the worst area of Beaumont Leys. I grew up around here. I know the area and know there are a lot of tough kids around here.

They can't all be champions, but we can make them value hard work. Doing positive things becomes part of life."

Asked to explain his club's success, Ajmal said: "I love what I do. I'm passionate about boxing and do all the training with the kids. We are like a family.

I'm available 24 hours every day to my boxers."

Every little helps children in hospital

Thousands join Sikh holy day celebrations Thousands of people lined the streets yesterday to celebrate the birthday of the founder of the Sikh religion.

Brightly-decorated floats led a parade of up to 15,000 worshippers from the Guru Tegh Bahadar Gurdwara, in East Park Road, Leicester, to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara at Holy Bones, near St Nicholas Circle.

The Nagar Kirtan event, which has been staged in Leicester for more than 20 years, marks

the birthday of the first Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The celebration began

with prayers and hymns at the Guru Tegh Bahadar Gurdwara, before the pro-

Services for homeless face shake-up A consultation has been launched on how the city council will deal with homelessness in the next few years.

The council's homeless services budget for this year is £6.61 million – but this will be cut by £1.16 million next year because of a reduction in Government funding.

The council has drawn up a strategy for tackling the issue in Leicester between 2013 and 2018, by working

with voluntary, community and faith sector representatives.

A review has highlighted the need for the service to focus more on getting people into long-term accommodation as soon as possible, rather than keeping them in temporary accommodation. As a result, one of the main objectives of

the strategy is to focus on prevention in order to break the cycle of homelessness.

Assistant city mayor for housing, C o u n c i l l o r M o h a m m e d Dawood, pictured, said: "The homelessness review established that services are in need of modernisation. For some single people there is a culture of

cession took three hours to snake its way through the city.

Food stalls lined the route, pumping out songs to the passing crowds.

Worshippers carried on the celebrations with more prayers and food at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara.

Nagar Kirtan is the second of two religious processions by members of the Sikh community in Leicester every year. The first is Vaisakhi, the religion's new year, in April. crisis and rescue – but we need to move away from this and towards a culture of helping people to avoid or move out of homelessness as quickly as possible. We have also found that a hostel environment is not always conducive to achieving positive changes for people. We want to tailor the services so they are the most effective for homeless people, set against a reduction in Government grants."

The consultation will run until February 16. Any

Shoppers have contributed almost ÂŁ3,000 to buy televisions, computer games and other extras for children in hospital.

Staff at 11 Tesco Express shops across Leicester mounted a week-long collection to cheer up poorly youngsters in Ward 12 at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Vipin Nathwani, who came up with idea, works at the Tesco branch in Granby Street, Leicester, and was inspired to do something after visits to his son, Shivam, in the comments will be considered before a final decision is made.

The consultation questionnaire is available online a t consultations.leicester.gov.u k. Alternatively, paper copies are available at all neighborhood housing offices and from the Housing Options Centre, in Phoenix House, Welford Place.

ward at the infirmary.

Shivam, who is 15 on December 1, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This is a condition which causes progressive muscle weakness. He found that some of the children did not have their own televisions to watch or games to play with.

A week of fund-raising was started on Diwali day, Tuesday November 13.

Mr Nathwani said: "I am delighted by the response by my colleagues and our customers."

Vicki Emmony, a colleague at Granby Street Tesco, said she was thrilled by the amount that was raised. She said: "We were delighted to have collected ÂŁ2,929, and we are expecting that will top ÂŁ3,000 by the end."

She said the collection started well with ÂŁ500 taken at the Granby Street store. The Melton Road shop also raised about ÂŁ500.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Boris Johnson visits India Continued from page 1 Although, there was much publicity during his arrival, many people did not know exactly who he was.

On a rather serious note, Boris', who is accompanied by a delegation of top London businesses has gone to India for a five day trip with the purpose of promoting London as a place for investments and international trades. The visit consists of attending a series of high-level meetings with Indian business leaders, senior politicians and investors in key business hubs of Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

The Basildon Council continues the drive by joining the mayor with his visit to India. As part of the trip, Basildon Council and local businesses will be sharing

PM and Boris share an aspiration Jitesh Gadhia

Boris poses with school children in India

London has increased this year and the figures were announced as two of India's top hospitality businesses confirmed that they have plans of increasing their investment.

London is a destination that currently attracts about 26 million visitors on a yearly basis, generating a

Mayor of London trying out his cricket skills

ating jobs and growth for the capital”.

London should remain open to the “brightest minds on earth” The Mayor of London also “urged” or encouraged Indian students to take advantage of some the best universities and colleges on the global league table, indicating that they are keen to protect London's status as a leading education centre.

London, without a doubt has more top ranked universities than any other world city, setting it to be a place for good quality higher education. However, the Mayor fears that with the newly introduced restrictions to student visas, such as limiting a student's right to work during and after their studies, may have a damaging impact on the economy, preventing it from further growth.

He also requested that the Government should consider setting up an 'Educational Exports Commission”, which would promote London's universi-

large revenue for the city. their expertise on the develMany Indian expanding opment of new towns and leisure businesses, who cities and also meeting with seek for international platleading businesses, as well form perceive London to be as the confederation of india vital location. an Industry to help encourBoris Johnson age import and export addressed an audience of opportunities for local busisenior businessmen in nesses.

Delhi this week and menThe leader of the countioned how London has cil, Tony Ball mentioned: “India is investing $1 trillion in infrastructure and growth in manufacturing, which is set to rise by 10% over the next five years and we believe that there are big opportunities for our local businesses.”

Developing major trade links with nations such as India seems to be of The Mayor visited Hyderabad on Tuesday to join the business “major importance” and they are very keen to drive delegation lead by Subhash Thakrar, Chairman of London Chamber of Commerce (2nd from right). The business delegation of nearly 20 this agenda. members met members of FICCI and CII in Hyderabad and Chennai With Johnson's plans to visit key overseas markets, ties abroad and help to “boundless opportunities” particularly in Asia over the secure the future of its as a “vibrant” city and a next 18 months, his aim is greatest exports. phenomenally well-conto attract foreign invest“International students nected business and investment, promote export and not only bring bright ideas ment hub, are ripe and create jobs. It is a way of that cement the reputations plentiful- especially for building on the huge expoto our leading universities, surging emerging sure London received durthey have huge spending economies like India's. As ing the Olympic and power that boosts the UK well as wooing record numParalympic Games. economy”, said Boris bers of tourist from India, Boris Johnson revealed Johnson.

London is also attracting that the number of Indian “The Government is leading firms in the leisure tourists choosing to visit right not to open the door and hospitality sector, creto those who will simply be a drain on the state, but it's crazy that we should be losing India's top talent and the global leaders of the future to Australia and the United States”, he added.

The Mayor visited the Amity University site in south of Delhi, where he met with students, telling them that he would continue to lobby the British Government to ensure that London remains open for Boris offered accessories by hawkers in the streets of international students.

Delhi, near the famous India Gate

Like the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has chosen India, which he visits this week, for his first official overseas trip as Mayor of London. In doing so, they have both identified a common cause - harnessing an Aspiration Nation. If you believe that demography determines destiny, then India, with more than half its population under the age of 25 years, is the ultimate place to capture the benefits of scale, consumption growth and capital formation on a magnitude unrivalled in human history. That will make India, along with China and the US, one of the key engines of global growth in the coming decades.

Yet if Britain wants to pursue the India opportunity, then, as the Mayor and PM have identified, it must reach out to India more confidently and aggressively. Like any attractive bride, India is being courted actively by multiple suitors. The next generation of Indians – the children of independent India - don’t share the same historical and emotional ties to Britain. This generation is looking to the US. The UK needs to get inside the psyche of young and modern India.

It can do so by identifying shared interests that address the most pressing challenges for India and match them with the biggest strengths of the UK. There are six target areas that span the breadth of soft and hard power which, I believe, meet this criteria. They are education and skills; infrastructure; financial services; retail and consumer sectors; creative industries; and defence.

For millions of Indians, education is seen as the way out of poverty.

Indian parents spend USD 13.5 billion annually in educating their children abroad. The UK visa regime permitting, British universities have a unique opportunity to attract more students from India as well as set up campuses in India under proposed legislation. The UK Government should take some bold steps such as granting overseas students an automatic right to work in Britain for three years after graduation and enable British companies to recruit fresh graduates directly from Indian universities and train them in the UK. Government policy should not be driven by short term immigration targets, or concerns about displacing jobs, but focus instead on creating longterm shared prosperity

built across generations.

In effect, bona fide students and trainees should simply be removed from the immigration numbers.

The impact on the sentiment of Young India will be deep.

Beyond Higher Education, there will be a huge thirst for vocational skills from the 270 million Indians entering the workforce over the next 20 years. India needs a skilled workforce that is measurable and mobile if it is to retain an edge over China as a value-added manufacturer: Britain benefits from globally recognised training standards and qualifications.

Tata’s investment in British steel and car manufacturing, which now make the Indian conglomerate the largest industrial employer in the UK, is powerful recognition of British manufacturing technical skills and training.

As well as building human capital, India also has ambitious plans to invest USD 1 trillion on physical infrastructure over the next five years, including power, roads, railways and ports and airports to support the inexorable urbanisation of India. The capacity to deliver on this scale of investment depends crucially on forging publicprivate partnerships and accessing innovative financing. British architects, transport consultants, civil engineers, contractors, equipment manufactures and project financiers now have an opportunity to build large swathes of 21st century India, just as an earlier generation did in the 19th century.

Completing the trio of human and physical capital is, of course, financial.

With a common language and legal structures, and favourable timezone, the City of London remains the obvious gateway for Indian companies wanting to access global financial markets. There are already two Indian companies in the FTSE 100, Vedanta and Essar Energy, and 22 companies listed on AIM. Unlike China, which is a growing exporter of capital requiring an offshore renminbi centre, India will continue to require inward investment flows.

India’s recent burst of reform has finally permitted majority investment in multi-brand retailing, a brave political decision that will reshape an archaic retail sector, and create jobs. Companies such as Tesco already source over USD 500 million of goods from India, supporting competitive prices to UK consumers – now they have the

Jitesh Gadhia

prospect of selling directly, and competitively, to Indian consumers and, in the process, transform the country’s notoriously inefficient supply chains.

Hand in hand with mass consumerism of the retail sector are India’s vibrant cultural indusspanning tries Bollywood, literature and cricket. The UK and India enjoy the rare accomplishment of genuine innovation through collaboration in the creative sector. Consider, for example, the role of British publishers in bringing to the world the award winning work of authors such as Vikram Seth and Arundathi Roy. Despite Britain’s disappointment over the recent award of a multibillion Indian jet-fighter contract to a rival consortium, defence remains a ‘hard’ and historic area of immense bilateral collaboration. India’s defence budget, already at USD 40 billion, is one of the fastest growing in the world. With foreign suppliers required to plough back at least 30% of the contract value into India as offsets, there is fertile ground for more UKIndia defence partnerships – particularly those which provide genuine technology transfer.

As Boris Johnson will discover this week, the opportunity set in India is large and significant.

Yet the promise of India is not new, nor for the faint hearted: erratic policy-making of the type that snow-balled into a wall of critical commentary following the retroactive tax ruling on Vodafone was proof that India rarely moves in a straight line. For the business leaders accompanying the Mayor, then, the picture portrayed over the next few days may owe much to Bollywood plenty of drama, intrigue and emotions before reaching a happy ending.

But aspiration always wins out.

The wr it e r is Se n i o r M an ag i n g D ir e c t o r of B l ac k st o n e a n d i s ac co m pa n yin g B o ri s John son on his curren t trade mission to Ind ia.

5

6

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Brands will soon be reading our minds

By Spriha Srivastava

A gala curry night The British curry awards took place on Monday night in a n extremely grand fashion. The event was co-hosted by BBC presenter Jenny Bond and celebrity impersonator Rory Bremner. Judging Criteria was based on menu choice, wine list, exterior and interior decor and plate presentation. In total there were over 270,000 public nominations from diners across the UK. The list of winners include Best Delivery Restaurant/Take-away by Justeat.com – MUSHTAQS (Hamilton, Lanarkshire); Best Restaurant Scotland - TAJ INDIAN (Prestwick); Best Restaurant North East - AAGRAH (Leeds); Best Spice Restaurant North West - INDIAN OCEAN (Ashton-uLyne); Best Spice Restaurant Midlands – ITIHAAS (Birmingham); Best Newcomer Restaurant Midlands - FIVE RIVERS A LA CARTE (Walsall); Best Restaurant Wales - RASOI INDIAN KITCHEN (Swansea); Best Restaurant South East - HAWELI INDIAN RESTAURANT (Twyford, Berkshire); Best Newcomer Restaurant South East - SHAMPAN 4 - THE SPINNING WHEEL (Westerham, Kent); Best Restaurant South West - SPICE LODGE (Cheltenham); Best Restaurant South West - THE MINT ROOM (Yeovil, Somerset; Best Restaurant Central London & City BOMBAY PALACE (Paddington); Best Newcomer Restaurant Central London & City – CHAKRA (Notting Hill); Best Restaurant London Suburbs - CHAK 89 (Surrey); Best in Casual Dining THE CHILLI PICKLE (Brighton, East Sussex); Special Inspiration Award Dipna Anand of Brilliant Restaurant Female Chef.

Evolution saw a plethora of high-profile guests in attendance, and included celebrities, dignitaries, politicians, business leaders, and of course, top names from the culinary industry in the UK. The gala dinner also featured quality entertainment amidst a gourmet banMo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com

Sabir Karim, chef patron of Namaaste Kitchen won the category for ‘Best Chef’ at the British Curry Awards and FOBC Asian Curry Awards

quet. This year’s event also celebrated a Best of British theme as it reflects on the UK’s remarkable achievements during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The nomination process for the awards encourages people to put forward their favourite Indian eatery for a well-deserved accolade and the awards are estimated to draw a record number of nominations. It is stated that an Indian meal is now the preferred choice of take-away amongst the British population, and has overtaken previous favourites such as Chinese and Italian take-away food. To reflect this, a new award category of ‘Best Delivery Restaurant / Takeaway” has been added this year, in association with Just Eat, the online takeaway ordering service. This was open to restaurants that are takeaways, as well as restaurants that offer a home delivery service, and was judged on a nation-wide basis.

The British Curry Awards was established by British entrepreneur Enam Ali MBE who the founded the event in 2005. He has been Jenny Bond, Dipna Anand, Enam Ali, Francis Maude tirelessly promoting the at the awards British curry industry globally With the UK curry industry boastfor the past 30 years. In speaking about ing 10,000 restaurants and 80,000 the event, he says: “The British Curry employees, the awards have become a Awards recognise and honour the intehighlight on the UK social calendar, gral contribution made by the UK’s and each year showcases the vast allure Asian restaurants and take-away outof the £3.6bn a year curry industry. The lets to the social and cultural fabric of the United Kingdom. curry industry is not only a lucrative Curry may be born in India, but mainstay of the economy but also an British Bangladeshis globalised it. The integral part of the nation’s social and humble curry has come a very long way culinary fabric. since it first came to these shores.

A pioneer in the UK catering and Indian cuisine has now become the hospitality sector, the British Curry Awards has been lauded as a pivotal favourite food of the nation, and is UK institution, with Prime Minister enjoyed by millions of people across the David Cameron calling the awards ‘the UK, from students to professionals and curry Oscars’. He went on to say, "Its pensioners. Most people will have a often said that curry is Britain's nationfavourite curry that they will order when they go to a restaurant, meaning al dish and it's easy to see why. It's not that Asian cuisine is deeply embedded just the flavour served up in the thouin the psyche of the British people” sands of the curry restaurants across Talking about the event, Chris the country, it is the welcome too.

Grayling, MP said, “This ceremony Those who work in the curry industry goes from strength to strength each enliven Britain's high streets, boost local economies and contribute to local year. It is a fantastic occasion to celecommunities." brate new restaurants and rising stars This year’s event at the Battersea of the future".

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Do you remember the movie The Minority Report (2002), directed

by Steven Spielberg?

In making this film he brought together fifteen prominent experts in their respective fields to shape an idea of what the world would look like in 2054.

Out of all the iconic imagery that came out in that film, the one that really grabbed my attention was of the interactive billboards.

These billboards would recognise an individual and recommend to them products or services which they might need or desire. A marketing man’s dream.

Not that we are there yet, but with the advancement of online technologies and social media, coupled with the amount of data that is floating around; it has led some of us to think it might not take till 2054 for interactive billboards to actually happen.

The reason why is if you look hard enough now, our desires and aspirations are already being plastered in some little corner of the internet.

Things are already happening. KLM has introduced a service where you can choose who you want to sit next to on your flight based on Linkedin and Facebook profiles.

Nike has dropped its TV and print advertising by 40% and is instead spending the money online, to push its new concept, Digital Sports.

On top of all this is the smartphone trend.

Now we can do almost anything on these tiny handsets with these magic apps. One would imagine we would be given a mobile phone at birth, as they are so

essential in our daily lives.

To highlight how connected we really are, a report out recently in America stated that 36 million Americans have bought something on their smartphones while sitting on the toilet. More than 4 million have shopped while driving a car, and 9 million have secretly bought something on their mobile device during a business meeting.

Brands are already fighting tooth and nail to make their web platforms work harder and drive purchase from a mobile device.

It soon won’t be in the realms of science fiction that our mobile device will alert us when we have walked into a store that sells our favourite perfume brand, or has the latest football shirt that we have been tweeting about.

If we are expressing in some shape or form our likes and wants on the internet, it‘s really only a short matter of time before that is captured and presented to us in our real worlds.

Indeed the ‘sugar in milk’ Indrani Thakurata “Zoroastrians are privileged to have the first and the oldest living prophetic religion in the world,” says Professor Almut Hintze during the opening of ‘Like Sugar in Milk exhibition’ held in University college of London.

‘Like Sugar in Milk’ is a heritage lottery funded, oral history and photographic exhibition focusing on the migration stories of Zoroastrian and Parsee elders now residing in the South East of England.

Originally from India, Iran, Pakistan and East Africa, the narratives presented in this exhibition describe the lives of those who migrated between 1950 and 1980.

“The story of ‘Sugar in Milk’ implies that the Zoroastrians mingled with the natives of the land and sweeten their lives and country without disturbing the fabric of the community. And every immigrant community has done well for themselves as well as for the community that they have been living in, because of the loving support of the country, be it

India or Britain,” says Jehangir Sarosh interfaith moderator.

The exhibition has

highlight the captivating and poignant stories of survivors of this diversely rich community.

“I have had the joy of living in this country for over 60 years. Each time immigrants arrived, they were given the freedom to practice their custom, culture and religion as long as it was within the law. Many of the immigrants have been awarded by our highness for their contribution to the society.

Today’s event is an example of how the host community is interested in learning about our community, whereby offering greater opportunities of integration.

Through this exhibition real people talk about the difficulties of migrating to a new Amy Daboo's story showcased. country and how A glimpse of the exhibition they beautifully integrated into the system but been created and develquite naturally not assimioped by Bandbazi a multicultural arts company. lated. Summing up, I The exhibition showcases believe, we have tried to transcripts from interbe the sugar in milk, ” views with 10 Zoroastrian elaborates Jehangir, who is interviewees, a present one of the interviewee. day and archive photoAdding to the same line of graph for each interviewee thought, Lord Bilimoria concludes, “I live by an and historical information advice given by my father, on the religion and culture to integrate but to never of Zoroastrianism. forget one’s roots.”

The exhibition aims to

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Samrat Bhandari An entrepreneurial wizard Spriha Srivastava Samrat Bhandari, an Indian business professional in London is a graduate in law with Masters in Finance Regulation and Risk Management. He has dual qualification as a Company Secretary from UK (ICSA) and India (ICSI). He has also studied at Harvard Business School, and ISMA Centre, University of Reading. Samrat has led several listing and M&A transactions in Europe.

He holds positions on the Board of several PLC's and has been in the Financial Services Business for more than fifteen years.

Samrat has brought about what we may call as an “entrepreneurial revolution” and is a great example for young Indians coming to this country in search of entrepreneurial opportunities.

A graduate from the University of Reading, Samrat is currently managing three companies under him. The first one Proventus Renewables Plc is a renewable energy company, incorporated to actively participate in the global processes of climate change prevention, environmental and creating secure conditions for a positive future for society. The company’s core activities include wind farm development and operation, wind farm maintenance, wind farm consultancy and project management for third parties, carbon credit trading and solar farm and management.

The company has a few tasks that it plans to do in the next few years. For instance Make “investment in only renewable energies to address the European target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020 and increase the share

The company is proficient in raising corporate finance for their clients in a structured way. They involve their preferred FSA approved advisors, structure the offer, assist in preparing the collateral documentation, identify and introduce the CB Patel and Samrat Bhandari at the Asian company to potenAchievers Awards 2012 tial investors, of renewable energies in elecnegotiate the offer price and trical supply to 20% by 2020”; assist in executing the transFollow the trend to decentralaction. ized power generation to Another company he is unleash private investments involved with is the Magical on a broader scale, improve Productions. Samrat is on the grid stability and enable a Board of Directors of Magical larger group of investors to Productions Limited and the generate income; Create a co-directors are Suresh diverse portfolio of renewable Wadekar, Anuradha Paudwal energy technologies includand Bharat Choohan. The ing, but not limited to wind, company is planning to prosolar, geothermal and bioduce films for the world of mass; Establish renewable cinema and is going to be listenergy assets globally, with ed soon. initial focus on Europe; and Samrat is also involved in Launch a Research & helping small Indian compaDevelopment Centre to create nies come to the UK and innovative renewable energy setup business here. He plans products. to spend more time doing this Samrat is extremely interin order to help small compaested in the renewables enernies setup their shops abroad gy sphere and wants to take as well as doing his bit to help this to India as well. He is the Indian economy. already involved in a number But apart from all of this, of projects in India currently.

Samrat is a firm believer of a His second company is change in Bedford, where he purely into financial services. spends all his time. Samrat William Albert Securities believes Bedford needs investLimited is an FSA regulated ments and regeneration and investment house specialising he has plans to take it forin stock broking, investment ward. research and corporate What we need at present finance. The company focuses is more and more business on our clients’ needs through professionals like Samrat to creative financial solutions bring about an entrepreneurand assist them in meeting ial revolution, whether it is in their investment objectives India or abroad. That is the and reach beyond their expecneed of the present day world tations to create profitability. today.

Unusual extension for Chitra Narayan, Indian Ambassador, Berne embarrasses IJA In June 2012, the Government of India officially named Rajesh N Prasad (the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner of Indian High Commission, UK) as the Indian ambassador in Berne from September 2012. The Indian Embassy website in Berne posted Mr. Prasad's name as “ambassadordesignate”.

However, Chitra Narayan, daughter of the late President of India K.R. Narayan, being over 60 was due to retire from the Indian Foreign Service in August 2012, as she completed her assignment as ambassador for India in Berne. It was discovered that Narayan was suddenly granted an unusual threemonth post-retirement extension of her term as ambassador, and Mr Prasad had to postpone his move to Berne accordingly.

In November 2012, Rajesh was asked to take lead a ambassador in Berne from December. Bur later on that month, Prasad was told not to go to Berne, but to Delhi and as confirmed said that he had indeed been asked to proceed to Delhi, not Berne.

Does this mean that Narayan has been given a further extension?

If so, why? In August, she claimed that she was seriously ill, however seemed fit enough to travel to Delhi in September to attend the heads of diplomatic mission conference.

If Narayan is well and truly ill, then service rules entitle her to medical treatment at Government's expense. But the rules cannot entitle her to remain ambassador, especially since she has been largely inactive at her post for a long period of time. A former Indian foreign secretary visiting a leading European stated: “...it is difficult to justify retaining her services after she has retired and in view of her state of health, unless vital state interests prevail.”

The British Foreign Office hosted a reception in Rajesh Prasad's honour in anticipation of his depar-

Rajesh N Prasad

ture and various farewell by persons, as well as institutions have been hosted to honour Mr Prasad's service.

By ensuring that Mr Prasad was definitely going to Berne, IJA hosted a farewell lunch in presence of the high commissioner for India, Dr Jaimini Bhagwati and the DCM at the Swiss embassy in London.

The latest turn of events has come as a deep embarrassment for a 65year old institution, Indian Journalists' Association.

The President of IJA, Amit Roy, stated on behalf of their committee that the IJA have been receiving calls from “senior Indian and organisations in Switzerland, who say that the Indian embassy in Berne has been practically moribund for quite some time because the ambassador has been ill.” Even her staff are complaining that she fails to attend office and to is refusing to take calls from journalists or respond to email queries.

IJA seemed to be rather frustrated that they are being recalled to Delhi because “Chitra Narayanan won't budge from Bern even though she apparently has retired from the Foreign Service. Of course, the poor lady cannot help being ill and is entitled to treatment, we are told, at public expense."

"However, the IJA believes India's foreign service, which has some very good people, shouldn't be allowed to become a joke."added IJA President, Amit Roy.

Dr Sahota AM joins Save Our Hospitals Campaigners to deliver local petition to No10 Labour London Assembly Member Dr Onkar Sahota joined local MPs, councillors and campaigners to deliver a petition signed by 80,000 local residents to No10 Downing Street. The petition was organised by Save Our Hospitals Campaign which in Ealing is chaired by Dr Sahota.

The campaign is against the closure of the A&E departments at Ealing, Hammersmith, Charing Cross and Central Middlesex hospitals. Once the A&E Departments are closed Ealing Hospital and Charing Cross Hospital will be effectively downgraded to polyclinics, though NHS Managers misleadingly refer to them as "local hospitals".

Dr Sahota AM was joined by: Andy Slaughter MP, Steve Pound MP, Virendra Sharma MP, Cllr Julian Bell (Leader of Ealing Council), Dede Wilson (volunteer Charing Cross), Colin Standsfield (Ealing

Dr Sahota with delegation to deliver petition at No 10

Volunteer), Carlo Nero (Chair of Hammersmith and Charing Cross Save our Hospitals

7

Campaign), Anne Drinkell (local nurse) and Dean Gilligan (GMB representative).

After handing in the petition Local Labour London Assembly Member, Dr Onkar

Sahota said: “Local residents have spoken, over 80,000 have signed our petition, it is time the government and NHS North West London listened to our very real concerns. The way NHS North-West London have behaved so far is unacceptable, the consultation process has been both ineffective and divisive. Divide and rule on hospital closures is wrong.

“We are facing unprecedented cuts to the provision of our health care in north-west London. These cuts will affect us all and will put a tremendous amount of pressure on the remaining A&E departments, which are already stretched.

Today our delegation delivered the petition to No10 Downing Street so that the Prime Minister himself can see the strength of feeling in our area.

This is just the start and we will continue to fight to protect our local services.

8

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Metropolitan Police Hindu Association holds Diwali Event at New Scotland Yard At the invitation of the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association, Metropolitan Police Service and prominent Hindu community representatives came together at New Scotland Yard on 8th November 2012 to celebrate Diwali.

MPS Commissioner Bernard HoganHowe was welcomed by the current chair of the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association Satya Minhas and was presented with a garland by Dr Rajesh Parmar a spiritual leader and the MPS Hindu Chaplin before giving a special Diwali message at the event held at New Scotland Yard on Thursday 8 November.

Lord Dholakia giving a speech

Prominent Hindu community representatives including Lord Dholakia, Lord Sheikh and Lady Sheikh, Honourable Members of Parliament Seema Malhotra, Virendra Sharma and Shailesh Vara, Jay Lakhani Tutor Eton College, Dr Jagdish Sharma an academic and a trustee HCUK, Ameet Aggarwal, Chairperson Art of Living London, Pratik Dattani, Chairperson City Hindu Network, Pranav Bhanot President National Hindu Student Forum, Dr Rajesh Parmar a Spiritual Leader and from Siddhashram Shakti Centre Harrow, Nilesh Badiani from Sai School of Harrow, Prakashbhai Jalaram Mandir Greenford, Gunvant Dave President Brahmin Samaj North London, Dr Madan Bahl President Arya Samaj London, Brij Mohan Gupta President National Council of Hindu Temples, Ashok Chauhan MBE WOC1 MoD, Suryaparsad Upadhya Ret. Major British Army, Arjanbhai Vekaria President HFB, Director Deloitte Min

further successful and active decade.

Founder Chairperson MPHA Chair Mahesh Nandha greeted guests and community leaders and spoke about the formation of the MPHA in 2002 in Harrow as a source of support for the Hindu communities of London and the growing number of Hindu employees within the Metropolitan Police service.

He encouraged all to support the efforts of the MPHA who are voluntarily operating with minimal resources.

A feast of pure vegetarian food was

initiative between Mahesh Nandha (Founder Chair of MPHA), Chief Superintendent Dal Babu Harrow borough commander, MPHA and the cooperative.

There are currently 1,600 Hindus currently working in the Metropolitan Police. The MPHA has been playing an invaluable role within the MPS since 2002 providing assistance to its members, promoting a better understanding of the Hindu faith, culture and traditions within the MPS and improving

Bhogaita, Senior Solicitor Ritu Sethi, Dr Natalie Tobert from Social Inclusion Education, members of MPHA, Police Officers and staff joined together to discuss the significance of Diwali and reaffirming their continued support for the Metropolitan Police Service and Metropolitan Police Hindu Association in policing matters and recruitment initiatives.

The event began with an Aarti ceremony conducted by Dr Rajesh Parmar Siddhashram Shakti Centre Harrow, followed by the lighting of candles in memory of Police Officers Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes who were recently fatally shot during routine a burglary visit in Greater Manchester by the longest serving Hindu Police officer Purnima Raval and Nabeela Ahmed.

A further candle was lit by Commander Mak Chishty in the memory of DC Adele Cashman who died whilst in pursuit of a suspect in Camden earlier in the week. Prayers were offered by all present led by Dr Rajesh Parmar Metropolitan Police MPS Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe with the Indian dance performers and others from MPHA Chaplain and a Spiritual leader.

Lord Dholakia and Lord Sheikh served to more than 120 guests, who relations and confidence within the addressed guests commending the were presented with a number of perHindu community. Majority of this courage of the Metropolitan Police formances, including a traditional dance work is done by the Chair, the Executive Service and offered their Diwali greetfrom Swaras Fine Arts under the guidand the volunteers in their own time. ings to all present and wished MPHA a The MPHA regularly hold commuance of their artistic director Mrs nity engagement events delivering secuShamista Sivakumar. The rity awareness messages including curprofessional dance performances which everyone rent burglary crime prevention advice as admired were; Shiva dance the nights get darker.

by Zenithra and Priyanka Deputy Chairperson Varsha Mistry Montford, Peacock dance thanked all the prominent community by Thanushuya leaders, who, over the decade, had Alaguthurai, sisters and offered valuable support to the Priyanka Montford and Metropolitan Police Service by inviting Swaras Sivakumar, Fusion them to events affording them the dance performance by opportunity promote safety awareness Thanushuya Alaguthurai and the Metropolitan Police Service as a and Snake dance by career of choice, including BAPS Priyanka Montford.

Swaminarayan Mandir, ISCON Hare The event also saw the Krishna Mandir Watford, SKLP distribution of next year’s Northolt, Vishwa Hindu Parishad Hindu calendar - a useful Ilford, Jalaram Mandir Greenford, Oshwal U.K. Potters Bar and tool for both officers and Siddashram Shakti Centre Harrow. She members of the public, welcomed future community engageincorporating crime preChief Superintendent Dal Babu, Harrow borough ment opportunities from these organisavention advice. The calencommander being honoured tions and others. dar was produced as a joint

KPMG celebrates Diwali and Eid KPMG celebrated its 9th Asian Festival Dinner on October 29th.

GP Hinduja, Lord Gulam Noon, Dr Rami Ranger and over 200 of the most prominent members of the Asian Community in the UK were guests at the Dinner last week, to celebrate Eid and Diwali.

The dinner, which is a key event in the KPMG calendar, took place at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel in London, was hosted by new KPMG Chairman Simon Collins, and Tax Partner Nina Amin, who heads

up the firm’s Asian Business Programme.

Guests were welcomed by Mr Collins before being treated to a five course meal and speeches by Nina Amin, who relived the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic events of the summer which placed the UK in the world’s spotlight.

There was also a speech from Lord Kamlesh Patel OBE who, until recently was chair of the Mental Health Act Commission who spoke of the need for Asian business to consider the impact of

mental health as an increasing problematic and growing issue for businesses and communities to manage.

Commenting on the event, Nina Amin said : “Yet again, this jewel in the KPMG crown lived up to expectations and turned out to be a great night. In this year, more than previous years that we have held this event, it felt fitting to come together to celebrate, what has been a simply unforgettable year for the UK.” At the end of this

GP Hinduja, Lady Mohini Noon, Lord Gulam Noon, Nina Amin with others

month, KPMG, British Airways and the London Chamber of Commerce are taking a delegation

of British SMEs to India to look at opportunities for UK businesses in the fast growing economy.

The Mayor will also be joining the delegates for part of the five day trade event.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

The Loomba Foundation

launches plans for UN International Widows Day 2013

Britain’s funniest Asian comic releases DVD 2011 has been a momentous year for Paul Chowdhry. He headlined C4’s prime-time stand-up show, ‘Stand up for the Week’ and embarked on a 25 - date, national UK tour that included the Indig02 for the second year in a row.

Also an acting talent, Chowdhry was in the 2011 feature film ‘Swinging with the Finkles’ with Martin Freeman and Jerry Stiller.

Paul also appeared in ‘Colour Me Kubrick’ with John Malkovich, ‘Rogue Trader’ with Ewan McGregor and Anna Friel, and ‘It was an Accident’ alongside Thandie Newton. He has starred in The World Stands Up and The AllNew Comedy Store for Paramount Comedy Channel and the USA’s Comedy Central. Paul became the first British act to perform at the Caribbean Comedy Festival in Trinidad - to an audience of 30,000.

He played nine, sell out shows at the NEC Birmingham. Paul was the host of the AMA (Asian Music Awards) at the Hammersmith Palais.

He performed at The Panasonic Theatre in Toronto, Canada as a part of ‘The World Comedy Clash’ showcase. He has toured Hong Kong, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Amsterdam, Germany, South Africa and headlined the International Indian Kings of Comedy tour.

Paul sometimes uses naughty words in his act.

I wanted to know if there was someone in his family he learnt them from?

He told us; “Growing up in a Punjabi household, with lots of uncles coming over for family gatherings, you'd hear these types of swear words on a regular basis. They were always used within humorous conversations or as a comma within a sentence. Now my nonspeaking Punjabi fans

even say them!”

So was his family in favour of his career choice? It’s quite hard to get a straight answer out of him, as he tries a joke first. “When I became a comedian, they beat me badly. It wasn't that dramatic, they only beat me a little. On a serious note, they've actually supported me since the beginning.” Paul’s father, whom I met just last week, is clearly proud of his son.

For stand-up comedy influences, Paul Chowdhry draws inspiration from Americans Richard Prior, George Carlin and Sam Kinison, Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld. His UK influences are Frank Skinner and Jack Dee. His dry observational humour taps into the multicultural diversity of contemporary Britain. He grew up on mainstream TV in the late 70s and 80s watching Bruce Forsyth, Morecambe and Wise, Benny Hill, and Kenny Everett.

Paul’s worked with some of the best comedians in the UK. This year he performed at the Comedy Gala for C4 at the 02 Arena in aid of Great Ormand Street Hospital alongside Lee Evans, Jack Dee, Alan Carr, Michael McIntyre and he was introduced by Jonathan Ross. Paul told us; “Lee Evans arguably shaped arena comedy today. He's a rock star within the comedy world.

The C4 Comedy Gala show will also be available on DVD this Christmas, with all proceeds going to GOSH. Paul bemoans the fact that there is a general lack of Asian comedy acts in general. “The Asian industry doesn't really support comedy.

It's all about Asian music at the moment. It's a shame because the crowds are excellent. The Asian entertainment industry will catch up when Asian comics come

June, and an international conference on 24th June.

Lord Archer presided over a charity auction at the dinner, which raised sufficient funds to complete the funding for one of the Foundations’ projects that was launched on International Widow’s Day 2012. For a cost of just £50, a widow is given a sewing machine and the necessary training to

Paul Chowdhry

through. It's a shame it works that way round.”

Bringing Richard Pryor up again, he says that “Richard Pryor Live in Concert” was the funniest, one of the most historic and best standup concert movies he has seen. He also likes “Big Mommas House 3.”

Paul says that his DVD newly-released recording at the Hammersmith Apollo, “What’s Happening White People?” was a historic moment but his most memorable experience was probably the Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton. “When I was half way through the show, the lights started flickering. The technician tried to fix them while I was performing, but they just got worse.

Then I did material about talking to the dead through the flickering lights, but this didn't help either. So they turned off the troublesome lights.

After the show finished, the manager told me the venue is haunted.

They've even had Ghosbusters there! The downstairs area was used as a morgue during the war. It was a great show, but on the way home I asked myself if the crowd was alive.

On his days off, Paul likes to visit his gym and make short documentary video diaries and comedy sketches for his YouTube channels www.youtube.c om/u s e r/da ve bo1234 & www.youtube. com/user/alpacino0077 Paul’s recently released DVD called “What’s Happening White People?” released

by Universal Pictures is available nationwide and from amazon.co.uk

investments in healthcare, aviation, real estate, hospitality and utilities. His strong business pedigree and knowledge will be used to spearhead Commonwealth Games England’s fundraising efforts.

Born in Delhi,

Bhanu studied international business and marketing at Boston University before moving to London in 2001.

Speaking after his appointment, Bhanu said "I feel honoured and excited to be a part of the Commonwealth Games England board.

Delhi and Punjab, this project will help 10,000 widows to regain their place in society.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement by Mrs Lakshmi Puri, Executive Deputy Director of UN Women, that UN Women and The Loomba Foundation had signed a partnership agreement for three projects across three continents: South

Mrs Cherie Blair, President of the Loomba Foundation speaking at the dinner

On Thursday 22nd November, at a charity fundraising dinner at The Dorchester Hotel, the Loomba Foundation launched their plans to mark International Widows Day 2013 (23rd June). The dinner was attended by 400 people, including a number of distinguished guests.

President of the Loomba Foundation, Mrs Cherie Blair, outlined a series of events to take place over three days in June to mark International Widows

Bianca Jagger, Lord Loomba CBE and Lakshmi Puri, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women at the charity dinner at the Dorchester

make garments. This project will give them independence, and the opportunity to make clothes, which they can sell to friends and their community. They can

Asia, Africa and South America. These will run for the next three years, and will empower widows in India, Guatemala and Malawi. The events to mark International

Guest’s at the Loomba Foundation charity Dinner at the Dorchester

Day. On 22nd June, a fundraising banquet will be held, followed by a charity fun run and family day out in one of London’s parks on 23rd

Commonwealth Games England announces appointment of Bhanu Choudhrie as non-executive director Commonwealth Games England are delighted to announce the appointment of Bhanu Choudhrie, Pictured as a non-executive director.

Bhanu, 34, is the founder and executive director of C&C Alpha Group, a UK-based holding company with

9

Having been a keen sportsman in my youth, sport has always been close to my heart. In 2010 I chaired the business advisory board for the Games in India, and I feel confident that my experience will contribute to the future working of the board.”

become self-reliant, educate their children, and feed and clothe their families.

Together with match-funding from the state Governments of

Widows Day 2013 will be held in association with UN Women.

Speaking at the dinner, Lord Loomba said: “I am honoured that UN Women have agreed to partner with The Loomba Foundation for the next three years, and I am looking forward to reaching a far greater number of impoverished widows as a result. I’m also very pleased that we have raised enough money to fulfil our commitment to 10,000 widows, who will now each receive a sewing machine and the necessary training to create garments for sale.”

YOUR VOICE

10

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

A tribute to Bal Thackray

Reclaim the night

Comparing prices

It is a sad news that tiger of India, mananiya Balasaheb Thackray has left his mortal coil last week. Those who compared his passing away as common event must be naive persons, ignorant of assertive Marathi force that dominated Indian subcontinent; spirit of Shivaji and other Maratthas who dominated India along with Maharajah Ranjeet Singh, Aurangzeb, Sirajuddaula, Tipoo Sultan.

Balasaheb Thackray was embodiment of the audacious Marathha spirit that boldly defied other adversaries and rule of British East India Company.

An awe-inspiring person who rose to the stature to command and demand respect of cine, commerce and economic arenas of Mumbai cannot be dismissed as common person. He roared for Maratha manoos and Hinduism in same breath, very candidly, striking awe and respect from all and sundry, in Maharashtra and whole of India. He compelled relevant authorities to change name of Bombay to Mumbai, inducted Marathi as state language, guarded interests of Maharashtrians against influx of migrant workers from North and south India . But he believed in India without caste or communal differences. His audacious boldness made Hindus proud their religious heritage. Unfortunately this spark did not ignite national patriotism a la Dr Hedgevar’s institution the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

He fell in the rank of Sardar V. Patel., Netaji Subhash Bose, and inspired fire brands like Swamy Ramdevji, A. Kejrival etc. He harnessed strong arm tactics successfully and effectively. Thus he will become an indelible icon for India. He showed that Hinduism must ROAR, without fear. It is now to be seen who carries the legacy left by Kushabhau Thackrey. The senapati is dead, long live senapati.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Last Saturday millions of women across the world marched to demand justice for rape survivors and ‘reclaim the night’ - to give women a voice and put the issue of safety for women back on the agenda.

A survey released earlier this year reported that a quarter of women in London don’t feel safe on public transport. Moreover, there were 103 minicab assaults in 2011/12 and 10,121 reported sexual offences in London in total.

Domestic violence in the capital numbered 45,000 last year and 3,000 rapes were reported to the Metropolitan police.

As the nights continue to get longer and the festive season gets underway I want to emphasise the importance of staying safe when travelling home. TfL recently launched a new ad campaign to warn the public, particularly women, of the pitfalls of taking illegal minicabs home, which I fully support.

By using Cabwise you can ensure your safety by being met by a licensed cabbie, with the registration number sent to your mobile. TfL’s campaign over the last two years has resulted in a 26 percent drop in sexual assaults but more needs to be done to stop these violent crimes against women. It’s easy, quick and free to download. By texting CAB to 60835 you can get the numbers of two local minicab companies and one licensed black cab number.

Illegal taxis are not worth the risk.

Stay safe this winter.

Gas and electricity bills are one of the biggest headaches in any household. Like petrol prices and council tax, fuel bills are a very visible cost: they land on your doormat regularly and each time they are more expensive. In order to avoid paying higher prices, we surf the Internet to compare prices offered by different suppliers and switch providers every now and then in search for cheaper gas and electricity. Normally it is in the winter months that the suppliers hike up their prices and we could not help but pay through the nose in order to keep warm during the inclement weather unless we manage to find a cheaper supplier.

A new Government initiative will require energy suppliers to provide the simplest tariffs to its customers. Under this scheme, the energy companies will be able to offer only four tariffs each for gas and electricity. We hope that the new initiative will help us out of the maze of different prices offered by various companies and we would not have to compare prices on the net in search for a better deal. In addition to different prices by different companies, with bands of kwh split charged at different rates, the bills are so difficult to understand that even with a BSc degree in mathematics, it is beyond me to reconcile with their calculation of the quarterly amount.

Jennette Arnold OBE AM Assembly Member for North East including Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest

Abortion is an illegal crime and sin on ethical grounds. Savitha looked after her pregnancy with great care and looked forward to becoming a proud mother.

Unfortunately in 16 weeks she landed in the hospital with a foetal distress and a very acute back pain. The staff in the Irish hospital turned them away, maintaining their Catholic prejudices.

Savitha’s case was a life and death situation and sadly she died due to medical condition that could have been avoided.

It is just a combination of negligence, incompetency, callous and perhaps racist attitude of the government/state and should be implicated as a first degree of man slaughter of the mother and baby. It is a political hypocrisy and must be universally condemned.

Nikhil Amin in RAF I read an article of Nikhil Amin, an RAF expert (AV, pg 7, 24 Nov). I must say I feel extremely proud to see one of our Indian boys to take part in something so prestigious. Working for the nation, so much so he is ready to share his expertise with the larger community. This is what true patriotism is. Not only our British Indians make us proud with their participation in preserving true cultural heritage, Nikhil Amin is a symbol of our true contribution to this nation and its future.

We must encourage more of our children to take part in defending our country (through RAF etc) and make us prouder.

Anand Singh London

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

Being British Indian I read Alpesh Patel’s column (being British Indian) with much interest. I am not surprised the UKBA is asking for such ridiculous documents. One of my friends, a doctor earning £100,000 as salary married a few years back in India.

His wife was refused visa 5 times, when they got fed up and decided not to apply again. An year later when his wife could not bear the distance any more, they decided to write to the UKBA telling that they are trying for a baby, a family and without any extra document than what provided earlier, she was allowed in the country with a valid visa. Issue is if all documents were acceptable, how was she rejected visa several times?

It is common sense- the husband earns enough to support both. It is a genuine marriage and it is but natural she would love to join her husband after marriage. No idea why and what logic the Home office functions. It is often beyond comprehension how sometimes basic reality has to be shown to them with pointing fingers in their eyes. Such is their ignorance.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Abortion that led to death

)! &

&$ ! "$ !$

"$

"%& % !

* ! '$"#

)))

# $"'# "

Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman ensure victory for India in first test

$ !

)0 '

, .)

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

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

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

While showcasing

(!

(! 0#

" #,' ( ) ." .#)( & )''#.. ) ." )(-/&. .#0 )( , ( -" % - " ( - 1#."

"#( , ( ,

)*& - )&#.# ) #

&

."

)0 '

)(.#(/

)( * !

# &" "" & % "! * !'& % "!

#(! #-" , #,&#( - #- !)#(! .",)/!" .,)/ & .#' - - )0 , *#&).- " 0 +/#. . , ." 2 1 , (). * # ." #, - & ,# - 0 ( - ." )'* (2 ( && )0 , &#!".- #( ." & -. .1) 2The cancellation of 80 flights in the past couple of days left thousands of passengers in the lurch prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to demand an explanation from Kingfisher.

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

There was chaos at several airports after passengers complained that they were not intimated about the Kingfisher cancellations. )(.#(/ )( * !

#$ 2

&&2

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

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

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

away five years from your life.

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

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

)( * !

Dr Savita’s death in Ireland

Rudy Otter By email

Dharam Sahdev Gants Hill

Deal or no deal

Karan Singh London

1 Year 2 Years

Visit our website: www.abplgroup.com

UK EUROPE WORLD £25 £55 £70 £45 £100 £125

,

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

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

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

We Indians like to think we are the world’s greatest bargain-hunters but in Goa I once saw a German tourist brandish a few rupees at a Mapusa market stall holder, point to a pair of cotton shorts and say: “I want that - this is all I have.” The money he showed was well below 50 per cent of the mark-up price but the stall holder quietly took the cash and handed over the shorts.

How’s that for bagging a good deal, eh?

Dr K R N Moorthy Handsworth

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded ."

*

I was saddened to read in local papers that NHS North West London Trust has spent a staggering £7 million on consultation fees in order to justify their bizarre scheme to downgrade Central Middlesex Hospital and to transfer some of the services to already busting at the seam Northwick Park Hospital (NPH).

Those who use NPH on a regular basis know from their own personal experience what a torture it is to visit NPH as an outpatient or A & E patient in an emergency. This is no reflection on the medical staffs and consultants who constantly do unpaid overtime to see every one visiting the hospital.

It seems this government has learnt nothing from the past experience, past mistakes. When they were last in power, they downgraded Edgware General Hospital to Edgware Community Hospital. After years of inconvenience and patient neglect, they managed to save a miserly insignificant amount on the maintenance and running of ECH. It cost the late Sir Rhodes Boyson, a long standing and dedicated MP his seat at the 1997 General Election. One Consultancy alone was paid a staggering, mouth-watering fee of £3 million.

Although NHS NWLT would like to justify it as just under £4 per person for the overall population of North West London, it seems these highly paid bureaucrats, pen pushers have absolutely no idea what £1 million amount to. They do not live in a real world.

It would take an average wage earner on £25k a year some 40 years to earn £1 million. In such a harsh economic climate, every penny counts. Then those in their twilight years of power do not care what mess they leave behind, as long as their own future is secured.

“Abortion “ alone is a controversial issue and people have the right to have different views. But Dr . Savita’s death for not carrying out abortion reflects cruelty and murder which under any circumstances must not be accepted. How many parents are there in the world who will let their daughters to die at the expense of the unborn grand child? May I know is there any parent existing in this world whether they are Catholics, Hindus, Sikhs or Muslim accepting this?

The editorial comments of Asian Voice about Dr Savita must be supported and we all must ask Irish Prime Minster if he is going to allow more and more women to die in Ireland because of pregnancy complications. We are living in a modern Scientific World , therefore must use our Common-sense than following any Blind faith.

Women groups in the world should speak out to ensure the Laws are changed in the countries where Governments are blind in faith.

Please detach the form and send it with your payment or credit card instructions to address below $%&

Scandalous waste of scare resources

E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

!

EDUCATION / COUNCIL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Free multi-faith primary school in Hayes welcomes Hindus

Sant Baba Amar Singhji

Rani Singh The founder and Chair of Governors of the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Sant Baba Amar Singh Ji believes that education is a human right for children. He established 19 schools worldwide; including the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy based in Hayes. It was the UK’s first Sikh Secondary school, and achieves grade One for every aspect of its OfSTED Inspection reports The Academy Trust is now establishing a four form entry Nanaksar Primary School in Springfield Road near the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

The Principal of Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Mr Rajinder Singh Sandhu, will be the Principal Designate of the new school. Jenny Chadwick, Education Consultant for both schools, told us in an exclusive interview; “Babaji is the inspiration and people believe in Mr Sandhu to deliver. He attracts good quality staff.”

She said that in 2014 a headteacher will be appointed for the primary school.

“We want to keep the two schools closely together; they will share ethos, values and vision.”

The school will open in September 2013 with four reception classes of 30 children each, making a year group of 120. Each year an additional year of entry will be admitted until the school reaches its full complement in September 2019.

“Because we want the ethos and values of hard work, humility and service to others to start with young chil-

Mr Rajinder S Sandhu

Mr Arun Thakur

dren and grow up with them.” The school has an admission number of 120 and will admit all children who apply. “But there will be one fundamental difference,” Jenny Chadwick said. If oversubscribed, the school will allocate 60 places to Sikh children and 60 to those of other faiths or of no faith that live nearest the school. If the 60 places allocated to Sikh children are not taken up then more places would be allocated to those of other faiths or no faith. Hindus, Gujarati or otherwise, are very welcome. The aim is to build a strong school community based on the principles of honesty, hard work and service to others. It is expected that pupils put back into society the advantages they will gain from their high achievement in our school.

Nanaksar Primary pupils will learn that humility and helping others is strength and that all religions should be respected.

Excellent teaching and learning will be achieved through following the National Curriculum with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Pupils will also engage with the International Primary Curriculum which teaches knowledge and understanding of the world. Jenny Chadwick told us; “We spend more time on literacy than other schools because it is the key to learning. By the time children get to SATS, they score well above the national average.”

All pupils, whether of a particular faith or none, will be equally valued and pro-

vided for. Weekly Religious Education (RE) lessons with a focus on faith and values will enable pupils to explore key world religions reflecting on similarities and differences. Assemblies will bring pupils together, for collective worship of a shared faith or multi faith festivals (Christmas, Diwali), or class assemblies, to share learning and achievements with parents and year groups. After school and lunch clubs will reflect wide interests eg Bhangra dancing, African drumming, Urdu, and Hindi.

All aspects of Nanaksar School life, as with Guru Nanak Primary School, will promote an outward looking approach valuing the contribution of all pupils and the surrounding community. This, in part will be achieved by regularly taking part in video conferencing, making class visits out of school and inviting guests, parents, local community members and experts in to the school.

Jenny Chadwick told us that, for instance, Jewish children could be linked to their synagogues by video conferencing. “We would find Jewish schools for them to take part in daily prayers.

A same faith staff member, say a Catholic, could lead prayers for Catholics.”

The burgundy and gold uniform is deliberately designed with various combinations to allow lots of flexibility. The primary school is holding an open day for the public this Saturday December 1st.

For more information, go to http://www.nanaksarprimary.co.uk

New research shows businesses suffering from council decisions Councils across the London are jeopardising local business growth according to new research from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

More than one in five SMEs surveyed said that decisions made by their local councils were having a detrimental impact on their business. Decisions included parking and traffic restrictions, red tape around business premises and local councils looking outside of their area when procuring services were the most common complaints among the 500 UK SMEs surveyed, including 72 from across London.

The failure of councils to think local first has not gone unnoticed by the general public. In a survey of 2,000 UK consumers, almost half (48%) said that councils should be doing more to help local SMEs, while a quarter (27%) said they felt councils were actively hindering local SME growth.

Andrew Leck, head of ACCA UK says: “In recent years the UK public have been urged to help British businesses and now the same principle must be applied on a local scale.

Our research has shown that local councils simply cannot afford to ignore the ramifications of their deci-

sions.”

Despite these results the future looks bright for London SMEs with 59% intend to hire staff in the next year compared to just 10% who said they would be reducing their staff numbers and 13% of those surveyed said they are looking to explore international trade options.

Leck continues: “It is encouraging to see many more SMEs looking to increase their staff numbers than are having to reduce them. Small businesses are the life blood of the economy and council must recognise the role they play in local economic development.”

11

National Hindu Students Forum (UK)

By Nikita Thakrar

Big Hindu questions Curiosity, unity and a ‘want to know’ mindset is what best describes the National Hindu Students’ Forum (UK) annual conference ‘BIG HINDU QUESTIONS’ held on Saturday 24th November at Wo l v e rh a m p t o n University in Walsall.

Earlier on in the year, the National committee asked university students across the country to submit their Big Hindu Questions, and this was what shaped the foundation of the conference.

There were two aspects to the day, keynote lectures where delegates were indirectly questioned regarding assorted themes and workshops where delegates had the chance to engage, debate and most importantly have some of their Big Hindu Questions addressed.

The theme that connected all the keynote lectures was the confirmation that although Hinduism had advanced over the past 7000 years, it’s preservation was something that was left in the hands of individuals that were living today.

The first keynote of the

day was given by Jay Lakhani (Founder of Hindu Academy) who urged the delegates to question everything they came across and not merely follow blindly.

Following lunch, Dharmesh Mistry (Former President of NHSF) posed a Big Hindu question to the delegates: ‘their vision for the future of Hinduism’.

His main idea was that communities should unite and work together to preserve the essence of Hindu Dharma.

The last keynote was delivered by Sachin Nandha (MD and Founder of the WeComeOne Group) who gave confidence to the delegates in the form of a motivating lecture based on the idea of ‘carrying the Hindu flame forward’.

The workshops however, were varied in theme and encompassed: ‘One God, Many Gods?’, ‘Law of Karma’, ‘Scriptures: Past their sell by date?’, ‘Science and Hindu Dharma: Where is the link?’, ‘Human and Civil Rights: How does it affect me?’, ‘My Relationships, all forgiv-

ing – or not’ & ‘Leadership: The future of Hindus’. During workshops, it was invigorating to see not only the workshop facilitator answering some of the Big Hindu Questions, but also fellow delegates conveying their input and aiding in answering other’s questions.

The day ended on an inspirational closing from Chirag Patel (VicePresident of NHSF (UK)) who urged every delegate in the room to not only carry on being curious, but to take a small step towards doing their part in taking the essence of Hindu Dharma forward.

The day was a great success as it brought together over 200 curious young individuals from universities across the country and motivating change makers in the community together to start making a difference.

The seed was planted, now let’s watch it grow.

“A sense of curiosity is nature’s original school of education” - Smiley Blanton

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Scrutator’s Ajmal Kasab, the sole gunman of the ten Pakistanis to be caught alive in the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai, was hanged in Pune’s Yerwada jail in the early hours of November 21, his appeal for clemency having been rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee on the recommendation of the Indian Cabinet. Whatever the cost of the trial, the law was allowed to take its course and the defendant permitted to state his case under due process. In the end justice was done and seen to be done. The former Attorney General of India, Soli Sorabjee, told a television audience that the country’s judicial process, frequently criticized (with justice) for being dilatory, had done itself proud. The wheels of justice grind slow; they grind exceeding well. They did on this occasion.

Kasab was a puppet on a string, as suggested by The Times of India headline. The wire pullers behind 26/11, which claimed 167 innocent lives, continue to roam free in Pakistan. There can thus be no closure until every one of them is Ajmal Kasab brought to account.

Meanwhile, a Laskar-e-Taiba commander in Pakistan, in a telephone call to news agencies, said: “He [Kasab] was a hero and will inspire other fighters to follow this path….it’s shocking news and a big loss that a Muslim has been killed on Indian soil.”

Which can be taken as notice that the jehadist terror campaign against India will carry on regardless. We have been warned.

Indo-German win-win ties With India’s industrial growth declining by a disappointing 0.4 per cent in September – clear indication that the economic reforms announced that month have yet to make the desired impact – every opportunity needs to be explored to restore the economy’s lost dynamic. The German Ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, and V.K. Viswanathan, President of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, came up with a thoughtful edit-page article in The Times of India (November 9), entitled “A Recipe For Growth”.

With the Eurozone in deep economic crisis and India in anxious slowdown, the two countries, the authors argued, are uniquely placed to exploit their respective strengths. High growth is imperative if India is to reduce its poverty levels within an acceptable time-frame.

“Germany has the right tool-box on offer. It is India’s gateway to Europe. It can be a leverage for India’s path towards growth…..Germany in its avantgarde role in Europe is complementary to India in many ways, a perfect match for all weathers….Both are anchors of stability, Germany in Europe, India in South Asia. Both look east and west.”

Apropos of the demographic factor, “Germany needs a skilled workforce, India needs jobs for the young ….[Apropos of] Vocational training: the dual system is one of the secrets of Germany’s economic success and a model which could help India master the task of training millions of young people.”

Unbeatable combination A similar entrepreneurial gene facilitated further bonding: “We have decades-old economic ties.

The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in India is the biggest

worldwide. So it comes as no surprise that Germany is India’s biggest trading partner in Europe. But we could do much more. German technology and quest for perfection and Indian creativity and entrepreneurial spirit is an almost unbeatable combination.”

German companies were in India for the long haul and not the fast buck. They were well aware that India was the right place to invest, a message reinforced by the presence of over 400 delegates at the recent annual meeting in Mumbai of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

US election and Indians The US Presidential election is done and dusted, with Barack Obama back in the White House and Indo-US relations are set fair to prosper. The role of Indian Americans in the campaign was as significant as President Obama’s invitation to three Indian Americans, including PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, to participate in the Administration’s consultation with business, labour and Congress on the country’s economic woes, especially its fiscal deficit. The other two Indian American participants were Neera Tandon, President of the Centre for American Progress, a Washington think tank, and Deepak Bhargava from the Centre for Community Change.

A cross-section of Indian Americans stood for Congress as Democrats or Republicans. The Indian voice in US is now loud and strong, its weight increasingly recognized by the powers that be. (Hindu November 14, Hindu Magazine November 4, Times of India November 12).

vate industry, especially sensitive sections like aviation, oil and power (Times of India November 8).

Suu Kyi in India

Afghan President Hamid Karzai with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi

a possible internecine conflict, India is placing its bets on the Karzai government in Kabul.

According to NDTV Correspondent, Nitin Gokhale’s report (November 8), India is to train some 600 Afghan Army officers under the umbrella of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in Delhi during President Hamid Karzai’s state visit to India in 2011.

Kabul and New Delhi had agreed to an increased intake of Afghan officer trainees at premier Indian military institutions; providing specialized training to middle and higher ranking Afghans already serving in the Afghan National Army; and training others in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorist skills.

India, however, said the report, had no plans to send its troops to Afghanistan, a wise decision as no foreign presence has ever found favour there.

three Talwar-class frigates ordered from Russia The first, INS Teg, was delivered in April, while the third INS Trikand, at present undergoing dock trials, is expected to be commissioned sometime next summer.

Each of these new frigates is armed with BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles. Addressing the gathering, the India’s Ambassador Ajai Malhotra laud-

Economic ties

ed the Indo-Russian relationship, which had moved from the buyer-seller paradigm to joint research, development and production of advanced weapon systems. The sonar and communications equipment in INS Tarkash was Indian, he said (Hindu November 10).

President Karzai, at a Delhi press conference, spoke of the closer economic engagement between the countries. The Steel Authority of India is leading a consortium to work Afghanistan’s rich iron ore deposits and more private sector Indian companies are poised to develop the country’s rich mineral resources, which taken together has a significant geopolitical dimension. Regional security was also high on the KarzaiSingh Summit agenda in New Delhi (Hindu November 13).

INS Tarkash delivered India took delivery of its fifth Russian-built multi-role stealth frigate INS Tarkash in a ceremony at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, attended by senior Indian and Russian naval officers.

Tarkash is the second of

Aung San Suu Kyi with students at Lady Sri Ram College

Cyber security With states and non-states posing security threats in a volatile international environment, India’s guard can never slacken.

A National Cyber Security Coordinator has been appointed with four supporting pillars – the National Technical Research Organization along with a constituent National Critical Information and Infrastructure Protection Centre, the Computer Emergency Response Centre in the Ministry of Defence. The new network will protect government systems but also guard against threats to pri-

Afghanistan, India With NATO and the US winding down their force levels in Afghanistan, and Afghan warlords positioning themselves for

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s iconic voice for democracy and a light unto the nations, visited Delhi to deliver the Jawaharlal Nehru Lecture and catch up with old friends. She had her schooling and early tertiary education at Lady Sri Ram College, her mother then being the Burmese ambassador to India. Suu Kyi spoke of the influence Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru had cast upon her life.

She expressed disappointment that India hadn’t broken with Myamar’s military junta.

However, history moves on and India and a reforming Myanmar were starting to speak from the same page. But Aung San Suu Kyi warned against undue optimism about Myanmar’s future as

Commissioning INS Tarkash in Russia for Indian Navy

a fully functioning democracy.

At Lady Shri Ram College, Suu Kyi told students to face the future with confidence and courage, recalling that she had “never felt far from India,” even in her darkest hours.

“What do you take back from this visit?” asked a villager in Andhra Pradesh. “Warmth, friendship and this beautiful Buddha (a gifted bronze idol ), “ replied Aung San Suu Kyi (Hindu November, Telegraph, Times of India November 15,17,18)

Thackeray departs Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena party, who died recently, gave voice to Mumbai’s Marathi-speaking urban underclass and its petty bourgeois twin, which included the serried ranks of the city’s familiar dabbawallas.

Balasaheb was in close accord with the resentments of this particular segment of disappointed humanity: incendiary Maratha chauvinism, mobsters on call, off-beat praise of Adolf Hitler a salutary reminder of the dark energy of his being. He moulded the Shiv Sena into a formidable force in Mumbai politics.

Balasaheb’s dust will not easily yield a likeness. Clan rivalries are deep and bitter. Like Mussolini, Franco and Peron, but on a vastly smaller stage, Balasaheb was a product of time and circumstance, a mercurial figure thrown up by a society undergoing the pains of labour as it transits hopefully to a less angst-ridden future.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

IIM graduates celebrate Diwali in style Indrani Thakurata Alumni meets are always fun. It takes you back to your college days.

And who wouldn't like to reminisce the days in IIM, a place people aspire to be in.

While it is tough to get in, it's different once you are in. 'You suddenly become awe-inspiring for the millions who want to be a part of the prestigious college that nurtures talent.’

It was one such meet of these business graduates from IIM in London to celebrate Diwali. The special event IIM Europe Alumni Association, a group that connects over 1000 alumni in Europe from various industry sectors and various batches of the IIM. It was attended by 100 registered participants at The Nehru Centre (the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission in London). 'They let loose the tie to truly enjoy the evening.'

The event was attended by Ms Sangeeta Bahadur, Minister, Culture, High Commission of India & Director of The Nehru Centre, who spoke of the many ways in which The Nehru Centre could work with the IIM alumni, towards organising networking events, guest lectures and so on.

"I am happy to see so many people from IIM in and around London.

I am also truly happy for the association and look forward to many more events such as this with a cul-

Vikram Balan (fourth from left) and other IIM graduates who organised a successful Diwali

tural angle," says Sangeeta.

Mr Amitabh Jain, Minister, Economic, High Commission of India, spoke of different ways in which IIM alumni and professionals can engage with the High Commission, by way of participating in industry leadership groups to promote business relations between UK and India, and contribute their ideas towards important UK-India government decisions.

He also emphasised about being in touch in order to make positive contribution. Both the speakers from the High Commission lauded the efforts of the IIM Europe Alumni Association towards organising the

Indian radiographer sacked An Indian radiographer has been sacked from his job at a UK cancer hospital after six years following a string of complaints that he could not speak clear English, a charge which he has termed as "cooked up".

Ramani Ramaswany, pictured was dismissed from The Christie hospital, in Manchester, and suspended from the national radiography register for a year after complaints that he was unable to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

The Health and Care Professions Council found that Ramaswamy had showed a "lack of competence" in a number of areas while working at The Christie , the Daily Mail reported.

The panel heard that patients and staff had difficulty understanding him,

with his command of English said to be getting worse despite extra English lessons after taking a job there. The committee heard that Ramaswamy was recruited from India as an experienced radiographer and started work in August 2005. Ramaswamy said he had now retired and was not looking for work, adding, "I previously worked in Malaysia and I was very well respected...

The Christie said there were communication problems but I speak good English."

16 year old speaker at HoC to be the first in hijab?

A 16-year-old girl is thought to have become the first person to speak from the House of Commons despatch box in the British parliament while wearing a hijab, The Times newspaper has reported Saturday.

Sumaiya Karim a biology, chemistry, history and

maths student, was speaking as the Youth Parliament held its annual session HoC, where Britain's MPs gather.

The democratically elected Youth Parliament members, aged 11 to 18, are elected to represent the views of young people in their area to government.

event and reaching out to the High Commission to forge a permanent relationship between the groups.

The later part of the evening was opened up or fun and food. A play by Aks Performing Arts (a Londonbased theatre group founded by some IIM alumni), had everyone in splits.

The evening would have been incomplete without the Indian snacks that added that extra flavour to the Diwali bash. Out of the eclectic mix and match of colours in desi attires, the best dressed were applauded for their efforts. The evening culminated with a photo session.

Pair jailed over fake qualifications scam Two men have been jailed for a total of 10 years for running an immigration scam worth up to half a million pounds which was exposed by the Yorkshire Post.

Yousaf Amin and Sajad Khan fleeced hundreds of unsuspecting immigrants by providing fake English language courses which purported to offer genuine qualifications required by the Home Office when applying for British citizenship.

The fraudsters, both 34 and from Bradford, also set up an illegal immigration advice service despite Amin previously being jailed and banned for life after a previous fake work permit scam.

Sentencing the two at Bradford Crown Court, Recorder Sandiford said Amin, the architect of the scam had “ruthlessly” exploited the hopes of vulnerable immigrants who thought they were receiving legitimate advice and

Yousaf Amin

qualifications. He sentenced Amin to six years in prison for fraud, with a 12-month sentence for illegally providing immigration advice to run concurrently.

Khan was jailed for four years. Both men were also given 12-month sentences, to run concurrently, for fraudulently obtaining an Audi Q7 and VW Touareg, each worth more than £40,000. The cars, obtaining through loans backed by false documents, have both since disappeared.

13

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

More Indians Needed In Britain ‘Mr Patel should focus on solving Britain’s problems, and leave the ones of India to Indians’ or some such comment came a few weeks ago from a reader. To all reading this, I offer the same advice I gave to my honorary godchild in Greece, from his forefathers: First, think global: "I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a Citizen of the World" said Diogenese. That is why India’s problems are my problems. Second, give to the world: "I threw my cup away when I saw a child drinking with his hands at the trough." That is why India’s problems are my problems. Again, said Diogenese.

‘Take little from the world, It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.' And that too is why India’s problems are my problems – I want nothing.

But what of Britain? I had drinks with the Duchess of Westminster at her home this past week. We were there to discuss the Centre for Social Justice; a think tank that finds solutions and then helps implement them for the most pressing social problems in Britain.

It was an understated affair. Class without show.

Money without bling. But, I was one of only two Indians. Why? Of course having judged the Asian Achievers Awards for this paper I was humbled by how much so many Indians do for Britain, but, there is a whole tier, myself included who too often leave out Britain.

The best way to help Britain is to have more Indians here. Boris Johnson in India does not go far enough when he says British immigration policy is scaring investment from India. When the then PM, Blair, put me on the UK India Roundtable, my policy recommendation to Number 10 was that the UK and India should have a free trade agreement, indeed make India an extension of the EU. You look at the countries whose citizens have a track record of achievement and doing the most for your country and you open your country to them. Simple. Speaking truth to power should come easily to Indians anyway.

So when an FT reader comments, ‘We should allow only those immigrants who are qualified, highly skilled and experienced like Engineers and IT specialists etc. They can contribute to the economy positively and also who are sponsored by foreign companies who invest in the UK like Japanese, American or Indian auto group TATA etc.’ He is wrong. Drivel. Our immigration policy should be based not on your qualifications, but your country of origin. Most of the Indian Rich List would not be here today if we restricted Indian immigration to the skilled and qualified.

And every British Indian in Parliament who votes for limitations, even indirect, on immigration from India, to those willing and able to work, even manual labour work, betrays themselves and will reap as they sow. As Boris said, London itself was built by a bunch of pushy Italians (back in 43AD they were called Romans – and we have open borders with Italy).

NEED AN EXTRA INCOME? Contact KANTILAL SHAH Independent Distributor Forever Living

The Aloe Vera Company www.aloeargi.myforever.biz HR604

ARGI+ is the ideal supplement for muscles, strength and performance and sports activity.

ARGI+ Maintains Healthy Blood Pressure Immune System

Overall Cardiovascular Health Bones and Tissue

Cholestrol Levels Muscle Growth

For more information, contact: Kantilal Shah Independent Distributor for Forever Living Product Email: aloevera-argi@hotmail.co.uk Visit us at: www.aloeargi.myforever.biz/shop Call: 07940 487 222 SA381

14

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

UK Attorney General praises lawyers from the Indian subcontinent The UK Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, last night paid tribute to diversity in the legal profession in London at the 30th anniversary reception of Zaiwalla & Co Solicitors.

The reception was held in the Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords and hosted by Lord Dholkalia, CBE. The Attorney General spoke of “the industry and excellence of lawyers from the Indian subcontinent” which had contributed greatly to the legal service industry in the City of London. In a speech delivered from the heart and without notes he praised the “goodness and professionalism” of Zaiwalla & Co who he said have handled over 1,000 international arbitrations and represented many overseas governments and multinationals as well as private clients from overseas.

The Attorney General also acknowledged that Mr Sarosh Zaiwalla was a pioneer in opening up the legal profession to diversity, at a time when there were many racial hurdles.

Mr Grieve commented that “even 100 years from now history will continue to remember this achievement” and paid tribute to the firm’s Indian connections and the contribution this had made to the good relations between India and the United Kingdom.

The Attorney General said that Mr Zaiwalla’s contribution over the last 30 years has made ties between UK and India stronger.

Mr Sarosh Zaiwalla with Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Mr Zaiwalla spoke of his work since he founded Zaiwalla & Co, the first Indian law firm in the City.

He acknowledged the support he had received in the early years from the Indian High Commission in London. He recalled a time when he employed a young Mr Tony Blair as Counsel in a case for the Government of India which was also the first case India.

The Attorney General said that Zaiwalla & Co is well known internationally for its good reputation in representing overseas business clients who require legal services in the United Kingdom, particularly in the field of international Arbitrations and those wishing to do business with the United Kingdom.had won in the House of Lords. He also shared his experience of the firm acting for the PRC Government Oil Corporation, CNPC in international arbitrations

and the fact that some of these cases had continued to historical changes in Indian politics. Zaiwalla & Co had acted for Bachchans in the successful Bofors Libel case and also acted for Mrs Sonia Gandhi, MP to stop a movie being made on her life by an Italian producer.

The event was attended by several English Judges, Queens Counsels, Members of the House of Lords, and Ambassadors and High Commissioners from over 25 countries.

The evening provided an excellent opportunity for over three hundred guests to recognise both the excellence of Indian lawyers and to pay tribute to the diversity of the legal profession.

It is the first time that a British Government Cabinet Minister has publicly acknowledged and paid tribute to the industry and excellence of lawyers from Indian subcontinent.

Post Tsunami Japan now lures British travellers to holiday in their country

Mr Jagnesh Shah, Director of Sales at Namaste Travel, and Ms Jessica Wu the winner of a 3 night Stay in the Kyoto Japan

Namaste Travel/People’s Travel recently organised an event in conjunction with the Japan National Tourist Office showcasing Japan and was attended by over 200 people. The event was used to relaunch Package Holidays to Japan after the recent Tsunami. Ms Wu was the winner of a raffle at the recent Japan event held at Peoples Travel offices. This was the last of four events held to showcase

various destinations in 2012. Mr Shah was quoted as saying " We hope that this event generates as much interest as the previous one, which was Vietnam. The Vietnam event was so popular that we are now nearing full capacity for both our February and March tours to Cambodia & Vietnam". We will be holding four further events in 2013 to showcase exciting new Destinations.

For more stories visit www.scribbledesk.com

Short Story by Neha Garg

A Ghost Story The McDougalls became ghosts quite suddenly when a bomb fell on their house in Spooner Close, during world war one.

‘Fancy me, a spook!’ said Madame McDougall once they had gotten over their shock of finding they had suddenly become transparent.

‘But this is just great,’ boomed Mr McDougall, now gliding around what was left of the dining room.

‘Haunted places attract a lot of business, you know. Think of all the tourists this place will attract.’

Mr McDougall was the director of a firm called Smethwick, which made bolts. He was a large, round man with bull arms and a big, bushy m o u s t a c h e .

Madame McDougall on the other hand, was a thin, bony woman and always had her hair tied up in a bun, almost as tall as herself.

They had a son called Trevor and in their opinion there was no finer boy anywhere.

‘Mum, Dad … Check this out,’ shouted Trevor now, as he disappeared through a wall on the opposite side of the room.

‘Even as a ghost, my baby is so talented,’ sniffed Madame McDougall, now watching her son pass through a bookshelf.

‘Uhh … Aunt Fiona. Uncle Robert,’ Mr and Madame McDougall spun around. Their nephew Skelton was standing in a corner.

In their shock and excitement they had completely forgotten that Skelton had been staying with them for the week.

‘SKELTON!’ shrieked Madame McDougall. ‘What happened to you?’

Trevor, who had just come back through the dining room wall for the hundredth time, took one look at his cousin and started laughing.

‘He’s p … He’s pi … He’s pink …’ guf-

fawed Trevor, clutching his stomach.

Skelton had indeed turned pink. He looked down at himself. Everything from his skinny legs to his checked shirt was pink. He glided over to the smouldering dining table and looked at his reflection in a spoon. Even his glasses and hair had turned pink.

‘Come here, boy,’ said Mr McDougall, gesturing to his nephew.

Skelton floated up to where his uncle stood next to what used to be the wall between the kitchen and the dining room.

‘Curious, Curious,’ said Uncle Robert, as he scratched his two wobbling chins.

Skelton wondered if his uncle had lost weight recently but realized that it was because he was now pale and shimmery instead of solid and beefy. Through him, Skelton could see a big hole in the dining table here the bomb had fell. The carpet under the table had turned into ashes.

‘He looks a bit like cotton candy, said Trevor, with a chuckle. ‘Be careful, unless a kid gobbles you up.’

‘Oh shut up,’ said Skelton getting annoyed. Sure he looked a bit different to everyone else who had turned into pale grey ghosts. But surely, this was only temporary.

He felt a surge of relief when Uncle Robert echoed his thoughts.

‘It’ll probably wear off,’ said Uncle Robert, clapping a large hand on the dining table. Of course, it went straight through and caused Uncle Robert to fall over.

Skelton quickly turned his face away so they wouldn’t see him laughing.

Uncle Robert hastily straightened himself up.

‘Right, to work everyone,’ he said, sounding pompous. ‘First things first.

Let’s have a competition to see who can scare the most people.’

Naree Shakti holds Multicultural Festival Celebration Ria Rattan On Tuesday 20th November Naree Shakti (Women’s strength), a registered charity held a Multicultural Festival Celebration at Trinity at Bowes Methodist Church in Palmers Green, Enfield.

The event was organised

by Naree Shakti’s Chair person Vijey Rattan along with the committee members. One Hundred and fifty people attended the event which was held between 1.00pm – 5.00pm and included an array of Indian food for lunch along with a raffle draw and Music and Melodies

by Uma and Salish & Co who created a vibrant atmosphere with many guests dancing and singing along.

Naree Shakti were very fortunate and honoured to have The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield, Kate

Paul Allen, Mark Davenport, Haresh Gohil, The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield, Kate Anolue, Vijey Rattan, Counsellor Yasmin Brett, Kusumben Bhatt

Anolue and Counsellor Yasmin Brett participate in the celebration along with other special guests including Counsellor Anwar Choudry, Paul Allen – Older Peoples Commissioning Manager, Haresh Gohil from Hari Aum Holidays, and Rev. Mark Davenport.

Apologies where received from MP of Enfield, Southgate David Borrowes who was unable to attend. All special guests gave a small speech about Naree Shakti and its successful contribution to

helping elderly women in the borough and appeared to have enjoyed the event with Cllr Yasmin Brett joining in and dancing with the ladies.

The multicultural festival celebration was enjoyed by all who attended and could not take place without the help of our volunteers, committee, staff and members. Naree Shakti would also like to thank those who gave donations including Hari Aum. Naree Shakti looks forward to planning the next event soon.

UK

Asian voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

15

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

MusIc

Tanveer Mann

A2Z release New Singles L.A.Y.L.A & Vibez No Limit Productionz, the artist management agency behind the success of imran Khan and currently managing and developing RaOol makers of Tasha Tah’s Malang, have launched new duo A2Z, from Belgium, in the British South Asian Music market.

Zady & Ahmed Khan (A2Z) are both vocalists and producers with radio success across europe under the ViP energy brand. Their new double single release, ‘L.A.Y.L.A’ and ‘Vibez’ have recently been released to adio.

‘L.A.Y.L.A’ is a Middle eastern influenced track loaded with intense dance beats and finished with Panjabi lyrics. ‘Vibez’ follows a much more Bollywood-led feel with a house rhythm backed again with Panjabi lyrics.

Both singles are available on iTunes and links to listen here: LAYAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXeTRdxKpBU&feature=plcp http://soundcloud.com/no-limit-productionz/track-l-a-y-l-a-artist-a2z ViBeZ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoDfejMU0As&feature=plcp

Ha Ha.....

He He.... :P

Upcoming

EvEnts

1) Why couldn't the pirates

Uncovering Role Models

play cards? Because the captain was standing on the deck.

2) Two fat men in a pub. One says to the other: 'your round'. His pal replies:' you can talk, chunky.'

Did you know..?

August has the highest percentage of births

Word of the Week: Pusillanimous; adj. lacking courage; cowardly; faint-hearted.

Britain’s Top Real Role Model 2012 by Amway UK is looking for social entrepreneurs to uncover the real role models in society. Judged by Jo Fairley, founder of Green & Blacks and last year’s winner, Melanie Bryan OBE, the winner will be awarded £10,000 to start their own UK social community project.

How to Enter: Visit www.britainstoprealrolemodel.co.uk to nominate or enter a business idea by 3rd December. Entry criteria can be found on the website.

Successful shortlisted candidates will then be asked to submit a business plan by Monday 21st January 2013 to submit their full business plan propos.

RAPID FIRE IntERvIEW …with Seema Jaya Sharma Seema Jaya Sharma is a 35-year-old woman from Ilford, who was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in 2009. She is an inspiration to women out there due to her positive attitude in the face of such a dangerous illness. Since her cancer, she has embarked on a cancer awareness mission, writing poems, giving talks and making songs to prove to people that if you remain positive, everything sorts itself out in the end. During the day, she is a journalist for Asian Lite and is currently setting up her own charity.

How did you find out you had cancer?

I was trying to make my two-year-old daughter laugh and she knocked her head against my breast and in an attempt to make her laugh, I said “Ah you hurt me!” but when I put my hand there, I felt lump.

I sort of sat there in silence for an hour and half. I was so scared when my mum told me to go to the doctor, but luckily had a smear test the next day at which the nurse confirmed the lump and asked me to go to the see the doctor who did a cancer referral. That was the first time I had the word ‘cancer’ associated to me. After having several tests, it was confirmed that I had cancer and I remember crying for like a minute and then I turned around and said ‘right I’m going to fight it!’

How did your family take the news when they found out?

My mum cried non-stop for two hours and then

my son came home and I had to tell him. I sat him down and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. After he sat down and I blurted the words “mummy’s got cancer”, his face just dropped and I saw his face and it immediately made me stronger and I said “I AM going to fight it...look at my muscles!” at which he relaxed a little and we had a little giggle. Then he went and got a science book and started showing his grandma exactly what cancer was. Seeing him brave made me so much stronger.

What treatment did you have to undergo?

I’m still undergoing treatment even though I was diagnosed 3 years ago. First they removed the lump, and I still remember going back for the results for that. They sat me down and there was five staff, and they said they had to remove my breast and all I said is, ‘is that it?!’ I was so happy; I didn’t care about the breast. After that, they did a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

I’ve had everything basically!

What do you do now?

I’m doing a cancer awareness campaign at the moment. I came across this girl that told me she got cancer when she was 12 and she said she was bullied while she was undergoing chemotherapy. That upset me so much so now what I’ve started to do is go to schools and do talks. I remember the last talk I gave was to a group of forty 12 year olds, and I said to them what do you think of when I say the word ‘Cancer’ and they said ‘people die its scary’. An hour later, I said ‘what do you think of now?’ and they said’ you shouldn’t be scared, we’ll show them

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

BOOK ReView Mistaken Identity And Human Rights Breeches at the heart of “Turbanology: Guide to Sikh Identity” Following the innocent shootings of worshippers in Wisconsin last August, issues of mistaken identity that have led to race hate crimes have become more prominent in our multicultural society.

Dot Hyphen Publishers are releasing a new book called “ Tu r b a n o l o g y : Guide to Sikh Identity” that tackles this issue. The book unravels the meaning of identity for Sikhs and accounts the significance of their symbols of faith at a time when they have become misunderstood.

The book aims to challenge such ignorance by providing – for the first time – a narrative history of the turban, which has been a fundamental element of Sikh identity since the founding of the faith by the first Guru Nanak Dev ji in 1469.

Singh-Sohal says: “I wanted to tackle this issue head on by writing about why Sikh identity is so distinct and unique. The aim is that by compiling a guide in this way for the first time, we can raise more awareness about the importance of Sikh faith principles as well as how the community worldwide is being affected.”

The book will be released on Amazon Kindle and the Kindle app for mobile devices on 1st December 2012 – followed by the print edition a month later. your song or videos’. It was an amazing feeling to have such an impact on their life.

You’ve produced a song called ‘Alive’, how did that come about?

It came out of nowhere. I produced it, wrote it and I sang even though I’ve never had a music lesson in my life. I was sitting there one day and this tune came in my mind and then I went to the keyboard and tried to replicate it. Obviously it did take a while, but I went to my friend who had all production software. He didn’t help me or anything and at the time that annoyed me but I realised that he actually did me a favour because I produced everything myself. I feel really proud of myself.

What have you learnt?

If you have a lump, get it checked, the sooner you notice it the sooner you can get it fixed.

Secondly, look at the positives, I know it sounds cliché but it makes a difference and if we allow ourselves to do that, if we give ourselves a chance, we’ll get through it.

If you want to see the song, just type in ‘Seema Alive’ into Youtube or ‘Seema Jaya Sharma’ into google to see the work that Seema has been involved in so far. Also if you have any questions she has told us that you can add her on facebook ‘Seema Jaya Sharma’ or twitter @seemajayasharma

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

‘Sivaji 3D’ to be released on Rajinikanth's birthday

Four heroines in one film

'Sivaji 3D', which has been in the making for quite some time now is finally ready for release and will be hitting the screens on Rajinikanth's birthday, 12th of December. This represents a specialty in general, because of the unique date, 12-12-12. AVM Studios who made the original 'Sivaji' have taken a lot of effort to release the film in 3D and have spent the last few years in converting the movie from it's original format.

'Sivaji' was originally directed by Shankar and released in 2007 and saw huge openings across screens. It quickly grossed the biggest earnings in history with respect to Tamil cinema.

Director Siddique and actor Mohanlal are not just popular in Mollywood, but in Kollywood too. They have now come together for a new film, titled “Ladies and Gentleman.”

Interestingly, there will be four heroines in the movie, and they are Meera Jasmine, Mamta Mohandas, Mithra Kurien and Padmapriya.

Needless to say, all these four actresses have been part of popular Tamil movies. Hence, the buzz is that the film will be dubbed and released in Tamil as well. While Meera Jasmine plays the CEO of a company, Mamta Mohandas and Mithra Kurien play software professionals.

Padmapriya plays an air hostess.

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Hot Garam masala Amitabh Bachchan felicitated by Australian govt Amitabh Bachchan has been honoured by the Australian government for his contribution towards Indian cinema and fructifying the relations between the two countries.

"Another recognition by the Australian Government and its Commission here in Mumbai, in celebration for the 100 years of Indian Cinema, and my contribution towards fructifying the relations between the two countries...I am most humbled...," the 70-year-old posted on his blog. Last year, Amitabh was conferred an honorary doctorate from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. He was also awarded France's highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond.

Aamir Khan will promote film only at night When it comes to Aamir Khan, expect unique marketing strategies each time his film is up for release.

This time, Aamir has decided to promote his film “Talaash” only at night. In the film, the night almost plays a character and most parts have thus been shot from 11 pm to 4 am. Talaash shows the underbelly of Mumbai and has been shot in and around Grant Road, Parsi Colony in Dadar, Madh Fort and Kamatipura. Also, Aamir's character, Inspector Shekhawat, is a night owl, who cannot sleep and is glued to investigating the case on his hands.

Even after 8 years, Vivek, Riteish, Aftab chemistry intact Actor Aftab Shivdasani is shooting for "Grand Masti" with Vivek Oberoi and Riteish Deshmukh and says that even after eight years their chemistry has not changed. “Grand Masti” is a sequel to 2004 adult comedy “Masti” that had all the three actors in the lead role. "There was a gap of eight years, so obviously every person must have grown as an actor. But the important thing is that even after eight years, the chemistry has not changed. We are so comfortable with each other, enjoying so much, there is no ego, no clash," the 34-year-old said in an interview. "We have already shot for 40 days but I have never felt like I don't want to go to the shooting or I don't want to talk to anyone. Every one is working in a fun mood, this film has been a breeze," he added.

Kristen Stewart keen to work with Hrithik

Trisha makes a mark Trisha, who always makes sure that she interacts with her fans through social networking sites, has crossed the 400,000-followers mark on Twitter.

"Yay crossed the 4 lakh mark..Feeling rich:) luv u guysss..thx fr kipn it going.." wrote the actress on her page. Trisha is currently part of some of the much awaited films in Tamil, including Vishal's 'Samar', 'Jayam' Ravi's 'Boologam' and Jiiva's 'Endrendrum Punnagai'. Also, she is part of some Telugu movies as well. The 400,000 mark on Twitter is said to be the highest number of followers among southern actors.

Hollywood actress Kristen Stewart has expressed a desire to work in a Bollywood film with Hrithik Roshan. "If someone offers me a good script, I would love to work in a Bollywood film. I would love to work with Hrithik Roshan. He is such a wonderful actor and so good-looking," Stewart said in a statement.

"In fact, if I have a boy, I would want him to look like Hrithik Roshan, but with Rob's (her real-life boyfriend and on-screen husband) eyes," she said. There was a buzz in B-town some two years back that filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wanted to cast Kristen in his ambitious project 'Paani' opposite Hrithik. Kristen, who shot to fame playing Bella Swan in “Twilight” and its sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1” is looking forward to the release of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2.” On playing an 18year-old mother to a six-year-old child in “The Twilight Saga”, she said, "That is something I'm going to miss the most. I did not realise I had such a strong maternal instinct until I played mother to Mackenzie (Renesme). It was surreal."

Akki’s family used to skip Emraan to lose weight meals to buy movie tickets! for international film

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently inaugurated the 43rd International Film Festival of India, where 100 years of Indian cinema will be celebrated. At the event, Akshay Kumar revealed, when he was a kid his family used to skip meals so that they can afford to buy tickets for the movie.

Akshay Kumar said at the 43rd International Film Festival, "This international film festival is an occasion to remember what cinema is all about.

Let me start by telling what cinema means to me. Cinema means to me emotion, excite-

17

Emraan Hashmi is all set to lose eight kilos for his character in Danis Tanovic's forthcoming venture. An insider revealed that Hashmi needs to sport a lean and fit look in the film. "Emraan will be doing a special workout for which a trainer will especially come down from Los Angeles," said the source. The source added, "Emraan has taken this very seriously and will be devoting two months completely to his first international venture."

Tanovic, best known for his Oscar winning film “No Mans Land,” is all set to direct Hashmi.

The film is expected to be shot in India.

Apparently, the director was pretty impressed with Emraan's performance in films like “Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai” and “Shanghai” and thus decided to cast him for the international film.

ment, suspense but most important what it means to me is family time."

Akki further added, "When I was a kid, myself, my sister, my mom and my dad would go without lunch on Saturdays of every month so that we could afford to buy four movie tickets, four samosas and four mango stick ice creams."

"Religiously to this date I treat my family on Saturdays but fortunately I don't have to skip lunch... It is our biggest connection in life. So I owe my entire life's happiness to Indian cinema," Akshay said.

Madhuri, Juhi come together for ‘Gulaab Gang’ This has to be the biggest casting coup in a long time. Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, who ruled the BO in the 90s and were considered rivals then, are now coming together for the first time in Anubhav Sinha's home production “Gulaab Gang.”

While Anubhav had signed Madhuri a while ago, Juhi came on board recently taking this project a notch higher. “Gulaab Gang” is an action drama with the two women at loggerheads and hence Anubhav thought it would be best to have two powerhouse performers like Madhuri and Juhi sharing screen space. The film is named after a popular women's group in UP that takes up the cause of women fighting against various injustice such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry etc.

‘Kamasutra 3D’ look unveiled at Goa film bazaar The first look of “Kamasutra 3D,” starring Sherlyn Chopra, was unveiled at NFDC's film bazaar which is being held on the sidelines of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2012 in Goa. Directed by Rupesh Paul, the film, based on Vatsyayan's “Kamasutra,” grabbed attention with Sherlyn being cast in the lead. This is the first major film role for Sherlyn, who has done bit roles in a few Bollywood films including “Dil Bole Hadippa” and “Raqeeb.”

Deepika Padukone is working with Rajnikanth and SRK, has a film ready for release with Saif, is already shooting with Ranbir and Ranveer Singh.

Deepika is playing it smart, and how. While the top two heroines in the business, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, have been battling with each other as far as pairing up with each of the three Khans is concerned, Deepika is ensuring that she gets the best of three worlds - veterans, seasoned and oven fresh - in months to come.

"What else explains the sheer variety of films and co-stars that would be enjoying next year", comments an observer, "She is working with senior superstars like Rajnikanth and Shah Rukh Khan, has a film ready for release with Saif Ali Khan, is already shooting for a film each with Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, and is expected to pair up with Ranbir (again) and also Emraan Hashmi in 2013."

There is a valid reason for her to keep her options open and look for a different bunch of stars (or emerging superstars) instead of chasing the Khans. "Aamir does one film in two-three years. Shah Rukh doesn't repeat his heroines in quick succession (the reason why she is not in 'Happy New Year', at least as yet, while with Salman, all his decisions are based on how he may feel on a particular morning", quips a source.

Stranded Kareena drives from Chandigarh to Delhi!

After Kareena Kapoor's private aircraft was stranded, she drove her car all the way to Delhi to attend an event. According to sources, the actress was left stranded on a private aircraft to Delhi after an accident blocked the runway. But Kareena decided to take to the steering wheel of her car to get out of the situation. A source said, “Due to the accident, the flight she was to board was delayed and the actress along with her team wasted more than five hours in the process. But she did not cancel her appearance at the event since she had already committed them her time and appearance. She had her team call the organisers and then left for Delhi immediately by road. She managed to reach her destination in four hours.

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Mahindra bids for 50% stake in Aston Martin

Dear Financial Voice Reader, What’s up with the Rupee? Or rather down? It’s the cheapest it’s been in 10 years. I am going to Chennai on Friday – my hotel is costing £75 per night – and that’s a Taj! Given Indian growth and worries in Europe and the US, you would think the pound would not be so strong – but it is the Rupee that is weak.

Even after all the liberalisation – there were still falls in the Rupee. Even after growth year on year. So what’s new? Well for one thing we have been here before and each time we touch Rs90 – we come back – but if we break through that we will hit Rs 100 to the pound. And I am willing to bet on that IF we break Rs90 – and I wreckon there is a 60% chance of that happening.

Confidence is lost on the increased debt of the country and the States, worries about likelihood of growth being enough to raise enough tax to pay down the debt and things taking a lot longer than expected.

So as I said to a BBC producer – the real story is the Indians coming back from India to the UK to tap into UK growth. But what do you do if you have funds in India.

Now is clearly not a good time to bring them to the UK. Not when you consider I reckon we will return to Rs75 in the next 18 months because of natural market volatility. That’s a substantial gain.

What then to buy a load of Rupees now when cheap and change back later – of course that is one play and banks offer that type of product – especially good if you don’t mind holding on to Rupees and may have need anyway for them.

The major Indian banks in Britain all offer products around this type of trade and now I think is a very good time to consider it given the Rupee is at an extreme level.

It is also a timely reminder that it is a lot easier to say the West is in decline, even in times like these, but you have to look at the alternatives. The rest of the world has a long way to go to compare – even rich UAE and Dubai is unable to pay its debts – just look at all the indebted property companies who do not pay Indian investors back – and they get away with it because in Dubai and Arab cannot be put in prison by an Indian.

The same thing has happened in India – property companies refusing to deliver what was asked for due to lack of follow on investments. Due diligence is the key – knowing the reputation of the builder because few go to court, or have the time.

So for now – the quickest 25% return maybe to buy Rupees for up to two years.

India to receive record $70 bn remittances in 2012: World Bank India will receive record $70 billion remittances in the year 2012, topping the list of developing countries which are expected to receive a total of $406 billion this year, the World Bank said. After India, China will stand second with $66 billion, followed

by Mexico and the Philippines with $24 billion each, a latest report by the bank had said.

In all, worldwide remittances - including those to high-income countries - will reach $534 billion in 2012, according to a newly updated World Bank brief on global migration and remittances. Other large recipi-

ents are Nigeria ($21 billion), Egypt ($18 billion), $14 billion each for Pakistan and Bangladesh, followed by Vietnam ($9 billion) and Lebanon ($7 billion).

Officially recorded remittance flows to developing countries are estimated to grow by 6.5 per cent over $351 billion in 2011, with India again topping the chart with $58 billion, followed by China ($57 billion), Mexico ($24 billion) and the Philippines ($23 billion).

Worldwide remittances, including those to high-income countries, are projected to grow to $685 billion in 2015.

# " #

$ !

# #

!

Car lovers know it as an icon of British motor engineering. Movie fans have drooled as the world's most famous secret agent, James Bond, drove one breathtaking model after another on his numerous adventuresin 11 movies, to be precise, including the latest, 'Skyfall'. And now, Aston Martin, the maker of iconic luxury cars, could soon have an Indian owner.

Mahindra and Mahindra is involved in a thrilling battle for the British car maker, reported by the financial press over the weekend. The winning bidder will get 50% of the voting rights and a 40% equity stake, a source familiar with the matter said.

Italian private equity fund Investindustrial recently reached an agreement with the owner, Kuwaiti investment house Investment Dar but Mahindra and Mahindra

Anand Mahindra

has made a higher offer, leaving the fate of the 98year old firm in the balance, sources familiar with the discussions said.

Investment Dar, the other Kuwaiti investors and Aston Martin management will retain the rest, the source said.

"Talks are continuing through the weekend," said one source, who revealed that Investindustrial had bid between 200 million and 250 million pounds ($400 million) for the stake, and was confident of winning the race because it sees its proposal as "technically" superior, including a techni-

cal partnership deal with Daimler AG's Mercedes.

The exact figure quoted by M&M was not available.

The same source said manufacturing would stay at Gaydon, Warwickshire, under the Italian proposal.

The company was sold in 2007 by US-based Ford Motor for 479 million pounds ($767 million), to Kuwait's Investment Dar and another Kuwait fund, Adeem Investment Co. The consortium was fronted by David Richards -former Formula 1 Benetton and BAR racing boss, who remains chairman.

Aston Martin sells about 15% of its DB9, Vanquish and other models in Asia. Wealthy Chinese buyers snapped up 110 cars in 2010 and sales are expected to have multliplied five-fold to over 500 this year.

A spokesman for Investment Dar, which

went to the market for a $1-billion debt restructuring last year, was not immediately available for comment. M&M could not be reached for comment.

Investindustrial declined comment.

Investindustrial, owned by Italy's Bonomi family, is not new to luxury motor brands. In 2006, it bought Italian motorcycle maker Ducati and sold it for about 860 million euros last April to Volkswagen's Audi division.

Mahindra is the world's number one tractor maker.

It also makes more sport utility vehicles than any other Indian motor manufacturer, and controls South Korean car maker Ssangyong Motor Co Ltd. A second source familiar with the process said Mahindra was keen to access the Aston Martin technology to upgrade its existing vehicle platform.

ArcelorMittal not welcome, Tata Steel proposes 900 job cuts in the UK says French minister

French industrial renewal minister Arnaud Montebourg does not want steel giant ArcelorMittal in France anymore and is looking for an industrial partner with which to take the group's operations there on a temporary basis, he said on Monday in an interview.

"We do not want Mittal in France any longer because they do not respect France," Montebourg told the French financial daily Les Echos.

"Mittal's lies since 2006 are damning," the French minister said, adding that the company "has never honoured its commitments" to the country.

ArcelorMittal has shut down blast furnaces in Florange, eastern France, but wants to maintain its other activities there, in what has become a showdown with the new socialist government in France.

Montebourg told Les Echos he was working on a "transitory nationalization" project for the site. The newspaper said that "the

idea would be to associate an industrial operator with a minority capital stake for as long as it takes to stabilize activity" at the plant.

On October 1, ArcelorMittal said it would shut down the furnaces for good and gave the French government two months to find a buyer. With the Saturday deadline approaching rapidly, tension between the steel giant and France has risen sharply because the government says it has two offers, but only for the entire site.

After Mittal refused to sell the entire operation, Montebourg raised the threat of a temporary nationalisation in a hearing before French senators last week.

That was followed by Mittal warning that a sale of the entire Florange site would threaten the viability of the rest of ArcelorMittal's activities in France, where the group says it employs 20,000 workers.

In a forced reaction to the four-year long slowdown in the UK steel making industry, Tata Steel announced restructuring plans, which will lead to the loss of about 900 jobs in the UK, including 580 in South Wales, 155 in Yorkshire, 120 in the West Midlands and 30 in Teesside.

T h e c o m p a n y, which had an employee count of 81622 as on March 2012, spends about 12-14% of its total revenue on staff costs on a consolidated basis. The company also announced it plans to restart Blast Furnace 4 one of two blast furnaces in Port Talbot, South Wales, which is being rebuilt as part of a £250 million investment programme - in the first quarter of 2013. It will also lead to the restarting of the hot strip mill at the com-

pany's Llanwern site in Newport, South Wales.

Two weeks ago, the company reported a loss of Rs 36.39 crore for the quarter ended September 2012, mainly on account of poor performance of its Europe division. The European operations of Tata Steel, which contributes three-fifths to the company's consolidated revenue, comprise Europe's second largest steel producer.

During the quarter steel production and deliveries were lower than the year ago period for Tata Steel Europe which supplies steel and related services to the construction, automotive, packaging, lifting & excavating, energy & power, aerospace sectors.

Its stock has lost 7% of its market value since it announced its September quarter results.

Etihad set to pick 24% stake in Jet Airways Naresh Goyal-owned Jet Airways is on the verge of becoming the first Indian carrier to benefit from the government’s recent FDI policy change, allowing foreign carriers to invest in domestic airlines. Jet is in advanced stage of talks for a 24% stake sale to Middle East carrier Etihad Airways in a deal valued at $400 million.

Dayananidhi Maran’s low-cost carrier SpiceJet has also admitted “that a few foreign airlines/investors have evinced interest” in it for picking up a stake. Three non-airline companies and two airlines are learnt to be in talks with SpiceJet at present but “a deal is not

on the horizon.” “It will be very premature to comment on the possibilities of any fresh equity issuance

of talks with Etihad (an airline Goyal helped build by providing friendly technical expertise in its initial

to such interested parties,” an airline statement said.

“Jet Airways is in a massive expansion mode and needs capitalization.

They are in advanced stage

years as he has solid ties with Gulf carriers). This deal is expected to be clinched shortly unless Goyal or Etihad set up some impossible demand,”

said a top aviation source.

Jet is 80% owned by Goyal through the Isle of Man-registered Tailwinds.

UPA government recently allowed foreign airlines to pick up to 49% stake in Indian carriers. Asked how Jet will offload stake to a foreign carrier in such a situation, the source said: “We have not been informed of those details.

Maybe Goyal dilutes his existing 80% by 15-20%.

Anyway, the deal has to be routed through the foreign investment promotion board and they will look at that.” A team of top Jet officials are learnt to be in Abu Dhabi to clinch the deal under Goyal’s overall guidance.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

19

When Piggybacking Makes Sense

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Recently we backed out of a deal, the reason being someone else didn’t sell as fast as we expected, and the flat we were considering was virtually identical to the one that they had bought, in fact they were next door to each other.

The properties in question were in Lennox Gardens, Knightsbridge, one of the most sought after squares in London. There are only a few squares which fall into this category, namely Eaton Sq, Belgrave Sq, Cadogan Sq and Londes Sq. Greenery is hard to come by and so a little patch of it in these locations becomes very sought after. A flat in this location can fetch in excess of £2500 per Sq Ft by virtue of its location.

The first flat was purchased a few months ago by a trader for £185,000, in this location. “It sounds too cheap” I hear you say, there must be something ‘wrong’. There was something ‘wrong’. Two things actually, one is the lease was three years, and the second is it’s a lower ground property. The trader bought this with the aim of agreeing the lease extension and selling the property on, note this does not mean he pays for the lease extension merely agrees the figure. The property came with the rights to extend the lease, this is known as a section 42 notice.

With property, especially in these locations, it is rare to get everything on your plate, normally you need to have an angle to make the deal work.

H ere the angl e was to extend th e le ase an d resell the property wit h t he be nefit of a lo ng lease . This alone adds value as an un known variable has n ow become a kno wn fig ure .

The cost of the lease extension was negotiated at £500,000, which is an extremely cheap price. This means the flat ‘cost’ was only £685,000 in this location you cannot purchase anything at this price.

The flat is a 569 Sq Ft, so a generous size for a one bedroom flat.

The trader expected the resell of this flat to be around £750,000, put simply you cannot by a property in this location for this amount of money.

When the next door flat came on the market at £175,000, naturally we were keen to replicate the deal, we had the knowledge of the previous lease extension and the surveyor was confident of negotiating a similar price for this new property. The second property was in a better condition, the layout was a squarish shape as opposed to the previous property, the sq footage was 713 Sq Ft. It was a deal to be jumped at.

We secured the contract, all we had to do was replicate the exact same formula. In effect we were getting 25% more space, a better layout and it was in rentable condition, furthermore it was £10,000 cheaper.

Therefore it seemed a no brainer. Not everyone was privy to the information of the lease extension cost, this was our trump card.

There were many close sales on the first property, but it didn’t quite sell. The trader decided to put the flat in auction on the 19th November 2012, it was guided at £180,000 with an expectation it would sell at £265,000. We waited to see the results of the sale, so we could secure the next door property with confidence. It was pretty much certain to

The Real Deal 2 bed flat in Atherstone Court, Delamere Terrace, W2 for £310,000

sell at the auction - or so we thought, there was even talk of it selling prior to auction as it attracted a lot of interest. Neither of these happened. The property failed to sell.

Selling at Auctions can be a hit and miss process, things like the weather and holiday seasons can affect the sale of a property. However even after the auction there was much interest and expectations it would go, but it hasn’t to date. That’s not to say it will not. Out of the two initial reasons why this property was not a sure sale one still remains, it’s lower ground property.

Although on the surface the property looked like an attractive deal, the overriding factor of it being a lower ground has proved to be a stumbling block. It will sell, it’s a question of time and price. After all there are only so many properties around this one square.

However in the same way we were going to piggyback from the success of first flat we made a decision to pull out as a precaution. Despite the failure of the first flat to sell in time, we were still bullish that if we had purchased the second flat it would sell if released at the right time, i.e. spring next year. However regardless of our confidence, the decision was taken to exit the deal and use the funds for more aggressive and sure deals, not where funds could be tied up for longer than expected.

Previously we have had success with lower ground properties, in 40A Westbourne Terrace in W2 we purchased a 1,600 Sq. Ft lower ground property with a Share of Freehold for £1.05m which we then resold for £1.23m within a couple of months without doing any work.

Though this is a strong location it has no way near the pull that Lennox Gardens has.

The attractive feature on this deal were the numbers involved. The property could be bought in cash for £175k below even the stamp duty threshold of 1%. The lease extension can be agreed with only 10% down. Even on a three year lease the properly can be funded, as long as the rights to extend came with the property, in this situation it did. So the return was potentially very lucrative for a nominal investment.

Investors are oft en amazed at t he premiu m you can get simply by a le ase ext ension.

n n n n n

Superb two bedroom property In the heart of Little Venice Long Lease Expected rental of £21,840 per year.

Low service charge

This is a very attractive price for this property and we feel this will both rent and grow very well in the future Call us now to view!!

The first question is if it’s so simple why doesn’t the owner just get it done. One reason is they may not be alive to get it done. Often these are probate properties. The siblings who inherit the these properties often haven’t got a clue regarding the laws surrounding lease extensions nor the patience, in the majority of cases their aim is to sell and divide the profits in the shortest space of time. Another big reason is many of the owners are abroad and are out of touch with the current legislations, the agents who are selling are often not aware of the laws surrounding lease extensions themselves.

In this situation all we were doing was following a previous deal, it was very coincidental to get deals so close to each other, the vendors in both of these were not related. Knowledge of previous deals can serve to give powerful guidance on whether to invest in a property and identify the time taken to sell. Our aim in this situation was always to follow the flow of the first flat, in this case the indication was to step out of the deal.

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

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

Tips of the Week l When renovating a property remember the cheaper quote may prove to be expensive in the long run. l Remember to factor in the time value of a property when arranging works, if it's a buy to let then the value will be the rental lost.

20

financial vOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Moody's says India's rating outlook is stable

The First Golden Rule of Good Investing

The Second Rule of Investing: Risk & Asset Allocation

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

A Picture Tells a Thousand Words Mr Justin Urquhart Stewart We all want as much as we can get don't we?

Although perhaps not at any cost. It is a fact of human nature that most people want as much return as they can have, so long as they don’t risk losing it!

But the situation is “no risk = no gain”, so here is the imponderable; what are we willing to risk?

Risk is very personal and difficult to properly measure, but as a rule of thumb I would suggest it is being able to sleep at night. If you are fretting about losing your money in an investment scheme and it is preying on your mind, then you are probably taking too much risk.

So how can we consider this imponderable more technically than sleep deprivation ? Well the first issue is time. Investment in my view is a long term game, and anything under five years is too short a period for your investment to work properly.

Now past performance is no guide to the future, but we can measure the volatility of different asset classes that you may be using. Thus if we blend together different investment asset types which tend to have different levels of volatility we can start to improve the predictability as to how they are likely to behave.

Thus cash is going to be less erratic than European shares, but by blending them together we can see how your portfolio would be affected by them both. Adding more asset classes, including everything from shares around the globe, to bonds, commodities, property and various others, results in a much deeper blend of all these investment types giving us a portfolio with a more manageable volatility and predictability. With the ability to measure the volatility or risk you may suffer in any investment blend, it is possible to customise the risk level, and find something that your no doubt somewhat frayed investment nerves might be willing to tolerate.

The political campaigns ahead of the upcoming State elections in Gujarat are in full swing. All the political parties are currently fully focused on trying to portray themselves as the saviours and their opponents as the villains. This is normal and most people are probably indifferent to it all.

However, there have been some ripples caused by an advert posted by the Congress party in which they are trying to point out that 45% of children in the State are malnourished. Whether this figure is actually accurate or not, I am not sure, as most figures thrown around by politicians are usually manipulated in some way or other.

However, it is not the figure of 45% that people are talking about, but rather the image of the malnourished child depicted in the ad. It turns out that this image was actually taken from the website of another organisation and is actu-

ally of a child in Sri Lanka! Belatedly, the Congress party is asking people not to focus on the picture but rather the message behind it.

The issue of malnutrition is no joking matter.

However, in the zeal to blame the BJP for this problem, the Congress marketing team has overlooked a fundamental principle of communications. Be meticulous in the scripting. By being lazy and not bothering to take or find an appropriate photo, the message has been lost in the photo and peoples attention has been diverted. Instead of asking are 45% of children really malnourished and if so what is being done about it, the public are discussing the credibility of the Congress marketing campaign.

This reminds me of an incident when George W Bush was giving an interview to reporters in which he spoke about fighting terrorism he said, "I call upon all nations to do

By Amit Patel

everything they can to stop these terrorist killers. Thank you.” This was fine, but then footage of what happened next was published in which it turned out that he was on a golf course and as he prepared to take a shot he said to the reporters, “Now watch this drive."

Again, people are not left with an image of the most powerful man on earth laying down the gauntlet to terrorists, but rather of his pride in his golfing abilities.

Effective communication is a fundamental skill that all leaders need to learn and give due attention to. The internet demands that not only must your message be clear, it must also look believable. This is what branding is all about. It is true that a picture can tell a thousand words, but if it the picture is not as well scripted as the message, those words can just as easily be lost in the picture.

ASSET ALLOCATION IS THE KEY FACTOR IN THE VARIABILITY OF LONG TERM RETURNS The blending of all these asset classes is referred to as Asset Allocation, and is generally accepted as being the most important driver for longer term investment returns. A quick Google enquiry will show that Asset Allocation is probably responsible for around 90% of your longer term historic returns. Stock selection and market timing may be important, but if you are in the wrong asset class to start with then you are going to have a fundamental problem.

A quality institutional investment manager will diversify their risk by this spread of asset classes both by type and global geography. By definition you will miss out on having all your bets on the winner, but you gain a huge reduction in risk and hopefully have a more predictable return.

However, you don’t have to leave it there. Firstly, you can adjust your asset allocation as you see events change, and also adjust your risk levels according to your own frame of mind. If you want to take a greater risk then you can just increase the holdings of those more risky but potentially more exciting investments in a given section of your portfolio. So for example, the younger you are the more likely you are to accept a greater risk, on the basis that you have more time to recover from any disaster. Then as you get older, your attitude to risk will become more defensive as you don’t want to lose your hard earned monies just when you are going to need them most.

So asset allocation should help you manage your risk, and managing your risk should help you get a good night’s sleep. Rule 2!

Seven Investment Management 125 Old Broad Street London EC2N 1AR Tel: 020 7760 8777

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

Tougher rules for children with effect from 13th December

The UKBA re-introduced a rule which allows children to remain in the UK if they have been resident here for 7 years or more.

However recent rule changes to take effect on the 13th December indicated that only minor changes were being introduced. However there is a sting in the tail for children because it has added to the requirement of residence for 7 years a condition that it must also be unreasonable for the child to return abroad.

Bankers gone bonkers?

Whilst it has become a sport to bash bankers most of the time, there are times when they deserve it. Take the case in which a client has fulfilled the rules for entering as an Entrepreneur, having successfully completed all the checks. He wants to open a bank account and took his passport to a bank who turned him away because he required 2 photo IDs. He has a driving licence with a photo but it was

not acceptable because it has a foreign address. He produced his passport and bank statements to show that he has come from abroad but none of this made any difference.

He cannot rent a property because he requires advance payments and because he does not have a bank account this is a problem. So, the sum total of all his efforts are that he is unable to move forward and is already beginning to feel the bureaucratic heat which is getting him down.

Come on bankers, use your grey matter.

Accounts have been opened for drug dealers where zillions have been passed through the accounts. Whilst ensuring the bona fides of an applicant is acceptable the regulations are affecting the innocent.

Brain drain: Recent Home Office research has found that an increasing number of people from professional and managerial backgrounds (around

350000) are emigrating abroad mainly to Australia, Canada and the US raising concerns about future skill shortages.

Most of them (93%) are of working age and 43% are British nationals and 57% EU and non EU nationals.

The study found that citizens of EU countries, who do not have to travel far, more likely to return to their home country than migrants from India or the Caribbean countries.

Interestingly the most recent estimate from the World Bank shows that 4.7 million British citizens are living abroad representing 7% of the population and the eighth highest of any country in terms of absolute numbers.

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

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

Moody's said on Tuesday that the outlook on its Baa3 rating for India is stable, in part due to the country's high savings and investment rates, as debate rages in Delhi over whether the country can avoid credit downgrades from other rating agencies. In its annual credit analysis on India, which Moody's said does not constitute a rating action, the agency also cited the country's large, diverse economy and strong gross domestic product growth as supportive of the rating.

However, Moody's said: "The rating is constrained by the credit challenges posed by India's poor social and physical infrastructure, high government deficit and debt ratios, recurrent inflationary pressures and an uncertain operating environment."

Last month, Standard & Poor's warned India still faced a one-in-three chance of a credit rating downgrade over the next 24 months, although it said a series of reform steps launched in September had slightly improved the country's prospects. Fitch also has a negative outlook on India.

Having faced a series of revenue-raising setbacks, the Indian government is grappling with a widening fiscal deficit that threatens to undermine the country's credit standing and possibly trigger a downgrade to junk status.

Finance minister P Chidambaram has an ambitious target of holding the government's fiscal deficit for 2012/13 at 5.3 per cent of gross domestic product, even as sceptical private economists forecast a deficit closer to 6%.

India signs pact with China to develop railways India on Monday signed a pact with China to enhance mutual technical cooperation between the two Asian countries in the field of railways, an official statement said. Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), both the countries will enhance mutual cooperation across various areas of rail technology ,including high speed rail, heavy haulage and station development, said a statement from the railway ministry.

The two sides will undertake exchange of information on policies, training and exchange programmes, site visits, joint symposiums etc, it said. Both the countries have also agreed that future cooperation on railways between them will be carried under the Infrastructure Working Group constituted under the India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue.

Railway Board chairman Vinay Mittal signed the MoU with Wang Zhiguo, China's vice minister of railways. The MoU will remain in force for 5 years.

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

21

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

Current situation leaves little time to bask in Greek success Greece’s future in the euro has finally been confirmed, for now at least! Last night after months of discussion, the announcement was made that Greece would receive its third tranche of bailout funds, as well as numerous other adjustments to the requirements that may have strangled the economy.

Allaying initial fears that Greece may become illiquid, Greece was cleared to receive the â‚Ź34.4bn December installment, endowing it with the cash necessary to survive. Further measures include rate cuts on bailout loans, suspended interest payments for a decade and extended time for a Greek bond buyback.

Despite investors’ unrelenting belief that the troika would manage to come to an agreement, the pressure, on what has been a focal point of the Eurozone economy, has lifted momentarily as euro leaders admire their efforts.

Although finally received, the much-lauded announcement followed last week’s prolific euro gains, intimating that the Greek bailout had already been priced into the market. Such was this

expectation, that upon the breaking news, the euro weakened against its counterparts.

With a Greek plan in place, attention may soon turn to the next hurdles that the 17-nation area may have to maneuver. A seemingly relentless job, a future bailout for Spain may be the next saga Draghi and his counterparts must conquer, as well as the languid economic performance of each nation.

The current Catalonian separatist movement has gathered

pace, as Artur Mas’ party won the backing of his regional people. The disquiet in the Mediterranean region could cause Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy to step away from any bailout plans for now, as he tries to sooth the disillusion within his nation.

This protraction, which although investors will be familiar with, should still cause frustration as Spain’s own path remains less clear. Officials will be hoping that the economy

0 8 0 8

$ 0 4 5

shows some signs of life, whilst this ambition will be rendered redundant, should the Spanish bond yields breach 10 percent.

Out in the US, Obama’s congress is providing a backstop to global woes. Thus far, negotiations on the fiscal cliff appear to be running smoothly and without holdup. If America is going to be ok, come 1st January 2013, the outlook on the rest of the world will be slightly enhanced.

This is not to say there will not be hesitations. The fragile nature of the markets mean that a single press conference or announcement casting the slightest doubt over progress could cause investors flooding back to the safe haven greenback.

Overall the US is expected to come to a productive conclusion, if it doesn’t, America will enter a recession and consequently like a house of cards losing its base, the rest of the world will come toppling down. This is not something that the US government will allow to happen, regardless of the disparities between Republican and Democrat physiology within congress.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 27th November 2012 @ 4pm GBP - INR = 88.92 USD - INR = 55.50 EUR - INR = 71.75 GBP - USD = 1.60 GBP - EUR = 1.24 EUR - USD = 1.29 GBP - AED = 5.89 GBP - CAD = 1.59 GBP - NZD = 1.95 GBP - AUD = 1.53 GBP - ZAR = 14.15 GBP - HUF = 347.34

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

PX XJ S F U S B OT G FS

G FFT

B OE OP IJ EEFO D PT U T

22

PakIstan-Bangladesh-srI lanka

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Pakistan Taliban rule out peace, vow to fight ‘secular rulers’

Islamabad: The banned Pakistani Taliban have ruled out the possibility of peace negotiations with the government and pledged to continue their fight against the country's "secular rulers".

Reacting to interior minister Rehman Malik's call to the militants to give up violence and join peace talks, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan said the group would continue its fight.

The Taliban rejected the offer of amnesty for militants who laid down their arms and joined negotiations, Ihsan said. Talking to reporters in northwest Pakistan, Ihsan accused Malik of being "a foreign agent not worthy of granting forgiveness to the Taliban." Ihsan said his group

Musharraf blasts Indian embassy for issuing ‘report to police’ visa

would continue fighting till "the ouster of secular rulers imposed by foreign forces to rule an Islamic country".

The Taliban want the creation of "an independent state governed by Shariah law, upon which the foundations of Pakistan were laid", he claimed. The Taliban have been blamed for hundreds of bombings and suicide attacks over the past four years that have killed or injured thousands.

We will defeat terrorism, Malala tells journalist Hamid Mir: “We will defeat terrorism," teen peace activist Malala Yousufzai, currently recuperating in a British hospital after she was shot at by the Taliban, told journalist Hamid Mir after he escaped

124 killed in Bangladesh factory fire

"Even if it were a slip-up, I certainly would expect the Ambassador to take the official who committed such a great error to task," he added.

The visa issued by the Indian Embassy to Musharraf and his wife Sebha required them to 'report to the police' soon after landing in New Delhi recently. Musharraf, however, was quick to praise the warmth and hospitality of Indian immigration officials at Delhi Airport who quickly rectified the issue, Gulf News reports. Commenting on the bungle by his office, M K Lokesh, Indian ambassador to the UAE, said that it was a 'human error' and was corrected immediately. "It was a mistake by one of our consular staff,” Lokesh said.

Dhaka: At east 124 people died on Saturday and Sunday in a fire at a garment factory outside Dhaka, Bangladesh, in one of the worst industrial tragedies in the country. "We have so far retrieved 124 bodies (and) the rescue campaign is still underway," major Mahbub Hossain, a senior fire service official, said, adding that most of the bodies were found severely charred.

It took firefighters over 17 hours to douse the blaze at the factory, Tazreen Fashions, after it started on Saturday evening, a retired fire official in Dhaka said. Many were forced to jump from high windows to escape the smoke and flames.

Survivors of the factory fire said how panicked staff, mostly women, desperately tried to escape the factory, which the owner said made clothes for international brands including Dutch chain C&A and the Hong Kong-based Li & Fung Company. The company said it was "distressed" by the deaths and offered a compensation of $1,200 to the family of each worker who died in the blaze.

Islamabad: A new Britishbased Islamist group plans to meet in Islamabad to issue a religious decree against the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban, accusing her of supporting "occupying" US forces.

The move against Malala Yousufzai, 15, is likely to provoke outrage. In the days following her shooting in October, she became an international icon and world leaders pledged to support her campaign for girls' education.

"There will be a fatwa issued regarding Malala Yousufzai taking into account the full story of her injury including her public statements in support of the occupying US army in the region and mocking of key symbols of Islam such as hijab and jihad," said Abu Baraa, a senior mem-

ber of Shariah4Pakistan.

The group, whose website features a blog below a photograph of Yousufzai in a hospital bed titled "Don't Believe The Crocodile Tears for Malala Yousufzai," is associated with some of Britain's most hardline Islamists.

Anjem Choudary, a prominent radical cleric in Britain, said the fatwa could be issued soon at Lal Masjid, one of Pakistan's most notorious mosques, where a 2007 army raid crushed a Talibanstyle movement controlling the compound.

The mosque's deputy head, Maulana Amir Siddique, denied the group would hold such a conference but organisers insisted they did not need permission to gather in a public place of worship.

Choudary would not say

Dubai: Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has lashed out at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi for issuing him an Indian visa with “report to the police” stamped on it. "I do not know whether it was done to humiliate me or it was a slip-up. I leave it to the Indian Ambassador to decide," Musharraf said.

Ihsanullah Ihsan

an attempt on his life on Monday. Malala, who is in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, made her first telephone call to Mir, Geo News reported on Tuesday.

"Malala Yousafzai and her father just called me from UK and expressed their solidarity. Malala said that Insha Allah we will defeat terrorists," Mir tweeted. The

anchor escaped an assassination attempt when police defused a bomb planted on the passenger side of his car in Islamabad.

Interior minister Rehman Malik has announced a reward of Rs 50 million for credible information regarding the attempt on the journalist's life. Malala, the 15year-old who became a symbol of resistance of Taliban's anti -girl education stand, was shot in the head on Oct 9. She came to prominence in 2009 at the age of 11, when she started writing a diary for BBC Urdu about life under the Taliban.

Malala is currently undergoing treatment in Britain and recovering. The Taliban said they had targeted her for promoting secularism.

"I smelt smoke and ran downstairs and found that the place was already full with black fumes," Rabiul Islam said as he surveyed the ruins.

"With another worker, I broke open an exhaust fan in

the second floor and jumped to the roof of a shed next to the factory," he said.

Mahbub said that most victims died of suffocation as the blaze started on the ground floor warehouse, trapping the night-shift staff.

"The factory had three exits but since the fire was on the ground floor, workers could not come downstairs ," he said. Most of the workers who died were on the first and second floors and were killed, fire officials said, because there were not enough exits.

The owner of the Tazreen

factory, Delwar Hossain, said that the cause of the fire was not yet known but he denied his premises were unsafe.

Bangladesh's garment industry, the second largest exporter of clothing after China, has a notoriously poor record of fire safety.

Workers are among the lowest-paid in the world with entry-level workers making a governmentmandated minimum wage of about $37 a month.

Since 2006, more than 500 Bangladeshi workers have died in garment factory fires, according to Clean Clothes Campaign, an anti- sweatshop advocacy group based in Amsterdam.

Experts say many of the fires could have been easily avoided if the factories had taken the right precautions. Many factories are located in cramped neighbourhoods, have too few fire escapes and widely flout safety measures.

"The brands have known for years that many of the factories they choose to work with are death traps," Ineke Zeldenrust, the international coordinator for Clean Clothes Campaign, said. "Their failure to take action amounts to criminal negligence."

British Islamists to issue fatwa against Malala

Malala Yousufzai

what punishment Yousufzai might face if the group found her guilty of violating Islam.

"Nobody is saying we are going to get out our swords and go and look for Malala...

The point is a wider issue: it is about the American and Pakistani involvement in maintaining the British and American interests ...,"

Choudary said.

"Malala is one of the issues we are going to be addressing because she is being used as a propaganda tool by the enemies of Muslims to say: 'Look, Muslims don't believe in education' which is absurd."

Tens of thousands of Britons have called on the government to nominate Malala for a Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting girls' education. Her shooting was the culmination of years of campaigning that had pitted the young girl against one of Pakistan's most ruthless Taliban commanders, Maulana Fazlullah. Fazlullah and his men had taken over Malala's native Swat Valley and have blown up girls' schools and publicly executed those they deem immoral.

In Focus Adulterated cough syrup claims 12 lives in Pakistan

Lahore: At least 12 people died and several others were in a serious condition after drinking adulterated cough syrup. The men had drunk the cough syrup to get intoxicated. Doctors at a state-run hospital said the men fell ill as the medicine was adulterated.

Over 20 men fell ill or fainted after drinking the cough syrup in Shahdra Town of Lahore.

Four of them died instantly while eight more died in hospital. Cases were registered against several dealers and stores that sold the syrup. A factory where the drug was made had been sealed.

Court to hear Zardari case from December 5

Lahore: In what could spell trouble for Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, a court said it would hear a contempt of court petition filed against him for holding the political post of chief of the Pakistan People's Party on a day-to-day basis from December 5. A five-judge bench of the Lahore made the observation when it resumed hearing Munir Ahmad's petition against Zardari for holding a political office despite HC's suggestion last year that he give up the post of PPP chief.

Counsel for Ahmad, argued that Zardari was also violating an order issued by the SC that said the President should be non-partisan and have no political affiliations.

Pakistan moves against 'vulgar' late-night calls

Islamabad: Pakistan has ordered mobile phone companies to ban cheap, late-night calling rates because they allegedly promote vulgarity among young men and women.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said it asked companies to suspend attractive night-time rates in keeping with government policy. Members of parliament also demanded action. An opposition lawmaker in the lower house, also backed the ban. Pakistan is no stranger to clamping down on phone and Internet services.

Sri Lanka to sidestep US-led sanctions against Iran

Colombo: Sri Lanka will sidestep US-led sanctions against Iran by diverting its oil payments towards a water management project that Tehran is funding in the island. Two billion rupees ($15.38 million) owed to Iran for oil will be used to finance the Uma Oya irrigation scheme. Iran had pledged some $450 million for the water project in 2008 but implementation had been delayed due to lack of cash. The US-led sanctions aimed at spurring Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme have hurt Sri Lanka, which is geared to refine only Iranian light crude.

Pak judge makes official stand up for hours as punishment

Lahore: In an action reminiscent of that of a school teacher punishing an errant student, a Pakistani judge made a government official stand up for hours in his courtroom for telling a lie. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Lahore High Court asked Muzaffarul Haq, a section officer of the Faisalabad district government, to stand in his courtroom for lying and for concealing facts about the appointment of a peon. Petitioner Muhammad Irfan contended that he had applied for the post of peon in the city district government and only his name had appeared on the merit list issued by authorities. However, officials ignored the merit list and appointed another person who had not even applied for the post, Irfan said. At a previous hearing, Haq had told the judge that the name of the appointed person too was on the merit list. During a hearing, the judge snubbed Haq for concealing facts and punished him for misleading the court.

Egypt president cancels state visit to Pakistan

Islamabad: Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi cancelled a state visit to Pakistan on Friday, government officials said, a day after granting himself extended powers. No reason was immediately given for the cancellation of the visit or for Morsi's decision not to attend a summit of developing nations in Islamabad a day earlier.

world 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

In Focus Israel's defence minister Ehud Barak quits politics

Jerusalem: Israel's defence minister Ehud Barak on Monday announced he was quitting political life after a decades-long career that also saw him serve as prime minister.

Barak, 70, made the surprise announcement at a press conference in Tel Aviv, adding that he would retire from politics after a new government is formed in the wake of January elections. "I have decided to resign from political life and not participate in the upcoming Knesset elections," Barak said. "I will finish my duties as defence minister with the formation of the next government in three months," he added, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Barak's announcement came as political observers had speculated the long-time politician would announce he was joining another political party ahead of the January 22 elections. Many suspected he might pair up with former foreign minister Tzipi Livni to run on a centrist ticket, after she quit the centre-right Kadima party following her loss in a primary vote.

Israel, Hamas agree on ceasefire

Cairo: Egypt announced that a ceasefire had been reached to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Egyptian foreign minister Mohamed Kamel Amr made the announcement in a joint news conference with US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. The ceasefire would come into effect soon, said Amr, whose country has been at the heart of efforts to broker an end to the conflict. "Egypt has made great efforts ... since the start of the latest escalation in the Gaza Strip," Amr said. "These efforts and contacts have resulted in understandings to cease fire and restore calm and halt the bloodshed that the last period has seen," he added.

Nepal fails to end logjam, set for polls in April-May

Kathmandu: The crisis-ridden Maoist-led Nepal government announced fresh constituent assembly elections in April or May next year, in an attempt to break the political deadlock plaguing the country since last year. Fresh elections had originally been planned for November 22, after the 601member constituent assembly was dissolved by PM Baburam Bhattarai on May 27, but due to lack of consensus the plan was dropped. Prime Minister Bhattarai a submitted a budget ordinance of Rs 300.64 billion, for the remaining eight-month period of the current fiscal year.

Western pair gets 3-month jail for sex in Dubai taxi

Dubai: A British woman and Irish man accused of engaging in sexual activities in a Dubai taxi were sentenced to three months in prison and then deportation. The case is the latest in which Westerners have fallen foul of the United Arab Emirates' decency laws, highlighting cultural differences as the UAE seeks a balance between maintaining its Muslim identity and catering for a vibrant tourism industry. Rebecca Blake and Conor McRedmond both denied charges of "breach of honour with consent" and committing "an indecent act in a taxi" when they appeared in court last month. They also pleaded guilty to a third charge related to consumption of alcohol in public.

Thailand rallies to overthrow PM

Bangkok: Thai police fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators and made dozens of arrests as thousands demanded the overthrow of PM Yingluck Shinawatra in the biggest street protest yet against her 16-month-old government. Protesters from the royalist Pitak Siam group, led by retired military general Boonlert Kaewprasit, tried to breach police lines in the Thai capital and rammed a six-wheel truck into a security barrier but were held back. They accused Yingluck’s government of corruption, being a puppet of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s brother, and of disloyalty to Thailand’s monarchy. Many were members of a yellow-shirt protest movement that helped trigger a coup by royalist generals in 2006 that toppled Thaksin.

New Delhi: Unhappy over China showing Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as its territory in maps of the country on their new e-passports, India has retaliated by issuing visas, containing Indian maps including these regions as part of it.

The retaliation came after the Chinese government started issuing new e-passports, carrying pages with watermark Chinese maps including Arunachal and Aksai Chin as its parts.

Taking note of this few weeks back, India through its embassy in Beijing is issuing visas to Chinese nationals with a map of India including these places as part of its territory.

Earlier also, China had triggered a diplomatic row by issuing stapled visas to residents of Jammu and Kashmir, terming it as a “disputed territory” and denied visas to those hailing from Arunachal Pradesh.

Peeved over this action, India lodged a strong protest with China which subsequently reverted to issuing

normal visas to residents of JK but without officially admitting that they were doing so.

China’s claim to Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, which shares a 1,030-km unfenced border with it, is not new.

In 1962, China and India fought a brief war over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, but in 1993 and 1996 the two countries signed agreements to respect the Line of Actual Control to maintain peace and tranquility.

Significantly, these developments occur even as a high-level team of Chinese diplomats, for the first time, visited Sikkim in connection

Court to decide on Egyptian president Morsi’s power grab Cairo: An Egyptian court will next week examine the legality of a decree by which President Mohamed Morsi granted himself sweeping powers, a move that triggered deadly unrest, an official said on Monday.

Abdel Meguid al-Moqannen, the deputy chief of the State Council, Egypt's highest administrative body, said more than 12 lawsuits had been filed against the decree, the official news agency reported.

The case would be heard on December 4.

The announcement came as Morsi met with senior judges for talks in a bid to defuse the crisis that erupted after he assumed sweeping new powers last week. The talks, on the eve of rival rallies which threaten to deepen the country's divisions, come a day after a member of his party was killed in clashes outside its offices in the Nile Delta town of Damanhour.

Several offices belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) have also been torched.

In the Nile Delta city of Damanhour, hundreds turned out for the burial of Muslim Brotherhood member Islam Fathi Mohammed who was killed in clashes outside the

with consular issues, which was seen as reconfirmation of Beijing’s stance of accepting the state as part of India.

The development comes even as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Cambodia where the two leaders discussed ways to move forward on the vexed boundary issue.

National Security adviser Shivshankar Menon is expected to visit Beijing soon for the next round of boundary talks at the level of special representatives with his Chinese counterpart Dai Bingguo.

Arafat’s body exhumed

Islamist movement's offices.

In Cairo, thousands marched at the funeral procession of Gaber Salah, a member of the April 6 movement known by his nickname "Jika," who was critically injured in clashes near Cairo's Tahrir Square last week and died overnight.

Morsi's declaration which allows him to issue decisions and laws unchallenged on a temporary basis sparked a wave of nationwide demonstrations. Some courts have suspended work in protest, while the journalists' union has decided in principle to go on strike. A sit-in by Morsi opponents is being held in the iconic Tahrir Square at the heart of last's year Arab Spring uprising that ousted the regime of veteran dictator Hosni Mubarak. Small groups of protesters spent Sunday night in the square, where they have erected 30 tents since Friday.

"Muslim Brotherhood, keep out," reads a banner strung up nearby.

More than 60 injured in clashes: Meanwhile, at least 61 people have been injured in central Cairo, some with bullet wounds, during clashes between police and protesters on the anniversary of lethal street violence between activists and security forces.

Activists called the protest to put pressure on President Morsi to punish those responsible for killings and abuses during the rule of the generals who assumed power after Hosni Mubarak was toppled by an uprising in February 2011.

Some activists said the latest bout of violence began when police forces threw rocks at protesters to try to stop them from taking down concrete barriers that have blocked off roads to the Interior Ministry since last year. They said they had a court order allowing the barriers to be removed.

Nineteen people have been arrested during the clashes, in which protesters hurling stones and petrol bombs at police guarding the Interior Ministry were repelled with teargas. Some of the protesters were seriously with bullet shots, state news agency Mena said.

Ramallah (West Bank): The body of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was exhumed on Tuesday by a team of international experts trying to discover if he was poisoned, as many Palestinians believe. French magistrates opened a murder inquiry in August into Arafat's death in Paris after a Swiss institute said it had discovered high levels of radioactive polonium on his clothing, which was supplied by his widow, Suha.

Arafat, who led the Palestinians' bid for a state through years of war and peacemaking, died in Paris aged 75 in 2004 after a short, mysterious illness. No autopsy was carried out at the time, at the request of Suha, and French doctors who treated him said they were unable to determine the cause of death.

But allegations of foul play immediately surfaced, with many locals pointing the finger at Israel, which confined Arafat to his West Bank headquarters in Ramallah for the final two and a half years of his life after a Palestinian uprising erupted.

Shiite shrine in the port city.

In an earlier incident, four policemen were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after unidentified gunmen ambushed a police vehicle in Jani Khel area. In another attack in Balochistan province's Quetta city, five people were killed and 15 others injured when a remote-controlled bomb hit a security convoy, police said.

Taliban strike at Shia rally, 14 killed: At least 14 people were killed and nearly

90 others injured when Taliban targeted Shia processions with a bomb at Dera Ismail Khan in the restive northwest, on Ashura, the holiest day for the minority community.

The bomb, planted in a shop in Chogla area of Dera Ismail Khan, was triggered by remotecontrol as a procession was passing by.

The banned Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Authorities called in army soldiers to patrol the streets of Dera Ismail Khan after the attacks.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan said that his organization had carried out the attacks. He claimed a suicide bomber was in the procession in Dera

Ismail Khan though officials insisted the attack was carried out with a bomb. Ihsan said the Taliban would succeed in striking their targets despite security arrangements made by interior minister Rehman Malik.

A government spokesman said the Taliban had apparently planned the attack in Dera Ismail Khan well in advance as authorities had closed all shops and markets and suspended mobile phone services in the city. The bomb was planted in a closed shop on the route of the Shia procession and triggered by remote control. The elements targeting Shia prayer halls and processions during the Islamic month of Muharram are enemies of the country, he said. Muharram is a holy month and those violating its sanctity have nothing to do with religion, he added.

77 killed, scores injured as terror strikes Pakistan

Islamabad: At least 77 people were killed and scores injured when terror strikes Pakistan last week. Claiming responsibility for the attacks, Pakistan Taliban warned of more such attacks in the near future. At least 28 people were killed and 77 others injured in Peshawar and Karachi. In Rawalpindi, in a sectarian attack, 23 people were killed and 62 others, including eight children, were injured when a suicide bomber hit a procession of Shia Muslims in the city. The suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden jacket in a gathering of over 1,500 Shiite Muslims when police tried to stop him for checking in Misrial area of the city.

In Karachi, four hours prior to the Rawalpindi attack, at least three people were killed and 13 others injured as twin blasts hit a

24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Keshubhai, Kalsaria can make Modi’s task challenging in Saurashtra

In divine light

By AV Correspondent

Even as pre- poll surveys predict a clear majority for Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi yet again, but there are spoilers to make his task challenging.

Two smaller entities earlier connected with the BJP are trying to forge a third front to take him head on.

Former chief minister Keshubhai Patel who recently floated Gujarat Parivartan Party is in talks with another former BJP leader Kanu Kalsaria for seat arrangements in Saurashtra. The two could make a difference of 25 seats in Saurashtra.

Kalsaria, who was instrumental in organizing the farmers against Modi for giving permission for a cement plant by Nirma in the region, has a strong support base in at least five assembly segments.

Keshubhai is a prominent Patel leader from Saurashtra, so is Kalsaria.

Incidentally, both had strong RSS links.

The emergence of these groups will be challenging for Modi and BJP. Kalsaria, who already has a mass base, has launched his own outfit in the name of Sadbhavna Manch.

“The people now realised that the projections of

By Rajen Vakil

Lord Vishnu continues to reveal His form to Markandeya

Keshubhai Patel

Kanubhai Kalsaria

development is not the real and the state has progressed only for a select few and the rest remain untouched,’’ said Kalsaria.

He said that he was convinced when he received the support in his struggle against industrial house Nirma which was flouting environmental norms.

“The talk of employment generation and development is just delusional,’’ pointed out Kalsaria. He said till now people were not having an option to vote for but now they have an option and people will vote for it.

The Keshubhai camp too is upbeat about the response that they have been receiving in these areas. “People are tired and they were looking for an alternative and now that Keshubhai has given them an alternative.

People who have seen the work of Keshubhai as CM will definitely vote for

him,” said Goardhan Zadaphia, a strong Keshubhai supporter.

He said that the BJP, especially the CM, might be trumpeting a lot about the so called work and the people oriented projects but people at the ground know the reality and now they have an alternative and they will go for it. The leaders of both these camps have the advantages of being in the BJP earlier. Analysts point out that the damage that these parties could cause to BJP would be more than that of Congress.

Sources in both these parties reveal that they are in talks over seat sharing arrangements because contesting against each other would harm them electorally. With just few days left for the last date of nomination for the first phase of polls, the two are working overtime to thrash out an arrangement.

The young child continued telling rishi Markandeya, “It is I who takes the form of fire and drinks up the oceans. Then I release the water in the form of rain.

The Brahmins are my mouth, the Kshatriyas my two hands, the Vaishyas my two thighs and the Shudras my two feet.”

Here the Lord is talking of the four centres: the intellectual or Brahmin, the emotional or Kshatriya, the moving centre or Vaishya and the instinctive centre or Shudra.

“The four Vedas - the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva, at the right time are born out of me and again at the time of dissolution, they return to me. I am Agni, Vayu, Surya and Yama, the God of death, who together dissolve the Universe when time has come to an end. The stars you see in the sky are just the pores that are in the skin of my body. Desire, Anger, Happiness, Fear and Intoxication are the strands of hair that grow out of the pores.” Here the Lord is saying that all our emotions are ruled by the stars.

“In Satyuga, I wear

clothes that are white, in Tretayuga they are yellow and when the yuga called Dwapar arrives, they become red. In Kaliyuga, the clothes are black and that yuga I divide into three parts, at the end of which I take on a terrible form and destroy everything. All the gods dissolve in me and then I take this form of a young child with all the worlds in my belly.

Once again the Lord Brahma will come out of my navel and give birth to the Universe. You have been in my belly and seen what no one else has ever seen.”

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

BJP hopes to register hat-trick of Arjun Modhwadia gets wins in Gujarat state polls With assembly polls in Gujarat just about three weeks away, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to register a hat-trick of wins, and said that post-polls it would like to concentrate and complete existing development projects, and generate employment for the youth.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari said that the party is keen on making India a better nation, free of crime, starvation, terrorism and corruption.

"We will set India free from crime, starvation, terrorism and corruption and would work for the benefits of farmers and poor. We would do politics of development and progress. We will help poor and give employment opportunity to the youth and will include farmers and poor in the developmental projects. We want to change the country completely and want to make it a better nation for the people," said Gadkari.

In Rajkot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh campaigned for BJP candidates.

"I am meeting to the common man, I have full faith that in upcoming

election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would win and Narendra Modi will make hat-trick by becoming the chief minister for the third time. I think that this time, we will win the election with good margin. On behalf of the Chhattisgarh state, I am appealing to the people

to support Narendra Modi, who has made remarkable development in the state, increased the GDP and developed the agricultural sector and has made people proud and I am confident that all this things will make Modi become the chief minister for the third time," said Singh.

Seeking votes ahead of state polls, various political parties are making efforts to lure the electorate with tall promises

by orating on various issues like price-rise, corruption and law and order among others.

The rift between BJP and Congress has always been in the limelight, this time targeting Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh to fetch votes in order to elect a new government.

The first phase of the Gujarat assembly polls will take place on December 13, while the second will be held on December 17. Counting of votes will take place on December 20.

Narendra Modi is seen as the strongest candidate of BJP during general elections in two years, thanks to rapid growth and a perception of corruptionfree governance in his state, which has 5 percent of India's population but contributes 16 percent to national industrial output.

Under the high-profile but controversial Modi, Gujarat stands apart in a country that doesn't always make it easy for manufacturers.

Earlier, Modi had embarked on series of three-day fasts to promote 'harmony', which was seen as a way of helping revamp the image of a leader accused by critics of complicity in communal riots that killed at least 1,000 people in 2002.

EC notice for Modi jibe

The Election Commission of India has issued a show cause notice to Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee chief Arjun Modhwadia for his personal attack on chief minister Narendra Modi.

Modhwadia has earlier this month called Modi a Monkey, a person bitten by rabid dog, and had also attacked the CM by referring to his married life.

The notice was issued

by EC secretary Harbans Singh after a complaint in this regard was filed by Balkrishna Shukla, general secretary of BJP, Gujarat. The notice says that the commission has received reports of chief electoral officer and district election officer.

These reports prove that Modhwadia had violated the moral code of conduct (MCOC) at a public meeting held at Vadodara. The notice stated that the EC, after going through the reports was of the opinion that the statements prima facie constitute violation of the code.

"The Commission hereby gives notice to you to show cause as to why action should not be taken against you, for the violation of the Model Code of Conduct," the EC notice says. The MCOC rules state that criticism of

Markandeya turned to Yudhishthira and the others to whom he was telling this fantastic story and said, “Saying these words, that wonderful child vanished. Then, right before my eyes, I saw the creation of the whole Universe. It is with His grace that I have been able to retain my memory through this whole process. O Yudhishthira, that young child I saw, who was the Lord of lords, is none other than your friend and well-wisher Janardhana Krishna who sits next to you, O King.

He is the Eternal Lord and if you fall at His feet and remain in His shelter, you will be ever victorious.”

The five Pandavas and Draupadi then bowed down to Lord Krishna and worshipped Him in His human form.

In the next article, we will look at the deeper interpretation of this fantastic story we heard through the words of the great rishi Markandeya.

Arjun Modhwadia

other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work. Parties and candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders of workers of other parties.

Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided, as per the MCOC The commission in the show cause notice has asked Modhwadia to reply

by November 24.

"Failing which it would be assumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and appropriate action will be taken against you without any further reference to you," the notice states.

Congress withdraws second poll list over dissent

Facing dissent over ticket distribution for the Gujarat assembly elections next month, the Congress withdrew its second list of candidates announced around midnight, party sources said "The second list of 46 candidates for Gujarat assembly polls stands withdrawn," said a communication from the Congress.

According to party sources, many Congress MPs from Gujarat were unhappy over ticket distribution and conveyed their views to seniors, including general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to campaign in the BJP−ruled state for the Dec 13 and 17 balloting.

Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia and Congress Legislature Party leader Shaktisinh Gohil figured in the first list of 52 candidates announced Wednesday evening. Modhwadia will contest from Porbandar and Gohil from Bhavnagar rural seat.

The first list included constituencies that would go to the polls Dec 13 and 17. There were four women nominees in the first list.

Gujarat has a 182−member assembly.

The election results will be out Dec 20.

guJarat aSSEMBly POllS 2012

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

25

BJP asks EC to withdraw BJP leaders bat for Modi, blast Congress Bapa’s bat symbol ter Keshubhai Patel would A battery of senior BJP

Chief minister Narendra Modi may have deliberately ducked the verbal volleys of his bete noire Keshubhai Patel but the BJP seems to have suddenly woken up to the threat of this former party veteran.

BJP dashed off letters to the Election Commission (EC) and the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) to withdraw the symbol of bat allotted to Patel’s Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP). BJP also wants the EC to treat all GPP candidates as independents stating that the outfit had failed to comply with the norms for recognition as political party.

Along with the letters, BJP’s election legal cell convener Parindu Bhagat also provided several documents supporting the party’s request.

BJP claimed that GPP had

announced it would contest all 182 seats but fielded candidates on only 63, which is a violation of the EC conditions regarding the minimum prescribed number of constituencies to get a party symbol.

BJP’s national spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said, “EC had given conditional approval for the bat symbol. But GPP has failed to comply with the requisite provisions and hence we want EC to consider all GPP candidates as independents.” At couple of places, S i t h a r a m a n claimed, the returning officers have referred the issue to the CEO for the final decision.

BJP also alleged that GPP had not submitted the relevant Forms A and B, which were mandatory for recognition of a political party. Not complying with these conditions even warrants action against the erring party, it claimed.

On the other hand, GPP general secretary Gordhan Zadaphia dubbed BJP’s move as undemocratic.

On BJP poll goodies, it's Modi all the way

For the upcoming Gujarat Assembly election, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned to woo the common man in Gujarat.

Taking its visibility to the next level, BJP has come up with a campaign kit for free distribution. The goods include tshirt, cap, friendship band, hairband, pocket comb, mobile cover, key chain, pouch and even a chain — all of which has received a saffron makeover.

The neckpiece, like most mangalsutras, has black beads in its chain.

However, the pendant is an orange lotus, the party symbol. Interestingly, the chain with lotus pendant, to woo female voters, had led to an ‘unholy’ row in 2009. Congress dubbed theexerciseasan"insulttoth eIndian culture".

Even the chief electoral officer had raised objections to this “marriage of convenience” and asked district electoral officers to inquire into the distribution of the mangalsutras..

BJP state secretary Bharat Pandya said, “We are distributing this campaign kit with variety of accessories to reach out to

different categories of people in the society. These kits are distributed to party workers. It containsachainwithlotuspendant,cap, pocket comb, wrist and head bands as well as mobile cover.”

Thesamemangalsutra,w hichthe BJP claims is a chain with lotus pendanttowoowomenelectoral,had attracted controversy in 2009. He clarified, “The neckpiece is a chain and not a mangalsutra. The variety in the kit symbolises that we are concerned about all sections of the society.” On thefrontofthesaffront-shirtisprinted the tagline ‘Phir Jeetega Gujarat’ along with a photograph of Modi sporting the victory sign. The back has another photograph of Modi’s along with the lotus symbol and the tagline ‘Sauno saath, sauno vikas’.

The kit also includes a toran with ‘Shubh Labh’ and the lotus symbol on it.

Along with other campaign material are Modi masks and a paper glove with ‘Ekmat Gujarat bane BJP sarkar’ printed on it.

The kit will be given to party workers who can distribute it further to woo supporters for the BJP.

leaders launched a blitzkrieg in Saurashtra and south Gujarat in support of party candidates where they launched into a broadside against the Congress for misgovernance and corruption.

Addressing a public meeting in support of BJP candidate Mukesh Patel in Surat’s Olpad assembly constituency, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said, “If you look at BJPruled states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh, their growth rate has been above 10 per cent with Gujarat leading the way. The growth rate is a dismal two per cent in the states where Congress is in power.”

He said, “The present 5.5 per cent growth rate of

GDP in the country is due to the excellent performance of BJP governments in the states. Chief minister Narendra Modi has been able to bring to the fore the issues of growth, public welfare and Gujarati pride. Gujarat is now being looked upon as a model of inclusive growth. People should reject the Congress as they had done so far.”

Meanwhile, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, former BJP

president Rajnath Singh and party leader Balbir Punj were in Saurashtra for campaigning.

Addressing a public gathering in Jamnagar after inaugurating the BJP’s central office, Jaitley said, “The Congress will be wiped out in the upcoming assembly polls in Gujarat." He charged the party with using CBI against the Narendra Modi government. He also said Gujarat Parivartan Party led by former chief minis-

have no bearing on BJP’s poll prospects.

Rajnath Singh too inaugurated the central BJP office in Bhavnagar and addressed three meetings in Bhavnagar West and Bhavnagar Rural assembly constituencies. “The country has seen massive development in Gujarat ever since Narendra Modi took over the reins of power in Gandhinagar. However, in contrast there has been largescale corruption at the Centre under Congress-led UPA government,” he said.

BJP leader Balbir Punj addressed a party meeting in Limbdi in Surendranagar district in support of state environment minister Kiritsinh Rana.

Punj addressed a public meeting at Chotala also. He described Congress as a second hand material.

Support for Modi if he regrets 2002: Muslim umbrella body

Congress mired in malnutrition ad row

Muslim voters ahead of the assembly elections in Gujarat, but said the community in the state and elsewhere in the country has not forgotten the 2002 massacre. He asked Modi to offer at least 20 assembly tickets to Muslims acceptable to the community, where they constitute more than 20% of the electorate instead of repeatedly announcing his faith in secularism.

"This would give the community representation according to its population (10%) in the state.

Token nomination of one or two Muslims, personally known to you, will not do,'' Shahabuddin said.

"Alternatively," the former IFS officer wrote, "The Muslim leadership will advise Muslims not to divide their votes and vote massively and unitedly for one candidate, irrespective of party or religion, who is likely to defeat the BJP." Shahabuddin sought

Ahead of next month’s crucial Assembly polls, a political controversy has broken out over a Congress advertisement that talks of malnutrition in Gujarat. The advertisement allegedly shows the picture of a malnutritioned baby, which BJP claims is of a Sri Lankan child taken from the website of a Christian organization.

The ‘Join hands for change’ campaign of the Congress depicts the photograph of a malnourished child in arms of a mother, allegedly clicked by a UN photographer following floods in Sri Lanka. The ad appeared in some newspapers and was also posted on the Congress websitewithclaimsthat45p ercent of children in Gujarat are malnourished.

BJP alleged that the photograph has been allegedly taken from the website of a Christian organization Amyand Park Chapel.

An umbrella body of Muslim organisations has acknowledged "some signs of change'' in Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's attitude, but laid down stiff conditions, including an apology and "expression of sorrow'' for the 2002 riots, before extending him support "in rebuilding Gujarat''.

The Joint Committee of Muslim Organisations for Empowerment (JCMOE) comprises 10 outfits: Jamiat-ul-Ulema Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; All India Majlis-eMushawarat, All India Milli Council, Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians, All India Momin Conference, All India Shia Conference, Markazi Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith, Imarat-e-Sharia, and All India Muslim Educational Society.

JCMOE chairman Syed Shahabuddin noted that the BJP and Modi are giving special attention to

"a promise to give Muslims equitable share in the benefits of development at all levels, particularly in education and employment''.

He said Gujarat's Muslims have rebuilt their lives on their own with limited resources in the last 10 years as they have realized they have nowhere to go but to live in the state hoping to get equitable benefits in development and employment.

JCMOE also called for compensation to the families of those killed in 2002 at par with the 1984 Delhi riot victims, reimbursement of expenditure incurred by the injured in private hospitals, rehabilitation of the displaced people in camps, rehabilitation of those unable to return to their homes in dignity and security and with restoration of their property, compensation for their houses demolished during the massacre.

Satipatis finally take poll position Over 2,000 families of the Satipati Sampradaya, a tribal community from Dang district of South Gujarat have never exercised their franchise, since the formation of the state in 1960. The community, despite five decades of Gujarat’s existence, do not consider themselves part of the state’s administration.

These families have enrolled on the voters list for the first time, but they do not possess Electoral Photo Identification cards (EPICs). The reason is that they resist associating with the state administration.

However, the office of the state electoral officer has ensured that they are on the voters list. “The Satipati community members take pride in keeping

themselves away from government schemes. Be it polio immunization or elections or any other government undertaking, this community takes pride in boycotting everything. The Satipati movement is touted to have been active in Gujarat even prior to Independence, since the 1930s, but has been losing sheen from 1995 onwards.

Dang, where around 90%

of the population is tribal, is considered the Satipatis’ base, with an estimated population of around 2,000 families,” said district electoral officer P K Solanki.

Admitting that Satipatis have remained away from election, BJP MLA from Dang, Vijay Patel said, “A small segment of Satipati community exercised their franchise

in the 2007 assembly elections. It is a welcome move that the EC is trying to involve them more.”

“The community members have enrolled from districts like Tapi, Dang, Narmada and Valsad, and few have also been issued EPICs. With the help of educated young members, we tried to enroll other members and were successful. There are still 400 families who have not enrolled,” said Solanki.

The EC launched a door-to-door campaign to convince the community.

According to officials the population of Satipatis in Narmada is around 600 voters of which 75% have been enrolled. “There are still a few hardcore Satipatis who refuse to provide photographs for EPICs,” say EC officials.

26

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Controversy rages over Thackeray memorial The controversy over a memorial for late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray continued Sunday with party leader Manohar Joshi insisting on Shivaji Park here as the location and Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan citing problems in doing so.

At a function in Nashik Sunday, Joshi reiterated that the memorial must be constructed at Shivaji Park, the venue of Thackeray's Dussehra rallies for 46 years and where he was cremated at a public funeral Nov 17.

The chief minister however cited certain complications which could arise in permitting a memorial at Shivaji Park.

Shivaj Park local residents groups have also opposed Joshi's proposal, while the Shiv Sena−controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal

Corporation (BMC) is considering constructing a memorial in the mayor's bungalow near Shivaji Park.

Unfazed, Joshi − a former Lok Sabha speaker − said: "Whether it is the chief minister or the prime minister, the Shiv Sena will construct the memorial there (at Shivaji Park)."

He said that Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray would take a decision on the issue soon.

Earlier this week, Uddhav had publicly appealed not to make the issue of his father's memorial controversial.

Taking umbrage at Joshi's latest remarks, the Maharashtra Congress wondered what was the urgency of building the memorial at Shivaji Park, as repeatedly demanded by the Sena leader.

"Manohar Joshi's threat of

taking the law in his hands is deplorable, at least as a former speaker. This was not expected of him," a Congress spokesperson said in a statement Sunday evening.

SP suspended for Facebook arrests, magistrate shunted: Nearly a week after two Palghar girls were unnecessarily summoned to the police station and arrested for an innocuous Facebook post,

the government is suspending the superintendent of police (Thane rural) Ravindra Sengaonkar. In a separate development, the Bombay high court transferred Ramchandra Bagade, the first-class judicial magistrate at Palghar who had given the girls bail of `15,000 each.

Government officials said Palghar senior police inspector Shrikant Pingle would also be suspended and additional superintendent of police (Thane rural) Sangram Nishandar would escape with a strong warning. The action against the cops comes after a sustained campaign against the arrests of Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Shrinivasan, both 21.

Sources said this is the biggest action against high-ranking police officers in Maharashtra in the recent past.

Mamata reshuffles ministry, drops one minister

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Subodhchandra G. Shah (right), taking oath as additional judge of Gujarat High Court in Ahmedabad recently.

He is the elder brother of Alka Shah, Business Manger - Gujarat Samachar & Asian Voice and also nephew of Vinod Kapashi, leading personality of Jain community.

Mumbai pays tribute to 26/11 victims

Relatives of the Mumbai 2008 militant attack victims participated in a global peace initiative to pay tribute to those who had died in the brutal attacks, and vowed to continue their fight against terrorism. Addressing the gathering on November 25, a day before the fourth anniversary of the tragic event, US national Scherr Kia Dilisek who lost her husband and daughter in the attacks, expressed her gratitude to the city for extending emotional support

in trying times.

“I lost my family in the city of Mumbai, and now four years later, the city of Mumbai has become my family. There are really no words to express my gratitude to each and every one of you.

Three years ago, I came to Mumbai on a mission, it was a mission to counter balance terrorism with love supported

by Oberoi, Ratan Tata; we formed One Life Alliance which gave rise to the global peace initiative,” said Scherr.

In a major reshuffle of her 18month ministry in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday divested portfolios of at least seven ministers, interchanged some and dropped one while inducting eight new faces, including two former Congress MLAs, mostly from rural Bengal.

The exercise, interpreted in political circles as Ms. Banerjee’s determination to tone up ministerial accountability and capabilities with an eye on ensuing panchayat elections in the state, came a day after the Trinamool Congress government completed 18 months in office on Tuesday.

Sources said that the reshuffle was undertaken as the Chief Minister was dissatisfied with the pace of work and performance of some ministers.

The minister dropped was Shyamal Mondal, who was in charge of Sunderbans development as a Minister of State.

Mr. Mondal was replaced by Manturam Pakhira.

Of the eight, six are sitting Trinamool Congress

MLAs, while the other two are Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury and Humayun Kabir who switched over to Trinamool Congress from Congress only yesterday.

Both Mr. Chowdhury and Mr. Kabir on Tuesday resigned as Congress MLAs to join TMC who would seek re-election to the Assembly in by-polls.

The reshuffle was necessary to fill up six vacancies created by the resignation of Congress ministers following their party’s pull-out from the Mamata Banerjee ministry on September 22 in a tit-for-tat response to the TMC’s decision to walk out of the UPA government at the Centre.

Senior minister and state’s former chief secretary Manish Gupta was divested of his Planning portfolio and he will continue to look after power and non-conventional energy sources.

The planning department was given to Rachpal Singh who was divested of his Tourism portfolio which would be taken care of by new face Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury.

In Focus Man featured in Aamir Khan's ‘Satyamev Jayate’ murdered

Five months after a young couple appeared on Aamir Khan's television show, Satyamev Jayate, and talked about the threat to their lives because they had married without their parents' consent, the man was shot dead near his village in western Uttar Pradesh on allegedly by his wife's brothers. Abdul Hakim, 28, and his 26-year-old wife Mehwish, both Muslims hailing from families with different social standing, had been living under the protection of an NGO in Delhi since May last year. About 15 days ago, Hakim and his wife, who is nine months pregnant, went to meet his ailing mother near Adoli village in Bulandshahr district. He was shot there, while on his way home from the local police station.

Ponty Chadha murder: Namdhari expelled from BJP

Sacked Uttarakhand Minorities Commission chairman Sukhdev Singh Namdhari, arrested recently in connection with Ponty Chadha murder case, was expelled from the BJP. Namdhari has been expelled from the party following his arrest in connection with the Chattarpur farmhouse shootout in which controversial liquor baron Ponty Chadha and his brother Hardeep were killed, state BJP chief Bishan Singh Chufal said. Even otherwise, Namdhari was not an active member of the party, Chufal said.

BSY to quit BJP on December 5

Former Karnataka CM and Lingayat strongman B S Yeddyurrappa, a formidable Lingayat leader from the state, is all set to break away from BJP and launch his new party, Karnataka Janata Party (KJP), on December 9, in what will mark a big setback to BJP’s plan for the 2014 polls.

Yeddyurrappa with his strong pull among the dominant Lingayats has been widely credited for the installation of the first BJP-led government in the southern state, and his exit may leave the party reeling while potentially creating opening for opponents.

Supreme Court verdict on Pranab election

The Supreme Court will deliver on December 5 its verdict on PA Sangma's petition challenging Pranab Mukherjee's election as President. Mr Sangma, who lost the presidential election, had in his petition argued that Mr Mukherjee held offices of profit on the date of filing of nomination for the election.The petition said Mr Mukherjee was chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata as well as leader of the House in the Lok Sabha when he entered the presidential race.

Pakistan Taliban threaten Indians over Kasab hanging Continued from page 1 the surrounding area of the jail in Pune where he was hanged. Indian authorities did not specify what burial rites were performed.

India secretly hanged Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the Pakistan-based militant squad responsible for a rampage through Mumbai that killed 166 people, sparking celebrations days before the fourth anniversary of the assault on the financial capital. Pakistan national Kasab was the enduring image of the bloody assault, which traumatised India and raised fears of copycat attacks on foreign cities. Pictures of the young gunman wearing a black T-shirt and toting an AK-47 rifle as he strode through Mumbai's train

station were published around the world.

Kasab was hanged last week amid great secrecy, underscoring the political sensitivity of the November 26, 2008, massacre, which still casts a pall over relations between nuclear-armed rivals, Pakistan and India. "All the police officers and personnel who lost their life in the battle against the terrorists have today been served justice," India’s home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said after Kasab was hanged in the Yerawada jail in Pune. It was the first time a capital sentence had been carried out in India since 2004.

There was celebration on the streets of Mumbai and other cities as news of the execution spread, but militant groups in Pakistan

reacted angrily.

People set off fireworks and handed out sweets.

Some held up photos of Kasab with a rope noose superimposed over his head. Attack survivor Vishnu Zende, who was working at Mumbai's train station where nearly 60 people were killed, said the execution brought justice to the victims’ families.

A senior commander of Pakistan's Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) militant group, which India blames for the assault on Mumbai, called Kasab a hero and said he would inspire more attacks. "To die like Kasab is the dream of every fighter," the commander said from an undisclosed location in Pakistan. The Pakistan Taliban said they were shocked by the hanging. "There is no doubt

that it's very shocking news and a big loss that a Muslim has been hanged on Indian soil," Taliban spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan had said. Kasab was buried inside the prison where he was hanged since nobody from Pakistan demanded his body, Indian officials said.

Talking to reporters from Kasab's home village, his aunt said she was proud of him and wanted his body back. In August, India’s Supreme Court upheld Kasab's 2010 death sentence which was awarded by a Mumbai court and later okayed by the Bombay high Court. President Pranab Mukherjee rejected his plea for clemency on November 5, although this was not made public until his execution. As per the case study, ten militants arrived on the

Mumbai shoreline in a dinghy on November 26, 2008, before splitting into four groups and embarking on a killing spree. They held off elite commandos for up to 60 hours in two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre in Mumbai.

India has accused Islamabad is failing to act against those behind the raids, including LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, who has a $10 million US bounty on his head. Pakistan admits the attacks were planned on its soil, but denies official involvement. It says seven suspects are being prosecuted for their role.

"Kasab was a foot soldier, the generals are in Islamabad and full justice will be done when they are brought to justice," G Parthasarathy, a former Indian ambassador to

Pakistan, said. Possibly because of the planned execution, India last week asked Pakistan to postpone the visit of its interior minister Rehman Malik, saying the dates were "not suitable for us". In Pakistan, many said the hanging happened quickly only because of his nationality. People questioned whether Kasab was really guilty, despite the video evidence.

"We have images of him but do we have any other evidence? Is that enough?," said Jehan Zulqarnain, a primary school teacher in Islamabad. Pakistan was informed beforehand about Kasab's execution, said a Pakistani foreign ministry official who asked not to be identified. "If all judicial procedures were followed, then the decision is acceptable," the official said.

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

27

In Focus 12 get RI in Kandhamal riots case A Fast Track court sentenced 12 people to six years’ imprisonment after they were convicted of being involved in the violence during 2008 riots in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. Rs. 5,000 each as fine on the convicts in connection with arson, rioting and house torching at Jarkinaju village under Raikia area on August 25, 2008.The court ordered that in case of non-payment of the fine amount, each convict would be required to undergo an additional jail term of one year. However, 10 others who had been accused in the case were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The tribal-dominated Kandhamal district had witnessed largescale violence in which about 38 people were killed.

43 Indian sailors held hostage

by Somali pirates The plight of 43 Indian sailors held hostage

by Somali pirates on six ships reached the government's doorstep. The families of 17 sailors trapped on one such vessel - MT Royal Grace - gathered in Delhi in a desperate bid to get a hearing from officials. It was hours of waiting on the footpath outside the shipping ministry, prompted by a looming deadline that the pirates have set: a ransom of 2 million dollars by the end of this month or the hostages won't be spared.

MV Royal Grace was hijacked on March 17.

Andhra teacher 'orders' child to drink urine, probe ordered The East Godavari district education officer directed the head of the Ananparthy corporate schools to conduct an inquiry and submit a report on the incident of a teacher "allegedly forcing a four-year-old boy to drink his own urine".A four-year-old student, studying in LKG at Satyabhama English Medium school at Ananparthy, while urgently wanting to go to the toilet, urinated in a plastic bottle in the class. On noticing the incident, the teacher, Gouri, asked the student drink the urine. The child's parents went to the Ananparthy police station and registered a case following which the matter was referred to the district education officer.

CPM leader arrested in Kerala for political murders In a highly clandestine operation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Kochi range Inspector General K Padmakumar arrested senior CPM leader M M Mani from his residence at Kunjithani under Rajakkad police station limits in Idukki. The SIT has been on his trail for the last few days after Mani expressed his unwillingness to appear for a polygraph test in connection with the murder cases registered against him.

14 killed in Rajasthan bus−truck collision At least 14 people were killed and 36 others injured when the bus in which they were travelling collided head on with a truck in Rajasthan's Churu district. The accident took place near Hasiyasar village on Jaipur−Ganganagar road. The private bus was carrying over 50 passengers. It lost control and rammed into the truck coming from the opposite direction," said a police officer. At least 10 passengers died on the spot, while four others succumbed to injuries at various hospitals in the area.

India test-fires missile interceptor India test-fired a ballistic missile interceptor from a defence base in Odisha as part of its efforts to create a shield against incoming enemy missiles. The indigenous Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile was fired from Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast near Dhamra in Bhadrak district. The interceptor was fired a few minutes after the target missile was fired from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea in Balasore district, about 70 km from Wheeler Island. India is developing the interceptors which have been successfully tested several times in the past, to provide air-shield to important Indian cities against hostile attacks.

After over a year of campaigning, dozens of protests and exposes against ministers, Arvind Kejriwal officially entered the political arena on Monday. Negating the perception that only big parties can draw hefty funds, the newly launched Aam Aadmi Party collected more than 11 million on the day of the launch, with former law minister Shanti Bhushan alone donating Rs 10 million.

Day one also saw supporters pitching in to keep the machinery running with collection of over Rs 160,000.

Besides, many people across the country requested Team Kejriwal to open party offices in their states.

"Rahul from Toronto has offered space owned by him to open a party office. A similar request was made by a farmer in Odisha, who is ready to give up a considerable chunk of land so that we can open a party office," a member of the party said. Party leaders said they had received at least 300 requests from various parts of the country asking them to open offices on land owned by them.

Kejriwal promised to take

on established parties like the Congress and BJP. Now, the fight will be between the "common man and the netas", Kejriwal told the crowd of around 2,000 people from various states.

"We are here to destabilize the corrupt government and take back power. Now netas will on one side and the aam aadmi on the other. Netas will be thrown out soon and the common man will sit in Parliament," he said.

Kejriwal also mocked the current state of politics saying he had Congressmen come and give him proof against their own men. "After the Cabinet reshuffle, a new minister from Congress called me to say I was doing a good

BJP issues notice to Jethmalani for anti-party activities The BJPe issued a show cause notice to Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani asking him to reply within 10 days as to why he should not be expelled from the party for six years. BJP president Nitin Gadkari esuspended Jethmalani from the party and referred his case to the party's parliamentary board. The action came after Jethmalani said "nobody has the guts to take action against me".

Making the announcement, spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said the MP had disregarded the party line on Ranjit Sinha's appointment as the next CBI chief.

"The parliamentary board discussed the anti-party actions of Mr. Ram Jethmalani. The parliamentary party found appropriate the decision of party president Nitin Gadkari to suspend Jethmalani for his indiscipline and anti-party activities," BJP leader Ananth Kumar told reporters.

"We have also sent him a

show cause notice to tell why he should not be expelled from the party for six years," he said.

Jethmalani had criticised the party's opposition to the appointment and also demanded Gadkari's resignation for alleged business irregularities.

Senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley had opposed Sinha's appointment, saying the government should have waited as the report of the select committee on the lokpal bill had recommended that CBI directors be chosen through a collegium and not at the Centre's discretion.

Jethmalani implied the attack was instigated by a rival aspirant to the post and had welcomed the PM's move.

"We were concerned only and only with institutional reforms. Our suggestion wasn't person-centric," Jaitley said.

Jethmalani received support from party MP Shatrughan Sinha, who said, "The appointment was done in a fair and transparent manner."

job. He also said I shouldn't let Robert Vadra escape. Imagine the condition of these parties," he added.

Reading out from the constitution, Kejriwal underlined the tenets of his party. He said it was time the rules of the game changed. "Now netas and bureaucrats have to report to people.

The constitution gives prime importance to the people of India and that should be implemented," he added.

He called the people 'first class citizens' who are victims of 'third class governance'.

A feisty Kejriwal also threw in some economics about inflation into his speech, which appealed to the gathering. "People think inflation happens on its own.

Very few know that inflation is a result of corruption. Gas rates are so high because the government gave away natural gas reserves to Reliance.

When Reliance doubled the rates of gas, the government should have cancelled their licence," he added.

Kejriwal claimed the government waived taxes worth

Rs 5,000 billion every year on various companies but did not reduce the tax burden on common man. "If the taxes are reduced, the price of petrol would come down to Rs 50 and diesel to Rs 40." He also brought up pet issues like nursery admissions for which people pay up to Rs 50,000 as donation and the sky rocketing rates in 'five star hospitals.'

Kejriwal also spoke of the plight of farmers - sugarcane farmers who are getting a low price for their crop because of alleged involvement of ministers who own sugar mills in Maharashtra. He quoted a Swaminathan report that shows that paddy farmers are paid far less for their crop than they spend on production.

Apart from Kejriwal, one of the key speakers on Monday to strike a chord with the people was ex-NSG commando Surender Singh.

He drew people's attention to the symbolism of the date '26/11.' Surender said that while on the same day in 1949, the Indian constitution was enacted, ironically it's also the day when India faced a massive terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2009.

Govt: Sachin is an artist, deserves RS nomination

Sachin Tendulkar’s skills on the cricket field make him an artist, fully deserving to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the Centre told the Delhi HC. Defending its decision to nominate the maestro under the ‘Arts’ category, the Centre maintained that the few categories enumerated in the Constitution were illustrative and not exhaustive, saying the government has the discretion to expand on each of the categories.

Relying on Constituent Assembly debates, the Centre said it was well within its rights to nominate Sachin, who is a “distinguished citizen” of the country.

A division bench of Chief Justice D Murugesan and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw reserved its order on a PIL challenging Sachin’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

Appearing for the Centre, additional solicitor general Rajeev Mehra said Sachin's nomination to the Upper House was as per the consti-

tutional provision which also allows induction of experts from the field of sports. The law officer said the provision under Article 80 of the Constitution was not confined to inducting experts only from the fields of science, arts, literature and social services but also from sports, education and other areas.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by Ram Gopal Singh Sisodia, a former Delhi MLA, challenging Sachin's nomination alleging that he did not possess any of the qualifications prescribed under Article 80 of the Constitution for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Patels bag the lion’s share of tickets

With 52 tickets in all for the 87 seats which go to poll in the first phase on December 13, Leuva Patels have taken thebiggestshareof ticketsfrom thethree main contendersin the Gujarat assembly elections - the BJP, Gujarat Parivartan Party and the Congress.The Patel subcaste, which is present in large numbers in Saurashtra and Surat, has obtained 21 tickets from GPP, 17 from BJP and 14 from Congress.

Leuvas are expected to be a crucial vote-bankbecauseof the influence of Keshubhai Patel over them, which has seen a surge of unity in recent months over construction of a grand temple at Khodaldham.

Leuvas are expected to garner more seats in Central Gujarat when the tickets for the second phase are announced.

In comparison, Kadva Patels have bagged 25 seats, but they are expected to get more tickets in North Gujarat which goes to polls in the second phase. In all, Patels have got 77 tickets out of a total available198.Keshubhaihascl early triedtoshake off his Leuva tag by giving 10 tickets to Kadvas — BJP contributing 8 andCongress 7. Kolis, who dominate the Saurashtra coastline, are the other pampered caste with 37 tickets — 14 from GPP, 12 from Congress and 11 from BJP. The Congress has given tick-

ets to 3 Muslims while the minorities have drawn a blank in BJP and GPP. OBCs, other than Kolis, have bagged 44 tickets from the three parties, with Ahirs, Mers and Karadiyas bagging most. In all there are 30 upper caste candidates, with Kshatriyas taking 12.

No Cong candidate against Keshubhai: The Congress extended an olive branch to the GPP leader Keshubhai Patel, a significant third force in the coming assembly elections, by deciding not to field a candidate against him in Visavadar.

Congress had announced Harshad Ribadia’s name in Visavadar, but did not give

him a mandate at the last moment. Instead, the party highcommand mandated another Congress worker Ratilal Mangrolia.

On Saturday, when Mangrolia went to collect a copy of the mandate document from district Congress president Lilabhai Khunti he was given a lame excuse that that a young boy had snatched the papers from him earlier in the day. Party sources said Ribadia, who has already filed his nominations, would withdraw from the fray.

Keshubhai wil be engaged in a direct fight against the BJP candidate Kanubhai Bhalala, a minister of state and a protege of the former CM.

28

travel & wOMeN

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

women achievers

Disha Vakani gives a new definition to comic role

By AV Correspondent

To discover “one of the ten paradises of the world” according to National Geographic’s Traveller, take a holiday to Kerala. Located on the Malabar coast on the South West of India, you can enjoy an amazing beach holiday, boat cruise through the famous backwaters, bask in the natural beauty of the hill stations, taste beautiful cuisines and explore local life for a real insight into South Indian culture. If you enjoy wildlife, Kerala is home to the largest domesticated population of elephants in India, and it has 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks.

The best way to truly see Kerala is to book a tour. A typical itinerary of 9 days would include exploring the hotspots of Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom and Kovalam. On the tour you will enjoy the delicious cuisine of Kerala –famed for coconuts, seafood and rice dishes, it caters equally well for veg and non veg tastes.

Spend your first day in Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, one of the finest natural harbours in the world.

Starting from the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlements in India. Enjoy a city tour visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets.

The next day will be spent in Munnar, one of the most popular hill resorts of South India. The entire area is occupied by thick forests and tea estates. The specialty of Munnar is jungle honey, tea and a rare flower ‘Neela Kurunji’ which blooms once in 12 years. You can enjoy visits to tea plantations and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and processing of a variety of Indian teas. And to further your culinary journey, the next stop will

be Periyar the wildlife and spice plantation hub of Kerala. You’ll enjoy a spice plantation tour to learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. You also get the opportunity to shop for fragrant spices at a local market.

The last few days will be spent discovering the backwaters of Kerala and then relaxing on the beach. The backwaters are an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals. You will experience them in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as 'Kettuvallam'. You’ll see life on the banks: fishermen with large palm-leaf hats, shallow edges where women are immersed up to their necks in water searching for tasty Karimeen fish; and as you cruise through the canals, see lush green rice fields, coconut groves, and occasional temples or churches. After enjoying the cruise, you’ll spend the last couple of days in Kovalam, relaxing on one of the most serene and beautiful beaches of south India. Other highlights of Kerala you could enjoy are ayurvedic treatments and spas.

For an unforgettable experience, try the Jiva Grande Spa at the Vivanta hotel by Taj in Bekal, Kerala. They use only pure Indian herbs, aromatherapy oils, all-natural creams– complemented by signature treatments, and luxurious award-winning therapies. Along with the lovely massages, wraps and scrubs, there’s yoga and meditation as well to get your body, mind and spirit in sync with each other.

To book a tour to Kerala or your choice of personalized tours around India, Brightsun Travel have unbeatable offers available. For 8 nights including flights, accommodation, transfers and Kerala tour as above, prices start from £835pp. To book, call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 or book online atwww.brightsun.co.uk

Disha Vakani (Daya Jethalal of tele serial Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasma) who has redefined the comic role in Indian television, was born and brought up in Ahmedabad.

Apart from tele serials she has acted in some Bollywood films and was a common face in some commercials as well. But her acting prowess received the boost with the comedy serial and that has won her many accolades as well. Being from Gujarat it was easier for her to portray the role of the lead character in the serial.

Now that she has established herself as a television actress, she has moved her base to Mumbai. Disha recollects that many people have forgotten her real

name and even on the streets she is known with her screen name of Daya Jethalal. She is paired opposite Dilip Joshi who plays the role of Jethalal Champaklal Gada and their on screen

chemistry is much famous and appreciated. Mayur Vakani who plays the character of Sundarlal, Daya's brother in the serial, is her real brother.

Disha has now become a star attraction for event promoters, especially in Gujarat, and she was one of the star attractions during the Navratri festival. In fact her services were hired to attract even the international crowd here in Gujarat. Disha has won several accolades which include the 2008 Indian Television Academy Awards ITA. She has won the award for best actress (in comic role) in 2009. She has even won the new talent award (in comic role) on her debut year itself. For her best on screen chemistry with her on screen husband Jethalal she has also won the ‘Sab Se Anokhe Jodi’ and continued to top the award for the best Indian Telly actress in a comic show till 2012 Indian Telly Awards.

16-year-old kills mother to marry lover in Haryana

Murder of a widow has sent shock waves in Gohana town of Sonipat district on Haryana as she was killed by none other than her own daughter on October 25. Her body was recovered from the canal.

The urge to marry her lover drove the minor girl to kill her mother as she was against the matrimonial alliance. The 16-yearold school dropout married her 23-year-old lover, who also assisted in strangulating the elderly woman, barely 10 days after the murder.

The crime came to light when girl's maternal uncle got suspicious over the way his sister had disappeared and lodged a missing persons report with the police on Monday. When police questioned the girl and her husband, they gave contradicting replies. But persistent interrogation made the culprits confess to their crime.

Gohana police station Rajiv Kumar said the girl told her interrogators that she was having an affair with the youth for some time, but her mother had strong objections. "The victim refused to let her daughter marry the man of her choice. Realizing that they would not be able to get married, the couple hatched a conspiracy to eliminate her," he said.

On the night of October 25, the girl along with her lover took turns strangulating the elderly

woman at her house and then took the body to a canal on the outskirts of the town. "The girl put a lot of salt on her mother's body to quicken the decay process," said the police officer.

Three days ago, her uncle came to their resi-

dence and found his sister missing.

When he inquired about her from his niece she claimed that her mother had gone on a pilgrimage. But the uncle got suspicious and contacted the police after which the case was cracked.

Papad Roll

Here's a spicy, light and easy to make recipe with papad.

Ingredients: 4 papad, 4 potato (alu) , 1 green chilly (hari mirch) few coriander leaves (dhania patti), 1/2 lemon (nimbu) 1/4 tsp red chilly powder (lal mirch), 1/4 tsp spice blend (garam masala) 1/4 tsp sugar (chini), salt to taste, 1 tbsp gram flour (besan) and oil for frying How to make papad roll: Boil and peel potato.

Mash them. Finely chop coriander leaves and green chilies. Mix potatoes, green chillies, coriander leaves, red chilly powder, spice blend, sugar, salt and lemon juice properly. Dip papad in water and take them out.

Now roll potatoes into papad and role papad also. Seal the corners with gram flour batter.

Heat oil in a pan and

deep fry all papad rolls until they turn golden brown. Cut them into long pieces. Serve them hot with chutney and sauce.

Health benefits: Papad is good appetizer and digestive. It helps to absorb the fatty material from mouth and throat when consumed at the end of the meal.

Moderate intake is fine, but do not over do it.

It is very high in sodium, hence not advisable for hypertensive people.

Papads are made of lentils and thus are free from gluten, rich in protein and dietary fiber.

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, Lloydspharmacy, GNC, supermarkets, health stores independent pharmacies & www.vitabiotics.com

CALCIUM + Magnesium + Vit. D3

SKIN, HAIR, NAILS

Beauty Tablets

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Most trusted for pregnancy

sponsored by:

HealtH Watch

29

Menopause Tablets

TABLETS For all women over 40 years Gentle IRON+Vitamin syrup

HEALTH & VITALITY Tablets

It is a myth that acne will clear on its own once a person reaches adulthood

Acne or Acne vulgaris is amongst the most common skin problem that is encountered by people of all age groups, especially teenagers. Dr Uma Singh, who was associated for 25 years with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and is now the editor of ‘Doctor-to-Doctor’ magazine talk about it and its treatment.

Some factors that may be attributed as the cause for acne are: • Change in hormone levels like during puberty or menopause.

• Stress factor.

• As a result of the reaction of some particular type of medication.

• Hereditary.

• Moderate to severe acne vulgaris is often associated with virulent strains of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that live deep within follicles and pores, away from the surface of the skin. In these follicles, P. acnes bacteria use sebum and cellular debris as nutrients. Elevated production of sebum by hyperactive sebaceous glands (during teenage) and blockage of the follicle results in acne and infection.

Acne can be mild, moderate or severe. For severe cases of acne, you should consult a dermatologist.One of the main causes of acne is the production of sex hormone that begins at puberty.

This explains why most acne sufferers are adolescents and teens. When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, the male hormones (which are present in both males and females) produce extra sebum or oil. When the oil

Compared to other fruits, papaya has the most health benefits from cardiovascular to colon health.

It is available all year round and every Indian market stocks it; not to mention most households that have a courtyard, will have a papaya tree. So what makes papaya such an important fruit? Let's take a look at the health benefits of papaya.

If you lack vitamin A, papaya is the fruit to have.

gets mixed with the grime, dirt and dead skin cells, they plug up the skin pores. Clogged pores will eventually lead to blackheads or whiteheads. This produces a perfect environment for acne bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation and painful acne flare-ups.

Unhealthy lifestyle and stress also aggravate acne problem. Restrict your sugar intake because, high blood glucose levels result in cellular inflammation, overactive oil glands and acne. Drink 7-8 glasses of water daily and avoid aerated drinks. Add healthy foods like fresh fruits, greens, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids; that is, ‘good fats’ to your diet. Avoid oily snacks and trans-fat food.

Exercise regularly.Sound sleep is a must for healthy skin.

Sunscreens are a must for avoiding acne. Keep your hair clean and dandruff-free to avoid occurrence of acne. Keep your pillow-case, cell phone or any other article that may come in contact with your face clean and sanitized A very common myth is that acne will clear on its own once a person reaches adulthood. Sometimes this is true. However, in most cases acne persists as late as the middle age.

Since acne is a multifactorial skin problem, its treatment modality should take many factors into consideration. A plethora of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and washes are sold and marketed for acne (many with harmful chemicals), along with strong prescription medications (usually prescribed by a dermatologist).

While evaluating a treatment option for acne, it is necessary to elicit the subject’s opinion about treatment success. Current treatment options for Acne vulgaris include many effective topical and oral therapies.

Most of the Conventional Acne Treatments such as gels, creams, antibiotics, and other treatments often do not work because they do not treat the root cause of acne. Worst of all, the acne treatment drugs that you are taking may cause significant harm to your body and skin.

It is best to find out natural remedies for your acne problems.

A wide range of natural products, from facial scrubs and moisturizers to antiseptics and facial masks, are available for acne and skin care.

Skin healing: These ingredients reportedly repair damaged tissue and mitigate free-radical damage.

Inflammation and redness: These products reduce inflammation from infection or irritating topical medications.

Cleansers: Facial washes containing fruit and vegetable extracts and herbal extracts offer deeppore cleansing.

Antibacterial/ antifungal: Tea tree oil, extracts of neem, turmeric and calendula possess potent antibacterial activity.

Astringents: With hazel, herbal extracts, citrus seed extracts, and calendula remove excess facial oil.

Facial masks: Multani mitti, lemon and turmeric extract pull out oils and toxins from the skin.

Thus, in planning acne therapy, synergistic effects should be considered by selecting anti-acne agents which have different mechanisms of action and targets on the pathogenesis of acne. It will be useful to prefer at least one antioxidant featured herb drug along with the combined (polyherbal) acne treatment.

Home remedies can naturally heal acne problem. Mix together a few basil leaves, honey, lemon juice and baking soda.

Apply to face with a cotton ball. Leave for 20-30 minutes and wash off. Lemon juice and baking soda will cause a small chemical reaction; be careful of the quantity you use of each. Beat an egg white, once you get it to a nice foamy texture add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, honey, and vinegar. Apply the mixture on clean face, then wait for around 10-30 minutes depending on how much time you have and rinse it off with warm water. -Make a mixture of cinnamon powder and honey and apply on your pimples before you go to bed in the night. Wash it with warm water when you wake up in the morning. Do this for a fortnight and watch your pimples disappear. Orange peels are a good remedy for pimples. Grind the peels, mix them with a few drops of rosewater and apply them on your face. Leave the mixture on the face for about 30 minutes and wash it off. Grind some neem leaves and mix this paste with a little turmeric powder. Apply the mixture on your pimples. Leave it on your face for about half an hour and then wash it off.

It is rich in vitamin A, calcium and is a good source of potassium.

If you want to boost your metabolism, eat papaya as it contains vitamin B in the form of folic acid, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-1 and riboflavin.

If you face discomfort with digestion, try this vibrant fruit. Papaya helps prevent constipation and helps in the digestion process.

If we consume food

that lacks fiber, there are chances that it may not move easily through the digestive tract. These logged particles can turn infectious, which papaya can treat effectively. For instance, if the colon houses mucus and pus, papaya juice will take care of it.

If you are on a weight loss diet, include papaya as it is low in calories and rich in nutrients. That, coupled with its benefits of healthy digestion, makes papaya a good weight loss food.

If you are on a weight loss diet, include papaya as it is low in calories and rich in nutrients. That, coupled with its benefits of healthy digestion, makes papaya a good weight loss food.

If you are suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, or in any pain, papaya can lessen the agony. Papaya is known for its anti inflammatory

properties and helps faster healing.

If you are constantly nursing a cold, your immune system is low.

Include papaya in your diet to fight off colds and coughs. Papaya can boost your immune system, thanks to its abundance of vitamin C. Little is known about the health benefits of papaya seeds. These small jelly-like seeds have antibacterial properties; they prevent kidney failure, purge the liver and flush out toxins.

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...

Researchers have found that Spinach, the green leafy vegetable, really boosts the muscle power.

As against the earlier notion that the iron content of spinach accounted for its status as a super food, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found that it is the inorganic nitrate in the vegetable which is the secret behind its strengthgiving property.

The study found mice supplied with nitrate in their drinking water developed significantly stronger muscles by stimulating two key proteins.

The quantity of nitrate that the mice received was roughly equivalent to that which a person would obtain by eating 200 to 300 grams of fresh spinach or two to three beetroots a day. A week into the experiment, the team found that the mice that had been on consistent nitrate had much stronger muscles. The researchers then discovered that the nitrate mice had a higher concentration of two different proteins in their muscles, which is assumed to explain the greater muscle strength.

The teams now want to take their discoveries further and study how they can be applied to people with muscle weakness.

“From a nutritional perspective our study is interesting because the amount of nitrate that affected muscle strength in mice was relatively low,” Dr Andres Hernandez, researcher at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology said.

“Translated to humans it means that we can

obtain the equivalent volume by eating more of a vegetarian diet, as nitrate is found naturally in several leafy vegetables, especially in beetroot juice, for example. There are currently no dietary supplements containing nitrate,” Hernandez said.

While no effect could be seen in the so-called slow-twitch muscles used for moderate exercise and endurance, the scientists observed a clear change in the fast-twitch muscles used for strength and more high-intensity exercises, Hernandez said.

The tricky question, Hernandez said, was determining why this happened: The protein increase in turn led to higher quantities of calcium released in the muscles, pointing out that “if you have more calcium released, you have a stronger contraction.”

Nitrate could also increase endurance, Hernandez said, pointing out that when stronger, the fast-twitch muscles, which fatigue faster than other muscles, do not need to contract as frequently.

This is not only good news for exercise buffs looking to improve their performance but also for those who are involved in several muscle ailments.

“The really exciting part is to go ahead and look at people with muscle weakness, with muscle diseases, and even ageing, and see if this can actually improve their muscle function,” Hernandez said.

He said the research team aimed to conduct a few more studies on mice but hoped to also carry the studies on humans soon.

DIMPLE SELF DRIVE HIRE LTD

DIMPLE VANS - CARS - MINIBUS

Competitive prices No hidden extras Unlimited mileage 3 days & over Special weekend rates Minibuses 8, 12, 15 & 17 seaters Vans & estate cars

Mini Bus (8-17 Seater) 8 Seater from £60 12 Seater from £65 15 Seater from £70 17 Seater from £80 Small Cars from £25 Medium Cars from £30 Large Cars from £35 Large Vans from £40

Tel: 020 8205 1200 / 7898 Fax: 020 8200 7426 www.dimpleselfdrive.com Email:dimplemotors@aol.com 19 Varley Parade, Edgware Road, London NW9 6RR

30

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

Birmingham to become Malala's new home The teenage girl shot by the Taliban for speaking out against militants in Pakistan is expected to make Britain her permanent home.

Malala Yousufzai, 15, is being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after having a bullet removed from her spine. Her parents and two brothers flew to Britain last month so that they could be with her.

A source at the consulate said: ‘Because of his experience as a teacher and in administrative roles in Pakistan it was decided he would be best placed as a counsellor or adminis-

trative assistant.

‘The initial contract is for a year and the Pakistan government will provide him with a home in Birmingham and a car.

The government feels it has a duty of care to the family and the situation in Pakistan for them is very dangerous.’

Everyone in the Yousufzai family is on a tourist visa and the visas will expire around March 2013.

Birmingham Labour MP Khalid Mahmood welcomed the move saying the family would be surrounded by friends and family in Birmingham.

Illegal immigrants to be given free treatment by GPs? Illegal immigrants must be given free treatment by GPs, under a hugely controversial edict handed down by NHS managers.

The doctors will be paid £64 a year for each migrant they put on their books – the same amount they receive for all new patients.

The guidance, which was slipped out in July, states that an overseas visitor can register with a doctor provided they are in the area for more than 24 hours. A GP’s appointment cannot be withheld on the grounds that the patient does not have personal identification or proof of residence.

Whitehall sources said Jeremy Hunt was ‘concerned’ by the edict,

which was issued before he became Health Secretary in September.

Officials said a review of the rules is under way to see if they need to be tightened. Two senior MPs have also written to the Prime Minister demanding the instruction – designed to protect the human rights of foreign visitors – be withdrawn immediately.

In a joint statement, Labour’s Frank Field and Conservative Nicholas Soames said the order goes much further than rules operated in other EU countries.Some, including France and Germany, insist visitors have health insurance worth around £20,000 before they are granted a visa.

Teacher investigated for murder Improved productivity ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 marks the beginning of the

week, but your efforts may slacken later. You may be searching for some answers, but take care that introspection doesn't cause you to withdraw from others. With the Sun in your solar ninth house, you will be thinking of far off lands and some of you will travel.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Charm is your ally in your dealings with others. Others will be impressed by you and your personable ways. Singles are apt to meet with new romantic opportunities. A good time to spend some time researching your investment options. Rely on your own research or your intuition. You need to exercise careful judgment regarding whom you'll confide in.

Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury (pictured), an Islamic Studies teacher in Bethnal Green, is being investigated by the Home Office after it was revealed he was found guilty of murder in his native Bangladesh.

The teacher had undergone a Criminal Record Bureau check (CRB) but the conviction

was not unearthed as the crime had happened overseas. Chowdhury has denied the murder, claiming he was framed, and that it was actually committed by his brother who is now dead.The case has highlighted a problem with CRB checks which can lead to crimes committed overseas going undetected.

Probe into Dr Savita's death to be completed before Christmas The probe into Savita Halappanavar's death is to be completed before Christmas, Ireland's health minister has said, even as her distraught husband was considering lodging a complaint with the Ombudsman for ownership of his wife's medical notes.

Reilly made his comments at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in

Limerick on Saturday, having earlier met Halappanavar's husband Praveen.

Praveen said he was pleased to have finally met a government representative four weeks after his wife died. But her hisband stressed to Reilly that he does not believe the health service executive (HSE) or HIQA are far-reaching enough.

Coming Events

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Try not to be drawn into a contest of wills. Cooperation is the key to success in any dealings, be it personal or monetary. Job concerns may get you down a bit, but agreements will be reached with patience and diplomacy. You'll be able to successfully combine business with pleasure as new opportunities come your way.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 You may be anxious to spend extra time on a work-related project, but here are responsibilities at home that will also demand attention. You may feel a bit hemmed-in or pressured at times.

The Sun in your solar fifth house puts emphasis on your social-romantic life and how you go about having a good time. Once you get going there is no stopping you.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Projects of personal interests and home and family-centered activities are in focus as the week begins. Creative interests are highlighted. Excellent time for work of a mental nature. Local travel is a delight. Some of you will begin an exciting romance. Charm in self-expression will open doors for you now.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You will meet with chances now to improve your income and status. Be ready to capitalize on opportunity when it strikes. You will be sowing the seeds today for a future success. However, don't expect immediate results. Be patient and allow sufficient time for your efforts to reap the rewards. Remain positive and the pieces of your puzzle will begin to fit soon.

You will need to handle both business and personal relationships gingerly now. A close tie may be quick to take offence or could take something you say in the wrong way. Innovative moves are favoured in business. You'll make decisions about the use of joint assets. Follow through on commitments made to others and don't promise more than you can deliver.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

l First Hindu Primary School in Hayes: Children born between 1/09/2008-31/08/2009. The New Nanaksar Primary School. Open afternoon. Saturday 1st Dec, 1pm-3pm at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Springfield Road, UB4 0LT. Contact: 0208 561 6318 l Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street London W1G 7LP. Contact: 02073075454 Winter Bazaar and Party 6 December, 12.00-21.00 Japanese Craft exhibition18-22 December Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Extra drive and initiative enable you to accomplish more than usual. You should be successful in both your mundane routine and health issues - some of you will start a healthy regime and even join the gym. Loved ones will be feeling especially close. Not a good week for gambling or financial risk-taking.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

Your charisma and self-confidence will be heightened while the Sun transits your solar first house.

Three planets in your solar 12th house assist you in obtaining needed aid or enlightenment concerning private problems and limiting conditions,and can also help you to catch up with neglected tasks. All this is made easy as two of the planets are Venus and Mercury.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamleshamin123@yahoo.co.in Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

Asian Voice Main Office Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080, Fax: 020 7749 4081 www.abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

Asian Voice switchboard: 020 7749 4000 Gujarat Samachar switchboard: 020 7749 4080 Sales: 020 7749 4085

You'll probably be in the mood for peace and quiet as Sun transits your solar twelfth house. You will be feeling a bit edgy as the week begins. You will need to guard against the possibility of injury due to dashing first and looking later. Everyone is a bit sensitive now.

Either you or someone you're dealing with may over-react - be calm !

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

As the Sun transits your solar eleventh house, the focus is on social activities, group ties, and organizational events, which should be as productive as they are pleasurable. You can also find yourself rubbing shoulders with influential types who can help you to achieve your worldly goals, as well as means of meeting someone romantically.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Strong emphasis are noticed on your business, professional, or vocation interests, which will come to the fore in a favourable way.

If you have been in a rut professionally, then this is the time to move quickly and make a decision. Some of you will take this time out and focus on distant shores as a means to relax whilst making an important decision.

Sport woRLd

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

31

Action at a Glance Michael Clarke has regained the number-one ranking in the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen after producing a spectacular performance in the second Test between Australia and South Africa which ended in a thrilling draw in Adelaide on Monday.

The 31-year-old Australian captain scored a masterly 230 in the first innings, his fourth doublecentury of the year, which has earned him 33 ratings points and has helped him leapfrog Kumar Sangkkara of Sri Lanka and South Africa duo of Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis into the number-one position.

This is the third time Clarke has moved to the top of the table. He first achieved the number-one ranking in August 2009 and then again surged to the top earlier this year in March-April.

Unfortunately, both the times his stay at the top has been brief - a possibility which still

exists as he leads Sangakkara by a slender 10 ratings points margin.

If Sangakkara manages to turn around the first innings failure into a strong performance in the second innings of the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Colombo, then he has a good chance to reclaim the coveted spot which had snatched from West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul in July.

Clarke had started the year in 20th position and has made his way to the top scoring 1,309 runs to date at an average of 119. Apart from Clarke, Ricky Ponting (24th, down by three) and Michael Hussey (12th, down by one) are the other two current Australia team players who have tasted number-one positions in the past.

But Clarke is not the only player who has vaulted up the rankings. All the players who produced good performances in the just-concluded three Tests in Adelaide,

Mumbai and Khulna, have been rewarded with rises in the latest rankings. Batsmen to make upward movements include Chanderpaul, England's Kevin Pietersen, West Indies' Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo, India's Cheteshwar Pujara and David Warner of Australia.

Pietersen was at his brilliant best on a Wankhede Stadium turning track and scored one of the finest centuries of his career by slapping 20 fours and four sixes

in a 223-ball 186 that laid the foundation of England's series-leveling 10-wicket victory. For this heroic effort, which also earned him the man of the match award, Pietersen has earned a jump of six places which has put him in seventh position.

There is good news for the bowlers as well. England's Graeme Swann has bounced back into the top 10 after grabbing eight wickets in Mumbai. The crafty spinner has jumped six places to not only claim sixth place but has once again become the highest-ranked England bowler ahead of James Anderson (10th, down by four places).

Swann's new-ball partner Monty Panesar was in a class of his own while registering match figures of 69-15-21011. For this marvellous performance against some of the very best players of spin bowling, Panesar has been rewarded with a jump of nine places which has put him in 29th position.

Pepsi bags IPL sponsorship Sachin does not need any advice on his future: BCCI official rights for five years Soft drink giants Pepsi became the new title sponsors of the cash-rich Indian Premier League after it won the bid for title rights for five years by paying a whopping Rs 3.96 billion. Pepsi pipped Aircel, which had offered Rs 3.16 billion, in the bid for the title sponsorship of the Twenty20 tournament. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the title-sponsorship contract was for five-year period and will end in 2017. Realty firm DLF ended its five-yearlong association with the IPL as the title sponsor in August and the BCCI floated the tenders last month.

DLF paid Rs 2 billion for the five year period of 200812. "So far our records of selling various properties of IPL has been very good. We have doubled, tripled or quadrupled the amount while selling some of the properties," Shukla told reporters after the meeting of the IPL governing council. Deepika Warrier, executive director Marketing of Pepsico Beverages, said she was very happy that the company has reaffirmed its commitment to cricket.

"We have been associated

with cricket for the last 20 years. The IPL is a tremendous product. It is a brand which rivals any other sporting brand across the world," she said.

The title sponsor rights include a number of branding and other marketing benefits to be received by the title sponsor at every IPL match during the season as specifically outlined in the Invitation to Tender. The BCCI had made it clear in its tender notice that the companies which intend to sell off the rights after winning the bid are ineligible to apply in the first place. Only corporate entities, whether in India or abroad, which are interested in placing a bid for themselves and/or their holding or subsidiary company(ies), for the purpose of the advertisement and promotion of their own brands within their primary product or services categories were eligible to participate in this tender process and to submit bids.

Sachin Tendulkar's streak of low scores might have raised a question mark over his future but senior BCCI official and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla came out in support of the senior batsman saying one needs to look at his "colossal record" before making any comment.

"He will hang up his boots when he thinks it's time for him to go. He does not need any advice on this. Before making a comment on his performance you have to see his colossal record and his past performance," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament adding that the veteran cricketer will come back strongly in the forthcoming matches.

"He will do well in forthcoming matches," Shukla said. Tendulkar has been battling poor form for sometime and his last 10 innings have yielded just 153 runs at an average of 15.3, the lowest by an Indian top-order batsman in the corresponding period.

The 39-year-old's last three figure score in Tests came in January last year against South Africa.

Asked about India's loss

to England in the second Test at Mumbai, Shukla said: "It is sad. After the victory in Ahmedabad the batting lineup could not perform the way it should have. It was a turning wicket and English spinners performed better."

Shukla, though, said the board will look into the matter and would take necessary corrective measures. "We will discuss the shortcomings and so will the team management to see how the performance can be improved," he said. On the selection of the team for the next two Tests against England, Shukla said it remains the prerogative of the selection committee and nobody should interfere in their domain. "Selectors are also former players and they will take a call on this. Whom to select and whom not to, it is their domain," he added.

Sprint legend Usain Bolt may play cricket after Rio Games Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, who has already conquered the racing track with six Olympic gold medals, may switch to cricket after the 2016 Games in Rio de Janerio.

The 26-year-old from Jamaica had held talks with Australian spin legend Shane Warne's Melbourne Stars in October but his agent Ricky Simms said that he won't be available for this year's Big Bash Twenty20 League. "Usain is currently an athlete focused on his preparations for the 2013 World Championships in Moscow," Simms said. "He may try his hand at cricket or football when he retires from running but that would be after 2016."

Bolt, who grew up in cricket-mad Jamaica and is the defending champion in 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events at the London 2012 Olympics, had earlier

showed interest in participating in the Australian tournament.

Warne then tried his hand to bring Bolt in the team and had launched a Twitter campaign.

On Friday, former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy once again brought up the issue when he tweeted that a deal

between Bolt and the Stars to play in the competition - which runs from 7 December to 9 January - was "hours away". However, Simms dismissed the claim, saying: "I met with the Melbourne Stars in October and told them Usain is not available to play cricket this year."In the past, Bolt has appeared in charity cricket matches and even managed to famously clean bowled then West Indies captain Chris Gayle in 2009.

Bolt, who considers football to be his first love, was also the special guest of Manchester United at the 2011 Champions League final in London. Last October, the Jamaican also expressed his desire to play football professionally in the future. "I always wanted to try to play soccer," he said in October. "Maybe at the end of my career. It would be something that I would love to try," he had said.

Bopanna marries Supriya Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna tied the knot with Supriya, studying MA in Bangalore, in a glittering ceremony at a picturesque luxury resort on Sunday morning.

Rohan, 32 was dressed in traditional creamcoloured attire, while his bride was in a red sari. Rohan, son of Machanda Bopanna and

Mallika of Garagandur village, Madapur, and Supriya, daughter of Chodumada Col. Annaiah and Saroo, exchanged garlands in the Dampathi muhurtham at 10.46 am. The wedding ceremony, which was held not far from where Bopanna was born and raised – Madapur- had almost the entire Indian tennis fraternity in attendance.

Messi nears Mueller’s record

Superstar Lionel Messi, having taken his 2012 goals tally to 80 in midweek, can close in on German great Gerd Mueller's all time record of 85 in a calendar year on Sunday.

The Argentinian had already surpassed Pele's total of 75 goals in 1958 and a double at Spartak Moscow, when Barcelona secured their spot in the Champions League last 16, further boosted his hopes. With his La Liga-leading side travelling to Levante, Messi now has eight matches left before the Christmas break in which to break Mueller's record of 85 goals in 1972. “Everyone says I'm very competitive, I do plan my objectives year by year to keep improving and to win again all we have won before,” Messi said. “I just like to train, play and win. I've been like that since I was young, but without my colleagues I would not achieve anything, they deserve all the credit.”

World Cup mascot named Fuleco

The 2014 football World Cup mascot will be named Fuleco after a popular vote ended.

The name Fuleco received 48 per cent of the votes from the Brazilian public on Sunday, beating Zuzeco (31) and Amijubi (21), football's world governing body FIFA said. FIFA said that more than 1.7 million people in Brazil took part in the vote to select the name for armadillo the mascot. The armadillo, which is in danger of extinction, rolls up into the shape of a ball when threatened. The mascot carries the colours of the Brazilian flag.

Vettel becomes youngest triple champion

Sebastian Vettel became the youngest triple champion in Formula One history on Sunday when he finished sixth behind the victorious Jenson Button in a tumultuous Brazilian Grand Prix. The 25-year-old German, who was involved in an opening lap collision, made light of the damage to his Red Bull car as he fought through the field in a dramatic race run in treacherous rainswept conditions at the Interlagos circuit.

Vettel's only title rival, two-time champion Spaniard Fernnando Alonso, finished a fine second after a courageous drive for Ferrari, but it was not enough to overhaul a pre-race 13-points deficit as his German rival won the crown by just three points.

Recuperating Nadal back on practice court

Rafa Nadal returned to the practice court and started hitting balls again for the first time since the latest in a series of knee injuries forced his withdrawal from the US Open at the end of August. The 11-times grand slam singles champion, who has not competed since a shock defeat to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June, completed a session under the supervision of coach and uncle Toni Nadal on an indoor hard court in his home town of Manacor on the island of Majorca.

32

India's ploy to prepare a spinning track backfired heavily as a spirited England inflicted a humiliating 10-wicket defeat on the clueless hosts in the second Test to level the four-match series 1-1.

Resuming at a precarious 117/7 after conceding a vital 86-run first innings lead, the Indians were skittled out for a paltry 141 within an hour's play on the fourth morning, leaving the visitors an easy target of 57 for victory which they achieved without much fuss with more than five sessions to spare.

Only Gautam Gambhir (65) provided a semblance of resistance before being the last man to be dismissed though television replays indicated that he was distinctly unlucky to be ruled out. Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar was the pick of the English bowlers with figures of 223-81-6 for a match haul of 11 wickets while Graeme Swann snapped up the remaining four wickets in a fine exhibition of spin bowling. The two England openers Alastair Cook (18) and Nick Compton

Asian Voice - Saturday 1st December 2012

(30) overhauled the target in just 9.4 overs to complete the rout in a match which was dominated by the visitors in conditions which were tailor-made for the home team spinners.

The moment of triumph came through four byes off R Ashwin which triggered off scenes of jubilation in the England dressing room with the players hugging each other and celebrating a remarkable victory. It was a pathetic display by the Indians who were thoroughly outplayed in their own den. While the spinners were a complete letdown on a track which suited them, the famed batting line up also left much to be desired failing to counter the spin threat of Panesar and Swann.

England, on the other hand, showed remarkable character and resilience to bounce back and square the series 1-1 after suffering a nine-wicket drubbing in the first Test in Ahmedabad. The turnaround was largely possible due to Kevin Pietersen and Cook's centuries in the first innings and the

England players celebrate victory in Mumbai.

brilliant bowling efforts of Panesar and Swann.

With Gautam Gambhir the only top order batsman

left to carry on the fight to the rival camp, India stared defeat on the third day itself and any hope of a late turnaround was belied.

Gambhir was last out, declared leg before, off an inside edge for a defiant 65, but with the top batsmen collapsing like nine pins against Panesar and Swann after India batted for the second time in the game, there was little hope of escaping defeat. It was

India's seventh Test defeat in 23 games, as compared to nine wins, against all comers at this venue, and their third in 7 games against England and second on the trot.

The hosts had previously suffered reverses against their English rivals in 1980 and 2006 - the last time the two met at this ground. Overall, it was India's 39th defeat, and twelfth at home, in 105 Tests.

Indian selectors keep faith in under-performing stars Unfazed by the humiliating defeat in the second Test against England, the national selectors on Tuesday persisted with the same squad giving underfire star players another chance to prove their worth in the third match starting December 5 in Kolkata.

The selectors refrained from making major changes to the team barring the inclusion of pacer Ashok Dinda for an injured Umesh Yadav.

Dinda had been called as a cover for Ishant Sharma in the first Test and Yadav in the second Test though he did not get to play.

The selection panel headed by Sandeep Patil was to announce the team for the remaining two Test matches but did so only for the Kolkata match in a clear perform-or-perish message for some of the under-performing players.

"The teams for the fourth Test and the T20 International series, will be picked later," BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement.

India lost the Mumbai Test by 10 wickets inside four days and there was intense speculation that a leg-spinner would be drafted into the squad to bring more variety in the spin department.

But the selectors reposed faith on the spin trio of R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha and Harbhajan Singh despite their failure to exploit the pitch in Mumbai which was tailormade to suit India's demands.

Harbhajan retained his place in the squad despite picking up two wickets in the Mumbai Test where he bowled just 23 overs unlike Ashwin and Ojha who sent down nearly 45 overs each.

Also retained was senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who has been going through a prolonged form slump, his last 10 innings yielding just 153 runs at an average of 15.3, the lowest by an Indian top-order batsman in the corresponding period.

In the current series he has scored merely 13, 8 and 8 and has looked clearly out of sorts.

Opener Gautam Gambhir, who has also been out of form, did well in the second innings of the Mumbai match to hang on to his spot in the side.

The third Test will be played at Eden Gardens, which has been the venue of some of India's historic triumphs, while Nagpur will stage the fourth and final Test from December 13 to 17.

&*# %1&)6#, )1'# /50&3!*+ (1 !#( $. '-5* ",## (,4-2 $(##'& %)+*(")! @)AGI(I9' 9#* !G?$I" !7$;7EID :?EB H>79?A' DAGI7(?&E 3?AB D?&E9I D>4D$G?!A?#& *7A$B #& (>9A?!9I "I=?$ID CG#=?"ID 1?=I- 8< A?(I %#&I $B7&&I9D 7&" 5F,D 0# $#&AG7$A GIH>?GI" 62+/ $>DA#(IG D>!!#GA 0# <7AI99?AI- 0# .749I